bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cooperation Satisfaction and Performance: Empirical Evidence from Chinese Banks and Their Foreign Strategic Investors
Authors: Lu Chin‐Hwa , Shen Chung‐Hua , Wu Meng‐Wen , Wu Zhi‐Wen 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate whether the mutual satisfaction of Chinese banks and foreign strategic investors (FSI) in terms of their cooperation with each other affects the performance of Chinese banks. Since 2004, China's banking authority has conducted an annual survey on Chinese banks and their FSI, assessing levels of mutual satisfaction in terms of their cooperation. We use these survey results to examine the effects of satisfaction levels on the profitability of Chinese banks. Our results reveal that satisfaction affects profitability; that is, satisfied foreign investors and Chinese banks yield better performance. Satisfaction determinants for each party are also examined. Although the profitability of Chinese banks does not show a significant effect on the satisfaction of either party, bank loan to deposit ratios, regions of FSI home countries, and the type of Chinese banks are important factors that might affect satisfaction.
Global Production Network and the Upgrading of China's Integrated Circuit Industry
Authors: Chen Ling , Xue Lan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractUsing an analytical framework of the global production network (GPN), the present paper examines the external environment and the internal dynamics of China s integrated circuit (IC) industry. We analyze the transition of China s IC industry from a state‐led integrated device manufacturers' model to deeper integration into the GPN. We also explore the technological sources, the upgrading dynamics as well as the positioning of different nodes of China s IC industry in the GPN. We conclude that the “East Asia model” of gradual industrial upgrading might not apply anymore in the new era of GPN. High‐technology industries can now be upgraded based on a parallel evolution model. Policy implications for China's high‐technology industrial upgrading strategies are drawn from our analysis.
Expression of cytokines in aqueous humor of patients with uveal melanoma (UM)
Authors: LEE CS , BAE JH , LEE KS , LEE SC 
Published: November 2010

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the simultaneous expression and implication of various cytokines in the aqueous humor of patients with UM. Methods Aqueous humor samples were obtained from UM patients at the time of enucleation, brachytherapy using ruthenium‐106, or surgery. Using a commercial cytokine biochip array, concentration of 12 cytokines including Interleukin (IL)‐1a, IL‐1b, IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), tumor necrosis factor(TNF)‐a, interferon(IFN)‐g, epidermal growth factor (EGF), and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP)‐1 were simultaneously analyzed and compared to those of senile cataract patients undergoing surgery. Aqueous humor samples were re‐collected from patients who received brachytherapy at the time of radioactive plaque removal. Results Of 20 treatment naïve UM patients with no other systemic medical condition, 14 were men (70%) and the mean age was 49 years (range 25‐76). The mean tumor height was 8.0mm and the mean largest basal diameter was 12.8mm. In UM patients, levels of IL‐6 (P=0.016), IL‐8 (P=0.027), IFN‐g (P=0.004), and MCP‐1(P<0.001) were increased, whereas those of IL‐2 (P=0.018), IL‐10 (P=0.019), TNF‐a (P=0.003) were decreased. The level of IFN‐g correlated with tumor diameter (P=0.017). In 12 UM patients who underwent brachytherapy and transpupillary thermotherapy, levels of IL‐6 (P=0.010), IL‐8 (P=0.002), and IL‐1b (P=0.008) were increased at the time of plaque removal, after median time of 101 hours of brachytherapy. Conclusion In UM, IL‐8 appears to be a more significant proangiogenic factor than VEGF. Further studies are warranted to investigate the role of various cytokines, especially IL‐6, IL‐8, IFN‐g, and MCP‐1 in UM progression.
Effect of cations on the microstructure and in-vitro drug release of κ- and ι-carrageenan liquid and semi-solid aqueous dispersions
Authors: Thrimawithana Thilini Rasika , Young Simon , Alany Raid G 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The main objective of this study was to determine the effect of potassium and calcium ions on the microstructure and release dynamics of kappa (κ) and iota (ι) carrageenan.

Methods
The microstructure of the dispersions was imaged using a cryogenic scanning electron microscope. Franz-cell diffusion apparatus was used to determine the release kinetics of a model hydrophilic drug, sodium fluorescein, incorporated in selected polymer dispersions. Release profiles were analysed using Higuchi, Korsmeyer-Peppas and dual first-order models.

