bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statement from the Editor Regarding “Properties of the Social Discount Rate in a Benthamite Framework with Heterogeneous Degrees of Impatience”
Authors: Hopp Wallace J.
Published: January 2008

In the original version of the paper “Properties of the Social Discount Rate in a Benthamite Framework with Heterogeneous Degrees of Impatience” by Diego Nocetti (Management Science, Articles in Advance, January 25, 2008), Proposition 2 stated that “First and second order stochastically dominated shifts in the distribution of the individual discount rates reduce the SDR.” However, Elyès Jouini and Clotilde Napp pointed out that this is not always the case, noting that “although first and second order stochastically dominated shifts in the distribution of discount rates increase the present value of the project, they are neither necessary nor sufficient to decrease the SDR for all horizons.”

Consequently, the original paper was replaced by a new version by Nocetti, Jouini, and Napp, which corrects this result by introducing stronger notions of stochastic dominance (maximum likelihood ratio dominance and portfolio dominance) to determine conditions under which the SDR unambiguously increases or decreases given a shift in the distribution of individual discount rates. The online appendix, which includes all formal proofs, was also revised accordingly.

The new version of “Properties of the Social Discount Rate in a Benthamite Framework with Heterogeneous Degrees of Impatience” by Diego Nocetti, Elyès Jouini, and Clotilde Napp appears on pp. 1822–1826 in this issue of Management Science.
The effect of the EWTD on surgical SpRs: a regional survey
Authors: Grover K , Gatt M , MacFie J
Published: January 2008

The implementation of the European Working Time Directive (EWTD) has changed the way surgical training is delivered in the European Union. The Jaeger ruling by the European Court of Justice states that health service employers must guarantee an 11-hour rest period within any 24-hour time period, while the SiMAP ruling has enshrined the concept of all time spent at work being classified as working time. To comply with these rulings, as of August 2004 most NHS Trusts across the UK have implemented shift systems for junior doctors. Numerous factors influence an individual's ability to adapt to working shifts and this has major implications both for patients and for surgical trainees.
College training supports trauma care
Authors: Barbour Alex
Published: January 2008

Last year the quality of trauma care in the UK came under fire from the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD), in their report, Trauma: Who cares? The document restated the need for regional trauma systems that provide high-level trauma care. The College's view that care for injured patients must be organised on a networked basis to create a trauma system in each region certainly matches this recommendation.
Comparison of Three Multiobjective Optimization Algorithms for Inverse Modeling of Vadose Zone Hydraulic Properties
Authors: Wöhling Thomas , Vrugt Jasper A. , Barkle Gregory F.
Published: January 2008

Inverse modeling has become increasingly popular for estimating effective hydraulic properties across a range of spatial scales. In recent years, many different algorithms have been developed to solve complex multiobjective optimization problems. In this study, we compared the efficiency of the Nondominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA‐II), the Multiobjective Shuffled Complex Evolution Metropolis algorithm (MOSCEM‐UA), and AMALGAM, a multialgorithm genetically adaptive search method for multiobjective estimation of soil hydraulic parameters. In our analyses, we implemented the HYDRUS‐1D model and used observed pressure head data at three different depths from the Spydia experimental field site in New Zealand. Our optimization problem was posed in a multiobjective context by simultaneously using three complementary RMSE criteria at each depth. We analyzed the trade‐off between these criteria and the adherent Pareto uncertainty. The results demonstrate that all three algorithms were able to find a good approximation of the Pareto set of solutions, but differed in the rate of convergence to this distribution. Small differences in performance of the various algorithms were observed because of the relative high dimension of the optimization problem in combination with the presence of multiple local optimal solutions within the three‐objective search space. The Pareto parameter sets yielded satisfactory results when simulating the transient tensiometric pressure at predetermined observation points in the investigated vadose zone profile. The overall best parameter set was found by AMALGAM with RMSE values of 0.14, 0.11, and 0.17 m at the 0.4‐, 1.0‐, and 2.6‐m depths, respectively. In contrast, the fit errors were substantially higher at these respective depths, with RMSE values ranging from 0.87 to 1.49 m, when using soil hydraulic parameters derived from laboratory analysis of small vadose zone cores.
Transgenerational effects of the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin on the prostate transcriptome and adult onset disease
Authors: Anway Matthew D. , Skinner Michael K.
Published: January 2008

PURPOSE

The ability of an endocrine disruptor exposure during gonadal sex determination to promote a transgenerational prostate disease phenotype was investigated in the current study.

METHODS

Exposure of an F0 gestating female rat to the endocrine disruptor vinclozolin during F1 embryo gonadal sex determination promoted a transgenerational adult onset prostate disease phenotype. The prostate disease phenotype and physiological parameters were determined for males from F1 to F4 generations and the prostate transcriptome was assessed in the F3 generation.

