bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Benzenesulfonamides: A Unique Class of Chemokine Receptor Type 4 Inhibitors
Authors: Mooring Suazette Reid , Liu Jin , Liang Zhongxing , Ahn Jeffrey , Hong Samuel , Yoon Younghyoun , Snyder James P. , Shim Hyunsuk 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe interaction of CXCR4 with CXCL12 (SDF‐1) plays a critical role in cancer metastasis by facilitating the homing of tumor cells to metastatic sites. Based on our previously published work on CXCR4 antagonists, we have synthesized a series of aryl sulfonamides that inhibit the CXCR4/CXCL12 interaction. Analogue bioactivities were assessed with binding affinity and Matrigel invasion assays. Computer modeling was employed to evaluate a selection of the new analogues docked into the CXCR4 X‐ray structure and to rationalize discrepancies between the affinity and Matrigel in vitro assays. A lead compound displays nanomolar potency in the binding affinity assay (IC50=8.0 nM) and the Matrigel invasion assay (100 % blockade of invasion at 10 nM). These data demonstrate that benzenesulfonamides are a unique class of CXCR4 inhibitors with high potency.
Partially overlapping channel assignment for WLANs using SINR interference model
Authors: Zhou Kunxiao , Jia Xiaohua , Chang Yanan , Tang Xing 
Published: March 2013

SUMMARYThe use of multiple channels in 802.11 wireless local area networks can improve network performance. Many efforts have been done to better exploit multiple non‐overlapped channels. However, the number of orthogonal channels in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11 standards is very much limited. Recent studies indicate that we can improve the full‐range channel utilization and the network throughput by properly utilizing the partially overlapping channels. However, little work was focused on channel assignment for partially overlapping channels. In this paper, we investigate the problem of partially overlapping channel assignment to improve the performance of 802.11 wireless networks based on the Signal to Interference–Noise Ratio interference model. Using the Signal to Interference–Noise Ratio model, we deduce a direct relationship between maximizing system throughput and minimizing total interference when partially overlapping channels are employed. After that, we propose a greedy method to minimize the total interference for throughput maximization. We evaluate our algorithm through extensive simulations and compare its performances with those of the state‐of‐the‐art. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alzheimer's Disease Biomarkers: More Than Molecular Diagnostics
Authors: Anderson Dave C. 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Preclinical Research

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex, progressive, and eventually fatal neurodegenerative disease that currently lacks effective treatment options. The disease process is only partially understood. Biomarker identification and analysis will be important for facilitating a deeper understanding of the molecular nature of the disease process and neuropathology, diagnosis of the disease at its earliest stages, in assessing disease progression and to enable the drug discovery and development process. This review assesses progress in a number of areas of AD biomarker discovery and development, constituting a potential systems approach to understanding and diagnosing this disease, including next‐generation DNA sequencing of human genomes, genome‐wide association studies, epigenetics (including DNA methylation and micro‐RNA profiling), gene expression profiling, lipidomics and metabolomics, proteomics, and neuroimaging.
5‐HT1 and 5‐HT2 Receptors Are Involved in the Anxiolytic‐Like Effects of the Neuronal NOS Inhibitor TRIM in the Rat
Authors: Tanyeri Pelin , Mutlu Oguz , Ulak Güner , Akar Füruzan Yildiz , Celikyurt Ipek Komsuoglu , Erden Bekir Faruk 
Published: March 2013

Abstract

Preclinical Research

TRIM, a selective neuronal NOS inhibitor, had anxiolytic effects in the elevated plus‐maze (EPM) test. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the involvement of serotonergic system in the anxiolytic‐like effect of TRIM in the EPM test, a widely used animal model of anxiety. The anxiolytic‐like effect of TRIM (50 mg/kg, i.p.) in adult Wistar albino male rats in the EPM test was antagonized by pretreatment with the 5‐HT depleting agent; parachlorophenylalanine methyl ester (3 × 150 mg/kg i.p.) that inhibits 5‐HT synthesis; methiothepin (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.), a nonselective 5‐HT receptor antagonist; WAY 100635 (0.1 mg/kg i.p.), a selective 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist; GR 127935 (3 mg/kg i.p.), a selective 5‐HT1B/1D receptor antagonist; cyproheptadine (3 mg/kg i.p.), a 5‐HT2 receptor antagonist; or ketanserin (5 mg/kg i.p.), a 5‐HT2A/2C receptor antagonist. The anxiolytic‐like effects of TRIM thus appear to be mediated in part by 5‐HT1 and 5‐HT2 receptors.
