bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relative Income, Community Attachment and Subjective Well–Being: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Tsurumi Tetsuya , Imauji Atsushi , Managi Shunsuke 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIncome is one of the most important and well–studied determinants of subjective well–being (SWB), and empirical evidence indicates that there is a robust positive income effect on measures of SWB. However, evidence from previous studies is inconclusive regarding the impact of relative income on reported well–being. In this study, we use original Japanese survey data collected in 2015 and reference area income derived from 500 m mesh data to examine the impact of relative income on life satisfaction. The results of structural equation modeling reveal that relative income has a direct negative impact but an indirect positive effect through community attachment on life satisfaction. This suggests that the negative effects of reference income observed in previous studies that did not consider community attachment are likely to be overestimated. Our results also suggest that younger people are more affected by the direct negative effect of reference income than people in other age groups. Furthermore, people with a household income higher than the reference area income are not necessarily more attached to their neighborhood; however, they are more likely to report higher life satisfaction.
Retest effects in medical selection interviews
Authors: Griffin Barbara , Bayl‐Smith Piers , Duvivier Robbert , Shulruf Boaz , Hu Wendy 
Published: November 2018

ContextRepetition of a cognitive ability test is known to increase scores, but almost no research has examined whether similar improvement occurs with repetition of interviews. Retest effects can change the rank order of candidates and reduce the test's criterion validity. Because interviews are widely used to select medical students and postgraduate trainees, and because applicants apply to multiple programmes and often reapply if unsuccessful, the potential for retest effects needs to be understood.ObjectivesThis study was designed to identify if retest improvements occur when candidates undertake multiple interviews and, if so, whether the effect is attributable to general interview experience or specific experience and whether repeat testing affects criterion validity.MethodsWe compared interview scores of applicants who were interviewed for one or more of three independent undergraduate medical programmes in two consecutive years and those who were interviewed in both years for the same programme. Correlations between initial and repeat interview scores and a written test of social understanding were compared.ResultsGeneral experience (being interviewed by multiple programmes) did not produce improvement in subsequent interview performance. There was no evidence of method effect (having prior experience of the multiple mini‐interview process). Specific experience (being interviewed by the same programme across 2 years) resulted in a significant improvement in scores for which regression to the mean did not fully account. Criterion validity did not appear to be affected.ConclusionsUnsuccessful candidates for medical school who reapply and are re‐interviewed on a subsequent occasion at the same institution are likely to increase their scores. The results of this study suggest the increase is probably not attributable to improved ability.
Complex decision making in medical training: key internal and external influences in developing practical wisdom
Authors: Paes Paul , Leat David , Stewart Jane 
Published: November 2018

