bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do the Recent Labor Market Changes Negatively Affect Schooling?
Authors: Du Yang 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe Chinese labor market has transitioned from a dual labor market to a neoclassical labor market. With wages increasing for skilled workers, the impact on schooling must be considered by policy‐makers. Taking advantage of national representative data for 2005 and 2010, the present paper examines the hypothesis that increasing opportunity costs reduce children's schooling. The empirical result is of particular relevance to poor areas, where people tend to have high discount rates and place more value on real time income. Although the total public investment in education has been increasing, our findings suggest that targeting relevant regions and compensating opportunity costs will improve the efficiency of education investments.
End of the First Demographic Dividend and Possible Labor Market Response in China and Other Asian Countries
Authors: Ogawa Naohiro , Chen Qiulin 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThis paper sheds light on the nexus of age compositional shifts and the generation of the first demographic dividend over the past several decades in China, and also discusses how this dividend could be extended We first estimate how long China's first demographic dividend will last and then compare the computed results for China with those for other selected Asian countries in order to place the Chinese case in a wider perspective. Furthermore, in view of the possibility that China's first demographic dividend will turn negative in 2014, we offer insight into how and to what extent China's labor market needs to adjust and how much labor income must increase for the first demographic dividend to remain positive up to year 2050. For this goal to be achieved, the labor income age profile needs to be shifted to a considerable extent. We conduct an exercise in which the 2007 peak labor income age of 32 years is shifted to 40 years. In the case of the elderly, this implies an annual labor income growth of 3.1 percent over the period of 39 years. Throughout this paper, we draw on a variety of computed results derived from the Chinese component of the global “National Transfer Accounts” project.
Multivariate analysis of adaptive capacity for upper thermal limits in Drosophila simulans
Authors: van Heerwaarden B. , Sgrò C. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThermal tolerance is an important factor influencing the distribution of ectotherms, but our understanding of the ability of species to evolve different thermal limits is limited. Based on univariate measures of adaptive capacity, it has recently been suggested that species may have limited evolutionary potential to extend their upper thermal limits under ramping temperature conditions that better reflect heat stress in nature. To test these findings more broadly, we used a paternal half‐sibling breeding design to estimate the multivariate evolutionary potential for upper thermal limits in Drosophila simulans. We assessed heat tolerance using static (basal and hardened) and ramping assays. Our analyses revealed significant evolutionary potential for all three measures of heat tolerance. Additive genetic variances were significantly different from zero for all three traits. Our G matrix analysis revealed that all three traits would contribute to a response to selection for increased heat tolerance. Significant additive genetic covariances and additive genetic correlations between static basal and hardened heat‐knockdown time, marginally nonsignificant between static basal and ramping heat‐knockdown time, indicate that direct and correlated responses to selection for increased upper thermal limits are possible. Thus, combinations of all three traits will contribute to the evolution of upper thermal limits in response to selection imposed by a warming climate. Reliance on univariate estimates of evolutionary potential may not provide accurate insight into the ability of organisms to evolve upper thermal limits in nature.
Phylogenetic patterns of skeletal morphometrics and pelvic traits in relation to locomotor mode in frogs
Authors: Jorgensen M. E. , Reilly S. M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFrogs are one of the most speciose groups of vertebrate tetrapods (> 6200sp) with a diverse array of locomotor behaviours. Despite the impressive diversity in frog locomotor behaviours, there remains a paucity of information on the relationship between skeletal variation and locomotor mode in frogs and the evolutionary patterns in which these relationships are framed across the frog phylogeny. Our current understanding of the evolution of frog locomotion shows that hopping transitioned into jumping within the Neobatrachia where a variety of pelvic/hindlimb length patterns and locomotor niches have appeared, but this has yet to be studied over a broad taxonomic sample of frogs. Although limb length remains as the primary predictor of leaping performance, pelvic and sacral morphometrics have not been quantified in relation to limb proportions, body size and locomotor mode and previous studies have not sampled more than 24 families. We present a large‐scale phylogenetic comparison of skeletal morphometrics in relation to locomotor mode in 188 genera from 37 families. Osteological variation in limb/pelvic girdle morphometrics and pelvic traits that are posited to be associated with locomotor mode were analysed to identify which aspects of the frog skeleton are the best descriptors of locomotor mode. Our results, contrary to previous work, reveal that the greatest axis of variation in frogs is represented by the shape of the sacrum with two pelvic morphologies evident in qualitative and quantitative ancestral trait reconstructions. Limb morphology was not significantly different across most locomotor modes, but we identified several outliers in hindlimb phylomorphospace. Patterns of sacral evolution together with hindlimb length outliers reveal how the general bauplan of this successful group of vertebrate tetrapods is constrained, has radiated and has converged on certain phenotypes to fill an array of locomotor modes.
