bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategic flexibility and change: The impact of social networks
Authors: Fernández-Pérez Virginia , Fuentes-Fuentes María del Mar , Bojica Ana 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis paper examines how the characteristics of CEOs' social networks, such as the size of the network and the strength of the ties, influence strategic flexibility from a strategic change perspective. External social networks can affect strategic flexibility positively. Previous experience with strategic change will influence external social networks differently, in ways that have repercussions for strategic flexibility. The data were gathered from surveys completed by the CEOs of 203 Spanish firms. The methodology used is regression analysis. We observe that external social networks affect strategic flexibility positively, primarily through the greater size of the networks. We also find that the effects vary if previously the organization is involved in a process of strategic change.
Collaborative planning and its antecedents: An assessment in supply chain relationships
Authors: Guenter Hannes , Grote Gudela 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the interactive effects of individual work autonomy and interdependence on collaborative planning, building on the distinction of task and outcome interdependence. Using a questionnaire study, we assess collaborative planning and its antecedents in supply chain relationships, incorporating the forestry and timber industry. While no interactive effects hold for task interdependence, outcome interdependence only facilitates collaborative planning for individuals with low work autonomy. Individuals with high autonomy always invest in collaborative planning. This study provides a picture of supply chain reality more complete than that sketched in studies that have assessed interdependence as a one-dimensional construct and alludes to the importance, often overlooked, of work autonomy in supply chain relationships.
Towards an understanding of the relationship between family-oriented benefits and employee behaviors: Does coworker support matter?
Authors: Bourne Kristina A , McComb Sara Ann , Woodard Melissa S 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDrawing on social exchange theory, we explore the reciprocal relationship between the perception of being offered family-oriented benefits (childcare information services and childcare vouchers) and parent–employees' engagement in organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). We examine the moderating role of both general and family-oriented social support from coworkers, an often cited, but less frequently studied aspect of parent–employees' work experiences. Based on survey data from parent–employees and their supervisors in the United States, we find that the strength of the relationship between the benefits and OCBs varies when coworker support is high versus low and that the direction of the relationship varies according to the type of coworker support. Specifically, when childcare vouchers are offered, OCBs are related to general support, whereas when childcare information is offered, OCBs are related to family-oriented support.
Forms of growth: How SMEs combine forms of growth to achieve high growth
Authors: Navarro Jose Luis Barbero , Casillas Jose Carlos , Barringer Bruce 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe majority of the literature on high-growth firms focuses on two main aspects: growth factors and rates of growth, but little information exists on how SMEs grow. Past research has implicitly considered high-growth firms as a homogeneous category of businesses, however, in reality, they use different forms of growth: domestic and international geographical expansion, the launch of new related and unrelated products, product improvement, client retention and the acquisition of new clients. This work attempts to identify how high-growth SMEs benefit from different combinations of forms of growth to perform successfully. A sample of 89 high-growth SMEs was selected – with an annual growth rate of more than 10% over a 5-year period – and, by means of a cluster analysis, we found four significantly different combinations of forms of growth. To externally test the robustness of those combinations, a group of demographic variables was considered (size, age, sector), as well as a set of variables related to the growth strategy (personnel involvement, the extent to which growth is a priority, perceived growth with respect to competitors), which support the existence of significant differences between the groups.
Optical coherence tomography in tadalafil-associated retinal toxicity
Authors: Coscas Florence , Coscas Gabriel , Zucchiatti Ilaria , Bandello Francesco , Soubrane Gisele , Souïed Eric 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Tadalafil (Cialis) is a potent phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor that is widely used to treat erectile dysfunction. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors have long been recognized to cause temporary and minor visual changes. Methods We report for the first time a case of visual disturbances due to reversible damage to the parafoveal photoreceptors following the use of tadalafil. The patient was examined using confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy combined with spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Results Spectral domain OCT of the right eye revealed a hyperreflective dense area and the appearance of a serous retinal detachment (SRD). The photoreceptors’ internal segment–outer segment (IS-OS) interface was thickened and markedly hyperreflective without distinguishable deposits. The increased hyperreflectivity of the IS-OS interface created a hyporeflective space behind which mimicked the appearance of a SRD. The use of tadalafil was discontinued and the patient examined 2 months later. Spectral domain OCT revealed disappearance of the dense area and the pseudo-SRD. The associated symptoms resolved rapidly with discontinuation of the drug. Conclusions Tadalafil use may be associated with reversible damage to the photoreceptors and corresponding visual symptoms.
