bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From eggs to bites: do ovitrap data provide reliable estimates ofAedes albopictusbiting females?
Authors: Manica Mattia , Rosà Roberto , della Torre Alessandra , Caputo Beniamino 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundAedes albopictusis an aggressive invasive mosquito species that represents a serious health concern not only in tropical areas, but also in temperate regions due to its role as vector of arboviruses. Estimates of mosquito biting rates are essential to account for vector-human contact in models aimed to predict the risk of arbovirus autochthonous transmission and outbreaks, as well as nuisance thresholds useful for correct planning of mosquito control interventions. Methods targeting daytime and outdoor bitingAe. albopictusfemales (e.g., Human Landing Collection, HLC) are expensive and difficult to implement in large scale schemes. Instead, egg-collections by ovitraps are the most widely used routine approach for large-scale monitoring of the species. The aim of this work was to assess whether ovitrap data can be exploited to estimate numbers of adult bitingAe. albopictusfemales and whether the resulting relationship could be used to build risk models helpful for decision-makers in charge of planning of mosquito-control activities in infested areas.MethodOvitrap collections and HLCs were carried out in hot-spots ofAe. albopictusabundance in Rome (Italy) along a whole reproductive season. The relationship between the two sets of data was assessed by generalized least square analysis, taking into account meteorological parameters.ResultThe mean number of mosquito females/person collected by HLC in 15′ (i.e., females/HLC) and the mean number of eggs/day were 18.9 ± 0.7 and 39.0 ± 2.0, respectively. The regression models found a significant positive relationship between the two sets of data and estimated an increase of one biting female/person every five additional eggs found in ovitraps. Both observed and fitted values indicated presence of adults in the absence of eggs in ovitraps. Notably, wide confidence intervals of estimates of biting females based on eggs were observed. The patterns of exotic arbovirus outbreak probability obtained by introducing these estimates in risk models were similar to those based on females/HLC (R0 > 1 in 86% and 40% of sampling dates for Chikungunya and Zika, respectively; R0 < 1 along the entire season for Dengue). Moreover, the model predicted that in this case-study scenario an R0 > 1 for Chikungunya is also to be expected when few/no eggs/day are collected by ovitraps.DiscussionThis work provides the first evidence of the possibility to predict mean number of adult bitingAe. albopictusfemales based on mean number of eggs and to compute the threshold of eggs/ovitrap associated to epidemiological risk of arbovirus transmission in the study area. Overall, however, the large confidence intervals in the model predictions represent a caveat regarding the reliability of monitoring schemes based exclusively on ovitrap collections to estimate numbers of biting females and plan control interventions.
Testing the habituation assumption underlying models of parasitoid foraging behavior
Authors: Abram Paul K. , Cusumano Antonino , Abram Katrina , Colazza Stefano , Peri Ezio 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundHabituation, a form of non-associative learning, has several well-defined characteristics that apply to a wide range of physiological and behavioral responses in many organisms. In classic patch time allocation models, habituation is considered to be a major mechanistic component of parasitoid behavioral strategies. However, parasitoid behavioral responses to host cues have not previously been tested for the known, specific characteristics of habituation.MethodsIn the laboratory, we tested whether the foraging behavior of the egg parasitoidTrissolcus basalisshows specific characteristics of habituation in response to consecutive encounters with patches of host (Nezara viridula) chemical contact cues (footprints), in particular: (i) a training interval-dependent decline in response intensity, and (ii) a training interval-dependent recovery of the response.ResultsAs would be expected of a habituated response, wasps trained at higher frequencies decreased their behavioral response to host footprints more quickly and to a greater degree than those trained at low frequencies, and subsequently showed a more rapid, although partial, recovery of their behavioral response to host footprints. This putative habituation learning could not be blocked by cold anesthesia, ingestion of an ATPase inhibitor, or ingestion of a protein synthesis inhibitor.DiscussionOur study provides support for the assumption that diminishing responses of parasitoids to chemical indicators of host presence constitutes habituation as opposed to sensory fatigue, and provides a preliminary basis for exploring the underlying mechanisms.
