bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality as a Driver of Sustainable Agricultural Value Chains: The Case of the Relationship Coffee Model
Authors: Hernandez‐Aguilera J Nicolas , Gómez Miguel I , Rodewald Amanda D , Rueda Ximena , Anunu Colleen , Bennett Ruth , van Es Harold M 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSpecialty coffee markets that recognize coffee‐quality price premiums can improve business conditions for smallholders and promote agro‐ecological practices. We studied the Relationship Coffee Model (RCM), a business model that supports long‐term partnerships between coffee buyers and smallholders based on product quality. We examined how biophysical conditions and production practices affect smallholders’ ability to participate in this model. Furthermore, we considered common unobservable variables driving growers’ participation such as farm soil quality and connection to social networks. In turn, we evaluated key environmental, socio‐economic and technological outcomes, including tree and bird population diversity. Our estimations indicated that RCM participants employed more sustainable resource management practices, had better access to credit and were more informed and optimistic about the coffee business. However, we did not find significant farm‐gate price differences. Increased adoption of organic farming and shade‐grown systems to elevate coffee quality can stimulate sustainable business strategies. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Smallholders at a Crossroad: Intensify or Fall behind? Exploring Alternative Livelihood Strategies in a Globalized World
Authors: Rueda Ximena , Paz Andrea , Gibbs‐Plessl Theodora , Leon Ronald , Moyano Byron , Lambin Eric F 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe chocolate market is experiencing a wave of market differentiation thanks to the emergence of the bean‐to‐bar movement. Cacao is seeing both a rise in demand for mass markets and a process of market bifurcation into more specialized, high‐quality products for wealthy urban consumers. For the specialized market, the quality and origin of the beans are important attributes. Direct trading between chocolate makers and famers seeks to promote the conservation of rare cultivars and traditional agroforestry systems, while lifting farmers out of poverty. Here we assess whether these alternative configurations of the global value chain truly offer smallholders new opportunities, beyond the traditional intensification or marginalization pathways that are generally offered to them. We conducted detailed socio‐economic and biophysical surveys with a sample of farms in three of the largest cacao producing provinces of Ecuador. Our results show that, even though smallholders lack the assets needed to join mainstream commodity markets, they have been able to capitalize on the qualities of their traditional varieties to access niche markets. Through strong cooperatives, the knowledge held by buyers about what constitutes a high‐quality bean has been transferred to farmers. A unique natural capital may provide smallholders with rewarding pathways to develop their agriculture, exploiting new market opportunities offered by globalization. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Neoliberalism and the Emergence of Private Sustainability Initiatives: The Case of the Brazilian Cattle Value Chain
Authors: Guéneau Stéphane 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRecent studies have examined the political significance of the emergence of governmental initiatives to develop sustainability standards for agricultural commodities in the transition economies. Yet, few studies have examined how neoliberal ideas influence the governance of value chains in the agri‐food sector of these countries. This paper's goal is to explore the changing role of the state in sustainable cattle value chain governance in Brazil, through a methodology of participant observation of the Brazilian Roundtable on Sustainable Livestock (GTPS). The results describe the technologies used to govern the cattle value chain, which involves a private action controlled at a distance by the state that is aimed at making products acceptable on world markets. This neoliberal governmentality does not address some crucial sustainability issues of the cattle value chain. The findings call for an extension of evaluation methods so that more attention can be devoted to alternative cattle production systems. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Clients' experience of non‐response to psychological therapy: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Radcliffe Kay , Masterson Ciara , Martin Carol 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectiveThe evidence is that therapy only works for some. This study aimed to explore clients' subjective experience of non‐improvement; specifically how do participants who feel they have not benefitted from psychological therapy describe the experience and make sense of their therapy?MethodEight people from a National Health Service Psychological Therapies Department in the UK who felt their therapy had not resulted in improvement took part in semi‐structured interviews, later analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis.ResultsParticipants described a process, beginning with their difficulties, negative feelings about themselves, and initial hopes and anxieties for therapy. Once in therapy, participants described overwhelming fears of losing control and being judged. They described attempts to manage this, using self‐censoring and compliance. After therapy, while most could identify some gain, they felt disappointed and that they were having to ‘make do’. The sense of not having succeeded or being sufficiently deserving of further input, in turn, reinforced participants' initial negative self‐beliefs.ConclusionAlthough participants identified themselves as not having improved through therapy, the accounts suggested more complexity. All participants reported detrimental effects and accounts contained qualified, thoughtful descriptions of these experiences: participants acknowledged some gains, even though they felt that therapy had not met their expectations.
