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Severe leaching of calcium ions from fir needles caused by acid fog.

We have measured the components of the throughfall under fir trees (Abies firma) in the field around Mt. Oyama, where the forest appears to be declining, for the period 1994-1998. Exposure experiments of a simulated acid fog to fir twigs were performed under field conditions. There was a similarity between the acid response in the field and that in the laboratory. In both studies, the severe leaching of calcium ions from the needle surface was caused by exposure to acid fog. We also applied acid fog to fir seedlings over 1 year and observed a decrease in the growth of the seedlings due to this application in the dormant season. These results suggest that the severe leaching of calcium ions due to acid fog may cause the deficiency of calcium and be responsible for the decline of the fir trees.

Acid Rain↗

Solution structures of two CCHC zinc fingers from the FOG family protein U-shaped that mediate protein-protein interactions.

BACKGROUND: Zinc finger domains have traditionally been regarded as sequence-specific DNA binding motifs. However, recent evidence indicates that many zinc fingers mediate specific protein-protein interactions. For instance, several zinc fingers from FOG family proteins have been shown to interact with the N-terminal zinc finger of GATA-1. RESULTS: We have used NMR spectroscopy to determine the first structures of two FOG family zinc fingers that are involved in protein-protein interactions: fingers 1 and 9 from U-shaped. These fingers resemble classical TFIIIA-like zinc fingers, with the exception of an unusual extended portion of the polypeptide backbone prior to the fourth zinc ligand. [15N,(1)H]-HSQC titrations have been used to define the GATA binding surface of USH-F1, and comparison with other FOG family proteins indicates that the recognition mechanism is conserved across species. The surface of FOG-type fingers that interacts with GATA-1 overlaps substantially with the surface through which classical fingers typically recognize DNA. This suggests that these fingers could not contact both GATA and DNA simultaneously. In addition, results from NMR, gel filtration, and sedimentation equilibrium experiments suggest that the interactions are of moderate affinity. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate unequivocally that zinc fingers comprising the classical betabetaalpha fold are capable of mediating specific contacts between proteins. The existence of this alternative function has implications for the prediction of protein function from sequence data and for the evolution of protein function.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conserved cardiogenic functions of the multitype zinc-finger proteins: U-shaped and FOG-2.

Multitype zinc-finger proteins murine Friend of GATA-2 (FOG-2) and Drosophila U-shaped (Ush) are required for heart development. Both FOG proteins participate in signal transduction pathways that are essential for cardiogenesis. FOG-2 regulates signaling from the myocardium, which is required for the production of the coronary vasculature. Ush functions in a common pathway with the Heartless (Htl) fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor to control mesodermal cell migration, which is required for cardiogenic cell fate commitment. In vitro studies have demonstrated that both FOG proteins repress GATA factor transcriptional activation of cardiac promoters. These similarities provide further evidence for the conservation of gene functions during cardiogenesis in Drosophila and higher eukaryotes.

Animals↗

Characterization of the conserved interaction between GATA and FOG family proteins.

The N-terminal zinc finger (ZnF) from GATA transcription factors mediates interactions with FOG family proteins. In FOG proteins, the interacting domains are also ZnFs; these domains are related to classical CCHH fingers but have an His --> Cys substitution at the final zinc-ligating position. Here we demonstrate that different CCHC fingers in the FOG family protein U-shaped contact the N-terminal ZnF of GATA-1 in the same fashion although with different affinities. We also show that these interactions are of moderate affinity, which is interesting given the presumed low concentrations of these proteins in the nucleus. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the variant CCHC topology enhances binding affinity, although the His --> Cys change is not essential for the formation of a stably folded domain. To ascertain the structural basis for the contribution of the CCHC arrangement, we have determined the structure of a CCHH mutant of finger nine from U-shaped. The structure is very similar overall to the wild-type domain, with subtle differences at the C terminus that result in loss of the interaction in vivo. Taken together, these results suggest that the CCHC zinc binding topology is required for the integrity of GATA-FOG interactions and that weak interactions can play important roles in vivo.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Acute exposure to acid fog: influence of breathing pattern on effective dose.

