Relationship of arsenic and chromium availability with carbon functional groups, aluminum and iron in Little Washita River Experimental Watershed Reservoirs, Oklahoma, USA.

Sediment from three reservoirs located in the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) in Oklahoma, USA with contrasting dominant land uses were analyzed for total and extractable concentrations of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr), and the potential ecologic risk to benthic organisms. Extractable As ranged from 0.24 to 1.21 mg kg-1, in the order grazing>cropland>forest and 0.13-0.58 mg kg-1 for extractable Cr, in the order of forest>grazing>cropland. However, only approximately < 1.5% of total As and < 4% of total Cr were extractable. Total As ranged from 16.2 to 141 mg kg-1 and total Cr ranged from 5.06 to 40.1 mg kg-1 both in the order of cropland>grazing>forest. The sediment exhibited an alkaline pH (8.0-8.7). As sorption exhibited a positive relationship with Al (r = 0.9995; P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9829; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.4090; P = 0.0017) and Cr correlated positively with Al (r = 0.9676 P = 0.0001), Fe (r = 0.9818; P = 0.0001), and C (r = 0.3368; P = 0.0111). In addition, both As and Cr exhibited positive relationships with carbon (C) functional groups in the order of O-alkyl C> methoxyl C> alkyl C> aromatic C> carboxyl C> phenolic C. The sediment concentration analysis results illustrated that As in all reservoirs exceeded their respective Threshold Effect Level (TEL) and/or Probable Effect Level (PEL) indicating that existing concentrations of metals in these sediments were sufficiently high to cause adverse effects. However, Cr concentrations in all reservoirs evaluated was lower compared to the TEL and PEL.

Advancing the Sustainability of US Agriculture through Long-Term Research.

Agriculture in the United States must respond to escalating demands for productivity and efficiency, as well as pressures to improve its stewardship of natural resources. Growing global population and changing diets, combined with a greater societal awareness of agriculture's role in delivering ecosystem services beyond food, feed, fiber, and energy production, require a comprehensive perspective on where and how US agriculture can be sustainably intensified, that is, made more productive without exacerbating local and off-site environmental concerns. The USDA's Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is composed of 18 locations distributed across the contiguous United States working together to integrate national and local agricultural priorities and advance the sustainable intensification of US agriculture. We explore here the concept of sustainable intensification as a framework for defining strategies to enhance production, environmental, and rural prosperity outcomes from agricultural systems. We also elucidate the diversity of factors that have shaped the past and present conditions of cropland, rangeland, and pastureland agroecosystems represented by the LTAR network and identify priorities for research in the areas of production, resource conservation and environmental quality, and rural prosperity. Ultimately, integrated long-term research on sustainable intensification at the national scale is critical to developing practices and programs that can anticipate and address challenges before they become crises.

Effects of the MCP-1 synthesis inhibitor bindarit on tumorigenesis and inflammatory markers in the C3(1)/SV40Tag mouse model of breast cancer.

Breast cancer, the most deadly cancer in women, is characterized by elevated levels of inflammation within and surrounding the tumor, which can lead to accelerated growth, invasion and metastasis. Macrophages are central to the inflammatory milieu and are recruited to the tumor microenvironment by several factors including monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1). Using the anti-inflammatory molecule bindarit to target MCP-1, we investigated the role of this chemokine on macrophage related inflammation and mammary tumorigenesis in a transgenic mouse model of breast cancer. C3(1)/SV40Tag mice and wild type FVB/N were randomized to either control or 0.5% bindarit diet from 4 to 21weeks of age. Tumor number and volume were recorded over time and at sacrifice. Macrophage markers as well as inflammatory meditators were examined in the tumor tissue and mammary glands. Circulating MCP-1 and IL-6 were measured by ELISA. Bindarit treatment reduced tumor number (P<0.05), but did not affect tumor size, tumor weight or tumor latency in C3(1)/SV40Tag mice. Within the tumor, mRNA expression of bindarit's primary targets, MCP-1 and IL-12/p35, were significantly decreased by bindarit treatment (P<0.05), and this was consistent with trends for reduced expression of TNF-α, IL-6, F4/80, CD206, and IL-10. In mammary tissue, expression of MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-6, F4/80, IL-10 and IL-12/p35 was significantly elevated in C3(1)/SV40Tag mice compared to wild type FVB/N mice, but IL-6 was the only marker decreased by bindarit treatment (P<0.05). Plasma MCP-1 was highly correlated with tumor volume (P<0.05); however, it was not affected by bindarit at 21weeks of age. Similarly, circulating IL-6 was increased in C3(1)/SV40Tag mice but there was no effect of bindarit treatment. These results show that tumor multiplicity in the C3(1)/SV40Tag mouse model of breast cancer is reduced by bindarit, however these effects are independent of changes in plasma levels of MCP-1 and IL-6, but may be related to the attenuated expression of MCP-1 along with several inflammatory mediators and macrophage markers within the tumor.

