bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate Governance in the Debate on CSR and Ethics: Sensemaking of Social Issues in Management by Authorities and CEOs
Authors: Fassin Yves , Van Rossem Annick 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: EmpiricalResearch Question/Issue: The goal of the present exploratory cognitive study is to uncover how opinion leaders – CEOs and other authorities in the domain of social issues in management – understand and differentiate the various concepts pertaining to corporate governance, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and business ethics. The present study with the Repertory Grid Technique (RGT) extends the analysis to the whole spectrum of social issues in management. For this research 41 RGT interviews were conducted in Belgium with top experts and CEOs of the Belgian economy and civil society.Research Findings/Results: Both authorities and CEOs pragmatically and rather clearly differentiate the various concepts related to corporate governance, CSR, and business ethics. Our findings partially reject the confusion in terminology noticed in recent academic literature and in corporate communication, emphasizing increased vagueness and overlapping of the concepts around corporate governance, CSR, and business ethics.Theoretical Implications: While CSR is seen as the best candidate for an umbrella term, no unified paradigm has yet to be achieved in the business and social field. Three basic concepts of corporate responsibility, corporate governance, and business ethics emerge as being complementary. Corporate governance has acquired an important place in the hierarchy of business and society concepts.Practical Implications: Corporations cannot restrict their actions and communication regarding social issues in management to one single domain. Several complementary issues have to be addressed simultaneously. This combined multi‐dimensional approach will result in mutual reinforcements of the message.
Standard Oriented Environmental Policy: Cost-Effectiveness and Incentives for ‘Green Technology’
Authors: Endres Alfred , Rundshagen Bianca 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
In their seminal 1971 paper, W. J. Baumol and W. E. Oates analyzed effluent charges and ‘command and control’ regarding their ability to attain a given standard of environmental quality at minimum cost. In the subsequent literature, transferable discharge permits (TDPs) have been added to the portfolio of standard oriented environmental policy instruments. We place these instruments in a dynamic context. Here, cost minimization is defined in an intertemporal setting allowing for induced technical change. It turns out that the relative performance of alternative policy instruments regarding their ‘dynamic cost-effectiveness’ crucially depends on the information available to the involved agents. Under adverse informational conditions, only a TDP system with future markets is dynamically cost-effective.
Remaining complaints 1 year after treatment for acute Lyme neuroborreliosis; frequency, pattern and risk factors
Authors: Ljøstad U. , Mygland Å. 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose:  To chart remaining complaints 1 year after treatment for neuroborreliosis, and to identify risk factors for a non‐favorable outcome.Methods:  We followed patients treated for neuroborreliosis prospectively, and assessed outcome by a composite clinical score. The impact on outcome of clinical, demographic and laboratory factors were analyzed by univariate analyses and logistic regression.Results:  Out of 85 patients 41 (48%) had remaining complaints; 14 had objective findings and 27 subjective symptoms. Remaining complaints were associated with pre‐treatment symptom duration ≥6 weeks (OR = 4.062, P = 0.044), high pre‐treatment cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cell count (OR = 1.005, P = 0.001), and female gender (OR = 3.218, P = 0.025). Presence of CSF oligoclonal bands (OCBs) was not analyzed in the logistic regression model due to many missing observations, but was found to be more frequent both pre‐treatment (P = 0.004) and after 12 months (P = 0.015) among patients with remaining complaints as compared to patients with complete recovery. Further evaluation showed that objective remaining findings, and not subjective symptoms, were associated with pre‐treatment symptom duration ≥6 weeks.No difference in outcome was observed between patients treated with IV ceftriaxone and patients treated with oral doxycycline.Conclusion:  Remaining complaints are common after neuroborreliosis. The majority of the complaints are subjective. Pre‐treatment symptom duration ≥6 weeks, high pre‐treatment CSF cell count, and female gender seem to be risk factors for remaining complaints. Presence of CSF OCBs may also predict a non‐favorable outcome, but this should be further studied. Whether subjective and objective complaints are associated with different risk factors is also an issue for future studies.
