bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A model for employee performance trend analysis of distribution centers
Authors: Wu Yu‐Jen , Hou Jiang‐Liang 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTo enhance the operational efficiency of a distribution center (DC), the DC managers have to identify the variations of employee performance with time and use the appropriate management strategies for employee rewards and training. However, the DC managers usually lack a systematic approach for analyzing the employee performance trend to determine the employees to be rewarded or trained. To solve the issue, this research develops a model for analysis of employee performance trend based on an employee performance estimation model. The proposed model consists of two main modules—namely, Derivation of Performance Control Limits (DPCL) and Appraisal of Performance Trend (APT). In the DPCL module, the employee performance can be estimated and the upper and lower control limits of employee performance can be determined. After that, by application of the APT module, the indices of employee performance trend can be derived and can be represented visually for efficient decision of DC managers. On the basis of the proposed model, this research also establishes a Web‐based system for employee performance trend analysis (namely, EPTA platform). Furthermore, a real‐world case was used to evaluate the applicability of the proposed model and platform. By application of the improved analysis diagram generated by the EPTA platform, the uncertain variations of performance trend can be removed to enhance the accuracy of performance trend analysis. As a result, the DC managers can efficiently determine whether the performance trends of employees indicate significant performance increases or decreases by using the proposed model and system. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Serum IL‐6 levels and the risk for hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients: An analysis based on gender differences
Authors: Nakagawa Hayato , Maeda Shin , Yoshida Haruhiko , Tateishi Ryosuke , Masuzaki Ryota , Ohki Takamasa , Hayakawa Yoku , Kinoshita Hiroto , Yamakado Minoru , Kato Naoya , Shiina Shuichiro , Omata Masao 
Published: July 2009

AbstractInterleukin‐6 (IL‐6) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, it was reported in mouse models that estrogen‐mediated inhibition of IL‐6 production explains the gender disparity in HCC. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine whether this hypothesis is applicable to human HCC. We enrolled 330 patients with chronic hepatitis C whose serum samples were collected between January 1994 and December 2002. Serum IL‐6 concentrations were measured and patients were divided into three groups according to IL‐6 levels: low, middle, and high. We evaluated the association between serum IL‐6 levels and the risk of subsequent HCC development, including subgroup analysis on each gender. During the follow‐up period (mean 9.0 yr), HCC developed in 126 patients. The incidence rates differed significantly among the three groups (p = 0.015), increasing in accordance with serum IL‐6 levels. However, unexpectedly, this tendency was significant only in female patients. In a multivariate analysis, higher serum IL‐6 level was an independent risk factor for HCC development in female patients, with a hazard ratio of 1.61. Although female patients showed a weak negative correlation between serum IL‐6 levels and estradiol levels, the lower risk of HCC in female patients cannot be fully explained by estrogen‐mediated inhibition of IL‐6 production. In conclusion, higher serum IL‐6 level was an independent risk factor for HCC development in female but not male chronic hepatitis C patients. Measurement of serum IL‐6 levels may provide useful information for predicting future HCC development in female chronic hepatitis C patients. © 2009 UICC
Relationships between critical period of estrogen exposure and circulating levels of insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) in breast cancer: evidence from a case‐control study
Authors: Wu Mei‐Hsuan , Chou Yu‐Ching , Chou Wan‐Yun , Hsu Giu‐Cheng , Chu Chi‐Hong , Yu Cheng‐Ping , Yu Jyh‐Cherng , Sun Chien‐An 
Published: July 2009

AbstractEpidemiological observations suggest that insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I), a potent mitogenic and anti‐apoptotic peptide, plays a role in the etiology of breast cancer. Estrogen, which is crucial in breast carcinogenesis, both regulates and is influenced by IGF‐I family. A case‐control study was conducted to assess the role of IGF‐I as a biomarker for breast cancer and to evaluate the potential joint effect of circulating IGF‐I and critical period of estrogen exposure, as estimated by the interval between age at menarche and age at first full‐term pregnancy on the risk of breast cancer. Questionnaire information and blood samples were taken before treatment from 297 incident cases with breast cancer and 593 controls admitted for health examination at the Tri‐Service General Hospital, Taipei between 2004 and 2006. Plasma levels of IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3 were measured by immunoradiometric assay. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our case‐control data indicate that breast cancer risk related to IGF‐I differs according to menopausal status. High circulating levels of IGF‐I increased risk of pre‐ but not postmenopausal breast cancer (top vs. bottom tertile, adjusted OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.01–3.44). Furthermore, elevated IGF‐I concentrations in conjunction with prolonged interval of critical period of estrogen exposure were associated with significantly increased risk of breast cancer, particularly among estrogen‐positive cases (adjusted OR, 2.42, 95% CI, 1.33–4.38). These results suggest that the joint effect of IGF‐I and estrogens may provide novel methods of breast cancer risk reduction among women.
