bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling and mapping erosion in smallholder agro‐ecosystems, Tanzania
Authors: Wickama Juma , Kessler Aad , Sterk Geert 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe West Usambara Highlands in north‐eastern Tanzania have many smallholder agro‐ecosystems with unknown composition, management, and vulnerability to erosion. Their specific locations and spatial extent are difficult to trace by satellite images or remote sensing imagery alone. To address these limitations, we combined ground soil surveys, geographic information system, and erosion modelling to (a) locate and map smallholder agro‐ecosystems, (b) determine their biophysical characteristics, and (c) model their soil losses. Land resource information was collected from 301 random 0.1‐ha plots sampled from a total area of 200 km2. Annual soil losses were estimated using the universal soil loss equation. The study located six dominant agro‐ecosystems with the following spatial extent: maize‐bean (24.9%), maize‐bean‐agroforestry (31.2%), maize‐bean‐agroforestry‐high value trees (18.9%), tree farms (7.0%), forests (15.6%), and grazing lands (2.3%). Agroforestry and other tree‐based agro‐ecosystems dominate the area due to historical land use change and later institutional interventions. This study finds combined use of soil surveys, geographic information system, and modelling to be reliable in locating, mapping, and assessing soil losses in smallholder agro‐ecosystems. The agro‐ecosystems differ significantly (p < 0.05) in slope, vegetation cover, soil conditions, and soil losses. Soil loss in the maize‐bean agro‐ecosystem (28.3 t ha−1 yr−1) was 18 times higher compared with natural forests (1.57 t ha−1 yr−1) due to lower soil cover and inefficient conservation and cultivation practices. Our results show that adoption of soil conservation measures and improved vegetation cover technologies across the agro‐ecosystems reduces soil losses by 37% and increases organic carbon levels by 16%.
Polyvinyl Alcohol‐Based Thermogel with Tunable Gelation and Self‐Healing Property
Authors: Liu Mengjuan , Lu Xiaoxuan , Gao Liang , Wang Shuting , Huo Yanping , Chen Zhe‐Ning 
Published: June 2018

AbstractInjectable thermogelated hydrogels with self‐healing and multi‐responsiveness are emerging as a class of significant “smart” materials because of their many potential applications. However, there are only very limited precedents that combine thermogels with self‐healing and tunable functions. In this work, it is demonstrated that N‐alkyl substituted carbamate modified polyvinyl alcohol with borax as a crosslinker enables a variety of tunable and dynamic thermogelation properties. As far as it is known, this is the first polyvinyl alcohol–based thermogel system. This system characterizes shear thinning, multiple responsiveness, and dynamic gelation features. Systematic investigation suggests that these features collaborate to contribute to attractive injectability, quick self‐healing ability, and tunable thermogelation behavior. A stepwise in situ gelation and carbon dioxide–triggered release are demonstrated.
Effects of Photodegradable o‐Nitrobenzyl Nanogels on the Photopolymerization Process
Authors: Liu Tao , Shah Parag K. , Liu Zhenzhen , Gao Guangzhe , Bowman Christopher N. , Stansbury Jeffrey W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA series of partially photodegradable o‐nitrobenzyl nanogels (NBNG) with different caged functional groups (COOH, OH, SH) are prepared and compared with a nondegradable nanogel as additives in photocurable materials. Photoinduced nanogel network disruption and photoinitiated polymerization of infiltrating and dispersing monomer could be controlled independently. In triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), o‐NBNGs that release a COOH or OH functional group upon photodegradation of the o‐nitrobenzyl crosslinker, the reduced chemical crosslinking density of the nanogel network allows greater penetration of monomer into the partially degraded nanogel network, which results in an increase in volumetric shrinkage and polymerization stress. In contrast, the formulation of o‐NBNGs with caged SH groups also can be photodegraded but is able to rebuild the chemical crosslinking through thiol‐based chain transfer reactions when photocured as a dispersion in TEGDMA. As such, it behaves like a photo‐inert nanogel. Dynamic thermomechanical analysis and testing by three‐point bending further confirms the photoinduced crosslink density variation influences mechanical properties of the final polymer networks. This work demonstrates the inherent properties of the nanogel network and the type of crosslinking can alter the performance of the photocured resin while a separate photochemical process can be used to regulate photoinduced polymerization.
