bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Information Problems and Company Behaviour vis‐à‐vis Continuous Management Training
Authors: Barrutia Jon , Landeta Jon , Araujo Andrés , Hoyos Jon 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to examine the degree and type of information the company holds on training, and to what extent the lack‐of‐information firms suffer in two senses, information on managerial resources and information on training supply, tends to condition their behavior vis‐à‐vis management training. Data from more than 300 Spanish companies with 50 or more workers are used to examine the connection between information asymmetries and company behavior in relation to continuous management training. The empirical study revealed that company readiness to engage in continuous management training appears to be significantly conditioned by all variables related to the existence of information on managers and training supply. Based on these results, underinvestment in managerial training would be associated with those cases in which information is unavailable or not distributed uniformly and transparently. This study contributes to the existing training literature by providing a novel link between information asymmetries (firm managers; firm training offerings) and their ability to influence training investment rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beryllium‐7: The Cinderella of fallout radionuclide sediment tracers?
Authors: Walling D. E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCurrent concern for the sustainable management of soil resources and the many adverse effects of increased sediment loads on streams and river systems has generated a need for more information on rates and patterns of soil loss and an improved understanding of catchment sediment budgets. Traditional measurement techniques are frequently unable to meet the requirements and fallout radionuclides have been shown to offer considerable potential for tracing the mobilization, transfer, redistribution and storage of soil and sediment within catchments and river systems. Caesium‐137 and lead‐210 have been the most widely used fallout radionuclide sediment tracers, but their half‐lives mean that the information that they provide is in most instances limited to the medium term (e.g. 25–120 years). The need for information on shorter timescales has directed attention to the potential for using beryllium‐7, which has a considerable shorter half‐life, for tracing soil and sediment redistribution over short timescales (e.g. days–weeks). To date, however, there have been relatively few attempts to exploit this potential. This situation is likely to be in part a reflection of the emphasis of early work on 137Cs and 210Pb and the more recent nature of work using 7Be. However, it may also reflect the limitations and constraints imposed by the nature of 7Be fallout and the short half‐life of this radionuclide. This contribution explores recent work in using 7Be as a sediment tracer and the constraints imposed by its origin and behaviour. Attention is directed to fallout inputs, the application of 7Be to tracing soil and sediment redistribution on slopes and on river floodplains, its use as a source fingerprint and other related applications. The likely future potential of 7Be as a sediment tracer is assessed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydraulic model evaluation for large‐scale flood risk assessments
Authors: Falter Daniela , Vorogushyn Sergiy , Lhomme Julien , Apel Heiko , Gouldby Ben , Merz Bruno 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFor a nationwide flood risk assessment in Germany, simulations of inundation depth and extent for all major catchments are required. Therefore, a fast two‐dimensional (2D) hydraulic model is needed. From the range of existing methods, two storage cell models are evaluated to find an appropriate method for large‐scale applications. The Dynamic Rapid Flood Spreading Model (Dynamic RFSM) based on irregular storage cells, and a raster‐based model with inertia formulation of momentum equation are compared. Simulation performed with the fully dynamic shallow water model InfoWorks RS 2D served as a reference. The hydraulic models are applied to a test area having a very flat topography adjacent to the river Elbe. As a benchmark scenario, the outflow through a hypothetical dike breach was chosen. To investigate the impact of the grid resolution on run time and model performance, the simulation with the raster model is carried out with different grid sizes. Furthermore, the sensitivity of the Dynamic RFSM to the choice of time step was analysed. Both models were able to simulate the final inundation extent and depths with a reasonable accuracy. However, the Dynamic RFSM showed some weakness in simulating inundation extent over the flat test area. Coarsening the grid resolution reduced the run time of the raster‐based model considerably and can be regarded as a promising strategy to constrain the computational efforts for a large‐scale application, although the model accuracy gradually deteriorated. With similar run time, the raster‐based model performed better than the Dynamic RFSM in terms of inundation extent and comparable regarding maximum inundation depth. Generally, an application at national scale appears feasible with both hydraulic modelling schemes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA damage kinetics and apoptosis in ivermectin‐treated chinese hamster ovary cells
