bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Binuclear Magnesium, Calcium and Zinc Complexes Based on Bis(salicylaldimine) Ligands with Rigid Bridges
Authors: Range Sven , Piesik Dirk F.‐J. , Harder Sjoerd 
Published: July 2008

AbstractFour dinucleating ligands based on sterically protected salicylaldimine units bridged by a variety of rigid groups have been prepared: 1,4‐bis[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)amino]benzene (PARA‐H2), 1,3‐bis[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)amino]benzene (META‐H2), 2,6‐bis[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)amino]pyridine (PYR‐H2) and 1,4‐bis[(3,5‐di‐tert‐butylsalicylidene)amino]‐2,3,5,6‐tetramethylbenzene (Me4PARA‐H2). Reactions with [(Me3Si)2N]2Mg·(thf)2 gave three new heteroleptic dinuclear magnesium complexes: PARA‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2, META‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2 and PYR‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2. The complex PARA‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2 was characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Reactions with [(Me3Si)2N]2Ca·(thf)2 gave mixtures of homoleptic and heteroleptic species. The homoleptic and heteroleptic calcium complexes [PARA‐Ca·(thf)2]2 and PARA‐[CaN(SiMe3)2·(thf)2]2 could be isolated and were structurally characterized. These complexes are not stable in solution. Attempted syntheses of Me4PARA‐[CaN(SiMe3)2·(thf)2]2 gave insoluble coordination polymers of Me4PARA‐Ca. Reactions with [(Me3Si)2N]2Zn gave precipitates of homoleptic dinuclear zinc complexes of which PYR‐Zn could be structurally characterized as a cyclic tetramer. The dinuclear magnesium complexes PARA‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2, META‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2 and PYR‐[MgN(SiMe3)2·thf]2 are neither active in the polymerization of epoxides nor in the copolymerization of epoxide/CO2 (cylohexene or propylene oxide) but initiate the polymerization of rac‐lactide. Yields of isolated polylactide strongly depend on the bridging unit and the solvent. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Tautomeric Equilibria in 3‐Amino‐1‐(2‐aminoimidazol‐4‐yl)prop‐1‐ene, a Central Building Block of Marine Alkaloids
Authors: Wei Yin , Zipse Hendrik 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe tautomers I–IV of the marine metabolite 3‐amino‐1‐(2‐aminoimidazol‐4‐yl)prop‐1‐ene (1) were previously suggested to have rather similar stabilities.1,2 Through a series of DFT and ab initio calculations, their relative stabilities were investigated in both the gas phase and in water, and also compared to their Z‐isomers V–VIII. The tautomers I and III have almost identical stability in the gas phase and in water. The Z‐isomer VII is more stable than other tautomers in the gas phase and quite competitive with I and III in water. The tautomers II and IV are much less stable and unlikely to coexist in equilibrium with I and III. The calculated pKa of 1‐H+ of +10.9 suggests that 1 is fully protonated even under mildly acidic conditions. Protonation decreases the stability difference between the most stable tautomer III and the less stable tautomer IV.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
A two‐step electrodialysis method for DNA purification from polluted metallic environmental samples
Authors: Rodríguez‐Mejía José Luis , Martínez‐Anaya Claudia , Folch‐Mallol Jorge Luis , Dantán‐González Edgar 
Published: July 2008

AbstractExtracting DNA from samples of polluted environments using standard methods often results in low yields of poor‐quality material unsuited to subsequent manipulation and analysis by molecular biological techniques. Here, we report a novel two‐step electrodialysis‐based method for the extraction of DNA from environmental samples. This technique permits the rapid and efficient isolation of high‐quality DNA based on its acidic nature, and without the requirement for phenol–chloroform–isoamyl alcohol cleanup and ethanol precipitation steps. Subsequent PCR, endonuclease restriction, and cloning reactions were successfully performed utilizing DNA obtained by electrodialysis, whereas some or all of these techniques failed using DNA extracted with two alternative methods. We also show that his technique is applicable to purify DNA from a range of polluted and nonpolluted samples.
