bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can above‐ground ecosystem services compensate for reduced fertilizer input and soil organic matter in annual crops?
Authors: van Gils Stijn , van der Putten Wim H. , Kleijn David 
Published: March 2016

Summary

Above‐ground and below‐ground environmental conditions influence crop yield by pollination, pest pressure and resource supply. However, little is known about how interactions between these factors contribute to yield. Here, we used oilseed rape Brassica napus to test their effects on crop yield.

We exposed potted plants to all combinations of high and low levels of soil organic matter (SOM) and fertilizer supply, and placed all treatments at a variety of field sites representing a gradient in pollinator visitation rate and pest exposure. We determined the relative contribution of pollinators and pests, SOM and fertilizer supply to yield. We also tested whether SOM can moderate effects of fertilizer on yield and whether soil conditions influence the relationship between above‐ground conditions and yield.

Increases in pollinator visitation rate and decreases in pest pressure enhanced yield more than increase in fertilizer supply. Although higher SOM content resulted in plants with more biomass and flowers, under our experimental conditions SOM neither enhanced yield, nor influenced effects of fertilizer, pollinators or pests on yield.

The relationships between yield, pollinator visitation rate and pest pressure did not depend on the level of fertilization, suggesting that the effects of fertilizer application and above‐ground (dis)services on yield were additive. In contrast, pollinator visitation rate was more strongly related to yield at low pest pressure than at high pest pressure indicating trade‐offs between above‐ground services and disservices.

Synthesis and applications. Our results show that it is possible to increase oilseed rape yield by enhancing pollination, irrespective of supplying mineral fertilizer. Moreover, the fact that below‐ground conditions did not alter the effect of above‐ground conditions suggests that farmers may obtain even higher yields by maximizing both above‐ground ecosystem services and external inputs. Further studies are needed to understand at which point the positive relationships between pollinator visitation and yield, as well as between fertilizer and yield, will level off. Considering above‐ground and below‐ground services and inputs in agro‐ecosystems in conjunction is crucial in order to optimize external inputs for crop yield from an economic and ecological perspective.
Lobbying and Uniform Disclosure Regulation
Authors: FRIEDMAN HENRY L. , HEINLE MIRKO S. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThis study examines the costs and benefits of uniform accounting regulation in the presence of heterogeneous firms that can lobby the regulator. A commitment to uniform regulation reduces economic distortions caused by lobbying by creating a free‐rider problem between lobbying firms at the cost of forcing the same treatment on heterogeneous firms. Resolving this tradeoff, an institutional commitment to uniformity is socially desirable when firms are sufficiently homogeneous or the costs of lobbying to society are large. We show that the regulatory intensity for a given firm can be increasing or decreasing in the degree of uniformity, even though uniformity always reduces lobbying. Our analysis sheds light on the determinants of standard‐setting institutions and their effects on corporate governance and lobbying efforts.
Pre‐clinical medical students' perceptions of their patient safety skills in a simulated emergency department
Authors: Raymond‐Dufresne Éliane , Brazil Victoria , Johnson Patricia L , Nielson Tracy L 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectivesPatient safety has emerged as an important topic for inclusion in medical curricula. However, there is limited literature describing how medical students are taught, learn and self‐assess patient safety skills. The present study aimed to seek pre‐clinical medical students' perceptions of (i) their individual performance at a range of safety skills; and (ii) how they define patient safety in a simulated ED.MethodsData were collected in the form of questionnaire responses at the end of the Bond University Simulated ED activity in October 2014. The simulated ED is a session for pre‐clinical medical students prior to their clinical rotations, aimed at preparing them for the clinical environment. Likert scale and short answer responses were used to describe students' perceptions of their safety skills and to identify themes related to patient safety.ResultsSeventy‐eight out of 92 students completed the questionnaires (85% response rate). The majority of students thought their patients were safe from adverse events during their shift. However, students' perception of patient safety was wide‐ranging and demonstrated a number of misconceptions. The most frequent strategies employed by students to ensure patient safety were asking for help from nursing staff or senior doctors, ensuring good communication with the patient and checking allergies before administering medication.ConclusionStudents had a favourable opinion of their own safety skills. However, answers to free text question revealed misconceptions about the nature of patient safety despite significant teaching on this topic.
Clinical impact of a high‐sensitivity troponin assay introduction on patients presenting to the emergency department
Authors: Peck Daniel , Knott Jonathan , Lefkovits Jeffrey 
Published: March 2016