Effects of sea‐ice and biogeochemical processes and storms on under‐ice water fCO2 during the winter‐spring transition in the high Arctic Ocean: Implications for sea‐air CO2 fluxes
Authors: Fransson Agneta , Chierici Melissa , Skjelvan Ingunn , Olsen Are , Assmy Philipp , Peterson Algot K. , Spreen Gunnar , Ward Brian 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe performed measurements of carbon dioxide fugacity (fCO2) in the surface water under Arctic sea ice from January to June 2015 during the Norwegian young sea ICE (N‐ICE2015) expedition. Over this period, the ship drifted with four different ice floes and covered the deep Nansen Basin, the slopes north of Svalbard, and the Yermak Plateau. This unique winter‐to‐spring data set includes the first winter‐time under‐ice water fCO2 observations in this region. The observed under‐ice fCO2 ranged between 315 µatm in winter and 153 µatm in spring, hence was undersaturated relative to the atmospheric fCO2. Although the sea ice partly prevented direct CO2 exchange between ocean and atmosphere, frequently occurring leads and breakup of the ice sheet promoted sea‐air CO2 fluxes. The CO2 sink varied between 0.3 and 86 mmol C m−2 d−1, depending strongly on the open‐water fractions (OW) and storm events. The maximum sea‐air CO2 fluxes occurred during storm events in February and June. In winter, the main drivers of the change in under‐ice water fCO2 were dissolution of CaCO3 (ikaite) and vertical mixing. In June, in addition to these processes, primary production and sea‐air CO2 fluxes were important. The cumulative loss due to CaCO3 dissolution of 0.7 mol C m−2 in the upper 10 m played a major role in sustaining the undersaturation of fCO2 during the entire study. The relative effects of the total fCO2 change due to CaCO3 dissolution was 38%, primary production 26%, vertical mixing 16%, sea‐air CO2 fluxes 16%, and temperature and salinity insignificant.
Sum signal dosimetry: A new approach for high dose quality assurance with Gafchromic EBT3
Authors: Cusumano Davide , Fumagalli Maria Luisa , Ghielmetti Francesco , Rossi Linda , Grossi Giuliano , Lanzarotti Raffaella , Fariselli Laura , De Martin Elena 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGafchromic EBT3 film dosimetry in radiosurgery (RS) and hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) is complicated by the limited film accuracy at high fractional doses. The aim of this study is to develop and evaluate sum signal (SS) film dosimetry to increase dose resolution at high fractional doses, thus allowing for use of EBT3 for dose distribution verification of RS/HRT treatments. To characterize EBT3 dose–response, a calibration was performed in the dose range 0.44–26.43 Gy. Red (RC) and green (GC) channel net optical densities were linearly added to produce the SS. Dose resolution and overall accuracy of the dosimetric protocol were estimated and compared for SS,RC, and GC. A homemade Matlab software was developed to compare, in terms of gamma analysis, dose distributions delivered by a Cyberknife on EBT3 films to dose distributions calculated by the treatment planning system. The new SS and conventional single channel (SC) methods were compared, using 3%/1 and 4%/1 mm acceptance criteria, for 20 patient plans. Our analysis shows that the SS dose–response curve is characterized by a steeper trend in comparison with SC, with SS providing a higher dose resolution in the whole dose range investigated. Gamma analysis confirms that the percentage of points satisfying the agreement criteria is significantly higher for SS compared to SC: 95.03% vs. 88.41% (P = 0.014) for 3%/1 mm acceptance criteria and 97.24% vs. 93.58% (P = 0.048) for 4%/1 mm acceptance criteria. This study demonstrates that the SS approach is a new and effective method to improve dosimetric accuracy in the framework of the RS‐HRT patient‐specific quality assurance protocol.
