bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vitellogenin expression in the ovaries of adult honeybee workers provides insights into the evolution of reproductive and social traits
Authors: Mendes Cardoso-Júnior Carlos Antônio , Oldroyd Benjamin P. , Ronai Isobel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSocial insects are notable for having two female castes that exhibit extreme differences in their reproductive capacity. The molecular basis of these differences is largely unknown. A protein that likely plays a key role in these differences is Vitellogenin (Vg), a powerful antioxidant and insulin-signalling regulator. Here we investigate how Royal Jelly (the major food of honeybee queens) and queen pheromone (a major regulator of worker fertility), affects the longevity and reproductive status of honey bee workers, the expression of Vg, its receptor VgR and associated regulatory proteins. We find that Vg is expressed in the ovaries of workers and that workers fed a queen diet of Royal Jelly have increased Vg expression in the ovaries. Surprisingly, we find that Vg expression is not associated with worker ovary activation. Our findings provide further support for the ‘reproductive ground plan hypothesis’ as Vg has acquired non-reproductive functions in honeybee workers.
Trace levels of peptidoglycan in serum underlie the NOD-dependent cytokine response to endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Molinaro Raphael , Flick Robert , Philpott Dana J. , Girardin Stephen E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNOD1 and NOD2 are intracellular sensors of bacterial peptidoglycan that belong to the Nod-like receptor (NLR) family of innate immune proteins. In addition to their role as direct bacterial sensors, it was recently proposed that NOD proteins could detect endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by thapsigargin, an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic or endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase family (SERCA) that pumps Ca2+into the ER, resulting in pro-inflammatory signalling. Here, we confirm that thapsigargin induces pro-inflammatory signalling in epithelial cells in a NOD-dependent manner. However, the effect was specific to thapsigargin, as tunicamycin and the subtilase cytotoxin SubAB from Shiga toxigenicEscherichia coli,which induce ER stress by other mechanisms, did not induce cytokine expression. The calcium ionophore A23187 also induced NOD-dependent signalling, and the calcium chelator BAPTA-AM blunted thapsigargin-dependent pro-inflammatory signalling, showing NOD proteins responded to a rise in intracellular Ca2+. Since intracellular Ca2+directly affects vesicular trafficking, we tested if thapsigargin-induced NOD activation required endocytosis. Our results demonstrate that both endocytosis and the addition of serum to the cell culture medium were required for thapsigargin-mediated NOD activation. Finally, we analyzed cell culture grade fetal calf serum as well as serum from laboratory mice by high-pressure liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, and identified the presence of various peptidoglycan fragments. We propose that cellular perturbations that affect intracellular Ca2+can trigger internalization of peptidoglycan trace contaminants found in culture serum, thereby stimulating pro-inflammatory signalling. The presence of peptidoglycan in animal serum suggests that a homeostatic function of NOD signalling may have been previously overlooked.
PTSD Biomarker Database: Deep Dive Meta-database for PTSD Biomarkers, Visualizations, and Analysis Tools
Authors: Domingo-Fernández Daniel , Provost Allison , Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Marín-Llaó Josep , Lasseter Heather , Diaz Kristophe , Daskalakis Nikolaos P. , Lancashire Lee , Hofmann-Apitius Martin , Haas Magali 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe PTSD Biomarker Database (PTSDDB) is a database that provides a landscape view of physiological markers being studied as putative biomarkers in the current post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) literature to enable researchers to quickly explore and compare findings. The PTSDDB currently contains over 900 biomarkers and their relevant information from 109 original articles published from 1997 to 2017. Further, the curated content stored in this database is complemented by a web application consisting of multiple interactive visualizations that enable the investigation of biomarker knowledge in PTSD (e.g., clinical study metadata, biomarker findings, experimental methods, etc.) by compiling results from biomarker studies to visualize the level of evidence for single biomarkers and across functional categories. This resource is the first attempt, to the best of our knowledge, to capture and organize biomarker and metadata in the area of PTSD for storage in a comprehensive database that may, in turn, facilitate future analysis and research in the field.Database URLhttps://ptsd.scai.fraunhofer.de
Control of Shoot Meristem Size by an Aminoacyl tRNA Synthetase,OKI1, inArabidopsis
Authors: Kitagawa Munenori , Balkunde Rachappa , Bui Huyen , Jackson David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn plants, the stem cells that form the shoot system reside within the shoot apical meristem (SAM), which is regulated by feedback signaling between the WUSCHEL (WUS) homeobox protein and CLAVATA (CLV) peptides and receptors. WUS-CLV feedback signaling can be modulated by various endogenous or exogenous factors such as chromatin state, hormone signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling and nutrition, leading to a dynamic control of SAM size corresponding to meristem activity. Despite these insights, however, the knowledge of genes that control stem cell fate is still limited, and in particular the regulation by ROS signaling is only beginning to be comprehended. Here, we report a new regulator of SAM size,OKINA KUKI(OKI1), which is expressed in the SAM and encodes a mitochondrial aspartyl tRNA synthetase (AspRS).oki1mutants display enlarged SAMs with abnormal expression of WUS and CLV3, and overaccumulation of ROS in the meristem. Our findings support the importance of normal AspRS function in the maintenance of the WUS-CLV3 feedback loop and SAM size.
MiR-590-5p sensitises pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells by blocking autophagy via targeting ATG3
