bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Metal–Metal Multiply‐Bonded “Ligands” Have a trans Influence? Structural and Magnetic Comparisons of Heterometallic CrCr···Co and MoMo···Co Interactions
Authors: Nippe Michael , Victor Eric , Berry John F.
Published: November 2008

Reported here are two new compounds containing either a CrCr···Co [1, CrCrCo(dpa)4Cl2, dpa = 2,2′‐dipyridylamide] or a MoMo···Co [2, MoMoCo(dpa)4Cl2] framework both having a multiply‐bonded unit (CrCr in 1, MoMo in 2) in close proximity to the Co2+ ion and trans to a Co–Cl bond. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements reveal 1 to have a temperature‐dependent spin equilibrium between a low‐spin (S = 1/2) and high‐spin (S = 3/2) state, whereas the Co2+ ion in 2 exists solely in its high‐spin state. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were determined. Variable temperature crystallographic data of 1 at 100 K and at room temperature reveal that the spin‐transition affects not only the Co–ligand bond lengths but also the terminal Cr–ligand bond lengths. Whereas the Cr···Co distance becomes shorter by 0.13 Å in the low‐spin form, the Co–Cldistance becomes longer by 0.2 Å. These observations,along with the crystal structure of 2, suggest that the multiply‐bonded MM group has a trans influence on the Co2+ ion.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
BiBr3‐Promoted Activation of Peracetylated Glycosyl Iodides: Straightforward Access to Synthetically Useful 2‐O‐Deprotected Allyl Glycosides
Authors: Pastore Antonello , Adinolfi Matteo , Iadonisi Alfonso
Published: November 2008

Substoichiometric amounts of BiBr3 are able to promote anomeric activation of acetylated glycosyl iodides. This reactivity can be exploited for straightforward access to allyl glycosides unprotected at the O‐2 position. The reported protocol appears to be convenient in comparison with the pre‐existing ones in that shorter experimental times are needed and the use of strong acids is avoided. Suitable structural features of substrates (6‐deoxy sugars or use of benzoyl or methoxycarbonyl 2‐O‐participating groups) switch the process to a preferential glycosidation without deprotection at the O‐2 position.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Application of imaging capillary IEF for characterization and quantitative analysis of recombinant protein charge heterogeneity
Authors: Sosic Zoran , Houde Damian , Blum Andy , Carlage Tyler , Lyubarskaya Yelena
Published: November 2008

In this work several aspects of imaging capillary IEF (icIEF) application for charge heterogeneity analysis of recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies have been discussed. Advantages of the method as compared with traditional approaches for determination of biomolecule charge heterogeneity, such as gel and IEC, have been demonstrated. Correlation of icIEF‐detected protein isoforms with the charge heterogeneity determined by IEC has been shown for a representative recombinant monoclonal antibody. Identification of charged variants collected from IEC has been performed by ESI‐MS. Qualification of an icIEF method for use in quality control environment for quantitative analysis of recombinant protein charge heterogeneity and monitoring protein stability has also been discussed. The intermediate precision for determination of pI of main or main acidic species was ≤0.2% RSD. Relative % peak areas for acidic, main and basic species were reproducible within 1.9, 0.9 and 16.6% RSD, respectively. Based on the assay performance evaluation, icIEF assay has been shown to allow for fast method development, short analysis time and high sample throughput. Some aspects of the method specificity for use as an identity test in biopharmaceutical development have been discussed.
Explanation for the electrophoresis behaviour of DNA condensation induced by pseudopolyrotaxane of different lengths
Authors: Hou Sen , Yang Kun , Feng Xi‐Zeng
Published: November 2008

DNA condensation has received much attention as a prerequisite for the transport of gene delivery vectors in living cells. Electrophoresis assay is a common method to investigate the interaction between DNA and gene delivery vectors during the DNA condensation process. In order to probe the relation between DNA condensation status and the corresponding electrophoresis behaviour, we synthesized a series of pseudopolyrotaxanes (PPRs) by threading 6‐[(6‐aminohexyl)amino]‐6‐deoxy‐β‐CD dichloride on the polypropylene glycol and investigated their DNA condensation efficiency by electrophoresis assay. The PPRs of the middle length exhibited the best DNA condensation efficiency in electrophoresis assay, while the shorter or the longer homologues exhibited only slight DNA condensation efficiency. To explain this phenomenon, we investigated the hydrodynamic diameter, the particle size, the zeta potential and the binding affinity of these PPRs/DNA complexes. We found that the stability of PPRs/DNA complexes played an important role in determining the electrophoresis behaviour. Based on the data, we also pointed out the deficiency of electrophoresis assay in investigating the DNA condensation process. Our findings are helpful for researchers engaged in DNA condensation study.
Organizational change cynicism: The role of employee involvement
Authors: Brown Michelle , Cregan Christina
Published: November 2008

