bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microchemical analysis of selenium in otoliths of two West Virginia fishes captured near mountaintop removal coal mining operations
Authors: Arnold Mariah C. , Friedrich Lisa A. , Lindberg T. Ty , Ross Matthew , Halden Norman M. , Bernhardt Emily , Palace Vince P. , Di Giulio Richard T. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

Otoliths, calcified inner ear structures, were collected from creek chubs (Semotilus atromaculatus) and green sunfish (Lepomis cyanellus) living in mountaintop mining-impacted and reference streams and analyzed for selenium (Se) content using laser ablation–inductively coupled mass spectrometry. Significant differences in otolith Se were found between the 2 fish species. Results from the present study suggest that a retrospective reconstruction of Se concentrations in muscle can be derived from Se concentrations in otoliths in creek chub but not green sunfish, exemplifying the importance of species differences when determining partitioning of Se among specific tissues. Green sunfish otoliths from all sites contained background (&lt;1 μg/g) or low (1–4 μg/g) average concentrations of whole-otolith Se. In contrast, creek chub otoliths from the historically mined site contained much higher (≥5 μg/g) concentrations of Se than for the same species in the unmined site or for the green sunfish. These data suggest that body burdens of Se in fish can vary considerably over time and that both the timing of sampling and species choice could heavily influence Se assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1039–1044. © 2015 SETAC
Linking feeding inhibition with reproductive impairment in Gammarus confirms the ecological relevance of feeding assays in environmental monitoring
Authors: Coulaud Romain , Geffard Olivier , Vigneron Amandine , Quéau Hervé , François Adeline , Chaumot Arnaud 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

The in situ feeding bioassay in Gammarus fossarum is recognized as a reliable tool for monitoring the toxicity of freshwater contamination. However, whether recorded feeding inhibitions can potentially provoke population-level adverse outcomes remains an open question. In the present study, the authors present an experimental study in G. fossarum, which contributes to the quantitative description of the links between feeding inhibitions and impacts on female reproductive performance. The authors studied the impacts of food deprivation on reproductive endpoints (i.e., fecundity, fertility, molt cycle) during 2 successive molting cycles. Among the main results, the authors found that food deprivation triggered a slowdown of the molting process and a reduction in fertility but no alteration to embryonic development. These reproductive impairments appeared for feeding inhibition values usually recorded in monitoring programs of environmental pollution. Using a population model translating Gammarus life-history, the authors predicted that the observed reproductive alterations predict a strong degradation of population dynamics. The present study underlines the importance of feeding inhibition in population-level risk assessment and discusses how establishing upscaling schemes based on quantitative mechanistic links between impacts at different levels of biological organization can be applied in environmental monitoring to propose an ecotoxicological assessment of water quality, which would be sensitive, specific, and ecologically relevant. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1031–1038. © 2015 SETAC
Global cytosine methylation in Daphnia magna depends on genotype, environment, and their interaction
Authors: Asselman Jana , De Coninck Dieter I.M. , Vandegehuchte Michiel B. , Jansen Mieke , Decaestecker Ellen , De Meester Luc , Vanden Bussche Julie , Vanhaecke Lynn , Janssen Colin R. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract

The authors characterized global cytosine methylation levels in 2 different genotypes of the ecotoxicological model organism Daphnia magna after exposure to a wide array of biotic and abiotic environmental stressors. The present study aimed to improve the authors' understanding of the role of cytosine methylation in the organism's response to environmental conditions. The authors observed a significant genotype effect, an environment effect, and a genotype × environment effect. In particular, global cytosine methylation levels were significantly altered after exposure to Triops predation cues, Microcystis, and sodium chloride compared with control conditions. Significant differences between the 2 genotypes were observed when animals were exposed to Triops predation cues, Microcystis, Cryptomonas, and sodium chloride. Despite the low global methylation rate under control conditions (0.49–0.52%), global cytosine methylation levels upon exposure to Triops demonstrated a 5-fold difference between the genotypes (0.21% vs 1.02%). No effects were found in response to arsenic, cadmium, fish, lead, pH of 5.5, pH of 8, temperature, hypoxia, and white fat cell disease. The authors' results point to the potential role of epigenetic effects under changing environmental conditions such as predation (i.e., Triops), diet (i.e., Cryptomonas and Microcystis), and salinity. The results of the present study indicate that, despite global cytosine methylation levels being low, epigenetic effects may be important in environmental studies on Daphnia. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:1056–1061. © 2015 SETAC
Von immenser Dynamik
Authors: Richerzhagen Bjoern , Koldehofe Boris , Steinmetz Ralf 
Published: January 2015

