bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hematological and Serum Biochemical Analysis of Streptozotocin-Induced Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus in Male Adult Wistar Rats
Authors: Yakhchalian Nima , mohammadian Nasim , Hatami Kazem , Nosrati Hamed , Yousofvand Namdar 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThis investigation is concentrated on how hematological and serum biochemical markers would change in streptozotocin-induced Insulin-Dependent diabetes mellitus(IDDM) in male adult wistar rats. Hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoresis parameters and hepatic transaminases level (SGOT-SGPT) were all measured in both control group rats (N=6) and diabetic group rats (N=6) and comparison between two groups was performed.Material and MethodSingle dose intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg dose of streptozotocin(STZ) in male adult wistar rats, induces extensive necrosis in langerhans β-cell islets, because of its cytotoxicity. Experimental diabetes mellitus can be induced completely in less than 72 hours after STZ intraperitoneal injection. Streptozotocin(STZ) was purchased from Sigma company. Diabetic and control group rats were kept separately in different metabolic cages, and their blood glucose(BG), hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoretic pattern and hepatic transaminases level were analyzed and comparison was done.ResultsIn our investigation, Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus(IDDM) was completely induced one week after single intraperitoneal injection of 60 mg/kg BW. Diabetes mellitus induction was verified by measuring fasting plasma glucose level in blood samples of rats. Level of blood glucose, hematological parameters, serum protein electrophoretic pattern and hepatic transaminase enzymes level, were all measured. In diabetic group rats level of blood glucose (BG), hepatic transaminase enzymes (SGOT & SGPT), serum α1-globulin and β-globulin were significantly increased but in albumin, albumin/globulin ratio (A/G ratio) and serum α2-globulin a significant decrease was observed in diabetic rats in comparison with normal rats.ConclusionExtensive inflammation and tissue necrosis induced following diabetes mellitus induction in rats. Significant alterations were observed in serum protein electrophoresis fractions and hepatic transaminase enzymes level due to streptozotocin cytotoxic impacts on some tissues specifically liver.Because of extensive β-cells necrosis and degeneration caused by streptozotocin exposure, high level of blood glucose(diabetic hyperglycemia) was observed in diabetic rats. This type of experimentally induced diabetes mellitus would highly affect hematological parameters. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus induced by streptozotocin, can lead to anemia, neutrophilia and lymphocytosis and also has decreasing effects on red blood cell indices (HGB, MCV, MCH, MCHC) in diabetic group rats.
Multiplexed single-cell RNA-seq via transient barcoding for drug screening
Authors: Shin Dongju , Lee Wookjae , Lee Ji Hyun , Bang Duhee 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo simultaneously analyze multiple samples of various conditions with scRNA-seq, we developed a universal sample barcoding method through transient transfection of SBOs. A 48-plex drug treatment experiment of pooled samples analyzed by a single run of Drop-Seq revealed a unique transcriptome response for each drug and target-specific gene expression signatures at the single-cell level. Our cost-effective method is widely applicable for single-cell profiling of multiple experimental conditions.
