bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nascent entrepreneurial activity within female ethnic minority groups
Authors: Kwong Caleb C.Y. , Thompson Piers , Jones‐Evans Dylan , Brooksbank David 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to compare the entrepreneurial activity, attitudes and social connections of four groups of ethnic minority females in the UK, with the aim of examining the extent of gender and ethnic background effects on nascent start‐up activities and the attitudes of women belonging to these ethnic minority groups.Design/methodology/approachA two‐stage approach is adopted to examine the situations of four main female ethnic minority groups using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) adult population survey for the UK. The first stage adopts a binary logistic approach to determine the importance of social networks, opportunity perception and risk aversion to the probability of being involved in nascent entrepreneurial activities. The second stage of analysis examines the differences in these perceptual variables to determine the extent to which different female ethnic minority groups are embedded in different social environments when attempting to start a business.FindingsThere are considerable differences amongst different ethnic groups in the level of entrepreneurial activity by women, their attitudes towards entrepreneurship, and the social capital available to them when starting a business.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that policy makers should take the differences by ethnic groupings into account when developing bespoke development policies designed to alleviate the barriers faced by women.Originality/valueThe paper is one of the first comparative studies focusing on women from different ethnic backgrounds. Rather than assuming homogeneity, or examining specific groups in isolation it allows the different conditions faced by prospective entrepreneurs from each group to be examined.
New tensions and challenges in integrated communications
Authors: Thøger Christensen Lars , Fuat Fırat A. , Cornelissen Joep 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how tensions and challenges associated with the implementation of integrated communications in practice have intensified in recent years under the impact of two conflicting trends: new social and organizational “drivers” towards integration; and the appearance of savvy and sophisticated audiences.Design/methodology/approachTaking the point of departure in now classical discussions of structural “barriers” to integration, today more fundamental difficulties limit the implementation of integrated communications – difficulties rooted in epistemological issues of organization and communication are argued.FindingsIntegrated communications present a paradox to contemporary communication management. On the one hand, integration seems to be the most logical and sensible way of managing communications in a complex world of multiple and critical audiences. On the other hand, its prescriptions are essentially at odds with what is known today about organization and human communication. While representing a significant communication ideal, integration in communications is simultaneously beyond reach – at least if the full process of communication is taken into proper consideration.Originality/valueThe paper usefully makes the claim that it needs to adapt the ideals of what integrated communications is to what integration can possibly do to an organization and its communications.
Silicon Schottky barrier photodiodes with a thin AlN nucleation layer
Authors: Chuah L.S. , Hassan Z. , Abu Hassan H. , Chin C.W. , Thahab S.M. , Teoh S.C. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the characteristics of novel silicon Schottky barrier (SB) photodiodes (PDs) with aluminium nitride (AlN) (100 nm) nucleation layer.Design/methodology/approachComparison was made with conventional silicon SB PDs.FindingsIt was found that smaller dark current could be achieved with AlN nucleation layer. It was also found that effective SB height increased from 0.65 to 0.71 eV with the insertion of the AlN layer. The dark leakage current for the Schottky PDs with the AlN layer was shown to be about two orders of magnitude smaller than that for the conventional silicon SB PDs.Research limitations/implicationsIt is possible that the detrimental effect of interface states situated near the metal semiconductor interface was less pronounced for the sample owing to the insertion of the AlN nucleation layer.Originality/valueThere is believed to be no other report on silicon SB PDs capped with an AlN layer in the literature. This paper describes the fabricated silicon SB PDs and reports on the electrical characteristics of the devices with an AlN nucleation layer grown at low temperature.
Ultrasound vs nerve stimulation multiple injection technique for posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block
Authors: Danelli G. , Fanelli A. , Ghisi D. , Moschini E. , Rossi M. , Ortu A. , Baciarello M. , Fanelli G. 