Mechanical Analysis and Fabrication of a Penetrating Silicon Microprobe as an Artificial Optic Nerve Visual Prosthesis
Authors: Sui Xiaohong , Han Zhaolong , Zhou Dai , Ren Qiushi 
Published: February 2012

Purpose To investigate the mechanical response of a silicon microprobe while it penetrates the optic nerve. Methods The finite element method was adopted to analyze models of the mechanical aspects of the silicon microprobe, including the effects of dimensions, the buckling load, lateral load, and the interaction between the microprobe and the tissue of the optic nerve. The silicon microprobe was fabricated based on silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafer by micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) processing techniques. Results The designed microprobe shank was 750 μm long and 110 μm wide with thickness of 15 μm. Lateral barbs were included so as to decrease the stress at stimulating-site regions. The microprobe could withstand a 50 MPa vertical load on the shank tip before buckling, but was more likely to be damaged by a lateral load rather than a vertical one. The silicon microprobe was successfully fabricated by MEMS processing techniques based on a four-inch SOI wafer. Mechanical analysis of the interactions between shank and optic nerve tissue showed that the maximum stress changed during the process of the microprobe insertion. Conclusions A silicon microprobe was designed as a potential visual prosthesis to be used for optic nerve stimulation. The mechanical issues were analyzed by means of the finite element method, and the implantable microprobe was fabricated based on a silicon-on-insulator wafer to maintain a uniform thickness.
Alone All Together—The Conundrum of Music Teacher Isolation and Connectedness
Authors: Sindberg Laura 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Within the typical school structure, music teachers comprise a small number of the entire teaching staff. This can range from a single music teacher in an elementary school to three or more music teachers in a secondary school. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for music teachers to travel to multiple schools as part of their teaching assignment. Given the minority status of music teachers, it is possible that they experience feelings of professional isolation. This phenomenological study sought to examine the lived experience of professional isolation and connectedness among music teachers in an urban school district. The question guiding this inquiry was: How do public school music teachers perceive and describe their experience of professional isolation and connectedness? Four themes emerged from the data: emotional reactions, external factors, social factors, and awareness. Primary findings suggest that music teachers experience professional isolation to varying levels and the lived experience of isolation and connectedness, as portrayed by these teachers, is personally constructed and individually meaningful.
Socialization of Undergraduate Music Education Majors in a Professional Development Partnership Model
Authors: McClellan Edward R. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine music teacher education training models and model attributes that create the most effective environment in which undergraduate music education majors may construct their own professional identities unfettered by existing norms of the music technician profession, transcend tradition, and improve current music education practice. Research literature was examined to consider model design characteristics that affect undergraduate music education major socialization and identity orientation, learning that integrates learning theories with practice, and initial teaching is integrated with reflective practice. Through the collaborative university-school Professional Development Partnership model, a community of practice may empower undergraduate apprentice music teachers to think critically, develop creative independence in music teaching, construct beliefs about themselves as music teachers, and revise their principles regarding music teaching.
Unusual ribbon‐like periventricular heterotopia with congenital cataracts in a Japanese girl
Authors: Tsuburaya Rie , Uematsu Mitsugu , Kikuchi Atsuo , Hino‐Fukuyo Naomi , Kunishima Shinji , Kato Mitsuhiro , Haginoya Kazuhiro , Tsuchiya Shigeru 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPeriventricular heterotopia (PH), clumps of neurons mislocated beside the ventricle, is caused by failure to initiate migration during embryogenesis. We report on a 32‐month‐old Japanese girl with a unique subtype of PH, namely ribbon‐like PH. The patient presented with severe psychomotor developmental delay, intractable epilepsy, and congenital cataracts and developed West syndrome phenotype. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed a unique undulating form of PH, categorized as ribbon‐like PH, and other brain malformations including simplified gyri and dysgenesis of the corpus callosum. There was no evidence of prenatal TORCH infection or associated syndrome. Array‐based comparative genomic hybridization revealed no chromosomal rearrangements. Genetic analyses of the FLNA, DCX, ARX, LIS1, and TUBA1A genes showed no mutations. Although little is known about ribbon‐like PH, the clinical manifestations in our patient clearly differed from those in other reported patients. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Third case of 8q23.3‐q24.13 deletion in a patient with Langer–Giedion syndrome phenotype without TRPS1 gene deletion
Authors: Pereza Nina , Severinski Srećko , Ostojić Saša , Volk Marija , Maver Aleš , Dekanić Kristina Baraba , Kapović Miljenko , Peterlin Borut 
Published: February 2012

