bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel thermally latent self‐crosslinkable copolymers bearing oxetane and hemiacetal ester moieties: The synthesis, self‐crosslinking behavior, and thermal properties
Authors: Komatsu Hiroyuki , Hino Tetsuo , Endo Takeshi 
Published: August 2005

AbstractNovel thermally latent self‐crosslinkable copolymers (14 and 15) containing hemiacetal ester and oxetane moieties were synthesized by the radical copolymerizations of 1‐propoxyethyl methacrylate, 3‐ethyl‐3‐methacryloyloxymethyl oxetane, and/or n‐butyl methacrylate at 60 °C in the presence of 2,2′‐azoisobutylonitrile as an initiator. The obtained copolymers showed good solubility for common organic solvents such as tetrahydrofuran, chloroform, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The thermal crosslinking behaviors were examined with several Lewis acid catalysts (6). In particular, the treatment with aluminum‐2‐ethylhexanate triethanolamine complex (6c) at 160 °C was found to efficiently yield the corresponding self‐crosslinked polymers (14′ and 15′). Incidentally, the resulting products were hardly insoluble in various organic solvents, including DMSO. The thermal properties of the obtained self‐crosslinked polymers 14′ and 15′ were estimated by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4260–4270, 2005
Mass spectrometry identification of NASP binding partners in HeLa cells
Authors: Alekseev Oleg M. , Richardson Richard T. , Pope Marshall R. , O'Rand Michael G. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractNuclear autoantigenic sperm protein (NASP) is a linker histone binding protein that is cell‐cycle regulated. Synchronized HeLa cells are delayed in progression through the G1/S border when transiently transfected to overexpress full‐length NASP, but not the histone‐binding site (HBS) deletion mutant (NASP–ΔHBS). The purpose of the current study was to identify possible NASP‐associated proteins in HeLa cell nuclei that could elucidate NASP's influence on the cell cycle and chromatin remodeling. For this purpose, we employed a new approach: mass spectrometry identification of initially cross‐linked proteins after their separation in a second dimension by reducing SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). Of the twelve proteins identified, three appear to be relevant to NASP's function: heat shock protein 90 (HSP90), DNA‐activated protein kinase, and ATP‐dependent DNA helicase II (70‐kDa subunit). Individual protein–protein interactions were tested by immunoprecipitation techniques. This new method can be used for expedited identification of binding partners of different proteins in enriched fractions and as a complementary or alternative strategy to the yeast two‐hybrid system and immunoprecipitation methods. Proteins 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
WebACT—an online companion for the Artemis Comparison Tool
Authors: Abbott J. C. , Aanensen D. M. , Rutherford K. , Butcher S. , Spratt B. G. 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Summary: WebACT is an online resource which enables the rapid provision of simultaneous BLAST comparisons between up to five genomic sequences in a format amenable for visualization with the well-known Artemis Comparison Tool (ACT). Comparisons can be generated on-the-fly using sequences directly retrieved via EMBL database queries, or by entering or uploading user sequences. Furthermore, pre-computed comparisons are available between all publicly available, completed prokaryotic genomes and plasmids currently contained within the Genome Reviews database (372 sequences, representing 175 different species). The system is designed to minimize the volume of downloaded data and maximize performance. Genome sequences, annotation and pre-computed comparisons are stored in a relational database allowing flexible querying based on user-defined sequence regions, from whole genome to a defined region flanking a specified gene. Comparison and sequence files, whether computed online or retrieved from the database of pre-computed genome comparisons, can be viewed online using ACT and are available for download.
Availability: Freely accessible at http://www.webact.org
Contact: admin@webact.org
Supplementary information: User guide and worked examples are available at http://www.webact.org/WebACT/docs
GenColors: accelerated comparative analysis and annotation of prokaryotic genomes at various stages of completeness
Authors: Romualdi Alessandro , Siddiqui Roman , Glöckner Gernot , Lehmann Rüdiger , Sühnel Jürgen 
Published: August 2005

Abstract
Summary: GenColors is a new web-based software/database system aimed at an improved and accelerated annotation of prokaryotic genomes, considering information on related genomes and making extensive use of genome comparison. It offers a seamless integration of data from ongoing sequencing projects and annotated genomic sequences obtained from GenBank. The genome comparison tools determine, for example, best-bidirectional hits, gene conservation, syntenies and gene core sets. Swiss-Prot/TrEMBL hits allow annotations in an effective manner. To further support the annotation base-specific quality data can also be displayed if available. With GenColors dedicated genome browsers containing a group of related genomes can be easily set up and maintained. It has been efficiently used for Borrelia garinii and is currently applied to various ongoing genome projects.
Availability: Detailed information on GenColors is available at http://gencolors.imb-jena.de. Online usage of GenColors-based genome browsers is the preferred application mode. The system is also available upon request for local installation.
Contact: jsuehnel@imb-jena.de
Towards improved performance and interoperability in distributed and physical union catalogues
Authors: Macgregor George , Nicolaides Fraser 
Published: August 2005

