bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Graft and Recipient Survival in Elderly Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ilori Titilayo O. , Adedinsewo Demilade A. , Odewole Oluwaseun , Enofe Nosayaba , Ojo Akinlolu O. , McClellan William , Patzer Rachel E. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate racial and ethnic differences in graft and recipient survival in elderly kidney transplant recipients.DesignRetrospective cohort.SettingFirst‐time, kidney‐only transplant recipients aged 60 and older of age at transplantation transplanted between July 1996 and October 2010 (N = 44,013).ParticipantsUnited Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) database.MeasurementsTime to graft failure and death obtained from the UNOS database and linkage to the Social Security Death Index. Neighborhood poverty from 2000 U.S. Census geographic data.ResultsOf the 44,013 recipients in the sample, 20% were black, 63% non‐Hispanic white, 11% Hispanic, 5% Asian, and the rest “other racial groups.” In adjusted Cox models, blacks were more likely than whites to experience graft failure (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.15–1.32), whereas Hispanics (HR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.70–0.85) and Asians (HR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.61–0.81) were less likely to experience graft failure. Blacks (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.80–0.88), Hispanics (HR = 0.68, 95% CI = 0.64–0.72), and Asians (HR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.57–0.68) were less likely than whites to die after renal transplantation.ConclusionElderly blacks are at greater risk of graft failure than white transplant recipients but survive longer after transplantation. Asians have the highest recipient and graft survival, followed by Hispanics. Further studies are needed to assess additional factors affecting graft and recipient survival in elderly adults and to investigate outcomes such as quality of life.
Transcriptome analysis of near‐isogenic lines provides molecular insights into starch biosynthesis in maize kernel
Authors: Xiao Yingni , Thatcher Shawn , Wang Min , Wang Tingting , Beatty Mary , Zastrow‐Hayes Gina , Li Lin , Li Jiansheng , Li Bailin , Yang Xiaohong 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStarch is the major component in maize kernels, providing a stable carbohydrate source for humans and livestock as well as raw material for the biofuel industry. Increasing maize kernel starch content will help meet industry demands and has the potential to increase overall yields. We developed a pair of maize near‐isogenic lines (NILs) with different alleles for a starch quantitative trait locus on chromosome 3 (qHS3), resulting in different kernel starch content. To investigate the candidate genes for qHS3 and elucidate their effects on starch metabolism, RNA‐Seq was performed for the developing kernels of the NILs at 14 and 21 d after pollination (DAP). Analysis of genomic and transcriptomic data identified 76 genes with nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms and 384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the introgressed fragment, including a hexokinase gene, ZmHXK3a, which catalyzes the conversion of glucose to glucose‐6‐phosphate and may play a key role in starch metabolism. The expression pattern of all DEGs in starch metabolism shows that altered expression of the candidate genes for qHS3 promoted starch synthesis, with positive consequences for kernel starch content. These results expand the current understanding of starch biosynthesis and accumulation in maize kernels and provide potential candidate genes to increase starch content.
An (in‐)coherent metamorphic evolution of high‐P eclogites and their host rocks in the Chinese southwest Tianshan?