Climate change and observed climate trends in the fort cobb experimental watershed.

Recurring droughts in the Southern Great Plains of the United States are stressing the landscape, increasing uncertainty and risk in agricultural production, and impeding optimal agronomic management of crop, pasture, and grazing systems. The distinct possibility that the severity of recent droughts may be related to a greenhouse-gas induced climate change introduces new challenges for water resources managers because the intensification of droughts could represent a permanent feature of the future climate. Climate records of the Fort Cobb watershed in central Oklahoma were analyzed to determine if recent decade-long trends in precipitation and air temperature were consistent with climate change projections for central Oklahoma. The historical precipitation record did not reveal any compelling evidence that the recent 20-yr-long decline in precipitation was related to climate change. Also, precipitation projections by global circulation models (GCMs) displayed a flat pattern through the end of the 21st century. Neither observed nor projected precipitation displayed a multidecadal monotonic rising or declining trend consistent with an ongoing warming climate. The recent trend in observed annual precipitation was probably a decade-scale variation not directly related to the warming climate. On the other hand, the observed monotonic warming trend of 0.34°C decade that started around 1978 is consistent with GCM projections of increasing temperature for central Oklahoma.

Upper washita river experimental watersheds: sediment database.

One main objective for studying sediment in the Upper Washita River Experimental Watersheds was to improve the scientific understanding of the effectiveness of watershed conservation practices and floodwater-retardation structures in controlling floods and soil erosion in southwest Oklahoma. This paper summarizes the sediment data collection program in the watersheds during the 1961 to 2012 time period. Gaging sites, record lengths, sampling procedures, data processing, and instrumentation are described. Examples of data use and analyses are presented to illustrate the potential use and relevance of the sediment data and to highlight past research findings. The sediment data, especially the breakpoint data from the unit source watersheds, are of great importance in understanding erosion processes, assessing the effectiveness of conservation practices, and evaluating and validating process-based soil erosion models. Data formats and availability are discussed, and the download URLs for accessing the data are specified.

Seasonal sediment and nutrient transport patterns.

It is essential to understand sediment and nutrient sources and their spatial and temporal patterns to design effective mitigation strategies. However, long-term data sets to determine sediment and nutrient loadings are scarce and expensive to collect. The goal of this study was to determine seasonal patterns of suspended sediment (SS), total N (TN), and total P (TP) concentrations and loadings for three USGS gauge sites located at the Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental watershed (FCREW) located in southwestern Oklahoma. Measured instantaneous discharge, SS, TN, and TP concentration data were used to develop lognormal water quality-discharge relationships. The water quality-discharge relationships were used to generate estimated seasonal concentrations and loads based on hourly or 30-min interval discharge. The estimated concentrations and loads were used to determine seasonal patterns for SS, TN, and TP relative to the respective state water quality criteria. Decreasing and increasing monotonic trends were observed for the seasonal time series loads for all three sites, but they were insignificant based on the Spearman test (α = 0.05). The largest loads were estimated during the wet springs and summers. The study SS, TN, and TP target concentrations were exceeded in one season or another. The study results showed that the priority locations to implement the TN and TP conservation practices were the Lake Creek and Willow Creek subwatersheds during the winter and spring seasons. Common practices to mitigate nutrients and suspended sediments include nutrient management, no-till, conversion of cultivated land to pasture, riparian buffers, and animal exclusion.

