bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Europium (III) and Uranium (VI) complexation by natural organic matter (NOM): Effect of source
Authors: Kautenburger Ralf , Sander Jonas M. , Hein Christina 
Published: December 2016

For the safe long‐term storage of high‐level radioactive waste (HLW), detailed information about geo‐chemical behavior of radioactive and toxic metal ions under environmental conditions is important. Natural organic matter (NOM) can play a crucial role in the immobilization or mobilization of these metal ions due to its complexation and colloid formation tendency. In this study, the complexation of europium (as chemical homologue of trivalent actinides such as americium) and uranium (as main component of HLW) by ten humic acids (HA) from different sources and Suwannee NOM river extract has been analyzed. Capillary electrophoresis in combination with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the evaluation of complex stability constants log β. In order to determine the complex stability constants a conservative single site model was used in this study. In dependence of their source and thus of NOM structure the log β values for the analyzed humic acids are in the range of 6.1–7.0 for Eu(III) and 5.2–6.4 for U(VI) (UO22+), respectively. In contrast to the results for HA the used Suwannee river NOM reveals log β values in the range of nearly two orders of magnitude lower (4.6 for Eu3+ and 4.5 for UO22+) under the geochemical conditions applied in this study.
One‐Step Process to Remove Spent Sulfidic Caustics and Assemble Advanced Sulfur Cathodes Synchronously for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Huang Wenlong , Shan Zhongqiang , Tang Qiwei , Li Xia , Yang Fangning , Wang Yun , Tian Jianhua 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSpent sulfidic caustics (SSC) from caustic desulfurization are toxic hazards to the environment and humans. A new one‐step process is proposed firstly to decrease the concentration of SSC and to assemble a high‐performance sulfur cathode synchronously by electrolyzing a simulating solution with flexible carbon felt (CF) at 15 mA cm−2. The CF that electrolyzed for 8 hours with a sulfur content of 36.6 wt % or 5.63 mgsulfur cm−2 stands out from three S/CF composites in terms of areal capacity and cycling stability. XRD, TEM, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy were then used to characterize the materials. Values of 4.03 mA h cm−2 over 150 cycles at 0.2 C and 2.34 mA h cm−2 after 90 cycles at 0.5 C can be attributed to an appropriate ratio of the external/inner sulfur content. The beneficial results prove the feasibility of an innovative mode of “pollutant disposal with synchronous application”, which integrates environmental management with the development of storage energy materials efficiently and eliminates the tedious individual disposal of pollutants and preparation of slurry‐derived sulfur cathodes.
ClC‐3 Promotes Osteogenic Differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 Cell After Dynamic Compression
Authors: Wang Dawei , Wang Hao , Gao Feng , Wang Kun , Dong Fusheng 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTClC‐3 chloride channel has been proved to have a relationship with the expression of osteogenic markers during osteogenesis, persistent static compression can upregulate the expression of ClC‐3 and regulate osteodifferentiation in osteoblasts. However, there was no study about the relationship between the expression of ClC‐3 and osteodifferentiation after dynamic compression. In this study, we applied dynamic compression on MC3T3‐E1 cells to detect the expression of ClC‐3, runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), bone morphogenic protein‐2 (BMP‐2), osteopontin (OPN), nuclear‐associated antigen Ki67 (Ki67), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in biopress system, then we investigated the expression of these genes after dynamic compression with Chlorotoxin (specific ClC‐3 chloride channel inhibitor) added. Under transmission electron microscopy, there were more cell surface protrusions, rough surfaced endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, abundant glycogen, and lysosomes scattered in the cytoplasm in MC3T3‐E1 cells after dynamic compression. The nucleolus was more obvious. We found that ClC‐3 was significantly up‐regulated after dynamic compression. The compressive force also up‐regulated Runx2, BMP‐2, and OPN after dynamic compression for 2, 4 and 8 h. The proliferation gene Ki67 and PCNA did not show significantly change after dynamic compression for 8 h. Chlorotoxin did not change the expression of ClC‐3 but reduced the expression of Runx2, BMP‐2, and OPN after dynamic compression compared with the group without Cltx added. The data from the current study suggested that ClC‐3 may promotes osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3‐E1 cell after dynamic compression. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1606–1613, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphomechanics and Developmental Constraints in the Evolution of Ammonites Shell Form
Authors: Erlich Alexander , Moulton Derek E. , Goriely Alain , Chirat Regis 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe idea that physical processes involved in biological development underlie morphogenetic rules and channel morphological evolution has been central to the rise of evolutionary developmental biology. Here, we explore this idea in the context of seashell morphogenesis. We show that a morphomechanical model predicts the effects of variations in shell shape on the ornamental pattern in ammonites, a now extinct group of cephalopods with external chambered shell. Our model shows that several seemingly unrelated characteristics of synchronous, ontogenetic, intraspecific, and evolutionary variations in ornamental patterns among various ammonite species may all be understood from the fact that the mechanical forces underlying the oscillatory behavior of the shell secreting system scale with the cross‐sectional curvature of the shell aperture. This simple morphogenetic rule, emerging from biophysical interactions during shell formation, introduced a non‐random component in the production of phenotypic variation and channeled the morphological evolution of ammonites over millions of years. As such, it provides a paradigm for the concept of “developmental constraints.”
Protein biochip‐based semiquantitative detection for plasma leptin
Authors: Ye Lei , Hu Yuan , Xu Fei‐Hong , Cai Cheng‐Yun , Song Da‐Wei , Xu Zhen‐Shan , Du Wei‐Dong 
Published: December 2016

