bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel michael addition networks containing urethane hydrogen bonding
Authors: Williams Sharlene R. , Mather Brian D. , Miller Kevin M. , Long Timothy E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCovalently crosslinked networks based on poly(propylene glycol) bis(acetoacetate) with either neopentyl glycol diacrylate or hydroxyethyl acrylate derivatized bis(4‐isocyanatocyclohexyl)methane (HMDI) were prepared utilizing the Michael addition reaction in the presence of catalytic quantities of diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU). These networks were prepared in the absence of solvent at 23 °C without the formation of byproducts. Mechanical and thermal analyses of the networks were performed utilizing DMA, tensile testing, and TGA. Tensile analysis revealed that the introduction of hydrogen‐bonding urethane linkages in the diacrylate segment resulted in higher tensile strengths and elongation to break compared with nonhydrogen‐bonding analogs. All crosslinked products exhibited high gel fractions and excellent thermomechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4118–4128, 2007
Atmospheric Cold Plasmas for Synthesizing Nanocrystalline Anatase TiO2 using Dielectric Barrier Discharges
Authors: Nie Long‐Hui , Shi Chuan , Xu Yong , Wu Qing‐Hao , Zhu Ai‐Min 
Published: July 2007

AbstractNanocrystalline anatase TiO2 has been successfully synthesized using TiCl4 and O2 as precursors by atmospheric cold plasmas generated by dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) without extra heating or thermal treatment. For the TiO2 powders synthesized by DBD plasma at an energy density of 5.9 kJ · L−1, XRD and TEM analyses revealed that the nanocrystallite size is about 10–15 nm. Only a single crystalline structure of anatase was observed performing XRD, HRTEM and SAED measurements. It was found that the particle size decreased with increasing the discharge power, and that the chlorine contamination dramatically decreased when using high discharge power levels.magnified image
Atmospheric‐Pressure Glow Discharge CVD of Composite Metallic Aluminium Thin Films
Authors: Sheel David W. , Hodgkinson John L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe present the first reported investigation exploring the deposition of composite metal/metal oxide thin films using APGD CVD. The approach taken employs a parallel‐plate dielectric barrier configuration, and the deposition of such materials is discussed with respect to their influence on discharge conditions. Controlled and variable composition films were produced based on aluminium which showed metallic‐like reflection (up to 60% visible), and were conductive (≈1 Ω per square). The films are analysed by RBS, SEM, AFM and optical spectroscopy. This new class of APGD‐CVD‐derived thin‐film material, when combined with the associated low thermal load and attractions for industrial scaling, offers significant potential for new applications.magnified image
Proteomics in ocular fluids
Authors: Grus Franz H. , Joachim Stephanie C. , Pfeiffer Norbert 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe focus of this article is to review recent techniques in proteomic analysis of ocular fluids. These fluids include tears, aqueous humor, and vitreous, they will also be compared to serum analysis. Furthermore, we attempt to summarize some disease correlated biomarkers in ocular fluids that were discovered through different proteomic techniques in eye diseases like dry eye, glaucoma, age‐related macular degeneration, uveitis, or diabetic retinopathy. This review is trying to point out the importance of these biomarkers for clinical applications.
