bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of language in cross‐national surveys: American and Japanese respondents
Authors: Kuroda Yasumasa , Hayashi Chikio , Suzuki Tatsuzo
Published: May 2007

By using an ‘index of dissimilarities’, the present study demonstrates that certain questions and response categories worded in English and Japanese did not yield functionally equivalent responses in a series of surveys conducted in Japan and the United States among bilingual students. When students are thinking in Japanese, they are more likely to select a middle position response such as ‘it depends on…’ than when they are responding in English. The trend was observed among American students responding in Japanese as well. The study also analyses possible effects of cultural environment on response to survey questions through the use of Hayashi's ‘correspondence analysis’ technique.
Inequalities for stochastic flow shops and job shops
Authors: Pinedo Michael , Wie Sung‐Hwan
Published: May 2007

Consider an m‐machine flow shop with n jobs. The processing time of job j, j = 1,…, n, on each one of the m machines is equal to the random variable Xj and is distributed according to Fj. We show that, under certain conditions, more homogeneous distributions F1,…, Fn result in a smaller expected makespan. We also study the effect of the variability of distribution Fj on the expected waiting costs of the n jobs and on the job sequencing which minimizes this total expected waiting cost. We show that the smallest (largest) variance first rule minimizes the total expected waiting cost on a single machine when the waiting cost function is increasing convex (concave). We also show that the smallest variance first rule minimizes, under given conditions, the total expected waiting cost in an m machine flow shop when the waiting cost function is increasing convex. Similar results are also obtained for the two‐machine job shop. Similar results cannot be obtained when the processing times of job j on the various machines are i.i.d. and distributed according to Fj.
An algorithm for nth degree stochastic dominance
Authors: Helms Billy P. , Jean William H. , Tehranian Hassan
Published: May 2007

An algorithm for nth degree stochastic dominance is developed using necessary conditions derived by Whitmore, Jean and Jean and Helms to reduce the computation time. The algorithm is presented and tested to determine run times for large sets of portfolios. The algorithm is fast enough computationally to be useful for both research projects and practical applications.
Structuring a regional problem: Aggregation and clustering in orderings
Authors: Owsiński Jan W. , Zadrozny Sławomir
Published: May 2007

In a planning effort for a region of Poland a problem structuring session was set up to assess the importance, imminence, and danger factor of issues arising through rapid development. These issues were ordered by a number of judges for the three features mentioned. An aggregation of these orderings was called for. Besides that, however, it was deemed necessary to perform clustering of issues, in view of the expected instability of aggregate orderings. For the aggregation of opinions the method developed by Marcotorchino and Michaud was used, paralleled by a modification of the method by Owsiński. Clustering was performed via a special LP formulation.
The population‐sample decomposition approach to multivariate estimation methods
Authors: Van Praag Bernard M. S. , De Leeuw Jan , Kloek Teun
Published: May 2007

In this paper it is argued that all multivariate estimation methods, such as OLS regression, simultaneous linear equations systems and, more widely, what are known as LISREL methods, have merit as geometric approximation methods, even if the observations are not drawn from a multivariate normal parent distribution and consequently cannot be viewed as ML estimators. It is shown that for large samples the asymptotical distribution of any estimator, being a totally differentiable covariance function, may be assessed by the δ method. Finally, we stress that the design of the sample and a priori knowledge about the parent distribution may be incorporated to obtain more specific results.

It turns out that some fairly traditional assumptions, such as assuming some variables to be non‐random, fixed over repeated samples, or the existence of a parent normal distribution, may have dramatic effects on the assessment of standard deviations and confidence bounds, if such assumptions are not realistic. The method elaborated by us does not make use of such assumptions.
Interpretation of redundancy analysis: Rotated vs. unrotated solutions
Authors: Israëls A. Z.
Published: May 2007

Some properties of redundancy analysis are summarized and suggestions for normalization are given. The relations between redundancy analysis and principal component analysis and, to a lesser extent, canonical analysis, are reasons for considering rotation techniques on the primary solution. An example from practice is given in which redundancy analysis is a useful technique, but where rotation of its results is desired in order to simplify the interpretation.
The estimation of stochastic cost‐quantity frontiers for discretionary cost and budgeted‐expenditure systems
Authors: Hamlen Susan S. , Hamlen William A.
Published: May 2007

Two alternative approximating functions for representing the unknown composite residual density function of a cost‐quantity frontier are examined. The frontier is one in which cost is regarded as preselected. This is appropriate for public sector economics and discretionary cost situations. One function requires the estimation of a single distribution parameter, whereas the other makes no a priori assumption on the shape of the density function.
Rankings aggregation in regional planning
Authors: Michaud Pierre
Published: May 2007

