bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring in situ biodegradation of benzene and toluene by stable carbon isotope fractionation
Authors: Vieth Andrea , Kästner Matthias , Schirmer Mario , Weiß Holger , Gödeke Stefan , Meckenstock Rainer U. , Richnow Hans H. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Intrinsic biodegradation of benzene and toluene in a heavily contaminated aquifer at the site of a former hydrogenation plant was investigated by means of isotope fractionation processes. The carbon isotope compositions of benzene and toluene were monitored in two campaigns within a time period of 12 months to assess the extent of the in situ biodegradation and the stability of the plume over time. The Rayleigh model, applied to calculate the extent of biodegradation and residual theoretical concentrations of toluene, showed that in situ biodegradation was a relevant attenuation process. The biodegradation rate constant for toluene was estimated to be k = 5.7 ± 0.5 μM/d in the groundwater flow path downstream of the source area. The spatial distribution of the carbon isotope composition of benzene indicated that in situ biodegradation occurred at marginal zones of the plume where concentrations were lower than 30 mg/L. The vertical structure of the benzene plume provided evidence for in situ degradation processes at the upper and lower fringes of the plume. The results show that isotope fractionation can be used to quantify the extent of microbial in situ degradation in contaminated aquifers and to develop conceptual models for natural attenuation approaches.
Comparative toxicity of fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene to three freshwater invertebrates
Authors: Schuler Lance J. , Landrum Peter F. , Lydy Michael J. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
This study examined the temporal component of pentachlorobenzene lethal body residues among three freshwater invertebrates. Also, using previous fluoranthene data allowed a more detailed examination of the role of biotransformation in lethal body residues and comparisons of lethal residues across chemical classes. Time-dependent toxicity of fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene were compared among Hyalella azteca, Chironomus tentans, and Diporeia spp. Lethal body residues required for 50% mortality (LR50) were not constant and decreased with exposure time for all species. Fluoranthene was most toxic to C. tentans with LR50 values of 0.38 μmol·g−1 at 2 d to 0.15 μmol·g−1 at 10 d and least toxic to Diporeia spp. with values of 9.97 μmol·g−1 at 10 d to 3.67 μmol·g−1 at 28 d. The LR50 values for H. azteca were intermediate and ranged from 2.25 μmol·g−1 at 5 d to 0.56 μmol·g−1 at 28 d. Pentachlorobenzene LR50 values were less variable among species and ranged from 1.20 μmol·g−1 at 4 d to 0.81 μmol·g−1 at 10 d for C. tentans, 5.0 μmol·g−1 at 20 d and 2.75 μmol·g−1 at 28 d for Diporeia spp., and 1.51 μmol·g−1 at 4 d and 0.71 μmol·g−1 at 28 d for H. azteca. When LR50 values for fluoranthene and pentachlorobenzene were compared at steady state, the lethal residues for the amphipod species were within the range expected for nonpolar narcotic chemicals (anesthetics); however, C. tentans was more sensitive to fluoranthene than pentachlorobenzene, confirming our previous hypothesis that biotransformation of fluoranthene likely produces a metabolite(s) acting by some specific mechanism of action. The information collected from this study allows a greater understanding of residue-response relationships, specifically relative species sensitivities.
Determination of polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon elimination rates in adult green and leopard frogs
Authors: Leney Jocelyn L. , Balkwill Karen C. , Drouillard Ken G. , Haffner G. Douglas 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The purpose of the present study was to quantify elimination kinetics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in adult green frogs (Rana clamitans) and leopard frogs (Rana pipiens). Three experiments were conducted: PCB elimination rate constants were determined for both frog species, and PAH elimination rate constants were determined for leopard frogs only. In green frogs, significant PCB elimination rate constants ranged from 0.013 to 0.04 d−1 (time for frogs to achieve 90% steady state with water [t90] = 57.8-178.2 d). In leopard frogs, significant PCB elimination rate constants ranged from 0.004 to 0.047 d−1 (t90 = 48.8-657.9 d). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon elimination in leopard frogs was faster than PCB elimination in either frog species: Significant PAH rate constants ranged from 0.069 to 0.188 d−1 (t90 = 12.2-33.5 d). In both species, and for both PCBs and PAHs, a significant inverse relationship was found between the chemical elimination rate constant and Kow. These results show that adult anurans have relatively low elimination rates of PCBs but exhibit a small capacity for metabolic biotransformation of PAHs that is comparable to that of invertebrates but lower than that of fish. These findings suggest that adult amphibians have the potential to be used as biomonitors for persistent organic chemicals.
