bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The combined and interactive effects of zinc, temperature, and phosphorus on the structure and functioning of a freshwater community
Authors: Van de Perre Dimitri , Roessink Ivo , Janssen Colin R. , Smolders Erik , De Laender Frederik , Van den Brink Paul J. , De Schamphelaere Karel A.C. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Ecotoxicological studies mainly consist of single-species experiments evaluating the effects of a single stressor. However, under natural conditions aquatic communities are exposed to a mixture of stressors. The present study aimed to identify how the toxicity of zinc (Zn) is affected by increased temperature and increased phosphorus (P) supply and how these interactions vary among species, functional groups, and community structure and function. Aquatic microcosms were subjected to 3 Zn concentrations (background, no Zn added, and 75 and 300 μg Zn/L), 2 temperatures (16–19 and 21–24 °C), and 2 different P additions (low, 0.02, and high, 0.4 mg P L−1 wk−1) for 5 wk using a full factorial design. During the study, consistent interactions between Zn and temperature were only rarely found at the species level (4%), but were frequently found at the functional group level (36%), for community structure (100%) and for community function (100%; such as dissolved organic carbon concentrations and total chlorophyll). The majority of the Zn × temperature interactions were observed at 300 μg Zn/L and generally indicated a smaller effect of Zn at higher temperature. Furthermore, no clear indication was found that high P addition by itself significantly affected the overall effects of Zn on the community at any level of organization. Interestingly, though, 90% of all the Zn × temperature interactions observed at the species, group, and community composition level were found under high P addition. Collectively, the results of our study with the model chemical Zn suggest that temperature and phosphorus loading to freshwater systems should be accounted for in risk assessment, because these factors may modify the effects of chemicals on the structure and functioning of aquatic communities, especially at higher levels of biological organization. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:2413–2427. © 2018 SETAC
A Portfolio Framework for Prioritizing Conservation Efforts for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Populations
Authors: Al-Chokhachy Robert , Shepard Bradley B , Burckhardt Jason C , Garren Dan , Opitz Scott , Koel Todd M , Nelson Lee , Gresswell Robert E 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Managing and conserving native taxa are becoming increasingly challenging because of mounting threats and limited resources, predicating the need for frameworks to prioritize conservation actions. We integrated attributes of population persistence, genetic status, threats from nonnative species, and threats from climatic shifts to prioritize conservation actions for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri. We used the individual attributes to rank populations and provide a framework for identifying the benefits of individual conservation actions. The majority of extant populations (57%) had a high probability (&gt;0.75) of persistence, but nearly 70% of populations were either slightly hybridized or sympatric with nonnative species, and 44% of extant populations occupied habitat with low climatic resilience. Overall, we found that 36% of populations ranked as high (&gt;0.75) conservation priority, and these populations primarily occupied large, relatively high-elevation habitats. The prioritization framework provides a platform for identifying and ranking actions with the greatest conservation effectiveness.
Geoarchaeological investigations at Akko, Israel: New insights into landscape changes and related anchorage locations since the Bronze Age
Authors: Giaime Matthieu , Morhange Christophe , Marriner Nick , López‐Cadavid Gloria I. , Artzy Michal 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSince the first archaeological excavations undertaken in the 1970s/1980s, Tel Akko is known to have been an important trade city from the early 2nd millennium B.C. onwards. Even if the site has been intensively excavated, no paleoenvironmental studies looking to understand coastal changes near the tell since the Bronze Age had been undertaken until recently. Our research is based on the study of sediment cores drilled at the foot of the tell and in the Old City of Akko, 1,500 m west of the tell. We validate the coastal changes, already proposed by previous studies, while clarifying the chronology of these changes. We propose that the southern anchorage was located in the river mouth of the Na'aman until the early Persian period. This anchorage shifted to the “open” western coast of the tell during the Persian period before its subsequent relocation to the rocky promontory of Akko in Hellenistic times. We attempted to locate the Hellenistic harbor of Akko by coring in the Old City, in proximity to the modern harbor. At that time, a harbor lay in a semi‐protected pocket beach at the foot of the promontory.