Organizational change efforts can bring about a range of outcomes: some intended, such as organizational survival and profitability, and some unintended, such as heightened levels of organizational change cynicism (OCC) among employees. This article focuses on processes for managing OCC: we examine the role of information sharing and involvement in decision making as ways to lessen employee reports of OCC. While both of these strategies have the potential to be effective, they rest on a significant assumption—namely, that employees will enthusiastically embrace any opportunities to become involved. In this research, we investigate this assumption through an analysis of the relationship between an employee's willingness to become involved (”active orientation”) on employee reports of their OCC. We find, using data from 1,214 public‐sector employees, that an active orientation toward involvement plays a significant role as a moderator in reducing employee reports of OCC. The findings suggest that HR practitioners concerned about OCC should encourage their line managers to adopt a participatory style of management (information sharing, involvement in decision making), especially in those workplaces where employees are more likely to embrace the opportunities for involvement. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategic HRM in China: Configurations and competitive advantage
Authors: Chow Irene H. , Huang Jia‐Chi , Liu Shanshi
Published: November 2008

The strategic HR literature suggests that a firm will perform better through internal appropriate fit among HRM practices (the configuration fit) and through external appropriate fit between a firm's HRM practices and business strategy. The present study adopts a configuration approach to identify unique patterns of HR practices and business strategy that are posited to be maximally effective. The proposed relationships were empirically tested by surveying with a sample of 241 business firms in Guangzhou, South China, to find out the extent that four HR configurations could be successfully adopted in the Chinese context. The results revealed that HR configurations are significantly related to effect in predicting overall outcome performance and turnover, but not significantly related to effect on sales growth and profit growth rates. Research findings showed not only competitive strategies are significantly related to effect on HR configurations. The results also showed significant interaction effects between HR configurations and business strategy in their effect on profit and sales growth. These results further extended support for a contingency perspective in strategic HRM to the Chinese context, with significant practical implications for managing HRM in China. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Human resource manager insights on creating and sustaining successful reduced‐load work arrangements
Authors: Friede Alyssa , Kossek Ellen Ernst , Lee Mary Dean , Macdermid Shelley
Published: November 2008

Although human resource managers have critical insights into the successful implementation of reduced‐load work arrangements, relatively few studies focus on their perspective. These arrangements are a growing work form for employees who choose to work less than full‐time with a commensurate decrease in salary. Qualitative data analysis was used to identify key success factors noted in interviews with 52 HR managers in 39 companies. Individual employee characteristics (e.g., self‐regulatory work habits) were viewed as most critical. Also important were the design of the arrangement (e.g., clarifying the arrangement in advance) and workgroup relationships (e.g., positive supervisor‐employee relationships). We conclude with eight new takeaways for HR managers on how to create and sustain successful reduced‐load work arrangements and directions for future research and practice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is the doctor in? A relational approach to job design and the coordination of work
Authors: Gittell Jody Hoffer , Weinberg Dana Beth , Bennett Adrienne L. , Miller Joseph A.
Published: November 2008

When designing jobs, the degree of specialization is a key consideration. Though functional specialization allows workers to develop deep areas of expertise, it also increases the challenge of coordinating their work. In this article, we propose the concepts of stage‐ and site‐based specialization and posit that together they can counteract the divisive effects of functional specialization. Taking advantage of a natural experiment in physician job design at a Massachusetts hospital, we explore the impact of stage‐ and site‐based specialization on coordination and performance outcomes. Building on recent interest in relational approaches to job design, this study is the first to link relational job design to relational outcomes such as coordination. Our findings have practical implications for job design in professional service settings such as education, consulting, and health care. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Employee reactions to gainsharing under seniority pay systems: The mediating effect of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice
Authors: Kwon Seungwoo , Kim Min Soo , Kang Sung‐Choon , Kim Myung Un
Published: November 2008

This study examines the effects of gainsharing under seniority‐based pay systems on employee attitudes in Korea. It is hypothesized that gainsharing, which emphasizes performance, employee participation, and cooperation enhances employee perceptions of distributive, procedural, and interactional justice, and that this, in turn, produces positive employee attitudes. The participants were a sample of individuals from five firms that combined seniority‐based pay and gainsharing incentives and five comparable firms that used only seniority‐based pay. The results supported the partial mediation model whereby distributive and interactional justice partially mediated the effects of gainsharing on employee attitudes, but procedural justice did not. The practical implications of this international compensation research include careful consideration of the integration of gainsharing with the total rewards mix in an organization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparing for organizational death: Proactive HR engagement in an organizational transition
Authors: Marks Mitchell Lee , Vansteenkiste Ronny
Published: November 2008

