bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: miRNAs and targeted therapies
Authors: Leierer Johannes , Mayer Gert , Kronbichler Andreas
Published: September 2016

Background

Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome.

Aims

The pathogenic steps leading to primary FSGS are still obscure, although evidence suggests that circulatory factor(s) are involved in the onset of disease.

Results

Recent technical advances allow the analysis of miRNA expression in tissues and body fluids, leading to reports of miRNAs involved in the molecular mechanisms of FSGS‐aetiopathogenesis. Moreover, investigations have also highlighted miRNAs that might serve as biomarkers for primary FSGS.

Discussion/Conclusions

The aim of this review was to summarize reports showing a direct relation between miRNAs and primary FSGS. In addition, the impact of identified miRNAs on treatment response, prediction of the disease onset as well as the regulation in different disease activities is summarized.
The Influence of Parental Status on Courtship Effort in a Paternal Caring Fish
Authors: Deal Nicholas D. S. , Gravolin Isaac , Wong Bob B. M.
Published: September 2016

It is widely assumed that caring for young limits the motivation of parents to seek additional mating opportunities. However, in situations where parental care does not involve direct provisioning of the offspring, but rather activities directed at the brood as a whole (e.g. guarding), it may be more efficient for parents to care for large numbers of young at once. This may be especially true for species with exclusive paternal care, with fathers that have recently acquired a brood of young potentially benefitting from vigorously courting prospective mates, so as to maximise their chances of attaining a large number of young to rear together. We experimentally tested this hypothesis in the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a fish with male only care. Contrary to our predictions, we found no evidence of any differences in courtship between recently spawned egg‐tending fathers and males that had not spawned. However, males that were permitted to spawn, but then had their eggs taken from them, courted less vigorously. Together, the results of our study suggest that the potential benefits of vigorous courtship in terms of acquiring additional young may be offset by additional costs faced by parental males.
Population trends influence species ability to track climate change
Authors: Ralston Joel , DeLuca William V. , Feldman Richard E. , King David I.
Published: September 2016

Shifts of distributions have been attributed to species tracking their fundamental climate niches through space. However, several studies have now demonstrated that niche tracking is imperfect, that species’ climate niches may vary with population trends, and that geographic distributions may lag behind rapid climate change. These reports of imperfect niche tracking imply shifts in species’ realized climate niches. We argue that quantifying climate niche shifts and analyzing them for a suite of species reveal general patterns of niche shifts and the factors affecting species’ ability to track climate change. We analyzed changes in realized climate niche between 1984 and 2012 for 46 species of North American birds in relation to population trends in an effort to determine whether species differ in the ability to track climate change and whether differences in niche tracking are related to population trends. We found that increasingly abundant species tended to show greater levels of niche expansion (climate space occupied in 2012 but not in 1980) compared to declining species. Declining species had significantly greater niche unfilling (climate space occupied in 1980 but not in 2012) compared to increasing species due to an inability to colonize new sites beyond their range peripheries after climate had changed at sites of occurrence. Increasing species, conversely, were better able to colonize new sites and therefore showed very little niche unfilling. Our results indicate that species with increasing trends are better able to geographically track climate change compared to declining species, which exhibited lags relative to changes in climate. These findings have important implications for understanding past changes in distribution, as well as modeling dynamic species distributions in the face of climate change.
The effects of soil eutrophication propagate to higher trophic levels
Authors: Pöyry Juha , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Heikkinen Risto K. , Kühn Ingolf , Kuussaari Mikko , Schweiger Oliver , Valtonen Anu , van Bodegom Peter M. , Franzén Markus
Published: September 2016

Aim

Nitrogen deposition is a major global driver of change in plant communities, but its impacts on higher trophic levels are insufficiently understood. Here, we introduce and test a novel conceptual trait‐based model describing how the effects of soil eutrophication cascade to higher trophic levels across differential plant–herbivore interactions.

Location

Northern Europe.

Methods

We synthesize previous literature on the effects of nitrogen on plants and herbivorous insects as well as relevant multispecies patterns of insect communities concerning species dietary breadth, body size, dispersal propensity and voltinism in order to derive the model. We empirically evaluate the proposed, hitherto untested, four main model pathways using statistical modelling and data on 1064 northern European butterfly and moth species, their life‐history traits, phylogeny and population trends.

Results

We show that across all species: (1) larval dietary breadth and host plant foliar nitrogen content are positively and equally strongly related to insect body size, and that (2) multivoltinism, host plant preferences for soil nitrogen, body size and larval dietary breadth are positively related to population trends of butterflies and moths as predicted by the model. Positive relationships between plant foliar nitrogen content and body size as well as multivoltinism and population trends are the first multispecies demonstrations for these patterns.