Upper washita river experimental watersheds: nutrient water quality data.

Climate variability, changing land use and management, and dynamic policy environments are the main reasons why long-term research is needed to understand and predict possible water quality outcomes to alternative future scenarios. Long-term water quality data sets are needed to address these water issues. Such data sets were acquired by the USDA-ARS in three watersheds in Oklahoma: the Southern Great Plains Research Watershed (SGPRW), the Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW), and the Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental Watershed (FCREW). We provide: (i) a description of these water quality data sets, (ii) the sample collection and processing procedures used and an assessment of the data quality, (iii) summary analyses of the variability in each data set, and (iv) details about how to access these data sets. Water quality data collection in the SGPRW began in the 1960s and continued through 1978, while that in the LWREW covered the 1960s to 1990 period. Data collection began in the FCREW in 2004 and continues through the present. The data were collected from streams, unit source watersheds, groundwater wells, and reservoirs. The water quality data described for a given site are generally complete for a given period of record; however, not all sites were monitored continuously and were not necessarily analyzed for the same water quality parameters. These data sets are expected to improve modeling and assessments of conservation practices in relation to climate variability, land use changes, and other environmental factors and may be useful in developing strategies to mitigate these environmental impacts.

Upper washita river experimental watersheds: meteorologic and soil climate measurement networks.

Hydrologic, watershed, water resources, and climate-related research conducted by the USDA-ARS Grazinglands Research Laboratory (GRL) are rooted in events dating back to the 1930s. In 1960, the 2927-km Southern Great Plains Research Watershed (SGPRW) was established to study the effectiveness of USDA flood control and soil erosion prevention programs. The size of the SGPRW was scaled back in 1978, leaving only the 610-km Little Washita River Experimental Watershed (LWREW) to be used as an outdoor hydrologic research laboratory. Since 1978, the number of measurement sites and types of instruments used to collect meteorologic and soil climate data have changed on the LWREW. Moreover, a second research watershed, the 786-km Fort Cobb Reservoir Experimental Watershed (FCREW), was added in 2004 to the GRL's outdoor research laboratories to further study the effects of agricultural conservation practices on selected environmental endpoints. We describe the SGPREW, FCREW, and LWREW and the meteorologic measurement network (historic and present) deployed on them, provide descriptions of measurements, including information on accuracy and calibration, quality assurance measures (where known), and data archiving of the present network, give examples of data products and applications, and provide information for the public and research communities regarding access and availability of both the historic and recent data from these watersheds.

Linking inflammation to tumorigenesis in a mouse model of high-fat-diet-enhanced colon cancer.

Many observational epidemiologic studies suggest an association between high-fat-diet (HFD) and colon cancer risk. However, the lack of controlled experimental studies that examine this relationship and the mechanisms involved weaken the basis for inferring a causal relationship. Inflammation plays a role in colon cancer progression and HFDs have been reported to increase inflammation; however, the inflammatory effects of HFD in colon cancer have yet to be firmly established. We examined the effects of a novel HFD that closely mimics the standard American diet (12% and 40% of total caloric intake from saturated fat and total fat, respectively) on macrophage markers and inflammatory mediators in a mouse model of intestinal tumorigenesis and relate this to polyp characteristics as well as measures of adiposity. Male Apc(Min/+) mice (7-8/group) were fed a Control Diet (Con) or novel high-fat-diet (HFD) from 4 to 12weeks of age. Body weight and body composition were measured weekly and monthly, respectively. Intestinal tissue was analyzed for polyp burden (number and size). Gene expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory mediators were examined in the adipose tissue and polyps. The HFD increased the expression of macrophage markers and inflammatory mediators in the adipose tissue (F4/80, CD11c, TLR-4 and MCP-1) and tumor microenvironment (IL-12, MCP-1, IL-6 and TNF-α). As expected, the HFD increased body weight, body fat percent, fat mass and blood glucose (P<0.05), and was associated with an increase in the number of large polyps (P<0.05) but not total polyps. In summary, consumption of a HFD, similar in macronutrient composition to the standard American diet, altered the expression of macrophage phenotypic markers and inflammatory mediators in adipose tissue and intestinal polyps and this was associated with increased tumorigenesis.