This paper proposes a solution to the Owsinsky and Zadrozny problem based on the Condorcet criterion. With this unique criterion and a unique approach it is possible to obtain either a collective ranking or clusters without using any distance. In both cases indices of conditioning can be associated. Also in both cases a very simple way (requiring practically no computation for this problem) to obtain the collective results will be given.
Group methodology in production management: A solution based on a hierarchical classification method
Authors: Lerman Israël‐César
Published: May 2007

We consider the problem submitted by Garcia and Proth and we propose for it a solution obtained by simply applying our very general method of hierarchical classification based on the likelihood of the links, in the case of an incidence table of data. This application is done on each of the two sides of the incidence data table. In our approach, the common number p of classes has not to be fixed arbitrarily, but is an observed possible result—provided by the notions of ‘significant’ levels and nodes of the classification tree—for the ‘natural’ association between two partitions. We compare our solution with the previous one.
A comparison of three linear rules for classification
Authors: Defays D. , Heuchenne C.
Published: May 2007

This paper compares three different linear procedures for classification: the normal one, the canonical one and a distribution‐free one recently described by Heuchenne. The study is mainly conducted using a simulation which makes it possible to compute the probabilities of correct allocation of the three methods in 3888 different cases. The normal rule looks slightly better than Heuchenne's, which looks clearly better than the canonical one. Finally, inference on Heuchenne's method is examined and conditions under which this method is optimal are given.
An application of some bayesian diagnostics to a study of the impact of blood lead upon human blood pressure
Authors: Atkinson S. E. , Crocker T. D. , Williams D. H.
Published: May 2007

Recently, Pirkleet al.used a sample of 40–59 year old white males from the second cycle of the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Survey (NHANES II) to estimate the association between blood pressure and blood lead concentration. They found that, on average, a 1 μg/dl increase in blood lead increased diastolic blood pressure by about 4.5 per cent and systolic blood pressure by about 6.5 per cent. We use Bayesian diagnostics to enquire into the statistical robustness of some dimensions of their results. In particular, we ask whether the results they report are sensitive to specification uncertainty and are intolerant to measurement error. We conclude the possibility to be remote that the introduction or the omission of other covariates will significantly alter the estimated influence of blood lead upon either the diastolic blood pressures or the systolic blood pressures of the adult white males in their sample. Similarly, our analysis demonstrates that other covariates are likely to affect the estimated influence of blood lead concentration only if they are quite poorly measured.
Identities for stopped markov chains and their applications
Authors: Abdel‐Hameed Mohamed
Published: May 2007

In this paper we obtain identities for some stopped Markov chains. These identities give a unified approach to many problems in optimal stopping of a Markovian sequence, extinction probability of a Markovian branching process and martingale theory.
Analysis of choice behaviour via probabilistic ideal point and vector models
Authors: Böckenholt I. , Gaul W.
Published: May 2007

The aim of this paper is to add results to the everlasting attempt to find appropriate models for the description and analysis of choice behaviour. As stochastic generalizations within choice models which allow estimation and testing in a straightforward way should be of great interest, probabilistic ideal point and vector approaches are used to handle inter‐ and intra‐individual irregularities in paired comparisons preference data. For choice behaviour analysis maximum likelihood estimates of the model parameters are computed and possibilities of testing various model variants by means of log‐likelihood ratio tests are discussed. The proposed models offer information to decide whether an ideal point or a vector approach is more appropriate for the description of the pairwise choice data. Examples of data sets known from previous research in choice behaviour are used for the comparison and for the demonstration of the merits of the proposed procedures.
Industry structure, performance and stability
Authors: Uri Noel D.
Published: May 2007

This paper looks at the issue once more of whether there is a statistically significant relationship between industry structure and economic performance. Tempered by the results of a test for structural stability, it is suggested that judicious choice of the industries included in the sample used to estimate the hypothesized relationship will lead to any desired result. As a consequence, one must be cautious in accepting the results of any study that unequivocally purports to show the presence or absence of an identifiable relationship between industry structure and industry performance.
A new stochastic ultrametric tree unfolding methodology for assessing competitive market structure and deriving market segments
Authors: Desarbo W. S. , de Soete G. , Carroll J. D. , Ramaswamy V.
Published: May 2007

We present a new methodology for simultaneously assessing competitive market structure and deriving market segments. A hierarchical or ultrametric tree representation is estimated in a maximum likelihood framework from collected paired‐comparison choice data. The derived tree portrays both brands and consumers/households/segments as terminal nodes, where the ‘closer’ a brand is to a particular consumer/household/segment in the tree, the higher the predicted probability of that consumer/household/segment choosing that particular brand. This paper initially presents an introduction to the problem of market structure assessment. We review the extensive marketing literature on market structure and survey several competing methodologies. The proposed stochastic ultrametric tree unfolding methodology is technically described and several program options are indicated. An illustration of the proposed methodology is presented with respect to paired comparison choice data collected from a convenience sample involving the over‐the‐counter analgesics market. Finally, several areas for future research are identified.
Markov: A methodology for the solution of infinite time horizon markov decision processes
Authors: Williams Byron K.
Published: May 2007