Thyroid hormone signaling specifies cone subtypes in human retinal organoids
Authors: Eldred Kiara C. , Hadyniak Sarah E. , Hussey Katarzyna A. , Brennerman Boris , Zhang Pingwu , Chamling Xitiz , Sluch Valentin M. , Welsbie Derek S. , Hattar Samer , Taylor James , Wahlin Karl , Zack Donald J. , Johnston Robert J. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe mechanisms underlying the specification of diverse neuronal subtypes within the human nervous system are largely unknown. The blue (shortwavelength/S), green (medium-wavelength/M) and red (long-wavelength/L) cone photoreceptors of the human retina enable high-acuity daytime vision and trichromatic color perception. Cone subtypes are specified in a poorly understood two-step process, with a first decision between S and L/M fates, followed by a decision between L and M fates. To determine the mechanism controlling S vs. L/M fates, we studied the differentiation of human retinal organoids. We found that human organoids and retinas have similar distributions, gene expression profiles, and morphologies of cone subtypes. We found that S cones are specified first, followed by L/M cones, and that thyroid hormone signaling is necessary and sufficient for this temporal switch. Temporally dynamic expression of thyroid hormone degrading and activating proteins supports a model in which the retina itself controls thyroid hormone levels, ensuring low signaling early to specify S cones and high signaling late to produce L/M cones. This work establishes organoids as a model for determining the mechanisms of cell fate specification during human development.One sentence summaryCone specification in human organoids
Quantitative Real-Time Imaging of Glutathione with Sub-Cellular Resolution
Authors: Jiang Xiqian , Zhang Chengwei , Chen Jianwei , Choi Sungwoo , Zhou Ying , Zhao Mingkun , Song Xianzhou , Chen Xi , Maletić-Savatić Mirjana , Palzkill Timothy , Moore David , Wang Meng C. , Wang Jin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractQuantitative imaging of glutathione with high spatial and temporal resolution is essential for studying the roles of glutathione in redox biology. We developed a fluorescent glutathione probe—HaloRT—that targets organelles of interest through expressing organelle-specific HaloTag proteins. Using HaloRT, we quantitatively measure the glutathione concentrations in the nucleus and the cytosol and find no appreciable concentration gradient between these two organelles, challenging the view of nuclear compartmentalization of glutathione.
Exercise exacerbates decline in the musculature of an animal model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hughes KJ , Rodriguez A , Schuler A , Rodemoyer B , Barickman L , Cuciarone K , Kullman A , Lim C , Gutta N , Vemuri S , Andriulis V , Niswonger D , Vidal-Gadea AG 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder caused by loss of the protein dystrophin. In humans, DMD has early onset, causes developmental delays, muscle necrosis, loss of ambulation, and early death. Current animal models have been challenged by their inability to model the early onset and severity of the disease. Thus it remains unresolved if increased sarcoplasmic calcium observed in dystrophic muscles follows or leads the mechanical insults caused by the muscle’s disrupted contractile machinery. This knowledge has important applications for patients, as potential physiotherapeutic treatments may either help or exacerbate symptoms, depending on how dystrophic muscles differ from healthy ones. Recently we showed how burrowing dystrophic (dys-1)C. elegansrecapitulate many salient phenotypes of DMD, including loss of mobility and muscle necrosis. Here we reportdys-1worms display early pathogenesis, including dysregulated sarcoplasmic calcium, and increased lethality. Sarcoplasmic calcium dysregulation indys-1worms precedes overt structural phenotypes (e.g. mitochondrial, and contractile machinery damage) and can be mitigated by silencing calmodulin expression. To learn how dystrophic musculature responds to altered physical activity, we cultivateddys-1animals in environments requiring high amplitude, or high frequency of muscle exertion during locomotion. We find that several muscular parameters (such as size) improve with increased activity. However, longevity in dystrophic animals was negatively associated with muscular exertion, regardless of the duration of the effort. The high degree of phenotypic conservation between dystrophic worms and humans provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the etiology of the disease, as well as the initial assessment of potential treatment strategies.SIGNIFICANCEDuchenne muscular dystrophy is a degenerative disease affecting tens of thousands of people in the US alone. Much remains unknown about the disease, including the chain of events that links the loss of dystrophin to muscle death, or the extent to which exercise might be able to protect degenerating muscles. We used the nematodeC. elegansto show that sarcoplasmic calcium dysregulation takes place in dystrophic muscles long before other overt signs of damage manifest. When placed in assays that altered muscular activity by increasing either contraction frequency or amplitude, we observed several metrics associated with muscular repair increase. However, no treatment positively affected the life expectancy of dystrophic animals.
