bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unequal Declines in Absolute and Relative Disparities in HIV Diagnoses Among Black Women, United States, 2008 to 2016
Authors: Demeke Hanna B. , Johnson Anna S. , Wu Baohua , Moonesinghe Ramal , Dean Hazel D. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives. To assess changes in disparities of HIV diagnosis rates among Black women aged 18 years or older living in the United States. Methods. We calculated estimated annual percent changes (EAPCs) in annual diagnosis rates, rate differences (absolute disparity), and rate ratios (relative disparity) for groups (total, US-born, and non–US-born) of Black women (referent was all White women) with diagnosed HIV infection, using data reported to the National HIV Surveillance System. Results. Of 39 333 Black women who received an HIV diagnosis during 2008 to 2016, 21.4% were non–US-born. HIV diagnosis rates declined among all Black women, with the smallest decline among non–US-born groups (EAPC = –3.1; P ≤ .001). Absolute disparities declined for both US-born and non–US-born Black women; however, the relative disparity declined for Black women overall and US-born Black women, whereas it increased for non–US-born (including Caribbean- and Africa-born) Black women. Conclusions. Differences in disparities in HIV diagnoses exist between US-, and non–US-born (specifically Caribbean- and Africa-born) Black women. Accounting for the heterogeneity of the Black women’s population is crucial in measuring and monitoring progress toward eliminating health disparities among Black women.
Preexposure Prophylaxis Monitoring in New York City: A Public Health Approach
Authors: Myers Julie E. , Edelstein Zoe R. , Daskalakis Demetre C. , Gandhi Anisha D. , Misra Kavita , Rivera Alexis V. , Salcuni Paul M. , Scanlin Kathleen , Udeagu Chi-Chi , Braunstein Sarah L. 
Published: November 2018

The scale-up of preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) represents a paradigm shift in HIV prevention that poses unique challenges for public health programs. Monitoring of PrEP implementation at the population level is a national priority, with particular significance in New York City (NYC) given the substantial HIV burden and the prominence of PrEP in state and local Ending the Epidemic program plans. We highlight the importance of local monitoring and evaluation of PrEP implementation outcomes and describe the experience at the NYC Health Department, which includes engaging communities, triangulating a variety of data sources regarding PrEP implementation, and leveraging those data to help guide programming. In NYC, we used data from national surveillance systems and incorporated PrEP-related indicators into existing local data collection systems to help illustrate gaps in PrEP awareness and use. Ultimately, ensuring that PrEP achieves the desired impact at the population level depends on identifying disparities through appropriate and accurate measurement, and addressing them through evidence-based programs.
Patterns of Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Prevalence in HIV and Syphilis Diagnoses Among Men Who Have Sex With Men, 2016: A Novel Data Visualization
Authors: Sullivan Patrick S. , Purcell David W. , Grey Jeremy A. , Bernstein Kyle T. , Gift Thomas L. , Wimbly Taylor A. , Hall Eric , Rosenberg Eli S. 
Published: November 2018

Objectives. To describe disparities in HIV infection and syphilis among gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) in US states through ratio-based measures and graphical depictions of disparities. Methods. We used state-level surveillance data of reported HIV and syphilis cases in 2015 and 2016, and estimates of MSM population sizes to estimate HIV and syphilis prevalence by race/ethnicity and rate ratios (RRs) and to visually display patterns of disparity and prevalence among US states. Results. State-specific rates of new HIV diagnoses were higher for Black than for White MSM (RR range = 2.35 [Rhode Island] to 10.12 [Wisconsin]) and for Hispanic than for White MSM (RR range = 1.50 [Tennessee] to 5.78 [Pennsylvania]). Rates of syphilis diagnoses were higher for Black than for White MSM in 42 of 44 states (state RR range = 0.89 [Hawaii] to 17.11 [Alaska]). Scatterplots of HIV diagnosis rates by race showed heterogeneity in epidemic scenarios, even in states with similar ratio-based disparity measures. Conclusions. There is a widely disparate impact of HIV and syphilis among Black and Hispanic MSM compared with White MSM. Between-state variation suggests that states should tailor and focus their prevention responses to best address state data.
Gaps in Preexposure Prophylaxis Uptake for HIV Prevention in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Garner Will , Wilson Brigid M. , Beste Lauren , Maier Marissa , Ohl Michael E. , Van Epps Puja 
Published: November 2018

