bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a tool to measure social entrepreneurial orientation
Authors: Sulphey M.M. , Salim Ansa 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Social entrepreneurial orientation (SEO) is an evolving concept. Though adequate literature has been accumulated about the concept, there is a lack of appropriate tool to measure individual SEO. The tools presently available mostly measure organizational SEO. The purpose of this study is to develop and validate a tool to measure the concept of individual SEO.

Design/methodology/approach
Data for the study was collected using a questionnaire, from 342 randomly collected samples. Various time-tested methods and statistical techniques, including exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis, were used to scientifically construct and validate the scale.

Findings
In tune with the purpose of this study, a 4-factor, 13-item SEO scale has been developed and scientifically validated through various acceptable and proven techniques. The developed tool is ideal to measure the orientation toward social entrepreneurship.

Originality/value
A review of literature revealed that there is paucity of a scientific tool to measure individual SEO. The study has succeeded in bridging this gap by constructing and validating a scale to measure SEO. This tool, it is expected, will help social scientists, academicians and researchers in conducting empirical examinations about SEO.
The differential effects of government support, inter-firm collaboration and firm resources on SME performance in a developing economy
Authors: Zulu-Chisanga Stella , Chabala Mwansa , Mandawa-Bray Bernadette 
Published: June 2020

PurposeNotwithstanding that there has been increasing attention on factors that enhance SME performance in developing economies, there is a dearth of studies explicitly investigating the roles of government support systems and inter-firm collaboration. Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) of the firm and institutional theories, this study aims to model and examine how government support, inter-firm collaboration and managerial ties affect SME performance and further explores how firm specific resources mediate the relationships.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research design was used. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 438 SMEs operating in Zambia, a developing Sub-Saharan African country. Hierarchical linear regression and SPSS PROCESS macro were used to test the hypotheses.FindingsFindings indicate that managerial ties have both a direct and indirect effect, through firm resources, on financial performance. Also, the relationship between inter-firm collaboration and financial performance is fully mediated by firm resources. Surprisingly, results reveal that government support does not have a significant effect on SME financial performance.Practical implicationsThe study has important implications for SME managers and policy makers. It demonstrates that inter-firm collaborations and managerial ties enhance a firm’s financial performance. It also highlights the view that SMEs need to have firm specific resources to transform external resources, accessed from inter-firm relationships, into superior performance. SME policy makers are advised to focus more on policies and support mechanisms that promote inter-firm relationships at firm and managerial levels.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few studies to empirically show that the differential effects of inter-firm collaboration and managerial ties on SME performance are channeled through firm resources, in an under-researched developing Sub-Saharan African economy context. The study is also one of the few studies to reveal that government support is not significantly related to SME performance. Therefore, it provides valuable insights which could be applied to other developing countries with characteristics similar to Zambia.
Teacher disappointment: subjective definitions, factors and consequences
Authors: Grossman Shira , Oplatka Izhar 
Published: June 2020

PurposeThe purpose of the current study was to explore the feeling of disappointment among teachers, their subjective definition of this feeling, the sources of their disappointment and its consequences.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 Israeli teachers.FindingsFrom an analysis of the teachers' accounts it was clear that teachers attribute great importance to the feeling of disappointment and consider it to be an inherent part of their work in school. Furthermore, their accounts provide insight into the importance of two main factors – the teachers' role partners and the educational system. These factors are perceived by the interviewees to have much influence on teachers' sense of disappointment, which ultimately leads to implications for daily life in school and for the teachers themselves.Originality/valueThe uniqueness of this study is reflected in both its theoretical and practical aspects. First, the aim of this study is to deepen the concept of disappointment within the educational context. Second, the importance of this study is in presenting the feeling of disappointment from an unexplored venue – the teachers' subjective perspective. Addressing these aspects may increase our understanding of emotions in education, in general, and help focus the discussion on teacher disappointment, in particular.
Whiteleg shrimp shell powder ameliorates adiponectin and triglyceride-to-HDL ratio in type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Ayuningtyas Annisa , Agustini Tri Winarni , Djamiatun Kis 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
Adiponectin, a bioactive molecule produced by adipose tissue, has potential effect in increasing insulin sensitivity. Adiponectin levels reduction is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Triglyceride-to-high-density lipoprotein (TG:HDL) ratio can be used as a predictor of CVD risk in T2DM patients. Whiteleg shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell contains astaxanthin, macro- and micro-nutrients that may exert synergistic beneficial effects. This study aims to determine the effect of L. vannamei shell powder (LVSP) in improving adiponectin, TG, HDL and TG:HDL of T2DM Wistar rat, and to investigate the presence of any correlations between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Design/methodology/approach
A total of 25 male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups: control negative [C(−)], control positive [C(+)], treatments 1, 2 and 3 (T1, T2 and T3, respectively). C(+), T1, T2 and T3 were maintained on a high-fat diet for 14 days before streptozotocin (STZ) injection. T1 and T2 groups were administered two different doses of LVSP, while T3 group was provided astaxanthin supplement (AST).

