Short-term effect of intravitreal conbercept injection on major and macular branch retinal vein occlusion

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RgKKgE

Protective role of arnebin-1 in rats with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Wj1w2G

Silencing of the TROP2 gene suppresses proliferation and invasion of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Rhxw3A

Including selective metabolic components in current diagnostic criteria does not improve discriminative validity for metabolic syndrome: a risk score approach

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Wihbz7

Whole-exome sequencing as a powerful tool for identifying genetic causes in a patient with POLG-related disorders and phenylketonuria

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RhxtVs

Stress distribution in a mandibular premolar after separated nickel-titanium instrument removal and root canal preparation: a three-dimensional finite element analysis

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Wj1pUO

Perspectives of non-specialists on the potential to serve as ethics committee members

Journal of International Medical Research, Ahead of Print.


from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RhpAPx

Influence of Spirulina platensis and ascorbic acid on amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits

Abstract

The current study was performed to investigate the nephroprotective efficacy of Spirulina platensis (SP) and the possible benefits of combining SP and ascorbic acid (AA) in protecting against amikacin (AMK)-induced nephrotoxicity in rabbits. Forty-two male New Zealand rabbits were allocated to seven equal groups, receiving (I) normal saline as negative controls, (II) oral SP (500 mg/kg body weight), (III) oral AA (20 mg/kg bw), (IV) intramuscular AMK injection (100 mg/kg bw), (V) AMK plus SP, (VI) AMK plus AA, or (VII) AMK plus SP and AA at the aforementioned doses. The treatments were given once/day for 7 days. Data analysis showed that in comparison to the control group, AMK-intoxicated rabbits showed significant increases (p ≤ 0.05) in serum concentrations of creatinine, uric acid, and urea, as well as renal tissue concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], malondialdehyde [MDA], and nitric oxide [NO]. Moreover, significant (p ≤ 0.05) reductions in renal glutathione concentration, antioxidant enzymatic activities (catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase), and total antioxidant capacity were noted following AMK intoxication. Treatment by SP ameliorated most of the aforementioned AMK-induced alterations. Although treatment with AA significantly reduced the renal tissue MDA, NO, and TNF-α concentrations, it was not associated with significant ameliorations of AMK-induced changes in the serum concentrations of renal function markers or renal tissue antioxidant parameters. The nephroprotective effects of SP-AA combination were more potent than SP alone in several parameters. In conclusion, SP alone or in combination with AA minimized the nephrotoxic effects of AMK through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Scktok

Free air CO 2 enrichment (FACE) improves water use efficiency and moderates drought effect on N 2 fixation of Pisum sativum L.

Abstract

Background and aims

Legume N₂ fixation is highly sensitive to drought. Elevated [CO₂] (e[CO₂]) decreases stomatal conductance (g_s) and improves water use efficiency (WUE), which may result in soil water conservation and allow N₂ fixation to continue longer under drought. Using a Free-Air CO₂ Enrichment (FACE) approach, this study aimed to elucidate whether e[CO₂] improves N₂ fixation of Pisum sativum L. under drought.

Methods

In a FACE system, plants were grown in ambient [CO₂] (~400 ppm) or e[CO₂] (~550 ppm) and subjected to either terminal drought or well-watered treatments. Measurements were taken of photosynthesis, soil water dynamics, water soluble carbohydrates (WSC), amino acids (AA) and N₂ fixation.

Results

Lower g_s under e[CO₂] increased water use efficiency at leaf and plant level, and this translated to slower soil water depletion during drought. Elevated [CO₂] increased WSC and decreased total AA concentrations in nodules, and increased nodule activity under drought. N₂ fixation was stimulated (+51%) by e[CO₂] in proportion to biomass changes. Under e[CO₂] a greater proportion of plant total N was derived from fixed N₂ and a smaller proportion from soil N uptake compared to a[CO₂].

Conclusion

This study suggests that e[CO₂] increased WUE and this resulted in slower soil water depletion, allowing pea plants to maintain greater nodule activity under drought and resulting in appreciable increases in N₂ fixation. Our results suggest that growth under e[CO₂] can mitigate drought effects on N₂ fixation and reduce dependency on soil N resources especially in water-limited agro-ecosystems.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Tb0nrU

Shifting cultivation maintains but its conversion to mono-cropping decreases soil carbon and nitrogen stocks compared to natural forest in Western Ethiopia

Abstract

Aims

This study was conducted to assess the effects of shifting cultivation and its conversion to mono-cropping on soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (STN).

