bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Escherichia coliK1 inhibits proinflammatory cytokine induction in monocytes by preventing NF-κB activation
Authors: Selvaraj Suresh K , Prasadarao Nemani V 
Published: May 2005

AbstractPhagocytes are well-known effectors of the innate immune system to produce proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-8 during infections. Here, we show that infection of monocytes with wild-type Escherichia coli K1, which causes meningitis in neonates, suppresses the production of cytokines and chemokines (TNF-α, regulated on activation, normal T expressed and secreted, macrophage-inflammatory protein-1β, IL-1β, and IL-8). In contrast, infection of monocytes with a mutant E. coli, which lacks outer membrane protein A (OmpA– E. coli) resulted in robust production of cytokines and chemokines. Wild-type E. coli K1 (OmpA+ E. coli) prevented the phosphorylation and its degradation of inhibitor of κB, thereby blocking the translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB to the nucleus. OmpA+ E. coli-infected cells, subsequently subjected to lipopolysaccharide challenge, were crippled severely in their ability to activate NF-κB to induce cytokine/chemokine production. Selective inhibitors of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 pathway and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not Jun N-terminal kinase, significantly reduced the activation of NF-κB and the production of cytokines and chemokines induced by OmpA– E. coli, indicating a role for these kinases in the NF-κB/cytokine pathway. It is interesting that the phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 and p38 MAPK was notably reduced in monocytes infected with OmpA+ E. coli when compared with monocytes infected with OmpA– E. coli, suggesting that the modulation of upstream events common for NF-κB and MAPKs by the bacterium is possible. The ability of OmpA+ E. coli K1 to inhibit the macrophage response temporarily may enable bacterial survival and growth within the host for the onset of meningitis by E. coli K1.
Impaired inflammatory angiogenesis, but not leukocyte influx, in mice lacking TNFR1
Authors: Barcelos L S , Talvani A , Teixeira A S , Vieira L Q , Cassali G D , Andrade S P , Teixeira M M 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe majority of biological responses classically attributed to tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) is mediated by p55 receptor (TNFR1). Here, we aimed to clarify the biological role of TNFR1-mediated signals in an in vivo inflammatory angiogenesis model. Polyester-polyurethane sponges, used as a framework for tissue growth, were implanted in C57Bl/6 mice. These implants were collected at days 1, 7, and 14 post-implant for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or at days 7 and 14 for hemoglobin, myeloperoxidase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase measurements, used as indexes for angiogenesis, neutrophil, and macrophage accumulation, respectively. In TNFR1-deficient C57Bl/6 mice, there was a significant decrease in sponge vascularization but not in late inflammatory cell influx. It is interesting that levels of vascular endothelial growth factor were significantly lower in TNFR1-deficient than in wild-type mice at days 1 and 7. Levels of angiogenic chemokines, CC chemokine ligand 2/murine homologue of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 and CXC chemokine ligand 1–3/keratinocyte-derived chemokine, were significantly lower in TNFR1-deficient mice at days 1 and 7 after implantation, respectively. These observations suggest that TNFR1-mediated signals have a critical role in sponge-induced angiogenesis, possibly by influencing the effector state of inflammatory cells and hence, modulating the angiogenic molecular network.
Einflussgrößen bei der Kalibrierung von Längenmessmitteln (Influence Quantities for Calibrations in Dimensional Metrology)
Authors: Thalmann Ruedi 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Bei der Abschätzung der Messunsicherheit für die Kalibrierung von Längenmessmitteln ist eine Vielzahl von Einflussgrößen zu berücksichtigen. Durch eine Darstellung der Verfahrenselemente einerseits und der Einflussgrößen andererseits in einer Matrixstruktur können diese systematisch erfasst und Schwerpunkte identifiziert und diskutiert werden. Dank dem für die Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit notwendigen Validierungsverfahren und der Anwendung grundlegender Prinzipien der Längenmesstechnik kann der Messprozess entscheidend verbessert werden.
Messunsicherheiten bei der Drehmomentmessung (Uncertainties in the Measurement of the Torque)
Authors: Peschel Diedert , Röske Dirk 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Die Darstellung und Weitergabe der Einheit des Drehmomentes spielt im Zusammenhang mit der stärker werdenden Forderung nach rückführbaren Messungen eine immer größere Rolle. Dabei müssen Betrachtungen über die möglichen Einflussgrößen und deren Beitrag zur Messunsicherheit angestellt werden. Im ersten Teil des Beitrags wird das Gebiet der Darstellung des Drehmomentes anhand der 1-kN·m-Drehmoment-Normalmesseinrichtung der PTB untersucht, während sich der zweite Teil dem Problem der Weitergabe der Einheit (Kalibrierung) widmet und dabei insbesondere verschiedene derzeit geltende Kalibriernormen vergleichend gegenüberstellt.
Diastolic coronary artery compression in a cardiac transplant recipient: Treatment with a stent
Authors: Garg Ravi K. , Anderson Allen S. , Jolly Neeraj 
Published: May 2005

