bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of multiple cathepsin mRNAs in the rat testis during maturation and following lonidamine induced tissue restructuring
Authors: Mathur Premendu P. , Grima Josephine , Mo Meng‐yun , Zhu Li‐ji , Aravindan G. R. , Calcagno Karen , O'Bryan Moira , Chung Sanny , Mruk Dolores , Lee Will M. , Silvestrini Bruno , Cheng C. Yan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn the seminiferous epithelium, germ cell development behind the blood‐testis barrier involves continual degradation and renewal of inter‐testicular cell junctions. This allows: (i) the translocation of developing germ cells from the basal lamina to the adluminal compartment during spermatogenesis, and (ii) the eventual release of mature spermatids into the tubular lumen during spermiation. Throughout spermatogenesis, cellular debris must also be removed from the epithelium. Thus, it is conceivable that proteases, protease inhibitors, and cell junctional components are involved in these events. The present study sought to examine whether testicular cells can express multiple cathepsin mRNAs given that these proteases are involved in the degradation and processing of proteins as well as in tissue regeneration. By using total RNA isolated from primary cultures of Sertoli, Leydig, and germ cells for reverse‐transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), the mRNAs of cathepsin B, C, D, H, L, and S were shown to be expressed by Sertoli and Leydig cells, whereas germ cells isolated from adult rats expressed all of the above cathepsin mRNAs except cathepsin D. Throughout postnatal development and maturation, the testicular steady‐state mRNA levels of cathepsin B, C, D, L, and S remain relatively unchanged with the exception of cathepsin H whose mRNA level increased during maturation and peaked at 45‐60 days of age. Using lonidamine, an anti‐spermatogenic drug which is known to induce premature release of germ cells without affecting Leydig cell function by disrupting the inter‐Sertoli‐germ cell junctions, we have examined the differential expression of these cathepsin mRNAs in the testis at the time of extensive tissue restructuring. It was noted that the expression of cathepsin L and S in the testis increased significantly concomitant with the disappearance of elongate spermatids whereas the expression of cathepsin B, C, D, and H increased significantly when most of the round spermatids and spermatocytes were depleted. These results illustrate the intricate inter‐relationship between these proteases in the testis during maturation and tissue restructuring.
The use of multiple antigenic peptide (MAP) in the immunodiagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection
Authors: Shin Song Yub , Lee Myung Kyu , Kim Sun Young , Jang So Youn , Hahm Kyung‐Soo 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn order to develop an ELISA system for the antibody detection of HIV‐1 or HIV‐2 infections, MAPs for HIV‐1 gp41(584‐618) and HIV‐2 gp36(574‐602) corresponding to the immunodominant regions of HIV‐1 gp41 and HIV‐2 gp36 were used as coating antigens in the ELISA. The MAPs were synthesized by the solid phase method using Fmoc‐Lys(Fmoc)‐OH and their molecular weights were confirmed by tricine gel electrophoresis. The MAPs reacted with all HIV positive sera (64 samples), but did not react with HIV negative sera (48 samples) obtained from healthy blood donors. The MAPs showed high sensitivity and specificity in anti‐HIV 1/2 combo panel and anti‐HIV‐1 seroconversion panels. The results indicated that the ELISA system using synthetic MAPs of gp41(584‐618) and gp36(574‐602) as coating antigens can be used as an analytical system for the immunodiagnosis of HIV‐1 or HIV‐2 infections.
Synthesis and antioxidant activity of water‐soluble chitosan derivatives
Authors: Matsugo Seiichi , Mizuie Minako , Matsugo Michiko , Ohwa Rie , Kitano Hiromi , Konishi Tetsuya 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe prepared three different water‐soluble chitosan derivatives by the acylation of chitosan with corresponding acid anhydrides. The extent of acylation was determined by using the electric conductivity method. All of the chitosan derivatives were soluble enough to examine the respective mltioxidant activity in aqueous media. The chitosan derivatives inhibited thiobarbituric acid reactive substrate (TBARS) formation in t‐butyl hydroperoxide and benzoyl peroxide induced lipid peroxidations. However, they did not show any scavenging activity toward superoxide.