The assessment and characterization of the built‐in internal photometer of primary diagnostic monitors
Authors: Ruuge Andres E. , Mahmood Usman A. , Erdi Yusuf E. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this work was to perform the initial evaluation of primary diagnostic monitor (PDM) characteristics following the implementation of New York City quality assurance (NYC QA) regulations on January 1, 2016, and compare the results of the QA measurements performed by an external photometer and the PDM manufacturer's built‐in photometer. TG‐18 and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers test patterns were used to evaluate monitor performance. Overall, 79 PDMs were included in the analysis. The verification of grayscale standard display function (GSDF) calibration, using a built‐in photometer, showed that only 2 out of 79 PDMs failed calibration. However, the same measurements performed by the external luminance meter showed that 15 out of 79 monitors had failed GSDF calibration. Measurements of the PDMs maximum luminance (Lmax), using an external photometer showed that 10 out of 53 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 400 cd/m2 and 17 out of 26 PDMs calibrated for Lmax = 500 cd/m2 do not meet the manufacturer's recommended 10% tolerance limit for the target Lmax calibration. Two PDMs did not pass the Lmax ≥ 350 cd/m2 NYC QA regulations with Lmax = 331 cd/m2 and Lmax = 340 cd/m2. All tested PDMs exceeded the minimum luminance ratio (LR) of 250:1 as required by NYC QA regulations. Measurements taken of Lmax and LR performed by a built‐in photometer showed that none of the PDMs had failed the NYC QA regulations. All PDMs passed the luminance uniformity test with a maximum nonuniformity of 17% (according to NYC regulations it must be less than 30%). The luminance uniformity test could only be performed using an external photometer. The evaluation of 79 PDMs of various ages and models demonstrated up to 18% disagreement between luminance measurements performed by the manufacturer's built‐in photometer when compared with those performed by an externally calibrated luminance meter. These disagreements were larger for older PDMs.
Dosimetry analysis of panoramic‐imaging devices in different‐sized phantoms
Authors: Wahid Muizz A. , Choi Ella , MacDonald David S. , Ford Nancy L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to measure the radiographic dose in adult, adolescent, and child head‐sized PMMA phantoms for three panoramic‐imaging devices: the panoramic mode on two CBCT machines (Carestream 9300 and i‐CAT NG) and the Planmeca ProMax 2D. A SEDENTEXCT dose index adult phantom and custom‐built adolescent and pediatric PMMA dosimetry phantoms were used. Panoramic radiographs were performed using a Planmeca ProMax 2D and the panoramic mode on a Carestream 9300 CBCT and an i‐CAT NG using the protocols used clinically. Point dose measurements were performed at the center, around the periphery and on the surface of each phantom using a thimble ionization chamber. Five repeat measurements were taken at each location. For each machine, single‐factor ANOVA was conducted to determine dose differences between protocols in each phantom, as well as determine the differences in absorbed dose when the same protocol was used for different‐sized phantoms. For any individual phantom, using protocols with lower kVp, mA, or acquisition times resulted in statistically significant dose savings, as expected. When the same protocol was used for different‐sized phantoms, the smaller phantom had a higher radiation dose due to less attenuation of x‐rays by the smaller phantom and differences in the positioning of the ion chamber relative to the focal trough. The panoramic‐mode on the CBCT machines produce images suitable for clinical use with similar dose levels to the stand‐alone panoramic device. Significant dose savings may result by selecting age‐ and size‐ appropriate protocols for pediatric patients, but a wider range of protocols for children and adolescents may be beneficial.
Mild Base‐Promoted Indole Annulation–Oxidative Cross‐ Coupling of 2‐Nitrocinnamaldehydes with β‐Tetralones for 3‐Naphthylindole and 3‐Naphthylbenzo[g]indole Fluorophores
Authors: Poudel Tej Narayan , Lee Yong Rok 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis paper describes the transition metal‐free indole annulation–oxidative cross‐coupling of 2‐nitrocinnamaldehydes or (E)‐3‐(1‐nitronaphthalen‐2‐yl)acrylaldehyde with β‐tetralones for the construction of diverse 3‐naphthylindole and 3‐naphthylbenzo[g]indole fluorophores in moderate to good yields. This unique annulation reaction proceeds via the domino Michael addition/hemiacetalization/intramolecular addition of an enolate to a nitro group/decarbonylation/oxidative aromatization sequence under transition metal‐free conditions without the use of an external reductant and oxidant. The synthetic utility of this protocol has been also demonstrated by evaluating the photophysical properties of the synthesized 3‐naphthylindole and 3‐naphthylbenzo[g]indole derivatives.magnified image
Covalent approach for in situ enhancement of interaction between pristine graphene and styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene rubber
Authors: Huang Minglu , Lu Jianmin , Han Bingyong , Liu Jingwei , Qiao He , Zhang Liqun 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTA facile method for enhancing the interaction between pristine graphene and nonpolar rubber matrices was developed by preparing a new solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene‐p‐(2,2,2‐triphenylethyl)styrene (TPES) rubber (SBTR). SBTR macroradicals were formed by the thermal decomposition of a 1,1,1,2‐tetraphenylethane pendant. The macroradicals were successfully trapped by graphene through the formation of covalent bonds. This was confirmed by rotorless rheometer and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements. The dispersion of graphene and interfacial interaction between graphene and the SBTR was significantly increased by increasing the TPES content in SBTR composites, as demonstrated by differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, rubber process analysis, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The mechanical properties of the SBTR/GNS composites were significantly improved by the improved dispersion and the increased surface affinity of SBTR for graphene. The developed approach can be generally applied to the functionalization of other polymer matrices by copolymerizing TPES with other vinyl monomers for pristine graphene‐based composite materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44923.
