bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of shear‐wave elastography to estimate the stiffness of the male striated urethral sphincter during voluntary contractions
Authors: Stafford Ryan E. , Aljuraifani Rafeef , Hug François , Hodges Paul W. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo investigate whether increases in stiffness can be detected in the anatomical region associated with the striated urethral sphincter (SUS) during voluntary activation using shear‐wave elastography (SWE); to identify the location and area of the stiffness increase relative to the point of greatest dorsal displacement of the mid urethra (i.e. SUS); and to determine the relationship between muscle stiffness and contraction intensity.Subjects and MethodsIn all, 10 healthy men participated. A linear ultrasound (US) transducer was placed mid‐sagittal on the perineum adjacent to a pair of electromyography electrodes that recorded non‐specific pelvic floor muscle activity. Stiffness in the area expected to contain the SUS was estimated via US SWE at rest and during voluntary pelvic floor muscles contractions to 5%, 10% and 15% maximum. Still image frames were exported for each repetition and analysed with software that detected increases in stiffness above 150% of the resting stiffness.ResultsPelvic floor muscle contraction elicited an increase in stiffness above threshold within the region expected to contain the SUS for all participants and contraction intensities. The mean (SD) ventral–dorsal distance between the centre of the stiffness area and region of maximal motion of the mid‐urethra (caused by SUS contraction) was 5.6 (1.8), 6.2 (0.8), and 5.8 (0.7) mm for 5%, 10% and 15% maximal voluntary contraction, respectively. Greater pelvic floor muscle contraction intensity resulted in a concomitant increase in stiffness, which differed between contraction intensities (5% vs 10%, P < 0.001; 5% vs 15%, P < 0.001; 10% vs 15%, P = 0.003).ConclusionVoluntary contraction of the pelvic floor muscles in men is associated with an area of stiffness increase measured with SWE, which concurs with the expected location of the SUS. The increase in stiffness occurred in association with an increase in perineal surface electromyography activity, providing evidence that stiffness amplitude relates to general pelvic floor muscle contraction intensity. Future applications of SWE may include investigations of patient populations in which dysfunction of the SUS is thought to play an important role, or investigation of the effect of rehabilitation programmes that target this muscle.
Otolaryngology residency education: a scoping review on the shift towards competency‐based medical education
Authors: Wagner N. , Fahim C. , Dunn K. , Reid D. , Sonnadara R.R. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundResidency training programmes worldwide are experiencing a shift from the traditional time‐based curriculum to competency‐based medical education (CBME), due to changes in the healthcare system that have impacted clinical learning opportunities. Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (OTL‐HNS) programmes are one of the first North American surgical specialties to adopt the new CBME curriculum.Objective of reviewThe purpose of this scoping review is to examine the literature pertaining to CBME in OTL‐HNS programmes worldwide, to identify the tools that have been developed and identify potential barriers to the implementation of CBME.Search strategyFour online databases, OVID MEDLINE (R) from 1946 to 5 August 2015, EMBASE 1974 to 5 August 2015, Cochrane and CINAHL databases up to 5 August 2015, were searched using key words related to OTL‐HNS and CBME.Evaluation methodTwo researchers independently reviewed the literature in a systematic manner and met to discuss and address any discrepancies at each step of the review process.ResultsOf the 207 publications identified in the initial search, 31 were included in this scoping review. Two key themes emerged from the literature: first, OTL‐HNS programmes reported a need for new assessment tools that assess competency and also provide the learner with formative feedback. Second, although varieties of tools assessing both technical and non‐technical skills have been developed, implementation of such tools has been met with some challenges. These challenges include a lack of faculty support, inadequate administrative support and a lack of knowledge on how to start the transition to CBME.ConclusionsThis scoping review suggests that task‐specific checklists, entrustment scales, evaluation portfolios from multiple assessments and faculty training sessions are key aspects to incorporate as OTL‐HNS training programmes shift towards a CBME curriculum.