ICS educational module: Pressure flow study in children
Authors: Wen Jian G. , Djurhuus Jens C. , Rosier Peter F.W.M. , Bauer Stuart B. 
Published: June 2018

AimsTo introduce the standard procedure and results interpretation of pressure/flow study (PFS) in children.MethodsThe literature on PFS in children in PubMed for the last 20 years was reviewed. The updated knowledge on PFS in children in children regarding indication, preparation, technique, and interpretation were summarized.ResultsThis educational module explains when and how to do a PFS and how to analyze the results. All requirements and instructions for the PFS in children described in this document follow ICS reports on Good Urodynamic Practice and urodynamic equipment performance as well as guidelines from the ICCS. PFS can be obtained subsequent to filling cystometry with no specific additional equipment (apart from a flowmeter) or patient preparation needed. It requires both vesical and intra‐abdominal pressures being recorded. Information from clinical history, physical examination, voiding diaries, and free uroflowmetry with or without perineal patch EMG and pertinent imaging results should be available before undertaking urodynamic testing.ConclusionsFollowing ICS and ICCS guidelines, PFS is an easy procedure and a useful tool to provide information on voiding function in children.
Implementation of a physics‐based general elastic imperfect interface model in the XFEM and LSM context
Authors: Liu J.‐T. , He B. , Gu S.‐T. , He Q.‐C. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryWhen reinforcement particles of composites are imperfectly bonded to the matrix media, the interfacial effect may significantly change the physical fields and the material overall moduli. In this paper, we first recall a physics‐based general isotropic interface model of our companion paper to describe such effects. This model is characterized by both the displacement and normal traction discontinuities across an interface and includes the spring‐layer interface model and the coherent interface model as particular cases. The strong and weak governing formulations of composites with arbitrarily shaped imperfect interfaces are provided, and a computational approach is developed in the extended finite element method and level set method context to capture the interfacial discontinuities. To examine the performance and validity of the computational approach, the analytical solution of our previous work is used as a benchmark and several bulk and interface material combinations are considered. It is observed that the slowest convergence rate of our approach is no less than 1.45 for all investigated cases, and that both the predicted displacements and normal tractions are in excellent agreement with the analytic solutions. Finally, the influences of material compositions and periodic boundary conditions are evaluated numerically and discussed with a heterogeneous material containing multiple particles.
Postprandial Triglycerides Predict Newborn Fat More Strongly than Glucose in Women with Obesity in Early Pregnancy
Authors: Barbour Linda A. , Farabi Sarah S. , Friedman Jacob E. , Hirsch Nicole M. , Reece Melanie S. , Van Pelt Rachael E. , Hernandez Teri L. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveMaternal obesity (OB) accounts for the majority of large‐for‐gestational‐age infants, and newborn percent fat (NB%fat) correlates strongest with childhood OB. In addition to maternal glucose, fasting triglycerides (TGs) may contribute, but postprandial triglycerides (PPTGs) are unstudied. It was hypothesized that fasting TGs and PPTGs are higher in women with OB compared with women with normal weight (NW) throughout pregnancy, correlate more strongly with NB%fat than glucose, and may relate to dietary chylomicron TGs.MethodsFasting TGs and PPTGs, free fatty acids, glucose, and insulin were prospectively measured 10 times over 4 hours after a controlled liquid breakfast early (14‐16 weeks) and later (26‐28 weeks) in pregnancy in 27 mothers with NW and 27 with OB. NB%fat was measured by dual x‐ray absorptometry.ResultsFasting TGs and PPTGs were already ≥ 30% higher in mothers with OB at 14 to 16 weeks (P < 0.001) versus mothers with NW. In mothers with OB, a simple 1‐hour (r = 0.71;P < 0.01) or 2‐hour (r = 0.69;P < 0.01) PPTG at 14 to 16 weeks correlated strongest with NB%fat. In mothers with NW, the increase in TGs from early to later pregnancy correlated strongest with NB%fat (r = 0.57;P < 0.01). Maternal glucose did not statistically add to prediction models.ConclusionsThese novel data suggest that 1‐ or 2‐hour PPTGs might be a new target for early intervention in pregnancies with OB to prevent excess newborn adiposity and attenuate child OB risk.