Abstract„Augmented Reality”︁: Wenn virtuelle Spielwelt und echte Welt direkt ineinander übergehen, sind die Kommunikationsnetze schnell überlastet. Doch was die größte Herausforderung für das Internet der Zukunft ist, bietet Forschern auch Ansätze zu ihrer Lösung.
The Causal Effect of Education on Health: What is the Role of Health Behaviors?
Authors: Brunello Giorgio , Fort Margherita , Schneeweis Nicole , Winter‐Ebmer Rudolf 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe investigate the causal effect of education on health and the part of it that is attributable to health behaviors by distinguishing between short‐run and long‐run mediating effects: whereas, in the former, only behaviors in the immediate past are taken into account, in the latter, we consider the entire history of behaviors. We use two identification strategies: instrumental variables based on compulsory schooling reforms and a combined aggregation, differencing, and selection on an observables technique to address the endogeneity of both education and behaviors in the health production function. Using panel data for European countries, we find that education has a protective effect for European men and women aged 50+. We find that the mediating effects of health behaviors—measured by smoking, drinking, exercising, and the body mass index—account in the short run for around a quarter and in the long run for around a third of the entire effect of education on health. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of snow products over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Yang Juntao , Jiang Lingmei , Ménard Cécile B. , Luojus Kari , Lemmetyinen Juha , Pulliainen Jouni 
Published: January 2015

AbstractFour satellite‐based snow products are evaluated over the Tibetan Plateau for the 2007–2010 snow seasons. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra and Aqua snow cover daily L3 Global 500‐m grid products (MOD10A1 and MYD10A1), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS) daily Northern Hemisphere snow cover product and the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer – Earth Observing System Daily Snow Water Equivalent were validated against Thematic Mapper (TM) snow cover maps of Landsat‐5 and meteorological station snow depth observations. The overall accuracy of MOD10A1, MYD10A1 and IMS is higher than 91% against stations observations and than 79% against Landsat TM images. In general, the daily MODIS snow cover products show better performance than the multisensor IMS product. However, the IMS snow cover product is suitable for larger scale (~4km) analysis and applications, with the advantage over MODIS to allow for mitigation for cloud cover. The accuracy of the three products decreases with decreasing snow depth. Overestimation errors are most common over forested regions; the IMS and Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer – Earth Observing System Snow Water Equivalent products also show poorer performance that the MODIS products over grassland. By identifying weaknesses in the satellite products, this study provides a focus for the improvement of snow products over the Tibetan plateau. The quantitative evaluation of the products proposed here can also be used to assess their relative weight in data assimilation, against other data sources, such as modelling and in situ measurement networks. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulating the uncertain effect of active carbon capping of a dioxin-polluted Norwegian fjord
Authors: Starrfelt Jostein , Saloranta Tuomo M 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Process-based multimedia models are frequently used to simulate the long-term impacts of pollutants and to evaluate potential remediation actions that can be put in place to improve or manage polluted marine environments. Many such models are detailed enough to encapsulate the different scales and processes relevant for various contaminants, yet still are tractable enough for analysis through established methods for uncertainty assessment. Inclusion and quantification of the uncertainty associated with local efficacy of remediation actions is of importance when the desired outcome in terms of human health concerns or environmental classification shows a nonlinear relationship with remediation effort. We present an updated fugacity-based environmental fate model set up to simulate the historical fate of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzo-furans (PCDD/Fs) in the Grenland fjords, in Norway. The model is parameterized using Bayesian inference and is then used to simulate the effect of capping parts of the polluted sediments with active carbon. Great care is taken in quantifying the uncertainty regarding the efficacy of the activated carbon cap to reduce the leaching of contaminants from the sediments. The model predicts that by capping selected parts of the fjord, biota will be classified as moderately polluted approximately a decade earlier than a natural remediation scenario. Our approach also illustrates the importance of incorporating uncertainty in local remediation efforts, as the biotic concentrations scale nonlinearly with remediation effort. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2015;11:481–489. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
An improved multimedia fugacity model is used to simulate the fate and transport of dioxins in the highly polluted, Norwegian Grenland fjord. Higher spatial resolution of the fjords and potential capping sites makes the model more similar to the real world system, improving accuracy. Updated biota, sediment, and water sample data taken from recent monitoring efforts allow for better calibration of model parameters. Uncertainty in the effectiveness of thin layered capping with active carbon is addressed and quantified.
Effects of Superabsorbent Polymers on Infiltration and Evaporation of Soil Moisture Under Point Source Drip Irrigation
Authors: Yang Linlin , Han Yuguo , Yang Peiling , Wang Chengzhi , Yang Shengmin , Kuang Shuya , Yuan Hanzheng , Xiao Congying 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe application of superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) in agriculture can enhance water use efficiency and ease water shortage in agriculture. In this study, by applying SAPs to the middle layer of the soil root zone, the effects of SAPs on moisture distribution during infiltration and evaporation under the condition of point source irrigation were investigated. The results show that during infiltration, the wetting front formed an accident change zone in the horizontal direction; in the bottom layer, the horizontal infiltration rate is greater than the vertical infiltration rate due to the effect of SAPs from the middle layer; the soil water content in the middle layer increased remarkably by 23.6%, higher than that in the surface and bottom layers; during evaporation, the soil water content changed significantly in the surface layer due to strong evaporation on the surface, it was largest and quite even in the SAP–soil mixture layer, and decreased the least in the bottom layer due to water storage in the mixture layer. Therefore, SAP application in the crop root layer is helpful to conserve soil water content in the crop root zone, inhibit evaporation of soil water in the lower layer and facilitate moisture conservation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Silver Lifeboat, not Silver Fetters: Why and how the Silver Standard Insulated China from the 1929 Great Depression
Authors: Ho Tai‐kuang , Lai Cheng‐chung 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe use counterfactual simulations based on an estimated dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model to demonstrate why China was affected less than other major countries during the first two years of the Great Depression. We show that being on a silver standard insulated China from the adverse consequences of the Great Depression by saving the country both from a tightening of monetary conditions and from a detrimental internal deflation. Without the insulation of the silver standard, China might have suffered from a cumulative output loss of between 11% and 23%, and its inflation might have become deflation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Price Sensitivity of Demand for Prescription Drugs: Exploiting a Regression Kink Design
Authors: Simonsen Marianne , Skipper Lars , Skipper Niels 
Published: January 2015