Correlation study of optimized voxel‐based morphometry and 1H MRS in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis
Authors: Brázdil Milan , Mareček Radek , Fojtíková Dagmar , Mikl Michal , Kuba Robert , Krupa Petr , Rektor Ivan 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPurpose:To assess whether structural and metabolic brain abnormalities are correlated in MTLE/HS syndrome.Methods:Optimized voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) of gray matter concentration (GMC) and gray matter volume (GMV) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements from both‐sided hippocampal and thalamic regions were performed in 20 MTLE/HS patients and 20 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls. The local GMC and GMV values were calculated in both the affected and unaffected hippocampi and ipsilateral and contralateral thalami in patients and healthy subjects, and these were compared. VBM variables and NAA, NAA/Cr and NAA/(Cr+Cho) values from the investigated brain regions were correlated.Results:(1) Analysis revealed significantly more extensive GMV reduction than GMC reduction in patients' affected hippocampus. In addition, significant GMV reduction was observed in the ipsilateral thalamus in MTLE/HS patients. (2) Significant decreases in all VBM and MRS variables were revealed in the affected hippocampus. Whilst practically normal GMC values were revealed in patients' both‐sided thalamic regions, a significant decrease in local GMV and metabolic measurements were found in the patients' ipsilateral thalamus. (3) Pearson's correlations between structural and metabolic abnormalities were significant for the ipsilateral thalamus only.Conclusion:Structural and metabolic abnormalities as detected by optimized voxel‐based morphometry and 1H MRS in hippocampal and thalamic regions are only partially correlated in MTLE/HS patients. It seems therefore reasonable that both methods reflect different aspects of brain pathology, which, at least to some degree, might be independently ongoing. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance and trade‐offs in Microfinance Organisations—Does ownership matter?
Authors: Mersland Roy , Strøm Reidar Øystein 
Published: July 2008

AbstractPolicy advocates argue for the transformation of non‐government Microfinance Organisations (MFOs) into shareholder owned firms (SHFs). This paper investigates whether the proposed superiority of shareholder owned MFOs is empirically supported. The findings indicate that the difference between shareholder owned MFOs and non‐government MFOs is minimal. Our results contradict established paradigms and policy guidelines in the industry. However, the results are not necessarily surprising since ownership theories support our findings. So do also studies from the general banking markets as well as historical studies. Adaptation of legal frameworks allowing well‐performing NGOs to mobilise savings appears to be a better option than transformation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trees, trust and the state: A comparison of participatory forest management in Pakistan and Tanzania
Authors: Shahbaz Babar , Mbeyale Gimbage , Haller Tobias 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThis paper attempts to analyse the trust, power relations and emerging conflicts as state and non‐state actors try to adjust to their new roles in the perspective of participatory forest management initiatives in Pakistan and Tanzania. Based on historical and empirical context, we argue that the institutional base responsible for enhancing trust between state and local actors is rather weak in both countries. The major obstacles are that the state actors are not willing to fully devolve power; and the responsibility—as delegated by the state—of newly created institutions demands forest protection rather than defining management rights. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What fundamentally drives growth? Revisiting the institutions and economic performance debate
