bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of a long‐term psychosocial stress on reproductive indicators in the baboon
Authors: O'Connor Kathleen A. , Brindle Eleanor , Shofer Jane , Trumble Benjamin C. , Aranda Jennifer D. , Rice Karen , Tatar Marc 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPsychosocial stress is thought to negatively impact fecundity, but human studies are confounded by variation in nutrition and lifestyle. Baboons offer a useful model to test the effect of prolonged mild stress on reproductive indicators in a controlled setting. Following relocation from social groups to solitary housing, a previously documented stressful event for nonhuman primates, daily urine samples, tumescence, and menstrual bleeding were monitored in twenty baboons (Papio sp.) for 120–150 days. Specimens were assayed for estrone conjugates (E1C), pregnanediol‐3‐glucuronide (PDG), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and cortisol. Linear mixed effects models examined (1) the effects of stress on frequency of anovulation, hormone levels, tumescence and cycle length, and (2) the relationship of cortisol with reproductive indicators. Despite cortisol levels indicative of stress, anovulation was negligible (1% in 102 cycles). PDG, FSH, cycle length, and tumescence declined during the first four cycles, but began recovery by the fifth. Cortisol was negatively associated with FSH but not associated with PDG, E1C or tumescence. Ovulation, E1C, and luteal phase length were not affected. Tumescence tracked changes in FSH and PDG, and thus may be a useful indicator of stress on the reproductive axis. Elevated cortisol was associated with reduced FSH, supporting a model of cortisol action at the hypothalamus rather than the gonad. After four to five menstrual cycles the reproductive indicators began recovery, suggesting adjustment to new housing conditions. In conclusion, individual housing is stressful for captive baboons, as reflected by cortisol and reproductive indicators, although ovulation, a relatively direct proxy for fecundity, is unaffected. Am J Phys Anthropol 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Supramolecular bionanocomposites 3: Effects of surface functionality on electrical and mechanical percolation
Authors: Sobkowicz Margaret J. , White Erick A. , Dorgan John R. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPercolation phenomena in bionanocomposites composed of the bioplastic polylactide and surface decorated supramolecular multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are investigated. MWCNTs with three distinct surface chemistries—a native surface, a hydroxyl functionalized surface, and a short hydrocarbon functionalized surface—are prepared and studied. Two experimental methods are used to determine percolation thresholds; melt rheology provides a measure of the mechanical percolation threshold and electrical impedance spectroscopy provides values of the electrical percolation threshold. The MWCNT‐loading level required to obtain mechanical percolation is systematically found to be lower than the loading level needed to achieve electrical percolation. Hydroxylated MWCNTs have the highest percolation thresholds of 1.8 (mechanical) and 6.7 wt % (electrical), which is attributed to aggregation caused by hydrogen bonding. Alkane‐grafted MWCNTs have lower percolation thresholds of 0.76 (mechanical) and 2.8 wt % (electrical). However, untreated MWCNTs have the lowest thresholds of 0.16 (mechanical) and 1.5 wt % (electrical). The reduced percolation threshold observed upon conversion of the hydroxylated surface to the alkylated surface is attributed to morphological differences—functionalization disrupts hydrogen bonding and leads to better nanotube dispersion. The combination of higher inherent conductivity and more favorable nanotube‐polylactide interactions implies that unmodified MWCNTs are preferred to produce electrically conductive bionanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Pretreatment of polypropylene films for following technological processes, part 2: The use of low temperature plasma method
Authors: Urbaniak‐Domagala Wieslawa 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe surface of polypropylene (PP) films was activated by RF plasma method with the use different gases: argon, air, water vapor, and acetic acid vapor. Plasma was diagnosed based on spectra emitted by gas plasma using the method of optical emission spectroscopy. The effectiveness of these processing gases during plasma treatment was analyzed. The effects of PP activation were assessed with the use of IR‐ATR absorption spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and the analysis of the surface free energy components based on liquid contact angle. The activation of PP surface by plasma treatment resulted in the increased energy of PP surface layer to the extent being dependent on the type of processing gases and in the formation of new chemical groups on it. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Hyperglycemia, hypoxia and their combination exert oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant gene expression: studies on cultured rat embryos