SummaryWe investigate price sensitivity of demand for prescription drugs, using drug purchase records for the entire Danish population. We identify price responsiveness by exploiting variation in prices caused by kinked reimbursement schemes and implement a regression kink design. The results suggest some price responsiveness with corresponding price elasticities ranging from −0.2 to −0.7. Individuals with chronic disease and especially individuals above the age of 65 respond less to the price of drugs. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalised activated carbon modified polyphenylsulfone composite membranes for adsorption enhanced phenol filtration
Authors: Saranya Rameshkumar , Kumar Muthaiyan , Tamilarasan Rengasamy , Ismail Ahmad Fauzi , Arthanareeswaran Gangasalam 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDFunctionalized activated carbon (FAC) was prepared by immobilizing the activated carbon (AC) synthesized from Acacia fumosa seeds in cacium‐alginate beads. Synthesized FAC has been blended with polyphenylsulfone (PPSU) in the composition of 0.25 to 1 wt% with an increment of 0.25 wt% to prepare composite membranes of PPSU/FAC by wet phase inversion method. The existence of FAC in PPSU was confirmed by Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy (FTIR) studies by the presence of characteristic functional groups of FAC. The influence of FAC on adsorption enhanced rejection of phenol during membrane filtration has been investigated.RESULTSThe hydrophilicity of PPSU/FAC composite membranes has been improved by FAC as there was a profound reduction in contact angle from 71.8° to 43.8°. With the minimum loading of 0.25 wt% of FAC in PPSU, the maximum adsorption of phenol has taken place suggesting that the better dispersion of minimal loading will offer higher accessibility to adsorptive sites.CONCLUSIONSThe adsorption of phenol on FAC was observed to be higher in PPSU/FAC composite membranes when compared with FAC being used solely as an adsorbent. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Different mycorrhizal fungal strains determine plant community response to nitrogen and water availability
Authors: Martínez‐García Laura B. , Ochoa‐Hueso Raúl , Manrique Esteban , Pugnaire Francisco I. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMost research on the mycorrhizal positive–negative responsiveness continuum (or “mutualism–parasitism continuum”) has focused on individual plant species growing at different levels of P availability. Here, we explore this continuum in an experimental plant community inoculated with three arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungal strains (both single and mixed) growing under four resource availability scenarios. These scenarios are a factorial combination of two levels of water and N availability. Each AM fungal strain had a different origin: an arid ecosystem, a farmland, and a mine. We hypothesized that the response of the plant community to mycorrhizal inoculum would depend on the associated AM fungal strain and would be negatively related with increased nitrogen and water availability. Our results showed that mixed‐strain AM fungal inoculation had more positive effects along a wider range of water and N availability scenarios than single‐strain inoculation. In contrast, mycorrhizal growth response of plants inoculated with a single AM fungal strain shifted from positive to neutral and negative depending on resource availability. Adaptation of each strain to its local conditions might confer different properties to the mycorrhizal symbiosis. Therefore, we conclude that AM fungal origin and environmental limiting resources are crucial factors to predict plant community mycorrhizal growth response in changing ecosystems.
Cryolipolysis for safe and effective inner thigh fat reduction
Authors: Zelickson Brian D. , Burns A. Jay , Kilmer Suzanne L. 
Published: January 2015