Published: May 2009

SummaryIn this prospective, randomised, observer‐blinded study we evaluated whether ultrasound guidance can shorten the onset time of popliteal sciatic nerve block as compared to nerve stimulation with a multiple injection technique. Forty‐four ASA I–III patients undergoing posterior popliteal sciatic nerve block with 20 ml of 0.75% ropivacaine were randomly allocated to nerve stimulation or ultrasound guided nerve block. A blinded observer recorded onset of sensory and motor blocks, success rates, the need for fentanyl intra‐operatively, the requirement for general anaesthesia, procedure‐related pain, patient satisfaction and side‐effects. Onset times for sensory and motor blocks were comparable. The success rate was 100% for ultrasound guided vs 82% for nerve stimulation (p = 0.116). Ultrasound guidance reduced needle redirections (p = 0.01), were associated with less procedural pain (p = 0.002) and required less time to perform (p = 0.002). Ultrasound guidance reduced the time needed for block performance and procedural pain.
Association of insulin resistance with anti‐Mullerian hormone levels in women without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Park Hyun T. , Cho Geum J. , Ahn Ki H. , Shin Jung H. , Kim Young T. , Hur Jun Y. , Kim Sun H. , Lee Kyu W. , Kim Tak 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  To explore the relationship of insulin resistance (IR) and adipokines (leptin, adiponectin, RBP4) to anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in women without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Design/patients/measurements  We recruited 120 healthy, reproductive age women without PCOS. An overnight fasting blood draw, anthropometric measurements, analyses of serum levels of AMH, adipokines (leptin, adiponectin and RBP4) and total testosterone, a homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and a transvaginal ultrasound scan were performed between the third and fifth day of their spontaneous menstrual cycles.Results  Higher HOMA‐IR levels were associated with lower levels of AMH. After adjustment for age, serum AMH levels negatively correlated with insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR and RBP4. However, a positive correlation was identified between serum AMH and adiponectin. A final multiple stepwise linear regression demonstrated that HOMA‐IR was independently associated with AMH.Conclusion  An independent relationship exists between HOMA‐IR and AMH in women without PCOS, possibly due to the effect of abnormal insulin action on AMH secretion by granulosa cells.
Association of PPARγ allelic variation, osteoprotegerin and abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Moran Corey S. , Clancy Paula , Biros Erik , Blanco‐Martin Bernardo , McCaskie Pamela , Palmer Lyle J. , Coomans Danny , Norman Paul E. , Golledge Jonathan 
Published: April 2009

SummaryObjective  We have previously demonstrated high concentrations of the glycoprotein osteoprotegerin (OPG) in biopsies of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), and demonstrated that ligation of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) downregulates OPG in vitro and within a mouse model. The aims of this study were to assess the associations between circulating concentrations of OPG, polymorphisms of the gene encoding PPARγ (PPARG), AAA presence and growth.Design, patients and measurements  Two genetic polymorphisms in PPARG were assessed in 4227 men, 699 of whom had an AAA. For 631 men, who had AAAs, maximum aortic diameter was monitored by yearly ultrasound for a median of 5 years. Plasma OPG was measured in 838 men, 318 of whom had an AAA.Results  Plasma concentrations of OPG were independently associated with AAA (adjusted odds ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.10–1.72). The PPARG c.1347C > T polymorphism was associated with plasma concentrations of OPG (beta 0.12, P < 0.01). The PPARG c.34G > C polymorphism was weakly associated with AAA (adjusted odds ratio 1.28, 95% CI 1.01–1.61). PPARG c.1347C > T was associated with increased AAA growth (recessive model, P = 0.03).Conclusions  Circulating concentrations of osteoprotegerin are associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and with one peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma gene polymorphism. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma gene polymorphisms are weakly associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm presence and growth. Confirmation of these findings is required in other cohorts.
