bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Who uses sustainable land management practices and what are the costs and benefits? Insights from Kenya
Authors: Dallimer Martin , Stringer Lindsay C. , Orchard Steven E. , Osano Philip , Njoroge George , Wen Cheng , Gicheru Patrick 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSuboptimal land management practices are degrading soils and undermining food production. Sustainable land management (SLM) practices can improve soil and enhance yields. This study identifies variations in SLM uptake, characterising farmers most likely to use SLM practices, identifying when it makes economic sense for farmers to implement particular SLM practices and how long it takes before benefits exceed costs. Using questionnaire data from farmers in western Kenya, we undertake a cost–benefit analysis and analyse determinants of SLM practice use. SLM implementation varied between counties and SLM practice(s), with household and farm characteristics, and access to assets and advice, playing a key role. SLM practices with high upfront and maintenance costs (e.g., terraces and agroforestry) offer low benefit‐to‐cost ratios for individual farmers who must also wait many years to break even on their investments. Nevertheless, over the policy‐relevant time horizon considered (to 2030), Net present value can be positive. Simple SLM practices (manuring and intercropping) have low input costs and offer high benefit to cost ratios, providing a positive net present value up to 2030. Findings suggest that simple practices should be prioritised within policy to improve soil and increase yields. These should be supported by subsidies or other economic measures, facilitating uptake of practices such as agroforestry, which can provide wider societal benefits (e.g., improved water retention and carbon sequestration). Economic mechanisms could be augmented with support for agricultural innovation systems, improved monitoring of land management and yield relationships, and investment in climate and soil information services.
Differential responses of the soil nutrient status, biomass production, and nutrient uptake for three plant species to organic amendments of placer gold mine‐tailing soils
Authors: Hu Ya‐Lin , Mgelwa Abubakari Said , Singh Anand Narain , Zeng De‐Hui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSurface mining activities usually devastate the landscape, rendering it unsuitable for plant growth. Organic amendments have been widely applied for the restoration of soil nutrients as well as the soil structure in mine tailings. However, the responses of growth and nutrient uptake among plant species to organic amendments have not been well evaluated. In this study, we conducted a pot experiment to examine the impacts of peat and cattle manure amendments on the total soil C, N, P, K, Ca, and Mg; the available soil P, K, Ca, and Mg; and the growth and nutrient concentrations of re‐established Mongolian pine (Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica), lespedeza (Lespedeza daurica), and lyme grass (Elymus dahuricus) in the Guliku placer gold mine area in northeastern China. Organic amendments, especially cattle manure, improved the soil nutrient status and availability compared with those in nonamended mine soils. The plant biomass and nutrients of the 3 species were altered differently by the 2 amendments. Although peat addition increased the total soil C, total N, and available Ca, it had little impact on plant biomass production due to a lesser increase in available soil P, K, and Mg and a decrease in total soil K. Our results highlight that both balanced increase in soil nutrients by applying appropriate soil amendments and the selection of suitable plant species are necessary for the successful reclamation of postmined lands.
Land use management in the Galapagos: A preliminary study on reducing the impacts of invasive plant species through sustainable agriculture and payment for ecosystem services
Authors: Khatun Kaysara 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTerrestrial invasive species have been identified as one of the largest threats to endemic plants and wildlife in Galapagos, and their spread remains one of the biggest challenges for the region. The management of these species is a common link among all land‐use activities, and impacts all residents as economic activities in Galapagos are linked to its status as a unique landscape. The study aims, through the use of key informant interviews, policy documents and literature, to provide new insights into plant invasive species management by exploring two land‐use interventions—and the associated challenges and opportunities—currently being proposed by policymakers, academics, and other relevant actors. These are (a) local sustainable agricultural production and (b) policies and mechanisms, specifically the ‘Buen vivir’ paradigm with/and payments for ecosystem services. It explores how these can create bridges and be beneficial to both conservation and development. However, although the initiatives offer real opportunities to manage and control invasive species, challenges remain in the form of how these activities will be carried out and by whom. Findings show that probable success is dependent on community inclusion with coordinated and integrated approaches from robust institutions with connectivity among land‐use actors/managers. In addition, support is needed for organisations/stakeholders that are currently tackling the invasive species issue. Studies on land use remain crucial as relatively contained and pristine landscapes such as Galapagos are likely to be increasingly important as a means to detect human‐induced alterations at the frontiers of ecology.
