bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active Ammonia excretion in the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri (Pallas), during emersion
Authors: Chew Shit F. , Sim Mei Y. , Phua Zhi C. , Wong Wai P. , Ip Yuen K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to determine whether active NH4+ excretion occurred in the giant mudskipper, Periophthalmodon schlosseri, during emersion. Our results demonstrated that continual ammonia excretion in P. schlosseri during 24 hr of emersion resulted in high concentrations (∼30 mmol l−1) of ammonia in fluid collected from the branchial surface. For fish injected intraperitoneally with 8 μmol g−1 ammonium acetate (CH3COONH4) followed by 24 hr of emersion, the cumulative ammonia excreted was significantly greater than that of the control injected with sodium acetate. More importantly, the ammonia excretion rate at hour 2 in fish injected with CH3COONH4 followed by emersion was greater than that in fish immersed in water as reported elsewhere, with the greatest change in the ammonia excretion rate occurring at hour 2. Assuming that the rate of endogenous ammonia production remained unchanged, 33% of the exogenous ammonia was excreted through the head region, presumably through the gills, during the first 6 hr of emersion. Indeed, at hour 6, the ammonia concentration in the branchial fluid increased to an extraordinarily high concentration of >90 mmol l−1. Therefore, our results confirm for the first time that P. schlosseri can effectively excrete a high load of ammonia on land, and corroborate the proposition that active NH4+ excretion through its gills contributes in part to its high tolerance of aerial exposure. Only 4.6% of the exogenous ammonia was detoxified to urea. The glutamate contents in the muscle and liver also increased significantly, but the glutamine contents remained unchanged. J. Exp. Zool. 307A:357–369, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anomalous concentration dependence of the coordination behavior of Cl− ion to Ln3+ ion (Ln3+ = rare‐earth ion) in anhydrous LnCl3 alcohol solutions
Authors: Yoshimura Y. , Hirayama K. , Makiguchi H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRaman spectroscopic measurements were carried out for the anhydrous LnCl3·20ROH·XLiCl solutions (Ln3+ = La3+− Lu3+, X = 0–3; ROH = MeOH, EtOH, n‐PrOH) in the liquid state. The salt concentration (X) dependence of the wavenumber for the Ln–Cl stretching Raman band (νLn–Cl) is examined in conjunction with the formation of chloro‐rare‐earth complexes. We have obtained very intriguing results including the fact that the chloro complexations of the middle rare‐earth ions (e.g. gadolinium, holmium ions, etc.) in the MeOH and EtOH solutions show peculiar behavior with regard to the salt concentration dependence: the νLn–Cl wavenumber increases with the increasing chloride concentration. However, the νLn–Cl wavenumbers of the light and heavy rare‐earth (e.g. lanthanum, lutetium, etc.) salt solutions show normal behavior; i.e. νLn–Cl decreases with the increasing chloride concentration. On the other hand, in the n‐PrOH solutions, the νLn–Cl frequency in the solutions of all the rare‐earth elements exhibits a normal behavior. We now present a possible mechanism for this anomalous concentration dependence of coordination of Cl− ions to Ln3+ ions in anhydrous LnCl3 alcohol solutions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What business people need to know about IT: an accounting perspective
Authors: Skok Walter , Tan Bian 
Published: April 2007

Abstract

Strategic change within organizations is often enabled by technology, which changes at a rapid pace. This paper offers a solution to the frustrating problem faced by business managers and executives in keeping up with the fast‐moving changes in computing, communications and associated technology. The paper is in three parts.

First, it outlines the problems associated with the so‐called business/IT divide, which is the communications gap that is blamed for many of the failures and difficulties associated with the management, development and use of information systems and technologies.

Second, it reviews the literature on approaches for coping mechanisms and proposes a framework that business professionals can follow to keep abreast with emerging technology and its potential application. This provides a continuous monitoring process over the life cycle of the technology.

Finally, the framework is tested by considering its potential for smaller accounting practices, as an example of a business community that is in urgent need of assistance in this area. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for ways in which accounting managers and staff can keep abreast of technology developments and minimize the risks associated with the deployment of technologies within their organizations.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The business planning process: maintaining strategic fit
Authors: Bloodgood James M. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract

A wide range of business planning processes have been offered by academics and practitioners alike, yet little has been said about how firms should go about changing their process when managers perceive it to no longer be effective.

This paper uses a recent change in the business planning process by a US manufacturing firm to examine how the planning process can be effectively changed. In particular, the matching of the process to the current internal and external conditions the firm is facing is emphasized.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Management buy‐outs: strategies for success
Authors: Clifford Graham , Beaver Graham 
Published: April 2007

Abstract

Management buy‐outs have become an established feature of business life. Changes in the environment have forced many large organizations to take a measured examination of their product portfolio and to consider where it is best to concentrate scarce resources.