Main conclusions

Soil nitrogen enrichment amplifies the diverging trends of herbivorous insects feeding on nitrophilous versus nitrophobous plants through differential plant–herbivore interactions, causing predictable changes in community composition at higher trophic levels. A positive foliar nitrogen–insect body size relationship, now empirically supported, is the integrating link within this cascade. As nitrogen deposition is a global driver, our model suggests that a major future trend may be an increased dominance of insects that are large, dispersive, multivoltine, dietary generalists or specialized on nitrophilous plant species at the expense of species preferring oligotrophic environments.
What do we know about fashion adoption groups? A proposal and test of a model of fashion adoption
Authors: Workman Jane E. , Lee Seung‐Hee
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is threefold: (1) to identify gaps in the literature and inconsistencies between empirical data and Rogers' diffusion of innovations model originally outlined in 1962; (2) to propose a model of fashion adoption; and (3) to conduct an empirical test of the proposed model. The proposed model varies from Rogers' model as follows: four (vs. five) ideal‐type adopter groups with unique names and clear operational definitions; proportional distribution of consumers among groups; clear method of statistically identifying group members; categorization based on fashion innovativeness and opinion leadership; and standard procedure for identifying groups based on mean and standard deviation. The proposed model offers greater precision and provides results that are comparable across studies. The model was analyzed empirically using four methods of categorizing participants into fashion adoption groups (independent variable) and fashion involvement as the dependent variable. Participants in the study were 309 students from two universities. The analysis using the proposed model provided clear‐cut results that supported the hypothesis that higher levels of consumers' fashion involvement increased the probability of earlier adoption. Results from the other three analyses were not as clear‐cut. Based on the model for fashion adoption presented in this paper, the foundation is primed for development of a theory of fashion adoption. The proposed model offers a solution to the problem of identifying fashion adoption groups, plus, the solution achieves the desired effect with the simplest effort and is undertaken with appropriate methods.
Employer attitudes towards refugee immigrants: Findings from a Swedish survey
Authors: LUNDBORG Per , SKEDINGER Per
Published: September 2016

Based on a large‐scale survey of Swedish firms, the authors identify significant heterogeneity in their attitudes towards refugee hiring, job performance, wage setting and discrimination, though experience of employing refugees reduces negative attitudes. Firms’ reasons for discontinuing their employment of refugees are not related to discrimination by staff or customers, but rather to refugees’ suboptimal job performance. While the majority of firms do not regard the collectively agreed minimum wages as an important obstacle to the hiring of refugees, firms with a large share of refugees on the payroll report that reducing those wage rates would enhance employment substantially.
A qualitative meta‐synthesis: public health nurses role in the identification and management of perinatal mental health problems
Authors: Noonan Maria , Galvin Rose , Doody Owen , Jomeen Julie
Published: September 2016

Aim

To report findings of a systematic review and meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies exploring public health nurses’ perceptions and experiences of identifying and managing women with perinatal mental health (PMH) problems.

Background

Public health nurses play a key role in supporting women who experience PMH problems and several qualitative studies have explored their role.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐synthesis

Data sources

A comprehensive search was developed and multiple databases were searched from 2000–2015.

Review methods

Studies that employed qualitative methods to explore experiences of public health nurses in identifying and managing women with PMH problems were included. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of studies. Themes, concepts and interpretations were extracted and synthesized using the process of thematic analysis.

Results

Fifteen papers including 14 unique qualitative studies were included. Two overarching themes were identified: ‘conceptualization and detection of PMH problems’ and ‘barriers and facilitators to management’. The former of these comprised several subthemes including the use of formal screening tools vs. clinical intuition and challenges encountered in detection. The latter theme, barriers to management included availability of referral pathways and time. In terms of facilitators, training, public health nursing interventions, support groups and referral pathways were identified as factors that optimize management.

Conclusions

Public health nurses use a variety of methods to identify women with PMH problems. However, several support structures are needed to optimize management including access to appropriate referral pathways, support groups and relationship continuity.
A randomized controlled trial of a home‐based training programme to decrease depression in family caregivers of persons with dementia
Authors: Kuo Li‐Min , Huang Huei‐Ling , Liang Jersey , Kwok Yam‐Ting , Hsu Wen‐Chuin , Su Pei‐Ling , Shyu Yea‐Ing L.
Published: September 2016

Aims

The aim of this study was to explore distinct trajectories of caregivers’ depressive symptoms and the effects of a training programme on these trajectories over 18 months after the programme.

Background

Overall effects of caregiver‐training programmes on family caregivers’ depressive symptoms have been reported, but few studies explored distinct courses of changes in caregivers’ depressive symptoms and followed up intervention effects on these distinct courses.

Design

Randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Family caregivers (n = 116) were randomly assigned into experimental (n = 57) and control (n = 59) groups. The experimental group received the training programme with telephone consultation and the control group received written educational materials and social telephone follow‐ups. Caregivers’ depressive symptoms were assessed from June 2009 – March 2012 by self‐completed questionnaires before, at 2 weeks and 3, 6, 12 and 18 months after the intervention. Groups of individual trajectories were distinguished using group‐based trajectory modelling.

