bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of a hybrid Sequential Biofiltration System for the improvement of nutrient removal and PCB control in municipal wastewater
Authors: Kiedrzyńska Edyta , Urbaniak Magdalena , Kiedrzyński Marcin , Jóźwik Adam , Bednarek Agnieszka , Gągała Ilona , Zalewski Maciej 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article aims to evaluate the efficiency of an innovative hybrid Sequential Biofiltration System (SBS) for removing phosphorus and nitrogen and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from original municipal wastewater produced by a Wastewater Treatment Plant under authentic operating conditions. The hybrid SBS was constructed with two barriers, a geochemical (filtration beds with limestone, coal and sawdust) and a biological barrier (wetlands with Glyceria, Acorus, Typha, Phragmites), operating in parallel. Significant differences were found between inflow and outflow from the SBS with regard to wastewater contaminant concentrations, the efficiency of removal being 16% (max. 93%) for Total Phosphorus (TP), 25% (max. 93%) for Soluble Reactive Phosphorus (SRP), 15% (max. 97%) for Total Nitrogen (TN), 17% (max. 98%) for NO3–N, and 21% for PCB equivalency (PCB EQ). In the case of PCB EQ concentration, the highest efficiency of 43% was obtained using beds with macrophytes. The SBS removed a significant load of TP (0.415 kg), TN (3.136 kg), and PCB EQ (0.223 g) per square meter per year. The use of low-cost hybrid SBSs as a post-treatment step for wastewater treatment was found to be an effective ecohydrological biotechnology that may be used for reducing point source pollution and improving water quality.
Combining molecular typing and spatial pattern analysis to identify areas of high tuberculosis transmission in a moderate-incidence county in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Yih-Yuan , Chang Jia-Ru , Wu Chih-Da , Yeh Yen-Po , Yang Shiu-Ju , Hsu Chih-Hao , Lin Ming-Ching , Tsai Ching-Fang , Lin Ming-Shian , Su Ih-Jen , Dou Horng-Yunn 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn total, 303 randomly selected clinical Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) isolates from 303 patients (collected January to December 2012) in central Taiwan were examined. The major lineages found were Beijing (N = 114, 37.62%), Haarlem (N = 76, 25.08%) and East African–Indian (EAI) (N = 42, 13.86%). Notably, younger persons (≤30 years old) were 6.58 times more likely to be infected with a Beijing genotype compared to older persons (>70 years) (p < 0.05). Combining molecular typing methods and geographical information system (GIS) analysis, we uncovered a twofold higher incidence of Beijing strains in a hotspot area (33%) compared to non-hotspot areas (17%). By 24 MIRU-VNTR typing, persons in clustered groups were 1.96 times more likely to be infected with a Beijing strain compared with non-clustered persons, suggesting recent spread and emergence of MTB. Finally, we observed a trend in which TB incidence increased as the density/concentration of analyzed environmental factors increased, suggesting that environmental factors are associated with TB transmission; however, only population density was found to be significantly associated with increased risk of TB (p < 0.05). Molecular typing methods combined with spatial analysis suggest possible TB transmission. Early intervention to interrupt transmission may be most effective if targeted to hot zones of TB.
Assuring quality in microplastic monitoring: About the value of clean-air devices as essentials for verified data
Authors: Wesch Charlotte , Elert Anna Maria , Wörner Manuel , Braun Ulrike , Klein Roland , Paulus Martin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAvoiding aerial microfibre contamination of environmental samples is essential for reliable analyses when it comes to the detection of ubiquitous microplastics. Almost all laboratories have contamination problems which are largely unavoidable without investments in clean-air devices. Therefore, our study supplies an approach to assess background microfibre contamination of samples in the laboratory under particle-free air conditions. We tested aerial contamination of samples indoor, in a mobile laboratory, within a laboratory fume hood and on a clean bench with particles filtration during the examining process of a fish. The used clean bench reduced aerial microfibre contamination in our laboratory by 96.5%. This highlights the value of suitable clean-air devices for valid microplastic pollution data. Our results indicate, that pollution levels by microfibres have been overestimated and actual pollution levels may be many times lower. Accordingly, such clean-air devices are recommended for microplastic laboratory applications in future research work to significantly lower error rates.