Relationship between dietary and supplemental intake of folate, methionine, vitamin B6 and folate receptor α expression in ovarian tumors
Authors: Kotsopoulos Joanne , Hecht Jonathan L. , Marotti Jonathan D. , Kelemen Linda E. , Tworoger Shelley S. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBecause folate receptor α (FRα) is frequently over‐expressed in epithelial ovarian tumors, we hypothesized that its association with folate may differ by FRα expression or by the timing of intake. We examined the association between folate and other cofactors in 152 ovarian cancers evaluated for FRα expression from the Nurses' Health Study. Multivariate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using unconditional logistic regression. FRα expression was higher in serous invasive and advanced stage ovarian tumors. Recent dietary folate intake ≥ 300 μg/day compared to < 300 μg/day was associated with decreased risk of developing ovarian cancer (OR = 0.62; 95%CI 0.40–0.96). There was suggestion of an increased risk with total folate (dietary and supplemental) (OR=1.42; 95%CI 0.94–2.14 for past and OR = 1.53; 95%CI 0.99–2.37 for recent intake). These results did not vary by FRα status of the tumor. Methyl group score, a marker of high dietary folate and methionine intake but low alcohol consumption, was inversely associated with risk of ovarian cancer (OR = 0.44; 95%CI 0.23–0.84 for past and OR=0.46; 95%CI 0.24–0.88 for recent intake). There were no clear individual associations between methionine, vitamin B6, or multivitamin use and ovarian cancer risk overall or by FRα tumor status. Our data do not support the hypothesis that the relationship between factors involved in one‐carbon metabolism and ovarian cancer risk differs by FRα status of the tumor.
Mitochondrial ATP‐independent chaperones
Authors: Petrakis Nikos , Alcock Felicity , Tokatlidis Kostas 
Published: July 2009

AbstractMitochondria possess a dedicated‐chaperone system in the intermembrane space, the small Tims that are ubiquitous in all eukaryotes from yeast to man. They escort membrane proteins to the outer or the inner membrane for proper insertion. These mitochondrial chaperones do not require external energy to perform their function and have structural similarities to other ATP‐independent chaperones. Here, we discuss their structural properties and how these relate to their chaperoning function in the mitochondrial intermembrane space. © 2009 IUBMB IUBMB Life 61(9): 909–914, 2009
Controlling biological interfaces on the nanometer length scale
Authors: Schmidt Ray C. , Healy Kevin E. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA number of techniques currently exist that allow researchers to generate spatially resolved patterns of chemistry and topography on the nanometer length scale. Both chemically and topographically nanopatterned surfaces can be generated to more accurately mimic the natural extracellular environment. Chemically patterned surfaces can also be used to study tightly controlled and highly specific cell–cell and cell‐substrate interactions or to create increasingly densely packed biosensors. From a biological standpoint, these methods enable fabrication of elaborate interfaces to mechanistically study the effects of cell adhesion ligand density, spacing, clustering, and spatial distribution on cell fate and function. The most commonly used nanopatterning techniques in the biomaterials arena are reviewed here, including scanning probe, electron beam, colloidal, and imprint lithographies, critically examining the resolution available and the scalability of the technique for generating the number of surfaces necessary for statistically relevant cell culture studies. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2009
Cell confinement in patterned nanoliter droplets in a microwell array by wiping
Authors: Kang Lifeng , Hancock Matthew J. , Brigham Mark D. , Khademhosseini Ali 
Published: July 2009