This article describes an HR team's call to action in managing an organization's transition from healthy, vibrant, and financially successful workplace to its death after being acquired. The HR team countered conventional practice in two key ways. First, despite being from the seller's side, it acted unusually early in the company's acquisition and operated proactively throughout the integration process. This constructive approach stemmed from the self‐confidence developed in the HR function over years of process improvement and culture change. Second, the HR professionals were motivated (rather than threatened) by the high stakes involved in this organizational transition. Their company—with its industry‐leading business results and a loyal, long‐tenured workforce—was slated to be closed, dismantled, and auctioned off in pieces to other firms. The HR team's mission was to help people deal with the death of their current employer and prepare for life afterward while maintaining a focus on business results. This article shows how HR helped senior leadership handle the challenge of retaining the talent needed to meet customer commitments and keep the business running while also readying people for an uncertain future with many eventual layoffs. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The twenty‐first‐century HR organization
Authors: Ulrich Dave , Younger Jon , Brockbank Wayne
Published: November 2008

Like any value‐creating staff function, HR departments should operate as a business within a business. Others have focused on the strategy and direction of HR departments. This article examines the next evolution for how HR department organization structure can deliver value based on two premises: (1) HR organization should be structurally aligned with the organization structure of the business and (2) because diversified/allied business models prevail, it is important to lay out the five roles and responsibilities of HR that respond to this organization model: service centers, corporate, centers of expertise, embedded HR, and operational HR. The article lays out the duties of each role, the relationship among these roles, and suggestions for implementing this new HR structure. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing alpine watershed attributes from LiDAR, Photogrammetric, and Contour‐based Digital Elevation Models
Authors: Hopkinson Chris , Hayashi Masaki , Peddle Derek
Published: November 2008

As part of an alpine hydrological study in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, three digital elevation model (DEM) data sets were obtained for the purpose of watershed characterization. The data sources were: (1) archived public access BC TRIM (Terrain Resource Information Management) 1:20 000 contour vectors; (2) stereo aerial photography DEM with a derived point spacing between 5 m and 20 m; (3) airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) with point spacing from 1 m to 4 m. GIS layers of terrain and watershed attributes were created for each of the three DEM data sets at grid cell resolutions of 5 m and 25 m. Watershed attributes investigated were: DEM elevation, area, hypsometry, and stream network topology. In areas of lower relief and forest cover, the TRIM contour DEM contained topological errors at both 5 m and 25 m resolutions due to the poor representation of terrain from widely spaced contours. The photo DEM introduced obvious stream topology errors at 25 m due to the inability of the photo DEM to discern subtle terrain beneath forest canopies. The photo and TRIM DEMs overestimated basin hypsometry relative to the LiDAR watersheds at highest elevations due, in part, to their inability to represent the inside of gullies and steps associated with geological strata. In the case of the photo DEM, selectively digitizing break lines such as cliff edges, while missing shadowed areas, led to the creation of an interpolated surface that was biased towards the outer extremities of the terrain. Conversely, relative to the photo‐based datasets, the LiDAR DEM better captured the inside of gullies and steps while under‐sampling break line features, leading to a bias in the interpolated surface towards internal terrain extremities. As would be expected, the quality and resolution of the terrain data increased from BC TRIM to photo to LiDAR. If modelling watersheds within the Canadian Rockies at the meso scale and above, BC TRIM (or equivalent) 1:20 000 contour vectors would be most appropriate given availability and cost considerations. The benefits of LiDAR are apparent if higher resolution and more accurate watershed attribute information is needed detailing first‐order hydrological channel features on steep shadowed mountain slopes or zero‐order hill‐slope depressions beneath forest canopies. Such landscape features provide preferential storages for winter snowpack in mountainous watersheds, suggesting that in the future LiDAR might be a tool of choice for snowpack resource monitoring in these regions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A constitutive model for water flow in unsaturated fractured rocks
Authors: Guarracino Luis , Quintana Fernando
Published: November 2008

A conceptual model for describing effective saturation in fractured hard rock is presented. The fracture network and the rock matrix are considered as an equivalent continuum medium where each fracture is conceptualized as a porous medium of granular structure and the rock matrix is assumed to be impermeable. The proposed model is based on the representation of a rough‐walled fracture by an equivalent porous medium, which is described using classical constitutive models. A simple closed‐form equation for the effective saturation is obtained when the van Genuchten model is used to describe saturation inside fractures and fractal laws are assumed for both aperture and number of fractures. The relative hydraulic conductivity for the fractured rock is predicted from a simple relation derived by Liu and Bodvarsson. The proposed constitutive model contains three independent parameters, which may be obtained by fitting the proposed effective saturation curve to experimental data. Two of the model parameters have physical meaning and can be identified with the reciprocal of the air entry pressure values in the fractures of minimum and maximum apertures. Effective saturation and relative hydraulic conductivity curves match fairly well the simulated constitutive relations obtained by Liu and Bodvarsson. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of Chinese Loess Plateau summer rainfall using Pacific Ocean spring sea surface temperature
Authors: Yasuda H. , Berndtsson R. , Saito T. , Anyoji H. , Zhang X.
Published: November 2008