Algorithms are described for determining optimal policies for finite state, finite action, infinite discrete time horizon Markov decision processes. Both value‐improvement and policy‐improvement techniques are used in the algorithms. Computing procedures are also described. The algorithms are appropriate for processes that are either finite or infinite, deterministic or stochastic, discounted or undiscounted, in any meaningful combination of these features. Computing procedures are described in terms of initial data processing, bound improvements, process reduction, and testing and solution.

Application of the methodology is illustrated with an example involving natural resource management. Management implications of certain hypothesized relationships between mallard survival and harvest rates are addressed by applying the optimality procedures to mallard population models.
Two‐state‐variable stochastic tree problems
Authors: Ye Meng‐Hua
Published: May 2007

This paper extends the one‐state‐variable stochastic tree problem to the two‐state‐variable case. (Considering, for example, a tree whose size and price evolve according to two different Wiener processes, we solve for the optimal cutting time. The optimization of the expected present discounted value of the tree is converted to a standard free‐boundary problem. Analytical results are reported. In particular we find that more variance near the optimal free boundary will increase the value of the tree. Finally, a method is developed to find the numerical solution to the free boundary problem. A numerical example is presented.
Application of a stochastic model to the breakage of flocs in stirred tanks
Authors: Nassar R. , Kim Y. H. , Glasgow L. A. , Fan L. T.
Published: May 2007

A stochastic model is employed to account for the dynamic behaviour of floc breakage. More specifically, the evolution of the particle‐size distribution over time is presented. The model is compared to experimental data obtained by exposing kaolin—iron(III) flocs to hydrodynamic stress generated by a turbine impeller. The agreement between the model and experimental data appears to be satisfactory.
Relational analysis and dictionaries
Authors: Bedecarrax C. , Warnesson I.
Published: May 2007

The aim of the paper is to propose adequate models for the description of and appropriate solutions to dictionary optimization. A dictionary dedicated to human users is (as with any human artefact) full of errors and inconsistencies which cannot be handled by a computer as an end user. Thus, it is necessary to check and optimize the contents. By using ‘pairwise optimal clustering’ approaches, similarity aggregation and the new quadri‐decomposition methods, we will show how they are adapted to handle linguistic data in different configurations (a dictionary of synonyms and a bilingual dictionary). On these real‐life applications (i.e. our processed dictionary of synonyms corresponds to more than 2.5 billion matrix cells) we will describe how different aspects of such a method can be a good tool for designing new dictionaries for both applications.
Judgement by pairwise comparisons
Authors: Leunbach G.
Published: May 2007

This article gives an alternative solution to the problem of W. Gaul and M. Schader (Vol. 4, no. 4 pp. 273–282).
A unified theory for coherent systems in reliability I. A generalization for some classic theory: Monotone binary coherent systems
Authors: Mazars N.
Published: May 2007

Binary coherent system theory has played an important part in reliability. Its extension to (‘degradable’ or ‘multistate’ or) multinary systems has recently been considered in various papers, through various definitions. This paper lays the foundations of a unified theory for coherent systems by first giving unified arguments to apply and to investigate further binary and multinary systems. Monotone binary systems are introduced and examined by generalizing classic deterministic and probabilistic results. Applications of monotone coherence to the multinary case are proposed in a companion paper with a unified viewpoint on multinary coherent systems. As an indication, monotone constraints are defined with a partition of the component set and some total orderings imposed on the elements of the concerned partition. The discrete partition retrieves the classic theory of (free) binary coherent systems; some constraints defined from component levels lead to multinary coherent systems; some other constraints apply to systems submitted to some ‘common stresses’, e.g. the organizing system of a monotone coherent decomposition.
A unified theory for coherent systems in reliability II. A unified viewpoint on multinary coherent systems through monotone coherence and relevance
Authors: Mazars N.
Published: May 2007

Binary coherent system theory has played an important part in reliability. Its extension to (‘degradable’ or ‘multistate’ or) multinary systems has recently been considered in various papers, through various definitions. This paper studies the most general model for multinary systems, proposes a unified viewpoint on multinary coherent systems and gives unified arguments to apply and to investigate further the binary and multinary cases.