Growth rate trades off with enzymatic investment in soil filamentous fungi
Authors: Zheng Weishuang , Lehmann Anika , Ryo Masahiro , Vályi Kriszta Kezia , Rillig Matthias C. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSaprobic soil fungi drive many important ecosystem processes, including decomposition, and many of their effects are related to growth rate and enzymatic ability. In mycology, there has long been the implicit assumption of trade-off between growth and enzymatic investment, which we here test. Using a set of 31 filamentous fungi isolated from the same ecosystem, we measured growth rate (as colony radial extension) and enzymatic repertoire (activities of four enzymes: laccase, cellobiohydrolase, leucine aminopeptidase and acid phosphatase). Our results support the existence of a trade-off, however only for the enzymes representing a larger metabolic cost (laccase and cellobiohydrolase). Our study offers new insights into functional complementarity within the soil fungal community in a number of ecosystem processes, and experimentally supports an enzymatic investment/ growth rate tradeoff in explaining phenomena including substrate succession.
Linkage Disequilibrium and Population Structure in Wild and Cultivated Populations of Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis)
Authors: de Souza Livia Moura , dos Santos Luciano H. B. , Rosa João R. B. F. , da Silva Carla C. , Mantello Camila C. , Conson André R. O. , Scaloppi Erivaldo José , Fialho Josefino de Freitas , de Moraes Mario Luiz Teixeira , Gonçalves Paulo de S. , Margarido Gabriel R. A. , Garcia Antonio A. F. , Guen Vincent Le , de Souza Anete P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAmong rubber tree species, which belong to theHeveagenus of the Euphorbiaceae family,Hevea brasiliensis(Willd. ex Adr.de Juss.) Muell. Arg. is the main commercial source of natural rubber production worldwide. Knowledge of the population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) of this species is essential for the efficient organization and exploitation of genetic resources. Here, we obtained single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using a genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach and then employed the SNPs for the following objectives: (i) to identify the positions of SNPs on a genetic map of a segregating mapping population, (ii) to evaluate the population structure of a germplasm collection, and (iii) to detect patterns of LD decay among chromosomes for future genetic association studies in rubber tree. A total of 626 genotypes, including both germplasm accessions (368) and individuals from a genetic mapping population (254), were genotyped. A total of 77,660 and 21,283 SNPs were detected by GBS in the germplasm and mapping populations, respectively. The mapping population, which was previously mapped, was constructed with 1,062 markers, among which only 576 SNPs came from GBS, reducing the average interval between two adjacent markers to 4.4 cM. SNPs from GBS genotyping were used for the analysis of genetic structure and LD estimation in the germplasm accessions. Two groups, which largely corresponded to the cultivated and wild populations, were detected using STRUCTURE and via principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). LD analysis, also using the mapped SNPs, revealed that non-random associations varied along chromosomes, with regions of high LD interspersed with regions of low LD. Considering the length of the genetic map (4,693 cM) and the mean LD (0.49 for cultivated and 0.02 for wild populations), a large number of evenly spaced SNPs would be needed to perform genome-wide association studies in rubber tree, and the wilder the genotypes used, the more difficult the mapping saturation.
Modeling calendar spread options
Authors: Seok Juheon , Brorsen B. Wade , Niyibizi Bart 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to derive a new option pricing model for options on futures calendar spreads. Calendar spread option volume has been low and a more precise model to price them could lead to lower bid-ask spreads as well as more accurate marking to market of open positions.Design/methodology/approachThe new option pricing model is a two-factor model with the futures price and the convenience yield as the two factors. The key assumption is that convenience follows arithmetic Brownian motion. The new model and alternative models are tested using corn futures prices. The testing considers both the accuracy of distributional assumptions and the accuracy of the models’ predictions of historical payoffs.FindingsPanel unit root tests fail to reject the unit root null hypothesis for historical calendar spreads and thus they support the assumption of convenience yield following arithmetic Brownian motion. Option payoffs are estimated with five different models and the relative performance of the models is determined using bias and root mean squared error. The new model outperforms the four other models; most of the other models overestimate actual payoffs.Research limitations/implicationsThe model is parameterized using historical data due to data limitations although future research could consider implied parameters. The model assumes that storage costs are constant and so it cannot separate between negative convenience yield and mismeasured storage costs.Practical implicationsThe over 30-year search for a calendar spread pricing model has not produced a satisfactory model. Current models that do not assume cointegration will overprice calendar spread options. The model used by the Chicago Mercantile Exchange for marking to market of open positions is shown to work poorly. The model proposed here could be used as a basis for automated trading on calendar spread options as well as marking to market of open positions.Originality/valueThe model is new. The empirical work supports both the model’s assumptions and its predictions as being more accurate than competing models.
