bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multispherical interactions and their effects on the Tibetan Plateau's earth system: a review of the recent researches
Authors: Yao Tandong , Wu Fuyuan , Ding Lin , Sun Jimin , Zhu Liping , Piao Shilong , Deng Tao , Ni Xijun , Zheng Hongbo , Ouyang Hua 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a regional Earth system showing very strong interactions among its lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, biosphere, atmosphere, and anthrosphere. These interactions manifest TP's impact on surrounding regions and reflect TP's response to the global change. Quantifying the multispherical interactions is critically important to understand the TP environment. Our recent years researches including the ongoing program entitled ‘Tibetan Multi-Spheres Interactions and Their Resource-Environment Significance (TIMI)’, the completed program entitled. ‘Paleo-Altitudes of Tibetan Plateau and Environment (PATE)’, as well as the other relating projects have focused on multidisciplinary research approaches and emphasized on three major pathways: Eurasia-Indian plates collision on deep-Earth dynamics, uplift impact on Earth's mantle–crust dynamics, and contemporary interface on land surface and atmospheric dynamics. Our researches have taken in situ measurement as priority and developed several platforms of data acquisition and analysis, including the platforms of water-phase transformations, and ecosystem observations. Our field investigations have been conducted to obtain data about stratum, paleontology, paleoenvironment, genetic differentiation of animals and plants. We have developed conceptual and mathematical models for crust uplift formation, paleoclimate, glacial melt, water–air interface flux, vegetation climate, and soil erosion. We have also assessed the anthropogenic impacts on environment. Our researches have achieved new and reliable redating of the mantle–crust interaction and initial formation of the TP, found the interaction between tectonics and uplift of the TP and resultant paleoaltitude acting as a spreading source; discovered the interaction between the westerlies and Indian monsoon acting as a control chain that dominates the TP's contemporary environment. The scientific results can play fundamental roles in supporting the TP's resource exploration and societal sustainable development.
Proliferation of functional human natural killer cells with anti‐HIV‐1 activity in NOD/SCID/Jak3null mice
Authors: Hattori Shinichiro , Matsuda Kouki , Kariya Ryusho , Harada Hideki , Okada Seiji 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTNatural killer cells, a critical component of the innate immune system, eradicate both virus‐infected cells and tumor cells through cytotoxicity and secretion of cytokines. Human NK cell research has largely been based on in vitro studies because of the lack of appropriate animal models. In this study, a selective proliferation model of functional human NK cells was established in NOD/SCID/Jak3null (NOJ) mice transplanted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and K562 cells. The antiviral effects of NK cells were evaluated by challenging this mouse model with HIV‐1. The percentage of intracellular p24+ T cells and the amount of plasma p24 was decreased compared with NOJ mice transplanted with PBMC. Our findings indicate that NK cells have an anti‐HIV‐1 effect through direct cytotoxicity against HIV‐1‐infected cells. These mice provide an important model for evaluating human NK function against human infectious diseases such as HIV‐1 and malignancies.
Biotic resistance to tropical ornamental invasion
Authors: Bufford Jennifer L. , Lurie Matthew H. , Daehler Curtis C. 
Published: December 2015

Summary

We examined invasive, casual (found occasionally outside cultivation) and non‐invasive (found only in cultivation) species to investigate the role of species traits and two forms of biotic resistance (plant neighbours and herbivores) in limiting invasion in Hawaiian lowlands.

Seeds of 21 species of common woody ornamentals from three plant families (Acanthaceae, Apocynaceae, Bignoniaceae) that are non‐invasive, casual or invasive in Hawai'i were outplanted at two field sites. We measured germination of seeds and growth and survival of seedlings for 1 year in plots with and without neighbours from the naturally assembled community.

The presence of neighbours reduced survival in some species, mostly non‐invasive or casual species, and completely excluded two non‐invasive species from community plots. Damage from the existing community of herbivores was correlated with lower survival in the Acanthaceae and Bignoniaceae, but not the Apocynaceae.

Non‐invasive and casual species had lower survival and growth rates than invasive species and lower photosynthetic rates in the presence of neighbours than invasive species. Non‐invasives without neighbours also had lower specific leaf area than invasives and casuals.