Imidazolium‐Based Cationic Covalent Triazine Frameworks for Highly Efficient Cycloaddition of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Liu Tao‐Tao , Xu Rui , Yi Jun‐Dong , Liang Jun , Wang Xu‐Sheng , Shi Peng‐Chao , Huang Yuan‐Biao , Cao Rong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCovalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have emerged as one class of outstanding porous materials due to their abundant nitrogen sites and highly thermal and chemical stability. However, most of the reported CTFs are neutral porous materials. Here, we report the synthesis of the well‐designed cationic covalent triazine frameworks (CCTFs) via an ionothermal method from the imidazolium monomer 1,3‐bis(4‐cyanophenyl)imidazolium chloride. The imidazolium active sites and pore structure of CCTFs at different synthetic temperature were systematically investigated. The porous CCTFs with positively charged (imidazolium moieties) backbones could effectively adsorb and capture of CO2 through dipole–quadruple interactions. Furthermore, the positively charged imidazolium moieties and the spatially confined nucleophilic chloride anions works in concert on the substrate, leading to synergistically enhanced catalysis for the cycloaddition reaction of epoxide with CO2. These findings provide a new way to design and construct ionic porous materials for sustainable catalysis.
A Scale‐up Strategy for the Fluid Flow in Biogas Plants
Authors: Annas Sven , Jantzen Hans-Arno , Scholz Jürgen , Janoske Uwe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe mixing process in biogas plants is fundamental for effectiveness. Unfortunately, difficulties at full scale mean that research must usually be performed at lab‐scale and the results up‐scaled. This study presents a scale‐up strategy for the fluid flow in shear‐thinning non‐Newtonian fluids. Dimensional analysis was applied to connect the influencing parameters, i.e., geometric dimensions, rotational speed, and rheological properties, to key figures. By using the Reynolds and Hedström number, standards for adapting the rotational speed and rheological properties were defined as a function of the scale. A sliding‐mesh model was selected for numerical simulations of a plant with a paddle agitator at two different scales. The scale‐up approach leads to similar velocity fields, which result in equal normalized mixing times.
One‐Step Electrodeposition Method to Prepare Robust Flexible PEDOT‐Based Films for Ultra‐Stable Supercapacitors
Authors: Ye Guo , Zhu Danhua , Zhou Qianjie , Li Danqin , Zuo Yinxiu , Duan Xuemin , Zhou Weiqiang , Xu Jingkun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractUltra‐long cycling stability is essential for conducting polymers (CPs) in the practical application of organic electronics. However, CPs usually exhibit poor cycling stability and fragile mechanical properties. Herein, through two alkyl‐bridged monomers, freestanding, flexible conducting P(EDOT‐co‐BEDTH) films based on the copolymerization of EDOT and 1,6‐bis((2,3‐dihydrothieno[3,4‐b][1,4]dioxin‐2‐yl)methoxy)hexane (BEDTH) are easily prepared through a one‐step electrodeposition process in CH2Cl2 containing 0.1 M Bu4NBF4. Both the homopolymers and copolymers are characterized by using SEM, FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetry (TG), and electrochemical methods. The results of DMA and TG indicate that the copolymer films show better mechanical flexibility and thermal stability than the corresponding homopolymers. Electrochemical results of P(EDOT‐co‐BEDTH) films with a capacitance of 23.6 mF cm−2 at 10 mV s−1 present ultra‐stable cycle life with a cycling capacitance retention of 99 % after 30 000 cycles. Furthermore, all‐solid‐state supercapacitors based on flexible P(EDOT‐co‐BEDTH) films exhibit the practical ability to light a red light‐emitting‐diode, demonstrating great promise in flexible energy‐storage devices.