Objectives. To report demographics, regional variations, and indications for preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use for HIV prevention in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). Methods. We identified persons initiating tenofovir/emtricitabine for the PrEP indication in the United States between July 2012 and April 2016 in a VHA national database. We stratified PrEP use by provider type and VHA region. We calculated PrEP initiation rate for each region with VHA population data. Results. Of the 825 persons who initiated PrEP during the observation period, 67% were White and 76% were men who have sex with men. People who inject drugs and transgender persons represented less than 1% each of the cohort. The majority of PrEP initiations were clustered in 3 states, leading with California (28%) followed by Florida (9%) and Texas (8%). The Southeast had one of the lowest PrEP rates at 10 PrEP initiations per 100 000 persons in care. Infectious disease specialists issued more than two thirds of index PrEP prescriptions. Conclusions. Uptake of PrEP in the VHA is uneven along geographic and risk categories. Understanding the reasons behind these gaps will be key in expanding the use of this important prevention tool.
Rolling and Biological Control Products Affect Microdochium Patch Severity on a Sand‐Based Annual Bluegrass Putting Green
Authors: Mattox Clint M. , Kowalewski Alec R. , McDonald Brian W. , Lambrinos John G. , Pscheidt Jay W. 
Published: November 2018

Core IdeasThere is evidence that rolling an annual bluegrass putting green 5 d a wk−1resulted in a lower severity of Microdochium patch.Two biological control products were shown to significantly lower Microdochium patch severity.Neither biological products nor rolling were shown to completely suppress Microdochium patch; therefore, turfgrass quality was not considered acceptable for any treatments.This study offers evidence of alternative disease control techniques for the management of Microdochium patch on annual bluegrass putting greens.The turfgrass disease Microdochium patch caused by the pathogenMicrodochium nivale(Fries) Samuels & I.C. Hallett occurs in cool, humid regions. Fungicide applications are the predominant control method, however increasing pesticide restrictions have generated concern regarding their use. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of rolling 5 d wk−1in combination with three biological control products applied every 2 wk on Microdochium patch severity on an annual bluegrass (Poa annuaL.) putting green in the absence of traditional fungicides. Biological control products included; BW136N (Trichoderma harzianumRifai strain T‐22 +Trichoderma virens(J.H. Mill. Giddens & A.A. Foster) Arx strain G‐41), Rhapsody (Bacillus subtilisstrain QST 713), and Provide (a microbial solution containing unspecified strains ofBacillus subtilis,Mucor hiemalis, andTrichoderma harzianum) + ReVive (7% humic acid derived from Leonardite). Rolling was effective at inhibiting Microdochium patch as measured by area under disease progress curves (AUDPC) in both years on rolled plots compared to not rolled plots by 47 and 75%, respectively. Applications of BW136N and Rhapsody reduced the severity of Microdochium patch as measured by AUDPC compared to the control (66 and 50% reduction, respectively). The ProVide + ReVive combination did not suppress disease in this study. At the peak of disease, turfgrass quality was greatest when rolling was combined with applications of BW136N or Rhapsody. These findings suggest that rolling as well as BW136N or Rhapsody can inhibit Microdochium patch severity and further research into this management method is warranted.
Active‐Optical Reflectance Sensing Corn Algorithms Evaluated over the United States Midwest Corn Belt
Authors: Bean G. M. , Kitchen N. R. , Camberato J. J. , Ferguson R. B. , Fernandez F. G. , Franzen D. W. , Laboski C. A. M. , Nafziger E. D. , Sawyer J. E. , Scharf P. C. , Schepers J. , Shanahan J. S. 
Published: November 2018

