bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Évaluation floue des profils de gestion des risques divulgués dans les rapports annuels des entreprises
Authors: Dia Mohamed , Zéghal Daniel 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe most common measures of risk have traditionally been based on quantitative financial and accounting information. However, new information on risk management disclosed in companies' annual reports is generally qualitative or linguistic. As such, exploitation by decision makers becomes difficult. In this study, a fuzzy analysis approach is applied to risk information disclosed by 217 firms listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The results provide some evidence that these fuzzy measures are reasonable proxies for traditional financial and accounting measures. They also show that fuzzy measures can predict a significant amount of systematic risk. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wildey & Sons, Ltd.
Extraneous bodily movements and irrelevant vocalizations by dyslexic and non‐dyslexic boys during calculation tasks
Authors: Turner Ellis S. A. , Miles T. R. , Wheeler T. J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThirty dyslexic boys, aged between 9 and 15 years, and 30 age‐matched controls were tested on a series of sums involving division, subtraction and addition. During the testing a record was kept of any bodily movements or verbal utterances (vocalizations) irrelevant to the task in hand. It was found that the dyslexics produced many more extraneous bodily movements and many more irrelevant vocalizations than did the controls. Possible reasons for these findings are tentatively suggested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HIV‐1 Tat and morphine have interactive effects on oligodendrocyte survival and morphology
Authors: Hauser Kurt F. , Hahn Yun Kyung , Adjan Valeriya V. , Zou Shiping , Buch Shreya K. , Nath Avindra , Bruce‐Keller Annadora J. , Knapp Pamela E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected individuals who abuse opiates show faster progression to AIDS, and enhanced incidence of HIV‐1 encephalitis. Most opiates with abuse liability are preferential agonists for μ‐opioid receptors (MORs), and MORs are expressed on both neurons and glia, including oligodendrocytes (OLs). Tat, gp120, and other viral toxins, cause neurotoxicityin vitroand/or when injected into brain, and co‐exposure to opiates can augment HIV‐1 protein‐induced insults to both glial and neuronal populations. We examined the effects of HIV‐1 Tat +/− opiate exposure on OL survival and differentiation.In vivostudies utilized transgenic mice expressing Tat1‐86regulated by an inducible glial fibrillary acidic protein promoter. Although MBP levels were unchanged on immunoblots, certain structural and apoptotic indices were abnormal. After only 2 days of Tat induction, OLs showed an upregulation of active caspase‐3 that was enhanced by morphine exposure. Tat also upregulated TUNEL staining, but only in the presence of morphine. Tat significantly reduced the length of processes in Golgi–Kopsch impregnated OLs. A greater proportion of cells exhibited diminished or aberrant cytoplasmic processes, especially when mice expressing Tat were co‐exposed to morphine. Collectively, our data show that OLsin situare extremely sensitive to effects of Tat +/− morphine, although it is not clear if immature OLs as well as differentiated OLs are targeted equally. Significant elevations in caspase‐3 activity and TUNEL labeling, and evidence of increased degeneration/regeneration of OLs exposed to Tat +/− morphine suggest that toxicity toward OLs may be accompanied by heightened OL turnover. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Raft aggregation with specific receptor recruitment is required for microglial phagocytosis of Aβ42
Authors: Persaud‐Sawin Dixie‐Ann , Banach Lynna , Harry Gaylia Jean 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMicroglial phagocytosis contributes to the maintenance of brain homeostasis. Mechanisms involved, however, remain unclear. Using Aβ42 solely as a stimulant, we provide novel insight into regulation of microglial phagocytosis by rafts. We demonstrate the existence of an Aβ42 threshold level of 250 pg/mL, above which microglial phagocytic function is impaired. Low levels of Aβ42 facilitate fluorescent bead uptake, whereas phagocytosis is inhibited when Aβ42 accumulates. We also show that region‐specific raft clustering occurs before microglial phagocytosis. Low Aβ42 levels stimulated this type of raft aggregation, but high Aβ42 levels inhibited it. Additionally, treatment with high Aβ42 concentrations caused a redistribution of the raft structural protein flotillin1 from low to higher density fractions along a sucrose gradient. This suggests a loss of raft structural integrity. Certain non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, e.g., the cyclooxygenase 2‐specific nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, celecoxib, raise Aβ42 levels. We demonstrated that prolonged celecoxib exposure can disrupt rafts in a manner similar to that seen in an elevated Aβ42 environment: abnormal raft aggregation and Flot1 distribution. This resulted in aberrant receptor recruitment to rafts and impaired receptor‐mediated phagocytosis by microglial cells. Specifically, recruitment of the scavenger receptor CD36 to rafts during active phagocytosis was affected. Thus, we propose that maintaining raft integrity is crucial for determining microglial phagocytic outcomes and disease progression. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes in the antioxidant metabolism in the embryonic development of the common South American toad Bufo arenarum: Differential responses to pesticide in early embryos and autonomous‐feeding larvae
Authors: Ferrari Ana , Anguiano Liliana , Lascano Cecilia , Sotomayor Verónica , Rosenbaum Enrique , Venturino Andrés 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAmphibians may be critically challenged by aquatic contaminants during their embryonic development. Many classes of compounds, including organophosphorus pesticides, are able to cause oxidative stress that affects the delicate cellular redox balance regulating tissue modeling. We determined the progression of antioxidant defenses during the embryonic development of the South American common toad, Bufo arenarum. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were high in the unfertilized eggs, and remained constant during the first stages of development. SOD showed a significant increase when the gills were completely active and opercular folds began to form. Reductase (GR) activity was low in the oocytes and increased significantly when gills and mouth were entirely developed and the embryos presented a higher exposure to pro‐oxidant conditions suggesting an environmental control. Reduced glutathione (GSH) content was also initially low, and rose continuously pointing out an increasing participation of GSH‐related enzymes in the control of oxidative stress. GSH peroxidases and GSH‐S‐transferases showed relatively high and constant activities, probably related to lipid peroxide control. B. arenarum embryos have plenty of yolk platelets containing lipids, which provide the energy and are actively transferred to the newly synthesized membranes during the early embryonic development. Exposure to the pro‐oxidant pesticide malathion during 48 h did not significantly affect the activity of antioxidant enzymes in early embryos, but decreased the activities of CAT, GR, and the pool of GSH in larvae. Previous work indicated that lipid peroxide levels were kept low in malathion‐exposed larvae, thus we conclude that oxidative stress is overcome by the antioxidant defenses. The increase in the antioxidant metabolism observed in the posthatching phase of development of B. arenarum embryo, thus constitutes a defense against natural and human‐generated pro‐oxidants present in the aquatic environment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:259–267, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20236
Overcoming our resistances to “Doing” evidence‐based group practice: a commentary
Authors: Kivlighan Dennis M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis commentary focuses on how the articles in the group therapy issue of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session can address the resistances that many group practitioners exhibit to “doing” evidence‐based practice (EBP). The articles attempt to overcome the resistances to practicing evidence‐based group therapy through a process of education and skills training. A major issue cutting across the articles is the narrow focus of incorporating empirical findings only from studies specifically examining psychotherapy groups. The author argues that incorporating research from the whole field of group dynamics research can increase the empirical basis for evidence‐based practice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol: In Session 64: 1–8, 2008.
Effect of oxygen transfer rates on alcohols production by Candida guilliermondii cultivated on soybean hull hydrolysate
Authors: Schirmer‐Michel Ângela Cristina , Flôres Simone Hickmann , Hertz Plinho Francisco , Ayub Marco Antônio Záchia 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: In this research the use of soybean hull hydrolysate (SHH) as substrate for xylitol and ethanol production using an osmotolerant strain of Candida guilliermondii was studied. The production of alcohols was investigated in batch cultivations in which the variable parameter was the volumetric oxygen mass transfer coefficient (kLa) obtained from three different conditions of air supply: anaerobic (150 rpm, no aeration); microaerobic (300 rpm, 1 vvm), and aerobic (600 rpm, 2 vvm), corresponding to kLa values of 0; 8; and 46 h−1, respectively.RESULTS: SHH, although presenting a very high osmotic pressure (1413 mOsm kg−1), was completely metabolized under aerobic conditions with high biomass productivities of 0.49 g cells (L h)−1, with little formation of ethanol. Xylitol was produced under microaeration, with product yield of 0.22 g g−1 xylose, with the formation of glycerol as a by‐product. No xylose was metabolized under anaerobic conditions, but ethanol was produced from hexoses with high product yields of 0.5 g g−1.CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the hydrolysis of soybean hull and its conversion to ethanol and other alcohols could be an important use of this agro‐industrial waste, which could be used for biofuel, xylitol or biomass production, depending on the aeration conditions of the cultures. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
EvoDevo and niche construction: building bridges
Authors: Laland Kevin N. , Odling‐Smee John , Gilbert Scott F. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEvolutionary developmental biology and niche‐construction theory have much in common, despite independent intellectual origins. Both place emphasis on the role of ontogenetic processes in evolution. The same historical events shaped them, and similar philosophical and sociological barriers hindered their respective advances. Both perspectives maintain that neo‐Darwinism needs a theory of macroevolutionary variation and that such a theory can now be adduced from developmental biology. Some proponents of both EvoDevo and niche construction propose additional evolutionary mechanisms, and specify a key role for stable extra‐genetic forms of inheritance. Similarly, proponents of each lay emphasis on “reciprocal causation” in the relationship between organism and environment. We illustrate here how EvoDevo and niche construction could gain “added value” from each other, and demonstrate how the niche‐construction perspective potentially provides a useful conduit to integrate evolutionary and developmental biology. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 310B:549–566, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microscopic organization of the sperm storage tubules in the oviducal gland of the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus), with observations on sperm distribution and storage
Authors: Storrie Megan T. , Walker Terence I. , Laurenson Laurence J. , Hamlett William C. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractOviducal gland morphology, the microscopic organization of the terminal zone, and sperm storage were described in the female gummy shark (Mustelus antarcticus). Mustelus antarcticus is a nonplacental viviparous hound shark, which displays minimal histotrophy during embryonic development. The animals examined represented all stages of maturity and gestation. The oviducal gland was found to have the same fundamental zonation as in most chondrichthyans. Using recent terminology, the oviducal gland of chondrichthyans has an anterior club zone, followed by a papillary zone, both of which produce jelly that surrounds the egg, a baffle zone that elaborates the tertiary egg envelope and a terminal zone, where sperm storage occurs. Each zone is composed of simple tubular glands that connect to transverse grooves, which extend the full width of the gland. The exception is the terminal zone, which does not have transverse grooves but consists of individual tubules. The microscopic organization and histochemical nature of the zones display similar patterns to those of other chondrichthyan genera. Tubules of the terminal zone contain four types of cell: ciliated cells, alcian blue‐positive secretory cells, periodic acid‐Schiff and alcian blue‐negative secretory cells, and secretory columnar cells. These tubules end in recesses, the sperm storage tubules, which extend beyond the periphery of the baffle zone. Sperm were stored in the sperm storage tubules of all maturing and mature animals examined. Of note is the observation of stored sperm in an animal 1 year prior to first ovulation. Sperm were also observed throughout the uterine sphincter, body of the uterus, isthmus, and oviduct of maturing and mature animals, and in the uterine sphincter of an immature animal. These sperm represent immediately postcopulation aggregations of sperm and sperm in the process of migrating to the site of storage or to the site of fertilization. J. Morphol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization and role ofHelixcontactin‐related proteins in culturedHelix pomatianeurons
Authors: Milanese C. , Giachello C. , Fiumara F. , Bizzoca A. , Gennarini G. , Montarolo P.G. , Ghirardi M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractWe report on the structural and functional properties of theHelixcontactin‐related proteins (HCRPs), a family of closely related glycoproteins previously identified in the nervous system of the land snailHelix pomatiathrough antibodies against the mouse F3/contactin glycoprotein. We focus on HCRP1 and HCRP2, soluble FNIII domains‐containing proteins of 90 and 45 kD bearing consensus motifs for both N‐ and O‐glycosylation. Using the anti‐HCRPs serum, we find secreted HCRPs inHelixnervous tissue isotonic extracts and in culture medium conditioned byHelixganglia. In addition, we demonstrate expression of HCRPs on neuronal soma and on neurite extensions. Functionally, inHelixneurons, the antisense HCRP2 mRNA counteracts neurite elongation, and the recombinant HCRP2 protein exerts a strong positive effect on neurite growth when used as substrate. These data point to HCRPs as novel neurite growth‐promoting molecules expressed in invertebrate nervous tissue. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cloning of Poly(aspartic acid) (PAA) Hydrolase‐1 Gene from Pedobacter sp. KP‐2 and Hydrolysis of Thermally Synthesized PAA by its Gene Product
Authors: Hiraishi Tomohiro , Masuda Eriko , Kanayama Naoki , Nagata Madoka , Doi Yoshiharu , Abe Hideki , Maeda Mizuo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractPedobacter sp. KP‐2 can degrade and metabolize thermally synthesized α,β‐poly(D,L‐aspartic acid) (tPAA), which contains 70% of unnatural β‐amide units, with high‐molecular‐weight. In this study, gene cloning and molecular characterization of PAA hydrolase‐1 from KP‐2 was carried out. Gene analysis reveals that deduced amino acid sequence of the enzyme shows a similarity to only that of PAA hydrolase‐1 from Sphingomonas sp. KT‐1. GPC and NMR analyses of the hydrolyzed products of tPAA by PAA hydrolase‐1 of KP‐2 indicate that this enzyme cleaves the β‐β amide linkage via endo‐mode to yield oligo(aspartic acid) from tPAA. Taking the composition of tPAA and the substrate specificity of PAA hydrolase‐1 into consideration, the enzyme possibly plays a crucial role in tPAA biodegradation by KP‐2.magnified image
mRNA expression profiling of phyllodes tumours of the breast: identification of genes important in the development of borderline and malignant phyllodes tumours
Authors: Jones AM , Mitter R , Poulsom R , Gillett C , Hanby AM , Consortium Phyllodes Tumour , Tomlinson IPM , Sawyer EJ 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify genes involved in the development of borderline and malignant phyllodes tumours of the breast (PTs). Expression profiling of 23 PTs (12 benign, 11 borderline/malignant) was performed using Affymetrix U133A GeneChips. mRNA expression in the borderline/malignant PTs was compared to the benign PTs. A group of 162 genes was over‐expressed in the borderline/malignant group with a fold change > 2 and FDR < 0.1. Four of these genes were chosen for further investigation: PAX3, SIX1, TGFB2 and HMGA2. Over‐expression was validated in a separate set of formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tumours, using either in situ hybridization or immunohistochemistry. This confirmed that expression of PAX3, SIX1, TGFB2 and HMGA2 in the stromal component of PTs was associated with the borderline/malignant phenotypes (p = 8.7 × 10−5, p = 0.05, p = 0.009, p = 0.003, respectively; Fisher's exact test). The functional consequences of down‐regulating these genes were studied using siRNA in short‐term cultures and cell lines established from PTs. mRNA ‘knock‐down’ of PAX3 resulted in significantly decreased cell proliferation in both a malignant and a borderline PT cell culture. mRNA ‘knock‐down’ of SIX1 and HMGA2 resulted in decreased cell proliferation only in the malignant PT cell line, and ‘knock‐down’ of TGFB2 resulted in decreased cell proliferation only in the borderline PT cell culture. This study shows that these four genes are involved in the development of borderline/malignant PTs. SIX1 over‐expression was most marked in the highly malignant PTs, with particularly high expression in one case of metastatic PT. PAX3, TGFB2 and HMGA2 were expressed predominantly in borderline/malignant PTs, but showed some expression in benign tumours; they may be important in the transition from the benign to borderline/malignant phenotype. Copyright © 2008 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomarker discovery in glomerular diseases using urinary proteomics
Authors: Thongboonkerd Visith 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRenal biopsy remains the gold standard test for definitive diagnosis of glomerular diseases. This invasive procedure; however, has a potential risk for serious complications and is contraindicated in some patients. It is therefore essential to search for noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of glomerular diseases. The urine is the most appropriate sample for biomarker discovery in glomerular diseases. Urinary proteomics has thus gained a wide acceptance and has been extensively applied to this area. This review focuses mainly on applications of proteomic technologies to urinary proteome profiling for biomarker discovery in various glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, membranous nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, primary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, antiglomerular basement membrane disease, minimal change disease, and pediatric nephrotic syndrome. Recent findings from these studies are summarized and discussed. These data clearly underline the great promise of urinary proteomics in biomarker discovery for glomerular diseases.
Entanglement in P@C60 encapsulated in a solid state matrix
Authors: Naydenov B. , Mende J. , Harneit W. , Mehring M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis contribution concerns quantum information aspects in fullerenes. In particular we present here the preparation of pseudo‐pure states and pseudo‐entanglement in the coupled electron‐nucleus system P@C60 (S = 3/2 and I = 1/2) encapsulated in a solid state matrix. In this system the degeneracy of the high electron spin is lifted, allowing transition selective excitation. Density matrix tomography and phase rotations are applied for detecting pure states and entanglement The fidelity of the entangled state was determined to F = 0.93. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric method for the quantification of eight proteolytic fragments of ITIH4 with biomarker potential in human plasma and serum
Authors: van den Broek Irene , Sparidans Rolf W. , Schellens Jan H. M. , Beijnen Jos H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric (LC/MS/MS) analytical procedure for the quantification of eight proteolytic fragments from inter‐α‐trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) in human plasma and serum has been developed. The eight peptide fragments only differ in length at the N‐terminus, varying between 21 and 30 amino acid residues. Protein precipitation (PP) with acetonitrile was followed by solid‐phase extraction (SPE) on C2 columns to provide clean extracts. Chromatographic separation of the peptides was performed on a Symmetry 300 C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm i.d., particle size 3.5 µm), using a water/methanol gradient containing 0.25% v/v formic acid. The triple quadrupole mass spectrometer was operated in the positive electrospray ionization (ESI+) mode, using multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) for detection. One stable‐isotope‐labeled analog and two structural analogs were used as internal standards. The method has been completely validated for plasma and partially for serum samples, yielding linear responses in a range up to 100 ng/mL. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) in plasma was ±2 ng/mL for four ITIH4‐derived peptides and ±5 ng/mL for the others. The stabilities of the peptides in different environments have been extensively explored. Several peptides showed rapid degradation, especially in the biological matrix at ambient temperature, and preparation on ice was therefore required. The method has been applied for the analysis of several plasma and serum samples from patients with different cancer types. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enforcing secured ECG transmission for realtime telemonitoring: A joint encoding, compression, encryption mechanism
Authors: Sufi Fahim , Khalil Ibrahim 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRealtime telemonitoring of critical, acute and chronic patients has become increasingly popular with the emergence of portable acquisition devices and IP enabled mobile phones. During telemonitoring, enormous physiological signals are transmitted through the public communication network in realtime. However, these physiological signals can be intercepted with minimal effort, since existing telemonitoring practise ignores the privacy and security requirements. In this paper, to achieve end‐to‐end security, we first proposed an encoding method capable of securing Electrocardiogram (ECG) data transmission from an acquisition device to a mobile phone, and then from a mobile phone to a centralised medical server by concealing cardiovascular details as well as features in ECG data required to identify an individual. The encoding method not only conceals cardiovascular condition, but also reduces the enormous file size of the ECG with a compression ratio of up to 3.84, thus making it suitable in energy constrained small acquisition devices. As ECG data transfer faces even greater security vulnerabilities while traversing through the public Internet, we further designed and implemented 3 phase encoding—compression—encryption mechanism on mobile phones using the proposed encoding method and existing compression and encryption tools. This new mechanism elevates the security strength of the system even further. Apart from higher security, we also achieved higher compression ratio of up to 20.06, which will enable faster transmission and make the system suitable for realtime telemonitoring. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.