bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Legal and regulatory issues of Islamic finance in Australia
Authors: Umar Faruq Ahmad Abu , Kabir Hassan M. 
Published: November 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to the existing body of work in the area of Islamic finance by examining the regulation of Islamic finance in Australia.Design/methodology/approachThe method employed in this paper is a mixture of direct observation from legal and regulatory perspectives and authors' personal experience, curiosity, and association with this industry.FindingsIn Australia, where Muslims are minorities and full‐fledged Islamic banks are absent, it is expected that regulatory authorities would ensure there is a level playing field, so that neither Islamic financial services providers (IFSPs) nor conventional financial institutions are disadvantaged. They have also been expected to approve and monitor Islamic financial products, including those offered by Islamic managed funds.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is undertaken through the Shari'ah, where law, finance, economics, and business form a single dimension only, even though a very significant one. No attempt is made to evaluate the economic efficiency and profitability or otherwise, of IFSPs in Australia. Also, the approach for the study is not supplemented by any empirical work (e.g. by quantitative analysis of data or by survey or other qualitative methodologies).Practical implicationsThe paper practically examines: the impact of banking and financial services regulation on Islamic banking and financing practice in Australia; and what further legislative measures and changes are needed to accommodate Islamic financing practice into Australian society to make it a truly viable alternative system of financing for Muslims in Australia.Originality/valueExamination of the issues of the study is originally undertaken through one of the authors' personal expertise and working experience with some IFSPs in Australia, aiming at developing the relevant regulations by the Australian regulatory regime to make Islamic finance a viable alternative system of financing for Muslims in Australia.
Expression analysis and study of the KLK15 mRNA splice variants in prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
Authors: Mavridis Konstantinos , Avgeris Margaritis , Koutalellis Georgios , Stravodimos Konstantinos , Scorilas Andreas 
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 693–699)Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in male populations in the Western world. The KLK15 gene, the newest member of the kallikrein family, is expressed in the prostate gland. The purpose of this study is the expression analysis and the clinical evaluation of the KLK15 mRNA spliced variants in prostate cancer (CaP) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients. Total RNA was isolated from 104 CaP and BPH tissue specimens. After testing the quality of the RNA, cDNA was produced by reverse transcription, and PCR was performed for the amplification of the KLK15 mRNA transcripts. GAPDH and HPRT genes were used as endogenous controls Our data revealed that mRNA spliced variants of KLK15 were differentially expressed in prostate tissue specimens. Analysis of data showed a statistically significant (P < 0.001) increase in the frequency of overexpression of KLK15 transcripts encoding for both the active isoform and for the isoform 3 in CaP compared to BPH samples. Furthermore, KLK15 transcripts were found to be highly expressed in more aggressive tumors (P = 0.017). These results suggest that KLK15 expression analysis could be employed as a valuable tool for the discrimination between BPH and CaP tissue specimens and as an unfavorable prognostic marker for prostate cancer.
Differential expression of estrogen‐related receptors β and γ (ERRβ and ERRγ) and their clinical significance in human prostate cancer
Authors: Fujimura Tetsuya , Takahashi Satoru , Urano Tomohiko , Ijichi Nobuhiro , Ikeda Kazuhiro , Kumagai Jinpei , Murata Taro , Takayama Kenichi , Horie‐Inoue Kuniko , Ouchi Yasuyoshi , Muramatsu Masami , Homma Yukio , Inoue Satoshi 
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 646–651)Estrogen‐related receptor (ERR) is a nuclear receptor that modulates the estrogen‐signaling pathway. Here, we investigated the expression of both ERRβ and ERRγ in human prostate tissues. Using original rabbit polyclonal anti‐ERRβ and anti‐ERRγ antibodies, the expression of ERRβ and ERRγ was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis of cancerous lesions (n = 107) and benign foci (n = 92), obtained by radical prostatectomy. Stained slides were evaluated for the proportion of immunoreactive cells and their staining intensity. Total immunoreactivity scores (IR scores; range, 0–8) were calculated as the sum of the proportion and intensity scores. The relationship between the clinicopathological characteristics of the patients and the expression of the three ERRs (ERRα, ERR β, and ERR γ) was evaluated. IR scores for ERRβ and ERRγ were significantly lower in cancerous lesions than that in benign foci (P < 0.0001, for both). Clinicopathological analyses revealed that the patients with low ERRγ IR scores (≤4) tended to show poor cancer‐specific survival (P = 0.07). Then, we used data from our previous study (Fujimura T., Int J Cancer, 2007; 120: 2325–30). Patients with a high IR score for ERRα and a low score for ERRγ showed significantly poorer cancer‐specific survival than those with a low IR score for ERRα and a high score for ERRγ (P = 0.0003). We demonstrated the differential expression of ERRβ and ERRγ in prostate tissue. The combined evaluation of the expression of ERRα and ERRγ could be a significant prognostic factor for prostate cancer.
