bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent Changes in Stream Flashiness and Flooding, and Effects of Flood Management in North Carolina and Virginia
Authors: Mogollón Beatriz , Frimpong Emmanuel A. , Hoegh Andrew B. , Angermeier Paul L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe southeastern United States has undergone anthropogenic changes in landscape structure, with the potential to increase (e.g., urbanization) and decrease (e.g., reservoir construction) stream flashiness and flooding. Assessment of the outcome of such change can provide insight into the efficacy of current strategies and policies to manage water resources. We (1) examined trends in precipitation, floods, and stream flashiness and (2) assessed the relative influence of land cover and flow‐regulating features (e.g., best management practices and artificial water bodies) on stream flashiness from 1991 to 2013. We found mean annual precipitation decreased, which coincided with decreasing trends in floods. In contrast, stream flashiness, overall, showed an increasing trend during the period of study. However, upon closer examination, 20 watersheds showed stable stream flashiness, whereas 5 increased and 6 decreased in flashiness. Urban watersheds were among those that increased or decreased in flashiness. Watersheds that increased in stream flashiness gained more urban cover, lost more forested cover and had fewer best management practices installed than urban watersheds that decreased in stream flashiness. We found best management practices are more effective than artificial water bodies in regulating flashy floods. Flashiness index is a valuable and straightforward metric to characterize changes in streamflow and help to assess the efficacy of management interventions.
A new virus discovered by immunocapture of double‐strandedRNA, a rapid method for virus enrichment in metagenomic studies
Authors: Blouin Arnaud G. , Ross Howard A. , Hobson‐Peters Jody , O'Brien Caitlin A. , Warren Ben , MacDiarmid Robin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNext‐generation sequencing technologies enable the rapid identification of viral infection of diseased organisms. However, despite a consistent decrease in sequencing costs, it is difficult to justify their use in large‐scale surveys without a virus sequence enrichment technique. As the majority of plant viruses have anRNAgenome, a common approach is to extract the double‐strandedRNA(dsRNA) replicative form, to enrich the replicating virus genetic material over the host background. The traditional dsRNAextraction is time‐consuming and labour‐intensive. We present an alternative method to enrich dsRNAfrom plant extracts using anti‐dsRNAmonoclonal antibodies in a pull‐down assay. The extracted dsRNAcan be amplified by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and sequenced by next‐generation sequencing. In our study, we have selected three distinct plant hosts: Māori potato (Solanum tuberosum), rengarenga (Arthropodium cirratum) and broadleaved dock (Rumex obtusifolius) representing a cultivated crop, a New Zealand‐native ornamental plant and a weed, respectively. Of the sequence data obtained, 31–74% of the reads were of viral origin, and we identified five viruses includingPotato virus YandPotato virus Sin potato;Turnip mosaic virusin rengarenga (a new host record); and in the dock sampleCherry leaf roll virusand a novel virus belonging to the genusMacluravirus. We believe that this new assay represents a significant opportunity to upscale virus ecology studies from environmental, primary industry and/or medical samples.
Characterization of the teosinte transcriptome reveals adaptive sequence divergence during maize domestication
Authors: Huang Jun , Gao Youjun , Jia Haitao , Zhang Zuxin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAnnual teosinte, the ancestor of cultivated maize (Zea mays ssp. mays), is a valuable germplasm for enhancing the genetic diversity and adaptability of maize to various environment stimuli. However, comprehensive transcriptomic and genomic resources are unavailable in public databases, which significantly impede the identification and utilization of favourable genes or alleles in teosinte. In this study, we globally sequenced the transcriptomes of six teosinte accessions by Illumina paired‐end sequencing. A high‐quality teosinte transcriptome was de novo assembled with an average length of 770 bp and 63.99% of annotated unigenes. We found approximately 75% of the genes were highly conserved between maize and teosinte. Moreover, we also found 1516 unigenes were specifically expressed in teosinte, of which 84 unigenes were supported by gene models of four plant species, and 571 unigenes were located in the intergenic regions of maize genome, showing evidence‐based expressed presence/absence variations (ePAVs). Furthermore, we also identified 99 unigenes with strong selection signals and 57 unigenes with >1 Ka/Ks ratios, suggesting that these genes might be under strong selection during maize domestication and improvement. Additionally, 11 286 teosinte unigene‐derived primer pairs were developed for amplifying simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. This study provides a comprehensive transcriptome of teosinte, a subset of genes that are highly conserved or diverged during maize domestication and improvement, and a massive set of available SSR primer pairs. These results facilitate the investigation of the comparative genomics and molecular domestication of teosinte and the utilization of teosinte germplasm for maize improvement.