Methods

We compared soil pH, texture, bulk density and SOC and STN contents and stocks (0–100 cm) in natural forest (NF), adjacent shifting cultivation (SC) areas (> 100 years old) having three (SC-3Y), five (SC-5Y) and seven (SC-7Y)-year-old fallowing, and 10 year-old mono-cropping field (MCF) converted from shifting cultivation in Western Ethiopia.

Results

There was no significant difference in soil pH in NF and all shifting cultivation areas. However, MCF had lower soil pH compared to SC-3Y and SC-5Y. There was no or very little difference in soil texture and bulk density across the study sites. Shifting cultivation did not affect SOC and STN stocks. However, conversion of shifting cultivation to mono-cropping decreased SOC (45–50% over 10 years; loss of 11.6 ± 0.2 Mg C ha⁻¹ yr.⁻¹) and STN stocks (18–45% over 10 years; loss of 0.6 ± 0.1 Mg N ha⁻¹ yr.⁻¹).

Conclusions

While shifting cultivation maintained SOC and STN, its conversion to mono-cropping decreased them, potentially contributing to global warming and decreasing soil fertility.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2B6IZOa

Stocks and soil-plant transfer of macro-nutrients and trace metals in temperate New Zealand estuarine mangroves

Abstract

Aims

Rapid expansion of temperate mangroves in New Zealand over the last decades has prompted an increase in resource consents for removal. However, little is known about the capacity of temperate mangroves to store elements, including pollutants. The main objectives of this study were to assess the stocks and soil-plant transfer of macro-nutrients (C, N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S) and trace metals (Fe, Mn, Al, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, Cr) within temperate mangrove soils.

Methods

Soil samples and root, leaf and wood tissues were analysed for their total and available elemental concentrations over a wide range of environmental conditions along the head-mouth textural, salinity and nutrient gradients of the estuary. Physico-chemical characteristics of the soil of the different sites studied were also determined.

Results

Mangrove soils with lower Eh and currents upstream of the estuary trapped larger amount of macro-nutrients and heavy metals in the soils than downstream. This results in higher translocation of macro elements from the soil toward the above-ground biomass and higher translocation of heavy metals from the soil toward the litterfall, likely as a mechanism to avoid long term metal toxicity in the root system.

Conclusions

This multi-elemental study provides a comprehensive understanding of soil- plant transfers in temperate mangroves and can be used to better evaluate the ecological services of these ecosystems.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2TgBf2W

Imaging features of adrenal masses

Abstract

The widespread use of imaging examinations has increased the detection of incidental adrenal lesions, which are mostly benign and non-functioning adenomas. The differentiation of a benign from a malignant adrenal mass can be crucial especially in oncology patients since it would greatly affect treatment and prognosis. In this setting, imaging plays a key role in the detection and characterization of adrenal lesions, with several imaging tools which can be employed by radiologists. A thorough knowledge of the imaging features of adrenal masses is essential to better characterize these lesions, avoiding a misinterpretation of imaging findings, which frequently overlap between benign and malignant conditions, thus helping clinicians and surgeons in the management of patients. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main imaging features of adrenal masses and tumor-like conditions recalling the strengths and weaknesses of imaging modalities commonly used in adrenal imaging.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2WlHuo0

Combustion, performance, and emissions of a compression ignition engine using Pongamia biodiesel and bioethanol

Abstract

Concerns over the depletion of conventional fuels have increased interest in new renewable energy sources like alcohol- and vegetable-based oils. Major drawbacks of using esters of vegetable oils, known as biodiesel, include reduced engine performance and increased emissions of oxides of nitrogen. In the present study, the effects of ethanol on biodiesel and mineral diesel blends in a diesel engine are experimentally investigated. The ethanol is produced from cashew apple juice by fermentation. Experiments are conducted using B20 Pongamia biodiesel with ethanol in proportions of 5, 7.5, and 10% by volume at varying load conditions. The results indicate that a B20 biodiesel blend with 7.5% ethanol yields a higher brake thermal efficiency and lower brake-specific energy consumption than pure B20 (20% biodiesel + 80% diesel), as well as significantly reduced emissions such as oxides of nitrogen, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and smoke.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2UjnRve

