bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of underdominance gene drive systems in continuous space
Authors: Champer Jackson , Zhao Joanna , Zhao Joanna , Champer Samuel E. , Liu Jingxian , Messer Philipp W. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTUnderdominance gene drive systems promise a mechanism for rapidly spreading payload alleles through a local population while otherwise remaining confined, unable to spread into neighboring populations due to their frequency-dependent dynamics. Such systems could provide a new tool in the fight against vector-borne diseases by disseminating transgenic payloads through vector populations. If local confinement can indeed be achieved, the decision-making process for the release of such constructs would likely be considerably simpler compared to other gene drive mechanisms such as CRISPR homing drives. So far, the confinement ability of underdominance systems has only been demonstrated in models of panmictic populations linked by migration. How such systems would behave in realistic populations where individuals move over continuous space remains largely unknown. Here, we study several underdominance systems in continuous-space population models and show that their dynamics are drastically altered from those in panmictic populations. Specifically, we find that all underdominance systems we studied can fail to persist in such environments, even after successful local establishment. At the same time, we find that a two-locus two-toxin-antitoxin system can still successfully invade neighboring populations in many scenarios even under weak migration. This suggests that the parameter space for underdominance systems to both establish in a given region and remain confined to that region would likely be highly limited. Overall, these results indicate that spatial context must be considered when assessing strategies for the deployment of underdominance systems.
JNK-IN-8, a c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor, improves functional recovery through suppressing neuroinflammation in ischemic stroke
Authors: Tang Hongli , Dai Qinxue , Hong Wandong , Han Kunyuan , Jia Danyun , Mo Yunchang , Lv Ya , Fu Hongxing , Zheng Jianjian , Geng Wujun 
Published: October 2018