In a more detailed way, the ‘helpful bridge’ lately proposed by Block and Savits1 between the binary and multinary cases is completed and multinary systems then can be studied in terms of monotone binary coherent systems, introduced in a companion paper.2 Through various results, multinary systems are examined in terms of structure functions and of life functions; fundamental relations for their analysis are obtained with their set characterizations; the main axis that can be retained among the numerous types of coherence is emphasized, in a unified way, through relevance; reliability models are examined through performance processes, life lengths and performance functions; and Birnbaum's factors of importance are thoroughly extended to the multinary case. Fundamental results proposed in previous studies are thus completed with a shorter unified approach.
Analysis of pseudo‐periodic chronological series with irregularly time‐spaced data in view to their prediction. I. Proposed problem
Authors: Mennessier M. O.
Published: May 2007

The problem originates from the necessity to predict luminosities of large‐amplitude variable stars that are to be observed by the astronomical satellite HIPPARCOS. The data have a specific character: they are unequally time‐spaced and can be missing during a long time in comparison to the pseudo‐period. So the classical method of time‐series analysis must be adapted and new methods are to be searched.

In the following papers we present two solutions: a numerical one derived from a Fourier analysis and a symbolic one.
Analysis of pseudo‐periodic chronological series with irregularly time‐spaced data in view to their prediction. III. Symbolic analysis
Authors: Mennessier M. O. , Diday E.
Published: May 2007

The problem originates from the necessity to predict luminosities of large‐amplitude variable stars that are to be observed by the astronomical satellite HIPPARCOS. The data have a specific character: they are unequally time‐spaced and can be missing during a long time in comparison to the pseudo‐period. So the classical method of time‐series analysis must be adapted and new methods are to be searched.

In this paper we present a symbolic solution.
Analysis of pseudo‐periodic chronological series with irregularly time‐spaced data in view to their prediction. IV. Using a symbolic learning method
Authors: Quinqueton Joël
Published: May 2007

We first present briefly the CALM learning method, based upon the idea of belief. Then we state the multi‐agents scheme in which such a method can be used to predict numerical values. The basic idea is to simulate the expert's reasoning in front of a graphical display of the numerical values representing the phenomenon he wants to study:

First, looking at local shapes in the curve

Secondly, using maxima, minima and/or zero‐crossings to prevent long range errors in the prediction.

We present some results on the astronomy problem presented by M. O. Menessier about the prediction of brightness variation of Mira stars.
Combinatorial data analysis: Confirmatory comparisons between sets of matrices
Authors: Hubert Lawrence , Arabie Phipps
Published: May 2007

The task of assessing the similarity of pattern between the entries of two square matrices has been discussed extensively over the last decade, as a unifying strategy for approaching a variety of seemingly disparate statistical problems. As typically defined, the comparison depends on a measure of matrix correspondence, usually a normalized cross‐product measure of some form, that is evaluated for relative size by the use of a reference distribution constructed through an equally likely permutation hypothesis defined at the level of the objects corresponding to the rows and columns of the two matrices. The extreme generality provided by this very simple framework subsumes a variety of different statistical problems, ranging from the study of spatial autocorrelation for variables observed over a set of geographic locations, to the topics of analysis of variance, the measurement of rank correlation, and confirmation techniques concerned with various conjectures of combinatorial structure that might be posited for an empirically determined measure of relationship between pairs of a given set of objects. The comparison strategies extant always assume that both matrices are fixed, and in those cases where one of the matrices codifies a given theoretical structure to be evaluated according to a second, this assumption can lead to substantial arbitrariness in how matrix similarity might be indexed, and thus, in how the comparison is implemented. As developed in this paper, exactly the same principles appropriate for use in the fixed comparison context can be extended to include matrices constructed through optimally weighted linear combinations of other sets of matrices. This generalization provides one mechanism for developing comparison strategies that allow assessment against very broad classes of matrices, which in turn serve to represent very general conjectures of possible combinatorial structure. This paper reviews some of these extensions in detail, with a particular emphasis on categorical and ordered categorical variables and whether they may reflect an empirically generated measure of object relationship.
Granulocyte luminescence curves: Is anything there?
Authors: Kulesza Barbara , Owsiński Jan W. , Zadrożny Sławomir
Published: May 2007

This problem (proposed for the 4th International Symposium on Applied Stochastic Models and Data Analysis) concerns an exploratory study related to the presently accepted hypothesis that temporal curves of the forced pulse luminescence of specialized blood cells, granulocytes, may indicate the level of effectiveness of the immunological system. This paper presents a new set of empirical data and an analysis of its structure.
Data analysis and decision support
Authors: Gaul Wolfgang , Schader Martin
Published: May 2007

