bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of performance and fouling resistance of polyamide reverse osmosis membranes using acrylamide and TiO2 nanoparticles under UV irradiation for water desalination
Authors: Asadollahi Mahdieh , Bastani Dariush , Mousavi Seyyed Abbas , Heydari Hamid , Mousavi Danial Vaghar 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this research is to explain the surface modification of fabricated polyamide reverse osmosis (RO) membranes using UV‐initiated graft polymerization at different irradiation times (15, 30, 60, and 90 s) and various acrylamide concentrations (10, 20, and 30 g L−1). Also, coating of membranes surface with various concentrations of TiO2 nanoparticles (10, 20, 30, and 50 ppm) followed by the same UV irradiation times was investigated. After that, the membranes modification was done by grafting of acrylamide blended with TiO2 nanoparticles via UV irradiation. The characterization of membranes surface properties and their performance were systematically carried out. The results demonstrated the enhanced hydrophilicity of modified membranes and confirmed the presence of acrylamide and nanoparticles on the membranes surface. Acrylamide‐grafted membranes could reach to higher water flux than pristine membrane with little reduction in salt rejection. Moreover, TiO2‐coated membranes indicated enhancement of water flux continuously with increase in nanoparticles concentration and irradiation time and rejection of membranes was slightly decreased at low irradiation times. Also, RO membranes modified simultaneously with acrylamide and TiO2 nanoparticles under UV irradiation exhibited improved water flux up to 18%, slightly higher rejection, and considerable better fouling resistance compared with pristine one. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48461.RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS
Aromatic polyamide thin film composite reverse osmosis (RO) membranes fabricated through interfacial polymerization process between m‐phenylenediamine and trimesoyl chloride on the porous polysulfone support.
The desirable UV irradiation time for surface modification of RO membranes was up to 90 s.
Modification of RO membranes surface was carried out by UV‐initiated grafting of acrylamide, coating of membranes surface with TiO2 nanoparticles followed by the UV irradiation, and grafting of acrylamide blended with TiO2 nanoparticles via UV irradiation.
ATR‐FTIR, SEM, EDX, and AFM confirmed modification of membranes surface with acrylamide, TiO2 nanoparticles, and both of them.
All modified membranes had lower contact angle than unmodified one indicating enhanced surface hydrophilicity.
Acrylamide‐grafted membranes could result in higher water flux than unmodified membrane with little reduction in salt rejection.
TiO2‐coated membranes indicated improvement of water flux with increase in nanoparticles concentration and irradiation time and rejection of membranes was decreased slightly at low UV irradiation times.
RO membranes modified simultaneously with acrylamide and TiO2 nanoparticles under UV irradiation had improved water flux, slightly higher rejection, and considerable enhanced antifouling property compared with unmodified one.
The effects of electron beam radiation on material properties and degradation of commercial PBAT/PLA blend
Authors: Iuliano A. , Nowacka M. , Rybak K. , Rzepna M. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThis work investigates the potential application of e‐beam radiation for sterilization of food packaging made of commercial polyester blend of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and polylactide known under the trade name Ecovio 23B1. Ecovio film was irradiated at doses of 5, 13, and 26 kGy and the effect of sterilization on the microorganism inactivation ability was performed. The influence of radiation doses on structural and packaging properties such as tensile strength, barrier, and migration properties was also studied. 1H NMR and FTIR analysis revealed no significant changes in the polymer structure, however, the molar mass of irradiated samples decreased with increasing radiation dose. This result indicated the occurrence of degradation process during radiation, which was confirmed by the thermal analysis and accelerated enzymatic degradation. The packaging properties did not changed significantly and the overall migration for 10% ethanol, isooctane, and MPPO was below the limit for all of the studied samples. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48462.
Colony‐specific differences in decadal longitudinal body composition of a capital‐breeding marine top predator
Authors: Hanson Nora , Smout Sophie , Moss Simon , Pomeroy Patrick 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Capital breeding animals such as true seals (Phocidae) rely on accumulated body reserves to rear offspring. A mother's body composition at the start of a breeding episode may depend on recent environmental conditions and sets the resources available for the reproductive episode.