ID1‐, ID2‐, and ID3‐regulated gene expression in E2A positive or negative prostate cancer cells
Authors: Asirvatham Ananthi J. , Carey Jason P.W. , Chaudhary Jaideep 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBackgroundThe inhibitor of differentiation (Id) proteins are expressed in prostate cancer (PCA). However, there is a general lack of Id isoform‐specific downstream effectors.MethodsId1, Id2, or Id3 were silenced in PCA cell lines LNCaP, DU145, and PC3 using gene‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA). The effect of Id gene silencing on representative genes involved in apoptosis (p53, SNAIL2), proliferation (p21, p16), and tumor invasion (E‐cadherin and MMP9) was investigated by real‐time PCR. Expression of E‐proteins, the primary Id interaction partners was also evaluated to understand the molecular mechanism of action.ResultsThe Id proteins regulated the expression of CDKNIs p16 and p21 even in the absence of E‐proteins. Loss of Id1 and Id3 up‐ or downregulated E‐cadherin expression in E‐protein negative or positive PCA cell lines, respectively. The effect of Id genes on cell proliferation was also independent of CDKNIs in p16 and p21 null PC3 cells. The p53‐independent anti‐apoptotic effect of Id2 was mediated in part by transcriptional repressor SNAI2. MMP9 seems to be the common target of all three Id genes (Id1, Id2, and Id3).ConclusionsThe overall effect of Id proteins on proliferation and apoptosis is independent of E‐proteins. E‐proteins can however determine the magnitude of response or in some cases even reverse the Id‐mediated target gene expression. Evaluating E‐protein expression in conjunction with Id proteins will allow better understanding of the molecular mechanism of action of Id proteins and increase their prognostic significance in PCA. Prostate 67: 1411–1420, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antidepressant and antistress activity of GC‐MS characterized lipophilic extracts of Ginkgo biloba leaves
Authors: Kalkunte Satyan S. , Singh Ajay P. , Chaves Fabio C. , Gianfagna Thomas J. , Pundir Vishal S. , Jaiswal Arun K. , Vorsa Nicholi , Sharma Surendra 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLipophilic extracts of Ginkgo biloba L. leaves were tested for their possible role on rodent models of depression and stress. Lipophilic extracts of Ginkgo leaves (LEG) at (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) exhibited dose dependent, significant antidepressant activity in the behavioral despair test and learned helplessness rodent model of depression. The activities were comparable to that of imipramine (15 mg/kg) and EGb 761 (50 mg/kg). In the cold immobilization stress induced gastric ulcer model of stress, only the LEG showed a significant reduction in the ulcer index. GC‐MS characterization of this bioactive extract was found to be rich in a group of 6‐alkyl salicylates (6‐AS), along with a fatty alcohol, fatty acids and cardanols. The n‐heptadecenyl salicylate represented 60% of the 6‐AS. Notable was the absence of dihydroxy alkylphenols which are linked to allergic reactions similar to the urushiols present in poison ivy. In commercial products of Ginkgo, these dihydroxy phenols as well as the favorable 6‐AS are removed during enrichment of flavonol glycosides and terpenic lactones. The current findings suggest that intact carboxylic acid groups containing 6‐AS are the bioactive components of the lipophilic extract of Ginkgo leaves with antidepressant and antistress activities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of Danshen (Salvia Miltiorrhiza) on adriamycin‐induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity in rats
Authors: You Jyh‐Sheng , Pan Tai‐Long , Lee Ying‐Shiung 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of Danshen (DS, Salvia miltiorrhiza) on adriamycin (ADR)‐induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control group, 10 animals received saline (i.p.); 15 animals received ADR (3 mg/kg, i.p.) three times weekly, for 2 weeks; 10 animals each received DS1 (20 mg/kg, oral) and DS2 (100 mg/kg, oral) for 30 days; 15 animals each received DS1 + ADR and DS2 + ADR. The ADR‐induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity and protective action of DS were determined and quantitated with the use of hemodynamic measurements, biochemical analyses of serum, synthesis rates of DNA, RNA and protein, myocardial antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and histopathological procedure. Liver function was damaged. Nucleic acid as well as protein synthesis was inhibited, while lipid peroxidation was increased. Myocardial glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) were decreased and histopathology revealed myocardial lesions indicative of ADR‐induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. In contrast, administration of DS before and concurrent with ADR significantly attenuated these effects. In conclusion, DS is potentially protective against ADR‐induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy of Slim339® in reducing body weight of overweight and obese human subjects
Authors: Toromanyan Edward , Aslanyan Gayane , Amroyan Elmira , Gabrielyan Emil , Panossian Alexander 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA double‐blind, randomized, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled study has been carried out in order to evaluate the effect of orally self‐administered Slim339®, a proprietary fixed combination of Garcinia cambogia extract with calcium pantothenate (standardized for the content of hydroxycitric acid and pantothenic acid) and extracts of Matricaria chamomilla, Rosa damascena, Lavandula officinalis and Cananga odorata, on body weight in overweight and obese volunteers. During a 60‐day treatment period, the average reduction in body weight for the group receiving Slim339 (n = 30) was 4.67% compared with 0.63% for the placebo group (n = 28) (p < 0.0001). Weight losses of ≥3 kg were recorded for 23 subjects in the treatment group and only one in the placebo group. It is concluded that Slim339 represents a potential therapy for obesity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling, prediction and adaptive adjustment of recruitment in multicentre trials
Authors: Anisimov Vladimir V. , Fedorov Valerii V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis paper is focused on statistical modelling, prediction and adaptive adjustment of patient recruitment in multicentre clinical trials. We consider a recruitment model, where patients arrive at different centres according to Poisson processes, with recruitment rates viewed as a sample from a gamma distribution. A statistical analysis of completed studies is provided and properties of a few types of parameter estimators are investigated analytically and using simulation. The model has been validated using many real completed trials. A statistical technique for predictive recruitment modelling for ongoing trials is developed. It allows the prediction of the remaining recruitment time together with confidence intervals using current enrolment information, and also provision of an adaptive adjustment of recruitment by calculating the number of additional centres required to accomplish a study up to a certain deadline with a pre‐specified probability. Results are illustrated for different recruitment scenarios. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
How should managers treat ethics in international business?
