bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of environmental particles by atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy
Authors: Mavrocordatos D. , Pronk W. , Boller M. 
Published: May 2018

Due to their large specific surface and their abundance, micro and nano particles play an important role in the transport of micropollutants in the environment. Natural particles are usually composed of a mixture of inorganic amorphous or crystalline material (mainly FeOOH, FexOy, MnxOy and clays) and organic material (humics and polysaccharides). They all tend to occur as very small particles (1-1,000 nm in diameter). Most natural amorphous particles are unstable and tend to transform with time towards more crystalline forms, either by aging or possibly, by dissolution and re-crystallization. Such transformations affect the fate of sorbed micropollutants and the scavenging properties are therefore changed. As these entities are sensitive to dehydration (aggregation, changes in the morphology), it is highly important to observe their morphology in their natural environment and understand their composition at the scale of the individual particles. Also for the understanding and optimization of water treatment technologies, the knowledge of the occurrence and behavior of nano-particles is of high importance.
Some of the possible particle analysis methods are presented: aggregation processes, biomineralization, bacterial adhesion, biofilms in freshwaters, ferrihydrite as heavy metals remover from storm water. These examples demonstrate the capabilities and focus of the microscopes. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) allows to analyze the particles in their own environment, meaning in air or in the water. Thus, native aspects of particles can be observed. As well, forces of interactions between particles or between particles and other surfaces such as membranes will be highly valuable data. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and for higher lateral resolution, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) allow measurement of the morphology and composition. Especially, TEM coupled with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (TEM-EELS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis. Finally, general guidelines for the effective use of microscopic techniques are provided.
Aerobic granular sludge technology: an alternative to activated sludge?
Authors: de Bruin L.M.M. , de Kreuk M.K. , van der Roest H.F.R. , Uijterlinde C. , van Loosdrecht M.C.M. 
Published: May 2018

Laboratory experiments have shown that it is possible to cultivate aerobic granular sludge in sequencing batch reactors. In order to direct future research needs and the critical points for successful implementation at large scale, a full detailed design of a potential application was made. The design was based on the laboratory results, and two variants of a full-scale sewage treatment plant based on Granular sludge Sequencing Batch Reactors (GSBRs) were evaluated. As a reference a conventional treatment plant based on activated sludge technology was designed for the same case.
Based on total annual costs both GSBR variants proved to be more attractive than the reference alternative (7-17% lower costs). From a sensitivity analysis it appeared that the GSBR technology was less sensitive to the land price and more sensitive to a rain weather flow (RWF). This means that the GSBR technology becomes more attractive at lower permissible RWF/DWF ratios and higher land prices. The footprint of the GSBR variants was only 25% compared to the reference. However, the GSBR with primary treatment only cannot meet the present effluent standards for municipal wastewater in The Netherlands, mainly because of a too high suspended solids concentration in the effluent.
A growing number of sewage treatment plants in the Netherlands are going to be faced with more stringent effluent standards. In general, activated sludge plants will have to be extended with a post treatment step (e.g. sand filtration) or be transformed into Membrane Bioreactors. In this case a GSBR variant with primary treatment as well as post treatment can be an attractive alternative.
Summary and conclusions from the SIWI Seminar for Young Water Professionals: Food and urban security – breaking the urban/rural division in water management
Authors: Magnusson T. Sjömander 
Published: May 2018

At the Seminar for Young Water Professionals, a group of young people from different parts of the world met to discuss and debate:the interface between the urban and rural environment – how can water management see to the interest of both the farmer and the urban citizen;how the spatial boundaries within water resources management will develop in the future due to changing population patterns.
Three key themes crystallized during the day: the challenges of the urban/rural interface, the need for new boundaries in water resources management and the importance of site-specific, appropriate solutions in relation to water re-use.
Risk management in waste water treatment
Authors: Wagner M. , Strube I. 
Published: May 2018

With the continuous restructuring of the water market due to liberalisation, privatisation and internationalisation processes, the requirements on waste water disposal companies have grown. Increasing competition requires a target-oriented and clearly structured procedure. At the same time it is necessary to meet the environment-relevant legal requirements and to design the processes to be environment-oriented. The implementation of risk management and the integration of such a management instrument in an existing system in addition to the use of modern technologies and procedures can help to make the operation of the waste water treatment safer and consequently strengthen market position.
The risk management process consists of three phases, risk identification, risk analysis/risk assessment and risk handling, which are based on each other, as well as of the risk managing. To achieve an identification of the risks as complete as possible, a subdivision of the kind of risks (e.g. legal, financial, market, operational) is suggested. One possibility to assess risks is the portfolio method which offers clear representation. It allows a division of the risks into classes showing which areas need handling. The determination of the appropriate measures to handle a risk (e.g. avoidance, reduction, shift) is included in the concluding third phase. Different strategies can be applied here. On the one hand, the cause-oriented strategy, aiming at preventive measures which aim to reduce the probability of occurrence of a risk (e.g. creation of redundancy, systems with low susceptibility to malfunction). On the other hand, the effect-oriented strategy, aiming to minimise the level of damage in case of an undesired occurrence (e.g. use of alarm systems, insurance cover).
The hydraulic capacity of deteriorating sewer systems
Authors: Pollert J. , Ugarelli R. , Saegrov S. , Schilling W. , Federico V. Di 
Published: May 2018

