bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo effects of chemotherapy on oncogenic pathways in colorectal cancer
Authors: Spartalis Christoph , Schmidt Eva Marina , Elmasry Manal , Schulz Gerald Bastian , Kirchner Thomas , Horst David 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPatients with advanced colorectal cancer often are treated with systemic cytotoxic therapy using fluorouracil (5‐FU), oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and FOLFOX or FOLFIRI combination protocols. Additionally, signaling pathways that are active in colorectal cancer can be therapeutically targeted. Herein, we examined whether chemotherapy impacts on WNT, MAPK and NOTCH signaling pathways in xenograft models of colon cancer. Furthermore, we tested whether combining chemotherapy with MAPK and NOTCH inhibition has superior therapeutic effects. We show that colon cancer cells with high WNT, MAPK and NOTCH activity are variably affected but generally persist in xenograft tumors under different chemotherapeutic regimens, indicating limited effects of cytotoxic therapy on oncogenic signaling pathways. Although these results provided a rationale to additionally target pathway activity, we found no significant increase in therapy response when combining MAPK and NOTCH inhibition with fluorouracil chemotherapy. We attribute this finding to a decrease in tumor cell proliferation upon MAPK and NOTCH inhibition, resulting in reduced effectiveness of cytotoxic treatment. Therapeutic benefits of combining chemotherapy with targeting of oncogenic signaling pathways must therefore be critically evaluated for patients with colorectal cancer.
Cervical spondylotic internal jugular venous compression syndrome
Authors: Ding Jia‐Yue , Zhou Da , Pan Li‐Qun , Ya Jing‐Yuan , Liu Cheng , Yan Feng , Fan Chun‐Qiu , Ding Yu‐Chuan , Ji Xun‐Ming , Meng Ran 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to identify the clinical profiles of cervical spondylosis‐related internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS) comprehensively.MethodsA total of 46 patients, who were diagnosed as IJVS induced by cervical spondylotic compression were recruited. The clinical manifestations and imaging features of IJVS were presented particularly in this study.ResultsVascular stenosis was present in 69 out of the 92 internal jugular veins, in which, 50.7% (35/69) of the stenotic vessels were compressed by the transverse process of C1, and 44.9% (31/69) by the transverse process of C1 combined with the styloid process. The transverse process of C1 compression was more common in unilateral IJVS (69.6% vs 41.3%, P = 0.027) while the transverse process of C1 combined with the styloid process compression had a higher propensity to occur in bilateral IJVS (52.2% vs 30.4%, P = 0.087). A representative case underwent the resection of the elongated left lateral mass of C1 and styloid process. His symptoms were ameliorated obviously at 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionsThis study proposes cervical spondylotic internal jugular venous compression syndrome as a brand‐new cervical spondylotic subtype. A better understanding of this disease entity can be of great relevance to clinicians in making a proper diagnosis.
Gender diversity and say‐on‐pay: Evidence from UK remuneration committees
Authors: Alkalbani Nasser , Cuomo Francesca , Mallin Christine 
Published: May 2019

AbstractResearch question/issueWe examine whether the presence of women on the remuneration committee has an influence on say‐on‐pay voting.Research findings/insightsBased on panel data from the UK's FTSE 350 firms from 2003 to 2015, we find that firms with women on the remuneration committee reduce shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay. However, only firms with a critical mass of more than 30% women on this committee are more likely to have less shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay (i.e., the presence of 30% women or less on this committee is not sufficient).Theoretical/academic implicationsOur results provide empirical evidence that the gender diversity of directors on the remuneration committee plays a significant role in shaping shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay in the United Kingdom. Our results also provide empirical support for some of the previous studies that draw on critical mass theory that imply that women are more effective monitors when they make up a critical mass of more than 30%.Practitioner/policy implicationsOur results could provide regulators with evidence in favor of improving women's representation on UK remuneration committees. In addition, our results could help shareholders and nomination committee members understand the importance of having women on UK remuneration committees, as they are more likely to avoid suboptimal pay and align directors' remuneration packages more closely with shareholders' expectations. Finally, our results could also attract the attention of main stakeholders and the media, especially given their increasing attention both to gender diversity and say‐on‐pay.