[ASAP] Valence and Core-Level X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy of a Liquid Ammonia Microjet

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10942

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2FNOwwR

[ASAP] Rational Design of Near-Infrared Aggregation-Induced-Emission-Active Probes: In Situ Mapping of Amyloid-ß Plaques with Ultrasensitivity and High-Fidelity

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12820

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2G508et

Setal-epidermal, muscular and enzymatic anomalies induced by certain agrochemicals in the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg)

Abstract

Eudrilus eugeniae, the vermicomposing worm, is found in considerable numbers in agricultural fields in India due to their eventual transfer through vermimanure. These worms are very often exposed to pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilisers and other soil amendments. This paper reports the effects of variable concentrations of urea, phosphogypsum (PG), paper mill sludge (PMS) and two organophosphorus agrochemicals, monocrotophos and glyphosate, on certain morphological, histological and biochemical parameters of E. eugeniae. Results indicated setal anomalies, epidermal lesions, clitellar swelling and constriction of the body. Disintegration of connective tissue, vacuolation of dermis and significant alterations in protein, lipid peroxidation levels and activities of lactate dehydrogenase, acetylcholinesterase and catalase have also been observed in the treated worms. It is proposed that setae, connective tissue, protein and enzymes in E. eugeniae could be useful markers to evaluate toxicity due to the test chemicals.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2TbmbU9

Long-term spatiotemporal variations of aerosol optical depth over Yellow and Bohai Sea

Abstract

In this study, MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Collection 6.1 (C6.1) level-2 Dark Target (DT) Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) observations at 550 nm (AOD₅₅₀) for the highest quality flag assurance (QA = 3) were obtained to analyze spatiotemporal variations of aerosol optical properties over the Yellow and the Bohai Sea from 2002 to 2017. Spectral AOD observations at 470 nm (AOD₄₇₀) and 660 nm (AOD₆₆₀) were obtained to calculate Angstrom Exponent (AE_470–660) and classify the aerosol types including clean continental (CC), clean maritime (CM) biomass and urban industrial (BUI), dust (D), and mixed (MXD) aerosol types. Results showed a very distinct spatial pattern of AOD distribution over the Bohai Sea which looks suspicious, i.e., high aerosol loadings (AOD > 0.8) throughout the entire time period, whereas relative low AOD distribution was observed over the adjacent land pixels especially in autumn and winter, which suggested that the DT algorithm might be influenced by a large number of sediments located in the Bohai Sea. Significant differences in spatial distributions were found in different seasons in terms of area coverage as a maximum number of pixels were available during autumn, and regional high and low aerosol loadings were observed during autumn and summer, respectively. Trend analysis from 2002 to 2017 showed that AOD was increased up to 0.04 over the Bohai Sea and decreased up to 0.04 over the Yellow Sea, and this trend varies from month to month. Aerosol classification showed significant contributions of BUI and CC over the region, and contributions of CM, DUST, and MXD aerosols over the Yellow Sea were relatively high compared to the Bohai Sea.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2HwGWZb

Financial development and environment in South Asia: the role of institutional quality

Abstract

The paper investigates the effect of financial development and institutional quality on the environment in South Asia. Other determinants of environmental quality included are economic growth, energy consumption, FDI, trade openness and institutional quality. For empirical analysis, panel data is used for the period 1984 to 2015. The estimated results indicate that Environmental Kuznet Curve (EKC) hypothesis holds in South Asia, i.e., environment first deteriorates with economic development and then it starts improving. Empirical results reveal that 1% increase in economic growth worsens environment by 1.709%. However, further increase in economic growth improves environment by 0.104%. Energy consumption has deteriorating effect on environment. Financial development has degraded the environment in the region, which indicates that South Asian countries have used financial development for capitalization and not to improve technology. The estimated results show that 1% increase in financial development deteriorates environment by 0.147%. FDI, which is a measure of financial openness, has mitigating effect on pollution. In turn, trade openness has worsened the environmental quality in the region. Institutional quality has significant negative effect on carbon emissions. It also has significant negative moderating effects on carbon emissions. The findings show that 1% improvement in institutional quality will decrease pollution by 0.114%. The study suggests that South Asian countries should focus more on technology effect and not on scale effect of financial development.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2HsTSPM