Authors: Decker Jessica Henson , Lim Jamus Jerome 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe recent empirical growth literature has proposed three underlying fundamental determinants of economic growth, namely, physical geography, economic integration and institutional quality. This paper unpacks the final determinant into both political‐economic institutions as well as the primarily political institution of democratic development. Using both cross‐sectional and panel datasets, we show that, properly instrumented, there is no evidence that democracies grow faster or slower than non‐democracies. This result is in contrast to much of the more recent literature, which tends to find a weakly positive relationship. Political‐ economic institutions, however, remain positive and significant determinants of economic growth, which corroborates much of the empirical evidence in the existing literature. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Moving cultures and the creation of new knowledge and dynamic capabilities in emerging markets
Authors: Hong Jianzhong , Kianto Aino , Kyläheiko Kalevi 
Published: July 2008

AbstractDynamic capabilities are vital as they have been considered the major source for creating new knowledge and capabilities needed in today's rapidly changing markets. The existent literature draws our attention to several more or less identifiable sources and strategy level processes for the creation of such capabilities, primarily emphasizing the role of top management. In our view, however, these often quite ad hoc explanations cry for more detailed micro foundations that really open up and reveal underlying micro structures and processes. Hence, our paper argues that moving communication across and the interaction of multi‐cultures at the workplace is a major driver for the creation of new knowledge and dynamic capabilities in organizations undergoing major transformation. The paper is theoretical in nature, and practical implications for innovation and knowledge management in emerging markets like in China are suggested. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information technology strategy for knowledge management in Indian automotive components SMEs
Authors: Pillania Rajesh K. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractKnowledge management (KM) research has focused more on large firms. Lately, there is increasing realization of need and significance of KM for sustainable competitiveness for small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Potential competitive advantage of KM may be more profound in a small firm. Information Technology (IT) has a crucial role in KM. IT is the facilitator, the enabler. The IT requirements of SMEs are different from that of big firms. Most of the research on role of IT in KM has focused on big firms. The purpose of this research paper is to look at IT for KM in SMEs particularly, in Indian context. The paper consists of five sections of introduction, literature review, research methodology, research findings and conclusion. IT tools are more in use in international auto components manufacturers (ACMs) as compared to Indian ACMs. The major problems faced by ACM vary among international and Indian ACMs. Internet is used by every organization under study followed by intranet. IT has just grown over time in the organizations under study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of Tunable Submicro‐ or Nano‐Structured Polyethylene Materials from Immiscible Blends with Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Authors: Wang Dong , Sun Gang , Chiou Bor‐Sen 
Published: July 2008

AbstractLow density polyethylene (LDPE) was prepared into micro‐ or submicro‐spheres or nanofibers via melt blending or extrusion of cellulose acetate butyrate (CAB)/LDPE immiscible blends and subsequent removal of the CAB matrix. The sizes of the PE spheres or fibers can be successfully controlled by varying the composition ratio and modifying the interfacial properties of the blends. The surface structures of LDPE micro‐ or submicro‐spheres and nanofibers were analyzed using SEM and FTIR‐ATR spectroscopy. In addition, the crystalline structures of the LDPE nanofibers were characterized.magnified image
Effect of Humidity on Ammonia Gas Sensitivity of Intrinsically Conducting Composite Films
Authors: Bouhadid Myriam , Redon Nathalie , Plaisance Hervé , Desbrières Jacques , Reynaud Stéphanie 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSummary: The effect of humidity on the ammonia gas (NH3) detection of conducting composite films was investigated. The first results showed that the presence of humidity, acting as interference gas, modifies the behaviour of sensors in the presence of ammonia. However, the behaviour study at atmosphere without ammonia of our materials in controlled temperature and humidity allowed distinguishing atmospheric effect from NH3 pollution.