PurposeDetail research undertaken to determine the key differences in the performance of certain centralised (physical) and distributed (virtual) bibliographic catalogue services, and to suggest strategies for improving interoperability and performance in, and between, physical and virtual models.Design/methodology/approachMethodically defined searches of a centralised catalogue service and selected distributed catalogues were conducted using the Z39.50 information retrieval protocol, allowing search types to be semantically defined. The methodology also entailed the use of two workshops comprising systems librarians and cataloguers to inform suggested strategies for improving performance and interoperability within both environments.FindingsTechnical interoperability was permitted easily between centralised and distributed models, however, the various individual configurations permitted only limited semantic interoperability. Significant prescription in cataloguing and indexing guidelines, greater participation in the program for collaborative cataloguing, consideration of future functional requirements for bibliographic records migration, and greater disclosure to end users are some of the suggested strategies to improve performance and semantic interoperability.Practical implicationsThis paper not only informs the library and information science research community and union catalogue administrators, but also has numerous practical implications for those establishing distributed systems based on Z39.50 and search/retrieve web services as well as those establishing centralised systems.Originality/valueThe paper moves the discussion of Z39.50‐based systems away from anecdotal evidence and provides recommendations based on testing, and is intimately informed by the UK cataloguing and systems librarian community.
London and County Securities: a case study in audit and regulatory failure
Authors: Matthews Derek 
Published: August 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to look in detail into the collapse and its subsequent implications of the London and County Securities bank (L&C) in 1973, one of the most significant UK corporate fraud scandals and regulatory failures in recent decades.Design/methodology/approachThe article is a case study drawing on the report on L&C by the Department of Trade (DT) inspectors and the national and trade press, interviews with and the private papers of some of the major participants.FindingsThe study identifies and explains the nature of the fraud, the shortcomings of the auditing of the bank, the poor performance of the DT inspectors, and the weaknesses of the subsequent changes in the regulatory system.Research implicationsThe implications of the article's findings are: that commentators, and the regulatory and legal system need to distinguish between different types of fraud; that commercial pressures impact adversely on the audit process; that DT inspections conducted by accountants are not independent in their judgements; and that self‐regulation is always likely to be ineffective.Practical implicationsThe findings are likely to be of interest to accounting academics and historians, practitioners and regulators.Originality/valueProvides an insight into the collapse of the London and County Securities bank.
A project control process in pre‐construction phases
Authors: Al‐Reshaid Khaled , Kartam Nabil , Tewari Narendra , Al‐Bader Haya 
Published: August 2005

PurposeIt is a well‐known fact that the construction industry always passes through two distinctive problems during the construction stage: slippages of project‐schedules, i.e. time‐frame, and overruns of project‐costs, i.e. budget. However, limited literature is available to solve or dilute these two problems before they even occur. It is strongly believed that the bulk of the two mentioned problems can be mitigated to a great extent, if not eliminated, provided that proper attention is paid to the pre‐construction phases of projects. Normally projects are implemented through traditionally old techniques which generally emphasize only solving “construction problems during the construction phase”. The aim of this article is therefore to unveil a professional methodology known as Project Control System (PCS) focusing on pre‐construction phases of construction projects.Design/methodology/approachIn this article, the authors share the lessons learned during implementation of Kuwait University projects worth approximately $400 million in a span of ten years. The task of the project management/construction management (PM/CM) is being provided to the university by a joint venture team of international and local specialists.FindingsThe pre‐construction methodology ensures smooth and successful implementation during construction phases of the projects as they are generally executed in a fast‐pace, deadline‐driven and cost‐conscious environment. The intuitive proactive methods, if implemented during pre‐construction stage, automatically answer the questions that are encountered during the execution periods of projects.Originality/valueIn this article, the authors share the lessons learned during PM/CM during projects over a span of ten years, which could be of use to others.
Measuring affective reactions to print apparel advertisements: a scale development
Authors: Oh Hyunjoo 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo develop and validate a new scale for affective reactions to print apparel advertisements.Design/methodology/approachFollowing the guidelines suggested by Churchill, the scale for measuring affective reactions to print advertisements was developed. A questionnaire was then administered to assess validity and reliability of measures. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted by using the LISREL.FindingsThe confirmatory factor model supported that unipolar categories of warm, negative, upbeat, sensual, and bored feelings effectively represent affective reactions to apparel advertisements. Evidence was established for reliability and validity.Research limitations/implicationsThe major limitation of this study was the reliance on student subjects for scale development and testing. It limits the generalizability of the results to other populations. Further research is recommended to test the scale by using different samples and stimuli.Practical implicationsThe identification of the five categories of affective reactions to apparel advertisements allows marketers to target the specific types of affective reactions that lead to favorable attitudes toward advertisements, which, in turn, lead to favorable attitudes toward brands and purchase behaviors.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils needs for the scales that measure emotional aspects of clothing behaviors. Scholars could use the scale developed in this study to investigate how the specific categories of affective reactions influence subsequent information processing and attitude formation for advertised products or brands.
Application of a multi‐criteria model for determining risk premium
Authors: Palliam Ralph 
Published: August 2005

