bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell biology of diabetic nephropathy: Roles of endothelial cells, tubulointerstitial cells and podocytes
Authors: Maezawa Yoshiro , Takemoto Minoru , Yokote Koutaro 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDiabetic nephropathy is the major cause of end‐stage renal failure throughout the world in both developed and developing countries. Diabetes affects all cell types of the kidney, including endothelial cells, tubulointerstitial cells, podocytes and mesangial cells. During the past decade, the importance of podocyte injury in the formation and progression of diabetic nephropathy has been established and emphasized. However, recent findings provide additional perspectives on pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Glomerular endothelial damage is already present in the normoalbuminuric stage of the disease when podocyte injury starts. Genetic targeting of mice that cause endothelial injury leads to accelerated diabetic nephropathy. Tubulointerstitial damage, previously considered to be a secondary effect of glomerular protein leakage, was shown to have a primary significance in the progression of diabetic nephropathy. Emerging evidence suggests that the glomerular filtration barrier and tubulointerstitial compartment is a composite, dynamic entity where any injury of one cell type spreads to other cell types, and leads to the dysfunction of the whole apparatus. Accumulation of novel knowledge would provide a better understanding of the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy, and might lead to a development of a new therapeutic strategy for the disease.
Contract breach as a trigger for adjustment to the psychological contract during the first year of employment
Authors: Payne Stephanie C. , Culbertson Satoris S. , Lopez Yvette P. , Boswell Wendy R. , Barger Eric J. 
Published: July 2014

This research investigated how much and in what direction newcomer psychological contracts changed during the first year of employment and the extent to which change was a function of a psychological contract breach. These issues were investigated using a sample of 88 organizational newcomers with diverse job duties/titles, prior experience, and age levels. Newcomers were surveyed at three points in time during the first year of employment, including employee perceptions of both employee and employer obligations. Consistent with equity theory, results revealed employees perceived more balanced than imbalanced employment relationships upon organizational entry as well as after 1 year of employment. A failure of the employer to fulfil commitments was associated with perceived imbalance in the employment relationship and a significant decrease in perceived employer obligations, suggesting breach is perceived as a trigger for an adjustment to the psychological contract rather than a signal of an injustice. Implications of these findings for research and theory on psychological contracts and breach in the employment relationship are discussed.Practitioner pointsNewcomers' and employees with 1 year of organizational tenure are more likely to report a balance than an imbalance between employer and employee obligations, reflecting the mutuality of perceived obligations in employment relationships.When employees perceive their employer has failed to fulfil obligations, employees are likely to alter their subsequent perceptions of employer obligations downwardly.Based on the way employees adjusted their perceptions of obligations following a breach in their psychological contract, this study provides evidence for newcomers to perceive a breach as a trigger to adjust perceptions concerning employer obligations.
The Association Between Physical Fitness and Academic Achievement in Texas State House Legislative Districts: An Ecologic Study
Authors: Janak Jud C. , Gabriel Kelley P. , Oluyomi Abiodun O. , Peréz Adriana , Kohl Harold W. , Kelder Steven H. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDThe association of physical fitness with cognitive function in children and adolescents is unclear. The purpose of this ecological study was to describe the association between academic achievement, body mass index (BMI), and cardiovascular fitness (CVF) in a large sample of elementary, middle, and high school students in Texas.METHODSFITNESSGRAM® results for 2,550,144 students were matched with standardized composite academic test (TAKS) results from 2008 to 2009. Analyses were conducted on the percent of students meeting TAKS standards by BMI and CVF quintiles. Analyses of variance with Tukey adjustment examined differences between the most favorable 5th quintile (referent) and all other quintiles.RESULTSThe prevalence of students meeting the TAKS standard was significantly higher in the highest fitness category for BMI and CVF compared to all other categories, regardless of sex or grade category (p < .05). Linear modeling suggested a 5% increase in the prevalence of students meeting healthy BMI and CVF standards would result in a 2.25% and 0.65% increase in the prevalence of students meeting the TAKS standard (both p < .05).CONCLUSIONFindings suggest a healthy BMI and CVF are associated with higher academic achievement, and the need for additional research examining the role of potential confounders and/or effect modifiers longitudinally.