PageRank versatility analysis of multilayer modality-based network for exploring the evolution of oil-water slug flow
Authors: Gao Zhong-Ke , Dang Wei-Dong , Li Shan , Yang Yu-Xuan , Wang Hong-Tao , Sheng Jing-Ran , Wang Xiao-Fan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNumerous irregular flow structures exist in the complicated multiphase flow and result in lots of disparate spatial dynamical flow behaviors. The vertical oil-water slug flow continually attracts plenty of research interests on account of its significant importance. Based on the spatial transient flow information acquired through our designed double-layer distributed-sector conductance sensor, we construct multilayer modality-based network to encode the intricate spatial flow behavior. Particularly, we calculate the PageRank versatility and multilayer weighted clustering coefficient to quantitatively explore the inferred multilayer modality-based networks. Our analysis allows characterizing the complicated evolution of oil-water slug flow, from the opening formation of oil slugs, to the succedent inter-collision and coalescence among oil slugs, and then to the dispersed oil bubbles. These properties render our developed method particularly powerful for mining the essential flow features from the multilayer sensor measurements.
Simulation of Long-term Yield and Soil Water Consumption in Apple Orchards on the Loess Plateau, China, in Response to Fertilization
Authors: Peng Xingxing , Guo Zheng , Zhang Yujiao , Li Jun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe Loess Plateau, China, is the world’s largest apple-producing region, and over 80% of the orchards are in rainfed (dryland) areas. Desiccation of the deep soil layer under dryland apple orchards is the main stressor of apple production in this region. Fertilization is a factor that causes soil desiccation in dryland apple orchards. Given its applicability and precision validations, the Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model was used to simulate the dynamics of fruit yield and deep soil desiccation in apple orchards under six fertilization treatments. During the 45 years of study, the annual fruit yield under the fertilization treatments initially increased and then decreased in a fluctuating manner, and the average fruit yields were 24.42, 27.27, 28.69, 29.63, 30.49 and 29.43 t/ha in these respective fertilization treatments. As fertilization increased, yield of the apple orchards increased first and then declined,desiccation of the soil layers occurred earlier and extended deeper, and the average annual water consumption, over-consumption and water use efficiency increased as fertilization increased. In terms of apple yields, sustainable soil water use, and economic benefits, the most appropriate fertilization rate for drylands in Luochuan is 360–480 kg/ha N and 180–240 kg/ha P.
Near-infrared induced phase-shifted ICG/Fe3O4 loaded PLGA nanoparticles for photothermal tumor ablation
Authors: Niu Chengcheng , Xu Yan , An Senbo , Zhang Ming , Hu Yihe , Wang Long , Peng Qinghai 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNear-infrared (NIR) laser-induced photothermal therapy (PTT) uses a photothermal agent to convert optical energy into thermal energy and has great potential as an effective local, minimally invasive treatment modality for killing cancer cells. To improve the efficacy of PTT, we developed poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4), indocyanine green (ICG), and perfluoropentane (PFP) as synergistic agents for NIR laser-induced PTT. We fabricated a novel type of phase-shifting fluorescent magnetic NPs, Fe3O4/ICG@PLGA/PFP NPs, that effectively produce heat in response to NIR laser irradiation for an enhanced thermal ablation effect and a phase-shift thermoelastic expansion effect, and thus, can be used as a photothermal agent. After in vitro treatment of MCF-7 breast cancer cells with Fe3O4/ICG@PLGA/PFP NPs and NIR laser irradiation, histology and electron microscopy confirmed severe damage to the cells and the formation of many microbubbles with iron particles at the edge or outside of the microbubbles. In vivo experiments in mice with MCF-7 tumors demonstrated that Fe3O4/ICG@PLGA/PFP NPs could achieve tumor ablation upon NIR laser irradiation with minimal toxicity to non-irradiated tissues. Together, our results indicate that Fe3O4/ICG@PLGA/PFP NPs can be used as effective nanotheranostic agents for tumor ablation.
Miniaturised highly selective wide‐band bandpass filter using dual‐mode resonators and inter digital capacitors
Authors: Killamsetty V.K. , Mukherjee B. 
Published: July 2017