Positive association between high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein and incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Japanese workers: 6‐year follow‐up
Authors: Wang Chaochen , Yatsuya Hiroshi , Tamakoshi Koji , Uemura Mayu , Li Yuanying , Wada Keiko , Yamashita Kentaro , Kawaguchi Leo , Toyoshima Hideaki , Aoyama Atsuko 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundElevated high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP), a marker of low‐grade systemic inflammation, may be involved in the etiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether inflammation precedes development of T2DM independent of cigarette smoking and obesity remains to be confirmed.MethodsWe studied 4213 civil servants in a local government in Japan aged 35–66 years at baseline in 2002, who donated blood samples and were followed 6 years. Hazard ratios (HR) of T2DM according to the hs‐CRP quartiles [range Q1: 0.02–0.18 (reference), Q2: 0.18–0.33, Q3: 0.33–0.67 and Q4: 0.67‐9.62 mg/L) were estimated by Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, alcohol intake, smoking status (current, past and never), number of cigarettes per day, physical activity, family history of diabetes (Model 1) and variables in Model 1 + glucose (Model 2).ResultsThe geometric mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] of hs‐CRP was 0.36 mg/L (0.34–0.37). During the follow‐up, 156 new T2DM cases were confirmed. In total sample, Model 2 HRs (95% CIs) for hs‐CRP quartiles Q2–Q4 compared with Q1 were 0.69 (0.36–1.26), 1.47 (0.91–2.39) and 1.78 (1.10–2.88), respectively (p for linear trend = 0.014). Stratified analysis revealed that a statistically significant association was observed only in normal weight non‐current smokers with Model 2 HRs (CIs) being 0.79 (0.29–2.17), 2.63 (1.25–5.56) and 3.19 (1.49–6.86) for Q2–Q4 compared with Q1, respectively (p for linear trend = 0.0006). The relationship did not change materially after further adjusting for log‐homeostasis model assessment or exclusion of past smokers.ConclusionsThese findings imply that higher hs‐CRP itself or existence of chronic systemic inflammation precedes onset of T2DM independent of obesity and smoking. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The COBLL1 C allele is associated with lower serum insulin levels and lower insulin resistance in overweight and obese children
Authors: Mancina Rosellina Margherita , Burza Maria Antonella , Maglio Cristina , Pirazzi Carlo , Sentinelli Federica , Incani Michela , Montalcini Tiziana , Pujia Arturo , Congiu Tiziana , Loche Sandro , Pilia Sabrina , Wiklund Olov , Borén Jan , Romeo Stefano , Baroni Marco Giorgio 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundChildhood obesity is a growing epidemic worldwide, and it is associated with metabolic complications, such as insulin resistance. Recently, a genetic variation (rs7607980) in the COBLL1 gene has been associated with lower insulin resistance in adults. The aim of the study was to investigate if the association between COBLL1 rs7607980 genetic variant and lower insulin resistance was present early in life.MethodsThis sequence variant was genotyped in 878 overweight and obese children (mean age: 10 years) from Sardinia, Italy, from the outpatient clinic of the Pediatric Endocrine Unit, at the Regional Hospital for Microcitaemia in Cagliari. Insulin resistance was assessed by measurement of fasting circulating insulin levels before and after an oral glucose tolerance test and by HOMA‐IR.ResultsThe COBLL1 rs7607980 C allele was associated with lower fasting insulin and HOMA‐IR levels (p = 0.002 and p = 0.035, respectively) in overweight and obese children. Importantly, lower insulin levels were also observed 2 h after oral glucose tolerance test in C allele carriers (p = 0.009).ConclusionsThe present study shows for the first time, the association between COBLL1 rs7607980 C allele, lower serum insulin levels and lower insulin resistance in overweight and obese children. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diversity and selective pressures of anticoagulants in three medicinal leeches (Hirudinida: Hirudinidae, Macrobdellidae)
Authors: Kvist Sebastian , Min Gi‐Sik , Siddall Mark E 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAlthough medicinal leeches have long been used as treatment for various ailments because of their potent anticoagulation factors, neither the full diversity of salivary components that inhibit coagulation, nor the evolutionary selection acting on them has been thoroughly investigated. Here, we constructed expressed sequence tag libraries from salivary glands of two species of medicinal hirudinoid leeches, Hirudo verbana and Aliolimnatis fenestrata, and identified anticoagulant‐orthologs through BLASTx searches. The data set then was augmented by the addition of a previously constructed EST library from the macrobdelloid leech Macrobdella decora. The identified orthologs then were compared and contrasted with well‐characterized anticoagulants from