PurposePlasma leptin is secreted from adipose tissues and plays pivotal roles in human physiological and pathological processes. Here, we aimed at conducting a protein biochip‐based sandwich‐like approach for detection of plasma leptin among healthy individuals, obesity, and diabetes patients.Experimental designTotally, 96 plasma samples, including 45 healthy individuals with standard body mass index (BMI), 28 obesity and 23 diabetes patients, were recruited in the study. Plasma leptin was detected by a well‐established protein biochip. Meanwhile an ELISA was also performed for assessment of the leptin detection by the protein biochip.ResultsWe found that the plasma leptin level in the obesity and diabetes patients was significantly higher than that in healthy individuals with standard body mass index (p < 0.001). The limit detection concentration of leptin was as low as 0.006 μg/mL. The plasma leptin could be semiquantitatively detected by the protein biochip. The compatibility of the biochip‐based detection approach seemed acceptable in comparison with the ELISA assay (R2 = 0.948).ConclusionsWe provided a protein biochip‐based approach for plasma detection. This approach would be a potential substitution for the ELISA assay.
Effect of Low-Energy Linear Shockwave Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction—A Double-Blinded, Sham-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Fojecki Grzegorz L. , Tiessen Stefan , Osther Palle J.S. 
Published: December 2016

Abstract

Introduction
Previous studies have shown that focal low-energy extracorporeal shockwave therapy (Li-ESWT) can have a positive effect in men with erectile dysfunction (ED). Linear Li-ESWT (LLi-ESWT) for ED has not been previously assessed in a randomized trial.

Aim
To evaluate the treatment outcome of LLi-ESWT for ED.

Methods
Men with ED (n = 126) and a score lower than 25 points on the International Index of Erectile Function erectile function domain (IIEF-EF) were included. Subjects were allocated to receive LLi-ESWT once a week for 5 weeks or sham treatment once a week for 5 weeks. After a 4-week break, the two groups received active treatment once a week for 5 weeks. Subjects completed the IIEF, Erection Hardness Scale (EHS), Sexual Quality of Life–Men, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction at baseline, after 9 weeks, and after 18 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
The primary outcome measurement was an increase of at least five points on the IIEF-EF score. The secondary outcome measurement was an increased EHS score to at least 3 in men with a score no higher than 2 at baseline. Data were analyzed by linear and logistic regression.