Key Findings
Cryogenic scanning electron microscope images showed that κ-carrageenan forms hexagonal structures, whereas ι-carrageenan forms rectangular pores at low cation concentrations. In-vitro release studies showed sustained release profiles for all carrageenan systems; however the model drug, fluorescein, diffusion from ι-carrageenan with 0.06% w/v calcium was significantly higher than other ι-carrageenan systems. This may be attributed to improved tortuosity of this system. However further increase in cation concentration led to a reduction in fluorescein release from the matrices. The dual first-order release model illustrated two distinct release rates, an initial rapid release followed by a slow diffusion of fluorescein from the carrageenan matrices.

Conclusions
The observed microstructural differences may account for the well known variation in mechanical properties of κ- and ι-carrageenan gels. The dual first order release model adds a new tool in the elucidation of release mechanisms from polymer matrices, where parallel processes contribute to drug release.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetic interaction of midazolam with ursodeoxycholic acid, ketoconazole and dexamethasone by brain benzodiazepine receptor occupancy
Authors: Misaka Shingen , Kurosawa Souhei , Uchida Shinya , Yoshida Akira , Kato Yoshihisa , Kagawa Yoshiyuki , Yamada Shizuo 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo clarify whether alterations in midazolam pharmacokinetics resulting from changes in cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) activity lead to changes in its pharmacodynamic effects, benzodiazepine receptor occupancy was measured in the brain of rats after oral administration of midazolam.MethodsReceptor occupancy was measured by radioligand binding assay in rats pretreated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), ketoconazole and dexamethasone, and the plasma concentration of midazolam was simultaneously determined.Key findingsThere was a significant increase in the apparent dissociation constant and decrease in the maximum number of binding sites for specific [3H]flunitrazepam binding after oral administration of midazolam at pharmacologically relevant doses, suggesting that midazolam binds significantly to brain benzodiazepine receptors. Pretreatment with UDCA significantly enhanced the binding. This correlated well with significant enhancement by UDCA of the plasma midazolam concentration. The brain benzodiazepine receptor binding of oral midazolam was significantly enhanced by pretreatment with ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of CYP3A, whereas it was significantly reduced by treatment with dexamethasone, an inducer of this enzyme. These effects paralleled changes in the plasma concentration of midazolam.ConclusionsThe results indicate that pharmacokinetic changes such as altered CYP3A activity significantly influence the pharmacodynamic effect of midazolam by affecting occupancy of benzodiazepine receptors in the brain. They also suggest in-vivo or ex-vivo time-dependent measurements of receptor occupancy by radioligand binding assay to be a tool for elucidating the pharmacokinetic interaction of benzodiazepines with other agents in pre-clinical and clinical evaluations.
Alcoholic extract of Cicer microphyllum augments Th1 immune response in normal and chronically stressed Swiss albino mice
Authors: Kour Kiranjeet , Sangwan Payare Lal Sangwan , Khan Imran , Koul Surrinder , Sharma Satya Narayan , Kitchlu Surinder , Bani Sarang 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Objective
The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of an alcoholic extract of Cicer microphyllum (I3M/38/A001) (whole plant without seeds and flowers) on the immunological parameters of sheep red blood cell immunized normal and chronically stressed Swiss albino mice.

Methods
Estimation of T-cell subsets (CD3+, CD4+/CD8+), CD80/CD86, CD28, CD 69, costimulatory molecules and Th1/Th2 cytokines was carried out using a flow cytometer. This was followed by study of the delayed type hypersensitivity response, in-vitro lymphocyte proliferation assay and measurement of Th1/Th2 cytokines in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells by flow cytometry. An enzyme immune assay was used to analyse corticosterone levels in the serum of chronically stressed animals.

