bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of cross‐ or multiple resistance to the acetyl‐coenzyme A carboxylase inhibitors fenoxaprop, clodinafop and pinoxaden in black‐grass (Alopecurus myosuroides Huds.) in France
Authors: Petit Cécile , Bay Guillaume , Pernin Fanny , Délye Christophe 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: Repeated use of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase) inhibitors, especially fenoxaprop and clodinafop, since the late 1980s has selected for resistance in Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. (black‐grass) in France. We investigated whether resistance to pinoxaden, a phenylpyrazoline ACCase inhibitor to be marketed in France, was present in French black‐grass populations. We investigated pinoxaden resistance conferred by five mutant ACCase isoforms. Using 84 French black‐grass field samples, we also compared the frequencies of other mechanisms endowing resistance to fenoxaprop, clodinafop or pinoxaden.RESULTS: ACCase mutant isoforms Leu‐1781, Gly‐2078 and, likely, Cys‐2027 conferred cross‐resistance to pinoxaden, while isoform Asn‐2041 possibly conferred moderate resistance. Other mechanisms of resistance to fenoxaprop, clodinafop and pinoxaden were detected in 99, 68 and 64% of the samples investigated, respectively. Cross‐ or multiple resistance to fenoxaprop or clodinafop and pinoxaden was not systematically observed, suggesting a diversity of mechanisms exist.CONCLUSION: Pinoxaden resistance was observed before pinoxaden release in France. Only a fraction of the mechanisms endowing fenoxaprop or clodinafop resistance also confer pinoxaden resistance. Pinoxaden resistance was likely mostly selected for by ACCase inhibitors, and, in some cases, possibly by herbicides with other modes of action. This illustrates the necessity to use metabolisable herbicides cautiously where black‐grass has evolved non‐target‐site‐based resistance. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Artichoke leaf extract reduces oxidative stress and lipoprotein dyshomeostasis in rats fed on high cholesterol diet
Authors: Küskü‐Kiraz Z. , Mehmetçik G. , Doǧru‐Abbasoǧlu S. , Uysal M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHypercholesterolemia and lipid peroxidation play complementary role in atherosclerosis. Artichoke leaf extract (ALE) is rich in natural antioxidants and has a cholesterol‐reducing effect. However, there is no study investigating the effect of ALE on lipid levels and lipid peroxidation in experimental hypercholesterolemic conditions. Rats were fed on 4% (w/w) cholesterol and 1% (w/w) cholic acid supplemented diet for 1 month. ALE (1.5 g/kg/day) was given by gavage during the last 2 weeks. Serum lipid composition, malondialdehyde (MDA) and diene conjugate (DC) levels and plasma antioxidant activity (AOA) were measured. In addition, endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were determined in apo B‐containing lipoproteins (LDL+VLDL fraction). Serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels and the ratio of cholesterol to HDL‐cholesterol decreased due to ALE treatment in rats fed on HC diet. Significant decreases in serum MDA and DC levels and increases in plasma AOA were detected in serum in ALE‐treated hypercholesterolemic rats. Endogenous DC and copper‐induced MDA levels were also lower in LDL+VLDL fraction due to ALE‐treatment in hypercholesterolemic rats. Our results indicate that ALE may be useful for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia‐induced pro‐oxidant state in LDL+VLDL fraction and the reduction of increased serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐dimensional mapping with time‐of‐flight cameras
Authors: May Stefan , Droeschel David , Holz Dirk , Fuchs Stefan , Malis Ezio , Nüchter Andreas , Hertzberg Joachim 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis article investigates the use of time‐of‐flight (ToF) cameras in mapping tasks for autonomous mobile robots, in particular in simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) tasks. Although ToF cameras are in principle an attractive type of sensor for three‐dimensional (3D) mapping owing to their high rate of frames of 3D data, two features make them difficult as mapping sensors, namely, their restricted field of view and influences on the quality of range measurements by high dynamics in object reflectivity; in addition, currently available models suffer from poor data quality in a number of aspects. The paper first summarizes calibration and filtering approaches for improving the accuracy, precision, and robustness of ToF cameras independent of their intended usage. Then, several ego motion estimation approaches are applied or adapted, respectively, in order to provide a performance benchmark for registering ToF camera data. As a part of this, an extension to the iterative closest point algorithm has been developed that increases the robustness under restricted field of view and under larger displacements. Using an indoor environment, the paper provides results from SLAM experiments using these approaches in comparison. It turns out that the application of ToF cameras is feasible to SLAM tasks, although this type of sensor has a complex error characteristic. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is doing good good for you? how corporate charitable contributions enhance revenue growth
