bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticulate delivery of suicide DNA to murine prostate and prostate tumors
Authors: Peng Weidan , Anderson Daniel G. , Bao Yunhua , Padera Robert F. , Langer Robert , Sawicki Janet A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBACKGROUNDCurrently available treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and localized prostate cancer are generally effective but are often attended by serious side effects that impact on the quality of life. In particular, most current therapies are non‐specific, with surgery, radiation, and chemical ablation having the potential to cause damage to surrounding tissue. Here, we demonstrate the effectiveness of a prostate‐specific, locally delivered gene therapy for the targeted killing of prostate cells.METHODSUsing a degradable, poly(β‐amino ester) polymer, poly(butane diol diacrylate co amino pentanol) (C32), we developed a nanoparticulate system to deliver a diphtheria toxin suicide gene (DT‐A) driven by a prostate specific promoter to cells. These C32/DT‐A nanoparticles were directly injected to the normal prostate and to prostate tumors in mice.RESULTSNearly 50% of normal prostates showed a significant reduction in size, attributable to cellular apoptosis, whereas injection with naked DT‐A‐encoding DNA had little effect. Significant apoptosis was also observed in C32/DT‐A injected prostate tumors. Importantly, no damage to surrounding tissue was observed.CONCLUSIONSThese results suggest that local delivery of poly(β‐amino ester) polymer/ DT‐A nanoparticles may have application in the treatment of BPH and prostate cancer. Prostate 67: 855–862, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detection of gene duplication signals of Ig folds from their amino acid sequences
Authors: Huang Yanzhao , Xiao Yi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractProtein folds may evolve from short peptide ancestors via gene duplication and fusion. For proteins with internal structural symmetry, this means that their sequences should be made up of identical repeats. However, many of these repeat signals can only be seen at the structural level yet. Motivated by the fact that proteins may have similar structures if their sequences have more than 25% identical amino acids, we suggest a method to detect the sequence repeats of proteins directly from their sequences. Using this method, we show that the internal repetitions of the immunoglobulin folds could be identified directly at the sequence level. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular modeling of prohibitin domains
Authors: Winter Anja , Kämäräinen Outi , Hofmann Andreas 
Published: April 2007

AbstractProhibitins comprise a family of highly conserved ubiquitous eukaryotic proteins that mainly localize to the mitochondria. They have been implicated in important cellular processes such as cellular signaling and transcriptional control, apoptosis, cellular senescence, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Using molecular modeling techniques, we have generated structural models of human prohibitins BAP32 and BAP37, which have previously been shown to exist as large ringlike oligomers in the membrane‐bound state. The middle domain of prohibitins is evolutionary conserved in the family of SPFH (PHB) domain proteins. On the basis of the known structure of flotillin‐2, another member of the SPFH‐domain family, we have generated homology models for BAP32 and BAP37, and elucidated the implications for formation of high molecular weight oligomers. A model for the dimeric‐building block of BAP32: BAP37 for such assemblies was generated and its stability scrutinized by molecular dynamics simulations. The model of BAP32 was also analyzed as to potential ligand‐binding sites and the previously identified ligand melanogenin was docked into a membrane‐proximal cavity. The results are discussed in the context of prohibitin interactions with mitochondrial AAA‐proteases and we suggest two possible interaction interfaces between the BAP32:BAP37 building block and the protease. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impact of mirid (Creontiades spp.) (Hemiptera: Miridae) pest management on Helicoverpa spp. (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) outbreaks: the case for conserving natural enemies
Authors: Knight Kristen MM , Brier Hugh B , Lucy Michael J , Kopittke Rosemary A 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCreontiades spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) are sucking pests that attack buds, flowers and young pods in mungbeans, Vigna radiata (L.), causing these structures subsequently to abort. If left uncontrolled, mirids can cause 25‐50% yield loss. Traditional industry practice has involved prophylactic applications of dimethoate to control mirids at budding and again a week later. The present trial was initiated to highlight the dangers of such a practice, in particular the risk of a subsequent Helicoverpa spp. lepidopteran pest outbreak. A single application of dimethoate halved the population of important natural enemies of Helicoverpa spp., and caused an above‐threshold outbreak of Helicoverpa spp. within 11 days. This shows that even a moderate (e.g. 50%) reduction in natural enemies may be sufficient to increase Helicoverpa spp. populations in mungbeans. As a result, prophylactic sprays should not be used for the control of mirids in mungbeans, and dimethoate should be applied only when mirids are above the economic threshold. Indoxacarb was also tested to establish its effect on Helicoverpa spp., mirids and natural enemies. Indoxacarb showed potential for Helicoverpa spp. control and suppression of mirids and had little impact on natural enemies. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigation of ZnTe thin films grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition method