AbstractCell patterning is useful for a variety of biological applications such as tissue engineering and drug discovery. In particular, the ability to localize cells within distinct fluids is beneficial for a variety of applications ranging from microencapsulation to high‐throughput analysis. However, despite much progress, cell immobilization and maintenance within patterned microscale droplets remains a challenge. In particular, no method currently exists to rapidly seed cells into microwell arrays in a controllable and reliable manner. In this study, we present a simple wiping technique to localize cells within arrays of polymeric microwells. This robust method produces cell seeding densities that vary consistently with microwell geometry and cell concentration. Moreover, we develop a simple theoretical model to accurately predict cell seeding density and seeding efficiency in terms of the design parameters of the microwell array and the cell density. This short‐term cell patterning approach is an enabling tool to develop new high‐throughput screening technologies that utilize microwell arrays containing cells for screening applications. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Defining critical inflammatory parameters for endotoxin impurity in manufactured alginate microcapsules
Authors: Breger Joyce C. , Lyle Daniel B. , Shallcross Jonathan C. , Langone John J. , Wang Nam Sun 
Published: July 2009

AbstractSince current purification methods cannot completely remove all traces of endotoxin in biomaterials intended for use in implantable or blood‐contacting devices, acceptable levels of endotoxin contamination that will not cause a significant inflammatory reaction need to be defined. Inflammatory reactions to biomaterials may include production of high concentrations of potentially harmful nitric oxide (NO) generated by macrophages. Nitrite accumulation was measured from RAW264.7 cells treated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) free in solution or defined quantities of LPS incorporated into alginate in the absence or presence of murine interferon‐γ (mrIFN‐γ). In the absence of IFN‐γ, significant NO production by RAW 264.7 cells occurred for LPS levels down to 0.018 EU/mL. In the presence of mrIFN‐γ, the lowest concentration of LPS tested in solution (0.006 EU/mL) elicited a significant increase in NO production. In the absence or presence of mrIFN‐γ, five times the concentration of LPS incorporated into alginate as compared to LPS free in solution was necessary to elicit a similar NO response by RAW264.7. These results demonstrate that very low concentrations of endotoxin can elicit significant NO responses from macrophages, particularly when inflammatory cytokines are present. Biomaterials may sequester endotoxin, resulting in lower inflammatory reactions that otherwise might be expected. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Dynamic changes in chromatin structure through post‐translational modifications of histone H3 during replication origin activation
Authors: Rampakakis E. , Di Paola D. , Chan M.K. , Zannis‐Hadjopoulos M. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractGenome duplication relies on the timely activation of multiple replication origins throughout the genome during S phase. Each origin is marked by the assembly of a multiprotein pre‐replication complex (pre‐RC) and the recruitment of the replicative machinery, which can gain access to replication origins on the DNA through the barrier of specific chromatin structures. Inheritance of the genetic information is further accompanied by maintenance and inheritance of the epigenetic marks, which are accomplished by the activity of histone and DNA modifying enzymes traveling with the replisome. Here, we studied the changes in the chromatin structure at the loci of three replication origins, the early activated human lamin B2 (LB2) and monkey Ors8 (mOrs8) origins and the late‐activated human homologue of the latter (hOrs8), during their activation, by measuring the abundance of post‐translationally modified histone H3. The data show that dynamic changes in the levels of acetylated, methylated and phosphorylated histone H3 occur during the initiation of DNA replication at these three origin loci, which differ between early‐ and late‐firing origins as well as between human‐ and monkey‐derived cell lines. These results suggest that specific histone modifications are associated with origin firing, temporal activation and replication fork progression and underscore the importance of species specificity. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 400–407, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modulatory effect of rRNA synthesis and ppUL83 nucleolar compartmentalization on human cytomegalovirus gene expression in vitro
