bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Visible light photocatalytic activity of chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol)/TiO2 nanocomposite for dye removal: taguchi‐based optimization
Authors: Rasoulifard Mohammad Hossein , Seyed Dorraji Mir Saeed , Mozafari Vahideh 
Published: August 2016

This work describes the preparation of chitosan/poly (vinyl alcohol)/titanium dioxide (CS/PVA/TiO2) nanocomposite for its use as a photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The photocatalytic activity of CS/PVA/TiO2 was evaluated by photocatalytic removal of acid red 14 (AR14) in aqueous solution as a model pollutant. A Taguchi orthogonal array experimental design with an L16 matrix was employed to optimize the factors affecting the photocatalytic efficiency of CS/PVA/TiO2 nanocomposite such as: pH, irradiation time, initial dye concentration, and nanocomposite dosage. The optimum conditions were found to be as follows: pH = 3; irradiation time = 120 min; initial dye concentration = 10 mg L−1, and nanocomposite dosage = 400 mg L−1. The pH was found to be the most effective factor for dye removal, followed by the nanocomposite dosage. The dye removal during visible‐CS/PVA/TiO2 process under optimal conditions followed the pseudo‐first‐order reaction model with the rate constants of 0.0188 min−1. The photocatalytic activity of CS/PVA/TiO2 nanocomposite dropped very slightly in five consecutive reaction cycles. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 66–72, 2017
Shake table testing of an elevator system in a full‐scale five‐story building
Authors: Wang Xiang , Hutchinson Tara C. , Astroza Rodrigo , Conte Joel P. , Restrepo José I. , Hoehler Matthew S. , Ribeiro Waldir 
Published: August 2016

SummaryThis paper investigates the seismic performance of a functional traction elevator as part of a full‐scale five‐story building shake table test program. The test building was subjected to a suite of earthquake input motions of increasing intensity, first while the building was isolated at its base and subsequently while it was fixed to the shake table platen. In addition, low‐amplitude white noise base excitation tests were conducted while the elevator system was placed in three different configurations, namely, by varying the vertical location of its cabin and counterweight, to study the acceleration amplifications of the elevator components due to dynamic excitations. During the earthquake tests, detailed observation of the physical damage and operability of the elevator as well as its measured response are reported. Although the cabin and counterweight sustained large accelerations because of impact during these tests, the use of well‐restrained guide shoes demonstrated its effectiveness in preventing the cabin and counterweight from derailment during high‐intensity earthquake shaking. However, differential displacements induced by the building imposed undesirable distortion of the elevator components and their surrounding support structure, which caused damage and inoperability of the elevator doors. It is recommended that these aspects be explicitly considered in elevator seismic design. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zebrafish embryo tolerance to environmental stress factors—Concentration–dose response analysis of oxygen limitation, pH, and UV-light irradiation
Authors: Andrade Thayres S. , Henriques Jorge F. , Almeida Ana Rita , Soares Amadeu M.V.M. , Scholz Stefan , Domingues Inês 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

During the last century the increase in the mean global temperatures has been shown to impact on freshwater physicochemical parameters such as pH, dissolved oxygen, or ultraviolet (UV) light abundance. Changes in these parameters could modify the toxicity of environmental pollutants. Therefore, in the present study, the authors studied the tolerance (survival and sublethal endpoints) of zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos to variations in pH (3–12), dissolved oxygen (3.9–237 μmol/L) and UV intensity (55–467 mW/m2) using selected endpoints. Sublethal endpoint assessment included the quantification of hatching success, developmental delay, reduction of body length, frequency of edema, and morphological abnormalities. Median lethal concentrations (LC50s; 96-h) of 3.68 and 10.21 were determined for acid and alkaline pH, respectively. Embryo survival appeared to be relatively resistant to oxygen depletion with a 96-h LC50 of 0.42 mg/L. However, concentrations of 6 mg/L and below caused edema and developmental retardations. Continuous exposure to UV radiation affected zebrafish development by reducing survival and hatching rate and triggering a series of developmental abnormalities such as pericardial edema and deformities. A 72-h LC50 of 227 mW/m2 was derived from intensity–response modeling. By generation of concentration–response parameters the authors’ data provide a basis for the subsequent assessment of combined effect of environmental stress parameters and chemicals. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:682–690. © 2016 SETAC
Aquatic fate of a double-stranded RNA in a sediment­­–water system following an over-water application
Authors: Fischer Joshua R. , Zapata Fatima , Dubelman Samuel , Mueller Geoffrey M. , Uffman Joshua P. , Jiang Changjian , Jensen Peter D. , Levine Steven L. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