Shale reservoir characterization and control factors on gas accumulation of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang shale, Sichuan Basin, South China
Authors: Wu Jing , Liang Chao , Jiang Zaixing , Zhang Chunming 
Published: June 2018

The Lower Cambrian Niutitang shale is reported to be the oldest strata for large‐scale shale gas reserves. Based on outcrop observations and laboratory analyses, this study used a comprehensive approach that integrated sedimentology, mineralogy, petrology, organic geochemistry, and reservoir geology to estimate the prospects for exploring for shale gas in the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, southern China. Whole rock and clay mineral X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) observations, and petro‐physical property measurements indicate that the Niutitang shale is dominated by quartz and clay minerals with minor amounts of plagioclase, potassium feldspar, calcite, dolomite, and pyrite. The organic matter in the Niutitang shale is dominated by type‐1 kerogen, with TOC levels ranging from 1.35% to 14.3% (average 4.46%) and Ro values ranging from 1.86% to 4.18% (average 2.79%). The three primary types of pores in the shale are organic pores, microfractures, and micropores. The micropores are primarily found in the clay mineral crystals and pyrite, and the microfractures are found along the boundaries of quartz grains. Most of the pore diameters are less than 20 nm, mainly concentrate at about 10 nm, which is consistent with that the organic pores act as the main storage space. The pore volume and gas content are strongly controlled by the mineral composition and lithofacies, and TOC content. The factors favouring shale gas accumulation of the Niutitang shale in the study area include (1) an effective thickness and widespread distribution, (2) a high organic carbon content and appropriate organic matter maturity, and (3) a favourable depositional environment.
Hybrid performance evaluation of sustainable service and manufacturing supply chain management: An integrated approach of fuzzy dematel and fuzzy inference system
Authors: Pourjavad Ehsan , Shahin Arash 
Published: June 2018

SummaryThe aim of this paper is to propose a comprehensive framework for simultaneously measuring the performance of sustainable service and manufacturing supply chain management. Application of the proposed approach also results in reduced uncertainty of the performance measurement process caused by qualitative criteria evaluation. The proposed approach consists of two main steps. First, the fuzzy decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method has been used to determine important criteria by avoiding low influences; and then a Mamdani fuzzy inference system model has been adopted and applied for performance evaluation of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). This model is employed in order to cope with the vagueness that exists in the SSCM performance investigation due to the vagueness intrinsic in the evaluation of criteria. In the proposed model, human reasoning has been modelled with fuzzy inference rules and has been set in the system, which is an advantage compared with those models in which fuzzy set theory and multicriteria decision‐making models are integrated. The proposed approach has been implemented in the pipe and fitting industry in order to highlight its application in real life. Sensitivity analysis has been carried out to determine the influence of service and manufacturing criteria on SSCM performance. The findings reveal that sustainable manufacturing criteria compared with sustainable service criteria have more effect on the performance of SSCM.
GJB3/GJB6 screening in GJB2 carriers with idiopathic hearing loss: Is it necessary?
Authors: Chen Kaitian , Wu Xuan , Zong Ling , Jiang Hongyan 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundGenetic analysis detected excessive mono‐allelic recessive GJB2 mutations in individuals with idiopathic deafness; the remaining alleles in trans/cis are underdetermined. The aim of this study was to assess the contributions of variants in GJB3 or GJB6 to non‐syndromic sensorineural hearing impairment (NSHI) in Chinese patients with mono‐allelic GJB2 mutations.MethodsThe entire coding sequences of GJB3/GJB6, as well as deletions in GJB6, in a cohort of NSHI patients (n = 100) carrying likely pathogenic heterozygous GJB2 mutations, were tested. Targeted next generation sequencing was further performed in a multiplex family GDHY with moderate to profound NSHI.ResultsPutatively causative GJB3 variant underlied 1% (1/100) in this cohort. In family GDHY, we identified a rare GJB3 c.250G>A mutation, as double heterozygotes with GJB2 c.109G>A and/or a novel GJB2 mutation c.638T>C predicted to be damaging in a digenic inheritance after precluding other attributable mutations from 127 deafness genes. No GJB6 mutation was found.ConclusionsGJB3/GJB6 variants account for a low proportion in autosomal recessive GJB2 mutation carriers in our cohort. Environmental causes, or other NSHI relevant genes, revealed by targeted next generation sequencing or whole exome sequencing, may play major roles in triggering deafness in these patients.
