bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct emission of methane and nitrous oxide from switchgrass and corn stover: implications for large‐scale biomass storage
Authors: Emery Isaac , Mosier Nathan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLittle is known about the contributions of biomass feedstock storage to the net greenhouse gas emissions from cellulosic biofuels. Direct emissions of methane and nitrous oxide during decomposition in storage may contribute substantially to the global warming potential of biofuels. In this study, laboratory‐scale bales of switchgrass and corn stover were stored under a range of moisture (13.0–32.9%) and temperature (5–35 °C) conditions and monitored for O2 consumption and CO2, CH4, and N2O production over 8 weeks. Gas concentrations and emissions rates were highly variable within and between experimental groups. Stover bales produced higher CO2 concentrations (P = 0.0002) and lower O2 (P < 0.0001) during storage than switchgrass bales. Methane concentrations (1.8–2100 ppm) were inversely correlated with bale moisture (P < 0.05), with emissions rates ranging from 4.4–914.9 μg kg−1 DM day−1. Nitrous oxide concentrations ranged from 0 to 31 ppm, and emissions from switchgrass bales inversely correlated with temperature and moisture (P < 0.0001). Net global warming potential from each treatment (0–2.4 gCO2e kg−1 DM) suggests that direct emission of methane and nitrous oxide from aerobically stored feedstocks have a small effect on net global warming potential of cellulosic biofuels.
Influence of soil texture and crop management on the productivity of miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deu.) in the Mediterranean
Authors: Roncucci Neri , Nassi O Di Nasso Nicoletta , Bonari Enrico , Ragaglini Giorgio 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBiomass productivity is the main favorable trait of candidate bioenergy crops. Miscanthus × giganteus is a promising species, due to its high‐yield potential and positive traits including low nutrient requirements and potential for C sequestration in soils. However, miscanthus productivity appears to be mostly related to water availability in the soil. This is important, particularly in Mediterranean regions where the risk of summer droughts is high. To date, there have been no studies on miscanthus responses under different soil conditions, while only a few have investigated the role of different crop managements, such as irrigation and nitrogen fertilization, in the Mediterranean. Therefore, the effects of contrasting soil textures (i.e. silty‐clay‐loam vs. sandy‐loam) and alternative agricultural intensification regimes (i.e. rainfed vs. irrigated and 0, 50, 100 kg ha−1 nitrogen fertilization), on miscanthus productivity were evaluated at three different harvest times for two consecutive years. Our results confirmed the importance of water availability in determining satisfactory yields in Mediterranean environments, and how soil and site characteristics strongly affect biomass production. We found that the aboveground dry yields varied between 5 Mg ha−1 up to 29 Mg ha−1. Conversely, nitrogen fertilization played only a minor role on crop productivity, and high fertilization levels were relatively inefficient. Finally, a marked decrease, of up to −40%, in the aboveground yield occurred when the harvest time was delayed from autumn to winter. Overall, our results highlighted the importance of determining crop responses on a site‐by‐site basis, and that decisions on the optimal harvest time should be driven by the biomass end use and other long‐term considerations, such as yield stability and the maintenance of soil fertility.
The Geographies of the Conference: Knowledge, Performance and Protest
Authors: Craggs Ruth , Mahony Martin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractConferences are an ubiquitous and important part of political and academic life, acting as key sites of knowledge creation, public performance, legitimation and protest. Reviewing the current literature and drawing on our own work, this paper suggests that geographers are well‐placed to provide insight into conferences through the concepts of visibility, performance and space. We explore the politics of academic, climate and geopolitical conferences, focusing on their production of epistemic communities and their role as sites for the performance of ideological positions and identities. We then explore international summits as protest spaces. We draw attention to a number of scales in our analysis, suggesting the need to attend to the global, national, local and micro‐scale of conferences to ask what space and location contribute to conference outcomes and how conferences in turn act back on the landscapes in which they are embedded. We conclude with four reasons why we believe that conferences provide a fruitful – and important – focus for research in geography.
