bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short Communication. Using high resolution UAV imagery to estimate tree variables in Pinus pinea plantation in Portugal
Authors: Hernandez Juan Guerra , Gonzalez-Ferreiro Eduardo , Sarmento Alexandre , Silva João , Nunes Alexandra , Correia Alexandra Cristina , Fontes Luis , Tomé Margarida , Diaz-Varela Ramon 
Published: July 2016

Aim of study: The study aims to analyse the potential use of low‑cost unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery for the estimation of Pinus pinea L. variables at the individual tree level (position, tree height and crown diameter).Area of study: This study was conducted under the PINEA project focused on 16 ha of umbrella pine afforestation (Portugal) subjected to different treatments.Material and methods: The workflow involved: a) image acquisition with consumer‑grade cameras on board an UAV; b) orthomosaic and digital surface model (DSM) generation using structure-from-motion (SfM) image reconstruction; and c) automatic individual tree segmentation by using a mixed pixel‑ and region‑based based algorithm.Main results: The results of individual tree segmentation (position, height and crown diameter) were validated using field measurements from 3 inventory plots in the study area. All the trees of the plots were correctly detected. The RMSE values for the predicted heights and crown widths were 0.45 m and 0.63 m, respectively.Research highlights: The results demonstrate that tree variables can be automatically extracted from high resolution imagery. We highlight the use of UAV systems as a fast, reliable and cost‑effective technique for small scale applications.Keywords: Unmanned aerial systems (UAS); forest inventory; tree crown variables; 3D image modelling; canopy height model (CHM); object‑based image analysis (OBIA), structure‑from‑motion (SfM). ERRATUM PDF
StandsSIM-MD: a Management Driven forest SIMulator
Authors: Barreiro Susana , Rua João , Tomé Margarida 
Published: July 2016

Aim of the study: The existing stand level forest simulators available in Portugal were not developed with the aim of including up-to-date model versions and were limited in terms of accounting for forest management. The simulators’ platform, sIMfLOR was recently created to implement different growth models with a common philosophy. The objective was developing one easily-updatable, user-friendly, forest management and climate change sensitive simulator capable of projecting growth for the main tree species in Portugal.Area of the study: Portugal.Material and methods: The new simulator was programmed in a modular form consisting of several modules. The growth module integrates different forest growth and yield models (empirical and process-based) for the main wood production tree species in Portugal (eucalypt, umbrella and maritime pines); whereas the management module drives the growth projections along the planning horizon according to a range of forest management approaches and climate (at present only available for eucalypt).Main results: The main result is the StandsSIM-MD Management Driven simulator that overcomes the limitations of the existing stand level simulators. It is a step forward when compared to the models currently available in the sIMfLOR platform covering more tree species, stand structures and stand compositions. It is focused on end-users and it is based on similar concepts regarding the generation of required inputs and generated outputs.Research highlights:- Forest Management Driven simulations approach- Multiple Prescriptions-Per-Stand functionality- StandsSIM-MD can be used to support landowners decisions on stand forest management- StandsSIM-MD simulations at regional level can be combined with optimization routinesKeywords: Forest simulator, Forest Management Approaches; StandsSIM-MD; forest management.