Key findings
We found that oral administration of I3M/38/A001once daily at the graded doses of 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. enhanced the proliferation and differentiation of T lymphocytes in sheep red blood cell normal and chronically stressed mice, as shown by flow cytometric analysis. The extract selectively induced type 1 immunity: it guided enhanced expression of Th1 cytokines, interferon-γ and interleukin-2, while no significant change in interleukin-4 (Th2 cytokine) levels was observed. Confirmation of Th1 polarization was confirmed by the augmented levels of interferon-γ and interleukin-2 in isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A significant suppression of raised corticosterone levels was also observed in stressed animals, which suggests the extract's normalizing effect on the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Co-stimulatory molecules, CD28, CD69, CD80 and CD86, which are important secondary signals for the activation of the immune system, elicited significant expression in I3M/38/A001 treated mice.

Conclusion
Our studies show the immune potentiating and immune recuperative effect of the test drug in sheep red blood cell-immunized normal and chronically stressed mice.
Low-level microbial contamination of liquid in syringe hubs leads to an unacceptable risk to the end product
Authors: Yusop Noorsuriani , Williams Gareth J , Cooper Callum , Burton Rachel , Samuel Lee , Maillard Jean-Yves 
Published: November 2010

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to assess the risk associated with microbial contamination in the hub-fluid in Luer-lock syringes to the end-product, and ultimately patients.

Methods
The hub-fluid of 48 sterile syringes prefilled with broth was contaminated with a low number of Staphylococcus epidermidis or spores of Bacillus subtilis. After incubation for three weeks, the syringe fills were tested for the presence of bacterial contaminants and some syringes were used to inoculate an end product broth that was then investigated for the presence of microorganisms.

Key findings
After three weeks of incubation only 20.8% of syringe fills showed turbidity, although following further investigation 70.8% were positive for the presence of viable bacteria, whereas 95.6% of end products became contaminated following injection of the syringe fill.

Conclusions
These findings add quantitative data that support the current practice of discarding syringes with residue around the cap.
Electrophysiological evidence for distinct vagal pathways mediating CCK‐evoked motor effects in the proximalversusdistal stomach
Authors: Okano‐Matsumoto Shiho , McRoberts James A. , Taché Yvette , Adelson David W. 
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summaryGut activity is controlled by the vagus nerves. In anaesthetized rats, both sensory and motor nerve activity evoked by intravenous injection of the gut hormone cholecystokinin were recorded in separate sub‐branches of the gastric vagus nerve that supply the forestomach and hindstomach, respectively. Activity in the forestomach branch has not been studied before. Motor nerve activity in response to cholecystokinin differed between the two branches, in both timing and direction. Motor output to the forestomach paralleled sensory input from the hindstomach, while motor output to the hindstomach paralleled sensory input from the intestines. The data suggest that cholecystokinin released in the intestines after a meal immediately influences churning and propulsion of food by the hindstomach, via reflexes initiated by nearby intestinal sensory nerve terminals, but may influence gastric capacity only later, once circulating levels of cholecystokinin rise to levels capable of activating sensors in the hindstomach.
The dynamics of single spike‐evoked adenosine release in the cerebellum
Authors: Klyuch Boris P. , Richardson Magnus J. E. , Dale Nicholas , Wall Mark J. 
Published: November 2010

Non‐technical summaryAdenosine modulates brain activity in both health and disease. Although we know a lot about adenosine action, we know little about how it is released and its cellular sources. We have previously shown that adenosine can be released in the cerebellum by a train of action potentials. Here we have used a pharmacological agent to enhance adenosine release and can thus study release in response to a single action potential. The release follows a waveform that is well described by a minimal diffusion model from a temporally sharp release event. Adenosine release has a complex, history‐dependent dynamics: it can be either depressed or enhanced depending on the stimulation pattern – similar properties to those of fast neurotransmitters such as glutamate. Our results demonstrate that the dynamics of adenosine release will depend strongly on the pattern of neural activity and thus constitutes a highly complex signalling pathway in the nervous system.
Model-Based Actuator Trajectories Optimization for a Diesel Engine Using a Direct Method
Authors: Benz Michael , Hehn Markus , Onder Christopher H. , Guzzella Lino 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel optimization method that allows a reduction in the pollutant emission of diesel engines during transient operation. The key idea is to synthesize optimal actuator commands using reliable models of the engine system and powerful numerical optimization methods. The engine model includes a mean-value engine model for the dynamics of the gas paths, including the turbocharger of the fuel injection, and of the torque generation. The pollutant formation is modeled using an extended quasi-static modeling approach. The optimization substantially changes the input signals, such that the engine model is enabled to extrapolate all relevant outputs beyond the regular operating area. A feedforward controller for the injected fuel mass is used to eliminate the nonlinear path constraints during the optimization. The model is validated using experimental data obtained on a transient engine test bench. A direct single shooting method is found to be most effective for the numerical optimization. The results show a significant potential for reducing the pollutant emissions during transient operation of the engine. The optimized input trajectories derived assist the design of sophisticated engine control systems.
Roles of Residues Cys69, Asn104, Phe160, Gly232, Ser237, and Asp240 in Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Toho-1
Authors: Shimizu-Ibuka Akiko , Oishi Mika , Yamada Shoko , Ishii Yoshikazu , Mura Kiyoshi , Sakai Hiroshi , Matsuzawa Hiroshi 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