In this paper, we consider developmental lines of computer‐assisted decision support (with consideration of knowledge‐based approaches) for data analysis problems. First, we discuss some situations where it is obviously appropriate to apply computer‐assisted decision support in connection with data analysis tasks. Then, a brief historical retrospect is given viewing the development of this area of research and its interfaces to knowledge‐based approaches. Against this background we illustrate two prototypes of knowledge‐based decision support systems for specific data‐analysis problems related to fields of interest of our own. Finally, we indicate possible progress and future activities in this area.
Prevalence of subjective poor health symptoms associated with exposure to electromagnetic fields among university students
Authors: Mortazavi S. M. J. , Ahmadi J. , Shariati M.
Published: May 2007

The original article to which this erratum refers was published in Bioelectromagnetics 28:326–330.
Study of solid‐phase synthesis and purification strategies for the preparation of polyglutamine peptides
Authors: Viau Martin , Létourneau Myriam , Sirois‐Deslongchamps Ariane , Boulanger Yvan , Fournier Alain
Published: May 2007

Many neurodegenerative diseases are related to an abnormal expansion of the CAG trinucleotide that produces polyglutamine segments in several proteins. However, the pathogenesis of these neurodegenerative states is not yet well understood. Thus, to evaluate the molecular mechanisms leading to those diseases, suitable research tools such as synthetic polyglutamine peptides are required. The synthesis and purification of such peptides are usually difficult because of poor solubility, which leads to low coupling and/or deblocking reactivity. After exploring many synthesis, solubilization and purification approaches, a protocol allowing the production of polyglutamines in good yield and high purity was developed. With this protocol, peptides of 10–30 glutamine residues were synthesized using a linear solid‐phase strategy combined with a maximal side‐chain protection scheme using fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry. After cleavage of the peptide from the polymeric support, the crude material was treated with glacial acetic acid and lyophilized. This treatment significantly improved the solubility of the polyglutamine peptides thus allowing their dissolution in aqueous conditions and purification through reverse‐phase high performance liquid chromatography. These solubilization and purification conditions led to the formation of N‐pyroglutamyl peptide derivatives that were easily isolated. These N‐pyroglutamylated compounds also appear as useful research tools because data from the literature suggest that N‐terminal modification of polyglutamine segments might play a role in their pathogenic properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 88: 754–763, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Merozoite surface protein 2 of Plasmodium falciparum: Expression, structure, dynamics, and fibril formation of the conserved N‐terminal domain
Authors: Low Andrew , Chandrashekaran Indu R. , Adda Christopher G. , Yao Shenggen , Sabo Jennifer K. , Zhang Xuecheng , Soetopo Alfreda , Anders Robin F. , Norton Raymond S.
Published: May 2007

Merozoite surface protein 2 (MSP2) is a GPI‐anchored protein on the surface of the merozoite stage of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. It is largely disordered in solution, but has a propensity to form amyloid‐like fibrils under physiological conditions. The N‐terminal conserved region (MSP21–25) is part of the protease‐resistant core of these fibrils. To investigate the structure and dynamics of this region, its ability to form fibrils, and the role of individual residues in these properties, we have developed a bacterial expression system that yields ≥10 mg of unlabeled or 15N‐labeled peptide per litre of culture. Two recombinant versions of MSP21–25, wild‐type and a Y7A/Y16A mutant, have been produced. Detailed conformational analysis of the wild‐type peptide and backbone 15N relaxation data indicated that it contains β‐turn and nascent helical structures in the central and C‐terminal regions. Residues 6–21 represent the most ordered region of the structure, although there is some flexibility around residues 8 and 9. The 10‐residue sequence (MSP27–16) (with two Tyr residues) was predicted to have a higher propensity for β‐aggregation than the 8‐mer sequence (MSP28–15), but there was no significant difference in conformation between MSP21–25 and [Y7A,Y16A]MSP21–25 and the rate of fibril formation was only slightly slower in the mutant. The peptide expression system described here will facilitate further mutational analyses to define the roles of individual residues in transient structural elements and fibril formation, and thus contribute to the further development of MSP2 as a malaria vaccine candidate. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 87: 12–22, 2007.

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Anti‐apoptotic genes Aven and E1B‐19K enhance performance of BHK cells engineered to express recombinant factor VIII in batch and low perfusion cell culture
Authors: Nivitchanyong Toey , Martinez Amanda , Ishaque Adiba , Murphy John E. , Konstantinov Konstantin , Betenbaugh Michael J. , Thrift John
Published: May 2007