Proactive personality and mental health: The role of job crafting
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Lu HaiRong , Li Feng 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIn this study, we examined the relationships among proactive personality, job crafting, and mental health. A total of 1971 full‐time Chinese employees completed the survey. The results of structural equation modeling analyses indicated that job crafting mediated the positive relationship between proactive personality and mental health.
Diagnosis‐based cohort augmentation using laboratory results data: The case of chronic kidney disease
Authors: Smith David H. , Shetterly Susan , Flory James , Haynes Kevin , Lu Christine Y. , Gagne Joshua J. , Herrinton Lisa , Nyirenda Carsie , Patorno Elisabetta , Shoaibi Azadeh , Raebel Marsha A. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractPurposeIn this report, we use data from FDA's Sentinel System to focus on how augmenting a diagnosis‐based chronic kidney disease cohort with patients identified through laboratory results impacts cohort characteristics and outcomes.MethodsWe used data from 2 Data Partners. Patients were eligible if they were health plan members on January 1, 2012. We classified chronic kidney disease patients into mutually exclusive categories according to the hierarchy of (1) ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis (DXGroup), or (2) two estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73m2, separated by at least 90 days (2‐LabGroup), or (3) a single estimated glomerular filtration rates <60 mL/min/1.73m2 (1‐LabGroup).We compared the groups on demographic, clinical, and health care utilization characteristics using pairwise standardized differences. We used Cox regression to compare the groups on mortality, adjusting for baseline covariates.ResultsWe identified 209 864 patients: 107 607 in DxGroup (51%) and 102 257 (49%) from laboratory data alone. For every characteristic, the DxGroup was the sickest, followed by the 2‐LabGroup and then the 1‐LabGroup. The DxGroup was more likely to die than 2‐LabGroup (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; 95% CI, 1.22‐1.77) at Site 1; that effect was observed, but attenuated, at Site 2 (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07‐1.25). The DxGroup was more likely to die than the 1‐LabGroup at Site 1 (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.20‐1.55), but not at Site 2 (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.89‐1.00).ConclusionsWe suggest that drug safety researchers consider whether the method of cohort identification contributes to generalizability of safety findings.
Effect of dopant and oxidant on the electrochemical properties of polyaniline/graphite nanoplate composites
Authors: Zhao Xueyan , Grätz Olga , Pionteck Jürgen 
Published: June 2018

AbstractOptimizing the synthesis parameters of polyaniline/graphite nanoplate (PANI/GNP) composite is essential to the final electrochemical performance. Herein, the electrochemical properties of PANI/GNP composites, prepared by in situ chemical polymerization using varying amounts of different oxidants, with or without the addition of 4‐dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) as dopant, were investigated. Cyclic voltammetric results suggested that a stoichiometric amount of the oxidant iron chloride (FeCl3) was beneficial to the electrochemical properties of the composites. The use of ammonium persulfate (APS) instead of FeCl3 as oxidant largely increased the actual PANI content, conductivity and specific capacitance of the PANI/GNP composites. The dopant DBSA increased the conductivity of the PANI/GNP composites but did not show a positive effect on the electrochemical behavior. The cyclic voltammograms of the PANI/GNP composites indicated that the pseudocapacitance of PANI contributes more than the electrical double‐layer capacitance of GNP to the capacitance of the composites, while the presence of GNP plays an essential role in the rate capability of the composites. In this study, PANI/GNP (1:1) composite synthesized with an APS to aniline molar ratio of 1 showed a balanced combination of high specific capacitance (180.5 F g−1 at 20 mV s−1) and good rate capability (78% retention at 100 mV s−1). © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Adaptive error feedback regulation problem for 1D wave equation
Authors: Guo Wei , Zhou Hua‐cheng , Krstic Miroslav 
Published: June 2018

SummaryBy using the adaptive control approach, we solve the error feedback regulator problem for the one‐dimensional wave equation with a general harmonic disturbance anticollocated with control and with two types of disturbed measurements, ie, one collocated with control and the other anti‐collocated with control. Different from the classical error feedback regulator design, which is based on the internal mode principle, we give the adaptive servomechanism design for the system by making use of the measured tracking error (and its time derivative) and the estimation mechanism for the parameters of the disturbance and of the unknown reference. Constructing auxiliary systems and observer and applying the backstepping method for infinite‐dimensional system play important roles in the design. The control objective, which is to regulate the tracking error to zero and to keep the states bounded, is achieved.
