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This study investigated the nitrate dual isotopic compositions (δ15N NO3 and δ18O NO3) of water samples to trace nitrate sources in Lake Sihwa, which encompasses various land-use types (e.g., urban, industry, wetland, and agriculture). The biogeochemical interactions of anthropogenic nitrogen sources (e.g., soil, road dust, and septic water) were also evaluated through multiple pathways from terrestrial boundaries to the water column. Based on increased concentrations of dissolved total nitrogen (DTN; 3.1 ± 1.6 mg/L) after typhoon, the variation of element stoichiometry (N:P:Si) in this system shifted to the relatively N-rich conditions (DIN/DIP; 14.1 ± 8.1, DIN/DSi; 1.4 ± 1.8), potentially triggering the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. Furthermore, discriminative isotopic compositions (δ15N NO3 ; 4.0 ± 2.1 ‰, δ18O NO3 ; 6.1 ± 4.3 ‰) after the typhoon suggested the increased DTN input of anthropogenic origins within Lake Sihwa would be mainly transported from urban sources (76 ± 9 %). Consequently, the isotopic-based approach may be useful for effective water quality management under increased anthropogenic activities near aquatic systems. [Display omitted] • Nitrate isotopes indicated specific sources derived from multiple land-use groups. • Anthropogenic nutrient input after typhoon events further enriched N and P in lake Sihwa. • Urban-derived nitrate fraction significantly increased through heavy precipitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Eigenvalue-based simulation of data on intensity measure and societal indicators. • True models designed to simulate loss data of societal systems for model verification. • Empirical machine learning models comparable to true models in predictive performance. • Simple models preferred for extrapolating vulnerability curves for large intensities. • At least hundreds of data points needed for variable selection and model calibration. With the emergence of large amounts of historical records on adverse impacts of hazardous events, empirical predictive modeling has been revived as a foundational paradigm for quantifying disaster vulnerability of societal systems. This paradigm models societal vulnerability to hazardous events as a vulnerability curve indicating an expected loss rate of a societal system with respect to a possible spectrum of intensity measure (IM) of an event. Although the empirical predictive models (EPMs) of societal vulnerability are calibrated on historical data, they should not be experimentally tested with data derived from field experiments on any societal system. Alternatively, in this paper, we propose a Monte Carlo simulation-based approach to experimentally test EPMs of societal vulnerability. Our study applied an eigenvalue-based method to generate data on societal experiences of IM and pre-event vulnerability indicators. True models were designed to simulate event loss data. Supervised machine learning (ML) models were then trained on simulated data and were found to provide similar predictive performances as the true models. Our results suggested that the calibrated ML-EPMs could effectively quantify societal vulnerability given a normally experienced IM. To extrapolate a vulnerability curve for large IMs, however, simple models should be preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitrate dual isotopes are helpful to trace nitrate sources exported from different land-use types. • A hydrological model is effective for estimating total nitrate fluxes depending on water discharge. • Comparison between MixSIAR and HSPF indicates the potential impact of nitrate inflow by groundwater pathway. • The integrated approach determines quantitative load of each nitrate source in complex river system. Quantitative estimation for tracking the transport of various nitrate sources is required to effectively manage nitrate loading in complex river systems. In this study, we validated an integrated framework using field isotopic data (δ15N NO3 and δ18O NO3) of nitrates and hydrological modeling (hydrological simulation program FORTRAN; HSPF) to determine anthropogenic nitrate flux among different land-use types within a watershed. Nitrate isotopic compositions showed different ranges among four land-use types (4.9 to 15.5‰ for δ15N NO3 , -4.9 to 12.1‰ for δ18O NO3), reflecting the different nitrate sources (sewage, synthetic fertilizer, effluent and soil) within watersheds. Based on the integration of HSPF modeling, we also found that total nitrate loads might be partially controlled by hydrological conditions such as water discharge (12,040.3–22,793.2 L/s) from upstream to downstream. Among the nitrate sources, the sewage transport showed unique enhancement near urban boundaries, along with an increase in total nitrate load (>193.5 NO 3 -N g/s km2) in downstream areas. In addition, the isotopic- and model-based nitrate fluxes showed good correlation for urban sources (R2=0.73, p < 0.05) but poor correlations for agriculture-dominated land use (R2=0.13, p > 0.05), reflecting the potential influence of surface runoff and ground infiltration into the watershed. Consequently, this research provided useful information to establish nitrogen management policy controlling point and non-point nitrate source loads in various land-use types for the restoration of water quality and aquatic ecosystem in the complex river system. Considering the recent increase in human activities near aquatic environments, this framework would be effective for individually estimating the quantitative contributions of anthropogenic nitrate sources transported along river-coastal systems. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to determine whether hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) or 4-nonylphenol (NP) may induce prostatic cancer progression in LNCaP cells. Androgenic effects of HBCD and NP were examined in LNCaP prostate cancer cells expressing androgen receptors (ARs). HBCD and NP increased LNCaP cell viability similar to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by MTT assay. This phenomenon was reversed by treatment with Casodex, an AR antagonist, suggesting that they act as xenoandrogens via AR signaling pathway. In cell migration assay, HBCD and NP also enhanced LNCaP cell migration similar to DHT. To elucidate underlying mechanisms of their actions on LNCaP, transcriptional levels of cell cycle- and apoptosis-related markers, including cyclin D1, cyclin E, p27, bcl-2, and bax, were determined by reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. An increase in expression cyclin D1 and cyclin E and reduction in p27 and bax mRNA levels were observed by their treatments. Western blot assay showed their alterations in translational levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, p21, bax, and cathepsin D. Expressions of genes related to a G1/S transition of cell cycle and cathepsin D were elevated, while expression of p21 and bax was decreased. Taken together, these results indicate that HBCD and NP may enhance progression of prostate cancer by modulating growth and migration of LNCaP prostate cells by acting on cell cycle, apoptosis, and metastasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a phytoestrogen, kaempferol (Kaem) is one of bioflavonoids, which are found in a variety of vegetables including broccoli, tea and tomato. In this study, the antiproliferative effects of Kaem in triclosn (TCS)-induced cell growth were examined in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. TCS promoted the cell viability of MCF-7 cells via estrogen receptor α (ERα) as did 17β-estradiol (E2), a positive control. On the other hand, Kaem significantly suppressed E2 or TCS-induced cell growth. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms of TCS and Kaem, alterations in the expressions of cell cycle, apoptosis and metastasis-related genes were identified using western blot assay. The treatment of the cells with TCS up-regulated the protein expressions of cyclin D1, cyclin E and cathepsin D, while down-regulated p21 and bax expressions. Kaem reversed TCS-induced gene expressions in an opposite manner. The phosphorylation of IRS-1, AKT, MEK1/2 and ERK was increased by TCS, indicating that TCS induced MCF-7 cell proliferation via nongenomic ER signaling pathway associated with IGF-1R. Kaem presented an antagonistic activity on this signaling by down-regulating the protein expression of pIRS-1, pAkt and pMEK1/2 promoted by E2 or TCS. In an in vivo xenografted mouse model, tumor growth was induced by treatment with E2 or TCS, which was identified in the measurement of tumor volume, hematoxylin and eosin staining, bromodeoxyuridine and immunohistochemistry assay. On the contrary, E2 or TCS-induced breast tumor growth was inhibited by co-treatment with Kaem, which is consistent with in vitro results. Taken together, these results revealed that Kaem has an anticancer effect against procancer activity of E2 or TCS, a xenoestrogen, in breast cancer and may be suggested as a prominent agent to neutralize breast cancer risk caused by TCS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the composition, source, and reactivity of sedimentary organic matter (OM) present in aquaculture systems along the Korean coast. A multi-isotopic approach was applied to 216 surface sediments from five sections: western (W)-1, W-2, southern (S)-1, S-2, and eastern (E)-1 sections. The 15N-enriched total nitrogen signatures in the surface sediments of the W-1 section may indicate that a substantial fraction of sedimentary OM has anthropogenic origins exported through the Han River. Simultaneously, the deposition of allochthonous OM is predominant in the S sections (Jinhae and Masan Bays). The 34S-depleted patterns at the S-2 section may indicate that sulfate reduction occurring at the sedimentary boundary contributes to active OM decomposition, depending on the increased sedimentation of the aquaculture-derived OM. Our results highlight that isotopic-based source tracking near aquaculture systems provide important information for identifying anthropogenic contamination in coastal marine sediments and for improving environmental management. • Composition, source, and reactivity of sedimentary organic matter in aquaculture • The multi-isotopic approach was used to analyze surface sediments. • Isotopes tracks give insights into coastal sediment anthropogenic contamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a global health concern in human males. Recently, it has been known that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) may act as an exogenous factor to enhance cancer progression. Triclosan (TCS) and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (BP-1) were reported to bioaccumulate in human bodies through the skin absorption. However, there has been insufficient evidence on the findings that the intervention of EDCs may promote the cancer progression in PCa. In the present study, to verify the risk of TCS and BP-1 to a PCa progression, cancer cell proliferation and migration were investigated in LNCaP PCa cells. TCS and BP-1 increased LNCaP cell proliferative activity and migration as did dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This phenomenon was reversed by the treatment with bicalutamide, a well known AR antagonist, suggesting that TCS and BP-1 acted as a xenoandrogen in LNCaP cells via AR signaling pathway by mimicking the action of DHT. A Western blot assay was performed to identify the alterations in the translational levels of cell growth- and metastasis-related markers, i.e., c-fos, cyclin E, p21, and cathepsin D genes. The expressions of genes related with G1/S transition of cell cycle and metastasis were increased by DHT, TCS, and BP-1, while the expression of p21 protein responsible for cell cycle arrest was reduced by DHT, TCS, and BP-1. Taken together, these results indicated that TCS and BP-1 may enhance the progression of PCa by regulating cell cycle and metastasis-related genes via AR signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Naphthalene derivatives such as 1-fluoronaohthalene, 1-chloronaohthalene, 1-bromonaohthalene, and 1-iodonaohthalene were introduced to poly (3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT): [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) polymer solar cells (PSCs) as processing additives. To investigate why the addition of naphthalene derivatives improved the efficiency of PSCs, the photon absorbance properties were observed using UV–vis spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL). Then, the degree of crystallinity of P3HT was examined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In addition, changes in the nanostructure and surface morphology of the P3HT:PC61BM blend film were observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The series resistance (R S) and shunt resistance (R SH) of the fabricated PSCs were 8.77Ωcm2 and 2337Ωcm2, respectively. The short circuit current density (J SC), open circuit voltage (V OC), and fill factor (FF) were 9.7mA/cm2, 0.636V, and 63.6%, respectively. As a result, the power conversion efficiency (PCE) was 3.9%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Leukaraiosis and a higher level of pulse pressure are well-recognized as associated with cardiovascular disease, vascular angiopathy, and geriatric syndrome. A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the relation between pulse pressure and leukoaraiosis based on brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in the apparently healthy elderly (147 men aged 60–84 years and 89 women aged 60–82 years). The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for leukoaraiosis were calculated using multivariate logistic regression analyses according to each quartile of pulse pressure. The percentage of leukoaraiosis gradually increased in accordance with pulse pressure quartiles: 5.1%, 8.6%, 16.1%, and 26.2% for men, and 4.5%, 8.7%, 13.0%, and 23.8% for women. In comparison with subjects in the lowest quartile, the OR (95%CI) for leukoaraiosis in the highest quartile was 6.80 (1.20–38.45) in men after adjusting for age, body mass index, fasting plasma glucose, HDL-cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), smoking status, and current drinking. However, the relationship was not evident in women after adjusting for the same co-variables. In conclusion, pulse pressure was found to be independently associated with leukoaraiosis regardless of classical cardiovascular risk factors in elderly men. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Ambient speciated mercury concentrations including total gaseous mercury (TGM), gaseous divalent mercury (Hg(II)), and particulate mercury (Hg(p)) were measured on the roof of the Graduate School of Public Health building in Seoul, Korea from February 2005 to February 2006. The average concentrations were 3.22 ± 2.10 ng m¿3, 27.2 ± 19.3 pg m¿3, and 23.9 ± 19.6 pg m¿3 for TGM, Hg(II), and Hg(p), respectively. Hg(II) and Hg(p) concentrations were higher during the daytime than during the nighttime, probably because of high photochemical activity. Hg0 concentrations were not significantly correlated with ozone however a positive correlation between ozone and Hg(II) was found during periods of high humidity. Eighteen days were characterized as pollution events with 24 h average PM2.5 concentrations >65 ¿g m¿3. The average concentrations of TGM and Hg(p) during these events were 1.4¿2 times higher than those during non-pollution events. In order to identify the contribution of long-range transported mercury to the enhanced mercury concentrations in Korea, an episode was defined as a period with hourly average TGM and CO concentrations higher than the monthly average TGM and CO concentrations and with significant enhancement of both TGM and CO concentrations for at least 10 h. A total of 70 episodes were identified during the sampling period: 36 local episodes and 34 long-range transport episodes. The mean ¿TGM/¿CO slope for all episodes was 0.0063 ng m¿3 ppbv¿1 which agreed well with the slope (0.0036¿0.0074 ng m¿3 ppbv¿1) found in previous studies that identified long-range transport of TGM from China. The mean slope during non-events was 0.0011 ng m¿3 ppbv¿1. Back-trajectory analysis showed that during episodes, air parcels arrived mostly from the major industrial areas in China (n = 25, 73%), followed by Japan (n = 4, 12%), Yellow Sea (n = 3, 9%), and Russia (n = 2, 6%). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Total gaseous mercury (TGM) and carbon monoxide (CO) were measured every 5min and hourly, respectively, in Seoul, Korea, from February 2005 through December 2006. The mean concentrations of TGM and CO were 3.44±2.13ngm−3 and 613±323ppbv, respectively. TGM and CO concentrations were highest during the winter and lowest during the summer. In total, 154 high TGM concentration events were identified: 86 were classified as long-range transport events and 68 were classified as local events. The TGM and CO concentrations were well correlated during all long-range transport events and were weakly correlated during local events. Five-day backward trajectory analysis for long-range transport events showed four potential source regions: China (79%), Japan (13%), the Yellow Sea (6%), and Russia (2%). Our results suggest that measured ΔTGM/ΔCO can be used to identify long-range transported mercury and to estimate mercury emissions from long-range transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Hormonal and nutrient regulation of hepatic gluconeogenesis mainly occurs through modulation of the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α. The identity of endogenous proteins and their enzymatic activities that regulate the functions and form part of PGC-1α complex are unknown. Here, we show that PGC-1α is in a multiprotein complex containing the acetyltransferase GCN5. PGC-1α is directly acetylated by GCN5 resulting in a transcriptionally inactive protein that relocalizes from promoter regions to nuclear foci. Adenoviral-mediated expression of GCN5 in cultured hepatocytes and in mouse liver largely represses activation of gluconeogenic enzymes and decreases hepatic glucose production. Thus, we have identified the endogenous PGC-1α protein complex and provided the molecular mechanism by which PGC-1α acetylation by GCN5 turns off the transcriptional and biological function of this metabolic coactivator. GCN5 might be a pharmacological target to regulate the activity of PGC-1α, providing a potential treatment for metabolic disorders in which hepatic glucose output is dysregulated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• River systems have diverse POC sources along various land-use types. • An integrated framework is needed to figure