Towards an inclusive digital literacy framework for digital India
Authors: Nedungadi Prema P. , Menon Rajani , Gutjahr Georg , Erickson Lynnea , Raman Raghu 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate an Inclusive Digital Literacy Framework for vulnerable populations in rural areas under the Digital India program. Key challenges include addressing multiple literacies such as health literacy, financial literacy and eSafety for low-literate learners in low-resource settings with low internet bandwidth, lack of ICT facilities and intermittent electricity.Design/methodology/approachThis research implemented an educational model based on the proposed framework to train over 1,000 indigenous people using an integrated curriculum for digital literacies at remote settlements. The model uses mobile technology adapted for remote areas, context enabled curriculum, along with flexible learning schedules.FindingsThe education model exemplifies a viable strategy to overcome persistent challenges by taking tablet-based digital literacies directly to communities. It engages different actors such as existing civil societies, schools and government organizations to provide digital literacy and awareness thereby improving both digital and life skills. It demonstrates the potential value of a comprehensive Digital Literacy framework as a powerful lever for Digital Inclusion.Practical ImplicationsPolicy makers can use this transformational model to extend the reach and effectiveness of Digital Inclusion through the last mile enhancing existing training and service centers that offer the traditional model of Digital Literacy Education.Originality/valueThis innovative mobile learning model based on the proposed Digital Framework for Inclusion instilled motivation, interest and confidence while providing effective digital training and conducting exams directly in the tribal settlements for low-literate learners in remote settings. Through incorporating multiple literacies, this model serves to empower learners, enhance potential, improve well-being and reduce the risk of exploitation.
Optimizing the role of organizational commitment
Authors: Baksi Maiti Rooprekha , Sanyal Shamindra Nath 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to find out the factors that affect organizational commitment in the school education sector and second, how these factors might be modified to judge organizational commitment of the school teachers.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted using qualitative interviews with two sets of school teachers – government and government-affiliated schools and private schools in and around Kolkata city. The sample size was 40. The data triangulation method was applied for optimal verification of the result. Then the pattern of concordance author– coder pair was tested using Cohen’s kappa.FindingsThis study investigated eight factors expected to influence organizational commitment. Out of these eight factors, five factors were found – “on employees’ perception and need achievement,” “cognitive abilities of the employees,” “assessment of the employees,” “factors related to personality” and “organizational factors which influence organizational commitment” – which qualitatively exert more influence on organizational commitment.Practical implicationsThe authors proposed that the concept of organizational commitment and its application in the academic sector might be modified to optimize the role of organizational commitment and to enhance the credibility of the teachers. A comprehensive organizational commitment model that has been proposed is expected to gain future direction of organizational commitment research. The parameters of the study can be used in the school sector, as well as in the corporate sector through proper improvisation, and it is expected that the corporate sector will be benefited. It is because the factors that were selected for the study are also relevant to the corporate sector.Originality/valueThis is a conceptual-type paper. The factors that were selected had an effect on the organizational commitment of the school teachers and these factors can also be applied in corporate sector to improve their level of commitment.
