bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive effect of a triterpenoid‐rich extract from bamboo shavings and vasodilator effect of friedelin on phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction in thoracic aortas of rats
Authors: Jiao Jingjing , Zhang Yu , Lou Dingding , Wu Xiaoqin , Zhang Ying 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTriterpenoids, which are widely distributed throughout the plant kingdom, were applied to the development of functional foods as physiological and pharmacological active agents. Some physiological activities of a triterpenoid‐rich extract from bamboo shavings (EBS), i.e. antihyperlipidemic and antihypertensive effects, were systematically evaluated in the present study. The results demonstrated that EBS could reduce the serum total cholesterol (TC) and total triglyceride (TG) levels, which are the main factors directly leading to pathological changes in cardiovascular diseases, in hyperlipidemic rats (p < 0.05). Furthermore, EBS could significantly reduce the systolic pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) but its maximum effect time was less than 24 h. Meanwhile, EBS did not influence the heart rate of SHR. On the other hand, the vasodilator effects of friedelin, a main triterpenoid compound separated from EBS, on phenylephrine‐induced vasoconstriction in the thoracic aortas of rats were also discussed. The results showed that friedelin probably served a function of vasodilator responses in the thoracic aortas of rats in accordance with the antihypertensive effect of EBS. The results also suggested that EBS might prevent some cardiovascular diseases by its impact on lipid metabolism. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Schizandra chinensis and Scutellaria baicalensis counter stress behaviors in mice
Authors: Lee Seungjoo , Kim Dong Hyun , Jung Ji Wook , Oh Ju Hee , Park Ho Jae , Park Chan , Huh Youngbuhm , Cheong Jae Hoon , Oh Tae Hwan , Ryu Jong Hoon 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe individual and combined antistress effects of the fruit of Schizandra chinensis and the radix of Scutellaria baicalensis were evaluated using a mouse acute stress model. Stress consisted of immobilization and electric foot shocks over 5 days. Mice were treated with herbal extracts for 7 days before exposing the animals to stress. Before each stressor presentation, the mice were treated with each herbal extract. Reduced locomotor activity and the percentage of time spent in the open arms of an elevated plus‐maze under stress were recovered by treatment with the extract containing equal amounts of S. chinensis and S. baicalensis (CB11) at 200 and 400 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The effects of CB11 were greater than the effects of S. chinensis or S. baicalensis alone. CB11 treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced serum corticosterone levels (p < 0.05). Spleen size and the serum interleukin‐2 level decreases induced by stress were prevented by CB11 (200 mg/kg) (p < 0.05). Taken together, these results suggest that S. chinensis and S. baicalensis in equal amounts could be used to treat stress disorders, in part, by preventing corticosterone and IL‐2 level changes and ameliorating stress‐related behavior parameters. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A steroid fraction of chloroform extract from bee pollen of Brassica campestris induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells
Authors: Wu Yao‐Dong , Lou Yi‐Jia 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBee pollen of Brassica campestris L. is widely used in China as a natural food supplement and an herbal medicine in strengthening the body's resistance against diseases including cancer. The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of a steroid fraction of chloroform extract from bee pollen of Brassica campestris L. on human cancer cell viability. Our studies show that among nine cancer cell lines of different origin (PC‐3, LNCaP, MCF‐7, Hela, BEL‐7402, BCG‐823, KB, A549 and HO8910), this steroid fraction displayed the strongest cytotoxicity in human prostate cancer PC‐3 cells. The mode of cell death appeared to be apoptosis in PC‐3 cells, as shown by flow‐cytometric analysis and fluorescence microscopes. Caspase‐3 activity was obviously enhanced after the cells were treated with the fraction. A time‐dependent decrease in the expression of anti‐apoptotic protein Bcl‐2 was also observed by Western blot analysis. It is suggested that the steroid fraction could induce cytotoxicity in prostate cancer PC‐3 cells by triggering apoptosis. The studies indicate that the steroid fraction of chloroform extract from bee pollen of Brassica campestris L. may be a promising candidate for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sample size and optimal design for logistic regression with binary interaction
Authors: Demidenko Eugene 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThere is no consensus on what test to use as the basis for sample size determination and power analysis. Some authors advocate the Wald test and some the likelihood‐ratio test. We argue that the Wald test should be used because the Z‐score is commonly applied for regression coefficient significance testing and therefore the same statistic should be used in the power function. We correct a widespread mistake on sample size determination when the variance of the maximum likelihood estimate (MLE) is estimated at null value. In our previous paper, we developed a correct sample size formula for logistic regression with single exposure (Statist. Med. 2007; 26(18):3385–3397). In the present paper, closed‐form formulas are derived for interaction studies with binary exposure and covariate in logistic regression. The formula for the optimal control–case ratio is derived such that it maximizes the power function given other parameters. Our sample size and power calculations with interaction can be carried out online at www.dartmouth.edu/∼eugened. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterizing the functional MRI response using Tikhonov regularization
