bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decellularised Human Liver is too Heterogeneous for Designing a Generic ECM-mimic Hepatic Scaffold
Authors: Mattei Giorgio , Magliaro Chiara , Pirone Andrea , Ahluwalia Arti 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDecellularised human livers are considered the perfect ECM (extracellular matrix) surrogate because both 3-dimensional architecture and biological features of the hepatic microenvironment are thought to be preserved. However, donor human livers are in chronically short supply, both for transplantation or as decellularised scaffolds, and will become even scarcer as life expectancy increases. It is hence of interest to determine the structural and biochemical properties of human hepatic ECM to derive design criteria for engineering bio-mimetic scaffolds. The intention of this work was to obtain quantitative design specifications for fabricating scaffolds for hepatic tissue engineering using human livers as a template. To this end, hepatic samples from 5 human donors were decellularised using a protocol shown to reproducibly conserve matrix composition and micro-structure in porcine livers. The decellularisation outcome was evaluated through histological and quantitative image analyses to evaluate cell removal, protein and glycosaminoglycan content per unit area. Applying the same decellularisation protocol to human liver samples obtained from 5 different donors yielded 5 different outcomes. Only 1 liver out of 5 was completely decellularised, while the other 4 showed different levels of remaining cells. Moreover, protein and glycosaminoglycan content per unit area after decellularisation were also found to be donor-dependent. The donor-to-donor variability of human livers thus precludes their use as templates for engineering a generic 'one-size fits all' ECM-mimic hepatic scaffold.
Range Stability Predicts Lineage Persistence in a Morphologically Cryptic Ground Squirrel Species Complex
Authors: Phuong Mark A. , Bi Ke , Moritz Craig 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe processes responsible for patterns of cytonuclear discordance remain unclear. Here, we employ an exon capture dataset, demographic methods, and species distribution modeling to elucidate the impact of historical demography on patterns of genealogical concordance and discordance in ground squirrel lineages from theOtospermophilus beecheyispecies complex. Previous studies inO. beecheyirevealed three morphologically cryptic and highly divergent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages (named the Northern, Central, and Southern lineages based on geography) with only the Northern lineage exhibiting concordant divergence in nuclear markers. We show that these mtDNA lineages likely formed in allopatry during the Pleistocene, but responded differentially to climatic changes that occurred since the last interglacial (∼120,000 years ago). We find that the Northern lineage maintained a stable range throughout this period, correlating with genetic distinctiveness among all genetic markers and low migration rates between the other lineages. In contrast, our results support a scenario where the Southern lineage expanded from Baja California Sur during the Late Pleistocene and hybridized with the Central lineage, eventually driving the Central lineage to extinction. While high intraspecific gene flow among newly colonized populations eroded significant signals of Central ancestry from autosomal markers, male sex-biased dispersal in this system preserved signals of this past hybridization and introgression event in matrilineal-biased X-chromosome and mtDNA markers. Our results highlight the importance of range stability in maintaining the persistence of phylogeographic lineages, whereas unstable range dynamics can increase the tendency for lineages to interact and collapse upon secondary contact.
Direct and Indirect Models for Protein Chemical Denaturation are Characteristic of Opposite Dynamic Properties
Authors: Lim Liangzhong , Miao Linlin , Song Jianxing 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTwo major models, namely direct and indirect models, have been proposed for the protein chemical denaturation but it remains challenging to experimentally demonstrate and distinguish between them. Here, by use of CD and NMR spectroscopy, we succeeded in differentiating the effects on a small but well-folded protein WW4, of GdmCl and NaSCN at diluted concentrations (≥200 mM). Both denaturants up to 200 mM have no alternation of its average structure but do reduce its thermodynamic stability to different degrees. Despite acting as the stronger denaturant, GdmCl only weakly interacts with amide protons, while NaSCN shows extensive interactions with both hydrophobic side chains and amide protons. Although both denaturants show no significant perturbation on overall ps-ns backbone dynamics of WW4, GdmCl suppresses while NaSCN enhances its μs-ms backbone dynamics in a denaturant concentration dependent manner. Quantitative analysis reveals that although they dramatically raise exchange rates, GdmCl slightly increases while NaSCN reduces the population of the major conformational state. Our study represents the first report deciphering that GdmCl and NaSCN appear to destabilize a protein following two models respectively, which are characteristic of opposite μs-ms dynamics.
GPhase: Greedy Approach for Accurate Haplotype Inferencing
Authors: Tayal Kshitij , Sivadasan Naveen , Srinivasan Rajgopal 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe consider the computational problem of phasing an individual genotype sample given a collection of known haplotypes in the population. We give a fast and accurate algorithm GPhase for reconstructing haplotype pair consistent with input genotype. It uses the coalescent based mutation model of Stephens and Donnelly (2000). Computing optimal solution under this model is expensive and our algorithm uses a greedy approximation for fast and accurate estimation. Our algorithm is simple, efficient and has linear time and space complexity. Experiments on real datasets revealed improved gene level phasing accuracy for GPhase tool compared to other widely used tools such as SHAPEIT, Beagle, MaCH and Impute2. On simulated data, GPhase tool was able to phase samples each containing more than 1700 markers with high accuracy. GPhase can be used for gene level phasing of individual samples using publicly available haplotype datasets such as HapMap data or 1000 genome data. This finds applications in studies on recessive Mendelian disorders where parent data is lacking. GPhase is freely available for download and use fromhttps://github.com/kshitijtayal/GPhase/.
An efficient electroporation protocol for the genetic modification of mammalian cells
Authors: Chicaybam Leonardo , Barcelos Camila , Peixoto Barbara , Carneiro Mayra , Limia Cintia Gomez , Redondo Patrícia , Lira Carla , Paraguassú-Braga Flávio , Vasconcelos Zilton , Barros Luciana , Bonamino Martin Hernán 
Published: September 2016