A dissolved organic carbon (DOC) analyzer capable of detecting sub‐μM DOC differences in natural fresh waters: A proof of concept study
Authors: Jennings Meredith , Abdulla Hussain , Stubbins Aron , Sun Luni , Wang Rui , Mopper Kenneth 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study reports the development of a new type of organic carbon (OC) analyzer that combines flow through analysis and ultraviolet‐wet chemical oxidation (UV‐WCO). Total or dissolved OC (TOC or DOC, respectively) is determined through detection of CO2 as the oxidation product using a vibration insensitive nondispersive infrared (NDIR) gas analyzer. Aided by heat and UV, OC is oxidized by continuously pumping the liquid sample in‐line with a carbon‐free acidic persulfate reagent at a constant flow rate through the system. The CO2 produced from oxidation of OC is sparged from solution at a precise flow rate and is continuously detected, producing a stable signal plateau with high signal‐to‐noise ratio. A low carbon blank/baseline for the analysis is achieved by recycling persulfate reagent alone through the system until minimal CO2 is detected. We show progress in the optimization of this novel instrument that, unlike standard high temperature combustion (HTC) instrumentation that is subject to high blank variability and micromolar resolution (typical coefficient of variation (CV) ∼ 1–2%), has potential applications for studies of DOC net production and consumption by various mechanisms that typically require sub‐micromolar precision.
Telementoring of primary care providers delivering hepatitis C treatment in New York City: Results from Project INSPIRE
Authors: Teixeira Paul A. , Bresnahan Marie P. , Laraque Fabienne , Litwin Alain H. , Shukla Shuchin J. , Schwartz Jonathan M. , Reynoso Sheila , Perumalswami Ponni V. , Weiss Jeffrey M. , Wyatt Brooke , Schackman Bruce R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe recent availability of highly effective, easily administered, and relatively nontoxic treatments for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection provides an opportunity for clinicians to treat HCV in nonspecialist settings with appropriate support. Project INSPIRE provides care coordination to HCV patients and a web‐based training program (telementoring) on disease management and treatment by HCV specialists to primary care providers inexperienced in HCV treatment. Weekly telementoring sessions use a didactic and case‐based approach to instruct non‐HCV providers on how to identify and assess HCV treatment candidates and prescribe appropriate treatment.MethodsWe used mixed methods to assess the telementoring service, including provider surveys and semistructured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative data were analyzed to identify dominant themes.ResultsProvider survey responses indicated an increased ability to identify and evaluate HCV treatment candidates and increased confidence in sharing knowledge with peers and patients. Interviews revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the telementoring service and Project INSPIRE overall. The telementoring service was viewed as having enhanced providers' knowledge, confidence, and ability to treat their own HCV‐infected patients rather than having to refer them to an HCV specialist with resulting benefits for continuity of care. Providers reported comradery and collegiality with other INSPIRE providers and satisfaction with professional growth from attaining new knowledge and skills via the telementoring service.ConclusionsUsing readily available web conferencing technology, telementoring can facilitate knowledge transfer between specialists and primary care providers, facilitating continuity of care for patients and increased provider satisfaction.