AbstractMyocardial bridges, with resultant systolic compression of the coronary artery, are common inborn anomalies that generally have a benign course. Diastolic compression of the coronary artery, however, is a rare finding that is believed to be an acquired lesion. It can be hypothesized that during diastole, when left ventricular filling occurs, the coronary artery is compressed against epicardial scar tissue or a noncompliant pericardium. This can then lead to diminished intracoronary blood flow. We present a case of functionally significant diastolic coronary artery compression in a cardiac transplant recipient who was successfully treated with intracoronary stent placement. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of techniques for treating missing data in OM survey research
Authors: Tsikriktsis Nikos 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe treatment of missing data has been overlooked by the OM literature, while other fields such as marketing, organizational behavior, economics, statistics and psychometrics have paid more attention to the issue. A review of 103 survey‐based articles published in the Journal of Operations Management between 1993 and 2001 shows that listwise deletion, which is often the least accurate technique of dealing with missing data, is heavily utilized by OM researchers. The paper also discusses the research implications of missing data, types of missing data and concludes with recommendations on which techniques should be used under different circumstances in order to improve the treatment of missing data in OM survey research.
Universal appeals with local specifications
Authors: Hsieh Ming‐Huei , Lindridge Andrew 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to explore the factorial structure of automobile brand image in the context of a cross‐national study. More specifically, we intend to answer two questions: whether the factor structure of brand image perception differ across countries, and whether these differences are owing to nation's culture and level of economic development.Design/methodology/approachAn existing data set, which consists of data collected from survey research, was employed. Data covering the top 20 automobile markets consisting of 4,320 eligible new car owners. Perception of and attitude towards automobile brand associations were measured using nominal scales.FindingsProvides empirical evidence that supports the applicability of multiple brand image dimensions corresponding to the consumer's sensory, utilitarian, symbolic and economic needs at the global level. The study also suggested that factor structure of brand image differs across nations and these differences might be reflective to a nation's culture and its level of economic development.Research limitations/implicationsAs with any empirical study, this research inevitably has its limitations, which presents opportunities for further research: extensions of the present framework to other product categories; extensions of the national factors; extensions of the brand associations; and measurement improvement.Practical implicationsUnderstanding the similarities or differences of the factor structure of brand image across the globe facilitates the formation of a successful global image strategy. First of all, by exploring brand image structure at the global level; and the specific interrelationships among the corresponding associationsOriginality/valueThe results derived from the 20 diverse nations in the present study not only enhance our understanding of brand image structure but also provide a strong test of the empirical generalizability of automobile brand image dimensionality and factor structure in a global context.
Countering negative country‐of‐origin with low prices: a conjoint study in Vietnam
Authors: Speece Mark , Phung Nguyen Duc 
Published: May 2005