Catalytic Enantioselective Synthesis of Highly Functionalized Pentafluorosulfanylated Pyrrolidines
Authors: Zhao Qun , Vuong Thi Minh Ha , Bai Xing‐Fen , Pannecoucke Xavier , Xu Li‐Wen , Bouillon Jean‐Philippe , Jubault Philippe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe first catalytic asymmetric synthesis of highly functionalized pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines is described. The method, based on a 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of aryl and heteroaryl‐substituted glycine Schiff bases with pentafluorosulfanyl acrylic esters, gave access to a broad range of pyrrolidines bearing aryl, naphtyl, and heteroaryl groups. By using Xing‐Phos as a catalyst, the corresponding products were obtained in good yields, good to high regioselectivity, and excellent diastereo‐ and enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee). This methodology allowed the preparation of enantioenriched SF5 compounds for the first time using an enantioselective approach.
A Total Synthesis of Salinosporamide A
Authors: Marx Léo B. , Burton Jonathan W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSalinosporamide A is a β‐lactone proteasome inhibitor currently in clinical trials for the treatment of multiple‐myeloma. Herein we report a short synthesis of this small, highly functionalized, biologically important natural product that uses an oxidative radical cyclization as a key step and allows for the preparation of gram quantities of advanced synthetic intermediates.
Carbon‐Dot‐Mediated Co‐Administration of Chemotherapeutic Agents for Reversing Cisplatin Resistance in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Feng Tao , Chua Huoy Jing , Zhao Yanli 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChemotherapeutic DNA‐modifying cisplatin and topoisomerase II (TOP2)‐inhibiting doxorubicin (DOX) were co‐administrated by full‐color emissive carbon dots (CDs−Pt(IV)−DOX) through tumor intracellular environment responsive covalent bonds to successfully reverse the resistance of cisplatin in cancer therapy. Cisplatin was loaded in the form of cisplatin(IV) prodrug and DOX was conjugated via a pH‐sensitive hydrazone bond. The internalization process of CDs−Pt(IV)−DOX by cancer cells could be monitored through multicolor emission from CDs and DOX. Upon uptake, cisplatin(IV) prodrug was activated to cytotoxic cisplatin under intracellular reductive condition, and the hydrazone bond was hydrolyzed to release DOX in intracellular weakly acidic environment. The released cisplatin and DOX exhibited combined anticancer effects via different mechanisms of action. Fluorescence imaging, a cytotoxicity study, and an apoptosis assay using CDs−Pt(IV)−DOX were performed to demonstrate the effective uptake and potent therapeutic efficacy toward A2780 and A2780cis cancer cells with cisplatin resistance. The developed CDs−Pt(IV)−DOX offers a promising fluorescent CD‐based co‐administration system for combating cisplatin resistance in cancer treatment.