At two grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) breeding colonies with contrasting demographic characteristics, factors influencing individual variation and temporal trends in the body composition (expressed as the lipid‐to‐protein mass ratio) of females were examined.
Maternal reproductive expenditure, and the consequences for mothers and their pups, were investigated.
Individual variation in postpartum maternal body composition was considerable. Mean values of 27% (±5%) lipid and 18% (±1%) protein were estimated by hydrogen isotope dilution. No evidence of age effects was detected.
Mothers with a high lipid‐to‐protein mass ratio expended a higher proportion of lipid resources, conserved protein and returned with more protein the following year.
Average maternal postpartum body composition was similar between the two colonies, but temporal patterns differed at one colony where pup production was decreasing from another where pup production was increasing. Mothers at the declining colony consistently weaned larger pups than mothers at the increasing colony across the range of mother sizes, but measures of maternal body composition did not predict pup weaning masses.
Automated detection and tracking of marine mammals: A novel sonar tool for monitoring effects of marine industry
Authors: Hastie Gordon D. , Wu Gi‐Mick , Moss Simon , Jepp Pauline , MacAulay Jamie , Lee Arthur , Sparling Carol E. , Evers Clair , Gillespie Douglas 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Many marine industries may pose acute risks to marine wildlife. For example, tidal turbines have the potential to injure or kill marine mammals through collisions with turbine blades. However, the quantification of collision risk is currently limited by a lack of suitable technologies to collect long‐term data on marine mammal behaviour around tidal turbines.
Sonar provides a potential means of tracking marine mammals around tidal turbines. However, its effectiveness for long‐term data collection is hindered by the large data volumes and the need for manual validation of detections. Therefore, the aim here was to develop and test automated classification algorithms for marine mammals in sonar data.
Data on the movements of harbour seals were collected in a tidally energetic environment using a high‐frequency multibeam sonar on a custom designed seabed‐mounted platform. The study area was monitored by observers to provide visual validation of seals and other targets detected by the sonar.
Sixty‐five confirmed seals and 96 other targets were detected by the sonar. Movement and shape parameters associated with each target were extracted and used to develop a series of classification algorithms. Kernel support vector machines were used to classify targets (seal vs. nonseal) and cross‐validation analyses were carried out to quantify classifier efficiency.
The best‐fit kernel support vector machine correctly classified all the confirmed seals but misclassified a small percentage of non‐seal targets (~8%) as seals. Shape and non‐spectral movement parameters were considered to be the most important in achieving successful classification.
Results indicate that sonar is an effective method for detecting and tracking seals in tidal environments, and the automated classification approach developed here provides a key tool that could be applied to collecting long‐term behavioural data around anthropogenic activities such as tidal turbines.
The status of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) in the UK
Authors: Thompson Dave , Duck Callan D. , Morris Chris D. , Russell Debbie J. F. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Estimates of population size and trends are essential for effective conservation and management of wildlife populations. For harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), these data are required to fulfil statutory reporting obligations under national and international regulations.
Aerial survey counts of harbour seals hauled out during their annual moult were used to estimate population sizes and trends at UK, regional (seal management unit, SMU) and local (Special Area of Conservation, SAC) scales.
Results indicate that the current UK harbour seal population is similar to estimates from the late 1990s, but there were significant declines in some subpopulations and increases in others.
Fitted trends suggest that the UK harbour seal population can be divided into three geographically coherent groups: South‐east populations (South‐East and North‐East England SMUs) have shown continuous increases punctuated by phocine distemper virus epidemics in 1988 and 2002; north‐east populations (East Scotland, Moray Firth, North Coast and Orkney, and Shetland SMUs) have declined since the late 1990s; north‐west populations (West Scotland, Western Isles, and South‐West Scotland SMUs) have remained stable or increased. Similar geographical population substructure is evident in recent population genetics results.
Trends within SACs generally match SMU trends since 2002. Of the nine SACs designated for harbour seals, four declined (in East Scotland, Moray Firth, and North Coast and Orkney SMUs), four remained stable (in Shetland and West Scotland SMUs), and one increased (in South‐East England SMU).
