bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-canonical role of Hippo tumor suppressor serine/threonine kinase 3 STK3 in prostate cancer
Authors: Schirmer Amelia U. , Driver Lucy M. , Zhao Megan T. , Wells Carrow I. , Pickett Julie E. , O’Bryne Sean N. , Eduful Benjamin J. , Yang Xuan , Howard Lauren , You Sungyong , Devi Gayathri R. , DiGiovanni John , Freedland Stephen F. , Chi Jen-Tsan , Drewry David H. , Macias Everardo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSerine/threoninekinase3(STK3) is an essential member of the highly conserved Hippo Tumor suppressor pathway which regulates Yes 1 Associated protein (YAP1) and TAZ. STK3 and its paralog STK4 initiate a phosphorylation cascade that regulate YAP1/TAZ activation and degradation, which is important for regulated cell growth and organ size. Deregulation of this pathway leads to hyper-activation of YAP1 in various cancers. Counter to the canonical tumor suppression role of STK3, we report that in the context of prostate cancer (PC), STK3 has a pro-tumorigenic role. Our investigation started with the observation that STK3, but not STK4, is frequently amplified in PC. A high STK3 expression is associated with decreased overall survival and positively correlates with androgen receptor (AR) activity in metastatic castrate resistant PC. XMU-MP-1, an STK3/4 inhibitor, slowed cell proliferation, spheroid growth and matrigel invasion in multiple models. Genetic depletion of STK3 decreased proliferation in several PC cell lines. In a syngeneic allograft model, STK3 loss slowed tumor growth kineticsin vivoand biochemical analysis suggest a mitotic growth arrest phenotype. To further probe the role of STK3 in PC, we identified and validated a new set of selective STK3 inhibitors, with enhanced kinase selectivity relative XMU-MP-1, that inhibited tumor spheroid growth and invasion. Consistent with the canonical role, inhibition of STK3 induced cardiomyocyte growth and had chemo-protective effects. Our results contend that STK3 has a non-canonical role in PC progression and inhibition of STK3 may have therapeutic potential for PC that merits further investigation.SignificanceOur findings illuminate a new actionable target for PC therapy that would traditionally be overlooked due to its canonical role as a tumor suppressor in other cancer types.
Oil volatility index and Chinese stock markets during financial crisis: a time-varying perspective
Authors: Tzeremes Panayiotis 
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study aims to examine the interconnection among the oil volatility index (OVX) and the Chinese stock markets (CSM) during the financial crisis over the period June 1, 2007 to June 26, 2012.Design/methodology/approachApplying the time-varying Granger causality test, this paper conducts an exhaustive analysis of the OVX and the CSMs during the financial crisis. In particular, the financial crisis is classified in three stages, namely, the US subprime crisis, the global financial crisis and the sovereign debt crisis.FindingsBriefly, the findings indicate almost a neutral relationship between the OVX and the CSMs during the entire financial crisis, the US subprime crisis and the global financial crisis. Finally, this paper has found a positive relationship between the OVX and the CSMs during the sovereign debt crisis.Practical implicationsThis outcome clearly suggests that Chinese investors have to disregard uncertain information. In addition, policymakers can ameliorate the willingness of market investors in the CSM and further deepen the market-oriented reform of China’s domestic oil prices.Originality/valueThe innovative combination of these two strands, the OVX and the three stages of the financial crisis, is empirically examined in the study and this paper finds a non-linear linkage between the OVX and CSMs.
Customer perception of adoption and use of digital financial services and mobile money services in Uganda
Authors: Museba Tapiwanashe James , Ranganai Edmore , Gianfrate Gianfranco 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the impact of fintech, mobile money and digital financial services in Uganda and factors impacting adoption of the services. The study will also determine their social impact through financial inclusion in the Ugandan market.

Design/methodology/approach
This study covers the adoption and use of fintech, mobile money and digital financial services in Uganda. A case study approach was used through a survey questionnaire for 400 randomly selected participants within the Kampala region. Questionnaire was designed to measure customer perception of digital financial services and adoption including mobile money and agency banking.