Acoustic communication in crocodilians: from behaviour to brain
Authors: Vergne A. L. , Pritz M. B. , Mathevon N. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTCrocodilians and birds are the modern representatives of Phylum Archosauria. Although there have been recent advances in our understanding of the phylogeny and ecology of ancient archosaurs like dinosaurs, it still remains a challenge to obtain reliable information about their behaviour. The comparative study of birds and crocodiles represents one approach to this interesting problem. One of their shared behavioural features is the use of acoustic communication, especially in the context of parental care. Although considerable data are available for birds, information concerning crocodilians is limited. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge about acoustic communication in crocodilians, from sound production to hearing processes, and to stimulate research in this field.Juvenile crocodilians utter a variety of communication sounds that can be classified into various functional categories: (1) “hatching calls”, solicit the parents at hatching and fine‐tune hatching synchrony among siblings; (2) “contact calls”, thought to maintain cohesion among juveniles; (3) “distress calls”, induce parental protection; and (4) “threat and disturbance calls”, which perhaps function in defence. Adult calls can likewise be classified as follows: (1) “bellows”, emitted by both sexes and believed to function during courtship and territorial defence; (2) “maternal growls”, might maintain cohesion among offspring; and (3) “hisses”, may function in defence. However, further experiments are needed to identify the role of each call more accurately as well as systematic studies concerning the acoustic structure of vocalizations. The mechanism of sound production and its control are also poorly understood. No specialized vocal apparatus has been described in detail and the motor neural circuitry remains to be elucidated. The hearing capabilities of crocodilians appear to be adapted to sound detection in both air and water. The ear functional anatomy and the auditory sensitivity of these reptiles are similar in many respects to those of birds. The crocodilian nervous system likewise shares many features with that of birds, especially regarding the neuroanatomy of the auditory pathways. However, the functional anatomy of the telencephalic auditory areas is less well understood in crocodilians compared to birds.
Strategies of survival and resource exploitation in the Antarctic fellfield ecosystem
Authors: Block W. , Lewis Smith R. I. , Kennedy A. D. 
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACTAntarctic fellfields present organisms with a heterogeneous habitat characterised by a wide variety of environmental stresses. These include low temperatures, limited moisture availability, frequent and often rapid freeze‐thaw and hydration‐dehydration cycles, exposure to high photosynthetic photon flux density and ultraviolet (uv) irradiance, seasonal snow cover, high winds, cryoturbation and, depending on location south of the Antarctic Circle, considerable daylight in summer. Most of these factors vary both predictably and unpredictably in spatial and temporal planes. In response to this adverse environment, fellfield organisms have developed a variety of strategies to overcome physiological stress and to exploit the limited resources available during the short austral growing season. A high degree of synchronisation exists, so that investment in non‐essential activity and adaptations is minimised.Here, we review the combined suites of co‐adapted traits used by different fellfield taxa to achieve energy acquisition, growth and reproduction under adverse levels of two principal limiting factors: low temperatures and the scarcity of water. To this end, a detailed characterisation of the Antarctic fellfield microenvironment is followed by a synthesis of available data on the morphology, physiology, life history and behaviour of successful Antarctic flora and fauna. Tolerance of low temperatures by fellfield organisms is achieved by elevation of standard metabolism, production and accumulation of cryoprotectants, supercooling, melanic pigmentation, behavioural avoidance, compact growth forms and synchronised reproduction and extended life cycles. Low moisture conditions are overcome by dehydration resistance, anhydrobiosis, development of resting stages and by behavioural avoidance of desiccating conditions.Occupancy of the Antarctic fellfield habitat is considered to require the ability to respond rapidly to ephemeral resources and to tolerate severe environmental stresses. During summer, organisms rely on opportunism to maintain a positive energy balance. During winter, resistance adaptations are used to withstand the potentially lethal climate, especially in habitats not protected by snow cover. This deterministic framework has led to the selection of species that are genetically and physiologically pre‐adapted for resource acquisition yet sufficiently robust to withstand cold and desiccation stresses. Non‐adapted taxa fail to become established. Despite the environmental selection pressures, available evidence suggests that colonisation of the fellfield habitat has not required the evolution of any adaptations, only the refinement of those already possessed to an extent by some temperate forms. This has led to the convergence of survival strategies. It is hypothesised that, in the short term, the majority of Antarctic fellfield biota are able to absorb the predicted effects of a changing climate by their high levels of physiological tolerance and life‐cycle flexibility.
