bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of invasive cane toads on native wildlife in southern Australia
Authors: Jolly Christopher J. , Shine Richard , Greenlees Matthew J. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractCommonly, invaders have different impacts in different places. The spread of cane toads (Rhinella marina: Bufonidae) has been devastating for native fauna in tropical Australia, but the toads' impact remains unstudied in temperate‐zone Australia. We surveyed habitat characteristics and fauna in campgrounds along the central eastern coast of Australia, in eight sites that have been colonized by cane toads and another eight that have not. The presence of cane toads was associated with lower faunal abundance and species richness, and a difference in species composition. Populations of three species of large lizards (land mulletsBellatorias major,eastern water dragonsIntellagama lesueurii,and lace monitorsVaranus varius) and a snake (red‐bellied blacksnakePseudechis porphyriacus) were lower (by 84 to 100%) in areas with toads. The scarcity of scavenging lace monitors in toad‐invaded areas translated into a 52% decrease in rates of carrion removal (based on camera traps at bait stations) and an increase (by 61%) in numbers of brush turkeys (Alectura lathami). The invasion of cane toads through temperate‐zone Australia appears to have reduced populations of at least four anurophagous predators, facilitated other taxa, and decreased rates of scavenging. Our data identify a paradox: The impacts of cane toads are at least as devastating in southern Australia as in the tropics, yet we know far more about toad invasion in the sparsely populated wilderness areas of tropical Australia than in the densely populated southeastern seaboard.
Iron Oxide Based Nanoparticles for Magnetic Hyperthermia Strategies in Biological Applications
Authors: Piñeiro Yolanda , Vargas Zulema , Rivas José , López‐Quintela Manuel Arturo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe use of multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs), usually in the range of 3–100 nm, with their newly discovered properties – such as superparamagnetic (SPM) behaviour, enhancement of activity and selectivity in catalytic processes and localised surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) – offers new technical possibilities for biomedical applications such as magnetic hyperthermia (MH), plasmonic photothermal therapy (PPTT) and enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In addition, the small size of NPs presents a unique opportunity to interfere, in a highly localised and specific way, with natural processes involving viruses, bacteria or cells and allows interference in the development of complex diseases like many types of cancer and neuropathies (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Kreutzer–Jacobs'). The design of biological applications based on MH is a chemical challenge and core@shell structures are most often used to endow NPs with multifunctional abilities. The success of such MH‐based biological applications depends on the magnetic functionality of the core as well as the properties of the surface shell in direct interaction with the biological medium. In this review we will describe the most important methodologies developed to synthesise magnetic core@shell nanostructures and their MH applications.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Photocatalytic Properties of Polymeric Iodoargentates [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]Ag3I5 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn)
Authors: Lei Xiao‐Wu , Yue Cheng‐Yang , Zhao Jian‐Qiang , Han Yong‐Fang , Ba Zhong‐Ren , Wang Chen , Liu Xin‐Ying , Gong Ya‐Ping , Liu Xin‐Yue 
Published: August 2015

AbstractFive isostructural polymeric iodoargentates incorporating similar transition metal complex cations as structure‐directing agents, – namely, [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]Ag3I5 [TM = Mn (1), Fe (2), Co (3), Ni (4), Zn (5)] – have been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The title compounds contain saturated [TM(2,2‐bipy)3]2+ cations and one‐dimensional (1D) [Ag3I5]2– anionic chains formed by trans‐interconnection of [Ag3I5] semicubes through Ag–I bonds. The optical absorption spectra indicate that compounds 1–5 are semiconductors with estimated band gaps of 2.28, 1.87, 1.95, 2.01, and 2.61 eV, respectively, which are mainly ascribed, on the basis of density functional theory (DFT) calculations, to charge transitions between the [Ag3I5]2– anionic chains and organic cationic units. We evaluated the photocatalytic efficiencies of compounds 1, 2, 4, and 5 with regard to the decomposition of crystal violet (CV) under visible irradiation, and the four compounds showed excellent photodegradation abilities in comparison with N‐doped P25, with an order of 1 > 2 > 4 > 5 > P25. The luminescent properties and thermal stabilities of the title compounds were also studied.