Authors: Molinari Gabriela , Kujawski Maciej , Scuto Anna , Soloneski Sonia , Larramendy Marcelo L. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTA comet assay was used to analyze DNA damage kinetics in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO‐K1) cells induced by antiparasitic ivermectin (IVM) and the IVM‐containing technical formulation Ivomec® (IVO; 1% IVM). Cells were treated with 50 µg ml–1 IVM and IVO for 80 min, washed and re‐incubated in antiparasiticide‐free medium for 0–24 h until assayed using the single‐cell gel electrophoresis assay (SCGE). Cell viability remained unchanged up to 3 h of incubation. After 6 h of treatment, cell survival decreased up to 75% and 79% in IVM‐ and IVO‐treated cultures, respectively, remaining unchanged within 12–24 h after treatment. For both anthelmintics, biphasic behavior in DNA damage occurred during the incubation time. A time‐dependent increase of IVM‐ and IVO‐induced DNA damage was observed within 0 to 3 h after pulse treatment, revealed by a progressive decrease of undamaged cells and an increase in slightly damaged and damaged cells. Finally, a time‐dependent decrease in IVM‐ and IVO‐induced DNA damage was revealed by a progressive decrease of slightly damaged cells and the absence of damaged cells simultaneously with an increase in the frequency of undamaged cells during the final 18 h of incubation. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that both compounds are able to induce a marked increase in early and late apoptosis. Based on our observations, we could conclude that the decrease in DNA lesions is mostly related to IVM‐induced cytotoxicity rather than attributable to a repair process. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A quantitative bioapatite/collagen calibration method using Raman spectroscopy of bone
Authors: Karampas I. A. , Orkoula M. G. , Kontoyannis C. G. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNumerous calibration models were developed and tested for the quantitative analysis of collagen and bioapatite in bone using Raman spectroscopy. The ν1 phosphate vibration at 960 cm–1 was used as indicator of the content of bioapatite while for collagen three markers were used: the C–H2 band at 2940 cm–1, the amide I band at 1667 cm–1 and the vibrations of proline and hydroxyproline at 855 and 878 cm–1, respectively. Also a calibration model based on the PLS algorithm was developed, too. Validation of the derived calibration models indicated that the model that makes use of the height ratio of the peaks 960/(855+878) exhibits the best accuracy. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Evaluation of zebrafish brain development using optical coherence tomography
Authors: Lin Yu‐Sheng , Chu Chin‐Chou , Tsui Po‐Hsiang , Chang Chien‐Cheng 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe zebrafish is a well‐established model system used to study and understand various human biological processes. The present study used OCT to investigate growth of the adult zebrafish brain. Twenty zebrafish were studied, using their standard lengths as indicators of their age. Zebrafish brain aging was evaluated by analyzing signal attenuation rates and texture features in regions of interest (ROIs). Optical scattering originates from light interaction with biological structures. During development, the zebrafish brain gains cells. Signal attenuation rate, therefore, increases with increasing zebrafish brain age. This study's analyses of texture features could not identify aging in zebrafish brain. These results, therefore, indicated that the OCT signal attenuation rate can indicate zebrafish brain aging, and its analysis provides a more effective means of observing zebrafish brain aging than texture features analysis. Using OCT system could further increase the technique's potential for recognition and monitoring of zebrafish brain development (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microarray analysis of Drosophila dicer‐2 mutants reveals potential regulation of mitochondrial metabolism by endogenous siRNAs