Interactive apps prevent gender discrepancies in early‐grade mathematics in a low‐income country in sub‐Sahara Africa
Authors: Pitchford Nicola J. , Chigeda Antonie , Hubber Paula J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGlobally, gender differences are reported in the early acquisition of reading and mathematics as girls tend to outperform boys in reading, whereas boys tend to outperform girls in mathematics. This can have long‐term impact resulting in an under‐representation of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects. Recent research suggests that sociocultural factors account for differences across genders in the acquisition of these foundational skills. In this study, we investigated whether a new technology‐based intervention, that included activities accessible to both boys and girls, can reduce gender differences from emerging during the early primary school years. The novel instructional method used in this study employed apps developed by onebillion© delivered individually through touch‐screen tablets. Over a series of experiments conducted in Malawi, a low‐income country in sub‐Sahara Africa, we found that when children were exposed to standard pedagogical practice typical gender differences emerged over the first grade (Experiment 1). In contrast, boys and girls learnt equally well with the new interactive apps designed to support the learning of mathematics (Experiment 2) and reading (Experiment 3). When implemented at the start of primary education, before significant gender discrepancies become established, this novel technology‐based intervention can prevent significant gender effects for mathematics. These results demonstrate that different instructional practices influence the emergence of gender disparities in early mathematics. Digital interventions can mitigate gender differences in countries where standard pedagogical instruction typically hinders girls from acquiring early mathematical skills at the same rate as boys.A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55x-6hhAY9M&feature=youtu.be
In vivo and in vitro developmental profiling of Asobara japonica, a larval endoparasitoid of drosophilid flies
Authors: Amano Saori , Akada Tatsuya , Takahashi Kazuo H. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe relationship between host and parasitoid has been examined in terms of either the effects of infestation on host growth and development, or the growth and development of parasitoid larvae in response to the physiological and nutritional status of their hosts. Although a wide range of host–parasitoid interactions has been studied, detailed developmental profiles of parasitoid larvae and environmental effects on them have remained unclear in many cases because the parasitoid larvae are relatively inaccessible inside their hosts. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a model system to describe developmental profiles of hosts and endoparasitoid wasps, and investigated environmental factors that affect the developmental profiles in in vivo and in vitro culture experiments. As a result, we successfully identified six morphologically distinct developmental stages (I–VI) of pre‐adult A. japonica. The current approach based on qualitative and quantitative assessment of wasp morphology may be an effective approach for estimating the instar number of endoparasitoids lacking sclerotized structures in general. The finding that the development of A. japonica from stage III to stage IV is constrained by host developmental stage regardless of the environmental conditions in this study suggests that developmental mismatch may be an important factor in the evolution of host selection in endoparasitoid wasps.
Effects of heat shock on survival and predation of an important whitefly predator,Serangium japonicum
Authors: Yao Feng‐Luan , Zheng Yu , Ding Xue‐Ling , Zhao Jian‐Wei , Lu Xue‐Song , Desneux Nicolas , He Yu‐Xian , Weng Qi‐Yong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractClimate change is expected to increase the frequency of periods of extreme weather events, including heat waves that are harmful to arthropod natural enemies. We studied the thermotolerance of the ladybeetleSerangium japonicumChapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), an important native predator of the whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in China.Serangium japonicumeggs, first‐ and fourth‐instar larvae, pupae, and adults were subjected to a range of high temperatures (36, 39, 42, 43.5, and 45 °C) at intervals between 15 and 720 min. Survival was compromised and declined sharply for all life stages at temperatures of 42 °C and higher. First instars were the least heat tolerant, and eggs were typically the most resistant. Egg predation byS. japonicumdid not differ whether the adult beetles were subjected to either heat shock or starvation first. Heat shock treatments at 36 °C did not impede adult egg consumption, treatments at 39 °C crippled ladybeetle's egg consumption for 8 h following treatment but recovered predatory capacity within 24 h after treatment. However, treatments at 42 °C greatly impaired ladybeetle's predatory capacity. After experiencing heat shock at 39 and 42 °C, adults significantly increased the amount of time they spent resting, which is the probable cause of predation decline after heat exposure. These results demonstrate that short periods of extreme heat exposures have a detrimental impact onS.japonicumsurvival and predation, but the effect was dependent on duration and life stage. Overall, these findings can help predict population dynamics and success of biological control of whitefly byS. japonicumin a warming world.