Authors: Meyer M. , Klemd R. , John T. , Gao J. , Menneken M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn the (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic terrane of the Chinese South Tianshan, discontinuous mafic blocks and boudins (former upper oceanic crust) are now embedded in voluminous (mainly metasedimentary) host rocks. Two different models were proposed and relate the occurrence of both high‐P and ultra‐high‐P mafic and metasedimentary rocks to either (i) a tectonic mélange style exhumation, with no exhumation of coherent units, but different lithologies derived from different depths juxtaposed and intermingled during exhumation in the subduction channel, or (ii) the evolution of two coherent metamorphic belts: one with high‐P and the other with ultra‐high‐P conditions. In contrast to most previous studies in the Chinese South Tianshan which focused either on single eclogites or metasedimentary rocks (assumed as representative), this study concentrates on the systematic investigation of both mafic boudins and their immediate sedimentary host rocks, because the investigation of both lithologies and the comparison of their metamorphic evolution is crucial to reconstruct the geodynamical context of the whole (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic complex. Several sample pairs consisting of both lithologies were geochemically investigated and their respective metamorphic evolution was reconstructed using geothermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling. The latter approach considers changes in the mineral assemblage during the metamorphic evolution, as well as changes in mineral composition, which may help to determine the metamorphic history of a rock despite the preservation of critical mineral assemblages. All samples experienced a clockwise P–T path with overall maximum P–T conditions of 540–550 °C and 1.9–2.25 GPa for the host rocks, and 555–575 °C and 2.2–2.5 GPa for the eclogites. Peak‐metamorphic temperatures of ~525–540 °C of the metasedimentary host rocks were also confirmed by Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material. Results from thermobarometry and thermodynamic modelling are consistent with the observation that none of the samples contains mineral relicts indicating UHP conditions (like coesite in garnet) and neither conventional thermobarometry, nor thermodynamical modelling resulted in P–T conditions in the stability field of coesite. Thus, no evidence of ultra‐high‐P conditions was found. Given that the whole sampled river valley lies within the proposed ‘ultra‐high‐P sub‐belt’ and considering former studies, which showed that at other places within this ‘unit’ both ultra‐high‐P and high‐P rocks are now juxtaposed on a small scale, the formation of the whole (ultra‐)high‐P–low‐T metamorphic belt in the Chinese South Tianshan as a tectonic mélange style exhumation is more convincing than the formation and juxtaposition of two coherent metamorphic units with high‐P and ultra‐high‐P conditions respectively.
Auditory anatomy of beaked whales and other odontocetes: Potential for cochlear stimulationviaa “vibroacoustic duct mechanism”
Authors: March Duan , Brown Daniel , Gray Rachael , Curthoys Ian , Wong Christopher , Higgins Damien P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractComputed tomography (CT) and microcomputed tomography (microCT) were used to examine the structures involved in cochlear stimulation in odontocetes and terrestrial mammals. Cranial CT examined the osseous attachment of the skull to the tympanoperiotic complex (TPC) and the path of the endocranial foramen of the vestibulocochlear nerve (EFVN), which was assumed to contain the perilymphatic duct. Additional CTs of TPC were taken postextraction to examine the gross morphology of this structure. MicroCT was used to examine the acoustic windows of the cochlea, including the round and oval windows and the apertures of the cochlear and vestibular aqueducts. Cranial CT scans demonstrated an osseous connection between the skull and TPC in beaked whales andPhyseter macrocephalus. EFVN traveled through a greater length of cranial bone and communicated more closely with the periotic bone in beaked whales than in other species.Ziphius cavirostriswas observed to have a reduced medial sulcus of the mallear ridge (MSMR) and tympanic plate and an enlarged aperture of the cochlear aqueduct, respectively. The potential significance of these findings, including the role of the perilymphatic duct as a novel route of cochlear stimulation referred to as the “vibroacoustic duct mechanism,” are discussed.
T cells, osteoblasts, and osteocytes: interacting lineages key for the bone anabolic and catabolic activities of parathyroid hormone
Authors: Pacifici Roberto 
Published: December 2015

Osteoimmunology is a field of research dedicated to the study of the interactions between the immune system and bone. Among the cells of the immune system that regulate bone turnover and the responsiveness of bone cells to calciothropic hormones are bone marrow T lymphocytes. T cells secrete osteoclastogenic cytokines such as RANKL and TNF‐α, as well as factors that stimulate bone formation, one of which is Wnt10b. In addition, T cells regulate the differentiation and life span of stromal cells (SCs) and their responsiveness to parathyroid hormone (PTH) via costimulatory molecules expressed on their surface. The conditioning effect of T cells on SCs is inherited by the osteoblastic and osteocytic progeny of SCs. As a result, osteoblastic cells of T cell–deficient mice have functional characteristics different from corresponding cells of T cell–replete mice. These differences include the ratio of RANKL/OPG produced in response to continuous PTH treatment, and the osteoblastogenic response to intermittent PTH treatment. This article reviews the evidence indicating that the effects of PTH are mediated not only by osteoblasts and osteocytes but also by T cells.
