bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Data analysis and decision support
Authors: Gaul Wolfgang , Schader Martin 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn 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.
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

AbstractMany 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

AbstractMerozoite 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

AbstractThe 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

AbstractPolymerase 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

AbstractTLC 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

AbstractAn 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

AbstractPortuguese 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractThis 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

AbstractWe 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

AbstractWhile 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.
Improvement of transmission quality using correlation of observational data in sensor networks
Authors: Kobayashi Kentaro , Yamazato Takaya , Okada Hiraku , Katayama Masaaki 
Published: May 2007

AbstractIn 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractThere 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

AbstractThere 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