bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of liver protective activity ofMoringa oleiferabark extract in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Islam Rajibul , Alam Md. Jahir 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundMoringa oleiferahas been used in folk medicine to alleviate several diseases. In the present study, ethanolic extract ofMoringa oleiferabark has been investigated to study its potential on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity on model rats.MethodsRats (150–200 gm) were divided into 5 groups containing 6 animals each. Acute hepatotoxicity was induced by paracetamol (600 mg/kg body weight) administered once daily for one week whereas the extract of investigated plant was given orally throughout the whole experiment at 250 and 500mg/kg body weight. Silymarin (100mg/kg body weight) was given orally as standard hepatoprotective drug. The level of hepatic injury recovery was determined by the estimation of liver enzymes like SGPT, SGOT, ALP, Bilirubin, Total protein and Albumin.ResultsTreatment with MO extract as well as standard hepatoprotective agent silymarin ameliorated the increased plasma levels of these hepatic enzymes and indicated the hepatoprotective potential of the extract.ConclusionThe biochemical parameters provide evidence that the ethanolic extract of ofMoringa oleiferabark has shown hepatoprotective activity.
All-optical interrogation of a direction selective retinal circuit by holographic wave front shaping
Authors: Spampinato G.L.B , Ronzitti E. , Zampini V. , Ferrari U. , Trapani F. , Khabou H. , Dalkara D. , Picaud S. , Papagiakoumou E. , Marre O. , Emiliani V. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDirection selective (DS) ganglion cells (GC) in the retina maintain their tuning across a broad range of light levels. Yet very different circuits can shape their responses from bright to dim light, and their respective contributions are difficult to tease apart. In particular, the contribution of the rod bipolar cell (RBC) primary pathway, a key player in dim light, is unclear. To understand its contribution to DSGC response, we designed an all-optical approach allowing precise manipulation of single retinal neurons. Our system activates single cells in the bipolar cell (BC) layer by two-photon (2P) temporally focused holographic illumination, while recording the activity in the ganglion cell layer by 2P Ca2 imaging. By doing so, we demonstrate that RBCs provide an asymmetric input to DSGCs, suggesting they contribute to their direction selectivity. Our results suggest that every circuit providing an input to direction selective cells can generate direction selectivity by itself. This hints at a general principle to achieve robust selectivity in sensory areas.
Disassembly of actin and keratin networks by Aurora B kinase at the midplane of cleavingXenopus laeviseggs
Authors: Field Christine M. , Pelletier James F. , Mitchison Timothy J. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe investigated how bulk cytoplasm prepares for cytokinesis inXenopus laeviseggs, which are large, rapidly dividing cells. The egg midplane is demarcated by Chromosomal Passenger Complex (CPC) localized on microtubule bundles between asters. Using an extract system and intact eggs we found that local kinase activity of the AURKB subunit of the CPC caused disassembly of F-actin and keratin between asters, and local softening of the cytoplasm as assayed by flow patterns. Beads coated with active CPC mimicked aster boundaries and caused AURKB-dependent disassembly of F-actin and keratin that propagated ~40 μm without microtubules, and much farther with microtubules present, due to CPC auto-activation. We propose that active CPC at aster boundaries locally reduces cytoplasmic stiffness by disassembling actin and keratin networks. This may help sister centrosomes move apart after mitosis, prepare a soft path for furrow ingression and/or release G-actin to build the furrow cortex.
Evaluation of self-generated behavior: untangling metacognitive read-out and error detection
Authors: Kononowicz Tadeusz W. , Wassenhove Virginie van 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTWhen producing a duration, for instance by pressing a key for one second, the brain relies on self-generated neuronal dynamics to monitor the “flow of time”. Converging evidence has suggested that the brain can also monitor itself monitoring time. Here, we investigated which brain mechanisms support metacognitive inferences when self-generating timing behavior. Although studies have shown that participants can reliably detect temporal errors when generating a duration (Akdogan & Balci, 2017; Kononowicz et al., 2017), the neural bases underlying the evaluation and the monitoring of this self-generated temporal behavior are unknown. Theories of psychological time have also remained silent about such self-evaluation abilities. How are temporal errors inferred on the basis of purely internally driven brain dynamics without external reference for time? We contrasted the error-detection hypothesis, in which error-detection would result from the comparison of competing motor plans with the read-out hypothesis, in which errors would result from inferring the state of an internal code for motor timing. Human participants generated a time interval, and evaluated the magnitude of their timing (first and second order behavioral judgments, respectively) while being recorded with time-resolved neuroimaging. Focusing on the neural signatures following the termination of self-generated duration, we found several regions involved in performance monitoring, which displayed a linear association between the power of α (8-14 Hz) oscillations, and the duration of the produced interval. Altogether, our results support the read-out hypothesis and indicate that first-order signals may be integrated for the evaluation of self-generated behavior.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTWhen typing on a keyboard, the brain estimates where the finger should land, but also when. The endogenous generation of the when in time is naturally accompanied by timing errors which, quite remarkably, participants can accurately rate as being too short or too long, and also by how much. Here, we explored the brain mechanisms supporting such temporal metacognitive inferences. For this, we contrasted two working hypotheses (error-detection vs. read-out), and showed that the pattern of evoked and oscillatory brain activity parsimoniously accounted best for a read-out mechanism. Our results suggest the existence of meta-representations of time estimates.