Sensory influences on food intake control: moving beyond palatability
Authors: McCrickerd K. , Forde C. G. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe sensory experience of eating is an important determinant of food intake control, often attributed to the positive hedonic response associated with certain sensory cues. However, palatability is just one aspect of the sensory experience. Sensory cues based on a food's sight, smell, taste and texture are operational before, during and after an eating event. The focus of this review is to look beyond palatability and highlight recent advances in our understanding of how certain sensory characteristics can be used to promote better energy intake control. We consider the role of visual and odour cues in identifying food in the near environment, guiding food choice and memory for eating, and highlight the ways in which tastes and textures influence meal size and the development of satiety after consumption. Considering sensory characteristics as a functional feature of the foods and beverages we consume provides the opportunity for research to identify how sensory enhancements might be combined with energy reduction in otherwise palatable foods to optimize short‐term energy intake regulation in the current food environment. Moving forward, the challenge for sensory nutritional science will be to assess the longer‐term impact of these principles on weight management.
Ideology and Interests in Tax Administration Reform inJamaica
Authors: Gatchair Sonia D. 
Published: December 2015

Efforts to amass sufficient resources to meet the ever‐growing demands of citizens often prove to be daunting tasks for many developing countries. These countries, similar to their more developed counterparts, often undertake administrative reforms to increase revenue collection effectiveness and equity. However, the reforms are often slow and fail to achieve their desired objectives. In examining efforts to reform tax administrative systems in Jamaica, this study demonstrates how ideology and interests contributed to expressions of competing and conflicting institutional logics, resulting in the unsuccessful implementation of innovative organizational changes and increased compliance and enforcement. The findings suggest that recognition of, and attention to, competing logics will improve the decisions needed to undertake successful tax administration reforms, in Jamaica and beyond. In particular, theories of public policy and the policy process should deal explicitly with institutional constraints, otherwise their validity of descriptions and prescriptive powers will be considerably weakened.Related ArticlesPost,Lori Ann,AmberRaile, andEricRaile. 2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():653‐676.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00253.x/abstractKonig,Pascal, andGeorgWenzelburger. 2014. “.”Politics & Policy42():400‐430.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12076/abstractRelated MediaFriedland,Roger. 2015. “The Value of Institutional Logics.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_YGNwC4GZs. 2015. “Tax Them and They Will Grow.” July 11.http://www.economist.com/news/finance-and-economics/21657433-poor-countries-need-get-better-raising-tax-and-multinational-firms-need
Influence of saliva on the oral microbiota
Authors: Marsh Philip D. , Do Thuy , Beighton David , Devine Deirdre A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSaliva plays a major role in determining the composition and activity of the oral microbiota, via a variety of mechanisms. Molecules, mainly from saliva, form a conditioning film on oral surfaces, thus providing receptors for bacterial attachment. The attached cells use saliva components, such as glycoproteins, as their main source of nutrients for growth. Oral bacteria work sequentially and in a concerted manner to catabolize these structurally complex molecules. Saliva also buffers the pH in the biofilm to around neutrality, creating an environment which is conducive to the growth of many oral bacteria that provide important benefits to the host. Components of the adaptive and innate host defences are delivered by saliva, and these often function synergistically, and at sublethal concentrations, so a complex relationship develops between the host and the resident microbiota. Dysbiosis can occur rapidly if the flow of saliva is perturbed.
Salivary changes in oral mucosal diseases
Authors: Hassona Yazan , Scully Crispian 
Published: December 2015

AbstractSaliva is a unique biological fluid that can be easily collected and analyzed with low cost and low morbidity. Therefore, there is a growing attention for using salivary biomarkers in the diagnosis and monitoring of disease progress and response to treatment. Salivary changes have been described in relation to oral mucosal diseases. This article discusses the causes and consequences of salivary hypofunction and presents a review of the literature related to changes in salivary parameters in various oral mucosal diseases and in systemic diseases with possible oral mucosal involvement.