Commercially manufactured engineered nanomaterials for environmental and health studies: Important insights provided by independent characterization
Authors: Park Heaweon , Grassian Vicki H. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Environmental and health studies on nanomaterials are appearing in the literature at a rapid pace. These studies will address important issues related to the environmental health and safety (EHS) of nanomaterials. As noted in many recent workshop and agency reports, studies devoted toward the environmental fate and transport, nanomaterial–biological interactions, toxicity, and overall risk assessment of nanomaterials should have nanomaterial characterization as a central component of the study design. This aspect of the study design is necessary so that risks associated with nanomaterials can be fully understood and related to specific material properties. For studies that use commercially manufactured nanomaterials, the company often provides characterization data (e.g., chemical composition, phase, and size) of the purchased materials. One question is, how good are these data? Another is, what methods of analysis are used to characterize the properties of commercial nanomaterials? In the present study, some examples are presented that show marked differences between independent characterization of commercially manufactured nanomaterials and that provided by the company. Furthermore, information provided by the manufacturer may be incomplete and nonrepresentative of the entire sample and, in some cases, the information can, in fact, be wrong. Thus, the current study demonstrates an important need for independent characterization data in EHS studies of purchased materials. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:715–721. © 2009 SETAC
Acute toxicity of a mixture of copper and single-walled carbon nanotubes to Daphnia magna
Authors: Kim Ki T. , Klaine Stephen J. , Lin Sijie , Ke Pu C. , Kim Sang D. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Nanomaterials released into the environment will interact with many materials including other contaminants. This may influence bioavailability and fate of both the nanoparticles and the other contaminants. The present study examined the effect of a combination of soluble copper and surface-modified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on Daphnia magna. Lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) was used to modify the surface of SWNTs, reducing the surface hydrophobicity of the tubes and thereby producing a stable aqueous nanoparticle suspension. The toxicity of the nanoparticle–copper (Cu) mixture was determined to be additive. The addition of nontoxic concentration of LPC-SWNTs enhanced the uptake and toxicity of copper. Greater amounts of Cu were shown to accumulate in D. magna upon addition of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L LPC-SWNTs. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:122–126. © 2009 SETAC
Liver, gills, and skin histopathology and heavy metal content of the Danube sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Poleksic Vesna , Lenhardt Mirjana , Jaric Ivan , Djordjevic Dragana , Gacic Zoran , Cvijanovic Gorcin , Raskovic Bozidar 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus L.) is a bottom-feeding fish species with a direct exposure to contaminants from water and sediments. Although heavy metal pollution is believed to be one of the main threats to the sterlet population in the Danube River basin, there is a lack of knowledge of the exact impact of heavy metals on their survival. In the present study, effects of heavy metal pollution on sterlet in the Danube basin were assessed as well as the utility of different sterlet organs and tissues as indicators of heavy metal contamination. The sterlet were sampled at three different sites in the Danube basin, in Hungary and Serbia, isolated from each other by dams. Heavy metal analysis included measurement of Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Hg, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, and Zn concentrations in sterlet gills, muscle, liver, and intestine, and histopathological analyses comprised assessment and scoring of the extent and intensity of alterations in skin, gills, and liver tissue. Analysis revealed a significant presence of sublethal histopathological changes that were most pronounced in the liver and skin and increased accumulation of heavy metals, with the highest concentrations in the liver. Canonical discriminant analysis showed significant differentiation among the three studied localities, suggesting that the heavy metal concentrations in sterlet populations were site specific. The present study concludes that the accumulation of heavy metals is a response to the presence of these pollutants in the environment, and, together with other pollutants, it affects the vital organs of natural sterlet populations. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:515–521. © 2009 SETAC
Nonlinear multiple regression methods: a survey and extensions
Authors: Cogger Kenneth O. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper reviews some nonlinear statistical procedures useful in function approximation, classification, regression and time‐series analysis. Primary emphasis is on piecewise linear models such as multivariate adaptive regression splines, adaptive logic networks, hinging hyperplanes and their conceptual differences. Potential and actual applications of these methods are cited. Software for implementation is discussed, and practical suggestions are given for improvement. Examples show the relative capabilities of the various methods, including their ability for universal approximation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Using Cs‐137 fingerprinting technique to estimate sediment deposition and erosion rates from Yongkang depression in the karst region of Southwest China
