bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shrink and mortality of beef cattle during long distance transportation
Authors: Teke B 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe aims of this study were to determine the effects of long distance transport on shrink and mortality rate in cattle, and to understand the relationships between environmental temperature, bodyweight, shrink and dressing percentage. This survey was conducted on 121 transfers of bulls (Bos taurus) from commercial finishing units in Bugyi, Hungary to a public slaughterhouse in Ankara, Turkey between July and December 2010. A total of 3,874 bulls were transported and the journeys took approximately 30 h, including a 2-h rest period with water and feed available. In order to investigate the effect of thermal stress, the deviation of the average monthly ambient temperature from average six-monthly temperature was determined (d-value). Weight loss during transport and dressing percentage were determined monthly. The effect of month on shrink during transport was significant and average transport shrink was 5.57% during the six months. In general, the highest shrink rate was observed in the summer (August: 8.39%) and winter months (December: 7.27%), both of which are outside the thermoneutral zone for beef cattle. The lowest shrink rate was observed in the autumn months (October: 2.99%, November: 1.77%), which is within the thermoneutral zone. The mortality rate was 0.464% during transportations. Mortality rate was high but the effect of month on mortality rate was not significant. There was a moderate positive correlation between transport shrink and d-value. In conclusion, transportations within thermal comfort zone range and good quality animal handling are recommended in order to prevent the adverse effects of long distance transportation, such as shrink and mortality.
Using multiple joystick systems in computerised enrichment for captive orangutans
Authors: Mallavarapu S , Bloomsmith MA , Kuhar CW , Maple TL 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIt has been suggested that providing multiple computers with automatic reward dispensers as enrichment to captive orangutans (Pongospp) (as opposed to a single computer, with a care-staff person delivering reinforcers) might help improve behavioural outcomes. The purpose of the current study was to test this hypothesis by providing two computers with automatic reward dispensers to eight orangutans housed in four male-female pairs at Zoo Atlanta, USA. Subjects were observed for ten days during each of three phases: a baseline phase (during which, no computer was provided); immediately followed by Phase 1 (during which, one computer system was provided to each pair of subjects); immediately followed by Phase 2 (during which, two computer systems were provided to each pair). Data were collected in 1-h sessions using instantaneous scan sampling. There was no habituation to the computer system, nor were there any significant increases in aggression, rough scratching, and abnormal behaviours in either computer phase, which indicates that computer-joystick systems are effective as enrichment for captive orangutans. However, a high level of interest in the computer was shown by only a few individuals, which highlights a need to take into consideration individual differences when providing computerised enrichment to captive non-human primates. It would also be advisable to provide other forms of enrichment to increase activity levels for individuals which are not interested in interacting with a computer, as well as to help increase the diversity of behaviours being stimulated by the enrichment.
A Semi‐Tensor Product Approach to Pseudo‐Boolean Functions with Application to Boolean Control Networks
Authors: Li Haitao , Wang Yuzhen , Liu Zhenbin 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTUsing the semi‐tensor product method, this paper investigates several fundamental problems of general pseudo‐Boolean functions with application to the optimal control of Boolean control networks, and establishes a new framework to deal with pseudo‐Boolean inequalities, the optimization problem and the best linear approximation of pseudo‐Boolean functions. First, the pseudo‐Boolean function is expressed in the algebraic form via constructing its unique structural matrix. Second, based on the matrix expression, solving pseudo‐Boolean inequalities is converted into finding solutions to algebraic inequalities, and a set of new formulas are presented. Third, the optimization problem and the linear approximation of the pseudo‐Boolean function are considered and several new results are established. Finally, as an application, we investigate the optimal control of Boolean control networks, and present a new optimal control design procedure. It is shown through the study of illustrative examples that the new results proposed in this paper work very well.
Context dependence of protein misfolding and structural strains in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Mehta Anil K. , Rosen Rebecca F. , Childers W. Seth , Gehman John D. , Walker Lary C. , Lynn David G. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTVast arrays of structural forms are accessible to simple amyloid peptides and environmental conditions can direct assembly into single phases. These insights are now being applied to the aggregation of the Aβ peptide of Alzheimer's disease and the identification of causative phases. We extend use of the imaging agent Pittsburgh compound B to discriminate among Aβ phases and begin to define conditions of relevance to the disease state. Also, we specifically highlight the development of methods for defining the structures of these more complex phases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 722–730, 2013.