Ruthenium(II) and Iridium(III) Complexes Bearing Phosphinepyridonate and Phosphinequinolinolate Chelates
Authors: Jiang Fan , Achard Mathieu , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Bruneau Christian 
Published: August 2015

AbstractStraightforward preparation of five‐membered P,N and P,O prochelates was easily achieved from 6‐methyl‐2‐pyridinol and 2‐quinolinol. From these ligands, access to the corresponding well‐defined ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes was investigated. Owing to the hemilability as well as the reversible proton‐responsive character of these chelates, the resulting well‐defined ruthenium complexes exhibit interesting activities in hydrogenation.
Pharmaceutical occurrence in groundwater and surface waters in forests land-applied with municipal wastewater
Authors: McEachran Andrew D. , Shea Damian , Bodnar Wanda , Nichols Elizabeth Guthrie 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

The occurrence and fate of pharmaceutical and personal care products in the environment are of increasing public importance because of their ubiquitous nature and documented effects on wildlife, ecosystems, and potentially humans. One potential, yet undefined, source of entry of pharmaceuticals into the environment is via the land application of municipal wastewater onto permitted lands. The objective of the present study is to determine the extent to which pharmaceuticals are mitigated by or exported from managed tree plantations irrigated with municipal wastewater. A specific focus of the present study is the presence of pharmaceutical compounds in groundwater and surface water discharge. The study site is a municipality that land-applies secondary treated wastewater onto 930 hectares of a 2000-hectare managed hardwood and pine plantation. A suite of 33 pharmaceuticals and steroid hormones was targeted in the analysis, which consisted of monthly grab sampling of groundwater, surface water, and wastewater, followed by concentration and cleanup via solid phase extraction and separation, detection, and quantification via liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. More than one-half of all compounds detected in irrigated wastewater were not present in groundwater and subsequent surface water. However, antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, caffeine, and other prescription and over-the-counter drugs remained in groundwater and were transported into surface water at concentrations up to 10 ng/L. These results provide important documentation for pharmaceutical fate and transport in forest systems irrigated with municipal wastewater, a previously undocumented source of environmental entry. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:898–905. © 2015 SETAC
Characterizing the effects of bisphenol A on sediment-dwelling benthic organisms
Authors: Staples Charles , Mihaich Ellen , Ortego Lisa , Caspers Norbert , Klečka Gary , Woelz Jan , Hentges Steven 
Published: August 2015

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a high production volume chemical intermediate used primarily in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. It primarily enters surface water and sediment via effluent discharges during its manufacture and use. The physical properties of BPA suggest that sediment is a potential sink and may result in exposure to benthic organisms. Currently there are no studies measuring the chronic toxicity of BPA to benthic organisms via direct sediment exposure. The present study examined the chronic toxicity of BPA to 3 commonly used test organisms that are generally representative of invertebrates occupying the base of the benthic food web and for which standardized testing protocols are available: the oligochaete Lumbriculus variegatus (mean numbers and biomass), the midge Chironomus riparius (emergence and development rate), and the estuarine amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus (survival, growth, and reproduction). No-observed-effect concentrations (NOECs) for the 3 species ranged from 12 mg/kg to 54 mg/kg dry weight. All NOEC values were higher than all measured concentrations of BPA in freshwater and marine sediments reported in reliable, fully reported studies from North America and Europe from the 1990s to the present. For the first time, there are studies with BPA measuring the chronic toxicity to 3 taxa of sediment dwelling invertebrates, which are suitable to support region-specific risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:652–659. © 2015 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Water retention properties of a sandy soil with superabsorbent polymers as affected by aging and water quality
Authors: Banedjschafie Schahram , Durner Wolfgang 
Published: August 2015

AbstractHydraulic properties, specifically the water holding capacity of soils, play a key role in the ability of soils to sustain plant growth. Additions of hydrophilic polymers (superabsorbents) can improve the water holding capacity of sandy soils. This has led to practical applications of these materials particularly in arid regions and countries, where water is the limiting factor for plant production. The objectives of this study are to investigate how effective hydraulic properties of polymer‐soil mixtures are affected by addition of absorbents in different concentrations. Novel aspects are the investigation of aging under repeated wetting–drying‐cycles over an appreciable time in the field and a systematic investigation of the salt influence on the water uptake of polymers. We added the polymer Super AB, A‐200 (Iran Polymer Institute), to dune sand in ratios of 0.3%, 0.6%, and 1% w/w. We found that the effective water retention characteristics of the soil–absorbent mixtures were improved with respect to plant‐available water compared to the pure sand, and the improvement was related to the respective amount of absorbent in the mixture. The plant available water content (PAW) increased from 0.005 for the untreated sand to 0.06, 0.20, and 0.28 g g−1, respectively, for the sand with the three polymer additions. Due to aging of the polymers, PAW decreased after 6 months of cyclic drying and wetting to about half of the value immediately after the initial treatment. We attribute this to the effect of salts. This is corroborated by the results from water uptake experiments by the pure polymers. Repeated cycles of water uptake showed that salts in the water greatly reduced the uptake capacity of the polymers after few cycles. The effect was strong for bivalent cations and less pronounced for monovalent cations.
