bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development co‐operation and the partnership–ownership nexus: Lessons from the Canada–Ghana experience
Authors: Black David 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMotivationOwnership and partnership are ubiquitous concepts in development co‐operation and are often treated as symbiotic. Yet, given their multiple forms and meanings, they have always been in tension. This tension is heightened as partnerships diversify in ways that strain traditional bilateral country relationships.PurposeThis article probes how the proliferation of development actors and new forms of multi‐stakeholder partnership are affecting long‐standing bilateral government‐to‐government ties, and generating new challenges to ownership within them. It highlights the salience of thematic specialization as a response to these challenges.Approach and MethodsThe article distinguishes between instrumental and normative conceptions of partnership and ownership, situating bilateral country partnership in relation to this distinction. It illustrates the difficulties of fostering bilateral partnership/ownership through a “best case” study of the Canada–Ghana development relationship. Analysis is based on secondary and primary sources, as well as 18 semi‐structured interviews and consultations with participants and close observers of the relationship.FindingsThe Ghana–Canada case highlights several challenges to effective bilateral country ownership in a context of proliferating and diversifying partnerships. Some are familiar but deepening; others are more novel. They include renewed challenges of donor proliferation and co‐ordination; problems of recipient capacity and competition; and adapting to recipient “failure” and “success.” Most significantly, the trend towards more disciplined thematic focus in development co‐operation policies, manifested in Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy, has complicated and compromised country ownership.Policy implicationsIn their pursuit of innovative development partnerships and thematic specialization, donors face new challenges in negotiating bilateral relationships and country ownership. Systematic efforts are required to connect thematic priorities with those of groups and governments in recipient countries.
Phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium nutrition on Calonectria leaf blight in eucalypt plants
Authors: Zarpelon Talyta G. , da Silva André C. , Santos André F. , Freitas Camila da S. , Coutinho Marcelo M. , de Barros Nairam F. , de Freitas Rodrigo G. , Alfenas Acelino C. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCalonectria pteridis causes Calonectria leaf blight (CLB), and consequently severe defoliation in eucalypt plantations, which results in losses in wood volume. To reduce the negative impacts of this disease in eucalypt, this study aimed to assess the application of different doses and combinations of the macronutrients N, P and K on the percentage of symptomatic leaf area (SLA) and defoliation induced by the pathogen. Cuttings of a clone of Eucalyptus grandis were transplanted to pots containing soil that received different dose combinations of N, P and K, according to an incomplete factorial design. At 200 days after transplanting, leaf samples were analysed for N, P and K contents, and then, the plants were inoculated. Forty‐five days post‐inoculation, SLA and percentage of defoliation were quantified. Potassium doses above 75 mg/dm3 of soil significantly reduced SLA and defoliation. The influence of N and P on defoliation was dependent on K doses, but both reduced symptomatic leaf area. The best control of the disease, expressed by decreased defoliation and symptomatic leaf area, was achieved with leaf content of N, P and K of 9.8, 0.8 and 10.4 g per kg leaf, respectively, obtained with doses of 55, 82.5 and 143 mg/dm3of soil, respectively. Therefore, N, P and K nutrition can be a component of an integrated management programme for the control of CLB in eucalypts.