The influence of phenols extracted from olive mill wastewater on the heterotrophic and mixotrophic growth of Scenedesmus sp.
Authors: Di Caprio Fabrizio , Scarponi Paolina , Altimari Pietro , Iaquaniello Gaetano , Pagnanelli Francesca 
Published: June 2018

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMixotrophic and heterotrophic growth of microalgae through biodegradation of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) is a promising strategy to improve the economic viability of microalgae production processes. However, OMW are characterized by an elevated phenols content, which makes their treatment by biological processes difficult.In this work, the influence of OMW phenols on microalgae growth was investigated by using the phenols extracted with a resin from OMW.RESULTSOMW phenols, at 0.5 g L−1, were found to inhibit the growth of Scenedesmus sp. This inhibition was reduced by replacing an inoculum in the stationary phase with an inoculum in the exponential phase. Even with this strategy, a relevant negative effect (− 30%) on maximum cell concentration was found, which could be prevented by decreasing the phenol concentration to 0.1 g L−1. Under mixotrophic conditions, phenols reduced light penetration, limiting photosynthetic activity without significant improvement in phenols biodegradation. Under both mixotrophic and heterotrophic condition, percentage phenols removal up to 57% was achieved.CONCLUSIONSThe most promising strategy to achieve integrated microalgal cell growth and OMW phenols biodegradation is the heterotrophic cultivation with phenols concentration not greater than 0.1 g L−1 and an inoculum in exponential phase. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Reject water characterization and treatment through short‐cut nitrification/denitrification: assessing the effect of temperature and type of substrate
Authors: Noutsopoulos Constantinos , Mamais Daniel , Statiris Evangelos , Lerias Eleftherios , Malamis Simos , Andreadakis Andreas 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe objectives of this study were to provide a detailed qualitative and quantitative characterization of different reject water types and to evaluate the effect of temperature and type of external organic carbon source on short‐cut nitrification/denitrification process performance for the treatment of reject water with a high ammonia content.RESULTSAccording to the results reject water originating from the sludge dewatering unit is characterized by a high ammonium‐nitrogen content which can be further increased upon pre‐treating the sludge in a thermal‐hydrolysis unit, a low carbon to nitrogen ratio, a low biodegradability and contributes approximately 75% of the total ammonium‐nitrogen load of the recycled flows. It is anticipated that the process can be sustained even at low temperatures (15°C). The temperature effect on both nitritation/denitritation rates is described by an Arrhenius equation with activation energies equal to 37.6 and 39.6 kJ mol−1 respectively. The addition of an organic carbon source rich in easily biodegradable compounds can provide for the achievement of high denitritation rates (in the order of 10 mgNO2‐N gVSS‐1 h−1).CONCLUSIONAn interesting low cost option to reserve on‐site an easily biodegradable organic carbon source by integrating different processes in a wastewater treatment plant is primary sludge hydrolysis. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice in Ireland: A National Survey
Authors: Fennelly Orna , Blake Catherine , FitzGerald Oliver , Breen Roisin , O'Sullivan Cliona , O'Mir Marie , Desmeules François , Cunningham Caitriona 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundSince 2011, advanced practice physiotherapists (APPs) have triaged the care of patients awaiting orthopaedic and rheumatology consultant/specialist doctor appointments in Ireland. APP services have evolved across the major hospitals (n = 16) and, after 5 years, profiling and evaluation of APP services was warranted. The present study profiled the national musculoskeletal APP services, focusing on service, clinician and patient outcome factors.MethodsAn online survey of physiotherapists in the allocated APP posts (n = 25) explored: service organization; clinician profile and experience of the advanced role; and patient wait times and outcome measures. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse hospital‐ and clinician‐specific data, and a content analysis was performed to explore APP experiences.ResultsA 68% (n = 17) response from 13 sites was achieved, whereby 20 whole‐time APP posts existed in services led by 91 consultant doctors. Co‐location of APP and consultant clinics at 11 sites facilitated joint medical–APP processes, with between‐site differences in autonomy to screen referral letters, and arrange investigations, injections and surgery. Although 83% had postgraduate qualifications, APPs also availed themselves of informal role‐specific training. Positive APP experiences related to learning opportunities and clinical support networks but experiences were consultant dependent, with further service developments and formal training required to manage workloads. APPs reported reduced wait times and most commonly chose to capture function/disability in future evaluations.ConclusionsVariances existed in the organizational design and operating of APP services. Although highly experienced and qualified, APPs welcomed additional formal training and support, due to the complex, more medical nature of APP roles. Further formal evaluation, capturing patient outcomes, is proposed.
