bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autobiographical internal dialogue on TQM
Authors: Babatunde Oluwayomi Kayode 
Published: July 2020

PurposeTo present the internal dialogue of a TQM practitioner using the conceptual lens of reflective practice.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a pragmatic philosophical approach to collect qualitative critical reflection data and quantitative career construction data from stratified and purposively sampled respondents, using structured questionnaires. The qualitative data were analyzed through reconstruction, while the quantitative data were analyzed through co-construction using the percentage agreement value and Wilcoxon–Mann Whitney test.FindingsFive questions were found to be valuable for steering the internal dialogue for critical reflection, thus recommended as a must-have in a TQM practitioner's toolkit. This study found the career adapt–abilities scale to be a valuable tool for assessing the career construction of a TQM practitioner. This was supported by a 64% agreement and non-significant difference between the two groups of raters used,p < 0.05 (U = 3356.5,W = 7451.5,Z = 1.9826), two-tailed.Research limitations/implicationsThe pragmatic philosophical stance used in this study lends it to a certain level of subjectivity. However, the inputs from the three other participants neutralize the subjectivity. Most notably, this study is not about consensus-seeking but rather verifiable/testable self-reflection.Practical implicationsThe theory-informed results presented in this study are useful for the continuing professional development of TQM practitioners.Originality/valueThis study provides insights for applying an individual-level self-assessment tool for TQM implementation.
Imipridone enhances vascular relaxation via FOXO1 pathway
Authors: McSweeney Kristen R. , Gadanec Laura K. , Qaradakhi Tawar , Gammune Thushira Malindra , Kubatka Peter , Caprnda Martin , Fedotova Julia , Radonak Jozef , Kruzliak Peter , Zulli Anthony 
Published: July 2020

AbstractCardiovascular complications are a side effect of cancer therapy, potentially through reduced blood vessel function. ONC201 (TIC10) is currently used in phase 2 clinical trials to treat high‐grade gliomas. TIC10 is a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) inhibitor that induces apoptosis via upregulation of TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand, which via stimulation of FOXO and death receptor could increase eNOS upregulation. This has the potential to improve vascular function through increased NO bioavailability. Our aim was to investigate the role of TIC10 on vascular function to determine if it would affect the risk of CVD. Excised abdominal aorta from White New Zealand male rabbits were cut into rings. Vessels were incubated with TIC10 and AS1842856 (FOXO1 inhibitor) followed by cumulative doses of acetylcholine (Ach) to assess vessel function. Vessels were then processed for immunohistochemistry. Incubation of blood vessels with TIC10 resulted in enhanced vasodilatory capacity. Combination treatment with the FOXO1 inhibitor and TIC10 resulted in reduced vascular function compared to control. Immunohistochemical analysis indicated a 3‐fold increase in death receptor 5 (DR5) expression in the TIC10‐treated blood vessels but the addition of the FOXO1 inhibitor downregulated DR5 expression. The expression of DR4 receptor was not significantly increased in the presence of TIC10; however, addition of the FOXO1 inhibitor downregulated expression. TIC10 has the capacity to improve the function of healthy vessels when stimulated with the vasodilator Ach. This highlights its therapeutic potential not only in cancer treatment without cardiovascular side effects, but also as a possible drug to treat established CVD.
Two Contrasting Constituencies in the Heart of England
Authors: Grant Wyn , Scarlett Sally 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis article compares two parliamentary constituencies in Warwickshire: one which might be expected to be Conservative but is held by Labour, and the other, a Labour seat for over fifty years, but now held by the Conservatives. Constituency level analyses permit a more fine‐grained analysis of electoral trends, taking account of demographic factors otherwise being overlooked. Labour needs to be able to appeal to the aspirational voters moving into Nuneaton.
Methodological innovations in studying multinational migrations
Authors: Paul Anju Mary , Yeoh Brenda S A 
Published: July 2020

AbstractA growing body of migration scholarship has highlighted the inadequacies of a single‐origin, single‐destination model for thinking about international migration in the 21st century. Multinational migrations—involving the varied movements of international migrants across more than one overseas destination with significant time spent in each overseas country—have been observed among high‐skilled migrants, low‐wage labour migrants, and documented and undocumented migrants. But given the extended temporality, multispatiality, and complexity of multinational migrations, the study of such onward movements can be fraught with difficulty. These methodological challenges must be added to the existing issues surrounding most international migration scholarship: methodological nationalism, essentialism, and skewed positionality. This special section highlights a range of research methods and approaches well suited to addressing these concerns. Collectively, the papers investigate various patterns of multinational migration across a range of migrant categories and spanning multiple world regions, addressing questions about the prevalence and drivers of these complex processes. They also offer a toolkit of methodological approaches—including mental mapping, trajectory analysis, attending to the family/household as the scale of analysis, multisited ethnographies, and longitudinal research—as suggested ways of studying multinational migrations.