Results

Caregivers’ depressive symptoms fell into three stable trajectories: non‐depressed, mildly blue and depressed. After controlling for covariates, caregivers who received the caregiver‐training programme were less likely than those who did not experience persistent depressive symptoms (b = −1·92, odds ratio = 0·15, P < 0·05).

Conclusion

Depressive symptoms of family caregivers of persons with dementia were relatively stable and followed three distinct courses: non‐depressed, mildly blue and depressed. Therefore, caregivers’ depressive symptoms should be assessed as early as possible. Caregivers in the experimental group had a lower probability of persistent depressive symptoms than caregivers in the control group. Therefore, this training programme can be used by healthcare providers for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Trial registration number: NCT02667951.
Mixed method systematic review: the relationship between breast cancer risk perception and health‐protective behaviour in women with family history of breast cancer
Authors: Paalosalo‐Harris Kati , Skirton Heather
Published: September 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine and explore the relationship between risk perception and health‐protective behaviour in individuals with family history of breast cancer.

Background

Women with increased risk of breast cancer due to inherited predisposition can use health‐protective behaviours to facilitate prevention or early detection of cancer.

Data sources

Four scientific literature databases (CINAHL, Medline, AMED, PsychInfo) and three systematic review databases were searched.

Design

Mixed method systematic review.

Review methods

The systematic review of peer‐reviewed literature was conducted following the method described by the Centre of Reviews and Dissemination. Research studies published in English between January 2004–December 2014 focussing on individuals with family history of breast cancer were included. Of 210 papers identified, 10 studies were eligible for inclusion. Studies were assessed for their quality. Due to the diversity of the studies, a three‐step analysis was undertaken involving narrative summary of the quantitative data, thematic analysis and presentation of integrated results in narrative form.

Results

A clear link between breast cancer risk perception and some health‐protective behaviour was identified. Screening administered by health professionals (mammogram screening, chemoprevention) were appropriately adopted. However, behaviours requiring high individual input (breast self‐examination, lifestyle changes) were not as appropriately adopted and the decision process was not as clearly linked to risk perception.

Conclusions

There is limited understanding about the complex relationship between risk perception and health‐protective behaviour. Risk communication and health promotion need to be further developed to assist individuals to better engage with their actual risk and risk‐appropriate behaviours, particularly those that require regular personal effort.
Evolution of dark colour in toucans (Ramphastidae): a case of molecular adaptation?
Authors: Corso J. , Mundy N. I. , Fagundes N. J. R. , de Freitas T. R. O.
Published: September 2016

In the last decades, researchers have been able to determine the molecular basis of some phenotypes, to test for evidence of natural selection upon them, and to demonstrate that the same genes or genetic pathways can be associated with convergent traits. Colour traits are often subject to natural selection because even small changes in these traits can have a large effect on fitness via camouflage, sexual selection or other mechanisms. The melanocortin‐1 receptor locus (MC1R) is frequently associated with intraspecific coat colour variation in vertebrates, but it has been far harder to demonstrate that this locus is involved in adaptive interspecific colour differences. Here, we investigate the contribution of the MC1R gene to the colour diversity found in toucans (Ramphastidae). We found divergent selection on MC1R in the clade represented by the genus Ramphastos and that this coincided with the evolution of darker plumage in members of this genus. Using phylogenetically corrected correlations, we show significant and specific relationships between the rate of nonsynonymous change in MC1R (dN) and plumage darkness across Ramphastidae, and also between the rate of functionally significant amino acid changes in MC1R and plumage darkness. Furthermore, three of the seven amino acid changes in MC1R that occurred in the ancestral Ramphastos branch are associated with melanism in other birds. Taken together, our results suggest that the dark colour of Ramphastos toucans was related to nonsynonymous substitutions in MC1R that may have been subject to positive selection or to a relaxation of selective pressure. These results also demonstrate a quantitative relationship between gene and phenotype evolution, representing an example of how MC1R molecular evolution may affect macroevolution of plumage phenotypes.
Impact of changing positively worded items to negatively worded items in the Swedish web‐version of the Quality of Recovery (SwQoR) questionnaire
Authors: Jaensson Maria , Nilsson Ulrica
Published: September 2016

Rationale, aims, and objectives

The Swedish web‐version of the Quality of Recovery questionnaire is used to evaluate a person's postoperative recovery after anesthesia and surgery. An earlier study found an increased risk of answering incorrectly when the questionnaire included both positive and negative items. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of changing positively worded items to negatively worded items.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study including 90 second‐year nursing students. Seven pairs of positively and negatively worded items were evaluated for differences in response as well as agreement between the items.

Results

Two pairs of items showed higher mean values if the item was negatively worded. Between‐item agreement for positively worded item scores and their corresponding reverse‐coded negatively worded item scores was poor‐to‐moderate (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.35‐0.76). A moderate agreement was found when testing all positively worded items against the recoded negatively worded items (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.65). Internal consistency was 0.86 for the positively worded items and 0.76 for the negatively worded items.