Findings
LVSP treatments significantly increase adiponectin (p = 0.04) and HDL (p < 0.001) but reduced TG (p < 0.001) and TG:HDL (p < 0.001). A higher LVSP dose was more effective in improving all markers than the lower dose; moreover, there was a comparable effect as that of AST in increasing the adiponectin levels. Strong correlations were observed between adiponectin and lipid markers.

Originality/value
This study shows that LVSP as a functional food, can ameliorate adiponectin levels and normalizes blood glucose levels. The LVSP reduces the risk of CVD because of the reduction of TG:HDL.
miR‐205‐5p inhibits psoriasis‐associated proliferation and angiogenesis: Wnt/β‐catenin and mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling pathway are involved
Authors: Xue Yadong , Liu Yingying , Bian Xiaohui , Zhang Yu , Li Yuzhen , Zhang Qitao , Yin Mingzhu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease, and the mechanism remains unknown. The present study found that the level of miR‐205‐5p was downregulated in psoriatic skin tissues. miR‐205‐5p inhibited proliferation in HaCaT cells. miR‐205‐5p impaired proliferation, migration and tube formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Angiopoietin (Ang)‐2, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) and bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor (BAMBI) were confirmed as the targets of miR‐205‐5p. Moreover, miR‐205‐5p suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular regulated protein kinase, and inhibited expression level of β‐catenin. In vivo, miR‐205‐5p significantly alleviated imiquimod (IMQ)‐induced psoriasis in mice, and deactivated mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Wnt/β‐catenin pathways. In summary, we demonstrated that miR‐205‐5p alleviated IMQ‐induced psoriasis in mice by restraining epidermal hyperproliferation and excessive neovascularization. miR‐205‐5p may play its roles by targeting Ang‐2, VEGFA and BAMBI, and deactivating the Wnt/β‐catenin and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings may provide a potential therapeutic target for clinical treatment of psoriasis.
Immunotherapy employing dendritic cell vaccination for patients with advanced or relapsed esophageal cancer
Authors: Ogasawara Masahiro , Miyashita Mamiko , Yamagishi Yuka , Ota Shuichi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe prognosis of patients with advanced esophageal cancer is poor despite the recent introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In the present pilot study, we have evaluated the safety and the feasibility of Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) peptide‐pulsed dendritic cell (DC) vaccination in combination with OK‐432 in patients with advanced or relapsed esophageal cancer. Fifteen eligible patients were enrolled. No severe adverse events related to the vaccinations were observed. Objective response rate and disease control rate were 20% and 40%, respectively. Median progression free survival and overall survival was 4.1 months and 7.0 months, respectively. WT1 peptide‐pulsed DC vaccinations augmented WT1specific immunity, which might be related to clinical outcome. These results indicate that DC‐based immunotherapy combined with a conventional chemotherapy is safe and feasible for patients in advanced stage of esophageal cancer.
Lower blood return temperature than core temperature as a causal factor of decreased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution during blood purification
Authors: Nakamura Tomoyuki , Kawaji Takahiro , Harada Tatsuhiko , Kato Yu , Moriyama Kazuhiro , Hasegawa Daisuke , Komura Hidefumi , Shibata Junpei , Yamashita Chizuru , Kuriyama Naohide , Hara Yoshitaka , Nishida Osamu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe aimed to evaluate whether cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution during blood purification is affected by the difference between the blood return temperature and core temperature. We applied different blood return temperatures using a thermostat bath during blood purification in four pigs. After the blood return temperature stabilized and blood purification process stopped, the cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution was measured. The thermostat bath was set at 35°C, 40°C, 45°C, and 50°C, with the order changed at random; four measurements were made at each temperature. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography when ice‐cold saline was administered in a pig. A decrease in the blood return temperature resulted in decreased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution, whereas an increase resulted in increased cardiac output assessed by transpulmonary thermodilution. Echocardiography revealed that the change in the blood return temperature did not affect the left ventricular ejection fraction.