The engineering of production cell lines to express anti‐apoptotic genes has been pursued in recent years due to potential process benefits, including enhanced cell survival, increased protein expression, and improved product quality. In this study, a baby hamster kidney cell line secreting recombinant factor VIII (BHK‐FVIII) was engineered to express the anti‐apoptotic genes Aven and E1B‐19K. In high cell density shake flask culture evaluation, 11 clonal cell lines expressing either E1B‐19K or a combination of Aven and E1B‐19K showed improved survival compared to both parental and blank vector cell line controls. These cell lines exhibited lower caspase‐3 activation and reduced Annexin‐V binding compared to the controls. Parental and blank vector cell lines were less than 50% viable after 48 h of exposure to thapsigargin while cell lines expressing E1B‐19K with or without Aven maintained viabilities approaching 90%. Subsequently, the best Aven‐E1B‐19K candidate cell line was compared to the parental cell line in 12‐L perfusion bioreactor studies. Choosing the appropriate perfusion rates in bioreactors is a bioprocess optimization issue, so the bioreactors were operated at sequentially lower specific perfusion rates, while maintaining a cell density of 2 × 107 viable cells/mL. The viability of the parental cell line declined from nearly 100% at a perfusion rate of 0.5 nL/cell/day to below 80% viability, with caspase‐3 activity exceeding 15%, at its lower perfusion limit of 0.15 nL/cell/day. In contrast, the Aven‐E1B‐19K cell line maintained an average viability of 94% and a maximum caspase‐3 activity of 2.5% even when subjected to a lower perfusion minimum of 0.1 nL/cell/day. Factor VIII productivity, specific growth rate, and cell size decreased for both cell lines at lower perfusion rates, but the drop in all cases was larger for the parental cell line. Specific consumption of glucose and glutamine and production of lactate were consistently lower for the Aven‐E1B‐19K culture. Furthermore, the yield of ammonia from glutamine increased for the Aven‐E1B‐19K cell line relative to the parent to suggest altered metabolic pathways following anti‐apoptosis engineering. These results demonstrate that expression of anti‐apoptotic genes Aven and E1B‐19K can increase the stability and robustness of an industrially relevant BHK‐FVIII mammalian cell line over a wide range of perfusion rates. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 825–841. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Total biosynthesis of deoxynucleoside triphosphates using deoxynucleoside monophosphate kinases for PCR application
Authors: Bao Jie , Ryu Dewey D.Y.
Published: May 2007

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and other PCR applications for DNA synthesis require deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTP) as the essential precursors and substrates. Currently, the dNTP is commercially produced by a chemical method which is environmentally hazardous and costly due to its low yields in both the synthetic reaction and purification processes. In this study, a enzyme technology for the total integrated biosynthesis of all dNTP components is presented. The bioprocess technology developed and reported here involves two sequential enzymatic phosphorylation reactions coupled with the cofactor regeneration starting from deoxynucleoside monophosphates (dNMP) to deoxynucleoside diphosphates (dNDP) in the first reaction step and to dNTP in the second reaction step in the same bioreactor. The four genes encoding these deoxynucleoside monophosphate kinases were cloned into the recombinant E. coli and expressed using the recombinant E. coli strains. The reaction mechanisms and kinetics of the four kinase enzymes are studied and reported. The total enzymatic syntheses of the four dNTP products were carried out in four separate operations under the high substrate concentrations which emulate the practical application. The optimal process conditions were carefully investigated and complete conversion of dNMP to dNTP at high substrate concentration have been achieved. The purity and quality of dNTP products obtained from this work were analyzed and found to be at least equivalent or better than the commercially available dNTP products. The PCR application of dNTP products obtained from this work were also evaluated for isolating and amplifying genes of different sizes from different organisms. The PCR performance test also showed an equivalent quality as compared to the commercially available dNTP. The bioprocess technology developed and reported here for production of dNTP will provide economically competitive and environmentally friendly viable technology for the industry and research community as compared to the chemical technology currently in use. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007; 98: 1–11. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indirect resolution of enantiomers of penicillamine by TLC and HPLC using Marfey's reagent and its variants
Authors: Bhushan R. , Brückner H. , Kumar Virender
Published: May 2007

TLC and HPLC methods were developed for indirect chiral separation of penicillamine (3,3‐dimethylcysteine) enantiomers after derivatization with Marfey's reagent (FDNP‐Ala‐NH2) and two of its structural variants, FDNP‐Phe‐NH2 and FDNP‐Val‐NH2. The binary mobile phase of phenol–water (3:1 v/v) and solvent combinations of acetonitrile and triethylamine phosphate buffer were found to give the best separation in normal and reversed‐phase TLC, respectively. The diastereomers were also resolved on a reversed‐phase C18 HPLC column with gradient elution of acetonitrile and 0.01 m trifluoroacetic acid. The results due to these three reagents were compared. The method was successful for checking the enantiomeric impurity of l‐penicillamine in d‐penicillamine and to check the enantiomeric purity of pharmaceutical formulations of d‐penicillamine. The method was validated for linearity, repeatability, limit of detection and limit of quantification. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Porphomethene inhibitor of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase: analysis by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Danton Malcolm , Lim Chang Kee
Published: May 2007

