bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in GABA transporters in the rat hippocampus after kainate‐induced neuronal injury: Decrease in GAT‐1 and GAT‐3 but upregulation of betaine/GABA transporter BGT‐1
Authors: Zhu Xiao‐Ming , Ong Wei‐Yi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporters GAT‐1, GAT‐2, GAT‐3, and BGT‐1 have been cloned and identified according to their differential amino acid sequences and pharmacologic properties. In contrast to GAT‐1, ‐2, or ‐3, BGT‐1 is capable of utilizing both GABA and betaine as substrates. Betaine has been suggested to be a protective osmolyte in the brain. Because changes in expression of GABA transporters/BGT‐1 might result in alterations in levels of GABA/betaine in the extracellular space, with consequent effects on neuronal excitability or osmolarity, the present study was carried out to explore expression of GABA transporters in the rat hippocampus after kainate‐induced neuronal injury. A decrease in GAT‐1 and GAT‐3 immunostaining but no change in GAT‐2 staining was observed in the degenerating CA subfields. In contrast, increased BGT‐1 immunoreactivity was observed in astrocytes after kainate injection. BGT‐1 is a weak transporter of GABA in comparison to other GABA transporters and the increased expression of BGT‐1 in astrocytes might be a protective mechanism against increased osmotic stress known to occur after excitotoxic injury. On the other hand, excessive or prolonged BGT‐1 expression might be a factor contributing to astrocytic swelling after brain injury. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Factors to consider when entering into a partnership arrangement in Japan
Authors: Lee Yang‐Im 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
Japanese companies have a collectivist culture that reinforces their organizational learning concept. They are highly skilled, communicate openly and are customer focused.
Before entering the Japanese market, managers in overseas companies need to fully understand the political, economic, technological and socio‐cultural environment in order that they understand and accommodate the priorities of Japanese managers.
Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rural business use of information and communications technologies (ICTs): a study of the relative impact of collective activity in rural Scotland
Authors: Deakins David , Mochrie Robbie , Galloway Laura 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
There has been limited systematic or comprehensive research on the use and impact of ICTs on rural small and medium size firms (SMEs), yet the use and take‐up of ICTs has been highlighted as an important strategic factor in the development of both rural firms and rural communities by a number of studies. Indeed, several empirical studies have found that rates of ICT adoption in SMEs lag behind those in larger businesses. This investigates the extent to which this can be seen to be the case in rural Scotland, and investigates the use of ICTs in rural firms.
A review of the literature is undertaken and relevant recent policy developments considered. Quantitative data is used to determine the rate and extent of ICT take‐up in rural SMEs. Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, attempts are made to examine a novel support mechanism — the Internet forum — based on rural locality or rural locality‐specific industry.
Contrary to previous literature, the survey evidence suggests that ICT use in business is high by small firms in rural areas, including utilizing on‐line sources for markets and suppliers. Internet forums appear to be significant for utilizing ICT‐related technologies for business growth, especially for increasing sales and accessing international markets. Internet forums may also have encouraged relatively high use of public sector sources of advice and support.
Qualitative findings show that Internet business forums exist due to complicated reasons that are more related to local and individual human factors rather than market forces. That is, they have often arisen where local communities or local individuals have been able to raise funding, or where they have been the target of public sector initiatives and funding.
This paper supports the view that the establishment of Internet‐based business forums can have beneficial advantages for local rural firms. However, it is recognized that where such forums exist it is likely that it is the more growth‐orientated firms that will join them and that strategies for sustainability of forums, while desirable, were not observed.
Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of major lipid classes in human triacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins by high‐performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light‐scattering detection
Authors: Perona Javier S. , Ruiz‐Gutierrez Valentina 
Published: June 2004

AbstractTriacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins (TRL), comprising chylomicrons (CM) and very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL), have been associated with cardiovascular disease. The lipid class content in the remnant particles of these lipoproteins is a determinant for the accumulation of lipids in macrophages and their transformation into foam cells. We have optimized a method for the simultaneous determination of cholesteryl esters (CE), triacylglycerols (TG), free cholesterol (FC), monoacylglycerols (MG), and phospholipids (PL) by HPLC coupled to a light‐scattering detector (ELSD). A diol column and a ternary gradient of hexane, 2‐propanol, and methanol were applied to CM and VLDL of human origin (n = 10), with excellent precision in terms of repeatability of peak areas and retention times. All peaks were baseline resolved although the resolution of CE and TG was compromised for the sake of simplicity of the solvent gradient. The ELSD response was fitted to second‐order equations, with correlation coefficients (r 2) higher than 0.999 for a wide range of concentrations (0.25–10 μg of lipid injected). TG were the major lipid class detected in human TRL, accounting for 62% in CM obtained 2 h after the oil intake. In addition we recorded a depletion of TG and CE in CM obtained 2 h after the oil intake of about 60%. We conclude that the method reported here is suitable for a rapid and precise determination of lipid classes in human TRL and, therefore, may be a useful tool for investigations on the atherogenicity of these lipoproteins.
Determination of hydrolyzable tannins in the fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. by high‐performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Juang Lih‐Jeng , Sheu Shuenn‐Jyi , Lin Ta‐Chen 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA RP‐HPLC method for determining fourteen components (gallic acid, chebulic acid, 1,6‐di‐O‐galloyl‐D‐glucose, punicalagin, 3,4,6‐tri‐O‐galloyl‐D‐glucose, casuarinin, chebulanin, corilagin, neochebulinic acid, terchebulin, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, chebulinic acid, and 1,2,3,4,6‐penta‐O‐galloyl‐D‐glucose) in the fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. is described. The separation was achieved within 80 min using a binary gradient with mobile phases consisting of a pH 2.7 phosphoric acid solution and an 80% CH3CN solution. Capillary electrophoretic analyses were also attempted, and it was found that CZE (25 mM Na2B4O7, 5 mM NaH2PO4, pH 7.0) was an efficient method for the separation of gallotannins, while an MEKC method (25 mM Na2B4O7, 5 mM NaH2PO4, 20 mM SDS, pH 7.0, and 10% acetonitrile) provided a better separation for most of the tannins examined. The HPLC and CE methods developed were both successfully applied to the assay of tannins in commercial samples of Chebulae Fructus.
On the potential of electrochemically modulated liquid chromatography of proteins in a micro open parallel plate separator
Authors: Lapizco‐Encinas Blanca H. , Pinto Neville G. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractElectrochemically Modulated Liquid Chromatography (EMLC) is a technique in which an electrical potential is applied to the stationary phase in order to alter its adsorptive properties. The micro Open Parallel Plate Separator (μOPPS) is an open‐channel micro‐chromatographic system with the unique characteristic of an adjustable rectangular flow cross‐section. In this publication, the performance of the μOPPS in the EMLC mode was simulated using a comprehensive mathematical model. The separation of two proteins was analyzed by performing a parametric study for the effects of the potential applied to the stationary phase, the dimensions of the device, and the operating conditions. It is shown that the combination of the μOPPS and EMLC is promising for protein separations. These separations can be optimized by carefully selecting the applied potential and the geometry of the μOPPS. The marriage of the μOPPS and EMLC adds two additional dimensions for control, to improve the separation efficiency in analytical applications and in preparative separations of trace compounds.