Effect of giberellic acid (GA4/7) and girdling on induction of reproductive structures in Pinus patula
Authors: Vargas-Hernandez J-Jesus , Vargas-Abonce Jeniffer-Ivette 
Published: July 2016

Aim of study: Seed production in forest tree species commonly takes a long time due to the length of the juvenile stage. Even though several treatments have been used to induce early flowering in conifer species, experience on their use in subtropical Pinus species is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of GA4/7 dose (0, 1.27 and 2.54 mg cm-2) and application time (July-October), alone or in combination with partial stem girdling, on male and female strobili production in young Pinus patula Schiede ex Schltdl. et Cham. clones. Area of study: Nine clones with different flowering background of high-elevation Pinus patula growing in a six-year old seed orchard established in Central México (Aquixtla, Puebla) at 2,800 m elevation.Material and methods: Two independent flowering trials (FT1 and FT2) were carried out in the seed orchard during the 2009 and 2010 flowering cycles; similar factors were evaluated at both trials but time of application, clones tested, and experimental design used varied for each of them. Partial stem girdling was done at the base of the trunk and the GA4/7 solution was injected into the xylem above the point of girdling. The following spring, the percentage of trees with strobili and the number of strobili per tree were determined for both male and female structures.Main results: Significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) among clones in flowering capacity were found at both trials. None of the treatments applied in FT1 resulted in an increase of strobili formation, most probably because they were applied too late in the growing season. In FT2, however, application of GA4/7 combined with partial stem girdling increased the percentage of trees with strobili and the number of strobili of both sexes, particularly when applied in early July. Partial stem girdling was more effective on promoting male strobili than female ones in gibberellin-treated grafts.Research highlights: Timing of GA4/7 application and stem girdling was important, with a significant interaction with clones tested in FT2 on production of male strobili but not on female strobili. Application of 1.27 mg cm-2 GA4/7 and stem girdling in July promoted the highest percentage of trees with strobili, and increased 25-fold the number of female strobili and 5-fold the number of male strobili per tree as compared to the control treatment. Thus, operational use of this induction treatment would be valuable to increase and accelerate seed production in Pinus patula seed orchards in the region.Keywords: early flowering; gibberellins; juvenile stage; seed orchard; seed production.Abbreviations: GA: Gibberellic acid; GA4: Gibberellic acid 4; GA7: Gibberellic acid 7; GA4/7: Mix of gibberellic acids 4 and 7; FT1: Flowering trial carried out in the 2009 season; FT2: Flowering trial carried out in the 2010 season.
Prediction of Warfarin Dose in Pediatric Patients: An Evaluation of the Predictive Performance of Several Models
Authors: Marek Elizabeth , Momper Jeremiah D. , Hines Ronald N. , Takao Cheryl M. , Gill Joan C. , Pravica Vera , Gaedigk Andrea , Burckart Gilbert J. , Neville Kathleen A. 
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of pediatric pharmacogenetic-based dose prediction models by using an independent cohort of pediatric patients from a multicenter trial.
METHODS: Clinical and genetic data (CYP2C9 [cytochrome P450 2C9] and VKORC1 [vitamin K epoxide reductase]) were collected from pediatric patients aged 3 months to 17 years who were receiving warfarin as part of standard care at 3 separate clinical sites. The accuracy of 8 previously published pediatric pharmacogenetic-based dose models was evaluated in the validation cohort by comparing predicted maintenance doses to actual stable warfarin doses. The predictive ability was assessed by using the proportion of variance (R2), mean prediction error (MPE), and the percentage of predictions that fell within 20% of the actual maintenance dose.
RESULTS: Thirty-two children reached a stable international normalized ratio and were included in the validation cohort. The pharmacogenetic-based warfarin dose models showed a proportion of variance ranging from 35% to 78% and an MPE ranging from −2.67 to 0.85 mg/day in the validation cohort. Overall, the model developed by Hamberg et al showed the best performance in the validation cohort (R2 = 78%; MPE = 0.15 mg/day) with 38% of the predictions falling within 20% of observed doses.
CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacogenetic-based algorithms provide better predictions than a fixed-dose approach, although an optimal dose algorithm has not yet been developed.
Comparison of Two High-Dose Magnesium Infusion Regimens in the Treatment of Status Asthmaticus
Authors: Vaiyani Danish , Irazuzta Jose E. 