Managing across boundaries: introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Appleyard Melissa M. , Lybecker Kristina M. , Wang Clara Y. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe resource‐based view of the firm suggests that direct control over unique assets can form the basis of sustained competitive advantage. In contrast, the papers presented in this Special Issue examine the payoffs to cross‐boundary resource management. These papers demonstrate the potency of combining resources across intra‐firm and inter‐firm boundaries in dynamic industries—pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, cellular, software, and engineering services. The effective pooling of resources is found to enhance business‐level strategy by mitigating uncertainty, laying the groundwork for formal relationships such as alliances, and improving product quality and new product development performance. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Walking capacity evaluated by the 6‐minute walk test in spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy
Authors: Takeuchi Yu , Katsuno Masahisa , Banno Haruhiko , Suzuki Keisuke , Kawashima Motoshi , Atsuta Naoki , Ito Mizuki , Watanabe Hirohisa , Tanaka Fumiaki , Sobue Gen 
Published: July 2008

AbstractSpinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is an adult‐onset motor neuron disease caused by a CAG repeat expansion in the androgen receptor gene. Because the progression of SBMA is slow, it is plausible to identify biomarkers that monitor disease course for therapeutic development. To verify whether the 6‐min walk test (6MWT) is a biomarker of SBMA, we performed the 6MWT in 35 genetically confirmed patients and in 29 age‐matched healthy controls. The walk distance covered within 6 min (6MWD) was significantly less in SBMA than it was in controls (323.3 ± 143.9 m and 637.6 ± 94.2 m, respectively; P < 0.001). In test–retest analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient for the 6MWD was high in SBMA patients (r = 0.982). In a 1‐year follow‐up the 6MWD significantly decreased at a rate of 11.3% per year. Our observations suggest that the 6MWT is a biomarker that can be used to monitor progression of motor impairment in SBMA. Muscle Nerve, 2008
Effect of Voids inside AP Particles on Burning Rate of AP/HTPB Composite Propellant
Authors: Kohga Makoto 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBubble contamination in an ammonium perchlorate (AP)‐based composite propellant has a positive effect on the burning rate. However, the quantitative effect of the bubble contamination on the burning rate has never been revealed. In order to clarify the relationship between the increase in the burning rate and the void fraction of the propellant, propellants were prepared with fine porous AP particles (PoAP) or fine hollow AP particles (HoAPs), and their burning rate characteristics were investigated. The voids inside AP particles have the effect of increasing the burning rate. The increase in the burning rate is enhanced linearly as the void fraction increases. The effect of the void fraction on the burning rate for a propellant containing PoAP is not identical with that for a propellant containing HoAP. It was found that the effect of the void fraction on the burning rate could be estimated by the void fraction when the bubble contamination is uniform in size and shape.
The role of quenched‐in vacancies for the decomposition of aluminium alloys
Authors: Klobes B. , Staab T. E. M. , Haaks M. , Maier K. , Wieler I. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe very early stages of decomposition during room temperature storage, i.e. just a few minutes after quenching, are investigated by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy for both an AlMgSi alloy and an AlCuMg alloy. It turns out that by freezing the decomposition kinetics during measurements we can detect vacancy–solute atom pairs. The formation of larger solute clusters with structural vacancies is seen by an increase of the mean positron lifetime in the course of storage at room temperature (RT). Earlier findings concerning aging at RT were unable to discover this effect. The detected changes are interpreted in terms of cluster formation. Thus we show that positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) is one of the very few methods to access early stages of decomposition in metallic alloys. Moreover, the lower limit of the concentration of quenched‐in vacancy‐like defects is calculated to be at least 2 × 10–5 per atom. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mapping the electrical properties of semiconductor junctions—the electron holographic approach
Authors: Twitchett‐Harrison Alison C. , Dunin‐Borkowski Rafal E. , Midgley Paul A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe need to determine the electrical properties of semiconductor junctions with high spatial resolution is as pressing now as ever. One technique that offers the possibility of quantitative high‐resolution mapping of two‐ and three‐dimensional electrostatic potential distributions is off‐axis electron holography. In this study, we review some of the issues associated with interpreting phase shifts measured using off‐axis electron holography, and we describe how a quantitative determination of the dopant‐related electrostatic potential can be achieved for device structures. Issues that include the presence of surface “dead” layers, external electrostatic fringing fields, variations in specimen thickness and dynamical diffraction are discussed, and their impact on the quantification of results obtained using off‐axis electron holography is examined. SCANNING 30: 299–309, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) responses to caregiver use of chimpanzee behaviors
