bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ electrokinetic remediation of toxic metal‐contaminated soil driven by solid phase microbial fuel cells with a wheat straw addition
Authors: Song Tian‐Shun , Zhang Jiguang , Hou Shuai , Wang Haoqi , Zhang Dalu , Li Sining , Xie Jingjing 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDToxic metals may accumulate within organisms and inevitably threaten humans and ecosystems, through the food chain. Thus, developing effective and cheap ways to control and remediate toxic metal pollution in soil is a considerable challenge to research and application. This preliminary study illustrates how a solid phase microbial fuel cell (SMFC) can drive the in situ electrokinetic (EK) remediation of toxic metal‐contaminated soil.RESULTSSMFCs with different concentrations of wheat straw, using several configurations, were tested and compared. SMFCs were used to drive the electromigration of Pb and Zn in contaminated soil, and the removal efficiency of these SMFCs gradually increased with the straw ratio. After operating for 100 days, the removal efficiencies for Pb and Zn were 37.2% and 15.1%, respectively, in the anode region of the SMFC with 3% straw. The Pb and Zn fractions were analyzed after the SMFC treatments using a sequential extraction method. The different distributions of the fractions of Pb and Zn in the soil led to variations in removal efficiency.CONCLUSIONSCompared with the use of traditional EK remediation, use of SMFC‐driven EK remediation technology in soil could reduce energy input, reuse biomass energy and reduce the risk of toxic metal leaching into groundwater. This study provides a simple, low cost and environment‐friendly method for soil remediation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
N‐doped TiO2 photocatalysts for bacterial inactivation in water
Authors: Makropoulou Tatiana , Panagiotopoulou Paraskevi , Venieri Danae 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe elimination of diverse and pathogenic microbial loads in water imposes the exploration of effective disinfection techniques. The current study focused on the synthesis of N‐TiO2 photocatalysts and the investigation of their disinfection potential, in terms of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus cereus inactivation in aqueous samples under artificial sunlight.RESULTSN‐TiO2 photocatalysts were synthesized using various nitrogen precursors [urea, triethylamine‐(TEA) and NH3], exhibiting narrow band gaps and improved visible light response. The relative bactericidal activity of the catalysts followed the order N‐TiO2 (UREA) > N‐TiO2 (NH3)∼N‐TiO2 (TEA) > synthesized TiO2 > TiO2‐P25. The Gram‐negative indicators E. coli and P. aeruginosa, were readily inactivated, reaching reduction rates up to 6 log10 within 60 min of treatment at an initial bacterial concentration of 106 CFU mL−1 and a catalyst concentration of 50 mg L−1. The activity discrepancies among the catalysts were more pronounced in the case of B. cereus, which showed higher resistance, thus exhibiting slower inactivation rates. Complete elimination was achieved only with N‐TiO2 (TEA) within 60 min of irradiation at a loading of 100 mg L−1. Increasing the TEA concentration for the preparation of this catalyst from 25 to 89 v/v% did not enhance significantly the process. Operating conditions, including catalyst concentration, nitrogen precursor and, especially, bacterial species defined the disinfection efficiency up to a certain extent.CONCLUSIONSolar photocatalysis with N‐TiO2 catalysts may be an effective disinfection technology if the operational conditions are established in relation to the microbial content in water, which includes opportunistic pathogens such as P. aeruginosa and B. cereus. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Microwave‐assisted optimized route for the synthesis of CoSe2 nanoflakes: an efficient material for adsorptive removal of Rhodamine B
Authors: Warkhade Swapnil K , Zodape Sangesh P , Pratap Umesh R , Wankhade Atul V 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmple literature on the use of conventional materials as an adsorbent for detoxification of water emphasizes the proven superiority of the adsorption technique. However, limited literature on the use of inorganic materials as adsorbents has inspired us to use nanomaterials as an adsorbent for the adsorptive removal of organic pollutants from industrial wastewater.RESULTAsymmetrical, smooth CoSe2 nanoflakes were synthesized by optimizing the concentration of KOH solution abetted with polyethylene glycol‐400 via an effective microwave‐assisted technique. The adsorption capability of CoSe2 nanoflakes was studied using an aqueous solution of Rhodamine B dye as a model organic pollutant. Adsorption study reveals that the adsorption follows a Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while the adsorption kinetics of CoSe2 nanoflakes follows a pseudo‐second‐order model. Despite their smaller surface area (13.20 m2 g−1), CoSe2 nanoflakes possess significant adsorption capacity (178.59 mg g−1). The synthesized CoSe2 nanoflakes have been successfully reutilized for five adsorption cycles with retention of about 100% adsorption efficiency.CONCLUSIONSThe CoSe2 nanoflakes synthesized by optimized microwave‐assisted technique possessed high adsorptivity and reusability for the adsorption of Rhodamine B from aqueous solution. Additionally, this optimized synthesis protocol can be used for the synthesis of a variety of transition metal selenides. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Extraction and separation of nonferrous and precious metals from waste of electrical and electronic equipment through ferric sulfate leaching and electrolysis