Determining the rate of biodegradation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in the environment is an essential element of a comprehensive risk assessment of an RNA-based agricultural product. This information is used during problem formulation to define relevant routes and durations of environmental exposure for in planta–expressed dsRNA. Although exposure to biotechnology-derived crops expressing dsRNA traits in the aquatic environment is predicted to be minimal, little is known regarding the fate of dsRNA in these environments. To assess exposure to aquatic environments, a study was conducted to measure the rate of biodegradation of DvSnf7 dsRNA in aerobic water–sediment systems. Aquatic systems containing natural water and sediments that varied in physical and chemical characteristics were treated with dsRNA by applying DvSnf7 dsRNA directly to the water column. In the present study, DvSnf7 dsRNA dissipated rapidly from the water phase and was undetectable within 7 d as measured by QuantiGene (Affymetrix) and a sensitive insect bioassay in these diverse systems. Degradation kinetics estimated a half-life (time to 50% dissipation [DT50]) of less than 3 d and a time to 90% dissipation of approximately 4 d. Further analysis indicated that DvSnf7 dsRNA had DT50 values of less than 6 d in both sediment-free systems containing natural water and systems with only sediment. Taken together, the results of the present study indicate that dsRNA-based agricultural products rapidly degrade and consequently are unlikely to persist in aquatic environments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:727–734. © 2016 SETAC
Treatment of secondary central nervous system lymphoma with intrathecal rituximab, high‐dose methotrexate, and R‐DHAP followed by autologous stem cell transplantation: results of the HOVON 80 phase 2 study
Authors: Doorduijn Jeanette K. , van Imhoff Gustaaf W. , van der Holt Bronno , Schouten Harry C. , Schaafsma Martijn R. , MacKenzie Marius A. , Baars Joke W. , Kersten Marie José , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , van den Bent Martin J. , Enting Roelien H. , Spoelstra Fokje M. , Poortmans Philip , Bromberg Jacoline E.C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe prognosis of central nervous system (CNS) relapse of systemic non‐Hodgkin lymphoma is poor with 1‐year survival historically at 0% to 20%. Aiming to improve these results, we performed a multicenter phase 2 study in patients with a CNS relapse, with or without concurrent systemic relapse. Treatment consisted of 2 cycles of R‐DHAP alternating with high‐dose methotrexate (MTX) and was combined with intrathecal rituximab. Responding patients received a third R‐DHAP‐MTX cycle followed by busulfan and cyclophosphamide myeloablative therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. In patients with persistent cerebrospinal fluid lymphoma after cycle 1, the intrathecal rituximab was replaced by intrathecal triple therapy, with MTX, cytarabine, and dexamethasone.Thirty‐six patients were included. Eighteen had evidence of cerebrospinal fluid lymphoma, 24 had brain parenchymal disease, and 20 (56%) had concurrent systemic disease.The overall response rate after 2 R‐DHAP‐MTX was 53% (19/36), with 22% (8/36) complete remission. Fifteen patients (42%) underwent a transplant. One‐year progression‐free survival was 19% (95% confidence interval, 9‐34): 25% in patients without and 15% in patients with systemic disease. One‐year overall survival was 25% (95% confidence interval, 12‐40).This treatment regimen did not result in a major improvement of outcome of secondary CNS lymphoma, especially when concurrent systemic disease was present.Registered in the Dutch trial register www.trialregister.nl, NTR1757; EudraCT number 2006‐002141‐37.
What Motivates Experts to Share? A Prospective Test of the Model of Knowledge‐Sharing Motivation
Authors: Stenius Minna , Haukkala Ari , Hankonen Nelli , Ravaja Niklas 
Published: August 2016

