bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate governance of Islamic banks
Authors: Grassa Rihab , Matoussi Hamadi 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– This paper aims to understand the current governance practices and governance structure of Islamic banks (IBs) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia countries with the purpose of providing relevant information in guiding the future development of the governance system for IBs. As well, the paper discusses and compares the state of the governance system in GCC countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and Southeast Asia countries (Malaysia and Indonesia).

Design/methodology/approach
– The study utilizes descriptive analysis approach in extracting and analyzing data collected for 83 IBs observed for the period 2002-2011. The authors test for differences in means and medians of corporate governance attributes between a sample of IBs in GCC countries and another one for Southeast Asia countries. They use selected variables of corporate governance of different governance structures, namely, the ownership structure, the board of directors, the Shariah board and the CEO attributes.

Findings
– The paper findings argue that there are significant differences and divergence of corporate governance structure of IBs in GCC countries and those in Southeast Asia countries. This position acknowledges that there are shortcomings to the existing governance framework for IBs which needs further improvement and standardization.

Practical implications
– The paper is a very useful source of information that may provide relevant guidelines in guiding the future development of corporate governance of IBs. As well, the paper provides relevant guidelines for improving regulations and laws covering the governance of IBs.

Originality/value
– This paper provides fresh data and recent information on the actual corporate governance system in IBs in GCC and Southeast Asia countries. As well, the paper discusses a significant shortage in corporate governance literature of Islamic finance.
Value of analyst recommendations
Authors: Farooq Omar , Id Ali Latifa 
Published: August 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to document performance of analysts’ recommendations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the period between 1999 and 2010.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper uses post-announcement market-adjusted returns as a measure of performance and computes returns for different holding periods. Significant positive (negative) returns following buy (sell) recommendation will indicate value relevance of these recommendations.

Findings
– The authors show that analysts’ buy recommendations have significant information in them, while their sell recommendations contain no significant information. Significant positive returns are reported following analysts’ buy recommendations and insignificant returns following their sell recommendations. Furthermore, it is also shown that these results hold true only in markets where institutions are relatively strong (common law countries and countries with stronger property rights) and for firms which have lower agency conflicts (firms that pay dividends and have concentrated ownership). For markets where institutions are relatively weak and for firms which have greater agency conflicts, these results show no value in analysts’ recommendations.

Practical implications
– These results imply that investors should not blindly follow analyst recommendations while making their investment decisions in the MENA region.

Originality/value
– This paper makes detailed analysis of analyst recommendations in previously unexplored MENA region. Some conditions under which analyst recommendation have no value and some conditions under which they have partial value have also been identified.
Physiological Factors Influencing Toughness in Cooked Saddletail Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus)
Authors: Forrest Andrew John , Exley Paul , Mayze John , Paulo Carl , Williams David , Sikes Anita , Poole Susan Elizabeth 
Published: August 2014

AbstractSaddletail snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) is a commercially significant tropical species in Australia and has been the subject of consumer complaints of extreme toughness in cooked fillets. Textural and biochemical analyses including collagen and hydroxylysyl pyridinoline (PYD) cross‐links concentrations were conducted on 101 commercially harvested Saddletail snapper to identify causes of toughness. Fish age was found to account for 75.6% of observed variation in cooked muscle texture (work done) of Saddletail snapper. A significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) between PYD content and cooked muscle texture was also identified accounting for 50.3% of observed variation. The concentration ratio of PYD to total collagen (TC) ranged from 0.04 to 0.38 mol PYD per mol of TC. Fish size was also found to be a poor indicator of fish age and therefore a poor indicator of the potential risk of toughness of the cooked muscle.
Transcriptome annotation and marker discovery in white bass (Morone chrysops) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Authors: Li Chao , Beck Benjamin H. , Fuller S. Adam , Peatman Eric 
Published: August 2014