Concern about the possible adverse health effects of acid fog has been fed by two observations: air pollution disasters earlier in this century were typically associated with fog, and current samples of fog water can be strongly acid. To study the acute effects of acid fog on the lung, the authors generated a monodisperse 10 microM MMAD aerosol of H2SO4 with a pH of 2.0 and a nominal concentration of 500 micrograms/m3. They exposed seven healthy young men on alternate days to acid or control equiosmolar NaCl aerosol during 40 min of resting ventilation and 20 min of exercise; the latter was sufficiently intense to induce oronasal breathing. Exposure was by means of a head dome, a head-only exposure device that permitted continuous measurement (unfettered breathing) of Vr, f, VE, and the onset and persistence of oronasal breathing. In this article the authors compare the relative importance of parameters contributing to the between-subject variability in estimated hydrogen ion dose to the lower airways (H+LAW), based on analysis of variance. Physiologic parameters accounted for 70% of the variability, of which 34% was due to differences in duration of oronasal breathing (tON) and 36% to differences in ventilation rate during oronasal breathing (VE(ON)); inhaled hydrogen ion concentration [H+], the environmental parameter, contributed only 30%. Minute ventilation at the time of transition from nasal to oronasal breathing varied significantly among subjects even if normalized to FVC, an index of lung size.

Acid Rain↗

Evaluation of a room for tuberculosis patient isolation using theatrical fog.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a method to evaluate directional airflow patterns, air dilution, and air mixing in facilities where tuberculosis patients are seen. DESIGN: A tuberculosis patient isolation room was evaluated by analyzing pressure differential between the room and the corridor and by using theatrical fog to visualize room air movement and impact of dilution and exchange, as well as air capture and displacement. Tracer gas was compared to fog results and used to calculate air exchange rates. SETTING: A small research hospital. RESULTS: By adding theatrical fog to the patient room at several locations, we quickly learned that most of the air entering the room through the transom and around the door to the corridor was exhausted through the three exhaust vents. Little air appeared to move toward the exhaust fan. For comparison and to confirm the room air exchange rate, tracer gas was distributed and sampled. The kinetics of decay were very similar whether the tracer gas and room air were mixed during sampling or not. CONCLUSIONS: The fog procedure allowed good visual confirmation of air mixing and airflow patterns and provided quantitative data for evaluating the efficacy of air capture and displacement or dilution and exchange.

Aerosols↗

Dynamics of normal and superfluid fogs using diffusing-wave spectroscopy.

The dynamics of normal and superfluid fogs are studied using the technique of diffusing-wave spectroscopy. For a water fog generated with a 1.75 MHz piezoelectric driver below the liquid surface, the 7 microm diameter droplets are found to have diffusive dynamics for correlation times long compared to the viscous time. For a fog of 10 microm diameter superfluid helium droplets in helium vapor at 1.5 K the motion appears to be ballistic for correlation times short compared to the viscous time. The velocity correlations between the helium droplets are found to depend on the initial velocity with which the droplets are injected from the helium surface into the fog.

Journal Article↗

Depression of Photosynthesis, Growth, and Yield in Field-Grown Green Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) Exposed to Acidic Fog and Ambient Ozone.

The relationship among physiological, injury, growth, and yield responses was examined in field-grown green pepper (Capsicum annuum L. ;California Wonder') subjected to two airborne environmental stresses. The primary objectives were to determine if the stresses could cause alterations in the plant responses, and to determine if any stress induced alterations in physiological or injury responses were correlated with effects on growth or yield. Responses were monitored in green pepper exposed to simulated acidic fog alone, or in combination with ambient concentrations of ozone in open-top field chambers. Both highly acidic fog and ambient ozone depressed green pepper growth and yield responses via the inhibition of photosynthesis. Applications of highly acidic fog (i.e. two exposures of pH 1.68 fog per week for 11 weeks) caused a significant depression of net photosynthesis, reduction in leaf buffering capacity, and an extensive amount of leaf injury. These alterations closely paralleled decreases in growth and yield on a percentage basis. In contrast, ambient ozone had similar impacts on net photosynthesis, growth and yield, but enhanced leaf buffering capacity, and caused no visible injury. The pollutant-specific differences in plant response are discussed with respect to whole-plant carbon metabolism and physiological compensation.

