bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanotechnology: a clean and sustainable technology for the degradation of pharmaceuticals present in water and wastewater
Authors: Selvaraj Rengaraj , Al Fahdi Tharaya , Al-Wahaibi Bushra , Al-Kindy Salma M.Z. , Al-Nofli Kholood , Al-Lawati Haider 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Pharmaceuticals, newly recognized classes of environmental pollutants, are becoming increasingly problematic contaminants of either surface water or ground water around industrial and residential communities. Pharmaceuticals are constantly released into aquatic environments, mainly due to their widespread consumption and complicated removal in wastewater treatment plants. Heterogeneous photocatalysis appear to be one of the most destructive advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for organic contaminants and are possible to obtain complete mineralization of organic pollutants into eco-friendly end products under visible and solar light irradiation. In this study, flower-like In2S3 hierarchical nanostructures were successfully prepared via a facile solution-phase route, using thioacetamide as both sulfur source and capping agent. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) of the flowers revealed that the cubic structure of In2S3; morphological studies examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed the synthesized In2S3 nanostructure was flower-like hierarchitecture assembled from nanoscale flakes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis confirmed the stoichiometry of In2S3 nanoflowers. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity studies revealed that the prepared indium(III) sulfide(In2S3) nanoflowers exhibit an excellent photocatalytic performance, degrading rapidly the aqueous pharmaceutical solution of Lisinopril under visible light irradiation. These results suggest that In2S3 nanoflowers will be a promising candidate of photocatalyst working in thevisible light range.
What works in water supply and sanitation projects in developing countries with EWB-USA
Authors: Montgomery Melissa J. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports some progress on the global problem of a lack of improved water and sanitation. Between 1990 and 2012, the number of people that gained improved access to improved drinking water reached 2.3 billion people, while the number of children that have died from diarrheal diseases has fallen from 1.5 million deaths to just above 600,000 deaths (1, 2). However, it is estimated that there are still 1.8 billion people using a fecally contaminated source of drinking water (3). In addition, 748 million people continue to lack clean water, 1 billion continue to practice open defecation, and 2.5 billion people still lack adequate sanitation (3). In response to this global issue, Engineers Without Borders USA (EWB-USA) began with a mission to build a better world through engineering projects that empower communities to meet their basic human needs and equip leaders to solve the world’s most pressing challenges. Their 15,000+ members work with communities to find appropriate solutions to improve water supply, sanitation, energy, agriculture, civil works and structures. Their development approach is based on standard engineering methodology, including problem identification, assessment, alternatives analysis, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation. EWB-USA began in 2002 and currently has members working in over 40 countries around the world. The majority of their work is focused in Latin America and Africa, but their programs are expanding to Asia and the Pacific Basin. Currently, EWB-USA members are working in 17 programs in six countries, including the Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, and Fiji. Success in these programs is defined by measuring overall impact and learning from failure. Impact is measured through Standard Monitoring Indicators and learning is accomplished by documenting failures and lessons learned. Through this work, the organization has impacted 2.5 million lives through primarily water supply and sanitation projects by focusing on sustainable engineering solutions, community-education, capacity building, and appropriate technologies and local resources.
E-waste interventions in Ghana
Authors: Asante Kwadwo Ansong , Pwamang John A. , Amoyaw-Osei Yaw , Ampofo Joseph Addo 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) has become an emerging environmental and human health problem in the world in the 21st century. Recently, the developing nations of West Africa (e.g. Ghana and Nigeria) have become a major destination for e-waste worldwide. In Ghana, the e-waste recyclers use primitive methods (mechanical shredding and open burning) to remove plastic insulation from copper cables. This technique can release highly toxic chemicals and severely affect the environment and human health if improperly managed. It is as a result of the adverse impact on human health that some interventions are being made in Ghana to reduce exposure. The present mode of recycling/dismantling, which happens at Agbogbloshie must be replaced by official receiving/recycling centers to be established. Currently, equipment to strip both large and small cables are available in the country via the Blacksmith Institute (USA) and it is expected that the e-waste workers will embrace the use of these machines. This technology will go a long way to help prevent the burning of e-waste and will be replicated in other smaller e-waste centers in the country.