ContextGood judgement and the ability to make complex decisions are key attributes of a skilled professional. There has been limited study of doctors and their decision making, particularly in relation to making complex decisions. The study aims were to understand how trainee doctors develop practical wisdom through investigating their approach to difficult decision making, understanding the influences on the development of practical wisdom, and identifying potential interventions that may help develop this further.MethodsConstructing an understanding of the process of developing practical wisdom was analysed within a social constructivist frame. The study investigated trainee doctors at different stages of their careers. Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were used to explore the approaches doctors take to difficult decision making, as well as the key training influences in learning these skills. Constant comparative analysis was carried out within a grounded theory approach.ResultsKey elements emerged from the data regarding the doctors themselves and the environments they worked in that assisted in developing decision making. This led to the construction of a conceptual model setting out the development of practical wisdom among trainee doctors. The model describes a process of gaining experience in decision making, moderated by key external and internal influences. The important roles of self‐efficacy and agency (relational) are highlighted as key enablers of the process.DiscussionThe implications of this model are considered in relation to postgraduate training of doctors. The importance of training doctors to be self‐regulated learners in learning environments that support their development is highlighted. Aspects of the clinical learning environment (structure) such as rotation structures, the culture, supervision and feedback can all be enhanced. Self‐efficacy and relational agency, alongside other internal influences, are key factors in accelerating development of practical wisdom. Other studies have shown that these factors can be improved with targeted interventions.
Short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) of the Mariana Archipelago: Individual affiliations, movements, and spatial use
Authors: Hill Marie C. , Bendlin Andrea R. , Van Cise Amy M. , Milette‐Winfree Aliza , Ligon Allan D. , Ü Adam C. , Deakos Mark H. , Oleson Erin M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLittle is known about short‐finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) in the western North Pacific outside of Japanese coastal waters. To expand understanding of short‐finned pilot whale ecology in the region, we conducted small‐boat surveys in 2010−2016 within the Mariana Archipelago to investigate individual associations, movements, spatial use, and dive behavior of short‐finned pilot whales. We collected genetic, photo‐identification, and satellite‐tag data and identified 191 distinctive individuals. A preliminary social network diagram of photo‐cataloged individuals revealed a main cluster that comprised 82% of individuals, representing all five mitochondrial DNA haplotypes identified within the population. Kernel density estimates for tagged short‐finned pilot whales (n = 11) during summer were used to identify areas with the highest probability of use (10% probability density contour), core area (50%) and home range (95%). The area with highest probability of use by short‐finned pilot whales was off the northwest side of Guam. Satellite tag data also suggest that some individuals are island‐associated year‐round. Data from five location‐dive tags demonstrated that the short‐finned pilot whales dove more often to intermediate depths at twilight and night, suggesting they may target prey that forage on the deep scattering layer as it migrates to and from the surface.
The dysphagia stress test for rapid assessment of swallowing difficulties in esophageal conditions
Authors: Taft Tiffany H. , Kern Emily , Starkey Kristen , Craft Jenna , Craven Meredith , Doerfler Bethany , Keefer Laurie , Kahrilas Peter , Pandolfino John 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundEsophageal dysphagia is a common symptom in gastroenterology practice. Current rapid assessment tools are limited to oropharyngeal dysphagia and do not translate well to esophageal conditions. We aim to create a novel tool, the dysphagia stress test (DST), to evaluate swallowing in patients with esophageal disease characterized by dysphagia.MethodsAdults with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, and dysphagia not otherwise specified (NOS) participated. Patient controls with non‐esophageal diagnoses and healthy controls were also recruited. Participants completed the DST with five bolus challenges: water, applesauce, rice, bread, barium tablet and rated their swallowing difficulty and pain. A study clinician observed and documented water use and refusal of any challenges. Participants also completed measures of esophageal symptoms, hypersensitivity, and symptom anxiety to evaluate the DST validity. Collinearity of bolus challenges guided item reduction.Key ResultsA total of 132 subjects participated. Both control groups and GERD patients had the best swallowing ability, while achalasia, EOE, and dysphagia NOS scored poorer. About 90% of patients were able to attempt or pass each of the bolus challenges, suggesting high acceptability. Construct validity of the DST is evidenced by modest negative correlations with symptom severity, hypersensitivity, and anxiety. The DST does not appear to be influenced by brain‐gut processes. Applesauce, rice, and bread demonstrated collinearity; thus, the DST was reduced to three challenges.Conclusions & InferencesThe DST is the first rapid assessment tool designed for gastroenterology clinics with direct observation of swallowing ability across several conditions to mitigate issues related to patient self‐report of esophageal symptoms.
Comparison of the characteristics of chinchilla epidydimal semen after collection, storage at 5°C and cryopreservation
Authors: Polit Martyna , Prochowska Sylwia , Niżański Wojciech 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe aim of the study was to compare the characteristics of chinchilla epididymal sperm: fresh, stored at liquid state and cryopreserved. Epididymal spermatozoa obtained from 11 males were assessed for subjective motility, concentration, motility parameters measured by CASA, viability, morphology, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial potential, lipid peroxidation, chromatin structure, apoptotic changes and capacitation. Then half of the spermatozoa were stored at 5°C for 30 hr, and the second half was cryopreserved. After storage and thawing the same parameters as in fresh semen were assessed. Fresh semen showed good quality, with low levels of lipid peroxidation, chromatin fragmentation and capacitation. CASA evaluation showed significantly lower values for MOT, PMOT, RAPID, VCL, VAP and VSL after both storage at liquid state and cryopreservation (p < 0.05). Cold storage did not induce membrane and acrosome damage (p > 0.05), conversely to cryopreservation (p < 0.05). After storage, there was a drop in high mitochondrial potential in live cells (p < 0.05) and an increase in the percentage of non‐apoptotic, capacitated cells (p < 0.05). These changes were not seen after cryopreservation (p > 0.05). Lipid peroxidation in live cells and chromatin structure remained unchanged both after storage and cryopreservation (p > 0.05). The study showed that examined methods of semen preservation exerted different patterns of changes in spermatozoa and that sperm quality after both of them allowed for further use of preserved spermatozoa in artificial reproductive techniques.
The never‐ending search of an ideal culture system for domestic cat oocytes and embryos
Authors: Luvoni Gaia Cecilia , Colombo Martina , Morselli Maria Giorgia 
Published: November 2018