Domains of quality of life affecting elderly patients with hand osteoarthritis: a qualitative study in the Asian perspective
Authors: Thumboo Julian , Wu Li , Leung Ying Ying 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesHand osteoarthritis (HOA) is common but little is known about how HOA has impact on disability and quality of life (QoL).We aim to identify important domains of concern among participants suffering from symptomatic HOA in Singapore, representing an Asian socio‐cultural context.MethodsA qualitative study using a focus group technique was performed. We ran focus groups stratified by gender, ethnicity and language. Two independent, trained analysts identified relevant categories and assigned codes to text segments through open coding, with discrepancies resolved through consensus. The final lists of domains and subthemes descriptive of QoL were then compared to the following commonly used HOA specific instruments: Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis (FIHOA), Score for Assessment and quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hand (SACRAH), Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN); and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).ResultsTwenty‐six patients (23 women, three men; 24 Chinese and two Malay; mean ± SD age 62.9 ± 7.5 years) with symptomatic HOA according to the American College of Rheumatology Classification Criteria participated in seven focus groups. Two and five focus groups were conducted in Chinese and English, respectively. The qualitative analysis revealed pain, stiffness and functional disability as the main domains. However, psychological consequences, aesthetic concerns, participation in leisure activities, participation in family roles were important concepts from the focus groups which were not covered by existing instruments. Impact on work productivity by HOA and the unmet health care need is revealed.ConclusionThe domains of concepts important to people with HOA in an Asian socio‐cultural context are not fully represented in the most commonly used instruments. Further studies on the selection of main domains relevant to HOA patients are necessary.
Private Financing of Health Care in Times of Economic Crisis: a Review of the Evidence
Authors: Wouters Olivier J. , McKee Martin 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany high‐income countries have cut public health care spending since the global economic downturn in 2008. In some cases these cuts have been accompanied by calls to expand private financing to improve the efficiency of health systems. In low and middle‐income countries seeking to increase access to health care, it is sometimes suggested that private financing is more effective than public financing because of weak state institutions and bureaucratic shortcomings.In this paper, we review the theoretical and empirical evidence on private financing in terms of cost, efficiency, equity and financial protection. We consider private health insurance, medical savings accounts and user charges in high, middle and low‐income countries.The theoretical and empirical evidence reveals major market failures in the health sector. It is unlikely that private financing generates better results than public financing. Still, as private financing options are heterogeneous, it is possible that a particular form might play a beneficial role in a specific setting. Given the current state of knowledge, however, any calls to increase private financing must be accompanied by robust evidence, such as real world pilot studies.
Nursing Taxonomies in Spain: Research Themes Presented at the AENTDE Conferences Over a 16‐Year Period
Authors: Guirao‐Goris Silamani J. Adolf , Lluch‐Canut Maria Teresa , Martín‐Iglesias Susana , Quero‐Rufián Aurora , Roldán Merino Juan Francisco 
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVETo identify the types of studies of nursing taxonomies and priority research themes presented at AENTDE conferences between 1996 and 2012.METHODFour hundred oral communications and posters and 27 lectures presented at the AENTDE meetings were reviewed by means of a descriptive analysis of the types of studies conducted and a content analysis of priority research themes.RESULTSThe most commonly presented studies were descriptions of the implementation of nursing taxonomies, which accounted for 27.4% of the total over the 16‐year period. However, their prevalence fell from 31.8% in 1996 to 9.1% in 2012. Basic research studies accounted for 17.4% of studies overall but were the most frequent in 2012, when their proportion had risen to 37.5%.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of basic research studies increased notably over the 16‐year period. Content validity studies rose in number, while face validity studies fell. Studies of the practical implementation of taxonomies also declined.OBJETIVOIdentificar los tipos de estudios de taxonomías enfermeras y los temas de investigación prioritarios presentados en las convenciones de AENTDE desde 1996 a 2012.MÉTODOSe revisaron 400 comunicaciones y 27 ponencias presentadas a 9 simposiums de AENTDE realizando un análisis del tipo de estudio y un análisis de contenido de los temas.RESULTADOSLos estudios más frecuentes son las experiencias de implantación de las taxonomías enfermeras con un porcentaje medio de un 27.4% que partiendo de un 31.8% en 1996 disminuyó a un 9,1% en 2012. La investigación básica tienen un porcentaje medio del 17.4% obteniéndose el mayor porcentaje en 2012 con un 37,5%.CONCLUSIÓNLa prevalencia de los estudios de investigación básica se incrementó notablemente durante el período de 16 años. Los estudios de validez de contenido aumentaron en número, mientras que los estudios de validez aparente cayeron. Los estudios sobre la aplicación práctica de las taxonomías también disminuyeron.