Stability in temperate reef communities over a decadal time scale despite concurrent ocean warming
Authors: STUART‐SMITH RICK D. , BARRETT NEVILLE S. , STEVENSON DAVID G. , EDGAR GRAHAM J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDespite increasing scientific and public concerns on the potential impacts of global ocean warming on marine biodiversity, very few empirical data on community‐level responses to rising water temperatures are available other than for coral reefs. This study describes changes in temperate subtidal reef communities over decadal and regional scales in a location that has undergone considerable warming in recent decades and is forecast to be a ‘hotspot’ for future warming.Plant and animal communities at 136 rocky reef sites around Tasmania (south‐east Australia) were censused between 1992 and 1995, and again in 2006 and 2007. Despite evidence of major ecological changes before the period of study, reef communities appeared to remain relatively stable over the past decade. Multivariate analyses and univariate metrics of biotic communities revealed few changes with time, although some species‐level responses could be interpreted as symptomatic of ocean warming. These included fishes detected in Tasmania only in recent surveys and several species with warmer water affinities that appeared to extend their distributions further south. The most statistically significant changes observed in species abundances, however, were not related to their biogeographical affinities. The majority of species with changing abundance possessed lower to mid‐range abundances rather than being common, raising questions for biodiversity monitoring and management. We suggest that our study encompassed a relatively stable period following more abrupt change, and that community responses to ocean warming may follow nonlinear, step‐like trajectories.
Do helminths cause epilepsy?
Authors: WAGNER R. G. , NEWTON C. R. 
Published: April 2009

SummaryBoth helminthiases and epilepsy occur globally, and are particularly prevalent in developing regions of the world. Studies have suggested an association between epilepsy and helminth infection, but a causal relationship is not established in many helminths, except perhaps with neurocysticercosis. We review the available literature on the global burden of helminths, and the epidemiological evidence linking helminths to epilepsy. We discuss possible routes that helminths affect the central nervous system (CNS) of humans and the immunological response to helminth infection in the CNS, looking at possible mechanisms of epileptogenesis. Finally, we discuss the current gaps in knowledge about the interaction between helminths and epilepsy.
Variants of the IL23R Gene are Associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis but not with Sjögren Syndrome in Hungarian Population Samples
Authors: Sáfrány E. , Pazár B. , Csöngei V. , Járomi L. , Polgár N. , Sipeky C. , Horváth I. F. , Zeher M. , Poór G. , Melegh B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRecently, associations were found between several autoimmune diseases and functional variants of interleukin‐23 receptor (IL23R) gene; here, we studied the possible association of nine polymorphisms of IL23R with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and with Sjögren syndrome (SS). In our study, we genotyped groups of patients with AS (n = 206), SS (n = 156) and healthy controls (n = 235) for rs11805303, rs10889677, rs1004819, rs2201841, rs11209032, rs11209026, rs10489629, rs7517847 and rs7530511 variants using PCR‐RFLP methods. We observed significant increase in the carriage of the T allele of rs11805303 and the A allele of rs1004189 in the AS group compared with the controls. For the rs10889677 variant, the prevalence of the AA genotype and for the rs2201841, the CC genotype showed a more than two‐fold increase in the AS group compared with the controls. By contrast, the GA heterozygous genotype of rs11209026 variant showed a significant decrease in AS patients compared with controls. Haplotype analysis revealed association of four IL23R haplotypes with AS. There was no difference in the distribution of any of the examined IL23R variants between controls and SS patients. In conclusion, we confirmed the susceptibility or protective associations of IL23R polymorphisms with AS in a Hungarian population and first demonstrated the involvement of the rs11805303 intronic single nucleotide polymorphisms, which was tested so far only for other autoimmune diseases.