Findings
The adoption of mobile money services is driven by mobile devices penetration and the need for access to financial products and services for the unbanked. Results support CGAP (2013) that observed that mobile money adoption was based on two key variables: social network and social interactions of the customer and a segment of customers who can be described as mobile technology leaders (early adopters). There has been positive impact on person to person transfers, grocery payments and mobile money providers have to continue to simplify the access to financial services and bring convenience to the bottom of the pyramid. And mobile money positively impacts sustainable developmental goals covering Gender Equality (SDG5), SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth; expanding financial inclusion through mobile money and SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities.

Research limitations/implications
This study has limitations commonly prevalent with qualitative research, including the small size limited to Kampala and challenges of making generalisations beyond this context.

Practical implications
The paper might serve as a valuable source of information for government and fintech companies in developing the digital financial services ecosystem as well as for students and academics for further case studies in this area.

Originality/value
This paper serves as one of the first qualitative research papers concerning mobile money and digital financial services adoption, solely focused on Uganda. Its value is in its showcasing of the importance of mobile money among customers in emerging markets.
Factors affecting the performance of the traditional fisheries fishing effort in the regency of Kubu Raya, West Borneo
Authors: Sugiardi Sigit , Jamhari Jamhari , Hartono Slamet , Waluyati Lestari Rahayu 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This study aims to explain the factors that affect the performance of traditional fishing business at Kubu Raya Regency of West Borneo Province.

Design/methodology/approach
The method used in this research is quantitative method. The research location in Kubu, Padang Tikar and Teluk Pakedai sub-districts of Kubu Raya Regency of West Borneo Province, considering the location is the target of CCDP-IFAD in Kubu Raya district. The data analysis model in this research is done by using structural equation model (SEM) approach with assisted WarpPLS program (partial least square development).

Findings
Based on the results of the analysis of SEM, it is revealed that the direct influence of the six dependent variables the environment of the individual fisherman, regulatory and government policy, environmental economics, a social-cultural environment, managerial capacity and the sustainability of the business aspects of ecological management affect directly toward traditional capture fisheries business performance, only empowerment that is not directly influential on performance of traditional capture fisheries business.