Sewer and wastewater systems suffer from insufficient capacity, construction flaws and pipe deterioration. Consequences are structural failures, local floods, surface erosion and pollution of receiving waters bodies. European cities spend in the order of five billion Euro per year for wastewater network rehabilitation. This amount is estimated to increase due to network ageing. The project CARE-S (Computer Aided RE-habilitation of Sewer Networks) deals with sewer and storm water networks. The final project goal is to develop integrated software, which provides the most cost-efficient system of maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of sewer networks. Decisions on investments in rehabilitation often have to be made with uncertain information about the structural condition and the hydraulic performance of a sewer system. Because of this, decision-making involves considerable risks.
This paper presents the results of research focused on the study of hydraulic effects caused by failures due to temporal decline of sewer systems. Hydraulic simulations are usually carried out by running commercial models that apply, as input, default values of parameters that strongly influence results. Using CCTV inspections information as dataset to catalogue principal types of failures affecting pipes, a 3D model was used to evaluate their hydraulic consequences. The translation of failures effects in parameters values producing the same hydraulic conditions caused by failures was carried out through the comparison of laboratory experiences and 3D simulations results. Those parameters could be the input of 1D commercial models instead of the default values commonly inserted.
A comparison between the theory and reality of full-scale step-feed nutrient removal systems
Authors: Johnson B.R. , Goodwin S. , Daigger G.T. , Crawford G.V. 
Published: May 2018

Capacity enhancement and volume reduction benefits of step-feeding fully aerobic bioreactors has been well documented. Application of step-feed technology to biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems, particularly those removing nitrogen alone or both nitrogen and phosphorus, is relatively new to the industry. In recent years, a number of full-scale step-feed facilities have been brought into service. This paper reviews nine full-scale step-feed biological nutrient removal systems—both nitrogen removal alone, and nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The objective is to compare the theoretical benefits of such systems with their actual operation. The predicted benefits of reduced bioreactor volume or increased process capacity, reduced energy usage, more robust nitrification performance, and the flexibility to tune (or de-tune) nitrification efficiency were verified in full-scale systems. Equations are also presented that may be used in the prediction of step-feed benefits.
There are two primary drivers for considering a step-feed biological reactor system:Reduced bioreactor volume for a defined capacity or performance or increased process capacity given a fixed bioreactor volumeMore robust nitrification performance
Full-scale operation of these step-feed nutrient removal systems provides a real world basis for the claimed benefits of step-feed operation. These systems have uniformly shown additional capacity. A number of them have also exhibited more robust performance, especially during storms. Where possible, side-by-side comparisons of full-scale step-feed systems with non-step-feed systems have exhibited greater process reliability and flexibility.
The Importance of Complying with Vaccination Protocols in Developed Countries: “Anti-Vax” Hysteria and the Spread of Severe Preventable Diseases
Authors: Pandolfi F. , Franza L. , Todi L. , Carusi V. , Centrone M. , Buonomo A. , Chini R. , Newton E.E. , Schiavino D. , Nucera E. 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Vaccines are very effective medical tools for disease prevention and
life span increase. Controversies have raised concern about their safety, from autism to polio
vaccine contamination with simian virus 40 (SV-40). Hysteria surrounding vaccine-associated
risks has resulted in a declining number of vaccinations in developed countries. Outbreaks of
vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g. measles) have occurred in Europe and North America,
causing also some causalities.

Objectives:
In this review, data on safety and efficacy of vaccines are discussed, showing that
the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks and that it is important to comply with vaccination
protocols, to avoid spreading of severe, preventable diseases.

Methods:
Those opposed to vaccinations suggest that scientific literature supporting vaccines
is influenced by pharmaceutical companies. In this review, studies on influenza produced by
independent scientists and those authored by those who received some kind of benefit from
the industry are discussed separately. All the chosen papers were selected through a MEDLINE
research.