The Role of School‐Based Health Centers in Increasing Universal and Targeted Delivery of Primary and Preventive Care Among Adolescents
Authors: Parasuraman Sarika R. , Shi Leiyu 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSchool‐based health centers (SBHC) can provide equitable and comprehensive care for adolescents; yet, few studies have described how patterns of health service utilization differ among groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in utilization and perceptions of SBHC care among adolescents.METHODSThis study sample included 414 adolescent respondents to the Healthy Schools, Healthy Communities User Survey. Three outcome measures represented utilization of care, while 4 represented perceptions of care. Multivariate logistic regressions modeled the effects of user characteristics on outcome measures.RESULTSThere were few notable and significant differences in either utilization or perceptions of care, based on sociodemographic or health status characteristics.CONCLUSIONSSBHCs can eliminate differences in utilization based on sociodemographic characteristics. However, null findings show that they fall short in delivering comprehensive care to high‐risk adolescents, and may not be capitalizing on opportunities to offer targeted services. Results showing positive perceptions of care suggest that adolescents would be amenable to additional counseling or education services offered at SBHCs. To foster positive health outcomes among adolescents, SBHC administrators should regularly evaluate their scope of services and support quality improvement efforts.
Signatures of diversifying selection at EST‐SSR loci and association with climate in natural Eucalyptus populations
Authors: Bradbury Donna , Smithson Ann , Krauss Siegfried L. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the environmental parameters that drive adaptation among populations is important in predicting how species may respond to global climatic changes and how gene pools might be managed to conserve adaptive genetic diversity. Here, we used Bayesian FST outlier tests and allele–climate association analyses to reveal two Eucalyptus EST‐SSR loci as strong candidates for diversifying selection in natural populations of a southwestern Australian forest tree, Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Myrtaceae). The Eucalyptus homolog of a CONSTANS‐like gene was an FST outlier, and allelic variation showed significant latitudinal clinal associations with annual and winter solar radiation, potential evaporation, summer precipitation and aridity. A second FST outlier locus, homologous to quinone oxidoreductase, was significantly associated with measures of temperature range, high summer temperature and summer solar radiation, with important implications for predicting the effect of temperature on natural populations in the context of climate change. We complemented these data with investigations into neutral population genetic structure and diversity throughout the species range. This study provides an investigation into selection signatures at gene‐homologous EST‐SSRs in natural Eucalyptus populations, and contributes to our understanding of the relationship between climate and adaptive genetic variation, informing the conservation of both putatively neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity.
Pliocene intraspecific divergence and Plio‐Pleistocene range expansions within Picea likiangensis (Lijiang spruce), a dominant forest tree of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Li Long , Abbott Richard J. , Liu Bingbing , Sun Yongshuai , Li Lili , Zou Jiabin , Wang Xi , Miehe Georg , Liu Jianquan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA knowledge of intraspecific divergence and range dynamics of dominant forest trees in response to past geological and climate change is of major importance to an understanding of their recent evolution and demography. Such knowledge is informative of how forests were affected by environmental factors in the past and may provide pointers to their response to future environmental change. However, genetic signatures of such historical events are often weak at individual loci due to large effective population sizes and long generation times of forest trees. This problem can be overcome by analysing genetic variation across multiple loci. We used this approach to examine intraspecific divergence and past range dynamics in the conifer Picea likiangensis, a dominant tree of forests occurring in eastern and southern areas of the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau (QTP). We sequenced 13 nuclear loci, two mitochondrial DNA regions and three plastid (chloroplast) DNA regions in 177 individuals sampled from 22 natural populations of this species, and tested the hypothesis that its evolutionary history was markedly affected by Pliocene QTP uplifts and Quaternary climatic oscillations. Consistent with the taxonomic delimitation of the three morphologically divergent varieties examined, all individuals clustered into three genetic groups with intervariety admixture detected in regions of geographical overlap. Divergence between varieties was estimated to have occurred within the Pliocene and ecological niche modelling based on 20 ecological variables suggested that niche differentiation was high. Furthermore, modelling of population‐genetic data indicated that two of the varieties (var. rubescens and var. linzhiensis) expanded their population sizes after the largest Quaternary glaciation in the QTP, while expansion of the third variety (var. likiangensis) began prior to this, probably following the Pliocene QTP uplift. These findings point to the importance of geological and climatic changes during the Pliocene and Pleistocene as causes of intraspecific diversification and range shifts of dominant tree species in the QTP biodiversity hot spot region.
Monetary Union Viability: A Criterion Proposal
Authors: Alonso Alberto , Guzmán Vanesa 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe propose a model that represents the dynamic behaviour of a monetary union comprising two countries whose natural interest rates are initially unequal. This initial disparity and the subsequent application of a common monetary policy generate different national inflation rates and lead to losses of competitiveness, foreign deficits, and the indebtedness of one country with respect to the other. We propose as a viability criterion for the modelled monetary union a combination of non‐explosive foreign debt and the ability of the central bank to neutralize the contracting effects of taking on additional debt to avoid falling into a liquidity trap.