Gingival crevicular fluid and saliva
Authors: Taylor John J. , Preshaw Philip M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the structure and function of the mouth, its tissues and secretions is of great interest to physiologists, cell biologists, immunologists and microbiologists but is also of fundamental interest to the dental professional interested in comprehending the aberrant processes associated with oral disease and in the application of effective clinical interventions. The field of periodontology, which has a truly multidisciplinary perspective cutting across leading edge molecular and cellular biology, clinical dentistry, epidemiology and behavioural science, exemplifies this. A paradigm shift in recent years has led to the consideration of the oral cavity (and, thus, oral disease) not in isolation but as a component integrated with systemic physiology, important in maintaining systemic health and reflective of systemic disease; this has served to promote periodontology, in particular, into the forefront of medicine in general. This volume of Periodontology 2000 considers the role of gingival crevicular fluid and saliva in physiological function, maintenance of oral tissue integrity, defense against pathogens and oral disease as well as the many, emerging applications of analysis of these fluids in support of periodontal disease diagnosis, prognosis and epidemiology. However, whilst the emphasis is on periodontal disease, the wider contexts of oral and systemic health are also key considerations.
Prosocial Behavior and Public Service Motivation
Authors: Esteve Marc , Urbig Diemo , van Witteloostuijn Arjen , Boyne George 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlthough research on public service motivation (PSM) is vast, there is little evidence regarding the effects ofPSMon observable behavior. This article contributes to the understanding of the behavioral implications ofPSMby investigating whetherPSMis associated with prosocial behavior. Moreover, it addresses whether and how the behavior of other group members influences this relationship. The article uses the experimental setting of the public goods game, run with a sample of 263 students, in combination with survey‐basedPSMmeasures. A positive link is found betweenPSMand prosocial behavior. This relationship is moderated by the behavior of other group members: high‐PSMpeople act even more prosocially when the other members of the group show prosocial behavior as well, but they do not do so if the behavior of other group members is not prosocial.
Effect of Prenatal and Neonatal Anti‐Androgen Flutamide Treatment on Aquaporin 5 Expression in the Adult Porcine Ovary
Authors: Grzesiak M , Knapczyk‐Stwora K , Luck MR , Mobasheri A , Slomczynska M 
Published: December 2015

ContentsThe growth of ovarian follicles is accompanied by fluid‐filled antrum formation. Water movement within the follicular wall is predominantly transcellular via membranous water channels named aquaporins (AQPs). Androgens are important regulators of mammalian folliculogenesis, and their prenatal and/or neonatal deficiency affects female fertility in adulthood. Therefore, this study was performed to determine whether gestational or neonatal exposure to the anti‐androgen flutamide influences androgen‐dependent AQP5 expression in pre‐antral and large antral follicles of adult pigs. Flutamide was injected into pregnant gilts between days 80 and 88 of gestation and into female piglets between days 2 and 10 post‐natally. The ovaries were collected from flutamide‐treated and non‐treated (control) sexually mature pigs. In pre‐antral follicles, AQP5 mRNA and protein levels were both downregulated following maternal (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) and neonatal (p < 0.01 and p < 0.01, respectively) flutamide exposure. Likewise, the expression of mRNA (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively) and protein (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) for AQP5 were diminished in large antral follicles in both groups. Immunohistochemistry showed decreased intensity of AQP5 immunoreaction in pre‐antral (p < 0.01) and large antral (p < 0.001) follicles following flutamide treatment. Moreover, radioimmunological analysis revealed that changes observed in AQP5 expression corresponded with diminished follicular androgens production after both maternal (p < 0.05 and p < 0.05, respectively) and neonatal (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) flutamide administration. Therefore, AQP5 appears to be a potential regulator of follicular fluid accumulation, under androgen control, and may be a key factor in antral follicle growth.
Tendinopathy alters ultrasound transmission in the patellar tendon during squatting
Authors: Wearing S. C. , Hooper S. L. , Smeathers J. E. , Pourcelot P. , Crevier‐Denoix N. , Brauner T. 