AbstractObjectiveBiomarkers are a critical component in the investigation of patients with potential ischaemic heart disease. The proposed benefits of a high‐sensitivity troponin (hs‐Tn) assay include earlier diagnosis of myocardial infarction. However, the decreased specificity may adversely affect clinical practice. The present study aims to investigate the impact that the introduction of a hs‐Tn assay had on patients presenting to the ED.MethodsA pre‐ and post‐interventional analysis was performed on all patients presenting to the Royal Melbourne Hospital ED, and had a troponin, in the 12 months before and after the introduction of the hs‐Tn assay. The main outcome measures were ED length of stay, admission rates, proportion of patients undergoing interventional cardiac procedures and proportion diagnosed with myocardial infarction.ResultsThere were 6557 patients who had a conventional assay and 7335 patients who had a hs‐Tn assay. The introduction of a hs‐Tn assay was associated with an increased abnormal troponin rate (23.4% vs 28.1%, P < 0.001). The median length of ED stay decreased by 9.1% (P < 0.001). The proportion admitted to hospital increased (60.9% vs 65.9%, P < 0.001); however, there was no difference in the proportion undergoing revascularisation or the proportion diagnosed with myocardial infarction.ConclusionsAlthough the introduction of a hs‐Tn assay led to an increase in hospital admissions, the unchanged rate of cardiac procedures or final diagnoses of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic heart disease suggests that the hs‐Tn did not improve the detection of these conditions. It remains unclear whether there was a benefit admitting the additional cohort of patients.
Effects of Imidacloprid and Varroa destructor on survival and health of European honey bees, Apis mellifera
Authors: Abbo Pendo M. , Kawasaki Joshua K. , Hamilton Michele , Cook Steven C. , DeGrandi‐Hoffman Gloria , Li Wen Feng , Liu Jie , Chen Yan Ping 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThere has been growing concern over declines in populations of honey bees and other pollinators which are a vital part to our food security. It is imperative to identify factors responsible for accelerated declines in bee populations and develop solutions for reversing bee losses. While exact causes of colony losses remain elusive, risk factors thought to play key roles are ectoparasitic mites Varroa destructor and neonicotinoid pesticides. The present study aims to investigate effects of a neonicotinoid pesticide Imidacloprid and Varroa mites individually on survivorship, growth, physiology, virus dynamics and immunity of honey bee workers. Our study provides clear evidence that the exposure to sublethal doses of Imidacloprid could exert a significantly negative effect on health and survival of honey bees. We observed a significant reduction in the titer of vitellogenin (Vg), an egg yolk precursor that regulates the honey bees development and behavior and often are linked to energy homeostasis, in bees exposed to Imidacloprid. This result indicates that sublethal exposure to neonicotinoid could lead to increased energy usage in honey bees as detoxification is a energy‐consuming metabolic process and suggests that Vg could be a useful biomarker for measuring levels of energy stress and sublethal effects of pesticides on honey bees. Measurement of the quantitative effects of different levels of Varroa mite infestation on the replication dynamic of Deformed wing virus (DWV), an RNA virus associated with Varroa infestation, and expression level of immune genes yields unique insights into how honey bees respond to stressors under laboratory conditions.
Superior Vena Cava Obstruction in Hemodialysis Patients: Symptoms, Clinical Presentation and Outcomes Compared to Other Etiologies
Authors: Siegel Yoel , Kuker Russ 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe incidence of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction associated with non‐malignant diseases is on the rise, and a large percentage of these patients are on hemodialysis (HD). The objective was to characterize the presentation, symptoms and outcomes of HD patients with SVC obstruction identified on computerized tomography (CT) compared to patients with other etiologies such as neoplasm. A search was performed through the PACS system using key words to identify patients with SVC obstruction. The CT scans and charts were reviewed for degree of obstruction, signs, symptoms and outcomes. Thirty‐six patients were included in the study. Thirteen were on HD and of these, five had symptoms associated with SVC obstruction and one had concordant findings on physical exam. In comparison, thirteen patients with a chest neoplasm had symptoms and four had concordant findings on physical exam. On follow up, 31% of the HD patients died and of these 60% were symptomatic and died within 2 years. 29% of lung cancer patients died within 16 months. The majority of the HD patients had complete SVC obstruction (85%) as opposed to those with a chest neoplasm who mostly had partial SVC occlusion (67%). In conclusion, patients on HD with SVC obstruction are less often symptomatic than those with a neoplasm. However, these HD patients had a death rate similar to the patients with cancer. This risk seems to increase in those who are symptomatic. Diagnosis of SVC obstruction by CT in HD patients may help identify those with less favorable prognosis.
Sensory and Physicochemical Studies of Thermally Micronized Chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and Green Lentil (Lens culinaris) Flours as Binders in Low‐Fat Beef Burgers
Authors: Shariati‐Ievari Shiva , Ryland Donna , Edel Andrea , Nicholson Tiffany , Suh Miyoung , Aliani Michel 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPulses are known to be nutritious foods but are susceptible to oxidation due to the reaction of lipoxygenase (LOX) with linolenic and linoleic acids which can lead to off flavors caused by the formation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Infrared micronization at 130 and 150 °C was investigated as a heat treatment to determine its effect on LOX activity and VOCs of chickpea and green lentil flour. The pulse flours were added to low‐fat beef burgers at 6% and measured for consumer acceptability and physicochemical properties. Micronization at 130 °C significantly decreased LOX activity for both flours. The lentil flour micronized at 150 °C showed a further significant decrease in LOX activity similar to that of the chickpea flour at 150 °C. The lowering of VOCs was accomplished more successfully with micronization at 130 °C for chickpea flour while micronization at 150 °C for the green lentil flour was more effective. Micronization minimally affected the characteristic fatty acid content in each flour but significantly increased omega‐3 and n‐6 fatty acids at 150 °C in burgers with lentil and chickpea flours, respectively. Burgers with green lentil flour micronized at 130 and 150 °C, and chickpea flour micronized at 150 °C were positively associated with acceptability. Micronization did not affect the shear force and cooking losses of the burgers made with both flours. Formulation of low‐fat beef burgers containing 6% micronized gluten‐free binder made from lentil and chickpea flour is possible based on favorable results for physicochemical properties and consumer acceptability.