Identification and genetic characterization of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from China
Authors: ZHANG Qingxun , MENG Meng , HUANG Chengmei , FENG Shengyong , LIU Jie , TANG Yan , FAN Yu , YUAN Guohui , HAN Shuyi , LUO Jing , ZHAO Baohua , HE Hongxuan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractContracaecum species are economically important fish‐borne larval nematodes with zoonotic significance. In June 2019, more than 100 piscivorous birds died in their habitats close to the Wild Duck Lake, located in Yanqing, northwest of Beijing, China. Post‐mortem examination of Black Night Herons (Nycticorax) revealed the presence of numerous anisakid nematodes in the proventriculus. Recovered nematodes were identified as Contracaecum sp. based on morphological description. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial (mt) genome and the ITS gene showed that sequences of Contracaecum sp. Beijing isolates were grouped into a new individual cluster. Furthermore, the parasite was successfully isolated from fresh dead birds, feces of piscivorous birds, and fish and prevalence ranged from 8.0% to 81.8%. Consequently, our study demonstrated Contracaecum sp. infections in different sources from China, which might constitute a threat to wildlife, aquaculture, and public health.
Phylogenetic analysis and expression differences of eye‐related genes in cavefish genus Sinocyclocheilus
Authors: ZHAO Yahui , HUANG Zushi , HUANG Jinqing , ZHANG Chunguang , MENG Fanwei 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe adaptive evolution of visual systems has been observed in many cavefish. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying these adaptations, which include regressive changes such as eye degeneration. Here, we analyzed phylogenetic and expression patterns of 6 eye‐related genes (crx, foxg1b, opn1sw2, otx2, rho and sox2) in 12 Sinocyclocheilus species from China, including 8 stygobionts and 4 stygophiles, and examined photoreceptor cell morphology of these species. Those eye‐degenerated species of Sinocyclocheilus were polyphyletic and showed different degrees of photoreceptor defects in responses to cave environments. The eye loss and degeneration are the result of convergent evolution. Although S. anophthalmus grouped with the eye‐normal species, it displayed not only a high degree of eye degeneration but also significant expression differences in eye‐related genes compared with the eye‐normal species. The gene foxg1b, which was determined to be under positive selection, might play an important role in the process of eye degeneration in S. anophthalmus based on differential expression. Eye‐related gene expression and selection may have contributed to the polyphyly of the cave species. We examined gene expression and duplication in 6 eye‐related genes and revealed that these genes displayed considerable diversity in relative expression in Sinocyclocheilus fishes. Otx2 and sox2 were significantly up‐regulated in individual cave species, while the other 4 genes (crx, foxg1b, opn1sw2 and rho) were significantly down‐regulated. These findings provide a valuable resource for elucidating molecular mechanisms associated with visual system evolution in cavefish.
Density‐induced social stress alters oxytocin and vasopressin activities in the brain of a small rodent species
Authors: HUANG Shuli , LI Guoliang , PAN Yongliang , SONG Mingjing , ZHAO Jidong , WAN Xinrong , KREBS Charles J. , WANG Zuoxin , HAN Wenxuan , ZHANG Zhibin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractIt is known that social stress could alter oxytocin (OT) and arginine‐vasopressin (AVP) expression in specific regions of brains which regulate the aggressive behavior of small rodents, but the effects of density‐induced social stress are still unknown. Brandt's voles (Lasiopodomys brandtii) are small herbivores in the grassland of China, but the underlying neurological mechanism of population regulation is still unknown. We tested the effects of housing density of Brandt's voles on OT/AVP system with physical contact (allowing aggression) and without physical contact (not allowing aggression) under laboratory conditions. Then, we tested the effects of paired‐aggression (no density effect) of Brandt's voles on OT/AVP system under laboratory conditions. We hypothesized that high density would increase aggression among animals which would then increase AVP but reduce OT in brains of animals. Our results showed that high housing density induced more aggressive behavior. We found high‐density‐induced social stress (with or without physical contact) and direct aggression significantly increased expression of mRNA and protein of AVP and its receptor, but decreased expression of mRNA and protein of OT and its receptor in specific brain regions of voles. The results suggest that density‐dependent change of OT/AVP systems may play a significant role in the population regulation of small rodents by altering density‐dependent aggressive behavior.