Authors: Istrate Eliza , Petrescu Mircea I , Iacob Gheorghe , Buzatu Traian , Ghica Valeriu G , Buzatu Mihai , Niculescu Florentina 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe continuous generation of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) causes serious environmental problems as it is disposed in landfills, because of its hazardous content. In most electronic equipment, there are important components which contain large amounts of nonferrous metals and precious metals.RESULTSSeparation of silver using sieving proved to be efficient; silver was almost entirely collected in the finer fraction (<0.5 mm size). Separating gold from silver and palladium was achieved through leaching the metallic fraction in a 0.5 mol L–1 aqueous ferric sulfate solution at room temperature. A good yield of metal extraction was obtained after leaching using ferrous sulfate. The composition of the cathode deposits points to an almost complete recovery of silver and copper by electrolysis and a partial recovery of tin. Also, cyclic voltammetry tests in the solution (pH adjusted at 0.5) identified cathode peaks at ∼ −0.3 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to Cu reduction, at ∼ − 0.783 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to Ni reduction, as well as a plateau in the range −0.75 ↔ −1.0 V Ag−1 ref. ascribable to a simultaneous reduction of several ionic species.CONCLUSIONLeaching from WEEE was carried out by an environmentally friendly procedure using nonpolluting ferric sulfate, and using electrolysis some metals were extracted in good condition. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel disks for the immobilization of three different microalgal species
Authors: Eroglu Ela , Wijihastuti Risa S , Grenik Elizabeth , Vadiveloo Ashiwin , Moheimani Navid R , Lou Xia 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlgal growth on solid surfaces confers the advantage of combining the algal harvesting and bioprocessing steps at a single stage, in addition to the easier handling of the immobilized cells that occupy a reduced amount of space. The current work employed the application of macroporous poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel disks as a water‐insoluble, non‐toxic and recyclable immobilization matrix for different microalgal strains (Nannochloropsis sp., Dunaliella salina, and Botryococcus braunii) that offer value‐added products for various commercial applications.RESULTSThe study demonstrated the effect of variations in the surface characteristics of the algal strains and hydrogel surfaces on the immobilization efficiencies. Gelatin was further used to modify PHEMA hydrogels to achieve higher bioaffinity and surface hydrophilicity. The results showed that highly salt‐tolerant microalgal cells (Dunaliella salina, Nannochloropsis sp.) had significantly higher tendencies to attach on the gelatin‐modified PHEMA hydrogel compared with the freshwater B. braunii colonies; embedded within an extracellular matrix mainly made of hydrophobic components, which displayed better attachment to the unmodified PHEMA hydrogels.CONCLUSIONThe proposed PHEMA hydrogels are easily‐manufactured and highly durable materials with the hydrogel disks still retaining their integrity after several years when in contact with a liquid. PHEMA disks also have the benefits of having adjustable porosities by changing the composition of the polymerization mixture, and modifiable surface properties by simply binding various synthetic or natural molecules on their surfaces, which can bring several new opportunities for harvesting various microalgal cells with different surface morphologies and chemical compositions. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Omental calcification, necrotizing enterocolitis, and undescended testes after fetal abdomino‐amniotic shunting performed for the management of meconium peritonitis: A case report
Authors: Lim Yun‐Jung , Jo Hyun‐Jin , Chung Mi Lim 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPrenatal ultrasonography (US) in a 39 year‐old woman revealed massive fetal ascites. A fetal abdomino‐amniotic shunting procedure was performed. Subsequently, plain radiographs demonstrated diffuse gaseous distention of the bowel and multiple punctate calcifications in the left upper abdomen. Postnatal US examination showed multiple echogenic foci in the liver and the left upper abdomen, bowel wall thickening in the right‐sided abdomen, and undescended testes. There was no intra‐abdominal free air or loculated fluid collections. Medical management was instituted secondary to the clinical suspicion of omental calcification, necrotizing enterocolitis, and undescended testes. Follow‐up US examination showed resolution of portal vein gas and bowel wall thickening. The neonate recovered fully.