RESULTS

Although the prostate in prepubertal animals develops normally, abnormalities involving epithelial cell atrophy, glandular dysgenesis, prostatitis, and hyperplasia of the ventral prostate develop in older animals. The ventral prostate phenotype was transmitted for four generations (F1–F4). Analysis of the ventral prostate transcriptome demonstrated 954 genes had significantly altered expression between control and vinclozolin F3 generation animals. Analysis of isolated ventral prostate epithelial cells identified 259 genes with significantly altered expression between control and vinclozolin F3 generation animals. Characterization of regulated genes demonstrated several cellular pathways were influenced, including calcium and WNT. A number of genes identified have been shown to be associated with prostate disease and cancer, including beta‐microseminoprotein (Msp) and tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily 6 (Fadd).

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of an endocrine disruptor to promote transgenerational prostate abnormalities appears to involve an epigenetic transgenerational alteration in the prostate transcriptome and male germ‐line. Potential epigenetic transgenerational alteration of prostate gene expression by environmental compounds may be important to consider in the etiology of adult onset prostate disease. Prostate 68: 517–529, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Standardization of Surgical Technique in Antireflux Surgery: The LOTUS Trial Experience
Authors: Attwood Stephen E. A. , Lundell Lars , Ell Christian , Galmiche Jean‐Paul , Hatlebakk Jan , Fiocca Roberto , Lind Tore , Eklund Stefan , Junghard Ola ,   The LOTUS Trial Group
Published: January 2008

Background

To date, it has been difficult to compare medical therapy for gastroesophageal reflux disease with that of surgical management from a scientific viewpoint, mainly because of the lack of standardization of the operative technique. This study was designed to identify a methodology for standardization of surgical technique and to measure the effectiveness of this standardization.

Methods

Surgeons contributing to a major international multicenter trial comparing optimum medical therapy with surgical therapy for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux attempted to optimize their surgical techniques so that a realistic comparison could be made that may aid clinical decision‐making. The surgeons met, shared their techniques using video, and produced a standardized set of criteria for the surgical centers and a common operative technique. Data collection methods ensured accuracy of the records of the procedure applied and the data were analyzed for consistency with set surgical standards.

Results

There was a high degree of conformity (>95%) between the recommended method of performing a Nissen fundoplication as defined in the trial protocol, and variations were restricted to isolated individuals. The operations were completed without mortality, few conversions, and with very low postoperative morbidity.

Conclusions

This study has shown that, contrary to commonly held belief, surgeons are able to standardize their work for the purposes of measuring the outcome of an operative procedure within the context of a randomized, controlled trial.
Preoperative Platelet Count and Survival Prognosis in Resected Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Domínguez Ismael , Crippa Stefano , Thayer Sarah P. , Hung Yin P. , Ferrone Cristina R. , Warshaw Andrew L. , Fernández‐del Castillo Carlos
Published: January 2008

Background

High platelet counts are associated with an adverse effect on survival in various neoplastic entities. The prognostic relevance of preoperative platelet count in pancreatic cancer has not been clarified.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 205 patients with ductal adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection between 1990 and 2003. Demographic, surgical, and clinicopathologic variables were collected. A cutoff of 300,000/μl was used to define high platelet count.

Results

Of the 205 patients, 56 (27.4%) had a high platelet count, whereas 149 patients (72.6%) comprised the low platelet group. The overall median survival was 17 (2–178) months. The median survival of the high platelet group was 18 (2–137) months, and that of the low platelet group was 15 (2–178) months (p = 0.7). On multivariate analysis, lymph node metastasis, vascular invasion, positive margins, and CA 19–9 > 200 U/ml were all significantly associated with poor survival.

Conclusions

There is no evidence to support preoperative platelet count as either an adverse or favorable prognostic factor in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Use of 5‐year actual survival data confirms that lymph node metastases, positive margins, vascular invasion, and CA 19–9 are predictors of poor survival in resected pancreatic cancer.
Neural Network Prediction of Biomass Digestibility Based on Structural Features
Authors: P. O'Dwyer Jonathan , Zhu Li , Granda Cesar B. , Chang Vincent S. , Holtzapple Mark T.
Published: January 2008

Plots of biomass digestibility are linear with the natural logarithm of enzyme loading; the slope and intercept characterize biomass reactivity. The feed‐forward back‐propagation neural networks were performed to predict biomass digestibility by simulating the 1‐, 6‐, and 72‐h slopes and intercepts of glucan, xylan, and total sugar hydrolyses of 147 poplar wood model samples with a variety of lignin contents, acetyl contents, and crystallinity indices. Regression analysis of the neural network models indicates that they performed satisfactorily. Increasing the dimensionality of the neural network input matrix allowed investigation of the influence glucan and xylan enzymatic hydrolyses have on each other. Glucan hydrolysis affected the last stage of xylan digestion, and xylan hydrolysis had no influence on glucan digestibility. This study has demonstrated that neural networks have good potential for predicting biomass digestibility over a wide range of enzyme loadings, thus providing the potential to design cost‐effective pretreatment and saccharification processes.
Magnetic domain wall propagation in a submicron spin-valve stripe: Influence of the pinned layer
Authors: Briones J. , Montaigne F. , Lacour D. , Hehn M. , Carey M. J. , Childress J. R.
Published: January 2008