Authors: Li Fazhao , He Jun , Liu Susun , Zhang Yawei , Yang Leping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRadio-resistance is a growing concern in treating patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). Here we investigated the role of miR-590-5p in the radio-resistance of PC cells. We developed radioresistant PC cell lines and followed by microarray analysis and levels of miRs compared to parental cell lines. PC cells were transfected using either miR mimics or inhibitors followed by clonogenic survival assays. We also studied the effect of miR-590-5p on autophagy using electron microscopy and immunoblot analysis. In addition, the luciferase assay was used to identify potential targets. The radio-resistant PC cells exhibited decreased expression of miR-590-5p, with elevated autophagy against the parental cells. The over-expression of miR-590-5p inhibited radiation-mediated autophagy, while inhibitors induced autophagy in PC cells. The up-regulation of miR-590-5p enhanced the radio-sensitivity of PC cells. We confirmed ATG-3 as a target of miR-590-5p, whose levels were unregulated in radio-resistant cells. We also found that levels of ATG-3 were associated with autophagy. Expression of miR-590-5p inhibited radiation-mediated autophagy and enhanced the radio-sensitivity of PC cells.
A universal fluorescence-based toolkit for real-time quantification of DNA and RNA nuclease activity
Authors: Sheppard Emily C. , Rogers Sally , Harmer Nicholas J. , Chahwan Richard 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDNA and RNA nucleases play a critical role in a growing number of cellular processes ranging from DNA repair to immune surveillance. Nevertheless, many nucleases have unknown or poorly characterized activities. Elucidating nuclease substrate specificities and co-factors can support a more definitive understanding of cellular mechanisms in physiology and disease. Using fluorescence-based methods, we present a quick, safe, cost-effective, and real-time versatile nuclease assay, which uniquely studies nuclease enzyme kinetics. In conjunction with a substrate library we can now analyse nuclease catalytic rates, directionality, and substrate preferences. The assay is sensitive enough to detect kinetics of repair enzymes when confronted with DNA mismatches or DNA methylation sites. We have also extended our analysis to study the kinetics of human single-strand DNA nuclease TREX2, DNA polymerases, RNA, and RNA:DNA nucleases. These nucleases are involved in DNA repair, immune regulation, and have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and immune disorders.
The international sinonasal microbiome study (ISMS): a multi-centre, multi-national collaboration characterising the microbial ecology of the sinonasal cavity
Authors: Paramasivan Sathish , Bassiouni Ahmed , Shiffer Arron , Dillon Matthew R , Cope Emily K , Cooksley Clare , Ali Mohammad Javed , Bleier Benjamin , Callejas Claudio , Cornet Marjolein E , Douglas Richard G , Dutra Daniel , Georgalas Christos , Harvey Richard J , Hwang Peter H , Luong Amber U , Schlosser Rodney J , Tantilipikorn Pongsakorn , Tewfik Marc A , Vreugde Sarah , Wormald Peter-John , Caporaso J Gregory , Psaltis Alkis J 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTThe sinonasal microbiome remains poorly defined, with our current knowledge based on a few cohort studies whose findings are inconsistent. Furthermore, the variability of the sinus microbiome across geographical divides remains unexplored. We characterise the sinonasal microbiome and its geographical variations in both health and disease using 16S rRNA gene sequencing of 410 individuals from across the world. Although the sinus microbial ecology is highly variable between individuals, we identify a core microbiome comprised of Corynebacterium, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Haemophilus, and Moraxella species in both healthy and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) cohorts. Corynebacterium (mean relative abundance = 44.02%) and Staphylococcus (mean relative abundance = 27.34%) appear particularly dominant in the majority of patients sampled. There was a significant variation in microbial diversity between countries (p = 0.001). Amongst patients suffering from CRS with nasal polyps, a significant depletion of Corynebacterium (40.29% vs 50.43%; p = 0.02) and over-representation of Streptococcus (7.21% vs 2.73%; p = 0.032) was identified. The delineation of the sinonasal microbiome and standardised methodology described within our study will enable further characterisation and translational application of the sinus microbiota.
Impacts of diets fed after weaning on gut microbiota and susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis in mice
Authors: Meng Yu , Li Xiaojun , Chen Shuijiao , Li Fujun , Yin Yani , Liu Jianping , Lu Fanggen , Liu Xiaowei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundLiving in a sanitary environment and taking Western-style diet in early life are both risk factors for inflammatory bowel disease and important factors for shaping host gut microbiota. Here, we aimed to establish whether different dietary composition fed during the early period after weaning would associate the susceptibility to DSS-induced colitis with different gut microbiota shifts.MethodsEighty weaned Balb/c mice were fed with high sugar, fat, protein, fiber, and standard diet for 8weeks respectively. Inflammation was induced by administration of 2.5% (wt/vol) dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in drinking water for 7 days, and the microbiota characterized by 16s rRNA based pyrosequencing. Analyzed the inflammatory factors and toll-like receptors by Real-time PCRResultsThe high protein and high fiber+protein group exacerbated severity of DSS-induced colitis, the high fiber and high protein+fiber groups had the effect of reducing colitis, and the high sugar, fat and standard group show the similar disease phenotype of colitis. The diversity and richness of the microflora were significantly decreased in the high fiber group, while only decreased richness of flora was observed in the high protein group. The abundance of Firmicutes was decreased and the abundance of Bacteroides was increased in the high fat, high sugar, high protein and high fiber groups, especially in the high protein and high fiber group. The microbial community structure was slightly different at the species/genus level. The microbial community structure of high protein-fiber group and high fiber-protein group was still similar.ConclusionsMice were fed with different dietary compositions of high sugar, fat, protein and fiber diets since weaning, and similar gut microbiota of high-abundance Bacteroides and low-abundance Firmicutes are formed in adult mice. These microbiota do not cause colonic mucosal damage directly. Only high protein diet aggravated DSS-induced colitis, while high fiber diet alleviated the colitis.
Thermally induced dynamics of deployable solar panels of nanosatellite
Authors: Ibrahim Syahrim Azhan , Yamaguchi Eiki 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
This study aims to predict the types of thermally induced dynamics (TID) that can occur on deployable solar panels of a small form factor satellite, CubeSat which flies in low Earth orbit (LEO). The TID effect on the CubeSat body is examined.