Benefits of exercise training on breast cancer progression and inflammation in C3(1)SV40Tag mice.

Many observational epidemiologic studies suggest an association between exercise and breast cancer risk. However, the lack of controlled experimental studies that examine this relationship and the mechanisms involved weaken the basis for inferring a causal relationship. Inflammation plays a role in breast cancer progression and exercise has been reported to reduce inflammation; however, the anti-inflammatory effects of exercise in breast cancer have yet to be established. We examined the relationship between exercise training and systemic inflammation in relation to breast cancer progression in C3(1)SV40Tag mice. Female C3(1)SV40Tag mice were assigned to either exercise (Ex) or sedentary (Sed) treatment (n=12-14/group). Beginning at 4 wks of age mice (Ex) were run on a treadmill for 60 min/d (20 m/min and 5% grade), 6 d/wk for a period of 20 wks. Mice were examined weekly for palpable tumors, and tumor number and volume were recorded. At 24 wks of age mice were sacrificed and a more direct measure of tumor number and volume, and spleen weight was recorded. Plasma was analyzed for MCP-1 and IL-6 concentration using ELISA. Ex reduced palpable tumor number at sacrifice (24 wks) by approximately 70% (P<0.05). Tumor volume was also reduced in Ex at 21-23 wks (P<0.05). This reduction in tumor progression by Ex was associated with a reduction in plasma concentration of MCP-1 and IL-6, and spleen weight (P<0.05). These data provide strong support for a beneficial effect of exercise training on tumor progression in the C3(1)SV40Tag mouse model of breast cancer that may be partly mediated by its anti-inflammatory potential.

Structure and binding determinants of the recombinant kringle-2 domain of human plasminogen to an internal peptide from a group A Streptococcal surface protein.

The X-ray crystal structure of a complex of a modified recombinant kringle-2 domain of human plasminogen, K2Pg[C4G/E56D/L72Y] (mK2Pg), containing an upregulated lysine-binding site, bound to a functional 30 residue internal peptide (VEK-30) from an M-type protein of a group A Streptococcus surface protein, has been determined by molecular replacement methods using K4Pg as a model, and refined at 2.7 A resolution to a R-factor of 19.5 %. The X-ray crystal structure shows that VEK-30 exists as a nearly end-to-end alpha-helix in the complex with mK2Pg. The final structure also revealed that Arg17 and His18 of VEK-30 served as cationic loci for Asp54 and Asp56 of the consensus lysine-binding site of mK2Pg, while Glu20 of VEK-30 coordinates with Arg69 of the cationic binding site of mK2Pg. The hydrophobic ligand-binding pocket in mK2Pg, consisting primarily of Trp60 and Trp70, situated between the positive and negative centers of the lysine-binding site, is utilized in a novel manner in stabilizing the interaction with VEK-30 by forming a cation-pi-electron-mediated association with the positive side-chain of Arg17 of this peptide. Additional lysine-binding sites, as well as exosite electrostatic and hydrogen bonding interactions involving Glu9 and Lys14 of VEK-30, were observed in the structural model. The importance of these interactions were tested in solution by investigating the binding constants of synthetic variants of VEK-30 to mK2Pg, and it was found that, Lys14, Arg17, His18, and Glu20 of VEK-30 were the most critical amino acid binding determinants. With regard to the solution studies, circular dichroism analysis of the titration of VEK-30 with mK2Pg demonstrated that the peptidic alpha-helical structure increased substantially when bound to the kringle module, in agreement with the X-ray results. This investigation is the first to delineate structurally the mode of interaction of the lysine-binding site of a kringle with an internal pseudo-lysine residue of a peptide or protein that functionally interacts with a kringle module, and serves as a paradigm for this important class of interactions.

Solid-state and solution conformations of the potent HIV inhibitor, 4'-azidothymidine.