ContentsIn the domestic cat, in vitro fertilization started 40 years ago, but an ideal culture system has yet to be achieved. The physiological microenvironments, which interact with oocytes and embryos promoting their competence, have been investigated. However, recreating in vitro follicle‐ and oviduct‐like conditions is challenging and a matter of both chemistry and physics. This review presents an excursus of the experimental investigations focused on the improvement of feline oocytes and embryos culture through the modulation of chemical and physical factors. Medium supplementation with components of follicular and oviductal fluids, or the use of different co‐cultures, supports or substrata have been considered. Innovative and sophisticated systems as “organ‐on‐a‐chip” might lead to the creation of artificial follicles and oviducts and they may represent the ideal combination of chemical and physical factors. Will the search ever end?
Ethics in animal breeding
Authors: Farstad Wenche 
Published: November 2018

ContentsEthical breeding involves the use of healthy animals true to their species in behaviour and physical appearance, and when applicable, showing a sustainable performance. The concerns for the species/breed are essential parts of the breeding goals, including preservation of genetic resources within the species/breed, and the health and welfare of the individual animal. Ethical and welfare considerations were often not prioritized in developing new breeds of production or companion animals. As a result, animal breeding practices are increasingly becoming part of the debate on animal welfare. In companion animals, breeding for curiosity or “cuteness” may be a goal in itself, although dogs are also bred for utility. In production animals, breeding focus is on performance, i.e., quantitative entities and financial income, rather than physical appearance. For instance, dairy cows are bred to be larger and to have higher milk yields, sows and ewes to produce more offspring, and horses are designed for riding, racing, and companionship. Overbreeding in relation to current demand of horses, cats, and dogs raises welfare issues due to abandonment or killing of horses and millions of cats and dogs every year. There is variable regulation of health requirements for breeding animals in different countries of the world. In many countries, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of animal welfare issues such as negative effects of certain production traits in farm animals, leading to decreased demand for their meat at a time where increased food production is becoming crucial. Amidst these dilemmas are the veterinarians. This paper deals with issues connected to traditional breeding as well as some of the breeding technologies, and includes food safety, ethics, and animal welfare.
Nuclear competence and genetic expression of growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) of canine oocytes in 3D culture
Authors: Morselli Maria Giorgia , Loiacono Monica , Colombo Martina , Mortarino Michele , Luvoni Gaia Cecilia 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo evaluate the ability of a 3D culture system in improving the nuclear and molecular competence of canine oocytes, barium alginate microcapsules were used for in vitro maturation (IVM) and the expression profile of one selected oocyte‐secreted factor, the growth differentiation factor‐9 (GDF‐9) was analysed. In Experiment I, canine grade I cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) were in vitro matured in 3D microcapsules in a controlled atmosphere for 72 hr, and meiosis resumption rates were compared to those of oocytes cultured in traditional 2D microdrops of medium. In Experiment II, a primer pair specific for canine GDF‐9 was designed, and preliminary tested in conventional PCR on genomic DNA. Total RNA content was isolated from oocytes at different time intervals (T0‐T24‐T48‐T72) during in vitro 3D culture, and a reverse transcription to cDNA was performed. The expression of target gene was assessed by quantitative Reverse Transcription Real‐Time PCR (qRT‐PCR), and the obtained amplicons were sequenced to check the specificity of the analysis. Canine COCs resumed meiosis at higher rates in 3D microcapsules than in 2D microdrops (p < 0.05), even though no significant differences in the proportions of oocytes achieving full maturational stages were obtained. A significant dynamic decrease in GDF‐9 expression was recorded during culture: after 72 hr of IVM, the GDF‐9 transcription significantly dropped (p = 0.018) compared to 24 and 48 hr. In conclusion, in vitro 3D culture represents an efficient system for IVM of canine oocytes, and the expression profile of GDF‐9 well reflects temporal dynamics for the acquisition of developmental competence in this species.
Accuracy of ultrasonography and fine‐needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of prostate diseases in dogs
Authors: Rodak Olga , Dzimira Stanisław , Podolak Aleksandra , Płóciennik Michał , Niżański Wojciech 
Published: November 2018

AbstractClinical signs of prostatic diseases in dogs are often non‐specific. Appropriate treatment should be based on a detailed investigation using reliable diagnostic tools. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography (US) and fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology in dogs' prostate diseases. The mean accuracy of FNA cytology and US were 0.72 and 0.88 (n = 13), respectively. US gland size measurements and actual gland dimensions were highly concordant. Obtained results confirm the high diagnostic value of US and FNA biopsy and in prostatic diseases. Diagnosis based on US is highly reliable; however, it should be combined with clinical signs. Therefore, cytological evaluation of prostate gland material may be performed to differentiate or confirm presumptive diagnosis.
Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone‐modified chitosan as a safe and efficient gene delivery vector for spermatogonia cells
Authors: Boonthum Chatwalee , Namdee Katawut , Khongkow Mattaka , Temisak Sasithont , Chatdarong Kaywalee , Sajomsang Warayuth , Ponglowhapan Suppawiwat , Yata Teerapong 
Published: November 2018