Conclusions

Changing from positive to negative wording produced some differences in Swedish web‐version of the Quality of Recovery item scores. Internal consistency was acceptable, but 2 items (not having a general feeling of well‐being and not speaking normally) need further refinement.
Is there a role of Tau in Huntington′s disease?
Authors: Zerr Inga , Bähr Mathias
Published: September 2016

Alterations of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition are useful clinical diagnostic tools as well as a source of candidates for new biomarkers of neurodegenerative disorders. This Editorial highlights a study by Rodrigues and colleagues in which the authors try to establish Tau as a new biomarker for Huntington´s disease (HD). The study confirmed in two independent, age‐controlled patient populations at various disease stages, asymptomatic mutation carriers and healthy controls, that CSF total Tau concentrations in HD gene mutation carriers are increased compared with healthy controls. This is a strong evidence that CSF total Tau concentration is associated with phenotypic variability in HD.

Read the highlighted article ‘Cerebrospinal fluid total tau concentration predicts clinical phenotype in Huntington's disease’ on page 22.
Faster kinetics of quantal catecholamine release in mouse chromaffin cells stimulated with acetylcholine, compared with other secretagogues
Authors: Calvo‐Gallardo Enrique , López‐Gil Ángela , Méndez‐López Iago , Martínez‐Ramírez Carmen , Padín Juan Fernando , García Antonio G.
Published: September 2016

Adrenal chromaffin cells (CCs) have been used extensively in studies aimed at revealing the intricacies of the Ca2+‐dependent early and late steps of regulated exocytosis. They have also served as invaluable models to study the kinetics of single‐vesicle exocytotic events to infer the characteristics of opening and closing of the exocytotic fusion pore. We have here tested the hypothesis that stimulation at room temperature of CCs from mice C57BL/6 with physiological acetylcholine (ACh) and with other secretagogues (dimethylphenylpiperazinium, high K+, muscarine, histamine, caffeine), alone or in combination, could trigger amperometric spike events with different kinetics. We found that mean secretory spike events in CCs stimulated with ACh had a fast rise rate of 25 pA/ms and a rapid decay time of 6.2 ms, with a small quantal size (0.31 pC). Surprisingly, these parameters considerably differed from those found in CCs stimulated with all other secretagogues that triggered secretory responses with spike events having smaller rise rates, longer decay times and higher quantal sizes. ACh spikes were unaltered by atropine but mitochondrial protonophore carbonyl cyanide‐4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone markedly slowed down the rate rise and decay time, and augmented the quantal size of mean secretory events. We conclude that the physiological neurotransmitter ACh triggers a fast and efficient exocytotic response that cannot be mimicked by other secretagogues; such response is regulated by the mitochondrial circulation of calcium ions.

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Attracting Early‐Stage Investors: Evidence from a Randomized Field Experiment
Authors: BERNSTEIN SHAI , KORTEWEG ARTHUR , LAWS KEVIN
Published: September 2016

This paper uses a randomized field experiment to identify which start‐up characteristics are most important to investors in early‐stage firms. The experiment randomizes investors’ information sets of fund‐raising start‐ups. The average investor responds strongly to information about the founding team, but not to firm traction or existing lead investors. We provide evidence that the team is not merely a signal of quality, and that investing based on team information is a rational strategy. Together, our results indicate that information about human assets is causally important for the funding of early‐stage firms and hence for entrepreneurial success.
“Generally the young mom suffers much:” Socio‐cultural influences of maternal capabilities and nutrition care in Uganda
Authors: Ickes Scott B. , Heymsfield Grace A. , Wright Timothy W. , Baguma Charles
Published: September 2016

We conducted 40 in‐depth interviews and eight focus groups among mothers and fathers (n = 91) of diverse ages in western Uganda to define the relevant domains of maternal capabilities and their relationship to infant and young child feeding practices. This study was directed by a developing theory of maternal capabilities that posits that the impact of health‐directed interventions may be limited by unmeasured and poorly understood maternal characteristics. Ugandan caregivers defined three major life events that constrain women's capabilities for childcare: early pregnancy, close child spacing, and polygamous marriage. Women describe major constraints in their decision‐making capabilities generally and specifically to procuring food for young children. Future nutrition programs may improve their impact through activities that model household decision‐making scenarios, and that strengthen women's social support networks. Findings suggest that efforts to transform gender norms may be one additional way to improve nutrition outcomes in communities with a generally low status of women relative to men. The willingness of younger fathers to challenge traditional gender norms suggests an opportunity in this context for continued work to strengthen resources for children's nutritional care.