Results
Mean IIEF-EF scores were 11.5 at baseline (95% CI = 9.8–13.2), 13.0 after five sessions (95% CI = 11.0–15.0), and 12.6 after 10 sessions (95% CI = 11.0–14.2) in the sham group and correspondingly 10.9 (95% CI = 9.1–12.7), 13.1 (95% CI = 9.3–13.4), and 11.8 (95% CI = 10.1–13.4) in the ESWT group. Success rates based on IIEF-EF score were 38.3% in the sham group and 37.9% in the ESWT group (odds ratio = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.45–2.02, P = .902). Success rates based on EHS score were 6.7% in the sham group and 3.5% in the ESWT group (odds ratio = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.08–2.61, P = .369). A limitation of this study is that device settings (number of shockwaves and penetration depth) were estimated based on an existing trial on focused ESWT.

Conclusion
No clinically relevant effect of LLi-ESWT on ED was found.
MORTALITY, MIGRATION, AND RURAL TRANSFORMATION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA'S URBAN TRANSITION
Authors: Fox Sean 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe stylized facts of Africa's urban transition highlight the limitations of traditional economic models of urbanization. Recent research has provided evidence that demographic rather than economic processes provide a more compelling explanation for observed trends in the region. In particular, mortality decline appears to be both a necessary and sufficient condition for urbanization to occur and a key driver of urban growth more broadly. The accumulation of survey data over the past few decades and the development of new geospatial datasets that incorporate satellite imagery are facilitating new, more spatially nuanced insights into the dynamics of urban population change in the region. This offers opportunity to develop better policies for managing urban change than those adopted in the past, which placed a misguided emphasis on manipulating migration incentives with little evidence of positive benefits.
Outbreak ofPantoea agglomeransBloodstream Infections at an Oncology Clinic—Illinois, 2012-2013
Authors: Yablon Brian R. , Dantes Raymund , Tsai Victoria , Lim Rachel , Moulton-Meissner Heather , Arduino Matthew , Jensen Bette , Patel Megan Toth , Vernon Michael O. , Grant-Greene Yoran , Christiansen Demian , Conover Craig , Kallen Alexander , Guh Alice Y. 
Published: December 2016

OBJECTIVETo determine the source of a healthcare-associated outbreak ofPantoea agglomeransbloodstream infections.DESIGNEpidemiologic investigation of the outbreak.SETTINGOncology clinic (clinic A).METHODSCases were defined asPantoeaisolation from blood or catheter tip cultures of clinic A patients during July 2012–May 2013. Clinic A medical charts and laboratory records were reviewed; infection prevention practices and the facility’s water system were evaluated. Environmental samples were collected for culture. Clinical and environmentalP. agglomeransisolates were compared using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.RESULTSTwelve cases were identified; median (range) age was 65 (41–78) years. All patients had malignant tumors and had received infusions at clinic A. Deficiencies in parenteral medication preparation and handling were identified (eg, placing infusates near sinks with potential for splash-back contamination). Facility inspection revealed substantial dead-end water piping and inadequate chlorine residual in tap water from multiple sinks, including the pharmacy clean room sink.P. agglomeranswas isolated from composite surface swabs of 7 sinks and an ice machine; the pharmacy clean room sink isolate was indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from 7 of 9 available patient isolates.CONCLUSIONSExposure of locally prepared infusates to a contaminated pharmacy sink caused the outbreak. Improvements in parenteral medication preparation, including moving chemotherapy preparation offsite, along with terminal sink cleaning and water system remediation ended the outbreak. Greater awareness of recommended medication preparation and handling practices as well as further efforts to better define the contribution of contaminated sinks and plumbing deficiencies to healthcare-associated infections are needed.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2017;38:314–319
A model for Faraday pilot waves over variable topography
Authors: Faria Luiz M. 
Published: December 2016