Effects of chitosan grafted phenolic acid coating on microbiological, physicochemical and protein changes of sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) during refrigerated storage
Authors: Liu Jiali , Lan Weiqing , Sun Xiaohong , Xie Jing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis project aimed to evaluate the effects of gallic acid (GA) and protocatechuic acid (PA) grafted onto chitosan (CS) on the improved quality of sea bass (Lateolabrax japonicus) during refrigerated storage. The incorporation of GA and PA onto CS (CS‐g‐GA and CS‐g‐PA) were achieved by the carbodiimide‐mediated grafting procedure. Samples were treated with different solutions (deionized water [CK], 1% CS [m/v], 1% CS‐g‐GA [m/v], and 1% CS‐g‐PA [m/v]) for 10 min, which were then stored at 4 °C. Microbiological quality, including total viable counts (TVC), psychrophilic bacterial counts (PBC), Pseudomonas bacterial counts, and H2S‐producing bacterial counts were measured. Physicochemical parameters, including pH, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N), thiobarbituric acid (TBA) value, water holding capacity (WHC), and K value, were measured. The changes in protein characteristics, including sulfhydryl groups (SH), Ca2+‐ATPase activity, sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), and tertiary structure of protein were analyzed periodically, along with texture profile analysis (TPA). The results demonstrated that the CS copolymers treatment exhibited better preservation effects. The CS‐g‐GA and CS‐g‐PA treatments could significantly inhibit the growth of microorganisms and retard the increase of pH, TVB‐N, TBA, WHC, and K‐value during refrigerated storage compared with the CK and CS groups. Additionally, the CS‐g‐GA and CS‐g‐PA treatments could delay the protein oxidation by keeping a higher SH level and Ca2+‐ATPase activity. The CS copolymers treatment could also extend the shelf life for another 6 days compared with that of CK. As a result, CS copolymers can be employed in a promising method for the preservation of sea bass.Practical ApplicationThe incorporation of gallic acid and protocatechuic acid onto chitosan (CS‐g‐GA and CS‐g‐PA) showed superior antioxidant and antimicrobial activities when applied on sea bass. The CS‐g‐GA and CS‐g‐PA coatings could maintain the quality and freshness of refrigerated sea bass. Additionally, this research could provide a theoretical basis for the application of graft copolymers on the preservation of aquatic products.
Protective effect of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 on thioacetamide‐induced acute liver injury and hyperammonaemia
Authors: Yang Liya , Bian Xiaoyuan , Wu Wenrui , Lv Longxian , Li Yating , Ye Jianzhong , Jiang Xianwan , Wang Qing , Shi Ding , Fang Daiqiong , Wu Jingjing , Wang Kaicen , Wang Qiangqiang , Xia Jiafeng , Xie Jiaojiao , Lu Yanmeng , Li Lanjuan 
Published: July 2020

SummaryThe gut microbiota plays pivotal roles in liver disease onset and progression. The protective effects of Lactobacillus salivarius Li01 on liver diseases have been reported. In this study, we aimed to detect the protective effect of L. salivarius Li01 on thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced acute liver injury and hyperammonaemia. C57BL/6 mice were separated into three groups and given a gavage of L. salivarius Li01 or phosphate‐buffered saline for 7 days. Acute liver injury and hyperammonaemia were induced with an intraperitoneal TAA injection. L. salivarius Li01 decreased mortality and serum transaminase levels and improved histological liver damage caused by TAA. Serum inflammatory cytokine and chemokine and lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein (LBP) concentrations, nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway activation and macrophage and neutrophil infiltration into the liver were significantly alleviated by L. salivarius Li01. L. salivarius Li01 also reinforced gut barrier and reshaped the perturbed gut microbiota by upregulating Bacteroidetes and Akkermansia richness and downregulating Proteobacteria, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 and Helicobacter richness. Plasma and faecal ammonia levels declined noticeably in the Li01 group, accompanied by improvements in cognitive function, neuro‐inflammation and relative brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression. Our results indicated that L. salivarius Li01 could be considered a potential probiotic in acute liver injury and hepatic encephalopathy (HE).
Does causally linking nonfinancial measures influence investors' use of management’s disclosures of nonfinancial information?
Authors: Dong Lei , Wong‐On‐Wing Bernard 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study experimentally examines the joint effect of causal linkages between nonfinancial measures (NFMs) and firm financial performance on investors’ reactions to management disclosures of nonfinancial information. Our findings suggest that causal linkages interact with financial performance to affect investors’ judgements and decisions. In particular, causally‐linked NFMs have a positive effect on investors’ investment decisions only when the financial performance of the company is favourable, but not when it is unfavourable. This positive effect of causal linkages is associated with investors’ enhanced perceptions on the future prospect of the disclosing company. Given that an increasing number of companies are integrating nonfinancial measures with financial measures in their annual reports and other communications, the findings of this study should be of interest to managers, regulators and standard setters who attempt to better understand the use of nonfinancial information by nonprofessional investors.