Abstractc-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), a mitogen activated protein kinase, is activated in ischemia brain injury and plays an important role in cerebral ischemic injury. Emerging studies demonstrated that JNK-IN-8 (a specific JNK inhibitor) regulates traumatic brain injury through controlling neuronal apoptosis and inflammation. However, the role of JNK-IN-8 in ischemic stroke and the underlying mechanisms of JNK-IN-8 involving neuroprotection remain poorly understood. In the present study, male rats were subjected to tMCAO (transient middle cerebral artery occlusion) followed by treatment with JNK-IN-8, and then the modified improved neurological function score (mNSS), the Foot-fault test and the level of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) were assessed. We found that JNK-IN-8-treated rats with MCAO exerted a significant improvement in spatial learning as measured by the improved mNSS, and showed sensorimotor functional recovery as measured by the Foot-fault test. JNK-IN-8 also exerted anti-inflammatory effects as indicated by decreased activation of microglia and the decreased expresson of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α. Furthermore, JNK-IN-8 suppressed the activation of JNK and subsequent activation of NF-κB signaling as indicated by the decreased level of phosphorylated JNK (p-JNK) and p65. These data suggest that JNK-IN-8 suppressed neuroinflammation and improved neurological function by inhibiting JNK/NF-κB pathway after ischemic brain injury, thus offering a new target for prevention of ischemic brain injury.
MicroRNA-200c suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ovarian cancer by targeting cofilin-2
Authors: Yu Xuechen , Zhang Yuanzhen , Zhang Wei , Chen Huijun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of microRNA-200c (miR-200c) and cofilin-2 (CFL2) in regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in ovarian cancer. The level of miR-200c was lower in invasive SKOV3 cells than that in non-invasive OVCAR3 cells, whereas CFL2 showed the opposite trend. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter gene assays indicated that CFL2 was a direct target of miR-200c. Furthermore, SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells were transfected with miR-200c mimic or inhibitor, pCDH-CFL2 (CFL2 overexpression), or CFL2 shRNA (CFL2 silencing). MiR-200c inhibition and CFL2 overexpression resulted in elevated levels of both CFL2 and vimentin while reducing E-cadherin expression. They also increased ovarian cancer cell invasion and migrationin vitroandin vivoand increased the tumor volumes. Conversely, miR-200c mimic and CFL2 shRNA exerted the opposite effects as those aforementioned. In addition, the effects of pCDH-CFL2 and CFL2 shRNA were reversed by the miR-200c mimic and inhibitor, respectively. This finding suggested that miR-200c could be a potential tumor suppressor by targeting CFL2 in the EMT process.
Acute but not inherited demyelination in mouse models leads to brain tissue stiffness changes
Authors: Eberle Dominic , Fodelianaki Georgia , Kurth Thomas , Jagielska Anna , Möllmert Stephanie , Ulbricht Elke , Wagner Katrin , Taubenberger Anna V. , Träber Nicole , Escolano Joan-Carles , Franklin Robin , Van Vliet Krystyn J. , Guck Jochen 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe alteration or decrease of axonal myelination is an important hallmark of aging and disease. Demyelinated axons are impaired in their function and degenerate over time. Oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for myelination of axons, are sensitive to mechanical properties of their environment. Growing evidence indicates that mechanical properties of demyelinating lesions are different from the healthy state and thus have the potential to affect myelinating potential of oligodendrocytes. We performed a high-resolution spatial mapping of the mechanical heterogeneity of demyelinating lesions using Atomic Force Microscope enabled indentation. Our results indicate that the stiffness of specific regions of mouse brain tissue is influenced by age and degree of myelination. Here we specifically demonstrate that acute but not inherited demyelination leads to decreased tissue stiffness, which could lower remyelination potential of oligodendrocytes. We also demonstrate that specific brain regions have unique ranges of stiffness in white and grey matter. Our ex vivo findings may help the design of future in vitro models to mimic mechanical environment of the brain in healthy and disease state. Reported here, mechanical properties of demyelinating lesions may facilitate novel approaches in treating demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Cortico-brainstem mechanisms of biased perceptual decision-making in the context of pain
Authors: Wiech K. , Eippert F. , Vandekerckhove J. , Zaman J. , Placek K. , Tuerlinckx F. , Vlaeyen J.W.S. , Tracey I. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPerceptual decision-making is commonly studied using stimuli with different physical properties but of comparable affective value. Here, we investigate neural processes underlying human perceptual decisions in the affectively rich domain of pain using a drift-diffusion model in combination with a probabilistic cueing paradigm. This allowed us to characterize a novel role for the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC), whose anticipatory responses reflecting a decision bias were dependent on the affective value of the stimulus. During intense noxious stimulation, these model-based anticipatory DLPFC responses were linked to an engagement of the periaqueductal gray (PAG), a midbrain region implicated in defensive responses including analgesia. Complementing these findings on biased decision-making, the model parameter reflecting sensory processing predicted subcortical responses (in amygdala and PAG) when expectations were violated. Our findings highlight the importance of taking a broader perspective on perceptual decisions and link decisions about pain with subcortical circuitry implicated in endogenous pain modulation.
Probing the circuits of conscious perception with magnetophosphenes
Authors: Modolo J. , Hassan M. , Ruffini G. , Legros A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundConscious perception is thought to involve the large-scale, coordinated activation of distant brain regions, a process termed ignition in the Global Workspace Theory and integration in Integrated Information Theory, which are two of the major theories of consciousness.MethodsHere, we provide evidence for this process in humans by combining a magnetically-induced phosphene perception task with electroencephalography. Functional cortical networks were identified and characterized using graph theory to quantify the impact of conscious perception on local (segregation) and distant (integration) processing.ResultsConscious phosphene perception activated frequency-specific networks, each associated with a specific spatial scale of information processing. Integration increased within an alpha-band functional network, while segregation occurred in the beta band.ConclusionsThese results bring novel evidence for the functional role of distinct brain oscillations and confirm the key role of integration processes for conscious perception in humans.
Catch me if you can: Species interactions and moon illumination effect on mammals of tropical semi-evergreen forest of Manas National Park, Assam, India
Authors: Bhatt U.M. , Habib B. , Sarma H.K. , Lyngdoh S.L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSpecies interaction plays a vital role in structuring communities by stimulating behavioral responses in temporal niche affecting the sympatric associations and prey-predator relationships. We studied relative abundance indices (RAI) and activity patterns of each species, temporal overlap between sympatric species, and effects of moon cycle on predator-prey relationships, through camera-trapping in tropical semi-evergreen forests of Manas National Park. A total of 35 species were photo-captured with 16214 independent records over 7337 trap nights. Overall, relatively high number of photographs was obtained for large herbivores (11 species, n=13669), and low number of photographs were recorded for large carnivores (five species, n=657). Activity periods were classified into four categories: diurnal (day-time), nocturnal (night-time), crepuscular (twilight), and cathemeral (day and night time) of which 52% records were found in diurnal period followed by 37% in nocturnal phase whereas only 11% photographs during twilight. Small carnivores were strictly nocturnal (leopard cat and civets) or diurnal (yellow-throated marten and mongooses); whereas large carnivores were cathemeral (tiger, leopard, clouded leopard and Asiatic black bear). Analysis of activity patterns throughout the 24-h cycle revealed a high degree of temporal overlap (>60%) among most of the sympatric species; however, differences in the activity peaks were found between most of the species pairs. Moon phase was classified according to the percentage of visible moon surface as new (0-25%), waxing (25-50%), waning (50-75%) and full moon (75-100%). Moon phase did not have any correlation with activity of large carnivore and large prey. The large carnivore followed the feed and starve pattern of cyclic activity. The activity of small carnivore was influenced negatively by moonlight (partial correlationr = −0.221, p<0.01). The result suggests that large carnivores were active non-differentially across moon phases; however, small carnivores showed significantly high activity in darker nights. These patterns indicate that small predators may differ their activity temporally as an anti-predator strategy or otherwise to increase their foraging efficiency.
Axl-mediated activation of TBK1 drives epithelial plasticity in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Cruz Victoria H. , Arner Emily N. , Du Wenting , Bremauntz Alberto E. , Brekken Rolf A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is characterized by an activating mutation in KRAS, which is critical for the biology of PDA progression. Direct inhibition of KRAS through pharmacological means remains a challenge; however, targeting key KRAS effectors has therapeutic potential. We investigated the contribution of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a critical downstream effector of mutant active KRAS, to PDA progression. We report that higher levels of TBK1 mRNA are associated with poorer overall survival in human PDA patients and that TBK1 supports the growth and metastasis of KRAS-mutant PDA by driving an epithelial plasticity program in tumor cells that enhances invasive and metastatic capacity. Further, we identify that the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl induces TBK1 activity in a Ras-RalB-dependent manner. These findings demonstrate that TBK1 is central to an Axl-driven epithelial-mesenchymal transition in KRAS-mutant PDA and suggest that interruption of the Axl-TBK1 signaling cascade above or below KRAS has potential therapeutic efficacy in this recalcitrant disease.
Triggering the emergence of digital ecosystems: the role of mobile and video games in emerging economies
Authors: Simon Jean Paul 
Published: October 2018