Authors: Kotlyarchuk B. , Savchuk V. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper is devoted to optimization of the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) growth condition of ZnTe films on various substrates and subsequent investigation of relevant parameters of growth process, structural, optical and electrical properties of grown films. Studies of the effect of growth parameters on the structural quality and properties of grown films were carried out. X‐ray diffraction measurements showed that the ZnTe films, which have been deposited at optimal substrate temperatures, were characterized by a (111) preferred orientation with large average grain size. The optical transmission and reflectance in the energy range 1.5–5.5 eV for films grown at various substrate temperatures were measured. We calculated the variation in the absorption coefficient with the photon energy from the transmittance spectrum for samples grown at various substrate temperatures. Obtained data were analyzed and the value of the absorption coefficient, for allowed direct transitions, has been determined as a function of photon energy. We found that the undoped ZnTe films, which were grown by the PLD method, are typically p‐type and possess resistivity in the range of 103 Ω cm at room temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bio‐guided isolation of antioxidants from the stems of Dendrobium aurantiacum var. denneanum
Authors: Yang Li , Han Haofeng , Nakamura Norio , Hattori Masao , Wang Zhengtao , Xu Luoshan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBio‐guided fractionation of the stems of Dendrobium aurantiacum var. denneanum using a 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl‐hydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging assay, led to the isolation of three 2‐glucosyloxycinnamic acid derivates, namely, cis‐melilotoside, trans‐melilotoside and dihydromelilotoside, respectively. Their structures were elucidated through the analysis of uni‐ and bi‐dimensional NMR, UV, IR and MS data. All these three compounds were first reported from the genus Dendrobium and exhibited potent antioxidant activities. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the quality of simulated soil moisture with a multi‐model ensemble approach
Authors: Guo Zhichang , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Gao Xiang , Zhao Mei 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMulti‐model ensembles have been found to perform significantly better than a single‐model system in weather and seasonal climate forecasts. This paper explores the possibility of applying the multi‐model ensemble approach to the land surface component in order to improve the quality of simulated soil moisture. The simple average of 17 multiyear global soil moisture products is validated with long‐term in situ data in five regions (Illinois, USA; China; India; Mongolia and the former Soviet Union). The results show that in all regions the multi‐model analysis is clearly better than most individual products in simulating the phasing of the annual cycle, interannual variability, and magnitudes in observed soil moisture. The sensitivity of the performance of the multi‐model analysis to ensemble member size and composition is also examined. It is found that there is usually a clear improvement when a product of higher correlation to observations or lower error is included in the multi‐model ensemble, while there is no apparent degradation when a product with relatively poor skill is included. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Spread‐out percolation in ℝd
Authors: Bollobás Béla , Janson Svante , Riordan Oliver 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFix d ≥ 2, and let X be either ℤd or the points of a Poisson process in ℝd of intensity 1. Given parameters r and p, join each pair of points of X within distance r independently with probability p. This is the simplest case of a “spread‐out” percolation model studied by Penrose [Ann Appl Probab 3 (1993) 253–276], who showed that, as r → ∞, the average degree of the corresponding random graph at the percolation threshold tends to 1, i.e., the percolation threshold and the threshold for criticality of the naturally associated branching process approach one another. Here we show that this result follows immediately from of a general result of [3] on inhomogeneous random graphs. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2007
Trends in international business thought and literature: The Arabian gulf countries
Authors: Rice Gillian , Mahmoud Essam 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe Arabian Gulf countries represent an important economic segment of the Arab world and a vital market for foreign investors and exporters. Yet, most observers agree that the past successful economic growth derived from oil revenues cannot continue unless the economies in the Arabian Gulf are diversified and privatized. This structural adjustment process poses many challenges but also opportunities for local and foreign managers. This article reviews selected business trends in the region. These trends concern government economic policies, environmental concerns, services marketing, and management education.