Authors: Arcangeletti Maria‐Cristina , Rodighiero Isabella , De Conto Flora , Gatti Rita , Orlandini Guido , Ferraglia Francesca , Motta Federica , Covan Silvia , Razin Sergey V. , Dettori Giuseppe , Chezzi Carlo 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThe nucleolus is a nuclear domain involved in the biogenesis of ribosomes, as well as in many other important cellular regulatory activities, such as cell cycle control and mRNA processing. Many viruses, including herpesviruses, are known to exploit the nucleolar compartment during their replication cycle. In a previous study, we demonstrated the preferential targeting and accumulation of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) UL83 phosphoprotein (pp65) to the nucleolar compartment and, in particular, to the nucleolar matrix of lytically infected fibroblasts; such targeting was already evident at very early times after infection. Here we have investigated the possible effects of rRNA synthesis inhibition upon the development of HCMV lytic infection, by using either actinomycin D or cisplatin at low concentrations, that are known to selectively inhibit RNA polymerase I activity, whilst leaving RNA polymerase II function unaffected. Following the inhibition of rRNA synthesis by either of the agents used, we observed a significant redistribution of nucleolar proteins within the nucleoplasm and a simultaneous depletion of viral pp65 from the nucleolus; this effect was highly evident in both unextracted cells and in nuclear matrices in situ. Of particular interest, even a brief suppression of rRNA synthesis resulted in a very strong inhibition of the progression of HCMV infection, as was concluded from the absence of accumulation of HCMV major immediate‐early proteins within the nucleus of infected cells. These data suggest that a functional relationship might exist between rRNA synthesis, pp65 localization to the nucleolar matrix and the normal development of HCMV lytic infection. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 415–423, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dys‐regulated activation of a Src tyroine kinase Hck at the Golgi disturbs N‐glycosylation of a cytokine receptor Fms
Authors: Hassan Ranya , Suzu Shinya , Hiyoshi Masateru , Takahashi‐Makise Naoko , Ueno Takamasa , Agatsuma Tsutomu , Akari Hirofumi , Komano Jun , Takebe Yutaka , Motoyoshi Kazuo , Okada Seiji 
Published: July 2009

AbstractHIV‐1 Nef accelerates the progression to AIDS by binding with and activating a Src kinase Hck, but underlying molecular basis is not understood. We revealed that Nef disturbed N‐glycosylation/trafficking of a cytokine receptor Fms in an Hck‐dependent manner, a possible trigger to worsen uncontrolled immune system. Here, we provide direct evidence that dys‐regulated activation of Hck pre‐localized to the Golgi apparatus causes this Fms maturation arrest. A striking change in Hck induced by Nef other than activation was its skewed localization to the Golgi due to predominant Golgi‐localization of Nef. Studies with different Nef alleles and their mutants showed a clear correlation among higher Nef‐Hck affinity, stronger Hck activation, severe Golgi‐localization of Hck and severe Fms maturation arrest. Studies with a newly discovered Nef‐Hck binding blocker 2c more clearly showed that skewed Golgi‐localization of active Hck was indeed the cause of Fms maturation arrest. 2c blocked Nef‐induced skewed Golgi‐localization of an active form of Hck (Hck‐P2A) and Fms maturation arrest by Nef/Hck‐P2A, but showed no inhibition on Hck‐P2A kinase activity. Our finding establishes an intriguing link between the pathogenesis of Nef and a newly emerging concept that the Golgi‐localized Src kinases regulate the Golgi function. J. Cell. Physiol. 221: 458–468, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of novel pyrazole‐linked norcantharidin derivatives of substituted aromatic amines with efficient 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition
Authors: Deng Liping , Tao Weifeng , Lv Jianguo , Wang Wei 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
magnified imageHighly efficient, practical and convenient synthesis of twelve compounds by the [3+2] 1, 3‐dipolar cycloaddition reaction of norcantharidin derivatives of substituted aromatic amines with two hydrazines in the presence of chloramine‐T. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Hafnium (IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)amide‐catalyzed one‐pot synthesis of substituted quinolines in fluorous media
Authors: Shen Ming‐Gui , Cai Chun , Yi Wen‐Bin 
Published: July 2009

Abstract
magnified imageHafnium (IV) bis(perfluorooctanesulfonyl)amide (Hf(NPf)4) catalyzed the one‐pot synthesis of substituted quinolines in fluorous media. By simple phase separation, the fluorous phase containing the catalyst can be used several times. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2009).