Large changes in relative abundance have resulted from differences in regional trends. For example, in 1996–1997 the West Scotland and North Coast and Orkney SMUs each held ~27% of the Great Britain population but now hold ~50% and ~4% respectively; in 1980, the South‐East England SMU population was ~50% that of the Wadden Sea population, but by 2016 it was equivalent to <20% of the Wadden Sea count.
Investigating decadal changes in persistent organic pollutants in Scottish grey seal pups
Authors: Robinson Kelly J. , Hall Ailsa J. , Scholl Georges , Debier Cathy , Thomé Jean‐Pierre , Eppe Gauthier , Adam Catherine , Bennett Kimberley A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) remain a risk to marine ecosystem health. POPs accumulate in fat tissue and are biomagnified up through food webs, generating high concentrations in apex predators, including marine mammals. Seals are thus often cited as sentinels of marine environment POP levels. Measuring changes across decadal timescales in these animals is key to understanding the effectiveness of regulations controlling POPs, predicting health, population, and ecosystem level impacts, and informing conservation and management strategies. Information on recent changes in legacy POPs in seals is relatively sparse, however, and datasets are not always continuous in the absence of dedicated POP monitoring programmes.
Here, POP concentrations in the blubber of weaned grey seal pups from the Isle of May, Scotland, were compared between studies investigating POP impacts on survival and energy balance in 2002, and in 2015–17. By 2017, the total dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣDL‐CBs) and the total non‐dioxin‐like polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣNDL‐CBs) had decreased to ~75% of 2002 levels.
The organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), dichlorodiphenyltrichoroethane (ΣDDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), and dichlorodiphenyldichoroethane (DDD), and some CB congeners, did not fall over the 15‐year period; however, the power to detect small changes at low concentrations was limited.
High DDE and a lack of change in DDD are likely to reflect the low excretion of DDT metabolites, rather than recent exposure.
The limited change in many POPs over 15 years suggest that risks remain for energy balance, endocrine status, and immune function in grey seal pups, with contingent effects on conservation and management objectives for this species.
These data highlight the need for long‐term datasets and parity in sampling and analytical methods to evaluate continuing impacts of POPs in grey seals and on marine ecosystems more widely.
Modifizierung des RCM‐Tests zur Optimierung der Messpräzision, Versuchsdauer und Wirtschaftlichkeit
Authors: Stengel Thorsten , Schießl‐Pecka Angelika , Feuerecker Josef , Himsel Katharina 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIm Rahmen der Veröffentlichung des neuen BAW‐Merkblatts MDCC [1] wurde zur Sicherstellung der Dauerhaftigkeit ein semiprobabilistisches Nachweiskonzept eingeführt, welches für die Bundeswasserstraßen verbindlich anzuwenden ist. Es ist davon auszugehen, dass sich diese Entwicklung auch in den nationalen und internationalen Regelwerken fortsetzen wird. Was allerdings fehlt, sind praxistaugliche und gleichzeitig wirtschaftliche Prüfmethoden zur Bestimmung des Materialwiderstands, die im Rahmen von Eignungs‐, Konformitäts‐ und Identitätsprüfungen durchgeführt werden können. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden daher zunächst die aktuell vorliegenden Prüfmethoden zur Ermittlung des Materialwiderstands gegenüber Chlorideindringen beleuchtet (Schnellpenetrationstest RCP‐Test, Schnellmigrationstest RCM‐Test, Prüfung des Elektrolytwiderstands) und hinsichtlich Prüfgenauigkeit, Zeitaufwand und Praxistauglichkeit kritisch hinterfragt. Aufbauend auf diesen Erkenntnissen wird eine neue Prüfmethode auf Basis der bestehenden RCM‐Versuchseinrichtung entwickelt, die im Rahmen von Eignungsprüfungen verwendet werden kann und als Modified Chloride Migration Test (MCM‐Test) bezeichnet wird. Bei diesem Test wird bei variabler Anfangsspannung während einer festgelegten Prüfdauer der Ladungsfluss bestimmt; der resultierende Materialwert wird als SCFR (Specific Charge Flow Rate)‐Wert bezeichnet. Im Rahmen von 32 Versuchsserien mit 17 verschiedenen Betonen konnte gezeigt werden, dass die Korrelation zwischen dem SCFR‐Wert und dem Chloridmigrationskoeffizient DRCM(RCM‐Test) bzw. den Ergebnissen des RCP‐Tests sehr gut ist. Für die Durchführung von Konformitäts‐ und Identitätsprüfungen wird die Messung des spezifischen Elektrolytwiderstands vorgeschlagen, der unabhängig von der Bindemittelkombination ebenfalls eine gute Korrelation mit dem DRCM‐Wert zeigt.