Authors: Vakorin Vasily A. , Borowsky Ron , Sarty Gordon E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe problem of evaluating an averaged functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) response for repeated block design experiments was considered within a semiparametric regression model with autocorrelated residuals. We applied functional data analysis (FDA) techniques that use a least‐squares fitting of B‐spline expansions with Tikhonov regularization. To deal with the noise autocorrelation, we proposed a regularization parameter selection method based on the idea of combining temporal smoothing with residual whitening. A criterion based on a generalized χ2‐test of the residuals for white noise was compared with a generalized cross‐validation scheme. We evaluated and compared the performance of the two criteria, based on their effect on the quality of the fMRI response. We
found that the regularization parameter can be tuned to improve the noise autocorrelation structure, but the whitening criterion provides too much smoothing when compared with the cross‐validation criterion. The ultimate goal of the proposed smoothing techniques is to facilitate the extraction of temporal features in the hemodynamic response for further analysis. In particular, these FDA methods allow us to compute derivatives and integrals of the fMRI signal so that fMRI data may be correlated with behavioral and physiological models. For example, positive and negative hemodynamic responses may be easily and robustly identified on the basis of the first derivative at an early time point in the response. Ultimately, these methods allow us to verify previously reported correlations between the hemodynamic response and the behavioral measures of accuracy and reaction time, showing the potential to recover new information from fMRI data. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Opportunities and tripwires for foreign investors in Eastern Europe
Authors: Estrin Saul , Meyer Klaus E. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article discusses how the local environment influences the strategic decisions of foreign investors entering Central and Eastern Europe. The current economic transition of the region offers unique opportunities arising from virgin markets and low labor costs. Foreign businesses have been eager to exploit the former, often pursuing first‐mover advantages. However, the underlying structural problems of the economies in transition inhibit the development of business: in adapting to the new market environment, firms are in a process of fundamental restructuring. Moreover, the privatization process in the region creates both opportunities and obstacles for entry by acquisition. While the institutional framework is developing toward Western models, it remains incomplete. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
China: Economic reforms and WTO accession
Authors: Chartier Charles 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSince its opening to the world in 1978, China has grown in excess of 9 percent and is now generally considered to be the third biggest economy in the world. It is aggressively pursuing admission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), but the United States remains at cross‐purposes due to the closed nature of its markets and numerous violations of international agreements. In an effort to shed light on these issues, this article reviews the historical context, recent economic reforms, and challenges to deeper global integration in the post‐Deng era. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The European Monetary Union
Authors: Claes Willy 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe final stage of the European Monetary Union (EMU) is approaching; the single currency goes into effect on January 1, 1999. The article discusses the far‐reaching ramifications of the euro in the context of the international monetary system. Current challenges facing the implementation of the new currency are addressed such as unemployment, high budget deficits, and general skepticism both EU members and non‐members have expressed. The argument is made that acceptance and widespread use of the single currency will provide a framework for a deeper economic and political integration across Europe. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Competing successfully in a global economy
Authors: Bersticker Albert C. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis commentary discusses the need for an internationalist approach in today's competitive global markets. Albert C. Bersticker, Chairman and CEO of Ferro Corporation, a US multinational in operation since 1919, draws upon his experience at the helm of a successful and growing manufacturing operation and gives several important lessons for strategic and competitive management of an international corporation. Bersticker elucidates the challenges facing today's global business manager, and puts the overall mission of any company doing business overseas into an appropriate context. Being aware of both the risks and benefits of competing in an ever‐changing world is the key to success in the global economy according to the author. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Entering central and eastern Europe: Risks and cultural barriers
Authors: Brouthers Keith D. , Brouthers Lance Eliot , Nakos George 
Published: July 2007

AbstractScholars have argued that the slow pace of Western investment in Central and Eastern Europe may be caused by two entry barriers: cultural influences and high international risks. This study examines the influence of culture and international risks on the entry mode choices of Western European firms entering Central and Eastern European markets since the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1990. Evidence from 227 Western European companies shows that, for firms entering Central and Eastern Europe, investment risk perceptions are important determinants of mode choice while culture and contractual risk have only minimal influence. Managerial implications are also discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Cultural dimensions of Russia: Implications for international companies in a changing economy
