bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethical turnarounds and transformational leadership: A global imperative for corporate social responsibility
Authors: Puffer Sheila M. , McCarthy Daniel J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA company's social responsibility grounded in appropriate ethical values. Accountability for this foundation lies with the corporate leadership, which is responsible for establishing organizational values and culture. When a breach occurs in this leadership process, or when a transition‐economy organization is entering the global arena, an ethical turnaround is generally needed. We created this term to describe the leadership process needed to regain, or initially establish, corporate credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of stakeholders. These leadership requirements go beyond those needed in a strategic turnaround since they must help resuscitate an organization's cusses transformational leadership during ethical turnarounds in developed economies (focusing on Tyco) and in transition economies (focusing on Troika Dialog in Russia). We conclude with implications for business leaders in both economic settings. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internationalization and performance of Indian pharmaceutical firms
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Singh Nitish 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis study explores the nature of the degree of internationalization and performance (DOI‐P) relationship in the context of the Indian pharmaceutical industry. The study relies on the stages model of internationalization to posit for specific relationships between DOI and performance in the distinct stages of international expansion. The findings are different from those of similar studies on emerging markets that have used a broader set of industries in their sample. Researchers should adopt caution when making any generalization of the DOI‐P relationship across contexts. Industry context in certain instances can be more powerful than country context in shaping the DOI‐P for particular firms. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Role of Activated Protein C on Wound Healing Process in Left Colonic Anastomoses in the Presence of Intra‐abdominal Sepsis Induced by Cecal Ligation and Puncture: An Experimental Study in the Rat
Authors: Teke Zafer , Sacar Suzan , Yenisey Cigdem , Atalay A. Ozgur , Kavak Tulay , Erdem Ergun 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundActivated protein C (APC) is a serine protease with anticoagulant and anti‐inflammatory activities. The delaying effects of intra‐abdominal sepsis on wound healing process in colonic anastomoses have been previously demonstrated. This study was designed to investigate the role of APC on wound healing process in left colonic anastomoses in the presence of intra‐abdominal sepsis.MethodsThe left colonic anastomosis was performed in 48 rats that were divided into four groups: (1) sham‐operated group, laparatomy plus cecal mobilization (n = 12); (2) sham + APC group, identical to group I except for APC treatment (n = 12); (3) CLP group, cecal ligation and puncture (n = 12); 4) CLP + APC‐treated group, 100 μg/kg, 15 min before the construction of colonic anastomosis (n = 12). Anastomotic bursting pressures were measured in vivo on day 7. Tissue samples were obtained for analyses of hydroxyproline (HP) contents, myeloperoxidase (MPO) acivity, malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrate/nitrite (NO3−/NO2−) levels. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, and D‐dimer also were measured.ResultsIntra‐abdominal sepsis led to significant decreases in colonic anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue HP contents, along with increases in MPO activity, MDA and NO3−/NO2− levels, and also plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and D‐dimer (P < 0.05). However, APC treatment led to significant increases in anastomotic bursting pressures and tissue HP ontents, along with decreases in MPO activity, MDA and NO3−/NO2− levels, and also plasma levels of TNF‐α, IL‐6, and D‐dimer (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study clearly showed that APC treatment prevented the delaying effects of intra‐abdominal sepsis on colonic anastomotic wound healing process. Further clinical studies are required to determine whether APC has a useful role in the enhancement of anastomotic healing during particular surgeries in which sepsis‐induced injury occurs.