The Loess Plateau in China constitutes an important source area for both water and sediments to the Yellow River. Thus, improved prediction techniques of rainfall may lead to better estimation of discharge and sediment content for the Yellow River. Consequently, the objective of this study was to establish better links between rainfall of the Loess Plateau in China and sea surface temperature (SST) in the Pacific Ocean. Results showed that there is a strong lagged correlation between and SST and rainfall. The SST for Micronesia and areas south of the Aleutian Islands showed significant correlations (s.f. < 0·001; 99·9%) with rainfall over the dryer region of the Loess Plateau for a lag of 4 to 6 months. The SST over the equator on the east Pacific Ocean also showed significant negative correlation with rainfall. Low and middle latitude areas (S10–20° and around 30° ) of the south‐east Pacific Ocean displayed significant positive and negative correlation with rainfall on the semiarid Loess Plateau. The differenced SST values (positive SST minus negative SST) increased these correlations with rainfall. An artificial neural network (ANN) model was used to predict summer rainfall from the differenced SST during the spring period. The correlation between predicted and observed monthly rainfall was in general larger than 0·7. This indicates that major annual rainfall (during summer season) can be predicted with good accuracy using the suggested approach. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimization and simulation of reservoir operation with sediment evacuation: a case study of the Tarbela Dam, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Noor M , Tingsanchali Tawatchai
Published: November 2008

Many reservoirs around the world are being operated based on rule curves developed without considering the evacuation of deposited sediment. Current reservoir simulation and optimization models fall short of incorporating the concept of sustainability because the reservoir storage losses due to sedimentation are not considered. This study develops a new model called Reservoir Optimization‐Simulation with Sediment Evacuation (ROSSE) model. The model utilizes genetic algorithm based optimization capabilities and embeds the sediment evacuation module into the simulation module. The sediment evacuation module is implemented using the Tsinghua university flushing equation. The ROSSE model is applied to optimize the rule curves of Tarbela Reservoir, the largest reservoir in Pakistan with chronic sedimentation problems. In the present study, rule curves are optimized for maximization of net economic benefits from water released. The water released can be used for irrigation, power production, sediment evacuation, and for flood control purposes. Relative weights are used to combine the benefits from these conflicting water uses. Nine sets of rule curves are compared, namely existing rule curves and proposed rule curves for eight scenarios developed for various policy options. These optimized rule curves show an increase of net individual economic benefits ranging from 9 to 248% over the existing rule curves. The shortage of irrigation supply during the simulation period is reduced by 38% and reservoir sustainability is enhanced by 28% through increased sediment evacuation. The study concludes that by modifying the operating policy and rule curves, it is possible to enhance the reservoir's sustainability and maximize the net economic benefits. The developed methodology and the model can be used for optimization of rule curves of other reservoirs with sedimentation problems. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanisms underlying the micron‐scale segregation of sterols and GM1 in live mammalian sperm
Authors: Selvaraj Vimal , Asano Atsushi , Buttke Danielle E. , Sengupta Prabuddha , Weiss Robert S. , Travis Alexander J.
Published: November 2008

We demonstrate for the first time that a stable, micron‐scale segregation of focal enrichments of sterols exists at physiological temperature in the plasma membrane of live murine and human sperm. These enrichments of sterols represent microheterogeneities within this membrane domain overlying the acrosome. Previously, we showed that cholera toxin subunit B (CTB), which binds the glycosphingolipid, GM1, localizes to this same domain in live sperm. Interestingly, the GM1 undergoes an unexplained redistribution upon cell death. We now demonstrate that GM1 is also enriched in the acrosome, an exocytotic vesicle. Transfer of lipids between this and the plasma membrane occurs at cell death, increasing GM1 in the plasma membrane without apparent release of acrosomal contents. This finding provides corroborative support for an emerging model of regulated exocytosis in which membrane communications might occur without triggering the “acrosome reaction.” Comparison of the dynamics of CTB‐bound endogenous GM1 and exogenous BODIPY–GM1 in live murine sperm demonstrate that the sub‐acrosomal ring (SAR) functions as a specialized diffusion barrier segregating specific lipids within the sperm head plasma membrane. Our data show significant differences between endogenous lipids and exogenous lipid probes in terms of lateral diffusion. Based on these studies, we propose a hierarchical model to explain the segregation of this sterol‐ and GM1‐enriched domain in live sperm, which is positioned to regulate sperm fertilization competence and mediate interactions with the oocyte. Moreover, our data suggest potential origins of subtypes of membrane raft microdomains enriched in sterols and/or GM1 that can be separated biochemically. J. Cell. Physiol. 218: 522–536, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hormonal response of male green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis) to GnRH challenge
Authors: Husak Jerry F. , Irschick Duncan J. , Henningsen Justin P. , Kirkbride Kimberly S. , Lailvaux Simon P. , Moore Ignacio T.
Published: November 2008