Howling on the edge: Mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) howling behaviour and anthropogenic edge effects in a fragmented tropical rainforest in Costa Rica
Authors: Bolt Laura M. , Schreier Amy L. , Russell Dorian G. , Jacobson Zachary S. , Merrigan‐Johnson Carrie , Barton Matthew C. , Coggeshall Elizabeth M. C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe function of long calling is a subject of interest across animal behaviour study, particularly within primatology. Many primate species have male‐specific long‐distance calls, including platyrrhines like the folivorous howler monkey (Alouattaspp.). Howler monkeys may howl to defend resources such as feeding trees or areas of rich vegetation from other monkey groups. This study tests the ecological resource defence hypothesis for howling behaviour in the mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata) and investigates how anthropogenic forest fragmentation may influence howling behaviour. More specifically, this study examines how howling bout rate, duration, precursors and tree species richness, DBH, and canopy cover vary in 100 m anthropogenic edge and interior forest zones at La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS), a fragmented tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. Results show that tree species richness and canopy cover are higher in forest interior at this site, suggesting that monkeys should howl at greater rates in the interior to defend access to these higher‐quality vegetation resources. Overall, our results supported the ecological resource defence hypothesis. The main howl precursor was howling from neighbouring groups. Although howling rate did not differ between forest zones, howling bouts from forest interior were longer, had a greater number of howls per bout and were preceded by different precursors than howls from anthropogenic edge zones, including more howls from neighbouring groups. Our findings provide some of the first evidence for behavioural edge effects in primate vocal communication behaviour.
Role of the mTOR signalling pathway in salivary gland development
Authors: Sakai Manabu , Fukumoto Moe , Ikai Kazuki , Ono Minagi Hitomi , Inagaki Shinobu , Kogo Mikihiko , Sakai Takayoshi 
Published: May 2019

Development of the salivary gland is characterized by extensive branching morphogenesis. Although various molecules have been implicated in salivary gland development, the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway, including both mTOR complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and 2), in salivary gland development is unknown. Here, we examined protein expression levels related to the mTOR signalling pathway using an ex vivo submandibular salivary gland (SMG) organ culture. We showed that branching buds in the salivary glands were substantially decreased and phosphorylation of mTORC1 signalling pathway related proteins (mTOR, p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E‐binding protein 1) was inhibited by rapamycin (an mTOR inhibitor). In addition, AKT, which is an upstream protein kinase of mTORC1 and is downstream of mTORC2, is inhibited by LY294002 (a phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase inhibitor), but not by rapamycin. Moreover, rapamycin‐treated ICR neonatal mice exhibited a reduction in both body weight and salivary glands compared with vehicle‐treated neonatal mice. The present data indicate that the mTOR signalling pathway, including both mTORC1 and mTORC2, plays a critical role in salivary gland development both in ex vivo SMG organ culture and ICR neonatal mice in vivo.