Authors: Ornoy Asher , Livshitz Alicia , Ergaz Zivanit , Stodgell Chais J. , Miller Richard K. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractINTRODUCTION: Hyperglycemia and hypoxia are well‐known teratogens that may affect many animal species, including man. We hypothesize that a combination of hypoxia and hyperglycemia will increase embryonic damage produced by either factor individually. We investigated the interrelationship between hyperglycemia and hypoxia and their effects on genes involved in the balance of embryonic redox status. METHODS: Rat embryos (10.5‐day‐old) were cultured for 28 hr in culture medium with about 6 mg/ml of glucose and 20% oxygen (hyperglycemia), with 10% oxygen (hypoxia) and 2.4 g/ml glucose (normal) or a combination of both 6 mg/ml glucose and 10% oxygen. Antioxidant capacity was determined by activity and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes: Cu/Zn SOD, Mn‐SOD, CAT, and GSH‐px using real time PCR. RESULTS: Hyperglycemia, hypoxia, or their combination, decreased embryonic growth and induced a high rate (62–78%) of anomalies mainly of the nervous system, heart, and limbs. CAT mRNA and GSH‐px mRNA were decreased in the malformed embryos exposed to hyperglycemia, to hypoxia or their combination. CAT mRNA was also decreased in the nonmalformed embryos subjected to hyperglycemia and hypoxia. Cu/Zn SOD mRNA was increased in all experimental embryos whether malformed or not, whereas Mn‐SOD was drastically decreased. Total SOD and CAT like activity were changed very little in the experimental embryos compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Both hyperglycemia, hypoxia, and their combination reduce embryonic growth and development, induce embryonic anomalies, and modify the expression of the principle antioxidant genes. However, hypoxia does not seem to enhance the damaging effects of hyperglycemia except its effects of embryonic growth. Birth Defects Res (Part B) 92:231–239, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of multipath fading and multiple access interference on broadband code division multiple access systems
Authors: Anwar Hossain Md. , Tarique Mohammed 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYIn this paper, the performance of uncoded uplink transmissions in a broadband code division multiple access (CDMA) system using tapped delay line (TDL) antenna array under multipath conditions is investigated. An expression for broadband CDMA system is derived to calculate the optimal weights of TDL antenna array. Using the derived broadband expression, the performance of TDL antenna array is investigated and compared with that of the already existing narrowband systems. Simulation results show that TDL antenna array can reduce multipath fading and multiple access interference (MAI). It is shown that if the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) level is maintained at 20 dB and two‐ray channel model is used, two antennas with four taps each can support 30 users with a BER of 10−3. If three‐ray channel model is used, the same antenna arrangement is not enough to support 30 users. To support these 30 users with BER of 10−3, the number of taps needs to be increased to eight. Finally, the number of taps needs to be further increased to 16 if four‐ray channel model is used. Not only that, the SNR should also be increased to 25 dB to achieve the same BER. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A direct method for obtaining critical clearing time for transient stability using critical generator conditions
Authors: Priyadi Ardyono , Yorino Naoto , Tanaka Masahide , Fujiwara Takuma , Zoka Yoshifumi , Kakui Hironori , Takeshita Mitsuhiro 
Published: June 2011

SUMMARYThis paper proposes a new method for transient stability analysis for electric power systems by extending our previous studies. A special feature different from the ordinary existing methods is that a minimization problem is formulated for obtaining critical clearing time for transient stability. The critical trajectory is defined as the trajectory that starts from a point on a fault‐on trajectory at critical clearing time and reaches a critical point of losing synchronism. This paper studies the treatment of the critical condition and then proposes a new formulation for the transient stability problem. It will be demonstrated that the solution of the minimization problem successfully provides the exact critical clearing time that agrees with the conventional numerical simulation method. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Your firm's mobile devices: How secure are they?