Structural characterization of short hybrid urea/carbamate (U/C) foldamers: A case of partial helix unwinding
Authors: Nelli Yella Reddy , Fischer Lucile , Collie Gavin W. , Kauffmann Brice , Guichard Gilles 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTAliphatic oligoureas (NHCH(R)CH2NHCO)n and oligocarbamates (NHCH(R)CH2OCO)n are two classes of synthetic peptidomimetic oligomers whose backbone is isosteric to that of γ‐peptides. We have shown recently that the constituent units of these backbones (i.e., amide (A), carbamate (C) and urea (U) units) can be combined in various ways to generate new heterogeneous oligomers with well‐defined secondary structures. For example, oligomers consisting of urea (U) and carbamate (C) linkages arranged in a 1:1 pattern adopt a helical conformation akin to that of urea homoligomers and γ‐peptide foldamers. In this case, helix formation is mainly driven by U units whose propensity for folding surpasses that of C units. Here, we have investigated further the influence of the U/C ratio on the folding preference of such heterogeneous oligomers. We report the synthesis and the structural analysis of a short oligomer with a 2:3 U/C ratio and two consecutive carbamate linkages. X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals a helical structure that unwinds at one end. In contrast, a cognate oligomer prepared for comparison and containing four contiguous urea units adopts a fully helical conformation in the crystalline state. These results which are supported by data in solution indicate that the balance between U and C units should be carefully adjusted and that consecutive C linkages should be avoided for optimal helix formation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 100: 687–697, 2013.
Impact of Green Innovation on Labor Productivity and its Determinants: an Analysis of the Korean Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Woo Chungwon , Chung Yanghon , Chun Dongphil , Han Seunghun , Lee Dukhee 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTDue to worsening environmental conditions around the globe, firms have been investing a great deal of money in green technologies as a way of coping with the environmental crisis. This paper uses a unique data set based on the Korea Innovation Survey to examine the impact of green innovation on labor productivity, and the determinants of environmental activities in 2010. The empirical results show that green innovation intended for both firm and customer benefits has a positive effect on labor productivity. This finding means that firms need to implement firm‐oriented green innovation as well as customer‐oriented green innovation in order to increase their performance. Our findings also show that there are significant differences in aggregate green innovations depending on different firm sizes and industries. Specifically, large firms implement environmental activities more than small ones, and pollution‐intensive industries tend to invest more in activities related to environmental technology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
One‐step Synthesis of Vertically Aligned Anatase Thornbush‐like TiO2 Nanowire Arrays on Transparent Conducting Oxides for Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Roh Dong Kyu , Chi Won Seok , Ahn Sung Hoon , Jeon Harim , Kim Jong Hak 
Published: July 2013

AbstractHerein, we report a facile synthesis of high‐density anatase‐phase vertically aligned thornbush‐like TiO2 nanowires (TBWs) on transparent conducting oxide glasses. Morphologically controllable TBW arrays of 9 μm in length are generated through a one‐step hydrothermal reaction at 200 °C over 11 h using potassium titanium oxide oxalate dehydrate, diethylene glycol (DEG), and water. The TBWs consist of a large number of nanoplates or nanorods, as confirmed by SEM and TEM imaging. The morphologies of TBWs are controllable by adjusting DEG/water ratios. TBW diameters gradually decrease from 600 (TBW600) to 400 (TBW400) to 200 nm (TBW200) and morphologies change from nanoplates to nanorods with an increase in DEG content. TBWs are utilized as photoanodes for quasi‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells (qssDSSCs) and solid‐state DSSCs (ssDSSCs). The energy‐conversion efficiency of qssDSSCs is in the order: TBW200 (5.2 %)>TBW400 (4.5 %)>TBW600 (3.4 %). These results can be attributed to the different surface areas, light‐scattering effects, and charge transport rates, as confirmed by dye‐loading measurements, reflectance spectroscopy, and incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency and intensity‐modulated photovoltage spectroscopy/intensity‐modulated photocurrent spectroscopy analyses. TBW200 is further treated with a graft‐copolymer‐directed organized mesoporous TiO2 to increase the surface area and interconnectivity of TBWs. As a result, the energy‐conversion efficiency of the ssDSSC increases to 6.7 % at 100 mW cm−2, which is among the highest values for N719‐dye‐based ssDSSCs.