ICS Educational Module: Cough stress test in the evaluation of female urinary incontinence: Introducing the ICS‐Uniform Cough Stress Test
Authors: Guralnick Michael L. , Fritel Xavier , Tarcan Tufan , Espuna‐Pons Montserrat , Rosier Peter F. W. M. 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionA cough stress test (CST) is recommended in the evaluation of the uncomplicated female patient with the complaint of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) to identify the sign of SUI, and is often used as an outcome measure following SUI treatment. However, there has been no standardization of the performance or reporting of CST. A working group of the International Continence Society (ICS) has developed an educational module, comprising a Powerpoint™ presentation and evidence base manuscript, to instruct on the performance, interpretation, and reporting of the CST in a standardized manner: the ICS‐Uniform Cough Stress Test (ICS‐UCST).MethodsThe working group performed a PUBMED literature search of articles (observational/experimental and reviews) published prior to 2017 that mentioned a CST. The evidence base examined various variables in performing a CST as well as sensitivity/specificity and positive/negative predictive values of CST.ResultsThe variables involved in performing/interpreting an ICS‐UCST include: patient positioning, degree of bladder filling, number, and forcefulness of coughs, and method of SUI detection. For the ICS‐UCST it is recommended that the patient be in a supine/lithotomy position with 200‐400 mL of fluid in the bladder. She coughs forcefully 1‐4 times and the examiner directly visualizes the urethral meatus for the presence of leakage. Leakage of fluid from the urethral meatus coincident with/simultaneous to the cough(s) is considered a positive test.ConclusionThis module provides instructions to educate a uniform CST (the ICS‐UCST), with the aim of improving the clinical practice of cough stress testing in female patients with urinary incontinence.
Poly (methacrylic acid)‐based molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles containing 5‐fluourouracil used in colon cancer therapy potentially
Authors: Madadian‐Bozorg Neda , Zahedi Payam , Shamsi Mohammad , Safarian Shahrokh 
Published: June 2018

The objective of this work was to synthesize molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) nanoparticles based on methacrylic acid (MAA) monomer with a high selectivity against an anti‐cancer drug, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU), as a template. In this case, the nanoparticles were prepared via precipitation polymerization in the presence of ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker and azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator. Besides, 3 independent variables including MAA: 5‐FU molar ratio (X1), temperature (X2), and time (X3) were investigated utilizing response surface methodology. The scanning electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering resulted the average diameter of approximately 65 nm, and the MIP nanoparticle sample with the imprinting factor of 1.57 was polymerized in optimized conditions as follows: X1 = 6: 1, X2 = 60°C, and X3 = 3 days in acetonitrile as porogenic solvent. Also, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed the formation of MAA/5‐FU complex and lower thermal stability of the washed MIP sample than the unwashed MIP and non‐imprinted polymer (NIP) samples, respectively. Moreover, the optimized MIP nanoparticles have more controlled release of 5‐FU rather than the NIP sample. Finally, the flow cytometry showed that 5‐FU‐loaded MIP sample has the highest apoptosis of human colon cancer cell line, HCT‐116, after 3 days compared with NIP sample and also the exclusive use of drug.