Diversity of genome profiles in malignant lymphoma
Authors: Seto Masao , Honma Keiichiro , Nakagawa Masao 
Published: November 2009

(Cancer Sci 2010; 101: 573–578)Characteristic chromosome translocations are associated with specific disease entities, and are known to play a pivotal role in lymphoma development. Chromosome translocation alone, however, is not sufficient to produce tumors. Factors including the microenvironment and epigenetic and genetic alterations other than chromosome translocations have been shown to play a role in lymphoma development. Follicular lymphoma cells proliferate in close contact with follicular dendritic cells. Mucosa‐associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma cells proliferate at the marginal zone area of reactive follicles which are formed by preceding chronic inflammation. The importance of genetic alterations other than chromosome translocation has been recognized since the introduction of array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). Variations in the genomic profile among patients with the same disease entity have been found by array CGH analyses. These variations indicate that multiple genetic pathways leading to the development of lymphomas may exist and hence result in the variable clinicopathological features observed.
Role of muscarinic receptor activation in regulating immune cell activity in nasal mucosa
Authors: Liu T. , Xie C. , Chen X. , Zhao F. , Liu A.‐M. , Cho D.‐B. , Chong J. , Yang P.‐C. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Liu T, Xie C, Chen X, Zhao F, Liu A‐M, Cho D‐B, Chong J, Yang P‐C. Role of muscarinic receptor activation in regulating immune cell activity in nasal mucosa. Allergy 2010; 65: 969–977.AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of airway inflammatory disorders keeps rising; its pathogenic mechanism is still not fully understood.Objective:  The present study aimed to investigate the role of muscarinic receptor (M receptor) in regulating the immune cell activity in nasal mucosa by using surgical removed nasal mucosa from patients with nasal polyposis (NP) as a study platform.Methods:  Human nasal mucosal sample was collected from inferior turbinectomy of 86 patients with NP or/and allergic rhinitis. Expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐alpha), M receptor, OX40 ligand was measured in nasal mucosa by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting assay.Results:  When compared with non‐NP (nNP) nasal mucosa, contents of TNF‐alpha and TNF‐alpha(+) cells markedly increased in NP nasal mucosa; immune staining colocalized M3 receptor(+) and TNF‐alpha(+) cells in NP nasal mucosa; exposure of isolated CD4(+) T cells to methacholine induced the release of TNF‐alpha. We also found CD11c(+)/M3 receptor(+) cells in NP nasal mucosa. Methacholine increased the expression of OX40L in dendritic cells. Staphylococcal (S) aureus and S. enterotoxin B (SEB) were detected in NP nasal mucosa. Exposure of dendritic cells or naïve CD4(+) T cells to SEB initiated the expression of M3 receptor at mRNA and protein levels.Conclusions:  The present data demonstrate that parasympathetic activity has the capacity to activate dendritic cells to release OX40 ligand, the latter induces CD4(+) T cells to produce IL‐4 and TNF‐alpha that may further contribute to the pathogenesis of NP.