AbstractGenetic modification of cell lines and primary cells is an expensive and cumbersome approach, often involving the use of viral vectors. Electroporation using square wave generating devices, like Lonza´s Nucleofector, is a widely used option, but the costs associated with the acquisition of electroporation kits and the transient transgene expression might hamper the utility of this methodology. In the present work we show that our in house developed buffers, termed Chicabuffers, can be efficiently used to electroporate cell lines and primary cells from murine and human origin. Using the Nucleofector II device, we electroporated 14 different cell lines and also primary cells, like mesenchymal stem cells and cord blood CD34+, providing optimized protocols for each of them. Moreover, when combined with Sleeping Beauty based transposon system, long-term transgene expression could be achieved in all types of cells tested. Transgene expression was stable and did not interfere with CD34+ differentiation to committed progenitors. We also show that these buffers can be used in CRISPR-mediated editing ofPDCD1gene locus in 293T and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The optimized protocols reported in this study provide a suitable and cost-effective platform for the genetic modification of cells, facilitating the widespread adoption of this technology.
Non-performance of financial contracts in agricultural lending
Authors: Savitha Basri , Kumar K. Naveen 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
Evaluating a portfolio of agricultural loans has become an important issue in recent years primarily due to a large number of loan defaults. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors influencing credit repayment behavior of farmers in Karnataka.

Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on secondary data of 590 farmers collected from a private bank in the state of Karnataka, India. Binary logistic regression and multinomial regression analysis was carried out to estimate the probability of non-payment of a loan.

Findings
The results of the regression confirm a significant relationship between non-repayment of agricultural credit and characteristics of borrowers such as the age, years of banking relationship, yield of the crop, distance to bank branch, size and tenure of the loan, farm size and leverage and efficiency ratio.

Practical implications
The factors predicted by the model do certainly help in improving the decision-making process in agricultural lending. A rigorous assessment of family responsibilities, farm size, credit-to-asset ratio, interest burden on the farmers and farm income is suggested to reduce the probability of doubtful assets.

Originality/value
The studies that predict default risk in agricultural loan are limited in India. This is one of the few studies that estimate the determinants of substandard and doubtful categories of credit in a private sector bank.
Participation and output effect of a Block Farm Credit Programme in selected districts of Northern Ghana
Authors: Donkoh Samuel A. , Eliasu Abdulai , Setsoafia Edinam Dope , Ansah Isaac Gershon Kodwo 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA) Block Farm Credit Programme (BFCP) participation on crop output in four districts in the Northern region of Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach
Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from 240 beneficiary and non-beneficiary farmers of BFCP. The treatment effect model that accounts for selectivity bias was employed to examine the socioeconomic determinants of farmers’ decision to participate in the BFCP and the effect of BFCP participation on crop output.

Findings
Even though the BFCP participation increases output, inadequacy and late delivery of BFCP inputs, low publicity about the programme and difficulty in accessing the inputs from the districts agricultural officers are factors that prevent the full realization of the benefits of the programme. Improving extension services to create more awareness and a re-introduction of the BFCP to make inputs available and affordable to farmers can help boost farm productivity.