Core Ideas
Active‐optical reflectance sensor algorithms perform poorly outside the area for which they were originally developed.
The red edge waveband is more sensitive to N stress than the red waveband.
Some active‐optical reflectance algorithms are dependent on the sensor for which they were developed.
Uncertainty exists with corn (Zea mays L.) N management due to year‐to‐year variation in crop N need, soil N supply, and N loss from leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. Active‐optical reflectance sensing (AORS) has proven effective in some fields for generating N fertilizer recommendations that improve N use efficiency, but locally derived (e.g., within a US state) AORS algorithms have not been tested simultaneously across a broad region. The objective of this research was to evaluate locally developed AORS algorithms across the US Midwest Corn Belt region for making in‐season corn N recommendations. Forty‐nine N response trials were conducted across eight states and three growing seasons. Reflectance measurements were collected and sidedress N rates (45–270 kg N ha−1 on 45 kg ha−1 increments) applied at approximately V9 corn development stage. Nitrogen recommendation rates from AORS algorithms were compared with the end‐of‐season calculated economic optimal N rate (EONR). No algorithm was within 34 kg N ha−1 of EONR > 50% of the time. Average recommendations differed from EONR 81 to 147 kg N ha−1 with no N applied at planting and 74 to 118 kg N ha−1 with 45 kg of N ha−1 at planting, indicating algorithms performed worse with no N applied at planting. With some algorithms, utilizing red edge instead of the red reflectance improved N recommendations. Results demonstrate AORS algorithms developed under a particular set of conditions may not, at least without modification, perform very well in regions outside those within which they were developed.
Fertilizer Phosphorus Solubility Effects on Indian Mustard–Maize and Wheat–Soybean Cropping Systems Productivity
Authors: Rana D.S. , Dass A. , Rajanna G.A. , Choudhary A.K. 
Published: November 2018

In Indian mustard and wheat, newly developed phosphorus fertilizers, Suphla of 20:20:0 grade with 60 and 80% water solubility were comparable with di‐ammonium phosphate for crop productivity.Residual effect of newly developed phosphorus fertilizers sources was significant in succeeding maize and soybean crops.All P sources were found equally effective and recorded higher yields and nutrient uptake compared to omission of P.Phosphorus fertilizer sources, Suphla of 20:20:0 grade with 60 and 80% water solubility can be used to meet out the P requirement of mustard–maize and wheat–soybean systems.Crop responses to P fertilization, in terms of productivity, phosphorus‐use efficiency (PUE), and residual fertility in soil, can depend on the form of P applied. A field experiment was conducted to determine the effect of various P fertilizer forms on productivity and PUE indices in two predominantly practiced Indian mustard [Brassica juncea(L.) Czern & Coss.]–maize [Zea mays(L.)] and wheat [Triticum aestivum(L.) emend. Flori & Paol]–soybean [Glycine max(L.) Merrill] cropping rotations. The experiment was conducted during 2012–2014 at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India. A ‘Suphala’ P fertilizer, with 30, 60, and 80% water solubility was compared with single superphosphate (SSP) and di‐ammonium phosphate (DAP), all including the recommended dose of N and K through urea and muriate of potash. The seed yield (6.0—21.3%), crop equivalent yield (4.7–10.3%) and system net returns (1.8–11.8%) of Indian mustard were higher with direct application of SSP over other soluble and partially soluble P fertilizers. Wheat yield (4.6–9.6%) and system net returns (2.7–9.6%), were higher using DAP. However, the residual effect of P fertilizers exerted a significant influence on the performance of succeeding maize and soybean crops. Using DAP as P fertilizer form recorded higher grain yield and system net returns of maize and soybean than other soluble P forms. Irrespective of the fertilizer form, treatments involving P application improved P use indices, and apparent N and K recovery in Indian mustard and wheat crops. Hence, the studied P fertilizer forms will result in higher productivity, sustainable use of resources and reduction in production costs for these cropping systems.
Stream Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Sediment Concentrations Show Contrasting Long‐term Trends Associated with Agricultural Change
Authors: Renwick William H. , Vanni Michael J. , Fisher Thomas J. , Morris Emily L. 
Published: November 2018