Space use by white‐headed woodpeckers and selection for recent forest disturbances
Authors: Lorenz Teresa J. , Vierling Kerri T. , Kozma Jeffrey M. , Millard Janet E. , Raphael Martin G. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTWhite‐headed woodpeckers (Picoides albolarvatus) are important cavity excavators that recently have become the focus of much research because of concerns over population declines. Past studies have focused on nest site selection and survival but information is needed on factors influencing their space use when away from the nest. We examined space use by white‐headed woodpeckers during the nesting (May–Jul) and post‐nesting (Jul–Oct) periods and compared the role of environmental factors (e.g., landcover) and socio‐demographic factors (e.g., age, breeding success) in home range size and selection of location. Average size of 99% kernel home ranges was 125 ha (SD ± 59 ha; n = 19) in the nesting period and 137 ha (SD ± 70 ha; n = 30) in the post‐nesting period. Minimum convex polygons were generally comparable to or smaller than ranges reported from previous radio‐telemetry studies with this species. Although bird weight and age best explained variation in home range size compared to other factors, neither parameter estimate was significant in our models. Thus, even though weight and age were the most‐supported factors in our analysis, home range size was largely influenced by factors that we did not measure. We found that most woodpeckers selected home ranges within forest patches that had undergone a recent disturbance; these areas included forests that had recently been burned with prescribed fire by the United States Forest Service (82%) or subject to disease (16%). Most burned patches in our study were small (approx. 4.8 ha) and occurred within otherwise live forest but had nearly complete mortality of adult trees. We suggest that recent forest disturbances, especially mixed‐severity prescribed burns, may have been selected by white‐headed woodpeckers because they created snags for nesting and future studies should explore this hypothesis. Because home range size was variable and not linked with productivity, it should not be used as an indication of habitat quality without more detailed studies on causal factors that affect space use in this species. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
A multisensor approach to improve manometric analysis of the upper esophageal sphincter
Authors: Jones Corinne A. , Ciucci Michelle R. , Hammer Michael J. , McCulloch Timothy M. 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisHigh‐resolution manometry (HRM) improves on previous manometric systems by including a greater number of sensors that are more densely placed. Due to deglutitive movement of the HRM catheter and upper esophageal sphincter (UES), it is unclear which HRM sensors capture pressure in the UES. To address this issue, we present two complementary studies to describe UES pressure patterns using HRM + videofluoroscopy and HRM + electromyography (EMG).Study DesignCase series involving a new analysis method.MethodsStudy 1: Simultaneous HRM + videofluoroscopy were performed in 11 healthy subjects swallowing five 10‐mL thin‐liquid boluses. HRM catheter and UES movement were tracked to identify UES pressure patterns over multiple HRM sensors. Study 2: Simultaneous HRM + cricopharyngeal EMGs were performed in six healthy subjects swallowing five 10‐mL water boluses. HRM and EMG outputs were correlated over individual and multiple HRM sensors.ResultsHRM sensors move prior to UES movement (P < .001) and to a lesser extent in rostral and ventral directions (P ≤ .01) than the UES. UES closure pressure is captured with two distinct patterns: 1) a rostral UES pattern with short durations and fast rate of pressure release, depicting UES descent along the catheter as it closes; and 2) a caudal UES pattern with tonic pressures at baseline and a deglutitive nadir. The HRM + EMG multisensor correlation (r = 0.88) was significantly stronger than the single‐sensor correlation (r = 0.80; P = .02).ConclusionsDuring deglutition, the HRM catheter and the UES rise above baseline positions and create a distinctive, multisensor manometric trace. Accurate deglutitive UES pressure evaluation must include multiple manometric sensors.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 126:657–664, 2016
Squamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity: A population‐based analysis