Effects of gene flow on phenotype matching between two varieties of Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia; Agavaceae) and their pollinators
Authors: Yoder J. B. , Smith C. I. , Rowley D. J. , Flatz R. , Godsoe W. , Drummond C. , Pellmyr O. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn animal‐pollinated plants, local adaptation to pollinator behaviour or morphology can restrict gene flow among plant populations; but gene flow may also prevent divergent adaptation. Here, we examine possible effects of gene flow on plant–pollinator trait matching in two varieties of Joshua tree (Agavaceae: Yucca brevifolia). The two varieties differ in strikingly in floral morphology, which matches differences in the morphology of their pollinators. However, this codivergence is not present at a smaller scale: within the two varieties of Joshua tree, variation in floral morphology between demes is not correlated with differences in moth morphology. We use population genetic data for Joshua tree and its pollinators to test the hypotheses that gene flow between Joshua tree populations is structured by pollinator specificity, and that gene flow within the divergent plant–pollinator associations ‘swamps’ fine‐scale coadaptation. Our data show that Joshua tree populations are structured by pollinator association, but the two tree varieties are only weakly isolated – meaning that their phenotypic differences are maintained in the face of significant gene flow. Coalescent analysis of gene flow between the two Joshua tree types suggests that it may be shaped by asymmetric pollinator specificity, which has been observed in a narrow zone of sympatry. Finally, we find evidence suggesting that gene flow among Joshua tree sites may shape floral morphology within one plant–pollinator association, but not the other.
Niche differentiation and colonization of a novel environment by an asexual parasitic wasp
Authors: Forbes A. A. , Rice L. A. , Stewart N. B. , Yee W. L. , Neiman M. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractHow do asexual taxa become adapted to a diversity of environments, and how do they persist despite changing environmental conditions? These questions are linked by their mutual focus on the relationship between genetic variation, which is often limited in asexuals, and the ability to respond to environmental variation. Asexual taxa originating from a single ancestor present a unique opportunity to assess rates of phenotypic and genetic change when access to new genetic variation is limited to mutation. Diachasma muliebre is an asexual Hymenopteran wasp that is geographically and genetically isolated from all sexual relatives. D. muliebre attack larvae of the western cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis indifferens), which in turn feed inside bitter cherry fruit (Prunus emarginata) in August and September. R. indifferens has recently colonized a new host plant with an earlier fruiting phenology (June/July), domesticated sweet cherries (P. avium), and D. muliebre has followed its host into this temporally earlier niche. We tested three hypotheses: 1) that all D. muliebre lineages originate from a single asexual ancestor; 2) that different D. muliebre lineages (as defined by unique mtDNA haplotypes) have differentiated on their ancestral host in an important life‐history trait, eclosion timing; and 3) that early‐eclosing lineages have preferentially colonized the new sweet cherry niche. We find that mitochondrial COI and microsatellite data provide strong support for a single ancestral origin for all lineages. Furthermore, COI sequencing revealed five mitochondrial haplotypes among D. muliebre, and individual wasps possessing one distinctive mitochondrial haplotype (haplotype II) eclosed as reproductive adults significantly earlier than wasps with all other haplotypes. In addition, this early‐eclosing lineage of D. muliebre is one of two lineages that have colonized the P. avium habitat, consistent with the preferential colonization hypothesis. These data suggest that D. muliebre has evolved adaptive phenotypic variation despite limited genetic variation, and that this variation has subsequently allowed an expansion of some wasps into a novel habitat. The D. muliebre system may allow for in‐depth study of adaptation and long‐term persistence of asexual taxa.