Practical implications
The positive effect of the BFCP means that the provision of low-cost production credit has the potential to increase productivity and improve incomes. Hence, MoFA should endeavour up scaling and properly managing the scheme.

Originality/value
This study is the first to evaluate the BFCP in Northern region of Ghana, particularly in relation to its contribution to crop value. The findings are very useful to advise policy by taking account of the programme deficiencies and enhance effectiveness.
Current trends in cooperative finance
Authors: Briggeman Brian C. , Jacobs Keri L. , Kenkel Phil , Mckee Gregory 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the recent financial trends affecting grain and farm supply cooperatives.

Design/methodology/approach
Review of and descriptive analysis of current cooperative finance topics.

Findings
In recent years three important trends have become apparent among grain marketing and farm supply cooperatives. These farmer-owned firms have been rapidly investing in infrastructure, reformulating profit distribution and equity strategies, and have pursued consolidation with other cooperatives.

Originality/value
Grain and farm supply cooperatives are changing at a rapid clip to meet the needs of their evolving and growing farmer-owners. New research is needed to help these cooperatives meet these needs, and this paper identifies new areas of research in cooperative finance.
Farm income variability and off-farm employment in Ireland
Authors: Loughrey Jason , Hennessy Thia 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the potential relationship between farm income variability and off-farm employment decisions in the short and medium term for the case of Irish farm operators.Design/methodology/approachPanel probit models of off-farm labour supply are estimated using Teagasc National Farm Survey data for Irish farms. The framework is based largely on standard expected utility but includes a constraint for recent employment history.FindingsThe analyses identifies some evidence of a positive association between farm income variability and off-farm employment in the medium term but no significant relationship in the short term. This suggests that off-farm employment is part of a wider portfolio decision but is not a strong solution to short-term farm income shocks.Practical implicationsEuropean farmers increasingly face high income variability but financial risk management tools are not sufficiently developed or widely accessible to assist farmers in managing the associated risk. This deficiency can have negative implications for household economic welfare and future farm investments and hence the future farm income. Off-farm employment can form part of a wider medium-term portfolio strategy but more effective tools are also required for risk management particularly in dealing with short-term volatility and where off-farm employment is not a realistic endeavour given time constraints and/or demographics.Originality/valueThe estimation of farm income variability includes a detrending method thus reducing the likelihood of overestimating farm income variability for farms in deliberate expansion or decline. While previous research has typically focused on the short-term response of farmers to historical farm income variability, this research has distinguished between the short and medium term.
Implementing a Mentally Healthy Schools Framework based on the population wide Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion campaign
Authors: Anwar-McHenry Julia , Donovan Robert John , Nicholas Amberlee , Kerrigan Simone , Francas Stephanie , Phan Tina 
Published: September 2016

PurposeMentally Healthy WA developed and implemented the Mentally Healthy Schools Framework in 2010 in response to demand from schools wanting to promote the community-based Act-Belong-Commit mental health promotion message within a school setting. Schools are an important setting for mental health promotion, therefore, the Framework encourages schools to adopt a whole-of-school approach to mental health promotion based on the World Health Organisation’s Health Promoting Schools framework. The paper aims to discuss these issues.Design/methodology/approachA process evaluation was conducted consisting of six-monthly activity reports from 13 participating Western Australian schools. Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with key school contacts in November 2011 with nine schools who had signed partner agreements prior to July 2011.FindingsThe schools valued promoting the mentally healthy message and the majority felt the programme was implemented successfully. More intensive implementation was facilitated by a proactive and enthusiastic school “champion” who had influence over other staff, and who did not have too many competing priorities. Factors inhibiting implementation included a lack of effective time management, lack of whole school commitment, and evaluation demands.Originality/valueAct-Belong-Commit is a positive, proactive message making it easier for teachers to talk about mental health with their students. For schools reporting implementation success, the Mentally Healthy Schools Framework raised the profile of mental health in the school setting and fostered a sense of belonging among students.
Factors associated with parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health
Authors: Manu Abubakar , Kotoh Agnes M. , Asante Rexford Kofi Oduro , Ankomah Augustine 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
Available studies on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health in Ghana have largely focused on assessing communication frequency, barriers, and who communicates with whom within the family. The purpose of this paper is to examine parental and family contextual factors that predict parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health.

Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional interviewer-administered survey was conducted among 790 parents selected through a multistage sampling technique. The Cronbach’s α statistic was used to assess various parental and family contextual constructs on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health. Separate hierarchical multiple regression models for mothers and fathers were constructed to assess predictors of parental communication about sexual and reproductive health.

