Evaluation and application of biomagnetic monitoring of traffic-derived particulate pollution

Inhalation of particulate pollutants below 10 μm in size (PM₁₀) is associated with adverse health effects. Here we use magnetic remanence measurements of roadside tree leaves to examine levels of vehicle-derived PM around Lancaster, UK. Leaf saturation remanence (SIRM) values exhibit strong correlation with both the SIRM and particulate mass of co-located, pumped-air samples, indicating that these leaf magnetic values are an effective proxy for ambient PM₁₀ concentrations. Biomagnetic monitoring using tree leaves can thus provide high spatial resolution data sets for assessment of particulate pollution levels at pedestrian-relevant heights. Leaf SIRM values not only increase with proximity to roads with higher traffic volumes, but are also ～100% higher at 0.3 m than at ～1.5–2 m height. Magnetic and SEM data indicate that the particle populations are dominated by spherical, iron-rich particles ～0.1–1 μm in diameter, with fewer larger, more angular, silica-rich particles. Comparison of the roadside leaf-calculated PM₁₀ concentrations with PM₁₀ concentrations predicted by a widely-used atmospheric dispersion model indicates some agreement between them. However, the model under-predicts PM₁₀ concentrations at ‘urban hotspots’ such as major–minor road junctions and traffic lights. Conversely, the model over-predicts PM₁₀ concentrations with distance from the road wherever one tree is screened by another, indicating the filtering/protective effect of roadside trees in leaf.     

Flow cytometry detection of lysosomal presence and lysosomal membrane integrity in the three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) immune cells: applications in environmental aquatic immunotoxicology.

The neutral red retention assay has been proposed to determine the lysosomal membrane stability in immune cells. Nevertheless, this assay implies many examinations under a microscope at short time intervals and therefore the analysis of few samples. The present study proposes two more rapid, efficient, and sensitive sample analyses using flow cytometry method. Lysosomal presence and lysosomal membrane integrity (LMI) were evaluated on the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus (L.), a well-described model fish species for aquatic ecotoxicology studies. After development of the two biomarkers, they were validated by ex vivo contamination with endosulfan and copper and by in situ sampling. These immunomarkers were clearly modulated by pollutants and their variations seemed to be correlated with leucocyte mortality. Thus, from a practical point of view, lysosomal presence and LMI may provide novel and efficient means of evaluating immune capacities and indicating the toxic effects of environmental pollution.     

A validated 2-D diffusion–advection model for prediction of drift from ground boom sprayers

Correct field drift prediction is a key element in environmental risk assessment of spraying applications. A reduced order drift prediction model based on the diffusion–advection equation is presented. It allows fast assessment of the drift potential of specific ground boom applications under specific environmental wind conditions that obey the logarithmic wind profile. The model was calibrated based on simulations with a validated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model. Validation of both models against 38 carefully conducted field experiments is successfully performed for distances up to 20 m from the field edge, for spraying on flat pasture land. The reduced order model succeeded in correct drift predictions for different nozzle types, wind velocities, boom heights and spray pressures. It used 4 parameters representing the physical aspects of the drift cloud; the height of the cloud at the field edge, the mass flux crossing the field edge, the settling velocity of the droplets and the turbulence. For the parameter set and range considered, it is demonstrated for the first time that the effect of the droplet diameter distribution of the different nozzle types on the amount of deposition spray drift can be evaluated by a single parameter, i.e., the volume fraction of droplets with a diameter smaller than 191 μm. The reduced order model can be solved more than 4 orders of magnitude faster than the comprehensive CFD model.     

亚洲高能效和环境无害的工业技术部分Ⅰ:技术方案的经济可行性评价

本文描述中国、印度、菲律宾和斯里兰卡能源密集和污染型工业中可以引进的一些技术变革.当选择一种新的高能效和环境无害的工业技术时需要考虑的因素中包括现行技术的状态、前期费用、运行费用、设备效率、企业内部可供利用的技能水平.为了确认一种新技术是经济上可行的,也需要考虑许多外部因素:合理能源定价的存在,是否有适用的环境法规和激励机制到位,总体金融环境,经济体系的透明度等.     

AN ANXIETY, PERSONALITY AND ALTITUDE SYMPTOMATOLOGY STUDY DURING A 31-DAY PERIOD OF HYPOXIA IN A HYPOBARIC CHAMBER (EXPERIMENT ‘EVEREST-COMEX 1997’)

Extreme environmental situations are useful tools for the investigation of the general processes of adaptation. Among such situations, high altitude of more than 3000 m produces a set of pathological disorders that includes both cerebral (cAS) and respiratory (RAS) altitude symptoms. High altitude exposure further induces anxiety responses and behavioural disturbances. The authors report an investigation on anxiety responses, personality traits, and altitude symptoms (AS) in climbers participating in a 31-day period of confinement and gradual decompression in a hypobaric chamber equivalent to a climb from sea-level to Mount Everest (8848 m altitude). Personality traits, state-trait anxiety, and AS were assessed, using the Cattell 16 Personality Factor questionnaire (16PF), the Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and the Lake Louise concensus questionnaire. Results show significant group effect for state-anxiety and AS; state-anxiety and AS increased as altitude increased. They also show that state-type anxiety shows a similar time-course to cAS, but not RAS. Alternatively, our results demonstrate a significant negative correlation between Factor M of the 16PF questionnaire, which is a personality trait that ranges from praxernia to autia. In contrast, no significant correlation was found between personality traits and AS. This suggests that AS could not be predicted using personality traits and further support that personality traits, such as praxernia (happening sensitivity), could play a major role in the occurrence of state-type anxiety responses in extreme environments. In addition, the general processes of coping and adaptation in individuals participating in extreme environmental experiments are discussed.     

