bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Static stretch affects neural stem cell differentiation in an extracellular matrix-dependent manner
Authors: Arulmoli Janahan , Pathak Medha M. , McDonnell Lisa P. , Nourse Jamison L. , Tombola Francesco , Earthman James C. , Flanagan Lisa A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractNeural stem and progenitor cell (NSPC) fate is strongly influenced by mechanotransduction as modulation of substrate stiffness affects lineage choice. Other types of mechanical stimuli, such as stretch (tensile strain), occur during CNS development and trauma, but their consequences for NSPC differentiation have not been reported. We delivered a 10% static equibiaxial stretch to NSPCs and examined effects on differentiation. We found static stretch specifically impacts NSPC differentiation into oligodendrocytes, but not neurons or astrocytes and this effect is dependent on particular extracellular matrix (ECM)-integrin linkages. Generation of oligodendrocytes from NSPCs was reduced on laminin, an outcome likely mediated by the α6 laminin-binding integrin, whereas similar effects were not observed for NSPCs on fibronectin. Our data demonstrate a direct role for tensile strain in dictating the lineage choice of NSPCs and indicate the dependence of this phenomenon on specific substrate materials, which should be taken into account for the design of biomaterials for NSPC transplantation.
Potential effect of variation in water temperature on development time of American lobster larvae
Authors: Quinn Brady K. , Rochette Rémy 
Published: February 2015

Abstract
Studies typically assess the effects of temperature on development time, larval drift, and fisheries recruitment in American lobster at a range of constant temperatures. However, in nature, lobster larvae are exposed to varying temperatures, which might result in different development times than would be predicted from mean temperatures alone. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted a modelling exercise in which we simulated larval development from hatch through stages I–IV under different combinations of mean and variance in temperature. Two thermal scenarios were modelled, the first based on estimated (i.e. interpolated by a model from empirical data) recent historical mean and variability of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) experienced by developing larvae in specific parts of the species' range, and the second based on a broad range of simulated combinations of mean and variability in temperature, including conditions that may be experienced by larvae in the future. The model calculated development times using daily SSTs and temperature-dependent development equations from previous studies of warm- and cold-water origin larvae. For warm-origin larvae, higher variability in temperature resulted in shorter development times at very cold and very warm mean temperatures, and longer development at intermediate mean temperatures, than lower (or no) variability. For cold-origin larvae, the effect of variable temperature was overall much smaller, and opposite to that for warm-origin larvae at very cold and very warm mean temperatures. These results show that lobster larvae experience meaningful variability of water temperature in nature, and that this variability can markedly impact larval development. Thermal variability therefore should be considered when estimating development and drift of lobster larvae, including under scenarios of climate change.
Impact of ownership structure on capital structure of New Zealand unlisted firms
Authors: Hewa Wellalage Nirosha , Locke Stuart 
Published: February 2015

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to use a panel of New Zealand unlisted firms from 1998 to 2009 to examine the relationship between ownership structure and firm leverage ratios. Although, the choice of the debt in capital structure is important for all firms, the scale effects may influence the degree of influence of particular financial theories upon capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach
– To control the endogeneity effect of insider ownership, this study uses the dynamic panel generalised method of moment estimation and uses the Granger causality test to check the causality effect of leverage and insider ownership.

Findings
– The findings suggest an inverse U-shape relationship of insider ownership and leverage, indicating higher insider ownership increases management entrenchment while lower insider ownership increases misalignment of the interests of management and owners. Moreover, this study finds bi-directional causation between insider ownership and firm leverage ratios.

Practical implications
– Finance policy needs to vary across firm type, industries and firm characteristics and should match the different borrowing requirements of small business.