Significance

Maternal factors such as autonomy are associated with child feeding practices and nutritional status, with varying degrees depending on the definition of maternal‐level constructs and context. This study describes the events and processes that constrain maternal capabilities—intrapersonal factors that shape mother's abilities to leverage resources to provide care to children—as they relate to nutrition and hygiene practices. We report community beliefs and understandings about which capabilities have meaning for child nutrition and hygiene, and develop a conceptual framework to describe how these capabilities are formed and describe implications for future nutrition programs in East Africa and similar settings.
Determinants of perceived insufficient milk among new mothers in León, Nicaragua
Authors: Safon Cara , Keene Danya , Guevara William J. Ugarte , Kiani Sara , Herkert Darby , Muñoz Erick Esquivel , Pérez‐Escamilla Rafael
Published: September 2016

Breastfeeding has been shown to improve maternal and child health. In Nicaragua, the primary risk of death and disability‐adjusted life years among children under 5 years of age is suboptimal breastfeeding. Although the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health promotes exclusive breastfeeding from within the first half hour through the first 6 months of life, less than a third of children in the country under 6 months of age are exclusively breastfed. As part of a larger, mixed‐methods study, 21 semi‐structured, in‐depth interviews were conducted with new mothers recruited from three primary health centers between June and August 2015 in order to identify the social, cultural, and structural factors that contribute to infant feeding practices and the discrepancy between recommendations and practices among mothers who delivered at an urban public hospital in León, Nicaragua. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim, and interview transcripts were coded and analyzed by a three‐member team using a grounded theory approach. Findings highlight a widespread perception of insufficient milk among mothers that influenced early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding and other infant feeding practices. This perception stemmed from anxiety about meeting infant nutritional needs and infant satiety, anxiety about maternal nutrition, advice from and role modeling of family members about mixed feeding, and perceived infant feeding norms. Results suggest that support modeled after the 10 steps of the Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative as well as strengthened policy‐level support are needed. Community interventions that address cultural and structural barriers to improve breastfeeding practices may also help to increase breastfeeding rates.
Quantitative gene–gene and gene–environment mapping for leaf shape variation using tree‐based models
Authors: Fu Guifang , Dai Xiaotian , Symanzik Jürgen , Bushman Shaun
Published: September 2016

Leaf shape traits have long been a focus of many disciplines, but the complex genetic and environmental interactive mechanisms regulating leaf shape variation have not yet been investigated in detail. The question of the respective roles of genes and environment and how they interact to modulate leaf shape is a thorny evolutionary problem, and sophisticated methodology is needed to address it.

In this study, we investigated a framework‐level approach that inputs shape image photographs and genetic and environmental data, and then outputs the relative importance ranks of all variables after integrating shape feature extraction, dimension reduction, and tree‐based statistical models.

The power of the proposed framework was confirmed by simulation and a Populus szechuanica var. tibetica data set. This new methodology resulted in the detection of novel shape characteristics, and also confirmed some previous findings.

The quantitative modeling of a combination of polygenetic, plastic, epistatic, and gene–environment interactive effects, as investigated in this study, will improve the discernment of quantitative leaf shape characteristics, and the methods are ready to be applied to other leaf morphology data sets. Unlike the majority of approaches in the quantitative leaf shape literature, this framework‐level approach is data‐driven, without assuming any pre‐known shape attributes, landmarks, or model structures.
Prevalence of personal weight control attempts in adults: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santos I. , Sniehotta F. F. , Marques M. M. , Carraça E. V. , Teixeira P. J.
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to estimate the prevalence of personal weight control attempts (weight loss and/or maintenance) worldwide and to identify correlates, personal strategies used and the underlying motives. We included epidemiological/observational studies of adults (≥18 years) reporting prevalence of weight control attempts in the past‐year. Seventy‐two studies (n = 1,184,942) met eligibility criteria. Results from high quality studies showed that 42% of adults from general populations and 44% of adults from ethnic‐minority populations reported trying to lose weight, and 23% of adults from general populations reported trying to maintain weight annually. In general population studies, higher prevalence of weight loss attempts was observed in the decade of 2000–2009 (48.2%), in Europe/Central Asia (61.3%) and in overweight/obese individuals and in women (p < 0.01). Of the 37 strategies (grouped in 10 domains of the Oxford Food and Activity Behaviours Taxonomy) and 12 motives reported for trying to control weight, exercising and dieting (within the energy compensation and restraint domains, respectively) and wellbeing and long‐term health were the most prevalent. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to investigate weight control attempts worldwide. Key strategies and motives were identified which have implications for future public health initiatives on weight control.
Perception of facial profiles: influence of female sex hormones and personality traits
Authors: Jovic T. , Pavlic A. , Varga S. , Kovacevic Pavicic D. , Slaj M. , Spalj S.
Published: September 2016

Structured Abstract

Objectives

The observational study investigated whether women's perception of the facial profile is related to changes in sex hormones during the menstrual cycle and under the influence of personality traits.

Setting and sample population

Participants were heterosexual Caucasian normally menstruating women not using oral contraceptives (N = 30, aged 20–44 years).

Material and methods

The profile attractiveness was assessed by grading of thirteen men's and women's Caucasian profile distortions by a visual analogue scale (0 = least to 100 = most attractive) in the non‐ovulating phase and ovulating phase of the menstrual cycle. Male profiles were graded twice—in social and emotional contexts. Personality traits were assessed by Big Five Inventory.