Geographical distribution of morphological abnormalities and wing color pattern modifications of the pale grass blue butterfly in northeastern Japan
Authors: Hiyama Atsuki , Taira Wataru , Iwasaki Mayo , Sakauchi Ko , Gurung Raj , Otaki Joji M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe pale grass blue butterfly Zizeeria maha has been used as an environmental indicator to evaluate the biological impacts of the Fukushima nuclear accident. A high morphological abnormality rate (AR) of this butterfly was detected in 2011 from radioactively contaminated areas at 37–38°N. However, the geographical AR distribution has not been documented for the entirety of northeastern Japan. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the wing color pattern modification rate (MR) of temperature‐shock type remains undocumented. Here, we collected adult butterflies from many localities in northeastern Japan in 2014 and examined the local AR and MR. Both AR and MR were generally low throughout the 44 local populations surveyed. Latitudinal AR and MR distributions indicated a gap zone at approximately 39°N. The mean AR and the mean MR of the populations south of the gap zone were low (AR = 3.0%, MR = 1.1%), whereas those of the northern populations were relatively high (AR = 10.6%, MR =10.3%). Logistic regression analyses revealed that abnormalities and modifications were associated with temperature‐related variables. We conclude that abnormalities and modifications are generally rare, but that their rates are higher in the northern populations than in the southern ones. These results, along with evidence from other studies, strongly suggest that the high AR detected in 2011 from contaminated areas was induced by anthropogenic radioactive mutagens. This study presents a basic dataset of the current wildlife state of Z. maha in northeastern Japan, which facilitates a future use of this butterfly species as an environmental indicator.
Effort rights‐based management
Authors: Squires Dale , Maunder Mark , Allen Robin , Andersen Peder , Astorkiza Kepa , Butterworth Douglas , Caballero Gonzalo , Clarke Raymond , Ellefsen Hans , Guillotreau Patrice , Hampton John , Hannesson Rögnvaldur , Havice Elizabeth , Helvey Mark , Herrick Samuel , Hoydal Kjartan , Maharaj Vishwanie , Metzner Rebecca , Mosqueira Iago , Parma Ana , Prieto‐Bowen Ivan , Restrepo Victor , Sidique Shaufique Fahmi , Steinsham Stein Ivar , Thunberg Eric , del Valle Ikerne , Vestergaard Niels 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEffort rights‐based fisheries management (RBM) is less widely used than catch rights, whether for groups or individuals. Because RBM on catch or effort necessarily requires a total allowable catch (TAC) or total allowable effort (TAE), RBM is discussed in conjunction with issues in assessing fish populations and providing TACs or TAEs. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages, and there are trade‐offs between the two approaches. In a narrow economic sense, catch rights are superior because of the type of incentives created, but once the costs of research to improve stock assessments and the associated risks of determining the TAC and costs of monitoring, control, surveillance and enforcement are taken into consideration, the choice between catch or effort RBM becomes more complex and less clear. The results will be case specific. Hybrid systems based on both catch and effort are increasingly employed to manage marine fisheries to capture the advantages of both approaches. In hybrid systems, catch or effort RBM dominates and controls on the other supplements. RBM using either catch or effort by itself addresses only the target species stock externality and not the remaining externalities associated with by‐catch and the ecosystem.
Vulnerability of aquaculture‐related livelihoods to changing climate at the global scale
Authors: Handisyde Neil , Telfer Trevor C , Ross Lindsay G 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThere is now a strong consensus that during the 20th century, and especially during recent decades, the earth has experienced a significant warming trend with projections suggesting additional further warming during the 21st century. Associated with this warming trend are changes in climate that are expected to show substantial spatial variability across the earth's surface. Globally, fish production has continued to increase during recent years at a rate exceeding that of human population growth. However, the contribution from capture fisheries has remained largely static since the late 1980s with the increase in production being accounted for by dramatic growth in the aquaculture sector. In this study, the distribution of vulnerability of aquaculture‐related livelihoods to climate change was assessed at the global scale based on the concept of vulnerability as a function of sensitivity to climate change, exposure to climate change and adaptive capacity. Use was made of national‐level statistics along with gridded climate and population data. Climate change scenarios were supplied using the MAGICC/SCENGEN climate modelling tools. Analysis was conducted for aquaculture in freshwater, brackish and marine environments with outputs represented as a series of raster images. A number of Asian countries (Vietnam, Bangladesh, Laos and China) were indicated as most vulnerable to impacts on freshwater production. Vietnam, Thailand, Egypt and Ecuador stood out in terms of brackish water production. Norway and Chile were considered most vulnerable to impacts on marine production while a number of Asian countries (China, Vietnam and the Philippines) also ranked highly.