A wide‐band bandpass filter with high selectivity, compact size and wide stopband is presented in this Letter. This proposed filter uses dual‐mode resonators (DMRs) as its basic tool. Stepped impedance technique is adopted in designing the DMRs for miniaturising its size. In the construction of filter design, three types of inter digital capacitors (IDCs) are employed; one is used for coupling between DMRs and other two are used at feed lines. The IDCs and open stub resonators are infused in the filter for curbing the harmonics and providing wide stopband. Input–output cross coupling is introduced by making use of hook‐shaped feed lines for achieving good selectivity. A miniaturised size of 0.089λg × 0.10λg (29.2 × 33 mm2) with wide stopband up to 10.1f0 (f0 is the operating frequency of filter) with 21.5 dB harmonic suppression level is achieved with this design.
Compact power divider for wideband in‐phase and out‐of‐phase performances using parallel coupled lines
Authors: Ahmed U. , Abbosh A. 
Published: July 2017

A novel structure that can operate as an in‐phase and out‐of‐phase power divider across 100% fractional bandwidth is presented. The proposed structure adopts two pairs of parallel‐coupled lines to enable changing the operation from in‐phase to out‐of‐phase while improving the return loss and isolation of a traditional Wilkinson power divider. Moreover, the device includes a stepped impedance T‐junction for input port impedance matching. Changing the status of two terminals of one pair of coupled lines from open‐ended to short‐ended allows achieving changing the operation from in‐phase to out‐of‐phase performance. Using a chip capacitor between the coupled lines enables realising the needed tight coupling without the need to have narrow gaps. A prototype is fabricated and measured. Simulated and measured results show more than 10 dB of return loss and more than 15 dB of isolation across the investigated band 1–3 GHz. In addition, the device provides <1° phase imbalance and 0.2 dB amplitude imbalance in the in‐phase and out‐of‐phase states across the whole frequency band.
Accurate age estimation in small-scale societies
Authors: Diekmann Yoan , Smith Daniel , Gerbault Pascale , Dyble Mark , Page Abigail E. , Chaudhary Nikhil , Migliano Andrea Bamberg , Thomas Mark G. 
Published: July 2017

SignificanceUnderstanding demographic and evolutionary processes shaping human life history diversity depends on precise age estimations. Inferring age is a challenge in small-scale societies, and especially in those societies that do not follow a calendar year. Our method opens possibilities in demographic and life history studies allowing cross-sectional data to be incorporated in cross-cultural comparisons and a better understanding of the adaptive importance of human life history variation.
Functional characterization of human pluripotent stem cell-derived arterial endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Jue , Chu Li-Fang , Hou Zhonggang , Schwartz Michael P. , Hacker Timothy , Vickerman Vernella , Swanson Scott , Leng Ning , Nguyen Bao Kim , Elwell Angela , Bolin Jennifer , Brown Matthew E. , Stewart Ron , Burlingham William J. , Murphy William L. , Thomson James A. 
Published: July 2017

SignificanceGenerating fully functional arterial endothelial cells is a critical problem for vascular development and disease research. Currently, the arterial endothelial cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells lack the range of arterial-specific functions in vitro and the protective function for ischemic tissues in vivo. Here, we combine single-cell RNA sequencing and CRISPR-Cas9 technology to identify pathways for regulating arterial endothelial cell differentiation. We then manipulate these pathways and generate arterial endothelial cells that demonstrate unprecedented arterial-specific functions as well as improve survival of myocardial infarction. These findings facilitate the understanding of vascular development and disease and provide a source of cells that have broad applications for vascular disease modeling and regenerative medicine.
Otoferlin is a multivalent calcium-sensitive scaffold linking SNAREs and calcium channels
Authors: Hams Nicole , Padmanarayana Murugesh , Qiu Weihong , Johnson Colin P. 
Published: July 2017