An uroporphomethene inhibitor of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase, characterized by high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, was reported recently (Phillips et al., Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 2007; 104: 5079–5084). Close examination of the tandem mass spectrometric fragmentation pattern of the compound showed that it is not a tetrapyrrole or an uroporphyrinogen or uroporphyrin related molecule. The product ion spectrum showed a fragmentation pattern typical of a poly(ethylene glycol) structure. Characteristic fragmentations of the side‐chain acetic acid and propionic acid substituents of a uroporphyrin or uroporphyrinogen derivative were absent. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conformity and diversity of accounting and financial reporting practices in Portuguese local government
Authors: da Costa Carvalho João Baptista , Camões Pedro J. , Jorge Susana Margarida , Fernandes Maria José
Published: May 2007

Portuguese governmental accounting has evolved from essentially a cash‐based budgetary accounting system to an accrual‐based financial and cost accounting system. Evidence from financial reports shows a great level of diversity amongst municipalities' voluntary compliance with the new accounting rules. Using a sample of Portuguese municipalities in the year 2003 we calculate and analyse the levels of compliance with the practices required by law and document the diversity in compliance across municipalities. The differences across municipalities are explained by some fundamental factors: size, financial conditions, urban characteristics, and diffusion across neighbouring municipalities. We show an unexpected effect of size. Larger municipalities comply less with accounting standards. Organizational complexity, conservative practices, and aversion to change may explain this result. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The intersubsidiary competition in an MNE: evidence from the Greater China region
Authors: Fong Cher‐Min , Ho Hua‐Lun , Weng Liang‐Chieh , Yang Kai‐Peng
Published: May 2007

We examine subsidiary survival from an intersubsidiary competition perspective. Drawing from 87 Taiwanese subsidiaries of MNEs we examine the influences of strategic importance of a subsidiary, resource asymmetry, and characteristics of value activities on the survival rate of a subsidiary. Results show that these factors have differential effects on the survival rates of a firm's foreign subsidiaries. Specifically, strategic importance and gains in intangible resources enhance a subsidiary's survival rate, whereas local responsiveness, gains in physical resources, and similarity and mobility of value‐added activities decrease its survival rate. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human capital and SME internationalization: a structural equation modeling study
Authors: Ruzzier Mitja , Antoncic Bostjan , Hisrich Robert D. , Konecnik Maja
Published: May 2007

This study uses a structural equation modeling technique to predict the internationalization of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) from the entrepreneur's human capital (dimensions: international business skills, international orientation, environmental perception, and management know‐how). While international orientation and environmental risk perception predicted internationalization, international business skills and management know‐how did not. The implications of these findings for research and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The employment selection interview: disparity among research‐based recommendations, current practices and what matters to Human Rights Tribunals
Authors: Simola Sheldene K. , Taggar Simon , Smith Geoffrey W.
Published: May 2007

We surveyed Human Resources (HR) professionals (N= 301) on their use of structure in employment interviews. We compared these data with research‐based recommendations and with elements of interview structure considered important by Canadian Human Rights Tribunals. Contrary to research‐informed recommendations, HR practitioners and Human Rights Tribunals appear to attach little importance to job analysis as the foundation for developing interview questions and to interviewer training. While Tribunals and the established research literature on employment interviewing favour standardization, this is of lesser concern to Canadian HR practitioners. Finally, there was convergence on valuing behavioural questions and note‐taking, but not on valuing interview panels. Implications of our findings for research and practice are discussed. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unlocking the careers of business professionals following job loss: sensemaking and career exploration of older workers
Authors: Zikic Jelena , Richardson Julia
Published: May 2007

While acknowledging the well established negative aspects of job loss, we present an alternative perspective by exploring the potentially positive outcomes of losing one's job. Drawing on an in depth analysis of qualitative data gathered from thirty interviews with older middle managers in Canada, we explore the mechanisms through which job loss is experienced as a “blessing in disguise”. We consider how individuals make sense of their experience of job loss and how they use career exploration in their framing of job loss and as an opportunity for self‐fulfillment. Copyright © 2007 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cover Picture: Analysis of Pharmacology Data and the Prediction of Adverse Drug Reactions and Off‐Target Effects from Chemical Structure (ChemMedChem 6/2007)
Authors: Bender Andreas , Scheiber Josef , Glick Meir , Davies John W. , Azzaoui Kamal , Hamon Jacques , Urban Laszlo , Whitebread Steven , Jenkins Jeremy L.
Published: May 2007

