bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Exceptionally Water Stable Metal–Organic Framework with Amide‐Functionalized Cages: Selective CO2/CH4 Uptake and Removal of Antibiotics and Dyes from Water
Authors: Jin Wei‐Guang , Chen Wei , Xu Pei‐Hang , Lin Xin‐Wen , Huang Xiao‐Chun , Chen Guang‐Hui , Lu Fushen , Chen Xiao‐Ming 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs the main organic pollutants in wastewater, antibiotics and organic dyes are harmful to the environment and public health, and their removal is important but challenging. In this work, highly porous 3D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) [M2(PDAD)(H2O)]n (PCN‐124‐stu; M=Cu, Zn; H4PDAD = 5,5′‐(pyridine‐3,5‐dicarbonyl)bis(azanediyl)diisophthalic acid) were synthesized, and PCN‐124‐stu(Cu) shows excellent chemical and thermal stability. PCN‐124‐stu(Cu) was used as a host for efficient extraction of various organic dyes, especially the large‐molecule dye Coomassie brilliant blue, and fluoroquinolones from water, in comparison with five common MOFs, zeolite 13X, and activated carbon. PCN‐124‐stu(Cu) exhibits absolute predominance for fluoroquinolone adsorption among these microporous materials because of the H‐bonds between fluoroquinolone molecules and the amide groups in the frameworks, except for MIL‐100(Cr), which is a mesoporous MOF. Moreover, PCN‐124‐stu(Cu) could release fluoroquinolones slowly in physiological saline and retained its framework structure after four adsorption/desorption cycles. In addition, PCN‐124‐stu(Cu) can be used as a platform for selective adsorption of CO2/CH4.
Parallelization of group‐based skyline computation for multi‐core processors
Authors: Zhu Haoyang , Zhu Peidong , Li Xiaoyong , Liu Qiang , Xun Peng 
Published: June 2017

SummarySkyline computation is particularly useful in multi‐criteria decision‐making applications. However, it is inadequate to answer queries that need to analyze not only individual points but also groups of points. Compared to the traditional skyline computation, computing group‐based skyline is much more complicated and expensive. This computational challenge promotes us to use modern computing platforms to accelerate the computation. In this paper, we introduce a novel multi‐core algorithm to compute group‐based skyline. We first compute the skyline layers of a data set in parallel, which are a critical intermediate result. In the algorithm, we maintain an efficiently updatable data structure for the shared global skyline layers, which is used to minimize dominance tests and maintain high throughput. Then we design an efficient parallel algorithm to find group‐based skyline based on the skyline layers. Extensive experimental results on real and synthetic data sets show that our algorithms achieve 10‐fold speedup with 16 parallel threads over state‐of‐the‐art sequential algorithms on challenging workloads.
(Electro)chemical Oxidation of 6,13‐Bis[tri(isopropyl)silylethynyl]pentacene to its Radical Cation and Dication
Authors: Schundelmeier Simon , Speiser Bernd , Bettinger Holger F. , Einholz Ralf 
Published: June 2017

Abstract6,13‐Bis[tri(isopropyl)silylethynyl]pentacene is a prototypical molecule for organic semiconductor and photovoltaic materials, which makes its electrochemical (redox) properties highly interesting. However, previous cyclic voltammetric studies have provided only limited information. Kinetic and persistence information and identification of the oxidation product(s) and their further reaction or oxidation have not been reported. Thus, an extended electrochemical and spectroscopic investigation of this compound was conducted in CH2Cl2 and THF electrolytes at Pt electrodes. The electrochemically and chemically generated radical cation of the title compound was characterized by using ESR and UV/Vis/NIR spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical modeling. In CH2Cl2, further oxidation to a dication with chemical reversibility at fast timescales but follow‐up reactivity at slow timescales was observed. Pertinent parameters of the electron transfers (formal potentials E0, electron transfer rate constants ks, electron stoichiometry n) were determined. The diffusion coefficients, D, in the two electrolytes were estimated from electrochemical and pulse gradient spin echo (PGSE) NMR spectroscopy data. Simulations of cyclic voltammograms supported the proposed oxidation mechanism and allowed the estimation of further reaction parameters.