The propagation of a domain wall in a submicron ferromagnetic spin-valve stripe is investigated using giant magnetoresistance. A notch in the stripe efficiently traps an injected wall stopping the domain propagation. The authors show that the magnetic field at which the wall is depinned displays a stochastic nature. Moreover, the depinning statistics are significantly different for head-to-head and tail-to-tail domain walls. This is attributed to the dipolar field generated in the vicinity of the notch by the pinned layer of the spin valve.
Confinement induces both higher free volume and lower molecular mobility in glycerol
Authors: Kilburn Duncan , Sokol Paul E. , García Sakai Victoria , Ashraf Alam M.
Published: January 2008

We report measurements of the local free volume and mobility of a glass-forming liquid (glycerol) confined in a mesoporous silica glass. The lower molecular mobility in confinement, measured by neutron scattering spectroscopy, is accompanied by a higher mean free volume size between molecules, measured by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The confined liquid appears to be perturbed to such an extent that the normally observed free volume/mobility relationship is reversed. This study shows that these effects originate locally at a molecular level.
High-performance polymer heterojunction solar cells of a polysilafluorene derivative
Authors: Wang Ergang , Wang Li , Lan Linfeng , Luo Chan , Zhuang Wenliu , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: January 2008

High-performance polymer heterojunction solar cells fabricated from an alternating copolymer of 2,7-silafluorene (SiF) and 4,7-di(2′-thienyl)-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (DBT) (PSiF-DBT) as the electron donor blended with [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester as the electron acceptor were investigated. A power-conversion efficiency up to 5.4% with an open-circuit voltage of 0.90V, a short-circuit current of 9.5mAcm−2, and a fill factor of 50.7% was achieved under the illumination of AM 1.5G from a calibrated solar simulator (800Wm−2). The field-effect transistors fabricated from PSiF-DBT showed a high hole mobility of ∼1×10−3cm2V−1s−1.
The use of a deformable photonic crystal for millimeter-wave beam steering
Authors: Lin Shawn-Yu , Yang Zu-Po , Chen Mingfeng , Bur James A. , Levitan A. , Kosowsky Lester H.
Published: January 2008

A deformable photonic band gap (PBG) material is theoretically proposed as a transmissive element for beam steering at 77GHz. The deformation may be achieved by integrating microsprings (as spacers) into a one-dimensional PBG structure. This PBG material can produce a specific phase shift dependent on its spacer thickness. By varying the spacer thickness, we generate a continuous phase gradient across the element. Such a PBG device is experimentally realized, capable of beam deflection of up to ±15° and suitable for beam scanning for smart automobile radar application.
All-metal-electrode-type dye sensitized solar cells (transparent conductive oxide-less dye sensitized solar cell) consisting of thick and porous Ti electrode with straight pores
Authors: Kashiwa Yohei , Yoshida Yorikazu , Hayase Shuzi
Published: January 2008

Transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer-less dye sensitized solar cells (DSCs) are reported. The cell is composed of a glass substrate, TiO2 porous layer stained with dye molecules, porous Ti electrode, electrolyte, and a Pt sputtered Ti sheet. The cell exhibits an efficiency of 7.43% which was a little less than that of 8.44% for a DSC consisting of a TCO glass. The high efficiency was brought about by the thick and porous Ti electrode (200–300nm thickness) which kept high conductivity and swift ionic diffusion. The preparation process for the Ti electrode is reported.
Continuous control of third-order optical nonlinearity in charge-transfer-type conjugated polymers
Authors: Kishida Hideo , Hirota Keisuke , Okamoto Hiroshi , Kokubo Hisashi , Yamamoto Takakazu
Published: January 2008

Third-order optical nonlinearity was investigated in two charge-transfer (CT)-type conjugated polymers, poly(aryleneethynylene) and poly(thiophene-alt-thiazole), using the third-harmonic generation (THG) method. Comparison of the results with previously obtained THG data for polythiophene and the strong CT polymer poly(thiophene-alt-quinoxaline) revealed that the ratio of the maximum value of third-order nonlinear susceptibility and the absorption coefficient max∣χ(3)∣∕αmax increased as the degree of CT character increased for the four polymers. This variation in max∣χ(3)∣∕αmax is discussed based on the magnitude of the transition dipole moment between the one-photon-allowed and the one-photon-forbidden excited states.
Inversion-type enhancement-mode HfO2-based GaAs metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors with a thin Ge layer
Authors: Kim Hyoung-Sub , Ok I. , Zhang M. , Zhu F. , Park S. , Yum J. , Zhao H. , Lee Jack C. , Oh Jungwoo , Majhi Prashant
Published: January 2008

