bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Topography may mitigate drought effects on vegetation along a hillslope gradient
Authors: Hawthorne Sandra , Miniat Chelcy Ford 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTopography may mitigate drought effects on vegetation along a hillslope gradient through redistribution of soil moisture. We examined the interaction of topography, climate, soil moisture, and transpiration in a low‐elevation, mixed‐hardwood forest in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The effects of meteorological variation (wet and dry years) and topographic position (upslope and cove) were tested on daily soil moisture amplitude and recession and plot and species‐specific transpiration. Trees in the cove plot were 17% taller and had 45% greater sapwood area than those in the upslope plot. Lower rates of soil moisture recession following rainfall events were observed at the cove plot compared to the upper plot. Greater daily soil moisture amplitude and plot transpiration, even in dry years, suggest that lower slope positions may have been buffered against moderate drought. We also observed similar transpiration inQuercusspp.,Caryaspp., andLiriodendron tulipiferain the cove plot between dry and wet years. Plot transpiration was reduced by 51% in the dry year in the upslope plot only, and transpiration by individual species in the plot reflected this pattern, suggesting water stress in dry years may be exacerbated by topography. With drought predicted to increase for these systems, the different drought responses of species, in addition to topographic effects, may lead to complex shifts in species composition.
Role of soil texture, clay mineralogy, location, and temperature in coarse wood decomposition—a mesocosm experiment
Authors: Fissore Cinzia , Jurgensen Martin F. , Pickens James , Miller Chris , Page‐Dumroese Deborah , Giardina Christian P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOf all the major pools of terrestrial carbon (C), the dynamics of coarse woody debris (CWD) are the least understood. In contrast to soils and living vegetation, the study ofCWDhas rarely relied on ex situ methods for elaborating controls on decomposition rates. In this study, we report on a mesocosm incubation experiment examining how clay amount (8%, 16%, and 24% clay), clay type (soil reconstructed with kaolinite vs. montmorillonite), wood placement (on litter layer surface, at the litter layer–soil interface, buried in the mineral soil), and laboratory incubation temperature (10°, 20°, or 30°C) control decomposition rates of highly standardized stakes and blocks of coarse aspen wood. Clay type effect was pronounced, with wood decomposing more quickly in kaolinite‐ than in montmorillonite‐amended soils, perhaps due to a combined effect of moisture and microbial access to the substrate. Clay amount had only very limited effect on wood decomposition, which was a function of contact with the mineral soil (Surface < Interface < Mineral), perhaps due to greater contact with the decomposer community. Temperature effects were significant and dependent on interactions with clay type and wood placement. Effects of temperature on wood decomposition declined as the effects of soil variables increased, suggesting a hierarchy of controls on wood decomposition rates. Both water content and temperature had a strong effect on wood decomposition. Our results highlight that multiple interacting factors likely regulate wood decomposition processes. Multifactorial field experiments are needed to examine the physical, chemical, and biological factors controlling wood decomposition.
Urbanization effects on the river systems in the bucharest city region (romania)
Authors: Zaharia Liliana , Ioana‐toroimac Gabriela , Cocoş Octavian , Ghiţă Florin Adrian , Mailat Emanuel 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This article identifies and analyzes the effects of human pressures on the river systems, landscape, flow regime, and water quality in the Bucharest region, the largest urbanized area in Romania. The analyses focused on four streams crossing the Bucharest region, namely the Dâmboviţa, Colentina, Argeş, and Sabar rivers. Our approach relied especially on three types of information: (1) spatial data; (2) hydrological data sets; and (3) water quality data. We made a diachronic analysis of the available maps and ran classic statistical analysis of the data sets, as well as trend analysis. At the same time, we compared the flows in natural (reconstituted) and modified (current) regimes. The results showed that the stream system and its associated landscapes have considerably changed due to several engineering works (reservoirs, dams, channelization works, diversion canals, water intakes, etc.). Under these circumstances, the flow regime suffered changes that differed among the rivers. Thus, the multiannual discharges of the Argeş and Dâmboviţa rivers did not exhibit significant changes, but only mitigated the monthly discharge variability. In the case of Sabar and Colentina, a significant increase of the annual and monthly discharges was identified, due to the water transferred from the neighboring rivers. Water quality worsened, especially on the lower courses of the Dâmboviţa and Argeş rivers, degrading the states and health of the aquatic ecosystems in the study region.