Creating healthy and just bioregions
Authors: Pezzoli Keith , Leiter Robert Allen 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Dramatic changes taking place locally, regionally, globally, demand that we rethink strategies to improve public health, especially in disadvantaged communities where the cumulative impacts of toxicant exposure and other environmental and social stressors are most damaging. The emergent field of Sustainability Science, including a new bioregionalism for the 21st Century, is giving rise to promising place-based (territorially rooted) approaches. Embedded in this bioregional approach is an integrated planning framework (IPF) that enables people to map and develop plans and strategies that cut across various scales (e.g. from regional to citywide to neighborhood scale) and various topical areas (e.g. urban land use planning, water resource planning, food systems planning and “green infrastructure” planning) with the specific intent of reducing the impacts of toxicants to public health and the natural environment. This paper describes a case of bioregionally inspired integrated planning in San Diego, California (USA). The paper highlights food-water-energy linkages and the importance of “rooted” community-university partnerships and knowledge-action collaboratives in creating healthy and just bioregions.
Worm-free children: an integrated approach to reduction of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Central Java
Authors: Park M.J. , Laksono Budi , Clements Archie , Sadler Ross , Stewart Donald 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Among children, infections with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) can cause anemia, impaired growth, and absence from school. Sustainable control of STH infection requires that appropriate latrines be integrated with health-promotion education. We report a pilot study of the effects of a combined latrine-education intervention in Central Java, Indonesia. The participants were 99 children (3–13 years old) in two villages (intervention and control) south of Semarang city. Stool samples were collected from the children and were examined for the presence of helminth eggs. After baseline data were collected, latrines were constructed and health education was given in the intervention village. Then, in both villages, all children who had STH infection at baseline were given 400 mg of albendazole. Eight months later, follow-up stool samples were collected and examined. In both villages, 20% of the children had STH infection at baseline. At follow-up, the incidence of STH infection was much lower in the intervention village than in the control village (4.0% vs. 20.4%; p<0.02). The results of this small pilot study give some confidence that a scaled-up study involving many more children and cluster-randomization of the intervention will be feasible and could provide more conclusive evidence of the intervention’s effectiveness.
Sintering temperature-microstructure-property relationships of alumina matrix composites with silicon carbide and silica additives
Authors: Limpichaipanit Apichart , Jiansirisomboon Sukanda , Tunkasiri Tawee 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAlumina-based composites were fabricated by reaction sintering from two different sintering powder mixtures: alumina with silica (SiO2) and alumina with silicon carbide (SiC; to allow oxidation to form SiO2). After sintering, SiO2 underwent complete reaction to form alumina/mullite composites. In terms of microstructure, the density and grain size of ceramic samples were investigated. The density of the composites prepared by alumina and SiC was lower than those of alumina and the composites prepared by alumina and SiO2. The grain size increased as the sintering temperature increased. In terms of mechanical properties, fracture surfaces, hardness, and fracture toughness were investigated. It was found that the fracture surface of alumina was rather intergranular, whereas the fracture surface of the composites was more transgranular. The hardness of the composites was higher than that of alumina at the same sintering temperature. However, the fracture toughness of the composites was not significantly different compared to that of alumina.
Activation of P4by Li[SitBu3]: generation of lithium bis(supersilyl)heptaphosphanortricyclanide Li[P7(SitBu3)2]
Authors: Sänger Inge , Breunig Jens , Schödel Frauke , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans-Wolfram 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTreatment of P4with one equivalent of Li[SitBu3] leads to the formation of a number of oligo-phosphanes and -phosphides, e.g. the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphane P4(SitBu3)2, the heptaphosphanortricyclane P7(SitBu3)3, the tetraphosphides Li3[P(PSitBu3)3] (Li3[2a]), and the pentaphosphacyclopentadienide Li[P5]. From this reaction we could isolate single crystals of Li3[2a]. However, this reaction took another course in the presence of Li[OSitBu3]. When P4was treated with one equivalent of Li[SitBu3] in the presence of Li[OSitBu3], the heptaphosphanortricyclanide Li[P7(SitBu3)2] (Li[8a]) was formed. Single crystals of the cluster {Li4(C6H6)(OSitBu3)[8a]3}·C6H6(orthorhombic, space groupPca21) were isolated from the reaction mixture at ambient temperature. This cluster compound consists of three chiral Li[P7(SitBu3)2] units, one silanolate Li[OSitBu3], and one benzene molecule. We further investigated the degradation reaction of the bicyclo[1.1.0]tetraphosphane P4(SitBu3)2. After heating a benzene solution to 60 °C for 24 h, we found 100 % conversion of P4(SitBu3)2, and P7(SitBu3)3(monoclinic, space groupP21/c) andtBu3SiPH2were formed.