Using a thin germanium (Ge) interfacial passivation layer (IPL), GaAs HfO2-based inversion-type enhancement-mode metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistors (MOSFETs) are realized. The n-channel MOSFETs on semi-insulating GaAs substrate clearly show surface modulation and excellent current control by gate bias. The threshold voltage of ∼0.5V, the transconductance of ∼0.25mS∕mm, the subthreshold swing of ∼130mV/decade, and the drain current of ∼162μA∕mm (normalized to the gate length of 1μm) at Vd=2V and Vg=Vth+2V are obtained. In comparison with previous reports, the dc characteristics of the inversion-type GaAs MOSFETs with a Ge IPL and HfO2 dielectric demonstrate much similar results.
Intrinsic sensor of oncogenic transformation induces a signal for innate immunosurveillance
Authors: Unni Arun M. , Bondar Tanya , Medzhitov Ruslan
Published: January 2008

Multiple cell-autonomous mechanisms exist in complex metazoans to resist oncogenic transformation, including a variety of tumor- suppressor pathways that control cell proliferation and apoptosis. In vertebrates, additional mechanisms of tumor resistance could potentially rely on cancer cell elimination by specialized cytotoxic leukocytes, such as natural killer (NK) cells. Such mechanisms would require that cancer cells be reliably distinguished from normal cells. The ligands for NKG2D, an activating NK cell receptor, are expressed on many tumor cell lines and at least some primary human tumors. However, it is unknown whether their expression is induced as a direct result of oncogenic transformation
in vivo
. We provide evidence that NKG2D ligands are induced on spontaneously arising tumors in a murine model of lymphomagenesis and that c-Myc is involved in their regulation. Expression of NKG2D ligands is induced at an early, distinct stage of tumorigenesis upon acquisition of genetic lesions unique to cancer cells, potentially defining a critical step in carcinogenesis. This finding suggests that the regulation of NKG2D ligands depends on a mechanism for intrinsic sensing of oncogenic transformation.
Group Music Intervention Reduces Aggression and Improves Self‐Esteem in Children with Highly Aggressive Behavior: A Pilot Controlled Trial
Authors: Choi Ae-Na , Lee Myeong Soo , Lee Jung-Sook
Published: January 2008

We investigated the effects of group music intervention on aggression and self‐esteem in children with highly aggressive behavior. Forty‐eight children were allocated to either a music intervention group or an untreated control group. The music intervention group received 50 min of music intervention twice weekly for 15 consecutive weeks. The outcome measures were Child Behavior Checklist Aggression Problems Scale (Parents), Child Aggression Assessment Inventory (Teachers) and Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale. After 15 weeks, the music intervention group showed significant reduction of aggression and improvement of self‐esteem compared with the control group. All outcome measures were significantly lower in the music intervention group than prior to treatment, while there was no change in the control group. These findings suggest that music can reduce aggressive behavior and improve self‐esteem in children with highly aggressive behavior. Music intervention is an easily accessible therapy for children and as such may be an effective intervention for aggressive behavior. Further more, objective and replicable measures are required from a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size and active comparable control.
From Maxwell's theory of Saturn's rings to the negative mass instability
Authors: Fedele Renato
Published: January 2008

The impact of Maxwell's theory of Saturn's rings, formulated in Aberdeen
ca
1856, is discussed. One century later, Nielsen, Sessler and Symon formulated a similar theory to describe the coherent instabilities (in particular, the negative mass instability) exhibited by a charged particle beam in a high-energy accelerating machine. Extended to systems of particles where the mutual gravitational attraction is replaced by the electric repulsion, Maxwell's approach was the conceptual basis to formulate the kinetic theory of coherent instability (Vlasov–Maxwell system), which, in particular, predicts the stabilizing role of the Landau damping. However, Maxwell's idea was so fertile that, later on, it was extended to quantum-like models (e.g. thermal wave model), providing the quantum-like description of coherent instability (Schrödinger–Maxwell system) and its identification with the modulational instability (MI). The latter has recently been formulated for any nonlinear wave propagation governed by the nonlinear Schrödinger equation, as in the statistical approach to MI (Wigner–Maxwell system). It seems that the above recent developments may provide a possible feedback to Maxwell's original idea with the extension to quantum gravity and cosmology.
The magnetic Sun
Authors: Harrison Richard A
Published: January 2008

The nature of our star, the Sun, is dominated by its complex and variable magnetic fields. It is the purpose of this paper to review the fundamental nature of our magnetic Sun by outlining the most basic principles behind the way the Sun works and how its fields are generated, and to examine not only the historical observations of our magnetic star, but, in particular, to study the wonderful observations of the Sun being made from space today. However, lying behind all of this are the most basic equations derived by James Clerk Maxwell, describing how the magnetic fields and plasmas of our Sun's atmosphere, and indeed of all stellar atmospheres, work and how they influence the Earth.
Maxwell and the classical wave particle dualism
Authors: Mendonça J.T
Published: January 2008