The three-dimensional structure of 4'-azidothymidine has been determined for the solid state and in solution. X-ray crystal analysis indicates the presence of two independent molecules (A and B) having the following conformational parameters: Phase angles, PA = 13.7 degrees, PB = 12.6 degrees (C3'-endo envelope); puckering amplitude psi mA = 32.4 degrees, psi mB = 37.2 degrees; glycosyl torsion angle chi A = -88.2 degrees, chi B = -71.2 degrees; 4'-5' torsion angle gamma A = 58.5 degrees, gamma B = 36.0 degrees. The solution conformation was determined from NMR coupling constants in D2O. Analysis using the computer programs PSEUROT and DAERM yielded phase angles (P) of 53.2 degrees (C4'-exo envelope) (major conformer) and 63 degrees (C4'-exo envelope), respectively, with corresponding puckering amplitudes (psi m) of 34.9 degrees and 45.8 degrees. A gated 13C NMR experiment was used to determine the 1H-13C vicinal coupling constants used to calculate the solution glycosyl torsion angle (chi) to be either -80 degrees or -160 degrees and a 4'-5' torsion angle, gamma, of ca. 180 degrees. These studies show that 4'-azidothymidine is conformationally exceptional among the antiretroviral nucleosides both as a solid and in solution. The C3'-endo (northern) conformation determined by X-ray crystallography is rare among HIV-inhibitory nucleosides which usually exist in the solid state in a southern conformation. The solution structure is even more peculiar in that it exists in the extremely rare 4'-exo envelope conformation.

Structure of the spiroketal-macrolide ossamycin.

Ossamycin is a cytotoxic agent of undetermined structure that was originally isolated in 1965 from culture broths of Streptomyces hygroscopicus var. ossamyceticus. Its overall structure and relative stereochemistry have now been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Absolute stereochemistry was established according to the previously determined configuration of its aminosaccharide constituent, ossamine. The aglycone of ossamycin possesses a 24-membered macrolide ring system onto which is incorporated both a 6,6-spiroketal and 5-membered hemiketal ring system. The overall three-dimensional structure possesses features in common with the related macrocyclic antibiotics dunaimycin, cytovaricin, and A82548A.

Structure of the new spiroketal-macrolide A82548A.

A new member of the spiroketal-containing macrolide class of fermentation-derived natural products was isolated from mycelial extracts of Streptomyces diastatochromogenes. The principal component, A82548A, was shown to possess a 22-membered macrolide ring system onto which was incorporated both a spiroketal and a hemiketal moiety. Relative stereochemistry was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Absolute stereochemistry was determined via hydrolysis of the amino sugar glycosidically linked to the aglycone, which was identified as L-kedarosamine. The overall three-dimensional structure is closely related to that of the macrolides cytovaricin, rutamycin, and ossamycin.

Preventive health care for mentally ill women.

Utilization of preventive medical care was compared for two low-income groups--47 women with serious mental illness in an urban mental health center and 17 women patients at a primary care center. Appropriate preventive care was defined as at least one physical examination, a Pap test, and a breast examination in the past five years and a mammogram if the patient was over age 40. Receipt of preventive care by women in both settings was similar. Histories of physical and sexual abuse were prevalent in both groups, and a history of abuse was associated with less frequent receipt of preventive care. Results indicate that procedures to identify and provide services to women with abuse histories should be further developed.

Distribution of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in stream flow of two Southern Piedmont watersheds.

Innate distributions or variability of nutrient concentrations within the fluvial system must be better understood to establish nutrient guidelines that are applicable and to discern which areas or landscape positions within the watershed are more vulnerable to nutrient losses. This work was conducted to (1) determine the system-wide spatial distribution of N and P concentrations in biweekly stream samples from two Southern Piedmont watersheds, and (2) determine the relationship between N and P concentrations in biweekly samples and watershed morphological features. From December 1998 through December 2000 samples were collected biweekly from 17 sampling sites located on Rose Creek and from 18 sampling sites located on Greenbrier Creek. The samples were analyzed for ammonium (NH4), nitrate (NO3), and dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) concentrations. We found that spatial autocorrelation of nitrate concentrations was evident and that some spatial autocorrelation of DRP concentrations was also present. We further found that the fluvial network morphological feature, drainage density, explained part of the spatial autocorrelation found for nitrate but did not for DRP. These results indicate that innate variability of nutrient concentrations within streams exists and suggest that decision makers should begin to consider location within the watershed when making nutrient management guidelines and decisions.

