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The so-called man-eating wolves of Turku, a pack of three wolves, reportedly killed 22 children in South-Western Finland in 1880–1881. Enormous efforts were carried out to eradicate them. In January 1882 the last remaining wolf was killed. Since then, there has been considerable debate regarding the validity and extent of the man-eating behaviour. This study aims to clarify whether man-eating behaviour can be observed from the remains of these wolves. One of the wolves was mounted in 1882 and is on display at St. Olaf's school in Turku, enabling us to collect hair keratin samples. Additionally, hair keratin was collected from two other suspected man-eaters. We analysed carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotope values to study the wolf's diet during the last months of its life. Samples from seven temporally concurrent wolves were used to construct reference values. Our analyses indicated that δ15N values of suspected man-eaters were relatively low compared to the reference sample. We could not detect clear trends in isotope ratios associated with potential man-eating behavior. We believe that this lack of distinctive patterns can be explained by the relatively minor role that man-eating played in their overall diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study focused on litter processing efficiency of the sesarmid crab, Parasesarma plicatum under experimental conditions and its possible role in carbon structuring in the mangrove habitats. The feeding experiment of crab with different stages of leaves of diverse mangrove species revealed that senescent brown leaves were preferred the most, due to their lesser tannin content. The leaf consumption differed significantly with leaf state as well as mangrove species and highest was for Avicennia officinalis brown leaves. The ingestion-egestion assay of P. plicatum revealed that it assimilated an average of 65.75 ± 10.30% of mangrove litter. The experimental study also revealed that rather than already reported C/N ratio, the inhibiting factors such as tannin and lignin like substances control the palatability of leaves by the crab species. The analysis of carbon and nitrogen variants in the experimental water indicated that handling of leaves by the crab helps in leaching of nutrients to the substratum. Therefore, the findings of litter processing efficiency of this sesarmid crab from the present study highlights its significance in structuring the carbon in natural mangrove habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we analyze the changes in food consumption patterns throughout the lives of five individuals (n=5), one subadult and four adults, found in archaeological sites of El Remate, Bajo los Cardones and Finca Cruz. All of them are associated with the Formative period (ca. 2500 - 1000 years B. P.) and are located in the Quebrada de Amaicha (Tucumán, Argentina). We propose an analysis of the carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition in the dentin of different sections of the same tooth and in different teeth of the five individuals. This approach sheds light on the way in which the characteristics of children's diets affect their adulthood, as well as providing a more inclusive perspective on consumption patterns in the agropastoralist societies of the study area by integrating young individuals into the analysis. Little intravariation and intervariation was found, with a predominance of food resources framed in the C4 photosynthetic pattern. The exception is an individual, probably female, whose diet was based on C3 resources during the first period of life. This could be the result of the existence of a "childhood diet" or of a change in geographic residence, with both areas being isotopically distinguishable. Finally, we illustrate the methodological steps required to reconstruct life histories through the serial study of human dental pieces. This is a novel approach, which has been applied to human remains from the Argentine Northwest for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, a direct non‐local thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) analysis of carbon and nitrogen lines in the spectra of nine RR Lyrae stars was carried out. We have determined the abundances of these elements together with oxygen, and have shown that the nitrogen content is increased in metallicity‐deficient program stars. We conclude that this is a sign of the first dredge up, which occurred at the previous stage of the red giant branch, and brought material processed in an incomplete carbon, nitrogen, oxygen (CNO) cycle to the surface of the star. This effect is significantly enhanced by thermohaline (extra‐) mixing, which is more effective for metal‐poor RR Lyrae stars. This is clearly seen in the plot showing that C/N ration in our sample of stars gradually decreases as metallicity decreases from about −0.2 to −2. Oxygen abundance depends on metallicity in a similar way to what we see in the Population II stars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Galápagos Penguin Spheniscus mendiculus, Flightless Cormorant Phalacrocorax harrisi, and Waved Albatross Phoebastria irrorata are endemic to Islas Galápagos. They are known to feed on different prey (including crustaceans, cephalopods, and/or several species of epipelagic and benthic fish), in accordance with different foraging strategies. In this work, we used stable-isotope analysis of carbon and nitrogen to corroborate available information on habitat use (δ13C) and trophic position (δ15N). Feather samples from the three species