Stream water quality can be greatly influenced by changes in agricultural practices, but studies of long‐term dynamics are scarce. Here we describe trends over 21 yr (1994–2014) in nutrients and suspended sediments in three streams in a Midwestern US agricultural watershed. During this time, the watershed experienced substantial changes in agricultural practices, most importantly a pronounced shift from conventional to conservation tillage. In the 1990s and early 2000s, NH4, soluble reactive P, and suspended sediment concentrations (standardized for discharge and season) each declined significantly (>4–12% per year) in at least two of the three streams (P < 0.01), whereas NO3 changed relatively little. However, since the early 2000s, declines in NH4 and sediment concentrations have slowed, soluble reactive P concentrations have not declined and may actually have increased, and NO3 concentrations have declined sharply. The more recent lack of decline in soluble reactive P coincides with a plateau in the prevalence of conservation tillage and may be because of increased soil P stratification due to long‐term reduced tillage. The more recent decline in NO3 may be due to improved efficiency of N fertilizer use, increased soil denitrification, and/or declines in atmospheric N deposition. Our study shows that stream concentrations of N, P, and sediment can respond in contrasting ways to changes in agriculture, and that temporal trends can moderate, accelerate, or reverse over decadal timescales. Management strategies must consider contrasting temporal responses of water quality indicators and may need to be adaptively adjusted at scales of years to decades.Core Ideas
Stream water quality in a Midwestern watershed responds to agricultural management.
Conservation tillage and nutrient management appear to be major drivers of change.
Nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment show contrasting dynamics over decadal timescales.
Management plans must anticipate temporally variable trends over multiple decades.
Advancing the Sustainability of US Agriculture through Long‐Term Research
Authors: Kleinman P. J. A. , Spiegal S. , Rigby J. R. , Goslee S. C. , Baker J. M. , Bestelmeyer B. T. , Boughton R. K. , Bryant R. B. , Cavigelli M. A. , Derner J. D. , Duncan E. W. , Goodrich D. C. , Huggins D. R. , King K. W. , Liebig M. A. , Locke M. A. , Mirsky S. B. , Moglen G. E. , Moorman T. B. , Pierson F. B. , Robertson G. P. , Sadler E. J. , Shortle J. S. , Steiner J. L. , Strickland T. C. , Swain H. M. , Tsegaye T. , Williams M. R. , Walthall C. L. 
Published: November 2018

Agriculture in the United States must respond to escalating demands for productivity and efficiency, as well as pressures to improve its stewardship of natural resources. Growing global population and changing diets, combined with a greater societal awareness of agriculture's role in delivering ecosystem services beyond food, feed, fiber, and energy production, require a comprehensive perspective on where and how US agriculture can be sustainably intensified, that is, made more productive without exacerbating local and off‐site environmental concerns. The USDA's Long‐Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) network is composed of 18 locations distributed across the contiguous United States working together to integrate national and local agricultural priorities and advance the sustainable intensification of US agriculture. We explore here the concept of sustainable intensification as a framework for defining strategies to enhance production, environmental, and rural prosperity outcomes from agricultural systems. We also elucidate the diversity of factors that have shaped the past and present conditions of cropland, rangeland, and pastureland agroecosystems represented by the LTAR network and identify priorities for research in the areas of production, resource conservation and environmental quality, and rural prosperity. Ultimately, integrated long‐term research on sustainable intensification at the national scale is critical to developing practices and programs that can anticipate and address challenges before they become crises.Core Ideas
The LTAR network was established to enhance the sustainability of US agriculture.
The LTAR “common experiment” compares business as usual with aspirational management.
LTAR sites contribute research observations to the network's database.
LTAR network research will support sustainable intensification strategies.
Diatom Assemblage Changes in Agricultural Alluvial Plain Streams and Application for Nutrient Management
Authors: Hicks Matthew B. , Taylor Jason M. 
Published: November 2018