Weak Membrane Interactions Allow Rheb to Activate mTORC1 Signaling Without Major Lysosome Enrichment
Authors: Angarola Brittany , Ferguson Shawn M. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractStable localization of the Rheb GTPase to lysosomes is thought to be required for activation of mTORC1 signaling. However, the lysosome targeting mechanisms for Rheb remain unclear. We therefore investigated the relationship between Rheb subcellular localization and mTORC1 activation. Surprisingly, we found that Rheb was undetectable at lysosomes. Nonetheless, functional assays in knockout human cells revealed that farnesylation of the C-terminal CaaX motif on Rheb was essential for Rheb-dependent mTORC1 activation. Although farnesylated Rheb exhibits partial endoplasmic reticulum localization, constitutively targeting Rheb to ER membranes did not support mTORC1 activation. Further systematic analysis of Rheb lipidation revealed that weak, non-selective, membrane interactions support Rheb-dependent mTORC1 activation without the need for a specific lysosome targeting motif. Collectively, these results argue against stable interactions of Rheb with lysosomes and instead that transient membrane interactions optimally allow Rheb to activate mTORC1 signaling.
Can Sexual Selection Cause Divergence in Mating System-Related Floral Traits?
Authors: Lankinen Åsa , Strandh Maria 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPremise of the ResearchThe wide diversity of floral traits seen among plants is shaped by neutral and selective evolutionary processes. In outcrossing species, sexual selection from competing pollen donors is expected to be important for shaping mating system-related traits but empirical evidence is scarce. In a previous evaluation of experimental evolution lines crossed with either one or two pollen donors (monogamous, M, or polyandrous, P, lines) at early floral stages in mixed-mating Collinsia heterophylla (Plantaginaceae), P showed enhanced pollen competitive ability and reduced maternal seed set compared to M, in accordance with sexually antagonistic evolution of pollen. Here, we asked whether the presence of sexual selection during pollen competition affect mating system-related floral traits in the same lines.MethodologyWe compared flowering start, timing of anther-stigma contact (as an indication of timing of self-pollination), timing of stigma receptivity and first seed set between M and P, and with a source line, S (starting material). The former three traits are later in outcrossers than in selfers of Collinsia. The latter trait was expected to be earlier in P than in M because of sexual selection for early seed siring of pollen.Pivotal ResultsArtificial polyandry for four generations resulted in later flowering start and later anther-stigma contact in P compared to M, and the latter trait was intermediate in S. Thus, P appeared more ‘outcrossing’ than M. Stigma receptivity did not differ between lines. First seed set was earlier in P than in M, as expected from sexual selection.ConclusionsOur results from C. heterophylla experimental evolution lines suggest that a component of sexual selection during outcross pollination could enhance the patterns of floral divergence commonly found between outcrossers and selfers.
India’s Kochi Biennale: sponsorship, patronage, and art’s resistance
Authors: Joy Annamma , Belk Russell 
Published: January 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the meaning, in both local and international context, of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB), the first international exhibit of contemporary art in India. Kochi Biennale Foundation (KBF), which administers the KMB, identifies art as a means for transforming society, with a mission to bring global contemporary art to India and to present India’s modern art to the world. The authors further investigate the role of government sponsorship and corporate patronage in funding the KMB, and investigate how resistance through art is key to the KMB’s identity.Design/methodology/approachThis study focuses primarily on published materials relating to the KMB. One of the authors attended the 2016 KMB and interviewed fellow attendees. Additionally, the authors reviewed and assessed social media postings regarding the 2016 KMB.FindingsThe authors argue that government sponsorship and corporate patronage are never solely about political or financial power. Rather, a generalized reciprocity among the three entities – corporations, the government and the artists – allows the KMB to flourish. For the artists involved, the KMB, co-founded by activist artists, sustains interest in and awareness of resistance.Originality/valueExtant literature on biennales is sparse on ways in which these exhibits extend their impact beyond the art world. The authors examine issues such as India expanding its position on the world stage through art, and the implications of political resistance embraced by Indian artists on future directions for the KMB, that have heretofore been unaddressed.
Political and community activism in Toronto: 2000-2016
Authors: Goossen Tam 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of political and community activism in Toronto’s Chinese Canadian community between 2000 and 2016.