Originality/value
– This paper contributes to literature by investigating whether the structure of equity ownership can impact cross-sectional variations in capital structure. Moreover, most of the capital structure research has been conducted in large markets like USA and publicly listed firms but this paper concentrates on the evidence from New Zealand unlisted businesses. Also, the econometric analysis is more robust due to controlling for the endogeneity effect of insider ownership.
Molecular cloning and characterization of a sigma‐class glutathione S‐Transferase from the freshwater mussel Hyriopsis cumingii
Authors: Li Haihua , Yang Ziyan , Huang Qiang , Li Yanxia 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTA full‐length cDNA of a sigma‐like glutathione S‐transferase (GST) was identified from Hyriopsis cumingii (HcGSTS). The deduced amino acid sequence of HcGSTS was found to comprise 203 amino acid residues and to contain the distinct highly conserved glutathione binding site of N‐terminal and the relatively diverse substrate binding site of C‐terminal. Alignment analysis and phylogenetic relationship suggested that the HcGSTS is a sigma‐class GST. The mRNA of HcGSTS was constitutively expressed in all tested tissues, the strongest expression being in the hepatopancreas. The mRNA expression of HcGSTS was significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05) in all assessed tissues after stimulation of the mussels with peptidoglycan (PGN) and LPS, the only exception being when the gills were challenged with PGN. The expression of HcGSTS mRNA in kidney and foot was also significantly up‐regulated (P < 0.05) by microcystin‐LR. Recombinant HcGSTS exhibited high activity towards the substrate 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene. The optimal pH was 8.0 and temperature 35 °C.
Specialist cancer care through Telehealth models
Authors: Sabesan Sabe 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectiveDisparities in outcomes are experienced between people who live in rural and remote areas and those who live in larger cities. This paper explores the ability to deliver specialist cancer care through the use of telehealth models.DesignReview of telehealth models for cancer care.Setting, participants and interventionCancer patients in rural, remote and Indigenous communities who receive their care through telehealth.Outcome measures and resultsTelehealth models seem to be applicable to all fields of oncology and all health professionals. These models not only facilitate the provision of specialist services closer to home in an acceptable, safe and cost‐effective manner, but also help expand the rural scope of practice and enhance service capabilities at rural centres.ConclusionNew models of telehealth are another avenue to help further decrease the disparity of access and survival outcomes between rural and urban patients. Implementation of these models requires health system wide approach for development key performance indicators and allocation of resources.
Surrogate Motherhood and Abortion for Fetal Abnormality
Authors: Walker Ruth , van Zyl Liezl 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA diagnosis of fetal abnormality presents parents with a difficult – even tragic – moral dilemma. Where this diagnosis is made in the context of surrogate motherhood there is an added difficulty, namely that it is not obvious who should be involved in making decisions about abortion, for the person who would normally have the right to decide – the pregnant woman – does not intend to raise the child. This raises the question: To what extent, if at all, should the intended parents be involved in decision‐making? In commercial surrogacy it is thought that as part of the contractual agreement the intended parents acquire the right to make this decision. By contrast, in altruistic surrogacy the pregnant woman retains the right to make these decisions, but the intended parents are free to decide not to adopt the child. We argue that both these strategies are morally unsound, and that the problems encountered serve to highlight more fundamental defects within the commercial and altruistic models, as well as in the legal and institutional frameworks that support them. We argue in favour of the professional model, which acknowledges the rights and responsibilities of both parties and provides a legal and institutional framework that supports good decision‐making. In particular, the professional model acknowledges the surrogate's right to decide whether to undergo an abortion, and the intended parents' obligation to accept legal custody of the child. While not solving all the problems that arise in surrogacy, the model provides a framework that supports good decision‐making.