Results

The most attractive male profiles in both phases and contexts were a straight profile or mild lip retrusion. According to cluster analysis, non‐ovulating females distinguish skeletal from dentoalveolar alterations; however, maxillary retrognathism was considered to be closer to an attractive profile, which were resulting from dentoalveolar manipulations only. Ovulating females, when considering emotional relationship, exhibit lowest preference for males with convex profiles and extreme concave profile, while they consider males with slightly prominent chins due to maxillary retrognathism, mandibular prognathism or pronounced lip retrusion closer to the most attractive males. No clear patterns of influence of personality traits were detected. Moderate lip protrusion was the most attractive female profile in ovulating and straight profile in non‐ovulating phase.

Conclusion

The favorable profiles, on average, are the same regardless of the female hormonal status and personality traits.
CIVIL SERVICE LAWS, MERIT, POLITICIZATION, AND CORRUPTION: THE PERSPECTIVE OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS FROM FIVE EAST EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Authors: MEYER‐SAHLING JAN‐HINRIK , MIKKELSEN KIM SASS
Published: September 2016

Research on bureaucracy and corruption tends to concentrate on cross‐national research taking countries as the unit of analysis. Yet national‐level measures neglect large differences within countries. This article therefore takes the perspective of individual bureaucrats. It studies how public officials' experience with bureaucratic institutions affects corruption within their sphere of work. Based on a survey of central government officials in five post‐communist states, the article examines how public servants' views on civil service laws, the quality of their implementation, merit recruitment, and the politicization of appointments associate with rumours of kickbacks in their place of work. The analysis shows that merit recruitment is associated with less corruption, while politicization is associated with more corruption. In contrast, civil service laws are negatively associated with corruption only if they are properly implemented. The findings complement and qualify country‐level research, approaching more closely the micro‐foundations of the relation between bureaucracy and corruption.
Politicians, political advisers and the vocabulary of public service bargains: Speaking in tongues?
Authors: Shaw Richard , Eichbaum Chris
Published: September 2016

Recent research on political advisers is characterized by an expansion beyond Westminster and clearer connections with proximate literatures. This article speaks to the second of these features by applying the Public Service Bargain (PSB) lens to minister/political adviser relationships in new ways. Extant PSB analyses either position political advisers as an independent variable influencing the core bargain between ministers and senior officials, or face difficulties when viewing advisers through existing perspectives developed to explain deals between politicians and public servants. Consequently, the nature of ‘the bargain applying to political advisers’ (Hood and Lodge 2006, p. 128) remains unclear. This article addresses that lacuna by deploying the reward, competence and loyalty dimensions of PSBs to specify the broad terms of the political adviser bargain, and considers the theoretical and empirical implications of such compacts.
Simple and robust methods for remote sensing of canopy chlorophyll content: a comparative analysis of hyperspectral data for different types of vegetation
Authors: Inoue Yoshio , Guérif Martine , Baret Frédéric , Skidmore Andrew , Gitelson Anatoly , Schlerf Martin , Darvishzadeh Roshanak , Olioso Albert
Published: September 2016

Canopy chlorophyll content (CCC) is an essential ecophysiological variable for photosynthetic functioning. Remote sensing of CCC is vital for a wide range of ecological and agricultural applications. The objectives of this study were to explore simple and robust algorithms for spectral assessment of CCC. Hyperspectral datasets for six vegetation types (rice, wheat, corn, soybean, sugar beet and natural grass) acquired in four locations (Japan, France, Italy and USA) were analysed. To explore the best predictive model, spectral index approaches using the entire wavebands and multivariable regression approaches were employed. The comprehensive analysis elucidated the accuracy, linearity, sensitivity and applicability of various spectral models. Multivariable regression models using many wavebands proved inferior in applicability to different datasets. A simple model using the ratio spectral index (RSI; R815, R704) with the reflectance at 815 and 704 nm showed the highest accuracy and applicability. Simulation analysis using a physically based reflectance model suggested the biophysical soundness of the results. The model would work as a robust algorithm for canopy‐chlorophyll‐metre and/or remote sensing of CCC in ecosystem and regional scales. The predictive‐ability maps using hyperspectral data allow not only evaluation of the relative significance of wavebands in various sensors but also selection of the optimal wavelengths and effective bandwidths.
Composition of seminal plasma and ovarian fluid in Ide Leuciscus idus and Northern pike Esox lucius
Authors: Siddique MAM , Linhart O , Kujawa R , Krejszeff S , Butts IAE
Published: September 2016