Authors: Jensvold Mary Lee Abshire 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe relationships between captive primates and their caregivers are critical ones and can affect animal welfare. Friendly relationships can improve quality of life; adversely, agonistic relationships can decrease quality of life. Caregivers in and of themselves should not be stressful to their charges, instead the caregivers' behaviors and the nature of their interactions with captive primates is likely the basis for the stress. One method to promote positive relationships in the captive environment is for caregivers to employ species‐specific behaviors in their interactions with their charges. This study tested the effect of caregivers' use of these behaviors with chimpanzees at The Zoo Northwest Florida in Gulf Breeze. The chimpanzee participants were three males. Data collection occurred during typical interactions between the human participants and the chimpanzees. Some days the caregiver presented chimpanzee behaviors and vocalizations (CB—Chimpanzee Behavior Condition) in the data collection interactions with the chimpanzees. On other days the caregiver presented human behaviors and used speech (HB—Human Behavior Condition) in the interactions with the chimpanzees. The interactions were videotaped. Data coders recorded the behavioral contexts for each chimpanzee as they occurred on the videotape and the time that each context began. Overall they engaged in significantly more friendly behaviors such as play in CB than in HB. They were significantly less interactive in HB than CB. Caregivers should understand and employ species‐specific interactions with chimpanzees to promote friendly interactions and animal welfare. Zoo Biol 27:345–359, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential Effects of Strategic Planning on Community Change in Two Urban Neighborhood Coalitions
Authors: Watson-Thompson Jomella , Fawcett Stephen B. , Schultz Jerry A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractCommunity coalitions represent a promising approach for addressing the interrelated and multiply‐ determined issues affecting urban neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. The literature suggests a number of community processes that may affect coalition efforts to change and improve communities. This study uses an interrupted time‐series design to examine the effects of a strategic planning intervention on community change in two urban neighborhoods in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Results showed that strategic planning was associated with increased rates of community change in the two urban neighborhood coalitions. Under appropriate conditions, such as the presence of consistent leadership, strategic planning may be a particularly effective mechanism for stimulating community change and addressing locally‐determined goals in urban neighborhoods.
Characteristics of Oil from Seeds of 4 Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] Cultivars Grown in Pakistan
Authors: Zia‐Ul‐Haq Muhammad , Ahmad Mansoor , Iqbal Shahid 
Published: July 2008

AbstractMungbean is a widely consumed legume globally. This study was carried out for detailed characterization of oils from mungbean seeds from four indigenously cultivated varieties, as very little information is available on the oil composition of mungbean seeds and inter‐varietal variation in oil composition. The oil content was relatively low (2.1–2.7%). The investigated physiochemical parameters included refractive indices (RI) at 40 °C (1.4673–1.4698), relative density (0.9580–0.9618), iodine value (IV) (111.4 –117.1), saponification value (SV) (173.1–181.7 mg KOH/g) and unsaponifiable matter (UM) (13.8–15.01%). Phospholipids and triglycerides were the dominant lipid fractions followed by monoglycerides. Linoleic acid and oleic acid were the dominant fatty acids (FA). Characterization was also made by TLC. Tocopherol analysis demonstrated highest content of γ‐tocopherol among its isomers, while α‐tocotrienol was present in highest amount in all studied cultivars, among its isomers. Results from most of the parameters revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) differences among the cultivars. The findings of the study reveal mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) wilczek], to be a potentially valuable legume crop with comparable nutritional quality oil among all the cultivars.
Fatigue and Charting Errors: The Benefit of a Reduced Call Schedule
Authors: Warren Anna , Tart Rebecca Creech 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTTHE EFFECTS OF FATIGUE caused by long work hours, working on call, and insufficient rest periods are often overlooked during reviews of perioperative documentation errors.THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN fatigue and nurse charting errors prior to and after implementation of a reduced call schedule was examined at a not‐for‐profit, Magnet community hospital.A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION in nursing documentation errors was observed after the reduced call schedule was implemented, with the greatest reduction in errors seen among nurses working 12‐hour or call shifts. AORN J 88 (July 2008) 88–95. © AORN, Inc, 2008.