were collected in six different areas prior to the 2011 and 2012 breeding seasons. Results showed differences in foraging strategies between Galápagos Penguins and the other two species (δ13C and δ15N, P < 0.01). The Flightless Cormorant and Waved Albatross showed similar proportions of δ13C (P = 0.07), but they occupied different trophic levels (δ15N, P < 0.01). Isotopic signatures in Galápagos Penguins reflected differences based on their breeding areas (δ13C and δ15N, P < 0.01), which were subject to different environmental conditions. This information could be used to evaluate future ecological conditions among the feeding areas of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN specimens were prepared by combustion synthesis using Al, graphite, and AlN. Graphite addition changed the product color from white to blue. By XRD, the lattice constant increased slightly with increasing carbon content. Blue AlN powder was synthesized with a molar ratio of the diluent AlN of 0.2‐0.5 with a fixed graphite content of 0.05. At an AlN molar ratio exceeding 0.6, carbon was not successfully incorporated due to the lower reaction temperature. Calcination at 800°C in air removed residual graphite without changing the crystal structure or product color. Oxygen, nitrogen, and carbon analyses revealed that blue AlN powders contained 0.45‐0.54 mass% carbon and 1.4‐1.6 mass% oxygen, while the undoped AlN contained 0.021 mass% carbon and 0.94 mass% oxygen. The origin of the white‐to‐blue color change was investigated via reflection measurements. Blue AlN exhibits an absorption peak at 634 nm (1.96 eV). From first‐principles electronic structure calculations, the C‐doped AlN and carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN with a 1:1 ratio could be classified as p‐type, whereas the O‐doped AlN and 1:3 carbon‐and‐oxygen‐doped AlN were n‐type. One reason for the absorption peak at 634 nm may be a transition from the conduction band to an upper unoccupied state. These results suggest the possible control of optical and electronic properties of AlN via carbon‐and‐oxygen doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decomposing vertebrate cadavers release large, localized inputs of nutrients. These temporally limited resource patches affect nutrient cycling and soil organisms. The impact of decomposing cadavers on soil chemistry is relevant to soil biology, as a natural disturbance, and forensic science, to estimate the postmortem interval. However, cadaver impacts on soils are rarely studied, making it difficult to identify common patterns. We investigated the effects of decomposing pig cadavers (Sus scrofa domesticus) on soil chemistry (pH, ammonium, nitrate, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and carbon) over a one-year period in a spruce-dominant forest. Four treatments were applied, each with five replicates: two treatments including pig cadavers (placed on the ground and hung one metre above ground) and two controls (bare soil and bags filled with soil placed on the ground i.e. "fake pig" treatment). In the first two months (15-59 days after the start of the experiment), cadavers caused significant increases of ammonium, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (p<0.05) whereas nitrate significantly increased towards the end of the study (263-367 days; p<0.05). Soil pH increased significantly at first and then decreased significantly at the end of the experiment. After one year, some markers returned to basal levels (i.e. not significantly different from control plots), whereas others were still significantly different. Based on these response patterns and in comparison with previous studies, we define three categories of chemical markers that may have the potential to date the time since death: early peak markers (EPM), late peak markers (LPM) and late decrease markers (LDM). The marker categories will enhance our understanding of soil processes and can be highly useful when changes in soil chemistry are related to changes in the composition of soil organism communities. For actual casework further studies and more data are necessary to refine the marker categories along a more precise timeline and to develop a method that can be used in court. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the multiporous MnO/N-doped carbon (MnO/NC) composite based on the abundant and inexpensive electrolytic manganese dioxide were fabricated through a facile microwave-assisted carbonthermal reduction, combined with a subsequent in-situ polymerization of polydopamine onto MnO along with thermal treatment. As an anode material, it retains a reversible capacity of 770.5 mAh g −1 at 300 mA g −1 and high Coulombic efficiency of 99% over 500 cycles, superior than those values of the pure multiporous MnO alone. The impressive performance is attributed to the splendid structure stability contributed by well-connected three-dimensional porous configuration and the enhanced reaction kinetics as well as electrical conductivity incurred by N-doped carbon layer with multiple type nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil samples from the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF) at Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, were analyzed for multiple soil characteristics from cadaver decomposition islands to a depth of 5centimeters (cm) from 63 human decomposition sites, as well as depths up to 15cm in a subset of 11 of the cadaver decomposition islands plus control soils. Postmortem interval (PMI) of the cadaver decomposition islands ranged from 6 to 1752 days. Some soil chemistry, including nitrate-N (NO3-N), ammonium-N (NH4-N), and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), peaked at early PMI values and their concentrations at 0-5cm returned to near control values over time likely due to translocation down the soil profile. Other soil chemistry, including dissolved organic carbon (DOC), dissolved organic nitrogen (DON), orthophosphate-P (PO4-P), sodium (Na+), and potassium (K+), remained higher than the control soil up to a PMI of 1752days postmortem. The body mass index (BMI) of the cadaver appeared to have some effect on the cadaver decomposition island chemistry. To estimate PMI using soil chemistry, backward, stepwise multiple regression analysis was used with PMI as the dependent variable and soil chemistry, body mass index (BMI) and physical soil characteristics such as saturated hydraulic conductivity as independent variables. Measures of soil parameters derived from predator and microbial mediated decomposition of human remains shows promise in estimating PMI to within 365days for a period up to nearly five years. This persistent change in soil chemistry extends the ability to estimate PMI beyond the traditionally utilized methods of entomology and taphonomy in support of medical-legal investigations, humanitarian recovery efforts, and criminal and civil cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parts of the Fe-C-N system were studied in experiments at 7.8 GPa and 1350°C. It was shown that the admixture of nitrogen extends considerably the domain of melt stability in the system at temperatures close to the Fe-FeC eutectic temperatures. Nitrogen solubility in cementite in equilibrium with the nitrogen- rich melt is below the detection limit of the EMPA technique applied. The metal melt is the only nitrogen concentrator (up to 4 wt % of N) in the range of compositions considered. The data obtained permit the conclusion that, in the case of complete dissolution of carbon and nitrogen, which might occur in the enriched mantle, native iron at ~250 km depth should either be completely molten or consist of a melt and carbide of iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient and durable catalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is critical for the practical application of proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC). A novel imidazole based ionic liquid is synthesized in this study and used subsequently for the preparation of a N and S co-doped metal-free catalyst with three dimensional ordered microstructure. The catalyst prepared at 1100 °C showed improved ORR catalytic performance and stability compared to commercial Pt/C catalyst. We demonstrate that the high graphitic N content and high degree of graphitization of the synthesized catalyst is responsible for its superb ORR activity. Our results suggest that the N and S co-doped metal-free catalyst reported here is a promising alternative to traditional ORR catalyst based on noble metal. Furthermore, the current study also demonstrate that importance of morphology engineering in the development of high performance ORR catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fine particulate matter (PM 2.5) significantly impacts global air quality and human health due to its smaller particle size and larger specific surface area. Nitrogen and carbon aerosols, as the main components of PM 2.5 , play key roles in air pollution. This study identified the sources and seasonal variation of nitrogen and carbon aerosols in PM 2.5 in typical cities of Zhejiang. The annual average PM 2.5 concentrations of Hangzhou (HZ), Ningbo (NB), and Huzhou (HUZ) were 39.8 ± 19.1 μg m−‍3, 40.0 ± 21.5 μg m−3, and 50.1 ± 22.6 μg m−3, respectively, which exceeded the Chinese air quality limit of 35.0 μg m−3. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrogen aerosols (NO 3 − and NH 4 +) in water-soluble inorganic ions were higher at 9.6 ± 4.6 μg m−3, 9.0 ± 4.5 μg m−3 and 11.5 ± 5.4 μg m−3 in HZ, NB and HUZ, respectively, especially in winter, accounting for over 60% of the total. The annual average δ15N values of PM 2.5 were 6.2 ± 1.9‰, 6.4 ± 2.2‰ and 6.7 ± 1.9‰ in HZ, NB and HZ, respectively; the δ15N values in winter were relatively low. A Bayesian isotopic mixing model was employed to analyse the sources of nitrogen aerosols in winter; the results showed that nitrogen concentration was mainly affected by NH 3 and NO X emitted by motor vehicle exhaust, coal combustion, biomass combustion, biogenic soil emissions, animal wastes and ocean evaporation (NB). In addition, the carbon component analysis of PM 2.5 showed that the annual average mass concentration of TC accounted for 18.7%, 16.4% and 20.1% of PM 2.5 in HZ, HUZ and NB, respectively. The same isotope model was used to analyse the sources of carbon aerosols; the results showed that carbon aerosols were mainly affected by the sources of motor vehicle exhaust, coal combustion, biomass combustion and dust. In the PM 2.5 in Zhejiang, the most contributory sources of nitrogenous aerosols and carbon aerosols were motor vehicle exhaust sources. [Display omitted] • The fractionation coefficients for nitrogen aerosol conversions are different in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Huzhou. • The NO X and NH 3 sources of aerosol NO 3 − and NH 4 + in Hangzhou, Ningbo, and Huzhou were identified. • The stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values of dust sources in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Huzhou are significantly different. • The main sources of carbon aerosol are motor vehicle exhaust in Hangzhou, Ningbo and Huzhou. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many arid and semi-arid regions, irrigated vegetable production leads to major carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) losses owing to high turnover rates. The goal of this experiment was therefore to test two amendments, activated charcoal and quebracho tannins, in their ability to stabilize soil organic carbon (SOC) from goat manure application in order to enhance nutrient and water retention. To this end, a 2-year field experiment was conducted on a sandy alluvial soil in Northern Oman investigating the effects of the two amendments either by mixing them with goat manure in the soil (MC and MT) or by applying manure from goats fed 2.5 % charcoal (MC) or 3.6 % tannin (MT) of their daily diet. Mineral fertilizer (NPK) and pure goat manure (M) served as controls. Application rates amounted to 335 kg N ha year and 6.4-8.2 t C ha year (depending on C and N concentrations) and 2.0 and 1.4 t activated charcoal ha year and 2.8 and 1.7 t quebracho tannin ha year (in 2010 and 2011, respectively). Goat manure applications, in general, increased SOC, total N, and basal respiration compared with mineral fertilizer. Mineral fertilizer reduced SOC by −25.5 % and total N by −20 %, whereas organic treatments increased SOC by up to 21 % and total N by 19 to 48 %. Basal respiration ranged between 4.1 and 8.5 μg CO-C day g and was only affected by mineral fertilizer with an average reduction of 25 and 40 % in 2010 and 2011, respectively, compared with organic treatments. The metabolic quotient was not significantly altered by any of the treatments. Charcoal amendments increased SOC by 10.6 % when charcoal was fed to goats and by 21.3 % when charcoal was mixed with manure and reduced net C losses, whereas pure goat manure did not change it significantly. Tannins mixed with manure did not affect soil parameters, whereas tannins fed to goats showed opposite effects to the other goat manure treatments on pH and SOC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method for 14 C in environmental water based on a wet-oxidation process was developed. The method can be used to determine the activity concentrations of organic and inorganic 14 C in environmental water, or total 14 C, including in drinking water, surface water, rainwater and seawater. The wet-oxidation of the organic component allows the conversion of organic carbon to an inorganic form, and the extraction of the inorganic 14 C can be achieved by acidification and nitrogen purging. Environmental water with a volume of 20 L can be used for the wet-oxidation and extraction, and a detection limit of about 0.02 Bq/g(C) can be achieved for water with carbon content above 15 mg(C)/L, obviously lower than the natural level of 14 C in the environment. The collected carbon is sufficient for measurement with a low level liquid scintillation counter (LSC) for typical samples. Extraction or recovery experiments for inorganic carbon and organic carbon from typical materials, including analytical reagents of organic benzoquinone, sucrose, glutamic acid, nicotinic acid, humic acid, ethane diol, et cetera ., were conducted with excellent results based on measurement on a total organic carbon analyzer and LSC. The recovery rate for inorganic carbon ranged tween 98.7%–99.0% with a mean of 98.9(±0.1)%, for organic carbon recovery ranged between 93.8% and 100.0% with a mean of 97.1(±2.6)%. Verification and an uncertainty budget of the method are also presented for a representative environmental water. The method is appropriate for 14 C analysis in environmental water, and can be applied also to the analysis of liquid effluent from nuclear facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Under present experiments, EPS and IPS production, monosaccharide composition, and antioxidant activities of C. gracilis were studied for the first time under submerged culture conditions. Effect of different factors on polysaccharides production was studied by orthogonal experiments using one-factor-at-a-time method. Incubation of culture in the medium with capacity 200 mL (675.12 ± 5.01 and 385.20 ± 5.01 mg/L), rotation speed 150 rpm (324.62 ± 3.32 and 254.62 ± 4.62 mg/L), 6-day culture incubation time (445.24 ± 1.11, 216.60 ± 1.71 mg/L), pH 6.0 (374.81 ± 2.52 and 219.45 ± 2.59 mg/L), and temperature 23°C (405.24 ± 1.11 and 215.60 ± 1.71 mg/L) produced higher EPS and IPS, respectively. Maximum EPS and IPS production was observed in the medium supplemented with glucose as a carbon source (464.82 ± 2.12 and 264.42 ± 2.62 mg/L) and yeast extract as a nitrogen source (465.21 ± 3.11 and 245.17 ± 3.24 mg/L), respectively. Carbon to nitrogen ratio for maximum EPS and IPS production was observed as 10 : 1 (395.29 ± 2.15 and 235.62 ± 1.40 mg/L), respectively. Glucose was found to be the major monosaccharide (62.15 ± 7.33%). Both EPS and IPS of C. gracilis showed significant DPPH radical scavenging activity, ABTS radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and iron chelating activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses comb jelly, Mnemiopsis leidyi, an invasive species in northern Europe. Topics include the reproduction potential, fecundity, and formation of bloom abundances by comb jelly. The production rates of its eggs, measurement of carbon and nitrogen content of the eggs and egg cleavage stages, along with its ecological analysis are also mentioned.

C24H18N2O, monoclinic, P21/ n (no. 14), a = 5.9227(7) Å, b = 16.462(2) Å, c = 18.150(2) Å, β = 98.372(2)°, V = 1750.8(4) Å3, Z = 4, Rgt( F) = 0.0353, wRref( F2) = 0.0942, T = 100(2) K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]