Circulating plasma levels of testosterone often differ among social classes of sexually mature males within a population, but the general physiological mechanisms underlying such differences remain unclear. Within sexually mature male green anole lizards (Anolis carolinensis), smaller “lightweight” males have on average relatively smaller heads, lower bite‐forces, and lower testosterone levels compared with larger “heavyweight” males. We conducted gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) challenges on lightweight and heavyweight males to determine if lightweight males were capable of producing comparable levels of circulating testosterone to heavyweight males but are socially or physiologically suppressed from doing so. We challenged lightweight and heavyweight males with chicken I and II GnRH and measured their resulting levels of testosterone and corticosterone. Neither lightweights nor heavyweights increased circulating testosterone levels after GnRH challenge, suggesting they are already at maximal production levels, consistent with the Challenge Hypothesis. Instead, testosterone levels tended to decrease and corticosterone levels increased, most likely owing to the stress response associated with handling. Our results are dramatically different from GnRH challenges conducted in bird species, suggesting that more field studies are needed in reptilian systems. J. Exp. Zool. 311A:105–114, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of tritium labelled thiorphan, an enkephalinase inhibitor
Authors: Wu Shao‐Yong , Masjedizadeh Mohammad R.
Published: November 2008

Tritium labelling of the enkephalinase inhibitor, thiorphan, is complicated by the presence of mercapto functional group. Reactions often used in aromatic tritiation, such as halogination and catalytic halogen/tritium displacement, are adversely affected by the presence of the divalent sulfur moeity. By protecting the SH group witht‐butyl group, the tritiation reaction proceeded smoothly without catalyst poisoning. The mercapto functionality was re‐generated with great ease and efficiency using 2‐nitrobenzenesulfenyl chloride and dithiothreitol (DTT). [3H]‐Thiorphan, thus, obtained had a radiochemical purity of >99% by AN‐HPLC and a specific activity of 18.42 Ci/mmol. [3H]‐Thiorphan showed good stability when stored at 4°C in an aqueous solution containing 10% methanol and 0.2% DTT in the dark. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of temperature on the stability of compounds used as UV‐MALDI‐MS matrix: 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone, α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid, nor‐harmane and harmane
Authors: Tarzi Olga I. , Nonami Hiroshi , Erra‐Balsells Rosa
Published: November 2008

The thermal stability of several commonly used crystalline matrix‐assisted ultraviolet laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (UV‐MALDI‐MS) matrices, 2,5‐dihydroxybenzoic acid (gentisic acid; GA), 2,4,6‐trihydroxyacetophenone (THA), α‐cyano‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (CHC), 3,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐hydroxycinnamic acid (sinapinic acid; SA), 9H‐pirido[3,4‐b]indole (nor‐harmane; nor‐Ho), 1‐methyl‐9H‐pirido[3,4‐b]indole (harmane; Ho), perchlorate of nor‐harmanonium ([nor‐Ho + H]+) and perchlorate of harmanonium ([Ho + H]+) was studied by heating them at their melting point and characterizing the remaining material by using different MS techniques [electron ionization mass spectrometry (EI‐MS), ultraviolet laserdesorption/ionization‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (UV‐LDI‐TOF‐MS) and electrospray ionization‐time‐of‐flight‐mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF‐MS)] as well as by thin layer chromatography analysis (TLC), electronic spectroscopy (UV‐absorption, fluorescence emission and excitation spectroscopy) and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐NMR). In general, all compounds, except for CHC and SA, remained unchanged after fusion. CHC showed loss of CO2, yielding the trans‐/cis‐4‐hydroxyphenylacrilonitrile mixture. This mixture was unambiguously characterized by MS and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy, and its sublimation capability was demonstrated. These results explain the well‐known cluster formation, fading (vanishing) and further recovering of CHC when used as a matrix in UV‐MALDI‐MS. Commercial SA (SA 98%; trans‐SA/cis‐SA 5 : 1) showed mainly cis‐ to‐trans thermal isomerization and, with very poor yield, loss of CO2, yielding (3′,5′‐dimethoxy‐4′‐hydroxyphenyl)‐1‐ethene as the decarboxilated product. These thermal conversions would not drastically affect its behavior as a UV‐MALDI matrix as happens in the case of CHC. Complementary studies of the photochemical stability of these matrices in solid state were also conducted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optical sensing with photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Frazão O. , Santos J.L. , Araújo F.M. , Ferreira L.A.
Published: November 2008

A review of optical fiber sensing demonstrations based on photonic crystal fibers is presented. The text is organized in five main sections: the first three deal with sensing approaches relying on fiber Bragg gratings, long‐period gratings and interferometric structures; the fourth one reports applications of these fibers for gas and liquid sensing; finally, the last section focuses on the exploitation of nonlinear effects in photonic crystal fibers for sensing.
Share price reactions to advertising announcements and broadcast of media events
Authors: Filbeck Greg , Zhao Xin , Tompkins Daniel , Chong Peggy
Published: November 2008

