bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency Analysis as a Tool for Assessing Adverse Conditions During a Massive Fish Kill in the St. Lawrence River, Canada
Authors: Ouellet Valérie , Mingelbier Marc , Saint-Hilaire André , Morin Jean 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
During the summer of 2001, the largest fish kill in the recorded history of the St. Lawrence River occurred. More than 25,000 dead carp were recovered. Preliminary analyses suggested hydroclimatic factors may have triggered the fish kill. Long time series of hydroclimatic variables were available upstream and downstream from the study area. In order to investigate if hydroclimatic conditions were extreme during the summer of 2001, frequency analyses were performed on time series of air and water temperature, water level, and solar radiation. During this period, the daily maximum water temperature was abnormally high (return period of 47 years) relative to other years. Air temperature was also high (return period of 22 years) and water level was very low (return period of 67 years). Results showed that hydroclimatic forcings were acting at two different time scales. First, short-term extremes are more likely to have direct impacts on ecosystems, such as lethal stress caused by oxygen depletion in shallow areas. Long-term extremes have indirect effects, which are more difficult to detect, such as immunosuppression. These results reiterate the importance of water temperature in aquatic habitat, particularly in the present context of global warming and climate change.
Research on the Application of Laccase to the Treatment of Oily Wastewater
Authors: Li Zhi Lin , Liu Wei , Chen Xin Fang , Li He Sheng , Tian Yun Miao 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The feasibility of using laccase to treat oily wastewater was examined. When only laccase was added to the synthetic oily wastewater, the suitable technological conditions were laccase at 3 U/mL, pH at 6.0, a temperature of 30°C, and a reaction time of 6 h for the initial oil concentration of 120 mg/L. Under those conditions, the rate of oil removal was as high as 69%. The effects of Mg2+, Mn2+, Cu2+, and Fe2+ ions in wastewater on the rate of oil removal using laccase were investigated. The results showed that Cu2+and Fe2+ ions obviously inhibited the catalytic performance of laccase under the studied concentration. On the other hand, Mg2+ and Mn2+ ions only had slight effects on the rate of oil removal for the range of concentrations studied. A 95% oil removal rate could be obtained when actual wastewaters were treated using laccase with the additive chitosan under the suitable technological conditions.
Reproductive Success of Eastern Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis) Exposed to Pulp and Paper Dominated Receiving Streams and Effects of Masculinization Responses
Authors: Noggle Jessica J. , Holm Stewart E. , Thompson Chet , Gross Timothy S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Mosquitofish (Gambusia) are sexually dimorphic; adult males have an elongation of the anal fin to form a copulatory structure known as a gonopodium. Several studies since the early 1980s have reported elongated anal fins in female mosquitofish exposed to pulp and paper mill discharge, a phenomenon known as masculinization. Although adverse impacts have been suggested in these previous reports, the influence of masculinization on reproductive success has not been assessed for pulp mill effluent-exposed eastern mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki or affinis). The current study compared fecundity (number of fry per female at parturition) to an index of masculinization (ratio of anal fin rays 4 to 6). Pregnant females were collected from two effluent-receiving streams in Florida: Rice Creek and the Fenholloway River, over two reproductive seasons (2003 and 2004). Masculinization was consistent between years, with clear effects at the Fenholloway River site, while the response was minimal or nondetectable at the Rice Creek site. Masculinization was not correlated with the production of fry/fecundity at either site. Data suggest differing reproductive seasonal strategies between basins and populations but do not demonstrate any effects of pulp and paper exposure on reproductive success in mosquitofish.
1995-2009: What Have We Learned About Effluent Biotreatment in Relation to Environmental Protection?
Authors: Kovacs Tibor , Martel Pierre , Gibbons Sharon , Naish Valerie 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Since 1995, most mills in Canada have biotreatment in order to meet effluent regulatory limits for toxicity, biochemical oxygen demand, and total suspended solids. With occasional exceptions, the limits have been met. However, questions remain about effluent biotreatment regarding environmental protection, such as the reproductive capacity of fish. To address these concerns, a series of before-after studies were undertaken during the past decade. These included i) comparisons of effluents before and after biotreatment by means of fish (vitellogenin activity and egg production) and Ceriodaphnia (young production) tests done in the laboratory and ii) comparisons of fish communities in a river before and after the installation of effluent biotreatment at two mill sites. In all laboratory tests and with respect to all endpoints examined in these tests, the effects of the effluents after biotreatment were less or nonexistent when compared with the effects of the effluents before biotreatment. The assessment of the fish communities based on various metrics (e.g., percent piscivores, percent fish with anomalies) indicated improved conditions after the installation of biotreatment. Taken overall, the results indicated that biotreatment has improved effluent quality and this has resulted in clear improvements for the receiving environment.
Pre-Ozonation-Coagulant Interactions in Direct Filtration
Authors: Eyvaz Murat , Deniz Hatice , Aktaş Tuğrul S. , Yüksel Ebubekir , Saatçi Ahmet M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Pre-ozonation–coagulant interactions effects in relation to the coagulant type and dosage in direct filtration of surface waters were investigated. The performance of the process was evaluated by monitoring the effluent quality and head loss development through the filter bed. Two identical pilot scale filter columns filtering the same raw water were operated in parallel. The raw water was brought from Ömerli Reservoir in Istanbul. Before filtering, the raw water flow was split into two equal flows. One of the streams was pre-ozonated and the other was aerated using contact chambers with equal volumes equipped with same number and type of diffusers. In coagulation experiments, one of the filters was operated using aluminum sulfate as a coagulant while the other one was run with ferric chloride. For similar filter run times, the effluent quality was always better with pre-ozonation compared to aeration. It was also observed that, aluminum sulfate application gave more favorable results for both particle and turbidity removal compared to ferric chloride. Ives’ filterability index which incorporates the important filtration design parameters such as: effluent quality, the headloss and the velocity of filtration into a dimensionless number was used for the comparison of the experimental results.