AbstractLanger–Giedion syndrome (LGS) is a contiguous gene syndrome caused by a hemizygous deletion on chromosome 8q23.3‐q24.11 involving TRPS1 and EXT1 genes. We report on a girl with LGS phenotype and a 7.5 Mb interstitial deletion at chromosome 8q23.3‐q24.13. Array‐comparative genomic hybridization (a‐CGH) revealed a deletion encompassing only the EXT1 and not the TRPS1 gene. Even though the deletion of TRPS1 and EXT1 genes is responsible for craniofacial and skeletal features of LGS, there have been previous reports of patients with LGS phenotype and 8q24 deletions leaving the TRPS1 gene intact. To our knowledge, this is the third such case. Our patient differs from previously reported LGS patients without TRPS1 gene deletion in that she has the typical LGS facial dysmorphism and skeletal abnormalities. However, the girl is of normal height and has only a mild developmental delay. Additionally, she has dyslalia and premature adrenarche classified as Tanner stage 3 premature pubarche which have not yet been described as features of LGS. We examine the molecular breakpoints and phenotypes of our patient and previously reported cases. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting stability of nickel‐coated graphite/methyl vinyl silicone rubber composites
Authors: Zou Hua , Yan Shani , Sun Yebin , Zhang Liqun , Tian Ming 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn this study, conductive composites of methyl vinyl silicone rubber (MVQ) filled with nickel‐coated graphite (NCG) were prepared. The effects of the storage time, aging time, stretching, neutral‐salt spraying, and acid‐salt spraying on the electrical conductivity of NCG/MVQ were investigated. The results indicate that the values of the NCG/MVQ volume resistivity increased a little and were no greater than 0.1 Ω cm after long‐term storage, thermooxidative aging, stretching, and neutral‐salt spraying, respectively; this showed good conductive stability. The volume resistivity rose rapidly under acid‐salt spraying; this indicated poor conductive stability. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Simultaneous determination of atractylenolide II and atractylenolide III by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry in rat plasma and its application in a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizoma extract
Authors: Shi Yang‐yang , Guan Shu‐hong , Tang Ren‐neng , Tao Si‐jiao , Guo De‐an 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTAtractylenolide II (AII) and atractylenolide III (AIII) are the major active components in Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizoma (AMR). In this study, a sensitive, rapid and selective liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of AII and AIII in rat plasma using loliolide as internal standard (IS). After protein precipitation with ethyl acetate, the analytes were injected into an LC‐MS/MS system for quantification. Chromatography was performed using a C18 column, eluting with water and acetonitrile (45:55, v/v) at 0.2 mL/min. All analytes including IS were monitored under positive ionization conditions by multiple reaction monitoring with an electrospray ionization source. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of AII and AIII in rat plasma after oral administration of AMR extract. The results provided a meaningful basis for evaluating the clinical applications of traditional Chinese medicine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous determination of lactate and pyruvate in human sweat using reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography: a noninvasive approach
Authors: Biagi Simona , Ghimenti Silvia , Onor Massimo , Bramanti Emilia 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe simultaneous determination of lactate and pyruvate in sweat has been performed using reversed phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) with UV detection at 220 nm. The calibration curves were linear in the investigated range 0.3 ‐ 350 mm of lactate, 0.003‐ 1 mm of pyruvate. The sensitivity was good with a limit of detection of 0.03 mm for lactate and 0.001 mm for pyruvate. Recoveries evaluated for the entire procedure were 102 ± 0.1 and 96 ± 0.1for lactate and pyruvate, respectively. The method was successfully applied to analysis of sweat in 8 athletes at rest (pilocarpine sweating) and during physical exercise. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Catalytic Hydrocracking—Mechanisms and Versatility of the Process
Authors: Weitkamp Jens 
Published: February 2012

AbstractHydrocracking of saturated hydrocarbons can proceed by means of four distinctly different mechanisms. On bifunctional catalysts comprising hydrogenation/dehydrogenation and Brønsted acid sites alkenes and carbocations occur as intermediates. The current mechanistic views of bifunctional hydrocracking of long‐chain n‐alkanes are discussed in detail with emphasis on the now widely accepted concept of ideal hydrocracking. Other mechanisms are hydrogenolysis and Haag–Dessau hydrocracking which proceed, respectively, on monofunctional metallic and acidic catalysts. Even without a catalyst, thermal hydrocracking occurs in chain reactions via radicals. The chemistry of hydrocracking naphthenes on bifunctional catalysts resembles that of alkanes. A peculiarity, however, is the pronounced reluctance of cyclic carbenium ions to undergo endocyclic β‐scissions. The effect manifests itself in the so‐called paring reaction, which, in turn, forms the basis for measuring the Spaciousness Index for characterizing the effective pore width of zeolitic catalysts. Hydrocracking on bifunctional catalysts is among the very important processes in modern petroleum refining. It is primarily used for converting heavy oils into diesel and jet fuel. Besides, hydrocracking is appreciated for its pronounced versatility: numerous process variants exist which help to meet specific requirements in refineries or petrochemical plants. Two recent developments are briefly discussed in this review, viz. the conversion of surplus aromatics, e.g., in pyrolysis gasoline, into a synthetic feedstock for steam crackers, and quality enhancement of diesel fuel by selective ring opening of polynuclear aromatics.