Nanocomposites of Microbial Polyglutamic Acid and Nanoclays Compatibilized by Organophosphonium Surfactants
Authors: Gamarra Ana , Muñoz‐Guerra Sebastián , Urpí Lourdes , Galbis Elsa , Galbis Juan A. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIonic coupling of bacterial poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (PGGA) with alkyltrimethylphosphonium surfactants is reported to render comb‐like PGGA complexes with a biphasic‐layered structure displaying periodicity at the nanoscopic scale. In this work, nanocomposites made of PGGA and montmorillonite, and covering a wide variety of compositions, are prepared by using either dodecyl‐ or eicosyl‐trimethylphosphonium surfactant as a third component with a double purpose, that is, ionic complexation of PGGA and organo‐modification of the nanoclay. Thermogravimetric analysis ascertains the compositions of these three‐component nanocomposites and evidences their excellent thermal stability. The nanocomposite structure with PGGA and clay more or less intercalated according to composition and thermal history is evidenced by both X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Simultaneous thermal SAXS/WAXS analysis at real time reveals extensive intermixing of the two phases that become notably enhanced by heating treatment. Thermal transition characteristics of the surfactant–PGGA complex are not significantly altered in the nanocomposites, but elastic moduli and strength to yield are found to increase proportionally to the content of clay.
Pharmacological and Nutritional Effects of Natural Coumarins and Their Structure–Activity Relationships
Authors: Zhu Jing‐Jing , Jiang Jian‐Guo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCoumarins are fused benzene and pyrone ring systems with a wide spectrum of bioactivities, including antitumor, anti‐inflammation, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. In this paper, the current development of coumarin‐based drugs is introduced, and their structure–activity relationship is discussed by reviewing the relevant literature published in the past 20 years. Coumarin molecules can be customized by the target site to prevent systemic side effects by virtue of structural modification. The ortho‐phenolic hydroxyl on the benzene ring has remarkable antioxidant and antitumor activities. Coumarins with aryl groups at the C‐4 position have good activities in anti‐HIV, antitumor, anti‐inflammation, and analgesia. C‐3 phenylcoumarins have strong anti‐HIV and antioxidant effects. Tetracycline pyranocoumarins can significantly inhibit HIV; osthol structural analogues have antimicrobial activity. Praeruptorin C and its derivatives play an important role in lowering blood pressure and dilating coronary arteries, and khellactone derivatives have significant inhibitory effects on AIDS, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. It is concluded that the specific site on the core structure of coumarin exhibits one or more activities due to the electronic or steric effects of the substituents. This review is intended to be conducive to rational design and development of more active and less toxic agents with a coumarin scaffold.
Evaluation of a mixed beam therapy for postmastectomy breast cancer patients: Bolus electron conformal therapy combined with intensity modulated photon radiotherapy and volumetric modulated photon arc therapy
Authors: Zhang Rui , Heins David , Sanders Mary , Guo Beibei , Hogstrom Kenneth 
Published: May 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefits and limitations of a mixed beam therapy, which combined bolus electron conformal therapy (BECT) with intensity modulated photon radiotherapy (IMRT) and volumetric modulated photon arc therapy (VMAT), for left‐sided postmastectomy breast cancer patients.MethodsMixed beam treatment plans were produced for nine postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) patients previously treated at our clinic with VMAT alone. The mixed beam plans consisted of 40 Gy to the chest wall area using BECT, 40 Gy to the supraclavicular area using parallel opposed IMRT, and 10 Gy to the total planning target volume (PTV) by optimizing VMAT on top of the BECT + IMRT dose distribution. The treatment plans were created in a commercial treatment planning system (TPS), and all plans were evaluated based on PTV coverage, dose homogeneity index (DHI), conformity index (CI), dose to organs at risk (OARs), normal tissue complication probability (NTCP), and secondary cancer complication probability (SCCP). The standard VMAT alone planning technique was used as the reference for comparison.ResultsBoth techniques produced clinically acceptable PMRT plans but with a few significant differences: VMAT showed significantly better CI (0.70 vs 0.53, P < 0.001) and DHI (0.12 vs 0.20, P < 0.001) over mixed beam therapy. For normal tissues, mixed beam therapy showed better OAR sparing and significantly reduced NTCP for cardiac mortality (0.23% vs 0.80%, P = 0.01) and SCCP for contralateral breast (1.7% vs 3.1% based on linear model, and 1.2% vs 1.9% based on linear‐exponential model, P < 0.001 in both cases), but showed significantly higher mean (50.8 Gy vs 49.3 Gy, P < 0.001) and maximum skin doses (59.7 Gy vs 53.3 Gy, P < 0.001) compared with VMAT. Patients with more tissue (minimum distance between the distal PTV surface and lung approximately > 0.5 cm and volume of tissue between the distal PTV surface and heart or lung approximately > 250 cm3) between distal PTV surface and lung may benefit the most from mixed beam therapy.ConclusionThis work has demonstrated that mixed beam therapy (BECT + IMRT:VMAT = 4:1) produces clinically acceptable plans having reduced OAR doses and risks of side effects compared with VMAT. Even though VMAT alone produces more homogenous and conformal dose distributions, mixed beam therapy remains as a viable option for treating postmastectomy patients, possibly leading to reduced normal tissue complications.