Authors: Wright Jr. Harry R. , Mooney J. Lowell , Parham Abbie Gail 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMobile communication devices are taking the world by a storm. They offer significant benefits. But when deciding whether your company can benefit from giving mobile devices to employees, it is important to think strategically. Do you have a comprehensive mobile security strategy? Do you have a well‐thought‐out set of policies and procedures in place?The authors of this article take a critical look at mobile device security. Then they provide a detailed set of checklists to help you develop strategic goals; effectively manage mobile devices; protect company data; and evaluate the effectiveness of your security plan. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
IT considerations for the PC business user
Authors: Reider Rob 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOver the past 30 years, personal computers (PCs) have proliferated in the workplace. Businesses of all sizes use PCs to process financial and accounting transactions. PCs have also become easier to use. But “user friendly” doesn't necessarily mean “user accuracy.” This article shows how to help the PC user be aware of computer controls that ensure effective, secure, and accurate computer operations. The author includes a detailed checklist to improve your PC controls. © 2011 by Rob Reider
Improving IT project oversight
Authors: Iijima Timothy 
Published: June 2011

AbstractOrganizations spend a disproportionate share of their IT budgets on “projects”—primarily systems implementations. But because of their scale and their impact to company operations, the risk of these IT projects is significant. Despite that, oversight by external and internal audit tends to be only cursory! What practical steps can companies take to fix this problem? © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing laptop security
Authors: Burnett Royce D. , Friedman Mark , Rodriguez Ramon P. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe theft or loss of just one laptop containing sensitive data can have a devastating impact on an entire company. How would your company handle the problems that would arise? Right now, before a disaster happens, you need to do a use assessment inventory, say the authors of this article. That determines the type of exposure your laptop user might have if the laptop is stolen or lost. The authors then walk you through some procedures your company can adopt to prevent access to stolen or lost laptop data. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ERP systems: A lost opportunity
Authors: Worster Art , Weirich Thomas R. , Andera Frank 
Published: June 2011

AbstractEnterprise resource planning (ERP) software started taking off in the early 1990s. It required IT departments and workers to adjust to new realities in their relationship with business partners. But the authors of this article argue that business and IT leaders have not kept up with this transition in roles. Has a great opportunity been lost? The authors take a critical look at the history of ERP systems and discuss changes they see coming over the next few years. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protective effect of thalidomide against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate‐induced retinal neurotoxicity
Authors: Takada Kazuhide , Munemasa Yasunari , Kuribayashi Junko , Fujino Hiromi , Kitaoka Yasushi 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThalidomide, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) production, has been indicated to be useful for many inflammatory and oncogenic diseases. In the present study, we examined whether thalidomide (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) has a protective effect against N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA)‐induced retinal neurotoxicity in rats. A morphometric analysis showed that systemic administration of thalidomide protects neural cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in a dose‐dependent manner and significantly decreases the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick‐end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells in GCL and in the inner nuclear layer (INL). ELISA showed that thalidomide significantly suppressed the elevation of TNF‐α 6 and 24 hr after an NMDA injection. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) p65 level in the retinas treated with NMDA at 24 hr after the injection, but not at 6 or 72 hr. Furthermore, an increase in p‐JNK and p‐p38 levels was also observed in the retina after NMDA injection. Thalidomide suppressed the increased expressions of NF‐κB p65, p‐JNK, and p‐p38 after NMDA injection. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that thalidomide attenuated NF‐κB p65 immunoreactivity in the GCL induced by NMDA treatment. In the NMDA‐treated group, translocation of NF‐κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was detected in TUNEL‐positive cells exposed to NMDA treatment. These results suggest new indications for thalidomide against neurodegenerative diseases. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Large‐scale anomaly patterns associated to temperature variability inside Scarisoara Ice Cave