Authors: Lev Baruch , Petrovits Christine , Radhakrishnan Suresh 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study examines the impact of corporate philanthropy growth on sales growth using a large sample of charitable contributions made by U.S. public companies from 1989 through 2000. Applying Granger causality tests, we find that charitable contributions are significantly associated with future revenue, whereas the association between revenue and future contributions is marginally significant at best. We then identify the mechanism underlying our findings. Our results are particularly pronounced for firms that are highly sensitive to consumer perception, where individual consumers are the predominant customers. In addition, we document a positive relationship between contributions and customer satisfaction. Overall, our evidence suggests that corporate philanthropy, under certain circumstances, furthers firms' economic objectives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does interdependency affect firm and industry profitability? an empirical test
Authors: Lenox Michael J. , Rockart Scott F. , Lewin Arie Y. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractStrategy researchers have argued that heterogeneity in firms' practices and profitability within and across industries may derive from industry‐level differences in the extent of interdependencies among firms' activities. Theoretical models have clarified how and why differences in the extent of the interdependencies faced by firms across industries may affect the distributions of firm profits, but the specific predictions from these models have not been empirically tested. In this paper, we present what we believe is the first large scale empirical analysis linking differences in the extent of interdependencies across industries to differences in the distribution of firm profits within and across those industries. We use survey data to measure interdependencies systematically across a wide number of industries, thus addressing the primary obstacle to incorporating interdependencies in larger scale empirical work, and find evidence consistent with the theoretical predictions: average profitability is highest in industries with moderate levels of interdependency; the dispersion of profits among firms is higher in industries with more extensive interdependencies; and industries with more extensive interdependencies have a more positively skewed performance distribution. We find that the effect of interdependencies on average industry profitability is similar in scale to the effect of patent protection and industry growth rates, placing interdependency squarely among the strategy field's central concepts. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Complement-Derived Anaphylatoxin C3a Regulates In Vitro Differentiation and Migration of Neural Progenitor Cells
Authors: Shinjyo Noriko , Ståhlberg Anders , Dragunow Mike , Pekny Milos , Pekna Marcela 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Anaphylatoxin C3a is a third complement component (C3)-derived peptide, the multiple functions of which range from stimulation of inflammation to neuroprotection. In a previous study, we have shown that signaling through C3a receptor positively regulates in vivo neurogenesis in adult mouse brain. Here, we studied the direct effects of C3a on adult mouse whole brain-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) in vitro. Our results demonstrate that NPCs bind C3a in a specific and reversible manner and that C3a stimulates neuronal differentiation of NPCs. Furthermore, C3a stimulated the migration of NPCs induced by low concentrations of stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1α, whereas it inhibited NPC migration at high concentration of SDF-1α. In the same manner, C3a modulated SDF-1α-induced extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation in these cells. In addition, C3a had inhibitory effect on SDF-1α-induced neuronal differentiation of NPCs. These data show that C3a modulates SDF-1α-induced differentiation and migration of these cells, conceivably through the regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Our results provide the first evidence that C3a regulates neurogenesis by directly affecting the fate and properties of NPCs.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Enhanced Hematovascular Contribution of SCL 3′ Enhancer Expressing Fetal Liver Cells Uncovers Their Potential to Integrate in Extramedullary Adult Niches