A probable example of cranial dysraphism from New Orleans, Louisiana
Authors: Halling C. L. , Seidemann R. M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCranial dysraphism, a pathological condition resulting from a neural tube defect, is a rarely reported condition in archaeological and clinical literature. A defect at bregma was identified on human remains recovered from New Orleans, Louisiana, when exhumation of several commingled bodies occurred in a paupers' cemetery in 2015. Initial speculation regarding the cause of the condition consisted of trauma, pathological condition, a natural variant, or the result of a congenital defect. A differential diagnosis was utilised to approach the breadth of potential causative factors, incorporating clinical information on the bony response of soft tissue defects common in modern reports. However, during a review of the bioarchaeological literature, an alternative explanation for the feature, one that did not result from typically reported causes, revealed that this observed defect was likely an example of the rarely reported condition known as cranial dysraphism. Through review of both clinical and bioarchaeological data, the resulting diagnosis observed here is supported through the unique characteristics that several other authors have identified as associated with cranial dysraphism. Unique features of this bony defect include the smooth walls of the depression, a saucer‐like shape with an anterior rim built up of cortical bone, lack of diploë exposure, a perforation at the base of the saucer, and the retention of cranial sutures. Although the defect also closely resembles the bony response to a cyst, the perforation and anterior rim are supportive of its diagnosis as a cranial dysraphism. This case study of a single occurrence of cranial dysraphism is reported to assist practitioners in differentiating between this condition and other potential causes of anomalies of similar appearance.
Constrained linear parameter‐varying control using approximate multiparametric programming
Authors: Mohammadkhani M. A. , Bayat F. , Jalali A. A. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryWe develop an approximate multiparametric convex programming approach with its application to control constrained linear parameter‐varying systems. Recently, the application of the real‐time model predictive control (MPC) for various engineering systems has been significantly increased by using the multiparametric convex programming tool, known as explicit MPC approach. The main idea of explicit MPC is to move the major parts of the computations to offline phase and to provide an explicit piecewise affine solution of the constrained MPC problem, which is defined over a set of convex polyhedral partitions. In the proposed method, the idea of convex programming and partitioning is applied for linear parameter‐varying control systems. The feasible space of the time‐varying parameters is divided into simplices in which approximate solutions are calculated such that the approximation error is kept limited by solving sequences of linear programs. The approximate optimal solution within each simplex is obtained by linear interpolation of the optimal solutions in the simplex vertices, and then multiparametric programming tool is utilized to compute an explicit state feedback solution of linear quadratic optimal control problem for simplex vertices subject to state and input constraints. The proposed method is illustrated by a numerical example and the simulation results show the advantages of this approach.
