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The Mississippi Embayment (ME) is one of the fastest groundwater depletion zones in the world. This study investigated stream‐aquifer water exchange in the ME over a 115‐year period (1900 to 2014) under normal and extreme climates (i.e., precipitation increased and decreased by 20%) with and without agricultural pumping for crop irrigation. The average daily water flow from the aquifer to the streams was always greater than vice versa under all climate scenarios. Under normal climate, the average daily water flow from the aquifer to the streams was 2.52 times larger without pumping than with pumping. While the extreme climate had discernable impacts, the groundwater pumping, but not extreme climate, was the major factor for low flows and drying streams in the ME. These findings are essential to groundwater resource management in the region and provide a critical reference for other parts of the world with similar conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change could add a variety of uncertainties to hydrological processes and water resources. Very limited efforts have been devoted to applying the US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)'s Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS) model for predicting climate change impacts on hydrological processes at the basin scale. Here, we applied the model to project the next 50 years' (from 2021 to 2070) hydrological processes at the Yazoo River basin in Mississippi, USA. Simulations showed that over the next 50 years, there are no significant trends in monthly precipitation, ET, runoff and discharge; only 2% of the annual precipitation percolated into the deep aquifer; and dry seasons become dryer and wet seasons become wetter. These findings provide very useful information to stakeholders for water resource management. Our study further suggests that the HAWQS model is a user-friendly and time-saving tool for basin-scale hydrological modelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and its cofactors CDH1 and CDC20 regulate the accumulation/degradation of CCNB1 during mouse oocyte meiotic maturation. Generally, the CCNB1 degradation mediated by APC/CCDC20 activity is essential for the transition from metaphase to anaphase. Here, by using siRNA and mRNA microinjection, as well as time‐lapse live imaging, we showed that Septin 9, which mediates the binding of septins to microtubules, is critical for oocyte meiotic cell cycle progression. The oocytes were arrested at the MI stage and the connection between chromosome kinetochores and spindle microtubules was disrupted after Septin 9 depletion. As it is well known that spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) is an important regulator of the MI‐AI transition, we thus detected the SAC activity and the expression of CDC20 and CCNB1 which were the downstream proteins of SAC during this critical period. The signals of Mad1 and BubR1 still remained on the kinetochores of chromosomes in Septin 9 siRNA oocytes at 9.5 h of in vitro culture when most control oocytes entered anaphase I. The expression of CCNB1 did not decrease and the expression of CDC20 did not increase at 9.5 h in Septin 9 siRNA oocytes. Microinjection of mRNA encoding Septin 9 or CDC20 could partially rescue MI arrest caused by Septin 9 siRNA. These results suggest that Septin 9 is required for meiotic MI‐AI transition by regulating the kinetochore‐microtubule connection and SAC protein localization on kinetochores, whose effects are transmitted to APC/CCDC20 activity and CCNB1 degradation in mouse oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AZD1208, a pan‐inhibitor that can effectively inhibit PIM kinase, is used for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and malignant lymphomas. Numerous studies have proved its curative effects while its potential cellular toxicity on reproduction was still little known. In this study, we investigated the toxic effects of AZD1208 on mouse oocytes. The results showed that AZD1208 treatment did not affect meiotic resumption, but postponed oocyte maturation as indicated by delayed first polar body extrusion. Further mechanistic study showed that AZD1208 treatment delayed spindle assembly. In addition, we found that oocytes treated with AZD1208 showed mitochondrial dysfunction. Abnormal mitochondrial clusters with decreased mitochondrial membrane potential were observed in oocytes during incubation in vitro. Moreover, increased oxidative stress was observed by testing the level of reactive oxygen species. In summary, our results suggest that AZD1208 treatment influences oocyte meiotic progression by causing mitochondrial dysfunctions and subsequent delayed spindle assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Citrullination of proteins plays an important role in protein function and it has recently become clear that citrullinated proteins play a role in immune responses. In this study we examined how citrullinated collagen, an extracellular matrix protein, affects T-cell function during the development of autoimmune arthritis. Using an HLA-DR1 transgenic mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, mice were treated intraperitoneally with either native type I collagen (CI), citrullinated CI (cit-CI), or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) prior to induction of autoimmune arthritis. While the mice given native CI had significantly less severe arthritis than controls administered PBS, mice receiving cit-CI had no decrease in the severity of autoimmune arthritis. Using Jurkat cells expressing the inhibitory receptor leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor-1 (LAIR-1), Western blot analysis indicated that while CI and cit-CI bound to LAIR-1 with similar affinity, only CI induced phosphorylation of the LAIR ITIM tyrosines; cit-CI was ineffective. These data suggest that cit-CI acts as an antagonist of LAIR-1 signaling, and that the severity of autoimmune arthritis can effectively be altered by targeting T cells with citrullinated collagen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mammals, oocytes are arrested at G2/prophase for a long time, which is called germinal vesicle (GV) arrest. After puberty, fully‐grown oocytes are stimulated by a gonadotropin surge to resume meiosis as indicated by GV breakdown (GVBD). CCNB1 is accumulated to a threshold level to trigger the activation of maturation promoting factor (MPF), inducing the G2/M transition. It is generally recognized that the anaphase‐promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) and its cofactor CDH1 (also known as FZR1) regulates the accumulation/degradation of CCNB1. Here, by using small interfering RNA (siRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) microinjection, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy, immunoprecipitation, time‐lapse live imaging, and immunoblotting analysis, we showed that Septin 4 regulates the G2/M transition by regulating the accumulation of CCNB1 via APC/CCDC20. Depletion of Septin 4 caused GV arrest by reducing CCNB1 accumulation. Unexpectedly, the expression level of CDC20 was higher in Septin 4 siRNA‐injected oocytes than in control oocytes, but there was no significant change in the expression level of CDH1. Importantly, the reduced GVBD after Septin 4 depletion could be rescued not only by over‐expressing CCNB1 but also could be partially rescued by depleting CDC20. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Septin 4 may play a critical role in meiotic G2/M transition by indirect regulation of CCNB1 stabilization in mouse oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intent-driven networking (IDN) is emerging because the traditional network is complicated and error-prone when configured. As the key step of IDN, intent refinement is an alternative approach to convert intents from declarative language to a machine-readable policy, which possesses important scientific significance and application value. In this article, we first present a generic architecture to illustrate the process and functions of IDN. Then we give a definition of intent refinement to make the concept clear. In order to propose a standard classification method of intent refinement, we review the typical intent refinement schemes and distinguish them according to target users, input methods, and refinement approaches. Finally, in order to refine different kinds of intent, we design an intelligent intent refinement system based on natural language processing and deterministic finite automation. In summary, intent refinement plays a crucial role in IDN, which provides a convenient northbound interface for different users to express their communication requirements. Therefore, it is of vital importance to summarize its common methods and explore more straightforward and intelligent ways to enhance its utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater resource overdraft is a serious water resource concern worldwide. Although afforestation has been recognized as conserving water resources, improving water quality and mitigating river flood, the role it plays with groundwater resources is not fully investigated. Here we applied the US Geological Survey's Mississippi Embayment Regional Aquifer Study (MERAS) model to estimate impacts of afforestation in croplands on groundwater resource availability in the Upper Yazoo River Watershed (a humid subtropical climate), Mississippi, USA. Simulations showed that the average groundwater level had declined 1.2 m in the croplands over a 20-year period from 1987 to 2007, whereas the average groundwater level had declined only 0.13 m after afforestation for the same simulation period and occurred mainly due to no groundwater pumping and a slight increase in groundwater recharge. Our study implies that afforestation on low-productive croplands in a humid subtropical region could be an alternative to mitigate groundwater depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Novel titanium-containing precursors was used to prepare hierarchical TS-1. • The mesopore volume and framework Ti contents were enhanced due to diphenolics. • The conversion and selectivity in 1-hexene epoxidation was greatly improved. Hierarchical TS-1 zeolites with high catalytic activities toward 1-hexene epoxidation were successfully synthesized by using novel titanium-containing precursors. The precursors were prepared by o / m / p -dihydroxybenzene with tetrabutyl titanate, which not only promote the uniform distribution of titanium sources and reduce the aggregation of Ti species, but also contribute to regulating the coordination state of Ti species and increasing the frameworks Ti contents. TS- m / p -DHB-48h zeolites display excellent catalytic performance in the epoxidation reaction of 1-hexene, and the conversion improved by 41.9 % and 34.7 %, respectively. The hierarchical zeolites also exhibit superior 1,2-epoxyhexane selectivity, which will greatly improve the efficiency of industrial production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in long-term precipitation trends due to climate forcings have been observed in many parts of the world, exacerbating hydrological uncertainties to predicting droughts, floods, water resource availability, and ecosystem services. The Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (LMRAV) is an important economic region of the midsouth USA, which is prone to natural disasters from extreme climate events and is known historically for cyclic flooding events and, within the last 20 years, for groundwater level declines. However, our knowledge of long-term precipitation trends in this region is fragmented. Using 100-year historic daily precipitation data from six stations of forest lands along with multivariate statistical analysis, we found that there were significant increasing trends (p ≤ 0.05) in annual precipitation near the south coastal area of the LMRAV and only marginally increasing trends in the northern area. Spatial variation in seasonality was observed at the decadal scale with increasing trends in fall near the coastal area and in spring around the north area. In addition to becoming wetter, the coastal area also experienced higher precipitation intensity with shorter return period over the past 100 years. These findings are useful to water resource managers for adapting to changing climate conditions in the LMRAV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Online retailers are increasingly adding buy-online and pick-up-in-store (BOPS) modes to order fulfilment. In this paper, we study a system of BOPS by developing a stochastic Nash equilibrium model with incentive compatibility constraints, where the online retailer seeks optimal online sale prices and an optimal delivery schedule in an order cycle, and the offline retailer pursues a maximal rate of sharing the profit owing to the consignment from the online retailer. By an expectation method and optimality conditions, the equilibrium model is first transformed into a system of constrained nonlinear equations. Then, by a case study and sensitivity analysis, the model is validated and the following practical insights are revealed. (I) Our method can reliably provide an equilibrium strategy for the online and offline retailers under BOPS mode, including the optimal online selling price, the optimal delivery schedule, the optimal inventory and the optimal allocation of profits. (II) Different model parameters, such as operational cost, price sensitivity coefficient, cross-sale factor, opportunity loss ratio and loss ratio of unsold goods, generate distinct impacts on the equilibrium solution and the profits of the BOPS system. (III) Optimization of the delivery schedule can generate greater consumer surplus, and makes the offline retailer share less sale profit from the online retailer, even if the total profit of the BOPS system becomes higher. (IV) Inventory subsidy is an indispensable factor to improve the applicability of the game model in BOPS mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A vast amount of future climate scenario datasets, created by climate models such as general circulation models (GCMs), have been used in conjunction with watershed models to project future climate variability impact on hydrological processes and water quality. However, these low spatial-temporal resolution datasets are often difficult to downscale spatially and disaggregate temporarily, and they may not be accurate for local watersheds ( i.e ., state level or smaller watersheds). This study applied the US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)’s Climate Assessment Tool (CAT) to create future climate variability scenarios based on historical measured data for local watersheds. As a case demonstration, CAT was employed in conjunction with HSPF (Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN) model to assess the impacts of the potential future extreme rainfall events and air temperature increases upon nitrate-nitrogen (NO 3 -N) and orthophosphate (PO 4 ) loads in the Lower Yazoo River Watershed (LYRW), a local watershed in Mississippi, USA. Results showed that the 10 and 20% increases in rainfall rate, respectively, increased NO 3 -N load by 9.1 and 18% and PO 4 load by 12 and 24% over a 10-year simulation period. In contrast, simultaneous increases in air temperature by 1.0 °C and rainfall rate by 10% as well as air temperature by 2.0 °C and rainfall rate by 20% increased NO 3 -N load by 12% and 20%, and PO 4 load by 14 and 26%, respectively. A summer extreme rainfall scenario was created if a 10% increase in rainfall rate increased the total volume of rainwater for that summer by 10% or more. When this event occurred, it could increase the monthly loads of NO 3 -N and PO 4 , by 31 and 41%, respectively, for that summer. Therefore, the extreme rainfall events had tremendous impacts on the NO 3 -N and PO 4 loads. It is apparent that CAT is a flexible and useful tool to modify historical rainfall and air temperature data to predict climate variability impacts on water quality for local watersheds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterization of stream flow is essential to water resource management, water supply planning, environmental protection, and ecological restoration; while air temperature variation due to climate change can exacerbate stream flow and add instability to the flow. In this study, the wavelet analysis technique was employed to identify temporal trend of air temperature and its impact upon forest stream flows in Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (LMRAV). Four surface water monitoring stations, which locate near the headwater areas with very few land use disturbances and the long-term data records (60–90 years) in the LMRAV, were selected to obtain stream discharge and air temperature data. The wavelet analysis showed that air temperature had an increasing temporal trend around its mean value during the past several decades in the LMRAV, whereas stream flow had a decreasing temporal trend around its average value at the same time period in the same region. Results of this study demonstrated that the climate in the LMRAV did get warmer as time elapsed and the streams were drier as a result of warmer air temperature. This study further revealed that the best way to estimate the temporal trends of air temperature and stream flow was to perform the wavelet transformation around their mean values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change over the past several decades has resulted in shifting rainfall pattern and modifying rainfall intensity, which has exacerbated hydrological processes and added the uncertainty and instability to these processes. This study ascertained impacts of potential future rainfall change on hydrological processes at the Jianfengling (JFL) tropical mountain