Originality/value
The originality in this study is shown in the objectives and variables used in the research, i.e. individual environmental variables of fishermen, government policies and regulations, economic environment, social-cultural environment, empowerment, management capacity and business sustainability influence the performance variable of traditional fishing business. In addition, there is a direct influence, allegedly there is an indirect influence on the variables empowerment of the performance of fishery business.
Various skin manifestations related to inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide cross‐sectional study on the Korean population
Authors: Jo Ui Hyeon , Lee Jin Yong , Lee Hanjae , Kim Do‐yeop , Kang Sungchan , Koh Seong‐Joon , Park Hyunsun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) presents with various extraintestinal manifestations. As part of them, various skin diseases are suggested to be related to IBD. We aimed to identify the epidemiology and risk of developing skin manifestations in patients with IBD. We used Korean insurance claims data and selected patients with IBD and age/sex‐matched non‐IBD subjects between 2013 and 2017 using the diagnosis code and prescription records of IBD‐specific medications. The prevalence and risk of concurrent skin diseases were estimated. We identified 64 837 patients with IBD. Reactive skin eruptions including pyoderma gangrenosum and erythema nodosum were associated with IBD with highest odds ratios among three categories of reactive, inflammatory, and autoimmune skin diseases. Inflammatory skin diseases including rosacea, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, hidradenitis suppurativa, and acne conglobata were significantly associated with IBD, but the association was less marked compared to reactive skin eruptions. The patients with IBD also had a higher risk of autoimmune skin diseases including vitiligo and alopecia areata than non‐IBD subjects. We determined that IBD was related to various skin diseases including reactive, inflammatory, and autoimmune skin diseases. Considering these relationships can allow better management of patients with IBD and comorbid skin diseases.
Effects of obesity and diabesity on heart rhythm in the Zucker rat
Authors: Sultan Ahmed , Jacobson Michael , Adeghate Ernest , Oulhaj Abderrahim , Shafiullah Mohamed , Qureshi Anwar , Howarth Frank Christopher 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are risk factors for hypertension, coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, heart failure and sudden cardiac death. The effects of obesity and diabesity on heart rhythm were investigated in the Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) and Zucker fatty (ZF) compared to the Zucker lean (ZL) control rat. In vivo biotelemetry techniques were used to assess the electrocardiogram and other cardiac and metabolic parameters. ZDF rats were characterized by age‐dependent elevations in fasting and non‐fasting blood glucose, glucose intolerance and weight gain and ZF rats were characterized by smaller elevations in fasting and non‐fasting blood glucose and greater weight gain compared to ZL rats. Heart rate (HR) was progressively reduced in ZDF, ZF and ZL rats. At 195 days (6.5 months) of age there were significant differences in HR between ZDF (265 ± 8 bpm, n = 10), ZF (336 ± 9 bpm, n = 10) and ZL (336 ± 10 bpm, n = 10) rats and significant differences in HRV between ZDF (22 ± 1 bpm, n = 10), ZF (27 ± 1 bpm, n = 10) and ZL (31 ± 1 bpm, n = 10) rats. Power spectral analysis revealed no significant (P > 0.05) differences in HRV at low frequencies, reduced HRV at high frequencies and increased sympathovagal balance in ZDF compared to ZF and ZL rats. HR was reduced by ageing and additionally reduced by diabesity in the absence of changes in physical activity and body temperature. Reductions in HRV associated with altered sympathovagal drive might partly underlie disturbed HR in the ZDF rat. Possible explanations for reduced HR and future mechanistic studies are discussed.
Mechanism of action of a diterpene alkaloid hypaconitine on cytotoxicity and inhibitory effect of BAPTA‐AM in HCN‐2 neuronal cells
Authors: Hsu Shu‐Shong , Lin Yung‐Shang , Liang Wei‐Zhe 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHypaconitine, a neuromuscular blocker, is a diterpene alkaloid found in the root of Aconitum carmichaelii. Although hypaconitine was shown to affect various physiological responses in neurological models, the effect of hypaconitine on cell viability and the mechanism of its action of Ca2+ handling is elusive in cortical neurons. This study examined whether hypaconitine altered viability and Ca2+ signalling in HCN‐2 neuronal cell lines. Cell viability was measured by the cell proliferation reagent (WST‐1). Cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations [Ca2+]i was measured by the Ca2+‐sensitive fluorescent dye fura‐2. In HCN‐2 cells, hypaconitine (10–50 μmol/L) induced cytotoxicity and [Ca2+]i rises in a concentration‐dependent manner. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ partially reduced the hypaconitine's effect on [Ca2+]i rises. Furthermore, chelation of cytosolic Ca2+ with BAPTA‐AM reduced hypaconitine's cytotoxicity. In Ca2+‐containing medium, hypaconitine‐induced Ca2+ entry was inhibited by modulators (2‐APB and SKF96365) of store‐operated Ca2+ channels and a protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor (GF109203X). Hypaconitine induced Mn2+ influx indirectly suggesting that hypaconitine evoked Ca2+ entry. In Ca2+‐free medium, treatment with the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ pump inhibitor thapsigargin abolished hypaconitine‐induced [Ca2+]i rises. Conversely, treatment with hypaconitine inhibited thapsigargin‐induced [Ca2+]i rises. However, inhibition of phospholipase C (PLC) with U73122 did not inhibit hypaconitine‐induced [Ca2+]i rises. Together, hypaconitine caused cytotoxicity that was linked to preceding [Ca2+]i rises by Ca2+ influx via store‐operated Ca2+ entry involved PKC regulation and evoking PLC‐independent Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum. Because BAPTA‐AM loading only partially reversed hypaconitine‐induced cell death, it suggests that hypaconitine induced a second Ca2+‐independent cytotoxicity in HCN‐2 cells.