Ferromagnetism in Fe3−x−yNixGeTe2
Authors: Stahl Juliane , Pomjakushin Vladimir , Johrendt Dirk 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPolycrystalline samples of Fe3−yGeTe2(0.08 ≤y≤ 0.29) and the solid solutions Fe3−x−yNixGeTe2(0.24 ≤x≤ 1.32; 0.14 ≤y≤ 0.41) were synthesized at 898–973 K in a resistance furnace and characterized by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction with Rietveld analysis (Fe3GeTe2type,P63/mmc,a= 402.665(3),c= 1632.820(14) pm forx= 0,y= 0.08). Fe3Ge layers with planar FeGe hexagons and additional iron atoms above and below the rings are separated by double layers of tellurium atoms. Fe3GeTe2is ferromagnetic belowTC= 230 K with magnetic moments aligned along thecaxis.TCdepends on the iron content and decreases with increasing iron vacancies continuously to 153 K in Fe2.71GeTe2. Further reduction ofTCis possible by nickel substitution until magnetic ordering is nearly absent in Fe1.33Ni1.32GeTe2. The suppression of the magnetic ordering is caused by random dilution of the magnetic iron atoms either by vacancies or by non-magnetic nickel atoms.
Dnmt3a in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior in Adult Mice
Authors: Elliott Evan , Manashirov Sharon , Zwang Raaya , Gil Shosh , Tsoory Michael , Shemesh Yair , Chen Alon 
Published: January 2016

Recently, it has been suggested that alterations in DNA methylation mediate the molecular changes and psychopathologies that can occur following trauma. Despite the abundance of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts) in the brain, which are responsible for catalyzing DNA methylation, their roles in behavioral regulation and in response to stressful challenges remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that adult mice which underwent chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) displayed elevated anxiety-like behavior that was accompanied by a reduction in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)-DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA levels and a subsequent decrease in mPFC-global DNA methylation. To explore the role of mPFC-Dnmt3a in mediating the behavioral responses to stressful challenges we established lentiviral-based mouse models that express lower (knockdown) or higher (overexpression) levels of Dnmt3a specifically within the mPFC. Nonstressed mice injected with knockdown Dnmt3a lentiviruses specifically into the mPFC displayed the same anxiogenic phenotype as the CSDS mice, whereas overexpression of Dnmt3a induced an opposite, anxiolytic, effect in wild-type mice. In addition, overexpression of Dnmt3a in the mPFC of CSDS mice attenuated stress-induced anxiety. Our results indicate a central role for mPFC-Dnmt3a as a mediator of stress-induced anxiety.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTDNA methylation is suggested to mediate the molecular mechanisms linking environmental challenges, such as chronic stress or trauma, to increased susceptibility to psychopathologies. Here, we show that chronic stress-induced increase in anxiety-like behavior is accompanied by a reduction in DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) mRNA levels and global DNA methylation in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Overexpression or knockdown of mPFC-Dnmt3a levels induces decrease or increase in anxiety-like behavior, respectively. In addition, overexpression of Dnmt3a in the mPFC of chronic stressed mice attenuated stress-induced anxiety. We suggest that mPFC-Dnmt3a levels mediates anxiety-like behavior, which may be a primary molecular link between chronic stress and the development of anxiety disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder.
Prism Adaptation Alters Electrophysiological Markers of Attentional Processes in the Healthy Brain
Authors: Martín-Arévalo Elisa , Laube Inga , Koun Eric , Farnè Alessandro , Reilly Karen T. , Pisella Laure 
Published: January 2016

Neglect patients typically show a rightward attentional orienting bias and a strong disengagement deficit, such that they are especially slow in responding to left-sided targets after right-sided cues (Posner et al., 1984). Prism adaptation (PA) can reduce diverse debilitating neglect symptoms and it has been hypothesized that PA's effects are so generalized that they might be mediated by attentional mechanisms (Pisella et al., 2006; Redding and Wallace, 2006). In neglect patients, performance on spatial attention tasks improves after rightward-deviating PA (Jacquin-Courtois et al., 2013). In contrast, in healthy subjects, although there is evidence that leftward-deviating PA induces neglect-like performance on some visuospatial tasks, behavioral studies of spatial attention tasks have mostly yielded negative results (Morris et al., 2004; Bultitude et al., 2013). We hypothesized that these negative behavioral findings might reflect the limitations of behavioral measures in healthy subjects. Here we exploited the sensitivity of event-related potentials to test the hypothesis that electrophysiological markers of attentional processes in the healthy human brain are affected by PA. Leftward-deviating PA generated asymmetries in attentional orienting (reflected in the cue-locked N1) and in attentional disengagement for invalidly cued left targets (reflected in the target-locked P1). This is the first electrophysiological demonstration that leftward-deviating PA in healthy subjects mimics attentional patterns typically seen in neglect patients.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPrism adaptation (PA) is a promising tool for ameliorating many deficits in neglect patients and inducing neglect-like behavior in healthy subjects. The mechanisms underlying PA's effects are poorly understood but one hypothesis suggests that it acts by modulating attention. To date, however, there has been no successful demonstration of attentional modulation in healthy subjects. We provide the first electrophysiological evidence that PA acts on attention in healthy subjects by mimicking the attentional pattern typically reported in neglect patients: both a rightward attentional orienting bias (reflected in the cue-locked N1) and a deficit in attentional disengagement from the right hemispace (reflected in the target-locked P1). This study makes an important contribution to refining current models of the mechanisms underlying PA's cognitive effects.