Use of “House” Advancement Flap in Anorectal Diseases
Authors: Alver Olcay , Ersoy Yeliz Emine , Aydemir Ismail , Erguney Sabri , Teksoz Serkan , Apaydin Berat , Ertem Metin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackgroundA retrospective review of 28 patients who had “house flap” anoplasty was carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of the procedure.MethodsHouse flap anoplasty was performed at Istanbul University Cerrahpasa Medical School, General Surgery Department, in 28 patients over 4 years. Indications were chronic anal fissure, anal stenosis, high transsphincteric fistula, low rectovaginal fistula, anal neoplasia, and obstetric third‐degree perineal tear and incontinence. After rectangular excision of the anal or perianal lesion, the “walls” and “roof” of the house flap were incised to the depth of ischiorectal fat. The “base” of this house‐shaped flap was then fixed to the top of the excised area.ResultsMedian postoperative hospital stay was 4.86 (range = 2–12) days. Postoperative complications included three patients with minimal wound dehiscence and one with rectovaginal fistula recurrence. At a median follow‐up of 26.4 (range = 1–46) months, excluding the patient with recurrence, all patients were satisfied with house flap anoplasty.ConclusionHouse advancement flap anoplasty is a relatively simple procedure, combining the beneficial features of rectangular flaps and V‐Y plasties. It can be used in nearly all types of anoderm deficiencies with a high rate of success and patient satisfaction.
Transient synchronization following invasion: revisiting Moran's model and a case study
Authors: Bjørnstad Ottar N. , Liebhold Andrew M. , Johnson Derek M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractSynchrony in forest insect outbreaks is important because the resulting regionalized outbreak dilutes the regulating effects of natural enemies, reduces the landscape's ability to buffer the disturbance, exacerbates the economic burden on individual stakeholders, and overwhelms the logistical abilities of managers to suppress populations and mitigate impacts. Understanding the process of synchronization of dynamics is therefore a crucial aspect of understanding outbreak dynamics. We studied the second‐order log‐linear (autoregressive) model to ask what patterns of synchronization across invasion fronts may be expected from Moran's model. Generally, we show that the time to synchronization in the log‐linear model is a complex function of a number of parameters of which the overall strength of regulation, the strength of delayed statistical density dependence, and the relaxation time seem to be of particular importance. Interestingly, while environmental correlation is the crucial determinant of the magnitude of asymptotic synchrony, it does not appear to influence the transient process of synchronization. However, synchronization proceeds much more quickly among weakly periodic populations than among populations that are strongly periodic. As a case study, we investigate synchronization following colonization by gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) populations located along the species's expanding invasion front in northeastern USA. Data consisted of more than 100 years of county quarantine records and 30 years of detailed defoliation maps. We found that the dynamics of new populations tended to be initially out of synch with the broadly synchronized outbreaks within the established range. However, the outbreak dynamics of these new populations lock on to the regional patterns very quickly—within 10–15 years of invasion. Focusing on parameters that produce periodicity comparable to that seen in real gypsy moth populations, we discuss how the observed synchronization compares to that predicted by the log‐linear model. While our results are equivocal, the synchronization appears to be surprisingly rapid, so more mechanistic models may be needed to explain the synchronization observed in this case study.
Mutual Help Groups for Mental Health Problems: A Review of Effectiveness Studies
Authors: Pistrang Nancy , Barker Chris , Humphreys Keith 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis paper reviews empirical studies on whether participating in mutual help groups for people with mental health problems leads to improved psychological and social functioning. To be included, studies had to satisfy four sets of criteria, covering: (1) characteristics of the group, (2) target problems, (3) outcome measures, and (4) research design. The 12 studies meeting these criteria provide limited but promising evidence that mutual help groups benefit people with three types of problems: chronic mental illness, depression/anxiety, and bereavement. Seven studies reported positive changes for those attending support groups. The strongest findings come from two randomized trials showing that the outcomes of mutual help groups were equivalent to those of substantially more costly professional interventions. Five of the 12 studies found no differences in mental health outcomes between mutual help group members and non‐members; no studies showed evidence of negative effects. There was no indication that mutual help groups were differentially effective for certain types of problems. The studies varied in terms of design quality and reporting of results. More high‐quality outcome research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of mutual help groups across the spectrum of mental health problems.
Human carbamoyl‐phosphate synthetase: Insight into N‐acetylglutamate interaction and the functional effects of a common single nucleotide polymorphism
Authors: Ahuja V. , Powers‐Lee S. G. 