Respecting autonomy in the end‐of‐life care of people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative multiple‐case study
Authors: Bekkema N. , de Veer A. J. E. , Hertogh C. M. P. M. , Francke A. L. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this article was to describe how caregivers and relatives shape respect for autonomy in the end‐of‐life care for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) and to discuss to what extent this corresponds with a relational concept of autonomy, such as described in care ethics.MethodThis study consisted of a qualitative design in which the cases of 12 recently deceased people with ID were reconstructed by interviewing the caregivers and relatives who were closest to the person at the end of their life. A cyclic process of data collection and analysis was used. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and data were analysed inductively.ResultsRespect for autonomy in the end‐of‐life care of people with ID was mainly reflected in helping the person with ID familiarise with three transitions: new information on the diagnosis and prognosis, changing care needs and wishes, and important decisions that were at stake. In respecting autonomy, relatives and caregivers encountered several challenges. These concerned ascertaining information needs, communicating about illness and death, inexperience in end‐of‐life care, eliciting current and hidden last wishes, the dependence of people with ID and conflicting wishes. Several qualities were important for respecting autonomy: attention to information needs, connecting, recognising end‐of‐life care needs, giving space to show wishes and preferences, and discussing dilemmas.ConclusionsIf caregivers and relatives embrace autonomy as a relational construct, attained through an open, active and reflective attitude, and have more access to knowledge about communication and how to identify end‐of‐life care needs, this could lead to improved respect for the ID persons' autonomy at the end of life. We discuss the view that a relational concept of autonomy is useful for describing respect for autonomy in end‐of‐life care for people with ID, but that more reflection and openness is needed to sufficiently employ relationships and regard autonomy as a product of joint work.
Perinatal outcome and clinical features of monochorionic monoamniotic twin gestation
Authors: Murata Masaharu , Ishii Keisuke , Kamitomo Masato , Murakoshi Takeshi , Takahashi Yuichiro , Sekino Madoka , Kiyoshi Kenji , Sago Haruhiko , Yamamoto Ryo , Kawaguchi Haruna , Mitsuda Nobuaki 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimTo clarify perinatal outcomes of monoamniotic (MM) twin pregnancies.Material and MethodsMM twins delivered in seven tertiary perinatal centers during the last decade were retrospectively evaluated. All pregnant women were scheduled to begin inpatient management at around 24 weeks of gestation and undergo a planned cesarean section beyond 32 weeks. Pregnancy outcomes, prevalence of fetal death and cord entanglement, perinatal mortality and neuromorbidity rate at discharge were examined.ResultsThe study group comprised 38 MM twin pregnancies (76 fetuses). Cord entanglement was confirmed in 88% (30/34) of women, and fetal deaths occurred in nine women (eight were both fetal deaths, and one was single fetal death). The cord entanglement accounted for 65% (11/17) of the fetal deaths. The median gestational age at delivery was 31+3 weeks, but that for viable infants was 32+3 weeks; the median birth weight was 1642 g, the perinatal mortality rate was 2% (1/60), and the neuromorbidity rate was 8% (5/50). The overall survival rate was 75% (57/76).ConclusionPerinatal outcomes in our study were relatively good irrespective of high frequency of cord entanglement. Close fetal monitoring may allow MM twin pregnancies to extend gestational age, which may contribute to reduce both fetal death and neonatal morbidity by immaturity, although the best delivery weeks remained undetermined.