a variety of leeches with different feeding habits, including non‐sanguivorous species. Moreover, four different statistical methods for predicting signatures of positive and negative evolutionary pressures were used for 10 rounds each to assess the level and type of selection acting on the molecules as a whole and on specific sites. In total, sequences showing putative BLASTx‐orthology with five and three anticoagulant‐families were recovered in the A. fenestrata and H. verbana EST libraries respectively. Selection pressure analyses predicted high levels of purifying selection across the anticoagulant diversity, although a few isolated sites showed signatures of positive selection. This study represents a first attempt at mapping the anticoagulant repertoires in a comparative fashion across several leech families.
Sorting the Relationships Among Performance Measurement, Program Evaluation, and Performance Management
Authors: Hatry Harry P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe chapter provides a brief history of program evaluation, performance measurement, and performance management in the United States. It discusses their advantages, disadvantages, applications, and complementarities. The chapter finds that program evaluation and performance measurement have different but basically complementary purposes. Program evaluation provides in‐depth, ad hoc information on major program/policy issues. Performance‐measurement systems have provided data primarily on outcomes, but, as long as quality controls are in place, can cover many more public programs during each year—information needed by public managers. The chapter also provides suggestions for improving both performance measurement and program evaluation to make them more useful to public officials. Finally, the chapter addresses two future issues meriting attention by evaluators: (a) the need to focus more on linking monetary costs to outcomes; and (b) the need of public officials for obtaining better estimates of future outcomes and costs. ©Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Performance Management and Evaluation in the Danish Public Employment Service
Authors: Boll Joachim , Høeberg Lars 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this chapter we discuss the integration of data‐driven monitoring and evaluation using the case of Denmark's Public Employment System (PES) as an example. The responsibility for planning and delivering labor‐market services is divided between national authorities and local authorities. This division creates a particular need for accountability and the monitoring of results. The response to these challenges has been to construct a system of systematic monitoring and evaluation, all drawing on a common data source. The chapter argues that the common data foundation for evaluation and monitoring has proved valuable, especially at the level of policy making and upper management. However, there are still challenges in establishing a results‐based focus in the service‐delivering front‐line organizations. © Wiley Periodicals, Inc., and the American Evaluation Association.
Marbled Inflation From Population Structure in Gene‐Based Association Studies With Rare Variants
Authors: Liu Qianying , Nicolae Dan L. , Chen Lin S. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTAccurate genetic association studies are crucial for the detection and the validation of disease determinants. One of the main confounding factors that affect accuracy is population stratification, and great efforts have been extended for the past decade to detect and to adjust for it. We have now efficient solutions for population stratification adjustment for single‐SNP (where SNP is single‐nucleotide polymorphisms) inference in genome‐wide association studies, but it is unclear whether these solutions can be effectively applied to rare variation studies and in particular gene‐based (or set‐based) association methods that jointly analyze multiple rare and common variants. We examine here, both theoretically and empirically, the performance of two commonly used approaches for population stratification adjustment—genomic control and principal component analysis—when used on gene‐based association tests. We show that, different from single‐SNP inference, genes with diverse composition of rare and common variants may suffer from population stratification to various extent. The inflation in gene‐level statistics could be impacted by the number and the allele frequency spectrum of SNPs in the gene, and by the gene‐based testing method used in the analysis. As a consequence, using a universal inflation factor as a genomic control should be avoided in gene‐based inference with sequencing data. We also demonstrate that caution needs to be exercised when using principal component adjustment because the accuracy of the adjusted analyses depends on the underlying population substructure, on the way the principal components are constructed, and on the number of principal components used to recover the substructure.