Accumulation of pesticides in pacific chorus frogs (Pseudacris regilla) from California's Sierra Nevada Mountains, USA
Authors: Smalling Kelly L. , Fellers Gary M. , Kleeman Patrick M. , Kuivila Kathryn M. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

Pesticides are receiving increasing attention as potential causes of amphibian declines, acting singly or in combination with other stressors, but limited information is available on the accumulation of current-use pesticides in tissue. The authors examined potential exposure and accumulation of currently used pesticides in pond-breeding frogs (Pseudacris regilla) collected from 7 high elevations sites in northern California. All sites sampled are located downwind of California's highly agricultural Central Valley and receive inputs of pesticides through precipitation and/or dry deposition. Whole frog tissue, water, and sediment were analyzed for more than 90 current-use pesticides and pesticide degradates using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Two fungicides, pyraclostrobin and tebuconazole, and one herbicide, simazine, were the most frequently detected pesticides in tissue samples. Median pesticide concentration ranged from 13 µg/kg to 235 µg/kg wet weight. Tebuconazole and pyraclostrobin were the only 2 compounds observed frequently in frog tissue and sediment. Significant spatial differences in tissue concentration were observed, which corresponded to pesticide use in the upwind counties. Data generated indicated that amphibians residing in remote locations are exposed to and capable of accumulating current-use pesticides. A comparison of P. regilla tissue concentrations with water and sediment data indicated that the frogs are accumulating pesticides and are potentially a more reliable indicator of exposure to this group of pesticides than either water or sediment. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2026–2034. © 2013 SETAC
Trophic dynamics of hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers and enantiomers in fish in a laboratory feeding study
Authors: Luo Xiao-Jun , Ruan Wei , Zeng Yan-Hong , Liu Hong-Ying , Chen She-Jun , Wu Jiang-Ping , Mai Bi-Xian 
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The laboratory trophic transfer of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) was studied using predatory (oscar) fish and a prey species (tiger barb) exposed to a technical HBCD. Gut absorption, dynamic changes of diastereomer pattern and enantiomer fractions, and potential metabolism of HBCDs were examined. Compared with β- or γ-HBCD, α-HBCD showed lower absorption efficiency in the gut of oscar fish. A predominance of γ-HBCD was observed in the tiger barb after 5 d HBCD-exposed and oscar feeding on the tiger barb for 16 d. After 20 d of depuration, 41.1% γ-HBCD and 42.7% β-HBCD disappeared, and α-HBCD exceeded the initial amount. The transformation from γ-HBCD predominance in the food to α-HBCD predominance in the oscar was attributed mainly to the isomerization of γ-HBCD (at least 3% and up to 22.7%) to α-HBCD. Selective enrichment of the (+) α- and (−) β-enantiomers and no enantioselective enrichment of γ-HBCD were observed in the tiger barbs. No enantioselective uptake of the 3 diasteromers was found in the oscar gut. The enantiomer fractions of α- and γ-diastereomers were significantly higher, but that of β-diastereomer were significantly lower in the oscars than in the tiger barbs, indicating enantioselective metabolism of the 3 diastereomers. Two HBCD monohydroxylated metabolites were detected in the 2 fish species, but their composition patterns differed, indicating a species-specific metabolism of HBCD in the studied fish species. Environ Toxicol Chem 2013;32:2565–2570. © 2013 SETAC
A Social Network Perspective on Relationship Management in the Human Resource Outsourcing Network: Examining the Moderating Impact of HR Task Interdependence
Authors: Yan Ming , Marie Francesco Anne , Zhang Haina , Chen Yang 
Published: July 2013

AbstractRecognizing that managing the outsourcing relationship is critical to the success of a human resource outsourcing (HRO) strategy, we draw on two theoretical perspectives in social network research, integrating open‐ and closed‐triad network structures, to develop a balanced HRO network framework through the moderating impact of HR interdependence. We use this framework to identify the relationships among the HR department that outsources certain HR functions, the groups of internal employees served by the HRO programs, and HR service vendors providing these outsourced HR services. We also consider strategies on how to manage HRO relationship structure to achieve competitive advantage in HR practice. The present study is an attempt to advance the HRO literature from a focus on a “make or buy” decision to a broader model of HRO relationship management.