Building the new international science of the agriculture–food–water–environment nexus in china and the world
Authors: Zhu Xinguang , Parry Martin , Lu Yonglong , Heard Matthew , Ying Guangguo , Vaughan Simon , Shen Jianbo , Jenkins Alan , Wang Yunpeng , Lacorte Silvia , Ouyang Tingping , Salcedo Francisco Pedrero , Niu Jun , Quinton John , Luo Chunling , Zhang Fusuo , Zhang Gan , Davies William , Jones Kevin , Tyfield David 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
The multiple, complex and systemic problems of the agriculture–food–water–environment nexus (“Nexus”) are among the most significant challenges of the 21st century. China is a key site for Nexus research amidst profound socio‐environmental problems. The policy implications of these problems have been authoritatively summarized elsewhere. This study presents discussions at an international workshop in Guangzhou that asked instead “What science is needed to deliver the growing policy commitments regarding these challenges? And, What changes are needed to the science itself?” Understanding and effective intervention regarding the Nexus calls for a paradigm shift: to a new kind of science of (capacity for) international, interdisciplinary, and impactful research working with and within complex socio‐natural systems. We here argue that science must become proactive in approach, striving only for “minimal harm” not “silver bullet” solutions, and adopting an explicitly long‐term strategic perspective. Together, these arguments lead to calls for reorienting science and science policy in three ways: from short‐term remediation to longer‐term optimization; from a focus on environmental threats to one on the opportunities for international collaborative learning; and toward supporting new forms of scientific career. We bring these points together by recommending a new form of scientific institution: a global network of collaborative Nexus Centres, under the umbrella of a global Food Nexus Organization akin to those of the human genome and proteome.
Expressed Emotions and Depressive Symptoms in Caregivers of Adolescents with First‐Onset Anorexia Nervosa—A Long‐Term Investigation over 2.5 Years
Authors: Schwarte Reinhild , Timmesfeld Nina , Dempfle Astrid , Krei Melanie , Egberts Karin , Jaite Charlotte , Fleischhaker Christian , Wewetzer Christoph , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Seitz Jochen , Bühren Katharina 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectiveHigh levels of expressed emotions (EE) and depressive symptoms (DS) are often found in caregivers of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). Both parameters are considered to influence AN symptoms of the patient.MethodsOne hundred seventy adolescent women with AN and their caregivers were assessed at admission, discharge, at 1‐year and 2.5‐year follow up to evaluate AN symptoms of the patient and EE and DS of caregivers.ResultsThe EE and DS were elevated at admission and decreased during treatment, criticism (as part of EE) exhibited again at the 2.5‐year follow up. Caregivers of more severely ill patients reported significantly greater levels of EE and DS. Mothers were more affected than fathers. EE and DS were interrelated.ConclusionCaregivers of adolescent AN patients suffer from elevated levels of EE and DS. Further studies are needed to examine whether therapeutic interventions to reduce caregivers' EE and DS might have a positive influence on treatment outcome. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
On the “How” of Social Experiments: Experimental Designs for Getting Inside the Black Box
Authors: Bell Stephen H. , Peck Laura R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractProgram evaluators generally prefer to use the strongest design available to answer relevant impact questions, reserving analytic strategies for use only as necessary. Although the “simple” treatment versus control experimental design is well understood and widespread in its use, it is our contention that creativity in evaluation design can help answer more nuanced questions regarding what about a program is responsible for its impacts. In response, this chapter discusses several experimental evaluation designs that randomize individuals—including multiarmed, multistage, factorial, and blended designs—to permit estimating impacts for specific policy design features or program elements. We hope that recasting what are some long‐standing but underused designs in a new light will motivate their increased use, where appropriate.