Dopamine D3Receptors Modulate the Ability of Win-Paired Cues to Increase Risky Choice in a Rat Gambling Task
Authors: Barrus Michael M. , Winstanley Catharine A. 
Published: January 2016

Similar to other addiction disorders, the cues inherent in many gambling procedures are thought to play an important role in mediating their addictive nature. Animal models of gambling-related behavior, while capturing dimensions of economic decision making, have yet to address the impact that these salient cues may have in promoting maladaptive choice. Here, we determined whether adding win-associated audiovisual cues to a rat gambling task (rGT) would influence decision making. Thirty-two male Long–Evans rats were tested on either the cued or uncued rGT. In these tasks, animals chose between four options associated with different magnitudes and frequencies of reward and punishing time-out periods. As in the Iowa Gambling Task, favoring options associated with smaller per-trial rewards but smaller losses and avoiding the tempting “high-risk, high-reward” decks maximized profits. Although the reinforcement contingencies were identical in both task versions, rats' choice of the disadvantageous risky options was significantly greater on the cued task. Furthermore, a D3receptor agonist increased choice of the disadvantageous options, whereas a D3antagonist had the opposite effects, only on the cued task. These findings are consistent with the reported role of D3receptors in mediating the facilitatory effects of cues in addiction. Collectively, these results indicate that the cued rGT is a valuable model with which to study the mechanism by which salient cues can invigorate maladaptive decision making, an important and understudied component of both gambling and substance use disorders.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWe used a rodent analog of the Iowa Gambling Task to determine whether the addition of audiovisual cues would affect choice preferences. Adding reward-concurrent cues significantly increased risky choice. This is the first clear demonstration that reward-paired cues can bias cost/benefit decision making against a subject's best interests in a manner concordant with elevated addiction susceptibility. Choice on the cued task was uniquely sensitive to modulation by D3receptor ligands, yet these drugs did not alter decision making on the uncued task. The relatively unprecedented sensitivity of choice on the cued task to D3-receptor-mediated neurotransmission data suggest that similar neurobiological processes underlie the ability of cues to both bias animals toward risky options and facilitate drug addiction.
The Hierarchical Structure of the Face Network Revealed by Its Functional Connectivity Pattern
Authors: Wang Xu , Zhen Zonglei , Song Yiying , Huang Lijie , Kong Xiangzhen , Liu Jia 
Published: January 2016

A major principle of human brain organization is “integrating” some regions into networks while “segregating” other sets of regions into separate networks. However, little is known about the cognitive function of the integration and segregation of brain networks. Here, we examined the well-studied brain network for face processing, and asked whether the integration and segregation of the face network (FN) are related to face recognition performance. To do so, we used a voxel-based global brain connectivity method based on resting-state fMRI to characterize the within-network connectivity (WNC) and the between-network connectivity (BNC) of the FN. We found that 95.4% of voxels in the FN had a significantly stronger WNC than BNC, suggesting that the FN is a relatively encapsulated network. Importantly, individuals with a stronger WNC (i.e., integration) in the right fusiform face area were better at recognizing faces, whereas individuals with a weaker BNC (i.e., segregation) in the right occipital face area performed better in the face recognition tasks. In short, our study not only demonstrates the behavioral relevance of integration and segregation of the FN but also provides evidence supporting functional division of labor between the occipital face area and fusiform face area in the hierarchically organized FN.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAlthough the integration and segregation are major principles of human brain organization, little is known about whether they support the cognitive processes. By correlating the within-network connectivity (WNC) and between-network connectivity (BNC) of the face network with face recognition performance, we found that individuals with stronger WNC in the right fusiform face area or weaker BNC in the right occipital face area were better at recognizing faces. Our study not only demonstrates the behavioral relevance of the integration and segregation but also provides evidence supporting functional division of labor between the occipital face area and fusiform face area in the hierarchically organized face network.