Couder et al. (Nature, vol. 437 (7056), 2005, p. 208) discovered that droplets walking on a vibrating bath possess certain features previously thought to be exclusive to quantum systems. These millimetric droplets synchronize with their Faraday wavefield, creating a macroscopic pilot-wave system. In this paper we exploit the fact that the waves generated are nearly monochromatic and propose a hydrodynamic model capable of quantitatively capturing the interaction between bouncing drops and a variable topography. We show that our reduced model is able to reproduce some important experiments involving the drop–topography interaction, such as non-specular reflection and single-slit diffraction.
Managerial change and strategic change: The temporal sequence
Authors: Domínguez-CC Marta , Barroso-Castro Carmen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe relationship between managerial change and strategic change is a complex issue that challenges our understanding of how firms react to their business environment. In this study, we analyse the influence of the management team and more specifically their knowledge and capabilities in the process of strategic change. To do so, we delve deeper into the relationship between managerial change and strategic change by identifying the sequence of these changes. Using qualitative methodology, we analyse 10 companies listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange over an extensive period to formulate our propositions. Our analysis shows that managerial change precedes strategic change. Top management team reorganization, even without Chief Executive Officer succession, was a sufficient condition for strategic change to take place. Moreover, we identified key modifications that took place whenever strategic change occurred. Our results provide meaningful insights into the processes of strategic change within firms that broaden our theoretical knowledge in this area.
Inferring flight parameters of Mesozoic avians through multivariate analyses of forelimb elements in their living relatives
Authors: Serrano Francisco J. , Palmqvist Paul , Chiappe Luis M. , Sanz José L. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOur knowledge of the diversity, ecology, and phylogeny of Mesozoic birds has increased significantly during recent decades, yet our understanding of their flight competence remains poor. Wing loading (WL) and aspect ratio (AR) are two aerodynamically relevant parameters, as they relate to energy costs of aerial locomotion and flight maneuverability. They can be calculated in living birds (i.e., Neornithes) from body mass (BM), wingspan (B), and lift surface (SL). However, the estimates for extinct birds can be subject to biases from statistical issues, phylogeny, locomotor adaptations, and diagenetic compaction. Here we develop a sequential approach for generating reliable multivariate models that allow estimation of measurements necessary to determineWLandARin the main clades of non-neornithine Mesozoic birds. The strength of our predictions is supported by the use of those variables that show similar scaling patterns in modern and stem taxa (i.e., non-neornithine birds) and the similarity of our predictions with measurements obtained from fossils preserving wing outlines. In addition, although ourWLandARvalues are based on estimates (BM,B, andSL) that have an associated error, there is no cumulative error in their calculation, and both parameters show low prediction errors. Therefore, we present the first taxonomically broad, error-calibrated estimation of these two important aerodynamic parameters in non-neornithine birds. Such estimates show that theWLandARof the non-neornithine birds here analyzed fall within the range of variation of modern birds (i.e., Neornithes). Our results indicate that most modern flight modes (e.g., continuous flapping, flap and gliding, flap and bounding, thermal soaring) were possible for the wide range of non-neornithine avian taxa; we found no evidence for the presence of dynamic soaring among these early birds.
Focusing nucleic acid-based molecular diagnostics and xenomonitoring approaches for human helminthiases amenable to preventive chemotherapy
Authors: MINETTI CORRADO , LACOURSE E. JAMES , REIMER LISA , STOTHARD J. RUSSELL 
Published: December 2016

SUMMARY
The current mainstay for control of the four major helminth diseases in humans (lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases and schistosomiasis) is with preventive chemotherapy by mass administration of key anthelminthics. Following the London Declaration on Neglected Tropical Diseases in 2012, a roadmap for the elimination and control of these helminthiases by 2020 has been devised. With expected declines in prevalence and intensity of these infections, there is urgent need for implementing more sensitive, high-throughput and cost-effective diagnostic tools. Currently available diagnostic approaches for surveying, monitoring and evaluating helminth control programmes are based on microscopical observation of eggs/larvae, and/or detection of antibodies or parasite antigens in stool, urine or blood; all relatively low-throughput and of limited sensitivity and specificity. Newly proposed approaches for helminthiases diagnosis include the nucleic acid-based methods of (multiplex) real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, loop-mediated isothermal amplification and recombinase polymerase amplification. However, as well as sensitivity/specificity evaluation, their comparison to current ‘gold standard’ diagnostics and future application in individual-/community-based diagnosis, or in xenomonitoring requires consideration of relative costs, agreement of standard methods and strategic interpretation of resulting data before control/elimination programmes might best utilize molecular diagnostics to inform decision making. We review current nucleic-acid-based molecular diagnostic methods and highlight the needs and future research required to refine these tools for monitoring and evaluation of control and elimination programmes for four major human helminthiases.
Leishmania infantum and Dirofilaria immitis coinfection in dogs in Greece
Authors: NTAIS PANTELIS , CHRISTODOULOU VASILIKI , DOKIANAKIS EMMANOUIL , ANTONIOU MARIA 
Published: December 2016