Cell Specific Synovial Expression of Nicotinic Alpha 7 Acetylcholine Receptor in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Westman M. , Engström M. , Catrina A. I. , Lampa J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractNeuroimmune interactions are known to influence several chronic inflammatory and rheumatic diseases, but the underlying mechanisms have been insufficiently elucidated. The cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway is characterized by neural regulation of systemic inflammation, mediated by the vagus nerve and specific cholinergic stimulation of the nicotinic α‐7 acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on immune cells. Moreover, α7nAChR has been shown important for immune regulation also in the absence of nerves, but little is known about these mechanisms in chronic joint inflammation. The expression and localization of α7nAChR in synovial biopsies from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis was investigated by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody against α7nAChR. Surface staining of α7nAChR was observed in synovial tissue of all arthritis patients investigated and could also to a lesser extent be detected in the synovium of healthy individuals. α7nAChR positive cells were detected in mainly synovial lining cells and vessels. The α7nAChR positively stained cells were by double immunofluorescence identified as primarily macrophages and fibroblasts, with the majority of these cells expressing the receptor. These results indicate the importance of α7nAChR and cholinergic mechanisms in arthritis pathogenesis and implicate specific cholinergic modulation as a potential anti‐inflammatory therapeutic strategy in joint inflammation.
CD25 Shedding by Human Natural Occurring CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells does not Inhibit the Action of IL‐2
Authors: Pedersen A. E. , Lauritsen J. P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractRegulatory T (Treg) cells are important for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and inhibition of pathogenic T‐cell responses. Therefore, they are important for the limitation of chronic inflammation but can also be deleterious by e.g. limiting antitumour immune responses. Natural occurring Tregs are known to inhibit CD4+ T cell in a contact‐dependent manner, but at the same time, various suppressive factors are secreted. We, here, demonstrate that human naturally occurring CD4+CD25+ Tregs are able to shed large amounts of soluble CD25 upon activation. Secretion of sCD25 could add to the inhibitory effect of Tregs as such secretion in other settings has been proposed to act as a sink for local IL‐2. However, we here demonstrate that supernatant from human Tregs containing high concentration of sCD25 does not inhibit proliferation of CD4+CD25− T cells or inhibit the action of IL‐2 in an in vitro bioassay.
Vaccination with β2‐Microglobulin‐Deficient Dendritic Cells Protects Against Growth of β2‐Microglobulin‐Deficient Tumours
Authors: Dammeyer P. , Mwakigonja A. R. , Rethi B. , Chiodi F. , Wolpert E. Z. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractDefects in cell surface expression of major histocompatibility complex class I antigen molecules are common in tumour cells. We have previously described the generation of adaptive immunity to tumour cells deficient in the transporter associated with antigen processing molecule. In this study, we demonstrate enhanced in vivo protection against growth of β2‐microglobulin‐deficient tumour cells in syngeneic C57Bl/6 mice, following vaccination with β2‐microglobulin‐deficient dendritic cells. In vitro analysis suggested that vaccinated mice produced CD3+ cells, which could induce apoptosis in syngeneic β2‐microglobulin‐deficient tumour and non‐malignant cells. Further investigation of target cell recognition suggested that also tumour cells lacking expression of classical major histocompatibility complex class I heavy chains and functional transporter associated with antigen processing molecules were recognized by CD3+ effector cells from vaccinated mice. Histopathological examination of organs from vaccinated mice showed no significant vaccination‐induced pathology. The present findings point to a new possible strategy to counteract the growth of major histocompatibility complex class I‐deficient tumour cells.
Increase in Human Endogenous Retrovirus HERV‐K (HML‐2) Viral Load in Active Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Reynier F. , Verjat T. , Turrel F. , Imbert P. E. , Marotte H. , Mougin B. , Miossec P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo study the viral loads of human endogenous retrovirus HERV‐K (HML‐2) type 1 and type 2 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we measured the viral loads of HERV‐K (HML‐2) type 1 and type 2 using nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) technology. We analyzed plasma samples from RA patients (n = 79) and healthy volunteers (HV, n = 46) and synovial fluid samples from RA (n = 10) and osteoarthritis (OA, n = 10) patients. HERV‐K type 1 and type 2 viruses were detected and quantified for the majority of plasma and synovial fluid samples from RA patients. HERV‐K type 1 and type 2 viral loads were significantly elevated in RA patients compared with HV in plasma (P < 0.0001) and from RA patients compared with OA patients in synovial fluid (type 1: P = 0.0007; type 2: P = 0.023). Moreover, an association was observed between the HERV‐K type 1 viral load in plasma and the disease activity in RA patients (RA patients with low activity versus high activity P = 0.0129; RA patients with intermediate activity versus high activity P = 0.037). Our findings showed that HERV‐K (HML‐2) viral load can be detected in plasma samples from RA patients, with higher levels observed for those with active disease. There was an association of HERV‐K type 1 levels with the disease activity.