out the quantitative contribution of POC sources. • Specific lipid biomarkers are useful to determine POC origins between natural and anthropogenic sources. • Hydrological models are effective in estimating variations in POC loads for water discharges. • The integrated approach allows to calculate the exact quantitative contribution of POC loads. Despite receiving a considerable amount of attention in the past, quantitative and systematic estimation of the source contributions for different organic carbons (OCs) in complex river systems is still challenging. In this study, we tested an integrated framework using field data of bulk elements and lipid biomarkers and hydrological modeling (hydrological simulation program FORTRAN, HSPF) for the quantitative estimation of OC loads along different land-use types of a watershed (Geumho River watershed in South Korea). Based on the specific source assignments identified from the lipid biomarker patterns in particulate organic carbon (POC) such as short/long chains of alkanes, fatty acids and alcohols, and coprostanol/cholesterol, spatial variations of the diagnostic lipids could be used as an indicator to discriminate between the contributions of natural (algae, bacteria, and terrestrial plants) and anthropogenic sources (fecal). Based on the integration of HSPF modeling, it was also found that various POC loads might be partially controlled by different water discharges within watersheds. With the increase in POC fluxes, the increase in fecal loads was also noticed, as reflected by the predominant lipid (especially coprostanol normalized by water discharges). As a straightforward approach, we developed a set of indices including fecal index-1, ratios of coprostanol, fatty acids, and alkanes, which strengthened the sensitivity for fecal contamination. Compared with the conventional HSPF results, the variations of these proposed indices were more influenced by the broadened watershed extents with increasing downstream distance, which provided a more accurate estimation of the quantitative contributions of POC loadings in the complex river system. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated aerosol optical depth (AOD) under background and polluted conditions using Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) and Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) observations. The AOD data were separated into background, high, and median AOD (BAOD, HAOD, and MAOD, respectively) based on the cumulative AOD distribution at each point and then their spatiotemporal variations were analyzed. Persistent pollutant emissions from industrial activity in South Asia (SUA) and Northeast Asia (NEA) produced the highest BAOD values. Gridded-BAODs obtained from VIIRS Deep Blue AOD products showed widespread high-level BAOD over the oceans associated with transport from dust and biomass burning events. The temporal variations in BAOD and HAOD were generally consistent with that of MAOD, but differences were found in seasonal variation as well as in long-term trends in some regions. Southeast Asia (SEA) and South America/South Africa (SAM/SAF) showed similar HAOD levels owing to biomass burning, but BAODs were higher in SEA than in SAM/SAF. In NEA, BAOD was lowest during the summer rainy season, as opposed to the peaks in MAOD and HAOD. Long-term trends of the AODs show clear regional characteristics. The AODs have decreasing trends in NEA, Europe/Mediterranean basin, and Northeast America but increasing trends in SUA, North Africa, and the Middle East. The trend of HAOD in Northwest America and Australia was opposite to that of BAOD. The spatiotemporal patterns of the HAOD and BAOD provide detailed information on changes in aerosol loading compared to using only MAOD. • BAOD and HAOD trends reflect both natural and anthropogenic aerosol emissions. • Industrial activities have increased BAOD value in South and Northeast Asia. • The dust and biomass burning strongly enhances the HAOD level. • Both BAOD and HAOD show negative trends globally except in Africa and South Asia. • BAOD and HAOD trends could have opposite trends while mean AOD trends is steady. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation MPC on the performance in finishing pigs. • Dietary supplementation with MPC presented beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, Lactobacillus counts, meat quality, and noxious gas emissions in finishing pigs. • The MPC has potential positive effects as a feed additive in pigs industry. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation of the combination of multistrain probiotics and Castanea crenata shell extract (MPC) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, meat quality, noxious gas emissions, and blood parameters in finishing pigs. A total of 150 pigs were used in a 10-weeks feeding trial. Dietary treatment groups were as follows: CON, basal diet; TRT1, basal diet + 0.1% MPC; and TRT2, basal diet + 0.2% MPC. On days 35 and 70, there was a significant linear increase (P <0.05) in body weight, and the ATTD of dry matter, nitrogen, and Lactobacillus counts, and a significant linear decrease (P <0.05) in excreta ammonia emission with increasing MPC in the diets. During days 0 to 35, average daily gain and gain to feed ratio showed a linear increase (P <0.05) with increasing MPC, while serum creatinine concentration showed a linear decrease (P <0.05) on days 35. On days 70, drip loss decreased linearly with MPC in diets on day 7, while loin muscle area was linearly increased (P <0.05). During the overall period, there was a significant linear increase (P <0.05) in average daily gain and gain to feed ratio with increasing MPC in diets. In conclusion, dietary MPC supplementation has beneficial effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, fecal microbial shedding, meat quality, noxious gas emissions, and blood parameters in finishing pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sustainable textile-reinforced cementitious composites (TRC) were developed using lightweight expanded glass (EG) aggregates combined with fly ash (FA) as a partial cement replacement. Recycled nylon fibers were incorporated to enhance the cementitious matrix. The tensile performances and cracking characteristics of the developed