Results:
Vaccination rates are decreasing, even though they are effective public health tools.
Influenza, for example, is responsible for 250,000–500,000 deaths each year, according to the
WHO. Yet, campaigns to extend influenza vaccine to all elderly subjects report little success,
because of the vaccine scare and because not all patients develop immunity following vaccination.

Conclusions:
This review proves that vaccine hysteria is detrimental because: 1) it causes an
increased morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases; 2) it jeopardizes research for
new vaccines; 3) patients are reluctant to accept any form of immune-therapy, commonly referred
to as “vaccination”.
Effect of Metformin on Plasma Fibrinogen Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Simental-Mendia Luis E. , Pirro Matteo , Atkin Stephen L. , Banach Maciej , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: May 2018

Objective: Fibrinogen is a key mediator of thrombosis and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis. Because metformin has shown a potential protective effect on different atherothrombotic risk
factors, we assessed in this meta-analysis its effect on plasma fibrinogen concentrations.

Methods:
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials
evaluating the effect of metformin administration on fibrinogen levels. The search included PubMed-Medline,
Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar databases (by June 2, 2017) and quality of studies was performed
according to Cochrane criteria. Quantitative data synthesis was conducted using a random-effects model
and sensitivity analysis by the leave-one-out method. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the modifiers
of treatment response.

Results:
Meta-analysis of data from 9 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with 2302 patients comprising
10 treatment arms did not suggest a significant change in plasma fibrinogen concentrations following metformin
therapy (WMD: -0.25 g/L, 95% CI: -0.53, 0.04, p = 0.092). The effect size was robust in the leave-one-out sensitivity
analysis and remained non-significant after omission of each single study from the meta-analysis.

Conclusion:
No significant effect of metformin on plasma fibrinogen concentrations was demonstrated in the
current meta-analysis.
Reproducibility of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements in Normal Eyes Using the Zeiss Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT and Pentacam HR
Authors: Baghdasaryan Elmira , Huang Xiwen , Marion Kenneth M. , Tepelus Tudor C. , Bagherinia Homayoun , Sadda SriniVas R. , Hsu Hugo Y. 
Published: May 2018