Design/methodology/approach
Adopting a mixed approach (historical, political and personal), the paper draws from both primary and secondary sources to explore three different cases – SARS in 2003, the Head Tax Redress in 2006 and Maclean’s “Too Asian?” controversy in 2010 – to illustrate discrimination against the Chinese Canadian community in Toronto during the 2000–2016 period while illuminating the importance of safeguarding human rights and dignity in the community.

Findings
The outbreak of SARS in early 2003 traumatized the whole city of Toronto and sparked waves of racial discrimination and bigotry directed at the Chinese Canadian community. Meanwhile, the community’s ongoing struggle to fight for justice and redress for the Chinese Head Tax seized the opportunity in 2006 to successfully challenge the Canadian government and other political parties to recognize and apologize for the racist tax and its long-term negative impact on the community. However, despite constant efforts, discrimination against Asian Canadians rose again, fueling Maclean’s controversial “Too Asian” article in 2010. Notwithstanding Canada’s positive image abroad, racial discrimination still exists. This paper urges that Canadians of all backgrounds must come together in solidarity and work hard to advocate for social and racial justice and human rights.

Originality/value
This paper will be of interest to community activists, journalists and scholars who are interested in the history of political and community activism in Toronto since 2000. Policymakers may also learn that an unexpected public crisis like SARS can ignite racial intolerance and negative attitudes toward Chinese Canadian and other communities.
Investigating the impact of ECRM success factors on business performance
Authors: Al-Dmour Hani H. , Algharabat Raed Salah , Khawaja Rawan , Al-Dmour Rand H. 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop an integrated framework to explore the influences of electronic customer relationship management (ECRM) success factors (process fit, customer information quality and system support) on customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention, which, in turn, impact upon the business financial performance of Jordanian commercial banks in Amman city.

Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 343 branch managers, assistant branch managers and heads of departments in Jordanian commercial banks, who answered a self-administrated questionnaire, data were collected and analysed using structural equation modelling (AMOS 17.0).

Findings
The results showed that the ECRM success factors (process fit, customer information quality and system support) positively affected customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention. Furthermore, the authors discovered that customer satisfaction and customer trust positively influenced customer retention. It was determined that customer satisfaction, customer trust and customer retention positively impact on a business’s financial performance.

Originality/value
Previous research lacks the link between ECRM success factors and business performance (financial and non-financial).
Entropy generation analysis of magneto-nanoliquids embedded with aluminium and titanium alloy nanoparticles in microchannel with partial slips and convective conditions
Authors: N.S. Shashikumar , Gireesha B.J. , Mahanthesh B. , B.C. Prasannakumara , Chamkha Ali J. 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
Outstanding features such as superior electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity of alloy nanoparticles with working fluids make them ideal materials to be used as coolants in microelectromechanical systems (MEMSs). This paper aims to investigate the effects of different alloy nanoparticles such as AA7075 and Ti6Al4V on microchannel flow of magneto-nanoliquids with partial slip and convective boundary conditions. Flow features are explored with the effects of magnetism and nanoparticle shape. Heat transport of fluid includes radiative heat, internal heat source/sink, viscous and Joule heating phenomena.

Design/methodology/approach
Suitable dimensionless variables are used to reduce dimensional governing equations into dimensionless ordinary differential equations. The relevant dimensionless ordinary differential systems are computed numerically by using Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg-based shooting approach. Pertinent results of velocity, temperature, entropy number and Bejan number for assorted values of physical parameters are comprehensively discussed. Also, a closed-form solution is obtained for momentum equation for a particular case. Analytical results agree perfectly with numerical results.

Findings
It is established that the entropy production can be improved with radiative heat, Joule heating, convective heating and viscous dissipation aspects. The entropy production is higher in the case of Ti6Al4V-H2O nanofluid than AA7075-H2O. Further, the inequality Ns(ξ)Sphere > Ns(ξ)Hexahedran > Ns(ξ)Tetrahydran > Ns(ξ)Column > Ns(ξ)Lamina holds true.