Pathways for effects of small‐scale disturbances on a rare plant: How Mimulus angustatus benefits from gopher mounds
Authors: Underwood Nora , Inouye Brian D. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSmall‐scale soil disturbances such as soil mounds produced by gophers are known to influence local plant communities. A variety of mechanisms might account for the influence of gopher disturbances on individual plant success, but understanding of these mechanisms is not well developed. Disturbances are often assumed to affect plants through changing competition or the abiotic environment, but disturbances might also influence plant size, which in turn influences other biotic interactions, including pollination. In this study, we tested for effects of soil disturbance on the density, flower size, and reproduction of an annual plant, Mimulus angustatus. We used soil disturbance manipulations, observational data, and a pollination experiment to examine two possible pathways for effects of disturbance on M. angustatus: competition and pollination. We also considered how effects of gopher mounds change with years since initial disturbance. We found that disturbance strongly increased the local density and flower size of M. angustatus, but the strength of these effects decays quickly. We found no support for these effects being mediated by competition with other plant species. We also found that M. angustatus with larger flowers receive more natural pollination. Our pollination experiment suggests that M. angustatus benefits from pollination (seed set increases with hand pollination or access to pollinators), and suggests that pollen limitation may occur. Taken together, our results indicate that increased pollination and seed set is an alternative response to disturbance that should receive further consideration. Regardless of the exact mechanism, it appears that in the absence of frequent small‐scale soil disturbance, M. angustatus would not persist at our field site, as a large majority of plant recruitment and seed set occurs on recent disturbances.
Anthropogenic factors predict movement of an invasive species
Authors: Tabak Michael A. , Piaggio Antoinette J. , Miller Ryan S. , Sweitzer Richard A. , Ernest Holly B. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHumans are playing an increasingly large role in the expansion of invasive species' distributions, but few (if any) studies have evaluated anthropogenic factors associated with intentional translocation of invasives. The wild pig (Sus scrofa) is an extremely destructive and rapidly expanding invasive species whose movement is thought to be facilitated by humans. We sought to (1) identify a suite of genetic markers that can be applied to population genetic analyses of wild pigs, (2) find quantitative evidence of human‐mediated dispersal of wild pigs, and (3) determine which anthropogenic factors were associated with their translocation. We identified 43 polymorphic microsatellite loci and employed population genetic analyses to evaluate population structure and movement of wild pigs among populations in California, USA. Hierarchical Bayesian models were used to evaluate the influence of anthropogenic covariates on wild pig movement, and to predict migration risk. Natural dispersal of wild pigs among populations was low, as indicated by a large number of genetic clusters (K = 21), significant population differentiation, and low rates of recent migration. This suggests that the observed movement resulted from human‐mediated translocation. Movement of pigs was positively predicted by the number of domestic pig farms, the number of captive game hunting farms, the amount of public land, the number of wild pigs harvested by hunters, and the number of game outfitters. While hunting has been hypothesized to play a role in wild pig movement, our study is the first to provide quantitative evidence of such a relationship. We argue that future efforts to manage invasive species must consider the potential role of humans in their dispersal.