Areas and activities which are thought to be peripheral to the core business of the company are ripe for divestment.

Potential buy‐out managers need a strategy, both for steering the business through the acquisition process and for its subsequent management and direction. This paper examines some of the strategies that have been deployed using case examples from original research and comments on their effectiveness or otherwise.

Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhanced cholesterol‐ and triglyceride‐ lowering effect of West African green tea
Authors: Rehrah Djaafar , Ahmedna Mohamed , Yu Jianmei , Goktepe Ipek , Hurley Steven , Hanner Tracy , Rao‐Patel Anuradha 
Published: April 2007

Abstract‘The Vert’ is a special type of green tea widely consumed in West Africa and locally associated with many health benefits. However, limited research has been conducted to evaluate its health benefits, such as its enhanced hypolipidemic potential. The objectives of this study were to (1) evaluate the cholesterol‐ and triglyceride‐lowering effects of West African green tea (WAGT) as affected by diet and tea intake, (2) determine the impact of WAGT consumption on the CHD risk ratio, and (3) explore possible mechanisms through which WAGT improves serum lipid profile. Forty‐five male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to one of nine treatment combinations, three diets (regular, high‐cholesterol, and trans‐fat diets) and three fluid sources (no tea, diluted tea, and concentrated tea). After 6 weeks of feeding, animal blood, liver, and feces were harvested. Total cholesterol, HDLc, LDLc, and triglycerides in serum, liver, and feces were determined. The concentrations of bile acids in feces were also measured. WAGT significantly lowered serum and liver cholesterol (30% and 15%, respectively) and increased serum HDL cholesterol (30%). It also reduced liver enlargement caused by storage of excess lipids in high‐cholesterol diet. Overall, the CHD risk ratio was cut by two‐thirds in rats fed high‐cholesterol diet and WAGT. A marked increase in fecal total lipids, cholesterol (60%), and bile acids (50%) was observed in rats that consumed WAGT compared to the control group. These beneficial effects could be attributed to the significantly high flavonoid content of WAGT. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Applied statistical analysis for strange attractors and related problems
Authors: Kontorovich Valeri 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNowadays, the number of chaos applications has grown considerably. The applied theory of chaotic dynamic systems requires new tools for its statistical analysis. In this paper the so‐called ‘model distribution’ approach based on the cumulants and their equations is presented in order to obtain a statistical characterization of the chaos generated by differentiable dynamic systems; as examples, the Lorenz and Chua attractors are considered. The fractional analysis of system dynamics is considered as well. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Persistent multifocal conduction block in vasculitic neuropathy with IgM anti‐gangliosides
Authors: Notturno Francesca , Caporale Christina M. , Di Muzio Antonio , Uncini Antonino 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA 30‐year‐old man with essential cryoglobulinemia presented with an axonal neuropathy and was found to have vasculitis at nerve biopsy. After 44 months, in accord with clinical deterioration, motor conduction studies showed excessive temporal dispersion multifocally, with partial conduction block persisting for 3 years. Antibody testing showed the presence of IgM anti‐GM1, anti‐GD1a, and anti‐GM2 antibodies. Transitory conduction block has been reported occasionally in patients with vasculitis. The persistent multifocal conduction abnormalities found in this patient were more likely due to a superimposed immunomediated demyelination rather than to chronic nerve ischemia secondary to vasculitis. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Cervical myelopathy caused by retrograde intraneural dissection of anesthetic solution
Authors: Cochrane Thomas I. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBrachial plexus block is a generally safe procedure for postoperative analgesia following shoulder surgery. This report describes brachial plexus block complicated by intraneural dissection of anesthetic solution, resulting in severe damage to the upper spinal cord. Other investigators have hypothesized that this rare complication is caused by accidental needle placement within the substance of the cord. This case demonstrates that the complication can occur despite a peripherally located needle. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Complex chromosome 8;21 translocation with associated hyperdiploidy in acute myeloid leukemia (FAB‐M2)