Published: July 2016

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility and safety of a simplified high-dose magnesium sulfate infusion (sHDMI) for the treatment of status asthmaticus.METHODS: We retrospectively compared 2 different high-dose magnesium sulfate infusion regimens, as adjunctive treatment in status asthmatics, using data that were preciously collected. The initial high-dose, prolonged magnesium infusion (HDMI) regimen consisted of a loading dose of 75 mg/kg (weight ≤ 30 kg) or 50 mg/kg (weight &gt; 30 kg) over a period of 30 to 45 minutes followed by a continuous infusion of 40 mg/kg/hr for an additional 4 hours. This was compared to the sHDMI regimen that consisted of 50 mg/kg/hr for 5 hours. No loading dose was given to the patients in the sHDMI arm. Obese patients were dosed by using ideal body weight. Physiologic parameters (i.e., heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation) and serum magnesium (SrMg) concentrations were monitored during administration of magnesium sulfate.RESULTS: Nineteen patients receiving the initial HDMI regimen were compared with 10 patients who received the sHDMI regimen. There was no significant difference in SrMg concentrations or physiologic parameters between the 2 dose regimens.CONCLUSIONS: The HDMI and sHDMI regimens both produced SrMg concentrations that are associated with bronchodilation. The safety profile was also similar for the 2 regimens. The unambiguity of sHDMI has the potential to reduce medication errors that are associated with calculation of the loading dose, product preparation, and ultimate administration.
Limited accessibility to HIV services for persons with disabilities living with HIV in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia
Authors: Tun Waimar , Okal Jerry , Schenk Katie , Esantsi Selina , Mutale Felix , Kyeremaa Rita Kusi , Ngirabakunzi Edson , Asiah Hilary , McClain‐Nhlapo Charlotte , Moono Grimond 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionKnowledge about experiences in accessing HIV services among persons with disabilities who are living with HIV in sub‐Saharan Africa is limited. Although HIV transmission among persons with disabilities in Africa is increasingly acknowledged, there is a need to bring to life the experiences and voices from persons with disabilities living with HIV to raise awareness of programme implementers and policy makers about their barriers in accessing HIV services. This paper explores how the barriers faced by persons with disabilities living with HIV impede their ability to access HIV‐related services and manage their disease.MethodsWe conducted focus group discussions with 76 persons (41 females; 35 males) with physical, visual and/or hearing impairments who were living with HIV in Ghana, Uganda and Zambia (2012–2013). We explored challenges and facilitators at different levels (individual, psychosocial and structural) of access to HIV services. Transcripts were analyzed using a framework analysis approach.ResultsPersons with disabilities living with HIV encountered a wide variety of challenges in accessing HIV services. Delays in testing for HIV were common, with most waiting until they were sick to be tested. Reasons for delayed testing included challenges in getting to the health facilities, lack of information about HIV and testing, and HIV‐ and disability‐related stigma. Barriers to HIV‐related services, including care and treatment, at health facilities included lack of disability‐friendly educational materials and sign interpreters, stigmatizing treatment by providers and other patients, lack of skills to provide tailored services to persons with disabilities living with HIV and physically inaccessible infrastructure, all of which make it extremely difficult for persons with disabilities to initiate and adhere to HIV treatment. Accessibility challenges were greater for women than men due to gender‐related roles. Challenges were similar across the three countries. Favourable experiences in accessing HIV services were reported in Uganda and Zambia, where disability‐tailored services were offered by non‐governmental organizations and government facilities (Uganda only).ConclusionsPersons with disabilities living with HIV encounter many challenges in accessing HIV testing and continued care and treatment services. Changes are needed at every level to ensure accessibility of HIV services for persons with disabilities.