Nafamostat mesilate inhibits linezolid metabolism via its antioxidant effects
Authors: Kuriyama Naohide , Matsumoto Kana , Morita Kunihiko , Shimomura Yasuyo , Hara Yoshitaka , Hasegawa Daisuke , Nakamura Tomoyuki , Yamashita Chizuru , Kato Yu , Komura Hidefumi , Nishida Osamu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPatients who undergo renal replacement therapy often exhibit a high plasma linezolid concentration. Linezolid is metabolized via oxidation. Nafamostat mesilate has antioxidant effects and is frequently used as an anticoagulant during renal replacement therapy. We aimed to investigate the effect of nafamostat mesilate on plasma linezolid concentration. We examined whether the co‐administration of linezolid and nafamostat had any effect on plasma linezolid concentration. Mice were randomly allocated to two groups (n = 18/group): linezolid (100 mg kg−1, subcutaneous injection) + nafamostat (30 mg kg−1, intraperitoneal injection) and linezolid + saline. At 5 hours, the linezolid concentration was significantly higher in the linezolid + nafamostat co‐administration group than that in the linezolid + saline group (20.6 ± 9.8 vs 3.6 ± 1.2 μg/mL, respectively P < .001). The antioxidant effects of nafamostat may inhibit linezolid metabolism, resulting in the adverse event of high linezolid concentration if both are administered concurrently during renal replacement therapy.
Revisiting the host adhesion determinants of Streptococcus thermophilus siphophages
Authors: Lavelle Katherine , Goulet Adeline , McDonnell Brian , Spinelli Silvia , van Sinderen Douwe , Mahony Jennifer , Cambillau Christian 
Published: June 2020

SummaryAvailable 3D structures of bacteriophage modules combined with predictive bioinformatic algorithms enabled the identification of adhesion modules in 57 siphophages infecting Streptococcus thermophilus (St). We identified several carbohydrate‐binding modules (CBMs) in so‐called evolved distal tail (Dit) and tail‐associated lysozyme (Tal) proteins of St phage baseplates. We examined the open reading frame (ORF) downstream of the Tal‐encoding ORF and uncovered the presence of a putative p2‐like receptor‐binding protein (RBP). A 21 Å resolution electron microscopy structure of the baseplate of cos‐phage STP1 revealed the presence of six elongated electron densities, surrounding the core of the baseplate, that harbour the p2‐like RBPs at their tip. To verify the functionality of these modules, we expressed GFP‐ or mCherry‐coupled Tal and putative RBP CBMs and observed by fluorescence microscopy that both modules bind to their corresponding St host, the putative RBP CBM with higher affinity than the Tal‐associated one. The large number of CBM functional domains in St phages suggests that they play a contributory role in the infection process, a feature that we previously described in lactococcal phages and beyond, possibly representing a universal feature of the siphophage host‐recognition apparatus.
One leaf for all: Chemical traits of single leaves measured at the leaf surface using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Petit Bon Matteo , Böhner Hanna , Kaino Sissel , Moe Torunn , Bråthen Kari Anne 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

The leaf is an essential unit for measures of plant ecological traits. Yet, measures of plant chemical traits are often achieved by merging several leaves, masking potential foliar variation within and among plant individuals. This is also the case with cost‐effective measures derived using near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS). The calibration models developed for converting NIRS spectral information to chemical traits are typically based on spectra from merged and milled leaves. In this study, we ask whether such calibration models can be applied to spectra derived from whole leaves, providing measures of chemical traits of single leaves.