Trace Elements in the Oldman River of Southern Alberta
Authors: Miller Jim J. , Beasley Bruce W. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The Oldman River in southern Alberta is a mainstem river used extensively by aquatic life, for community drinking water, irrigation water, recreation, and livestock watering. Therefore, maintaining the water quality of this important river is critical for watershed health. We collected water samples weekly from three locations on the middle reach of the Oldman River from 2004 to 2006. The locations were: Lethbridge Municipal Water Treatment plant (MWTP) (Site 1), Fort MacLeod MWTP (Site 2), and a river bank sampling location downstream of the latter site (Site 3). Water samples were analyzed for background physical and chemical variables, and for selected trace elements (Al, Fe, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Zn). The aquatic life, community, irrigation, and livestock water quality guidelines at the three sites were most frequently exceeded by Cu (27-48%), Al (3.3-57%), Co (18-26%), and Al (2.3%), respectively. Concentrations of certain trace elements were highest in the spring or during years of above average precipitation, and were likely associated with increased loads of suspended sediments during high flow conditions. Turbidity, water temperature, electrical conductivity, river level, and precipitation generally had a positive effect, and pH had a negative effect on certain trace element concentrations.
Fractionnement de la matiére organique du lisier de porc par couplage de la respirométrie et de la modélisation
Authors: Aubry Geneviéve , Béline Fabrice , Lessard Paul 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
La méthode de caractérisation de la biodégradabilité du lisier de porc a été améliorée en jumelant la réalisation d'essais respirométriques avec l'utilisation d'une version simplifiée du modéle ASM3 prenant en compte le stockage intra-cellulaire de la fraction facilement biodégradable. Cette méthodologie a permis de caractériser la biodégradabilité de trois types de lisier de porc québécois. Les résultats ont permis de statuer que le lisier de porc séparé par voie physico-chimique avait un contenu assez facilement biodégradable. Le lisier séparé sous les lattes est caractérisé par un contenu beaucoup plus lentement biodégradable. Pour leur part, les résultats de la caractérisation du lisier brut confirment la grande variabilité des composantes de ce type d'effluent.
Algae-based Biomonitoring: Predicting Diatom Reference Communities in Unpolluted Streams using Classification Trees, Random Forests, and Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Grenier Martine , Lek Sovan , Rodríguez Marco A. , Rousseau Alain N. , Campeau Stéphane 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC) was developed to evaluate the ecological integrity of streams along a pollution gradient, as a function of the dissimilarity between current diatom communities and suitable reference communities. Distinguishing natural variations in community structure from those induced by human activities is essential for proper assessment of dissimilarity. To account for the effect of the natural variation in pH on this assessment, two IDEC subindices were used: one for sites with diatom reference communities typical of naturally alkaline water pH, and another for sites with communities typical of naturally circumneutral water pH. This study used three statistical models, namely classification trees (CT), random forests (RF), and artificial neural networks (ANN) to: (i) identify the environmental variables discriminating between alkaline and neutral reference communities (“biotypes”), and (ii) compare their predictive capacities. Models identified clay rocks, gneiss/paragneiss rocks, siliceous rocks, and carbonated rocks as the main geological features discriminating reference biotypes. For the reference streams, clay, siliceous, and carbonated rocks were associated with high water pH while gneiss/paragneiss rocks were associated with low water pH. Both ANN and RF models behaved similarly across all performance criteria and yielded general models useful for identifying the appropriate IDEC sub-index.
Removal of Arsenic from Aqueous Phase by Nanoparticle Agglomerates of Hydrous Iron(III)-Chromium(III) Bimetal Mixed Oxide: Effects of Background Ions on the As(V) Sorption Kinetics and Equilibrium
Authors: Basu Tina , Gupta Kaushik , Ghosh Uday Chand 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The influence of some groundwater occurring ions was investigated on As(V)-sorption by agglomerated nanoparticles (40-50 nm) of synthetic hydrous iron(III)-chromium(III) mixed oxide (NHICO). Solubility tests of NHICO suggested that it could be used safely for As(V) removal at pH = 6.4 ± 0.1 by agitation (speed: 350 ± 5 rpm) for an hour. Kinetic data obtained in the presence of applied ions for this reaction were well described by the pseudo-second order equation (0.98 &lt; r2 &lt;1.00, 0.04 &lt; x2 &lt; 0.18). Good agreement of the equilibrium data with the Freundlich isotherm (0.96 &lt; r2 &lt;1.00, 0.41 &lt; x2 &lt; 6.30) suggested that the NHICO surface was heterogeneous. Adequate fitting of the data with the Redlich-Petterson (0.96 &lt; r2 &lt;1.00, 0.65 &lt; x2 &lt; 7.83) isotherm with g &lt; 1.0 confirmed the conclusion drawn. The positive enthalpy (ΔH0) and entropy (ΔS0) changes indicated that the endothermic As(V)-sorption reaction in the absence/presence of ions was driven by an entropy increase at the solid-liquid interface. Negative values of free energy change (ΔG0) indicated that the reaction spontaneity increased with increasing temperature. The sorption of As(V) by NHICO occurred via an ion-exchange mechanism (mean sorption energy, EDR = 8.98 to 11.47 kJ. mol-1) involving surface M-OH groups.
Lopinavir/Ritonavir Treatment Induces Oxidative Stress and Caspaseindependent Apoptosis in Human Glioblastoma U-87 MG Cell Line
Authors: Gratton Rossella , Tricarico Paola Maura , Guimaraes Rafael Lima , Celsi Fulvio , Crovella Sergio 
Published: May 2018