Influences on individuals’ decisions to take up the offer of a health check: a qualitative study
Authors: Burgess Caroline , Wright Alison J. , Forster Alice S. , Dodhia Hiten , Miller Jane , Fuller Frances , Cajeat Eric , Gulliford Martin C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundHealth checks are promoted to evaluate individuals’ risk of developing disease and to initiate health promotion and disease prevention interventions. The NHS Health Check is a cardiovascular risk assessment programme introduced in the UK aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD). Uptake of health checks is lower than anticipated. This study aimed to explore influences on people's decisions to take up the offer of a health check.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with people registered at four general practices in South London. The interview schedule was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. Data were analysed qualitatively using the Framework method using NVivo for data management.ResultsTwenty‐seven participants invited for a health check were included in the study. Seventeen received the health check while 10 either did not attend or failed to complete the check. Five themes emerging from the data included a lack of awareness of the health check programme, beliefs about susceptibility to CVD, beliefs about civic responsibility, issues concerning access to appointments, and beliefs about the consequences of having a check.ConclusionsHealth check programmes need to raise public awareness to ensure that people are informed about the objectives and nature of the programme in order to reach an informed decision about taking up the invitation. Emphasizing the benefits of prevention and early detection might encourage attendance in those who are reluctant to burden the public health‐care systems. Extending outreach initiatives and increasing ‘out of hours’ provision at local community sites could facilitate access.
‘You likes your way, we got our own way’: Gypsies and Travellers’ views on infant feeding and health professional support
Authors: Condon Louise J , Salmon Debra 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundGypsies and Travellers are known to have poor health status and access to health services, even in comparison with other ethnic minority groups. People from this stigmatized ethnic group are rarely consulted about their health needs or health service provision. Optimal infant feeding in the first year of life has the potential to improve lifelong health.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to explore mothers and grandmothers’ views on feeding in the first year of life, including the support provided by health professionals.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of 22 mothers and grandmothers of English Gypsy, Irish Traveller and Romanian Roma ethnicity between November 2011 and February 2012 in a city in south‐west England.ResultsFew women perceived themselves as requiring help from health professionals in infant feeding, as acceptable and accessible support was available from within their own communities. Roma mothers described a tradition of breast‐feeding and appropriately timed weaning, while English Gypsies and Irish Travellers customarily practised less healthy infant feeding. When mothers requested support, health service provision was often found inadequate.ConclusionExploring the views of Gypsies and Travellers is important to gain insight into the provision of health services for this marginalized ethnic group. This study has implications for policy and the practice of health professionals, in indicating the customary feeding behaviours of some Gypsy and Travellers, and highlighting areas meriting culturally sensitive health promotion.
Assessment of chloroquine as a modulator of immune activation to improve CD4 recovery in immune nonresponding HIV‐infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Routy J‐P , Angel JB , Patel M , Kanagaratham C , Radzioch D , Kema I , Gilmore N , Ancuta P , Singer J , Jenabian M‐A 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesChloroquine (CQ), an anti‐inflammatory drug, inhibits Toll‐like receptor (TLR) signalling in plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) and may be beneficial for HIV‐infected patients in whom immune activation persists despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). The effect of CQ on CD4 T‐cell recovery and immune activation in immune nonresponding patients receiving successful ART was therefore studied.MethodsNineteen adults on ART with CD4 counts ≤350 cells/μL and undetectable viral load (VL) orally received CQ at 250 mg/day for 24 weeks. Side effects, CD4 and CD8 T‐cell counts, VL, T‐cell activation, pDC proportion and plasma inflammatory markers were assessed at baseline, at 24 weeks, and at 12 weeks after CQ discontinuation (clinicaltrial.org registration #NCT02004314).ResultsCQ was well tolerated and all patients maintained an undetectable VL. The absolute CD4 and CD8 T‐cell counts and their percentages, the pDC proportion, T‐cell activation, D‐dimer and C‐reactive protein (CRP) plasma levels and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio did not change with CQ treatment. Among nine cytokines/chemokines measured, only levels of interferon (IFN)‐α2 were significantly increased by CQ treatment.ConclusionsCQ was well tolerated in patients with low CD4 T‐cell counts despite long‐term effective ART; however, 24 weeks of CQ treatment did not improved CD4 T‐cell recovery, lymphoid and myeloid immune activation or inflammatory markers.