Prognostic value of Kinesin‐4 family genes mRNA expression in early‐stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Han Quanfa , Han Chuangye , Liao Xiwen , Huang Ketuan , Wang Xiangkun , Yu Tingdong , Yang Chengkun , Li Guanghui , Han Bowen , Zhu Guangzhi , Liu Zhengqian , Zhou Xin , Liu Junqi , Su Hao , Shang Liming , Peng Tao , Ye Xinping 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential prognostic value of Kinesin‐4 family genes mRNA expression in early‐stage pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients after pancreaticoduodenectomy.MethodsKaplan‐Meier survival analysis method with log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to figure out the association between Kinesin‐4 family genes expression and PDAC patients overall survival time. Joint‐effect survival analysis and stratified survival analysis were carried out to assess the prognosis prediction value of prognosis‐related gene. Nomogram was constructed for the individualized prognosis prediction. In addition, we had used the gene set enrichment analysis and genome‐wide co‐expression analysis to further explore the potential mechanism.ResultsKIF21A expression level was significantly associated with PDAC patient clinical prognosis outcome and patient with a high expression of KIF21A would have a shorter overall survival time. The prognosis prediction significance of KIF21A was well validated by the joint‐effect survival analysis, stratified survival analysis, and nomogram. Meanwhile, the gene set enrichment analysis and genome‐wide co‐expression analysis revealed that KIF21A might involve in DNA damage and repair, transcription and translation process, post‐translation protein modification, cell cycle, carcinogensis genes and pathways.ConclusionsOur current research demonstrated that KIF21A could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker for patient with early‐stage PDAC after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
Homicides and Maltreatment‐related Deaths of Disabled Children: A Systematic Review
Authors: Frederick John , Devaney John , Alisic Eva 
Published: September 2019

This article aims to systematically review the empirical literature in relation to the homicides and maltreatment‐related deaths of disabled children in order to better understand the risk factors and to assess support for the explanatory theories posited. These theories include: (1) the stress of caregiving; (2) altruistic intent; (3) lack of bonding with the child; (4) the challenging behaviours the child; (5) cultural beliefs about disabled children; and (6) evolutionary imperatives. Systematic searching techniques were used to retrieve relevant research articles in six electronic databases: AMED, CINAHL, Criminal Justice Abstracts, Medline (PubMed), PsycINFO and SCOPUS. The issue of a child being disabled was identified as a risk factor in most reviewed articles, however the definition of the term ‘disability’ was not consistent nor was there a consistent approach to recording children's disability. A range of potential risk factors were found, relating to the child, the perpetrator and the environment, with the pathway to harming the child involving an interactive process between each of these. The stress of caregiving and altruistic theories were the two most common explanations for homicides and maltreatment‐related deaths of disabled children, although a combination of theories may provide a more comprehensive explanation of these complex events.‘This article aims to systematically review the empirical literature in relation to the homicides and maltreatment‐related deaths of disabled children’Key Practitioner Messages

Coordination of clear care pathways for families with disabled children, including the provision of support and counselling.
Improved professional awareness of the needs of disabled children and understanding that these needs may not coincide with those of their parents or carers.
Provision of opportunities for respite to enable parents of disabled children to continue their task of caring.
Need for consistent data on disabled children to be collected through existing child death review processes and the criminal justice system.