We found evidence for barriers to invasion in some non‐invasive and casual species, including low growth rate, low survival, or low survival in the presence of neighbours. By contrast, five of the six invasives flowered and three began setting fruit within the duration of the experiment, as did one of the casual species.

Synthesis. Our research demonstrates biotic resistance, presumably as a result of competition. Neighbouring plants reduced survival and growth for most species. For non‐invasive species with low survival and growth even without competition from neighbouring plants, this resulted in complete exclusion from community plots or such low growth rates that exclusion over longer time frames was likely. We also provide evidence for traits‐based barriers to invasion in non‐invasive and casual species. However, no single barrier to invasion was shared across all non‐invasive and casual species.
Taurine ameliorates cholesterol metabolism by stimulating bile acid production in high‐cholesterol‐fed rats
Authors: Murakami Shigeru , Fujita Michiko , Nakamura Masakazu , Sakono Masanobu , Nishizono Shoko , Sato Masao , Imaizumi Katsumi , Mori Mari , Fukuda Nobuhiro 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary taurine on cholesterol metabolism in high‐cholesterol‐fed rats. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly divided into two dietary groups (n = 6 in each group): a high‐cholesterol diet containing 0.5% cholesterol and 0.15% sodium cholate, and a high‐cholesterol diet with 5% (w/w) taurine. The experimental diets were given for 2 weeks. Taurine supplementation reduced the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels by 37% and 32%, respectively. Faecal excretion of bile acids was significantly increased in taurine‐treated rats, compared with untreated rats. Biliary bile acid concentrations were also increased by taurine. Taurine supplementation increased taurine‐conjugated bile acids by 61% and decreased glycine‐conjugated bile acids by 53%, resulting in a significant decrease in the glycine/taurine (G/T) ratio. Among the taurine‐conjugated bile acids, cholic acid and deoxycholic acid were significantly increased. In the liver, taurine supplementation increased the mRNA expression and enzymatic activity of hepatic cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate‐limiting enzyme for bile acid synthesis, by three‐ and two‐fold, respectively. Taurine also decreased the enzymatic activity of acyl‐CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) and microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP). These observations suggest that taurine supplementation increases the synthesis and excretion of taurine‐conjugated bile acids and stimulates the catabolism of cholesterol to bile acid by elevating the expression and activity of CYP7A1. This may reduce cholesterol esterification and lipoprotein assembly for very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) secretion, leading to reductions in the serum and hepatic cholesterol levels.
Does land lease tenure insecurity cause decreased productivity and investment in the sugar industry? Evidence from Fiji
Authors: Kumari Reshmi , Nakano Yuko 
Published: December 2015

Does land lease tenure insecurity cause decreased productivity and investment in the sugar industry? To answer this question, this study examined the impact of weak formal tenure lease arrangements on tenants’ investment and the productivity of sugarcane in Ba province, Fiji. After controlling for potential endogeneity in the choice of lease tenure using instrumental variables (IV), it was shown that tenants under insecure lease tenure (expiring in 0–5 years) achieve significantly lower yields of sugarcane, by 6.5–11 tonnes per hectare, and plant smaller areas of new sugarcane, by 0.14–0.25 hectares on average, than do tenants under secure lease tenure. Insecure lease tenure also negatively affects chemical fertiliser use, although this impact is not statistically significant. An intervention to improve tenure security would likely enhance the production efficiency of and investment in the Fijian sugarcane industry.