Clinical and Radiological Findings Suggesting Disorders Other Than Tolosa–Hunt Syndrome Among Ophthalmoplegic Patients: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hung Chih‐Hsien , Chang Kuo‐Hsuan , Chen Yao‐Liang , Wu Yi‐Ming , Lai Chiou‐Lian , Chang Hong‐Shiu , Lyu Rong‐Kuo , Wu Yih‐Ru , Chen Chiung‐Mei , Huang Chin‐Chang , Chu Chun‐Che , Chen Chun‐Hung , Ro Long‐Sun 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate clinical and radiological features of Tolosa–Hunt syndrome (THS) and examine their diagnostic value, and to propose clinical and radiological features that indicate other symptomatic painful ophthalmoplegias (SPOs) in order to distinguish them from THS.BackgroundClinical presentations of THS are nonspecific and may overlap with many etiologies. Therefore, excluding other SPOs is essential for correct diagnosis. At the present time, the predictive value of the current International Classification of Headache Disorders (ICHD) criteria is not well established, and specific imaging markers that can discriminate SPOs from THS are lacking.MethodsPatients referred with painful ophthalmoplegia over 12 years were recruited retrospectively and allocated into THS or SPO groups. Typical symptoms (episodic unilateral orbital pain preceding or developing with diplopia) and imaging of THS (inflammatory lesions in the cavernous sinus/orbit by magnetic resonance imaging) were proposed based on ICHD‐3 beta criteria and previous literature. Atypical clinical and radiological features suggesting alternative diagnoses were also proposed to predict SPO. Initial presentations and imaging findings were registered and correlated with diagnostic outcomes. The predictive value of clinical and imaging findings was then evaluated.ResultsOf the 61 referred cases, 25 were classified as THS and 36 as SPO. Of the SPO cases, 52.8% manifested typical THS symptoms at onset. Patients with SPOs were prone to have atypical symptoms (47.2%) and radiographical findings (82.1%) in comparison to those with THS (4.0% and 4.2%, respectively; both P < .001). Both typical symptoms and imaging findings predicted a diagnosis of THS with high sensitivity (95.8% and 100%, respectively) but low specificity (47.2% and 28.6%, respectively). High sensitivity (82.1%) and specificity (95.8%) were achieved using atypical imaging features to predict SPO.ConclusionA diagnosis of THS based strictly on clinical presentations or imaging results is not completely reliable. Identification of atypical imaging features may have a useful role in discriminating SPOs and thus avoid erroneous diagnoses of THS. Future studies with larger sample sizes are warranted to evaluate their validity in general population.
An exploration of how young people and parents use online support in the context of living with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Kirk Susan , Milnes Linda 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is increasing recognition of the Internet's potential role in providing information and support for people living with long‐term conditions. However, how young people and parents use online forms of self‐care support in the context of living with childhood chronic illness has been under‐researched.ObjectiveTo explore how online peer support is used by young people and parents to support self‐care in relation to cystic fibrosis (CF).Setting and participantsOnline forum for young people and parents based on a CF charity website. A total of 279 individuals participated in the forum during the study.DesignAn online ethnographical approach, involving observing, downloading and analysing discussion group postings. All postings made over a random 4‐month period were included (151 discussion threads).ResultsThe online setting enabled a physically disconnected group to connect and create a safe space to collectively share experiences and receive support to manage and live with cystic fibrosis. Participants exchanged experientially derived advice and views on how to manage treatments, emotions, relationships, identity and support from services. While parents sought information and support on managing specific therapies/services and ways of maintaining their child's health, the information and support young people desired appeared to be more directed at how to ‘fit’ CF into their everyday lives.Discussion and conclusionsOnline support groups appear to supplement professional support in relation to self‐management. They enable young people and parents to share experiences, feelings and strategies for living with long‐term conditions with peers and develop the expertise to empower them in interactions with health‐care professionals.
