bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Corporate conceptions of triple bottom line reporting: an empirical analysis into the signs and symbols driving this fashionable framework
Authors: Sridhar Kaushik 
Published: July 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis that examines the semiotics of triple bottom line (TBL) and how it has been developed since its inception in the early 1990s.Design/methodology/approachThis study was conducted over a period of nine months, during which semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 40 organizations around the world that were considered to be organizations having best practices in non‐financial reporting. The key interviewees were managers and heads of the sustainability departments within the organization.FindingsThis study has attempted using semiotics and coding to show parallel themes within how organizations perceive TBL. The codes of language, compliance, integration and limitations provide symbolic attempts by which sustainability managers create and communicate the perception of “corporate sustainability” through TBL reporting in order to satisfy external pressures and stakeholders. A semiotic analysis of TBL has shown that these four codes or concepts do in fact have a common interpretive scheme.Research limitations/implicationsThe non‐financial reporting process or TBL reporting process tend to be conducted and developed by a sustainability team within an organization, rather than just by an individual. The interviews conducted in this research paper are with the head of the sustainability departments at each organization and hence this is a potential limitation in terms of understanding the semiotic powers of TBL.Originality/valueWhile the codes explained in this paper do not show the entire culture and views on non‐financial reporting, they do capture a major aspect of it through the eyes of TBL and provide examples of how semiotics can be used to study and map the systems of meaning employed by members of a certain occupational setting. Having a semiotic view provides many conclusions about the study of an organizational culture or framework.
Adipocyte chemerin release is induced by insulin without being translated to higher levels in vivo
Authors: Bauer Sabrina , Bala Margarita , Kopp Andrea , Eisinger Kristina , Schmid Andreas , Schneider Sylvia , Neumeier Markus , Buechler Christa 
Published: July 2012

Eur J Clin Invest 2012; 42 (11): 1213–1220AbstractBackground  Chemerin is an adipokine that regulates insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. Prolonged hyperinsulinaemia is associated with higher systemic chemerin, and insulin induces adipose tissue chemerin release. These findings led us to hypothesize that systemic chemerin may be associated with post‐prandial glucose metabolism and/or may even be induced after oral glucose load. Therefore, the effect of insulin on adipocyte chemerin levels and systemic chemerin in mice was analysed. Further, systemic levels of chemerin after oral glucose load in nondiabetic individuals were studied.Design and methods  Chemerin levels were determined in adipocytes after short‐term and long‐term treatment with insulin. Effects of acute hyperinsulinaemia were studied in mice. Chemerin was measured during oral glucose tolerance test in 66 healthy, nondiabetic individuals stratified for established body mass index categories.Results  Insulin induces chemerin release from adipocytes within 24 h, while cellular levels are not affected. Short‐term hyperinsulinaemia also upregulates adipocyte chemerin in vitro but has no effect on adipose tissue and chemerin serum levels of mice. Systemic chemerin is higher in overweight/obese than normal‐weight controls and positively correlates with total cholesterol. Chemerin is not associated with markers of insulin sensitivity like fasting glucose or insulin. Fasting chemerin levels are similar to concentrations measured 1 and 2 h after oral glucose uptake in overweight and obese donors.Conclusions  Post‐prandial hyperinsulinaemia does not contribute to higher chemerin levels in nondiabetic individuals.
Rapid degradation of pyrogenic carbon
Authors: Zimmermann Michael , Bird Michael I. , Wurster Christopher , Saiz Gustavo , Goodrick Iain , Barta Jiri , Capek Petr , Santruckova Hana , Smernik Ronald 
Published: July 2012