Elemental distribution including toxic elements in edible and inedible wild growing mushrooms from South Africa

Abstract

Macro-elements (Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na) and trace elements including some toxic (As, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) were determined in edible and inedible wild-growing mushrooms (Amanita rubescens, Auricularia polytricha, Boletus edulis, Boletus mirabilis, Clavulina cristata, Helvella crispa, Lactarius deliciosus, Suillus luteus, Termitomyces microcarpus, Termitomyces reticulatus, Termitomyces clypeatus, Termitomyces umkowaanii, Amanita foetidissima, Amanita muscaria, Amanita pantherina, Aseroe rubra, Chlorophyllum molybdites, Ganoderma lucidum, Gymnopilus junonius, Hypholoma fasciculare, Lentinus villosus, Lepista caffrorum, Pycnoporus sanguineus, Panaeolus papilionaceus, Pisolithus tinctorius, Pleurotus ostreatus, Podaxis pistillaris, Russula sardonia, Scleroderma citrinum, Scleroderma michiganense). Analyses of samples were carried out using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. The elemental content in both edible and inedible mushrooms, in decreasing order, was found to be K >> Na > Ca > Mg > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Se > Co > Ni > Be > Pb ≥ Cd > As. Our study revealed that the accumulation of metals from the soil is independent of whether mushrooms are edible or inedible as uptake is dependent on the soil quality and its environment. Edible mushroom species studied were found to be rich in Se (145–836% towards the RDA) with B. edulis being rich in it, C. cristata in Cu, S. luteus in Fe and H. crispa in Zn, and all contained low concentrations of toxic metals making them suitable for human consumption.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SeEMSp

Stem cells help mice to develop super-sensitive sniffers

Stem cells help mice to develop super-sensitive sniffers

Stem cells help mice to develop super-sensitive sniffers, Published online: 25 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00249-z

Rodents can discriminate between extremely similar odours after proliferation of stem cells in the brain.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2S2QX4w

How lagging swimmers can use physics to get ahead

How lagging swimmers can use physics to get ahead

How lagging swimmers can use physics to get ahead, Published online: 25 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00279-7

Racers can take advantage of a competitor ahead of them to save energy.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RdXYuU

Dispatch: a visit to Japan from Europe

Dispatch: a visit to Japan from Europe

Dispatch: a visit to Japan from Europe, Published online: 25 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-018-07869-x

PhD student Magdalena Śmiech describes her experience of switching continents and cultures.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RNZrx2

Scientists relieved but wary as US shutdown nears end

Scientists relieved but wary as US shutdown nears end

Scientists relieved but wary as US shutdown nears end, Published online: 25 January 2019; doi:10.1038/d41586-019-00304-9

Politicians announce funding deal that could re-open government — for three weeks.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2DyxJf0

TREM2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway

TREM2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway

TREM2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway, Published online: 25 January 2019; doi:10.1038/s41389-018-0115-x

TREM2 acts as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma by targeting the PI3K/Akt/β-catenin pathway

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2WgYvQk

[ASAP] Photogenerated Spin-Entangled Qubit (Radical) Pairs in DNA Hairpins: Observation of Spin Delocalization and Coherence

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13155

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Tes2Z9

[ASAP] Supramolecular Control of Azobenzene Switching on Nanoparticles

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b09638

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2ThocOQ

[ASAP] Mimicking Active Biopolymer Networks with a Synthetic Hydrogel

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10659

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[ASAP] Million-fold Relaxation Time Enhancement across a Series of Phosphino-Supported Erbium Single-Molecule Magnets

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13514

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[ASAP] Orientational Order in Self-Assembled Nanocrystal Superlattices

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b10752

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Tatc80

[ASAP] Enantioselective Construction of Quaternary All-Carbon Centers via Copper-Catalyzed Arylation of Tertiary Carbon-Centered Radicals

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13052

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[ASAP] Mechanical Stabilization of Helical Chirality in a Macrocyclic Oligothiophene

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11797

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2B6Rzwf

[ASAP] Multivariate Stratified Metal–Organic Frameworks: Diversification Using Domain Building Blocks

