bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced expression of the Nodal co-receptor Oep causes loss of mesendodermal competence in zebrafish
Authors: Vopalensky Pavel , Pralow Sabrina , Vastenhouw Nadine L. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
The activation of specific gene expression programs depends on the presence of the appropriate signals and the competence of cells to respond to those signals. Although it is well established that cellular competence is regulated in space and time, the molecular mechanisms underlying the loss of competence remain largely unknown. Here, we determine the time window during which zebrafish prospective ectoderm loses its ability to respond to Nodal signals, and show that this coincides with a decrease in the levels of the Nodal co-receptor One-eyed pinhead (Oep). Bypassing Oep using a photoactivatable receptor, or an Oep-independent ligand, allows activation of Nodal target genes for an extended period of time. These results suggest that the reduced expression of Oep causes the loss of responsiveness to Nodal signals in the prospective ectoderm. Indeed, extending the presence of Oep prolongs the window of competence to respond to Nodal signals. Our findings suggest a simple mechanism in which the decreasing level of one component of the Nodal signaling pathway regulates the loss of mesendodermal competence in the prospective ectoderm.
Mechanical strain regulates the Hippo pathway in Drosophila
Authors: Fletcher Georgina C. , Diaz-de-la-Loza Maria-del-Carmen , Borreguero-Muñoz Nerea , Holder Maxine , Aguilar-Aragon Mario , Thompson Barry J. 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
Animal cells are thought to sense mechanical forces via the transcriptional co-activators YAP (or YAP1) and TAZ (or WWTR1), the sole Drosophila homolog of which is named Yorkie (Yki). In mammalian cells in culture, artificial mechanical forces induce nuclear translocation of YAP and TAZ. Here, we show that physiological mechanical strain can also drive nuclear localisation of Yki and activation of Yki target genes in the Drosophila follicular epithelium. Mechanical strain activates Yki by stretching the apical domain, reducing the concentration of apical Crumbs, Expanded, Kibra and Merlin, and reducing apical Hippo kinase dimerisation. Overexpressing Hippo kinase to induce ectopic activation in the cytoplasm is sufficient to prevent Yki nuclear localisation even in flattened follicle cells. Conversely, blocking Hippo signalling in warts clones causes Yki nuclear localisation even in columnar follicle cells. We find no evidence for involvement of other pathways, such as Src42A kinase, in regulation of Yki. Finally, our results in follicle cells appear generally applicable to other tissues, as nuclear translocation of Yki is also readily detectable in other flattened epithelial cells such as the peripodial epithelium of the wing imaginal disc, where it promotes cell flattening.
Phosphorylation states change Otx2 activity for cell proliferation and patterning in the Xenopus embryo
Authors: Satou Yumeko , Minami Kohei , Hosono Erina , Okada Hajime , Yasuoka Yuuri , Shibano Takashi , Tanaka Toshiaki , Taira Masanori 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
The homeodomain transcription factor Otx2 has essential roles in head and eye formation via the negative and positive regulation of its target genes, but it remains elusive how this dual activity of Otx2 affects cellular functions. In the current study, we first demonstrated that both exogenous and endogenous Otx2 are phosphorylated at multiple sites. Using Xenopus embryos, we identified three possible cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) sites and one Akt site, and analyzed the biological activities of phosphomimetic (4E) and nonphosphorylatable (4A) mutants for those sites. In the neuroectoderm, the 4E but not the 4A mutant downregulated the Cdk inhibitor gene p27xic1 (cdknx) and posterior genes, and promoted cell proliferation, possibly forming a positive-feedback loop consisting of Cdk, Otx2 and p27xic1 for cell proliferation, together with anteriorization. Conversely, the 4A mutant functioned as an activator on its own and upregulated the expression of eye marker genes, resulting in enlarged eyes. Consistent with these results, the interaction of Otx2 with the corepressor Tle1 is suggested to be phosphorylation dependent. These data suggest that Otx2 orchestrates cell proliferation, anteroposterior patterning and eye formation via its phosphorylation state.
Intestinal epithelial cell polarity defects in disease: lessons from microvillus inclusion disease
Authors: Schneeberger Kerstin , Roth Sabrina , Nieuwenhuis Edward E. S. , Middendorp Sabine 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACT
The intestinal epithelium is a highly organized tissue. The establishment of epithelial cell polarity, with distinct apical and basolateral plasma membrane domains, is pivotal for both barrier formation and for the uptake and vectorial transport of nutrients. The establishment of cell polarity requires a specialized subcellular machinery to transport and recycle proteins to their appropriate location. In order to understand and treat polarity-associated diseases, it is necessary to understand epithelial cell-specific trafficking mechanisms. In this Review, we focus on cell polarity in the adult mammalian intestine. We discuss how intestinal epithelial polarity is established and maintained, and how disturbances in the trafficking machinery can lead to a polarity-associated disorder, microvillus inclusion disease (MVID). Furthermore, we discuss the recent developments in studying MVID, including the creation of genetically manipulated cell lines, mouse models and intestinal organoids, and their uses in basic and applied research.
The relationship between economic and social development with competitiveness: An empirical study
Authors: Rontos Kostas , Syrmali Maria-Eleni , Vavouras Ioannis 
Published: February 2018