The globalization of telcos: A normative view
Authors: Louchez Alain F. , McIntyre John R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAs global forces are penetrating the local telephone markets, the authors argue that telcos are global by virtue of operating in such markets. The foreign expansion should aim at strengthening the home market's overall competitive position. Consequently, the strategic core needs to be clearly identified and offshore markets developed according to whether they are vital, critical, or only peripheral to the company's home base interests. Strategic anarchy must evolve into strategic hierarchy. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Managing organizational culture in a Japanese organization in Hong Kong
Authors: Wong May M. L. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe issue of how MNCs manage the organizational culture in their overseas subsidiaries is one of the central questions for managing overseas employees. The study explores how a Japanese MNC in Hong Kong manages its organizational culture across cultures. The results imply that a company will not be effective if it uses artifacts only, such as ceremonies to convey the desired culture to the local employees. The more important mechanism is the human resource management system which is considered as the statement of the company's values, beliefs and assumptions. Since the case company uses a dual human resource management system and a dual control practice for the Japanese and local employees, these practices send out mixed messages and signals to the local employees who cannot project the desired state culture. Furthermore, because local employees bring along with them their values derived from national culture, they tend to adhere to these values rather than those of the company.
Trends in international business thought and literature: Reviewing east asia's miracle, its economic dynamism, and future issues
Authors: Anwar Syed Tariq 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEast Asia's miracle and its economic dynamism has become a popular topic for academic and business research. Researchers and practitioners have used many theories and justifications to explain this area. Since there is limited consensus among the researchers regarding the East Asian miracle, viewpoints, interpretations, and discipline‐centered critiques remain equivocal. This article reviews and analyzes salient issues of this debate, its multidisciplinary contents, and some of the inherent differences between various perspectives put forward by the researchers. The importance of this review lies in its multidisciplinary approach and cross‐referencing.
Foreign investment in North America and the pharmaceutical industry in Canada
Authors: Tancer Robert S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUnique among developed countries in denying patent protection for pharmaceuticals, Canada modified her laws in 1987 and again in 1993 to meet international standards, thereby permitting her to participate in NAFTA and become a signatory of the TRIPS of the Uruguay Round. Canada's concerns for containing health costs and providing quality health care for all its citizens were important factors in her original position. It was only as a result of international pressure and an alliance between the multinational pharmaceutical firms and the university community in Canada that she offered greater patent protection. The results of these changes had an immediate effect on improving the business environments and significant investments by the multinational pharmaceutical firms have increased substantially since 1987.
Firm orientation and strategy under regional market integration: A study of Canadian firms
Authors: Knight Gary A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractFirms behave differently in free trade zones than in confined, domestic markets. To investigate this phenomenon, a taxonomy is developed of small‐ and medium‐sized companies, which operate in the developing North American free trade area. The study describes each firm grouping and its associated performance attributes, and offers theoretical and normative implications. Among other findings, it appears that smaller companies which emphasize entrepreneurial orientation, product differentiation, and focus on specific market segments tend, under free trade, to enjoy superior performance.
Nafta, the financial crisis, and multinational management in Mexico
Authors: Sargent John , Matthews Linda 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) joined Mexico, the United States, and Canada in a free trade and investment block. While NAFTA has generated considerable interest, much of the initial enthusiasm for the treaty has faded due to the Mexican financial crisis. To learn more about the effects of NAFTA and the crisis on multinational (MNC) strategy and operations, we conducted interviews at manufacturing firms in Mexico. Even with NAFTA, we found that significant restrictions remain that limit the strategies that MNCs can pursue. Also, only a limited number of MNCs have been seriously hurt by the financial crisis due to the risk management strategies these firms have adopted. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of this study for the effective management of MNC firms in Mexico.
Strategy choices among internationalizing US airlines
Authors: Sarathy Ravi , Ramamurti Ravi 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThis paper surveys and analyzes the internationalization strategy of US airlines. We first discuss globalization factors acting on the industry, particularly, government actions, the emergence of international markets, competition (including the role of firm specific assets in conferring competitive advantage), and supply cost factors, principally labor, fuel, and aircraft procurement. We then discuss the gains from internationalization, and the recent performance of US airlines, from which we develop internationalization strategy guidelines for airlines, classified as market‐oriented and efficiency‐oriented. Finally, we trace some broad lessons from the aviation industry for other service sectors facing similar deregulation and globalization pressures.