Estimation of Runoff, Peak Discharge and Sediment Load at the Event Scale in a Medium‐Size Mediterranean Watershed Using the Annagnps Model
Authors: Bisantino T. , Bingner R. , Chouaib W. , Gentile F. , Trisorio Liuzzi G. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this paper, the Annualized Agricultural Non‐Point Source (AnnAGNPS) model has been used to estimate runoff, peak discharge and sediment load at the event scale in a Mediterranean watershed. The study area is the Carapelle torrent, Southern Italy (area = 506 km2), where continuous rainfall, streamflow and sediment load data are available. Nineteen flood events have been registered in the period 2007–2009 and were used for the application of the model.The aim of the paper is to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the model at the event scale, in a medium‐size watershed, given the specific conditions of the semi‐arid environments. A sensitivity analysis has been carried out to assign the correct parameterization: the mean normalized output variation of the most meaningful input parameters pointed out the influence of the curve number on runoff, peak discharge and sediment load predictions (values greater than 1); the MN Manning's roughness coefficient and K, C and P factors of the universal soil loss equation showed a moderate influence on sediment load simulations (values between 0·5 and 1).The selection of the Soil Conservation Service synthetic storm types has been based on the observed storm events analysis to improve the peak discharge simulations. The model prediction has proved to be good for runoff (R2 = 0·74, NSE = 0·75, W = 0·92) and peak discharge (R2 = 0·85, NSE = 0·70, W = 0·94), and satisfactory for sediment yield (R2 = 0·70, NSE = 0·63, W = 0·91). The relative error is lower for high events; this result is quite interesting in semi‐arid environments, where most of the annual sediment yield is concentrated in a few, severe events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Soil Erosion Assessment in Kondoa Eroded Area in Tanzania using Universal Soil Loss Equation, Geographic Information Systems and Socioeconomic Approach
Authors: Ligonja P. J. , Shrestha R. P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractSoil conservation measures including cutoff drains, tree planting, Crops diversifications and destocking were implemented in Kondoa eroded area (KEA) for decades. This study assessed soil erosion changes in KEA and examined drivers of changes using Universal Soil Loss Equation, Geographic Information Systems and socioeconomic survey. Soil erosion was predicted by using data on soil, digital elevation model, rainfall and land use/cover visually interpreted from multitemporal satellite imageries. The predicted average soil erosions were 14·7, 23 and 15.7 Mg ha−1y−1 during 1973, 1986 and 2008, respectively. The area under very high soil erosion severity that was 30% in 1973, 26% in 1986 and 25% in 2008, whereas the area with high erosion severity was 26% in 1973 changed into 49% in 1986 and 2008 indicating recent stabilization. The area with moderate erosion increased from 15%, 16% and 18% during the same period. Field survey confirms a decrease of soil erosion in KEA compared with the past showing better soil conservation. Age of farmers, long‐term adoption of conservation practices and on‐farm tree planting were found to be the major factors contributing toward reduced soil erosion. Major limitations in soil conservation were poor mainstreaming of conservation activities on local production systems and lack of institutions promoting conservation at the community level. The study concluded that long‐term conservation investment for restoration, protection and socioeconomic support contributes significantly in land rehabilitation in KEA. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Additive on the Performance and Phase Separation of Benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene‐Based Polymer Heterojunction Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Ni Nan , Qu Bo , Tian Di , Cong Zhiyuan , Wang Weiping , Gao Chao , Xiao Lixin , Chen Zhijian , Gong Qihuang , Wei Wei 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAn alternating copolymer (PBDTC10DBT) of benzo[1,2‐b:3,4‐b′]dithiophene (BDT) as donor and 4,7‐di(3‐decylthiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole (C10DBT) as acceptor is designed and synthesized. In order to investigate the effect of the 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO) additive on the morphology and photovoltaic performance, polymer solar cells (PSCs) based on PBDTC10DBT:[6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC61BM) are fabricated. The morphology of blend films and the interpenetrating network between the donor and the acceptor is examined using atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. This work shows that the PBDTC10DBT:PC61BM blend films with added DIO (3%, v/v) have improved absorption and controlled phase separation. Morphology with a domain size of 20–30 nm that forms in the DIO system is proposed to facilitate charge transport and minimize charge carrier recombination, which are the main reasons why the power conversion efficiency of the PSCs is improved from 1.93% (without DIO) to 2.23% (with DIO).magnified image
Direct radiofrequency phase control in MRI by digital waveform playback at the larmor frequency
Authors: Jesmanowicz Andrzej , Nencka Andrew , Hyde James S. 