Pay for Performance in Medicaid: Evidence from Three Natural Experiments
Authors: Rosenthal Meredith B. , Landrum Mary Beth , Robbins Jacob A. , Schneider Eric C. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo examine the impact of pay for performance in Medicaid on the quality and utilization of care.Data SourcesMedicaid claims and encounter data in three intervention states (Pennsylvania, Minnesota, and Alabama) and three comparison states.Study DesignDifference‐in‐difference analysis with propensity score‐matched comparison group. Primary outcomes of interest were Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS)‐like process measures of quality, utilization by service category, and ambulatory care–sensitive admissions and emergency department visits.Principal FindingsIn Pennsylvania, there was a statistically significant reduction of 88 ambulatory visits per 1,000 enrollee months compared with Florida. In Minnesota, there was a significant decrease of 7.2 hospital admissions per thousand enrollee months compared with Wisconsin. In Alabama, where incentives were not paid out until the end of a 2‐year waiver period, there was a decline of 1.6 hospital admissions per thousand member months, and an increase of 59 ambulatory visits per 1,000 enrollees compared with Georgia. No significant quality improvements in intervention relative to control states.ConclusionsOur findings are mixed, with no measurable quality improvements across the three states, but reductions in hospital admissions in two programs. As states move to value‐based payment for patient‐centered medical homes and Accountable Care Organizations, lessons learned from these pioneering states should inform program design.
Latent Fingermark Aging Patterns (Part I): Minutiae Count as One Indicator of Degradation
Authors: De Alcaraz‐Fossoul Josep , Mestres Patris Cristina , Barrot Feixat Carme , McGarr Luke , Brandelli Donna , Stow Karen , Gené Badia Manel 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe authors are exploring degradation patterns of latent fingermarks over time which can be quantitatively determined in a predictable manner by visual means. Several physical degradation parameters for assessing this hypothesis are evaluated. This article analyzes the parameter “minutiae count” as a function of time. Experiment variables included were secretion type (sebaceous‐rich and eccrine‐rich), substrate (glass and plastic), and exposure to light (dark, shade, and direct light). Depositions were sequentially visualized with Titanium Dioxide powder over a period of 6 months, photographed, and number of minutiae recorded. Results revealed a significant decrease of minutiae for eccrine‐rich marks on glass but insignificant for sebaceous‐rich marks on the same surface. However, significant degradation was observed for both types of secretions on plastic. The authors conclude that the distinctive prevalence of minutiae changes over time indicates with a high degree of certainty the hypothesis is valid and deserves additional exploration.
Enhancement of the Gelation Properties of Surimi from Yellowtail Seabream (Parargyrops edita, Sparidae) with Chinese Oak Silkworm Pupa, Antheraea pernyi
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Fan Daming , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Huang Jianlian , Zhou Wenguo , Zhang Wenhai , Chen Wei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this study, the textural properties and micromechanism of yellowtail seabream (Parargyrops edita, Sparidae) surimi, with and without Chinese oak silkworm pupa homogenate (SPH), were investigated at different levels. The fresh, freeze‐dried, and oven‐dried SPH all showed a gel‐enhancing ability in suwari (40/90 °C) and modori (67/90 °C) gels, in a concentration‐dependent manner. Though the drying treatments can improve the storability of SPH, compared with fresh, the effect of the active substance was weakened. Suwari and modori gels added with 5%(w/w, whole product) fresh SPH had the increase in breaking force and deformation by 37.39% and 47.98%, and 85.14% and 78.49%, respectively, compared with the control gel (without SPH addition). The major myofibrillar protein, especially myosin heavy chain (MHC), was better retained by the addition of SPH. Compared the control group, a finer, denser, and more ordered 3‐dimensional gel network microstructure was obtained, and different Df (Fractal dimension) was analyzed by using the box count method. This was found in all samples from 2.838 to 2.864 for suwari gels and 2.795 to 2.857 for modori gels, respectively. Therefore, the modori of yellowtail seabream surimi, linked with endogenous proteases, could be retarded in the presence of SPH, leading to an increase in gel strength.