European industrial decarbonization: a perspective from the NGO Bellona
Authors: Whiriskey Keith 
Published: December 2016

In mid‐October 2016, Bellona Europa, part of the Bellona Foundation, held an event in Brussels, Belgium, to launch a report critiquing current European Union and national policies on carbon capture, use, and storage, or the lack thereof. The event attracted wide participation with labor unions, industry, and policymakers engaging in constructive dialogue.In this interview, one of the report's authors Keith Whiriskey, Policy Manager, Climate Technologies, talks to GHGS&T about its findings and how Bellona hopes the report and conference will go some way to taking Europe out of the current malaise concerning carbon capture and storage (CCS).
Promoting Entrepreneurship at the Base of the Social Pyramid via Pricing Systems: A case Study
Authors: Lara‐Rubio J. , Blanco‐Oliver A. , Pino‐Mejías R. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryHistorically, microfinance institutions (MFIs) have played a significant social role by helping people at the base of the socio‐economic pyramid escape from social exclusion through the creation of microenterprises. However, international banks have recently started competing in the microfinance sector. In this adverse environment, MFI management tools should be more innovative and technologically advanced to increase efficiency, solvency and profitability and to compete with commercial banks on equal terms. This study therefore strives to develop a credit‐risk management tool based on a multilayer perceptron (MLP) credit‐scoring model for a Peruvian MFI, and to calculate the capital requirements and microcredit pricing on both internal ratings‐based (IRB) and standardized approaches, analysing the impact of these models on the management of the MFI. Our findings show that the implementation of an IRB approach with default probabilities obtained from an MLP credit‐scoring model produces the best benefit by the MFIs in terms of higher accuracy (reduction of misclassification costs by 13.78%), lower capital requirements (in the range of 8.5–78%) and the best risk‐adjusted interest rates. Furthermore, with the establishment of interest rates adjusted to the real risk of each client, MFIs are fairer and more socially engaged by preventing economically viable low‐risk projects from becoming unviable due to excessive interest rates. This leads to the creation of more small businesses by people from the base of the socio‐economic pyramid and greater economic development and social cohesion. The IRB model should therefore be implemented to improve MFI solvency, profitability, efficiency, survival, management and social performance.
Identification and conservation of gene loss events of Hox gene clusters in the marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)
Authors: Kim Hui‐Su , Hwang Dae‐Sik , Jeong Chang‐Bum , Au Doris W. T. , Lee Jae‐Seong 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTIn this study, the identification of the whole Hox gene clusters (46 Hox genes) in the marine medaka Oryzias melastigma was investigated using genome assembly and RNA‐seq information. Moreover, the gene loss events of Hox gene clusters, which may occur during fish evolution, were examined for a better understanding of the evolutionary status of the gene lost events of the Hox gene cluster across fish species, particularly in the genus Oryzias.
Preventing acute care–associated venous thromboembolism in adult and pediatric patients across a large healthcare system
Authors: Morgenthaler Timothy I. , Rodriguez Vilmarie 
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUNDAlthough effective methods for venous thromboembolism prophylaxis (VTE‐P) have been known for decades, reliable implementation has been challenging.OBJECTIVEDevelop reliable VTE‐P systems for adult and for pediatric patients to reduce preventable venous thromboembolism (VTE).DESIGNWe used a discovery and diffusion system to first develop an effective system in 1 hospital location, and then spread the principle best practices across the entire 22‐hospital system.SETTINGTwenty‐two Mayo Clinic hospitals (adults and children).PATIENTSAdult and pediatric patients.INTERVENTION(1) Ensure that a VTE‐P is declared at admission by providing a mandatory VTE‐P “tollgate” that requires the provider to assess the risk for VTE and provide an appropriate order for VTE‐P. (2) Use clinical decision support to provide ongoing surveillance and alerts to providers when there is a lapse in the VTE‐P plan.MEASUREMENTSIn adults, VTE compliance as measured by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Core Measures VTE‐1 and VTE‐2, preventable VTE as measured by VTE‐6, and in pediatric patients, appropriate VTE measures as determined by chart audit.RESULTSVTE‐1 and VTE‐2 have approached 97% to 100% and preventable VTE has declined to 0% for the last 3 quarters. Similarly, the pediatric VTE‐P screening tool was evaluated and piloted with >92% compliance in risk documentation, appropriate VTE‐P >64%, and 0 VTE events during the study period.CONCLUSIONAn integrated system‐wide approach can lead to measurable improvements in VTE‐P process and outcome measures. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:S15–S21. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine
Liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry identification and determination of tri‐ and hexaaryl chloro imidazoles in sewage sludge
Authors: Casado J. , Castro G. , Rodríguez I. , Ramil M. , Montes R. , Cela R. 