Contents

Seminal plasma (SP) and ovarian fluid (OF) plays an important role as storage media to prevent the activation of gametes both in vivo and under artificial conditions. The objectives of this study were to quantify gamete biochemistry and explore correlations among quantitative characteristics of SP, OF and sperm performance traits of Ide Leuciscus idus and Northern pike Esox lucius. Generally, Na+, K+ and Cl− were found to be the most dominating ions, although concentrations of K+ were higher in SP, while Na+ and Cl− concentrations were higher in OF for both species. Several significant correlations among the biochemical properties such as total protein, glucose, osmolality, cholesterol, K+, Ca2+, Cl− and Mg2+ were observed for SP and OF. Total protein content of Ide SP was positively correlated with sperm activity traits (r ≥ .89, p ≤ .05), while K+ concentration was negatively correlated with sperm traits (r ≥ −.89, p ≤ .05). Moreover, Ca2+ concentration in Northern pike SP was positively correlated with the percentage of sperm motility (r = . 98, p < .01). In conclusion, these results can be used to better understand the biochemistry of SP and OF, improve methods for short‐ and long‐term storage of gametes and standardize fertilization protocols.
Molecular expression of caprine estrogen receptor gene 1 in reproductive and non‐reproductive tissues
Authors: Saraswat S , Rout PK , Kharche SD , Jindal SK , Goel AK
Published: September 2016

Contents

During the last decades, physiological effects of oestrogens have been increasingly explored by scientists and biotechnologists. Estrogens exert a wide range of effects on a large variety of cell types. Oestrogen and its receptors are essential for sexual development and reproduction. Estrogen receptor alpha is a nuclear receptor activated by the hormone oestrogen. In male,ERα is encoded by the gene estrogen receptor gene 1 (ESR1), responsible for better fertility. TheESR1 is involved in the reabsorption of luminal fluid during the transit of spermatozoa from the testis to the head of the epididymis which is important for their survival and maturation during epididymal storage. The absence ofESR1 leads to reduced epididymal sperm content, reduced sperm motility and fertilizing ability. Therefore, this is a good startby to study the expression pattern of estrogen receptor 1 gene in high‐fertile (G1) and low‐fertile (G2) bucks of Jamunapari and Barbari breeds identified on the basis of seminal quality traits and fertility trials.RNAwas extracted from the tissues byTRIzol method. The identification and expression pattern of caprineESR1 gene was analysed by real‐timePCR(RocheLC‐480). Our work shows that the relative quantification byRT‐PCRindicates more fold in head of epididymis as compared to spleen of caprineESR1 gene. Furthermore, theRT‐PCRindicated that fertile bucks of Jamunapari breed have more fold value as compared to Barbari breed in respect of reproductive organ.
Beta‐mercaptoethanol supplementation of in vitro maturation medium does not influence nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of equine oocytes
Authors: Merlo B , Iacono E , Bucci D , Spinaci M , Galeati G , Mari G
Published: September 2016

Contents

In vitro embryo production in the horse is still not as efficient as in other species. Oxidative stress negatively affects oocyte and embryo culture. To attenuate/minimize the oxidative stress, antioxidants such as low‐molecular thiol compounds can be added to culture media. Beta‐mercaptoethanol (BME) has been shown to improve maturation and embryo development in different species. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the addition to maturation medium of BME at common (0.1 mM) and high (0.7 mM) concentration could improve oocyte maturation also in the horse. Equine oocytes recovered from slaughterhouse ovaries were used. Meiotic configuration after in vitro maturation (IVM) and early embryo production after intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were considered as criteria for assessing nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation, respectively. A total of 1,076 oocytes were analysed over two experiments: 848 (control n = 293, BME 0.1 n = 270, BME 0.7 n = 285) were stained with Hoechst 33342 and examined for nuclear stage after 26 hr of IVM, and 228 MII oocytes were fertilized by ICSI (control n = 83, BME 0.1 n = 65, BME 0.7 n = 80). Cleavage rates were determined after 60 hr of culture. Unlike results obtained in other species, the addition of BME did not influence maturation rates (51.9% control vs 55.6% BME 0.1 mM and 55.1% BME 0.7 mM), nor cleavage rates after ICSI (38.6% vs 38.5% and 41.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the addition of BME at 0.1 and 0.7 mM to the maturation medium, in our culture conditions, has no effect on nuclear and cytoplasmic maturation of equine oocytes.
Predictors of long‐term compensatory response of pulmonary function following major lung resection for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Matsutani Noriyuki , Morita Shigeki , Dejima Hitoshi , Nakayama Takashi , Uehara Hirofumi , Kawamura Masafumi
Published: September 2016

Background and objective

Long‐term pulmonary function which might include compensatory response (CR) significantly influences quality of life of long‐term survivor after major lung resection. We investigated long‐term pulmonary function after major lung resection.

Methods

A total of 137 patients who had undergone lobar resection for non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) from May 2013 to June 2014 had spirometry at 10–14 months after surgery. Actual post‐operative forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) (FEV1apo
)/predicted post‐operative FEV1
(FEV1ppo
), actual post‐operative forced vital capacity (FVC) (FVCapo
)/predicted post‐operative FVC (FVCppo
), its relationship with clinicopathological factors and immunohistochemistry for pro‐surfactant protein C (pro‐SPC), thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) were investigated.