Simultaneous identification of host, ectoparasite and pathogen DNA via in‐solution capture
Authors: Campana Michael G. , Hawkins Melissa T. R. , Henson Lauren H. , Stewardson Kristin , Young Hillary S. , Card Leah R. , Lock Justin , Agwanda Bernard , Brinkerhoff Jory , Gaff Holly D. , Helgen Kristofer M. , Maldonado Jesús E. , McShea William J. , Fleischer Robert C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEctoparasites frequently vector pathogens from often unknown pathogen reservoirs to both human and animal populations. Simultaneous identification of the ectoparasite species, the wildlife host that provided their most recent blood meal(s), and their pathogen load would greatly facilitate the understanding of the complex transmission dynamics of vector‐borne diseases. Currently, these identifications are principally performed using multiple polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. We developed an assay (EctoBaits) based on in‐solution capture paired with high‐throughput sequencing to simultaneously identify ectoparasites, host blood meals and pathogens. We validated our in‐solution capture results using double‐blind PCR assays, morphology and collection data. The EctoBaits assay effectively and efficiently identifies ectoparasites, blood meals, and pathogens in a single capture experiment, allowing for high‐resolution taxonomic identification while preserving the DNA sample for future analyses.
Autobiographical Memory Deficits in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients with Short‐ and Long‐Term Abstinence
Authors: Nandrino Jean‐Louis , El Haj Mohamad , Torre Julie , Naye Delphine , Douchet Helyette , Danel Thierry , Cottençin Oliver 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundAutobiographical memory (AM) enables the storage and retrieval of life experiences that allow individuals to build their sense of identity. Several AM impairments have been described in patients with alcohol abuse disorders without assessing whether such deficits can be recovered. This cross‐sectional study aimed to identify whether the semantic (SAM) and episodic (EAM) dimensions of AM are affected in individuals with alcohol dependence after short‐term abstinence (STA) or long‐term abstinence (LTA). A second aim of this study was to examine the factors that could disrupt the efficiency of semantic and episodic AM (the impact of depression severity, cognitive functions, recent or early traumatic events, and drinking history variables).MethodsAfter clinical and cognitive evaluations (alcohol consumption, depression, anxiety, IQ, memory performance), AM was assessed with the Autobiographical Memory Interview in patients with recent (between 4 and 6 weeks) and longer (at least 6 months) abstinence. Participants were asked to retrieve the number and nature of traumatic or painful life experiences in recent or early life periods (using the Childhood Traumatic Events Scale).ResultsThe 2 abstinent groups had lower global EAM and SAM scores than the control group. These scores were comparable for both abstinent groups. For childhood events, no significant differences were observed in SAM for both groups compared with control participants. For early adulthood and recent events, both STA and LTA groups had lower scores on both SAM and EAM. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between the length of substance consumption and SAM scores.ConclusionsThis study highlighted a specific AM disorder in both episodic and semantic dimensions. These deficits remained after 6 months of abstinence. This AM impairment may be explained by compromised encoding and consolidation of memories during bouts of drinking.
Incubation of extinction responding and cue‐induced reinstatement, but not context‐ or drug priming‐induced reinstatement, after withdrawal from methamphetamine
Authors: Adhikary Sweta , Caprioli Daniele , Venniro Marco , Kallenberger Paige , Shaham Yavin , Bossert Jennifer M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn rats trained to self‐administer methamphetamine, extinction responding in the presence of drug‐associated contextual and discrete cues progressively increases after withdrawal (incubation of methamphetamine craving). The conditioning factors underlying this incubation are unknown. Here, we studied incubation of methamphetamine craving under different experimental conditions to identify factors contributing to this incubation. We also determined whether the rats' response to methamphetamine priming incubates after withdrawal. We trained rats to self‐administer methamphetamine in a distinct context (context A) for 14 days (6 hours/day). Lever presses were paired with a discrete light cue. We then tested groups of rats in context A or a different non‐drug context (context B) after 1 day, 1 week or 1 month for extinction responding with or without the discrete cue. Subsequently, we tested the rats for reinstatement of drug seeking induced by exposure to contextual, discrete cue, or drug priming (0, 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg). Operant responding in the extinction sessions in contexts A or B was higher after 1 week and 1 month of withdrawal than after 1 day; this effect was context‐independent. Independent of the withdrawal period, operant responding in the extinction sessions was higher when responding led to contingent delivery of the discrete cue. After extinction, discrete cue‐induced reinstatement, but not context‐ or drug priming‐induced reinstatement, progressively increased after withdrawal. Together, incubation of methamphetamine craving, as assessed in extinction tests, is primarily mediated by time‐dependent increases in non‐reinforced operant responding, and this effect is potentiated by exposure to discrete, but not contextual, cues.
Medication‐assisted treatment for hospitalized patients with intravenous‐drug‐use related infective endocarditis
Authors: Suzuki Joji 
Published: March 2016