Effects of voluntary exercise on tumorigenesis in the C3(1)/SV40Tag transgenic mouse model of breast cancer.

Epidemiologic studies suggest an association between physical activity (PA) and breast cancer risk. We examined the relationship between voluntary wheel running and breast cancer in C3(1)/SV40Tag mice. Female FVB/N and C3(1)/SV40Tag mice were assigned to either PA [C3(1)-PA] (n=12) or sedentary (Sed) [C3(1)-Sed] (n=15) treatment and were placed in a cage with access to a running wheel (PA) or without (Sed) from 4 to 24 weeks of age (sacrifice). Physical activity data were analyzed for running distance, time and speed. Body composition was examined at 12 weeks of age. Tumors were counted twice weekly and at sacrifice to assess multiplicity. Tumor volume was calculated using external calipers [0.52 x (largest diameter) x (smallest diameter)2]. Heart and body weight were also recorded at sacrifice. Results showed that voluntary wheel running reduced tumor volume per tumor [C3(1)-Sed, 422.3±89.9 mm(3); C3(1)-PA, 260.2±61.7 mm(3)] (P<0.05), but was associated with increased tumor number (P<0.05). Body composition analysis showed no differences in body fat between the groups. Heart weight/body weight ratio was increased following physical activity (P<0.05) providing evidence of a training effect. In conclusion, voluntary wheel running activity was effective at slowing tumor growth in the C3(1)/SV40Tag mouse model of breast cancer, but did not inhibit tumor initiation. These data provide support for further development of the C3(1)/SV40Tag mouse model for use in understanding the role of physical activity on breast cancer progression and the mechanisms for its effects.

Becoming a smoke-free day hospital.

The Connecticut Mental Health Center Day Hospital instituted a no-smoking policy at the time of relocation to a new building. The attitudes of staff and patients were surveyed before and after the move. Despite the concern and anxiety shown in anticipation of the change in policy, the patients were not affected in a significantly adverse manner. The importance of providing a safe environment for patients and staff includes measures to prevent the inhalation of cigarette smoke. This paper supports the implementation of smoke-free policies in psychiatric settings.

Collaboration with police officers within a partial hospital program.

After an incident of violence in an urban community mental health center, city police officers were hired to provide extra-duty coverage to one of its satellite programs. The boundaries between clinical and security functions were not clarified initially, leading to unclear expectations regarding roles and responsibilities when handling patient dyscontrol episodes. The relationship between the clinical staff and the police developed over the course of a year, in three distinct phases, into one that is mutually supportive and beneficial. This experience is described, with an aim of identifying the challenges and advantages of participating in this type of collaboration. A conceptual framework for this interprofessional system is presented.

A comparison of the structured clinical interview for DSM-III-R and clinical diagnoses.

The relationship between diagnoses generated by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R Personality Disorders (SCID) and by nonstructured psychiatric interviews was examined. The purposes were to evaluate which DSM-III-R diagnoses were most reliably chosen, and to compare diagnostic practices between two clinical sites. Diagnoses generated by researchers using the patient version of the SCID and by psychiatric interviews were compared for 100 patients. The participants had been randomly assigned to one of two acute treatment sites within the same institution, as part of a larger study of an alternative to inpatient hospitalization. Overall reliability between the SCID and the clinicians, as determined by weighted Kappa, was poor. There was considerable variability among the major diagnostic categories, with higher agreement for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder than for others. The agreement for schizoaffective disorder was extremely low. There were also significant differences in the patterns of diagnosis between the two sites. The patient version of the SCID appears to produce results that are very different from clinical practice, which, in turn, may be influenced strongly by location.