The prevalence of institutional weaknesses largely unveils the existence of inherent economic and social underdevelopment as well as persistent bottlenecks of political nature, which in principle are more intense in lessdeveloped countries. In this study, by using a global sample of developed and developing countries it is proved that the relationship between corruption, which is a serious institutional deficiency, and income is not a symmetric one. However, the effective control of corruption should not be considered as a “quasi luxury good” the demand of which increases once the level of income rises to a certain level. On the contrary, it may beachieved through the adoption and effective implementation of the appropriate long-run policies and institutional reforms.
Ethanolic Extract of Papaya (Carica papaya) Leaves Improves Blood Cholesterol Profiles and Bone Density in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Sugiyanto Raisatun Nisa , Khamsita Rahmi , Susidarti Ratna Asmah 
Published: February 2018

Bone loss and disturbance in the blood cholesterol profiles modulation are two effects caused by menopauses syndromes. As the estrogen concentration in the body decreased drastically, menopause women need the replacement of estrogen to keep the regulation of several physiological functions in the body, such as bone generation and cholesterol regulation in a good condition. Phytoestrogen in Carica papaya leaves, such as quercetin, could be one of the potential agents for the estrogenic effect. The aim of this study is to know the effects of papaya leaf extract (PLE) on the blood cholesterol profiles and bone density in ovariectomized rats. Thirty six female Sprague Dawley rats divided into six groups. The groups were sham-treated ovx (S-OVX), ovariectomized rats (OVX), CMC-Na control (OVX+CMC-Na), positive control (OVX+Estradiol), and the PLE treatment groups dose 750 mg/kgBW (OVX+750mg/kgBW) and dose 1000 mg/kgBW (OVX+1000 mg/kgBW). Administrations of PLE were done in three weeks orally and estradiol administrated intraperitonially. In the end of the treatment, the blood sample of tested animals was collected for the blood cholesterol determination (LDL, HDL, triglyceride, and total cholesterol) and the femur bones were examined for the bone density. Based on the results, PLE dose of 750 mg/kgBW a day in ovariectomized rats showed estrogenic effects in modulating blood cholesterol profile by lowering total cholesterol levels. Meanwhile, PLE dose of 1000 mg/kgBW significantly increased the bone density (p<0.05). Thus, PLE is potential to overcome the negative effects of post-menstrual women especially in the cholesterol blood profiles and bone density.Keywords : Carica papaya, phytoestrogen, bone density, blood cholesterol, ovariectomized rats
Impact of hedonic and utilitarian motivations on behavior of purchasing over internet: A study on women<p>Hedonik ve faydacı tüketim eğilimlerinin internet üzerinden satın alma niyetine etkisi: Kadınlar üzerine bir araştırma
Authors: Tavukçu Ayşegül , Topuz Yusuf Volkan 
Published: February 2018