Originality/value
Effects of aluminium and titanium alloy nanoparticles in microchannel flows by using viscous dissipation and Joule heating are investigated for the first time. Flow features are explored with the effects of magnetism and nanoparticle shape. The results for different alloy nanoparticles such as AA7075 and Ti6Al4V have been compared.
School feeding as a social protection programme or a political largesse: a review
Authors: Iddrisu Issah , Sayibu Muhideen , Zhao Shuliang , Ahmed Abdul-Rahim , Suleiman Amran Said 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
In an attempt to tackle the incidence of poverty and social exclusion in the Ghanaian society, a number of social protection programmes including the school feeding programme is introduced. The programme is designed to cater for the extreme poor and as well encourage enrolment and attendance in the country. The purpose of this paper is to assess the intention or objective for which the programme is initiated and the realities on the ground. It looks at whether the current beneficiaries are the extreme poor described in the policy document.

Design/methodology/approach
The study explored the incidence of poverty in Ghana using the Ghana Living Standard Survey (GLSS6) and the Ghana School Feeding Annual Operation Plan (GSFAOP) with the help of the school feeding policy document to draw on actual beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries. The differences between percentages of poverty (2012/2013) and feeding schools was computed using GLSS6 and GSFAOP. The study also conducted a number of open-ended interviews with some stakeholders to validate the nature of recruitment of beneficiary schools.

Findings
The study concluded that there is a mismatch of potential beneficiaries and current beneficiaries using the referred data sources. It was found out that majority of beneficiary schools are located within areas of lesser incidence of poverty. This could be attributed to political interference in view of testimonies from respondents and the computerisation of GLSS6 and GSFAOP. The study therefore proposed that the allocation of feeding schools should be done to reflect the percentage of poverty situation in each region. This could be achieved when the district education office takes control. It will help minimise the level of politicisation and as well improve efficiency.

Originality/value
The study therefore highlighted the relevance of the school feeding programme and the inverse relationship it has with political interference. It again demonstrates the need to restructure the operations of the programme to meet the objective for which it was established.
The double-edged effects of guanxi on partner opportunism
Authors: Shen Lu , Zhang Chuang , Teng Wenbo 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
This study aims to examine the double-edged effects of guanxi on opportunism and the moderating effects of legal enforceability and partner asset specificity. It thus differs from the current literature, which primarily focuses on the benevolent effects of guanxi.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on matched data collected from 268 sales manager and salesperson dyads, this study tested hypotheses using hierarchical regressions.

Findings
The empirical test supports the conceptual model and demonstrates two findings. First, guanxi between boundary spanners follows an inverted U-shaped relationship with inter-firm opportunism. Second, both the benefits and drawbacks of guanxi are stronger under the condition of low legal enforceability and high partner asset specificity.

Research limitations/implications
The study did not untangle guanxi into different dimensions and did not investigate how firms should make trade-offs between the benefits and drawbacks of guanxi. Therefore, future research could further explore this question by using a multidimensional approach.

Practical implications
The study alerts managers that guanxi is a double-edged sword, so they should complement it with formal control mechanisms, particularly when they are operating in legally inefficient regions or when their partner firm’s asset specificity is high.

Originality/value
The study offers a more balanced view of guanxi by showing both its positive and negative effects on opportunism. It also uncovers legal enforceability and partner asset specificity as two boundary conditions that influence the curvilinear effects of guanxi on opportunism.
The Healthy e-Elderly People Assessment (HEPA) application
Authors: Wilaiwan Wachiraporn , Siriwong Wattasit 
Published: January 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate health effects and determine the factors associated with health effects from smartphone and tablet use among the elderly in Thailand.

Design/methodology/approach
This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study. The participants comprised 490 elderly people. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection via the Healthy e-Elderly People Assessment mobile application in the Android operating system by Google which consists of five parts of a questionnaire. The variables were analyzed using SPSS such as frequency, percentage, mean and binary logistic regression.

Findings
Altogether, the participants were 223 males and 267 females; mean age=64.9±5.4. The average time spent using a mobile device was 2.8±1.9 h/day. Participants recorded that after use of either device, 59.0 percent experienced eye pain, 52.7 percent experienced dim eyes, 30.2 percent experienced tiredness, and 28.0 percent experienced moodiness. Socially, 26.8 percent recorded changes in social interaction. Periods of time using devices, time consumed in device usage (hours/day), the type of application, and the difference in times of use, place of usage and time spent in rest breaks from smartphone or tablet usage were significantly associated with health effects (p<0.05).

Originality/value
The elderly users may be at risk of several health effects from smartphone and tablet use. The potential gap in knowledge conceals some of the risk factors for the current health effects. Practical intervention to reduce health effects from the use of smartphones and tablets should be considered.