Authors: Rimbu N. , Onac B. P. , Racovita G. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe relationship between temperature variability inside Scarisoara Ice Cave (NW Romania) and large‐scale atmospheric circulation and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies is investigated. A composite analysis reveals that high (low) temperatures inside the cave are associated with high (low) air temperature over a large area that covers central and Eastern Europe. Coherent large‐scale patterns are identified in the field of SST anomalies. The corresponding atmospheric circulation patterns favour relatively warm (cold) air advection towards the cave region during high (low) temperatures inside the cave. A correlation analysis reveals that the atmospheric circulation patterns associated with cave temperature variability is mainly the result of the East Atlantic‐Western Russia (r = − 0.38) teleconnection pattern. Our results have strong implications for the interpretation of climate variability in the region as recorded by the ice block within the Scarisoara Ice Cave, which is more than 3000 years old. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Myocardial first‐pass perfusion: Influence of spatial resolution and heart rate on the dark rim artifact
Authors: Meloni Antonella , Al‐Saadi Nidal , Torheim Geir , Hoebel Nadja , Reynolds H. Glenn , De Marchi Daniele , Positano Vincenzo , Burchielli Silvia , Lombardi Massimo 
Published: June 2011

AbstractMyocardial perfusion images can be affected by the dark rim artifact. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the spatial resolution and heart rate on the transmural extent of the artifact. Six pigs under anesthesia were scanned at 1.5T using an echo‐planar imaging/fast gradient echo sequence with a nonselective saturation preparation pulse. Three short‐axis slices were acquired every heart beat during the first pass of a contrast agent bolus. Two different in‐plane spatial resolutions (2.65 and 3.75 mm) and two different heart rates (normal and tachycardia) were used, generating a set of four perfusion scans. The percentage drop of signal in the subendocardium compared to the epicardium and the transmural extent of the artifact were extracted. Additionally, the signal‐to‐noise and the contrast‐to‐noise ratios were evaluated. The signal drop as well as the width of the dark rim artifact increased with decreased spatial resolution and with increased heart rates. No significant slice‐to‐slice variability was detected for signal drop and width of the rim within the four considered groups. signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) ratios decreased with increasing spatial resolution. In conclusion, low spatial and temporal resolution could be correlated with increased extent of the dark‐rim artifact and with lower SNR and CNR. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Optimizing signal‐to‐noise ratio of high‐resolution parallel single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging at ultrahigh field strengths
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Vorburger Robert S. , Wilm Bertram J. , Jaermann Thomas , Boesiger Peter 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe potential signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) gain at ultrahigh field strengths offers the promise of higher image resolution in single‐shot diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging the challenge being reduced T2 and T2* relaxation times and increased B0 inhomogeneity which lead to geometric distortions and image blurring. These can be addressed using parallel imaging (PI) methods for which a greater range of feasible reduction factors has been predicted at ultrahigh field strengths—the tradeoff being an associated SNR loss. Using comprehensive simulations, the SNR of high‐resolution diffusion‐weighted echo‐planar imaging in combination with spin‐echo and stimulated‐echo acquisition is explored at 7 T and compared to 3 T. To this end, PI performance is simulated for coil arrays with a variable number of circular coil elements. Beyond that, simulations of the point spread function are performed to investigate the actual image resolution. When higher PI reduction factors are applied at 7 T to address increased image distortions, high‐resolution imaging benefits SNR‐wise only at relatively low PI reduction factors. On the contrary, it features generally higher image resolutions than at 3 T due to smaller point spread functions. The SNR simulations are confirmed by phantom experiments. Finally, high‐resolution in vivo images of a healthy volunteer are presented which demonstrate the feasibility of higher PI reduction factors at 7 T in practice. Magn Reson Med, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dos and don'ts for Chinese companies investing in the United States: Lessons from Huawei and Haier