Over the last two decades, marketers have gravitated toward placing their ads in specific television programs such as the Super Bowl, Academy Awards, and the last episodes of sitcoms. While anecdotal evidence of positive outcomes in the form of increased sales, phone inquiries, and hits on the web sites of advertisers, there has not been any credible measurement of investor returns in this expensive strategy. We find that firms advertising for the first time, with greater advertising expenditures relative to sales, and with more effective/creative campaigns fare better in terms of the market reaction to their campaigns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of amounts and 13C content of metabolites in brain tissue using high‐ resolution magic angle spinning 13C NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Risa Øystein , Melø Torun Margareta , Sonnewald Ursula
Published: November 2008

Metabolic pathway mapping using 13C NMR spectroscopy has been used extensively to study interactions between neurons and glia in the brain. Established extraction procedures of brain tissue are time consuming and may result in degradation of labile substances. We examined the potential of mapping 13C‐enriched compounds in intact brain tissue using high‐resolution magic angle spinning (HR‐MAS) NMR spectroscopy. Sprague–Dawley rats received an intraperitoneal injection of [1,6‐13C]glucose, and 15 min later the animals were subjected to microwave fixation of the brain. Quantification of concentration and 13C labelling of metabolites in intact rat thalamus were carried out based on exogenous ethylene glycol concentrations measured from 1H NMR spectra using an ERETIC (Electronic REference To access In vivo Concentrations) signal. The results from intact tissue were compared with those from perchloric acid‐extracted brain tissue. Amounts of 13C labelling at different positions (C2, C3 and C4) in glutamate, glutamine, γ‐aminobutyric acid and aspartate measured in either intact tissue or perchloric acid extracts were not significantly different. Proton NMR spectra were used for quantification of six different amino acids plus lactate, inositol, N‐acetylaspartate, creatine and phosphocreatine. Again, results were very similar when comparing the methods. To our knowledge, this is the first time quantitative 13C NMR spectroscopy measurements have been carried out on intact brain tissue ex vivo using the HR‐MAS technique. The results show that HR‐MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy in combination with 1H NMR spectroscopy and the ERETIC method is useful for metabolic studies of intact brain tissue ex vivo. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sources of hepatic triglyceride accumulation during high‐fat feeding in the healthy rat
Authors: Delgado T. C. , Pinheiro D. , Caldeira M. , Castro M. M. C. A. , Geraldes C. F. G. C. , López‐Larrubia P. , Cerdán S. , Jones J. G.
Published: November 2008

Hepatic triglyceride (HTG) accumulation from peripheral dietary sources and from endogenous de novo lipogenesis (DNL) was quantified in adult Sprague–Dawley rats by combining in vivo localized 1H MRS measurement of total hepatic lipid with a novel ex vivo 2H NMR analysis of HTG 2H enrichment from 2H‐enriched body water. The methodology for DNL determination needs further validation against standard methodologies. To examine the effect of a high‐fat diet on HTG concentrations and sources, animals (n = 5) were given high‐fat chow for 35 days. HTG accumulation, measured by in vivo 1H MRS, increased significantly after 1 week (3.85 ± 0.60% vs 2.13 ± 0.34% for animals fed on a standard chow diet, P < 0.05) and was maintained until week 5 (3.30 ± 0.60% vs 1.12 ± 0.30%, P < 0.05). Animals fed on a high‐fat diet were glucose intolerant (13.3 ± 1.3 vs 9.4 ± 0.8 mM in animals fed on a standard chow diet, for 60 min glycemia after glucose challenge, P < 0.05). In control animals, DNL accounted for 10.9 ± 1.0% of HTG, whereas in animals given the high‐fat diet, the DNL contribution was significantly reduced to 1.0 ± 0.2% (P < 0.01 relative to controls). In a separate study to determine the response of HTG to weaning from a high‐fat diet, animals with raised HTG (3.33 ± 0.51%) after 7days of a high‐fat diet reverted to basal HTG concentrations (0.76 ± 0.06%) after an additional 7 days of weaning on a standard chow diet. These studies show that, in healthy rats, HTG concentrations are acutely influenced by dietary lipid concentrations. Although the DNL contribution to HTG content is suppressed by a high‐fat diet in adult Sprague–Dawley rats, this effect is insufficient to prevent overall increases in HTG concentrations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cultural theory in use: the intersection of structure, process and communication in business practice
Authors: Schuster Camille P. , Copeland Michael J.
Published: November 2008

Examining and understanding the culture of 200+ countries to determine how business is conducted in those countries is a daunting and overwhelming prospect. By combining theories of culture, it is possible to create a Classification Of Cultures Model using Time, Task and Relationship concepts. However, this model does not suggest how to adapt when conducting business in a particular political/economic environment. Continua of cultural elements related to conducting business are created based upon structural elements, process elements and communication elements. Combining the continua with the Classification of Cultures Model creates the Global Business Process Model. This framework is a way to capture the array of cultures, identify similarities and differences in business practices, and provide a starting point for creating adaptive strategies and behaviours.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promoting eco manufacturing: an Australian case
Authors: Dimitrov Roumen
Published: November 2008