A phase 1/2 dose‐finding, safety, and activity study of cabazitaxel in pediatric patients with refractory solid tumors including tumors of the central nervous system
Authors: Manley Peter E. , Trippett Tanya , Smith Amy A. , Macy Margaret E. , Leary Sarah E.S. , Boklan Jessica , Cohen Kenneth J. , Goldman Stewart , Kilburn Lindsay B. , Dhall Girish , Devin Jeanne , Herzog Cynthia E. , Partap Sonia , Fauchet Floris , Badreddine Emmy , Bernard John P. , Chi Susan N. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis phase 1/2 study (NCT01751308) evaluated cabazitaxel in pediatric patients. Phase 1 determined the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in patients with recurrent/refractory solid tumors, including central nervous system (CNS) tumors. Phase 2 evaluated activity in pediatric recurrent high‐grade glioma (HGG) or diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG).ProcedureIn phase 1, a 3 + 3 dose‐escalation study design was followed. Cabazitaxel was administered at a starting dose of 20 mg/m2. Dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) during cycle 1 were assessed to determine the MTD. Tumor response and cabazitaxel pharmacokinetics were also assessed. In phase 2, patients received cabazitaxel at the MTD determined in phase 1. Tumor responses were assessed every 9 weeks (modified Response Assessment in Neuro‐oncology criteria). Progression‐free survival and cabazitaxel pharmacokinetics were evaluated, and overall survival was estimated.ResultsIn phase 1, 23 patients were treated, including 19 with CNS tumors. One patient had a partial response; five had stable disease for >3 cycles. Common adverse events included fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, febrile neutropenia, and hypersensitivity reactions. Two of three DLTs (febrile neutropenia) occurred with a dose of 35 mg/m2; the MTD was 30 mg/m2. Slightly higher cabazitaxel clearance was observed compared with adult trials. In phase 2, 16 patients (eight HGG and eight DIPG) were enrolled; 11 were evaluable for response and five withdrew (three due to anaphylaxis). All 11 patients progressed within four cycles. No responses were observed; the study was stopped due to futility.ConclusionsThe safety profile of cabazitaxel was consistent with previous studies. The MTD (30 mg/m2) was higher than the adult MTD. Cabazitaxel did not demonstrate activity in recurrent/refractory HGG or DIPG.
Hb Adana (HBA2 or HBA1: c.179G > A) and alpha thalassemia: Genotype–phenotype correlation
Authors: Singh Sharon A. , Sarangi Susmita , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Hsu Peihong , Smith W. Byron , Gallagher Patrick G. , Glader Bertil , Chui David H. K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAlpha thalassemia due to nondeletional mutations usually leads to more severe disease than that caused by deletional mutations. Devastating outcomes such as hydrops fetalis can occur with two nondeletional mutations, therefore warranting DNA‐based workup for suspected carriers with subtle hematological abnormalities for family counseling purposes. We describe three cases with hemoglobin (Hb) Adana, a nondeletional alpha chain mutation, compounded with an alpha globin gene deletion resulting in thalassemia intermedia. We review the literature, draw genotype–phenotype correlations from published cases of Hb Adana, and propose that this correlation can be used by clinicians to help direct diagnostic studies and urge hematologists to thoroughly workup high‐risk patients.
Novel usage of microfocus computed tomography (micro‐CT) for visualisation of human embryonic development—Implications for future non‐invasive post‐mortem investigation
Authors: Shelmerdine Susan Cheng , Hutchinson John Ciaran , Kang Xin , Suich Joseph D. , Ashworth Michael , Cannie Mieke M. , Segers Valerie , Sebire Neil J. , Jani Jacques C. , Arthurs Owen J. 
Published: May 2018

What's already known about this topic?

Accurate pathological assessment of small gestational age fetuses is challenging.
Dating an embryo/fetus is essential to recognise expected human developmental stages and prevent misdiagnosis.
What does this study add?

Micro‐CT offers a non‐destructive, digital method for dating human embryos.
The micro‐CT imaging here is of the earliest gestation human embryo published to date with corresponding pathology. It can provide an alternative to autopsy even at early stages of development.