Published: December 2016

The identification and further quantification of 2‐chloro‐triarylimidazole (o‐Cl‐TAI) and its dimer (o‐DCl‐HABI) in sludge from a sewage treatment plant (STP) is reported for the first time. Liquid chromatography (LC) quadrupole time‐of‐flight (QTOF) mass spectrometry (MS) was used as analytical technique during screening and determination steps. Pollutants were identified following a post‐run search strategy, applying the chlorine mass filter, and characterized by their accurate MS and product ion scan spectra. Finally, their identities were confirmed with authentic standards. The species (o‐Cl‐TAI) has been rated as potentially genotoxic and carcinogenic for mice and rats. Effects of sample preparation in the stability and the extraction efficiency of both compounds are discussed. Under final conditions, they were extracted from freeze‐dried samples (0.5 g of sludge or biosolids dispersed with 2 g of C18 and packed into a polypropylene syringe) with 20 ml of methanol, which also flowed through a clean‐up layer of Florisil and PSA sorbents (0.5 g each). This method attained quantitative extraction yields and limits of quantification between 4 and 10 ng/g. The pollutants o‐Cl‐TAI and o‐DCl‐HABI were ubiquitous in sludge and biosolids obtained in consecutive years from the investigated STP. Their concentrations varied from 0.02 to more than 13 μg/g (freeze‐dried sample). Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oncofertility program implementation increases access to fertility preservation options and assisted reproductive procedures for breast cancer patients
Authors: Vu Joceline V. , Llarena Natalia C. , Estevez Samantha L. , Moravek Molly B. , Jeruss Jacqueline S. 
Published: December 2016

Background and ObjectivesBreast cancer treatment can cause premature ovarian failure, yet the majority of young cancer patients do not receive adequate education about treatment effects before initiating chemotherapy. We studied the impact of an oncofertility program on access to fertility preservation.MethodsAn oncofertility program was initiated to foster collaboration between oncologists and reproductive endocrinologists, and to help increase access to fertility preservation. Documented conversations about fertility concerns, specialist referrals, appointments, and fertility preservation procedures were compared between breast cancer patients from 2004 to 2006, before oncofertility program initiation, and 2007–2012, after program initiation. The study included women <45, stages 0–III, diagnosed before (n = 278) and after (n = 515) program initiation.ResultsDemographics for the cohorts were similar. Fertility discussions (P < 0.0001), patients interested in maintaining fertility at diagnosis (P = 0.0041), referrals to reproductive endocrinologists (P < 0.0001), appointments (P < 0.0001), and fertility preservation procedures (P < 0.0183) increased significantly after programmatic implementation.ConclusionsAn oncofertility program increased discussions about fertility preservation and access to assisted reproductive procedures. This program positively impacted compliance with national guidelines advising reproductive‐age cancer patients to be offered fertility preservation counseling as an initial component of the multidisciplinary care plan. J. Surg. Oncol. 2017;115:116–121. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Compression forces in ball‐joints assembled by edge‐form rolling
Authors: Gürsel K. T. , Çakır S. 
Published: December 2016

Suspension ball‐races, which are important elements of steering and suspension systems in vehicles, are manufactured by applying plastic forming technique to assemble the parts after their spherical bearings are designed. In this study, the edge‐form rolling process, which is a subsection of the rolling process in manufacturing methods based on plastic forming and used in the manufacturing of the suspension ball‐races supplying the motion transmission, was examined comprehensively.The rates and magnitudes of pressure forces occurring in bearing systems after edge‐form rolling processes were studied by changing operation pressures of this forming technique in which specific numerical simulations based on finite element analyses with implicit method were used. The results obtained from the developed edge‐form rolling simulations were confirmed by the results of the test method developed in this research.