Published: August 2008

SummaryHuman carbamoyl‐phosphate synthetase (hCPS) has evolved three features that allow it to remove excess, potentially neurotoxic ammonia via the urea cycle: inability to use glutamine as an alternative nitrogen donor; a Km for ammonia 100‐fold lower than for CPSs that also use glutamine; and required allosteric activation by N‐acetylglutamate (AGA), a sensor of excess amino acids. To determine the structural features of hCPS that allow its unique functioning, we have developed the first recombinant expression system for hCPS, utilizing Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Of several common single‐nucleotide polymorphisms identified in the gene encoding hCPS, only the one resulting in substitution of threonine at position 1406 with asparagine has been linked to phenotypic effects. We have expressed and characterized both variants of hCPS. The asparagine polymorph, hCPS_N, consistently displayed inferior catalytic properties, but the Km and kcat values for overall and partial reactions varied only by a factor of 1.7 or less. We have designed and characterized an hCPS construction from which the N‐terminal domain A is deleted. hCPS_ΔA was competent to bind AGA, demonstrating that domain A does not contain the AGA binding site. Thus, the site at the C/D boundary previously identified by AGA analogue labelling appears to be the functionally significant initial binding site for AGA. However, hCPS_ΔA was not able to fully assume the catalytically competent conformation, with specific activity of CP formation decreased 700‐fold.
Fractionation and Some Chemical Studies on Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. Seed Protein
Authors: Kundu Pijush , Laskar Subrata 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe unavailability of protein foods, particularly in the context of population growth, has been an important factor in the protein malnutrition encountered in developing countries. The fractionation, gel filtration and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) of Ailanthus excelsa seed (a nontraditional source containing 15.81% protein) proteins were carried out in the present study, and their solubility profiles, surface topographies and amino acid compositions were evaluated. The globulin fraction dominated the seed protein composition, accounting for 51.31% (w/w) of the total soluble proteins in the seeds. Protein isolate and protein fractions of A. excelsa seeds showed similar topographical structures to those of other plant seed proteins. Analysis of the isolated proteins identified 17 amino acids, of which nine were essential. Gel filtration on Sephadex G‐200 revealed the presence of seven components. PAGE detected different polypeptide bands in the range of 28.8−154.9 kDa in the protein isolate as well as in protein fractions for A. excelsa. The amino acid compositions, the solubility patterns and the high abundances of low molecular weight proteins indicate that the isolated seed protein of A. excelsa may be a potential food protein.
Mid‐Oleic/Ultra Low Linolenic Acid Soybean Oil: A Healthful New Alternative to Hydrogenated Oil for Frying
Authors: Warner K. , Fehr Walter 
Published: August 2008

AbstractTo determine the frying stability of mid‐oleic/ultra low linolenic acid soybean oil (MO/ULLSBO) and the storage stability of food fried in it, tortilla chips were fried in MO/ULLSBO, soybean oil (SBO), hydrogenated SBO (HSBO) and ultra low linolenic SBO (ULLSBO). Intermittent batch frying tests were conducted up to 55 h of frying, and then tortilla chips were aged up to 4 months at 25 °C. Frying oils were analyzed for total polar compounds to determine the frying stability of the oil. Tortilla chips were analyzed for hexanal as an indicator of oxidative deterioration and by sensory analysis using a trained, experienced analytical panel. Results showed no significant differences between the total polar compound levels for MO/ULLSBO and HSBO after 55 h of frying, indicating a similar fry life. However, total polar compound levels for ULLSBO and SBO were significantly higher than for either MO/ULLSBO or HSBO, indicating a lower oil fry life. Hexanal levels in aged tortilla chips fried in SBO were significantly higher than in chips fried in any of the other oils. Tortilla chips fried in MO/ULLSBO and HSBO had significantly lower hexanal levels than in chips fried in ULLSBO. A sensory analysis of rancid flavor intensity showed similar trends to those for hexanal formation. The chips fried in SBO had the highest rancid flavor intensity, with significantly lower hexanal levels in chips fried in HSBO and MO/ULLSBO. Based on these results, MO/ULLSBO not only had a good fry life but also produced oxidatively stable fried food, and therefore would be a healthful alternative to HSBO.