Prevalence and sonographic features of ectopic thyroidal thymus in children: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Yildiz Adalet Elcin , Elhan Atilla Halil , Fitoz Suat 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeTo assess the prevalence of ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue detected by sonography (US) in children and to analyze the US features.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed images of 216 children who had undergone a thyroid or neck US examination from February 2015 to June 2015. Lesions within or adjacent to the thyroid gland that showed echopatterns consistent with thymic tissue were diagnosed as ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue. Lesions were reviewed according to their side, location, level, size, shape, echo pattern, internal content, and vascularization.ResultsA total of 216 children (119 girls, 97 boys) with a mean ± SD age of 8.6 ± 5.2 years were enrolled the study.Thirty children (13girls, 17 boys) (13.9%) had 35 lesions compatible with ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue.Nine children had intrathyroidal (4.2%) and 21 children had extrathyroidal (9.7%) ectopic thymus tissue.The mean ± SD ages of the children with and without ectopic thyroidal thymus tissue were 6.0 ± 3.6 years and 9.1 ± 5.2 years, respectively (P = .002). Twenty‐five of the lesions were extrathyroidal and 10 were intrathyroidal. All extrathyroidal and most (8/9) intrathyroidal ectopic thymuses had fusiform shape with well demarcated contours. Ectopic thymuses were located either in the midportion (n = 23) or lower portion of the neck (n = 12). Both extrathyroidal and intrathyroidal ectopic thymuses showed typical hypoechoic (n = 22/25, n = 9/10, respectively) or hyperechoic (n = 3/25, n = 1/10, respectively) echo patterns with internal linear and punctate echoes.ConclusionsEctopic thyroidal thymic tissue is common in children. Radiologists should be vigilant about the unique US features of ectopic thyroidal thymus, including a hypo‐ and hyper‐echoic echo pattern with multiple linear and punctate echoes, a fusiform shape, well‐demarcated contours, and middle or low‐lying location to differentiate it from other neck or thyroid lesions.
Doppler Renal Resistance Index for the Prediction of Response to Passive Leg‐Raising Following Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Beaubien‐Souligny William , Huard Gabriel , Bouchard Josée , Lamarche Yoan , Denault André , Albert Martin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPurposeDoppler‐based renal resistance index (RI) can be measured at the bedside of critically ill patients. This study was designed to assess if the RI predicted an increase in cardiac output (CO) following passive leg‐raising (PLR) in patients admitted to the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery.MethodsDuring this single center prospective study, Doppler assessment of RI and measurements of CO using the thermodilution method were performed, after surgery, in the intensive care unit before and after PLR. A positive response to PLR was defined as a ≥10% increase in CO.ResultsWe included 30 patients. The mean RI was higher before (0.694 ±0.069) than after PLR (0.679 ± 0.069) (P = .02) with a median change of −0.012 (IQR: −0.042;0.000). Following PLR, 9 patients (30%) had a >10% increase in CO. In patients with a positive PLR response, the decrease in the RI during PLR was more pronounced than in patients who did not respond to PLR (PLR ± 0.042 (IQR: −0.051; −0.040) vs PLR ± −0.008 (IQR: −0.032; 0.015) (P = .004). There was a significant negative association between RI change in response to PLR and a 10% increase in CO following PLR (OR: 1.63 (CI:1.07–2.47) (P = .02) per −0.01 change).ConclusionAn increase in CO following PLR was associated with a significant decrease in RI. Variations of RI in response to PLR should be further studied as a tool to predict fluid responsiveness. However, their clinical utility could be limited by the small magnitude of the variations.