Observation of In vivo Morphologic Changes after Carbon Dioxide Ablative Fractional Laser in a Mouse Model Using Noninvasive Imaging Modalities and Comparison with Histologic Examination
Authors: Yoo Kwang Ho , Kwon Tae Rin , Kim So Young , Song Yi Seop , Cheon Young Sook , Kim Yu Mi , Yeo In Kwon , Ko Eun Jung , Li Kapsok , Kim Myeung Nam , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAblative fractional carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers have been widely used for several types of cosmetic dermatosis. A number of previous studies have evaluated this technique in animals or human beings by observing morphologic changes using an invasive modality such as skin biopsy. In this study, we assessed in vivo skin changes after CO2 ablative fractional laser treatment in a mouse model using noninvasive imaging modalities (Folliscope® and Visioscan 98®), and each results was compared with data from histologic examination. An ablative fractional CO2 laser was applied with different pulse energy between 7 to 35 mJ/microspot. As results of above methods, we also confirmed that the CO2 ablative fractional laser generated injuries with increasing width and depth with increasing pulse energy. Although numerous papers have described application of this laser in vivo skin specimens, our study evaluated the feasibility of using relative noninvasive imaging modalities for assessing the outcome of laser ablation. Based on our data, we suggest that these technologies may be useful alternative modalities for assessing laser ablation that are easier to perform and less invasive than skin biopsy.
Study of the Photodegradation Kinetics and Pathways of Hexaflumuron in Liquid Media
Authors: Lu Chengying , Yin Xing , Liu Xiaofeng , Wang Minghua 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHexaflumuron, one of the benzoylphenylurea insect growth regulators, can be leached into surface water and thus having a potential impact on aquatic organisms. In this study, the photodegradation processes of hexaflumuron under high‐pressure mercury lamp irradiation were assessed. The photodegradation kinetics were studied, as were the effects of pH, different light sources, organic solvents and environmental substances, including nitrate ions (NO3−), nitrite ions (NO2−), ferrous ions (Fe2+), ferric ions (Fe3+), humic acid, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Three photodegradation products in methanol were identified by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). In general, the degradation of hexaflumuron followed first‐order kinetics. In the four media studied, the photodegradation rate order was n‐hexane > methanol > ultrapure water > acetone. Faster degradation was observed under high‐pressure mercury lamp irradiation than under xenon lamp irradiation. The pH had a considerable effect, with the most rapid degradation occurring at pH 5.0. The photodegradation rate of hexaflumuron was promoted in the presence of NO3−, NO2−, Fe2+, humic acid, SDS and H2O2, but inhibited by Fe3+. Moreover, the presumed photodegradation pathway was proposed to be the cleavage of the urea linkage.
The Injury and Cumulative Effects on Human Skin by UV Exposure from Artificial Fluorescence Emission
Authors: Tian Yan , Liu Wei , Niu TianHui , Dai CaiHong , Li Xiaoxin , Cui Caijuan , Zhao Xinyan , E Yaping , Lu Hui 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe injury and cumulative effects of UV emission from fluorescence lamp were studied. UV intensity from fluorescence lamp was measured, and human skin samples (hips, 10 volunteers) were exposed to low‐dose UV irradiation (three times per week for 13 consecutive weeks). Three groups were examined: control group without UV radiation; low‐dose group with a cumulative dose of 50 J cm−2 which was equivalent to irradiation of the face during indoor work for 1.5 years; and high‐dose group with 1000 J cm−2 cumulative dose equivalent to irradiation of the face during outdoor activities for 1 year. Specific indicators were measured before and after UVA irradiation. The findings showed that extending the low‐dose UVA exposure decreased the skin moisture content and increased the transepidermal water loss as well as induced skin color changes (decreased L* value, increased M index). Furthermore, irradiated skin showed an increased thickness of cuticle and epidermis, skin edema, light color and unclear staining collagen fibers in the dermis, and elastic fiber fragmentation. In addition, MMP‐1, p53 and SIRT1 expression was also increased. Long‐term exposure of low‐dose UVA radiation enhanced skin photoaging. The safety of the fluorescent lamp needs our attention.
The Impact of Access to Water on Child Health in Senegal
Authors: Novak Lindsey 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper addresses the impact of access to water on child health in Senegal by using multinomial propensity score matching to estimate the impact of five water sources on the incidence of diarrhea in children. This information will facilitate a more informed cost‐benefit analysis when implementing water projects. Much research categorizes water sources into a binary variable: “improved” or “unimproved”. According to the findings of this paper, this is an erroneous restriction, as I find heterogeneous impacts of water sources on child health. In fact, water sources that are generally believed to be superior are not significantly different, and some are significantly less effective in decreasing incidence of diarrhea.