Design/methodology/approach
A 3U CubeSat with four short-edge deployable solar panels is considered. Time historic temperature of the solar panels throughout the orbit is obtained using a thermal analysis software. The results are used in numerical simulation to find the structural response of the solar panel. Subsequently, the effect of solar panel motion on pointing the direction of the satellite is examined using inertia relief method.

Findings
The thermal snap motion could occur during eclipse transitions due to rapid temperature changes in solar panels’ cross-sections. In the case of asymmetric solar panel configuration, noticeable displacement in the pointing direction can be observed during the eclipse transitions.

Research limitations/implications
This work only examines an LEO mission where the solar cells of the solar panels point to the Sun throughout the daylight period and point to the Earth while in shadow. Simplification is made to the CubeSat structure and some parameters in the space environment.

Practical implications
The results from this work reveal several practical applications worthy of simplifying the study of TID on satellite appendages.

Originality/value
This work presents a computational method that fully uses finite element software to analyze TID phenomenon that can occur in LEO on a CubeSat which has commonly used deployable solar panels structure.
Going out under the shadow of Red China: the geopolitical origin of Hong Kong’s international status
Authors: Fung Chi Keung Charles , Fong Chi Shun 
Published: February 2019

PurposeMany scholars would agree that the international status of Hong Kong is one of the crucial factors that contribute to the continued success of Hong Kong. However, few of them explain the origin of Hong Kong’s international status. The purpose of this paper is to fill this literature gap through the case study of Hong Kong’s admission to an international organization – the Asian Development Bank (ADB) – in the late 1960s.Design/methodology/approachBased on declassified archives, a historical approach has been adopted to trace the origin of Hong Kong’s international status.FindingsThe findings suggest that Cold War geopolitics, both local and regional level, explain why Hong Kong, even though remained as a dependent territory of Britain, became a member of an international organization independent from the British influence. While geopolitics at local level incentivized the colonial government to “go out” for external support, geopolitics at the regional level provided an opportunity for Hong Kong to acquire membership of the ADB.Originality/valueThis paper is among the first academic study on the origin of Hong Kong’s international status.
Hong Kong in the world: continuities and changes
Authors: Chan Kenneth Ka Lok 
Published: February 2019