AbstractKnowledge sharing is an employee behavior, critical to organizational success in knowledge‐intensive work environments. This study set out to empirically test the model of knowledge‐sharing motivation designed and presented in this journal by Gagné (2009). The model combines two established behavioral theories, the theory of planned behavior and self‐determination theory, and connects various human resource practices to it. This prospective survey study (n= 200) in a large expert organization employed structural equation modeling. The results mainly supported the proposed model, with attitudes, autonomous motivation, and sharing norms predicting knowledge‐sharing intentions (R2= .69), which predicted knowledge‐sharing behavior ( R2= .42). We also identified potential ways to modify the model to better suit typical knowledge‐sharing contexts. Implications for practice, with the emphasis on how our findings can benefit and be used by human resource management, are discussed. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Investigation on the Effect of Air Swirler Vane Angle on Liquid Fuel Combustion Characteristics
Authors: Pourhoseini S.H. , Fakhri Saeideh , Taheri Elmira , Asadi Rasool , Moghiman M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThis is an experimental and numerical study on the effect of air swirl vane angle on combustion characteristics of liquid fuel burners. The swirl vane angle varied in a range from 0° to 75° and the values of the dependent variables were determined. The flame temperature was measured by an S‐type thermocouple and a Testo 350 XL gas analyzer was used to determine the NO and CO pollutant concentrations. Also, sprint CFD code along with suitable models was used in analytical modeling. The results indicate that there is an optimum angle for the swirl vane (approximately 45° for the case study). At the optimum angle, the average temperature of the flame increases as much as 12.5% and 28.5% in comparison with small and large angles, respectively. Therefore, combustion efficiency reaches its maximum level and CO emission is at an extremely low level. The results also demonstrate that large swirl angles decreases NO emission.
A network theory approach for a better understanding of overland flow connectivity
Authors: Masselink Rens J. H. , Heckmann Tobias , Temme Arnaud J. A. M. , Anders Niels S. , Gooren Harm P. A. , Keesstra Saskia D. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractHydrological connectivity describes the physical coupling (linkages) of different elements within a landscape regarding (sub‐) surface flows. A firm understanding of hydrological connectivity is important for catchment management applications, for example, habitat and species protection, and for flood resistance and resilience improvement. Thinking about (geomorphological) systems as networks can lead to new insights, which has also been recognized within the scientific community, seeing the recent increase in the use of network (graph) theory within the geosciences. Network theory supports the analysis and understanding of complex systems by providing data structures for modelling objects and their linkages, and a versatile toolbox to quantitatively appraise network structure and properties. The objective of this study was to characterize and quantify overland flow connectivity dynamics on hillslopes in a humid sub‐Mediterranean environment by using a combination of high‐resolution digital‐terrain models, overland flow sensors and a network approach. Results showed that there are significant differences between overland flow connectivity on agricultural areas and semi‐natural shrubs areas. Significant positive correlations between connectivity and precipitation characteristics were found. Significant negative correlations between connectivity and soil moisture were found, most likely because of soil water repellency and/or soil surface crusting. The combination of structural networks and dynamic networks for determining potential connectivity and actual connectivity proved a powerful tool for analysing overland flow connectivity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Future needs and recommendations in the development of species sensitivity distributions: Estimating toxicity thresholds for aquatic ecological communities and assessing impacts of chemical exposures
Authors: Belanger Scott , Barron Mace , Craig Peter , Dyer Scott , Galay-Burgos Malyka , Hamer Mick , Marshall Stuart , Posthuma Leo , Raimondo Sandy , Whitehouse Paul 
Published: August 2016