PurposeFor publicly traded firms, calculating the cost of capital is predicated typically on information from the financial markets. Small businesses do not have the necessary market‐based information. As an alternative to traditional proxy approaches, this paper presents a multi‐criteria model to determine an appropriate equity risk premium, and thereby, a cost of capital.Design/methodology/approachThe study applies a multi‐criteria model – an analytical hierarchy process (AHP) – to determine the cost of capital for small businesses. It is a useful tool for the complex world in which small businesses function. Arbitrary and capricious ways of allocating resources is a luxury that small businesses can ill afford. The application of the model to a small business in South Africa is shown in this study.FindingsThe use of the AHP model is clearly a method to determine the equity risk premium and the cost of capital for small businesses.Research limitations/implicationsThe model requires small business managers to identify all information sources for the required input data. This prepares the managers in advance for their information need. Thereafter, management is required to offer subjective thoughts on qualitative oriented criteria. This is attractive particularly to small business management since AHP pairwise comparison procedure allows managers to provide relative rather than absolute preference assessment one at a time on those qualitative factors. The inconsistency checking mechanisms within the AHP model allows management to identify inconsistencies at early stages of the solution process.Originality/valueThe paper offers practical help to lenders and small businesses wishing to invest in new capital projects.
The adoption and success of profit‐sharing plans in strategic business units
Authors: Magnan Michel , St‐Onge Sylvie , Cormier Denis 
Published: August 2005

PurposeTo provide insights as to the determinants of profit‐sharing plan (PSP) adoption, as well as conditions that underlie their successful implementation.Design/methodology/approachThe sample comprises strategic business units (SBUs) within a large financial services organization, some of which voluntarily adopted a PSP while others did not. All sample SBUs face similar economic and market conditions. Through a logit analysis, we identify determinants of PSP adoption. Through longitudinal cross‐sectional design, we assess the impact of PSP adoption on earnings growth, as well as conditions that underlie successful implementations.FindingsLarger SBUs as well as SBUs exhibiting superior asset growth are more likely to adopt a PSP than other SBUs. Prior earnings performance is not found to be a determinant of PSP adoption. PSP adoption translates into superior earnings growth, but such impact quickly declines over time. Among PSP adopters, earnings growth following PSP adoption is greater for SBUs that adopt late (late adopters) and for those which had poor prior earnings performance.Research limitations/implicationsLimited external validity as the analysis is performed within a single North American organization.Practical implicationsPSPs are found to be an effective performance turnaround tool. In addition, their limited life cycle suggests that continuous reinforcements and communications are needed to maintain effectiveness.Originality/valueIn contrast to most prior research that uses multi‐industry samples, the paper relies on a unique organizational database that controls for confounding factors and different earnings generation processes. Moreover, the paper provides additional insights as to the conditions for success.
Policy Divergence in Races for the U.S. House of Representatives*
Authors: Magee Christopher S. P. , Wolaver Amy M. 
Published: August 2005

Objective. This article investigates the extent to which opposing candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives adopt differing policy stances and examines explanations for policy divergence.Methods. We use a Congressional Quarterly survey of 1996 House candidates to measure policy divergence on eight issues. We then test explanations for this divergence: party pressures, primaries, third‐party candidates, campaign contributions, candidate preferences, and uncertainty.Results. Primaries, third‐party challenges, and contributions play little role in explaining policy divergence. We find that party and candidate preferences contribute to differences in the policy platforms of opposing candidates while uncertainty weakens the pressure for policy convergence.Conclusion. Imperfect information weakens pressure on candidates to adopt positions favored by the majority of voters in a district. This lack of pressure allows candidates to indulge their personal and party preferences in taking policy stances.
Was Wright Wrong? High‐Class Jobs and the Professional Earnings Advantage*
Authors: Hogan Richard 
Published: August 2005