Maxwell's equations are one of the greatest theoretical achievements in physics of all times. They have survived three successive theoretical revolutions, associated with the advent of relativity, quantum mechanics and modern quantum field theory. In particular, they provide the theoretical framework for the understanding of the classical wave particle dualism.
Gauge formulation of general relativity using conformal and spin symmetries
Authors: Wang Charles H.-T
Published: January 2008

The gauge symmetry inherent in Maxwell's electromagnetics has a profound impact on modern physics. Following the successful quantization of electromagnetics and other higher order gauge field theories, the gauge principle has been applied in various forms to quantize gravity. A notable development in this direction is loop quantum gravity based on the spin-gauge treatment. This paper considers a further incorporation of the conformal gauge symmetry in canonical general relativity. This is a new conformal decomposition in that it is applied to simplify recently formulated parameter-free construction of spin-gauge variables for gravity. The resulting framework preserves many main features of the existing canonical framework for loop quantum gravity regarding the spin network representation and Thiemann's regularization. However, the Barbero–Immirzi parameter is converted into the conformal factor as a canonical variable. It behaves like a scalar field but is somehow non-dynamical since the Hamiltonian constraint does not depend on its momentum. The essential steps of the mathematical derivation of this parameter-free framework for the spin-gauge variables of gravity are spelled out. The implications for the loop quantum gravity programme are briefly discussed.
Regulation and Function of Arabidopsis JASMONATE ZIM-Domain Genes in Response to Wounding and Herbivory
Authors: Chung Hoo Sun , Koo Abraham J.K. , Gao Xiaoli , Jayanty Sastry , Thines Bryan , Jones A. Daniel , Howe Gregg A.
Published: January 2008

Jasmonate (JA) and its amino acid conjugate, jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile), play important roles in regulating plant defense responses to insect herbivores. Recent studies indicate that JA-Ile promotes the degradation of JASMONATE ZIM-domain (JAZ) transcriptional repressors through the activity of the E3 ubiquitin-ligase SCFCOI1. Here, we investigated the regulation and function of JAZ genes during the interaction of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) with the generalist herbivore Spodoptera exigua. Most members of the JAZ gene family were highly expressed in response to S. exigua feeding and mechanical wounding. JAZ transcript levels increased within 5 min of mechanical tissue damage, coincident with a large (approximately 25-fold) rise in JA and JA-Ile levels. Wound-induced expression of JAZ and other CORONATINE-INSENSITIVE1 (COI1)-dependent genes was not impaired in the jar1-1 mutant that is partially deficient in the conversion of JA to JA-Ile. Experiments performed with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide provided evidence that JAZs, MYC2, and genes encoding several JA biosynthetic enzymes are primary response genes whose expression is derepressed upon COI1-dependent turnover of a labile repressor protein(s). We also show that overexpression of a modified form of JAZ1 (JAZ1Δ3A) that is stable in the presence of JA compromises host resistance to feeding by S. exigua larvae. These findings establish a role for JAZ proteins in the regulation of plant anti-insect defense, and support the hypothesis that JA-Ile and perhaps other JA derivatives activate COI1-dependent wound responses in Arabidopsis. Our results also indicate that the timing of JA-induced transcription in response to wounding is more rapid than previously realized.
Requirement of B2-TypeCyclin-Dependent Kinasesfor Meristem Integrity inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Andersen Stig Uggerhøj , Buechel Sabine , Zhao Zhong , Ljung Karin , Novák Ondřej , Busch Wolfgang , Schuster Christoph , Lohmann Jan U.
Published: January 2008

To maintain proper meristem function, cell division and differentiation must be coordinately regulated in distinct subdomains of the meristem. Although a number of regulators necessary for the correct organization of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) have been identified, it is still largely unknown how their function is integrated with the cell cycle machinery to translate domain identity into correct cellular behavior. We show here that the cyclin-dependent kinases CDKB2;1 and CDKB2;2 are required both for normal cell cycle progression and for meristem organization. Consistently, the CDKB2 genes are highly expressed in the SAM in a cell cycle–dependent fashion, and disruption of CDKB2 function leads to severe meristematic defects. In addition, strong alterations in hormone signaling both at the level of active hormones and with respect to transcriptional and physiological outputs were observed in plants with disturbed CDKB2 activity.
EST Analysis of Hop Glandular Trichomes Identifies an O-Methyltransferase That Catalyzes the Biosynthesis of Xanthohumol
Authors: Nagel Jana , Culley Lana K. , Lu Yuping , Liu Enwu , Matthews Paul D. , Stevens Jan F. , Page Jonathan E.
Published: January 2008