Background:Lopinavir and Ritonavir (LPV/r) treatment is widely used to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission. Nevertheless, studies related to the impact of these compounds on patients, in particular in the foetus and newborns, are strictly required due to the controversial findings reported in the literature concerning possible neurologic side effects following the administration of these drugs.Objectives:In our study, we evaluated the impact of LPV/r treatment on the human glioblastoma U- 87 MG cell line.Methods:In order to evaluate the influence of Lopinavir and Ritonavir in terms of oxidative stress (ROS production), mitochondrial morphology and apoptotic cell death, the latter either in the presence or in the absence of caspase-3 and -9 inhibitors, we treated U-87 MG with increasing doses (0.1-1-10-25-50 µM) of Lopinavir and Ritonavir for 24h, either in single formulation or in combination. ROS production was measured by flow cytometry using H2DCFDA dye, mitochondrial morphology was evaluated using MitoRed dye and apoptotic cell death was monitored by flow cytometry using Annexin V-FITC and Propidium Iodide.Results:We observed that co-treatment with Lopinavir and Ritonavir (25 and 50 µM) promoted a significant increase in ROS production, caused mitochondrial network damage and induced apoptosis in a caspase-independent manner.Conclusion:Based on our findings, concordant with others reported in the literature, we hypothesize that LPV/r treatment could not be entirely free from side effects, being aware of the need of validation in in vivo models, necessary to confirm our results.
FDG-PET/CT Assessment of Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: A Guide for Internists
Authors: Tana Marco , di Carlo Silvio , Romano Marcello , Alessandri Massimo , Schiavone Cosima , Montagnani Andrea 
Published: May 2018