On the basis of creating a successful customer relations on the internet media lies the ability to understanding the consumer intensions and behaviors. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the extent to which the hedonic and utilitatian consumption tendencies of women consumers who purchase through internet affect their purchasing behaviors. In this study which relies on descriptive and causative study, the data is collected with survey method. 400 participants were reached through the survey prepared in the internet media. The population comprises women over 18 who purchased through internet in the last three months. The data obtained is tested using regression analysis. As a result of the findings obtained, it was determined that the utilitation and hedonic consumption tendencies affected the behavior of purchasing over internet in positive direction and women consumers having utilitatian values have the intention to purchase more over the internet compared to women consumers having hedonic values. Extended English summary is in the end of Full Text PDF (TURKISH) file. Özetİnternet ortamında başarılı bir müşteri ilişkileri yapısı oluşturabilmenin temelinde, tüketici niyet ve davranışlarını anlayabilmek yatmaktadır. Bu çalışmanın amacı internetten alışveriş yapan kadın tüketicilerin sahip oldukları hedonik ve faydacı tüketim eğiliminin satın alma niyetini ne ölçüde etkilendiğini ortaya koymaktır. Betimleyici ve nedensel araştırmaya dayalı bu çalışmada veriler anket yöntemi ile toplanmıştır. İnternet ortamında hazırlanan anket ile 400 katılımcıya ulaşılmıştır. Ana kütle, son üç ay içerisinde internetten alışveriş yapmış 18 yaş üstündeki kadınlardan oluşmaktadır. Elde edilen veriler regresyon analizi kullanılarak test edilmiştir. Elde edilen bulgular sonucunda, faydacı ve hedonik tüketim eğilimlerin internet üzerinden satın alma niyetini pozitif yönlü olarak etkilediği ve faydacı tüketim eğilimine sahip kadın tüketicilerin hedonik tüketim eğilimine sahip olanlara oranla internet üzerinden daha fazla satın alma niyetine sahip oldukları belirlenmiştir.
The effect of CuO modification for a TiO2 nanotube confined CeO2 catalyst on the catalytic combustion of butane
Authors: Yao Guansheng , Wu Liangpeng , Lv Tai , Li Juan , Huang Yanqin , Dong Kaijun , Li Xinjun 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA modified confined catalyst with CeO2on the interior and CuO on the exterior surface of TiO2nanotubes (Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out) was prepared and investigated for the combustion of butane catalytically. Compared with the Ce-in-TNT and TNT-Cu-out, the Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out presents a higher activity for butane oxidation, with a conversion of 10% at 200°C and a conversion of 90%) at 300°C. XPS analysis indicates that more Ce(IV) and Cu(I) components exist in the Ce-in-TNT-Cu-out catalyst. It is proposed that electron transfer ability between encapsulated CeO2and loaded CuO is significantly enhanced by the confinement effect of the TiO2nanotubes, facilitating the formation and migration of active oxygen species in the catalyst. This result shows that modulating the electronic property of the active component can further improve the catalytic combustion performance of the confined catalysts.
Large portfolio risk management and optimal portfolio allocation with dynamic elliptical copulas
Authors: Jin Xisong , Lehnert Thorsten 
Published: February 2018