Soil structure and nutrient supply drive changes in soil microbial communities during conversion of virgin desert soil to irrigated cropland
Authors: Chen Long‐Fei , He Zhi‐Bin , Zhao Wen‐Zhi , Liu Ji‐Liang , Zhou Hai , Li Jing , Meng Yang‐Yang , Wang Li‐Sha 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSoil microorganisms are critical to soil health and environmental functions; however, the dynamics of microbial communities and their response to soil variables following conversion of desert soils to oasis farmland have not been well documented. We used high‐throughput pyrosequencing to investigate the dynamics of soil microbial communities along an irrigated cultivation chronosequence (cultivated for 16, 33, 45 and 60 years) and in adjacent non‐cultivated soil in a desert‐oasis ecotone in northwestern China. Additionally, we explored which soil variables may be responsible for shifts in microbial communities. Generally, cultivation in desert soil increased microbial community abundance and diversity; however, bacterial abundance and diversity increased along the cultivation chronosequence, whereas fungal abundance and diversity initially increased and then decreased. Continuous crop cultivation also resulted in a shift in microbial community composition, notably with a decrease in nitrogen (N)‐fixing microbes (Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria) and an increase in ammonia‐oxidizing (Nitrosomonadales) and nitrite‐oxidizing microbes (Nitrospirae). Redundancy analysis showed that soil organic carbon, total N, available N, available phosphorus and bulk density explained over 80% of the variation in both bacterial and fungal communities; this indicated the critical roles of nutrient supply and soil structure in shaping the composition and diversity of microbial communities during the conversion of native desert soils to irrigated croplands.Highlights
Cultivation in desert soil increased microbial community abundance and diversity.
Cultivation decreased N‐fixing microbes.
Cultivation increased ammonia‐oxidizing and nitrite‐oxidizing microbes.
Soil structure and nutrient supply shaped the diversity of microbial communities.
High‐throughput analysis of vocalizations reveals sex‐specific changes in Fmr1 mutant pups
Authors: Nolan Suzanne O. , Hodges Samantha L. , Lugo Joaquin N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThere have been several reports that individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS) and animal models of FXS have communication deficits. The present study utilized two different call classification taxonomies to examine the sex‐specificity of ultrasonic vocalization (USV) production on postnatal day (PD8) in the FVB strain of Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. One classification protocol requires the investigator to score each call by hand, while the other protocol uses an automated algorithm. Results using the hand‐scoring protocol indicated that male Fmr1 KO mice exhibited longer calls (P = .03) than wild types on PD8. Male KOs also produced fewer complex, composite, downward, short and two‐syllable call‐types, as well as more frequency steps and chevron call‐types. Female heterozygotes exhibited no significant changes in acoustic or temporal aspects of calls, yet showed significant changes in call‐type production proportions across two different classification taxonomies (P < .001). They exhibited increased production of harmonic and frequency steps calls, as well as fewer chevron, downward and short calls. According to the second high‐throughput analysis, female heterozygotes produced significantly fewer single‐type and more multiple‐type syllables, unlike male KOs that showed no changes in these aspects of syllable production. Finally, we correlated both scoring methods and found a high level of correlation between the two methods. These results contribute further knowledge of sex differences in USV calling behavior for Fmr1 heterozygote and KO mice and provide a foundation for the use of high‐throughput analysis of neonatal USVs.
Conceptualizing soil organic matter into particulate and mineral‐associated forms to address global change in the 21st century
Authors: Lavallee Jocelyn M. , Soong Jennifer L. , Cotrufo M. Francesca 
Published: October 2019

AbstractManaging soil organic matter (SOM) stocks to address global change challenges requires well‐substantiated knowledge of SOM behavior that can be clearly communicated between scientists, management practitioners, and policy makers. However, SOM is incredibly complex and requires separation into multiple components with contrasting behavior in order to study and predict its dynamics. Numerous diverse SOM separation schemes are currently used, making cross‐study comparisons difficult and hindering broad‐scale generalizations. Here, we recommend separating SOM into particulate (POM) and mineral‐associated (MAOM) forms, two SOM components that are fundamentally different in terms of their formation, persistence, and functioning. We provide evidence of their highly contrasting physical and chemical properties, mean residence times in soil, and responses to land use change, plant litter inputs, warming, CO2 enrichment, and N fertilization. Conceptualizing SOM into POM versus MAOM is a feasible, well‐supported, and useful framework that will allow scientists to move beyond studies of bulk SOM, but also use a consistent separation scheme across studies. Ultimately, we propose the POM versus MAOM framework as the best way forward to understand and predict broad‐scale SOM dynamics in the context of global change challenges and provide necessary recommendations to managers and policy makers.