Good or bad rangeland? Hybrid knowledge, science, and local understandings of vegetation dynamics in the Kalahari
Authors: Thomas D. S. G. , Twyman C. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractUsing data from field studies in the Kalahari rangelands of Southern Africa, the relationships between ‘scientific’ and ‘land user’ interpretations of land degradation and change in nonequilibrium savanna ecosystems are explored. Scientific and land‐user views are often regarded as distinct, and even opposed, knowledges. We contest that a more constructive view can be taken through the concept of hybrid knowledge, whereby value is attached to both approaches and through which a more useful and meaningful assessment of environmental change, and its implications for development and natural resource use, can be made. We find that in both the southwestern and northwestern Kalahari, pastoralists have a complex understanding of the patchiness of ecosystem variability, and that they utilise elements of this patchiness of change, notably dimensions of bush encroachment and grass species change that have commonly been regarded as degradation in scientific understandings, within livestock management strategies, especially at times of environmental stress. We urge caution in the application of the termdegradation, and a more widespread recognition of the multifaceted dimensions, including benefits, ofchangewithin the scientifically recognized variability of nonequilibrium rangelands. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Kalahari sand soils: spatial heterogeneity, biological soil crusts and land degradation
Authors: Dougill A. J. , Thomas A. D. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper identifies spatial associations between surface nutrients, biological soil crusts and vegetation in the Kalahari. Four locations, with different land use and substrate characteristics were used to determine the extent of biological crust cover and the factors affecting the spatial heterogeneity in soil nutrients and ecology. Despite the sandy texture of Kalahari soils and regular surface disturbances, there is a significant biological soil crust cover (19–40%) at all locations. This is due to a combination of resistance to trampling, sub‐canopy niches protected from disturbance and the prevalence ofMicrocoleus vaginatuscyanobacteria, which are able to rapidly reform crusts. Crust cover and diversity is enhanced on ironstone and calcrete soils. The spatial variability of soil nutrients is low but is increased by grazing‐induced bush encroachment. The preferential development of nitrogen‐fixing biological soil crusts under bushes could enhance the competitive advantage ofAcacia melliferafavouring further bush encroachment. Whether this constitutes land degradation is dependent upon the extent to which sub‐bush canopy niches retain palatable grass species. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Demographic dynamics and land degradation at Ratau, Lesotho, in the context of rural sustainability
Authors: Makhanya E. M. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractPopulation trends and factors have been identified as indicators of sustainability. Existing plans for sustainable development have generally recognized demographic trends and factors as elements that have a critical influence on consumption patterns, production, lifestyles and long‐term sustainability. The aim of this study, which was carried out at Ratau in Lesotho, was to examine the relationship between demographic dynamics and environmental degradation. The objective was to identify the nature and extent of the relationships between the prevailing land degradation and demographic factors at Ratau, and thereby appraise its sustainability. It was found that Ratau was overpopulated, overgrazed, underdeveloped and degraded. It was further established that there is some linkages between material poverty of the villagers, poor agricultural‐land management and environmental degradation, which indicates an adverse synergistic relationship between demographic dynamics and sustainable rural development in the study area. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Education and land‐use planning for sustainable agricultural development in Western Australia
Authors: Conacher A. , Tonts M. , Conacher J. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractLand degradation associated with agriculture has been recognized worldwide as posing serious environmental, natural resource and human problems. As a consequence, the Australian Government agricultural agencies, while still focusing on agricultural development, are increasingly being required to add social and biophysical environmental objectives to their more traditional economic development roles. One of the difficulties faced by agencies in achieving this aim is the lack of appropriate skills by their traditionally educated professional staff.This paper shows how one such agency, the Western Australian Department of Agriculture, is responding to major land degradation problems and the need to undertake integrated land‐use planning to achieve sustainable development objectives. In particular, following a tender process whereby the authors provided advice on alternative means of achieving the agency's objectives, the authors were contracted through the University of Western Australia's Institute for Regional Development to mount an on‐line course designed for agency officers.While students have responded positively to the course content, a number of problems relating to the delivery of this course has emerged. They include the feeling of isolation by the students, problems with web designer over educational philosophies, the inordinate amount of time involved in writing and delivering the course, and unresolved questions relating to intellectual property. The question still remains as to whether the course will achieve the primary underlying objective of attaining sustainable agricultural development. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technological change in agriculture and land degradation in Bangladesh: a case study