The cover picture shows the relation of a chemical structure (here the statin Cerivastatin) to a protein target and phenotypic observations (symbolized by a human). Statistical models for both links can be applied independently, predicting target activity and adverse reactions. Furthermore, they can also be linked, giving clues as to which targets are associated with particular adverse reactions. This knowledge can be used for optimizing panels used in preclinical profiling (where targets selected are those which give the most information about adverse reactions of particular concern); in the long run, those models will also facilitate more efficient progression of promising compounds into the clinic. For details, see the Full Paper by A. Bender et al. on p. 861 ff. (Cover design by Alan Abrams, Novartis.)
Improvement of transmission quality using correlation of observational data in sensor networks
Authors: Kobayashi Kentaro , Yamazato Takaya , Okada Hiraku , Katayama Masaaki
Published: May 2007

In sensor networks, many of the sensor nodes are often positioned in clusters, and there is a correlation between the data obtained at the various sensor nodes by observation. This kind of observational data is collected at fusion centers. In this paper, we study the observation precision at fusion centers from the viewpoint of the Kullback–Leibler (KL) information. In particular, we consider transmission path errors arising when transmission is made from each sensor node via wireless communication paths, as a factor in the deterioration of the KL information, or in other words, observation precision, and study its effects and methods for reducing it. In this paper, we study the KL information obtained in fusion centers when there have been transmission path errors in cases where the correlation between observational data is all equal, and where the correlation is random. We show that the deterioration of the KL information can be reduced in fusion centers by using the correlation of observational data in the estimates of error data. In addition, we present examples of estimating the correlation between observational data in fusion centers that use correlation, and of estimating error data using correlation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(11): 1–10, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20250
Robust and adaptive merge of multiple range images with photometric attribute
Authors: Sagawa Ryusuke , Nishino Ko , Ikeuchi Katsushi
Published: May 2007

In the use of the three‐dimensional data obtained from a stereo system, laser range finder, and other equipment, merge processing is important. This paper proposes a new merge method for range images, based on the volume‐based technique. In the proposed method, in contrast to the conventional method, the voxels are adaptively segmented according to the curvature of the surface shape to be reconstructed. This helps to represent the geometrical shape efficiently, effectively utilizing the computation resources. In the framework of the proposed merge process, additional features such as color and the laser reflectivity can be added to the three‐dimensional geometrical information, which helps to maintain sharp edges in the texture and to perform rendering and the texture mapping effectively. By examining the consensus for both the geometrical shape and the color in the whole framework, the merge is made robust to noise. In this paper, the system is described first, and then the results of application to several kinds of actual data are presented. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(11): 50–60, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20353
Implementation and evaluation of MPLS multicast mechanism considering deployment in established MPLS networks
Authors: Ogashiwa Nobuo , Uda Satoshi , Uo Yojiro , Shinoda Yoichi
Published: May 2007

There has recently been much discussion of MPLS multicast approaches. MMT and BLAST‐Cast have been proposed as means of establishing multicast LSP using unicast LSP. These techniques are useful not only as transfer techniques in introducing the MPLS multicast technique, but also for the deployment of MPLS multicasting in established MPLS networks, since the scale can be expanded stepwise, and the cost of deployment and operation can be reduced in the deployment of MPLS multicast in established MPLS networks. However, there have been few studies of the detailed signaling protocol to be used in such an approach, or of problems accompanying these techniques. Consequently, we investigated a signaling protocol that can be applied to these approaches, and devised an MPLS multicast mechanism using RSVP‐TE. The proposed mechanism was implemented and evaluated. This paper discusses the design and implementation of the proposed mechanism, together with its evaluation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(11): 40–49, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20354
Autostereoscopic visualization of volume data using computer‐generated holograms
Authors: Sakamoto Yuji , Aoki Yoshinao
Published: May 2007

There is a need for methods to display 3‐dimensional data (volume data) obtained from such procedures as computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 3‐dimensional radar in a form that can easily be interpreted by humans. Methods that present such data via a 3‐dimensional display are able to show the 3‐dimensional image directly to humans and are well adapted to allow the recognition of 3‐dimensional structure. In particular, 3‐dimensional displays using holography are especially suited to assisting humans in interpreting 3‐dimensional information. In this paper we propose a volume rendering computer‐generated hologram (CGH) method that calculates a hologram directly from volume data using CGH technology without employing any intermediary images or photographic procedures. Since in this method the hologram is generated computationally, there is significant flexibility in how the 3‐dimensional image can be displayed. As well as enabling images to be displayed with shading, a whole range of different 3‐dimensional display techniques are possible; for example, at one extreme we can display only the surfaces in the volume data making the internal regions opaque, while by introducing transparency we can make the internal structures visible. We have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method by using it to create computer‐generated holograms on the basis of 3‐dimensional medical MRI data and conducting optical experiments. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 3, 90(11): 31–39, 2007; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecjc.20355