rainforest watershed in Hainan Island, China using the BASINS (Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources)-HSPF (Hydrological Simulation Program-FORTRAN)-CAT (Climate Assessment Tool) modeling system. The HSPF model was calibrated and validated with available measured data prior to its applications. Three simulation scenarios were then performed to gain a better understanding of the impacts of different rainfall rates and storm intensities on stream discharge, surface water runoff from forest land, and water outflow from the JFL watershed outlet. Results showed that a 10% increase in rainfall rate could result in 1.3 times increase in stream discharge, surface runoff, and water outflow. A potential future wet climate could have profound impacts on hydrological processes at the JFL watershed, whereas a potential future dry climate could result less impacts on stream discharge, surface runoff, and water outflow at the same watershed. Our simulation further revealed that climate change driven by extreme rain storms had greater impacts on annual surface runoff than on annual stream discharge. The coupled CAT-HSPF model is a useful tool to modify historical rainfall data for projecting future rainfall variation impacts on forest hydrological processes due to climate change. This approach would be able to extend to other regions around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eucalypts have been identified as one of the best feedstocks for bioenergy production due to their fast-growth rate and coppicing ability. However, their water use efficiency along with the adverse environmental impacts is still a controversial issue. In this study, a system dynamic model was developed to estimate the hydrological processes and water use in a eucalyptus urophylla plantation using the STELLA (Structural Thinking and Experiential Learning Laboratory with Animation) software. This model was both calibrated and validated with very good agreements between model predictions and field measurements obtained from our experiment. Two simulation scenarios were employed in this study, one was to quantify the hydrological processes in a eucalypt plantation (40 m × 40 m) under a normal (a base scenario) sandy soil condition, while the other was to estimate the potential impacts of the wet and dry sandy soil conditions upon the eucalyptus water use. A characteristic monthly variation pattern was found for soil evaporation, leaf transpiration, and root uptake, with increasing from winter to summer and decreasing from summer to the following winter. Overall, the rates of evaporation, transpiration, evapotranspiration (ET), and uptake were in the following order: ET > root uptake > leaf transpiration > soil evaporation. The maximum rate of leaf transpiration was about five times greater than that of soil evaporation. The cumulative annual water use by the eucalypts was 690,000 L/plot (or 3200 L/tree). Although no differences in ET rate and water use were found between the base and wet soil conditions, the discernable discrepancies in ET rate and water use were observed between the wet and dry soil conditions when the soil water content was below 0.17 cm 3 /cm 3 . This study suggests that the system dynamic model developed with STELLA is a useful tool to estimate soil hydrological processes and water use in a eucalypt plantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from black solider flies (Hermetia illucens, BSF) exhibiting broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity are the most promising green substitutes for preventing the infection of phytopathogenic fungi; therefore, AMPs have been a focal topic of research. Recently, many studies have focused on the antibacterial activities of BSF AMPs against animal pathogens; however, currently, their antifungal activities against phytopathogenic fungi remain unclear. In this study, 7 AMPs selected from 34 predicted AMPs based on BSF metagenomics were artificially synthesized. When conidia from the hemibiotrophic phytopathogenic fungi Magnaporthe oryzae and Colletotrichum acutatum were treated with the selected AMPs, three selected AMPs—CAD1, CAD5, and CAD7—showed high appressorium formation inhibited by lengthened germ tubes. Additionally, the MIC50 concentrations of the inhibited appressorium formations were 40 μM, 43 μM, and 43 μM for M. oryzae, while 51 μM, 49 μM, and 44 μM were observed for C. acutatum, respectively. A tandem hybrid AMP named CAD-Con comprising CAD1, CAD5, and CAD7 significantly enhanced antifungal activities, and the MIC50 concentrations against M. oryzae and C. acutatum were 15 μM and 22 μM, respectively. In comparison with the wild type, they were both significantly reduced in terms of virulence when infection assays were performed using the treated conidia of M. oryzae or C. acutatum by CAD1, CAD5, CAD7, or CAD-Con. Meanwhile, their expression levels of CAD1, CAD5, and CAD7 could also be activated and significantly increased after the BSF larvae were treated with the conidia of M. oryzae or C. acutatum, respectively. To our knowledge, the antifungal activities of BSF AMPs against plant pathogenic fungi, which help us to seek potential AMPs with antifungal activities, provide proof of the effectiveness of green control strategies for crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OTSSP167 is an anti-tumor drug significantly inhibiting tumor growth in xenotransplantation studies using mouse breast, lung, prostate, and pancreatic cancer cell lines. Its phase I clinical trial has been completed, indicating its great potential for future treatment of solid tumors. However, its drug-related adverse effects on reproductive systems have not yet been reported. In this study, we evaluated the effects of OTSSP167 on reproduction of female mice by determining oocyte quality and follicular development. We selected four-week-old female ICR mice for a 21-day intraperitoneal injection of OTSSP167 at a dose of 5 mg/kg/d. We found that OTSSP167 could block the meiotic process of oocytes, leading to a decrease in oocyte maturation and ovulated oocyte numbers, as well as a decrease in the quality of oocytes. The results showed that OTSSP167 treatment caused disordered spindle assembly, decreased mitochondria membrane potential, and increased accumulation of reactive oxygen species in oocytes. Further investigation showed that OTSSP167 induced DNA double-strand breaks, as indicated by increased levels of γH2AX in oocytes of primordial follicles and granulosa cells of growing follicles, which induced follicular atresia and decreased the numbers of follicles at various growing stages. Our study suggests that OTSSP167 treatment may have serious effects on the ovary and consequences for female cancer patients, providing strong evidence for the necessity of protecting female fertility in clinical OTSSP167 trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three new baffle flow constructed wetlands (CWs), namely the baffle horizontal flow CW (Z1), baffle vertical flow CW (Z2) and baffle hybrid flow CW (Z3), along with one traditional horizontal subsurface flow CW (Z4) were designed to test the removal efficiency of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from the septic tank effluent under varying hydraulic retention times (HRTs). Results showed that the optimal HRT was two days for maximal removal of N and P from the septic tank effluent among the four CWs. At this HRT, the Z1, Z2, Z3 and Z4 CWs removed, respectively, 49.93, 58.50, 46.01 and 44.44% of TN as well as 87.82, 93.23, 95.97 and 91.30% of TP. Our study further revealed that the Z3 CW was the best design for overall removal of N and P from the septic tank effluent due to its hybrid flow directions with better oxygen supply inside the CW system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) is a promising technique for removal of excess nutrients and certain pollutants from wastewaters. The aim of this study was to develop a STELLA (structural thinking, experiential learning laboratory with animation) model for estimating phosphorus (P) removal in an artificial VFCW (i.e., a substrate column with six zones) grown with umbrella papyrus ( Cyperus alternifolius ) species under a wetting-to-drying cycle. Simulations showed that rate of soluble P (SP) leaching was highest at the top zone (i.e., Zone 1) and decreased gradually with increasing zone number due to the adsorption, clogging, and plant uptake when the SP flowed through the zones. Our simulations further revealed that the best time for an optimal removal of SP from the wastewater was within the first week because the adsorption capacity of the substrate in the VFCW was highest at this time period. In general, the cumulative amounts of total P (TP) were in the following order: adsorption (53.3%) > leaching (13.5%) > uptake (0.49%). Adsorption of P was a major mechanism for P removal from the VFCW system. This study suggested that the STELLA model