We sampled cohorts of single leaves from different biogeographic regions, growth forms, species and phenological stages to include variation in leaf and chemical traits. For each cohort, we first sampled NIRS spectra from each whole, single leaf, including leaf sizes down to Ø 4 mm (the minimum area of our NIRS application). Next, we merged, milled and tableted the leaves and sampled spectra from the cohort as a tablet. We applied arctic–alpine calibration models to all spectra and derived chemical traits. Finally, we evaluated the performance of the models in predicting chemical traits of whole, single leaves by comparing the traits derived at the level of leaves to that of the tablets.

We found that the arctic–alpine calibration models can successfully be applied to single, whole leaves for measures of nitrogen (R2 = 0.88, RMSE = 0.824), phosphorus (R2 = 0.65, RMSE = 0.081) and carbon (R2 = 0.78, RMSE = 2.199) content. For silicon content, we found the method acceptable when applied to silicon‐rich growth forms (R2 = 0.67, RMSE = 0.677). We found a considerable variation in chemical trait values among leaves within the cohorts.

This time‐ and cost‐efficient NIRS application provides non‐destructive measures of a set of chemical traits in single, whole leaves, including leaves of small sizes. The application can facilitate research into the scales of variability of chemical traits and include intra‐individual variation. Potential trade‐offs among chemical traits and other traits within the leaf unit can be identified and be related to ecological processes. In sum, this NIRS application can facilitate further ecological understanding of the role of leaf chemical traits.
Morphometrical study of the cat cerebellum using unbiased design‐based stereology
Authors: Sadeghinezhad Javad , Aghabalazadeh Asl Mahdi , Saeidi Ava , De Silva Margherita 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe objective of the present study was to investigate the morphometrical features of the cat cerebellum using design‐based stereology. Cerebellar hemispheres from four male cats were examined. Isotropic, uniform random sections were obtained and processed for light microscopy. Cerebellar total volume (V), white (WM) and grey matter (GM) volume fractions, and the volumes of the molecular and granular layers were measured using the Cavalieri's estimator and the point counting system. Cerebellar surface area was estimated using test lines, and Purkinje cellular and nuclear volumes were analysed using the nucleator technique. The volume of the cat cerebellar hemispheres was 2.06 ± 0.29 cm3. The relative volume fractions of the GM and WM were 70.6 ± 2.6% and 29.3 ± 2.6%, respectively. The surface area of the cerebellar hemisphere was 68.2 ± 17.8 cm2. The volumes of the molecular and granular layers were estimated at 0.89 ± 0.16 cm3and 0.56 ± 0.1 cm3, respectively. The Purkinje cell volumes were found to be ranging from 1,717 to 28,489 µm3, of which cells with a perikaryon volume of 6,994 µm3had a higher incidence. The Purkinje nuclear volume was estimated at 440–3,561 µm3, and nuclei with a volume of 1,252 µm3were the most frequently occurring ones. Our data might contribute to the veterinary comparative neuroanatomy knowledge, help develop experimental studies in this field, and possibly lead to advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous diseases in the cat.
Insights into the illegal ivory trade and status of elephants in Togo, West Africa
Authors: Segniagbeto Gabriel Hoinsoudé , Agbodji Kossi Thomas , Leuteritz Thomas E.J. , Dendi Daniele , Fa Julia E. , Luiselli Luca 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn Togo, the illegal trade of African elephant (Loxodonta africana) ivory is widespread despite efforts made by the government to curtail these activities. By using data gathered from CITES institutions and natural resource management authorities in the country, we investigated the extent of ivory trafficking in Togo. We also conducted surveys in villages around protected areas, which still contain elephant populations to assess the species’ current status in the country. Our surveys indirectly corroborated that there are probably no