SummaryStriped bass (Morone saxatilis) and white bass (Morone chrysops) are the parental species of the hybrid striped bass, a major U.S. aquaculture species. Currently, genomic resources for striped bass, white bass, and their hybrid lag behind those of other aquaculture species. Current resources consist of a medium‐density genetic linkage map and a well‐annotated ovarian transcriptome. A well‐annotated transcriptome from across striped bass and white bass tissues is needed to advance both broad‐based RNA‐seq studies of gene expression as well as aid in more targeted studies of important genes and pathways critical for reproductive physiology and immunity. Here, we carried out Illumina‐based transcriptome sequencing and annotation in both species utilizing the trinity and trinotate packages. The assembled Moronid reference transcriptomes and identified SSRs and SNPs should advance ongoing studies of reproduction, physiology, and immunology in these species and provide markers for broodstock management and selection.
Toxic optic neuropathies: an updated review
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Zülsdorff Magdalena , Wilhelm Helmut , Tonagel Felix 
Published: August 2014

AbstractToxic optic neuropathy (TON) is caused by the damage to the optic nerve through different toxins, including drugs, metals, organic solvents, methanol and carbon dioxide. A similar clinical picture may also be caused by nutritional deficits, including B vitamins, folic acid and proteins with sulphur‐containing amino acids. This review summarizes the present knowledge on disease‐causing factors, clinical presentation, diagnostics and treatment in TON. It discusses in detail known and hypothesized relations between drugs, including tuberculostatic drugs, antimicrobial agents, antiepileptic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, disulfiram, halogenated hydroquinolones, antimetabolites, tamoxifen and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and optic neuropathy.
Index of contrast sensitivity (ICS) in pseudophakic eyes with different intraocular lens designs
Authors: Eppig Timo , Filser Eva , Goeppert Hanno , Schroeder Andreas C. , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim 
Published: August 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the index of contrast sensitivity (ICS) in eyes after cataract surgery with various intraocular lens designs and to compare with the area under log contrast sensitivity curve (AULCSF).MethodsThe study comprised 395 eyes of 198 patients in the age of 73.1 ± 7.86 years receiving 11 different aspheric IOL designs (aberration‐free and correcting) and a spherical (IOL) as control group. Follow‐up examination after bilateral cataract surgery was completed within 71 ± 21.4 days after second IOL implantation. Patients underwent complete examination and biometry before surgery. The follow‐up examination included visual acuity, pupil diameter, residual spherical aberration and mesopic as well as photopic contrast sensitivity (CS) measured with the Optec 6500 Functional Vision Analyzer. From the contrast sensitivity, we calculated the ICS according to Haughom and Strand.ResultsThe median mesopic ICS was −144, −131 and −85, and the median photopic ICS was −289, −285 and −212 for the spherical, aberration‐free and aberration‐correcting IOL group, respectively. While we could not detect a significant difference between the aberration groups in some spatial frequencies, the ICS showed a significant difference between the aberration‐correcting and the aberration‐free or the spherical group, respectively. No significant difference was found between the aberration‐free and the spherical group.ConclusionsThe ICS is a useful index for evaluation of overall CS and comparison of different patient groups. With aberration‐correcting IOLs, ICS was statistically better than with aberration‐free or spherical IOLs, whereas the latter two showed no significant difference.
Review of Italian primary care paediatricians identifies 38 commonly prescribed drugs for children
Authors: Piovani Daniele , Clavenna Antonio , Bonati Maurizio ,   PeFAB group
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimMost Italian children are cared for by a family paediatrician until they are 14 years old, and their duties include prescribing drugs recommended by specialists so that they are free. This study aimed to draw up a list of the drugs most commonly prescribed by family paediatricians.MethodsWe surveyed 64 experienced family paediatricians to find out what drugs they prescribed over an 8‐week period, including those recommended by a specialist, using cartons of drugs as the unit of measurement. A list of commonly prescribed drugs was then drawn up.ResultsA total of 381 active substances were prescribed. The most commonly prescribed drugs were amoxicillin (25.8% of the cartons), amoxicillin clavulanate (9.2%) and cetirizine (9.0%). The most commonly prescribed drug classes were antibiotics (43.8%), anti‐asthmatics (12.9%) and antihistamines (11.8%). A list of 38 commonly prescribed drugs belonging to 16 therapeutic subgroups and covering 83.1% of cartons was identified. Of these, 33 were prescribed by 50% or more of the paediatricians and five were mainly prescribed following the recommendation of a specialist.ConclusionOur review of the prescribing habits of family paediatricians showed that 38 commonly prescribed drugs were sufficient to treat most common diseases in children under 15 years of age.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor accelerates gut motility in slow‐transit constipation
Authors: Chen F. , Yu Y. , Wang P. , Dong Y. , Wang T. , Zuo X. , Li Y. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a critical role in gut motility. We aimed to investigate BDNF's physiologic effects on gut motility in slow‐transit constipation (STC) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.MethodsBDNF expression and alterations of colonic nerve fibre density in STC patients were first investigated. BDNF's effects on gastrointestinal motility of both BDNF+/− mice and loperamide‐induced constipation mice were then examined in vivo and in vitro. Smooth muscle α‐actin (α‐SMA) expression, and nerve fibre, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) alterations were investigated. Finally, the effects of BDNF‐induced TrkB‐phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate (TrkB‐PLC/IP3) pathway activation on gut motility were investigated.ResultsIn STC patients, BDNF expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and mucosal nerve fibre ultrastructural degenerations were demonstrated. Gut motility was decreased in vivo and in vitro in BDNF+/− and constipation mice, with BDNF dose‐dependently increasing gut motility. In BDNF+/− mice, α‐SMA expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and nerve fibre, NMJ and SMC ultrastructural degenerations were observed. Finally, TrkB‐PLC/IP3 pathway antagonists dramatically attenuated BDNF's excitatory effect on gut motility, and exogenous BDNF induced an obvious increase in IP3 expression.ConclusionsBDNF plays an important regulatory role in gut motility in STC. It was mediated by altering the intestinal innervation structure, as well as smooth muscle secondary degeneration through a mechanism involving TrkB‐PLC/IP3 pathway activation.
Phase II study of targeted therapy with temozolomide in acute myeloid leukaemia and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome patients pre‐screened for low O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase expression
Authors: Brandwein Joseph M. , Kassis Jeannine , Leber Brian , Hogge Donna , Howson‐Jan Kang , Minden Mark D. , Galarneau André , Pouliot Jean‐François 
Published: August 2014