Authors: Garcia-Ortega Antonio M. , Cañete Ana , Quinter Cristina , Silberstein Lev , Piquer-Gil Marina , Alvarez-Dolado Manuel , Dekel Benjamin , Gottgens Berthild , Sánchez María-José 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Fetal liver (FL) hematopoietic progenitors have superior blood engraftment competence compared with adult bone marrow (BM), however less is known about FL in vivo vascular capacity. Here we show in transplantation assays that FL cells possess enhanced vascular endothelial potential compared with adult bone marrow. We generated high-level hematopoietic chimeras using donor cells from mice transgenic for the stem cell leukaemia 3′ enhancer human placental alkaline phosphatase (SCL3′Enh-PLAP) reporter construct, active in vascular endothelium, and blood progenitor and stem cells. Long-term lineage tracing analysis revealed PLAP+ vascular-like patches in FL-derived chimeras, whereas adult BM-derived chimeras presented only rare and scattered PLAP+ cells. PLAP+ vascular-like patches were formed following transplantation into both newborn and adult recipient mice, although their frequency was reduced in adult recipients. Confocal analysis of multiple labeled tissues revealed that whereas most liver and heart PLAP+ vascular patch-associated cells were endothelial, PLAP+ vascular patches in the kidney contained endothelial, hematopoietic, and putative hemangioblastic cells. Moreover, fluorescence-activated cell sorting assays showed that only FL PLAPbright+ donor cells can generate PLAP+ vascular patches upon transplantation. Taken together, these data demonstrate superior vascular contribution potential of FL cells, and not only provide new insights into the developmental pathways controlling endothelial development but also may prove informative when addressing the mechanisms involved in vascular regeneration and hemangiogenic recovery in a clinical context.
Insulin but Not Glucagon Gene is Silenced in Human Pancreas-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Wilson Leah M. , Wong Stephen H.K. , Yu Ningpu , Geras-Raaka Elizabeth , Raaka Bruce M. , Gershengorn Marvin C. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
We previously characterized human islet-derived precursor cells (hIPCs) as a specific type of mesenchymal stem cell capable of differentiating to insulin (INS)- and glucagon (GCG)-expressing cells. However, during proliferative expansion, INS transcript becomes undetectable and then cannot be induced, a phenomenon consistent with silencing of the INS gene. We explored this possibility by determining whether ectopic expression of transcription factors known to induce transcription of this gene in β cells, pancreatic and duodenal homeobox factor 1 (Pdx1), V-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog A (Mafa), and neurogenic differentiation 1 (Neurod1), would activate INS gene expression in long-term hIPC cultures. Coexpression of all three transcription factors had little effect on INS mRNA levels but unexpectedly increased GCG mRNA at least 100,000-fold. In contrast to the endogenous promoter, an exogenous rat INS promoter was activated by expression of Pdx1 and Mafa in hIPCs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays using antibodies directed at posttranslationally modified histones show that regions of the INS and GCG genes have similar levels of activation-associated modifications but the INS gene has higher levels of repression-associated modifications. Furthermore, the INS gene was found to be less accessible to micrococcal nuclease digestion than the GCG gene. Lastly, ChIP assays show that exogenously expressed Pdx1 and Mafa bind at very low levels to the INS promoter and at 20- to 25-fold higher levels to the GCG promoter in hIPCs. We conclude that the INS gene in hIPCs is modified epigenetically (“silenced”) so that it is resistant to activation by transcription factors.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Infrarot‐Laserabsorptionsspektroskopie mit Quantenkaskadenlasern in der industriellen Anwendung
Authors: Zimmermann Henrik , Scheffler Peter , Spreeberg Sebastian 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSpektroskopischen Verfahren zur Gasösung, sie waren unhandlich, nicht robust genug oder schlicht zu teuer. Durch Quantenkaskadenlaser als Strahlungsquelle kann nun die Anwendung der MIR‐Absorptionsspektroskopie in der Industrie revolutioniert werden. Zwar steht die industrielle Nutzung in der Plasmaprozesstechnik noch am Anfang, jedoch ist ihr enormes Potenzial bereits jetzt erkennbar, was durch Messungen an Plasmaätzanlagen der Halbleiterindustrie eindrucksvoll belegt wird.