The craft of business intelligence: An American view
Authors: Rustmann F. W. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBusiness is war. And in war, it is a matter of survival of the fittest. In order to survive in today's cutthroat business environment, we must be properly armed. And one of the most important arrows in the executive's quiver is accurate knowledge of competitors and their business environment. In other words, detailed knowledge of the enemy and the terrain of the battlefield.Every major country on earth recognizes the importance of intelligence and employs an intelligence agency to collect it for them. Over 2,500 years ago, the Chinese general Sun Tzu wrote: “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.” Frederick the Great also expressed his opinion on the importance of intelligence when he said: “It is pardonable to be defeated, but never surprised.” In today's highly competitive business world it is becoming more and more important to know your competition‐know your enemy‐and, particularly in the international arena, to know your battlefield. There are minefields out there, and it is imperative to be able to identify and avoid them. You can still lose, even when armed with superior forces, if the terrain is against you. 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Export diversification trends: Some comparisons for Latin America
Authors: de Piñeres Sheila Amin Gutiěrrez , Ferrantino Michael 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe present paper is an attempt to establish some stylized facts about the process of export diversification and structural change in exports for six key Latin American economies: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Venezuela. There has been a long‐run trend toward export diversification in the region which has persisted through both inward‐ and outward‐looking policy experiments, and over a variety of macroeconomic conditions. Structural change in exports accelerated during the debt crisis episode of the early 1980s, and more rapid structural change may be associated with policy reform. Our results suggest that important sources of economic risk in Latin America may be declining in the long run, and that economic risk is less sensitive to political risk than is often assumed. 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Employing standardized promotion strategies in Mexico: The impact of language and cultural differences
Authors: Ueltschy Linda C. , Ryans John K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTo what extent can standardized advertising programs be effectively employed in two key NAFTA markets? Mexico and the United States were the sites for an experiment using print advertisements exhibiting varying degrees of advertising standardization to study the impact of language and cultural differences. The Rokeach Value Survey (RVS) was used to examine the cultural values of the respondents (n = 354). Cultural value dimensions important in the two countries were uncovered utilizing factor analysis. Using t‐tests, results show that consumers in the two countries differ significantly on all five cultural dimensions uncovered. Further, significant differences in attitude toward the advertisement were found for each of four products based on the degree of standardization employed. Total customization was significantly preferred over all other combinations of languages and pictures. For those US firms considering marketing activities in Mexico, conclusions, implications, and strategies are suggested. 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
From exploiting to investing: A survey of us firms doing business in russia
Authors: Shama Avraham 
Published: April 2007

AbstractUS companies have been accused by the Russian media of flooding the Russian markets with their exports, repatriating their revenues or using them to buy Russian resources cheaply, and, as a result, increasing Russia's unemployment and decreasing its standard of living. Russia, argue many Russian experts interviewed in the past several years, is being badly exploited and its culture cheapened with Western candy, which in 1994 took $5 billion from consumers in Russia.On the other hand, US companies, which have been entering the Russian market in increasing numbers, argue that exporting products and services to Russia enhances the satisfaction of Russian consumers and contributes to the country's economy. They further say that as they become more familiar and comfortable with the Russian market, they change their strategies and increase their investment in Russia.Are US companies exploiting Russia or investing in its economic expansion? In this study the author investigated the entry strategies to Russia of 87 large US companies starting in 1989. These were randomly selected corporations, including a cross‐section of consumer goods, industrial goods, computers, oil and gas, fast food, and consulting companies.What emerged was a captivating, historical drama, which changes rapidly from making money through exporting to Russia, to commitment through investment in plants and employment. For example, while the most popular entry doors to Russia have been exportlimport and joint ventures, most strategy changes since 1989 have been to wholly‐owned subsidiaries, which usually require substantial investment. Yesterday's Snickers Bars exporter, Mars Candy, created a wholly‐owned subsidiary, Masterfoods, and spent $70 million to build a chocolate and pet food factory that employs many Russians. In addition, a greater number of US companies entered the Russian market after the 1992 Yeltsin economic shock therapy and had a much needed stabilizing effect on the Russian economy. So, what may have been perceived as a one‐sided relationship has been evolving to growth and mutual commitment. And as the Russian economy continues to grow, these companies will grow and prosper, too.Executives who are interested in the Russian market are advised that this market is real, growing, and worth considering. To enter and grow in this market, however, executives are cautioned that business deals in Russia must be structured in unfamiliar ways, and that they must employ local workers and respect Russia's culture and history. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Using guanxi‐style buyer‐seller relationships in China: Reducing uncertainty and improving performance outcomes
Authors: Abramson Neil R. , Ai Janet X. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRecent marketing literature has recommended that companies employ either long‐term relationship marketing or short‐term transactional approaches to buyer‐seller relationships depending on the value of the customer to the company. This article found that in China, guanxi‐style buyer‐seller relationships similar to relationship marketing were strongly related to reduced levels of perceived uncertainty about the business environment and a variety of improved performance outcomes. The use of transactional relationships was related to higher uncertainty and lower performance. The use of gifts and favors seemed more characteristic of transactional relationships and were not related to positive outcomes. Both quantitative evidence from American sellers and qualitative evidence from Chinese buyers supported these conclusions. It is argued that guanxi‐style buyer‐seller.