PurposeTo fill the gap in the existing literature on the 20th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the purpose of this paper is to critically reflect upon the continuities and changes of the city’s relations with the world.Design/methodology/approachThe paper has adopted a generic approach to shed light on the factors behind the evolution of the international status of Hong Kong from a by-product of geopolitics to a global city in its own right, to understand how the city has been perceived by traditional western partners after 1997 and to investigate how China has made use Hong Kong’s international status.FindingsIt has shown that Beijing’s strategy toward Hong Kong has been marred by the inherent tensions between “becoming Chinese” and “remaining global.” The official discourse of functionalism, according to which economic and professional ties are both the most acceptable and therefore the least resisted pathways available for the development of Hong Kong’s external relations, has the opposite effect of expanding Beijing’s control over the city.Originality/valueIn contrast to the HKSAR Government’s belief that Hong Kong will certainly benefit from the emergence of China, the city has found itself on a shorter leash than ever. It has therefore pinpointed the pitfalls of the logic of functionalism which has dominated the existing literature as much as the policy-making process.
Barriers to the advancement of women of color faculty in STEM
Authors: Corneille Maya , Lee Anna , Allen Sherrice , Cannady Jessica , Guess Alexia 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight critical issues facing women of color (WOC) faculty and to synthesize the research literature in order to offer recommendations for action to address inequities using an intersectionality framework.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a qualitative meta-analysis. Relevant articles were obtained through a search of the EBSCO and Google Scholar databases entering in combinations of specific keywords. In order to be included in this review, the manuscripts had to be published between the years 2001 and 2017; in a peer-reviewed journal; and available through the university library system.FindingsThe majority of manuscripts in the meta-analysis revealed high teaching and service loads, ambiguous standards for tenure and lack of culturally responsive mentorship are challenges experienced by WOC faculty. Moreover, there is limited research that examines STEM WOC faculty experiences at minority-serving institutions and in leadership roles. Further research is needed to examine the long-term efficacy of mentoring strategies and institutional transformation efforts for WOC. These numerous challenges cumulatively undermine institutions’ abilities to implement institutional transformation that impacts WOC in higher education.Originality/valueThe recommendations provided are based on the results of the meta-analysis and are intended to promote systemic change for STEM WOC faculty in institutions through intersectional and transformational approaches.
Enhancing performance and commitment through leadership and empowerment
Authors: Saleem Muhammad Abid , Bhutta Zahra Masood , Nauman Muhammad , Zahra Sadaf 
Published: February 2019

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of transformational leadership and employee empowerment on employee performance and organizational commitment through the mediational role of behavioral integrity (BI).Design/methodology/approachData were collected through a self-administered questionnaire based on measurement of variables adopted from earlier studies. A total of 532 usable responses were collected through officer grade and executive level employees of selected banks from the Multan district, Pakistan. Confirmatory factor analysis was run using AMOS 23.0 whereas PROCESS macro in SPSS 23.0 was used for path analysis.FindingsThe study results revealed that transformational leadership and employee empowerment positively affect employee performance and organizational commitment through the mediational effect of BI.Originality/valueThe role of BI in enhancing employees’ performance and organizational commitment has been overlooked in the extant literature. Especially, in the emerging economies, where there is growing employer–employee trust deficit, this investigation brings in useful contribution.
The effects of nonwork and personal resources on frontline bank employees’ work engagement and critical job outcomes
Authors: Karatepe Osman M. , Ozturk Anastasia , Kim Taegoo Terry 
Published: February 2019

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a research model that investigates work engagement as a mediator of the effect of family support on proclivity to leave work early, in-role performance (IRP), service recovery performance (SRP) and extra-role performance (ERP). The research model also examines work engagement as a mediator of the impact of self-efficacy on the aforesaid outcomes. In addition to these relationships, the study assesses self-efficacy as an underlying mechanism linking family support to work engagement.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors employed a time-lagged design. Specifically, data were obtained from frontline bank employees (FBEs) in Russia in three waves, within one week time intervals. FBEs’ performance outcomes were rated by their managers.

Findings
As hypothesized, self-efficacy and family support foster FBEs’ work engagement, which in turn reduces proclivity to leave work early and activates IRP, SRP and ERP. In line with the study predictions, the findings highlight the impact of self-efficacy in the intermediate linkage between family support and work engagement.

Practical implications
Management should organize workshops where FBEs’ family members are invited to participate. In such workshops, they can understand the nature of frontline service jobs in the competitive banking environment and are expected to provide support to FBEs. This is significant because family support influences work engagement directly and indirectly through self-efficacy and affects the above-mentioned performance outcomes only via work engagement. Training programs should not only focus on the development of knowledge, skills and abilities for service delivery and complaint handling but also center on the costs arising from nonattendance behaviors/intentions. As a result, these programs should make FBEs minimize such intentions.

Originality/value
Work engagement is still a timely topic and there have been calls for the identification of factors influencing work engagement and its consequences among frontline employees. Therefore, our study uses family support and self-efficacy as the two crucial resources that can influence employees’ positive psychological states and their work performance. Further, using solid theoretical underpinnings such as conservation of resources, social information processing, and job demands-resources theories, our study is the first to link family support and self-efficacy to multiple performance outcomes and nonattendance intentions via work engagement among FBEs.