Cornusglucosides A and B, Two New Iridoid Glucosides from the Fruit of Cornus officinalis
Authors: He Jun , Xu Yuan , Xu Jie‐Kun , Ye Xian‐Sheng , Zhang Xiao‐Xiao , Zhang Wei‐Ku 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPhytochemical study on the fruit of Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc. yielded two new iridoid glucosides, named cornusglucoside A (1) and cornusglucoside B (2). The structures of 1 and 2 were elucidated via comprehensive NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS data analysis. Additionally, their inhibitory effects on IL‐6‐induced STAT3 activation were assessed.
Serving the Whole Student: Addressing Nonacademic Barriers Facing Rural Community College Students
Authors: Waters‐Bailey Stacy , McGraw Matthew S. , Barr Jason 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis chapter offers strategies for creating support resources for students who face nonacademic barriers such as housing insecurity, food insecurity, lack of transportation and dependable childcare, and the need for mental health care and illness. These strategies should be viewed as ideas to help retain students and create lasting partnerships between rural community colleges and community organizations.
The REMEDEE trial: 5‐Year results on a novel combined sirolimus‐eluting and endothelial progenitor cells capturing stent
Authors: Haude Michael , Lee Stephen W. L. , Worthley Stephen G. , Silber Sigmund , Verheye Stefan , Rosli Mohd A. , Botelho Roberto , Sim Kui H. , Abizaid Alexandre , Mehran Roxana ,   for the REMEDEE Trial Investigators
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of the novel combined sirolimus‐eluting endothelial progenitor cell capture Combo stent (OrbusNeich, Fort Lauderdale, FL) at 5 years in the REMEDEE (Randomized study to Evaluate the safety and effectiveness of an abluMinal sirolimus coated bio‐Engineered stEnt) trial.BackgroundDrug–eluting stents have limited restenosis and reintervention but are complicated by late and very late thrombosis and accelerated neoatherosclerosis. Alternative or adjunctive technologies are needed to address these limitations.MethodsA total of 183 patients with de novo lesions in native coronary arteries were randomized 2:1 to Combo (n = 124) or Taxus Liberté (n = 59). Primary endpoint was 9 month angiographic in‐stent late lumen loss and the secondary endpoint was the occurrence of major adverse events (MACE) through 5‐year follow‐up.ResultsCompared with Taxus, after 5 years the Combo stent was associated with similar rates of MACE (18.3% vs. 16.9%, p = .89), cardiac death (0.8% vs. 5.1%, p = .07), myocardial infarction (4.1% vs. 3.4%, p = .81), target lesion (9.4% vs. 10.2%, p = .78), and target vessel revascularization (14.4% vs. 11.9%, p = .73). No cases of definite stent thrombosis were reported in the Combo group. The follow‐up rate at 5 years was 97.7%.ConclusionAt 5‐year follow‐up, the Combo stent remained clinically safe and effective with an overall low rate of MACE comparable to Taxus.
Flexible Nanoporous Gold Electrodes for Electroanalysis in Complex Matrices
Authors: Khan Rezaul K. , Yadavalli Vamsi K. , Collinson Maryanne M 
Published: September 2019

AbstractFlexible, three‐dimensional nanoporous gold (NPG) electrodes were fabricated on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces without any functionalization, and their electrochemical properties examined in the absence and presence of common biofouling agents using cyclic voltammetry and redox potentiometry. In this work, potassium ferricyanide and fibrinogen were used as a model redox probe and denaturing agent, respectively, to demonstrate that flexible NPG electrodes behave ideally and can make electrochemical measurements in biofouling solutions. Using cyclic voltammetry, the non‐faradaic capacitive current was shown to be directly proportional to the scan rate, while the redox chemistry of potassium ferricyanide in the presence and absence of fibrinogen demonstrated reversible voltammetry. Using redox potentiometry, Nernst plots for the potassium ferri‐/ferrocyanide redox system gave rise to an expected Nernstian slope of 60 mV. These flexible electrodes could be particularly beneficial in electrochemical sensing in complex environments. Proof of concept was demonstrated through the measurement of uric acid in red blood cell packets using cyclic voltammetry.