Authors: Unsal Aykut A. , Dubal Pariket M. , Patel Tapan D. , Vazquez Alejandro , Baredes Soly , Liu James K. , Eloy Jean Anderson 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisSquamous cell carcinoma of the nasal cavity (NCSCC) is an infrequent malignancy that has been historically difficult to characterize. This study provides new insight into NCSCC utilizing a population‐based database. We analyze the propensity for cervical and distant metastasis from NCSCC, as well as survival outcomes.Study DesignRetrospective database analysis.MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database (2004–2012) was queried for NCSCC cases. Data were analyzed with respect to various demographic and clinicopathologic factors. The results were further examined for regional and distant metastasis. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier model.ResultsA total of 1,180 cases of NCSCC were identified in the SEER database between 2004 and 2012. The mean age at diagnosis was 65.8 years. American Joint Committee on Cancer stage was known in 1,050 cases, of which 53.4% were stage I, 13.3% were stage II, 10.2% were stage III, and 23.0% were stage IV. By tumor (T) stage classification, T1 was the most common (56.6%), followed by T4 (19.3%). Most cases had no nodal (N) involvement at diagnosis (90.8%). Cervical nodal involvement was present in 9.1% of cases, while distant metastasis was seen in 1.9%. Five‐year disease‐specific survival was 69.5% overall, 39.6% in cases with neck involvement and 0.0% for metastatic cases.ConclusionsThis study represents the only known population‐based investigation of NCSCC. Metastasis to cervical nodes or distant sites, especially with T1 tumors, is rare. However, any cervical involvement or distant metastasis discovered on presentation is a poor prognostic indicator.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:560–565, 2016
Endoscopic surgery of the orbital apex: Outcomes and emerging techniques
Authors: Stokken Janalee , Gumber Divya , Antisdel Jastin , Sindwani Raj 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo review our experience with endoscopic orbital apex surgery.Study DesignRetrospective review.MethodsAll cases with Current Procedural Terminology codes for endoscopic orbital decompression between 2002 and 2011 at two institutions were reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of Graves orbitopathy or an orbital complication of sinusitis were excluded. Presenting symptoms, lesion location, pathology, surgical outcomes, and complications were examined.ResultsA total of 27 patients were identified. Seventeen (63%) of the patients were men, and the average age was 56 (range = 14–82) years. Eighteen patients had primary orbital apex lesions, and nine patients had sinonasal lesions that predominantly involved the medial orbital apex. The lesions were found to be on the right in 59% of cases. The etiologies include benign (40.7%), malignant (44%), infectious (7.4%), and metastatic (7.4%) lesions. Obtaining a pathologic diagnosis was successful endoscopically in all but two (7.4%) patients, both with lateral lesions. The two‐surgeon, four‐handed technique and intraoperative image guidance employing fused computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging were used in the majority of intraconal cases. Complications occurred in three patients (11%) and included myocardial infarction, deep venous thrombosis, and vision loss. There were no cerebrospinal fluid leaks or postoperative hemorrhages. Notably, vision remained stable or improved in all but one patient (3.7% risk of vision decline). Average follow‐up was 4 years (range = 1 month–8 years).ConclusionsThe endoscopic approach to the orbit apex offers significant advantages over traditional external approaches, and should be the preferred approach for all medial and inferior lesions. A two‐surgeon multihanded technique can help facilitate difficult cases.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:20–24, 2016
Oxidation‐Responsive Polymer–Drug Conjugates with a Phenylboronic Ester Linker
Authors: Qiu Fang‐Yi , Zhang Mei , Ji Ran , Du Fu‐Sheng , Li Zi‐Chen 
Published: August 2015