Clinical trials update from Heart Rhythm 2008 and Heart Failure 2008: ATHENA, URGENT, INH study, HEART and CK‐1827452
Authors: Coletta Alison P. , Cleland John G.F. , Cullington Damien , Clark Andrew L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article provides information and a commentary on trials relevant to the pathophysiology, prevention and treatment of heart failure, presented at the Heart Rhythm Society meeting in San Francisco, USA and the Heart Failure Association meeting of the European Society of Cardiology which was held in Milan, Italy in June 2008. Unpublished reports should be considered as preliminary data, as analyses may change in the final publication.The ATHENA study showed that dronedarone reduced the incidence of the composite outcome of cardiovascular hospitalisation or death, in patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, 29% of whom had a history of heart failure, compared with placebo. The URGENT study demonstrated that treatment of acute heart failure with standard therapy, including intravenous diuretics and nitrates, leads to a rapid resolution of breathlessness in the sitting position but that orthopnoea often persists. The INH study showed that a disease management programme could reduce mortality compared to usual care but not hospitalisation rates. The HEART study failed to recruit its planned number of patients, although it is the largest randomised trial of revascularisation in heart failure reported to date. At a median follow‐up of 5 years no difference in mortality was observed but the study lacked power to provide a conclusive result. The selective myosin activator CK‐1827452 produced a concentration dependent increase in systolic ejection time, stroke volume and fractional shortening in patients with heart failure compared to placebo.
Production of hydrogen peroxide by a small molecular mass compound in milk from Holstein cows with high and low milk somatic cell count
Authors: Sakai Senkiti , Nonobe Eriko , Satow Takahiro , Imakawa Kazuhiko , Nagaoka Kentaro 
Published: August 2008

Mastitis is the most frequent and prevalent production disease in dairy herds in developed countries. Based on a milk somatic cell count (SCC) of either >300 000 or <200 000 cells/ml in this study, we defined the quarter as either inflamed or uninflamed, respectively. The electrical conductivity (EC) of milk was used as an indicator of udder epithelial cell damage. We determined the amount of H2O2produced by utilizing a small molecular weight compound in milk, and examined the characteristics of H2O2production and EC in milk from inflamed and uninflamed quarters. In cows with milk of delivery grade (control population), H2O2production and EC were 3·6±1·3 nmol/ml and 5·4±0·4 mS/cm (mean±sd), respectively. In 37 inflamed quarter milk samples, the production of H2O2was 1·9±1·0 nmol/ml and was significantly smaller than that in the control population (P<0·01). Production of H2O2was moderately but significantly correlated with EC (r<−0·71). In 20 cows with inflamed quarters, the production of H2O2in milk from inflamed quarters was significantly smaller than that in milk from uninflamed quarters (P<0·01). In 18 out of 20 cows, milk from inflamed quarters showed the smallest H2O2production among all tested quarters in each cow. We conclude that inflammation caused a decrease in H2O2production in milk. In this study, we present parameters for evaluating the lactoperoxidase/H2O2/thiocyanate antibacterial defence system in bovine milk.
Evaluation of the efficacy of systemic danofloxacin in the treatment of induced acuteEscherichia colibovine mastitis
Authors: Poutrel Bernard , Stegemann Michael R , Roy Olivier , Pothier Francis , Tilt Nicola , Payne-Johnson Mark 
Published: August 2008

The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of danofloxacin (6 mg/kg bodyweight) given by the intravenous route for the treatment of acute bovine mastitis induced by intra-cisternal infusion of anEscherichia colistrain (26 cfu into one rear quarter of each cow). Twenty-three Prim'Holstein lactating cows were inoculated. To be challenged, the mammary glands had to be productive, free of pathogenic bacteria, and with somatic cell counts (SCC) of <200 000 cells/ml. The cows were treated on an individual basis when predetermined criteria involving both systemic and local clinical signs were satisfied. Allocation to treatment, danofloxacin or negative saline control, was performed according to a randomized treatment allocation plan. Monitoring during a 21-d period after inoculation included individual clinical examination, bacteriological examination and determination of SCC.Esch. coliwas isolated from the milk of all inoculated quarters at the first milking post-inoculation and, together with reference to the clinical scores; the challenge was considered to be successful in 20 of the 23 cows. On study day 7 bacteriological cure rates with danofloxacin and saline control were 89% (8/9) and 44% (4/9) respectively. On days 14 and 21 all milk samples that could be collected were negative forEsch. coliin both groups of animals. Beneficial statistically significant differences were found at the end of the observation period (days 19–21 post treatment) between cows treated with danofloxacin and saline for SCC (P=0·0091) and earlier in the study for milk production (P=0·0003) and udder inflammation (P=0·004). Obvious beneficial trends were recorded in the danofloxacin group for rectal temperature, milk quality, general behaviour and appetite. Danofloxacin-treated cows showed statistically significant lower local clinical scores and a more rapid return to pre-inoculation values. It was concluded that systemically administered danofloxacin is effective in terms of bacteriological results, milk production and both systemic and local signs when used in the treatment of induced acuteEsch. colimastitis. Danofloxacin hastens recovery and return to productivity compared with potential self cure.