Objectives. Wright and Perrone (1977) was an outstanding empirical analysis of social stratification, a major contribution to Marxist analysis of classes in modern capitalism, and an important contribution to popular discourse and academic research on “social class” in the United States. Since 1977, however, debates with “bean counters” in sociology and “epistemological and ontological purists” within Marxism have yielded a multidimensional game‐theoretic exploitation model that falls far short of Wright and Perrone (1977) on standards of social science, Marxism, commonsense, and the potential for inspiring future scholarship. Thus I propose moving away from game theory and toward Tilly's (1998) model of durable inequality, which might accommodate the dialectic of life and work.Methods. An OLS regression analysis of income inequality among white men in the United States illustrates the benefits of this reconceptualization in capturing the interactive effects of occupational titles, educational credentials, and class relations.Results. Specifically, we find that the professional earnings advantage is associated with J.D. and M.D. credentials and small‐scale proprietorship, rather than supervisorial authority or ownership in large‐scale corporate practice.Conclusions. These results suggest that we should reconsider the Wright (1997) conceptualization of Marxist class categories.
Lipid metabolism and TNF‐α secretion in response to dietary sterols in human monocyte derived macrophages
Authors: Napolitano M. , Bravo E. 
Published: August 2005

AbstractBackground  The postprandial phase is characterized by the circulation of atherogenic dietary‐triacylglycerol rich lipoproteins. Little is known about the modulation of lipid and immune functions in macrophages by these particles or of the role of the oxysterols found in food such as 7β‐hydroxycholesterol and 7‐ketocholesterol.Materials and methods  Human macrophages were tested with different concentrations of chylomicron remnant‐like particles (CRLP) with or without incorporated oxysterols to study their uptake by the cells, and their effects on cholesteryl ester and triacylglycerol synthesis and the secretion of inflammatory mediators, including tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin 6 (IL‐6) and interleukin 10 (IL‐10).Results  Independently of the presence of oxysterols, CRLP caused cholesterol accumulation. However, the dose‐dependent increase in [3H]cholesterol internalization by macrophages after incubation with [3H]cholesteryl ester‐labelled CRLP was abolished by the presence of oxysterols in the particles. TNF‐α secretion was decreased and that of IL‐10 unaffected by CRLP independently of the presence of oxysterol. Exposure to CRLP containing 7β‐hydroxysterol, but not to CRLP or 7‐ketosterol‐containing CRLP, reduced IL‐6 secretion with respect to cells not exposed to any particles. Because TNF‐α levels have been related to scavenger receptor expression, we tested the uptake of modified LDL in macrophages exposed to human postprandial triacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins and found it to be markedly increased.Conclusions  Cholesterol loading as a result of dietary lipids depresses the inflammatory response of macrophages and the presence of 7β‐hydroxysterol may exacerbate this effect. In addition, exposure to dietary lipids enhances scavenger receptor activity in macrophages. These results suggest that changes induced by dietary lipids in human macrophage function are related to an increased propensity of the cells to accumulate lipids during the postprandial phase.
Adjuvant activity of pollen grains
Authors: Allakhverdi Z. , Bouguermouh S. , Rubio M. , Delespesse G. 
Published: August 2005

Background:  The induction of an immune response to a biologically inert soluble protein requires an adjuvant. Here we have examined whether intact grains of pollen display such adjuvant effect, accounting for the immunogenic activity of pollen protein allergens that are devoid of intrinsic pro‐inflammatory/adjuvant property.Methods:  Human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) were cultured with intact grains of grass or ragweed pollen for 48 h. The state of DCs maturation was analyzed by FACS and their cytokine production by ELISA. T cell priming activity of DCs was examined in co‐cultures with naïve cord blood‐derived CD4+ T cells.Results:  Contact with grains of pollen induced a distinct maturation program in immature DCs. Pollen up‐regulated the expression of CD54, CD80, CD83, CD86, HLA‐DR, CCR7, and CD40 on DCs. Moreover, CCR5 expression was up‐regulated by pollen but suppressed by LPS. In sharp contrast to LPS‐stimulated DCs, pollen‐treated DCs did not produce cytokines [interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐12, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α] but retained the ability to secrete high levels of these cytokines upon simulation with soluble CD40 ligand and interferon (IFN)‐γ. Pollen‐primed DCs strongly stimulated the proliferation of allogeneic naïve CD4+ T cells and promoted their development into effector cells producing high levels of IL‐5 and IL‐13 together with moderate levels of IFN‐γ and IL‐4.Conclusion:  Intact grains of pollen induce activation and maturation of DCs in vitro. Similar mechanisms may be effective in vivo, suggesting that pollen grain is not only an allergen carrier but also acts as an adjuvant in the induction phase of the allergic immune response.