Maximizing Specific Loss Power for Magnetic Hyperthermia by Hard–Soft Mixed Ferrites
Authors: He Shuli , Zhang Hongwang , Liu Yihao , Sun Fan , Yu Xiang , Li Xueyan , Zhang Li , Wang Lichen , Mao Keya , Wang Gangshi , Lin Yunjuan , Han Zhenchuan , Sabirianov Renat , Zeng Hao 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMaximized specific loss power and intrinsic loss power approaching theoretical limits for alternating‐current (AC) magnetic‐field heating of nanoparticles are reported. This is achieved by engineering the effective magnetic anisotropy barrier of nanoparticles via alloying of hard and soft ferrites. 22 nm Co0.03Mn0.28Fe2.7O4/SiO2 nanoparticles reach a specific loss power value of 3417 W g−1metal at a field of 33 kA m−1 and 380 kHz. Biocompatible Zn0.3Fe2.7O4/SiO2 nanoparticles achieve specific loss power of 500 W g−1metal and intrinsic loss power of 26.8 nHm2 kg−1 at field parameters of 7 kA m−1 and 380 kHz, below the clinical safety limit. Magnetic bone cement achieves heating adequate for bone tumor hyperthermia, incorporating an ultralow dosage of just 1 wt% of nanoparticles. In cellular hyperthermia experiments, these nanoparticles demonstrate high cell death rate at low field parameters. Zn0.3Fe2.7O4/SiO2 nanoparticles show cell viabilities above 97% at concentrations up to 500 µg mL−1 within 48 h, suggesting toxicity lower than that of magnetite.
Gridded‐based LPV control of a Clipper Liberty wind turbine
Authors: Wang Shu , Seiler Peter 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis paper proposes a linear parameter varying (LPV) control design for a Clipper Liberty C96 2.5 MW wind turbine to operate in all wind conditions. A standard approach is to use multiple single‐input, single‐output loops for control objectives at different wind speeds. This LPV controller instead takes these objectives into a uniformed multi‐input, multi‐output design framework. The key difference is that the LPV controller is specifically designed to smoothly transition from Region 2 to Region 3 operation. Reducing structural loads is another major concern in the design. Synthesis of the controller relies on a gridded‐based LPV model of the turbine, which is constructed by interpolation of linearized turbine models at different wind speeds. To overcome the conservativeness in the design, parameter varying rates will be considered based on turbulent wind conditions. The performance of the LPV controller is evaluated using a high fidelity FAST model provided by Clipper. The LPV controller is directly compared with the baseline controller currently operating on the turbine. Simulations and analysis show that the LPV controller meets all performance objectives and has better load reduction performance.
The mobility of the trace metals copper, zinc, lead, cobalt, and nickel in tropical estuarine sediments, Ebrie Lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Kouassi N’Guessan Louis Berenger , Yao Koffi Marcellin , Sangare Naminata , Trokourey Albert , Metongo Bernard Soro 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Purpose
Trace metals accumulate in the food web and can pose high risks to human health and aquatic biota. We investigated seasonal and spatial variations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, and Ni mobility in surface sediments (0–5 cm) and their potential toxicity.

Materials and methods
The sampling was carried out in three embayments of the Ebrie Lagoon (Côte d’Ivoire) during the rainy and dry seasons. The sequential and kinetic extraction methods were used to assess Cu, Zn, Pb, Co, and Ni mobility and their potential toxicity. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to ascertain spatial and seasonal differences.