Effect of orally administered zinc oxide nanoparticles on albino rat thymus and spleen
Authors: Abass Marwa A. , Selim Sally A. , Selim Assmaa O. , El‐Shal Amal S. , Gouda Zienab A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of oral intake of Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) on the structure of thymus and spleen. Twenty‐four young male Wistar albino rats were assigned into two groups: group I (control) and group II (ZnO NPs treated group).The thymus and spleen were analyzed biochemically, histopathologically and immunohistochemically. After ZnO NPs intake, hematologically, the total leucocytic count was significantly increased while the RBCs and platelets counts and Hb % were significantly decreased. Biochemically, a significant decrease in serum total antioxidant capacity and anti‐inflammatory cytokines including interleukin 4 and 10 (IL‐4 and IL‐10) levels was noted. While a significant increase in splenic and thymic malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA shearing, as well as the studied proinflammatory cytokines; IL‐1β, tumor necrotic factor (TNF‐α) and interferon (INF‐γ) levels was detected. Notably, we noted upregulation of the immunomodulatory [CD3, CD11b, heme oxygenase (HO‐1)] and the inflammatory [toll‐like receptor 4 and 6 (TLR4 and TLR6)] genes. Histopathologically, degenerative changes were detected in thymus and spleen of ZnO NPs treated group. While the immunohistochemical analysis of the ZnO NPs treated group revealed a decrease in the number of cells expressed positive reactions of anti‐PCNA and an increase in the number of cells expressed positive reaction of anti‐p53 in the thymus and spleen. In conclusion, ZnO NPs induced obvious immunotoxicity in the thymus and spleen, where oxidative/inflammatory pathway may be the potential mechanism underlying this immunotoxicity. © 2017 IUBMB Life, 69(7):528–539, 2017
In vitro and in vivo assessment of lactic acid‐modified chitosan scaffolds for potential treatment of full‐thickness burns
Authors: Velasquillo Cristina , Silva‐Bermudez Phaedra , Vázquez Nadia , Martínez Alan , Espadín Andres , García‐López Julieta , Medina‐Vega Antonio , Lecona Hugo , Pichardo‐Baena Raúl , Ibarra Clemente , Shirai Keiko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAutologous skin transplantation is today's “gold standard” treatment for full‐thickness burns. However, when > 30% of total body surface area is damaged, there is an important shortage of autologous donor sites for skin grafting; then, treatment alternatives become crucial. Such alternatives can be based on polymeric scaffolds capable of functioning as protective covers and cells/factors carriers. Chitosan (CTS) is a natural‐derived polymer with relevant biological‐related properties but poor mechanical performance. Improved mechanical properties can be achieved through lactic acid grafting (LA‐g); nevertheless, LA‐g affects the biological response towards the CTS‐based materials. In this work, CTS‐LA scaffolds with different LA‐g percentages were synthesized and evaluated to determine appropriate LA‐g degrees for full‐thickness burns treatment. In vitro results indicated that the higher the LA‐g percentage, the lower the capability of the scaffolds to sustain fibroblasts culture. Scaffolds with LA‐g around 28% (CTS‐LA28) sustained cell culture and allowed normal cell functionality. Further evaluation of CTS‐LA28 as acellular and cellular grafts in a full‐thickness burn mouse model showed that at 28 days post‐burn, macroscopic characteristic of the reparation tissue were closer to healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for treatment; histological evaluation also showed that dermis cellularity and collagenous fibers structure were similar to those in healthy skin when cellular grafts were used for burns treatment. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2875–2891, 2017.
One‐Step Synthesis of 3,4‐Diphenyl‐2‐pyrrolinones by Solvent‐Free and Bi2O3‐Catalyzed Approaches and Cytotoxicity Screening Against Glioma Cells
Authors: Cunha Silvio , Serafim José Claudio , de Santana Lourenço Luis Botelho , Damasceno Fabiano , Correia José Tiago Menezes , Santos Airam Oliveira , Oliveira Mona , Ribeiro Janaína , Amparo Jéssika , Costa Silvia Lima 
Published: June 2017

Multifunctionalized 2‐pyrrolinones were synthesized from the formal aza‐[3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction of acyclic enaminones and diphenylcyclopropenone. For primary enaminones, solventless reaction under microwave heating was developed. On the other hand, catalysis by Bi2O3 under conventional heating was the more suitable strategy when secondary enaminones were employed. These conditions allowed the synthesis of a set of 2‐pyrrolinones with two vicinal phenyl substituents, which were evaluated for cytotoxicity against U251 and C6 glioblastoma cells. In general, all tested 2‐pyrrolinones with two vicinal phenyl rings were more active than those without this structural moiety, and 1‐butyl‐5‐methyl‐5‐(2‐oxopropyl)‐3,4‐diphenyl‐1,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrol‐2‐one was the most cytotoxic and appears to be a new possibility as an antitumor scaffold to this aggressive brain tumor.