Survey of second‐trimester maternal serum screening in Japan
Authors: Okuyama Torayuki , Yotsumoto Junko , Funato Yumi 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimSecond‐trimester maternal serum screening (MSS) is the predominant form of prenatal screening in Japan. We hypothesize that patient education and physician knowledge of Down syndrome (DS) screening are insufficient to provide adequate information regarding prenatal screening in Japan.Material and MethodsIn‐person or telephone interviews with medical personnel were conducted at 25 medical facilities utilizing Afp4 (Esoterix Genetic Laboratories, LLC, a wholly‐owned subsidiary of Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings) second trimester screening. We explored how medical facilities provided information about the MSS process to pregnant women.ResultsBefore prenatal testing, 60% of medical facilities spent an average of less than 5 min per patient explaining the MSS process. The option of amniocentesis for chromosomal aneuploidy was explained at nearly all facilities, but only 60% explained the risk of amniocentesis. Ultrasound examination for open neural tube defects was explained only at half the facilities. Only five of 25 (20%) medical practitioners explained the possibility of having congenital disorders fetus.ConclusionThis study revealed that most obstetricians in Japan do not provide their patients with sufficient information about MSS.
How Do Developmental and Accommodative HRM Enhance Employee Engagement and Commitment? The Role of Psychological Contract and SOC Strategies
Authors: Bal P. Matthijs , Kooij Dorien T. A. M. , De Jong Simon B. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract In the context of the changing workforce, this study introduced two perspectives on HRM and distinguished universalistic developmental HRM from contingent accommodative HRM. We predicted two separate pathways for the effects on two employee outcomes: work engagement and affective commitment. We expected that developmental HRM would universally relate to employee outcomes by rebalancing the psychological contract between the employee and organization into a less transactional to a more relational contract. We also predicted that accommodative HRM would relate to outcomes only when fulfilling specific needs of employees, associated with their selecting, optimizing, and compensating strategies. Results of a multilevel study among 1058 employees in 17 healthcare units fully supported our expectations regarding the role of the psychological contract. Additionally, we found support for the expected roles of selection and compensation, but not for optimization strategy. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating that HRM relates to employee outcomes through multiple pathways, which can be either universal or contingent.
Influence of aminoglycoside antibiotics on chicken cystatin binding to renal brush-border membranes
Authors: Konopska Bogusława , Gburek Jakub , Gołąb Krzysztof , Warwas Maria 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Objectives
Drug-induced kidney injury is a serious adverse event which needs to be monitored during aminoglycoside therapy. Urine cystatin C is considered an early and sensitive marker of nephrotoxicity. Cystatin C, a low-molecular-weight serum protein, and basic drugs have a common transport system expressed in the apical membrane of renal proximal tubular cells. The aim of this study was to investigate whether aminoglycoside antibiotics influenced cystatin C binding to the renal brush-border membrane.

Methods
The binding study was performed using a rapid filtration technique and affinity column displacement method.

Key findings
Concentration-dependent inhibition of chicken cystatin binding to brush-border membranes by gentamicin was observed. The gentamicin interaction with brush-border membranes was of relatively low affinity (Ki = 32 μm) in comparison with the chicken cystatin affinity to the binding sites (Kd = 3.6 μm). Amikacin and gentamicin were only able to displace chicken cystatin from the chromatographic affinity column in concentrations several times higher than normally found in the tubular fluid during standard aminoglycoside therapy.

Conclusion
Cystatin reabsorption in the proximal tubule cannot be significantly affected by aminoglycoside antibiotics because of their relatively low affinity to common binding sites on the brush-border membrane.
Clinical implications of daytime sleepiness for the academic performance of middle school‐aged adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Langberg Joshua M. , Dvorsky Melissa R. , Marshall Stephen , Evans Steven W. 