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13502

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[ASAP] Cyclometalated Iridium–PhanePhos Complexes Are Active Catalysts in Enantioselective Allene–Fluoral Reductive Coupling and Related Alcohol-Mediated Carbonyl Additions That Form Acyclic Quaternary Carbon Stereocenters

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11868

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[ASAP] Synthesis and Characterization of Oxygen-Embedded Quinoidal Pentacene and Nonacene

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b13884

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Causal correlation between energy use and carbon emissions in selected emerging economies—panel model approach

Abstract

Fossil fuels used in energy mix continues to dictate world heat usage. Demand for heat is considered as substantial contributor to carbon emissions and energy-related emissions equivalent to 12.5 Gt of carbon emissions. Data on heat is limited and therefore, a study on the causal correlation between energy use and emissions would provide policy guidance on how to decarbonize the heat sector to achieve Paris's Greenhouse Effect Treaty. Most empirical works aggregated energy consumption and ignore spatial dependence and heterogeneity in a panel dataset. Our study, however, disaggregated energy into renewable and non-renewable to find their distinct influence on emissions, which were tested for spatial dependence and heterogeneity and applied potential emissions as environmental impact. Using FGLS and PCSE estimators for the period 1971–2013, our findings revealed that the increase in renewable energy use and industrialization improves the ecological structure of emerging economies while the increase in population, economic expansion, and non-renewable energy use increases the carbon stock. We accordingly, investigated causation direction with pooled mean group estimator. Rising economic power states therefore encourage to ensure energy efficiency and replace fuel use with renewable source for heating to reduce carbon stock.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2SdvZA8

Toxicological impact of oxyfluorfen 24% herbicide on the reproductive system, antioxidant enzymes, and endocrine disruption of Biomphalaria alexandrina (Ehrenberg, 1831) snails

Abstract

Oxyfluorfen (Goal 24%EC) herbicide is widely used in agriculture for weed control. Biomphalaria alexandrina snails can be used as bioindicator of the chemical pollution in the aquatic environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the molluscicidal activity of this herbicide on Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and how it affected its biological system. The present study revealed a molluscicidal effect of oxyfluorfen 24%EC on these snails at LC₅₀ 5.9 mg/l. After exposure of snails to the sub-lethal concentrations (LC₀, LC₁₀, or LC₂₅) of this herbicide, the survival rates, reproductive rate (R₀), and fecundity (M_x) of adult B. alexandrina snails were significantly decreased in comparison with the control group. Also, levels of testosterone and estradiol were decreased significantly. It caused alterations in the antioxidant system, where exposure to sub-lethal concentration of this herbicide caused significant increases in levels of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD), while it significantly decreased glutathione transferase (GST). Histopathological changes in the digestive gland included severe damage in the digestive cells, where, they lost their tips and some were degenerated, while the secretory cells increased in number. Regarding the hermaphrodite gland, there were losses of the connective tissues, irregular sperms, and the eggs degenerated. These findings concluded that B. alexandrina snails can be used as a bioindicator for pollution with pesticide in the aquatic environment.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Hzjn1X

Relationship among pollution concerns, attitudes toward social problems, and environmental perceptions in abandoned sites using Bayesian inferential analysis

Abstract

How do local community perceive pollution risk and social problems in abandoned areas? Which factors affect these risk perceptions? Among several factors affecting environmental perceptions, familiarity to places has long been known to positively affect landscape perception, but is this also true for abandoned area with scruffy vegetation and industrial remnants? Will long-term residents eventually adapt to and accept these neglected landscapes? In the past, efforts have largely been devoted to the cleanup of large, highly polluted areas. This left many smaller, less polluted sites, often in urban or suburban areas, relatively neglected. These areas, which typically consist of small abandoned industrial and commercial sites and vacant lots in neighborhoods, are problematic since people living nearby continue to suffer from urban blight. Recently, there has been a shift in the focus of brownfield programs from highly polluted post-industrial cleanup to local brownfield reuse. In this new environment, a participatory planning process that engages the community seems to have become more important. In order to better understand factors affecting community people's risk perception and effectively engage community support for the better management of derelict sites, this study investigated the factors on local community perceptions of abandoned landscapes including the effect of familiarity (the length of residency) and other sociodemographic (gender and age). For the study, the 200 study participants in eight neighborhoods along the Rail Corridor Revitalization Project in the city of Roanoke, VA, were asked to participate in survey and evaluate scenes of three types of abandoned landscapes focusing on two aspects, preference and pollution concerns. The results of scene ratings showed that lower scene preferences were associated with scene concerns related to higher pollution. However, although age and gender were associated with participants' preference ratings and attitudes toward social problems and pollution, there was no significant effect for the length of residency.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2S34Rne