Toho-1, which is also designated CTX-M-44, is an extended-spectrum class A β-lactamase that has high activity toward cefotaxime. In this study, we investigated the roles of residues suggested to be critical for the substrate specificity expansion of Toho-1 in previous structural analyses. Six amino acid residues were replaced one by one with amino acids that are often observed in the corresponding position of non-extended-spectrum β-lactamases. The mutants produced in
Escherichia coli
strains were analyzed both for their kinetic properties and their effect on drug susceptibilities. The results indicate that the substitutions of Asn104 and Ser237 have certain effects on expansion of substrate specificity, while those of Cys69 and Phe160 have less effect, and that of Asp240 has no effect on the hydrolysis of any substrates tested. Gly232, which had been assumed to increase the flexibility of the substrate binding site, was revealed not to be critical for the expansion of substrate specificity of this enzyme, although this substitution resulted in deleterious effects on expression and stability of the enzyme.
Determination of the Duration of Antibacterial Efficacy following Administration of Gamithromycin Using a Bovine
Mannheimia haemolytica
Challenge Model
Authors: Forbes A. B. , Ramage C. , Sales J. , Baggott D. , Donachie W. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

The antibacterial efficacy of gamithromycin administered once 1, 5, or 10 days prior to a challenge infection with
Mannheimia haemolytica
serotype A1 was evaluated. Forty calves were randomly allocated on day −11, restricted by body weight, to one of three treatment groups given gamithromycin at 6 mg/kg of body weight 10, 5, or 1 days before challenge or to an untreated control group.
M. haemolytica
A1 challenge infections were induced on day 0 by depositing 7.4 × 10
7
CFU at the bifurcation of the main bronchus using a bronchoscope. Clinical observations were made daily from the day of allocation to day 10, when necropsy was scheduled; three calves died or were euthanized
in extremis
on welfare grounds prior to scheduled necropsy. At necropsy the lungs were removed, pneumonic lesions were scored, and samples of lung tissue were cultured for
M. haemolytica
. The three groups of animals treated with gamithromycin before challenge had significantly lower lung
M. haemolytica
counts and fewer clinical signs of respiratory disease than did the saline-treated group. For most of the clinical parameters, the pattern of responses differed significantly (
P
< 0.05) between the gamithromycin-treated groups and the control group. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the mean lung lesion scores, partly as a result of high individual variability, particularly within the control group. The administration of gamithromycin 1, 5, and 10 days prior to
M. haemolytica
A1 challenge resulted in a reduction in bacterial isolation from the lungs and a reduction in the severity of clinical disease.
High-ThroughputGiardia lambliaViability Assay Using Bioluminescent ATP Content Measurements
Authors: Chen Catherine Z. , Kulakova Liudmila , Southall Noel , Marugan Juan J. , Galkin Andrey , Austin Christopher P. , Herzberg Osnat , Zheng Wei 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe human pathogenGiardia lambliais an anaerobic protozoan parasite that causes giardiasis, one of the most common diarrheal diseases worldwide. Although several drugs are available for the treatment of giardiasis, drug resistance has been reported and is likely to increase, and recurrent infections are common. The search for new drugs that can overcome the drug-resistant strains ofGiardiais an unmet medical need. New drug screen methods can facilitate the drug discovery process and aid with the identification of new drug targets. Using a bioluminescent ATP content assay, we have developed a phenotypic drug screen method to identify compounds that act against the actively growing trophozoite stage of the parasite. This assay is homogeneous, robust, and suitable for high-throughput screening of large compound collections. A screen of 4,096 pharmacologically active small molecules and approved drugs revealed 43 compounds with selective anti-Giardiaproperties, including 32 previously reported and 11 novel anti-Giardiaagents. The most potent novel compound was fumagillin, which showed 50% inhibitory concentrations of 10 nM against the WB isolate and 2 nM against the GS isolate.