Objectives:To determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) measurements using two different anterior segment imaging modalities, including those obtained with the new anterior segment lens attachments for the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT.Methods:A total of 32 eyes from 16 normal volunteers (8 male, 8 female) were enrolled in this prospective study. CCT was measured by the same examiner using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT and Pentacam HR. The results of CCT obtained by each method were averaged and compared using t-test analysis. The agreement between the measurement methods was evaluated. Coefficient of Repeatability (CoR) and Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were computed.Results:The mean measurements taken with the Cirrus OCT anterior chamber lens (CCTAC), HD cornea lens (CCTHDC) and pachymetry scans (CCTPach) were 545.35 ± 31.02, 537.87 ± 26.82, and 532.04 ± 29.82 µm, respectively. The mean CCT obtained with the Pentacam (CCTPent) was 545.51 ± 30.71 µm. CCTPentwere significantly higher than CCTHDCand CCTPach(p< 0.0001). In contrast, the CCTPentand CCTACwere similar (p=0.87). CCT, as evaluated by the two different instruments, showed excellent correlation (r> 0.98,p< 0.0001) with an ICC > 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97 – 0.99). CoR was the highest for CCTPach(3.7 ± 1.4, 95% CI (3.0- 4.6)).Conclusion:CCT measurements from the Cirrus OCT using the new anterior segment lens attachments and the Pentacam HR are highly correlated. This should allow the use of a standardized correction factor if necessary to inter-relate the measurements between the two devices.
Variability of serum aldosterone concentrations in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Di Girolamo Nicola , Fecteau Kellie , Carnimeo Alessandra , Bongiovanni Laura , Fracassi Federico , Isani Gloria , Selleri Paolo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore sources of serum aldosterone concentration variability in a population of healthy and diseased ferrets, determine a preliminary 1 -sided reference interval for serum aldosterone concentration in healthy ferrets, and identify a decision limit to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets on the basis of serum aldosterone concentration.
DESIGN Prospective threshold definition and diagnostic accuracy study.
ANIMALS 78 healthy (n = 56) and diseased (22) ferrets.
PROCEDURES Serum aldosterone concentrations were measured on consecutively admitted ferrets, and an upper reference limit for aldosterone concentrations was established. Sensitivity and specificity of aldosterone concentration cutoffs to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets were estimated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
RESULTS Measurements of serum aldosterone concentrations in the ferrets showed wide variability, with a median concentration of 4.75 pg/mL (interquartile range, 0.55 to 17.9 pg/mL; range, 0.02 to 283.9 pg/mL) and 76% (59/78) of samples having concentrations < 18 pg/mL. Ferrets that were healthy, older, or sexually inactive had significantly lower aldosterone concentrations. The upper limit of the reference interval for healthy ferrets was 13.3 pg/mL (90% confidence interval, 9.9 to 16.9 pg/mL). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that an aldosterone concentration cutoff value of 7.6 pg/mL differentiated healthy ferrets from diseased ferrets with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 73.2% (area under the curve, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.91).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that high aldosterone concentrations should not be considered diagnostic of primary hyperaldosteronism in ferrets. A need exists to develop better tests to identify primary hyperaldosteronism.
Case-control study of plasma mean platelet component concentration and survival analysis for dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Authors: Zoia Andrea , Gerou-Ferriani Magda , Drigo Michele , Caldin Marco 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) had a low plasma mean platelet component (MPC) concentration and whether MPC was associated with outcome.
DESIGN Retrospective case-control study and survival analysis.
ANIMALS 95 dogs with IMHA (cases) as well as 95 healthy dogs and 95 sick dogs without IMHA (controls) matched to cases by age, reproductive status, and breed.
PROCEDURES Plasma MPC concentration at initial examination was compared among groups. For dogs with IMHA only, sex, age, serum urea and bilirubin concentrations, Hct, platelet count, and plasma fibrinogen, D-dimer, and MPC concentrations were evaluated for associations with survival to 42 days after initial examination.
RESULTS Plasma MPC concentration was significantly lower in dogs with IMHA than in the other 2 dog groups. In dogs with IMHA, plasma MPC concentration was the only factor significantly associated with outcome. The optimal plasma MPC concentration cutoff value for predicting nonsurvival of dogs with IMHA was 19.1 g/dL; values ≤ 19.1 g/dL were associated with nonsurvival. Likewise, the survival curve for dogs with plasma MPC concentrations ≤ 19.1 g/dL differed significantly from that for dogs with values > 19.1 g/dL. The mean estimated risk of death for dogs with IMHA decreased by 16% for every unit increase in plasma MPC concentration.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs with IMHA, platelets appeared to have been activated to a greater degree, as determined by lower plasma MPC concentrations, than in healthy dogs or sick dogs without IMHA. Plasma MPC concentration at initial examination may be useful for predicting prognosis in dogs with IMHA.
Outcomes of the addition of pasireotide to traditional adrenal-directed treatment for dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism secondary to macroadenoma: 9 cases (2013–2015)
Authors: Lottati Maya , Bruyette David S. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical signs, endocrine test results, and pituitary tumor size for dogs with medically managed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and macroadenoma following 6 months of concurrent treatment with pasireotide.
DESIGN Prospective case series.
ANIMALS 9 client-owned dogs with PDH and macroadenoma in which PDH had been successfully managed with adrenal-directed treatment (trilostane or mitotane).
PROCEDURES Dogs were given pasireotide (0.03 mg/kg [0.014 mg/lb], SC, q 12 h) for 6 months, while adrenal-directed treatment was continued. Physical examination, basic clinicopathologic testing, ACTH stimulation testing, and plasma ACTH concentration measurement were performed before (baseline) and 3 and 6 months after treatment began. Measurements of pituitary gland volume and pituitary gland-to-brain ratio were performed via MRI at baseline and 6 months after treatment began.
RESULTS No dog developed neurologic abnormalities or signs of adverse effects during the study period. No differences from baseline were identified in clinicopathologic values, ACTH stimulation test results, or plasma ACTH concentration at the 3- or 6-month assessment points. After 6 months of pasireotide treatment, 6 dogs had decreases in MRI-measured values, and 3 had increases.
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pasireotide as administered in this study had no noted adverse effects on dogs with PDH and macroadenoma successfully managed with standard treatment. Placebo-controlled, randomized studies are needed to determine whether pasireotide protects from the development of neurologic signs or improves outcome in dogs with pituitary macroadenomas.
Problems of the Selection of Construction Technology for Structures in the Centres of Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina E. , Kania E. , Śladowski G. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe goal of the article is the diagnosis and presentation of the problems of the selection of construction technologies for buildings being built in the centres of urban agglomerations. The survey and literature studies that were performed show that the process of selecting these technologies is difficult due to a series of very different difficulties associated with constructing a structure in a city centre and which are sometimes hard to foresee. At the same time there is a lack of decision-making support tools dedicated to the selection of construction technologies that would take into account the problems that occur during the construction of buildings in city centres. The study shows the need to discuss the subject of developing a mathematical model and a decisionmaking support tool based on said model to that end.