Journal Article↗

Characterization of micro-organisms isolated from dairy industry after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine and peracetic acid.

AIMS: To characterize micro-organisms isolated from Norwegian dairy production plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection with alkyl amine/peracetic acid and to indicate reasons for survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: Microbial samples were collected from five dairy plants after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Isolates from two of these production plants, which used fogging with alkylamino acetate (plant A), and peracetic acid (plant B), were chosen for further characterization. The sequence of the 16S ribosomal DNA, fatty acid analysis and biochemical characteristics were used to identify isolates. Three isolates identified as Rhodococcus erythropolis, Methylobacterium rhodesianum and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were isolated from plant A and one Sphingomonas sp. and two M. extorquens from plant B. Different patterns of resistance to seven disinfectants in a bactericidal suspension test and variable degree of attachment to stainless steel were found. The strains with higher disinfectant resistance showed lower degree of attachment than susceptible strains. CONCLUSIONS: The study identifies and characterizes micro-organisms present after cleaning and fogging disinfection. Both surface attachment and resistance were shown as possible reasons for the presence of the isolates after cleaning and disinfection. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: These results contribute to the awareness of disinfectant resistance as well as attachment as mechanisms of survival in dairy industry. It also strengthens the argument of frequent alternation of disinfectants in the food processing industry to avoid the establishment of resistant house strains.

Amines↗

Efficacy of thermal fog application of deltacide, a synergized mixture of pyrethroids, against Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue.

We evaluated the efficacy of indoor and peridomestic thermal fog applications of deltacide, a synergized mixture of pyrethroids (S-bioallethrin 0.7% w/v, deltamethrin 0.5% w/v and piperonyl butoxide 8.9% w/v) against adult populations of Aedes aegypti in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. We bioassayed adult caged mosquitoes, counted indoor resting and human landing adult mosquitoes and assessed the percentage of potential breeding sites with Aedes larvae. The bioassay mortalities indicated that the knockdown and killing effect was greater when fogging was applied inside houses rather than around them. Peridomestic thermal fogging reduced the resting and biting populations by 76% and 40%, respectively for the 3 days after treatment, whereas indoor fogging suppressed adult populations for 5 days.

Aedes↗

Inhibition of fog-induced bronchoconstriction by nedocromil sodium and sodium cromoglycate in intrinsic asthma: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

The efficacy of pretreatment with two doses of nedocromil sodium (4 and 8 mg) and sodium cromoglycate 12 mg were compared with placebo in inhibiting the bronchoconstriction induced by inhalation of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water ('fog') in 10 subjects with intrinsic asthma. Each fog challenge consisted of three inhalations of 30, 60 and 120 s duration, respectively, given at 4-min intervals, and the bronchoconstrictor response was assessed as the postchallenge percentage fall in FEV1 from baseline. Statistically significant drug effects (p less than 0.05) were observed after 120 s of fog challenge: both nedocromil sodium 4 and 8 mg and sodium cromoglycate were significantly more effective than placebo in inhibiting fog-induced bronchoconstriction; in addition, nedocromil sodium 4 mg proved statistically significantly more effective than sodium cromoglycate.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Effect of atrial natriuretic peptide given by intravenous infusion on bronchoconstriction induced by ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (fog).

Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) is secreted by cardiac atria and lung tissue; it has a bronchodilator action in normal subjects and patients with asthma and has been shown to protect against histamine-induced bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. Bronchoconstriction caused by inhalation of ultrasonically nebulized distilled water (fog), in contrast to histamine-induced bronchoconstriction, has features in common with exercise-induced asthma but can be given more easily in a dose-response fashion. The present study aimed to determine the effect of elevated plasma ANP concentrations on the bronchoconstrictor response to inhalation of fog. Eight patients with atopic asthma were studied, mean baseline FEV1 3.00 1, equivalent to 89% (range 76-103%) predicted. The provocation dose of fog producing a 25% fall in FEV1 (PD25) was determined for each subject. On 4 study days, subjects received an intravenous infusion of placebo or ANP at a rate of 1.25, 3.0, or 10.0 pmol/kg/min in randomized, double-blind manner for 30 min to allow steady-state plasma concentrations to be achieved; the PD25 fog was then administered and FEV1 recorded over 30 min. Mean (SEM) baseline plasma ANP concentration was 19.3 (4.1) pg/ml and increased to 39.4 (6.6), 106.4 (11.1), and 445.9 (105.4) with the three rates of ANP infusion. The highest rate of infusion increased prechallenge FEV1 by 8.7 (2.4)% (p less than 0.01), but the lower rates of infusion had no effect.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Pulmonary effects due to subchronic exposure to oil fog.

Male and in some cases female rats were exposed to an oil fog generated by flash vaporization and subsequent condensation of light-weight lubricating oil. Exposures were for 3.5 h/d, 4d/wk for 13 wk. Males were exposed at concentrations of 1.5, 0.5, 0.2 or 0.0 mg/l (1500, 500, 200, and 0 mg/m3) and a particle size of approximately 1 micron (mass median aerodynamic diameter). A number of biologic endpoints were assessed the day after the last exposure and, in some cases, after a 4 wk recovery period. Effects of 1.5 mg/l on male and female rats were compared. Diffuse accumulation of macrophages in the alveoli was observed in all oil fog exposed groups. The degree of severity was concentration dependent. Histopathologic changes were more prominent in males than in females and represented the most notable gender-related differences. Histologic effects observed one day and 4 wk post exposure were similar. Minimal histopathologic changes and minimal increase in lavage fluid protein were the only effects observed at the 0.2 mg/l exposure level. There was a significant increase in lavage fluid protein, percent lavagable polymorphonuclear leukocytes and lung wet and dry weight following exposure to both 0.5 and 1.5 mg/l. At the highest exposure concentration effects on lung weights were still evident 4 wk post exposure. Pulmonary function endpoints including total lung capacity, vital capacity, residual volume, diffusing capacity to CO, compliance, and end expiratory volume (EEV) were unaffected by oil fog exposure with the exception of EEV in males exposed at the 1.5 mg/l level. All of the changes observed following oil fog exposure were consistent with a mild inflammatory edema.

Aerosols↗

X-linked thrombocytopenia with thalassemia from a mutation in the amino finger of GATA-1 affecting DNA binding rather than FOG-1 interaction.

Transcription factor GATA-1 is essential for the development of erythroid cells and megakaryocytes. Each of its 2 zinc fingers is critical for normal function. The C-terminal finger is necessary for DNA binding. The N finger mediates interaction with FOG-1, a cofactor for GATA-1, and also modulates DNA-binding affinity, notably at complex or palindromic GATA sites. Residues of the N finger-mediating interaction with FOG-1 lie on the surface of the N finger facing away from DNA. Strong sequence conservation of residues facing DNA suggests that this other surface may also have an important role. We report here that a syndrome of X-linked thrombocytopenia with thalassemia in humans is caused by a missense mutation (Arg216Gln) in the GATA-1 N finger. To investigate the functional consequences of this substitution, we used site-directed mutagenesis to alter the corresponding residue in GATA-1. Compared with wild-type GATA-1, Arg216Gln GATA-1 shows comparable affinity to single GATA sites but decreased affinity to palindromic sites. Arg216Gln GATA-1 interacts with FOG-1 similarly with wild-type GATA-1. Arg216Gln GATA-1 supports erythroid maturation of GATA-1 erythroid cells, albeit at reduced efficiency compared with wild-type GATA-1. Together, these findings suggest that residues of the N finger of GATA-1-facing DNA contribute to GATA-1 function apart from interaction with the cofactor FOG-1. This is also the first example of beta-thalassemia in humans caused by a mutation in an erythroid transcription factor.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Potential risks to human respiratory health from "acid fog": evidence from experimental studies of volunteers.