Carbon Nanotubes ‐ Megatrend der Werkstofftechnologie mit aussichtsreichen Anwendungsperspektiven
Authors: Hoffschulz Holger , Krüger Péter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCarbon Nanotubes (CNT) sind weltweit ein Megatrend der Werkstofftechnologie mit faszinierenden Perspektiven. CNTs können dazu beitragen, die mechanischen, elektronischen und thermischen Eigenschaften von Werkstoffen grundlegend zu verbessern und haben das Potenzial, völlig neue Werkstoffe und Produkte hervorzubringen, die mit bisheriger Technologie nicht realisierbar sind.In Deutschland hat sich kürzlich ein eng vernetzter Forschungsverbund mit rund 80 namhaften Partnern aus Wissenschaft, Mittelstand und Großindustrie zusammen gefunden, um die Basis für einen Leitmarkt für diesen Werkstoff zu legen. Die Initiative schlägt eine Brücke zwischen wegweisender Technologie und praxisnahen Anwendungen und entwickelt in 18 Projekten innovative Applikationen auf den Gebieten Energie/Umwelt, Mobilität sowie Leichtbau.
Statistics in forensic science
Authors: Curran James M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractStatistical thinking and computation are taking an increasing role in the field of forensic science. Heavy emphasis on Bayesian reasoning and logic over the last 20 years has revolutionized the interpretation of DNA evidence, glass evidence, and fingerprint evidence. This revolution has led to an increased demand for statistical software that makes the methodology accessible and usable. Interpretation of evidence is one part of forensic science where statistics is making a contribution. There are strong efforts, especially in the field of DNA, being made toward developing probabilistic expert systems which can aid investigators through intelligence‐led policing. This paper will attempt to review the advances that have been made in the field of forensic science through statistical methodology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Psychometrics
Cu9Bi9S16Cl8 und Cu7.4Bi6Se12Cl7 – Polyedernetzwerke mit Dichalkogenidbrücken und mobilen Kupfer(I)‐Kationen
Authors: Heerwig Andreas , Ruck Michael 
Published: September 2009

AbstractMelting reactions of Cu, CuCl, Q (Q = S, Se), and Bi2Q3 yield black, shiny needles of the chalcogenide chlorides Cu9Bi9S16Cl8 or Cu7.4Bi6Se12Cl7. The compounds decompose peritectically above 612(5) K and 623(5) K. Raman spectra reveal the presence of dichalcogenide groups, whereas for copper the oxidation state +I is supported by Cu‐K‐XANES. Cu9Bi9S16Cl8 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/m with a = 2061.6(3) pm, b = 394.89(3) pm, c = 1194.1(2) pm, β = 102.98(1) °, T = 293(2) K. Three sulfide and four chloride anions coordinate each of the two independent bismuth cations in the shape of monocapped trigonal prisms. The [BiS3Cl4] polyhedra form quadruple rods by sharing edges and faces. Covalent bonds between sulfide anions connect the rods into layers parallel to (001). Disordered copper as well as bismuth cations fill the voids between the layers. The Joint Probability Density Function (JPDF) reveals a continuous pathway along [010], which might be used for ion conduction. Cu7.4Bi6Se12Cl7 crystallizes in the hexagonal space group P6/m with a = 1505.8(1) pm, c = 401.41(3) pm, T = 293(2) K. Monocapped trigonal prisms [BiSe3Cl4] share faces along [001]. Through edge‐sharing these rods form hexagonal tubes, which are filled with disordered copper cations as well as chloride anions. Diselenide bridges link neighboring tubes. The intertubular channels contain stationary copper cations.
For which type of chronic pancreatitis is the “Hamburg procedure” indicated?