AbstractPyrogenic carbon (PC‐ charcoal, biochar or black carbon) represents a poorly understood component of the global carbon (C) cycle, but one that has considerable potential to mitigate climate change through provision of long‐term soil C sequestration. Mass balance calculations suggest global PC production and stocks are not in balance, indicating a major gap in our understanding of the processes by which PC is re‐mineralized. We collected PC samples derived from the same wood material and exposed to natural environmental conditions for 1 and 11 years. We subjected these materials to repeated laboratory incubation studies at temperatures of up to 60 °C, as ground surface temperatures above 30 °C and up to 60 °C occur regularly over a significant area of the tropics and sub‐tropics. Mineralization rates were not different for the two samples and followed an exponential Arrhenius function that suggest an average turnover time of 67 years for conditions typical of a tropical savannah environment. Microbial biomass as measured by chloroform fumigation and DNA extractions was the same for the two samples, but abiotic CO2 production was lower for the fresh PC sample than that for the aged sample. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, hydrogen pyrolysis and scanning electron microscopy demonstrate that the measured CO2 production originates dominantly from polycyclic aromatic compounds rather than any minor labile components. Therefore, rapid, sub‐centennial rates of re‐mineralization of PC on the soil surface in tropical and sub‐tropical environments may represent a major and hitherto unidentified mechanism for balancing the PC production at the global scale.
Spatial Vote Redistribution in Redrawn Polling Units
Authors: Pavía Jose M. , López-Quílez Antonio 
Published: July 2012

SummaryA large proportion of electoral analyses using geography are performed on a small area basis. In each new election there are always modifications to the previously existing polling units. The use of past voting results in small area aggregate data electoral forecasting models and political analyses therefore requires establishing a correspondence between old and new polling units. Traditionally, the task of tracking changes to assign an electoral history to the new units properly has been carried out by hand, comparing unit codes and census figures. This is an extremely cumbersome task that cannot always be performed, as when a massive (geographically intense) reorganization of polling unit boundaries takes place. Nowadays, however, assisted by the increasing availability of geographical data, this chore could be easily automated and even improved with the help of spatial statistical software. The paper suggests several methods for allocating votes by using geographical information systems tools and shows the effectiveness of spatial strategies. These approaches will permit electoral pollsters and forecasters to solve the issue efficiently and to apply the most successful electoral forecasting techniques that are currently in use and will help electoral geographers with the problem of comparing spatial aggregate electoral data from different elections. The relevance of the analysis, nevertheless, goes beyond electoral data, as the reallocation of data from one set of administrative units onto another arises in many applications. The geometric approach is proposed as a natural substitute for the classical approach and three additional approaches (centroid, surface and compositional) are also suggested, exploiting the spatial patterns that electoral outcomes display. The relative performance of the various methods is assessed in three real data instances. The results suggest that the surface approach, which obtains past voting outcomes in each polling unit by averaging their vote proportion interpolations, is the most suitable procedure.
High levels of Mn2+ inhibit secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+‐ATPase (SPCA) activity and cause Golgi fragmentation in neurons and glia
Authors: Sepúlveda M. Rosario , Wuytack Frank , Mata Ana M. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractExcess Mn2+ in humans causes a neurological disorder known as manganism, which shares symptoms with Parkinson's disease. However, the cellular mechanisms underlying Mn2+‐neurotoxicity and the involvement of Mn2+‐transporters in cellular homeostasis and repair are poorly understood and require further investigation. In this work, we have analyzed the effect of Mn2+ on neurons and glia from mice in primary cultures. Mn2+ overload compromised survival of both cell types, specifically affecting cellular integrity and Golgi organization, where the secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+‐ATPase is localized. This ATP‐driven Mn2+ transporter might take part in Mn2+ accumulation/detoxification at low loads of Mn2+, but its ATPase activity is inhibited at high concentration of Mn2+. Glial cells appear to be significantly more resistant to this toxicity than neurons and their presence in cocultures provided some protection to neurons against degeneration induced by Mn2+. Interestingly, the Mn2+ toxicity was partially reversed upon Mn2+ removal by wash out or by the addition of EDTA as a chelating agent, in particular in glial cells. These studies provide data on Mn2+ neurotoxicity and may contribute to explore new therapeutic approaches for reducing Mn2+ poisoning.
Cholesterol metabolism is associated with soluble amyloid precursor protein production in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Popp Julius , Lewczuk Piotr , Kölsch Heike , Meichsner Sabrina , Maier Wolfgang , Kornhuber Johannes , Jessen Frank , Lütjohann Dieter 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDisturbances of the cholesterol metabolism are associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk and related cerebral pathology. Experimental studies found changing levels of cholesterol and its metabolites 24S‐hydroxycholesterol (24S‐OHC) and 27‐hydroxycholesterol (27‐OHC) to contribute to amyloidogenesis by increasing the production of soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the CSF and circulating cholesterol 24S‐OHC and 27‐OHC, and the sAPP production as measured by CSF concentrations of sAPP forms in humans. The plasma and the CSF concentrations of cholesterol, 24S‐OHC and 27‐OHC, and the CSF concentrations of sAPPα, sAPPβ, and Aß1‐42 were assessed in subjects with AD and controls with normal cognition. In multivariate regression tests including age, gender, albumin ratio, and apolipoprotein E (APOE)ε4 status CSF cholesterol, 24S‐OHC, and 27‐OHC independently predicted the concentrations of sAPPα and sAPPβ. The associations remained significant when analyses were separately performed in the AD group. Furthermore, plasma 27‐OHC concentrations were associated with the CSF sAPP levels. The results suggest that high CSF concentrations of cholesterol, 24S‐OHC, and 27‐OHC are associated with increased production of both sAPP forms in AD.
Alterations in the immunoexpression of galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐7 between different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: de Vasconcelos Carvalho Marianne , Pereira Joabe dos Santos , Alves Pollianna Muniz , Silveira Ericka Janine Dantas da , de Souza Lélia Batista , Queiroz Lélia Maria Guedes 
Published: July 2012