Analysis‐aware microscopy video compression
Authors: Shao Chong , Cribb Jeremy , Osborne Lukas D. , O'Brien E. Timothy , Superfine Richard , Mayer‐Patel Ketan , Taylor Russell M. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis article introduces an analysis‐aware microscopy video compression method designed for microscopy videos that are consumed by analysis algorithms rather than by the human visual system. We define the quality of a microscopy video based on the level of preservation of analysis results. We evaluated our method with a bead tracking analysis program. For the same error level in the analysis result, our method can achieve 1,000× compression on certain test microscopy videos. Compared with a previous technique that yields exactly the exact same results by analysis algorithms, our method gives more flexibility for a user to control the quality. A modification to the new method also provides faster compression speed.
Gene therapy clinical trials worldwide to 2017: An update
Authors: Ginn Samantha L. , Amaya Anais K. , Alexander Ian E. , Edelstein Michael , Abedi Mohammad R. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo date, almost 2600 gene therapy clinical trials have been completed, are ongoing or have been approved worldwide. Our database brings together global information on gene therapy clinical activity from trial databases, official agency sources, published literature, conference presentations and posters kindly provided to us by individual investigators or trial sponsors. This review presents our analysis of clinical trials that, to the best of our knowledge, have been or are being performed worldwide. As of our November 2017 update, we have entries on 2597 trials undertaken in 38 countries. We have analysed the geographical distribution of trials, the disease indications (or other reasons) for trials, the proportions to which different vector types are used, and the genes that have been transferred. Details of the analyses presented, and our searchable database are available via The Journal of Gene Medicine Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide website at: http://www.wiley.co.uk/genmed/clinical. We also provide an overview of the progress being made in gene therapy clinical trials around the world, and discuss key trends since the previous review, namely the use of chimeric antigen receptor T cells for the treatment of cancer and advancements in genome editing technologies, which have the potential to transform the field moving forward.
Leaving No One Behind? A New Test of Subnational Aid Targeting
Authors: Briggs Ryan C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Sustainable Development Goals endeavour to leave no one behind. This note tests whether or not donors have traditionally acted on this rhetoric by examining if aid targets areas of poverty within Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda. Unlike prior research on aid targeting, the analysis covers aid from nearly all donors and does not aggregate variables into spatial regions. Instead, I measure the distance from geotagged survey data tracking poverty to aid projects started just after each survey wave. I show that projects are placed closer to richer people. This effect holds within countries and within first‐level administrative regions. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical guide to dynamic pelvic floor MRI
Authors: Kobi Mariya , Flusberg Milana , Paroder Viktoriya , Chernyak Victoria 
Published: March 2018

Pelvic floor dysfunction encompasses a spectrum of functional disorders that result from impairment of the ligaments, fasciae, and muscles supporting the pelvic organs. It is a prevalent disorder that carries a lifetime risk over 10% for undergoing a surgical repair. Pelvic floor weakness presents as a wide range of symptoms, including pain, pelvic pressure or bulging, urinary and fecal incontinence, constipation, and sexual dysfunction. A correct diagnosis by clinical examination alone can be challenging, particularly in cases involving multiple compartments. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows noninvasive, radiation‐free, high soft‐tissue resolution evaluation of all three pelvic compartments, and has proved a reliable technique for accurate diagnosis of pelvic floor dysfunction. MR defecography with steady‐state sequences allows detailed anatomic and functional evaluation of the pelvic floor. This article provides an overview of normal anatomy and function of the pelvic floor and discusses a practical approach to the evaluation of imaging findings of pelvic floor relaxation, pelvic organ prolapse, fecal incontinence, and obstructed defecation.Level of Evidence: 5Technical Efficacy: Stage 2J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1155–1170.