Significance
Congenital hearing loss is a common disorder, and over 60 mutations in the sensory hair cell protein otoferlin have been linked to hearing loss. Although otoferlin is essential for hearing, the large size and low solubility of the protein have limited approaches to study the protein and prevented a molecular-level explanation for otoferlin-related forms of deafness. To overcome these challenges, we have developed a single-molecule fluorescence assay, which has allowed us to quantitatively probe otoferlin. The results of our studies suggest that otoferlin serves as a calcium-sensitive linker protein that places the synaptic vesicle near the calcium channel. This close apposition allows for fast membrane fusion and exocytosis of neurotransmitter in response to sound.
Continuous immunotypes describe human immune variation and predict diverse responses
Authors: Kaczorowski Kevin J. , Shekhar Karthik , Nkulikiyimfura Dieudonné , Dekker Cornelia L. , Maecker Holden , Davis Mark M. , Chakraborty Arup K. , Brodin Petter 
Published: July 2017

Significance
The human immune system consists of many different white blood cells that coordinate their actions to fight infections. The balance between these cell populations is determined by direct interactions and soluble factors such as cytokines, which serve as messengers between cells. Understanding how the interactions between cell populations influence the function of the immune system as a whole will allow us to better distinguish patients most at risk for specific infections or immune-mediated diseases and inform vaccination strategies. Here, we determine key collective interactions between white blood cells present in blood samples taken from healthy individuals. This perspective allows us to predict functional responses and describe previously unappreciated differences between age groups and in individuals carrying cytomegalovirus.
Probing large viscosities in glass-formers with nonequilibrium simulations
Authors: Jadhao Vikram , Robbins Mark O. 
Published: July 2017

