bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractBackgroundHigh 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.MethodsWe 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.ResultsOf 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.ConclusionsThere 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

AbstractPlots 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.
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

Abstract
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

AbstractTo 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

Abstract
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

AbstractA 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

PurposeThis 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/approachThere 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.FindingsIn 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/implicationsA 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/valueThis 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

PurposeThis 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/approachBased 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.FindingsThis 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 implicationsThe 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/valueThe 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

PurposeThe 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/approachInterpretation 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.FindingsHighlighted 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/implicationsThis 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 implicationsPractical 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/valueThis 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

PurposeThe 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/approachAn 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.FindingsThe 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/valueModified 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

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between perceived employee training effectiveness and job satisfaction, motivation and commitment.Design/methodology/approachThe 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsThe study is limited to examining employee feelings, not taking into account their personal characteristics, which may be important.Practical implicationsThe 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 absenteeismOriginality/valueThe 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

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to synthesise, characterise and study polymerisation kinetics of novel 4‐nonylphenylmethacrylate (NPMA) polymer.Design/methodology/approachNew 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.FindingsThe 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/implicationsNew 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 implicationsThis is a simple and easy method of modification of methacrylate ester with phenyl groups to obtain a polymer of enhanced properties.Originality/valueThis 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

PurposeSilicone 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/approachSilicone 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.FindingsThere 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/valueThe 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

PurposeThe 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/approachProvides 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.FindingsThemes 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 implicationsWomen 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/valueChanging 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.