Observations of high acidity (pH as low as 1.7) in fogwater collected in polluted areas have provoked concern for public health. Effects of exposure to acidic pollutants have not been studied under foggy conditions; thus there is no directly relevant information from which to estimate the health risk. Indirectly relevant information is available from numerous studies of volunteers exposed to "acid fog precursors" under controlled conditions at less than 100% relative humidity. The effect of fog in modifying responses to inhaled acidic pollutants is difficult to predict: depending on circumstances, fog droplets might either increase or decrease the effective dose of pollutants to the lower respiratory tract. Fog inhalation per se may have unfavorable effects in some individuals. Sulfur dioxide is known to exacerbate airway constriction in exercising asthmatics, at exposure concentrations attainable in ambient air. Nitrogen dioxide has shown little untoward respiratory effect at ambient concentrations in most studies, although it has been suggested to increase bronchial reactivity. Sulfuric acid aerosol has shown no clear effects at concentrations within the ambient range. At somewhat higher levels, increased bronchial reactivity and change in mucociliary clearance have been suggested. Almost no information is available concerning nitric acid.

Acids↗

Optical wireless communication through fog in the presence of pointing errors.

Terrestrial optical wireless communication (OWC) is emerging as a promising technology, which makes connectivity possible between high-rise buildings and metropolitan and intercity communication infrastructures. A light beam carries the information, which facilitates extremely high data rates. However, strict alignment between the transmitter and the receiver must be maintained at all times, and a pointing error can result in a total severance of the communication link. In addition, the presence of fog and haze in the propagation channel hampers OWC as the small water droplets scatter the propagating light. This causes attenuation due to the resultant spatial, angular, and temporal spread of the light signal. Furthermore, the ensuing low visibility may impede the operation of the tracking and pointing system so that pointing errors occur. We develop a model of light transmission through fogs of different optical densities and types using Monte Carlo simulations. Based on this model, the performance of OWC in fogs is evaluated at different wavelengths. The handicap of a transceiver pointing error is added to the model, and the paradoxically advantageous aspects of the transmission medium are exposed. The concept of a variable field of view receiver for narrow-beam OWC is studied, and the possibility of thus enhancing communication system performance through fog in an inexpensive and simple way is indicated.

Journal Article↗

Evaluation of ionic pollutants of acid fog and rain using a factor analysis and back trajectories.

Fog and rain water samples were collected at the same time in the Akita Hachimantai mountain range in northern Japan from June to September in 1998 and 1999. The various ion concentrations in these samples were analyzed, and the fog droplet sizes were measured for each fog event. As the fog droplet size increased, the ion concentration decreased. The slope of log-log plots of the concentration versus the droplet size differed with the kind of ion. In order to characterize the air pollutant, moreover, these data were quantitatively analyzed by an oblique rotational factor analysis. We found that three factors were extracted as the air pollutant source: (NH4)2SO4, acids (HNO3 + H2SO4) and sea-salt. Combining the factor analysis with the 72 h back-trajectory at 850 hPa level, we found that the contribution of each factor varied with the transport pattern of air masses.

Acid Rain↗

Base and fog densities of fresh Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films.

Previous findings with regard to base and fog density of Ektaspeed Plus dental X-ray films have shown increased values compared with Ektaspeed and Ultra-Speed films, but the results are contradictory. The purpose of the present study was to measure base density, using 10 different fixing solutions, and fog density, using 10 different developing solutions at temperatures varying from 16 to 30 degrees C. The 10 developers tested were intended for manual (three), semiautomatic (three), and automatic (four) processing. Base densities were nearly identical for all fixing products (range, 0.190-0.192). One group of six developers showed quite stable fog values for all temperatures (range, 0.190-0.259), whereas another group (four developers) showed increased values at increasing temperatures (range, 0.395-0.438 at 30 degrees C). It is concluded that base density is within the limits of ISO standards for most fixing products but that some developers result in fog densities that are above ISO standard limits at high temperatures.

Automation↗