Suppression of Lymphocyte Proliferation and Regulation of Dendritic Cell Phenotype by Soluble Mediators from Rat Lacrimal Epithelial Cells
Authors: De Saint Jean M. , Nakamura T. , Wang Y. , Trousdale M. D. , Schechter J. E. , Mircheff A. K. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractLacrimal epithelial cells appear to constitutively secrete autoantigens to their underling stroma. The present experiments address the hypothesis that they also secrete soluble factors that regulate immune responses. Epithelial cells, spleen cells and lymphocytes were obtained from rabbits or rats and cultured in various configurations. Monocytes from rat bone marrow were matured to dendritic cells (DC) ex vivo. Proliferation was measured by [3H]‐thymidine incorporation; surface MHC Class II and CD86 using flow cytometry; and mRNA relative abundances using real time RT‐PCR. Microporous culture inserts containing rat lacrimal cells inhibited proliferation of rabbit lymphocytes co‐cultured with autologous lacrimal cells and of rat lymphocytes co‐cultured with TNF‐α‐stimulated DC. They inhibited CD86 and MHC Class II surface expression by maturating DC and reversed surface expression of CD86 but not MHC Class II by partially matured DC. Subsequent exposure of partially matured DC to mediators from rat lacrimal cells reversed the ability to stimulate lymphocyte proliferation. TGF‐β1 and IL‐10 mRNAs increased somewhat when rat lacrimal cells were isolated but decreased markedly in rabbit lacrimal cells. Antibodies to TGF‐β prevented soluble factors from rat lacrimal cells from inhibiting proliferation of rabbit lymphocytes co‐cultured with rabbit lacrimal cells, but recombinant TGF‐β alone did not mimic the soluble factors. IL‐10 immunopositivity was detected in epithelial cells of interlobular ducts and occasional interstitial cells in rabbit lacrimal gland. Rat lacrimal epithelial cells secrete TGF‐β and other factors that synergize to suppress lymphocyte proliferation and regulate DC maturation. Interlobular duct epithelial cells in rabbit lacrimal glands may express similar functions.
Impaired Antibody Responses but Normal Proliferation of Specific CD4+ T Cells in Mice Lacking Complement Receptors 1 and 2
Authors: Carlsson F. , Getahun A. , Rutemark C. , Heyman B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSeverely impaired Ab responses are seen in animals lacking C (complement) factors C2, C3 or C4 as well as CR1/2 (C receptors 1 and 2). The molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is not understood. One possibility is that C‐containing immune complexes are endocytosed via CR2 on B cells and presented to specific CD4+ T cells, which would then proliferate and provide efficient help to specific B cells. In vitro, B cells can endocytose immune complexes via CR1/2 and present the Ag to T cells. Whether absence of this Ag presenting function in Cr2−/− mice (mice lacking CR1/2) explains their low Ab response is unclear. To address this question, Cr2−/− and wild type mice were transferred with OVA‐specific T cells, obtained from the DO11.10 strain which has a transgenic TCR recognizing an OVA peptide. The animals were subsequently immunized with sheep red blood cells (SRBC) conjugated to OVA. Interestingly, proliferation of the OVA‐specific T cells was normal in Cr2−/− mice, although their Ab response to both SRBC and OVA was severely impaired. These observations suggest that the impaired Ab response in Cr2−/− mice cannot be explained by a lack of appropriate induction of T cell help.