Mechanisms Mediating Bactericidal Properties and Conditions That Enhance the Potency of a Broad-Spectrum Oligo-Acyl-Lysyl
Authors: Sarig Hadar , Goldfeder Yair , Rotem Shahar , Mor Amram 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTPrevious studies have established the potential of the oligo-acyl-lysyl (OAK) concept in generating simple chemical mimics of host defense peptides (HDPs) with improved antimicrobial properties. We investigated the antibacterial properties of such an OAK, C16(ω7)-KK-C12-Kamide, to obtain a better understanding of the complex mode(s) of action of cationic antibacterial peptides. The average MIC, determined against a multispecies panel of 50 strains, was 6 ± 5 μg/ml. However, although the OAK exerted an essentially dose-dependent bactericidal effect (time-kill curves typically exhibited 99% death within 2 h), marked differences in the killing rates occurred among inter- and intraspecies strains. Mechanistic comparison between equally sensitive and related strains revealed death of one strain to stem from the OAK's capacity to breach the cell membrane permeability barrier, whereas the death of the related strain resulted from the OAK's direct interference with DNA functionsin vivo, without detectable membrane damage. These findings therefore support the notion that the antibacterial mechanism of action of a single HDP can vary among inter- and intraspecies strains. In addition, we present data illustrating the differential effects of environmental conditions (pH, ionic strength and temperature), on the OAK's antibacterial properties, and ultimately demonstrate potency enhancement (by orders of magnitude) through selection of optimal incubation conditions. Such attributes might be useful in a variety of antibacterial applications.
Antiviral Activity, Pharmacokinetics, and Safety of BMS-488043, a Novel Oral Small-Molecule HIV-1 Attachment Inhibitor, in HIV-1-Infected Subjects
Authors: Hanna George J. , Lalezari Jacob , Hellinger James A. , Wohl David A. , Nettles Richard , Persson Anna , Krystal Mark , Lin Pinfang , Colonno Richard , Grasela Dennis M. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACT

BMS-488043 is a novel and unique oral small-molecule inhibitor of the attachment of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to CD4
+
lymphocytes. The antiviral activity, pharmacokinetics, viral susceptibility, and safety of BMS-488043 were evaluated in an 8-day monotherapy trial. Thirty HIV-1-infected study subjects were randomly assigned to sequential, safety-guided dose panels of 800 and 1,800 mg BMS-488043 or a matched placebo in a 4:1 ratio, and the drug was administered every 12 h with a high-fat meal for 7 days and on the morning of day 8. Dose-related, albeit less-than-dose-proportional, increases in plasma BMS-488043 concentrations were observed. Mean plasma HIV-1 RNA decreases from the baseline for the BMS-488043 800- and 1,800-mg dose groups on day 8 were 0.72 and 0.96 log
10
copies/ml, respectively, compared with 0.02 log
10
copies/ml for the placebo group. A lower baseline BMS-488043 50% effective concentration (EC
50
) in the active-treatment groups was predictive of a greater antiviral response. Although absolute drug exposure was not associated with an antiviral response, the trough concentration (
C
trough
), adjusted by the baseline EC
50
(
C
trough
/EC
50
), was associated with antiviral activity. During dosing, four subjects experienced >10-fold reductions in viral susceptibility to BMS-488043, providing further support of the direct antiviral mechanism of BMS-488043. BMS-488043 was generally safe and well tolerated. These results suggest that further development of this novel class of oral HIV-1 attachment inhibitors is warranted.