Size reduction of ultra‐wideband antennas with efficiency and matching constraints
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Bekasiewicz Adrian , Leifsson Leifur 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAntenna design is a multifaceted task that involves handling of various performance figures concerning both electrical performance of the structure as well as its geometry. Simultaneous control of several objectives through rigorous optimization is very challenging and virtually impossible through conventional approaches such as parameter sweeping. In this work, we investigate size reduction of ultra‐wideband antenna structures while taking into account the reflection response and total efficiency. Available design trade‐offs concerning the antenna footprint, its wideband matching, and efficiency are identified through numerical optimization. More specifically, the goal is to identify designs that exhibit the minimum possible footprint while maintaining the maximum in‐band reflection and average efficiency within the prescribed thresholds. This is realized by appropriate formulation of the objective function exploiting a penalty function approach. Our methodology is demonstrated using an ultra‐wideband monopole antenna example. As an extension, a 3‐objective Pareto set is further generated using surrogate modeling and multi‐objective evolutionary algorithm. A set of designs generated this way provides a designer with a comprehensive knowledge about the capabilities of a given antenna structure and facilitates a decision‐making process driven by a particular application and performance requirements.
Let's get this meeting started: Meeting lateness and actual meeting outcomes
Authors: Allen Joseph A. , Lehmann‐Willenbrock Nale , Rogelberg Steven G. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryMeeting lateness is pervasive and potentially highly consequential for individuals, groups, and organizations. In Study 1, we first examined base rates of lateness to meetings in an employee sample and found that meeting lateness is negatively related to both meeting satisfaction and effectiveness. We then conducted 2 lab studies to better understand the nature of this negative relationship between meeting lateness and meeting outcomes. In Study 2, we manipulated meeting lateness using a confederate and showed that participants' anticipated meeting satisfaction and effectiveness were significantly lower when meetings started late. In Study 3, participants holding actual group meetings were randomly and blindly assigned to either a 10 min late, 5 min late, or a control condition (n = 16 groups in each condition). We found significant differences concerning participants' perceived meeting satisfaction and meeting effectiveness, as well as objective group performance outcomes (number, quality, and feasibility of ideas produced in the meeting). We also identified differences in negative socioemotional group interaction behaviors depending on meeting lateness. In concert, our findings establish meeting lateness as an important organizational phenomenon and provide important conceptual and empirical implications for meeting research and practice.
Time‐sensitive analysis of a warming climate on heat waves in Saudi Arabia: Temporal patterns and trends
Authors: Alghamdi Ali S. , Harrington John 
Published: March 2018

The climate of the Middle East is warming and extreme hot temperature events are becoming common, as observed by the significant upwards trends in mean and extreme temperatures during the last few decades. Climate modelling studies suggest that the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme temperature events are expected to increase as the global and local climate continues to warm. However, most of the literature about heat waves (HWs) in Saudi Arabia provides information about the duration aspect using a single index, with no detailed information about frequency and intensity aspects. To help establish a baseline for understanding past and future change, this study explored the temporal behaviour(s) of the frequency, duration, and intensity of HWs in Saudi Arabia under the observed recent climate change. Several issues are addressed including some methodological concerns associated with the commonly used heat wave index, data quality control, and statistical analysis. A new definition and method to detect HWs and their changes is proposed, considering the ongoing effects of climate warming and the subtropical arid climate.A HW event is defined as a period of two or more consecutive days (i.e., at least 48 hr) with a daily maximum and minimum temperature exceeding the 90th and 85th percentiles of the maximum and minimum, respectively. Threshold percentiles were calculated monthly and adjusted for each decade of analysis. For temporal trend analyses, we consider HW events and their duration as count data using different Poisson models for analysis. HW frequency, intensity, and duration across Saudi Arabia were found to behave geographically and temporally differently across the 25 stations studied. Distinct temporal and geographical patterns were observed indicating a confounding interplay of regional and local factors, such as urbanization, elevation, latitude, and distance from a large body of water.