Background and ObjectivesA feared complication of opioid use disorder (OUD) is intravenous drug use related infective endocarditis (IDU‐IE). We report on our experience engaging hospitalized IDU‐IE patients to initiate medication‐assisted treatment (MAT).MethodsA retrospective study (n = 29) using descriptive statistics.ResultsOverall, 9 (31.0%) successfully initiated buprenorphine maintenance during the hospitalization, and 9 (31.0%) accepted a referral to methadone maintenance following discharge. Eleven (37.9%) declined MAT altogether.Discussion and ConclusionsHospitalizations may represent an important opportunity to engage IDU‐IE patients to initiate MAT.Scientific SignificanceThe study provides preliminary support of engaging hospitalized IDU‐IE patients to initiate MAT. (Am J Addict 2016;25:191–194)
Health state utilities in non–small cell lung cancer: An international study
Authors: Nafees Beenish , Lloyd Andrew J , Dewilde Sarah , Rajan Narayan , Lorenzo Maria 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAimQuality of life weights (utilities) are an important input in economic evaluation and evidence suggests that there can be important differences between countries. This study was designed to capture utilities for metastatic non–small cell lung cancer and common grade III/IV toxicities associated with treatment from local populations in the United Kingdom, Australia, France, China, Taiwan, and Korea. Toxicities included neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, rash, bleeding, hypertension, and hair loss.MethodsExisting health state descriptions of non–small cell lung cancer were adapted to represent descriptions of patients on first‐line treatment. Twenty‐three states were translated and assessed in cognitive debrief content validation interviews with oncologists in each country. Seventy‐five respondents per country completed a time trade‐off interview to evaluate the states. Variation between countries for all states was explored with a Generalized Estimating Equations model.ResultsThe mean utility for “stable disease and no side effects” (base state) varied between 0.84 (United Kingdom) and 0.54 (Taiwan). The largest utility decrements were found for febrile neutropenia (0.47) and neutropenia (0.35) across all countries. Asian countries regarded bleeds as a severe toxicity whereas non‐Asian countries did not and valued diarrhea and fatigue as more severe. Significant differences in utilities between countries emerged with the Taiwanese population in particular rating states as significantly worse than other countries.ConclusionThis study improves our understanding of how utilities for the same states can vary across countries. The study shows the importance of capturing utilities that reflect the preferences of the local population.
Edge effects: impact of anthropogenic activities on vegetation structure and diversity in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe
Authors: Muposhi Victor K. , Chademana Thelma C. , Gandiwa Edson , Muboko Never 
Published: March 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the patterns and intensity of anthropogenic impacts on habitats is important in the conservation of tropical ecosystems. The aim of the study was to establish the associated edge effects of anthropogenic disturbances on vegetation in western Umfurudzi Park, Zimbabwe. Three study strata were established using distance from the boundary into the park. Vegetation attributes and anthropogenic disturbance levels data were collected in 2012. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were noted on tree and shrub density, woody plant height, woody plant diversity, grass height and grass sward width across the three strata. Land clearing, livestock grazing and firewood collection were the most frequent and pronounced disturbances occurring along the park boundary. These disturbances decreased in intensity as distance from the boundary increased. We recommend the following: (i) the need to revisit the buffer zone concept and policy measures associated with ecosystem services and goods provision for communities surrounding protected areas, (ii) engaging neighbouring communities on sustainable ways of deriving ecosystem goods and services from buffer zones and protected areas and (iii) further studies on the regeneration and recovery of cleared patches along the boundary and their use by wildlife species in the park.