The effects of food sales taxes on household food spending: An application of a censored cluster model
Authors: Dong Diansheng , Zheng Yuqing , Stewart Hayden 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis study proposes a model of household food spending that accounts for zero censoring and can be applied to data collected through a clustered survey design to investigate the impact of food sales taxes on three groups: households who are eligible for and participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), households who are eligible but do not participate in the program, and households who are not eligible for the program. We find that SNAP participating households are largely insensitive to grocery taxes and respond to restaurant taxes by shifting more of their food dollars towards at‐home foods. Among households who are eligible for SNAP but do not participate in the program, grocery taxes reduce spending on foods purchased for at‐home consumption, and thereby increase the amount of the total food budget allocated to away from home foods. This is concerning from a nutrition and health standpoint since away from home foods tend to be more calorie dense and nutritionally poorer than at home foods.
Eliciting farmers’ subjective probabilities, risk, and uncertainty preferences using contextualized field experiments
Authors: Cerroni Simone 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSubjective probabilities as well as risk and uncertainty preferences influence many farmers’ decisions. Few contextualized field experiments were recently conducted to elicit farmers’ risk preferences. Contextualized field experiments use nonabstract framings that are familiar to subjects. Despite adding of context can undermine internal validity, such experiments are increasingly used in applied economics. Contextualized field experiments were never used to elicit farmers’ uncertainty preferences. This paper aims to fill this gap in the literature. This required the development of a new approach in which uncertainty preferences were estimated while controlling for farmers’ subjective probabilities regarding future agricultural outcomes. The experiment involves Scottish farmers’ decisions to plant traditional or new potato varieties. Monetary incentives and incentive compatible elicitation techniques, such as quadratic scoring rules and certainty equivalent multiple price lists, were used. Results from the estimation of Fechner models using maximum likelihood estimation procedures show that failure to control for subjective probabilities generates an underestimation of estimated uncertainty preferences. Farmers are more averse to uncertainty than risk, and their choices are noisier under uncertainty than risk.
Conservation practice complementarity and timing of on‐farm adoption
Authors: Canales Elizabeth , Bergtold Jason S. , Williams Jeffery R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe adoption of conservation practices is a dynamic process. Factors that vary over time can affect farmers’ decision to adopt and adoption timing. We used a duration model to evaluate the farmer's adoption time for continuous no‐till (CNT), cover crops (CCs), and the variable‐rate application of inputs (VRA). We found that producers who had previously adopted soil conservation practices were more likely to adopt additional complementary practices. Farmers using crop rotation adopted CNT and CCs approximately 48% and 62% faster than farmers without a crop rotation, respectively. The CC adoption time was also reduced by 70% for farmers who had adopted CNT. Complementarities between conservation practices may enhance the benefits from adoption and allow farmers to adopt bundles of conservation practices more quickly over time. This can be taken advantage of in conservation programs by promoting or requiring practices first that enhance adoption of other practices. We also found important heterogeneity in the adoption speed associated with farm management characteristics, producers’ attitudes, weather patterns, and crop prices.
Pyroglutamylated RFamide peptide 43: A putative modulator of testicular steroidogenesis
Authors: Patel Shishir K. , Singh Shio K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe have recently shown that QRFP and its receptor are predominantly expressed in germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells in mice testes.ObjectiveThe present study investigated the role of QRFP in testicular steroidogenesis in mice.Materials and methodsBoth ex vivo and in vivo experiments were performed. For ex vivo, testicular tissues were cultured with 0, 10, 100 and 1000 nM QRFP, with or without hCG, for 6, 12 and 24 h, and media were used for testosterone assay. The hCG‐stimulated testicular tissues were used for immunoblot of SF1, StAR, CYP11A1, 3β‐ and 17β‐HSD. For in vivo, mice received bilateral intratesticular injection of saline or 0.3, 1 and 3nmol QRFP and were killed at 6, 12 and 24 h post‐injection. Testosterone in serum was measured at above durations, while qRT‐PCR of HMG‐CoA synthase 1 and SR‐B1 and immunoblot of steroidogenesis‐related markers were performed at 24 h post‐injection.ResultsTestosterone production under basal and hCG‐stimulated conditions increased in a time‐dependent manner, and QRFP supplementation to testicular culture caused an increase and a decrease in hormone production. The effect of QRFP on testosterone production under hCG‐stimulated culture or in vivo conditions at 6 and 24h was similar. At 6h, testosterone production increased at 10 and 100 nM and also at 0.3 and 1nmol QRFP, while it decreased at 1000 nM and 3 nmol doses. At 24 h, testosterone level decreased at lower concentrations (10 nM and 0.3 nmol) and thereafter increased at middle (100nM and 1nmol) and higher (1000 nM and 3 nmol) concentrations under both hCG‐stimulated culture and in vivo.Discussion and conclusionQRFP induced production of testosterone by modulating steroidogenic machinery at optimal doses and durations. Further, findings of in vivo study indicate that QRFP besides directly regulating testicular steroidogenesis may also have modulated other factors which act together in a holistic manner to control steroidogenesis.