Authors: Corral María del Pilar , Villa Olaya , Alfaro Elizabeth M. , Alonso Cristina N. , Baro Cristina , Felice Maria S. , Rossi Jorge , Solé Francesc , Gallego Marta S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe present a case of acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML‐M2) with a complex t(8;21) translocation and additional acquired chromosomes yielding a hyperdiploid karyotype. AML1/ETO transcript was observed by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), spectral karyotyping (SKY), and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) were performed to further identify the chromosomes observed by G banding. The patient was treated according to our current protocol for AML. He remains in complete remission +11 months from diagnosis. Further follow‐up of this patient and the analysis of a larger number of children are needed to define whether the gains of the specific extra chromosomes modify the good prognosis that t(8;21) confers to this subgroup of AML. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:651–654. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lower Critical Solution Temperatures, Part I Polymethylene in n‐alkanes
Authors: Kodama Yashinori , Swinton Findlay L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractLower critical solution temperatures (LCST's) of three linear polyethylenes of differing molecular weights were measured visually in various n‐alkanes ranging from n‐hexane to n‐tridecane. The LCST observed increases with decreasing molecular weight of polyethyline and with increasing the chain length of the n‐alkanes.The limiting LCST's, θL for polyethylene/n‐alkane systems were obtained by extrapolating to the infinite molecular weight of polyethylene using a Shultz‐Flory plot.Flory's equation of state theory is discussed in conjunction with the conventional Flory‐Huggins theory and the equation of state parameters for the pure solvents are obtained according to the Flory theory. The θL temperatures for polyethylene in n‐hexane, n‐heptane, and n‐octane are calculated in accordance with Flory's and Patterson's equations and compared with the experimental values. The θL temperatures are found to be well predicted by one version of the Flory theory.
Method for reactivity ratio determination in high‐conversion copolymerisations by means of 1H‐n.m.r. spectroscopy
Authors: Natansohn Almeric 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCopolymerisation of methyl methacrylate and styrene is carried out in the n.m.r. spectrometer's sample tube, measuring the comonomer concentration against time evolution. The data are processed according to the integrated Mayo‐Lewis and Fineman‐Ross equations in order to obtain the reactivity ratios values. The applicability, advantages and limits of the method are discussed.
Polymers and Polymer Science in Dentistry
Authors: Braden Michael 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPolymers (including some with no other commercial applications) find a wide variety of uses in dentistry. Appropriate physical measurements can reveal potential difficulties with materials intended for dental use. Viscoelastic measurements show that the glass transition temperature of pourable polymethyl methacrylate resins which are polymerised at ambient temperature are too low to avoid the possibility of distortion by heat in use: this results from the presence of residual monomer which irritates soft tissue. The uptake of water by the materials is important in dental applications but standard tests often fail to distinguish the effects of equilibrium absorption and rate of uptake properly characterised by the diffusion coefficient.Cationic polymerisation of ethylene imine derivatives has applications in dentistry and the ‘command’ setting of acrylic materials by ultra‐violet light can be convenient. Soft acrylic or silicone linings for dentures are also discussed.
Chemistry, Properties and Orthopaedic Applications of Acrylic Cements
Authors: Pearson Geoffrey P. , Jones David F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe early development and use of acrylic cement in orthopaedic surgery has been reviewed by Charnley. This paper is an attempt to describe the chemical background to the use of acrylics as bone cements with particular reference to the well recognised rise in temperature during the setting of the cement, a phenomenon of concern to some surgeons but easily explained if not overcome by classical reaction kinetics. The influence of the operating theatre temperature on the speed of setting is discussed. The fears that some surgeons may have that the incorporation of barium sulphate as a radio‐opacifier into the cement could reduce the compressive strength of the latter are allayed. The mechanical properties of the set cement are discussed and some criticism is levied at the various International Standards proposed for some cements. The paper concludes by reviewing some of the work carried out at Bradford in an attempt to produce modified cements designed to overcome some of the shortcomings of the existing materials.
Design of Polymeric Immunomicrospheres for Cell Labelling and Cell Separation
Authors: Rembaum Alan , Margel Shlomo 
Published: April 2007