Published: March 2013

PurposeA scalable multiband and multichannel digital magnetic resonance imaging system has been developed with the goal of reducing the time needed for acquisition of a single volume of gradient‐recalled echo‐planar images of the brain.MethodsTransmit pulses are created by an offline computer equipped with a Pentek excitation card (PCIe model 78621) that was built around the Texas Instruments D/A converter (DAC5688).ResultsThe spectral purity of pulses made in this way surpasses the quality of pulses made by the standard modulators of the scanner, even when using the same pulse‐creation algorithm. There is no need to mix reference waveforms with the magnetic resonance imaging signal to obtain inter‐k‐space coherency for different repetitions. The key was the use of a system clock to create the Larmor frequency used for pulse formation. The 3‐ and 4‐fold slice accelerations were tested using phantoms as well as functional and resting‐state magnetic resonance imaging of the human brain.ConclusionSynthesizers with limited modulation‐time steps should be replaced not only because of the improved spectral quality of radiofrequency pulses but also for the exceptional coherence of pulses at different slice‐selection frequencies. Magn Reson Med 71:846–852, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
New spatiotemporal approaches for fully refocused, multislice ultrafast 2D MRI
Authors: Schmidt Rita , Frydman Lucio 
Published: March 2013

PurposeSingle‐scan multislice acquisition schemes play key roles in magnetic resonance imaging. Central among these “ultrafast” experiments stands echo‐planar imaging, a technique that although of optimal sampling is challenged by T2* artifacts. Recent studies described alternatives based on spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN), which are particularly robust if implemented in a “full‐refocusing” mode. This work extends this modality from the single‐slice acquisitions in which it has hitherto been implemented, by introducing a variety of multislice schemes scanning 3D volumes.MethodsMultislice SPEN employing either inversion or stimulated echo pulses and timed to fulfill the demands of full refocusing, are demonstrated. The performance of the ensuing methods was examined in “Hybrid” modalities encoding data in k‐ and direct‐space, in low‐specific absorption rate stimulated‐echo approaches, and in direct‐space SPEN approaches.ResultsWhen applied in phantoms and in in vivo systems, the ensuing single‐shot sequences evidenced similar robustness, sensitivity, and resolution qualities as previously discussed 2D single‐slice schemes, while enabling a rapid sampling of the third dimension via multislicing.ConclusionThe unique benefits deriving from fully refocused, multislice, single‐scan SPEN sequences were corroborated by phantom tests, as well as by in vivo scans at 3 and 7 T. Low specific absorption rate multislice SPEN variants compatible with human studies were demonstrated. Magn Reson Med 71:711–722, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Some implications of pricing bundles
Authors: Huang Xiao , Nagarajan Mahesh , Sošić Greys 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this article, we consider a problem in which two suppliers can sell their respective products both individually and together as a bundle, and study the impact of bundle pricing. Four pricing models (centralized, decentralized, coop–comp, and comp–coop) are analyzed with regard to the competition formats and sequences. As one would expect, the firms are always better off when pricing decisions are centralized. However, rather surprisingly, we find that firms may be worse off if the bundle prices are set in a cooperative way; we provide analytical characterization of those instances. Numerical studies show that these insights also hold for some nonlinear demand. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics, 2013