PurposeAims to view two key issues, the importance of country‐of‐origin (COO) and perceptions of individual brands across different segments of consumers, and whether price cutting helps overcome negative perceptions.Design/methodology/approachUses conjoint methods to investigate whether low prices can be used to overcome negative images for TVs among Vietnamese consumers.FindingsThe results show that price cuts by the Korean brands do little to attract customers away from the higher perceived quality Japanese brands. Perceived quality differentials are too large to gain most customers who buy Japanese brands at any realistic level of price cuts.Originality/valueWhile most non‐Japanese Asian brands have not yet built strongly positive brand images, there are now some, such as Acer, which are making quite good progress, so there are some examples to examine. Future research should focus on which tactics a brand with negative COO image could use to build a stronger association with quality.
Loyalty to price tiers in purchases of bottled wine
Authors: Romaniuk Jenni , Dawes John 
Published: May 2005

PurposeInvestigates the purchasing of brands across different price tiers. The purpose was to determine if buying across price tiers followed the same pattern widely found in brand purchasing, known as the Duplication of Purchase Law.Design/methodology/approachUses a consumer survey methodology, using bottled wine as an example category. It provides evidence that while buyers exhibit repeat‐purchase loyalty to price tiers, they also buy from a repertoire of different price tiers.FindingsFinds that sharing of purchases with other price tiers does approximate the Duplication of Purchase Law. That is, a price tier shares customers with other price tiers approximately in line with the overall popularity of those other price tiers. This suggests that competition between price tiers is largely predictable, and based on the prevalence of purchases at each tier. However, there is also consistent “partitioning” where adjacent price tiers share customers to a greater extent than would be expected under the Duplication of Purchase Law.Originality/valueThis research is valuable to both marketers and researchers, as it provides a quantifiable context and structure to those examining competition from a pricing perspective. It provides insights into where new brands should be launched and potential cannibalization effects. Finally, the presence of a price repertoire suggests that researchers should be wary of categorizing buyers to specific segments based on single answers to questions about “last” or “typical” price paid for purchases. Several fruitful areas for further research also emerge from this study, in particular the examination of what price levels or tiers actually constitute break‐points in markets, whereby brands residing in one tier are recognized as markedly different to those in other tiers.
Dynamics of price sensitivity among mobile service customers
Authors: Munnukka Juha 
Published: May 2005

PurposePrice sensitivity is one of the key factors affecting to companies pricing choices. Yet in mobile services sector business practitioners are facing problems in pricing decisions as they are short of knowledge on their customers’ price sensitivity levels and dynamics. Therefore this study aims to focus on this unexplored field in order to provide more accurate tools for mobile service providers to price their services more effectively.Design/methodology/approachThis study is conducted on Finnish mobile services markets. The focus is on examining how customers’ price sensitivity differs between different customer segments and which factors affect to the price sensitivity levels. The sample data is collected through a quantitative postal survey in which 3,000 questionnaires was sent to mobile service customers of a Finnish teleoperator. In analyzing the empirical data the explanatory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis was applied.FindingsIt was discovered that mobile service customers differ significantly in their price sensitivity levels; customers with moderate usage of mobile services are least price sensitive, while intensive and low‐end users are most sensitive to price changes. Important was also the notion that customers’ price perceptions and innovativeness levels were accurate indicators of their price sensitivity.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper has concentrated only on Finnish mobile services markets. In order to construct a robust set of indicators for international use, cross‐cultural study on testing the factors of this study should be conducted.Practical implicationsFor business practitioners, the most distinctive finding of this paper are a new set of factors through which segmenting of their customers can be made more accurately.Originality/valueWith the findings of this paper a mobile service provider is able to increase efficiency of pricing of mobile services.
National Competitive Advantage in E-Commerce Efforts: A Report from Five Caribbean Nations
Authors: Fraser Simon , Wresch William 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
During July and August 2004 the principal investigators visited business executives in five Caribbean nations. Thirty-six businesses and government agencies were interviewed. General results showed significant e-commerce efforts underway in these countries. Leading companies interviewed were experiencing modest to significant successes in this business approach, but all were experiencing impacts from national characteristics. Characteristics examined in detail were factor conditions, demand conditions, support industries, firm strategy, and government policy. Results showed generally supportive business conditions but problems existed in government agencies, niche markets, the banking sector, and industry sector. The results of this study will suggest improved strategies for SMEs in developing countries and for national governments seeking to use e-commerce to expand business activities.
The Promise of E-Development? A Critical Assessment of the State ICT for Poverty Reduction Discourse in South Africa
Authors: Moodley Sagren 
Published: May 2005