Distribution of the genus Hypoplectrus (Teleostei: Serranidae) in the Greater Caribbean Region: support for a color‐based speciation
Authors: Aguilar‐Perera Alfonso , González‐Salas Carlos 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe reef‐associated fish genus Hypoplectrus (Serranidae), endemic to the western Atlantic Ocean, represents an ideal model to study speciation within a potentially highly dispersive (marine) ecosystem, because it consists of a complex of at least 10 morphs differentiated primarily by coloration. Although several recent studies on genetics, diet, and fertilization reveal little to no difference between the Hypoplectrus color morphs, there is still not a full understanding of what keeps these morphs distinct or drives their variation. Ecological information is needed alongside the genetic information to better understand this variation. Based on presence/absence records from scientific literature and direct observations in coral reefs, this work examined the distribution of the genus Hypoplectrus in the Greater Caribbean region. Some color morphs occurred simultaneously at given locations, but others showed geographic restrictions. Using cluster and nMDS analyses, we found three major groupings according to distribution: (i) widespread (Hypoplectrus puella, Hypoplectrus unicolor, and Hypoplectrus nigricans), (ii) less widespread (Hypoplectrus indigo, Hypoplectrus gummigutta, Hypoplectrus chlorurus, Hypoplectrus aberrans, and Hypoplectrus guttavarius), and (iii) geographically confined or segregated (Hypoplectrus gemma, Hypoplectrus providencianus). Geographic sections selected for the Greater Caribbean (eastern, western and northern) were dominated by at least three widely distributed Hypoplectrus morphs. New geographic records of some color morphs were documented and compared to previous established distribution ranges in the Greater Caribbean.
Spatial heterogeneity of macrofaunal communities in and near a giant pockmark area in the deep Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Menot Lénaïck , Galéron Joëlle , Olu Karine , Caprais Jean‐Claude , Crassous Philippe , Khripounoff Alexis , Sibuet Myriam 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe structure and familial‐level composition of macrofaunal communities were examined within and at distance from the giant pockmark Regab in the Southern Gulf of Guinea, at 3200 m depth. The two main questions addressed in this study were (i) does habitat partitioning by large symbiont‐bearing taxa influence macrofaunal assemblages and their environment? and (ii) to what extent does the chemosynthesis‐based ecosystem influence the structure and the composition of nearby macrobenthic communities? Along two radials, at sites from 250 to 1000 m away from the active centre of the cold seep, the abundance and composition of the macrofauna were typical of a deep‐sea community at that depth. Except for a few cores sampled in or near dead vesicomyid fields at the border of the pockmark area, the chemosynthetic ecosystem had no significant influence on macrofaunal communities beyond the edge of the giant pockmark. In seep sediments, the macrofauna had higher densities, reaching over 22,000 ind·m−2, but lower taxonomic richness than in background sediments. The polychaete assemblages associated with siboglinid tubeworms differed in their composition and vertical distribution from communities associated with vesicomyids or found at the border between vesicomyids and mytilids. The siboglinid habitat was dominated by surface‐feeders (ampharetids) or small carnivores (dorvilleids, hesionids and syllids) concentrated in the top sediment layer, while the vesicomyid beds were dominated by deep‐dwelling, subsurface feeders (capitellids and cossurids). This pattern may be related to bioturbation by the vesicomyids that allows an oxygenation of surface sediments while deepening down and enhancing the anaerobic oxidation of methane. Although alpha diversity of polychaete families is low in seep sediments, the variability of faunal assemblages and potentially high level of speciation in cold‐seep environments point to high beta diversity. Comparable numbers of polychaete families coexist in a quarter square meter of seep or non‐seep sediments, although the number of ecological niches that were sampled might be higher at seeps. Further integrative and comparative studies of the diversity and functioning of seep and non‐seep communities would certainly provide clues to understanding both ecosystems and their interactions.