SummaryResistance to temozolomide is largely mediated by the DNA repair enzyme O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). We conducted a prospective multicentre study of patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who were not candidates for intensive therapy. Patient selection was based on MGMT expression by Western blot. Patients with MGMT:ACTB (β‐actin) ratio <0·2 were eligible to receive temozolomide 200 mg/m2/d ×7 d. Patients achieving a complete response (CR) could receive up to 12 monthly cycles of temozolomide ×5/28 d. Of 166 patients screened, 81 (49%) demonstrated low MGMT expression; 45 of these were treated with temozolomide. The overall response rate was 53%; 36% achieved complete clearance of blasts, with 27% achieving a CR/CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp). Factors associated with a trend toward a higher response rate included MDS, methylated MGMT promoter and standard cytogenetic risk group. Induction and post‐remission cycles were well‐tolerated and most patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Patient who achieved CR/CRp had a superior overall survival compared to partial or non‐responders. In conclusion, targeted therapy based on pre‐selection for low MGMT expression was associated with a higher response rate to temozolomide compared to previous reports of unselected patients.
Effects of caffeine on circadian phase, amplitude and period evaluated in cells in vitro and peripheral organs in vivo in PER2::LUCIFERASE mice
Authors: Narishige Seira , Kuwahara Mari , Shinozaki Ayako , Okada Satoshi , Ikeda Yuko , Kamagata Mayo , Tahara Yu , Shibata Shigenobu 
Published: August 2014