Results and discussion
The results showed that contrarily to Co, distribution patterns of Zn and Cu in the sediment fractions showed no spatial and seasonal variability. On the other hand, Pb and Ni distribution patterns varied highly across the bays but not seasonally. Nevertheless, repeated measurements over a long period of time should be carried out to better understand the seasonal variability of metal distribution in sediment phases. Cu, Pb, Co, and Ni were abundant in residual fraction (56.93–71.66%) in the bays. On the contrary, a very high portion of Zn (up to 70%) could be remobilized. Cu, Pb, Co, and Ni formed mainly inert complexes in sediments, while Zn formed labile complexes. Zn could pose high risk to biota, Co and Ni a medium risk, and Cu and Pb a low risk.

Conclusions
A combination of both sequential and kinetic methods revealed that both Zn and Pb formed labile complexes in the exchangeable and iron/manganese oxide fractions. Sequential extraction showed high Pb concentrations in the iron/manganese oxides. Thus, Zn and Pb may be highly available, which confirmed fish Pb concentrations exceeding WHO safe limits found by previous studies. Therefore, potential mobility of metals could be better assessed by the exchangeable and iron/manganese oxide fractions obtained by sequential extraction methods.
Sedimentary and geochemical characteristics of two small permafrost-dominated Arctic river deltas in northern Alaska
Authors: Fuchs Matthias , Grosse Guido , Jones Benjamin M. , Strauss Jens , Baughman Carson A. , Walker Donald A. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Arctic river deltas are highly dynamic environments in the northern circumpolar permafrost region that are affected by fluvial, coastal, and permafrost-thaw processes. They are characterized by thick sediment deposits containing large but poorly constrained amounts of frozen organic carbon and nitrogen. This study presents new data on soil organic carbon and nitrogen storage as well as accumulation rates from the Ikpikpuk and Fish Creek river deltas, two small, permafrost-dominated Arctic river deltas on the Arctic Coastal Plain of northern Alaska. A soil organic carbon storage of 42.4 ± 1.6 and 37.9 ± 3.5 kg C m− 2 and soil nitrogen storage of 2.1 ± 0.1 and 2.0 ± 0.2 kg N m− 2 was found for the first 2 m of soil for the Ikpikpuk and Fish Creek river delta, respectively. While the upper meter of soil contains 3.57 Tg C, substantial amounts of carbon (3.09 Tg C or 46%) are also stored within the second meter of soil (100–200 cm) in the two deltas. An increasing and inhomogeneous distribution of C with depth is indicative of the dominance of deltaic depositional rather than soil forming processes for soil organic carbon storage. Largely, mid- to late Holocene radiocarbon dates in our cores suggest different carbon accumulation rates for the two deltas for the last 2000 years. Rates up to 28 g C m− 2 year− 1 for the Ikpikpuk river delta are about twice as high as for the Fish Creek river delta. With this study, we highlight the importance of including these highly dynamic permafrost environments in future permafrost carbon estimations.
Does the meaningful use of electronic health records improve patient outcomes?
Authors: Wani Deepa , Malhotra Manoj 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWhile Electronic Health Records (EHRs) hold the promise of improving patient outcomes, past research on their efficacy has yielded inconsistent results. In this study, we overcome several drawbacks of past research by examining not just partial versus full adoption, but the impact of meaningful assimilation of EHRs as mandated by the HITECH (Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health) Act. Detailed patient‐level data from acute‐care hospitals in California, coupled with relevant data from several other sources, is used to conduct our analysis. After controlling for self‐selection bias, our results show that overall length of stay (LOS) is reduced by 3%, on average, for all patients who undergo treatment at hospitals that are meaningful‐use assimilated, relative to patients at hospitals that have fully adopted EHRs. The magnitude of this reduction is increased for patients with greater comorbidity complexity and greater coordination complexity. In addition, we find an overall decrease in readmission. We do not find such benefits among full adopters of EHRs. Thus, our study provides empirical evidence that instead of merely adoption, assimilation of EHRs at a hospital‐wide level can improve the efficiency with which patients are treated, with benefits from such an assimilation being far more pronounced for patients with a greater degree of health complexities. These are important findings, because hospitals are struggling to deliver quality care to their sickest patients without severe cost overruns. Recommendations from our study point to a path forward in meeting this challenge.