This paper analyses the communication campaign of a small industry plant, the Fuji Xerox Eco Manufacturing Center in Sydney, Australia. Disproportionably to its size, it has become a national and world leader in the push for waste free, sustainable manufacturing. The rarity of the case—a resource‐poor for‐profit organization taking the role of an influential advocate—helps to highlight the centrality of public relations in the promotional mix. I examine ‘remanufacturing’ not as a one‐off technical innovation, but as prolonged internal and external communication campaign. I also stress on the public character of internal communication, where public relations is instrumental from the start. I draft and discuss an alternative model of integrated marketing communications for small businesses and nonprofits. Integration happens here on personnel rather than organizational (interdepartmental) level. The more such organizations turn towards external causes and multiple publics—as in this case of industrial advocacy and public affairs—the more likely public relations transforms from a component into the organizing principle of the communication strategy.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A conceptual look at the strategic resource dynamics of public affairs
Authors: Oberman William D.
Published: November 2008

The goal of this paper is to build an understanding of core public affairs resources, their development and their relationship to competitive advantage. The perspective employed is that of the resource‐based view (RBV) of the firm and the resources associated with public affairs are viewed in strategic terms. Public affairs is conceptualized as a dynamic capability whose function is to ‘catalyse’ latent socio‐political resources into operational ones that can be used in pursuit of sustainable competitive advantage. The types and development of public affairs resources are described. A model of the dynamics of resource development and exploitation is offered, along with simple typologies of the major operational resource categories of access and legitimacy.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dupré–Blundell model for the Landau diamagnetism applied to electrons gyrating in a crystalline solid
Authors: Olszewski S. , Rolińnski T.
Published: November 2008

The model developed by Dupré and Blundell for calculating the Landau diamagnetism of free electrons is adapted to the case when the tightly bound electrons in a crystal lattice are submitted to the action of the magnetic field. In particular, the frequency of the electron gyration and the energy change contributing to the nonoscillating part of the diamagnetism are considered for the simple cubic and the body‐centered cubic lattices. The plots of the energy change done versus the position of the Fermi energy in a crystal exhibit much different behavior than a similar plot obtained in the free‐electron case. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
An analytic iterative approach to solving the time‐independent Schrödinger equation
Authors: Junkermeier Chad , Transtrum Mark , Berrondo Manuel
Published: November 2008

In this article, we introduce a simple analytic method for obtaining approximate solutions of the Schrödinger equation for a wide range of potentials in one‐ and two‐dimensions. We define an operator, called the iteration operator, which will be used to solve for the lowest order state(s) of a system. The method is simple in that it does not require the computation of any integrals in order to obtain a solution. We use this method on several potentials which are well understood or even exactly solvable in order to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses of this method. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
A 2D graphical representation of DNA sequence based on dual nucleotides and its application
Authors: Liu Zanbo , Liao Bo , Zhu Wen , Huang Guohua
Published: November 2008

From the perspective of the neighboring dual nucleotides, we introduce a novel 2D graphical representation of DNA sequences based on the magic circle, which correspond to 16 dual nucleotides. So, we can reduce a DNA sequence into a plot set in two‐dimensional space and get a two‐component vector relatively to the introduced covariance matrix. The utility of our approach can be illustrated by the examination of similarities/dissimilarities among the complete coding sequences of β‐globin gene belonging to 11 species. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2009
Robust frame synchronization for the DVB‐S2 system with large frequency offsets
Authors: Kim Pansoo , Pedone Raffaella , Villanti Marco , Vanelli‐Coralli Alessandro , Corazza Giovanni Emanuele , Chang Dae‐Ig , Oh Deock‐Gil
Published: November 2008

This paper tackles the problem of frame synchronization design for the Digital Video Broadcasting standard via Satellite (DVB‐S2) system. In particular, the design of a novel frame detection scheme exhibiting robustness against large frequency errors is proposed. Post‐detection integration (PDI) is exploited to provide coarse frame alignment with limited complexity with respect to classical approximate maximum likelihood (ML) solutions. The novel scheme, denoted as differential generalized post‐detection integration, derives from a pragmatic adaptation of the well‐known generalized PDI scheme (IEEE Trans. Commun. 2007;55(11):2159–2171), which eliminates its inherent source of weakness in the presence of large frequency offsets, i.e. its non‐differential component given by non‐coherent PDI. The proposed approach manages to reduce the remarkable performance gap with respect to approximate ML techniques available in the literature (IEEE Trans. Commun. 2002;50(7):1062–1065), providing the designer with an interesting performance/complexity trade‐off. Performance is numerically evaluated in terms of receiver operating characteristics and mean acquisition time (MAT), handling the acquisition procedure according to a single‐dwell approach. Both threshold crossing and MAX criterion are contrasted to identify the best design solution. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fixed effects, random effects and GEE: What are the differences?
Authors: Gardiner Joseph C. , Luo Zhehui , Roman Lee Anne
Published: November 2008