Soil fauna diversity increases CO2 but suppresses N2O emissions from soil
Authors: Lubbers Ingrid M. , Berg Matty P. , De Deyn Gerlinde B. , van der Putten Wim H. , van Groenigen Jan Willem 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSoil faunal activity can be a major control of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from soil. Effects of single faunal species, genera or families have been investigated, but it is unknown how soil fauna diversity may influence emissions of both carbon dioxide (CO2, end product of decomposition of organic matter) and nitrous oxide (N2O, an intermediate product of N transformation processes, in particular denitrification). Here, we studied how CO2 and N2O emissions are affected by species and species mixtures of up to eight species of detritivorous/fungivorous soil fauna from four different taxonomic groups (earthworms, potworms, mites, springtails) using a microcosm set‐up. We found that higher species richness and increased functional dissimilarity of species mixtures led to increased faunal‐induced CO2 emission (up to 10%), but decreased N2O emission (up to 62%). Large ecosystem engineers such as earthworms were key drivers of both CO2 and N2O emissions. Interestingly, increased biodiversity of other soil fauna in the presence of earthworms decreased faunal‐induced N2O emission despite enhanced C cycling. We conclude that higher soil fauna functional diversity enhanced the intensity of belowground processes, leading to more complete litter decomposition and increased CO2 emission, but concurrently also resulting in more complete denitrification and reduced N2O emission. Our results suggest that increased soil fauna species diversity has the potential to mitigate emissions of N2O from soil ecosystems. Given the loss of soil biodiversity in managed soils, our findings call for adoption of management practices that enhance soil biodiversity and stimulate a functionally diverse faunal community to reduce N2O emissions from managed soils.
How much heat can we grow in our cities? Modelling UK urban biofuel production potential
Authors: Grafius Darren R. , Hall Stephen , McHugh Nicola , Edmondson Jill L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBiofuel provides a globally significant opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependence; however, its sustainability can only be meaningfully explored for individual cases. It depends on multiple considerations including: life cycle greenhouse gas emissions, air quality impacts, food versus fuel trade‐offs, biodiversity impacts of land use change and socio‐economic impacts of energy transitions. One solution that may address many of these issues is local production of biofuel on non‐agricultural land. Urban areas drive global change, for example, they are responsible for 70% of global energy use, but are largely ignored in their resource production potential; however, underused urban greenspaces could be utilized for biofuel production near the point of consumption. This could avoid food versus fuel land conflicts in agricultural land and long‐distance transport costs, provide ecosystem service benefits to urban dwellers and increase the sustainability and resilience of cities and towns. Here, we use a Geographic Information System to identify urban greenspaces suitable for biofuel production, using exclusion criteria, in 10 UK cities. We then model production potential of three different biofuels: Miscanthus grass, short rotation coppice (SRC) willow and SRC poplar, within the greenspaces identified and extrapolate up to a UK‐scale. We demonstrate that approximately 10% of urban greenspace (3% of built‐up land) is potentially suitable for biofuel production. We estimate the potential of this to meet energy demand through heat generation, electricity and combined heat and power (CHP) operations. Our findings show that, if fully utilized, urban biofuel production could meet nearly a fifth of demand for biomass in CHP systems in the United Kingdom's climate compatible energy scenarios by 2030, with potentially similar implications for other comparable countries and regions.
Silicon infiltrated silicon carbide from extruded thermoplastic wood polymer composites
Authors: Liensdorf Tom , Schoch Rebecca , Lang Marieluise , Langhof Nico , Hochrein Thomas , Bastian Martin , Krenkel Walter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractSilicon‐infiltrated silicon carbide (SiSiC) is an important technical ceramic material for several demanding applications such as heat exchangers, nozzles or mechanical seals. However, shaping and machining tools are quickly worn down, due to the application of hard abrasive silicon carbide (SiC) particles as part of the conventional starting compounds for monolithic SiSiC ceramics. Within this work, an alternative route fabricating SiSiC without primary SiC particles and with low residual carbon contents derived from thermoplastic wood polymer composites (WPC) is described. By varying the proportions of the raw materials, the phase compositions of the SiC ceramic could be modified. A reduction in the average wood particle size from 120 to 60 µm led to a homogenous SiSiC with high SiC content. SiSiC with flexural strengths up to 230 MPa and a Weibull modulus of 16 were developed. The residual carbon content could be reduced below 1 wt%.