developed is a useful tool for estimating P removal from wastewater in VFCWs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface water quality in the Lower Mississippi River Basin (LMRB) and the adjacent Gulf of Mexico has degraded over the past several decades primarily due to deforestation to agricultural lands and the loss of wetlands. This study investigated the benefits of reforestation upon nitrate–nitrogen ( NO 3 − N ) and orthophosphate ( PO 4 3 − ) load reductions in the Lower Yazoo River Watershed (LYRW) within the LMRB using the BASINS-HSPF model. The model was calibrated and validated with available experimental data prior to its applications. Two simulation scenarios were then performed: one was chosen to predict the NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − loads without reforestation and the other was selected to estimate the impacts of reforestation upon NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − load reductions following the conversion of 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the agricultural lands (with most lands near or in the batture of the streams) into forests. In general, an increase in forests reduced NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − loads and occurred because forest soils enriched in organic matter absorb water and nutrients and reduce the surface water runoff. Overall, a two-fold increase in forest land would result in approximately two-fold decrease in annual average NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − loads. On average, over a 10-year simulation, the specific NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − load reductions were, respectively, 0.06 and 0.004 ton/ha/y. Although the annual average NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − loads always decreased with increasing forest land conversion, the optimal specific NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − load reductions were found at a 75% reduction of agricultural land for the simulation conditions used in this study. Additionally, the annual average NO 3 − N load was about 16 times higher than that of PO 4 3 − in the LYRW. This study suggests that reforestation in or around the batture of streams is a beneficial practice for NO 3 − N and PO 4 3 − load reductions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Among the world's largest coastal and river basins, the Lower Mississippi River Alluvial Valley (LMRAV) is one of the most disturbed by human activities. This study ascertained the impacts of reforestation on water outflow attenuation (i.e., water flow out of the watershed outlet) and sediment load reduction in the Lower Yazoo River Watershed (LYRW) within the LMRAV using the US-EPA's BASINS-HSPF model. The model was calibrated and validated with available experimental data prior to its application. Two simulation scenarios were then performed: one was chosen to predict the water outflow and sediment load without reforestation and the other was selected to project the potential impacts of reforestation upon water outflow attenuation and sediment load reduction following the conversion of 25, 50, 75, and 100% of the agricultural lands with most lands near or in the batture of the streams. Comparison of the two simulation scenarios (i.e., with and without reforestation) showed that a conversion of agricultural land into forests attenuated water outflow and reduced sediment load. In general, a two-fold increase in forest land area resulted in approximately a two-fold reduction in annual water outflow volume and sediment load mass, which occurred because forests absorb water and reduce surface water runoff and prevent soil erosion. On average, over a 10-year simulation, the specific water outflow attenuation and sediment load reduction were, respectively, 250m3/ha/y and 4.02metric ton/ha/y. Seasonal variations of water outflow attenuation and sediment load reduction occurred with the maximum attenuation/reduction in winter and the minimum attenuation/reduction in summer. Our load duration curve analysis further confirmed that an increase in forest land area reduced the likelihood of a given sediment load out of the watershed outlet. This study suggests that reforestation in or around the batture of streams is a useful practice for water outflow attenuation and sediment load reduction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Carvedilol significantly prevented oxidative stress-induced cell death. [•] Carvedilol significantly decreased the production of ROS. [•] Carvedilol activated Nrf2/ARE pathway. [•] Carvedilol increased the protein levels of HO-1 and NQO-1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Homocysteic acid (HCA) induces neurotoxicity in dose- and time-dependent manners. [•] HCA decreases the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax, but in a Caspase-3-independent way. [•] HCA induces oxidative stress and decreased the levels of the Nrf2 and HO-1. [•] The toxicity of HCA is attenuated by SP600125. [•] HCA increases the levels of p-c-Jun and p-JNK. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Baffled subsurface-flow constructed wetland (CW) is a new type CW. [•] Very significant correlation exists between the activity of urease and the rate of N removal in this CW. [•] Activity of urease in the CW is an important indicator for N removal from wastewaters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Application of US-EPA's HAWQS model in the Yazoo River basin, Mississippi. • Forest land reduces evapotranspiration (ET) and increases water yield (WYLD) over a long-range. • No temporal trend of ET under the past and future 50 years climate conditions. • Very significant increasing trend of ET was observed in recent 20 years from 1997 to 2017. • Findings could change the traditional views on how forests and crops affect ET and WYLD. Forest lands are sometimes thought to increase evapotranspiration (ET) and decrease water yield (WYLD) more than those of croplands, especially in the semi-arid subtropical and tropical regions. Using the US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)'s Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS) model along with Mann Kendall statistics (τ) and Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, I compared ET and WLYD between a cropland and a forest land in a humid subtropical region – Yazoo River basin (YRB), Mississippi, USA – under the changing climate. Results show that no temporal trend of ET was found over the past 50-year (1966 to 2015) and future 50-year (2021 to 2070) climate conditions, but a significant increasing trend (τ = 0.403, p < 0.01) of ET was observed in the recent 20 years (1997 to 2017) in both the crop and forest lands. The simulation further reveals that the annual average air temperature over the past and future 50 years was about 1 °C cooler in the forest land than in the cropland. During the past 50 years, there was 10.8% more water lost from ET in the cropland (656 mm/year) than in the forest land (592 mm/year), while there was 17.3% less WYLD in the cropland (711 mm/year) than in the forest land (834 mm/year). Similar results were also obtained for the future 50 years, i.e., there were 42.0% more ET and 20.7% less WYLD in the cropland than in the forest land. Results show that over a long-range, the forest land reduced ET and increased WYLD as compared to those of the cropland in the YRB (a humid subtropical region). These new insights change the traditional views on how forests and crops affect ET and WYLD in the humid subtropical regions around the world and provide useful information to farmers and foresters for effective water resource management [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Elevated phosphorus (P) in surface waters can cause eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems and can impair water for drinking, industry, agriculture, and recreation. Currently, no effort has been devoted to estimating real-time variation and load of total P (TP) in surface waters due to the lack of suitable and/or cost-effective wireless sensors. However, when considering human health, drinking water supply, and rapidly developing events such as algal blooms, the availability of timely P information is very critical. In this study, we developed a new approach in the form of a dynamic data driven application system (DDDAS) for monitoring the real-time variation and load of TP in surface water. This DDDAS consisted of the following three major components: (1) a User Control that interacts with Schedule Run to implement the DDDAS with starting and ending times; (2) a Schedule Run that activates the Hydstra model; and (3) a Hydstra model that downloads the real-time data from a US Geological Survey (USGS) website that is updated every 15 min with data from USGS monitoring stations, predicts real-time variation and load of TP, graphs the variables in real-time on a computer screen, and sends