In large, alluvial floodplains dominated by agriculture, small streams have the potential to experience nutrient enrichment affecting algal assemblage structure and metabolism. Nutrient enrichment is largely driven by application of nutrients and altered hydrologic regimes. To inform stressor–response‐based nutrient reduction goals for agricultural alluvial plain streams, diatom assemblages were sampled from 25 streams located within the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) with various land management practices and associated P and N inputs. From August through September 2015, epidendric diatom assemblage samples were collected from instream woody debris. Field nutrient gradients were skewed toward higher concentrations, and ranges of previously reported diatom assemblage response thresholds indicative of oligotrophic conditions were not well represented. Ordination analysis identified a gradient in species composition associated with increasing P and decreasing dissolved oxygen. A significant shift in diatom assemblage structure occurred when total P concentrations in the MAP streams exceeded 0.12 mg L−1. Phosphorus‐enriched systems were represented by a distinct set of indicator species, lower abundances of ubiquitous species, greater abundances of highly tolerant species, and greater abundances of high‐P indicator species. No relationships were observed among diatom assemblage measures or traits with increasing N. Current results do not address potential criteria for identifying high‐quality, oligotrophic streams. However, measures of diatom assemblage structure have potential for helping set benchmarks to reduce nutrient impacts and monitor effects of agricultural best management practices on MAP streams.Core Ideas
Identifying stream nutrient indicators is difficult in agricultural landscapes.
Diatoms found in Mississippi Alluvial Plain streams are sensitive to changes in P concentrations.
Diatom assemblages shifted when stream total P concentrations exceeded ∼0.12 mg L−1.
Diatom measures can help set nutrient reduction goals for agricultural streams.
Stream diatom indicators may improve monitoring success of nutrient best management practices.
The TERENO Pre‐Alpine Observatory: Integrating Meteorological, Hydrological, and Biogeochemical Measurements and Modeling
Authors: Kiese R. , Fersch B. , Baessler C. , Brosy C. , Butterbach-Bahl K. , Chwala C. , Dannenmann M. , Fu J. , Gasche R. , Grote R. , Jahn C. , Klatt J. , Kunstmann H. , Mauder M. , Rödiger T. , Smiatek G. , Soltani M. , Steinbrecher R. , Völksch I. , Werhahn J. , Wolf B. , Zeeman M. , Schmid H.P. 
Published: November 2018

Core Ideas
Pre‐alpine areas face more intense warming and extreme hydrological events than the global average.
Climate and land management change have far‐reaching impacts on ecosystem functions and services.
We have improved knowledge of water, energy, and matter exchange by long‐term observations and modeling.
Global change has triggered several transformations, such as alterations in climate, land productivity, water resources, and atmospheric chemistry, with far reaching impacts on ecosystem functions and services. Finding solutions to climate and land cover change‐driven impacts on our terrestrial environment is one of the most important scientific challenges of the 21st century, with far‐reaching interlinkages to the socio‐economy. The setup of the German Terrestrial Environmental Observatories (TERENO) Pre‐Alpine Observatory was motivated by the fact that mountain areas, such as the pre‐alpine region in southern Germany, have been exposed to more intense warming compared with the global average trend and to higher frequencies of extreme hydrological events, such as droughts and intense rainfall. Scientific research questions in the TERENO Pre‐Alpine Observatory focus on improved process understanding and closing of combined energy, water, C, and N cycles at site to regional scales. The main long‐term objectives of the TERENO Pre‐Alpine Observatory include the characterization and quantification of climate change and land cover–management effects on terrestrial hydrology and biogeochemical processes at site and regional scales by joint measuring and modeling approaches. Here we present a detailed climatic and biogeophysical characterization of the TERENO Pre‐Alpine Observatory and a summary of novel scientific findings from observations and projects. Finally, we reflect on future directions of climate impact research in this particularly vulnerable region of Germany.
Multi-walled carbon nanotube doped PVA membrane for desalination
Authors: Yilman B. , Nigiz F. U. , Aytaç A. , Hilmioglu N. D. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) loaded polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) membranes were synthesized and applied for desalination by means of pervaporation technique. Membranes were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Sorption studies were carried out to determine the degree of swelling of the MWCNT/PVA membranes into different types of salt solution. Pervaporation experiments were carried using the pristine and MWCNT loaded membranes. The effect of MWCNT concentration and salt concentration on the swelling, flux and salt rejection were investigated at the constant temperature of 40 °C. As a result, greater than 92% of rejections were obtained using all membrane. The highest flux was obtained using 0.3 wt% MWCNT loaded membrane with the highest rejection of 98.8%. SEM analysis confirmed that the excess amount of particles caused agglomeration and negatively affected the desalination performance.