Health damage assessment of particulate matter pollution in Jing-Jin-Ji region of China

Abstract

Jing-Jin-Ji is the largest and most dynamic economic region in northern China, and its air pollution has attracted much public attention. Scientific evaluation of health losses caused by air pollution can provide decision-making basis for formulation and improvement of pollution reduction policies in the Jing-Jin-Ji region. This paper estimated the adverse effects of particulate matter pollution on health in the Jing-Jin-Ji region in 2016 by using logarithmic linear exposure-response function, and monetized the health effects by adjusting human capital method and disease cost method. The results show non-ignorable health hazards and economic impacts caused by atmospheric particulate pollution. The economic losses relevant to health hazards by PM2.5 in the Jing-Jin-Ji region are 122.40 billion yuan, and those relevant to PM10 are 118.34 billion yuan, accounting for 1.62% and 1.56% of the region's GDP, respectively. Similar evaluations previously conducted in other countries yielded figures within the same order of magnitude. Considering the difference in economic losses per unit among disease types, the economic losses caused by air pollution in the Jing-Jin-Ji region mainly come from premature deaths. Infants and elderly people are the main victims of particulate matter. Affected by population, pollutant concentration, industrial structure, and other factors, the economic losses of particulate matter pollution in Beijing, Tianjin, Shijiazhuang, Tangshan, and Baoding are large. In order to reduce health hazards and economic impacts caused by particulate matter pollution, this paper put forward to guide the urban population diversion, reduce the outgoing frequency of susceptible groups such as infants and the elderly in haze weather, adopt high-efficiency particulate matter air purifier indoors, and develop public transportation to reduce motor vehicle exhaust emissions. In Tianjin and Hebei, promoting cleaner production in industries such as steel and cement and reducing coal use in the power industry are also suggested.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2HzjmLr

Nongreen revolution: a case study of wild-grown edible mushroom

Abstract

Mushroom's biological content has a positive effect on human welfare which is called "nongreen revolution". It has an economic and social component that provides long-term food nutrition, environmental conservation, and regeneration of valuable resources. This article provides evidence that mushrooms can be a healthy food alternative to meat. In this study, analyzed data was collected from Marmara region of Turkey using a survey method. A survey questionnaire was prepared and distributed to a total sample size of 408 participants. Linear regression model y = α + β1×1+β2×2 was administered to determine the relationship of the variables. Secondary data were also used for the literature of the study. The study revealed that the consumption of mushroom accounts for 13.2% of the consumption of meat at the time of mushroom collection period. Consequently, it showed also that for every 1% increase in consumption of two species of mushrooms (Lactarius semisanguifluus and Macrolepiota procera var.) meat consumption decreases (−4.39, −2.97%).

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2S7yiEC

Scientists relieved but wary as US shutdown nears end

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2S6HLMl

MDCT evaluation of sternal development

Abstract

Background and purpose

Sternal ossification starts in utero, and continues throughout puberty in various patterns. In this study, our objective was to evaluate the correlation of ossification with age and to determine whether age can be predicted.

Materials and methods

Individuals younger than 30 years old without congenital anomalies, chronic disease, and history of long-term chemotherapy who had chest CT imaging with a slice thickness < 3 mm were retrospectively reviewed. Data of ossification centers, horizontal and vertical fusion were collected. Spearman correlation test and ROC analysis were performed to correlate age with fusion. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to perform gender wise comparisons. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of cut-off points, estimated according to ROC analysis, were calculated.

Results

Segmented ossification centers were more common in males, with significant difference in third and fourth mesosternal ossification centers (p < 0.05). Females had more vertical fusion at each level (p < 0.05). Spearman correlation test showed significant correlation between age and horizontal and vertical fusion for both genders. ROC analysis was performed and cut-off values were estimated. Sensitivity was very high (84.6–100%) but specificity was low (43.3–79.9%) for horizontal fusion. Sensitivity of vertical fusion (64.8–100%) was similar but specificity was higher (74.7–100%).