Geographical Diversity Among Directors and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Firoozi Maryam , Keddie Leanne 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPrevious research documents the importance of board of directors’ characteristics in affecting corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance. We extend this literature by focusing on one attribute of the members of the board of directors, their place of residence and its impact on CSR performance (CSRP), which has not been previously investigated. This dimension is important since there is an increasing trend in nominating directors who live far from corporate headquarters. We rely on stakeholder theory and image motivation to explain this relationship. Using a sample of Canadian firms from 2009 to 2017, we find that geographical diversity among the board of directors has a positive impact on some dimensions of CSR. In addition, our results show that the improvement in CSRP is not value destructive. Our results extend the literature on demographic characteristics of directors and its impact on directors’ decision‐making about CSR.
Social capital as a partial explanation for gender wage gaps
Authors: Collischon Matthias , Eberl Andreas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite a long record of research on the sources of the gender wage gap, a large fraction of gender wage differences remains unexplained. In this paper, we propose gender differences in social capital as a novel explanation for the gender wage gap. We use British data from the Understanding Society (UKHLS) survey and wage decompositions to estimate the contribution of social capital derived from network homophily, that is, the similarity to one's peer group, to the gender wage differential. Our results show that differences in network structure explain as much as 15% of the overall gender wage gap. This finding is largely driven by gender differences in the number of males among closest friends, while other social capital measures used in this study hardly matter. We further show that differences in returns to social capital are not statistically significant.
A double‐edged sword: Realities of artisanal and small‐scale mining for rural people in the Alaotra region of Madagascar
Authors: Stoudmann Natasha , Reibelt Lena M. , Rakotomalala Aimée G. , Randriamanjakahasina Olivier , Garcia Claude A. , Waeber Patrick O. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA growing number of people are entering the artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) sector worldwide. In Madagascar, millions of individuals depend on this informal activity. Through a case study in the Alaotra‐Mangoro region of Madagascar, our research aimed to understand the “bottom‐up” dynamics and ripple effects of the sector, by looking at the realities for rural communities where inhabitants are both directly and indirectly affected by ASM. We were interested in community members' and miners' perceptions of the socio‐economic and environmental impacts of ASM, and in identifying the factors attracting people living in one of the country's agricultural hubs to this activity. Our results show a wide diversity of push and pull factors leading people to enter the sector. Although many positive impacts of ASM exist for miners and communities within the vicinity of mines, most miner participants considered themselves worse off since starting to mine, highlighting the high risk and low probability of return of ASM. ASM's potential for local and national development will remain squandered if its negative impacts continue to go unmanaged. Accounting for local contexts and the ripple effects of ASM will be crucial in achieving safety and security for miners, and to tap into the benefits it may offer communities while minimising environmental damage.
Quantifying the Extent of Eroding Streambanks in Iowa
Authors: Wolter Calvin F. , Schilling Keith E. , Palmer Jason A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStreambank erosion is a major source of sediment to rivers and it is important to find locations where severely eroding streambanks are occurring in watersheds. In this study, a new approach to mapping eroding streambanks at a regional scale was conducted using high‐resolution Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) elevation data. By calibrating field mapping studies to LiDAR derivative data, the extent of severely eroding streambanks in third‐ to sixth‐order streams and rivers found in Iowa was estimated. Study results suggest that over 35,200 km of streambanks may be severely eroding, or approximately 41% of all third‐ to sixth‐order streambanks. The extent of streambank erosion was not uniform across the state with more erosion occurring in hillier western and southern Iowa compared to flatter and more recently glaciated northern Iowa. Streambank erosion was related to greater bank heights and was more prevalent (as a percent of the total stream length) in larger fifth‐ and sixth‐order rivers. Overall, despite limitations in the study related to the collection and extrapolation of the LiDAR dataset, study results provide new evidence for the magnitude of the streambank erosion problem in Iowa and likely apply to similarly glaciated regions of the United States Midwest.
Pulsion diverticula of the rectum: Radiological diagnosis and clinical implications
Authors: Ghahremani Gary G , Mittal Ravinder K 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate the appearance of acquired rectal diverticula on barium enema and computed tomography (CT) and to review the pertinent clinical data about this entity.MethodsThis series included 3 men and 6 women, who ranged in age from 47 to 82 years (average: 64 years). Air‐contrast barium enema in 6 patients with history of anorectal disease or obstructed defecation demonstrated rectal diverticula. In these cases, multiple radiographs of the rectosigmoid region were obtained in upright position while the patient was relaxing or straining without any attempt to evacuate the barium. In 3 cases, the lateral rectal diverticula were incidental finding on CT studies that were performed for various unrelated abdominal complaints.ResultsPulsion type of diverticulum presenting as a wide‐neck outpouching was detected on the lateral rectal wall in 5 and on the posterior wall in 4 patients. They measured 2–3 cm in diameter when filled with contrast material or gas, and became even larger when the intraluminal pressure was increased by straining.ConclusionPulsion diverticula of the rectum present as a wide‐neck outpouching of the lateral or posterior rectal wall in adult patients. This acquired abnormality is usually associated with coexisting anorectal lesions or defecation disorders. The practising radiologists and colorectal surgeons should be aware of this uncommon condition, its appearance on barium enema and other imaging studies, and its clinical implications.
The status of radiation protection in medicine in the Asia‐Pacific region
Authors: Ng Kwan Hoong , Brady Zoe , Ng Aik Hao , Soh Hwee Shin , Chou Yi Hong , Varma Dinesh 
Published: February 2021