SUMMARYLeishmaniasis and dirofilariasis are parasitic diseases of humans and dogs, worldwide, and they are often found as coinfections in endemic areas. Cases of human and canine dirofilariasis have being reported in Greece and leishmaniasis is endemic in most prefectures in humans and dogs. In most cases, dirofilariasis is established by parasitological (the modified Knott's test) and/or immunological methods, whilst for leishmaniasis molecular techniques and culture are also used. During an epidemiological study in Greece, 22·1% of the 5772 dogs studied were found positive by serology forLeishmania.Blood cultures of 165 (12·94%) of these animals producedLeishmaniapromastigotes and 26 (2·03%)Dirofilariamicrofilariae (L1), whilst only in two (0·16%) bothLeishmaniaandDirofilariaL1 appeared. The aim was to assess coinfections by the two parasites in dogs in Greece, the isolation and survival ofDirofilariamicrofilariae andLeishmaniapromastigotes using clotted blood (a fast, simple and low-cost method) and the survival potential of the two parasites in coexistence,in vitro.
How does consciousness for action relate to attention for action?
Authors: Franz Elizabeth A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe interesting target article by Morsella et al. addresses critical issues that impact our understanding of consciousness. It is surprising, however, to see no treatment of the relationship between attention and consciousness, particularly given available models. Whether olfaction is most suitable as a model system to study consciousness for action also seems questionable. These issues are elaborated in the present commentary.
Is conscious content available only to the skeletal muscle system?
Authors: Keller Andreas 
Published: December 2016

AbstractI applaud Morsella et al.'s approach to investigate consciousness in terms of behavioral control. After all, the function of the brain is to control behavior, and consciousness contributes to the function of the brain. However, I question whether conscious content is available only to the skeletal muscle system, as the principle of parallel responses into skeletal muscle (PRISM) (Morsella 2005) proposes.
The chemosensory brain requires a distributed cellular mechanism to harness information and resolve conflicts – is consciousness the forum?
Authors: Lathe Richard 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe central nervous system (CNS) evolved from a chemosensory epithelium, but a simple epithelium has limited means to resolve conflicts between early drives (e.g., approach vs. avoid). Understanding the role of “consciousness” as a resolution device, with specific focus on chemosensation and the olfactory system, is of appeal. I argue that consciousness is not the adjudicator, but is instead the forum that brings conflicting (conscious) inputs into a form that allows them to be (unconsciously) compared/contrasted, guiding rational action.
Conscious content generated by unconscious action-related adjustments
Authors: Pahlavan Farzaneh , Arouss Melana 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAs mentioned in the target article by Morsella et al., the motor program's contents as a whole do not influence each other in the conscious field; however, research shows that some of their generated aspects could be sensitive to the context of the behavior. Such motivational “context-contamination” leads to voluntarily “turn off” of negative states. Taking place out of the conscious field, these adjustments would have critical influence on behavior, such as aggression.
Four questions for passive frame theory
Authors: Rosenbaum David A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFour questions are raised about the passive frame theory of Morsella et al.: (1) What is the relation of the theory to the response-selection-bottleneck view of attention? (2) Does the theory accommodate the contents of consciousness? (3) What about animals without skeletal muscles? (4) How do the contents of consciousness change with the development of automaticity?
The science of consciousness must include its more advanced forms
Authors: Vonasch Andrew , Masicampo E. J. , Baumeister Roy F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMorsella et al. argue that science should not focus on high forms of consciousness. We disagree. An understanding of high forms of consciousness is invaluable to the scientific study of consciousness. Moreover, it poses challenges to the passive frame theory. Specifically, it challenges the notions that conscious thoughts are not connected and that consciousness serves skeletomotor conflict only.