email alerts when the TP exceeds a certain value. The DDDAS was applied to monitor real-time variation and load of TP for 30 days in Deer Creek, a stream located east of Leland, Mississippi, USA. Results showed that the TP concentrations in the stream ranged from 0.24 to 0.48 mg L−1 with an average of 0.30 mg L−1 for a 30-day monitoring period, whereas the cumulative load of TP from the stream was about 2.8 kg for the same monitoring period. Our study suggests that the DDDAS developed in this study was useful for estimating the real-time variation and load of TP in surface water ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Low flow selections are essential to water resource management, water supply planning, and watershed ecosystem restoration. In this study, a new approach, namely the frequent-low (FL) approach (or frequent-low index), was developed based on the minimum frequent-low flow or level used in minimum flows and/or levels program in northeast Florida, USA. This FL approach was then compared to the conventional 7Q10 approach for low flow selections prior to its applications, using the USGS flow data from the freshwater environment (Big Sunflower River, Mississippi) as well as from the estuarine environment (St. Johns River, Florida). Unlike the FL approach that is associated with the biological and ecological impacts, the 7Q10 approach could lead to the selections of extremely low flows (e.g., near-zero flows) that may hinder its use for establishing criteria to prevent streams from significant harm to biological and ecological communities. Additionally, the 7Q10 approach could not be used when the period of data records is less than 10years by definition while this may not the case for the FL approach. Results from both approaches showed that the low flows from the Big Sunflower River and the St. Johns River decreased as time elapsed, demonstrating that these two rivers have become drier during the last several decades with a potential of salted water intrusion to the St. Johns River. Results from the FL approach further revealed that the recurrence probability of low flow increased while the recurrence interval of low flow decreased as time elapsed in both rivers, indicating that low flows occurred more frequent in these rivers as time elapsed. This report suggests that the FL approach, developed in this study, is a useful alternative for low flow selections in addition to the 7Q10 approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Miro1, a mitochondrial Rho GTPase1, is a kind of mitochondrial outer membrane protein involved in the regulation of mitochondrial anterograde transport and its subcellular distribution. Mitochondria influence reproductive processes of mammals in some aspects. Mitochondria are important for oocyte maturation, fertilization and embryonic development. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether Miro1 regulates mouse oocyte maturation by altering mitochondrial homeostasis. We showed that Miro1 was expressed in mouse oocyte at different maturation stages. Miro1 mainly distributed in the cytoplasm and around the spindle during oocyte maturation. Small interference RNA‐mediated Miro1 depletion caused significantly abnormal distribution of mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum as well as mitochondrial dysfunction, resulting in severely impaired germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) of mouse oocytes. For those oocytes which went through GVBD in the Miro1‐depleted group, part of them were inhibited in meiotic prophase I stage with abnormal chromosome arrangement and scattered spindle length. Our results suggest that Miro1 is essential for maintaining the maturation potential of mouse oocyte. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pollution of rivers with excess nutrients due to groundwater discharge, storm water runoff, surface loading, and atmospheric deposition is an increasing environmental concern worldwide. While the storm water runoff and surface loading of nutrients into many rivers have been explored in great detailed, the groundwater discharge of nutrients into the rivers has not yet been thoroughly quantified. This study ascertained the shallow groundwater discharges and nutrient loads into the Lower St. Johns River (LSJR), FL, USA. The groundwater discharges were obtained using Darcy''s law along with field measured hydrological parameters, whereas the groundwater nutrient loads were calculated based on the groundwater discharges and the field measured nutrient concentrations. The average rate of groundwater discharge per unit cross-section area over the four selected sites along the LSJR was about 1.2×10−2 m3 m−2 d−1. The average loads of groundwater nutrients into the adjacent LSJR were 10.6 and 5.6mgm−2 d−1, respectively, for nitrate- and nitrite-nitrogen (NO x -N) and total phosphorus (TP). In general, seasonal variations of the groundwater levels were larger than the river stages, whereas site variations of groundwater nutrient concentrations were larger than seasonal variations of groundwater nutrient concentrations. Results from this study are useful for estimation of groundwater contamination and river eutrophication. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Constructed wetlands are becoming increasingly popular worldwide for removing contaminants from domestic wastewater. This study investigated the removal efficiency of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) from wastewater with the simulated vertical-flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) under three different substrates (i.e., BFAS or blast furnace artificial slag, CBAS or coal burn artificial slag, and MSAS or midsized sand artificial slag), hydraulic loading rates (i.e., 7, 14, and 21cmd−1), and wetland operational periods (0.5, 1, and 2 years) as well as with and without planting Canna indica L. The wastewater was collected from the campus of South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China. Results show that the percent removal of total P (TP) and ammonium N (NH4 +-N) by the substrates was BFAS>CBAS>MSAS due to the high contents of Ca and Al in substrate BFAS. In contrast, the percent removal of total N (TN) by the substrates was CBAS>MSAS>BFAS due to the complicated nitrification/denitrification processes. The percent removal of nutrients by all of the substrates was TP>NH4 +-N>TN. About 10% more TN was removed from the wastewater after planting Canna indica L. A lower hydraulic loading rate or longer hydraulic retention time (HRT) resulted in a higher removal of TP, NH4 +-N, and TN because of more contacts and interactions among nutrients, substrates, and roots under the longer HRT. Removal of NO3 −N from the simulated VFCWs is a complex process. A high concentration of NO3 −N in the effluent was observed under the high hydraulic loading rate because more NH4 +-N and oxygen were available for nitrification and a shorter HRT was unfavorable for denitrification. In general, a longer operational period had a highest removal rate for nutrients in the VFCWs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The vertical-flow constructed wetland (VFCW) is a promising engineering technique for removal of excess nutrients and certain pollutants from wastewaters. This study investigated the uptake and removal of total nitrogen (TN) by Cyperus alternifolius from domestic wastewaters in simulated VFCWs. A total of eight simulated VFCW treatments, including two different substrates, two different wet-to-dry ratios, and with and without C. alternifolius species (2×2×2=8), were employed for an operation period of 2 years in this study. Results show that more TN was removed from the influent with the presence of C. alternifolius compared to without this plant species. A linear correlation existed between the aboveground biomass and its TN content. An increase in total biomass by 100g resulted in an increase in TN accumulation in the aboveground biomass by 2.4g. Large amounts of TN were removed by the aboveground biomass compared to those by substrate adsorption. Results suggest that C. alternifolius played a discernable role in removal of TN from wastewaters in the simulated VFCWs. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A novel method, the pressured hydrothermal treatment was proposed to activate phosphorus species to stabilize framework Al of ZSM-5 based upon the nature of the endothermic equilibrium reaction between H 2 O and phosphorus species. As well as low temperature, the introduction of steam or pressured steam could effectively shift the reaction from larger condensed polyphosphate species toward smaller monomer or oligomeric phosphorus species, which were small enough to penetrate channels of ZSM-5 for consecutive stabilization on framework Al. The interaction between phosphorus species and Al was favored at elevated temperature, however too high hydrothermal treatment temperature could lead to further dealumination. It was found that the innovative pressured hydrothermal treatment could improve the distribution of phosphorus species and enhances the interaction between P and Al to enhance hydrothermal stability of ZSM-5 with more acid sites preserved, which showed higher conversion than the conventional phosphorus-impregnated samples, as well as higher yields of propylene and butenes. [Display omitted] • H 2 O favored the formation of smaller phosphorus species to stabilize TFAL. • Pressured hydrothermal treatment improved interaction between P and TFAL. • Pressured hydrothermal treatment preserved more acid sites of ZSM-5 for cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge of mechanisms for uptake, translocation, and accumulation of soil contaminants in plants is essential to successful applications of the phytoremediation technique. Analysis and evaluation of these mechanisms would be greatly facilitated by the availability of a dynamic model that can predict soil contaminant uptake by roots, transport from roots through stems to leaves, and accumulation in plant during the transport process. In this study, a dynamic model for uptake and translocation of contaminants from a soil–plant ecosystem (UTCSP) was developed using the STELLA modeling tool. The structure of UTCSP consists of time-dependent simultaneous upward transport, accumulation, and transpiration of water and contaminants in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum, which was driven by water potential gradients among soils, roots, stems, leaves, and atmosphere. The UTCSP model was calibrated using the experimental measurements and applied to predict phytoremediation of 1,4-dioxane from a sandy soil by a poplar tree. Simulation results showed that about 20% of 1,4-dioxane was removed from the soil by the poplar tree in 90 days. The simulations further revealed that while the mass of 1,4-dioxane in the poplar tree increased consecutively with time, the rates of water and 1,4-dioxane uptake and translocation in the roots, stems, and leaves have a typical diurnal distribution pattern: increasing during the day and decreasing during the night, resulting from daily variations of plant water potentials that were caused by leaf water transpiration. This study suggests that the UTCSP model is a useful tool for estimating phytoremediation of contaminants in the soil–plant ecosystems. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Understanding the uptake and transport of soil organic contaminants by plants is crucial to a successful application of phytoremediation technique. This study investigated the removal of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from a contaminated sandy soil by a poplar tree (Populus fastigiata) through the examinations of temporal variations of xylem water potential, leaf water transpiration, and root water and TNT uptake. A dynamic model for Uptake and Translocation of Contaminants from a Soil–Plant ecosystem (UTCSP), developed using the STELLA software package, was modified for the purpose of this study. The model was calibrated using laboratory measurements prior to its application. Simulation results showed that about 25% of TNT was removed from the soil by the poplar tree in 90 days. Simulations further revealed that the rates of water and TNT up taken by roots had a typical diurnal variation pattern: increasing during the day and decreasing during the night, resulting from daily variations of xylem water potentials that were caused by leaf water transpiration. In general, the storage of TNT mass in the roots decreased with time and occurred partially because of the low availability of soil TNT as time elapsed and partially because of the biodegradation of TNT in the plant tissues. This study suggests that the UTCSP model could be a useful tool for estimating phytoremediation of soil TNT by a plant. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Computational model, measurement infrastructure, and information technology are currently used to analyze and predict the characteristics and behaviors of complex systems. Most of the computational models used to date, however, only allow data inputs that are fixed when the simulations are launched. These simulation and measurement approaches are serialized and static but not synchronized and cooperative. The lack of capability to simultaneously inject measured data into simulation models limits the dynamic requirements for simulations in response to the real-time changing conditions and therefore is unable to catch the instantaneous reactions and occurrences in nature. Dynamic data driven application system (DDDAS) is a new paradigm in which simulations, measurements, and applications are dynamically integrated, creating new capabilities for a wide range of science and engineering applications. It is a symbiotic feedback control system, which can dynamically employ simulations to guide experimental measurements and to determine when, where, and how to gather additional data, and in reverse, can dynamically steer the simulations based on the experimental measurements, and thereby promising more accurate and precise analyses and predictions. This study presents an overview on recent development and future perspective of the DDDAS. The basic concept and examples of the DDDAS applied to general science, natural sciences, and engineering are given. Suggested areas on implementations of the DDDAS and its limitations are discussed. Synthesis of literature reveals that the DDDAS has great application potentials in many aspects of environmental, agricultural, and ecological practices. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Acid rain is a problem of increasing agricultural, environmental, and ecological concerns worldwide. This study investigated impacts of simulated acid rain (SAR) on cation leaching from the Latosol in south China. Latosol is an acidic red soil and occurs in the tropical rainforest biome. Laboratory experiments were performed by leaching the soil columns with the SAR at a pH range from 2. 5 to 7. 0 over a 21-day period. A linear increase in effluent K+ concentration was found at the SAR pH ⩽3. 0, whereas an exponential decrease in effluent Na+ concentration was observed at all levels of the SAR pH. In general, leaching of Ca2+ and Mg2+ from the Latosol increased as the SAR pH decreased. There was a very good nonlinear correlation between the removal of soil K+ and the SAR pH (R 2 =0. 91), a good nonlinear correlation between the removal of soil Mg+2 and the SAR pH (R 2 =0. 83), a fairly good nonlinear correlation between the removal of soil Ca+2 and the SAR pH (R 2 =0. 56), and no correlation between the removal of soil Na+ and the SAR pH (R 2 =0. 06). Our study further revealed that the removal of soil cations such as K+, Ca+2, and Mg+2 can be quantified by the quadratic polynomial equations. In addition, impacts of the SAR on cation leaching depended not only on the SAR pH but also on the original soil pH. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Compact layer in a soil profile may decrease crop yields. One of the major problems is the poor aeration condition within and below the compact layer, resulting in low concentrations of oxygen (O2) that is needed for root growth. A one-dimensional mathematical model was employed to simulate effects of a compact layer on soil O2 diffusion within and below this layer under varying soil water and temperature regimes. Changes in physical conditions in the soil were imposed by daily cycles of incident radiation and periods of rainfall. Resulting rates of water infiltration, redistribution, and evaporation as well as concentrations of O2 as a function of time were obtained. Simulations show that O2 was depleted much faster in the soil with the compact layer than without this layer. The influence of soil water content near the root tip was also examined. High water content in the compact layer may have a detrimental effect on rhizosphere O2 concentration and thereby on root growth through the compact layer. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The development of a surface water monitoring network is a critical element in the assessment, restoration, and protection of stream water quality. This study applied principal component analysis (PCA) and principal factor analysis (PFA) techniques to evaluate the effectiveness of the surface water quality-monitoring network in a river where the evaluated variables are monitoring stations. The objective was to identify monitoring stations that are important in assessing annual variations of river water quality. Twenty-two stations used for monitoring physical, chemical, and biological parameters, located at the main stem of the lower St. Johns River in Florida, USA, were selected for the purpose of this study. Results show that 3 monitoring stations were identified as less important in explaining the annual variance of the data set, and therefore could be the non-principal stations. In addition, the PFA technique was also employed to identify important water quality parameters. Results reveal that total organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, total nitrogen, dissolved nitrate and nitrite, orthophosphate, alkalinity, salinity, Mg, and Ca were the parameters that are most important in assessing variations of water quality in the river. This study suggests that PCA and PFA techniques are useful tools for identification of important surface water quality monitoring stations and parameters. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The in vitro synthesis of juvenile hormone (JH) by corpora allata (CA) from the lubber grasshopper (Romalea microptera) was stimulated by low concentrations of brain extract and this effect was reduced at higher concentrations, suggesting the presence of allatotropin (AT) and allatostatin (AST) factors in the brain. The AT activity of brain extracts caused a rapid and reversible stimulation and appeared to be a peptide(s). Reversed phase (C18) HPLC analysis of brain extracts disclosed two peaks of AT activity but no significant AST activity. Manse-AT, Schgr-NPF, and Locmi-FLRF had no effect on JH synthesis by lubber CA, indicating that the Rommi-AT factors are distinct from these peptides. High concentrations of Dippu-AST-7 and Grybi-AST-1 inhibited JH synthesis, implying that AST factors might be present in lubber grasshoppers. CA response to AT activity of brain extracts varied during the oviposition cycle (∼35 days), with the maximum response occurring on days 16–18. AT activity of brain extracts also varied during the cycle, being highest on day 25. Our data suggest that the lubber CA is largely regulated by AT activity, and that JH synthesis reflects both CA response to AT activity and the level of AT activity in the brain. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The uptake, transport, and accumulation of metals by plants are functions central to successful phytoextraction. This study investigates the uptake and translocation of arsenic from a contaminated sandy soil by a mature Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittataL.). An existing mathematical model for the coupled transport of water, heat, and solutes in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (CTSPAC) was modified to examine the flow of water as well as the uptake and translocation of total arsenic in the xylem of the fern. This model was calibrated using greenhouse measurements before its application. Simulation results showed that about 20% of the soil arsenic was removed by the fern in 10 d, of which about 90% of the arsenic was stored in the fronds and 10% in the roots. Although arsenic mass in the plant tissues increased consecutively with time, arsenic concentration in the xylem sap of the root tips has a typical diurnal distribution pattern: increasing during the day and decreasing at night, resulting from daily variations of frond surface water transpiration. The largest difference in simulated arsenic concentration in the root tips between the day and night was about 5%. This study also suggests that the use of transpiration stream concentration factor (TSCF), which is defined as the ratio of chemical concentration in the xylem sap to that in the external solution, to evaluate the translocation efficiency of arsenic for the hyperaccumulator Chinese brake fern (Pteris vittata L.) could be limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytoremediation is an emerging technology that uses plants and their associated rhizospheric microorganisms to remove, degrade, detoxify, or contain contaminants located in the soil, sediments, groundwater, surface water, and even the atmosphere. This study investigates phytoremediation of 1,4-dioxane from a contaminated sandy soil by a poplar cutting, which is associated with water flow in the soil as well as water movement and 1,4-dioxane translocation in the xylem and phloem systems. An existing one-dimensional mathematical model for coupled transport of water, heat, and solutes in the soil–plant–atmosphere continuum (CTSPAC) is modified for the purpose of this study. The model is calibrated with the laboratory experimental measurements prior to its applications. A simulation scenario is then performed to investigate phytoremediation of 1,4-dioxane by a poplar cutting in response to daily water flow and 1,4-dioxane transport for a simulation period of 7 days. Simulation shows that 1,4-dioxane concentration is high in leaves and low in roots with the stem in between. However, 1,4-dioxane mass in the stem (60%) is higher than that of leaves (28%) and roots (12%). This occurs because the stem volume used in this study is larger than those of leaves and roots. The simulation further reveals that about 30% of the soil 1,4-dioxane is removed within 7 days, resulting mainly from root uptake. A plot of the 1,4-dioxane concentrations in plant compartments as a function of time shows that the highest concentration in leaves is about 2600 μg/cm3 and the lowest concentration in roots is about 350 μg/cm3 at the end of the simulation. Results indicate that leaves are an important compartment for 1,4-dioxane accumulation and transpiration. This study suggests that the modified CTSPAC model could be a useful tool for phytoremediation estimations. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Cedar and Ortega rivers subbasin is a complex environment where both natural and anthropogenic processes influence the characteristics and distributions of sediments and contaminants, which in turn is of importance for maintenance, dredging and pollution control. This study investigated the characteristics and spatial distribution of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd), from sediments in the subbasin using field measurements and three-dimensional kriging estimates. Sediment samples collected from three sampling depth intervals (i.e., 0–0.10, 0.11–0.56 and 0.57–1.88 m) in 58 locations showed that concentrations of Pb ranged from 4.47 to 420.00 mg/kg dry weight, Cu from 2.30 to 107.00 mg/kg dry weight, Zn from 9.75 to 2,050.00 mg/kg dry weight and Cd from 0.07 to 3.83 mg/kg dry weight. Kriging estimates showed that Pb, Cu and Cd concentrations decreased significantly from the sediment depth of 0.10 to 1.5 m, whereas Zn concentrations were still enriched at 1.5 m. It further revealed that the Cedar River area was a potential source area since it was more contaminated than the rest of the subbasin. Comparison of aluminum (Al)-normalized metal concentrations indicated that most of the metals within the top two intervals (0–0.56 m) had concentrations exceeding the background levels by factors of 2–10. A three-dimensional view of the metal contamination plumes showed that all of the heavy metals, with concentrations exceeding the threshold effect level (TEL) that could pose a threat to the health of aquatic organisms, were primarily located above the sediment depth of 1.5 m. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Impact of Best Management Practices (BMPs) can be evaluated using hydrologic and water quality models. Although numerous models with diverse function, capability and degree of complexity are available, suitable model for each watershed should be determined. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) and Hydrologic Simulation Program-Fortran (HSPF) models were applied to the Big Sunflower River Watershed (BSRW) and their performances in simulating hydrology and water quality were evaluated. Both the models simulated streamflow, sediment, and nutrient concentrations with model efficiency greater than 50%. The SWAT model simulated streamflow and sediment concentration more accurately than HSPF whereas, for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorous (TP) concentrations, the HSPF model simulated equally good as SWAT. Models evaluated effect of two BMPs: vegetative filter strip (VFS) and tailwater recovery pond (TRP) in reduction of streamflow, sediment, TN, and TP concentrations. Average reduction of streamflow due to the implementation of both BMPs in SWAT and HSPF were less than 1% but average reduction of sediment concentration by VFS in SWAT was 26% and in HSPF was 38%. Average reduction of sediment concentration by TRP in SWAT and HSPF were 21% and 30% respectively. VFS reduced TN concentration by 51% in SWAT and by 25% in HSPF, while average reduction of TN concentration by TRP in SWAT and HSPF were 7% and 2% respectively. Similarly, average reduction of TP concentration by VFS in SWAT and HSPF were 56% and 31% respectively and that by TRP in SWAT and HSPF were 2% and 1% respectively. Differences in simulation results based on application of two models were mainly attributed by the modelling mechanism and equations used. The results from this study will provide a broader idea to other modellers and end-users in selecting appropriate model