Assessment of linkages from HIV testing to enrolment and retention in HIV care in Central Mozambique
Authors: Inguane Celso Azarias , Gloyd Stephen , Manuel João Luis , Brown Charlene , Wong Vincent , Augusto Orvalho , Hassan Wisal Mustafa , Vieira Lúcia , Afonso Pires , Jamnadás Mehol , Bernard Jama Joy , Cowan James , Kalibala Samuel , Pfeiffer James 
Published: July 2016

IntroductionEffectiveness of the rapid expansion of antiretroviral therapy (ART) throughout sub‐Saharan Africa is highly dependent on adequate enrolment and retention in HIV care. However, the measurement of both has been challenging in these settings. This study aimed to assess enrolment and retention in HIV care (pre‐ART and ART) among HIV‐positive adults in Central Mozambique, including identification of barriers and facilitators.MethodsWe assessed linkages to and retention in HIV care using a mixed quantitative and qualitative approach in six districts of Manica and Sofala provinces. We analyzed routine district and health facility monthly reports and HIV care registries from April 2012 to March 2013 and used single imputation and trimmed means to adjust for missing values. In eight health facilities in the same districts and period, we assessed retention in HIV care among 795 randomly selected adult patient charts (15 years and older). We also conducted 25 focus group discussions and 53 in‐depth interviews with HIV‐positive adults, healthcare providers and community members to identify facilitators and barriers to enrolment and retention in HIV care.ResultsOverall, 46% of the monthly HIV testing reports expected at the district level were missing, compared to 6.4% of the pre‐ART registry reports. After adjustment for missing values, we estimated that the aggregate numbers of adults registered in pre‐ART was 75% of the number of persons tested HIV‐positive in the six districts. In the eight health facilities, 40% of the patient charts for adults enrolled in pre‐ART and 44% in ART were missing. Of those on ART for whom charts were found, retention in treatment within 90 and 60 days prior to the study team visit was 34 and 25%, respectively. Combining these multiple data sources, the overall estimated retention was 18% in our sample. Individual‐level factors were perceived to be key influences to enrolment in HIV care, while health facility and structural‐level factors were perceived to be key influences of retention.ConclusionsEfforts to increase linkages to and retention in HIV care should address individual, health facility, and structural‐level factors in Central Mozambique. However, their outcomes cannot be reliably assessed without improving the quality of routine health information systems.
Scanning quantum dot microscopy: A quantitative method to measure local electrostatic potential near surfaces
Authors: Green Matthew F. B. , Wagner Christian , Leinen Philipp , Deilmann Thorsten , Krüger Peter , Rohlfing Michael , Tautz F. Stefan , Temirov Ruslan 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
In this paper we review a recently introduced microscopy technique, scanning quantum dot microscopy (SQDM), which delivers quantitative maps of local electrostatic potential near surfaces in three dimensions. The key to achieving SQDM imaging is the functionalization of a scanning probe microscope tip with a π-conjugated molecule that acts as a gateable QD. Mapping of electrostatic potential with SQDM is performed by gating the QD by the bias voltage applied to the scanning probe microscope junction and registering changes of the QD charge state with frequency-modulated atomic force microscopy.
Storm‐driven bottom sediment transport on a high‐energy narrow shelf (NW Iberia) and development of mud depocenters
Authors: Zhang Wenyan , Cui Yongsheng , Santos Ana I. , Hanebuth Till J. J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBottom sediment transport on the NW Iberian shelf was monitored during a downwelling storm in September 2014. Collected data were analyzed and fed into a 3‐D coastal ocean model to understand storm‐driven sediment transport on the shelf and its impact on midshelf mud depocenters (MDCs). A significantly enhanced level of bottom sediment resuspension, nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that in the prestorm period, was recorded at the mooring site. Field data analysis reveals that it was induced by a short‐lasting strong bottom current in combination with enhanced wave‐current interaction. Simulation results indicate that this strong current was part of a coastal jet resulted from downwelling. An across‐shelf horizontal density gradient as high as 0.32 g/m4occurred at the interface between the downwelling and the bottom waters, forming a remarkable front. Due to buoyancy effect, the downwelling water was mostly confined to the coast with a depth limit of 80 m in the south and 120 m in the north of the region, resulting in a northward‐directed coastal jet. Simulation results suggest that during the storm, local near‐bottom sediment suspensions with concentrations on the order of 10 kg/m3would be triggered by wave‐current interaction and flow convergence associated with the front. Direct impact on the development of MDCs by transport and deposition of concentrated sediment suspensions is indicated by model results. The seaward limit of the front coincided with the shoreward edge of the MDC nucleus, suggesting the front as a primary control on the deposition of fine‐grained sediment.