Biocompatible evaluation of barium titanate foamed ceramic structures for orthopedic applications
Authors: Ball Jordan P. , Mound Brittnee A. , Nino Juan C. , Allen Josephine B. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe potential of barium titanate (BT) to be electrically active makes it a material of interest in regenerative medicine. To enhance the understanding of this material for orthopedic applications, the in vitro biocompatibility of porous BT fabricated using a direct foaming technique was investigated. Characterization of the resultant foams yielded an overall porosity between 50 and 70% with average pore size in excess of 30 µm in diameter. A mouse osteoblast (7F2) cell line was cultured with the BT to determine the extent of the foams' toxicity using a LDH assay. After 72 h, BT foams showed a comparable cytotoxicity of 6.4 ± 0.8% to the 8.4 ± 1.5% of porous 45S5 Bioglass®. The in vitro inflammatory response elicited from porous BT was measured as a function of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) secreted from a human monocytic leukemia cell line (THP‐1). Results indicate that the BT foams do not cause a significant inflammatory response, eliciting a 9.4 ± 1.3 pg of TNF‐α per mL of media compared with 20.2 ± 2.3 pg/mL from untreated cells. These results indicate that porous BT does not exhibit short term cytotoxicity and has potential for orthopedic tissue engineering applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 102A: 2089–2095, 2014.
Novel low‐loss waveguide delay lines using Vernier ring resonators for on‐chip multi‐λ microwave photonic signal processors
Authors: Zhuang Leimeng , Hoekman Marcel , Beeker Willem , Leinse Arne , Heideman René , van Dijk Paulus , Roeloffzen Chris 
Published: July 2013

AbstractIn this paper, novel photonic delay lines (DLs) using Vernier/non‐identical ring resonators (VRRs) are proposed and demonstrated, which are capable of simultaneous generation of multiple different delays at different wavelengths (frequencies). The simple device architectures and full reconfigurability allow the DLs to be integrated with other functional building blocks in photonic integrated circuits to realize on‐chip, complex multi‐λ microwave photonic signal processors with reduced system complexity. To prove the concept, DLs using VRRs in cascaded and coupled configurations have been fabricated in TriPleXTM waveguide technology, which enables a very low delay‐induced loss of approximately 0.18 dB/100 ps. The fabricated DLs demonstrated simultaneous generation of four incremental delays, where a maximum incremental step of 550 ps and a corresponding top delay of 1650 ps were measured for a bandwidth up to 1 GHz. To our knowledge, this is the first report on VRRs for delay generation functionalities.
Correlation Between Chemical and Mechanical Properties in Renewable Poly(ether‐block‐amide)s for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Todros Silvia , Natali Arturo N. , Pace Giuseppe , Di Noto Vito 
Published: July 2013

Renewable poly(ether‐block‐amide)s (PEBAs), with different polyamide/polyether (PA/PE) ratios, are characterized for the development of biomedical devices. The effect of the chemical composition on the mechanical properties is studied via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and broadband electric spectro­scopy (BES). FTIR spectroscopy evidences the presence of different PA crystalline domains depending on the PA/PE ratio, as also evidenced by TGA and DSC. Such differences influence the molecular dynamics, as shown by DMA and BES, and the mechanical properties characterized by tensile tests. Indeed, PEBAs with a higher PA/PE ratio are stiffer due to a higher crystalline degree.