Fighting their last stand? A global analysis of the distribution and conservation status of gymnosperms
Authors: Fragnière Yann , Bétrisey Sébastien , Cardinaux Léonard , Stoffel Markus , Kozlowski Gregor 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAimGymnosperms are often described as a marginal and threatened group, members of which tend to be out‐competed by angiosperms and which therefore preferentially persist at higher latitudes and elevations. The aim of our synthesis was to test these statements by investigating the global latitudinal and elevational distribution of gymnosperms, as well as their conservation status, using all extant gymnosperm groups (cycads, gnetophytes, ginkgophytes and conifers).LocationWorldwide.MethodsWe developed a database of 1014 species of gymnosperms containing latitudinal and elevational distribution data, as well as their global conservation status, as described in the literature. The 1014 species comprised 305 cycads, 101 gnetophytes, the only living representative of ginkgophytes, and 607 conifers. Generalized additive models, frequency histograms, kernel density estimations and distribution maps based on Takhtajan's floristic regions were used.ResultsAlthough the diversity of gymnosperms decreases at equatorial latitudes, approximately 50% of the extant species occur primarily between the tropics. More than 43% of gymnosperms can occur at very low elevations (≤ 200 m a.s.l.). Gymnosperms, considering all species together as well as their main taxonomic groups separately, do not exhibit a latitudinal diversity gradient as commonly observed for many other taxa. Gymnosperms, and especially conifers, are on average less threatened at higher and equatorial latitudes.Main conclusionsGymnosperms display an unusual latitudinal diversity gradient, which we suggest cannot fully be accounted for by angiosperm dominance and competitive superiority. We hypothesize that other factors explain their present distribution, such as the development of centres of endemism in several regions and the adaptation of certain taxa to cold and arid climates.
Fear of hypoglycemia and its determinants in insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sakane Naoki , Kotani Kazuhiko , Tsuzaki Kokoro , Nishi Masami , Takahashi Kaoru , Murata Takashi , Yamada Kazunori , Okazaki Kentaro , Yanagisawa Katsuyuki , Yamada Kenichi , Kuribayashi Nobuichi , Totsuka Yasuo , Hiyoshi Toru , Naka Motoji , Sugimoto Masatake , Aoki Yuji , Waki Masako , Furuya Miyuki , Kitaoka Haruko , Oishi Mariko , Shimizu Ikki , Miyaoka Hiroaki , Okada Akira , Yamamoto Toshikazu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of fear of hypoglycemia, in association with severe hypoglycemia and social factors, in insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. A questionnaire survey on hypoglycemia and patient–physician communication was carried out in 355 patients with insulin‐treated type 2 diabetes mellitus patients at 16 hospitals and clinics. A fear of hypoglycemia was reported by 27.7% of patients. A stepwise logistic regression analysis found that severe hypoglycemia during the past 1 year was a significant determinant of fear of hypoglycemia (odds ratio 2.16, 95% confidence interval 1.06–4.41; P = 0.034), and age (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 1.00–1.05, P = 0.038) and living alone (odds ratio 1.93, 95% confidence interval 1.00–3.73, P < 0.05) were significantly higher in patients with fear of hypoglycemia than in those without it.
Prevalence of Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders in Subjects with Erectile Dysfunction: A Comparative Study
Authors: Maseroli Elisa , Corona Giovanni , Rastrelli Giulia , Lotti Francesco , Cipriani Sarah , Forti Gianni , Mannucci Edoardo , Maggi Mario 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Alterations of gonadal, thyroid, and pituitary hormones, along with metabolic disorders, might be involved in causing erectile dysfunction (ED).