IntroductionOral epithelial dysplasia (OED) is a potentially malignant lesion characterized by a combination of cytological and architectural anomalies, which are essential for its diagnosis. Galectins are proteins that participate in cell cycle, adhesion and differentiation, apoptosis, and immune responses, as well as in cancer development and progression.Materials and methodsThe aim of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of galectins‐1, ‐3, and ‐7 in the OED (21 low risk and 29 high risk) and normal oral mucosa (NOM). The binary grading system was used.ResultsGalectin‐1 was expressed in the middle/lower third in most OED cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining was observed in most low‐risk and high‐risk OEDs. All cases of NOM were negative for galectin‐1. Galectin‐3 was expressed in the middle/lower third in most low‐risk cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining was noted in most low‐risk and high‐risk OEDs. Middle/lower third and in membrane staining was detected in four cases of NOM for galectin‐3. Galectin‐7 was expressed in the upper/middle third in most of OED cases. Nuclear/cytoplasmic staining predominated in low‐risk and high‐risk OEDs. Galectin‐7 was detected in four cases of NOM, all of them presenting staining in the upper/middle third and in the membrane.ConclusionThe differences in the immunoexpression of galactin‐1, ‐3, and ‐7 between different grades of OEDs suggest the involvement of this protein in the progression of dysplasias.
Triclosan alters antimicrobial and inflammatory responses of epithelial cells
Authors: Wallet MA , Calderon NL , Alonso TR , Choe CS , Catalfamo DL , Lalane CJ , Neiva KG , Panagakos F , Wallet SM 
Published: July 2012