Published: December 2015

Measurement of loading patterns of the patellar tendon during activity is important in understanding tendon injury. We used transmission‐mode ultrasonography to investigate patellar tendon loading during squatting in adults with and without tendinopathy. It was hypothesized that axial ultrasonic velocity, a surrogate measure of the elastic modulus of tendon, would be lower in tendinopathy. Ultrasound velocity was measured in both patellar tendons of adults with unilateral patellar tendinopathy (n = 9) and in healthy controls (n = 16) during a bilateral squat maneuver. Sagittal knee movement was measured simultaneously with an electrogoniometer. Statistical comparisons between healthy and injured tendons were made using two‐way mixed‐design ANOVAs. Axial ultrasound velocity in both symptomatic and asymptomatic patellar tendons in tendinopathy was approximately 15% higher than in healthy tendons at the commencement (F1,23 = 5.2, P < 0.05) and completion (F1,23 = 4.5, P < 0.05) of the squat. While peak velocity was ≈5% higher during both flexion (F1,23 = 5.4, P < 0.05) and extension (F1,23 = 5.3, P < 0.05) phases, there was no significant between‐group difference at the midpoint of the movement. There were no significant differences in the rate and magnitude of knee movement between groups. Although further research is required, these findings suggest enhanced baseline muscle activity in patellar tendinopathy and highlight fresh avenues for its clinical management.
Post‐exercise hot water immersion induces heat acclimation and improves endurance exercise performance in the heat
Authors: Zurawlew M. J. , Walsh N. P. , Fortes M. B. , Potter C. 
Published: December 2015

We examined whether daily hot water immersion (HWI) after exercise in temperate conditions induces heat acclimation and improves endurance performance in temperate and hot conditions. Seventeen non‐heat‐acclimatized males performed a 6‐day intervention involving a daily treadmill run for 40 min at 65% V̇O2max in temperate conditions (18 °C) followed immediately by either HWI (N = 10; 40 °C) or thermoneutral (CON, N = 7; 34 °C) immersion for 40 min. Before and after the 6‐day intervention, participants performed a treadmill run for 40 min at 65% V̇O2max followed by a 5‐km treadmill time trial (TT) in temperate (18 °C, 40% humidity) and hot (33 °C, 40% humidity) conditions. HWI induced heat acclimation demonstrated by lower resting rectal temperature (Tre, mean, −0.27 °C, P < 0.01), and final Tre during submaximal exercise in 18 °C (−0.28 °C, P < 0.01) and 33 °C (−0.36 °C, P < 0.01). Skin temperature, Tre at sweating onset and RPE were lower during submaximal exercise in 18 °C and 33 °C after 6 days in HWI (P < 0.05). Physiological strain and thermal sensation were also lower during submaximal exercise in 33 °C after 6 days in HWI (P < 0.05). HWI improved TT performance in 33 °C (4.9%, P < 0.01) but not in 18 °C. Thermoregulatory measures and performance did not change in CON. Hot water immersion after exercise on 6 days presents a simple, practical, and effective heat acclimation strategy to improve endurance performance in the heat.
EVALUATION OF FACTORS AFFECTING LABOUR PRODUCTIVITY IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Muhammad Nasiru Zakari , Sani Ashiru , Muhammad Ahmad , Balubaid Saeed , Ernest Ituma Egba , Suleiman Jibrin Hassan 
Published: December 2015

Construction labor productivity is critical to the success of the industry. It is thus, important for the estimation and scheduling of construction project. However, most of the traditional construction firms have no accurate data on labor productivity. Therefore, this paper aims to identify through literature review those factors that affect labor production rate and evaluate their effects on the performance of the industry. The research made use of the 44 returned questionnaires from the contractors firms. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) to compute the mean score for each factor. These factors were subsequently ranked based on the mean score value.The results of the analysis has shown that, based on the management level factors “lack of motivation and incentive, lack of equipment, disruption of power and water supply and inspection delay” are the most significant factors affecting labour productivity each with mean score values of 0.79, 0.44, 0.38 and 0.35 respectively. Also based on the site level factors “lack of adequate skillful worker with specific scope of work” at site, delay in material supply, weather, access to the site, crew size and communication problems between foreign and local staff are the top six most significant factors affecting labour productivity each with the mean score values of 0.77, 0.75, 0.75, 0.66, 0.61 and 0.53 respectively. Similarly, all the respondents seem to have agreed in their perception on the severity of factors affecting labour productivity.