Highly frequent anti‐idiotype antibody in cynomolgus monkeys developed against mouse‐derived regions of anti‐Fas antibody humanized by complementarity determining region grafting
Authors: Saito‐Yabe M , Yoshigae Y , Takasaki W , Kurihara A , Ikeda T , Okazaki O 
Published: July 2009

Background and purpose: We investigated the immunogenicity of a humanized anti‐human Fas monoclonal antibody, R‐125224, in cynomolgus monkeys to estimate its efficacy, as well as its toxicity in clinical situations.Experimental approach: R‐125224 was intravenously administered to cynomolgus monkeys at single doses of 0.4, 1.2, 6 and 30 mg·kg−1, and the plasma concentrations of R‐125224 and anti‐R‐125224 antibody (ARA) were measured. We conducted a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay to determine which part of R‐125224 was recognized by ARA. We also examined the retention of radioactivity in mononuclear cells and granulocytes after the injection of [125I]‐R‐125224 to a collagen‐induced arthritis monkey model.Key results: After i.v. administration of R‐125224, the elimination of the plasma R‐125224 concentrations was accelerated at around 10 days post‐dose, and 10 of 12 monkeys were ARA positive. From an epitope analysis of ARA, the ARA produced in monkeys recognized the mouse‐derived regions located in complementarity determining regions, but could not recognize the human IgG. After the injection of [125I]‐R‐125224 to a collagen‐induced arthritis monkey model, a significantly longer retention of the radioactivity in mononuclear cells compared to granulocytes was observed.Conclusions and implications: In monkeys, the development of antibodies against R‐125224 is rapid and highly frequent. Our hypothesis is that this highly frequent development of ARA might be due to the binding of R‐125224 to immune cells, and its circulation in monkey blood might contribute to an increase in its chances of being recognized as an immunogen.
Activities of Urease and Nickel Uptake of Helicobacter pylori Proteins are Media‐ and Host‐Dependent
Authors: Wolfram Lutz , Bauerfeind Peter 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBackground:  Nickel‐dependent urease activity and nickel supply are essential for successful colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the acidic environment of the human stomach. A comparison of media effects on these two activities have never been carried out. Additionally to H. pylori we cultivated an Escherichia coli strain expressing the urease and the nickel transporter NixA of H. pylori on the same four media and measured in all cases urease and nickel uptake activity.Aim:  To compare nickel uptake and urease activity on an inter‐ and intraspecies level.Results:  In H. pylori nickel uptake (four to 200 times) and urease activities (400 to 30,000 times) were found to be much higher in comparison to the tested E. coli strain after growth on all media. These differences could not be explained by reduced protein amounts in the heterologous host E. coli. On which media the two bacteria extracted most of the nickel were organism‐dependent: E. coli on Brucella Broth, H. pylori on Trypticase Soy Broth, and Minimal Media.Conclusion:  H. pylori took nickel much more efficiently up than E. coli. The observed differences in urease activity are most likely due to additional protein components absent in the recombinant E. coli strain. The observed variety in nickel uptake and urease activities on the different media in the same organism depended on the intrinsic nickel content and chelating capacities of media components. Different culture conditions may lead to varying results; generalizations should be concluded only after excluding their media dependence.