Periodontal diseases are a class of pathologies wherein oral microbes induce harmful immune responses in a susceptible host. Therefore, an agent that can both reduce microbial burden and lessen pathogenesis of localized inflammation would have beneficial effects in periodontal disease; 2,4,4‐trichloro‐2‐hydroxydiphenyl‐ether [triclosan] is currently used in oral care products owing to broad spectrum antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory properties.ObjectiveTo determine effects of triclosan on the response of oral epithelial cells to stimulation with the inflammatory microbial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a ligand for toll‐like receptor 4 [TLR4].Materials/MethodsPrimary human oral epithelial cells were stimulated with LPS in the presence and/or absence of triclosan after which expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, β‐defensins, micro‐RNAs [miRNAs], or TLR‐signaling pathway proteins were evaluated.ResultsHere, we demonstrate that triclosan is a potent inhibitor of oral epithelial cell LPS‐induced pro‐inflammatory responses by inducing miRNA regulation of the TLR‐signaling pathway. Triclosan was not a pan‐suppresser of oral epithelial cell responses as β‐defensin 2 [βD2] and βD3 were upregulated by triclosan following LPS‐stimulation.ConclusionsThese data demonstrate both a novel antimicrobial mechanism by which triclosan improves plaque control and an additional anti‐inflammatory property, which could have beneficial effects in periodontal disease resolution.
Inactivation of the
ybdD
Gene in Lactococcus lactis Increases the Amounts of Exported Proteins
Authors: Morello E. , Nouaille S. , Cortes-Perez N. G. , Blugeon S. , Medina L. F. C. , Azevedo V. , Gratadoux J. J. , Bermï¿½dez-Humarï¿½n L. G. , Le Loir Y. , Langella P. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Random insertional mutagenesis performed on a
Lactococcus lactis
reporter strain led us to identify
L. lactis ybdD
as a protein-overproducing mutant. In different expression contexts, the
ybdD
mutant shows increased levels of exported proteins and therefore constitutes a new and attractive heterologous protein production host. This study also highlights the importance of unknown regulatory processes that play a role during protein secretion.
Genome Sequences for Six Rhodanobacter Strains, Isolated from Soils and the Terrestrial Subsurface, with Variable Denitrification Capabilities
Authors: Kostka Joel E. , Green Stefan J. , Rishishwar Lavanya , Prakash Om , Katz Lee S. , Mariño-Ramírez Leonardo , Jordan I. King , Munk Christine , Ivanova Natalia , Mikhailova Natalia , Watson David B. , Brown Steven D. , Palumbo Anthony V. , Brooks Scott C. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

We report the first genome sequences for six strains of
Rhodanobacter
species isolated from a variety of soil and subsurface environments. Three of these strains are capable of complete denitrification and three others are not. However, all six strains contain most of the genes required for the respiration of nitrate to gaseous nitrogen. The nondenitrifying members of the genus lack only the gene for nitrate reduction, the first step in the full denitrification pathway. The data suggest that the environmental role of bacteria from the genus
Rhodanobacter
should be reevaluated.
Genome Sequence of the Antarctic Psychrophile Bacterium Planococcus antarcticus DSM 14505
Authors: Margolles Abelardo , Gueimonde Miguel , Sánchez Borja 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACT

Planococcus antarcticus
DSM 14505 is a psychrophile bacterium that was isolated from cyanobacterial mat samples, originally collected from ponds in McMurdo, Antarctica. This orange-pigmented bacterium grows at 4°C and may possess interesting enzymatic activities at low temperatures. Here we report the first genomic sequence of
P. antarcticus
DSM 14505.
Post-mortem analysis of bone marrow osteoclasts using tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining: does histochemistry work and correlate with time since death?
Authors: Boehm Joachim , Schmidt Ulrike , Porsche Michéle , Veeck Juergen , Schaefer Hans-Eckart 
Published: July 2012

AimsIn bone marrow (BM) biopsies, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining represents the gold standard for the characterisation of osteoclasts. TRAP is one of the few enzymes that is histochemically detectable on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue. This study investigated whether TRAP is also able to visualise BM osteoclasts in autopsy tissue. It was hypothesised that, due to a progressive loss of enzymatic activity in osteoclasts post-mortem, TRAP staining could allow the time of death of a patient to be determined.MethodsTRAP-stained BM slides of 96 cases including 51 pathology and 23 forensic autopsies and 22 biopsies were histologically evaluated and their staining intensity (SI) semi-quantitatively graded. In the autopsy cases, the results were correlated with the post-mortem interval (PMI, time span in days between death and autopsy).ResultsTRAP staining intensities (TRAP-SIs) did not differ between men and women and showed a steady decrease with age. TRAP-SIs were significantly stronger in biopsies than in autopsy cases. Among the autopsies, TRAP-SIs were highly variable and not dependent on PMI, except for three forensic cases with PMI ≥7 days which showed a complete loss of TRAP stainability. On the whole, the TRAP-SIs of pathology and forensic cases did not differ significantly.ConclusionsThis study clearly shows that BM osteoclasts stay TRAP-positive for 7 days post-mortem, although with markedly reduced TRAP-SIs compared with biopsies. Since TRAP-SIs were not correlated with the duration of PMI, TRAP staining of BM osteoclasts cannot serve as a tool to determine the time of death of a patient.
Association between microalbuminuria and subclinical atherosclerosis evaluated by carotid artery intima-media in elderly patients with normal renal function
Authors: Kong XiangLei , Jia XiaoYan , Wei Yong , Cui MeiYu , Wang ZunSong , Tang LiJun , Li WenBin , Zhu ZhuXian , Chen Ping , Xu DongMei 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Moderate to severe renal insufficiency and albuminuria have been shown to be independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. However, little is known about the direct association between subclinical atherosclerosis evaluated by carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and microalbuminuria in elderly patients with normal renal function.

Methods
Subjects were 272 elderly patients (age  ≥ 60 years) with normoalbuminuria (n = 238) and microalbuminuria (n = 34). Carotid IMT was measured by means of high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥ 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 was defined as normal renal function. Those who had macroalbuminuria and atherosclerotic vascular disease were not included.

Results
Compared to subjects with normoalbuminuria, subjects with microalbuminuria had higher mean carotid IMT (1.02 ± 0.38 vs. 0.85 ± 0.28 mm; P < 0.01) and maximal IMT (1.86 ± 0.86 vs. 1.60 ± 0.73 mm; P = 0.06). By a multiple linear regression, microalbuminuria positively correlated with mean carotid IMT after adjusting for traditional cardiovascular disease risk factors including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, total cholesterol, pulse pressure, waist circumference, serum uric acid. As a categorical outcome, the prevalence of the highest mean cariotid IMT quartile (increased IMT ≥ 1.05 mm) was compared with the lower three quartiles. After adjusted for potential confounders, microalbuminuria was associated with increased carotid IMT, with an odds ratio of 2.95 [95 % confidence interval, 1.22 – 7.10]. eGFR was not significantly associated with mean carotid IMT in our analysis.

Conclusions
A slight elevation of albuminuria is a significant determinant of carotid IMT independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors in our patients. Our study further confirms the importance of intensive examinations for the early detection of atherosclerosis when microalbuminuria is found in elderly patients, although with normal renal function.
Prenatal management and perinatal outcome in giant placental chorioangioma complicated with hydrops fetalis, fetal anemia and maternal mirror syndrome
Authors: García-Díaz Lutgardo , Carreto Práxedes , Costa-Pereira Susana , Antiñolo Guillermo 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundGiant placental chorioangiomas have been associated with a number of severe fetal complications and high perinatal mortality.Case presentationWe report a case of giant chorioangioma with fetal hydrops, additionally complicated by severe anemia, mild cardiomegaly with hyperdinamic heart circulation and maternal mirror syndrome. Intrauterine blood transfusion and amniodrainage was performed at 29 weeks. Worsening of the fetal and maternal condition prompted us to proceed with delivery at 29 + 5 weeks. The newborn died 3 hours later due to pulmonary hypoplasia and hemodynamic failure. Maternal course was favourable, mirror syndrome resolved in the second day and the patient was discharged four days following delivery.ConclusionsIn the case described here, fetal condition got worse despite of the anemia correction and amniodrainage. Our outcome raises the issue whether additional intrauterine clinical intervention, as intersticial laser, should have been performed to stop further deterioration of the fetal condition when progressive severe hydrops develops.
International collaborative project to compare and track the nutritional composition of fast foods
Authors:   The Food Monitoring Group
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundChronic diseases are the leading cause of premature death and disability in the world with over-nutrition a primary cause of diet-related ill health. Excess quantities of energy, saturated fat, sugar and salt derived from fast foods contribute importantly to this disease burden. Our objective is to collate and compare nutrient composition data for fast foods as a means of supporting improvements in product formulation.Methods/designSurveys of fast foods will be done in each participating country each year. Information on the nutrient composition for each product will be sought either through direct chemical analysis, from fast food companies, in-store materials or from company websites. Foods will be categorized into major groups for the primary analyses which will compare mean levels of saturated fat, sugar, sodium, energy and serving size at baseline and over time. Countries currently involved include Australia, New Zealand, France, UK, USA, India, Spain, China and Canada, with more anticipated to follow.DiscussionThis collaborative approach to the collation and sharing of data will enable low-cost tracking of fast food composition around the world. This project represents a significant step forward in the objective and transparent monitoring of industry and government commitments to improve the quality of fast foods.