Authors: Lim Do‐Hwan , Lee Langho , Oh Chun‐Taek , Kim Nam‐Hoon , Hwang Seungwoo , Han Sung‐Jun , Lee Young Sik 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRNA interference is a eukaryotic regulatory mechanism by which small non‐coding RNAs typically mediate specific silencing of their cognate genes. In Drosophila, the RNase III enzyme Dicer‐2 (Dcr‐2) is essential for biogenesis of endogenous small interfering RNAs (endo‐siRNAs), which have been implicated in regulation of endogenous protein‐coding genes. Although much is known about microRNA‐based regulatory networks, the biological functions of endo‐siRNAs in animals remain poorly understood. We performed gene expression profiling on Drosophila dcr‐2 null mutant pupae to investigate transcriptional effects caused by a severe defect in endo‐siRNA production, and found 306 up‐regulated and 357 down‐regulated genes with at least a twofold change in expression compared with the wild type. Most of these up‐regulated and down‐regulated genes were associated with energy metabolism and development, respectively. Importantly, mRNA sequences of 39% of the up‐regulated genes were perfectly complementary to the sequences of previously reported endo‐siRNAs, suggesting they may be direct targets of endo‐siRNAs. We confirmed up‐regulation of five selected genes matching endo‐siRNAs and concomitant down‐regulation of the corresponding endo‐siRNAs in dcr‐2 mutant pupae. Most of the potential endo‐siRNA target genes were associated with energy metabolism, including the citric acid cycle and oxidative phosphorylation in mitochondria, implying that these are major metabolic processes directly affected by endo‐siRNAs in Drosophila. Consistent with this finding, dcr‐2 null mutant pupae had lower ATP content compared with controls, indicating that mitochondrial energy production is impaired in these mutants. Our data support a potential role for the endo‐siRNA pathway in energy homeostasis through regulation of mitochondrial metabolism. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 418–427, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging the efficacy of UVC irradiation on superficial brain tumors and metastasis in live mice at the subcellular level
Authors: Momiyama Masashi , Suetsugu Atsushi , Kimura Hiroaki , Kishimoto Hiroyuki , Aki Ryoichi , Yamada Akimitsu , Sakurada Harumi , Chishima Takashi , Bouvet Michael , Endo Itaru , Hoffman Robert M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe effect of UVC irradiation was investigated on a model of brain cancer and a model of experimental brain metastasis. For the brain cancer model, brain cancer cells were injected stereotactically into the brain. For the brain metastasis model, lung cancer cells were injected intra‐carotidally or stereotactically. The U87 human glioma cell line was used for the brain cancer model, and the Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) was used for the experimental brain metastasis model. Both cancer cell types were labeled with GFP in the nucleus and RFP in the cytoplasm. A craniotomy open window was used to image single cancer cells in the brain. This double labeling of the cancer cells with GFP and RFP enabled apoptosis of single cells to be imaged at the subcellular level through the craniotomy open window. UVC irradiation, beamed through the craniotomy open window, induced apoptosis in the cancer cells. UVC irradiation was effective on LLC and significantly extended survival of the mice with experimental brain metastasis. In contrast, the U87 glioma was relatively resistant to UVC irradiation. The results of this study suggest the use of UVC for treatment of superficial brain cancer or metastasis. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 428–434, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MicroRNA‐mediated somatic cell reprogramming
Authors: Kuo Chih‐Hao , Ying Shao‐Yao 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSince the first report of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), much focus has been placed on iPSCs due to their great therapeutic potential for diseases such as abnormal development, degenerative disorders, and even cancers. Subsequently, Takahashi and Yamanaka took a novel approach by using four defined transcription factors to generate iPSCs in mice and human fibroblast cells. Scientists have since been trying to refine or develop better approaches to reprogramming, either by using different combinations of transcription factors or delivery methods. However, recent reports showed that the microRNA expression pattern plays a crucial role in somatic cell reprogramming and ectopic introduction of embryonic stem cell‐specific microRNAs revert cells back to an ESC‐like state, although, the exact mechanism underlying this effect remains unclear. This review describes recent work that has focused on microRNA‐mediated approaches to somatic cell reprogramming as well as some of the pros and cons to these approaches and a possible mechanism of action. Based on the pivotal role of microRNAs in embryogenesis and somatic cell reprogramming, studies in this area must continue in order to gain a better understanding of the role of microRNAs in stem cells regulation and activity. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 275–281, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reactive oxygen species‐induced activation of ERK and p38 MAPK mediates PMA‐induced NETs release from human neutrophils