Abstract

A species sensitivity distribution (SSD) is a probability model of the variation of species sensitivities to a stressor, in particular chemical exposure. The SSD approach has been used as a decision support tool in environmental protection and management since the 1980s, and the ecotoxicological, statistical, and regulatory basis and applications continue to evolve. This article summarizes the findings of a 2014 workshop held by the European Centre for Toxicology and Ecotoxicology of Chemicals and the UK Environment Agency in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, on the ecological relevance, statistical basis, and regulatory applications of SSDs. An array of research recommendations categorized under the topical areas of use of SSDs, ecological considerations, guideline considerations, method development and validation, toxicity data, mechanistic understanding, and uncertainty were identified and prioritized. A rationale for the most critical research needs identified in the workshop is provided. The workshop reviewed the technical basis and historical development and application of SSDs, described approaches to estimating generic and scenario-specific SSD-based thresholds, evaluated utility and application of SSDs as diagnostic tools, and presented new statistical approaches to formulate SSDs. Collectively, these address many of the research needs to expand and improve their application. The highest priority work, from a pragmatic regulatory point of view, is to develop a guidance of best practices that could act as a basis for global harmonization and discussions regarding the SSD methodology and tools. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2017;13:664–674. © 2016 SETAC

Key Points
Species sensitivity distributions (SSDs) are probability models that summarize variation of species sensitivities to chemical exposure. SSDs are used in risk assessment and the derivation of environmental quality standards, because they can be used to develop community-level thresholds and have advantages over deterministic assessment approaches. The 2014 ECETOC and UK Environment Agency workshop summarized research needs to expand and improve application of SSDs. The highest priority work is to develop a guidance of best practices to drive global harmonization and discussions regarding SSD methodology and tools.
Patient Characteristics and Patient Behavior as Predictors of Outcome in Cognitive Therapy and Exposure Therapy for Hypochondriasis
Authors: Richtberg Samantha , Jakob Marion , Höfling Volkmar , Weck Florian 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivePsychotherapy for hypochondriasis has greatly improved over the last decades and cognitive‐behavioral treatments are most promising. However, research on predictors of treatment outcome for hypochondriasis is rare. Possible predictors of treatment outcome in cognitive therapy (CT) and exposure therapy (ET) for hypochondriasis were investigated.MethodCharacteristics and behaviors of 75 patients were considered as possible predictors: sociodemographic variables (sex, age, and cohabitation); psychopathology (pretreatment hypochondriacal symptoms, comorbid mental disorders, and levels of depression, anxiety, and somatic symptoms); and patient in‐session interpersonal behavior.ResultsSeverity of pretreatment hypochondriacal symptoms, comorbid mental disorders, and patient in‐session interpersonal behavior were significant predictors in multiple hierarchical regression analyses. Interactions between the predictors and the treatment (CT or ET) were not found.ConclusionsIn‐session interpersonal behavior is an important predictor of outcome. Furthermore, there are no specific contraindications to treating hypochondriasis with CT or ET.
Evaluation of Aztreonam Dosing Regimens in Patients With Normal and Impaired Renal Function: A Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Monte Carlo Simulation Analysis
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Zhou Wangda , Zhou Diansong , Li Jianguo , Al‐Huniti Nidal 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAztreonam is a monocyclic β‐lactam antibiotic often used to treat infections caused by Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite the long history of clinical use, population pharmacokinetic modeling of aztreonam in renally impaired patients is not yet available. The aims of this study were to assess the impact of renal impairment on aztreonam exposure and to evaluate dosing regimens for patients with renal impairment. A population model describing aztreonam pharmacokinetics following intravenous administration was developed using plasma concentrations from 42 healthy volunteers and renally impaired patients from 2 clinical studies. The final pharmacokinetic model was used to predict aztreonam plasma concentrations and evaluate the probability of pharmacodynamic target attainment (PTA) in patients with different levels of renal function. A 2‐compartment model with first‐order elimination adequately described aztreonam pharmacokinetics. The population mean estimates of aztreonam clearance, intercompartmental clearance, volume of distribution of the central compartment, and volume of distribution of the peripheral compartment were 4.93 L/h, 9.26 L/h, 7.43 L, and 6.44 L, respectively. Creatinine clearance and body weight were the most significant variables to explain patient variability in aztreonam clearance and volume of distribution, respectively. Simulations using the final pharmacokinetic model resulted in a clinical susceptibility break point of 4 and 8 mg/L, respectively, based on the clinical use of 1‐ and 2‐g loading doses with the same or reduced maintenance dose every 8 hours for various renal deficiency patients. The population pharmacokinetic modeling and PTA estimation support adequate PTAs (>90% PTA) from the aztreonam label for dose adjustment of aztreonam in patients with moderate and severe renal impairment.
Can reduced field‐of‐view diffusion sequence help assess microsatellite instability in FIGO stage 1 endometrial cancer?
Authors: Bhosale Priya , Ramalingam Preetha , Ma Jingfei , Iyer Revathy , Soliman Pamela , Frumovitz Micheal , Kundra Vikas 
Published: August 2016