Published: March 2013

SummaryThis study investigated the relative impact of total time slept per night and daytime sleepiness on the academic functioning of 100 middle school‐aged youth (mean age = 11.9) with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The primary goal of the study was to determine if total time slept per night and/or daytime sleepiness, as measured by youth self‐report on the Pediatric Daytime Sleepiness Scale (PDSS), predicted academic functioning above and beyond symptoms of ADHD and relevant covariates, such as intelligence, achievement scores and parent education level. Self‐reported daytime sleepiness but not self‐reported total time slept per night was associated significantly with all academic outcomes. When examined in a hierarchical regression model, self‐reported daytime sleepiness significantly predicted parent‐rated homework problems and academic impairment and teacher‐rated academic competence above and beyond symptoms of ADHD and relevant covariates, but did not predict grade point average or teacher‐rated academic impairment. The implications of these findings for understanding more clearly the association between ADHD and sleep and the functional implications of this relationship are discussed.
Adiposity, Plasma Insulin, Leptin, Lipids, and Oxidative Stress in Mature Light Breed Horses
Authors: Pleasant R.S. , Suagee J.K. , Thatcher C.D. , Elvinger F. , Geor R.J. 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundIncreased blood insulin levels are associated with an increased risk of pasture‐associated laminitis in equids.ObjectiveTo determine the relationship between plasma insulin, leptin, and lipid levels, and measures of oxidative stress with adiposity in mature light breed horses.Animals300 randomly selected light breed horses, aged 4–20 years.MethodsA random sample of horses (140 mares, 151 geldings, and 9 stallions) was drawn from the VMRCVM Equine Field Service practice client list. Evaluations occurred June 15 – August 15, 2006, with all sampling performed between 0600 and 1200 hours. Concentrate feed was withheld for at least 10 hours before sampling. Plasma was analyzed for insulin, glucose, leptin, triglycerides, nonesterified fatty acids, and measures of oxidative stress. Body condition score was determined as the average of 2 independent investigators.ResultsOverconditioned and obese horses had higher plasma insulin (P < .001) and leptin (P < .01) levels than optimally conditioned horses. Obese horses had higher triglyceride levels (P = .006) and lower red blood cell gluthathione peroxidase activities (P = .001) than optimally conditioned horses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceMaintaining horses at a BCS <7 might be important for decreasing the risk of pasture‐associated laminitis.
Effects of the adjunctive probiotic VSL#3 on portal haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis and large varices: a randomized trial
Authors: Gupta Nitin , Kumar Ashish , Sharma Praveen , Garg Vishal , Sharma Barjesh C. , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundProbiotics, by altering gut flora, may favourably alter portal haemodynamics in patients with cirrhosis.AimTo investigate the effect of probiotics on portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis.MethodsRandomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial conducted in G.B. Pant Hospital, New Delhi. A total of 94 cirrhotic patients having large oesophageal varices without history of variceal bleeding were randomized to three treatment groups and given 2 months' treatment with propranolol plus placebo, propranolol plus antibiotics (norfloxacin 400 mg BD) or propranolol plus probiotic (VSL#3, 900 billion/day) randomly assigned in 1:1:1 ratio. Outcome measures were change in Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG): Response rate (Percentage of patients having a decrease from baseline of ≥20% or to ≤12 mm Hg) and changes from baseline; biochemical markers of inflammation: changes from baseline.ResultsAdjunctive probiotics increased the response rate compared with propranolol alone (58% vs. 31%, P = 0.046), similar to adjunctive antibiotics (54%). The mean fall in HVPG was greater with either adjunctive probiotics (3.7 mm Hg vs. 2.1 mm Hg, P = 0.061) or adjunctive antibiotics (3.4 mm Hg) than with propranolol alone. Both adjunctive therapies were associated with greater decreases in TNF‐α levels (in both peripheral and hepatic venous blood) that resulted from propranolol‐only treatment. No clinically relevant between‐group differences were observed in the type or frequency of adverse events.ConclusionsAdjunctive probiotic (VSL#3) improved the response rate to propranolol therapy and was safe and well tolerated in patients with cirrhosis. Adjunctive probiotic therapy merits further study for reduction in portal pressure.