Particle Size Analysis with Absolute Precision
Authors: Witt Wolfgang , Stübinger Thomas , Köhler Ulrich , List Joachim , Jordan Jens 
Published: February 2012

AbstractGrößenstandards dienen von jeher dazu, verschiedenste Größenangaben miteinander vergleichen und ineinander umwandeln zu können. In der Partikelmesstechnik sind dennoch bis heute keine geeigneten Standards verfügbar, die bei hoher Genauigkeit eine Rückführung gemessener Partikelgrößenverteilungen auf das Urmeter gestatten. Eine absolute Qualifizierung von Messsystemen ist derzeit deshalb nur eingeschränkt möglich. Ausgehend von der Analyse der aktuellen Situation werden Überlegungen zur Schaffung eines geeigneten Standardmaterials vorgestellt. Über Mischungen von präzise qualifizierbaren, kugelförmigen, monodispersen Fraktionen sollen breite Verteilungen als Lattenzaunverteilungen erzeugt werden. Mithilfe von Simulationen wurden wesentliche Randparameter bestimmt und ein erstes Material hergestellt mit dem derzeit eine absolute Genauigkeit von ca. ±2 % erreicht wird.
Investigation of D2 Receptor–Agonist Interactions Using a Combination of Pharmacophore and Receptor Homology Modeling
Authors: Malo Marcus , Brive Lars , Luthman Kristina , Svensson Peder 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA combined modeling approach was used to identify structural factors that underlie the structure–activity relationships (SARs) of full dopamine D2 receptor agonists and structurally similar inactive compounds. A 3D structural model of the dopamine D2 receptor was constructed, with the agonist (−)‐(R)‐2‐OH‐NPA present in the binding site during the modeling procedure. The 3D model was evaluated and compared with our previously published D2 agonist pharmacophore model. The comparison revealed an inconsistency between the projected hydrogen bonding feature (Ser‐TM5) in the pharmacophore model and the TM5 region in the structure model. A new refined pharmacophore model was developed, guided by the shape of the binding site in the receptor model and with less emphasis on TM5 interactions. The combination of receptor and pharmacophore modeling also identified the importance of His3936.55 for agonist binding. This convergent 3D pharmacophore and protein structure modeling strategy is considered to be general and can be highly useful in less well‐characterized systems to explore ligand–receptor interactions. The strategy has the potential to identify weaknesses in the individual models and thereby provides an opportunity to improve the discriminating predictivity of both pharmacophore searches and structure‐based virtual screens.
Melatonin receptors are anatomically organized to modulate transmission specifically to cone pathways in the retina of Xenopus laevis
Authors: Wiechmann Allan F. , Sherry David M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractConfocal image of the relative distribution of the Mel1b melatonin receptor (green) and the ON bipolar cell marker guanine nucleotide binding protein alpha, Go α (red) in the retina of Xenopus laevis. Mel1b receptor immunoreactivity is absent from the cell bodies of ON bipolar cells, identifying the Mel1b receptorimmunoreactive bipolar cells as OFF bipolar cells. The Journal of Comparative Neurology, Volume 520, Number 6, pages 1115–1127.
One‐Step Decatungstate‐Photomediated PEGylation of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ravelli Davide , Montanaro Sara , Tomasi Corrado , Galinetto Pietro , Quartarone Eliana , Merli Daniele , Mustarelli Piercarlo , Fagnoni Maurizio 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA straightforward PEGylation of SWCNTs has been performed by photomediated addition of various PEG derivatives onto the nanotube surfaces. The reaction was promoted both by UV and by solar light and took place under very mild conditions using commercial PEGs as PEGylating agents. The process relies on the formation of α‐oxy radicals directly from PEGs by a photochemical hydrogen abstraction reaction mediated by a decatungstate salt. Actually, low‐molecular‐weight PEGs (e.g. PEG 200) added more efficiently than those having long polyethylene glycol chains (e.g. PEG 600). Interestingly, the functionalization caused a partial dissolution of the resulting CNTs in the reaction medium.
Prenatal cortisol exposure predicts infant cortisol response to acute stress
Authors: O'Connor Thomas G. , Bergman Kristin , Sarkar Pampa , Glover Vivette 
Published: February 2012

AbstractExperimental animal findings suggest that early stress and glucocorticoid exposure may program the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in the offspring. The extension of these findings to human development is not yet clear. A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 125 mothers and their normally developing children. Amniotic fluid was obtained at, on average, 17.2 weeks gestation; infant behavior and cortisol response to a separation–reunion stress was assessed at 17 months. Amniotic fluid cortisol predicted infant cortisol response to separation–reunion stress: infants who were exposed to higher levels of cortisol in utero showed higher pre‐stress cortisol values and blunted response to stress exposure. The association was independent of prenatal, obstetric, and socioeconomic factors and child–parent attachment. The findings provide some of the strongest data in humans that HPA axis functioning in the child may be predicted from prenatal cortisol exposure. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 145–155, 2013