Cyclone‐based spore trapping, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and high resolution melting analysis for monitoring airborne inoculum of Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Huang C.‐M. , Liao D.‐J. , Wu H.‐S. , Shen W.‐C. , Chung C.‐L. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTRice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae, is one of the most devastating diseases in rice worldwide. We aimed to develop an integrated approach for convenient collection, quantification and characterisation of M. oryzae spores (airborne inoculum) in the field. We developed an easy‐to‐use cyclone‐based spore trap (the AirSampler) and a standard procedure for handling a small amount of airborne spores. Using a specific primer pair or a probe designed for the single‐copy gene mif23, SYBR Green and TaqMan assays could quantify 10 and 4 copy numbers, respectively, of M. oryzae DNA. During 2012 and 2013, the AirSampler and SYBR Green quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction were used to monitor temporal dynamics of M. oryzae spores in nursery fields of rice showing symptoms of blast disease. During four cropping seasons, the new techniques could detect M. oryzae spores before the appearance of rice blast symptoms. The amount of spores was low in the early season, then increased, with high fluctuations during the mid‐season and decreased to low levels at the heading stage in the late season. To improve the handling and storage of spore samples, we tested the effect of different treatments on the preservation of spore DNA. DNA loss was reduced with samples protected from ultraviolet B radiation, suspended in CTAB buffer, kept at room temperature or 4°C and used for DNA extraction in 2 weeks. Finally, we demonstrated that the high resolution melting analysis could be used for rapid determination of A, D, A + D and C alleles of the avirulence gene pex31 (Avr‐Pik/kp/km) in M. oryzae.
Adverse event assessment and reporting in trials of newer treatments for post‐operative pain
Authors: Hoffer D. , Smith S. M. , Parlow J. , Allard R. , Gilron I. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundAssessment and reporting of adverse events (AEs) in studies of perioperative interventions is critical given the potential for unintended and preventable iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. This focused review evaluated the quality of AE assessment and reporting in acute post‐operative pain treatment trials. Since older analgesics (e.g., opioids, NSAIDs) already have a well‐characterized safety profile, we concentrated on trials of pregabalin and gabapentin as a representative sample of studies where the perioperative safety profile was relatively unknown.MethodsWe reviewed primary reports of trials of pregabalin and gabapentin for treatment of acute post‐operative pain for: (1) adherence to the 10 recommendations from the ‘CONSORT Extension for Harms,’ (2) AE assessment method, (3) timing of AE assessment and reporting, and (4) assessment and reporting of AE severity.ResultsWe identified 31 trials of pregabalin and 59 of gabapentin. The median number of CONSORT harms recommendations that were satisfied was 7 of 10. The most common (41%) method of AE assessment was direct questioning about specific AEs by investigators. However, AE assessment method was not described in 18% of trials. AE assessments were reported for specified perioperative time points in only 24% of trials. Of greatest concern, no AE data were reported whatsoever in 8 of the included publications.ConclusionsConsiderable widespread improvements are needed in AE reporting for post‐operative pain treatment trials. In addition to heightened awareness among clinical investigators, mandatory journal editorial policies may further facilitate improvements in safety assessment and reporting.
The Behavioral Economics and Neuroeconomics of Alcohol Use Disorders
Authors: MacKillop James 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundBehavioral economics and neuroeconomics bring together perspectives and methods from psychology, economics, and cognitive neuroscience to understand decision making and choice behavior. Extending an operant behavioral theoretical framework, these perspectives have increasingly been applied to understand the alcohol use disorders (AUDs), and this review surveys the theory, methods, and findings from this approach. The focus is on 3 key behavioral economic concepts: delay discounting (i.e., preferences for smaller immediate rewards relative to larger delayed rewards), alcohol demand (i.e., alcohol's reinforcing value), and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement (i.e., relative amount of psychosocial reinforcement associated with alcohol use).FindingsDelay discounting has been linked to AUDs in both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies and has been investigated cross‐sectionally using neuroimaging. Alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol‐related reinforcement have both been robustly associated with drinking and alcohol misuse cross‐sectionally, but not over time. Both have also been found to predict treatment response to brief interventions. Alcohol demand has also been used to enhance the measurement of acute motivation for alcohol in laboratory studies. Interventions that focus on reducing the value of alcohol by increasing alternative reinforcement and response cost have been found to be efficacious, albeit in relatively small numbers of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Mediators and moderators of response to these interventions have not been extensively investigated.Future directionsThe application of behavioral economics and neuroeconomics to AUDs has given rise to an extensive body of empirical work, although significant gaps in knowledge remain. In particular, there is a need for more longitudinal investigations to clarify the etiological roles of these behavioral economic processes, especially alcohol demand and proportionate alcohol reinforcement. Additional RCTs are needed to extend and generalize the findings for reinforcement‐based interventions and to investigate mediators and moderators of treatment success for optimization. Applying neuroeconomics to AUDs remains at an early stage and has been primarily descriptive to date, but has high potential for important translational insights into the future. The same is true for using these behavioral economic indicators to understand genetic influences on AUDs.