SummaryMore than half of the world’s population live in Asia‐Pacific. This region is culturally diverse, with significant disparities in terms of socio‐economic status, provision of health care and access to advanced technology. The medical use of ionising radiation is increasing worldwide and similarly within the Asia‐Pacific region. In this paper, we highlight the current status in usage of ionising radiation in medicine in the region, and review the legal framework, implementation and activities in radiation protection. Asia‐Pacific countries are active in strengthening radiation protection by promoting education and training. Various projects and activities initiated by international organisations such as the IAEA, WHO and ICRP have provided stimulation in the region, but more work is needed to continue to improve protection practices.
Mutation of daf‐2 extends lifespan via tissue‐specific effectors that suppress distinct life‐limiting pathologies
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Zhang Bruce , Marcu Ioan , Athar Faria , Wang Hongyuan , Galimov Evgeniy R. , Chapman Hannah , Gems David 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn aging Caenorhabditis elegans, as in higher organisms, there is more than one cause of death. C. elegans exhibit early death with a swollen, infected pharynx (P death), and later death with pharyngeal atrophy (p death). Interventions that alter lifespan can differentially affect frequency and timing of each type of death, generating complex survival curve shapes. Here, we use mortality deconvolution analysis to investigate how reduction of insulin/IGF‐1 signaling (IIS), which increases lifespan (the Age phenotype), affects different forms of death. All daf‐2 insulin/IGF‐1 receptor mutants exhibit increased lifespan in the p subpopulation (p Age), while pleiotropic class 2 daf‐2 mutants show an additional marked reduction in P death frequency. The latter is promoted by pharyngeal expression of the IIS‐regulated DAF‐16 FOXO transcription factor, and at higher temperature by reduced pharyngeal pumping rate. Pharyngeal DAF‐16 also promotes p Age in class 2 daf‐2 mutants, revealing a previously unknown role for the pharynx in the regulation of aging. Necropsy analysis of daf‐2 interactions with the daf‐12 steroid receptor implies that previously described opposing effects of daf‐12 on daf‐2 longevity are attributable to internal hatching of larvae, rather than complex interactions between insulin/IGF‐1 and steroid signaling. These findings support the view that wild‐type IIS acts through multiple distinct mechanisms which promote different life‐limiting pathologies, each of which contribute to late‐life mortality. This study further demonstrates the utility of mortality deconvolution analysis to better understand the genetics of lifespan.