Significance
As a liquid cools, molecules move more slowly and the viscosity rises. A fundamental question is whether this trend continues smoothly down to zero temperature, or if flow stops at a finite temperature where the material undergoes a transition to a glass phase. Direct measurements of growing viscosities become difficult as the time for motion exceeds years or centuries. We describe and test an approach for obtaining large viscosities using nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Results agree with existing experiments on the model glass-former squalane and allow viscosities over 10 orders of magnitude larger to be predicted. The temperature dependence at fixed pressure or density is consistent with a gradual slowing of dynamics, rather than a finite-temperature divergence in viscosity.
Keeping Humans in the Ecosystem
Authors: Link Jason S. , Thébaud Olivier , Smith David C. , Smith Anthony D.M. , Schmidt Jörn , Rice Jake , Poos Jan Jaap , Pita Cristina , Lipton Doug , Kraan Marloes , Frusher Stewart , Doyen Luc , Cudennec Annie , Criddle Keith , Bailly Denis 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
The World Ocean presents many opportunities, with the blue economy projected to at least double in the next two decades. However, capitalizing on these opportunities presents significant challenges and a multi-sectoral, integrated approach to managing marine socio-ecological systems will be required to achieve the full benefits projected for the blue economy. Integrated ecosystem assessments have been identified as the best means of delivering the information upon which marine resource management decisions can be made. By their nature, these assessments are inter-disciplinary, but to date have mostly focused on the natural sciences. Inclusion of human dimensions into integrated ecosystem assessments has been lagging, but is fundamental. Here we report on a Symposium, and the articles emmanating from it that are included in this Theme Set, that address how to more effectively include human dimensions into integrated ecosystem assessments. We provide an introduction to each of the main symposium topics (governance, scenarios, indicators, participatory processes, and case studies), highlight the works that emerged from the symposium, and identify key areas in which more work is required. There is still a long way to go before we see end-to-end integrated ecosystem assessments inclusive of all the major current and potential ocean use sectors that also encompass multiple aspects of human dimensions. Nonetheless, it is also clear that progress is being made and we are developing tools and approaches, including the human dimension, that can inform management and position us to take advantage of the multi-sectoral opportunities of sustainable blue growth.
Adaptations of an RNA virus to increasing thermal stress
Authors: Singhal Sonia , Leon Guerrero Cierra M. , Whang Stella G. , McClure Erin M. , Busch Hannah G. , Kerr Benjamin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEnvironments can change in incremental fashions, where a shift from one state to another occurs over multiple organismal generations. Therateat which the environment changes is expected to influence how and how well populations adapt to the ultimate environment. We used a model system, the lytic RNA bacteriophage Φ6, to investigate this question empirically. We evolved viruses for thermostability by exposing them to heat shocks that increased to a maximum temperature at different rates. We observed increases in the ability of many heat-shocked populations to survive high temperature heat shocks, and on their first exposure to the highest temperature, populations that experienced a gradual increase in temperature had higher average survival than populations that experienced a rapid temperature increase. However, at the end of the experiment, neither the survival of populations at the highest temperature nor the number of mutations per population varied significantly according to the rate of thermal change. We also evaluated mutations from the endpoint populations for their effects on viral thermostability and growth. As expected, some mutations did increase viral thermostability. However, other mutationsdecreasedthermostability but increased growth rate, suggesting that benefits of an increased replication rate may have sometimes outweighed the benefits of enhanced thermostability. Our study highlights the importance of considering the effects of multiple selective pressures, even in environments where a single factor is changing.
Social networking sites in the workplace: an imperative
Authors: Xavier Naveenraj , Wesley J. Reeves 
Published: July 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to lay a theoretical foundation favoring the use of social networking sites (SNS) in workplace and its implication on employee stress and well-being. Prescriptive policies are also formulated to control unintended negative consequences.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used an explorative design. Prescriptive data were drawn from extant literature, simple discussions with employees and employers. Discussions were centered on the consequences of SNS.

Findings
In recent years, SNS usage has skyrocketed and use in the workplace has been controversial. Use of SNS enables employees to communicate and connect not only with coworkers but also with family members and friends, and it also helps to minimize the stress and improve the well-being of employees. However, a comprehensive policy that controls negative consequences should be in place.

Originality/value
This paper sensitizes readers on the need for permitting SNS usage within a policy-controlled setting in organizations. It also throws light on social support, stress and well-being.
Social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems
Authors: Roundy Philip T. 
Published: July 2017

PurposeThe formation of entrepreneurial ecosystems is recognized as an activity that can produce economic development and community revitalization. Social entrepreneurship is also an activity that is receiving growing attention because of its potential for addressing social and economic problems. However, while scholars have focused on how the participants in entrepreneurial ecosystems, such as investors and support organizations, influence ecosystem functioning, it is not clear what role social entrepreneurs can play in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Nor is it known how the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which social entrepreneurs are located can influence the founding and operation of their ventures. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachIn this conceptual paper, theory is proposed to explain the interrelationship between entrepreneurial ecosystems and social entrepreneurship.FindingsIt is theorized that entrepreneurial ecosystems will influence the operations and effectiveness of social entrepreneurs through mechanisms such as the ecosystem’s diversity of resource providers, support infrastructure, entrepreneurial culture, and learning opportunities. In turn, social entrepreneurs can shape the entrepreneurial ecosystems in which they are situated by influencing the heterogeneity of ecosystem participants, garnering attention for the ecosystem, and increasing its attractiveness to stakeholders.Originality/valueScholars examining entrepreneurial ecosystems have not studied the role of an increasingly important market actor: the social entrepreneur. At the same time, work on social entrepreneurship has not emphasized the community of social relations and cultural milieu in which social entrepreneurs found their ventures. The theory developed addresses both of these omissions and has important implications for practitioners focused on spurring entrepreneurial ecosystems and social entrepreneurship.