AbstractImmunomicrospheres consist of hydrophilic cross‐linked particles with antibodies bound to their surface. These particles find specific receptors on living or fixed cells and there fore can label cell sub‐populations and the labelled cells can be observed by means of a scanning, electron or light‐microscope. To label cells with polymeric particles, biocompatible microspheres are needed preferably with a narrow distribution of sizes in the range 10 to 10,000 Å.Particles having a gel‐like nature and high porosity seem to meet the biocompatibility requirement and they do not stick non‐specifically to cell membranes. Use of cross‐linking agents renders the microspheres insoluble in common solvents. Therefore, subsequent reactions with molecules of biochemical interest are possible in various media.Five classes of hydrophilic cross‐linked microspheres with functional groups e.g. carboxyl, hydroxyl, amide and/or pyridine groups were synthesised. These functional groups were used to bind covalently antibodies and other proteins to the surface of the microspheres. To optimise the derivatisation technique, polyglutaraldehyde immunomicrospheres have been prepared and utilised. Specific populations of human and murine lymphocytes were labelled with microspheres synthesised either by the emulsion or the ionising radiation technique. The labelling of the cells by means of microspheres containing an iron core led to a successful separation of B from T lymphocytes by means of a magnetic field.
Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMW‐PE): Application in Artificlal Joints
Authors: Berzen J. , Birnkraut H. W. , Braun G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe molecular weight of UHMW‐PE has an important influence on its physical properties. Different methods are applied to determine the molecular weight of the original powder and semi‐finished products.The main processing methods such as compression moulding, extrusion, and injection moulding are described, also operations for the preparation of parts for medical use and sterilisation methods.Abrasion, chemical resistance, and its compatibility with body tissue are basic properties for the medical use of UHMW‐PE. The bio‐mechanical properties of the material in the form of a hip joint can be tested in a simulator.
Slow elastic modulus changes in plasticised poly (vinyl chloride)
Authors: Leharne Stephen A. , Park Geoffrey S. , Norman Ronald H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Young's Modulus of PVC plasticised with various dialkylphthalates at concentrations from 40–120 phr that has been subject to a short heat treatment at 100°C, increases linearly with the logarithm of the time of storing at temperatures from 20–100°C. Both the Young's Modulus and its rats of increase with time is found to increase with increasing size of plasticiser to increase with decreasing concentration of plasticiser and to pass through a maximum with changing temperature of storage at a temperature of about 38°C. These effects can be explained if it is assumed that the elasticity results from a network linked by crystallites that can be melted on heating and reformed on storing at a lower temperature. The density of the plasticiser compositions is found to increase with time and this together with the development of endothermic DSC peaks support the hypothesis that changes in rigidity result from changes in crystallinity. The endothermic peak occurs at an almost constant temperature independent of plasticiser concentration or the size of the plasticiser molecule. It is suggested that the effect of these variables on the the melting point is nullified by the changes they also produce in crystallite size.
Light scattering characterisation of polymers II. Analyses of high molecular weight polystyrene
Authors: Suzuki Hidematsu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFor light scattering analysis of an extremely high molecular weight polymer with large size in solution, use of mixtures of a given polymer with its low molecular weight homologue is described to have great advantages. With such bimodal mixtures as test samples, one can alter the unknown form of the angular variations of scattered lights to a form to be expected and widen the range of the linearity with sin2 (ø/2), where ø is the scattering angle. According to the considerations, a sample of linear polystyrene was successfully analysed on a commercial apparatus, Fica 50 to have the weight‐average molecular weight of 27 million.
On the meniscus depletion ultracentrifugation I. Pseudoideal solutions
Authors: Suzuki Hidematsu 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn view of the recent advances in the theory of sedimentation equilibrium, the meniscus depletion is reformulated and extended to reveal its potentialities. To cope with poly disperse materials such that fringes become unresolvable near the cell bottom, an extrapolation method is proposed using the newly defined average molecular weights at a given radial position. The main purpose of the method is to pave the way for determining the number‐average molecular weight of a sample. Its applications to a linear polystyrene sample having the weight‐average molecular weight of twenty seven million are reported in this paper. Uses and limitations of the present method are discussed in detail.
Water binding properties of hydrogel polymers for reverse osmosis and related applications
Authors: Pedley Derek G. , Tighe Brian J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDifferential scanning calorimetry (DSC) has been used in the study of a series of hydrogels in an attempt to correlate water binding and transport properties. DSC and oxygen transport studies were carried out on a series of styrene‐2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate copoly‐mers. The transport of dissolved oxygen through those copolymers that contained no freezing water was found to be negligible in comparison to those in which both freezing and non‐freezing water was present. This correlates well with the observation that the dense layer of asymmetric cellulose acetate reverse osmosis membranes was found to contain little or no free water.On this basis, the use of DSC in the design of a hydrogel that contains little or no freezing water (to promote salt rejection) with a reasonably high total water content (to maximise water flux) for use in reverse osmosis, is described. The resultant copolymer of acrylamide, methacrylic acid and styrene has a total equilibrium water content (30 per cent) that is twice that of a typical dense cellulose acetate used in reverse osmosis and a very low (< 1 per cent) freezing water content.Examination of the fine structure of the melting endotherms and freezing exotherms associated with various hydrogels shows several interesting features which are interpreted in terms of the existence of a continuum of water states. These range from water that is unaffected by its polymeric environment to water (on average two or less molecules per monomer repeat unit) that is hydrogen bonded to functional groups in the polymer.
Heterogeneous crystallisation of polyethylene terephthalate
Authors: Ibbotson Christopher , Sheldon Ronald P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAn examination of the effect of various inorganic and organic additives on the crystallisation behaviour of polyethylene terephthalate has been made. Various methods of mixing the polymer and additives were also investigated and one involving screw extrustion was finally adopted. Crystallisation studies were carried out using Differential Scanning Calorimetry under dynamic and isothermal modes covering both normal and cold‐crystallisation conditions. Using screw extrusion mixed material it was found that almost all additives produced some nucleating effect as indicated by an increase in the rate of crystallisation. In particular, sodium benzoate and sodium stearate (1 per cent w/w) had the greatest effect, decreasing the initial cold‐crystallisation temperature and increasing the temperature of equivalent half‐times of isothermal crystallisation, both by about 20°C.