A control for the day‐to‐day normalization of the flow cytometry γ‐H2AX assay for clinical routine
Authors: Viktorisson Adam , Mathew Sherin T. , Hammarsten Ola , Johansson Pegah 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe phosphorylation of histone H2AX (γ‐H2AX) at the DNA double‐strand break (DSB) site is frequently used for quantifying DSBs and may be useful as a biomarker for clinical applications. We have previously reported a flow cytometry‐based quantification of γ‐H2AX for clinical routine. One major challenge, however, is the lack of a control sample for normalization of the day‐to‐day variation of the flow cytometry γ‐H2AX assay.MethodsHere, we report development of a mix‐control sample containing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 10 control individuals, for normalization of day‐to‐day variation of the flow cytometry‐γ‐H2AX assay.ResultsWe showed that control individuals sampled on different days show an average day‐to‐day variation (CV) of 34%, which was reduced to 12% after normalization to the control sample. The normalization allowed detection of radiosensitivity of lymphoblastoid cell lines from ataxia telangiectasia patients, sampled over three days.ConclusionThe mix‐control sample, consisting of 10 control individuals’ PBMC, can be used as a control sample to normalize for day‐to‐day variation of the γ‐H2AX assay. The use of this sample will facilitate integration of the γ‐H2AX assay into clinical routine. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Untargeted profiling of Glycyrrhiza glabra extract with comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry using multi‐segmented shift gradients in the second dimension: Expanding the metabolic coverage
Authors: Wong Yong Foo , Cacciola Francesco , Fermas Soraya , Riga Solange , James Darryl , Manzin Valeria , Bonnet Brice , Marriott Philip John , Dugo Paola , Mondello Luigi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMetabolic profiling of Glycyrrhiza glabra using comprehensive two‐dimensional liquid chromatography (LC × LC) coupled with photodiode array (PDA) and mass spectrometry (MS) detection is described. The separation was conducted under reversed‐phase conditions, using a combination of first dimension (1D) 150 mm microbore cyano column utilising 2.7 μm diameter (dp) particles, and second dimension (2D) 50 mm superficially porous octadecylsilica column with 2.7 μm dp particles. A multi‐segmented shift gradient (MSG) for the 2D separation was developed, and the orthogonality achieved was compared with other modes of gradients, such as full in‐fraction, and shift gradient systems. Results demonstrated a significant expansion of metabolic coverage using MSG in 2D, providing the highest measure of orthogonality compared to other gradient modes. Compound identifications were performed by employing complementary data from PDA and MS detection, with reference to structural group‐type distribution in 2D space. A total of ca. 120 compounds were detected, and among them 37 were tentatively identified, distributed over the chemical families of glycosylated flavanones, triterpene saponins, and others. In comparison with one‐dimensional LC, the total number of compounds detected was ca. 2‐fold greater when LC × LC was employed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of the MSG mode in LC × LC, representing a powerful strategy to expand the metabolic coverage for analysis of plant‐derived extracts, containing a multitude of different phytochemical classes.
Changes in structural network are associated with cortical demyelination in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Mangeat Gabriel , Badji Atef , Ouellette Russell , Treaba Constantina A. , Herranz Elena , Granberg Tobias , Louapre Céline , Stikov Nikola , Sloane Jacob A. , Bellec Pierre , Mainero Caterina , Cohen‐Adad Julien 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the interplay between structural connectivity and cortical demyelination in early multiple sclerosis. About 27 multiple sclerosis patients and 18 age‐matched controls underwent two MRI scanning sessions. The first was done at 7T and involved acquiring quantitative T1 and T2* high‐resolution maps to estimate cortical myelination. The second was done on a Connectom scanner and consisted of acquiring high angular resolution diffusion‐weighted images to compute white matter structural connectivity metrics: strength, clustering and local efficiency. To further investigate the interplay between structural connectivity and cortical demyelination, patients were divided into four groups according to disease‐duration: 0–1 year, 1–2 years, 2–3 years, and >3 years. ANOVA and Spearman's correlations were used to highlight relations between metrics. ANOVA detected a significant effect between disease duration and both cortical myelin (p = 2 × 10−8) and connectivity metrics (p < 10−4). We observed significant cortical myelin loss in the shorter disease‐duration cohorts (0–1 year, p = .0015), and an increase in connectivity in the longer disease‐duration cohort (2–3 years, strength: p = .01, local efficiency: p = .002, clustering: p = .001). Moreover, significant covariations between myelin estimation and white matter connectivity metrics were observed: Spearman's Rho correlation coefficients of 0.52 (p = .0003), 0.55 (p = .0001), and 0.53 (p = .0001) for strength, local efficiency, and clustering, respectively. An association between cortical myelin loss and changes in white matter connectivity in early multiple sclerosis was detected. These changes in network organization might be the result of compensatory mechanisms in response to the ongoing cortical diffuse damage in the early stages of multiple sclerosis.
Anti‐inflammatory Exploration of Sulfonamide Containing Diaryl Pyrazoles with Promising COX‐2 Selectivity and Enhanced Gastric Safety Profile
Authors: Pavase Laxmikant S. , Mane Dhananjay V. , Baheti Kamalkishor G. 