Damage evolution around white etching layer during uniaxial loading
Authors: Jessop Casey , Ahlström Johan , Persson Christer , Zhang Yubin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRolling contact fatigue cracks and thermally induced defects are common problems in the railway industry especially as demands for increasing loads, speeds, and safety continue to rise. Often, the two types of defects are found together in the field, however, whether one causes the other to occur is not completely agreed upon. The effect of thermal damage, in the form of a martensite spot on pearlitic steel test bars, on the fatigue life in uniaxial low cycle fatigue experiments was investigated by the authors. However, the focus of the current work was to characterize the damage evolution from the low cycle fatigue (LCF) tests and correlate the crack initiation and propagation with the initial thermal damage. Residual stress measurements, digital image correlation, and X‐ray tomography were used to characterize the effects of the thermal damage before, during, and after fatigue testing, respectively. It was found that the thermal damage causes strain accumulation and crack initiation at the interface between the two materials. The strain evolution was visualized using digital image correlation (DIC), clearly showing the strain concentrations at the top and bottom of the white etching layers (WEL), where the residual stresses are also most tensile. X‐ray tomography confirmed the planar crack growth from the martensite spot.
Global pattern and controls of biological nitrogen fixation under nutrient enrichment: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Zheng Mianhai , Zhou Zhenghu , Luo Yiqi , Zhao Ping , Mo Jiangming 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBiological nitrogen (N) fixation (BNF), an important source of N in terrestrial ecosystems, plays a critical role in terrestrial nutrient cycling and net primary productivity. Currently, large uncertainty exists regarding how nutrient availability regulates terrestrial BNF and the drivers responsible for this process. We conducted a global meta‐analysis of terrestrial BNF in response to N, phosphorus (P), and micronutrient (Micro) addition across different biomes (i.e, tropical/subtropical forest, savanna, temperate forest, grassland, boreal forest, and tundra) and explored whether the BNF responses were affected by fertilization regimes (nutrient‐addition rates, duration, and total load) and environmental factors (mean annual temperature [MAT], mean annual precipitation [MAP], and N deposition). The results showed that N addition inhibited terrestrial BNF (by 19.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 17.7%‒20.3%); hereafter), Micro addition stimulated terrestrial BNF (30.4% [25.7%‒35.3%]), and P addition had an inconsistent effect on terrestrial BNF, i.e., inhibiting free‐living N fixation (7.5% [4.4%‒10.6%]) and stimulating symbiotic N fixation (85.5% [25.8%‒158.7%]). Furthermore, the response ratios (i.e., effect sizes) of BNF to nutrient addition were smaller in low‐latitude (<30°) biomes (8.5%‒36.9%) than in mid‐/high‐latitude (≥30°) biomes (32.9%‒61.3%), and the sensitivity (defined as the absolute value of response ratios) of BNF to nutrients in mid‐/high‐latitude biomes decreased with decreasing latitude (p ≤ 0.009; linear/logarithmic regression models). Fertilization regimes did not affect this phenomenon (p > 0.05), but environmental factors did affect it (p < 0.001) because MAT, MAP, and N deposition accounted for 5%‒14%, 10%‒32%, and 7%‒18% of the variance in the BNF response ratios in cold (MAT < 15°C), low‐rainfall (MAP < 2,500 mm), and low‐N‐deposition (<7 kg ha−1 year−1) biomes, respectively. Overall, our meta‐analysis depicts a global pattern of nutrient impacts on terrestrial BNF and indicates that certain types of global change (i.e., warming, elevated precipitation and N deposition) may reduce the sensitivity of BNF in response to nutrient enrichment in mid‐/high‐latitude biomes.
European Migrant Professionals in Chinese Global Cities: A Diversified Labour Market Integration
Authors: Camenisch Aldina , Suter Brigitte 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSince the early 2000s, Chinese metropolises have been emerging as hubs for the national and global economy. They attract increasing numbers of foreigners with diverse socio‐economic and educational backgrounds who tend to immigrate independently of the Chinese initiatives focused on “foreign talents”. Our analysis contributes to the understanding of these migrants’ integration into the labour market. Through a Bourdieusian capital lens, this article unpacks the access to the labour market and occupational positions of Swiss and Swedish migrant professionals in mainland China. Differentiated by how they can capitalize upon their educational, occupational, social and cultural resources in this specific context, the article distinguishes between three categories: corporarate expatriates, local hires and entrepreneurs and concludes with policy recommendations to stabilize their residence conditions.