Alterations in buccal mucosal Endothelin‐1 and nitric oxide synthase with chronic alcohol ingestion
Authors: Slomiany B. L. , Piotrowski J. , Slomiany A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEndothelin‐l(ET‐1) and nitric oxide are emerging key mediators in the maintenance of mucosal homeostasis, but little is known about thes substances in soft oral tissue with alcohol abuse. Hence, we examined the expression of ET‐1 and activity of the constitutive nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in buccal mucosa of rats subjected to chronic ethanol diet. The immunometric assays revealed the buccal mucosal level of ET‐1 in the controls at 40.2 pg/mg protein and showed a 4.1‐fold increase with alcohol diet to 166.2 pg/mg protein. The NOS assays established that comparing to the controls, the alcohol diet group exhibited a 57% decrease in buccal mucosal NOS activity. Moreover, the expression of ET‐1 showed an inverse correlation (r = ‐0.75) with the extent of the induced changes in NOS. The results suggest that an increase in vasoconstrictive ET‐1 levels combined with a loss of compensatory action by the constitutive NOS may be responsible for the weakening of oral mucosal defenses in alcoholics.
Activation of bradykinin B2 receptors increases calcium entry and intracellular mobilization in C9 liver cells
Authors: García‐Sáinz J. Adolfo , Avendaño‐Vázquez S. Eréndira 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn C9 rat liver cells bradykinin and kallidin increased (∼ 2‐fold) the intracellular concentration of calcium, but the B1 agonist, des‐Arg9‐bradykinin did not. The effect of bradykinin was inhibited by the B2 antagonists, Hoe 140 and N‐α‐adamantaneacetyl‐D‐Arg‐[Hyp3, Thi5.8, D‐Phe7]‐bradykinin, but not by the B1 antagonist, des‐Arg9‐[Leu8]‐bradykinin. The action of bradykinin was diminished, but not abolished, in medium without calcium. The peptide was able to increase intracellular calcium concentration in cells treated with thapsigargin. Bradykinin action was not observed in cells previously stimulated with this local mediator; however, under the same conditions, angiotensin II induced a clear increase in intracellular calcium concentration.Our data indicate that activation of bradykinin B2 receptors increase intracetllular calcium concentrations by inducing both gating of the cation and intracellular mobilization in C9 liver cells. In addition, homologous desensitization was observed.
Presenilins: Multifunctional Proteins Involved in Alzheimer's Disease Pathology
Authors: Checler Frederic 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEarly‐onset aggressive forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) are of genetic nature and have been linked to inherited mutations located on chromosomes 21, 14, and 1. The gene products of chromosomes 14 and 1, which are responsible for most of these familial forms of the disease (FAD), have been recently identified and referred to as presenilin 1 and 2 (PS1, PS2), respectively. Several lines of evidence derived from neuropathological, cell biology, and transgenesis approaches indicate that PS could interfere with the processing of the beta‐amyloid precursor protein (beta APP). Thus, FAD‐linked mutations in PS exacerbate the production of A beta42, the readily aggregable A beta species corresponding to one of the main constituents of the senile plaques that invade the cortical areas of affected brains. Recent studies indicate that PS functions could be intimately related with the susceptibility of PS to further processing by caspase‐like enzymes and other unknown proteolytic activities. Here I briefly report on the post‐translational events undergone by PS and examine recent advances concerning their possible roles in development, cell signaling, and apoptosis. Possible alterations brought by FAD‐linked mutations will be discussed.
Rational and “Irrational” Design of Proteins and Their Use in Biotechnology
Authors: Nixon Andrew E. , Firestine Steven M. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA familiar refrain within industrial circles is better, faster, and cheaper. Efforts to place this mantra into practice within the biotechnology industry has brought a focus on protein engineering as one method to create new products quickly and inexpensively. Typically, protein engineering has utilized either rational design or combinatorial methods, both of which have been explored and improved in recent years. Continued advancement in these two areas and their application to an increasing list of industrially and medically important processes mean that the number of ?synthetic? proteins displacing old technologies is likely to grow at an amazing rate over the next few years. We discuss some of the technologies available for protein redesign and illustrate these with examples from the biocatalysis, biosensor, and therapeutic fields.
MYC2 Differentially Modulates Diverse Jasmonate-Dependent Functions inArabidopsis
Authors: Dombrecht Bruno , Xue Gang Ping , Sprague Susan J. , Kirkegaard John A. , Ross John J. , Reid James B. , Fitt Gary P. , Sewelam Nasser , Schenk Peer M. , Manners John M. , Kazan Kemal 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Arabidopsis thaliana basic helix-loop-helix Leu zipper transcription factor (TF) MYC2/JIN1 differentially regulates jasmonate (JA)-responsive pathogen defense (e.g., PDF1.2) and wound response (e.g., VSP) genes. In this study, genome-wide transcriptional profiling of wild type and mutant myc2/jin1 plants followed by functional analyses has revealed new roles for MYC2 in the modulation of diverse JA functions. We found that MYC2 negatively regulates Trp and Trp-derived secondary metabolism such as indole glucosinolate biosynthesis during JA signaling. Furthermore, MYC2 positively regulates JA-mediated resistance to insect pests, such as Helicoverpa armigera, and tolerance to oxidative stress, possibly via enhanced ascorbate redox cycling and flavonoid biosynthesis. Analyses of MYC2 cis binding elements and expression of MYC2-regulated genes in T-DNA insertion lines of a subset of MYC2–regulated TFs suggested that MYC2 might modulate JA responses via differential regulation of an intermediate spectrum of TFs with activating or repressing roles in JA signaling. MYC2 also negatively regulates its own expression, and this may be one of the mechanisms used in fine-tuning JA signaling. Overall, these results provide new insights into the function of MYC2 and the transcriptional coordination of the JA signaling pathway.