Authors: Bai X.‐Y. , Zhang X.‐B. , Chen H. , He Y.‐B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractUnderstanding the erosion and deposition rates is very important for designing soil and water conservation measures. However, existing methods of assessing the rates of soil loss present many limitations and are difficult to apply to in karst areas, and there is still very little data in this areas. Karst depressions comprise geomorphologically important sources and sinks for sediments and can provide the long‐term history records of environmental changes. But there have been few similar studies focused on its sediments in the world. In this paper, the Cs‐137 technique was employed to estimate the sediment deposition rate of karst depression to assess the surface erosion. The results indicate that the average deposition rate, deposition amount and specific deposit yield for the Yongkang catchments since 1963 were estimated to be 4·32 mm y−1, 3·16 t y−1and 20·53 t km−2 y−1, respectively. The results obtained were consistent with the actual monitoring data of local runoff plots, and confirm the validity of the overall approach. So it was suggested that the mean specific sediment yields of 20 t km−2 y−1 can be representative of the soil loss rates in the regions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The desire for shared decision making among patients with solid and hematological cancer
Authors: Ernst Jochen , Kuhnt Susanne , Schwarzer Andreas , Aldaoud Ali , Niederwieser Dietger , Mantovani‐Löffler Luisa , Kuchenbecker Doris , Schröder Christina 
Published: March 2010

AbstractGoal: The desire for shared decision making arises especially for frequently occurring cases of solid cancer. For hematological cancer conditions, there are no analogous results. This study compares the participation patients' desires concerning medical decisions dealing with their solid and hematological tumors.Patients and Methods: The 533 inpatients with solid cancer (age<65: 61.0%; female: 39.6 %) and 177 patients with hematological cancer (inpatient: 62.1%, outpatient: 37.9%; age<65: 63.3%; female: 42.4%) were given a questionnaire after admission to a hospital or medical practice. The dependent variable was patient preference for control in decision making for eight different medical areas of decision.Results: Descriptive results showed that patients with solid cancer had a stronger desire to participate in the decisions in six of a total of eight survey fields (p<0.01). When considering medical and socio‐demographic control variables, the multivariate regression shows that the differences between the patient groups remain in all areas (p<0.01). Further predictor variables are educational background and age (p<0.05). No influence resulted from the factors of gender, medical or treatment characteristics.Conclusion: The results show differences between patients with hematological cancer and patients with solid tumors, and these differences concern the preference to participate in medical decisions. Hemato–oncological patients desire less active participation and prefer a more dominant role of the physician in the various areas requiring decisions. Physicians should respect this in the course of the treatment. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of cancer patients' disease awareness on their family members' health‐related quality of life: a cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Papadopoulos A. , Vrettos I. , Kamposioras K. , Anagnostopoulos F. , Giannopoulos G. , Pectasides D. , Niakas D. , Economopoulos T. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground: Conflicting results exist concerning disease knowledge and patients' quality of life (QOL) while there is very limited information concerning the impact of awareness on caregivers' health‐related quality of life. The aim of this study was to explore the influence of disease awareness on both cancer patients and their caregivers during the period of chemotherapy.Materials and Methods: Two hundred and twelve cancer patient–caregiver dyads completed the QOL SF‐36 instrument on the day of chemotherapy. Hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis was performed.Results: Physical component parameters were significantly higher in the family members (p<0.001), while their mental component was lower than cancer patients. Younger patients, females, and of higher educational status were more frequently aware of their disease status while patients with gastrointestinal cancer were more likely to be unaware. Disease knowledge seems to exert a negative influence on patients' physical and mental parameters while lack of awareness affects adversely caregivers' vitality, social function, emotional role, and mental health. Multiple regression analysis confirmed disease awareness affected reversely patients' and caregivers' mental QOL while the counter‐influence of the dyad was revealed.Conclusions: A holistic approach to cancer management should be followed. Patient's treatment is the major medical concern, but health system and professionals should be involved in the mental and physical support of caregivers as well. Tailored interventions that focus on the support of the dyad patient–caregiver should be developed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A qualitative analysis of acute skin toxicity among breast cancer radiotherapy patients
Authors: Schnur Julie B. , Ouellette Suzanne C. , DiLorenzo Terry A. , Green Sheryl , Montgomery Guy H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectives: One of the most common acute side effects of breast cancer radiotherapy is treatment‐induced skin changes, referred to as skin toxicity. Yet no research to date has focused expressly on skin toxicity‐related quality of life (QOL) in breast cancer radiotherapy patients. Therefore, our aim was to use qualitative approaches to better understand the impact of skin toxicity on QOL.Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 women (Stage 0–III breast cancer), during their last week of external beam radiotherapy. Each interview was transcribed verbatim, and thematic analysis was performed.Results: Three themes were identified based on the interview responses: First, skin changes affect multiple dimensions of QOL. They cause physical discomfort, body image disturbance, emotional distress, and impair both day‐to‐day functioning and satisfaction with radiation treatment. Second, individual differences affect women's experiences. Generally African American women, younger women, women who are not currently in a relationship, women who are being treated during the summer, and women who are more invested in their appearance are more distressed by skin toxicity. Third, women use a variety of symptom management strategies including self‐medication, complementary/alternative medicine approaches, and psychological strategies.Conclusions: Implications of results are as follows: (1) skin toxicity affects numerous dimensions of QOL, and assessment approaches and psychosocial interventions should address this; (2) individual differences may affect the experience of skin toxicity and should be considered in treatment and education approaches; and (3) participants' own creativity and problem‐solving should be used to improve the treatment experience. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals for environmental analysis by means of µISEs