For analyses of longitudinal repeated‐measures data, statistical methods include the random effects model, fixed effects model and the method of generalized estimating equations. We examine the assumptions that underlie these approaches to assessing covariate effects on the mean of a continuous, dichotomous or count outcome. Access to statistical software to implement these models has led to widespread application in numerous disciplines. However, careful consideration should be paid to their critical assumptions to ascertain which model might be appropriate in a given setting. To illustrate similarities and differences that might exist in empirical results, we use a study that assessed depressive symptoms in low‐income pregnant women using a structured instrument with up to five assessments that spanned the pre‐natal and post‐natal periods. Understanding the conceptual differences between the methods is important in their proper application even though empirically they might not differ substantively. The choice of model in specific applications would depend on the relevant questions being addressed, which in turn informs the type of design and data collection that would be relevant. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Left atrial shortening fraction in fetuses with and without myocardial hypertrophy in diabetic pregnancies
Authors: Zielinsky P. , Luchese S. , Manica J. L. , Piccoli A. L. , Nicoloso L. H. , Leite M. F. , Hagemann L. , Busato A. , Moraes M. R.
Published: November 2008

Objective

To test the hypothesis that, in diabetic pregnancies, left atrial shortening fraction (LASF) is decreased in fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy, compared to those without hypertrophy and to fetuses of non‐diabetic mothers.

Methods

Fetal echocardiography was performed in women with pre‐existing or gestational diabetes and in non‐diabetic controls between 25 weeks' gestation and term. LASF was calculated using the formula: (end‐systolic diameter—end‐diastolic diameter)/end‐systolic diameter, and data were compared between diabetic women with and without fetal myocardial hypertrophy and controls.

Results

The study population comprised 53 diabetic women and 45 controls. Out of the 53 fetuses of diabetic women, 14 had myocardial hypertrophy and 39 had normal septal thickness. Gestational age at the time of examination did not differ significantly between the control group and the two diabetic subgroups (P = 0.57). Fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy presented a mean ( ± SD) LASF of 0.32 ± 0.11, those without myocardial hypertrophy 0.46 ± 0.12, and those of normal mothers 0.53 ± 0.09 (P < 0.001). A significant inverse linear correlation was observed between LASF and septal thickness (r = − 0.51, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

In diabetic pregnancies, LASF is lower in fetuses with myocardial hypertrophy than it is in those without hypertrophy and in fetuses of non‐diabetic women, suggesting that LASF could be a useful alternative parameter in the assessment of fetal diastolic function. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
X‐ray microanalysis of glass for forensic purposes—research on the persistence of glass fragments on clothing
Authors: Brożek‐Mucha Zuzanna
Published: November 2008

Thirty‐five experiments were carried out, breaking various kinds of multiple‐glazed windows (ordinary, toughened and laminated) simulating a break‐in or an act of vandalism, in order to obtain a set of data on the persistence of glass micro‐traces on the clothing of people taking part in such an activity. The recovered glass fragments were analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectrometry. The number of glass fragments recovered from the clothing of the breaker and the accompanying persons depended on the distance of a person from the window pane, the time between the incident and securing the clothing for examination, the retentive properties of the clothing, and the kind of window panes. An empirical study on background levels of glass on clothing, as well as secondary transfer, was also carried out. Results of the study of glass found at random showed that most of the clothing was free from glass fragments. The experiments simulating break‐ins or vandalism provided important information that will contribute to a reliable interpretation of the analytical results of examinations of glass as evidence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of K, Fe, Cu and Zn levels in secondary colorectal liver cancer and surrounding normal liver tissue, and their potential as a tissue classifier
Authors: Farquharson M. J. , Al‐Ebraheem A. , Theodorakou C. , Ryan E. , Bradley D. A. , Gurusamy K. , Davidson B.
Published: November 2008

An x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) system utilising a synchrotron radiation source was used to quantify the levels of Fe, Cu, Zn and K in colorectal liver metastases and surrounding normal liver tissue as a possible mechanism for detecting cancer in a tissue biopsy. Sixty samples were measured and a lower level of all four elements was found in the cancer samples compared with that of the normal liver. The difference in levels of Zn, Fe, Cu and K between cancer and normal tissue was significant with p values of < 0.01 for Zn, Fe and K, and 0.033 for Cu. The precision was estimated by repeated measurements yielding a precision of 96, 91, 95 and 86% for Zn, Cu, Fe and K, respectively. The homogeneity of the distribution of elemental concentrations was assessed by measuring eight normal liver and eight cancer samples from the same patient. The variation of Zn, Cu, Fe and K levels between normal liver samples was 10.4, 15.4, 15.85 and 29.1%, respectively, and in the colorectal metastases was 10.18, 15.92, 8.44 and 22.35%, respectively. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed for all elements and showed that Zn could be a reliable indicator of tissue classification with an ROC area under the curve of 0.998 and a resulting sensitivity and specificity of 100 and 96.67%, respectively. Fe had an ROC area under the curve of 0.856 and sensitivity and specificity of 83.3 and 76.67%, respectively. Cu and K did not perform as well with areas under the curve of 0.75 and 0.706, respectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.