Local Gradients of Cowbird Abundance and Parasitism Relative to Livestock Grazing in a Western Landscape

Abstract: We studied local patterns of Brown-headed Cowbird ( Molothrus ater ) abundance, parasitism rates, and nest success of a common host, the Plumbeous Vireo ( Vireo plumbeus ), in relation to the distribution of livestock grazing in an undeveloped region of northeastern New Mexico, 1992–1997. We predicted that both cowbird abundance and parasitism rates of vireo nests would decrease with increasing distance from active livestock grazing, and that the nesting success of vireos would increase. We measured cowbird abundance and host density and located and monitored vireo nests in pinyon-juniper and mixed-conifer habitats that ranged from actively grazed to isolated from livestock grazing by up to 12 km. Cowbird abundance declined with distance from active livestock grazing and was not related to host density or habitat type. Brood parasitism levels of vireo nests ( n = 182) decreased from> 80% in actively grazed habitats to 33% in habitats that were 8–12 km from active grazing but did not vary by habitat type or distance to forest edge. Vireo nesting success was higher in mixed-conifer habitat than in pinyon-juniper but was unrelated to distance from active livestock grazing. Nest losses due to parasitism declined with distance from active livestock grazing. Our results suggest that cowbird abundance and parasitism rates of hosts may be distributed as a declining gradient based on distance from cowbird feeding sites and that isolation from feeding sites can reduce the effects of parasitism on host populations. These findings provide support for management techniques that propose to reduce local cowbird numbers and parasitism levels by manipulating the distribution of cowbird feeding sites. The presence of parasitized nests> 8 km from active livestock grazing suggests that, in some regions, management efforts may need to occur at larger scales than previously realized.     

Prenatal DNA Sequencing: Clinical,Counseling, and Diagnostic Laboratory Considerations

Clinical diagnostic laboratories are producing next-generation sequencing-based test results that are becoming increasingly incorporated into patient care. Whole genome and exome sequencing on fetal material derived from amniocytes, chorionic villi, or products of conception is starting to be offered clinically in specialized centers, but it has not yet become routine practice. The technical, interpretation, and ethical challenges are greatest in the area of prenatal medicine because the fetus has a limited health history, and the physical examination is only indirectly available via prenatal sonography. Here, we provide an overview of these challenges and highlight the clinical utility, reporting, and counseling issues associated with prenatal DNA sequencing. Future considerations are also discussed. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aerial measurement of radioxenon concentration off the west coast of Vancouver Island following the Fukushima reactor accident

In response to the Fukushima nuclear reactor accident, on March 20th, 2011, Natural Resources Canada conducted aerial radiation surveys over water just off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Dose-rate levels were found to be consistent with background radiation, however a clear signal due to ¹³³Xe was observed. Methods to extract ¹³³Xe count rates from the measured spectra, and to determine the corresponding ¹³³Xe activity concentration, were developed. The measurements indicate that ¹³³Xe concentrations on average lie in the range of 30-70 Bq/m³.     

Nuclear ITS region of the alga Heterosigma akashiwo (Chromophyta: Raphidophyceae) is identical in isolates from Atlantic and Pacific basins

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region from 19 isolates of the algal genus Heterosigma (Chromophyta: Raphidophyceae) was amplified by polymerase chain-reaction (PCR) and sequenced. Isolates were obtained from both the Atlantic and Pacific basins, including Europe, eastern North America, western North America, Japan and New Zealand. This study presents evidence that all Heterosigma isolates in this study are representatives of one species (H. akashiwo). All 19 isolates, except one (LB 2005) had identical ITS sequence (98.31% similar by pairwise comparison); Isolate LB 2005 may represent a separate subspecies. Such high degree of ITS sequence identity implies that the organism has spread between oceanic regions in geologically recent times, possibly by human means. In addition to those from Heterosigma spp., the ITS regions from other marine Raphidophyceae (Chattonella antiqua, C. marina, C. subsalsa, Fibrocapsa japonica, and Olisthodiscus luteus) were amplified and sequenced using PCR. Total ITS lengths differed among the Raphidophyceae (C. antiqua, 577 base pairs (bp); C. marina, 577 bp;. C. subsalsa, 579 bp; F. japonica, 830 bp; H. akashiwo, 561 and 563 bp; O. luteus, 829 bp), but 5.8S rDNA sequences were similar in size (13 to 142 bp). The high ITS sequence identity between C. antiqua and C. marina (>99.9% by pairwise comparison) suggests the need for a taxonomic review of these species encompassing all morphological, genetic, physiological and biochemical information. Additionally, a number of cultures of Raphidophyceae were positively identified. In general, ITS comparisons among the Raphidophyceae may be most useful at the level of species determination rather than at the population level. Received: 12 July 1999 / Accepted: 16 March 2000