Authors: Turek Monika , Heiden Wolfgang , Guo Sharon , Riesen Alfred , Schubert Jürgen , Zander Willi , Krüger Peter , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn environmental analysis, cyanide and heavy metals play an important role, because these substances are highly toxic for biological systems. They can lead to chronic and acute diseases. Due to the chemical properties of cyanide it is frequently used for industrial processes such as extraction of silver and gold. Heavy metals can be found as trace elements in nature and are often applied in industries e.g., galvanization processes. Up to now, cyanide and heavy metals can be detected by several sensors separately and their detection is often limited to laboratory investigations. In this publication, with regard to an in situ analysis, a new miniaturized silicon‐based sensor system for the simultaneous detection of cyanide and heavy metals in aqueous solutions is presented that is based on chalcogenide glass‐based micro ion‐selective electrodes (µISEs). The µISEs are incorporated into a specially designed measuring system for the simultaneous detection of heavy metals and cyanide in solutions and validated by simultaneous measurements of Cu2+‐ and CN−‐ions, Cd2+‐ and CN−‐ ions and Pb2+‐ and CN−‐ions. The particular sensor system has shown good sensor properties in the µ‐molar ion‐concentration range. For simultaneous measurements in complex heavy metal and cyanide solutions an intelligent software using fuzzy logic is discussed.
Remote‐controlled vascular interventional surgery robot
Authors: Wang Tianmiao , Zhang Dapeng , Da Liu 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundConventional vascular interventional surgery (VIS) is manually performed under fluoroscopic guidance, requiring lead protection for the surgeons. A remote‐control vascular interventional surgery robot (VISR) which can remotely, safely and precisely perform VIS would have clear advantages.MethodsOur robot adopts a master–slave structure. The surgeon sits at the master site, sending controlling instructions to the robot fixed at the slave site, then the robot translates these instructions into catheter motion. The robotic mechanism consists of a supporting manipulator and a catheter navigator; the former adjusts the robot's spatial position, while the latter controls the translation and rotation of the catheter. A 3D vascular model is reconstructed so that the surgeon can perform surgical planning easily. In addition, the tactile force between catheter tip and blood vessel is measured, which prevents the surgeon damaging delicate vessels. In glass model and animal experiments, the surgeon remotely controlled VISR, which inserted a catheter into predefined targets, and the robotic surgery time was measured.ResultsThe robot was initially tested on a transparent glass vascular model. Under robotic manipulation, the catheter can enter an arbitrary branch of the vascular model and catheter motion can meet the requirements of clinical VIS. Then robotic surgery was performed successfully in an adult dog. Surgery time to access each of the five targets, viz. renal artery, left atrium, right atrium, left ventricle and right ventricle, was measured. Compared with conventional manual surgery, robotic surgery time is a little longer.ConclusionsThe experiments show the feasibility and safety of the VISR to facilitate navigation, position precisely and control catheters to specific regions. The VISR system offers surgeon radiation safety and minimizes surgeon‐based error. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silicate‐based post‐anodic treatment for lithographic application
Authors: Gaggiano R. , Moriamé P. , Vandendael I. , de Graeve I. , Terryn H. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractSodium silicate solutions are widely used chemicals for a variety of applications. In particular, they are commonly used in pre‐treatments of aluminium alloys as cleaners and corrosion inhibitors. Another application is found in offset printing, where after graining and anodising, a silicate‐based post‐anodic treatment (PAT) is considered to optimise the aluminium plate characteristics. It is, however, not clear what type of interaction takes place between the oxide‐covered aluminium and the silicate solution. In this work, silicate‐based PAT is studied. Different barrier‐type and porous‐type aluminium oxides are silicate‐treated by dipping in a water‐based sodium silicate solution and the effect of time on the deposition is studied. Particular attention is given to the role of rinsing when the alumina surface is washed in water after the silicate treatment. A good understanding of the role of rinsing allows us to obtain information on the characteristics of the silicate layer which is formed after dipping. The surface modifications induced by the silicate treatment on the aluminium oxides were monitored by means of field emission scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopic ellipsometry. Quantitative measurements on the amount of deposited silicate were taken by X‐ray fluorescence, and relative comparisons between different oxides are shown. Auger electron spectroscopy was used to study the in‐depth composition of the silicate deposition. Experiments show a high affinity of the silicate to the anodic oxide film. A thin nanometric chemisorbed (alumino)silicate layer is present on the surface after rinsing, while the physisorbed part of the layer is washed away. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.