Authors: Phatak Arvind , Habib Mohammed 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBusiness ethics concern the consideration of moral in corporate decision making. International managers may be confronted with a variety of ethical dilemmas, usually due to differences among national markets in what constitutes legal or acceptable practice. Beliefs about what constitutes ethical business behavior commonly stem from one of four moral philosophies: teleology, deontology, the theory of justice, and cultural relativism. A framework incorporating all four is presented here which should provide a useful decision tool for international managers. An application of the framework and the complexities associated with it are presented next. We conclude that an effective integration of the company's perspective on ethics and the business behavior of the employees is critical and that it depends on top management, and the entire organization, demonstrating that they are serious about ethical business behavior on an ongoing basis. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
An international patent protection system: A new approach
Authors: Sood James 
Published: July 2007

AbstractFor all practical purposes, there are two patent protection systems in the world today. The developed countries have national systems, although different in some respects, that provide reasonably effective protection for patent holders. On the other hand, the less developed countries have national systems that are generally not enforced. The lack of enforcement is primarily because these countries own less than one percent of the world's patents. Thus, they have little reason to provide effective protection for those in the industrial countries who hold patents. It would seem advantageous to all concerned to develop a patent system that is accepted by the majority of nations. This study uses an analysis of the major economic and social implications of the present system to propose a suggested approach to a truly international patent system. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Business strategy, organizational culture, and market orientation
Authors: Appiah‐Adu Kwaku , Blankson Charles 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of the structural adjustment program (SAP) on business practices in an emerging African country. The research instrument was based on constructs of business strategy, organizational culture, and market orientation. Compilation of the research data was achieved through in‐depth interviews and a self‐administered mail survey. The findings provide evidence of a positive influence of SAP‐induced strategies and certain culture types on the level of firm market orientation. The article concludes with a discussion on management implications as well as directions for future research. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Doing business in Russia: Lessons from early entrants
Authors: Puffer Sheila M. , McCarthy Daniel J. , Zhuplev Anatoly V. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe business climate in Russia during the first half of the 1990s has been uncertain and difficult. Many companies would hesitate to invest in such a risky environment. Yet some have, and many others will do so, in light of President Boris Yeltsin's continued commitment to a market economy, and other positive developments. A survey of 49 American firms compares 24 American early entrant companies which began doing business in Russia before 1990, with 25 later arrivals. Companies in both groups shared many views about doing business there. However, differences between the two groups concerning motives, attitudes, and strategies suggest characteristics which might contribute to longer term staying power in this uncertain environment. Analyses are supplemented with examples of recent company activities, particularly those of early entrants. The article concludes with lessons based on early entrants' experiences. These lessons may benefit other firms like the newer entrants if they too choose a similar long‐term horizon. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Competition policy and global competitiveness in South Africa
Authors: Klein Saul 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article discusses proposals for competition policy reform in South Africa as an issue facing all developing countries. The South African environment is described and government philosophy summarized. Policy proposals are critiqued within the context of their impact on competitiveness. The consequences of competition policy on economic growth are considered in terms of their relative standing with respect to key trading and FDI competitors. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Risk taking under transition: An empirical comparison between Chinese, western‐, and eastern‐German managers
Authors: Löbler Helge , Bode Jürgen 
Published: July 2007

AbstractEven after 10 years, countries under transition are still on their way to becoming developed, internationally competitive countries. At this stage it is helpful for business cooperation to know whether managers in countries undergoing transition are behaving like socialists or Western managers, or somewhere in between. Many joint ventures and other alliances between Western companies and companies in countries in transition are seeking to establish new markets with new products or new technologies (i.e., new processes). They are risky because the returns are uncertain. Understanding the risk attitudes of managers in countries in transition can explain different investment behavior and provide vital information for installing the right incentives. This study compares the risk attitudes of Chinese, eastern, and western German managers. Chinese managers' risk attitudes seem to be more similar to the attitudes of western German managers than to those of their counterparts in eastern Germany. Some of the reasons and consequences are discussed in this article. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Profiling exporting and nonexporting service firms: Critical differences to decision‐makers