Authors: Kutup Asad , Vashist Yogesh , Kaifi Jussuf T. , Yekebas Emre F. , Izbicki Jakob R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackgroundA pancreatic duct diameter (PDD) ranging from 4 to 5 mm is regarded as “normal”. The “large duct” form of chronic pancreatitis (CP) with a PDD > 7 mm is considered a classical indication for drainage procedures. In contrast, in patients with so‐called “small duct pancreatitis” (SDP) with a PDD < 3 mm, extended resectional procedures are suggested including, as an “ultima ratio”, even total pancreatectomy.MethodsBetween 1992 and 2008, among a total of 978 patients who were treated for CP, 51 suffered from SDP and underwent longitudinal “V‐shaped excision” of the anterior aspect of the pancreas. The interval between symptoms and surgery varied from 12 to 123 months. Median follow‐up was 87 months (range 32–131 months). A pain score was used as well as a multidimensional psychometric quality‐of‐life questionnaire.ResultsHospital mortality was 0%. The perioperative morbidity (30 days) was 19.1%. Median pain score decreased by 95.5%. Global quality of life index increased in median by 53.6% (range 37.5–80%). In 35 patients (75%), complete pain relief was achieved. The impairment of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function after surgery was statistically not significant.ConclusionsLongitudinal “V‐shaped excision” of the ventral pancreas is a secure and effective approach for SDP, achieving significant improvement in quality of life and pain relief. While sparing patients from unnecessary, extended resectional procedures, it appears not to result in substantial deterioration of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic function.
Repeated restraint stress and corticosterone injections during late pregnancy alter GAP‐43 expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of rat pups
Authors: Jutapakdeegul Nuanchan , Afadlal Szeifoul , Polaboon Nongnuch , Phansuwan‐Pujito Pansiri , Govitrapong Piyarat 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn the offspring of prenatal stress animals, overactivity and impaired negative feedback regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis are consistent finding. However, little was known about how prenatal stress can permanently alter developmental trajectories of pup's brain. Growth‐associated protein‐43 (GAP‐43) is a presynaptic membrane phosphoprotein whose expression increases during developmental events such as axonal outgrowth or remodeling and synaptogenesis. Phosphorylation of GAP‐43 by protein kinase C was correlated with enhanced axonal growth and transmitter release. In adult animals, increase of GAP‐43 correlated with monoaminergic deficit in neuropsychiatric disorders. The present study examines the effects of repeated maternal restraint stress on the level of GAP‐43 in the brain of rat pups. The results showed that prenatal stress significantly increased GAP‐43 level in the PFC of rat pup during PND 7–14 as compared to control but not significant difference when observed at PND 21. Increased GAP‐43 expression was also observed in the pup's hippocampus during the same postnatal periods. However, when observed at PND 60, pups born from stressed mother showed a significant lower (p < 0.001) GAP‐43 expression as compare with control group. These changes indicate the direct effect of corticosteroid hormone, since repeated maternal injection with corticosterone (CORT, 40 mg/kg) during GD 14–21 also gave the same results. PND 7–14 is the peak period of synaptogenesis in these brain areas and abnormal axon sprouting and reorganization may lead to a defect in synaptic pruning at later stage of life. The results suggested that maternal stress is harmful to the developing brain and upregulation of GAP‐43 indicated a protective mechanism against the toxicity of maternal stress hormone. Prenatal stress alter the normal developmental trajectories in the pup's brain may underlies the mechanism link between early life stress and neuropsychopathology in later life.
Strong beliefs and coping in old age: a case-based comparison of atheism and religious faith
Authors: WILKINSON PETER J. , COLEMAN PETER G. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTAlthough a variety of research projects have been conducted on the benefits of religious coping in older adults, no direct comparison between atheism and religious faith has been published. The study reported in this paper tackled this issue by interviewing two matched groups of people aged over 60 years living in southern England, one of 11 informants with strong atheistic beliefs, and the other of eight informants with strong religious beliefs. Five paired comparisons were undertaken to examine the role of the content of the belief system itself in coping with different negative stresses and losses commonly associated with ageing and old age. The pairs were matched for the nature of the loss or stress that the two people had experienced, but the two individuals had opposed atheistic and religious beliefs. The analyses showed that all the study participants – regardless of their beliefs – were coping well, and suggested that a strong atheistic belief system can fulfil the same role as a strong religious belief system in providing support, explanation, consolation and inspiration. It is postulated that the strength of people's beliefs and how those beliefs are used might have more influence on the efficacy of coping than the specific nature of the beliefs. Further research into the strength of belief systems, including atheism, is required to test and elaborate this hypothesis.