PurposeTo determine if a reduced‐field‐of‐view (rFOV) diffusion intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) sequence can differentiate the imaging characteristics of tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI) from those that are microsatellite stable (MSS) in patients with clinical FIGO stage IA endometrial cancer and if MRI can be used to determine MSI status.Materials and MethodsSagittal rFOV diffusion‐weighted images were obtained in 12 patients on a 3T scanner using six b‐values (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 600). These images were used to derive apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (Dt), pseudodiffusion (D*), and perfusion fraction (f). Regions of interest (ROIs) were drawn on the dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequence on an Advantage Windows workstation and were copied to the same location on IVIM‐derived images. The ROI mean of these images was recorded and compared with the microsatellite status. The depth of myometrial invasion and IVIM‐derived parameters were tabulated by microsatellite status. The Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to compare T1 postcontrast images and IVIM‐derived images and microsatellite status.ResultsSix patients had MSS tumors and six had MSI tumors. MSS tumors had a significantly higher ADC value (P = 0.03) and Dt (P = 0.045) than the MSI tumors. There was no association between < and ≥ 50% depth of myometrial invasion (measured on pathology and MRI analysis) and MSI stability P > 0.99.ConclusionIVIM, ADC and Dt may be able to determine microsatellite status noninvasively in patients with clinical FIGO stage I endometrial cancer.Level of Evidence: 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2017;45:1216–1224
Effect of In Situ Water Harvesting Techniques on Soil and Nutrient Losses in Semi‐Arid Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Grum Berhane , Assefa Dereje , Hessel Rudi , Woldearegay Kifle , Kessler Aad , Ritsema Coen , Geissen Violette 
Published: August 2016

AbstractLand degradation, mainly due to soil erosion and nutrient losses, is a global problem for sustainable agriculture. Farmlands in the Ethiopian highlands are susceptible to water erosion because of steep slopes and extensive cultivation. A field experiment was conducted in the Gule sub‐watershed in northern Ethiopia to assess the efficacy of in situ water harvesting techniques in reducing soil and nutrient losses. The research was carried out on a sandy clay loam soil under semi‐arid conditions. Soil erosion and nutrient losses were monitored during the rainy season (June to September) in 2013 and 2014. Five treatments with tied ridges, wheat‐straw mulch and effective microorganisms, alone or in combination, and an untreated control were tested. Combined tied ridges and straw mulch, with and without effective microorganisms, significantly reduced average soil loss over the two rainy seasons by 82 and 90% respectively compared with the control. Tied ridges alone reduced average soil loss by 60%. Straw mulch with and without effective microorganisms decreased average soil loss by 81 and 85% respectively. Combined tied ridges and straw mulch significantly decreased average total nitrogen and total phosphorus losses by 82 and 83% respectively. Average nutrient losses were also significantly decreased by tied ridges (59% for nitrogen, 52% for phosphorus) and straw mulch (63% for nitrogen, 68% for phosphorus). Our results indicated that in situ water harvesting techniques can effectively reduce soil and nutrient losses from farmland and were more efficient when the techniques were combined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.