Tamsulosin versus tamsulosin plus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jayant Kumar , Agrawal Rajendra , Agrawal Swati 
Published: June 2014

ObjectivesTo compare the efficacy of tamsulosin versus tamsulosin plus tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for lower ureteric stones.MethodsBetween January 2013 and December 2013, 244 patients presenting with distal ureteric stones (size 5–10 mm) were randomized equally to tamsulosin (group A) or tamsulosin plus tadalafil (group B). Therapy was given for a maximum of 4 weeks. Stone expulsion rate, time to stone expulsion, analgesic use, number of hospital visits for pain, follow up, endoscopic treatment and adverse effects of drugs were recorded. Statistical analyses were carried out using Student's t‐test and the χ2‐test.ResultsThere was a statistically significant higher expulsion rate in group B compared with group A (83.6% vs 65.5%; P‐value = 0.031) and a shorter time to expulsion (14.9 ± 4.4 days vs 16.7 ± 4.8 days; P‐value = 0.003). Statistically significant differences were noted in terms of the number of hospital visits and analgesic requirement in favor of group B. There was no serious adverse event. An improvement in erectile function was noted in patients of group B compared with those of group A.ConclusionsMedical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones using tamsulosin plus tadalafil is safe, effective and well tolerated. Furthermore, tadalafil provides the additional advantage of improving erectile dysfunction when this condition coexists with a lower ureteric stone.
High‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation in relapsed or refractory germ cell tumours: outcomes and prognostic variables in a case series of 17 patients
Authors: Lewin J. , Dickinson M. , Voskoboynik M. , Collins M. , Ritchie D. , Toner G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundOptimal therapy for men relapsing after initial chemotherapy for germ cell tumours (GCT) is poorly defined. Both conventional dose salvage regimens and high‐dose chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplantation (HDCT‐ASCT) have been utilised.AimsTo examine patients who received HDCT‐ASCT for relapsed GCT within a single Australian centre.MethodsRecords between 2000 and 2012 were analysed for baseline characteristics, treatment‐related toxicity and survival. Prognosis at the time of HDCT‐ASCT was classified according to the International Prognostic Factors Study Group (IPFSG).ResultsSeventeen patients received HDCT‐ASCT, median age 34 (21–46), with 41% having primary refractory disease and 53% with high/very high risk disease by IPFSG. The most common regimen utilised was paclitaxel/ifosfamide followed by high‐dose carboplatin/etoposide (TI‐CE; n = 12). The median duration of grade 4 (G4) neutropenia was 11 days (range 9–17) with febrile neutropenia in 90% resulting in four intensive care unit admissions (8%). Median duration of G4 thrombocytopenia was 10 days (range 8–19) requiring a median of two pooled platelets bags (range 0–33) per episode. Transplant‐related mortality occurred in one patient (veno‐occlusive disease). Twenty‐seven per cent of HDCT‐ASCT cycles were associated with grade 3 mucositis (median total parenteral nutrition days = 5 (0–23)). Two‐year progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 59% and 71%. Patients who received HDCT‐ASCT as second or subsequent relapse fared worse than those treated with HDCT‐ASCT at first relapse (hazard ratio 0.23 (95% confidence interval: 0.04, 1.37; P‐value 0.09). Three‐year OS for those who received TI‐CE at first relapse was 90%.ConclusionsHDCT‐ASCT for relapsed GCT is effective with acceptable toxicity. There was encouraging PFS/OS, particularly in a poor‐prognosis cohort.