according to their need and type of watershed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyroptosis is an inflammation‐associated programmed cell death, and neuroinflammation is strongly associated with severe neurological deficits in neonatal hypoxic–ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Ethyl pyruvate (EP), a known anti‐inflammatory agent, has shown promise in the treatment of hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) rats; nevertheless, the therapeutic mechanism of EP and its capacity to suppress neuronal pyroptosis in HIBD rats remain unclear. In both the neonatal Rice‐Vannucci rat model and the OGD/R model, this study examined alterations in the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD classical pyroptosis pathway in hippocampal neurons during HIE and the potential inhibitory impact of ethyl pyruvate on this pathway. We used HE staining, immunofluorescence double staining, transmission electron microscopy, and western blot to demonstrate that EP effectively inhibited hippocampal neuronal pyroptosis and attenuated the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase‐1/GSDMD signaling pathway in HIBD rats, which resulted in a reduction of neuroinflammation and facilitated neural recovery. The results suggest that EP may be a promising neuroprotective agent for treating HIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gefitinib is a first-line anti-cancer drug for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It has been reported that gefitinib can generate several drug-related adverse effects, including nausea, peripheral edema, decreased appetite and rash. However, the reproductive toxicity of gefitinib has not been clearly defined until now. Here we assessed the effects of gefitinib on oocyte quality by examining the critical events and molecular changes of oocyte maturation. Gefitinib at 1, 2, 5 or 10 μM concentration was added to culture medium (M2). We found that gefitinib at its median peak concentration of 1 μM did not affect oocyte maturation, but 5 μM gefitinib severely blocked oocyte meiotic progression as indicated by decreased rates of germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and polar body extrusion (PBE). We further showed that gefitinib treatment increased phosphorylation of CDK1 at the site of Try15, inhibited cyclin B1 entry into the nucleus, and disrupted normal spindle assembly, chromosome alignment and mitochondria dynamics, finally leading to the generation of aneuploidy and early apoptosis of oocytes. Our study reported here provides valuable evidence for reproductive toxicity of gefitinib administration employed for the treatment of cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents information on the purification of a TPST from rat liver and the molecular cloning of human and mouse cDNAs encoding the enzyme. Methodology used to gather the information; Indepth look at tyrosine O-sulfation in the modification of proteins; Conclusions reached.

The first example of a palladium-catalyzed multi-cascade reaction by simple cycloenes with aryl halides in a single operation to furnish five-contiguous-stereocenter hydronaphthoindolones is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many agricultural production regions in the world have been experiencing groundwater resource depletion, which threatens water and food security if mitigation practices are not developed and implemented. To understand how changing land use and irrigation schedule impact groundwater, a coupled SWAT-MODFLOW model was applied to determine groundwater depletion mitigation strategy in a humid region, the Big Sunflower River Watershed (BSRW) in Mississippi, USA. It was found that converting grasslands to forests contributed to reducing groundwater declining. Simulated results indicated that the watershed lost 749, 586, and 381 mm yr−1 of water through surface runoff in the wet, normal and dry years, respectively. The amount of groundwater that moved into the vadose zone to help satisfy crop water demand ranged from 700 to 750 mm yr−1. Precipitation increased the groundwater recharge during the rainy season from fall to spring. Annual recharge rate was only 34–50 mm. Groundwater level dropped 0.2–0.5 m in crop irrigation seasons (May to August). Land use dataset showed 81 % of the area is cropland, with soybean, corn, rice, and cotton accounting for 64 % of the total cropland area in BSRW. The planted area of corn and soybean significantly increased while the area of cotton area was tremendously reduced. Corn, soybean, and rice consumed approximately 96 % of the total amount of groundwater irrigation. This study indicated that irrigation scheduling based on plant water demand could save 47 % of groundwater currently used by conventional irrigation. The improved irrigation schedule could reduce groundwater decline by 0.01–2.05 m across the watershed, and mitigate the declines by 1.35–2.05 m in the depression cone in the central east part of the watershed. The results can assist with planning land and water use and developing sustainable groundwater management practices focused on locations of high groundwater withdrawals in other regions around the world. • Coupled SWAT-MODFLOW model determined groundwater depletion mitigation strategy. • Land use change from grasslands to forests contributed to reduce groundwater level declining. • Groundwater level dropped 0.2–0.5 m in crop irrigation seasons (May to August). • Annual groundwater recharge was 34–50 mm during the rainy season from fall to spring. • Irrigation scheduling based on plant water demand saved 47 % groundwater, reduced groundwater level decline by 0.01–2.05 m. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Neonatal hypoxic–ischemic brain damage (HIBD) is a serious inflammatory injury. At present, the standard treatment for this disease is hypothermia therapy, and the effect of drug intervention is still limited. L‐F001 is a compound of fasudil and lipoic acid. Previous in vitro experiments have confirmed that L‐F001 has anti‐inflammatory neuroprotective functions. However, its therapeutic effect on neonates with HIBD remains unknown. This study was aimed at exploring the therapeutic effect of L‐F001 on HIBD rats. Methods: The newborn rats were divided into three groups: Sham operation group, HIBD group, and HIBD + L‐F001 group. HE staining, Nissil staining, the immunofluorescence of iNOS and COX‐2, ELISA (IL‐1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐10), and western blotting analyses were performed to determine the therapeutic effect of L‐F001. Finally, we evaluated the growth and development of each group by measuring body weight. Results: The hippocampal structure of HIBD rats was disordered, and the Nissil body was small and shallow. The expressions of iNOS and COX‐2 in HIBD rats were increased, whereas the expressions of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α in plasma were upregulated, and the expression of IL‐10 was decreased. L‐F001 could improve the tissue structure and reduce the expression of iNOS and COX‐2 in HIBD rats. Meanwhile, L‐F001 could also reduce the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and restore the content of anti‐inflammatory cytokines in plasma. We further found that the TLR4 pathway was activated after hypoxic‐ischemia in neonatal rats. L‐F001 could inhibit the activation of TLR4 pathway. Finally, we found that after L‐F001 treatment, the body weight of HIBD rats increased significantly compared with the untreated group. Conclusions: L‐F001 antagonizes the inflammatory response after hypoxic‐ischemia by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4 signaling pathway, thus playing a neuroprotective role. L‐F001 may be a potential therapeutic agent for neonatal HIBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn/P/ZSM-5 catalysts were selected to demonstrate interactions among Zn, P and ZSM-5 during bi-component modification on ZSM-5 and their corresponding effects on the catalytic performance. The status of impregnated Zn and P species, as well as the framework Si and Al species in Zn/P/ZSM-5 were systematically investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), 27Al, 31P and 29Si magic-angle spinning (MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), NH3 temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It is important to verify that ZnO could be transformed into Zn3(PO4)2 and Zn2SiO4 in the presence of P and framework Si species respectively, leading to a decrease in aromatization performance. More significantly, Zn3(PO4)2 could also hinder the coordination between P and framework Al, leading to deteriorated acidity and poor hydrothermal stability. A clearer insight into the interaction among species in bi-component modified zeolites would provide a general proposal for better optimization on the catalytic performance of bi-modified zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]