Authors: Wu Friedrich , Hoon Lim Siok , Yuzhu Zhang 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThe implementation of the Chinese government's “Go Global” policy in 2000 has led to an unprecedented surge in Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). While Asia remains a favorite destination, the 2008–09 global financial crisis has presented opportunities for Chinese companies interested in cross‐border mergers and acquisitions in the United States. Chinese companies are keen on the United States because of access to the world's largest market and technology. However, Chinese companies have had to deal with difficulties ranging from regulatory hurdles and cultural differences. Given that the majority of OFDI is still carried out by state‐owned enterprises (SOEs), the primary obstacle for Chinese investors at the federal level is the Committee of Foreign Investment to the United States. This has proven to be an insurmountable obstacle so far for Chinese telecom company Huawei. However, the US investment environment is not all gloom and doom for Chinese companies. There are success stories too like Haier, which has managed to overcome cultural differences. This article aims to do a comparative study of Huawei and Haier and highlight the lessons the companies offer for Chinese companies interested in investing in the United States. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Acute toxicity and bioconcentration of fungicide tebuconazole in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Andreu‐Sánchez Oscar , Paraíba Lourival C. , Jonsson Claudio M. , Carrasco José M. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractThis research work investigated the bioconcentration of tebuconazole [(±)‐α‐[2‐(4‐chlorophenyl)ethyl]‐α‐(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐1H‐1,2,4‐triazole‐1‐ethanol] fungicide in zebrafish (Danio rerio) under laboratory conditions and a first‐order kinetic pesticide dissipation in the water. The concentrations of tebuconazole fitted to an equivalent nonlinear kinetic type model which allowed the calculation of the following parameters: bioconcentration factor (38.80 L kg−1), time to reach maximum fish concentration (6 days), maximum concentration in fish (0.0075 μg mg−1), half‐life in fish (24 days) and time needed for the fish to eliminate 95% of the maximum concentration (105 days). These calculations permitted the establishment of theoretical reference limit values for human consumption of fish and the establishment of safe limits for the water pesticide concentration. The data would also be useful in safe strategies associated with fishery activities that are conducted in aquatic regions close to crops using tebuconazole. The information will contribute to enlarge the tebuconazole toxicokinetics database of aquatic organisms. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.
ISTA 14—Impact of antibiotics from pig slurry on soil microbial communities, including the basidiomycete Trametes versicolor
Authors: Igel‐Egalon Angélique , Cheviron Nathalie , Hedde Mickael , Hernandez‐Raquet Guillermina , Mougin Christian 
Published: June 2011

AbstractLivestock slurry containing antibiotics is a source of contamination of agricultural soils, with possible effects on soil function and micro‐organisms. Extracellular oxido‐reductases and hydrolases from the fungus T. versicolor and fungal growth were monitored in liquid cultures in the presence of tetracycline, lincomycine, sulfadiazine and ciprofloxacin for 10 days, in order to assess the suitability of these enzymes as biomarkers. Among the conditions of treatment, statistical analysis demonstrated an increase in manganese‐dependent peroxidase after exposure to sulfadiazine at 1 mg/L when compared with the control. Acid phosphatase activity was decreased by lincomycine at 1 or 10 mg/L. Conversely, β‐glucosidase activity increased in the presence of this antibiotic at 10 mg/L. In Terrestrial Model Ecosystems spiked with contaminated pig slurry, lincomycine at the concentration of 8 or 80 μg/kg dry soil, and ciprofloxacin at 250 ng/kg dry soil decreased the activity of soil dehydrogenase, when compared with a green slurry treatment, over 28‐day incubations. Laccase activity was similarly decreased in the presence of the highest concentration of antibiotics. We determined bacterial and fungal biomasses using Q‐PCR. Bacterial biomass was increased in the presence of lincomycine at 80 μg/kg whatever the time of exposure, and to a lesser extent in the presence of ciprofloxacin at 250 ng/kg, but only at day 28. In contrast, both antibiotics, whatever their concentrations, did not modify fungal biomass in soil. In conclusion, we were unable to demonstrate important effects of antibiotics at concentrations found in the agricultural environment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2012.