Customer perceptions of CSR authenticity
Authors: Jose Saju , Khare Nilesh , Buchanan F. Robert 
Published: July 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to look at corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related actions to see whether they relate to clients’ perception of CSR.Design/methodology/approachNinety-nine bank customers in Brisbane, Australia were surveyed by mail in a cross-sectional field study.FindingsNot all CSR-related behaviors of the organizations were influential to perceptions of social responsibility. Big picture actions for the betterment of humanity were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. However, respondents did not relate the firms’ profit and revenue initiatives to social responsibility, other than negativity toward false and misleading practices.Research limitations/implicationsResults are limited to one industry in Australia.Practical implicationsActions for human betterment were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. Also the uses of dishonest marketing schemes were seen as detrimental to CSR perceptions of the firm. However, respondents did not connect the firm’s business actions affecting profitability with customers, to their perceptions of its CSR. Thus, the authors conclude that altruism from a “big picture” standpoint has value in shaping CSR perception, but the organization may not always find it necessary to deprioritize profit, or to attempt to weave CSR actions into every aspect of their business.Originality/valueThe inquiry takes a novel approach to CSR, capturing an unexplored aspect of how CSR is perceived and valued by stakeholders.
User engagement and gratifications of NSO supporters on Facebook
Authors: Osokin Nikita 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Building on the findings of previous related literature, this paper adopts the uses and gratifications (U&G) theory to analyze how social media users engage with content posted by European football associations (FAs). The purpose of this paper is to identify various post attributes that would aid national sports organizations (NSO) in reaching their online audiences and excelling their media presence.

Design/methodology/approach
A coding framework was designed to differentiate Facebook posts by topic, post design and content type. A sample of 2,450 posts from the official Facebook accounts of 49 FAs was collected. Engagement was measured using three metrics: likes, comments and shares. The derived categories of content were coded as dichotomous dummy variables and ran through a multivariate OLS regression analysis. Three regression analyzes were conducted, where each of the engagement metrics served as the dependent variable.

Findings
The findings of this paper show that relevance of post topics has a significant effect on engagement. Users interacted most with posts related to the male national A-team, while club football news had a negative response from the followers. Graphic elements such as images and videos positively impact an FA’s ability to generate post likes. Exclusive and behind-the-scenes content made users react extremely well, affecting all engagement metrics. Raw news (match reports, team line-ups) was of little interest to Facebook users.

Originality/value
U&G theory has yet to have been applied to social media studies in the NSO context. Previous studies have either looked at specific case studies of a single NSO or NSOs within a single country, while this paper reviewed the social media practices of 49 NSOs under the umbrella of a single continental sports federation.
Tribological properties of biomedical 316L stainless steel after plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H sputtering coating
Authors: Kao Wen-Hsien , Su Yean-Liang 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effects of plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H coating deposition on AISI 316L and to find the best tribological performance of various specimens.

Design/methodology/approach
An experimental investigation is performed into the effects of plasma nitriding and Ti-C:H sputtering on the tribological properties of AISI 316L biomedical stainless steel. Five samples are prepared, namely, original AISI 316L stainless steel (code: 316L), nitrided 316L (code: N316), 316L and N316 sputtered with Ti-C:H (codes: D316 and DN316, respectively) and polished N316 sputtered with Ti-C:H (DN316s). The microstructure, mechanical properties and coating adhesion strength of the various samples are investigated and compared. The tribological properties of the samples are then evaluated by means of reciprocating wear tests performed in 8.9 Wt.% NaCl solution against three different counterbodies, namely, a 316L ball, Ti6Al4V ball and Si3N4 ball.

Findings
It is shown that plasma nitriding followed by Ti-C:H deposition (DN316s) improves the tribological properties of AISI 316L; the sample provides the best tribological performance of the various specimens and has a wear rate approximately 156 times lower than that of the original 316L substrate.

Originality/value
The results suggest that nitriding followed by polishing and Ti-C:H sputtering provides an effective means of improving the service life of AISI 316L biomedical implants.