Oxidative Stress in Helicobacter pylori Infection: Does Supplementation with Vitamins C and E Increase the Eradication Rate?
Authors: Sezikli Mesut , Çetinkaya Züleyha Akkan , Sezikli Hayrünnisa , Güzelbulut Fatih , Tiftikçi Arzu , Tüzün İnce Ali , Gökden Yasemin , Yaşar Bülent , Atalay Sacide , Övünç Kurdaş Oya 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  This study aims to assess the antioxidant property of vitamins E and C in Helicobacter pylori infection, and to determine if adding them to standard triple therapy plus bismuth subcitrate increases the H. pylori eradication rate.Methods:  This study included 160 patients infected with H. pylori, who were randomized into one of two groups. Patients in group A (n = 80) received lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days, while patients in group B (n = 80) received vitamin C (500 mg, b.i.d.) and vitamin E (200 IU, b.i.d.) for 30 days, in addition to lansoprazole (30 mg, b.i.d.), amoxicillin (1000 mg, b.i.d.), clarithromycin (500 mg, b.i.d.), and bismuth subcitrate (300 mg, q.i.d.) for 14 days. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was evaluated with a Randox kit. Success rate was calculated using both intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses.Results:  One hundred and sixty patients were analyzed using ITT analysis. One hundred and fifty‐three patients completed the study. In group A, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 48 (60%) of the 80 patients included in the ITT analysis, and in 48 (64%) of the 75 patients included in the PP analysis. In group B, H. pylori eradication was achieved in 73 (91.25%) of the 80 included in the ITT analysis and in 73 (93.5%) of the 78 patients included in the PP analysis. The eradication rate was significantly higher in group B than in group A (p < .005). TAC was at the lower limit of normal in both groups and the difference between them was not statistically significant (p > .05).Conclusion:  In group B, H. pylori eradication rate was 91.25%, which is higher than the ideal 80% eradication rate. The results of the present study show that adding the prescribed doses of vitamins E and C to antimicrobial therapy is effective in eradicating H. pylori infection.
An Assay for Evoked Locomotor Behavior inDrosophilaReveals a Role for Integrins in Ethanol Sensitivity and Rapid Ethanol Tolerance
Authors: Bhandari Poonam , Kendler Kenneth S. , Bettinger Jill C. , Davies Andrew G. , Grotewiel Mike 
Published: July 2009

Background: Ethanol induces similar behavioral responses in mammals and the fruit fly,Drosophila melanogaster. By coupling assays for ethanol‐related behavior to the genetic tools available in flies, a number of genes have been identified that influence physiological responses to ethanol. To enhance the utility of theDrosophilamodel for investigating genes involved in ethanol‐related behavior, we explored the value of an assay that measures the sedative effects of ethanol on negative geotaxis, an evoked locomotor response.Methods: We established eRING (ethanolRapidIterativeNegativeGeotaxis) as an assay for quantitating the sedative effects of ethanol on negative geotaxis (i.e., startle‐induced climbing). We validated the assay by assessing acute sensitivity to ethanol and rapid ethanol tolerance in several different control strains and in flies with mutations known to disrupt these behaviors. We also used eRING in a candidate screen to identify mutants with altered ethanol‐related behaviors.Results: Negative geotaxis measured in eRING assays was dose‐dependently impaired by ethanol exposure. Flies developed tolerance to the intoxicating effects of ethanol when tested during a second exposure. Ethanol sensitivity and rapid ethanol tolerance varied across 4 control strains, but internal ethanol concentrations were indistinguishable in the 4 strains during a first and second challenge with ethanol. Ethanol sensitivity and rapid ethanol tolerance, respectively, were altered in flies with mutations inamnesiacandhangover, genes known to influence these traits. Additionally, mutations in the β integrin genemyospheroidand the α integrin genescabincreased the initial sensitivity to ethanol and enhanced the development of rapid ethanol tolerance without altering internal ethanol concentrations.Conclusions: The eRING assay is suitable for investigating genetic mechanisms that influence ethanol sensitivity and rapid ethanol tolerance. Ethanol sensitivity and rapid ethanol tolerance depend on the function of α and β integrins in flies.