Authors: Ali A. M. S. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractMuch of Bangladesh has experienced land degradation due to technological change in agriculture in an attempt to increase food production. This study examines the impacts of cultivation of high‐yielding variety (HYV) rice, using power tillers, low‐lift irrigation pumps, chemical fertilizers and pesticides, on selected land and soil qualities during the period 1985–2000 in a village in southwestern Bangladesh. For the purpose, three types of land uses were identified: fields traditionally plowed to cultivate rain‐fed localamanrice using cow‐manure and very little or no pesticides; plots power tilled to cultivate rain‐fed HYVamanrice using full‐dose application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides; and fields power tilled to cultivate rain‐fed HYVamanrice followed by low‐lift pump irrigated HYVbororice using double doses of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Based on 120 soil samples collected from 60 plots representing these three land‐use types, the present study revealed significant changes in soil texture, bulk density and structure, increases in soil acidity and salinity, depletion of Ca, Mg, K, N, P, Zn, and organic C in double‐cropped irrigated rice fields compared to the rain‐fed single‐crop rice fields. Power‐tilled plots have shown higher rate of soil erosion and loss of soil structure than traditionally plowed fields. Low‐lift pump irrigated fields were more degraded than rain‐fed rice fields. Soil degradation has affected the yield of rice while cultivation of HYV rice has decreased the fodder production that affected livestock population. While technological change was necessary to meet the growing population demand for food, its negative impacts on land and soil qualities are alarming and should be minimized by adopting more sustainable techno‐managerial methods and continuous soil monitoring. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate with Chloro Zirconocene Enolates
Authors: Ferenz Michael , Bandermann Friedhelm , Sustmann Reiner , Sicking Willi 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: The polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of the neutral chloro zirconocene enolates, Cp2ZrCl[OC(OMe)CMe2] (1), Me4C2(Cp)2ZrCl[OC(OMe)CMe2] (2), and Me2C(Cp)2ZrCl[OC(OMe)CMe2] (3), was investigated. None of these compounds is catalytically active on its own. They could be activated by adding Ph3CB(C6F5)4 (4); however, only if the initial concentration of enolate is higher than that of the perfluorated phenyl borate. Polymers were produced with a number average molar mass of up to 100 000 g/mol and a dispersion index of 1.1–1.3 with mixtures comprising 1 and 4 or 2 and 4. The degree of polymerization depends only on the quantity of excess enolate and not on the absolute concentration of the initiator components. In contrast, a mixture of 3 and 4 was not very active. Kinetic modeling of the systems as well as NMR spectroscopic investigations indicate that a bimetallic mechanism can describe chain growth. The activity of these catalytic systems depends on the structure of the ligand. The two zirconocenes with bridged cyclopentadienyl ligands, (2) and (3), convert MMA considerably slower. In addition to the methyl zirconocene enolates with unbridged cyclopentadienyl ligands, the corresponding chloro zirconocene enolates are also suitable for the polymerization of MMA. The latter compounds offer the advantage that preparations for the production of the initiators are comparatively simple.Structures of investigated initiators.magnified imageStructures of investigated initiators.
A New Versatile Radical Addition on α, ω‐Dimethacrylate Poly(ethylene oxide)
Authors: Jarroux Nathalie , Guégan Philippe , Buchmann William , Tortajada Jeanine , Cheradame Hervé 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: The synthesis of α,ω‐di(2‐methyl‐6‐pyrenyl‐2‐succinimidylhexanoic ester)poly(ethylene oxide) (Py(S)‐EOn‐(S)Py) was obtained by a new radical reaction between 4‐pyrenylbutanoate N‐hydroxysuccinimidyl ester and α,ω‐dimethacrylate poly(ethylene oxide). The reason for the choice of such bulky groups is a possible application of this reaction to the synthesis of polyrotaxane from polypseudorotaxane. Two reaction media were examined, heterogeneous in water at room temperature using persulfate as initiator, or homogeneous in DMSO at 60 °C using AIBN as initiator. Structural characterization of the functionalization products was carried out by SEC, MALDI TOF, and NMR spectroscopies. It was shown that two types of α,ω‐dipyrenyl PEO could be obtained, one corresponding to the expected product (Py(S)‐EOn‐(S)Py), the other corresponding to the same structure but without the succinimidyl substituent (Py(H)‐EOn‐(H)Py). It was also shown that in the soluble system macrocycles could be formed and this last aspect has been assigned to intramolecular interactions existing between the pyrenyl groups. An interesting aspect of this synthesis is the possibility to find conditions giving high yields without crosslinking and fairly reduced amount of coupling.