The glandular trichomes (lupulin glands) of hop (Humulus lupulus) synthesize essential oils and terpenophenolic resins, including the bioactive prenylflavonoid xanthohumol. To dissect the biosynthetic processes occurring in lupulin glands, we sequenced 10,581 ESTs from four trichome-derived cDNA libraries. ESTs representing enzymes of terpenoid biosynthesis, including all of the steps of the methyl 4-erythritol phosphate pathway, were abundant in the EST data set, as were ESTs for the known type III polyketide synthases of bitter acid and xanthohumol biosynthesis. The xanthohumol biosynthetic pathway involves a key O-methylation step. Four S-adenosyl-l-methionine–dependent O-methyltransferases (OMTs) with similarity to known flavonoid-methylating enzymes were present in the EST data set. OMT1, which was the most highly expressed OMT based on EST abundance and RT-PCR analysis, performs the final reaction in xanthohumol biosynthesis by methylating desmethylxanthohumol to form xanthohumol. OMT2 accepted a broad range of substrates, including desmethylxanthohumol, but did not form xanthohumol. Mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance analysis showed it methylated xanthohumol to 4-O-methylxanthohumol, which is not known from hop. OMT3 was inactive with all substrates tested. The lupulin gland-specific EST data set expands the genomic resources for H. lupulus and provides further insight into the metabolic specialization of glandular trichomes.
Characterization ofArabidopsisand Rice DWD Proteins and Their Roles as Substrate Receptors for CUL4-RING E3 Ubiquitin Ligases
Authors: Lee Jae-Hoon , Terzaghi William , Gusmaroli Giuliana , Charron Jean-Benoit F. , Yoon Hye-Jin , Chen Haodong , He Yizhou Joseph , Xiong Yue , Deng Xing Wang
Published: January 2008

A subset of WD40 proteins that contain a DWD motif (for DDB1 binding WD40) is reported to act as substrate receptors for DDB1-CUL4-ROC1 (for Damaged DNA Binding 1–Cullin 4–Regulator of Cullins 1) based E3 ubiquitin ligases in humans. Here, we report 85 Arabidopsis thaliana and 78 rice (Oryza sativa) proteins containing the conserved 16–amino acid DWD motif. We show by yeast two-hybrid and in vivo coimmunoprecipitation that 11 Arabidopsis DWD proteins directly interact with DDB1 and thus may serve as substrate receptors for the DDB1–CUL4 machinery. We further examine whether the DWD protein PRL1 (for Pleiotropic Regulatory Locus 1) may act as part of a CUL4-based E3 ligase. PRL1 directly interacts with DDB1, and prl1 and cul4cs mutants exhibited similar phenotypes, including altered responses to a variety of stimuli. Moreover, AKIN10 (for Arabidopsis SNF1 Kinase Homolog 10) was degraded more slowly in cell extracts of prl1 and cul4cs than in cell extracts of the wild type. Thus, both genetic and biochemical analyses support the conclusion that PRL1 is the substrate receptor of a CUL4-ROC1-DDB1-PRL1 E3 ligase involved in the degradation of AKIN10. This work adds a large new family to the current portfolio of plant E3 ubiquitin ligases.
Value‐creation in new product development within converging value chains
Authors: Bröring Stefanie , Cloutier L. Martin
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to shed some light on value‐creation in new product development (NPD) projects within the context of industry convergence and to explore alternative types of projects characterised by different buyer‐seller relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

There has been much research on value‐creation in general, but limited emphasis on value‐creation in NPD projects addressing new industry segments emerging from industry convergence (for example, the segment of nuctraceuticals and functional foods (NFF) products that is positioned between the food and the pharmaceutical industries). Based on a multi‐case study approach, this paper pursues an exploratory research strategy and investigates 54 NPD projects drawn from a Quebec (Canada) NFF foods cluster.

Findings

In the context of convergence a new value chain is emerging between two formerly separated sectors. Value‐creation networks spread across industries and reinforce trends of convergence. Firms face competence gaps in NPD and seek to close these by choosing alternative forms of collaboration. Different types of NPD projects involve alternative forms of buyer‐seller relationships and their approach of value‐creation is analysed.

Research limitations/implications

A typology of different approaches to NPD in converging value chains is presented along with type‐specific implications for value‐creation for the required buyer‐seller relationship.

Originality/value

This paper provides a unique insight into value‐creation in NPD in the emerging NFF sector, in particular, and for converging industries, in general.
Assessment of innovation and performance in the fruit chain
Authors: Trienekens Jacques , van Uffelen Ruud , Debaire Jeremy , Omta Onno
Published: January 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to bridge the concepts of innovation and performance and to develop a framework to assess innovation and performance in food chains.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an extensive literature search the paper identifies critical success factors (CSFs) and related indicators for innovation in food chains, on the one hand, and performance in food chains, on the other. Main CSF categories for innovation are: product, process, market and organization. Main CSF categories for performance are: efficiency, responsiveness, quality and flexibility. A chain process model is developed that enables one to identify main chain processes that impact on innovation and performance. A trade‐off matrix is constructed in which effects of innovations on performance and vice versa in typical chain processes can be identified.