High‐flux PVDF membrane incorporated with β‐cyclodextrin modified halloysite nanotubes for dye rejection and Cu (II) removal from water
Authors: Ma Jing , He Yi , Zeng Guangyong , Yang Xi , Chen Xi , Zhou Liang , Peng Liuyang , Sengupta Arijit 
Published: June 2018

The application of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane is impeded by its intrinsic hydrophobic property. In this work, a series of novel membranes were fabricated by blending different contents of β‐cyclodextrin modified halloysite nanotubes (β‐CD‐HNTs) into the casting solution. Elemental mapping images confirmed the good dispersion of β‐CD‐HNTs in the PVDF membrane matrix. The microstructure of membrane was improved as revealed by the morphological characterizations. Besides, the permeation and separation performances of all membranes were extensively studied. The results demonstrated that as‐prepared blend membranes exhibited better hydrophilicity, which included lower contact angle and higher water flux than pristine PVDF membrane. In the separation experiments, the dye rejection for the blend membranes was not declined (85%‐90%), even though the pore size of membranes was increased with the addition of β‐CD‐HNT nanoparticles. More importantly, because of the chelation reaction between β‐CD‐HNTs and heavy metal, the removal ratio of Cu (II) for 3 wt.% content of blend membrane could reach 20.9%, compared with unmodified membrane of 4.2%. After 3 filtration cycles, blend membranes showed superior antifouling property. Overall, this method demonstrated very promising characteristics for removing different scales of pollutants using membrane technology.
Mechanical and flame‐retardant properties of biodegradable polylactide composites with hyperbranched silicon‐containing polymer
Authors: Cheng Kuo‐Chung , Wang Chun‐Chieh , Ruan Jia‐lung , Wu Cheng‐Han , Li Chong‐Wei 
Published: June 2018

A hyperbranched polymer (HBP‐B2) containing siloxane chains was synthesized via bulk polymerization of diepoxide with a primary amine in the presence of monoepoxide. The weight‐average molecular weight of the prepared polymers was approximately 9200. Composites of polylactide (PLA) with aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and the HBP‐B2 were prepared via direct melt compounding using a brabender. The test results showed that the LOI could be raised to 34% for the PLA composite with 25 wt% ATH and 5% HBP‐B2. The surface thermal profile of the composite during UL94 V test was further captured by an infrared camera, which was helpful to understand the flame‐retardant properties of the different samples. A V‐0 rating could be achieved by adding ATH and HBP‐B2 to the PLA matrix. Incorporation of HBP‐B2 as a plasticizer could increase the impact strength of a PLA blend or composite. For example, an addition of 10 wt% of HBP and 20 wt% ATH increased the elongation at break from 5% for neat PLA to 155% for the PLA composite.
Self‐expression and identity after total laryngectomy: Implications for support
Authors: Bickford Jane M. , Coveney John , Baker Janet , Hersh Deborah 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo explore how individuals with a laryngectomy (IWL) from diverse backgrounds make meaning and adjust to the physical and functional changes from a total laryngectomy. To examine the extent primary supporters (PS) and health professionals (HP) are able to support IWL with the psychosocial and existential challenges rendered by a surgery that significantly impacts a person's talking, breathing, swallowing, and appearance.MethodsA constructivist grounded theory approach and symbolic interactionism were used to guide data collection and analysis. Semi‐structured interviewing occurred.ResultsTwenty‐eight participants (12 IWL, 9 PS, and 7 HP) were interviewed. The findings suggest that IWL experience significant change to their self‐identity and there is evidence of a range of passive and active reframing patterns (destabilised, resigned, resolute, and transformed). The loss of self‐expression included changes to communicative participation, personal style, food preferences, and social roles. Short and longer‐term supports appear to influence outcomes but are often ill‐equipped to manage the psychosocial needs of IWL.ConclusionsLoss of self‐expression after total laryngectomy influences self‐identity and adjustment. How individuals reframe their identity appears to be tied with how they view their disabilities and disfigurement. These perceptions also appear to be influenced by the reactions of others and the support available. Further resourcing, education, and training are needed so that PS and HP can provide holistic care.