ContentsThe use of male gonadal tissue as a site for the local delivery of DNA is an interesting concept. Previously, we reported synthesis, physiochemical and biological properties of gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH)‐conjugated chitosan as a carrier for DNA delivery to GnRH receptor‐overexpressing cells. In this study, the application of modified chitosan as a potential vector for gene delivery to testicular cells was carried out. Transfection efficiency was investigated in mouse‐derived spermatogonia cells (GC‐1 cells) using green fluorescent protein as a reporter gene. GnRH‐conjugated chitosan exhibited higher transfection activity and specificity compared to the unmodified chitosan. Furthermore, the GnRH‐modified chitosan showed less cytotoxicity. In conclusion, we have developed and successfully tested the GnRH‐modified chitosan for delivery of a transgene of interest to spermatogonia cells in vitro. Such vector could be useful in particular for testis‐mediated gene transfer.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of ovarian morphology and blood flow in prepubertal and pubertal cats
Authors: Vercellini Rosario , Gobello Cristina , D'Francisco Florencia , Olguín Silvia , Arizmendi Analía , Rodríguez Raúl , Arias Daniel Osvaldo , Blanco Paula G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasonographic changes of feline ovaries before and during puberty. Nine, 3‐month‐old female cats were followed until puberty (Day 1). Two‐dimensional and Doppler ultrasound evaluations of the ovaries were carried out on Days ‐50, ‐20, ‐7 and 1. Longitudinal and transverse sections of the ovaries were measured and all anechoic spherical structures were considered to be follicles. The number of follicles >1 mm and the maximum diameter of the largest follicle were recorded. Peak systolic velocity and end diastolic velocity of intraovarian arteries were also measured to automatically calculate the resistive index (RI). The mean ovarian longitudinal diameter increased gradually throughout the study from 8.6 to 10.7 mm (p < 0.05). While four cats presented multiple anechoic spherical structures <1 mm diameter throughout the study, the remaining five animals had these structures only on Days ‐50 and ‐20. On Days ‐20, ‐7 and 1, the mean number of follicles were 1.4 ± 0.7, 2.5 ± 0.8 and 4.8 ± 1 respectively (p < 0.01). The largest follicles at the same time points were 1.1 ± 0.2 mm, 1.9 ± 0.3 mm and 2.6 ± 0.5 mm respectively (p < 0.05). The RI of the intraovarian arteries declined throughout the study period (p < 0.01). It is concluded that, in female cats, ovarian dimensions, follicle number and intraovarian blood flow increased from 3 months of age to puberty.
Addiction to debt forgiveness in developing countries: Consequences and who gets picked?
Authors: Brown Leanora Alecia , Martinez‐Vazquez Jorge 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe explore whether the expectation of debt forgiveness discourages developing countries from attaining sustainable fiscal independence through improving their tax effort. While the international financial community advises poor countries to improve revenue mobilization, the same international community routinely bails out poor countries that fail to meet their loan repayment obligations, among other reasons as a result of the low tax effort they exercise. The act of bailing out creates an expectation about receiving debt forgiveness time and again in the future. The key prediction of our theoretical framework is that in the presence of debt forgiveness, countries’ tax efforts will decline and more so the higher the intensity of the bailouts. We test this proposition using data for 55 countries from 1995 to 2015. We find that debt forgiveness is significant in lowering tax effort. In addressing the potential of reverse causality, we also find that the international financial community has been more forgiving to countries that exert lower tax effort. These results, which are robust to various specifications, have significant policy implications for donor and recipient countries.
If the Lord Is Willing and the Creek Don't Rise: Religious Attendance and Disaster Recovery in the Deep South*
Authors: Bright Candace Forbes , Hanks Roma , Sayre Edward , Broyles Amye , Bagley Braden 
Published: November 2018

ObjectiveThis article examines the association between religious attendance and disaster recovery in Mississippi and Alabama.MethodsWe use ordinary least squares regression to determine the effect of sociodemographic variables, social network size, and religious attendance on one's self‐described level of disaster recovery.ResultsWe find a robust association between frequent religious attendance and a greater level of recovery. Somewhat surprisingly, we also find a strong relationship between religious nonattendance and a greater level of recovery. However, these results differ by race. For whites (but not for blacks), nonattendance is associated with a greater degree of recovery, while for blacks (but not for whites), frequent attendance is correlated with a greater degree of recovery. For both whites and blacks, the size of one's social network does not affect disaster recovery.ConclusionWhile according to previous research, religious attendance is associated with benefits based upon social networks and community engagement, we find that those who are strongly connected to their religious organizations recover more, but it is not directly connected to one's social network size.