Results

FEV1apo
/FEV1ppo
showed strong correlation with FVCapo
/FVCppo
(r = 0.628; P < 0.001). We defined greater CR as both FEV1apo
/FEV1ppo
and FVCapo
/FVCppo
were >120%. Greater CR was significantly associated with decreased smoking index (P < 0.001) and greater resected subsegments (P = 0.037). The never‐smoker group revealed significantly greater CR compared with the smoker group in both FEV1apo
/FEV1ppo
(119.9 ± 12.5% vs 107.5 ± 14.2%; P = 0.030) and FVCapo
/FVCppo
(117.9 ± 9.98% vs 107.2 ± 13.1%; P = 0.046) in case‐matched comparison. The expression of pro‐SPC, TTF‐1 and VEGFR2 in the normal lung parenchyma of greater CR group was significantly higher than those of lesser CR group (P < 0.001 for each). In addition, pro‐SPC, TTF‐1 and VEGFR2 expressions showed a significant correlation to the degree of CR especially in the smoker group (r = 0.631, 0.705 and 0.732, respectively; P < 0.001 for each).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that smokers may develop lesser long‐term CR after major lung resection. Decreased expression of pro‐SPC, TTF‐1 and VEGFR2 may indicate decreased capacity of CR, especially in patients who smoke.
Clinical characteristics of eosinophilic asthma exacerbations
Authors: Bjerregaard Asger , Laing Ingrid A. , Backer Vibeke , Fally Markus , Khoo Siew‐Kim , Chidlow Glenys , Sikazwe Chisha , Smith David W. , Le Souëf Peter , Porsbjerg Celeste
Published: September 2016

Background and objective

Airway eosinophilia is associated with an increased risk of asthma exacerbations; however, the impact on the severity of exacerbations is largely unknown. We describe the sputum inflammatory phenotype during asthma exacerbation and correlate it with severity and treatment response.

Methods

Patients presenting to hospital with an asthma exacerbation were recruited during a 12‐month period and followed up after 4 weeks. Induced sputum was collected at both visits. Patients underwent spirometry, arterial blood gas analysis, fractional exhaled nitric oxide analysis, white blood cell counts and a screening for common respiratory viruses and bacteria. An eosinophilic exacerbation (EE) was defined as having sputum eosinophils ≥ 3% and a non‐eosinophilic exacerbation as < 3% (NEE).

Results

A total of 47 patients were enrolled; 37 (79%) had successful sputum induction at baseline, of whom 43% had sputum eosinophils ≥3% (EE). Patients with EE had a significantly lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1
) % predicted (70.8%, P = 0.03) than patients with NEE (83.6%). Furthermore, EE patients were more likely to require supplemental oxygen during admission (63% vs 14%, P = 0.002). The prevalence of respiratory viruses was the same in EE and NEE patients (44% vs 52%, P = 0.60), as was bacterial infection (6% vs 14%, P = 0.44). Fractional expiratory nitric oxide (FeNO) correlated with sputum %‐eosinophils (ρ = 0.57, P < 0.001), and predicted airway eosinophilia with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 70%.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that eosinophilic asthma exacerbations may be clinically more severe than NEEs, supporting the identification of these higher risk patients for specific interventions.
Small Farms Survival and Growth: Making Investments Despite Credit Constraints
Authors: Varga Mihai
Published: September 2016

This article argues that we know little about how small farmers in post‐communist Europe survive and even grow while having little access to credit markets. In approaching small farmers, this paper builds on ideas of self‐provisioning, contending that the tendency among small farmers is not one of growth towards and through economies of scale, but one of internalising and de‐monetising costs, by growing in order to control upstream and downstream links in the value chain. It asks what is it that makes self‐provisioning possible in two post‐communist regions (located in Romania and Ukraine) and identifies various assets in the smallholders' environments, such as most importantly a diverse scene of intermediaries supplying smallholders with cash incomes. The implication of the research is that the existence of these assets is crucial for the smallholders' survival and growth, and these assets should be valued accordingly rather than dismissed in favour of integrating smallholders into modern, retailer‐dominated, value chains.
Advanced Logistics in Italy: A City Network Analysis
Authors: Antoine Sébastien , Sillig Cécile , Ghiara Hilda
Published: September 2016

Logistics services providers present similarities with main advanced producer services as, besides their operational functions, they manage highly elaborated informational flows in order to run supply chains. Thanks to detailed information on employees provided by the social network LinkedIn, this paper proposes a World City Network analysis applied to main logistics providers operating in Italy, that focus only on knowledge and management activities. LinkedIn also allows decomposing firms’ value chains and permits to develop interlocking networks dedicated to firms divisions. Italian advanced logistics appears to be primarily attracted by knowledge rich environments, rather than infrastructural nodes. The Italian network is centralised in Milan. Though, rather than an exclusive command centre, Milan acts as a hub, where part of the information and power are distributed in certain secondary cities, depending on their sectorial and geographical specificities.