Findings

This article reviewed available supply‐chain innovation and performance indicators and models and methods used to assess performance and innovation within fruit supply chains. Based on the existing literature a conceptual framework for assessing innovation and performance of companies in the European fruit supply chain has been developed. The framework consists of a supply chain process model and an innovation‐performance matrix which have been successfully applied to several cases along the apple chain in The Netherlands.

Practical implications

The chain process model and matrix are applied in an integrated way to the Dutch fruit chain. An apple grower case and a fruit cooperative case are worked out. Managers in food chains can use the framework to assess their company's innovations and performances.

Originality/value

The paper aims to bridge the concepts of innovation and performance. Literature and research on this subject are minimal.
Business relationships the Morrissey way
Authors: Hingley Martin , Leek Sheena , Lindgreen Adam
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the “human factor” inherent in business‐to‐business relationships and its impact on the key phases of business relationships: relationship attraction and initiation; relationship development; and relationship dissolution.

Design/methodology/approach

Interpretation is made by utilising the song lyrics of the prolific English singer Morrissey as a template for interpersonal relationship structures that can be applied to interpersonal business‐to‐business relationships.

Findings

Highlighted are findings from recent case investigations into business‐to‐business relationships where the “human factor” is particularly important in maintaining business interaction. The findings show that key concepts relating to business‐to‐business relationships (the need to enter relationships, power and dependency, and relationship break‐up) are not always in the realms of corporate rational thinking. Alternatively, business decisions owe much to the less rational and more emotional world of interpersonal relations.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a combination of both theoretical and practical study, but is only a starting‐point in terms of necessary empiricism. The paper concludes with suggestions of further necessary empirical investigation.

Practical implications

Practical lessons include a challenge to the view that there is a “right” and correct formula to engage in business relationships and the route to relationship success. Practical reality and human nature determine that even incrementally successful relationships can break down, and gains can be quickly reversed.

Originality/value

This paper takes the important theme of business relationships and underpins it with a novel treatment: the use of song lyrics, in order to highlight that prior and somewhat formulaic templates for business success are not always appropriate; and business relationships are governed by a human factor that is not always positive in outlook.
The marginal social valuation of income for the UK
Authors: Evans David
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The British government takes equity issues formally into account in its appraisal of social projects and policies. However, evidence on which the measured distributional welfare weights are based is neither broad enough nor sufficiently reliable. This paper seeks to address these issues by considering a wider body of evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

An important component of the welfare weight measure advocated by HM Treasury is the elasticity of marginal utility of consumption (e). A critical review of existing evidence on e is provided with a view to establishing priority areas for further research. New measures of e are presented based on revealed social values as indicated in specific government policies relating to both foreign aid and proposed income‐related fines for offences. Behavioural evidence based on demand analysis using a co‐integration approach is also presented.

Findings

The results for e are sensitive to the estimation approach adopted. While the evidence based on a revealed social values approach including modified tax‐based results suggests that e is close to unity, the measure currently used by HM Treasury, demand analysis suggests an e value close to 1.5. The evidence based on lifetime consumption behaviour is sensitive to model specification and needs updating.

Originality/value

Modified tax‐based findings on e are presented along with new evidence based on alternative revealed social values approaches. The new evidence from demand analysis is based on an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to co‐integration. This paper will be of interest to academics specialising in welfare economics and to practitioners involved in social project appraisal.
Employee perceived training effectiveness relationship to employee attitudes
Authors: Sahinidis Alexandros G. , Bouris John
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived employee training effectiveness and job satisfaction, motivation and commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examined the responses of 134 employees and lower managers, of five large Greek organizations, after they had completed a training program. The questions asked contained information about the employee attitudes towards tvhe training received, as well as their attitudes towards their employers.

Findings

The results of the study provide support to the hypotheses proposed, indicating that there is a significant correlation between the employee perceived training effectiveness and their commitment, job satisfaction and motivation. Additionally, high correlations were found between the latter three variables.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to examining employee feelings, not taking into account their personal characteristics, which may be important.

Practical implications

The implications of the findings of this study for managers and especially for Human Resource professionals are quite significant, given their roles in funding, designing and delivering training interventions. Not only does it appear to be important, offering training programs to one's employees but, the training program content must be perceived as effective and of value to those participating in it. This will have a positive effect, according to the findings of this study, on key employee attitudes, which appear to be related to a greater or a lesser extent, in the pertinent literature, to organizational performance outcomes including, productivity, turnover and absenteeism

Originality/value

The study is ground‐breaking, given that there are no prior studies examining the relationship between the variables considered in the present one.
Poly (4‐nonylphenyl methacrylate): synthesis, characterisation and radical polymerisation kinetics study
Authors: Satapathy H. , Banthia A.K.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to synthesise, characterise and study polymerisation kinetics of novel 4‐nonylphenylmethacrylate (NPMA) polymer.