Aim
The prevalence of endocrine abnormalities in two different cohorts from the general and the symptomatic populations of Florence was compared.

Methods
The first group is a general population sample derived from a Florentine spin-off of the European Male Aging Study (EMAS cohort; n = 202); the second group is a series of n = 3,847 patients attending our clinic for ED (UNIFI cohort).

Results
Both primary and secondary hypogonadism were more often observed in the UNIFI than in the EMAS cohort (2.8 vs. 0%; P &lt; 0.05 and 18.9 vs. 8%; P &lt; 0.001, respectively). However, only the second association retained statistical significance after adjusting for age. Compensated hypogonadism was more common in the EMAS cohort (4.4 vs. 8.1%; P &lt; 0.05). No statistically significant difference in the prevalence of overt thyroid disorders was observed. Conversely, subclinical hyperthyroidism was more prevalent in the EMAS cohort (2 vs. 4.1%, P &lt; 0.05). No significant difference in the prevalence of hyperprolactinemia was detected, while the prevalence of hypoprolactinemia was significantly higher in the UNIFI than in the EMAS cohort (28.2% vs. 17.8%, P = 0.001), even after the adjustment for age, BMI, and testosterone (P = 0.001). Central obesity (waist ≥102 cm), impaired fasting glucose (IFG), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were more often detected in UNIFI patients (31.7 vs. 22.8%, P &lt; 0.05; 44.5 vs. 33.3%, P &lt; 0.05; 20.1% vs. 1.0%, P &lt; 0.001 in the UNIFI and EMAS cohort, respectively), even after adjusting for age. In contrast, the prevalence of overweight and obesity did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusion
T2DM, IFG, central obesity, secondary hypogonadism, and hypoprolactinemia are more frequent in subjects consulting for ED than in the general population of the same geographic area. Our data suggest that these conditions could play a central role in determining consultation for ED.
When carnivores roam: temporal patterns and overlap among Madagascar's native and exotic carnivores
Authors: Farris Z. J. , Gerber B. D. , Karpanty S. , Murphy A. , Andrianjakarivelo V. , Ratelolahy F. , Kelly M. J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMadagascar's Eupleridae carnivores are perhaps the least studied and most threatened family of Carnivora. Investigating potential direct and indirect competition among these native species and sympatric exotic carnivores is necessary to better direct conservation actions. From 2008 to 2013, we photographically surveyed a diverse rainforest landscape, comparing six native and three exotic carnivores' activity patterns throughout the diel cycle. We used hierarchical Bayesian Poisson analysis to describe the activity patterns of Madagascar's carnivore community, assessed effects of season and site on temporal activity patterns, and estimated coefficients of overlap between carnivore pairings to assess effects of body size and ecological niche on temporal overlap among native and exotic carnivores. We observed changes in temporal activity patterns across seasons particularly during the austral summer (hot–dry season) for four native and two exotic carnivores, including evidence of fossa Cryptoprocta ferox altering their temporal activity during their mating season (hot–dry season). We found evidence of high overlap between natives and exotics indicating the potential for increased interactions and competition. The greatest overlap in temporal activity occurred between both ring‐tail Galidia elegans and brown‐tail vontsira Salanoia concolor and exotic dogs Canis familiaris. Cr. ferox, falanouc Eupleres goudotii and spotted fanaloka Fossa fossana also overlapped in activity with the nocturnal, exotic Indian civet Viverricula indica. Cr. ferox avoided humans and Ca. familiaris across all seasons. Unexpectedly, carnivore body size and ecological niche were not important predictors of temporal overlap. Previous research has shown these native and exotic carnivores overlap spatially and these new findings of temporal overlap among native and exotic carnivores add urgency to the need to manage exotic carnivores across Madagascar.
Telehealth Monitoring of Patients with Schizophrenia and Suicidal Ideation
Authors: Kasckow John , Gao Shasha , Hanusa Barbara , Rotondi Armando , Chinman Matthew , Zickmund Susan , Gurklis John , Fox Lauren , Cornelius Jack , Richmond Ira , Haas Gretchen L. 
Published: February 2015

A telehealth system was developed to monitor risk following hospitalization for suicidal ideation. We hypothesized that 3 months of telehealth monitoring will result in a greater reduction in suicidal ideation. Veterans with schizophrenia admitted with recent suicidal ideation and/or a suicidal attempt were recruited into a discharge program of VA Usual Care with daily Health Buddy© monitoring (HB) or Usual Care (UC) alone. Fifteen of 25 were randomized to HB and 10 received UC. Daily adherence in the use of the HB system during months 1–3 was, respectively, 86.9%, 86.3%, and 84.1%. There were significant improvements in Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation scores in HB participants. There were no changes in depressive symptoms. Telehealth monitoring for this population of patients appears to be feasible.