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Ring Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP) of cis‐ and trans‐3,4‐Bis(acetyloxymethyl)cyclobut‐1‐enes and Synthesis of Block Copolymers
Authors: Lapinte Vincent , de Frémont Pierre , Montembault Véronique , Fontaine Laurent 
Published: June 2004

AbstractSummary: The synthesis and living ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of diacetate functionalized cyclobutene derivatives cis‐3,4‐bis(acetyloxymethyl)cyclobutene (2) and trans‐3,4‐bis(acetyloxymethyl)cyclobutene (3) were investigated with the functional group tolerant initiators (PCy3)2(Cl)2RuCHPh (I) and (SIMes)(PCy3)(Cl)2RuCHPh (II) (SIMes: 1,3‐dimesityl‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene). The kinetic parameters of the ROMP initiated by the ruthenium alkylidene complexes I and II were determined and correlated to monomer stereochemistry. The cis isomer 2 was found to be more reactive than the trans isomer 3 and to generate functional polymers of narrow molecular weight distribution especially with the classical “first generation Grubbs catalyst” I. Block copolymers containing 2 and cyclooctadiene (COD) or norbornene (NBE) were synthesized. Block copolymer poly(2‐b‐COD) was hydrolyzed and converted to a material with a block bearing hydrophilic alcohol functional groups and hydrophobic block.SEC elution profiles: poly(2) prepolymer and block copolymer poly(2‐b‐COD).magnified imageSEC elution profiles: poly(2) prepolymer and block copolymer poly(2‐b‐COD).
On the coefficients of concave univalent functions
Authors: Avkhadiev Farit G. , Pommerenke Christian , Wirths Karl‐Joachim 
Published: June 2004

AbstractLet D denote the open unit disc and f : D → \documentclass{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} $ \overline {\mathbb C} $ \end{document} be meromorphic and injective in D. We assume that f is holomorphic at zero and has the expansion

Especially, we consider f that map D onto a domain whose complement with respect to \documentclass{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} $ \overline {\mathbb C} $ \end{document} is convex. We call these functions concave univalent functions and denote the set of these functions by Co.We prove that the sharp inequalities |an| ≥ 1, n ∈ ℕ, are valid for all concave univalent functions. Furthermore, we consider those concave univalent functions which have their pole at a point p ∈ (0, 1) and determine the precise domain of variability for the coefficients a2 and a3 for these classes of functions. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A non‐commutative Landau‐Zener formula
Authors: Fermanian Kammerer Clotilde 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe study semi‐classical measures of families of solutions to a 2 × 2 Dirac system with 0 mass, which presents bands crossing. We focus on constant electro‐magnetic fields. The fact that these fields are orthogonal or not leads to different geometric situations. In the first case, one reduces to some well‐understood model problem. For studying the second case, we introduce some two‐scale semi‐classical measures associated with symplectic submanifold. These measures are operator‐valued measures and the transfer of energy at the crossing is described by a non‐commutative Landau‐Zener formula for these measures. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Discrepancy of randomly sampled sequences of reals
Authors: Weber Michel 
Published: June 2004

AbstractWe estimate the discrepancy of (nx) when n is sampled by a random walk and give examples involving the diophantine approximation properties of x. The proof relies upon the combination of the metric entropy method and the Erdös‐Turan inequality. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)