Authors: Keshari Ravi S. , Verma Anupam , Barthwal Manoj K. , Dikshit Madhu 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNeutrophils/polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), an important component of innate immune system, release extracellular traps (NETs) to eliminate invaded pathogens; however understanding of the role of signaling molecules/proteins need to be elucidated. In the present study role of p38 MAPK and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) against phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and NETs formation has been investigated. Human neutrophils were treated with PMA to induce free radical generation and NETs release, which were monitored by NBT reduction and elastase/DNA release, respectively. PMA treatment led to the time dependent phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and ERK in PMNs. Pretreatment of PMNs with SB202190 or U0126 did not significantly reduce PMA induce free radical generation, but prevented NETs release. Pretreatment of PMNs with NADPH oxidase inhibitor (diphenyleneiodonium chloride) significantly reduced free radical generation, p38 MAPK and ERK phosphorylation as well as NETs release, suggesting that p38 MAPK and ERK activation was downstream to free radical generation. The present study thus demonstrates ROS dependent activation of ERK and p38 MAPK, which mediated PMA induced NETs release from human neutrophils. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 532–540, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus core protein stimulates fibrogenesis in hepatic stellate cells involving the obese receptor
Authors: Wu Ching‐Fen , Lin Yun‐Lian , Huang Yi‐Tsau 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHepatitis C virus core protein (HCVcp), which is secreted by infected cells, is reported as an immunomodulator in immune cells. However, the effects of HCVcp on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the key cells in liver fibrosis, still remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of HCVcp on obese receptor (ObR) related downstream signaling pathways and fibrogenic gene expression in HSCs. LX‐2, a human HSC line, was incubated with HCVcp. Inhibitors and short interfering RNAs were used to interrogate the mechanisms of HCVcp action on HSCs. HCVcp (20–100 ng/ml) concentration‐dependently stimulated α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) protein expression and mRNA expression of α‐SMA, procollagen α2(I) and TGF‐β1 genes, with a plateau of 220% of controls at 100 ng/ml. HCVcp induced mRNA and protein expression of ObR. Blocking of Ob‐Rb with a neutralizing antibody inhibited phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and AMPKα stimulated by HCVcp. Furthermore, knockdown of Ob‐Rb down‐regulated HCVcp‐induced STAT3, AKT, and AMPKα phosphorylation, and reversed HCVcp‐suppressed mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR)γ and sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) genes. AMPKα signaling blockade reversed HCVcp‐suppressed SREBP‐1c mRNA expression. HCVcp stimulated reactive oxygen species formation and gp91phox (a component of NADPH oxidase) protein expression, together with AKT phosphorylation, leading to suppression of PPARγ and SREBP‐1c genes. Our results provide a new finding that HCVcp induced ObR‐dependent Janus Kinase (JAK) 2–STAT3, AMPKα, and AKT signaling pathways and modulated downstream fibrogenetic gene expression in HSCs. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 541–550, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An efficient algorithm for complete active space valence bond self‐consistent field calculation
Authors: Song Jinshuai , Chen Zhenhua , Shaik Sason , Wu Wei 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article describes a novel algorithm for the optimization of valence bond self‐consistent field (VBSCF) wave function for a complete active space (CAS), so‐called VBSCF(CAS). This was achieved by applying the strategies adopted in the optimization of CASSCF wave functions to VBSCF(CAS) wave functions, using an auxiliary orthogonal orbital set that generates the same configuration space as the original nonorthogonal orbital set. Theoretical analyses and test calculations show that the VBSCF(CAS) method shares the same computational scaling as CASSCF. The test calculations show the current capability of VBSCF method, which involves millions of VB structures. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Facile Synthesis of Crystalline SnO2 Nanowires on Various Current Collector Substrates
Authors: Zhong Yu , Zhang Yong , Li Ruying , Cai Mei , Sun Xueliang 
Published: September 2012

AbstractCrystalline SnO2 nanowires with smooth surface and uniform diameter were readily produced via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method on various current collectors including carbon paper, stainless steel and copper. The growth followed a vapor‐liquid‐solid (VLS) mechanism employing a gold thin film as the catalyst. Morphology, composition and structure of the SnO2 nanowires on different collectors were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Morphology results demonstrated that the growth of SnO2 nanowires only occurred in a narrow temperature range, while the structure and composition information unveiled the correlation between the quality of the nanowires and the employed substrates. The unique architecture of SnO2 nanowires directly growing on current collectors are expected to act as building blocks in producing various types of nanodevices, especially as anode materials for Li‐ion batteries.