Estimation of clear‐sky effective erythema radiation from broadband solar radiation (300–3000 nm) data in an arid climate
Authors: Sabziparvar Ali A. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractThis study reports the first observations of effective erythema radiation (EER) from an arid region of Iran. The hourly and daily measured clear‐sky global solar radiation (G) and biologically important EER incident on a horizontal surface at Esfahan, Iran, during 2002–2004 are used. The EER irradiation was recorded by a spectrophotometer Brewer type MK IV mounted on the roof of the Esfahan site. The total daily broadband radiation was measured using an Eppley Pyranometer (Kipp & Zonen CM) at the same site. Using the mentioned experimental data, a linear relationship (EER = β × G + α) is established between daily integrated totals of EER and the daily totals of broadband global solar radiation (300–3000 nm). At statistically significant levels (p < 0.05 and R2 > 0.92) a good linear correlation between the daily G and EER was found. The observed (G) data is a routine meteorological measurement at many meteorological stations and such a relationship would enable estimates of the daily EER to be made from accessible records. The seasonal variability of EER/G is also discussed. The effect of the annual cycles of solar zenith angle (SZA) and total column ozone (TCO) on the ratios (EER/G) is presented and the correction factors are determined for the inclusion of the ozone cycle. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society
Electrical Modes in Scanning Probe Microscopy
Authors: Berger Rüdiger , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Retschke Maria B. , Weber Stefan A. L. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractScanning probe microscopy methods allow the investigation of a variety of sample surface properties on a nanometer scale, even down to single molecules. As molecular electronics advance, the characterization of electrical properties becomes more and more important. In both research and industry, films made from composite materials and lithographically structured elements have already reached structure sizes down to a few nanometers. Here, we review the major scanning probe microscopy modes that are used for electrical characterization of thin films, that is, scanning conductive force microscopy, Kelvin probe force microscopy and scanning electric field microscopy. To demonstrate the possibilities and capabilities of these modes, reference samples were fabricated by means of focused ion beam deposition and analyzed using the described methods. Furthermore, two upcoming modes are presented that are based on: i) local current measurements while the SPM‐cantilever is excited into torsional vibrations, and, ii) changes in a backscattered microwave that was coupled into a scanning probe microscopy‐cantilever. The scanning‐probe‐based electrical modes are applicable for studies of functional layers used in soft matter electronic devices under realistic environmental conditions.magnified image
Elliptical field‐of‐view PROPELLER imaging
Authors: Devaraj Ajit , Pipe James G. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractTraditionally two‐dimensional scans are designed to support an isotropic field‐of‐view (iFOV). When imaging elongated objects, significant savings in scan time can potentially be achieved by supporting an elliptical field‐of‐view (eFOV). This work presents an empirical closed‐form solution to adapt the PROPELLER trajectory for an eFOV. The proposed solution is built on the geometry of the PROPELLER trajectory permitting the scan prescription and data reconstruction to remain largely similar to standard PROPELLER. The achieved FOV is experimentally validated by the point spread function (PSF) of a phantom scan. The details of potential savings in scan time and the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) performance in comparison to iFOV scans for both phantom and in‐vivo images are also described. Magn Reson Med, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.