PurposeThis paper aims to shed some light on the role of video games within the media industry and IT sector, on its contribution to the production and distribution of digital content in emerging economies. It offers a case study on the role of mobile devices as a factor of transformation and shows how under changing socio–economic conditions, the transformations enabled the creation of digital ecosystems and innovative business models.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on desk research, a review of literature and trade press and comments from experts and industry players.FindingsThe paper argues that as the internet is going mobile, driven by data – mostly video – the new mobile platforms are becoming the key for the distribution of content and mobile games. Whether it is the history of browser games in China, mobile games in India or PC games in Russia, each national gaming industry has required a unique strategy for making money, building on some prominent cultural factors and adapting to the local economic conditions. The paper reveals that video games are now clearly a vital part of digital content production in these countries, while stressing upon the role of public policies.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper relies mostly on industry and consultancy data, as in such a fast-changing environment official data even when accessible are in most cases too old to remain relevant to identify the trends and the fast changing stakes. This calls for some caution about the data. Therefore, the data used should be treated as just signals of potential trends, sufficient to provide an appropriate overview of the evolution of the global mobile ecosystem.Practical implicationsThis paper shows that the video games industry can serve as a pivot for the ICT industry. Besides, this prompts upstream and downstream industries of the entire digital entertainment market to thrive.Social implicationsThe paper shows that companies from emerging markets companies have been betting on a combination of factors: the development of the economies, the growth of the mobile market, emerging middle-classes and young customers. It provides a growth model that appears to be close to a “regular” industrial growth model.Originality/valueAlthough there is a growing academic literature on the video games industry, few research have been devoted to specific issues of emerging economies and to the role of video games within the media industry and IT sector.
Talent management in higher education: is turnover relevant?
Authors: Gandy Rob , Harrison Patricia , Gold Jeff 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
Institution-wide staff turnover in universities might be considered “satisfactory”, but can mask wide counterbalancing patterns between departments and different staff. This paper aims to explore the benefits of detailed turnover analysis in managing talent in the complex changing landscape of Higher Education in the UK.

Design/methodology/approach
Staff turnover was analysed for both new recruits and staff leaving, as well as net turnover. The inverted Nomogramma di Gandy highlighted overall patterns and outliers. Staff characteristics examined included age, gender, staff type and contractual status.

Findings
There were (wide) variations in staff turnover for age, gender and type of contract, with particularly high turnover for research staff (influenced by the use of fixed-term contracts). This disproportionately affected younger staff, who are more likely than their elders to seek employment elsewhere, but might stay if there are career opportunities and development. Practical processes are suggested to improve intelligence that enables the best talent to be identified and retained, support a life-span perspective and inform emerging issues such as gender pay differentials.