Method development and validation: quantitation of telmisartan bulk drug and its tablet formulation by 1H NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Jadeja Yashwantsinh , Chomal Bhagyawanti , Patel Madhavi , Jebaliya Hetal , Khunt Ranjan , Shah Anamik 
Published: December 2016

The quantitative NMR (qNMR) spectroscopy is nowadays a new tool for the determination of pharmaceutical potent biologically active molecules in bulk drug and its tablet formulation than the other analytical techniques. Herein, qNMR method was developed for an anti‐hypertensive drug, telmisartan in bulk drug and its tablet formulation. The precise method was developed by using malononitrile as an internal standard. The methylene signal of telmisartan appeared at δ = 5.46 ppm (singlet) relative to the signal of malononitrile at δ = 3.59 ppm (singlet) in CDCl3, as an NMR solvent. The development and validation of the method were carried out as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The method was found to be linear (r2 = 0.9999) for 0.5 to 3.5 mg/ml in the drug concentration range. The relative standard deviation for accuracy and precession was not more than 2.0%. The sensitivity of the method was carried out by limit of detection and a limit of quantification, at 0.05 and 0.2 mg/ml, respectively, concentration. The robustness of the method was studied by changing parameters as well as different solvent manufacturer company. The result shows that method was accurately developed for quantification of telmisartan in pharmaceutical dosage form. The developed method by 1H NMR spectroscopy is comparatively easy and more precise with respect to the other analytical tools. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Guidance and control laws design for a switched system with discontinuous actuators
Authors: Chen Jian , Liang Zixuan , Bai Chen , Li Peng , Ren Zhang , Zheng Yongjun 
Published: December 2016

SummaryGuidance and control laws design for a switched flight system with discontinuous actuators is dealt with in this paper. Firstly, a missile equipped with discontinuous side jets is introduced. Secondly, the side‐jet missile is modeled with an impulsive switched system. Thirdly, a sliding mode control‐based discontinuous guidance law is proposed to generate guidance commands, which are suitable for on–off side jets. And a logic‐based switching law for turning on the side jets is also submitted. Fourthly, by transforming the discontinuous actuators equivalently and formulating an extended state space equation, a tracking control law is indicated to track the guidance command. Finally, simulations and comparisons are made to demonstrate the proposed algorithms. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HbA1c is not always reliable in estimating glycaemic control
Authors: Mian Fahd Jan , Jacob Koshy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractGlycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) is considered as a cornerstone for assessing long‐term glycaemic control. Several studies have established a strong correlation between HbA1c and diabetic comorbidities. However, in certain conditions it can lead to a false interpretation of diabetes control which may result in serious errors in patient management. It is essential clinicians are aware of the conditions that can affect glycated haemoglobin and use alternative methods of glycaemic control if there is a discrepancy between blood glucose readings and HbA1c.We report a case of a falsely low HbA1c which led to a wrong interpretation of glycaemic control resulting in a major comorbidity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.
An unusually severe case of bullosis diabeticorum with marked morbidity ultimately resulting in bilateral trans‐tibial amputation
Authors: Onyekwelu Emeka , Wright Thomas , Benbow Sue 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBullosis diabeticorum is a spontaneous, non‐inflammatory, blistering condition seen in patients with diabetes mellitus that can be diagnosed after excluding similar conditions. The lesions described in bullosis diabeticorum have been reported to typically resolve without any specific treatment or scarring and are often considered to be self‐limiting.We report a case of a 49‐year‐old man with type 1 diabetes who presented with recurrent episodes of bullosis diabeticorum, complicated by infection and ultimately resulting in bilateral major amputations.This case highlights the fact that bullosis diabeticorum may not follow an uncomplicated self‐limiting course and also the need for early recognition and prompt treatment of infection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons.