bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intended and unintended termination of international joint ventures
Authors: Makino Shige , Chan Christine M. , Isobe Takehiko , Beamish Paul W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study proposes that international joint ventures (IJVs) are terminated either when the initial purposes of the formation of the IJV have been achieved (intended termination), or when unanticipated contingencies that emerge in the external, internal, or inter‐partner conditions after the establishment of the IJV impede the continuation of its operation (unintended termination). Our study examines the factors that affect intended and unintended termination and the longevity of IJVs. The findings show that approximately 90 percent of all IJV terminations are unintended and 10 percent intended, and that the frequency of intended termination and unintended termination varies noticeably depending on the initial purposes of formation. This suggests that the termination of IJVs is significantly contingent on their formation. The findings also show that the longevity of IJVs varies according to the initial purposes of formation, the initial conditions under which the IJV is formed, and the types of unanticipated contingencies that it encounters. The key theoretical issues and practical implications of the distinction between the intended and unintended termination of IJVs are also discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Managerial social capital, strategic orientation, and organizational performance in an emerging economy
Authors: Acquaah Moses 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study replicates and extends previous research focusing on China, to a sub‐Saharan African emerging economy environment. Specifically, the study directly replicates the impact of social capital derived from the micro‐managerial networking relationships and ties with top managers at other firms and government officials on macro‐organizational performance using data from Ghana. This study further extends previous work by examining the impact of social capital derived from managerial social networking relationships and ties with community leaders on organizational performance. It examines how the relationship between social capital and organizational performance is contingent on an organization's competitive strategic orientation. The findings suggest that social capital developed from managerial networking and social relationships with top managers at other firms, government officials (political leaders and bureaucratic officials), and community leadership enhance organizational performance. The findings from the contingency analyses reveal some interesting trends. The impact of social capital on organizational performance differs between firms that pursue the different competitive strategies (low‐cost, differentiation, and combination of low‐cost and differentiation) and those who do not pursue those strategies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alterations in dendritic morphology of hippocampal neurons in adult rats after neonatal administration of N‐omega‐nitro‐L‐arginine
Authors: Morales‐Medina Julio César , Mejorada Alejandro , Romero‐Curiel Alejandra , Flores Gonzalo 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe dendritic length and dendritic‐spine density of the pyramidal neurons of the prefrontal cortex and the CA1 hippocampus of rats using the nonselective nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N‐omega‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) at different postnatal day (P) periods of the brain development (P1–P3, P4–P6, and P7–P9) were assessed using Golgi–Cox staining after puberty (P60). At P4–P6, the L‐NNA treatment produced a significant decrease of the dendritic length and dendritic‐spine density of the pyramidal cells of the CA1 hippocampus. In addition, the dendritic length of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus decreased because of the L‐NNA treatment at P1–P3. These data suggest that during a specific step in the development of the brain, the nitric oxide levels may play a critical role in the morphological modifications of the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 hippocampus at postpubertal age. Synapse 61:785–789, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cross‐talking between 5‐HT3 and GABAA receptors in cultured myenteric neurons
Authors: Miranda‐Morales Marcela , García‐Hernández Luz M. , Ochoa‐Cortés Fernando , Espinosa‐Luna Rosa , Naranjo‐Rodríguez Elia B. , Barajas‐López Carlos 
Published: June 2007

AbstractWe recorded whole‐cell ion currents induced by γ‐aminobutyric acid (IGABA) and serotonin (I5‐HT) to investigate and characterize putative interactions between GABAA and 5‐HT3 receptors in myenteric neurons from the guinea pig small intestine. IGABA and I5‐HT were inhibited by bicuculline and ondansetron, respectively. Currents induced by the simultaneous application of both, GABA and 5‐HT (IGABA+5‐HT) were significantly lower than the sum of IGABA and I5‐HT, indicating the existence of a current occlusion. Such an occlusion was observed when GABAA and 5‐HT3 receptors are virtually saturated. Kinetics, and pharmacological properties of IGABA+5‐HT indicate that they are mediated by activation of both, GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels. GABA did not alter I5‐HT in neurons without GABAA channels, in the presence of bicuculline (a GABAA receptor antagonist) or at the reversal potential for IGABA. Similarly, 5‐HT did not modify IGABA in neurons in which 5‐HT3 channels were absent, after inhibiting 5‐HT3 channels with ondansetron (a 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist) or at the reversal potential for I5‐HT. Current occlusion was observed as soon as GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels were being activated, in the absence of Ca2+, at low temperature (11°C), and after adding staurosporine (a protein kinase inhibitor) to the pipette solution. Our proposal is that GABAA and 5‐HT3 channels are organized in clusters and within these, both channels can cross‐inhibit each other, likely by allosteric interactions between these proteins. Synapse 61:732–740, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HSPBAP1 is found extensively in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy
Authors: Xi Zhi‐Qin , Sun Ji‐Jun , Wang Xue‐Feng , Li Ming‐Wei , Liu Xian‐Zeng , Wang Lin‐Yuan , Zhu Xi , Xiao Fei , Li Jin‐Mei , Gong Yun , Guan Li‐Feng 
Published: June 2007

AbstractHeat Shock Protein BAP1 (heat shock 27‐kDa‐associated protein 1, HSPBAP1) inhibits the function of heat shock protein 27, which has a neuroprotective effect during experimentally induced epileptic neuropathology. In our study, fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot were used to test the levels of HSPBAP1 mRNA and protein in surgical samples of the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with intractable epilepsy (IE) and normal controls samples. HSPBAP1 mRNA was abnormally expressed in the anterior temporal neocortex of patients with IE. Moreover, HSPBAP1 was found extensively in the cytoplasm of neurons and glial cells in all epilepsy specimens. Western blot showed a clear immunoreactive band of HSPBAP1 in IE specimens whereas it was absent in control specimens. The expression of HSPBAP1 mRNA and protein in the anterior temporal neocortex from patients with IE may play a role in the development of epileptic seizures in patients with cell loss in this brain region. Additional studies will be required to elucidate the mechanism by which HSPBAP1 affects brain function in IE. Synapse 61:741–747, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased locomotor response to amphetamine induced by the repeated administration of the selective kappa‐opioid receptor agonist U‐69593
Authors: Fuentealba José Antonio , Gysling Katia , Andrés María Estela 
Published: June 2007

AbstractAcute administration of kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists decreases both dopamine (DA) extracellular levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and locomotor activity. Opposing to its acute effects, recent studies show that chronic administration of KOR agonists potentiates both stimulated DA release and induced locomotor activity. Since KOR agonists have been considered as potential treatment for stimulant dependence, the effects of their repeated administration on psychostimulant actions are of major concern. The present study was undertaken to investigate the in vivo effect of repeated administration of the KOR agonist U‐69593 on DA extracellular levels in the NAc and on the locomotor activity challenged with amphetamine. Rats were injected once daily with the selective KOR agonist U‐69593 or vehicle for four consecutive days. One‐day after the last U‐69593 injection, microdialysis studies assessing extracellular DA levels in the NAc and locomotor activity challenged with amphetamine were conducted. Microdialysis studies revealed that preexposure to U‐69593 had no effect on basal DA levels but significantly augmented amphetamine‐induced DA extracellular levels. Accordingly, amphetamine‐induced locomotor activity was also significantly potentiated in U‐69593 preexposed rats. These results suggest that long‐term effect of KOR activation results in facilitation of amphetamine‐induced DA extracellular levels in the NAc accompanied by sensitization of amphetamine‐induced increase in locomotor activity. Synapse 61:771–777, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Science achievement of english language learners in urban elementary schools: Results of a first‐year professional development intervention
Authors: Lee Okhee , Maerten‐Rivera Jaime , Penfield Randall D. , LeRoy Kathryn , Secada Walter G. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study is part of a 5‐year professional development intervention aimed at improving science and literacy achievement of English language learners (or ELL students) in urban elementary schools within an environment increasingly driven by high‐stakes testing and accountability. Specifically, the study examined science achievement at the end of the first‐year implementation of the professional development intervention that consisted of curriculum units and teacher workshops. The study involved 1,134 third‐grade students at seven treatment schools and 966 third‐grade students at eight comparison schools. The results led to three main findings. First, treatment students displayed a statistically significant increase in science achievement. Second, there was no statistically significant difference in achievement gains between students at English to Speakers of Other Language (ESOL) levels 1 to 4 and students who had exited from ESOL or never been in ESOL. Similarly, there was no significant difference in achievement gains between students who had been retained on the basis of statewide reading test scores and students who had never been retained. Third, treatment students showed a higher score on a statewide mathematics test, particularly on the measurement strand emphasized in the intervention, than comparison students. The results indicate that through our professional development intervention, ELL students and others in the intervention learned to think and reason scientifically while also performing well on high‐stakes testing. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 45: 31–52, 2008
Fetal cardiac ventricle volumetry in the second half of gestation assessed by 4D ultrasound using STIC combined with inversion mode
Authors: Messing B. , Cohen S. M. , Valsky D. V. , Rosenak D. , Hochner‐Celnikier D. , Savchev S. , Yagel S. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectiveQuantification of fetal heart ventricle volume can aid in the evaluation of functional and anatomical aspects of congenital heart disease. The aim of this study was to establish nomograms for ventricular volume using three‐dimensional (3D) inversion mode ultrasonography with the spatio‐temporal image correlation (STIC) modality and to calculate ejection fraction and stroke volume.MethodsThe fetal heart was scanned using the STIC modality, during fetal quiescence with abdomen uppermost, at an angle of 30–50°, without color Doppler flow mapping. In post‐processing, starting with the classic four‐chamber view plane in the A‐frame, the reference point was moved to the center of the ventricle. The operator used the edit volume followed by Virtual Organ Computer‐aided AnaLysis (VOCAL) mode options; in manual trace the VOCAL settings were set to 15°. The trace was drawn and included the myocardium; inversion mode thresholding provided the volume of the intraventricular (anechoic) voxels within the region of interest. The total volume and the intraventricular volume were displayed. The process was repeated for right (R) and left (L) ventricles at end diastole (EDV) and end systole (ESV). The stroke volume (SV = EDV − ESV) and ejection fraction (EF = SV/EDV) were calculated from these measurements. Intraclass correlation was used to evaluate intra‐ and interobserver agreement.ResultsOne hundred fetuses ranging from 20 + 5 to 40 + 0 gestational weeks were included in the study. In addition, six fetuses diagnosed during the study period with a cardiac anomaly were examined and their ventricular volumes compared with those of the main study group. LEDV ranged from a mean of 0.53 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 3.96 cm3 at term. LESV ranged from a mean of 0.17 cm3 at midgestation to 1.56 cm3 at term. REDV ranged from a mean of 0.68 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 5.44 cm3 at term. RESV ranged from a mean of 0.26 cm3 at midgestation to 2.29 cm3 at term. Total stroke volume ranged from a mean of 0.78 cm3 at midgestation to a mean of 5.5 cm3 at term. The mean right : left ventricle ratio was 1.4, and left ejection fraction ranged from 42.5 to 86% in these fetuses. Nomograms were created for RESV, LESV, REDV, LEDV and total stroke volumes vs. estimated fetal weight and gestational age. Intra‐ and interobserver agreement reached 96%.Conclusions3D inversion mode sonography combined with STIC represents a simple and reproducible method for estimating fetal cardiac ventricle volume. This innovative methodology may add to overall evaluation of cardiac volume and function, and improve our understanding of normal and abnormal cardiac structure, as well as the severity and prognosis of cardiac lesions. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functional characterization of human and fungal MAP kinases in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Alonso‐Monge Rebeca , Ureña Tomás , Nombela César , Pla Jesús 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA functional comparison of three human SAPKs with fungal Hog1p was undertaken, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a heterologous expression system. We characterized the role of mammalian MAP kinases in sensitivity to both osmotic and oxidative stress of a S. cerevisiae hog1 mutant. Western blot analyses indicated that S. cerevisiae can only phosphorylate mammalian MAP kinases in response to osmotic stress but not to oxidative stress, while morphogenetic defects characteristic of hog1 mutants under hyperosmotic stress are only suppressed by fungal and not mammalian Hog1p. Our data demonstrate the functional conservation of MAPKs although they also evidence differential aspects among the three human SAPKs and the fungal MAPKs. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An experimental system for the study of mutations in the HMR locus of Saccharomyces cerevisiae: the insertion of Ty into HMRa vs. the conversion of HMRa to HMRα
Authors: Nishida Yuri , Ono Bun‐ichiro 
Published: June 2007

AbstractA cross between a sir4‐11 strain (sir4‐11 HMLα MATα HMRa, non‐mating type) and an a‐mating strain (SIR+ HMLα MATa HMRa) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae forms diploid clones at a frequency of 5 × 10−6, but the obtained diploid clones often (>70%) have altered forms of the HMRa‐containing restriction fragment, designated @ HMRa′. We previously found that some HMRa′s are associated with the conversion of HMRa to HMRα. In this report, we present evidence that another @ HMRa′ associates with the insertion of Ty into Ya of HMR. We also found that the sir4‐11 strain increased mating frequency by UV irradiation to a level of 9 × 10−4, and that generation of HMRa′ was completely prevented by disruption of RAD52 of the sir4‐11 strain. Hence, we conclude that the mutations that cause generation of HMRa′ occur in the sir4‐11 strain prior to mating. Due to these mutations, the sir4‐11 strain converts to α‐mating type and readily mates with the a‐mating strain. We discuss the usefulness of the sir4‐11 strain for the study of mutations in the HMR locus of S. cerevisiae. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of High‐Fat Enteral Nutrition on Hepatocyte Injury in Response to Hemorrhagic Shock in the Rat
Authors: Chu Mary M. , Luyer Misha D. P. , Wheelhouse Nicholas M. , Bellamy Christopher O. , Greve Jan Willem M. , Buurman Wim A. , Sangster Kathryn , Fearon Kenneth C. H. , Ross James A. , Garden O. James , Dejong Cornelis H. C. , Wigmore Stephen J. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundHigh‐fat enteral nutrition reduces the inflammatory response following hemorrhagic shock in the rat.AimsWe hypothesized that this intervention might also ameliorate the remote organ injury to the liver associated with this model.MethodsMale Sprague‐Dawley rats were either starved or fed low‐fat or high‐fat isocaloric isonitrogenous feed prior to nonlethal hemorrhagic shock induced by a 40% reduction in the blood volume. Animals were sacrificed at 90 minutes or 24 hours after injury. Liver cell damage was assessed by histology and long polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect mitochondrial DNA damage. Stress protein expression was measured by Western blot and mRNA expression by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsAnimals fed a low‐fat diet had the same severity of liver injury as starved animals and increased expression of stress proteins. Animals fed a high‐fat diet had minimal liver injury, no evidence of mitochondrial DNA damage, and significantly lower expression of stress proteins. This effect is associated with preservation of hepatocellular morphology, attenuation of mitochondrial DNA damage, and a reduced stress protein response to injury.ConclusionsHigh‐fat enteral nutrition protects the liver from the remote effects of hemorrhagic shock, but the mechanism of this effect is not yet known.
Classifying Postherniorrhaphy Pain Syndromes Following Elective Inguinal Hernia Repair
Authors: Loos M. J. A. , Roumen R. M. H. , Scheltinga M. R. M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundChronic postherniorrhaphy pain is diverse in origin. The aim of our study was to classify postherniorrhaphy pain syndromes following elective inguinal hernia repair.Patients and methodsAll patients with an elective inguinal hernia repair performed between January 2000 and August 2005 received a questionnaire evaluating chronic inguinal pain (visual analog scale, VAS 0–10). Patients with moderate to severe pain complaints (VAS score ≥ 3) were invited for an interview and an outpatient department physical examination.ResultsA total of 2,164 cases underwent an elective hernia repair and received the questionnaire; 1,766 individuals responded (response rate: 81.6%). Moderate to severe pain was present in 211 patients (11.9%). Follow‐up was performed in 148 patients. Three separate groups of diagnoses were identified. Group I: neuropathic pain (n = 72) indicating inguinal nerve damage; group II: non‐neuropathic pain (n = 40) due to an array of diagnoses including periostitis (n = 18) and recurrent hernia (n = 13); and group III: a tender spermatic cord and/or a tight feeling in the lower abdomen (n = 43).ConclusionsChronic pain following elective hernia repair is common and diverse in etiology but may allow for a classification contributing to the development of tailored treatment regimens.
Daily Diurnal Variation in Admissions for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms
Authors: Killeen Shane , Neary Peter , O’Sullivan Martin , Redmond H. P. , Fulton Gregory 
Published: June 2007

AbstractBackgroundMany vascular events, such as myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accident, demonstrate a circadian pattern of presentation. Blood pressure is intimately related to these pathologies and is the one physiological variable consistently associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm rupture. It also demonstrates a diurnal variation. The purpose of this study was to determine if rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (RAAA) exhibits a diurnal variation.MethodsA retrospective cohort‐based study was performed to determine the timing of presentation of RAAA to the vascular unit of Cork University Hospital over a 15‐year period. Time of admission, symptom onset, and co‐morbidities such as hypertension were noted. Fournier’s analysis and chi‐squared analysis were performed. To ameliorate possible confounding factors, patients admitted with perforated peptic ulcers were examined in the same manner.ResultsA total of 148 cases of RAAA were identified, with a male preponderance (71.7% [124] male versus 29.3% [44] female patients) and a mean age of 74.4 ± 7.2 years at presentation. 70.9% (105) were known to have hypertension, 52.2% (77) were current smokers, and 46.8% (69) were being treated for chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD). Time of symptom onset was recorded in 88.5% (131) of patients. There was a marked early morning peak in RAAA admissions, with the highest number of RAAA being admitted between 08.00 and 09.59. A second, smaller peak was observed at 14.00‐15.59. These findings were suggestive of diurnal variation. [χ2 =16.75, p < 0.003]. Some 40% (59) of patients were admitted between 00.00 and 06.00, an incidence significantly higher than for other time periods (06.00‐12.00, 12.00‐18.00, and 18.00‐24.00) [χ2 = 18.72; df = 3; p < 0.0003]. A significantly higher number of patients admitted between 00.00 and 06.00 were known hypertensives (χ2 = 7.94; p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest a distinct circadian pattern of presentation for RAAA. Systolic blood pressure has a circadian rhythm that mirrors this pattern of presentation. Our results further support the association between RAAA and hypertension, and they may also indicate that chronotropic blood pressure control combating the early‐morning peak in systolic blood pressure may assist in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms.
Systemic lupus erythematosus‐like disease in a 6‐year‐old boy with prolidase deficiency
Authors: Di Rocco M. , Fantasia A. R. , Taro M. , Loy A. , Forlino A. , Martini A. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis report describes the case of a boy with prolidase deficiency who presented with splenomegaly and leg ulcers. Laboratory examination revealed hypergammaglobulinaemia, hyperimmunoglobulinaemia E, increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate, elevated transaminases, positive antinuclear and anti‐double‐stranded DNA antibodies, and complement consumption. No haematological, renal or articular problems were detected; neutrophil count was normal. The skin lesions were thought to be of vasculitic origin, and a diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus was made although the requirements for diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus based on American Rheumatism Association criteria were not satisfied. The child was treated with immunosuppressive drugs with worsening of skin lesions before the diagnosis of prolidase deficiency. Prolidase deficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus share a number of common immunological features and at least three patients with prolidase deficiency and immunological and clinical findings fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus of the American Rheumatism Association are reported in the literature. Here we review pathogenetic hypothesis linking the metabolic defect to the disturbance in immune function. In particular we discuss the role of highly increased rates of apoptosis and/or abnormal processing of apoptotic keratinocytes in prolidase deficiency and the role of C1q deficiency, which is associated with the failure of normal clearance of apoptotic cells bearing on their surfaces many of the autoantigens involved in systemic lupus erythematosus.