Spatial distribution patterns of the non‐native European catfish, Silurus glanis, from multiple online sources – a case study for the River Tagus (Iberian Peninsula)
Authors: Gago J. , Anastácio P. , Gkenas C. , Banha F. , Ribeiro F. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEffective management of invasive fishes depends on the availability of updated information about their distribution and spatial dispersion. Forensic analysis was performed using online and published data on the European catfish, Silurus glanis L., a recent invader in the Tagus catchment (Iberian Peninsula). Eighty records were obtained mainly from anglers’ fora and blogs, and more recently from www.youtube.com. Since the first record in 1998, S. glanis expanded its geographic range by ≈700 km of river network, occurring mainly in reservoirs and in high‐order reaches. Human‐mediated and natural dispersal events were identified, with the former occurring during the first years of invasion and involving movements of >50 km. Downstream dispersal directionality was predominant. The analysis of online data from anglers was found to provide useful information on the distribution and dispersal patterns of this non‐native fish, and is potentially applicable as a preliminary, exploratory assessment tool for other non‐native fishes.
Different fates of deposited and in a temperate forest in northeast China: a 15N tracer study
Authors: Liu Jun , Peng Bo , Xia Zongwei , Sun Jianfei , Gao Decai , Dai Weiwei , Jiang Ping , Bai Edith 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIncreasing atmospheric reactive nitrogen (N) deposition due to human activities could change N cycling in terrestrial ecosystems. However, the differences between the fates of deposited and are still not fully understood. Here, we investigated the fates of deposited and , respectively, via the application of 15NH4NO3 and NH415NO3 in a temperate forest ecosystem. Results showed that at 410 days after tracer application, most was immobilized in litter layer (50 ± 2%), while a considerable amount of penetrated into 0–5 cm mineral soil (42 ± 2%), indicating that litter layer and 0–5 cm mineral soil were the major N sinks of and , respectively. Broad‐leaved trees assimilated more 15N under NH415NO3 treatment compared to under 15NH4NO3 treatment, indicating their preference for –N. At 410 days after tracer application, 16 ± 4% added 15N was found in aboveground biomass under treatment, which was twice more than that under treatment (6 ± 1%). At the same time, approximately 80% added 15N was recovered in soil and plants under both treatments, which suggested that this forest had high potential for retention of deposited N. These results provided evidence that there were great differences between the fates of deposited and , which could help us better understand the mechanisms and capability of forest ecosystems as a sink of reactive nitrogen.
Nutrient deficiency and hypoxia as constraints to Panicum coloratum growth in alkaline soils
Authors: Luna D. F. , Aguirre A. , Pittaro G. , Bustos D. , Ciacci B. , Taleisnik E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAlkaline and saline–alkaline soils impose severe restrictions on plant growth. Panicum coloratum var. coloratum is a perennial C4 forage grass widely used in tropical and subtropical environments. Published information on its responses to alkaline soil conditions is scarce. The objectives of this study were (i) to characterize the effects of alkaline substrates on germination and initial growth in this species, (ii) to assess the influence of high pH in combination with reduced availability of either nutrients or oxygen and salinity, on plant growth and (iii) to evaluate some physiological traits potentially responsible for growth restrictions under alkaline soil conditions. Trials were conducted in a greenhouse. Germination and early plant survival were not affected by alkalinity. To isolate the effects of high pH, reduced nutrient and oxygen availability on growth, plants were grown either in neutral or alkaline soil, in hydroponics, in neutralized alkaline soil (with or without supplementary fertilization), or were flooded to induce hypoxia. Alkalinity effects on growth in hydroponics were milder than in soil. Growth in alkaline soil with nutrient supplement was still significantly lower (by 40%) than in neutral soil. Both alkalinity and hypoxia reduced growth non‐synergistically. These results show that studies of plant response to alkaline substrates carried out in aerated nutrient solutions can only partially address the complexity of this stress. Photosynthesis and PSII activity were among the physiological mechanisms negatively affected by alkalinity and may be partially responsible for the growth limitations observed in P. coloratum under alkaline conditions.
Efficacy of nalfurafine hydrochloride in patients with chronic liver disease with refractory pruritus: A randomized, double‐blind trial
Authors: Kumada Hiromitsu , Miyakawa Hiroshi , Muramatsu Taro , Ando Naoki , Oh Takanori , Takamori Kenji , Nakamoto Hidetomo 
Published: October 2016

AimsPatients with chronic liver disease sometimes develop cholestasis, which induces severe whole‐body pruritus that may disrupt daily activities and sleep. To determine the efficacy of nalfurafine hydrochloride (5 μg), which is a selective κ‐opioid receptor agonist, in improving pruritus, we undertook a double‐blind placebo‐controlled study in patients with chronic liver disease with refractory pruritus. Nalfurafine hydrochloride at 2.5 μg was also used to evaluate the dose–response relationship.MethodsIn total, 318 subjects were randomly assigned to receive the placebo or nalfurafine hydrochloride (2.5 or 5 μg) given orally once daily for 84 consecutive days. Pruritus was assessed based on the visual analog scale and pruritus scores.ResultsChanges in the visual analog scale at week 4 (last observation carried forward) were significantly greater in the nalfurafine hydrochloride groups at 28.56 and 27.46 mm in the 2.5 μg and 5 μg groups, respectively, compared to 19.25 mm in the placebo group (P = 0.0022 and 0.0056, respectively). The major adverse drug reactions (ADRs) included pollakiuria (including nocturia), somnolence, insomnia (including middle insomnia), and constipation. Most ADRs were mild.ConclusionsNalfurafine hydrochloride (2.5 or 5 μg daily) was effective in the treatment of refractory pruritus in patients with chronic liver disease. Furthermore, no clinically significant ADRs were observed at either dose.
Remittances and labour market outcomes: Evidence from Mexico
Authors: SHARMA Amarendra , CÁRDENAS Oscar 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe effects of remittances on labour market outcomes have been studied by many researchers, primarily using micro‐level data. While a few studies have also used macro‐level data, they suffer from endogeneity bias due to the inclusion of remittances in their estimations. The present study attempts to fill the gap in the literature by using a set of panel data of Mexican states and by addressing the endogeneity bias with a system GMM (generalized method of moments) estimator. The main conclusions are that remittances increase labour force participation rates and reduce median hours worked, critical employment and unemployment duration.
Is parenteral chemotherapy safe in rural hospitals? A prospective audit of neutropenic fever in Albany Hospital, a regional West Australian cancer centre
Authors: Kennedy K. , Auret K. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundNeutropenic fever is a life‐threatening complication of chemotherapy. The widely dispersed population of Australia creates challenges for rural patients in accessing healthcare services. Cancer treatment is particularly, burdensome with patients being forced to relocate to the city for treatment or to endure long and repeated journeys to the city. This study aimed to assess the safety of chemotherapy in a rural centre with a general physician‐led model, by analysing neutropenic fever in Albany Hospital, a regional cancer centre in Western Australia.MethodsA prospective audit of patients undergoing parenteral chemotherapy was undertaken from March 2014 to March 2015. Cases of neutropenic fever as a consequence of parenteral chemotherapy were analysed and recorded by the Albany Hospital medical registrar.ResultsThere were 1294 cycles of chemotherapy administered to 192 patients during the study period. There were 19 cases of neutropenic fever in 16 patients, meaning 8.33% of patients undergoing parenteral chemotherapy had their treatment complicated by neutropenic fever (n = 16/192). The incidence of neutropenic fever was 1.47% per cycle of chemotherapy (n = 19/1294). There were no deaths in the study period. As per guidelines, antibiotics were given within 60 min of arrival in 73.68% of cases (n = 14/19).ConclusionsThe rate of neutropenic fever observed was similar to rates in other centres worldwide, and the mortality rate was lower than average, with no deaths in the study population. These results provide reassurance with regards to the safe delivery of parenteral chemotherapy in this rural centre with a general physician‐led model.