More inclusive bipolar mixed depression definitions by requiring fewer non‐overlapping mood elevation symptoms
Authors: Kim W. , Kim H. , Citrome L. , Akiskal H. S. , Goffin K. C. , Miller S. , Holtzman J. N. , Hooshmand F. , Wang P. W. , Hill S. J. , Ketter T. A. 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveAssess strengths and limitations of mixed bipolar depression definitions made more inclusive than that of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM‐5) by requiring fewer than three ‘non‐overlapping’ mood elevation symptoms (NOMES).MethodAmong bipolar disorder (BD) out‐patients assessed with Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for BD (STEP‐BD) Affective Disorders Evaluation, we assessed prevalence, demographics, and clinical correlates of mixed vs. pure depression, using less inclusive (≥3 NOMES, DSM‐5), more inclusive (≥2 NOMES), and most inclusive (≥1 NOMES) definitions.ResultsAmong 153 depressed BD, compared to less inclusive DSM‐5 threshold, our more and most inclusive thresholds, yielded approximately two‐ and five‐fold higher mixed depression rates (7.2%, 15.0%, and 34.6% respectively), and important statistically significant clinical correlates for mixed compared to pure depression (e.g. more lifetime anxiety disorder comorbidity, more current irritability), which were not significant using the DSM‐5 threshold.ConclusionFurther studies assessing strengths and limitations of more inclusive mixed depression definitions are warranted, including assessing the extent to which enhanced statistical power vs. other factors contributes to more vs. less inclusive mixed bipolar depression thresholds having more statistically significant clinical correlates, and whether ‘overlapping’ mood elevation symptoms should be counted.
Chronic mitragynine (kratom) enhances punishment resistance in natural reward seeking and impairs place learning in mice
Authors: Ismail Nurul Iman W. , Jayabalan Nanthini , Mansor Sharif Mahsufi , Müller Christian P. , Muzaimi Mustapha 
Published: March 2016

AbstractKratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a widely abused herbal drug preparation in Southeast Asia. It is often consumed as a substitute for heroin, but imposing itself unknown harms and addictive burdens. Mitragynine is the major psychostimulant constituent of kratom that has recently been reported to induce morphine‐like behavioural and cognitive effects in rodents. The effects of chronic consumption on non‐drug related behaviours are still unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of chronic mitragynine treatment on spontaneous activity, reward‐related behaviour and cognition in mice in an IntelliCage® system, and compared them with those of morphine and Δ‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). We found that chronic mitragynine treatment significantly potentiated horizontal exploratory activity. It enhanced spontaneous sucrose preference and also its persistence when the preference had aversive consequences. Furthermore, mitragynine impaired place learning and its reversal. Thereby, mitragynine effects closely resembled that of morphine and THC sensitisation. These findings suggest that chronic mitragynine exposure enhances spontaneous locomotor activity and the preference for natural rewards, but impairs learning and memory. These findings confirm pleiotropic effects of mitragynine (kratom) on human lifestyle, but may also support the recognition of the drug's harm potential.
Does cigarette reduction while using nicotine replacement therapy prior to a quit attempt predict abstinence following quit date?
Authors: Lindson‐Hawley Nicola , Shinkins Bethany , West Robert , Michie Susan , Aveyard Paul 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsPrevious studies have reported that people who use a smoking cessation medication while smoking and reduce cigarette consumption spontaneously are three times more likely to stop smoking after a quit date. The aim was to replicate this and assess whether it arises because of willed effortful reduction rather than unwilled reduced drive to smoke caused by medication.DesignSecondary analysis of a trial where participants were randomised to smoke as normal or reduce by 75% over 2 weeks prior to quit date, using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in both arms.SettingThirty‐one UK primary care practices.ParticipantsA total of 517 adult smokers seeking quitting support in the carbon monoxide (CO) analyses and 421 in the cigarettes/day analyses.MeasurementsRussell Standard abstinence was recorded 4 weeks after quit date. The randomized groups were combined and the association between reduction and abstinence examined. The second analysis assessed whether this association differed by whether smokers were, or were not, instructed to reduce.FindingsIn all participants, there was no evidence that reducing cigarettes/day or CO by at least half compared with not reducing predicted abstinence at 4 weeks [risk ratio (RR) = 0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.68–1.14 and RR = 1.20; 95% CI = 1.00–1.44, respectively]. However, in smokers instructed to reduce, CO reduction was associated with 4‐week abstinence (RR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.16–2.00), but not among people advised not to reduce (RR = 0.91; 95% CI = 0.67–1.24).ConclusionsSmoking reduction prior to a target quit date while on a smoking cessation medication may only predict subsequent abstinence when smokers are consciously attempting to reduce.