Semi‐quantitative reconstruction of early to late Holocene spring and summer sea ice conditions in the northern Barents Sea
Authors: Berben Sarah M. P. , Husum Katrine , Navarro‐Rodriguez Alba , Belt Simon T. , Aagaard‐Sørensen Steffen 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTSemi‐quantitative estimates of early to late Holocene spring sea ice concentration (SpSIC) and occurrence of summer sea ice for the northern Barents Sea have been obtained by analysing the biomarkers IP25, brassicasterol and a tri‐unsaturated highly branched isoprenoid lipid in a Holocene marine sediment core. Sub‐surface water mass variations were derived from planktic foraminiferal assemblages and stable isotopes (δ18O, δ13C). The record indicates paleoceanographic changes over three intervals. During Period I (ca. 9500–5900 cal a BP), the study location experienced the lowest recorded SpSIC (ca. 25%) with short spring seasons and long productive summers, resulting partly from increased Atlantic Water inflow that caused a stronger ocean–atmosphere heat exchange. Throughout Period II (ca. 5900–2700 cal a BP), the winter sea ice margin migrated southwards and an overall cooling trend resulted in higher SpSIC (ca. 60%) and increased delivery of cold Arctic Water. During Period III (ca. 2700 cal a BP to present), SpSIC increased further (ca. 75%) and some sea ice remained during summer months. A sub‐surface warming probably indicates a decoupling of heat exchange between the ocean and the atmosphere. Longer springs and shorter summers were accompanied by the most southerly location of the winter sea ice margin.
Computer‐aided design and synthesis of a highly selective molecularly imprinted polymer for the extraction and determination of buprenorphine in biological fluids
Authors: Ganjavi Farideh , Ansari Mehdi , Kazemipour Maryam , Zeidabadinejad Leila 
Published: June 2017

Buprenorphine is widely used to aid the cessation of opioids in addicted patients. To the best of our knowledge, there is no selective extraction method for buprenorphine from biological fluids. Here, we describe the synthesis of a molecularly imprinted polymer with the aid of computational design and its application for selective extraction of buprenorphine from plasma and urine. Computational design was used to study intermolecular interactions in the pre‐polymerization mixture by the comparison of the binding energy between buprenorphine (template) and functional monomers. The largest interaction energy of template‐monomers was obtained at ratio of 1:5 buprenorphine/acrylic acid monomers. Afterwards, the molecularly imprinted polymer was synthesized through precipitation polymerization technique and was employed for selective extraction of buprenorphine. Optimization of various parameters of the molecularly imprinted polymer solid‐phase extraction of buprenorphine was carried out by a design of experiment approach using a central composite design and the analyte was determined by employing high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. Equilibrium isotherms were studied, and results revealed that the sorption process was in adoption with Langmuir model. Maximum enrichment capacity and Langmuir constant were calculated as 18.2 mg/g and 0.797 L/mg, respectively. Kinetic studies indicated the sorption process followed a pseudo‐second‐order model.
Autonomous acoustic recorders reveal complex patterns in avian detection probability
Authors: Thompson Sarah J. , Handel Colleen M. , Mcnew Lance B. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTAvian point‐count surveys are typically designed to occur during periods when birds are consistently active and singing, but seasonal and diurnal patterns of detection probability are often not well understood and may vary regionally or between years. We deployed autonomous acoustic recorders to assess how avian availability for detection (i.e., the probability that a bird signals its presence during a recording) varied during the breeding season with time of day, date, and weather‐related variables at multiple subarctic tundra sites in Alaska, USA, 2013–2014. A single observer processed 2,692 10‐minute recordings across 11 site‐years. We used time‐removal methods to assess availability and used generalized additive models to examine patterns of detectability (joint probability of presence, availability, and detection) for 16 common species. Despite lack of distinct dawn or dusk, most species displayed circadian vocalization patterns, with detection rates generally peaking between 0800 hours and 1200 hours but remaining high as late as 2000 hours for some species. Between 2200 hours and 0500 hours, most species’ detection rates dropped to near 0, signaling a distinctive rest period. Detectability dropped sharply for most species in early July. For all species considered, time‐removal analysis indicated nearly 100% likelihood of detection during a 10‐minute recording conducted in June, between 0500 hours and 2000 hours. This indicates that non‐detections during appropriate survey times and dates were attributable to the species’ absence or that silent birds were unlikely to initiate singing during a 10‐minute interval, whereas vocally active birds were singing very frequently. Systematic recordings revealed a gradient of species’ presence at each site, from ubiquitous to incidental. Although the total number of species detected at a site ranged from 16 to 27, we detected only 4 to 15 species on ≥5% of the site's recordings. Recordings provided an unusually detailed and consistent dataset that allowed us to identify, among other things, appropriate survey dates and times for species breeding at northern latitudes. Our results also indicated that more recordings of shorter duration (1–4 min) may be most efficient for detecting passerines. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Water quality longitudinal profile of the Paraíba do Sul River, Brazil during an extreme drought event