Parietal Gray Matter Volume Loss Is Related to Spatial Processing Deficits in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholic Men
Authors: Fein George , Shimotsu Ryan , Chu Russell , Barakos Jerome 
Published: July 2009

Background:  We previously demonstrated relatively intact cognitive function (with the exception of suggestive evidence for persistent deficits in spatial information processing) in middle‐aged long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA, abstinent for 6 months or more) compared to age and gender comparable nonalcoholic controls (NAC) (Fein et al., 2006).Methods:  In the current study, we examine cortical gray matter volumes in the same samples to determine whether gray matter volumes in LTAA are consistent with the cognitive results – i.e., exhibiting gray matter volumes comparable to NAC in most brain regions, except for possible indications of persistent shrinkage in the parietal lobe subserving spatial information processing.Results:  We found gray matter shrinkage in LTAA in the parietal lobe consistent with the spatial processing deficits in this same sample. More compelling, in LTAA, the magnitude of parietal gray matter shrinkage was negatively associated with spatial processing domain performance and positively associated with alcohol dose. Gray matter volume deficits were present in the occipital and other cortical tissue, but poorer visuospatial test performance correlated significantly with smaller volumes in the parietal cortex only.Conclusions:  Taken together, the cognitive and structural imaging data provide compelling evidence that chronic alcohol abuse results in shrinkage of the parietal cortex with associated deficits in spatial information processing.
Microstructural Corpus Callosum Anomalies in Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Extension of Previous Diffusion Tensor Imaging Findings
Authors: Wozniak Jeffrey R. , Muetzel Ryan L. , Mueller Bryon A. , McGee Christie L. , Freerks Melesa A. , Ward Erin E. , Nelson Miranda L. , Chang Pi‐Nian , Lim Kelvin O. 
Published: July 2009

Background:  Several studies have now shown corpus callosum abnormalities using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in comparison with nonexposed controls. The data suggest that posterior regions of the callosum may be disproportionately affected. The current study builds on previous efforts, including our own work, and moves beyond midline corpus callosum to probe major inter‐hemispheric white matter pathways with an improved DTI tractographic method. This study also expands on our prior work by evaluating a larger sample and by incorporating children with a broader range of clinical effects including full‐criteria fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).Methods:  Participants included 33 children with FASD (8 FAS, 23 partial FAS, 2 static encephalopathy) and 19 nonexposed controls between the ages of 10 and 17 years. Participants underwent DTI scans and intelligence testing. Groups (FASD vs. controls) were compared on fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) in 6 white matter tracts projected through the corpus callosum. Exploratory analyses were also conducted examining the relationships between DTI measures in the corpus callosum and measures of intellectual functioning and facial dysmorphology.Results:  In comparison with the control group, the FASD group had significantly lower FA in 3 posterior tracts of the corpus callosum: the posterior mid‐body, the isthmus, and the splenium. A trend‐level finding also suggested lower FA in the genu. Measures of white matter integrity and cognition were correlated and suggest some regional specificity, in that only posterior regions of the corpus callosum were associated with visual‐perceptual skills. Correlations between measures of facial dysmorphology and posterior regions of the corpus callosum were nonsignificant.Conclusions:  Consistent with previous DTI studies, these results suggest that microstructural posterior corpus callosum abnormalities are present in children with prenatal alcohol exposure and cognitive impairment. These abnormalities are clinically relevant because they are associated with cognitive deficits and appear to provide evidence of abnormalities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure independent of dysmorphic features. As such, they may yield important diagnostic and prognostic information not provided by the traditional facial characteristics.