TRC materials were comprehensively investigated. The key parameters investigated included the lightweight aggregate size, FA replacement content, fabric reinforcement ratio, and volume fraction of additional nylon fibers. The experimental results revealed that utilizing FA replacement content within the range of 20–30% and employing maximum EG aggregate sizes of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm had a negligible influence on cracking characteristics and the tensile performance of TRC. Conversely, an adverse effect was observed with a 50% FA replacement content and a maximum EG size of 2.0 mm. Moreover, employing a higher fabric reinforcement ratio and an increased volume fraction of dispersed nylon fibers in the matrix endowed the TRC with favorable tensile performance and cracking characteristics. Eventually, an analytical model simulating the tensile stress-strain responses of TRC composites based on the cracking characteristics and stochastic matrix theory was proposed. The proposed model exhibits a reasonable correlation with the experimental results. • Sustainable TRC was developed using expanded glass aggregates combined with fly ash. • The tensile performances and crack characteristics of TRC were comprehensively investigated. • The use of recycled nylon fibers significantly improved the tensile behavior of TRC. • A tensile stress-strain model of TRC was proposed based on the crack characteristics and stochastic matrix theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural productivity is strongly dependent on local climate conditions determined by meteorological parameters thus assessing the potential impact of the climate change and variability on regional agricultural systems has become crucial. To ensure food security, it is required to find under performing regions to investments and assess yields change in high-performing regions in coming decades under climate change and variability. In this study, we investigate the response of maize yield potential (Yp) on climate change scenario using Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) crop model over the Southwestern U.S. (SWUS) region. APSIM's modules are essentially point-based models representing the system at a single point in space. We develop automated modeling framework (ApsimRegions, 2013), which allows the APSIM to be run over a large domain with about a thousand points over the study area. Using 21-year period (1991-2011) of North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data, we perform sensitivity test of the maize Yp to assess the relative contribution of climate variables, by adding standard deviation of the climatological values. The results show that maximum and minimum temperature greatly contribute to the variation of maize yields over the SWUS on the interannual time scale, depending on geographical locations with varied local climates. In order to access data of present and future climate, we have completed high-resolution regional climate simulation by dynamically downscaling general circulation model results (GFDL-ESM2 M) using regional climate models (WRF and OLAM). In this study, 20 years of integration period is selected in both historical period (1981-2000) and future period (2031-2050). The potential maize yields in the future period under the RCP8.5 greenhouse gas concentrations pathways show that the yields are significantly changed comparing to the historical period. In the generally rising temperature regime, the projected Yp shows strong geospatial variations according to the regional climate characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (α-chlorohydrin, 3-MCPD) is a well-known contaminant which has been detected in a wide range of foods and ingredients and is a suspected cause of cancer. In this study, we investigated the carcinogenicity of 3-MCPD in SD rats. Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were exposed to drinking water containing 0, 25, 100, 400ppm 3-MCPD for 2 years. Body weights and water consumption of male and female rats given 400ppm were significantly lower than those of the controls. The incidences of renal tubule adenoma or carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor occurred with dose-related positive trends in male rats. The incidences of renal tubule carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor were significantly increased in 400ppm males. Incidence of renal tubule adenoma had a positive trend in female rats, with the incidence being significant in 400ppm group. In conclusion, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in male SD rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule carcinoma and Leydig cell tumor. There was some evidence of carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in female SD rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule adenoma. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Since sowing date of maize is sensitive to climate variability and changes, it is critical to examine how sowing dates affect maize yields in various temperature regimes in the southwestern US. In doing so, the ApsimRegions model, regionally extended version of the APSIM model, has been run over the southwestern US region at 32 km resolutions over the 21-year period from 1991 to 2011. The meteorological forcing dataset was North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) and irrigation was assumed to be applied at a 95% soil water-holding capacity. The interannually-fixed and -variant sowing date runs (fixed and optimal run, respectively) showed 50∼300% increases of the yield potential over selected regions by optimizing sowing date. For the optimal run, it was found that earlier sowing dates are favorable for higher yields primarily by increasing the length of growing season in cold mountainous regions. In these regions, warmer than normal conditions in the sowing period tend to advance the sowing date, resulting in yield increases. Over the low-elevation warm regions (e.g., the southern parts of the Central Valley and Arizona), yields are less correlated with sowing dates and the length of growing season, perhaps because growing season temperatures are high enough for fast growth. Instead, in those warm regions, maize yields are sensitive to temperature variations during the sowing and late growing season due to the adverse effects of extremely high temperature events on maize development. These results indicate that appropriate adaptations for sowing date can enhance yield significantly, but the positive effect of advanced sowing on the maize yields in warmer spring is constrained in the cool environmental regions rather than the warm environmental regions in the southwestern US. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The seismic performance of RC beams retrofitted by U-wrapped jackets was investigated. • NSM anchorage method was proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the TRM jacket. • The cyclic behaviors of TRM strengthened beams with and without anchorage were assessed. • Analytical model was proposed to predict the inelastic deformation of strengthened beams. In this study, we investigated the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams strengthened by a U-wrapped textile-reinforced mortar (TRM) jacket with and without incorporating anchorage details. Ten full-scale single-curvature RC beams were fabricated and tested under cyclic loading. The main test parameters included longitudinal reinforcement ratio, textile reinforcement ratio adopted in the TRM composite, and anchorage details applied to the U-wrapped TRM jacket. In the present study, a near-surface mounted (NSM) anchorage method with steel rebars was newly proposed to enhance the effectiveness of the TRM jacket. The experimental results indicated that the NSM anchorage detail was beneficial in preventing the debonding of the TRM jacket from the concrete substrates under cyclic loading conditions. Consequently, the specimens retrofitted with anchored jackets showed an improvement in terms of load-carrying and deformation capacity, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation capacity compared to the non-anchored test specimens. In addition, an analytical model was proposed to predict the inelastic deformation capacity of RC beams strengthened with a U-wrapped TRM jacket based on the failure mechanism of the concrete compression zone after flexural yielding, and its prediction showed reasonable agreement with the experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Source to estuary surveys revealed specific pollution and dam effects on river GHGs. • Pollution effects on riverine CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O vary with source size and location. • Cascade weirs boost CH 4 production, offsetting CO 2 sinks in eutrophic river-estuary. • δ13C indicates wastewater-derived GHGs and temperature-enhanced CH 4 oxidation. • Basin-specific perturbations warn generalizing eutrophic river-estuary as C sinks. Large uncertainties exist regarding the combined effects of pollution and impoundment on riverine greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It has also been debated whether river eutrophication can transform downstream estuaries into carbon sinks. To assess human impacts on the riverine and estuarine distributions of CO 2 , CH 4 , and N 2 O, two source-to-estuary surveys along three impounded rivers in Korea were combined with multiple samplings at five or six estuarine sites. The basin-wide surveys revealed predominant pollution effects generating localized hotspots of riverine GHGs along metropolitan areas. The localized pollution effect was pronounced in the lower Han River and estuary adjacent to Seoul, while the highest GHG levels in the upper Yeongsan traversing Gwangju were not carried over into the faraway estuary. CH 4 levels were elevated across the eutrophic middle Nakdong reaches regulated by eight cascade weirs in contrast to undersaturated CO 2 indicating enhanced phytoplankton production. The levels of all three GHGs tended to be higher in the Han estuary across seasons. Higher summer-time δ13C-CH 4 values at some Nakdong and Yeongsan estuarine sites implied that temperature-enhanced CH 4 production may have been dampened by increased CH 4 oxidation. Our results suggest that the location and magnitude of pollution sources and impoundments control basin-specific longitudinal GHG distributions and estuarine carryover effects, warning against simple generalizations of eutrophic rivers and estuaries as carbon sinks. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The non-animal in vitro test methods, especially for assessment of kidney toxicity, have become invaluable tools due to the target organ-selective nature of many nephrotoxic xenobiotics. In vitro evaluation of biomarkers for nephrotoxicity assessment using human cell lines, which can provide more reliable information for toxicological risk evaluation in humans than animal cells, has not been well established to date. The present study investigated the potential use of biomarkers for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity assessment in vitro using HK-2 cells derived from human kidney proximal tubule epithelial cells. Cisplatin induced apoptosis of HK-2 cells in which down-regulation of Bcl-2 and activation of caspase-3 were possibly involved. We investigated the effect of cisplatin on the protein levels of kidney injury molecule (KIM)-1, clusterin, calbindin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, cystatin C (CysC), β2-microglobulin (β2-M) and neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL), which have been recently identified as in vivo biomarkers of nephrotoxicity. The protein levels of KIM-1, calbindin and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in the conditioned media of HK-2 cells treated with cisplatin, while β2-M, CysC, NGAL and clusterin were not affected by cisplatin treatment. The mRNA levels of KIM-1, calbindin and TIMP-1 were increased by cisplatin, indicating that cisplatin-induced up-regulation involves transcriptional activation. The levels of KIM-1, calbindin and TIMP-1 were significantly increased in urine of cisplatin-treated rats, providing in vivo validation of the in vitro results. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that among the known in vivo nephrotoxic biomarkers, KIM-1, calbindin and TIMP-1 can be effectively used as in vitro biomarkers for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using a HK-2 human kidney cell system. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Acrylamide (ACR) is a well-known neurotoxin in mammalian species that causes neuropathy characterized by ataxia and skeletal muscle weakness. Therefore, ACR-mediated axon damage in the central and peripheral nervous systems is considered to be central-peripheral axonopathy. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying ACR''s toxicity to neural progenitor cells are unknown. This study investigated the adverse effects of ACR on mouse multipotent neural progenitor cells and adult hippocampal neurogenesis. ACR significantly reduced the proliferation of neural progenitor cells, and high ACR concentrations induced apoptotic and necrotic cell death. We found that elevated intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species were involved in ACR-mediated cytotoxicity. Interestingly, the administration of ACR to young mice resulted in a significant decrease in the number of newly generated cells in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, suggesting an impairment of adult neurogenesis. These results suggest that ACR''s deleterious effects on the central nervous system are due to the death of neural progenitor cells and impaired adult neurogenesis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 2,5-Hexanedione (HD), a metabolite of n-hexane, causes central and peripheral neuropathy leading to motor neuron deficits. Although chronic exposure to n-hexane is known to cause gradual sensorimotor neuropathy, there are no reports on the effects of low doses of HD on neurogenesis in the central nervous system. In the current study, we explored HD toxicity in murine neural progenitor cells (NPC), primary neuronal culture and young adult mice. HD (500nM∼50μM) dose-dependently suppressed NPC proliferation and cell viability, and also increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). HD (10 or 50mg/kg for 2 weeks) inhibited hippocampal neuronal and NPC proliferation in 6-week-old male ICR mice, as measured by BrdU incorporation in the dentate gyrus, indicating HD impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. In addition, elevated microglial activation was observed in the hippocampal CA3 region and lateral ventricles of HD-treated mice. Lastly, HD dose-dependently decreased the viability of primary cultured neurons. Based on biochemical and histochemical evidence from both cell culture and HD-treated animals, the neurotoxic mechanisms by which HD inhibits NPC proliferation and hippocampal neurogenesis may relate to its ability to elicit an increased generation of deleterious ROS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to evaluate the degree of pulmonary fibrosis and to identify the fibrogenic mechanisms induced by ultrafine amorphous silica (UFAS), UFAS suspensions (∼50μl) were instilled intratracheally into A/J mice at doses of 0, 2, 10 and 50mg/kg (n =5 per group). Mice were sacrificed at 24h, 1, 4 and 14weeks after exposure. Gomori’s trichrome staining revealed that UFAS induced severe alveolar epithelial thickening and pulmonary fibrosis at 1week, though animals almost recovered at 4 and 14weeks. The mRNA and protein levels of cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-10) and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in lung tissues were significantly elevated at 24h and 1week post-treatment, though these levels decreased to near the control range at 4 and 14weeks except IFN-γ and MMP-2. These results demonstrate that UFAS can induce pulmonary fibrosis in the same way as crystalline silica. However, the degree of fibrosis observed was transient. This study shows that cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ), MMPs (MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-10) and TIMP-1 play important roles in the fibrosis induced by the intratracheal instillation of UFAS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (α-chlorohydrin, 3-MCPD) is a well-known contaminant, which has been detected in a wide range of foods and ingredients, and is also a suspected cause of cancer. In this study, the carcinogenicity of 3-MCPD in SD rats was investigated. Groups of 50 male and 50 female rats were exposed for two years to drinking water containing 0, 25, 100 or 400ppm 3-MCPD. The body weights and water consumptions of the male and female rats given 400ppm 3-MCPD were significantly lower than those of the controls. The incidences of renal tubule adenomas or carcinomas and Leydig cell tumors occurred with dose-related positive trends in male rats. The incidences of renal tubule carcinomas and Leydig cell tumors were significantly increased in male rats given 400ppm 3-MCPD. The incidence of renal tubule adenomas showed a positive trend in female rats, which was significant in 400ppm 3-MCPD group. In conclusion, there was clear evidence of the carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in male SD rats, based on the increased incidences of renal tubule carcinomas and Leydig cell tumors. There was some evidence of the carcinogenic activity of 3-MCPD in female SD rats, based on the increased incidence of renal tubule adenomas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α activator, is widely used as a plasticizer in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and ultimately in typical vinyl applications, particularly wire, cable and toys, etc. To examine its carcinogenic potential, DIDP was fed to Fischer 344 rats in the diet at doses of 0, 400, 2000 and 8000ppm for 2 years. Briefly, significant decreases in the overall survival and body weights, and increases in the relative weights of kidneys and liver were noted in both sexes of the highest dose groups. However, no treatment-related neoplastic lesions were observed in the internal organs, including the liver. Unlike di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), DIDP failed to maintain the catalase-inducing potential between early and late expressions of catalase protein from western blotting, immunohistochemistry and enzyme activity measurements. These results suggest that the non-carcinogenicity of DIDP in F344 rats was due to its limited potential for peroxisomal proliferating activity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: 3-Monochloropropane-1,2-diol (3-MCPD) is a