Originality/value
Given the increasing complexity of managing talent in universities, with their predominantly knowledge-type employees, the research serves to highlight that high localized staff turnover can adversely impact on a university’s research capacity, which in turn presents risks to the achievement of its strategic aims and objectives. Therefore, detailed scrutiny of staff turnover dynamics can pinpoint where recruitment and retention policies and practice require focus.
Unfair dismissal in the Mauritius context: a comparative study
Authors: Beebeejaun Ambareen 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the concept of unfair dismissal and to assess the extent to which the Employment Rights Act 2008 is affording protection to employees in Mauritius. The purpose of this study is to also demonstrate that as employees form an integral part of their workplace, their employment cannot be terminated without substantive and procedural fairness. The paper will provide some recommendations to cater for loopholes in existing Mauritius employment legislations.

Design/Methodology/Approach
To critically examine the topic, the black letter approach is adopted to detail legislations and judgments of courts on the subject matter. A comparative analysis with some other jurisdictions’ employment legislations is also carried out to define, explain and examine the concepts of dismissal, substantive causes such as misconduct and procedural fairness.

Findings
From the methodologies used, it is found that a substantial reason is not sufficient to conclude whether a dismissal is fair. The law of unfair dismissal has introduced some procedural safeguards to protect the employee from being unfairly and unjustifiably dismissed. The procedural requirements act as guidelines to employers and if they are not followed properly, the dismissal will be unfair. Unfair dismissal needs to be accompanied by remedies from employers, and monetary compensation has been found to be the most appropriate remedy.

Originality/Value
This paper is amongst the first research work conducted in Mauritius that compares the law of unfair dismissal and its implications with the laws of England and South Africa. The study is carried out with a view to provide practical recommendations in this area of employment law to the relevant stakeholders concerned.
Neoliberal shareholder value and the re-privatization of corporations
Authors: Nwoke Uchechukwu , Ajibo Collins Chikodi , Umahi Timothy Okechukwu 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the extent to which the ideology of shareholder value is compatible with that of transformative corporate social responsibility (CSR). It traces the transformation of corporations from quasi-public institutions at inception to purely private enterprises beginning from the middle of the nineteenth century and attempts to locate the ideology of CSR within the wider viewpoint of shareholder value.

Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts a doctrinal approach through a critical evaluation of the nature and implications of the shareholder value ideology. Using existing literature in the area, it traces the evolution of the shareholder value ideology and how it is antithetical to any meaningful CSR regime.

Findings
The paper finds that there is a fundamental tension between ideas about the desirability of effective CSR and the belief that it is to the benefit of society as a whole for corporations to be run solely in the interest of their shareholders and for managers to seek to maximize shareholder value. This ideological tension renders contemporary CSR ineffective.

Originality/value
The paper offers a fresh insight or analysis into the transformation of corporations from quasi-social institutions to purely private enterprises in the middle of the nineteenth century. It does this by engaging in a historical narrative of the evolution of the corporate form and how contemporary ideas of shareholder value have resulted in the emergence of a contemporary CSR devoid of the radical spirit of CSR in the 1950s and 1960s.
The moderation effect of customer orientation variable on the influence of professional competence toward the quality of strategy implementation
Authors: Wahyono Wahyono 
Published: October 2018

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the moderation effect of customer orientation variable on the influence of professional competence toward the quality of strategy implementation.

Design/methodology/approach
This research is quantitative explanative associative, which is trying to explain the causality relationship between exogenous and endogenous variables. The research was conducted in the Shariah banking office in Central Java Province. The population of this research is all top and middle levels of Shariah Commercial Bank in Central Java region. The sampling technique used in this research is non-probability sampling, that is, purposive sampling, which is the method of determining the sample based on certain criteria and the research sample obtained is 113 respondents. The research approach used is quantitative with the analysis tool of Generalized Structure Component Analysis.

Findings
There is influence of professional competence variable and customer orientation on quality of implementation strategy. The higher the professional competence and customer orientation, the higher the quality of strategy implementation. It is also found that customer orientation moderates the influence of professional competence variables, which are quasi-moderating and reinforcing.

Originality/value
This research has two sources of problems, which are research gap and business phenomenon. Research on Drucker’s business purpose (1954) is realized when a firm identifies the relationship between strategic methods and its ability to generate profits. This research attempts to solve the problem or gap between market orientation and business performance, which has been widely researched by marketing experts, but still shows controversial results. In this research, the researcher takes the definition of Narver and Slater (1990) to examine market orientation because the mostly found empirical research on market orientation and innovation (Han, et.al. 1998; Subin and Workman, 2004; Ferrel and Luke, 2000) has used this conceptualization and its associated operations. Therefore, to compare and distinguish the results of this research with the results of previous research, this research uses the definition of Narver and Slater (1990). No previous study has comprehensively studied the moderating effects of customer orientation on the relation between profesional competence toward quality of strategy implementation, especially in a commercial bank in Central Java region.