Background and PurposeCaffeine is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances. Circadian rhythms consist of the main suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) clocks and peripheral clocks. Although caffeine lengthens circadian rhythms and modifies phase changes in SCN‐operated rhythms, the effects on caffeine on the phase, period and amplitude of peripheral organ clocks are not known. In addition, the role of cAMP/Ca2+ signalling in effects of caffeine on rhythm has not been fully elucidated.Experimental ApproachWe examined whether chronic or transient application of caffeine affects circadian period/amplitude and phase by evaluating bioluminescence rhythm in PER2::LUCIFERASE knock‐in mice. Circadian rhythms were monitored in vitro using fibroblasts and ex vivo and in vivo for monitoring of peripheral clocks.Key ResultsChronic application of caffeine (0.1–10 mM) increased period and amplitude in vitro. Transient application of caffeine (10 mM) near the bottom of the decreasing phase of bioluminescence rhythm caused phase advance in vitro. Caffeine (0.1%) intake caused a phase delay under light–dark or constant dark conditions, suggesting a period‐lengthening effect in vivo. Caffeine (20 mg·kg−1) at daytime or at late night‐time caused phase advance or delay in bioluminescence rhythm in the liver and kidney respectively. The complicated roles of cAMP/Ca2+ signalling may be involved in the caffeine‐induced increase of period and amplitude in vitro.Conclusions and ImplicationsCaffeine affects circadian rhythm in mice by lengthening the period and causing a phase shift of peripheral clocks. These results suggest that caffeine intake with food/drink may help with food‐induced resetting of peripheral circadian clocks.
σ1 receptors activate astrocytes via p38 MAPK phosphorylation leading to the development of mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Moon J Y , Roh D H , Yoon S Y , Choi S R , Kwon S G , Choi H S , Kang S Y , Han H J , Beitz A J , Oh S B , Lee J H 
Published: August 2014

Background and PurposeSpinal astrocytes have emerged as important mechanistic contributors to the genesis of mechanical allodynia (MA) in neuropathic pain. We recently demonstrated that the spinal sigma non‐opioid intracellular receptor 1 (σ1 receptor) modulates p38 MAPK phosphorylation (p‐p38), which plays a critical role in the induction of MA in neuropathic rats. However, the histological and physiological relationships among σ1, p‐p38 and astrocyte activation is unclear.Experimental ApproachWe investigated: (i) the precise location of σ1 receptors and p‐p38 in spinal dorsal horn; (ii) whether the inhibition of σ1 receptors or p38 modulates chronic constriction injury (CCI)‐induced astrocyte activation; and (iii) whether this modulation of astrocyte activity is associated with MA development in CCI mice.Key ResultsThe expression of σ1 receptors was significantly increased in astrocytes on day 3 following CCI surgery. Sustained intrathecal treatment with the σ1 antagonist, BD‐1047, attenuated CCI‐induced increase in GFAP‐immunoreactive astrocytes, and the treatment combined with fluorocitrate, an astrocyte metabolic inhibitor, synergistically reduced the development of MA, but not thermal hyperalgesia. The number of p‐p38‐ir astrocytes and neurons, but not microglia was significantly increased. Interestingly, intrathecal BD‐1047 attenuated the expression of p‐p38 selectively in astrocytes but not in neurons. Moreover, intrathecal treatment with a p38 inhibitor attenuated the GFAP expression, and this treatment combined with fluorocitrate synergistically blocked the induction of MA.Conclusions and ImplicationsSpinal σ1 receptors are localized in astrocytes and blockade of σ1 receptors inhibits the pathological activation of astrocytes via modulation of p‐p38, which ultimately prevents the development of MA in neuropathic mice.
Building capacity for rigorous controlled trials in autism: the importance of measuring treatment adherence
Authors: McConachie H. , Fletcher‐Watson S. ,   Working Group 4, COST Action ‘Enhancing the Scientific Study of Early Autism’
Published: August 2014