Authors: Bradley Thomas L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe collapse of the Soviet Union has presented international companies with an opportunity to invest in the new Russian marketplace. The successful implementation of ventures in Russia has been difficult. The ability to understand the local cultural characteristics has been a key element in this difficulty. This study examines the cultural dimensions of a factory in Yoshkar‐Ola Russia. The cultural values of both the factory workers and the managers indicate little differences between their cultural values. An examination of the individual cultural dimensions is provided relative to the Russian workplace. A comparison between Germany, Japan, and the United States and Russia regarding their cultural values is analyzed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
YVR: The development of Vancouver international airport as an air gateway to North America
Authors: Gunn Han Beng 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWhen the completed transcontinental Canadian Pacific railroad reached its western terminus at Vancouver in 1884, a major international trade route was established. Steamships soon began crossing the Pacific with cargoes of wheat and lumber and the city became Canada's gateway to the Pacific. With the advent of the age of air travel–despite the relatively modest beginnings of its international airport–the city in turn became the country's aviation gateway. In recent years, however, Vancouver International Airport has set its sights toward even more lofty goals. This article traces the development of the airport, and how a combination of factors including a favorable geographical location, an air treaty between the United States and Canada, and the resurrection of a near‐bankrupt airline through partnership with a major American air carrier, are helping its ambitions to be a gateway to North America. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
A counterpoint assessment of Vancouver international airport as a gateway to North America
Authors: Mathews J. Scott 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe essential issue here is does the trans‐Pacific market need a hub at Vancouver, and if so, can Vancouver position itself to meet that need. Critical to arriving at an appropriate answer will be understanding the changing trans‐Pacific market, the applicable regulatory environments, the airlines in the market, and the competing hub airports. Although Vancouver's location and its history place it in a favorable position, success is far from a foregone conclusion. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Islamic finance: A growing international market
Authors: Hamwi Bassel , Aylward Anthony 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article discusses the growth of Islamic banking and finance institutions over recent years and the IFC's activities in Islamic funds, leasing, and infrastructure finance. The major Islamic financial product types are described in terms of the corresponding debt and equity‐like contracts in use in western banking and finance practice. Islamic leasing and funds are well adapted to many of the constraints facing borrowers and lenders in the developing regions of the Islamic world and also provide both borrowers and investors with Sharia‐based financial claims. Viewing Islamic Sharia‐based products as a means of providing scarce contractual governance services that improve the risk‐return equation facing investors in a competitive international capital market, the future growth prospects for Islamic products sector are assessed to be significant. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Islamic banks at the threshold of the third millennium
Authors: Kahf Monzer 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBefore they can compete in the third millennium environment, today's Islamic banks need a considerable rethinking of their future policies and a serious effort to restructure themselves. Islamic finance offered by these banks, however, represents a new dimension in the banking industry. The Islamic financing modes, actually practiced by conventional banks in several countries, are finding their way to mainstream banking. These new modes of financing are now becoming a part of the international financial market. They will not only survive, but probably be enhanced by the globalization and deregulation of the banking industry, regardless of the specifically Islamic banks' ability to stand the forthcoming competition after regulatory and geographical barriers are torn down. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Involving Islamic banks in central bank open market operations
Authors: El‐Gamal Mahmoud A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractA variety of existing and proposed alternative government papers are acceptable to some Islamic Banks and not to others, due to differences of opinion among Islamic Jurists on the admissibility of various contracts. This overview article discusses: (i) the relevant aspects of Islamic law which govern the sale and resale of government papers; and (ii) various government papers that are accepted in practice by some Islamic banks in Islamic countries, and their effectiveness in carrying out open market operations (OMOs). The policy prescription arising from the paper is the need for Central Banks to engage in reverse financial engineering, to issue government papers which target banks would accept. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Financial engineering in Islamic finance