Anion exchange polymeric sorbent coupled to high‐performance liquid chromatography with UV diode array detection for the determination of ten N‐nitrosamines in meat products: a validated approach
Authors: Iammarino Marco , Mangiacotti Michele , Chiaravalle Antonio E. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryAmong mechanisms and molecules presumably involved in the carcinogenicity induced by meat consumption, the N‐nitrosamines (N‐NAs) are a class of compounds characteristic of processed meats. In this work, an analytical method for the determination of ten N‐nitrosamines (N‐nitrosomorpholine, N‐nitrosomethylethylamine, N‐nitrosopyrrolidine, N‐nitrosodiethylamine, N‐nitrosopiperidine, N‐nitrosodipropylamine, N‐nitrosodimethylaniline, N‐nitrosodibutylamine, N‐nitrosodiphenylamine and N‐nitrosodibenzylamine) in fresh meats and meat products was developed, optimised and validated. The method is based on optimised sample purification by solid‐phase extraction (anion exchange polymeric sorbent) and separation/detection by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to UV diode array detection. The validation procedure allowed to ascertaining good analytical performances in terms of sensitivity, selectivity towards interfering compounds, accuracy and robustness. The values obtained for precision (range: 4.3–14.4%) and recovery percentages (range: 80.8–95.1%) were compared to reference values indicated in the Decision No. 657/2002/EC, resulting as compliant. The measurement uncertainty (lower than 14.6%) was satisfactory for each N‐NA as well.
Placement of SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer for prostate cancer patients treated with iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy
Authors: Morita Masashi , Fukagai Takashi , Hirayama Kidai , Yamatoya Jin , Noguchi Tetsuo , Ogawa Yu , Igarashi Atsushi , Niiya Akifumi , Kato Masako , Morota Madoka , Oshinomi Kazuhiko , Ogawa Yoshio , Lederer John L 
Published: October 2019

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to report on our early experience with hydrogel spacer (SpaceOAR) placement in combination with iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.MethodsFrom April 2018, SpaceOAR hydrogel spacer was placed in 100 consecutive patients undergoing iodine‐125 low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. Complications and the status of the placement were evaluated. Deformation of the prostate by the spacer was examined measuring prostate diameters and evaluating the change from preoperative status. The position of the prostate was similarly examined by evaluating the change in distance between the pubic symphysis and the prostate. Post‐plan dosimetric data were compared with 200 patients treated without a spacer.ResultsNo complications were found during either the intraoperative or perioperative periods. The mean displacement distance of 11.64 mm was created, the mean value before spacer placement was 0.28 mm (P < 0.0001). The change of the prostate diameters showed a positive increase in all directions, with no significant negative change in any one direction. Regarding the change in distance between pubic symphysis and the prostate, no significant shortening trend was observed between the two groups (P = 0.14). Whereas the dosimetric parameters showed means of 0.001 and 0.026 cc for RV150 and RV100 in the spacer group, they were 0.025 and 0.318 cc, respectively, in the non‐spacer group, showing a significant decrease in both parameters (P < 0.001).ConclusionsProstate deformation secondary to hydrogel placement might adversely affect dosimetric parameters in patients undergoing low‐dose‐rate brachytherapy. However, a significant reduction in the rectal dose can be adopted without adversely affecting the other parameters related to treatment outcome.