Preparation of polypropylene nanocomposites by melt‐mixing: Comparison between three organoclays
Authors: Normand Guillaume , Mija Alice , Pagnotta Sophie , Peuvrel‐Disdier Edith , Vergnes Bruno 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTPolypropylene (PP)‐based nanocomposites reinforced with three different organoclays (Dellite© 67 G, Cloisite© 20, and Cloisite© 30B) were prepared via melt‐mixing in an internal mixer. The three organoclays differ essentially via their organic modifier and interlamellar distance. The nanocomposites microstructure was characterized at different scales through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations, X‐ray diffractometry, and rheological measurements. The influence of processing parameters such as rotor speed and mixing time was quantified. The results show that Dellite© 67 G and Cloisite© 20 present a good dispersion state, with an intercalation of the tactoids by the polymer chains and a good level of exfoliation. In contrast, whatever the processing conditions, Cloisite© 30B was not dispersed correctly in the matrix, showing neither intercalation nor exfoliation, even in the presence of compatibilizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45053.
Mechanism of phase separation in a weakly interacting system with strong dynamic asymmetry
Authors: Chandran C. Sarath , Antolasic Frank , Shanks Robert A. , Thomas Sabu 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTWe investigated the dynamics of phase separation in a bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE)–poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) blend in this study, along with its effects on the long‐term mechanical properties of the blend. BADGE–PTT blends with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone were prepared by a conventional melt‐mixing technique followed by curing at 180 °C for 4 h. PTT is a rapidly crystallizing polymer because of its unique stereochemistry. The crystalline fraction of PTT is incompatible with BADGE, whereas the amorphous fractions are miscible. Similarly, the blend of BADGE and PTT represented a system with a strong dynamic asymmetry. We examined the effect of the curing (crosslinking) of BADGE in the system discussed previously, with a special emphasis on the viscoelastic properties and long‐term mechanical properties because they are extremely important in tuning these materials for various high‐performance applications in the aerospace industry. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45059.
Evaluation of physicochemical and physical habitat associations forCambarus callainus(Big Sandy crayfish), an imperilled crayfish endemic to the Central Appalachians
Authors: Loughman Zachary J. , Welsh Stuart A. , Sadecky Nicole M. , Dillard Zachary W. , Katie Scott R. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract1. Crayfish represent one of the most imperilled animal groups on the planet. Habitat degradation, destruction and fragmentation, introduction of invasive crayfishes, and a lack of applied biological information have all been identified as agents thwarting crayfish conservation.2.Cambarus callainuswas warranted federal protection by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in April, 2016. As part of the USFWS listing procedure, a survey forC. callainusin the Big Sandy River catchment was conducted to determine points of occurrence with a secondary objective of determining reach level physical habitat and physicochemical correlates ofC. callainuspresence and absence.3. At each site, physicochemical and physical habitat data were collected to determine the influence of abiotic covariates on the presence ofC. callainus.Cambarus callainuspresence or absence and associated site covariates were modelled using logistic regression.4. Survey results recordedC. callainusat 39 sites in the Upper Levisa Fork (ULF) and Tug Fork (TF) drainages of the Big Sandy River; noC. callainuswere collected in the Lower Levisa Fork (LLF). An additive effects model of physical habitat quality (Basin + Boulder presence/embeddedness) was the only model selected, supporting an association ofC. callainuswith slab boulders, open interstitial spaces, and moderate to no sedimentation. All sites lackingC. callainuswere experiencing some degree of sedimentation. Physicochemical covariates were not supported by the data.5. Results indicated that good quality habitat was lacking in the LLF, but was present in the ULF and TF catchments, with ULF supporting the most robust populations and most suitable habitat. Effective conservation forC. callainusshould focus on efforts that limit sedimentation as well as restore good quality instream habitat in the greater Big Sandy catchment.