Abstract Previous research has focused on the importance of modeling the multivariate distribution for optimal portfolio allocation and active risk management. However, existing dynamic models are not easily applied to high-dimensional problems due to the curse of dimensionality. In this paper, we extend the framework of the Dynamic Conditional Correlation/Equicorrelation and an extreme value approach into a series of Dynamic Conditional Elliptical Copulas. We investigate risk measures such as Value at Risk (VaR) and Expected Shortfall (ES) for passive portfolios and dynamic optimal portfolios using Mean-Variance and ES criteria for a sample of US stocks over a period of 10 years. Our results suggest that (1) Modeling the marginal distribution is important for dynamic high-dimensional multivariate models. (2) Neglecting the dynamic dependence in the copula causes over-aggressive risk management. (3) The DCC/DECO Gaussian copula and t-copula work very well for both VaR and ES. (4) Grouped t-copulas and t-copulas with dynamic degrees of freedom further match the fat tail. (5) Correctly modeling the dependence structure makes an improvement in portfolio optimization with respect to tail risk. (6) Models driven by multivariate t innovations with exogenously given degrees of freedom provide a flexible and applicable alternative for optimal portfolio risk management.
Industry Specifics and Consumers’ Reactions to Business Crises
Authors: Kazlauskienė Asta 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDifferent scientific studies provide many valuable recommendations how to manage crises in order to lessen their negative effect on relations with consumers. But the question whether the same business crises management rules can be applied for different industries, or they must be adapted depending on industries specifics, has not received sufficient scientific attention. Knowledge gaps about industry specific effect on consumer reactions to business crises remain. This study focuses on understanding the differences in consumers’ reactions in business crises situations with regard to controversial evaluation in the society of “the sin industries” (alcohol, tobacco, gambling, etc.) and ordinary industries (not having controversial associations). Experimental research design, including online experiment with tobacco, beer and functional soft drinks consumers (in total 306 respondents), was chosen for competing research hypotheses testing. Empirical evidence was in line with theoretical argumentation about less negative consumers’ reactions during business crises in case of “sin industries” versus ordinary industry. This study shows that consumers attitudes, such as perception of company’s product quality, trust, social responsibility and behavioural intentions, such as intention to buy and recommend company’s products, are less negative during business crises in lower reputation “sin industries” than in ordinary industries.
[6]-Gingerol modulates spermatotoxicity associated with ulcerative colitis and benzo[a]pyrene exposure in BALB/c mice
Authors: Ajayi Babajide O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Ajani Olumide S. , Oyeyemi Matthew O. , Farombi Ebenezer O. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background:
The deterioration of male reproductive health may represent an outcome of an active disease and environmental factors. The present study investigated the modulatory role of [6]-gingerol in spermatotoxicity resulting from colitis and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), an environmental and food-borne pollutant.

Methods:
Group I (control) mice received corn oil alone, while group II ([6]-gingerol alone) mice orally received [6]-gingerol alone at 100 mg/kg body weight. Group III [benzo[a]pyrene+dextran sulfate sodium (BDS) alone] mice were orally exposed to B[a]P at 125 mg/kg for 7 days followed by three cycles of 4% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water. A cycle consisted of seven consecutive days of exposure to DSS-treated water followed by 14 consecutive days of normal drinking water. Group IV (BDS+[6]-gingerol) mice were orally treated daily with 100 mg/kg of [6]-gingerol during exposure to B[a]P and DSS in the same manner as those of group III.

Results:
[6]-Gingerol significantly abrogated BDS-mediated increase in disease activity index and restored the colon wet weight, colon length and colon mass index to near normal when compared to BDS alone group. Moreover, [6]-gingerol significantly prevented BDS-induced decreases in the daily sperm production (DSP), testicular sperm number (TSN), epididymal sperm number, sperm progressive motility and sperm membrane integrity when compared with the control. [6]-Gingerol markedly increased the sperm antioxidant enzymes activities and decreased the sperm head, mid-piece and tail abnormalities as well as suppressed oxidative stress and inflammatory biomarkers in BDS-exposed mice.

Conclusions:
[6]-Gingerol protected against spermatotoxicity in experimental model of interaction of colitis with environmental pollutant B[a]P.
Randomization in Online Experiments
Authors: Golyaev Konstantin 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Most scientists consider randomized experiments to be the best method available to establish causality. On the Internet, during the past twenty-five years, randomized experiments have become common, often referred to as A/B testing. For practical reasons, much A/B testing does not use pseudo-random number generators to implement randomization. Instead, hash functions are used to transform the distribution of identifiers of experimental units into a uniform distribution. Using two large, industry data sets, I demonstrate that the success of hash-based quasi-randomization strategies depends greatly on the hash function used: MD5 yielded good results, while SHA512 yielded less impressive ones.
Prevalence and clinical presentation at the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus among children and adolescents in AL-Baha region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Ghamdi Ahmed Hassan , Fureeh Abdelhameed Ahmed 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background:
The objectives were to describe the frequency of clinical presentation at the onset of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and to estimate the prevalence of T1DM among children and adolescents in the AL-Baha region, Saudi Arabia, aiming for early diagnosis of T1DM.