Synchrotron x‐ray spectroscopy investigation of the Ca1−xLnxZrTi2−x(Al, Fe)xO7 zirconolite ceramics (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Ho, Yb)
Authors: Ji Shiyin , Su Minhua , Liao Changzhong , Ma Shengshou , Wang Zhiguang , Shih Kaimin , Chang Chung‐Kai , Lee Jyh‐Fu , Chan Ting‐Shan , Li Yuhong 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhen incorporating actinides into zirconolite for high‐level radioactive waste immobilization, Al3+ and Fe3+ ions generally act as charge compensators. In this study, we rationally designed a series of (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, Ho, Yb) to unravel the dopant solubility and evolutions of the crystalline phase and local environment of cations through synchrotron X‐ray methods. It was found that single zirconolite phase is difficult to obtain and the fraction of perovskite have an increase with x from 0.1 to 0.9 in . Formation of both zirconolite‐2M and zirconolite‐3O phases was observed in and . Phase transformation from zirconolite‐2M to 3O occurs at x = 0.7 for while x = 0.9 for . The solubility of and to form single zirconolite‐2M can reach to 0.9 f.u. and 0.7 f.u., respectively. The evolution of lattice parameters of zirconolite in is greatly related to the ionic radii of cations and substitution mechanism among the cations. X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy revealed that Fe3+ ions replace both five‐ and six‐coordinated Ti sites and the ratio of TiO5 to TiO6 decreases when increasing dopant concentration in the . For the local environment of Zr4+, the major form is ZrO7 with a trace of ZrO8.
Preparation of one‐part geopolymeric precursors using vanadium tailing by thermal activation
Authors: Luo Yongpeng , Bao Shenxu , Zhang Yimin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe main purpose of this study is to develop a user‐friendly one‐part geopolymer using vanadium tailing (VT). Geopolymeric precursor consists of activated VT and metakaolin that can react directly with water to form geopolymers. The roasting temperature plays an important role in the VT activation, which affects the compressive strength of the final geopolymer. The geopolymer with accepted compressive strength, that is 29.0 MPa after 7 days curing in ambient condition, can be prepared using VT after thermal activation at appropriate temperature (400‐600°C). As the roasting temperature is increased to 700°C, the VT is molten and sintered and the ability of providing alkaline and Si4+ is drastically weakened, which results in a poor compressive strength geopolymer.
Exploring rain forest diversification using demographic model testing in the African foam‐nest treefrog Chiromantis rufescens
Authors: Leaché Adam D. , Portik Daniel M. , Rivera Danielle , Rödel Mark‐Oliver , Penner Johannes , Gvoždík Václav , Greenbaum Eli , Jongsma Gregory F. M. , Ofori‐Boateng Caleb , Burger Marius , Eniang Edem A. , Bell Rayna C. , Fujita Matthew K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimSpecies with wide distributions spanning the African Guinean and Congolian rain forests are often composed of genetically distinct populations or cryptic species with geographic distributions that mirror the locations of the remaining forest habitats. We used phylogeographic inference and demographic model testing to evaluate diversification models in a widespread rain forest species, the African foam‐nest treefrog Chiromantis rufescens.LocationGuinean and Congolian rain forests, West and Central Africa.TaxonChiromantis rufescens.MethodsWe collected mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data for 130 samples of C. rufescens. After estimating population structure and inferring species trees using coalescent methods, we tested demographic models to evaluate alternative population divergence histories that varied with respect to gene flow, population size change and periods of isolation and secondary contact. Species distribution models were used to identify the regions of climatic stability that could have served as forest refugia since the last interglacial.ResultsPopulation structure within C. rufescens resembles the major biogeographic regions of the Guinean and Congolian forests. Coalescent‐based phylogenetic analyses provide strong support for an early divergence between the western Upper Guinean forest and the remaining populations. Demographic inferences support diversification models with gene flow and population size changes even in cases where contemporary populations are currently allopatric, which provides support for forest refugia and barrier models. Species distribution models suggest that forest refugia were available for each of the populations throughout the Pleistocene.Main conclusionsConsidering historical demography is essential for understanding population diversification, especially in complex landscapes such as those found in the Guineo–Congolian forest. Population demographic inferences help connect the patterns of genetic variation to diversification model predictions. The diversification history of C. rufescens was shaped by a variety of processes, including vicariance from river barriers, forest fragmentation and adaptive evolution along environmental gradients.