Published: February 2018

Novel sulfonamide containing diaryl pyrazoles were synthesized and were subsequently tested for their in vitro cyclooxygenase inhibitory assay. Compounds that showed promising in vitro COX‐2 IC50 values and selectivity indices were then evaluated for their in vivo anti‐inflammatory inhibition assay using standard carrageenan‐induced rat paw edema method. Two promising inhibitors were evaluated for ulcerogenic liability. X‐ray crystal structure of COX‐2 was taken from PDB entry COX‐2 (3LN1) having a resolution of 2.80 Å (Angstroms). Structural preparations for docking studies were accomplished using protein preparation wizard in Maestro 9.0. Compound 10b displayed reasonable COX‐2 inhibition (COX‐2 IC50 = 0.52 μM) and COX‐2 selectivity index (SI = 10.73) when compared with celecoxib (COX‐2 IC50 = 0.78 μM) and (SI = 9.51). In vivo anti‐inflammatory studies demonstrated 64.28% inhibition for 10b in comparison with the 57.14% for that of celecoxib itself. The results of ulcerogenic liability were also found comparable with standard celecoxib. Molecular docking studies revealed that all the designed molecules showed good interactions with receptor active site with glide scores in the range −13.130 to −10.624.
Socio‐economic status and time trends associated with early ART initiation following primary HIV infection in Montreal, Canada: 1996 to 2015
Authors: Mehraj Vikram , Cox Joseph , Lebouché Bertrand , Costiniuk Cecilia , Cao Wei , Li Taisheng , Ponte Rosalie , Thomas Réjean , Szabo Jason , Baril Jean‐Guy , Trottier Benoit , Côté Pierre , LeBlanc Roger , Bruneau Julie , Tremblay Cécile , Routy Jean‐Pierre ,   the Montreal Primary HIV‐Infection Study Group
Published: February 2018

AbstractIntroductionGuidelines regarding antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation in HIV infection have varied over time, with the 2015 World Health Organization recommendation suggesting ART initiation at the time of diagnosis regardless of CD4 T‐cell counts. Herein, we investigated the influence of socio‐demographic and clinical factors in addition to time trends on early ART initiation among participants of the Montreal Primary HIV Infection Study.MethodsThe Montreal Primary HIV Infection Study is a prospective cohort established in three community medical centres (CMCs) and two university medical centres (UMCs). Recently diagnosed HIV‐infected adults were categorized as receiving early (vs. delayed) ART if ART was initiated within 180 days of the baseline visit. Associations between early ART initiation and socio‐demographic, socio‐economic and behavioural information were examined. Independent associations of factors linked with early ART initiation were determined using multivariable binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsA total of 348 participants had a documented date of HIV acquisition of <180 days. The median interquartile range (IQR) age of participants was 35 (28; 42) years and the majority were male (96%), having paid employment (63%), men who have sex with men (MSM) (78%) and one to four sexual partners in the last three months (70%). Participants presented with a median IQR HIV plasma viral load of 4.6 (3.7; 5.3) log10 copies/ml, CD4 count of 510 (387; 660) cells/μl and were recruited in CMCs (52%) or UMCs (48%). Early ART initiation was observed in 47% of the participants and the trend followed a V‐shaped curve with peaks in 1996 to 1997 (89%) and 2013 to 2015 (88%) with a dip in 2007 to 2009 (22%). Multivariable analyses showed that having a paid employment adjusted odds ratio (aOR: 2.43; 95% CI: 1.19, 4.95), lower CD4 count (aOR per 50 cell increase: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.87, 0.99) and care at UMCs (aOR: 2.03; 95% CI: 1.06 to 3.90) were independently associated with early ART initiation.ConclusionsEarly ART initiation during primary HIV infection was associated with diminished biological prognostic factors and calendar time mirroring evolution of treatment guidelines. In addition, socio‐economic factors such as having a paid employment, contribute to early ART initiation in the context of universal access to care in Canada.