Preparation of Poly(sodium‐4‐styrene sulfonate) Functionalized Graphene/Manganese Dioxide Composites for Supercapacitor Application with Superior Cycling Stability
Authors: Li Zhangpeng , Wang Jinqing , Wang Zhaofeng , Niu Lengyuan , Sun Jinfeng , Yang Shengrong 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA series of poly(sodium‐4‐styrene sulfonate) functionalized graphene/manganese dioxide (PSS‐GS/MnO2) composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors are prepared via a simple and facile route. The morphology and microstructure of the as‐prepared samples are characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman microscope and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances of the as‐prepared composites are evaluated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge/discharge experiments and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte, demonstrating that the resulting composite materials exhibit excellent gravimetric capacitance and long cycle life. Moreover, the relationship of the specific surface areas and electrochemical performance is investigated and discussed. The results demonstrate that the specific capacitance increases with the increase of the specific surface area and the specific capacitance of PSS‐GS/MnO2‐2 with the highest specific surface area can reach 223 F g−1 at the current density of 0.1 A g−1. The enhanced specific capacitance can be attributed to the higher specific surface area and uniform pore size distribution, which enable effective electrolyte transport and active site accessibility.
Assessment of teamwork during structured interdisciplinary rounds on medical units
Authors: O'Leary Kevin J. , Boudreau Yvonne N. , Creden Amanda J. , Slade Maureen E. , Williams Mark V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:Interdisciplinary rounds (IDR) provide a means to assemble hospital team members and improve collaboration. Little is known about teamwork during IDR.OBJECTIVE:To evaluate and characterize teamwork during IDR.DESIGN:Cross‐sectional observational study.SETTING:Six medical units which had implemented structured interdisciplinary rounds (SIDR).MEASUREMENTS:We adapted the Observational Teamwork Assessment for Surgery (OTAS) tool, a behaviorally anchored rating scale shown to be reliable and valid in surgical settings. OTAS provides scores ranging from 0 to 6 (0 = problematic behavior; 6 = exemplary behavior) across 5 domains (communication, coordination, cooperation/backup behavior, leadership, and monitoring/situational awareness) and for prespecified subteams. Two researchers conducted direct observations using the adapted OTAS tool.RESULTS:We conducted 7–8 independent observations for each unit (total = 44) and 20 joint observations. Inter‐rater reliability was excellent at the unit level (Spearman's rho = 0.75), and good across domains (rho = 0.53–0.68) and subteams (rho = 0.53–0.76) with the exception of the physician subteam, for which it was poor (rho = 0.35). Though teamwork scores were generally high, we found differences across units, with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) 4.5 (3.9–4.9) for the lowest and 5.4 (5.3–5.5) for the highest performing unit (P < 0.01). Domain scores differed, with leadership receiving the lowest (median [IQR] = 5.0 [4.6–5.3]), and cooperation/backup behavior and monitoring/situational awareness receiving highest scores (median [IQR] = 5.4 [5.0–5.5] and 5.4 [5.0–5.7]). Differences across subteams were of borderline significance (P = 0.05).CONCLUSIONS:The adapted OTAS instrument demonstrated acceptable reliability for assessing teamwork during SIDR across units, domains, and most subteams. Variation in performance suggests a need to improve consistency of teamwork and emphasizes the importance of leadership. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2012. © 2012 Society of Hospital Medicine