Crystal Structure and Elastic Properties of Hypothesized MAX Phase‐Like Compound (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3
Authors: Mo Yuxiang , Aryal Sitaram , Rulis Paul , Ching Wai‐Yim 
Published: June 2014

The term “MAX phase” refers to a very interesting and important class of layered ternary transition‐metal carbides and nitrides with a novel combination of both metal and ceramic‐like properties that have made these materials highly regarded candidates for numerous technological and engineering applications. Using (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 as an example, we demonstrate the possibility of incorporating more types of elements into a MAX phase while maintaining the crystallinity, instead of creating solid solution phases. The crystal structure and elastic properties of MAX phase‐like (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 are studied using the Vienna ab initio Simulation Package. Unlike MAX phases with a hexagonal symmetry (P63/mmc, #194), (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group of P21/m (#11) with lattice parameters of a = 5.1739 Å, b = 5.1974 Å, c = 12.8019 Å; α = β = 90°, γ = 119.8509°. Its structure is found to be energetically much more favorable with an energy (per formula unit) of −102.11 eV, significantly lower than those of the allotropic segregation (−100.05 eV) and solid solution (−100.13 eV) phases. Calculations using a stress versus strain approach and the VRH approximation for polycrystals also show that (Cr2Hf)2Al3C3 has outstanding elastic moduli.
Dielectric Relaxation and Collective Vibrational Modes of Double‐Perovskites A2SmTaO6 (A = Ba, Sr and Ca)
Authors: Ghosh Binita , Halder Saswata , Sinha Tripurari Prasad 
Published: June 2014

The crystal structures of the double‐perovskite oxide A2SmTaO6 series (AST, A = Ba, Sr, Ca) synthesized by solid‐state reaction technique are determined from X‐ray powder diffraction data. Rietveld refinements of the X‐ray diffraction data of the samples show that Ba2SmTaO6 (BST) crystallizes in cubic phase and Sr2SmTaO6 (SST) and Ca2SmTaO6 (CST) crystallize in monoclinic phase. Fourier transform infrared spectra show two primary modes of the samples at around 370 and 600 cm−1. The vibrational properties of the samples are studied by Raman spectroscopy taken at 488‐nm wavelength. Group‐theoretical study is performed to assign the different vibrational modes of the samples in accordance with structural symmetry. The observed shifts of some vibrations in the SST and CST w.r.t. BST upon changing the A cation are tentatively explained. Dielectric spectroscopy is applied to investigate the ac electrical conductivity of AST in different temperatures between 303 and 673 K and in a frequency range of 42 Hz–1 MHz. The complex impedance plane plots show that the relaxation (conduction) mechanism in these materials is purely a bulk effect arising from the semiconductive grains. The relaxation mechanism of the samples is modeled by Cole–Cole equation. The frequency‐dependent conductivity spectra are found to follow the power law.
Land Use and Climate Variability Amplify Carbon, Nutrient, and Contaminant Pulses: A Review with Management Implications
Authors: Kaushal Sujay S. , Mayer Paul M. , Vidon Philippe G. , Smith Rose M. , Pennino Michael J. , Newcomer Tamara A. , Duan Shuiwang , Welty Claire , Belt Kenneth T. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractNonpoint source pollution from agriculture and urbanization is increasing globally at the same time climate extremes have increased in frequency and intensity. We review >200 studies of hydrologic and gaseous fluxes and show how the interaction between land use and climate variability alters magnitude and frequency of carbon, nutrient, and greenhouse gas pulses in watersheds. Agricultural and urban watersheds respond similarly to climate variability due to headwater alteration and loss of ecosystem services to buffer runoff and temperature changes. Organic carbon concentrations/exports increase and organic carbon quality changes with runoff. Nitrogen and phosphorus exports increase during floods (sometimes by an order of magnitude) and decrease during droughts. Relationships between annual runoff and nitrogen and phosphorus exports differ across land use. CH4 and N2O pulses in riparian zones/floodplains predominantly increase with: flooding, warming, low oxygen, nutrient enrichment, and organic carbon. CH4, N2O, and CO2 pulses in streams/rivers increase due to similar factors but effects of floods are less known compared to base flow/droughts. Emerging questions include: (1) What factors influence lag times of contaminant pulses in response to extreme events? (2) What drives resistance/resilience to hydrologic and gaseous pulses? We conclude with eight recommendations for managing watershed pulses in response to interactive effects of land use and climate change.