Impact of Prior Consumption on Sour, Sweet, Salty, and Bitter Tastes
Authors: Christina Josephine , Palma‐Salgado Sindy , Clark Diana , Kahraman Ozan , Lee Soo‐Yeun 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFood sensory tests generally require panelists to abstain from food or beverage consumption 30 min to an hour before a tasting session. However, investigators do not have a complete control over panelists' intentional or unintentional consumption prior to a tasting session. Currently, it is unclear how prior consumption impacts the results of the tasting session. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of temporary and lingering mouth irritation caused by the consumption of coffee, orange juice, and gum within 1, 15, or 30 min prior to the tasting session on the perception of 4 basic tastes: sweet, salty, sour, and bitter. Fifty‐two panelists were served a beverage (orange juice, coffee, and water) or were asked to chew a piece of gum, and then, remained in the waiting room for 1, 15, or 30 min. They were then asked to report taste intensities using 15‐cm unstructured line scales. Mean intensities of all tastes were not significantly different when orange juice was a primer at 1, 15, and 30 min when compared to water. Mean intensities of bitter were significantly lower when coffee was a primer at 1, 15, and 30 min than when water was a primer. Mean intensities of sweet were significantly lower when gum was a primer at 1 and 15 min than when water was a primer. The findings showed that it is necessary for 30 min or more waiting period of no food or beverage consumption prior to sensory testing.
Trajectories of drinking urges and the initiation of abstinence during cognitive–behavioral alcohol treatment
Authors: Hallgren Kevin A. , McCrady Barbara S. , Epstein Elizabeth E. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground and aimsDrinking urges during treatment for alcohol use disorders (AUDs) are common, can cause distress and predict relapse. Clients may have little awareness of how their drinking urges might be expected to change during AUD treatment in general and in response to initiating abstinence. The aim of the present study was to test whether drinking urges change on a daily level during treatment and after initiating abstinence.DesignSecondary data analysis was performed using daily drinking urge ratings from two randomized clinical trials.Setting and ParticipantsWomen (n = 98) and men (n = 79) with AUDs in separate clinical trials of out‐patient AUD‐focused cognitive–behavioral therapy.MeasurementsDaily dichotomous indicators of any drinking urges or acute escalations in urges (i.e. at least two more urges compared with the previous day) were examined using generalized linear mixed growth‐curve modeling.FindingsParticipants who initiated abstinence reported reductions in urges immediately thereafter (log odds ratios: women B = −0.701, P < 0.001; men B = −0.628, P = 0.018), followed by additional, gradual reductions over time (women B = −0.118, P < 0.001; men B = −0.141, P < 0.001). Participants who entered treatment abstaining from alcohol also reported significant reductions in urges over time (women B = −0.147, P < 0.001; men B = −0.142, P < 0.001). Participants who drank throughout treatment had smaller (women B = −0.042, P = 0.012) or no reductions in urges (men B = 0.015, P = 0.545). There was no evidence that urges increased systematically in response to initiating abstinence.ConclusionsDrinking urges during out‐patient behavioral treatment for alcohol use disorders may be maintained in part by alcohol consumption. Initiating abstinence is associated with reductions in drinking urges immediately and then more gradually over time.
FTO gene variants are associated with growth and carcass traits in cattle
Authors: Jevsinek Skok D. , Kunej T. , Kovac M. , Malovrh S. , Potocnik K. , Petric N. , Zgur S. , Dovc P. , Horvat S. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryAn important aim in animal breeding is the improvement of growth and meat quality traits. Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic variants in the fat mass and obesity associated (FTO) gene have a relatively large effect on human obesity as well as on body composition in rodents and, more recently, in livestock. Here, we examined the effects of the FTO gene variants on growth and carcass traits in the Slovenian population of Simmental (SS) and Brown (SB) cattle. To validate and identify new polymorphisms, we used sequencing, PCR‐RFLP analysis and TaqMan assays in the SS breed and FTO gene variants data from the Illumina BovineSNP50 v1 array for the SB breed. Sequencing of the eight samples of progeny‐tested SS sires detected 108 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the bovine FTO gene. Statistical analyses between growth and carcass traits and 34 FTO polymorphisms revealed significant association of FTO variants with lean meat percentage in both breeds. Additionally, FTO SNPs analyzed in SS cattle were associated with fat percentage, bone weight and live weight at slaughter. The FTO gene can thus be regarded as a candidate gene for the marker‐assisted selection programs in our and possibly other populations of cattle. Future studies in cattle might reveal novel roles for the FTO gene in shaping carcass traits in livestock species as well as body composition control in other mammals.