Claudin‐3 – a new intestinal integrity marker in patients with psoriasis: association with disease severity
Authors: Sikora M. , Chrabąszcz M. , Waśkiel‐Burnat A. , Rakowska A. , Olszewska M. , Rudnicka L. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundGut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability play a significant role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its comorbidities. Claudin‐3 is a key component of tight junctions, which may serve as marker of gut barrier integrity.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to investigate circulating plasma claudin‐3 in patients with psoriasis and to evaluate clinical and metabolic factors, which determine its concentration.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 60 patients with psoriasis (39 men and 21 women, mean age: 45.6 ± 12.1 years) and 30 healthy controls (18 men and 12 women, mean age: 46.3 ± 15.5 years) age, sex and body mass index‐matched. Plasma claudin‐3 concentration was measured using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsPlasma claudin‐3 concentration was significantly higher in patients with psoriasis in comparison with healthy control [median (interquartile range), 50.7 ng/mL (47.3–54.2) vs. 43.3 ng/mL (42.3–44.2), P < 0.001]. Patients who achieved ΔPASI90 response after 16 weeks of treatment showed tendency to decrease in circulating claudin‐3 plasma concentration. Positive correlations between claudin‐3 concentration and the PASI score (r = 0.828; P < 0.001) as well as claudin‐3 and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (r = 0.847; P < 0.001) were found. A multivariable linear regression analysis confirmed association of claudin‐3 with the PASI score (P < 0.001), neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (P < 0.01) and active smoking (P < 0.05).ConclusionClaudin‐3, a biomarker for gut permeability, is increased in psoriasis and correlates with disease severity and smoking. Further investigations are needed to determine whether reinforcing intestinal barrier may be a new therapeutic target in psoriasis.
Evaluation of lipid oxidation and volatile compounds of traditional dry‐cured pork belly: The hyperspectral imaging and multi‐gas‐sensory approaches
Authors: Aheto Joshua H. , Huang Xingyi , Tian Xiaoyu , Lv Riqin , Dai Chunxia , Bonah Ernest , Chang Xianhui 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis study examined the feasibility of using hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to predict thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values as by‐products of lipid oxidation during traditional processing of dry‐cured meat. Using the spectral data of HSI and reference values of TBARS, models based on partial least square regression were tested. Prediction outcomes, Rp = 0.71, RMSEP = 1.10 and Rp = 0.77, RMSEP = 0.97 were obtained after preprocessing with first and second derivatives (second‐order polynomial), respectively. Preprocessing with standard normal variate, and multiplicative scatter correction yielded lower values, Rp = 0.64, RMSEP = 1.21 and Rp = 0.52, RMSEP = 1.40, respectively. Results obtained indicated that the HSI was capable of monitoring TBARS values as a lipid oxidation index during meat processing. Volatile fingerprint results for all processing phases were also obtained following analysis by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) and a mass spectrometry (MS) detector. The MS was deployed to provide names and proportions of the volatile components while IMS was used to visualize the topographic maps of the individual volatile components. The GC‐IMS proved to be very versatile considering the little time it required to identify the volatile fingerprints of the various samples.Practical applicationsThe conventional methods for determining lipid oxidation in meat are highly destructive and time‐consuming and require the use of hazardous chemicals. This study evaluated the feasibility of the hyperspectral imaging (HSI) and gas chromatography coupled to ion mobility spectrometry (GC‐IMS) and a mass spectrometry detector to rapidly predict thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and analyze volatile components during lipid oxidation. The HSI was successful in predicting TBARS values as by‐products of oxidation. The results obtained proved that the methods presented can be useful for industries to simultaneously estimate various quality attributes of samples to save time, labor, and cost, which reflects economic importance. Additionally, the recurrence of hexanal during analysis volatile compounds means industries should be mindful of it as it acts as a marker for lipid oxidation in muscle food products. Finally, the topographic plots generated by the GC‐IMS are also very useful for easy differentiation of samples.