Field Testing the Riparian Ecosystem Management Model on a Riparian Buffer in the North CarolinaUpper Coastal Plain
Authors: Tilak Amey S. , Burchell Michael R. , Youssef Mohamed A. , Lowrance Richard R. , Williams Randy G. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe riparian ecosystem management model (REMM) was field tested using five years (2005‐2009) of measured hydrologic and water quality data on a riparian buffer located in the Tar‐Pamlico River Basin, North Carolina. The buffer site received NO3‐N loading from an agricultural field that was fertilized with inorganic fertilizer. Field results showed the buffer reduced groundwater NO3‐N concentration moving to the stream over a five‐year period. REMM was calibrated hydrologically using daily field‐measured water table depths (WTDs), and with monthly NO3‐N concentrations in groundwater wells. Results showed simulated WTDs and NO3‐N concentrations in good agreement with measured values. The mean absolute error and Willmott's index of agreement for WTDs varied from 13‐45 cm and 0.72‐0.92, respectively, while the root mean square error and Willmott's index of agreement for NO3‐N concentrations ranged from 1.04‐5.92 mg/l and 0.1‐0.86, respectively, over the five‐year period. REMM predicted plant nitrogen (N) uptake and denitrification were within ranges reported in other riparian buffer field studies. The calibrated and validated REMM was used to simulate 33 years of buffer performance at the site. Results showed that on average the buffer reduced NO3‐N concentrations from 12 mg/l at the field edge to 0.7 mg/l at the stream edge over the simulation period, while the total N and NO3‐N load reductions from the field edge to the stream were 77 and 82%, respectively.
Groundwater Nitrate Concentration Reductions in a Riparian Buffer Enrolled in the NC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program
Authors: Wiseman Jacob D. , Burchell Michael R. , Grabow Garry L. , Osmond Deanna L. , Messer T.L. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRiparian buffers have been used for many years as a best management practice to decrease the effects of nonpoint pollution from watersheds. The NC Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (NC CREP) has established buffers to treat groundwater nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N) from agricultural sources in multiple river basins. A maturing 46 m wide riparian buffer enrolled in NC CREP was studied to determine its effectiveness in reducing groundwater NO3−‐N concentrations from a cattle pasture fertilized with poultry litter. Three monitoring blocks that included groundwater quality wells, water table wells, and soil redox probes, were established in the buffer. NO3−‐N concentrations decreased significantly across the buffer in all of the monitoring blocks with mean reductions of 76‐92%. Many biological processes, including denitrification and plant uptake, may have been responsible for the observed NO3−‐N reductions but could not be differentiated in this study. However, mean reductions in Cl− concentrations ranged from 48‐65% through the blocks, which indicated that dilution was an important factor in observed NO3−‐N reductions. These findings should be carefully considered for future buffer enrollments when assigning nitrogen removal credits.
A General Equilibrium Model of Ecosystem Services in a River Basin
Authors: Warziniack Travis 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis study builds a general equilibrium model of ecosystem services, with sectors of the economy competing for use of the environment. The model recognizes that production processes in the real world require a combination of natural and human inputs, and understanding the value of these inputs and their competing uses is necessary when considering policies of resource conservation. We demonstrate the model with a numerical example of the Mississippi‐Atchafalaya river basin, in which grain production in the upper basin causes hypoxia that causes damages to the downstream fishing industry. We show that the size of damages is dependent on both environmental and economic shocks. While the potential damages to fishing are large, most of the damage occurs from economic forces rather than a more intensive use of nitrogen fertilizers. We show that these damages are exacerbated by increases in rainfall, which will likely get worse with climate change. We discuss welfare effects from a tax on nitrogen fertilizers and investments in riparian buffers. A 3% nitrogen tax would reduce the size of the hypoxic zone by 11% at a cost of 2% of Iowa's corn output. In comparison, riparian buffers are likely to be less costly and more popular politically.