The effects of trophic interactions and spatial competition on algal community composition on Hawaiian coral reefs
Authors: Vermeij Mark J. A. , Dailer Meghan L. , Walsh Sheila M. , Donovan Mary K. , Smith Celia M. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractMuch of coral reef ecology has focused on how human impacts change coral reefs to macroalgal reefs. However, macroalgae may not always be a good indicator of reef decline, especially on reefs with significant sea urchin populations, as found in Kenya and Hawaii. This study tests the effects of trophic interactions (i.e. herbivory by fishes and sea urchins) and spatial competition (between algae and coral) on algal community structure of reefs surrounding two Hawaiian Islands that vary in their level of human impacts. Reef‐building organisms (corals and crustose coralline algae) were less abundant and turf algae were more abundant on Maui as compared to Lanai, where human impacts are lower. In contrast to previous studies, we found no evidence that macroalgae increased with human impacts. Instead, low turf and macroalgal abundance were best explained by the interactive effects of coral cover and sea urchin abundance. Fishing sea urchin predators appeared to have cascading effects on the benthic community. The absence of sea urchin predators and high sea urchin densities correspond to a disproportionately high abundance of turf and crustose coralline algae. We propose that high turf algal abundance is a better indicator of reef decline in Hawaii than high macroalgal abundance because turf abundance was highest on reefs with low coral cover and few fish. The results of this study emphasize that understanding changes in community composition are context‐dependent and that not all degraded reefs look the same.
MAOA‐uVNTR and early physical discipline interact to influence delinquent behavior
Authors: Edwards Alexis C. , Dodge Kenneth A. , Latendresse Shawn J. , Lansford Jennifer E. , Bates John E. , Pettit Gregory S. , Budde John P. , Goate Alison M. , Dick Danielle M. 
Published: November 2009

Background:  A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the monoamine oxidizing gene monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has been associated with behavioral sensitivity to adverse environmental conditions in multiple studies (e.g., Caspi et al. 2002; Kim‐Cohen et al., 2006). The present study investigates the effects of genotype and early physical discipline on externalizing behavior. We expand on the current literature in our assessment of externalizing, incorporating information across multiple reporters and over a broad developmental time period, and in our understanding of environmental risk.Method:  This study uses data from the Child Development Project, an ongoing longitudinal study following a community sample of children beginning at age 5. Physical discipline before age 6 was quantified using a subset of questions from the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus, 1979). Externalizing behavior was assessed in the male, European‐American sub‐sample (N = 250) by parent, teacher, and self‐report using Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist, Teacher Report Form, and Youth Self‐Report (Achenbach, 1991), at 17 time points from ages 6 to 22. Regression analyses tested the influence of genotype, physical discipline, and their interaction on externalizing behavior, and its subscales, delinquency and aggression.Results:  We found a significant interaction effect between genotype and physical discipline on levels of delinquent behavior. Similar trends were observed for aggression and overall externalizing behavior, although these did not reach statistical significance. Main effects of physical discipline held for all outcome variables, and no main effects held for genotype.Conclusion:  The adverse consequences of physical discipline on forms of externalizing behavior are exacerbated by an underlying biological risk conferred by MAOA genotype.
Puddling: from natural history to understanding how it affects fitness
Authors: Molleman Freerk 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe term ‘puddling’ includes feeding on (dried) mud and various excrements and secretions of vertebrates, and carrion. It is thought to be a form of supplementary feeding, not targeted at obtaining energy. Although the natural history of the puddling phenomenon in herbivorous arthropods becomes better known, it is still largely unclear how puddling (in particular for sodium) affects fitness despite the growing knowledge of insect physiology at the cellular level. If we follow the definition used for puddling in Lepidoptera, representatives of a wide range of herbivorous and detrivorous terrestrial arthropods (Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Blattodea, Hymenoptera, Hemiptera, Diptera, and Diplopoda) have been observed to puddle. It appears that those species with diets low in sodium (e.g., folivorous larvae) puddle for sodium whereas those with diets low in nitrogen (e.g., detritivores) puddle for nitrogen. Sex differentials in puddling behavior can usually be explained by transfers of nutrients from males to females during mating. Puddling is rare or absent in immature stages and there is some evidence that nutrients from puddles increase female reproductive success. Strong evidence for the widely cited hypothesis that sodium from puddles is used to enhance neuromuscular activity is still lacking. High mobility and long life spans could be associated with puddling behavior, whereas insects that are concealed or well defended are less likely to puddle (e.g., beetles). The role that risks of pathogen and parasite infection as well as predation at puddling substrates may play in the evolution of puddling remains virtually unexplored.