Effects of stocking density and supplement level on milk production and cheese characteristics in Brown cows grazing on mountain pasture
Authors: Bovolenta Stefano , Saccà Elena , Corazzin Mirco , Gasperi Flavia , Biasioli Franco , Ventura Walter 
Published: August 2008

Twenty-eight Brown cows were maintained on a mountain pasture for a period of 40 days and assigned to 4 groups following a factorial design 2 stocking density (0·7 and 1·4 cows/ha)×2 supplement levels (2·4 and 4·8 kg organic matter (OM)/d). Herbage intake, animal body condition score (BCS), milk yield, milk chemical and coagulation properties, cheese composition, rheology and sensory characteristics were measured. The average herbage intake was 12·2 kg OM/d, with a significant effect related to stocking density (low, 13·1v. high, 11·4 kg OM/d). BCS variation was always negative and changed with supplement level, although with no statistical significance (−0·43 points on average). Milk yield was lower for the group with lower availability of herbage (low supplement and high stocking density: 15·9 kg/d), whereas it was comparable among others groups (16·9 kg/d on average). The group with high supplement and low stocking density produced milk with worse cheese making properties. Cheese composition analyses showed an effect of supplement level on calcium content, and on parameters for degree of ripening, such as nitrogen fractions and lipolysis index. As for the textural parameters, hardness and gumminess were found to be higher with the low level of supplement. The different level of supplementation could differentiate the groups on the basis of the sensory perception of cheese.
Long-term tributyltin (TBT)-induced sterilization of neogastropods: persistence of effects in Ocenebra erinacea over 20 years in the vicinity of Falmouth (Cornwall, UK)
Authors: Gibbs P.E. 
Published: August 2008

A population of the neogastropod Ocenebra erinacea sited close to the shipyard at Falmouth (Cornwall: south-west England) has been monitored over a period of 20 years for the effects of exposure to the antifouling agent tributyltin (TBT). During the years 1986 to 1995 the proportion of females sterilized through abnormal development of the oviduct increased from 36% to 87%. Despite legislative restrictions on TBT paints, in 2006 there was little improvement in the reproductive capacity of the population in that over 75% of females still showed the same abnormality. At the sampling site, levels of TBT in surface water had a background of around 2 ng Sn l−1 throughout the period of study with higher peaks up to 50 ng Sn l−1. Much of the TBT pollution in the Fal estuary and environs in recent years appears to be the result of discharges from the shipyard at Falmouth within the estuary.
The semantics of sense perception in Berkeley
Authors: PEARCE KENNETH L. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractGeorge Berkeley's linguistic account of sense perception is one of the most central tenets of his philosophy. It is intended as a solution to a wide range of critical issues in both metaphysics and theology. However, it is not clear from Berkeley's writings just how this ‘universal language of the Author of Nature’ is to be interpreted. This paper discusses the nature of the theory of sense perception as language, together with its metaphysical and theological motivations, then proceeds to develop an account of the semantics of the perceptual language, using Berkeley's theory of reference for human language as a guide.