Polymer–drug conjugates have attracted great interest as one category of various promising nanomedicines due to the advantages of high drug‐loading capacity, negligible burst release, and improved pharmacokinetics as compared with the small molecular weight drugs or the polymeric delivery systems with physically encapsulated drugs. Herein, a new type of oxidation‐responsive polymer–drug conjugates composed of a poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) block and a hydrophobic polyacrylate block to which Naproxen is attached through a phenylboronic ester linker is reported. The amphiphilic block copolymers are synthesized through the reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization of the Naproxen‐containing acrylic monomer using a PEG chain transfer agent. In neutral aqueous buffer, the conjugates formed nanoparticles with diameters of ≈150–300 nm depending on the length of the hydrophobic segment. The dynamic covalent bond of the phenylboronic ester is stabilized due to the hydrophobic microenvironment inside the nanoparticles. Upon exposure to H2O2, the phenylboronic ester is oxidized rapidly into the phenol derivative which underwent a 1,6‐elimination reaction, releasing the intact Naproxen. The rate of drug release is influenced by the concentration of H2O2 and the hydrophobic block length. This type of oxidation‐responsive polymer–drug conjugate is feasible for other drugs containing hydroxyl group or amino group.
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Preparation of Polyamide‐6 Submicrometer‐Sized Spheres by In Situ Polymerization
Authors: Zhao Xingke , Xia Housheng , Fu Xubing , Duan Jianping , Yang Guisheng 
Published: August 2015

Polyamide‐6 (PA6) submicron‐sized spheres are prepared by two steps: (1) anionic ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactam in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly‐(propylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ethylene glycol)(PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG) and (2) separation of PA6 spheres by dissolving PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG from the prepared blends. The PA6 microspheres obtained are regular spherical, with diameter ranging from 200 nm to 2 μm and narrow size distribution, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. By comparison with PA6/PS and PA6/PEG systems, it is denominated that the PEG blocks in PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG can effectively reduce the surface tension of PA6 droplets and further decrease the diameter of the PA6 microspheres. The PPG block in PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG can prevent the PA6 droplets coalescing with each other, and isolated spherical particles can be obtained finally. The phase inversion of the PA6/PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG blends occurs at very low PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG content; the PEG‐b‐PPG‐b‐PEG phase can be removed by water easily. The whole experiment can be finished in a short time (approximately in half an hour) without using any organic solvents; it is an efficient strategy for the preparation of submicron‐sized PA6 microspheres.
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Induction of Secondary Structure through Micellization of an Oppositely Charged Pair of Homochiral Block‐ and Homopolypeptides in an Aqueous Medium
Authors: Mutaf Omer F. , Kishimura Akihiro , Mochida Yuki , Kim Ahram , Kataoka Kazunori 
Published: August 2015

Polyion complex (PIC) formation is an attractive method for obtaining molecular assemblies owing to their facile fabrication process in aqueous media, but more insights are required in order to control the higher‐dimensional structures of polypeptide‐based PICs. Herein, the PIC formation behavior of oppositely charged homochiral polypeptides, poly‐l‐lysine and poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(l‐glutamate) (PEG‐PLG), and their secondary structures are carefully studied in water. PIC formation takes place in a polymer concentration‐dependent manner, and clear β‐sheet formation is observed at polymer concentrations ≥0.3 mg mL−1. The results also confirm that multimolecular aggregation is a prerequisite for β‐sheet formation, which indicates that the inner hydrophobic environment of PICs is favorable for β‐sheet formation. Furthermore, the PEG weight fraction, stereoregularity of the polypeptide, and ionic strength of the solutions are found to be key factors for generating a secondary structure, presumably because these factors can contribute to the tuning of the inner environment of PICs. This method of producing water‐soluble nanoassemblies from oppositely charged polypeptides may expedite self‐assembly studies in biological systems and be incorporated into various molecular systems to exploit protein‐mimicking features.image