Regional groundwater flow and accumulation of a massive evaporite deposit at the margin of the Chilean Altiplano
Authors: Corenthal Lilly G. , Boutt David F. , Hynek Scott A. , Munk Lee Ann 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFocused groundwater discharge in closed basins provides opportunities to investigate mechanisms for closing hydrologic and solute budgets in arid regions. The Salar de Atacama (SdA), adjacent to the Central Andean Plateau in the hyperarid Atacama Desert, provides an extreme example of halite (>1800 km3) and lithium brine (~5000 ppm) accumulation spanning late Miocene to present. Minimum long‐term water discharge needed to sustain halite accumulation over this timescale at SdA is 9–20 times greater than modern recharge (and double wet‐climate paleorecharge) within the topographic watershed. Closing this imbalance requires sourcing water from recharge on the orogenic plateau in an area over 4 times larger than the topographic watershed. Prolonged water discharge at SdA requires long residence times, deep water tables in recharge zones coupled with persistent near‐surface water tables in discharge areas, and large contributing areas characterized by strong gradients in landscape and climate resulting from plateau uplift.
A multiple sclerosis‐like disorder in patients with OPA1 mutations
Authors: Yu‐Wai‐Man Patrick , Spyropoulos Achillefs , Duncan Holly J. , Guadagno Joseph V. , Chinnery Patrick F. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe describe three unrelated patients presenting with a spinal cord syndrome and neuroimaging features consistent with multiple sclerosis (MS). All harbored a pathogenic OPA1 mutation. Although the neurological phenotype resembled neuromyelitis optica (NMO), anti‐aquaporin 4 antibodies were not detected and the disorder followed a slow progressive course. The coincidental occurrence of OPA1 mutations and an MS‐like disorder is likely to have modulated the phenotypic manifestations of both disorders, but unlike the previously reported association of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy and MS (Harding disease), the optic neuropathy in patients with OPA1 mutations and an MS‐like disorder can be mild with a good visual prognosis.
New diagnostic criteria for neurocysticercosis: Reliability and validity
Authors: Carpio Arturo , Fleury Agnès , Romo Matthew L. , Abraham Ronaldo , Fandiño Jaime , Durán Juan C. , Cárdenas Graciela , Moncayo Jorge , Leite Rodrigues Cleonísio , San‐Juan Daniel , Serrano‐Dueñas Marcos , Takayanagui Oswaldo , Sander Josemir W. 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveThe diagnosis of neurocysticercosis (NCC) remains problematic because of the heterogeneity of its clinical, immunological, and imaging characteristics. Our aim was to develop and assess a new set of diagnostic criteria for NCC, which might allow for the accurate detection of, and differentiation between, parenchymal and extraparenchymal disease.MethodsA group of Latin American NCC experts developed by consensus a new set of diagnostic criteria for NCC. A multicenter, retrospective study was then conducted to validate it. The reference standard for diagnosis of active NCC was the disappearance or reduction of cysts after anthelmintic treatment. In total, three pairs of independent neurologists blinded to the diagnosis evaluated 93 cases (with NCC) and 93 controls (without NCC) using the new diagnostic criteria. Mixed‐effects logistic regression models were used to estimate sensitivity and specificity.ResultsInter‐rater reliability (kappa) of diagnosis among evaluators was 0.60. For diagnosis of NCC versus no NCC, the new criteria had a sensitivity of 93.2% and specificity of 81.4%. For parenchymal NCC, the new criteria had a sensitivity of 89.8% and specificity of 80.7% and for extraparenchymal NCC, the new criteria had a sensitivity of 65.9% and specificity of 94.9%.InterpretationThese criteria have acceptable reliability and validity and could be a new tool for clinicians and researchers. An advantage of the new criteria is that they consider parasite location (ie, parenchymal or extraparenchymal), which is an important factor determining the clinical, immunological, and radiological presentation of the disease, and importantly, its treatment and prognosis. Ann Neurol 2016;80:434–442
Synthesis of α‐Fluoroketones by Insertion of HF into a Gold Carbene
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Liu Shiwen , Shi Zhenyu , Liu Guangchang , Xu Bo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractReported is an efficient synthesis of α‐fluoroketones by insertion of hydrogen fluoride (HF) into the gold carbene intermediate, generated from a cationic gold catalyzed addition of N‐oxides to alkynes. This method results in excellent chemical yields for a wide range of alkyne substrates and demonstrates good functional‐group tolerance.