Background:18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography (18-F-FDG-PET/CT) is getting wide consensus in the diagnosis and staging of neoplastic disorders and represents a useful tool in the assessment of various inflammatory conditions. </P><P> Discussion: Sarcoidosis is an uncommon disease characterized by the systemic formation of noncaseating granulomas. Lungs are the sites most often affected, and investigation with high resolution computed tomography and biopsy is essential to achieve a correct diagnosis. 18-F-FDGPET/ CT is effective in the assessment of pulmonary sarcoidosis by demonstrating pulmonary and extrathoracic involvement and findings correlate well with pulmonary function in patients affected.Conclusion:This review would illustrate the usefulness and limits of 18-F-FDG-PET/CT in the assessment of pulmonary sarcoidosis.
The Application of Machine Learning Techniques in Clinical Drug Therapy
Authors: Meng Huan-Yu , Jin Wan-Lin , Yan Cheng-Kai , Yang Huan 
Published: May 2018

Introduction:The development of a novel drug is an extremely complicated process that includes the target identification, design and manufacture, and proper therapy of the novel drug, as well as drug dose selection, drug efficacy evaluation, and adverse drug reaction control. Due to the limited resources, high costs, long duration, and low hit-to-lead ratio in the development of pharmacogenetics and computer technology, machine learning techniques have assisted novel drug development and have gradually received more attention by researchers.Methods:According to current research, machine learning techniques are widely applied in the process of the discovery of new drugs and novel drug targets, the decision surrounding proper therapy and drug dose, and the prediction of drug efficacy and adverse drug reactions.Results and Conclusion:In this article, we discussed the history, workflow, and advantages and disadvantages of machine learning techniques in the processes mentioned above. Although the advantages of machine learning techniques are fairly obvious, the application of machine learning techniques is currently limited. With further research, the application of machine techniques in drug development could be much more widespread and could potentially be one of the major methods used in drug development.
Enhancement of Recombinant Antibody Expression Level by Growth Controlled Medium
Authors: Phuc Le Thi Minh , Sasaki Tetsuji , Shimizu Hisayo , Huyen Nguyen Thi Minh , Thuy Nguyen Thi Thu , Huan Le Quang , Taniguchi Akiyoshi 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Transient expression system is very widely used for protein expression including recombinant protein expression. Normally, in the commercially available expression system, cells were grown rapidly in protein expression. However, over cell growth was not only unnecessary for high level protein expression, but also induced cell death and led to protein degradation.

Aims and Objectives:
To overcome these limitations a new adapted culture method needs to be developed.

Methods:
In this work, we developed growth control medium for transient high protein expression system using NPLAd (Non-Protein and Lipid Medium Adopted) cells. With this system, cell numbers were not increased until 10 days.

Results:
Our results indicated that expression level in NPLAd system was 1.8 times higher than that in Free style system, which was one of the commercially available high expression systems.

Conclusion:
The antibody performance expressed by NPLAd system was almost the same to that of expressed by Free style system. The results suggested that NPLAd system could be useful for protein expression, such as recombinant antibody.
Flexural Capacity of Steel Rack Connections Via The Component Method
Authors: Gusella Federico , Orlando Maurizio , Vignoli Andrea , Thiele Klaus 
Published: May 2018

Background:
In pallet rack structures, cold-formed steel (CFS) beams and columns are connected through dry joints, so beams can be easily disconnected according to changes of the rack geometric layout. Due to the great variety of connector types and member geometries, recent design codes recommend experimental tests on rack connections to assess their mechanical features. Nevertheless, tests only allow for the overall response of a joint to be evaluated, without providing information about the contribution of each component of the joint to its stiffness and strength.

Objective:
In this paper, a mechanical model is developed in order to provide useful information about the structural behaviour of rack beam-column connections.

Methods:
The proposed mechanical model is based on the application of the Component Method (CM) and it allows for the flexural resistance of steel rack connections to be analytically assessed. Analytical results are compared with experimental data from tests performed at the Structures and Materials Testing Laboratory of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of Florence.

Results:
Results show a good agreement with experimental data, highlighting the accuracy of the proposed approach. The mechanical model allows for the weakest component of the joint and its failure mode to be evaluated, and it highlights the importance of an adequate welding between the beam-end section and the connector.

Conclusion:
The mechanical model provides fundamental information about the influence of structural details on the overall behavior of rack joints, it appears as a complementary method to expensive experimental tests and it can be used to improve the design of rack connections with the goal to increase their structural response.
On the Robustness of Earthquake-Resistant Moment-Resistant Frames: Influence of Innovative Beam-to-Column Joints
Authors: Francavilla Antonella Bianca , Latour Massimo , Rizzano Gianvittorio , Jaspart Jean-Pierre , Demonceau Jean-Francois 
Published: May 2018

Background:
The deformation capacity of beam-to-column connections strongly influences the robustness of earthquake-resistant Moment Resistant Frames (MRFs) when subjected to a loss-of column scenario. As a consequence, with the aim of foresee the structural response up to the failure, an accurate modelling of the ultimate behaviour of the joints is needed.

Objective:
In this paper, the influence of the connections on the behaviour of MRFs under a loss-of-column scenario has been analysed considering an accurate modelling of the joints.

Method:
In addition, in order to achieve this goal, different beam-to-column joints designed for seismic actions and tested at the Salerno University, have been modelled and introduced in a case-study structure, whose response has been evaluated by means of push-down analyses. In particular, the connections analysed and modelled are of three different types: a dog-bone connection, a partial strength Double Split Tee (DST) joint and a partial strength connection with friction dampers.

Results / Conclusion:
The results of pushdown analyses performed by means of SAP2000 computer software have been examined with the aim to determine the Residual Reserve Strength Ratio (RRSR) index that, combined with the energy balance method proposed by Izzudin et al. (2008), allow to assess the structural ro-bustness.
Implications of Structural Model on the Design of Steel Moment Resisting Frames
Authors: Isaincu Alexandru , Aniello Mario D’ , Stratan Aurel 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Studies have shown that the flexibility of the connections has an important role in the distribution of forces and moments in the structure. This also applies for the displacements, deformations and the stability of the structure.

Objective:
The objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of the stiffness of column web-panel and connection on the ultimate response of Moment Resisting Frames (MRFs).

Methods:
A comprehensive parametric study was carried out. In particular, a set of one hundred and twenty planar frames was analyzed, considering three approaches for modelling the joints.

Results:
The results highlight that neglecting the influence of the connection and column web panel leads to significant over-estimation of the global instability factor αcr, which can lead to unconservative design and assessment of steel frames, especially for those cases subjected to severe horizontal forces as the seismic actions.

Conclusion:
Accounting for the joint deformability in MRFs is important even for the cases with connection stiffness (kb) larger than 25 times the beam stiffness where EN1993-1-8 allows neglecting the model of the connection stiffness. Indeed, the comparison of cases with kb ≥ 25 between the models with and without the connection deformability show that of αcr can decrease from 5% to 16%, depending on the refinement of the modelling assumptions. This decrease also lead to higher second order effects and thus to higher design forces but also the overall stiffness of the frame is overestimated.