Genotype Rankings for Nutrient Stress Resistance are Unrelated to Stress Severity in Cultivated Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)
Authors: Bowsher A. W. , Shelby K. C. , Ahmed I. , Krall E. , Reagan D. J. , Najdowski M. N. , Donovan L. A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAbiotic stress limits crop productivity worldwide, making stress‐resistant crops a major goal for improving food security. Stress resistance is often assessed by comparing genotypes under a single control and stressed level of an abiotic factor, then ranking the genotypes’ overall performance, using a metric like geometric mean productivity (GMP). However, abiotic stress is rarely a presence/absence phenomenon, but often varies continuously. Here, we tested whether the common practice of assessing performance using a single control and stress level is predictive of performance across a range of stress levels. Twelve sunflower genotypes were grown in the greenhouse under one of eight nutrient levels (from non‐limiting to severely limiting) and assessed for performance (shoot dry mass at the budding stage) and related traits at both seedling and budding stages. Contrary to expectations, genotype rankings for GMP were consistent regardless of the two nutrient levels used to calculate GMP. This suggests that, for nutrient stress in sunflower, studies using an arbitrary control and stress level are broadly representative: genotypes with high GMP exhibit high GMP regardless of the nutrient levels used. In addition, GMP values were highly correlated with performance in the respective nutrient levels from which they were calculated; thus, higher GMP for a given genotype indicates that it performed well (relative to other genotypes) under both stressed and non‐stressed conditions. Together, these findings strongly support the current paradigm of comparing genotypes at a single control and stress level as a valid strategy for screening for nutrient stress resistance in sunflower. However, few traits were consistently associated with performance (shoot dry mass) at either high‐ or low‐nutrient availability, and seedling traits were rarely predictive of budding‐stage traits and performance, suggesting further studies are needed to determine the mechanisms underlying nutrient stress resistance in this important oilseed crop.
Emergency room nurses’ pathway to turnover intention: a moderated serial mediation analysis
Authors: Bruyneel Luk , Thoelen Tom , Adriaenssens Jef , Sermeus Walter 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to explore the association between the quality of the work environment, job characteristics, demographic characteristics and a pathway of job satisfaction, emotional exhaustion and turnover intention among nurses in emergency departments and perform subgroup analyses.BackgroundTurnover intention among nurses is high. Multiple causes have been described, mostly in large studies of nurses working on general wards, often without considering complementarity of conceptual models and showing scant interest in the consistency of associations across subgroups of nurses.DesignCross‐sectional multicentre survey.MethodConvenience sample of 294 nurses in 11 Belgian emergency departments during 2014–2015. Indirect effects in the form of mediation and serial mediation were estimated to assess the association between work environment (Magnet model), job characteristics (Job Demand Control Support model) and turnover intention via job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion. Consistency of these indirect effects across subgroups of nurses was examined using moderated mediation analysis (conditional indirect effects).ResultsSeveral Magnet and Job Demand Control Support dimensions were related to turnover intention, either via job dissatisfaction (mediation) or via job satisfaction and emotional exhaustion (serial mediation). In the case of social support from supervisor, these indirect effects were only significant for female nurses, among whom turnover intention was higher. Last, nurses with more years of experience were less likely to indicate turnover intention.ConclusionTo maximize prevention of turnover intention at emergency departments, interventions could target early career nurses, work environment and job characteristics. Female nurses in particular may also benefit from improved social support from their supervisor.