Circulating complexes between tumour necrosis factor‐alpha and etanercept predict long‐term efficacy of etanercept in juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Kahn Robin , Berthold Elisabet , Gullstrand Birgitta , Schmidt Tobias , Kahn Fredrik , Geborek Pierre , Saxne Tore , Bengtsson Anders A. , Månsson Bengt 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimThe relationship between tumour necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) and drug survival had not been studied in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and there were no laboratory tests to predict the long‐term efficacy of biological drugs for JIA. We studied whether serum levels of TNF‐α, free or bound to etanercept, could predict long‐term efficacy of etanercept in children with JIA.MethodsWe included 41 biologic‐naïve patients with JIA who started treatment with etanercept at Skåne University Hospital between 1999 and 2010. Serum taken at the start of treatment and at the six‐week follow‐up were analysed for TNF‐α and the long‐term efficacy of etanercept was assessed using the drug survival time.ResultsLevels of TNF‐α increased significantly at the six‐week follow‐up, and this was almost exclusively comprised of TNF‐α in complex with etanercept. The increase in TNF‐α showed a dose‐dependent correlation to long‐term drug survival (p < 0.01).ConclusionIncreasing levels of circulating TNF‐α at treatment initiation predicted long‐term efficacy of etanercept in children with JIA, which may have been due to different pathophysiological mechanisms of inflammation. Our result may provide a helpful clinical tool, as high levels of circulating TNF‐α/etanercept complexes could be used as a marker for the long‐term efficacy of etanercept.
Infants under two months of age with urinary tract infections are showing increasing resistance to empirical and oral antibiotics
Authors: Segal Zvi , Cohen Matan J. , Engelhard Dan , Tenenbaum Ariel , Simckes Ari M. , Benenson Shmuel , Stepensky Polina , Averbuch Diana 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimData on antimicrobial resistance in uropathogens in infants up to the age of three months are limited. This study characterised resistance patterns in Gram‐negative uropathogens in infants up to the age of two months.MethodsPreviously healthy young infants with urinary tract infections (UTIs) were studied retrospectively. Antimicrobial susceptibility was evaluated. Multidrug resistance (MDR) was defined as resistance to at least three antibiotic classes. Clinical, laboratory and outcome data were compared between infants with UTIs caused by bacteria sensitive and resistant to empirical and to oral therapy.ResultsWe evaluated 306 UTI episodes with 314 pathogens. The following resistance rates were observed: ampicillin 73.7%, cefazoline 22.1%, ampicillin/clavulanate 21.8%, cefuroxime 7.8%, gentamicin 7%; MDR 11.8%; resistant to empirical treatment 7.3% and resistant to available oral antibiotics 8.6%. Our study showed that pathogens resistant to empirical and oral therapy were more frequently isolated in non‐Jewish (Arab) infants and in those of ≥30 days of age. Resistance to empirical treatment and oral antibiotics also resulted in longer mean hospital stays.ConclusionResistance to antibiotics challenges empirical therapy and compromises oral treatment options in young infants with UTIs. Antimicrobial resistance patterns should be monitored in infants to determine appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy protocols.
Reduced‐port laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy
Authors: Ueki Takashi , Manabe Tatsuya , Nagayoshi Kinuko , Yanai Kosuke , Moriyama Taiki , Shimizu Shuji , Tanaka Masao 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIntroductionWe introduced a reduced‐port procedure for laparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without diverting ileostomy for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and ulcerative colitis.Materials and Surgical TechniqueA multichannel port was inserted through a 2.5‐cm umbilical incision. A 12‐mm port in the right lower abdomen and a 3‐ or 5‐mm port were also employed. A proctocolectomy was performed intracorporeally, and the entire colon and rectum were delivered through the umbilical incision. An ileal J‐pouch was made extracorporeally following division of the mesenteric vessels. Ileal j‐pouch–anal anastomosis was performed intracorporeally or transanally after rectal mucosectomy. A drain was inserted through the 12‐mm port incision, and a transanal decompression tube was placed in the pouch. Two women and one man underwent this surgery, and their postoperative recovery was uneventful.DiscussionLaparoscopic restorative proctocolectomy without a diverting stoma by a reduced‐port technique is feasible and provides excellent cosmetic outcomes in selected patients.