Authors: Pacheco Felipe S. , Miranda Marcela , Pezzi Luciano P. , Assireu Arcilan , Marinho Marcelo M. , Malafaia Márcio , Reis André , Sales Matias , Correia Gilsinéia , Domingos Patrícia , Iwama Allan , Rudorff Conrado , Oliva Pedro , Ometto Jean P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis work addresses the relationships between Land Use/Land Cover (LULC) and water quality in the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR), located in one of the most populated regions in Brazil. We conducted a water sampling program (analyzing nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, turbidity, total carbon, oxygen concentration, and conductivity) during a severe drought period from 2014 to 2016. The 210 samples were spaced about 5 km apart from headwaters to the Atlantic Ocean and taken over 63 d. We calculated a water quality index and applied a self‐organizing map (SOM) to explore the relationship between LULC and water quality. There was a significant influence on water quality from the urban area's socioeconomic profile. This observation reflects the influence of cities with a high population density and a low economic condition, which leads to further degradation and erosion of the riverbanks. The most degraded reservoir of the PSR (Funil) partially buffers these effects by retaining deposited sediments and nutrient loads, leading to downstream water quality improvement. Better management practices of the riverbanks in the lower reach contribute to additional water quality improvements. Three major clusters identified using the SOM had completely different and explainable water quality patterns, suggesting an abrupt change in water quality due to human interventions. This information is crucial to improve management projects for the river at a watershed level, and with the expectation of future water shortages.
The utility of a single simple question in the evaluation of patients with myasthenia gravis
Authors: Abraham Alon , Breiner Ari , Barnett Carolina , Katzberg Hans D. , Bril Vera 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Assessing myasthenia gravis (MG) can be challenging, and multiple scales are available to evaluate disease severity. We evaluated the utility of a single, simple question, as part of the MG evaluation: “What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG, 0%–100% normal?” Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients attending the neuromuscular clinic from January 2014 to December 2015 was performed. Responses were correlated with symptoms and signs, the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), the Myasthenia Gravis Impairment Index (MGII), and the 15‐item Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life scale (MG‐QOL15). Results: The total cohort included 169 patients. The percentage of normal correlated strongly with limb muscle weakness and MG scales, moderately with bulbar and respiratory symptoms, and weakly with ocular manifestations. Discussion: The question, “What percentage of normal do you feel regarding your MG?” is feasible and valid, and can be incorporated easily into routine clinical evaluation. Muscle Nerve 57: 240–244, 2018
Electroconductive and magnetic properties of pure carbon soot produced in arc discharge: Regimes of various buffer gas pressure
Authors: Zaikovskii Alexey V. , Novopashin Sergey A. 
Published: June 2017

The electroconductive and magnetic properties of nanomaterials containing carbon nanoforms synthesised for electrocatalytic, electrochromic and ferrofluid applications, etc., are of interest to researchers. This article aims to understand the physical effects influencing the electroconductive and magnetic properties of materials synthesised by arc discharge. The nanomaterial formation processes leading to the formation of magnetic and electroconductive structures are also discussed. Arc discharge between graphitic electrodes results in the emergence of a fan‐shaped jet of helium and carbon. The gasdynamic and temperature parameters of the jet depend on the parameters of the arc discharge and the buffer gas. Variations in the parameters of the carbon vapour flow change the kinetics of carbon condensation, leading to variations in the morphology and structure of the carbon material. The main external parameter of the synthesis (buffer gas pressure) was varied in the study, and correlations between the intensity ratio of the D to G peaks on the Raman spectrum and the electrical conductivity and the magnetic susceptibility values were found. During the synthesis, nanographite structures were formed. However, the formation of an amorphous carbon structure on the free ‘zig‐zag’ edges of the graphite fragments reduced the magnetic susceptibility, the electrical conductivity and the ID/IG ratio.The amorphous carbon layer was deposited on the graphite structure, which reduces magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity and the ID/IG ratio.