Methods:
The clinical and laboratory data of 471 children and adolescents who presented with T1DM and received medical care at an AL-Baha diabetic center during the period from 2007 to 2016 were retrospectively analyzed based on the records.

Results:
The prevalence of T1DM in the AL-Baha region was 355 per 100,000 population in participants aged from 0 to 19 years. T1DM was more common among girls than boys (57.5% vs. 42.5%, respectively; p=0.3), and the female/male ratio was 1.36 in favor of girls. Hyperglycemic symptoms were the most frequent symptoms at presentation [59.2% vs. 40.8% with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)], and 37% of them presented with loss of weight. Most of the ketoacidosis was mild to moderate (80.2%), while only 19.8% of children had the severe type and DKA was more common (55.2%) among females. The mean age at diagnosis of T1DM was 8.2±3.5 years for all patients, and 8.3±3.9 and 8.9±3.6 years for boys and girls, respectively (p=0.06). Hyperglycemic symptoms were more common in spring (15.9%).

Conclusions:
The prevalence of type 1 diabetes in the AL-Baha region was 355 per 100,000 population, which is one of the highest reported prevalences in this age group. Hyperglycemic symptoms were the most encountered symptoms at the onset of the presentation of T1DM and this may help in early detection of diabetic symptoms by patients and physicians to avoid the more severe types of presentation.
The Subject of Conceptual Mapping: Theological Anthropology across Brain, Body, and World
Authors: Kidd Erin 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Research in conceptual metaphor and conceptual blending-referred to collectively as “conceptual mapping”-identifies human thought as a process of making connections across fields of meaning. Underlying the theory of conceptual mapping is a particular understanding of the mind as embodied. Over the past few decades, researchers in the cognitive sciences have been “putting brain, body, and world back together again.” The result is a picture of the human being as one who develops in transaction with her environment, and whose highest forms of intelligence and meaning-making are rooted in the body’s movement in the world. Conceptual mapping therefore not only gives us insight into how we think, but also into who we are. This calls for a revolution in theological anthropology. Our spirituality must be understood in light of the fact that we are embodied beings, embedded in our environment, whose identities are both material and discursive. Finally, using the example of white supremacy, I show how this revolution in understanding the human person can be useful for ethical reflection, and in thinking about sin and redemption.
The MMP9 rs17576 A>G polymorphism is associated with increased lumbopelvic pain-intensity in pregnant women
Authors: Mahmood Aqsa Khalid , Moen Aurora , Stafne Signe Nilssen , Robinson Hilde Stendal , Vøllestad Nina Køpke , Salvesen Kjell Åsmund , Mørkved Siv , Gjerstad Johannes 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Background and aims:
Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) is an enzyme that may affect degradation of several extracellular matrix (ECM) components in the pelvic ligaments during pregnancy. Previous studies indicate that genetic variations in the gene encoding MMP9 may affect the enzymatic activity. One such genetic variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs17576 A>G. In this study we investigated whether the MMP9 SNP rs17576 A>G may be associated with increased lumbopelvic pain in 838 pregnant woman. The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT 00476567) on May 21, 2007.

Methods:
Lumbopelvic pain-intensity was measured by visual analog scale (VAS) at two time points during pregnancy, T1 (18–22 weeks), T2 (32–36 weeks) and 3 months after delivery. Blood samples were collected at each point and SNP genotyping was carried out using predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assays.

Results:
The results showed a significant association between the number of G alleles and pain-intensity in the evening at T2. The pain among G/G carriers was higher than among A/G carriers, which in turn was higher than among the A/A carriers. The most pronounced association between the G allele and pain-intensity was observed in primiparae.

Conclusions:
We conclude that the MMP9 rs17576 A>G polymorphism is associated with increased lumbopelvic pain-intensity during pregnancy. The present data support the hypothesis that lumbopelvic pain during pregnancy may be related to a relaxin – MMP9 – tissue remodeling mechanism.

Implications:
The present findings may be important for future mechanistic studies on how MMP9 rs17576 A>G may affect changes in the ECM components in pelvic ligaments and lumbopelvic pain-intensity during pregnancy.