Benzimidazole/Pyridoimidazole‐Based Organic Sensitizers for High‐Performance Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chaurasia Sumit , Li Chun‐Ting , Desta Mulu Berhe , Ni Jen‐Shyang , Lin Jiann T. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA new series of benzimidazole (BIm)‐based dyes (SC32 and SC33) and pyridoimidazole‐(PIm) based dyes (SC35, SC36N and SC36) were synthesized as sensitizers for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The N‐substituent and C‐substituent at the BIm and PIm cores were found to be the dominating factor in determining the electronic properties of the dyes and their DSSCs performance. The efficiency of BIm‐based dyes (SC35 and SC36) was found to be higher than that of the PIm‐based dyes (SC32 and SC33) due to better light harvesting. The C‐substituents in SC36, a 4‐hexylloxybenzene and a hexyl chain, are beneficial to dark current suppression, and hence SC36 achieves the best efficiency of 7.38 % (≈85 % of N719). The two BIm dyes have better cell efficiencies than their congeners with a bithiophene entity between the BIm and the anchor due to better light harvesting of the former.
Engineering of Class II Cellobiose Dehydrogenases for Improved Glucose Sensitivity and Reduced Maltose Affinity
Authors: Ortiz Roberto , Rahman Mahbubur , Zangrilli Beatrice , Sygmund Christoph , Micheelsen Pernille O. , Silow Maria , Toscano Miguel D. , Ludwig Roland , Gorton Lo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe front cover artwork is provided by Prof. Lo Gorton from Lund University (Sweden) and his co‐workers. The image shows mutated cellobiose dehydrogenase (CDH) immobilized on a graphite electrode and how preferentially glucose is oxidized by this enzyme. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.201600781.
Microemulsion Systems as Switchable Reaction Media for the Catalytic Upgrading of Long‐Chain Alkenes
Authors: Pogrzeba Tobias , Illner Markus , Schmidt Marcel , Repke Jens‐Uwe , Schomäcker Reinhard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe application of microemulsion systems as switchable reaction media for the rhodium‐catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐dodecene is herein reported. The influence of temperature and the selected surfactant on the reaction kinetics was investigated. In addition, the feasibility of a process concept for these reaction systems was tested within 100 hours continuous mini‐plant operation, showing similar product yield and reaction selectivity as on the lab‐scale. Alongside, a stable steady state operation was achieved, showing an efficient phase separation and recycling of surfactant and catalyst.
Pharmacokinetics of a Novel Anagrelide Extended‐Release Formulation in Healthy Subjects: Food Intake and Comparison With a Reference Product
Authors: Petrides Petro E. , Schoergenhofer Christian , Widmann Rudolf , Jilma Bernd , Klade Christoph S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAnagrelide is an established therapy for essential thrombocythemia. Common adverse effects have been linked to peak plasma concentrations of anagrelide and its 3OH metabolite. Our study was performed to investigate the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a novel anagrelide extended‐release (AER) formulation and its active metabolites. Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to receive either 2 mg AER (under fasting and fed conditions) or 2 mg commercially available reference product (CARP) in an open‐label, 3‐way crossover trial with washout periods of 6 days. Plasma concentrations of anagrelide and its active metabolites were assessed by tandem mass spectrometry. The PK differed significantly between all treatment periods. Bioavailability of AER was 55% of the CARP under fasting conditions and 60% under fed conditions. Cmax, AUCt, and AUC∞ were significantly higher and Tmax and T1/2 were significantly shorter after the CARP compared with AER. Food had a significant impact on the PK of AER, increasing the Cmax and AUCt while reducing the T1/2, plateau, and mean residence time. Both formulations were well tolerated, with a trend toward more frequently occurring adverse events after the CARP. The PK of AER and the CARP differed significantly in all parameters. Food enhanced the bioavailability of AER.