AbstractResearch groups across Europe have been networking to share information and ideas about research on preschool children with autism. The paper describes preliminary work to develop capacity for future multi‐site randomized controlled trials of early intervention, with a specific focus on the need to measure treatment adherence where parents deliver therapy. The paper includes a review of randomized and controlled studies of parent‐mediated early intervention from two sources, a recent Cochrane Collaboration review and a mapping of European early intervention studies in autism published since 2002. The data extracted focused on methods for describing parent adherence, that is, how and to what extent parents carry out the strategies taught them by therapists. Less than half of the 32 studies reviewed included any measure of parent adherence. Only seven included a direct assessment method. The challenges of developing pan‐European early intervention evaluation studies are discussed, including choice of intervention model and of important outcomes, the need for translation of measurement tools and achievement of joint training to reliability of assessors. Measurement of parent–child interaction style and of adherence to strategies taught need further study.
Population ecology of heterotypic tumour cell cultures
Authors: Sega M. , Chignola R. 
Published: August 2014

AbstractObjectivesHere, we propose a population ecology perspective to describe dynamic interplay between human leukaemia and cervical cancer cells growing together in the same environment.Materials and methodsMOLT‐3 (human T‐lymphoblastic leukaemia) and HeLa (human cervical adenocarcinoma) cells were grown together or alone. Living cells were measured using flow cytometry, by counting propidium iodide‐negative cells either CD5+ (MOLT‐3) or CD55+ (HeLa). We developed a mathematical model to take into account possible interactions between cells and among cells and their environmental niches. Model equations were then fitted to growth data.ResultsEcological interactions that require direct cell contact and indirect mechanisms acting on cell niches, successfully modelled cell population growth. Predicted heterotypic adhesion between the two different cell types was demonstrated experimentally.ConclusionsTheoretical ecology can be assayed using human cells and, most importantly, it can provide a conceptual framework to describe and understand evolution of mixed tumour cell populations.
Reduced sexual functionality of PI‐Wolbachia‐infected females of Tetrastichus coeruleus
Authors: Reumer Barbara M. , van Alphen Jacques J.M. , Kraaijeveld Ken 
Published: August 2014

AbstractWolbachia are endosymbiotic bacteria known to manipulate the reproduction of their hosts by, for example, inducing parthenogenesis. In most cases of Wolbachia‐induced parthenogenesis, the infection is fixed and the entire host population consists of females. In the absence of males and sexual reproduction, genes involved in sexual reproduction are not actively maintained by selection. Accumulation of neutral mutations or selection against maintenance of sexual traits may lead to their loss or deterioration. In addition, females may lose the ability to reproduce sexually due to ‘functional virginity mutations’ that may spread concomitantly with the Wolbachia infection through a population. The parasitoid wasp Tetrastichus coeruleus (Nees) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) forms an ideal model to study the decay of sexual functionality, because it has both Wolbachia‐infected, parthenogenetic populations and uninfected, sexual populations. We compared several components of sexual functionality of arrhenotokous (sexual) and thelytokous (parthenogenetic) T. coeruleus females. First, we tested whether arrhenotokous and thelytokous females were equally attractive and receptive to males. Second, we examined whether mating is costly to females by measuring the life span of mated and virgin females. Last, we studied the morphology of the spermathecae of arrhenotokous and thelytokous females. Mated females had shorter life spans than virgin females, showing that mating carried a fitness cost. Two sexual traits of thelytokous females have degraded compared to arrhenotokous females. Arrhenotokous and thelytokous females were equally attractive to males, but thelytokous females were unreceptive to males. Furthermore, there was a clear difference in spermathecal morphology between arrhenotokous and thelytokous females. Our data do not allow distinction between the various potential causes of such degradation. Although the longevity cost of mating may indicate selection against the maintenance of costly sexual traits, accumulation of neutral mutations, functional virginity mutations, manipulation by Wolbachia, and/or the genetic distance between the two populations may all have contributed to the decay of sexual traits in thelytokous females.