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Experimental Validation of Resonant Microwave Transmission Through Subwavelength Ridged Circular Apertures in Thin Conducting Screen
Authors: Park Jong‐Eon , Kim Ki Young , Song Jae‐Won 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThe resonant microwave transmission characteristics through subwavelength ridged circular apertures (SRCAs) are investigated based on experimental observations beyond the near‐field (NF) region. The measured received power levels at the far‐field (FF) region for several SRCA arrangements are also confirmed using numerically calculated FF values transformed from the scattered NF of the SRCAs. The measured enhancements in the power throughputs for the multiple SRCA arrangements clearly confirm strong mutual coupling phenomena among the SRCAs, as previously predicted theoretically. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2497–2501, 2013
A Novel 1.575‐GHz Dual‐Polarization Textile Antenna for GPS Application
Authors: Jais Mohd I. , Jamlos M. F. , Jusoh Muzammil , Sabapathy Thenna , Kamarudin Muhammad R. 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTThis article presents a novel dual‐polarization textile antenna (DPTA) for Global Positioning System applications. In this design, four sector radiating elements are centrally fed by a coaxial probe. A novel antenna structure is successfully achieved by integrating electronic components into a wearable textile antenna. Silver loaded epoxy adhesive is used in embedding four PIN diode switches on ShieldIt super textile of the proposed antenna. The activation of certain PIN diode switches configuration determines the polarization of DPTA. Dimension‐wise, this antenna is compact and small where it consists of 40‐mm radius .The proposed DPTA design successfully generated dual‐polarization omnidirectional radiation pattern with maximum gain 1.81 dB at angle of 0°/360°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Its small size, flexible, and wearable features enables this DPTA to be easily integrated onto safety jacket and rain coat for tracking, search, and rescue applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2414–2420, 2013
Design of Compact CPW‐FED Monopole Antenna for WLAN/WiMAX Applications Using a Pair of F‐Shaped Slits on the Patch
Authors: Moradhesari Amin , Naser‐Moghadasi Mohammad , Gharakhili Fateme Geran 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTIn this article, a compact and small coplanar waveguide fed (CPW‐fed) monopole antenna is proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. In the proposed antenna, the main target is to present a compact structure with a step‐by‐step design procedure on the patch. The antenna consists of a slotted rectangular patch as radiator, a partial CPW‐ground plane. To excite WiMAX/WLAN bands, two F‐shaped slits are inserted into the rectangular patch that resonates at the frequencies of 3.5 and 5.4 GHz. By suitable adjusting the lengths of the F‐shaped design, much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced, especially at the lower band of WLAN/WiMAX. The size of the antenna is 15 × 15 × 1.6 mm3. A prototype of the designed antenna is constructed and experimentally investigated. The −10 dB S11 bandwidths of them are (3.15–4.63 GHz) and (4.75–6.62 GHz), respectively, which can cover both the WLAN bands (5.15–5.35 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz) and the WiMAX bands (3.4–3.6 GHz and 5.25–5.85 GHz). Proper omnidirectional radiation pattern characteristics and enough gains are obtained over the operating bands. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2337–2340, 2013
Bandwidth Enhancement and Size Reduction of Microstrip‐Fed Folded‐Slot Antenna
Authors: Yoo Jin-Ha , Lee Young-Soon 
Published: July 2013

ABSTRACTA microstrip‐fed half‐wavelength folded‐slot antenna that is cut at the finite ground plane edge for bandwidth enhancement as well as size reduction of the conventional folded‐slot antenna is proposed. The antenna is fabricated within limited space of 35 mm × 12 mm on a 35 mm × 35 mm substrate, which is about the size of typical PCB for of RF modules used in wireless communication systems. The measured impedance bandwidth (S11 ≤ −10 dB) and maximum antenna gain over the passband are 92.5% (2.63∼7.27 GHz) and 4.69 dBi, respectively. The measured radiation patterns are similar to those of the conventional folded‐slot antennas and are stable across the pass band. These properties and its compact structure render the proposed antenna suitable for applications in various wireless communication systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2248–2251, 2013