Background and ObjectivesWhile cryolipolysis initially received FDA clearance for fat reduction in the abdomen and flanks, there was significant interest in non‐surgical fat reduction for other sites, such as the inner and outer thighs. This article reports the results of an inner thigh study which contributed to FDA clearance of cryolipolysis for treatment of thighs.Study Design/Material and MethodsA flat cup vacuum applicator (CoolFit applicator, CoolSculpting System) was used to treat 45 subjects bilaterally in the inner thighs. Single cycle treatments were delivered at Cooling Intensity Factor (CIF) 41.6 for 60 minutes followed by 2 minutes of manual massage. Follow‐up visits were conducted at 8 and 16 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by ultrasound imaging, circumference measurements, and photographs. Safety was assessed by monitoring adverse events. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by questionnaire.ResultsData is presented for n = 42 patients that completed the 16 week study follow‐up and maintained their weight within 5 lbs. of baseline. Independent photo review from three blinded physicians found 91% correct identification of baseline clinical photographs. Ultrasound data indicate fat layer reduction of 2.8 mm. Circumferential measurements indicate mean reduction of 0.9 cm. Patient questionnaires reveal 93% were satisfied with the CoolSculpting procedure; 84% noticed visible fat reduction; 89% would recommend to a friend; and 91% were likely to have a second treatment. There were no device‐ or procedure‐related serious adverse events.ConclusionThe CoolFit flat cup vacuum applicator was found to deliver safe and effective cryolipolysis treatment to reduce inner thigh fat. Completed 16‐week data from 42 subjects show 2.8 mm reduction in fat thickness and 0.9 cm reduction in circumference. Assessment of clinical photographs found 91% correct identification of baseline images. The results of this prospective, multi‐center, interventional clinical study contributed to FDA clearance of cryolipolysis for treatment of thighs in April 2014. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:120–127, 2015. © 2015 The Authors. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrical impedance myography in the evaluation of the tongue musculature in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Shellikeri Sanjana , Yunusova Yana , Green Jordan R. , Pattee Gary L. , Berry James D. , Rutkove Seward B. , Zinman Lorne 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Electrical impedance myography (EIM) quantifies muscle health and is used as a biomarker of muscle abnormalities in neurogenic and myopathic diseases. EIM has yet to be evaluated in the tongue musculature in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), who often show clinical bulbar signs. Methods: The lingual musculature of 19 subjects with motor neuron disease and 21 normal participants was assessed using EIM, strength and endurance testing, and clinical assessment. Results: Tongue musculature in the ALS group was characterized by significantly smaller phase (Ph) and greater resistance (R) when compared with the healthy cohort. Ph and tongue endurance were correlated in the ALS group. Conclusions: EIM of tongue musculature could distinguish those with ALS from healthy controls. The demonstrated relationship between tongue function and Ph supports further testing of EIM of the tongue as a potential biomarker in ALS. Muscle Nerve 52: 584–591, 2015
Correlates of psychological distress immediately following colposcopy
Authors: Kola‐Palmer Susanna , Walsh Jane C. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveWomen are at risk for prolonged psychological distress following attendance at colposcopy for cervical abnormalities, with potentially negative consequences. Little is presently known about the correlates of post‐colposcopy distress. The present study aimed to extend knowledge of correlates of post‐colposcopy anxiety and negative affect, and identify women at risk for elevated psychological distress.MethodsPsychosocial data (demographic variables, anxiety, negative affect, and pain) were collected using validated questionnaires from 164 women attending colposcopy for the first time immediately prior to their colposcopy examination and immediately following it. Two separate logistic regressions were conducted to identify key factors that may be useful targets for preventing post‐colposcopy distress and to determine which factors exert the biggest influence and therefore may be targeted in future intervention studies.ResultsPre‐colposcopy state anxiety, pain experienced during colposcopy, and trait anxiety emerged as independent predictors of post‐colposcopy state anxiety, accounting for 36% of the variance. Pre‐colposcopy negative affect, pain experienced during colposcopy, trait anxiety, and referral smear grade were independent predictors of post‐colposcopy negative affect, explaining 32% of variance.ConclusionsWhether or not women underwent punch biopsy or treatment did not influence post‐colposcopy distress levels; however, pain experienced during colposcopy remains a risk for continued psychological distress. Trait anxiety may be an important variable to consider in future studies, as women high in trait anxiety may represent a particularly vulnerable subgroup of women referred for colposcopy, at greater risk for negative psychosocial consequences associated with colposcopy, and to be targeted for interventions to reduce psychological distress. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.