Conclusions

Horizontal and vertical fusions of sternal ossification centers correlate with age significantly. Vertical fusion might be a better indicator of age with higher sensitivity and specificity, while horizontal fusion has lower accuracy. Large-scale studies should be conducted to confirm our results.

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Exposure to noise and ototoxic chemicals in the Australian workforce

Objective

To determine the current prevalence of exposure to workplace noise and ototoxic chemicals, including co-exposures.

Method

A cross-sectional telephone survey of nearly 5000 Australian workers was conducted using the web-based application, OccIDEAS. Participants were asked about workplace tasks they performed and predefined algorithms automatically assessed worker's likelihood of exposure to 10 known ototoxic chemicals as well as estimated their full shift noise exposure level (L_Aeq,8h) of their most recent working day. Results were extrapolated to represent the Australian working population using a raked weighting technique.

Results

In the Australian workforce, 19.5% of men and 2.8% of women exceeded the recommended full shift noise limit of 85 dBA during their last working day. Men were more likely to be exposed to noise if they were younger, had trade qualifications and did not live in a major city. Men were more likely exposed to workplace ototoxic chemicals (57.3%) than women (25.3%). Over 80% of workers who exceeded the full shift noise limit were also exposed to at least one ototoxic chemical in their workplace.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that exposures to hazardous noise and ototoxic chemicals are widespread in Australian workplaces and co-exposure is common. Occupational exposure occurs predominantly for men and could explain some of the discrepancies in hearing loss prevalence between genders.

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2MEo7T3

Stem cells help mice to develop super-sensitive sniffers

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2RfW5O0

Dispatch: a visit to Japan from Europe

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader https://go.nature.com/2WrGejw

Limno-ecological assessment of Aras River surface waters in Turkey: application of diatom indices

Abstract

This study is the first attempt to evaluate the limno-ecological status of freshwater ecosystems in Aras River system (Turkey) using diatom metrics and multivariate analyses according to the European Union Water Framework Directive requirements. Samples were collected using the standard protocols from 17 sampling stations in August and October of 2014, and June of 2015. Deterioration of water quality in the Aras River catchment was remarked from the downstream of Karakoyunlu, Sarısu, and Bozkuş creeks, which showed higher values of trophic index Turkey (TIT), trophic index (TI), and eutrophication and/or pollution index-diatom (EPI-D). These sites were also characterized by pollution tolerant taxa e.g., Cocconeis placentula, Gomphonema parvulum, Navicula cryptocephala, Navicula trivialis, and Tryblionella angustata. Sites S14–S17 had high ecological status according to TIT, supported by the score of EPI-D which indicated a good ecological condition for S14. The occurrence of pollution-sensitive species (e.g., Hannaea arcus, Cymbella affinis, Didymosphenia geminata, Meridion circulare, and Encyonema silesiacum) and the low nutrients like total phosphorus, orthophosphate and nitrate, conductivity, and BOD₅ supported the high ecological status of S14–S17. The relationships between diatom assemblages and environmental variables were also illustrated by multivariate analyses. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that TIT had positive important correlations with total phosphorus (p < 0.01, r = 0.768). Trophic index and EPI-D had also significant correlations with environmental variables, but they had lower correlation coefficient than that of TIT. It seems that TIT could be a suitable diatom metric for assessing the ecological status of sampling stations in Aras River system and Mediterranean region. Our findings showed also that ecological statuses of surface waters should be evaluated due to the indices developed in their ecoregions.

from Energy Ecology Environment Ambio via Terpsi Hori on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2RfZ7lu

[ASAP] Millimeter-Scale Single-Crystalline Semiconducting MoTe2 via Solid-to-Solid Phase Transformation

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12230

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2UiXghY

[ASAP] Welding Metallophthalocyanines into Bimetallic Molecular Meshes for Ultrasensitive, Low-Power Chemiresistive Detection of Gases

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b11257

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2Ul94Ah

[ASAP] Natural Abundance, Single-Scan 13C–13C-Based Structural Elucidations by Dissolution DNP NMR

Journal of the American Chemical Society

DOI: 10.1021/jacs.8b12216

from A via a.sfakia on Inoreader http://bit.ly/2DxaNN1