Authors: White D. Steven , Griffith David A. , Ryans John K. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe internationalization of services has become a critical element in the global marketplace. While the internationalization of services has increased in importance, the lack of empirically based research has been a shortcoming. This article empirically examines key characteristics (i.e., total sales, number of employees, age of firm, management's desire to export, perceived profit potential from internationalization, top management's foreign language skills, and international work experience) separating exporting from nonexporting domestic‐based service firms. It provides a profile for the exporting service firm that is distinctly different than that of the nonexporting service provider. These differences suggest important policy considerations for federal and state export promotion agencies and strategy considerations for service firm owners and management. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
International business standards: The competitive imperative
Authors: Loucks Vernon R. , Winter Gretchen A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe global marketplace is a reality, and standards for business behavior should be as well. Isolated laws and sanctions do not allow for a level playing field. We believe that adoption of international business standards would provide a better and truly competitive business environment. Unifying the efforts of multinational businesses would intensify the potential impact and hopefully reduce the need for government mandates. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The multinational corporation as a coordinated network: Organizing and managing differently
Authors: Ensign Prescott C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA multinational corporation (MNC) has a number of unique advantages. Of these, the flexibility to operate as a coordinated multinational network places the strategic emphasis on resources and learning. Coordination and integration are needed to provide coherence in resource commitments. Operating as a coordinated multinational network can provide the flexibility needed to implement global strategies. A network organization results in linkages and interrelationships that require organizing and managing differentially. This article focuses on the organizational and managerial characteristics that are needed to operate as a coordinated multinational network. These characteristics include: a strong central leadership role; the flexibility to respond to opportunities; a differentiated, multidimensional focus; distributed, interdependent capabilities; the managerial capacity to achieve coordination; and a collaborative decision‐making process. This article also discusses the changes needed in structural mechanisms and systems. Explored are the planning process, performance evaluation and control, information technology/management information systems, and human resource management. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The treatment of usury in the holy scriptures
Authors: Jafri Syed Hussain Ali , Margolis Lawrence S. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractInterest‐free banking has recently evoked interest in financial as well as economic development literature. While the main focus of the special issue of this review is in interest‐free banking, this concept is not new nor is it unique to Islam. This article notes how usury or interest on loans has been prohibited in Judaism and Christianity–the other monotheistic religions of the world. We offer a comparative and historical perspective of the treatment of usury or interest and aim to help readers (especially in the West) gain an understanding of this concept, a concept which seemingly has a growing role in the financial markets of the Islamic world. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Progress and challenges of Islamic banking
Authors: Iqbal Zamir , Mirakhor Abbas 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThree decades have passed since the first Islamic bank began its operations in Mit Ghamr, Egypt, and more than a decade has passed since the Islamic Republics of Iran and Pakistan adopted a non‐interest‐based financial system.1 The growth of financial institutions, instruments, and transactions operating without interest has been impressive, from assets totaling a meager $5 billion in 1985 to a current level of approximately $100 billion. Today, Islamic banking is spreading and gaining acceptance in non‐Muslim countries as well as Muslim ones. Equally important has been the growth of scholarly interest in the subject. The viability and feasibility of noninterest‐based financial transactions, instruments, institutions and systems as well as the legitimacy of academic research in this area are no longer questioned. The objectives of this article are to (i) review the progress of Islamic banking and Islamic financial markets; (ii) present the fundamental principles of an Islamic financial system in light of developments in modern financial theory; and (iii) identify the challenges ahead for the development and further growth of a non‐interest based financial system. The article is organized into six sections. Section I discusses the progress of Islamic banks and financial markets. Section II and III summarize developments in Islamic economic and financial theory respectively. Section IV discusses the relevance of Islamic financial principles to modern financial theory. Section V addresses the issues and challenges facing Islamic finance, and finally Section VI concludes the discussion. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Challenges and opportunities for Islamic banking and finance in the west: The United Kingdom experience
Authors: Wilson Rodney 
Published: July 2007

AbstractLondon has emerged as the major centre for Islamic banking and finance in the West. The aim of this article is to examine the characteristics of the British market for Islamic banking and financial services and analyse the activities of the major institutions involved. Regulatory issues are covered, which present a particular challenge in an environment where hitherto little account has been taken of the needs and preferences of Muslim clients, especially with regard to those who wish to respect the Shariah Islamic law which prohibits interest based transactions. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.