Freedom and autonomy in the university enterprise
Authors: Bridgman Todd 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore notions of enterprise as an instance of organizational change within university business schools, using a theoretical approach drawn from the discourse theory of Ernesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe. Their concept of articulatory practice is useful for examining the management of knowledge workers across multiple levels of discourse, including policy, practice and processes of identification. Specifically, the paper aims to investigate the articulation of enterprise within government policy on higher education, management practices of directing, funding, measuring and regulating the activities of faculty in ways that seek to promote enterprise, as well as demonstrating how agents can resist attempts at top‐down managerial control through processes of self‐identification.Design/methodology/approachAn empirical study consisting of an analysis of government reports on higher education along with 65 interviews conducted at six UK research‐led business schools.FindingsAt the level of government policy, the university is recast as an enterprise within a competitive marketplace where the “entrepreneurial academic” who commercializes research becomes the role model. However, management practices and identity processes amongst faculty reveal inconsistencies within the articulation of the university enterprise, to the extent that this idealised identity is marginalised within research‐led business schools in the UK.Originality/valueThe theoretical approach captures the dynamism of hegemonic projects across multiple levels, from policymaking to management practice and the constitution of identity. Laclau and Mouffe's conception of hegemony highlights mechanisms of control, while their assumption of radical contingency illuminates dynamics of resistance.
Knowledge workers in the in‐between: network identities
Authors: Fenwick Tara 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to examine the identities and subjectivities of independent knowledge workers who contract their services to organizations. Two questions are addressed: who are these enterprising knowledge workers, in terms of how they understand and position themselves relative to organizational structures, practices and social relations in their work as “inside outsiders”? How do they recognize their own constitution, and what spaces for agency are possible?Design/methodology/approachThe discussion draws upon a qualitative study of 18 self‐employed consultants in organizational change, analysing their articulations as ongoing constitutions within prescribed discourses and cultural technologies. Semi‐structured in‐depth interviews were analysed inductively to determine themes and silences among the narratives.FindingsThe argument shows how these subjectivities emerge from in‐between spaces, both inside and outside organizations. As they negotiate these spaces, they exercise agency by resisting control while building connections. These articulations are described as “network identities”.Originality/valueThe paper concludes with implications for organizations employing or contracting with such individuals. Suggestions for managers involve enabling more project structures, negotiating boundaries and purposes more clearly, providing more flexible conditions and facilitating more integration of these knowledge workers with other employees before, during and following innovative project activity.
Responding to crisis through strategic knowledge management
Authors: Shaw Duncan , Hall Matthew , Edwards John S. , Baker Brad 
Published: July 2007

PurposeMany managers would like to take a strategic approach to preparing the organisation to avoid impending crisis but instead find themselves fire‐fighting to mitigate its impact. This paper seeks to examine an organisation which made major strategic changes in order to respond to the full effect of a crisis which would be realised over a two to three year period. At the root of these changes was a strategic approach to managing knowledge. The paper's purpose is to reflect on managers' views of the impact this strategy had on preparing for the crisis and explore what happened in the organisation during and after the crisis.Design/methodology/approachThe paper examines a case‐study of a financial services organisation which faced the crisis of its impending dissolution. The paper draws upon observations of change management workshops, as well as interviews with organisational members of a change management task force.FindingsThe response to the crisis was to recognise the importance of the people and their knowledge to the organisation, and to build a strategy which improved business processes and communication flow across the divisions, as well as managing the departure of knowledge workers from an organisation in the process of being dissolved.Practical implicationsThe paper demonstrates the importance of building a knowledge management strategy during times of crisis, and draws out important lessons for organisations facing organisational change.Originality/valueThe paper represents a unique opportunity to learn from an organisation adopting a strategic approach to managing its knowledge during a time of crisis.