Foreign Aid in the Aftermath of Large Natural Disasters
Authors: Becerra Oscar , Cavallo Eduardo , Noy Ilan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines Official Development Assistance (ODA) in the aftermath of large natural disasters between 1970 and 2008. Using an event‐study approach, the paper finds that while the median increase in ODA is 18% compared with pre‐disaster flows, the typical surge is small in relation to the size of the affected economies. Moreover, aid surges typically cover only 3% of the total estimated economic damages caused by the disasters. The main determinants of post‐disaster aid surges are found to be the intensity of the event itself and the recipient country's characteristics such as the level of development, country size and the stock of foreign reserves. The paper does not find evidence that political considerations or strategic behavior on the part of donors determine the size of post‐disaster aid surges.
The Missing Link: China's Contracted Engineering Projects in Africa
Authors: Cheung Yin‐Wong , de Haan Jakob , Qian XingWang , Yu Shu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper examines the driving forces of China's contracted engineering projects in Africa. Using data on contracted engineering projects in 52 African countries over the period 1991–2010, three groups of hypotheses are tested: (1) economic motives; (2) political ties between China and Africa; and (3) host country characteristics. We find that countries get more projects if they have large market potential and are political allies of China. Our results also suggest that Forums on China–Africa Cooperation promote projects in Africa. In contrast, host country characteristics are hardly related to the amount of engineering projects received.
The First and Second Stage Pass‐through of Exchange Rates: A Developing Country Perspective
Authors: Aziz M. Nusrate , Horsewood Nick , Sen Somnath 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the validity of the conventional wisdom that, unlike in developed countries, exchange rate pass‐through (ERPT) should be ‘complete’ for developing economies. To test this hypothesis, we construct new variables as well as original data sets, which are not readily available in the literature, and employ an alternative error correction model technique for a typical small open developing economy—Bangladesh. The transmission of exchange rate movements to import prices is found to be ‘complete’; however, the ‘second stage pass‐through’ is ‘partial’ both in the short and long run. The response of traded goods prices to exchange rate shocks is found to be significant and larger in the long run compared with the short run. Trade liberalization is also a significant phenomenon for ERPT. The analysis has wider applicability to other small open economies.
Productivity, Structural Change and LatinAmerican Development
Authors: Saravia Antonio , Machicado Carlos Gustavo , Rioja Felix 
Published: July 2014

AbstractWe calibrate a simple neoclassical growth model adapted to illustrate a process of structural transformation or industrialization to a group of nineSouthAmerican countries. The paper shows that low levels of agricultural productivity can substantially delay the process of industrialization, which, together with low levels of non‐agricultural productivity observed in recent decades, satisfactorily explains the significant differences in gross domestic product (GDP) per capita levels among the countries in our sample. The results suggest thatArgentina underwent the process of industrialization first followed byUruguay,Chile,Brazil,Colombia,Ecuador,Peru,Paraguay andBolivia. The model predicts that the ranking of these countries in terms ofGDPper capita would follow this order until convergence occurs. The empirical evidence confirms the prediction of the model with the exceptions ofUruguay andChile which caught up withArgentina in terms ofGDPper capita levels in the late 1980s.
Validation of statistical imputation of allele‐level multilocus phased genotypes from ambiguous HLA assignments
Authors: Madbouly A. , Gragert L. , Freeman J. , Leahy N. , Gourraud P.‐A. , Hollenbach J. A. , Kamoun M. , Fernandez‐Vina M. , Maiers M. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGenetic matching for loci in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region between a donor and a patient in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is critical to outcome; however, methods for HLA genotyping of donors in unrelated stem cell registries often yield results with allelic and phase ambiguity and/or do not query all clinically relevant loci. We present and evaluate a statistical method for in silico imputation of HLA alleles and haplotypes in large ambiguous population data from the Be The Match® Registry. Our method builds on haplotype frequencies estimated from registry populations and exploits patterns of linkage disequilibrium (LD) across HLA haplotypes to infer high resolution HLA assignments. We performed validation on simulated and real population data from the Registry with non‐trivial ambiguity content. While real population datasets caused some predictions to deviate from expectation, validations still showed high percent recall for imputed results with average recall >76% when imputing HLA alleles from registry data. We simulated ambiguity generated by several HLA genotyping methods to evaluate the imputation performance on several levels of typing resolution. On average, imputation percent recall of allele‐level HLA haplotypes was >95% for allele‐level typing, >92% for intermediate resolution typing and >58% for serology (low‐resolution) typing. Thus, allele‐level HLA assignments can be imputed through the application of a set of statistical and population genetics inferences and with knowledge of haplotype frequencies and self‐identified race and ethnicities.