more than 150 elephants collectively within the country's protected areas, most of them in the Fazao‐Malfakassa National Park. We also estimated that a minimum of 41.65 tons of ivory (elephant tusks and carved objects) was intercepted in Togo between 2008 and 2018. Despite the fact that presently illegal elephant hunting is unlikely in Togo, we show that this country is the entry point for ivory from Central Africa (Cameroon and Gabon). We maintain that Togo's position as an intermediary country in the illegal ivory trade is a tangible threat to elephants throughout their range countries and is also likely to affect the dwindling population of these animals in the country if adequate enforcement is not implemented.
Effect of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid and acidifier on the performance, chyme pH, and microbiota of broilers
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Yin Xiaonan , Wang Youli , Mahmood Tahir , Shahid Muhammad , Yin Dafei , Yuan Jianmin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study was aimed to explore the comparative acidifying properties of 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio) butanoic acid (HMTBA) and a combination of DL‐methionine (DLM) and acidifier in male broiler production. A total of 480 1‐day‐old broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments: A (low HMTBA, 0.057% HMTBA); B (low acidifier, 0.05% DLM + 0.057% acidifier); C (high HMTBA, 0.284% HMTBA); and D (high acidifier, 0.25% DLM + 0.284% acidifier). At 21 d, growth performance, chyme pH, digestive enzyme activities, and intestinal microflora were measured. The pH of crop, gizzard, and ileum contents was higher in the HMTBA treatment group than in DLM + acidifier treatment group. Furthermore, acidifier supplementation promoted growth of butyrate‐producing bacteria such as Faecalibacterium, whereas high HMTBA (0.284%) inhibited the proliferation of acid‐producing bacteria including Roseburia and Collinsella. The chymotrypsin activity was lower in the HMTBA group than in the DLM + acidifier group. In contrast, high‐level HMTBA group showed higher average daily gain and average daily feed intake than the DLM + acidifier group. These results suggested that HMTBA work through different pathways with DLM plus acidifier.
Nucleoredoxin interaction with flightless‐I/actin complex is differentially altered in alcoholic liver disease
Authors: Alarcón‐Sánchez Brisa Rodope , Guerrero‐Escalera Dafne , Rosas‐Madrigal Sandra , Ivette Aparicio‐Bautista Diana , Reyes‐Gordillo Karina , Lakshman M. Raj , Ortiz‐Fernández Arturo , Quezada Héctor , Medina‐Contreras Óscar , Villa‐Treviño Saúl , Isael Pérez‐Carreón Julio , Arellanes‐Robledo Jaime 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAlcoholic liver disease (ALD) may be attributed to multiple hits driving several alterations. The aim of this work was to determine whether nucleoredoxin (NXN) interacts with flightless‐I (FLII)/actin complex and how this ternary complex is altered during ALD progression induced by different ALD models. ALD was recapitulated in C57BL/6J female mice by the well‐known ALD Lieber‐DeCarli model, and by an in vitro human co‐culture system overexpressing NXN. The effects of ethanol and low doses of lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and diethylnitrosamine (DEN) were also evaluated in vivo as a first approach of an ALD multi‐hit protocol. We demonstrated that NXN interacts with FLII/actin complex. This complex was differentially altered in ALD in vivo and in vitro, and NXN overexpression partially reverted this alteration. We also showed that ethanol, LPS and DEN synergistically induced liver structural disarrangement, steatosis and inflammatory infiltration accompanied by increased levels of proliferation (Ki67), ethanol metabolism (CYP2E1), hepatocarcinogenesis (GSTP1) and LPS‐inducible (MYD88 and TLR4) markers. In summary, we provide evidence showing that NXN/FLII/actin complex is involved in ALD progression and that NXN might be involved in the regulation of FLII/actin‐dependent cellular functions. Moreover, we present a promising first approach of a multi‐hit protocol to better recapitulate ALD pathogenesis.