Contested practice: multiple inclusion in double‐knit organizations
Authors: Bogenrieder Irma , van Baalen Peter 
Published: July 2007

PurposeMost people participate in various groups and communities simultaneously. Many authors have pointed to the importance of multi‐membership for knowledge sharing across communities and teams. The most important expected benefit is that knowledge that has been acquired in one community of practice (CoP) can be applied into another CoP or group. This paper seeks to discuss the consequences of multi‐membership for knowledge sharing in a CoP.Design/methodology/approachThe concept of multiple inclusion is used to explain why and how multi‐membership can hold up knowledge sharing between groups.FindingsThis case study shows that knowledge transfer between CoPs and teams can be problematic when norm sets between these two groups conflict.Originality/valueThis paper concludes that CoPs can sustain when the “practice” remains at a safe distance from the “real” project work in teams that are guided by managerial objectives.
An intersector analysis of the relevance of service in building a strong retail brand
Authors: Swoboda Bernhard , Haelsig Frank , Morschett Dirk , Schramm‐Klein Hanna 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to try to show the relevance of service quality in building a strong retail brand. It addresses how retailer attributes affect customer‐based retail brand equity, when considering retailers as brands. These attributes are compared with one another, and the importance of service is set in proportion to the other retailer attributes, both intersectorally and sector‐specifically. An integrated model is used here.Design/methodology/approachThis is an empirical study across five retail sectors (grocery, textiles, DIY, consumer electronics and furniture retailing) based on a survey with 2,000 face‐to‐face interviews. Structural equation modelling is used to illustrate the impact of central dimensions of the perception of retailer service and of the other retailer attributes on customer‐based retail brand equity.FindingsIn retailing, service quality appears to be the most important retailer attribute in building a strong retail brand – as demonstrated in four out of five sectors. The integrated model developed in this study can make a significant contribution to a field of knowledge which at present is not well developed.Research limitations/implicationsA more detailed analysis of the cross‐sectoral differences is undoubtedly necessary. Furthermore, a more exact analysis of retailer service is certainly required, but it must also incorporate other retailer attributes in order to achieve dimensions of comparison.Practical implicationsThe importance of service in retailing is intersectorally underlined in comparison to the other retailer attributes/retail marketing instruments. Even in sectors that characteristically use self‐service, the importance of service quality and particularly of friendly and competent staff is evident. Compared to the other retailer attributes, service is one strategic element that can be used effectively by retailers of almost any size. A small or medium sized retailer usually cannot distinguish itself from its competitors by means of price, but with a service‐oriented business.Originality/valueUnlike other investigations, a model is applied in this paper to five retail sectors, so both general and also sector‐specific conclusions can be drawn on the importance of customer service and the other retailer attributes. Furthermore, customer service is not analysed in isolation, thus we have dimensions of comparison, unlike many other authors who look at service alone.
Disturbance and implementation of IC practice: a public sector organisation perspective
Authors: Dumay John C. , Guthrie James 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThis paper seeks to discuss how an environmental change for an organisation can be a catalyst for the take‐up of intellectual capital (IC). In particular, it uses Laughlin's “colonizing” model of organisational change to understand the catalyst for change, being an ageing workforce, and the resultant formation of an accounting of IC.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a case study of an Australian public sector organisation, which has created and implemented IC practice.FindingsIn this case, the impending retirements of the “baby boomer” generation were an environmental disturbance and a catalyst that allowed for an accounting of IC, especially its human capital.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study is limited to the presentation of findings of a phenomenon within a particular organisation within the Australian public sector context. Other forces may also have had an effect on the organisation, if not for the presence of the “ageing workforce” disturbance.Originality/valueThe paper contributes to the literature on IC by examining the impact of the take‐up of IC from inside a public sector organisation perspective.
Personality tests in accounting research
Authors: Taggar Simon , Parkinson John 
Published: July 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of the ways that personality tests have been used in accounting research.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is structured as a literature review of the personality testing area, with particular emphasis on its application in accounting research.FindingsThe idea of personality impacting accounting has received some attention in recent years. However, it is an understudied area and the research to date is somewhat inconclusive. The findings are that over the last decade personality psychologists have made significant advances in personality theory and measurement. This paper summarizes: the theory of personality; the two most common personality typologies (i.e. the Jungian psychology‐based Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and the Five Factor Model (FFM); and discusses the application of personality in accounting research.Research limitations/implicationsIt is somewhat problematical to draw precise boundaries that include all relevant studies, and yet exclude appropriately distant ones, as there are a number of constructs that may, or may not, be considered to be “personality”. Another limitation is that the research studies published so far do not all agree one with another.Practical implicationsThe conclusion reached is that, while there is a role for personality/accounting research using both MBTI and FFM, research using the FFM is particularly important for analytical and predictive research in this area and to triangulate previous MBTI studies.Originality/valueAs a literature review, there is little that is intrinsically new here, but the juxtaposition of different approaches and findings will be informative to researchers in the area and, to a lesser extent, practitioners.