AbstractIn the hands of the South African government, Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for development operates as a powerful discourse, which functions both as an ideology and a rhetorical tool. The South African government's discourse is framed in a rigid modernization schema informed by an overoptimistic understanding of the power and valence of ICT for poverty reduction and broad-based development. Government invokes new ICT as an autonomous and largely unassailable force. Over the last decade, a narrow and deterministic model of ICT for poverty reduction has become hegemonic as an ideal as well as a set of development practices, a model which operates to exclude alternatives. The view of technology as an external, autonomous force exerting an influence on society presents a limited set of options: (1) uncritical embracing of technological change or (2) defensive adaptation to it. If we are to attempt a more objective, detached analysis of ICT for development, then it would seem appropriate to move beyond the linear "cause and effect" model of technological determinism and explore alternative perspectives on society and technology.
Impact of Globalization on the Technological Regime in India: Aspects of Change
Authors: Pattnaik Binay Kumar 
Published: May 2005

AbstractChanges unleashed by liberalization and globalization acquire great significance in the context of India as a result of its economy formerly being inward-looking for decades. Here is a bird's eye view of certain trend developments in the technological regime in India that now characterize an outward-looking economy. Such changes are perceived as a threefold articulation: reorienting the industrial research laboratories, particularly the public-funded ones; reshaping technological research in academics; and adapting to competition through technological changes in industry, particularly in the manufacturing sector. The paper brings out the unfolding technological dynamism experienced by a developing economy, with its industrial capitalism only recently integrated through globalization. It shows how the technological regime is adapting to hard conditions via the emergence of globalization.
Technology Development as Innovative Crisis: Georg Simmel's Reflections on Modern Science and Technology
Authors: Gross Matthias 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThis paper introduces some of Georg Simmel's neglected reflections on modern science and technology and their implications for the understanding of the development of technology in modern societies in general. Using Simmel's perspective on the production of side effects via accumulating non-knowledge as a touchstone, this paper suggests how unexpected occurrences can be incorporated into a model of scientific and technological development that includes the re-cursive handling of "surprises." Simmel, therefore, outlines his understanding of progress as an innovative crisis, where unexpected occurrences—both positive and negative—are positioned at the core of modern science and technology and are not understood as mere side efiects.
Systematische Modellbildung und Grundsätze der Bereichskalibrierung (Systematic Modelling and Fundamentals of Range Calibration)
Authors: Sommer Klaus-Dieter , Siebert Bernd R. L. 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Der „Leitfaden zur Angabe der Unsicherheit beim Messen (GUM)“ ist das grundlegende Dokument für die Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit. Er konzentriert sich im Wesentlichen auf lineare Modelle mit einer Ausgangsgröße und bietet, abgesehen von einigen Beispielen, wenig Information über die Modellbildung, die in der Anwendung das größte Problem darstellt. Dieser Bericht zeigt, dass die Modellbildung systematisiert und damit vereinfacht werden kann. Eine Erweiterung auf Messprobleme mit mehreren Ausgangsgrößen ist leicht möglich. Die Bereichskalibrierung ist ein Anwendungsbereich, bei dem man Modelle mit mehr als einer Ausgangsgröße hat, und sie ermöglicht in der Regel eine deutliche Verringerung der anzugebenden Unsicherheiten.
Software zur Unterstützung bei der Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit (Software Supporting the Determination of Measurement Uncertainty)
Authors: Weckenmann Albert , Wiedenhöfer Thomas 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Software zur Unterstützung bei der Ermittlung der Messunsicherheit eines Messergebnisses existiert für nahezu jeden Anwendungsfall. Um hier eine geeignete Auswahl treffen zu können, wurde ein Überblick über vorhandene Softwarepakete erstellt. Darüber hinaus werden Kriterien zu deren Beurteilung und Auswahl vermittelt.
Entwicklung einer Kalibrierrichtlinie für Rastersondenmikroskope (Development of a Calibration Guideline for Scanning Probe Microscopes)
Authors: Dziomba Thorsten , Koenders Ludger , Wilkening Günter , Flemming Marcel , Duparré Angela 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Nicht nur in Forschung und Entwicklung, sondern auch zunehmend in der industriellen Fertigung kommen immer kleinere funktionelle Strukturen bis hin zu nanotechnologischen Komponenten zum Einsatz. Dadurch erlangt die Rastersondenmikroskopie auch als quantitatives Messverfahren wachsende Bedeutung und damit die Frage, wie diese Geräte zu kalibrieren sind. Dieser Bericht zielt deshalb darauf ab, den gegenwärtigen Stand der Diskussionen zu einer zukünftigen Kalibrierrichtlinie zusammenzufassen und somit ein mögliches Schema für die quantitative Charakterisierung von SPM-Messsystemen vorzustellen. Kritische Punkte werden dabei teilweise auch anhand von praktischen Beispielen diskutiert.
Messunsicherheit von Gasfeuchtemessungen (Uncertainty of Humidity Measurement of Gases)
Authors: Mitter Helmut 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Die Feuchtigkeit von Luft oder allgemein von Gasen kann auf verschiedenste Arten beschrieben werden, die je nach Anwendungsfall ihre Vorteile haben. Die unterschiedlichen Beschreibungen der Luftfeuchte sind alle äquivalent und die einzelnen Größen können aus jeder anderen berechnet werden, wobei meist noch die Lufttemperatur eine entscheidende Rolle spielt. Es werden die einzelnen Feuchtegrößen vorgestellt und für die beiden in der Praxis wichtigsten — Taupunkttemperatur und relative Feuchte — die wesentlichen Unsicherheitsbeiträge bei der Kalibrierung und im messtechnischen Einsatz diskutiert.
Oxygen
Authors: Hansel James G. ,   Updated by Staff
Published: May 2005