Design/methodology/approach

New methacrylic monomer, 4‐NPMA with a pendant nonylphenyl group was synthesised and characterised using various characterisation techniques. The free radical polymerisation kinetics study was done with the help of differential scanning calorimetry data.

Findings

The average heat of polymerisation (ΔHp) was found to be 685.43 J/g. Activation energy (Ea) of 95.86 kJ mol−1and frequency factor of (A) 3.4 × 104min−1was obtained using Kissinger method. The thermogravimetric analysis of the polymer in nitrogen reveals that it possesses very good thermal stability in comparison to alkyl methacrylates due to presence of pendant nonylphenyl group.

Research limitations/implications

New methacrylic monomer, 4‐NPMA was synthesised by reacting nonylphenol dissolved in methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) with methacryloyl chloride in the presence of triethylamine as a base. Polymerisation of 4‐NPMA was carried out in MEK using benzoyl peroxide (BPO) as initiator under nitrogen atmosphere. The kinetics study of NPMA monomer with 1.1 wt% BPO was reported for evaluation of kinetic parameters by employing the Kissinger equation.

Practical implications

This is a simple and easy method of modification of methacrylate ester with phenyl groups to obtain a polymer of enhanced properties.

Originality/value

This is a novel method for enhancing the thermal as well as surface adhesion properties of methacrylate polymers which finds several applications in surface coatings and adhesives.
Structural and corrosion protection analyses of coatings containing silicone‐polyester resins
Authors: Ramesh K. , Osman Z. , Arof A.K. , Vengadaeswaran B. , Basirun W.J.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

Silicone and polyester resins have been prepared at various compositions with the purpose of determining the best performing binder system. The coating materials that have been developed have been analysed and evaluated for their protection ability.

Design/methodology/approach

Silicone and polyester resins have been prepared at various compositions to identify best performing binder system. To evaluate the properties, different analytical methods have been employed. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has been utilised to study the chemical changes when the polymers were mixed together. Corrosion resistance has been tested through potential time measurement test using NaCl solution. The surface morphology has been evaluated using scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis.

Findings

There is a change in intensity of the peaks and shift in the peak values of the functional groups observed. Scanning electron microscopy graphs show the uniform surface morphology of the systems developed. From the EDX analysis, the composition of the coating material has been found. The results showed that the coatings could protect the substrate for 30 days of immersion in 3 per cent NaCl electrolyte solution.

Originality/value

The paper provides an analysis of coatings containing silicone‐polyester resins.
Creative women in advertising agencies: why so few “babes in boyland”?
Authors: Broyles Sheri J. , Grow Jean M.
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore reasons why there are so few women in creative departments of advertising agencies and to discuss what impact that might have on the work environment of those creative departments and advertising messages they create.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a review of published research and plus opinions of professionals who cover the advertising industry or work in agency creative departments. Personal observations from the authors' time working in the advertising industry are also included.

Findings

Themes gleaned from the literature look at the gender gap, the creative department of advertising agencies as an “old‐boys network,” reasons why women leave creative jobs, and why advertising targeting women as consumers is so bad.

Practical implications

Women opt out of advertising agencies for any number of reasons – more than just having babies. Keeping women's voices in creative departments would give a better balance to the messages agencies create.

Originality/value

Changing creative departments to be more accommodating and flexible to women's needs might not only make them better for women, but also better for men and for families. In addition, the messages from those creative departments may be more compelling to consumers.
Impulse buying: the role of affect, social influence, and subjective wellbeing
Authors: Silvera David H. , Lavack Anne M. , Kropp Fredric
Published: January 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to examine predictors of impulse buying. Although moderate levels of impulse buying can be pleasant and gratifying, recent theoretical work suggests that chronic, high frequency impulse buying has a compulsive element and can function as a form of escape from negative affective states, depression, and low self‐esteem.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research empirically tests a theoretical model of impulse buying by examining the associations between chronic impulse buying tendencies and subjective wellbeing, affect, susceptibility to interpersonal influence, and self‐esteem.

Findings

Results indicate that the cognitive facet of impulse buying, associated with a lack of planning in relation to purchase decisions, is negatively associated with subjective wellbeing. The affective facet of impulse buying, associated with feelings of excitement and an overpowering urge to buy, is linked to negative affect and susceptibility to interpersonal influence.

Practical implications

Given the link to negative emotions and potentially harmful consequences, impulse buying may be viewed as problematic consumer behavior. Reductions in problematic impulse buying could be addressed through public policy or social marketing.

Originality/value

This study validates and extends the Verplanken et al. model by examining the relationship between impulse buying and other psychological constructs (i.e. subjective wellbeing, positive and negative affect, social influence, and self‐esteem).