Quantitative measure of evolution of bright cluster galaxies at moderate redshifts
Authors: Vikram Vinu , Wadadekar Yogesh , Kembhavi Ajit K. , Vijayagovindan G. V. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Using archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope, we study the quantitative morphological evolution of spectroscopically confirmed bright galaxies in the core regions of nine clusters ranging in redshift from z = 0.31 to 0.84. We use morphological parameters derived from two-dimensional bulge–disc decomposition to study the evolution. We find an increase in the mean bulge-to-total luminosity ratio as the Universe evolves. We also find a corresponding increase in the fraction of early-type galaxies and in the mean Sérsic index. We discuss these results and their implications to physical mechanisms for evolution of galaxy morphology.
Protein kinase C mRNA and protein expressions in hypobaric hypoxia‐induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats
Authors: Uenoyama M. , Ogata S. , Nakanishi K. , Kanazawa F. , Hiroi S. , Tominaga S. , Seo A. , Matsui T. , Kawai T. , Suzuki S. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim:  Protein kinase C (PKC), cloned as a serine/threonine kinase, plays key roles in diverse intracellular signalling processes and in cardiovascular remodelling during pressure overload or volume overload. We looked for correlations between changes in PKC isoforms (levels and/or subcellular distributions) and cardiac remodelling during experimental hypobaric hypoxic environment (HHE)‐induced pulmonary hypertension.Methods:  To study the PKC system in the heart during HHE, 148 male Wistar rats were housed for up to 21 days in a chamber at the equivalent of 5500 m altitude level (10% O2).Results:  At 14 or more days of exposure to HHE, pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) was significantly increased. In the right ventricle (RV): (1) the expression of PKC‐α protein in the cytosolic and membrane fractions was increased at 3–14 days and at 5–7 days of exposure respectively; (ii) the cytosolic expression of PKC‐δ protein was increased at 1–5, 14 and 21 days of exposure; (3) the membrane expressions of the proteins were decreased at 14–21 (PKC‐βII), 14–21 (PKC‐γ), and 0.5–5 and 21 (PKC‐ε) days of exposure; (4) the expression of the active form of PKC‐α protein on the plasma membrane was increased at 3 days of exposure (based on semiquantitative analysis of the immunohistochemistry). In the left ventricle, the expressions of the PKC mRNAs, and of their cytosolic and membrane proteins, were almost unchanged. The above changes in PKC‐α, which were strongly evident in the RV, occurred alongside the increase in PAP.Conclusion:  PKC‐α may help to modulate the right ventricular hypertrophy caused by pulmonary hypertension in HHE.
The Impact of Self‐Affirmation on Health Cognition, Health Behaviour and Other Health‐Related Responses: A Narrative Review
Authors: Harris Peter R. , Epton Tracy 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThere is growing evidence that self‐affirmation – the process of reflecting upon cherished values or attributes – may have implications for health. Postulated effects range from reducing the defensive resistance to unwelcome health‐risk information to ameliorating the physiological response to stress. In this, the first detailed review of the literature on self‐affirmation and health, we summarise what is known. Self‐affirming can increase acceptance of unwelcome health‐risk information, especially among those at greatest risk. Self‐affirmed participants typically also report more intention to change behaviour postmessage. There is evidence that certain effects of self‐affirming may endure. Self‐affirmation has also been shown to have beneficial effects on the response to stress. There is, however, currently only limited evidence of actual health‐behaviour change following self‐affirmation. We discuss reasons for this and consider key research questions for the next phase of research.
The Concept of Situations
Authors: Yang Yu , Read Stephen J. , Miller Lynn C. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe concept of situations has a long past, but the conceptualization of situations only has a short history. This article provides a survey of the concept of situations. Based upon Milgram’s [Human Relations 18 (1965), 57] vision toward ‘a compelling theory of situations,’ the authors examine the concept of situations in three specific literatures: definitions of situations, taxonomies of situations, and interrelationships among persons, situations, and behaviors. To further integrate the literature, the authors propose that the essence of a situation is its affordance of human goals, and that situations are largely characterized by two specific principles of goal processes (what happened, is happening, or might happen to people’s goals) and goal contents (the specific goals afforded in the situation).