Authors: Iqbal Zamir 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe objective of this article is to examine the scope of financial innovation and engineering within an Islamic financial system. The article concludes that, contrary to common belief, Islamic finance provides the basic building blocks that can be used to construct more complex instruments that will enhance liquidity and offer risk management tools. With the introduction of asset securitization and swap transactions conforming to Islamic principles, the issues of secondary markets and risk management can be addressed. The first section discusses the significance of innovation in Islamic financial markets. The second section discusses the process of introducing new products in the market and their scope. The third section illustrates an Islamic form of asset securitization as an example of financial engineering. The fourth section evaluates the structure of a commodity swap transaction to determine its validity. And finally, the fifth section concludes the discussion. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Risk and return of mudarabas: Empirical evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Uppal Jamshed Y. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAs a response to the Islamic prohibition on debt financing, innovative financial institutions (mudarabas or modarabas) offer alternative financing instruments based on profit and loss sharing contracts. The article analyzes the theoretical risk and return characteristics of such instruments. An empirical exercise examines the risk and return profiles of mudaraba certificates in Pakistan and compares these with those of equity and debt securities. The analysis shows that mudaraba certificates have characteristics which would classify them as equity securities rather than debt securities. One implication of our results is that the cost of capital would be higher for firms which are forced to substitute debt with mudaraba financing. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Integrating Islamic and conventional project finance
Authors: Ebrahim Muhammed‐Shahid 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article analyzes the traditional modes of Islamic project financing in light of modern financial engineering. The vehicles elaborated include debt, hybrid, and equity instruments. The first category includes the Qardh Hasan (benevolent loan), Murabahah (mark‐up), Ijara (leasing), and Islamic income/revenue bond facilities; the second incorporates the classical Mudharabah (profit‐sharing) contract; while the third category comprises the Musharakah (equity) vehicle. The Mudharabah contract can be synthetically created as a combination of a Cost‐plus (Murabahah) facility and an Option (Al‐ikhtiyarat) instrument to endogenously determine the profit sharing parameter. It is malleable in two‐dimensions depending on the financial goals and the risk profile of the investor. Securitization of the Mudharabah facility avoids the controversy of Bai' al‐dayn bi al‐dayn (sale of one set of debt security with another). Finally, the design of financial contracts via variants of Mudharabah securities such as income bond and participating bond is illustrated in a numerical example. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The trillion‐dollar enterprise: An interview with Booz.Allen & Hamilton's Vice Chairman, Cyrus F. Freidheim, Jr.
Authors: Anwar Syed Tariq 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Trillion‐Dollar Enterprise: How The Alliance Revolution Will Transform Global Business by Cyrus F. Freidheim, Jr. (Reading, Massachusetts: Perseus Books; 1998. pp. xiii + 253. ISBN 0‐7382‐0004‐2, Price: $25.00) is an interesting, timely, and provocative book that uncovers the alliance revolution and other forms of cooperative activities taking place in global business. The work is one of the first genuine attempts to share many years of a groundbreaking research at Booz.Allen & Hamilton on corporate networks, interorganizational alliances, and cooperative activities of global companies. The concept of the trillion‐dollar enterprise that Freidheim convincingly puts forward provides a refreshing and new addition to the lexicon of global business. In this interview with Thunderbird International Business Review's Book Editor, Syed Tariq Anwar, Freidheim describes the trillion‐dollar enterprise, its place in the twenty‐first century, and its future impact on world industries. Freidheim predicts that the trillion‐dollar enterprise will change the way companies do business in the domestic and international markets. Alliances, corporate networks, and megaventures will be the name of the game in the future, eventually bringing new types of companies and competitive environments that will have a lasting effect on multinational corporations (MNCs) as well as consumers. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Effect of moisture content of oil type sunflower seed on fungal growth and seed quality during storage
Authors: Robertson J. A. , Chapman G. W. , Wilson R. L. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractOil‐type hybrid sunflower seed exposed to relative humidities of 65%, 84% and 93% in environmental chambers at 10 C attained equilibrium moisture contents (mc) of 7.5±0.2%, 10.1±0.2% and 13.4±0.5% and were stored under these conditions for up to 60 weeks (wk). At 7.5% mc, germinability of seed changed very little during storage, but at 10.1% mc and 13.4% mc, germination significantly decreased during storage. At 7.5% mc, free fatty acid (FFA) levels in extracted oil did not change significantly during 60 wk of storage. However, at 10.1% mc, FFA increased significantly during 40 wk of storage and were significantly correlated with the invasion of seed by the storage fungusAspergillus (r=0.81) At 13.4% mc, FFA increased significantly during storage and were positively correlated with the invasion of seed byAspergillus andPenicillium and negatively correlated with germination percentage. Invasion of surface‐disinfected seed by fungi decreased from 83% to ca 66% of total seed during storage at 7.5% mc. The predominant fungus wasAlternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissler. A previously unreportedAlternaria sp., morphologically similar toA. ricini (Yoshii) Hansford andA. macrospora, was isolated from 9% of the seed. At 10.1% mc, fungal invasion also decreased for 24 wk and then began increasing again. At 24 wk of storage,Aspergillus began invading the seed. At 13.4% mc, 100% of the seed were invaded with fungi within 8 wk of storage. TotalAlternaria rapidly decreased during storage: and after only 4 wk of storage, the seed were invaded by bothAspergillus andPenicillium. After 24 wk of storage, the predominant genus wasAspergillus, followed byPenicillim andAlternaria. Other fungi invading the seed wereCladosporium, Phoma, Mucor, Rhizopus and several unidentified fungi.