AbstractOxygen is a key element for the existence of life on earth as well as an ingredient for a wide variety of manufacturing processes. Oxygen is produced commercially by the cryogenic separation of air into mainly oxygen and nitrogen or by vacuum swing adsorption procedures. The oxygen is transported to users primarily by pipelines as a high pressure gas or within tank trucks as a cryogenic liquid. Most oxygen is used captively. It is widely used in steel and other metal refining and fabrication industries as well as in the production of many petrochemicals and in health‐related fields. Specifications depend on use.In some cases oxygen is used as a replacement for air in a process; in other applications air is enriched in oxygen. In many applications, reducing or eliminating the nitrogen normally present in the air typically increases the combustion temperature, increases the yield of product formed, and reduces the volume of waste gas to be treated.
Polymer Blends
Authors: Horák Zdeněk , Fortelný Ivan , Kolařík Jan , Hlavatá Drahomíra , Sikora Antonín 
Published: May 2005

AbstractBlending of two or more different polymers makes possible to achieve various property combinations of the resulting material, mostly in a more cost‐effective way than by synthesis of new polymers. The resulting multicomponent and mostly heterogeneous blends are an extraordinarily important group of polymer materials, which make about one‐third of the world polymer production. Common features of preparation, evaluation, and application of polymer blends are the main subject of the article.The basic problems associated with the nonequilibrium phase structure and its coarsening, the effects of interfacial energy of components, the strategies of compatibilization of immiscible polymers, and methods of phase structure analysis are elucidated. Special attention is paid to mechanical properties of heterogeneous blends and their prediction. Commercially important types of polymers blends as well as recycling of commingled plastic waste are briefly discussed.