Findings
Nearly the same factors predicted mothers’ and fathers’ communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health matters. The predictors for both mothers and fathers included high socioeconomic status (SES), family religiousity, parent discipline, perceived parent sexual knowledge and parent trustworthiness. Parent permissiveness predicted only for fathers.

Social implications
Parental communication on sexual and reproductive health is influenced by high SES, family religiousity, parent sexual knowledge, parent discipline and trustworthiness. Interventional programmes on communication about sexual and reproductive health need to take cognisance of these factors to improve parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health.

Originality/value
This paper adds to the limited evidence on parent-child communication about sexual and reproductive health in Ghana, by examining parental and family contextual factors that influence parental communication with young people about sexual and reproductive health.
Consumer trust and physician prescription of branded medicines: an exploratory study
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud Abdulai 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the extent of consumer trust of physicians’ prescription of branded medications.Design/methodology/approachThis paper adopts a qualitative research approach to study consumers’ self-reported experiences with respect to their trust in physicians’ prescription of branded medications. An open-interview approach and a focus group discussion were adopted in collecting research evidence from a sample of middle-level executives from various Ghanaian industries who have experienced physicians’ prescription of branded medications.FindingsConsumers have mix reactions toward physicians’ prescriptions of branded medicines. Whereas some trust, others are uncertain, while some do not trust physicians at all. The last group believes the physicians are serving the interest of third parties in prescribing branded medications.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses only on patients’ perspectives. This research could be widened to include other important stakeholders of healthcare delivery such as physicians, pharmacists and management of health institutions.Practical implicationsThe study provides a platform for physicians to appreciate the trust their clients repose in them as they prescribe medication to them.Social implicationsIt is envisaged that the research will assist consumers of branded medications to probe into why branded medications are insisted on to be purchased instead of alternatives.Originality/valueThis study provides further perspectives on consumer reactions to physicians’ prescription of branded medications.
“Infecting” those we care about: social network effects on body image
Authors: Grover Aditi , Foreman Jeffrey , Burckes-Miller Mardie 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
This paper aims to explore the forces at work that negatively influence the self-image perceptions of young women, causing them to strive for an “ultra-thin” ideal.

Design/methodology/approach
Focus groups explore why and how perceived self-image influences young women’s body and perceptions and, consequently, health. Thematic qualitative analysis explores the realm of information and emotions involved with the thin-ideal.

Findings
Social contagion theory emerged with a significant impact caused by network influencers and the spread of information and emotions within social networks forces that sustain the need to be ultra-thin, even though there is abundant knowledge about adverse effects.

Research limitations/implications
Future research should address limitations involving representativeness and generalizability.

Practical implications
Social marketing programs, including social media, should stress healthy eating habits while focusing on the importance of the self and de-emphasizing the “thin-ideal” image.

Originality/value
Results will assist in developing more informed and effective prevention programs, including social media campaigns, as preventative healthcare to reduce the risk of the spread of eating disorders and promote psychological health of at-risk young adults.
Strategic issues in pharmaceutical supply chains: a review
Authors: Singh Rajesh Kr. , Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Pravin 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
In the present context of a health-concious society, management of pharmaceutical supply chains has become more complex because it involves the life-saving interest of human being and requires the participation of different stakeholders such as pharmaceutical manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, customers, information service providers and regulatory agencies. Limited research is available in the area of pharmaceutical supply chains. This paper aims to find the gaps in the literature by reviewing research papers on different strategic issues of supply chain management in the pharmaceutical sector.

Design/methodology/approach
In total, 136 research papers, mainly from refereed international journals, were reviewed to identify the issues of supply chain management (SCM) in the pharmaceutical supply chain. On the basis of a review, gaps are identified and research agenda is proposed.

Findings
It is observed from review that the pharmaceutical sector is not widely researched in developing countries because of many complexities in this supply chain. The share of pharmaceutical firms in the global market is also not very significant. Based on an extensive review of pharmaceutical supply chains, research gaps are identified in different areas such as inventory management, new product development, process development, capacity planning, network design, plant design, pipeline and development management, outsourcing logistics activities, reverse logistics, Lean manufacturing, green SCM and implementation of E-business processes and performance management. These strategic issues have been further classified into three broad categories, i.e. resources, processes and performance.

Originality/value
This paper explores major strategic areas of pharmaceutical supply chains for research. Findings of the paper will be highly useful for researchers to decide direction of future research.