food processing contaminant in a wide range of foods and ingredients and is a suspected cause of cancer. In this study, the 13-week toxicity of 3-MCPD was examined in B6C3F1 mice (10/sex/group) administered 3-MCPD doses of 0, 5, 25, 100, 200 and 400ppm dissolved in their drinking water over a 13-week period. All the mice survived to the end of study. The mean body weight gains in the males and females given 400ppm were significantly lower than those of the controls. The relative kidney weights of the males and females given 200 and 400ppm were significantly higher than those of the controls without any corresponding histopathological changes. The sperm motility was lower in the 400ppm group than the control, and there was a significant increase in the incidence of germinal epithelium degeneration in the 200 and 400ppm groups. A delayed total estrus cycle length was observed in the 400ppm group without any histopathological changes. Based on these results, the target organ was determined to be kidney, testis, and ovary. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) was found to be 100ppm (18.05mg/kg/day for males and 15.02mg/kg/day for females). [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: In order to evaluate the pulmonary effects and inflammatory mechanisms of ultrafine amorphous silica particles (UFASs), the UFASs suspension was prepared in PBS and intratracheally administered to A/J mice at doses of 0, 2, 10 and 50mg/kg (n =5 per group). Animals were sacrificed at 24h, and 1, 4 or 14 weeks following exposures. At each time point, a bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, histopathological examination, quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry of the lung tissues were assessed. The intratracheal instillation of UFASs significantly increased the lung weights and total BAL cells following exposures. The histopathological examination revealed that UFASs-induced severe inflammation, with neutrophils, at an early stage and chronic granulomatous inflammation at the later stage. The mRNA and protein levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, MCP-1 and MIP-2 in lung tissues were significantly increased during the early stages, but there were no changes after weeks 1 (TNF-α) or 4 (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, MCP-1 and MIP-2). Instillation of UFASs-induced transient, but very severe lung inflammation. Therefore, the cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) and chemokines (MCP-1 and MIP-2) play important roles in the inflammation induced by the intratracheal instillation of UFASs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Introduction: A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase (ADAM) proteins are a family of multifunctional proteins containing disintegrin and metalloproteinase domains that perform both adhesive and proteolytic functions in cell–cell and cell–matrix interactions. ADAM15 is unique among these proteins in having an Arg–Gly–Asp (RGD) motif in its disintegrin-like domain. This motif is known to interact with the integrin αIIbβ3 on platelets. Materials and methods: We cloned and expressed the human ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain and its derivatives in Pichia pastoris, and purified them by chromatographic fractionation. We then characterized the integrin binding specificities and their antiplatelet activities of the proteins. Antiplatelet function was assessed by inhibition of platelet adhesion and aggregation. Results: The yeast-expressed ADAM15 disintegrin-like domains were able to inhibit the binding of αIIbβ3 as well as αvβ3 to its biological ligands in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, mutation of the three residues proximal to the RGD tripeptide sequence, RPTRGD sequence to NWKRGD, increased its affinity for αIIbβ3. The NWK mutant had a much greater inhibitory action on human platelet aggregation than the original ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain. Conclusions: The structural context of the RGD tripeptide sequence in the disintegrin domain determines the specificity and affinity of the protein for its binding partners. The human ADAM15 disintegrin-like domain may provide useful information for developing an antithrombotic agent. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Curcumin has been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, and anticarcinogenic activities. However, the modulatory effect of curcumin on the functional activation of primary microglial cells, brain mononuclear phagocytes causing the neuronal damage, largely remains unknown. The current study examined whether curcumin influenced NO production in rat primary microglia and investigated its underlying signaling pathways. Curcumin decreased NO production in LPS-stimulated microglial cells in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 3.7 μM. It also suppressed both mRNA and protein levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), indicating that this drug may affect iNOS gene expression process. Indeed, curcumin altered biochemical patterns induced by LPS such as phosphorylation of all mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and DNA binding activities of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activator protein (AP)-1, assessed by reporter gene assay. By analysis of inhibitory features of specific MAPK inhibitors, a series of signaling cascades including c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 and NF-κB was found to play a critical role in curcumin-mediated NO inhibition in microglial cells. The current results suggest that curcumin is a promising agent for the prevention and treatment of both NO and microglial cell-mediated neurodegenerative disorders. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: For the recognition and sensing of anionic analytes, comparative studies were carried out on the anion bindings of pyrophosphate, H2PO4-, and dicarboxylates to the anthracene derivatives bearing two urea groups on the 1,8 and 9,10-positions as fluorescent chemosensors for anions. Their binding properties were compared using fluorescence and 1H NMR, and the results were rationalized with an ab initio study. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]