bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dact1, a Nutritionally Regulated Preadipocyte Gene, Controls Adipogenesis by Coordinating the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Network
Authors: Lagathu Claire , Christodoulides Constantinos , Virtue Sam , Cawthorn William P. , Franzin Chiara , Kimber Wendy A. , Nora Edoardo Dalla , Campbell Mark , Medina-Gomez Gema , Cheyette Benjamin N.R. , Vidal-Puig Antonio J. , Sethi Jaswinder K. 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE—Wnt signaling inhibits adipogenesis, but its regulation, physiological relevance, and molecular effectors are poorly understood. Here, we identify the Wnt modulator Dapper1/Frodo1 (Dact1) as a new preadipocyte gene involved in the regulation of murine and human adipogenesis.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Changes in Dact1 expression were investigated in three in vitro models of adipogenesis. In vitro gain- and loss-of-function studies were used to investigate the mechanism of Dact1 action during adipogenesis. The in vivo regulation of Dact1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling were investigated in murine models of altered nutritional status, of pharmacological stimulation of in vivo adipogenesis, and during the development of dietary and genetic obesity.
RESULTS— Dact1 is a preadipocyte gene that decreases during adipogenesis. However, Dact1 knockdown impairs adipogenesis through activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and this is reversed by treatment with the secreted Wnt antagonist, secreted Frizzled-related protein 1 (Sfrp1). In contrast, constitutive Dact1 overexpression promotes adipogenesis and confers resistance to Wnt ligand-induced antiadipogenesis through increased expression of endogenous Sfrps and reduced expression of Wnts. In vivo, in white adipose tissue, Dact1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling also exhibit coordinated expression profiles in response to altered nutritional status, in response to pharmacological stimulation of in vivo adipogenesis, and during the development of dietary and genetic obesity.
CONCLUSIONS—Dact1 regulates adipogenesis through coordinated effects on gene expression that selectively alter intracellular and paracrine/autocrine components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These novel insights into the molecular mechanisms controlling adipose tissue plasticity provide a functional network with therapeutic potential against diseases, such as obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Random Capillary Blood Glucose Cut Points for Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Derived From Community-Based Opportunistic Screening in India
Authors: Somannavar Suresh , Ganesan Anbazhagan , Deepa Mohan , Datta Manjula , Mohan Viswanathan 
Published: December 2008

OBJECTIVE
To determine random capillary blood glucose (RCBG) cut points that discriminate diabetic and pre-diabetic subjects from normal individuals.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
RCBG was performed in 1,333 individuals randomly chosen from 63,305 individuals who had participated in an opportunistic screening program. An oral glucose tolerance test was also performed by venous plasma glucose on an autoanalyzer. RCBG cut points that discriminate diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were determined using receiver operating characteristic curves.

RESULTS
Using 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) criterion, the RCBG cut point of 140 mg/dl (7.7 mmol/l) gave the highest sensitivity and specificity. For 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criteria, either 2-h plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dl (11.1 mmol/l) or FPG ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, and the FPG ≥126 mg/dl (7.0 mmol/l) criterion, RCBG cut point was 143 mg/dl (7.9 mmol/l). RCBG cut points for IGT, IFG according to World Health Organization criterion, and IFG according to American Diabetes Association criterion were 119 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), 118 mg/dl (6.6 mmol/l), and 113 mg/dl (6.3 mmol/l), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS
Asian Indians with RCBG &gt;110 mg/dl at screening can be recommended to undergo definitive testing.
Integrating supply chain and network analyses: The study of netchains
Authors: Lazzarini Sergio G. , Chaddad Fabio R. , Cook Michael L. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of netchain analysis. A netchain is a set of networks comprised of horizontal ties between firms within a particular industry or group, which are sequentially arranged based on vertical ties between firms in different layers. Netchain analysis interprets supply chain and network perspectives on inter-organisational collaboration with particular emphasis on the value creating and coordination mechanism sources. We posit that sources of value and coordination mechanisms correspond to particular and distinct types of interdependencies: pooled, sequential, and reciprocal. It is further argued that the recognition and accounting of these simultaneous interdependencies is crucial for a more advanced understanding of complex inter-organisational relations. The paper concludes with an analysis of a set of netchain configuration examples, including buyer-supplier relationships, information technology induced interorganization collaborations, and the introduction of the “macrohierarchy” organization structure.
In search of relationship quality, customer retention and shareholder value: Findings from an exploratory, qualitative multiple case study
Authors: Lindgreen Adam 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This article reports on the findings from an exploratory, qualitative first part of a research that (1) theorises that successful creation of shareholder value in relationship marketing and management requires relationship quality, which translates into customer retention, and that (2) models relationship quality and customer retention as key mediating variables in the creation of shareholder value. A multiple case study involving companies (in exporter-importer dyads) in the Danish- British dairy sector, the Danish-British bacon sector and the New Zealand-British wine sector explored the key constructs of relationship quality; specifically, the cases examined whether or not the dimensions of relationship quality that Roberts (1998) and Roberts et al. (2000) have suggested are an appropriate framework. These dimensions are as follows: trust in credibility, trust in benevolence, commitment, conflict, satisfaction and social bonding. The evidence of the findings suggests that it does make sense to employ relationship quality as a concept in relationship marketing and management, and that the six dimensions are an appropriate framework for doing so. The managerial implications of the research findings are examined. The article concludes that there is a positive relationship between all of the antecedents of relationship quality (except for conflict), and that there is a positive relationship between customer retention and all of the consequences of customer retention (except for customer costs), and it proposes to test this idea in a confirmative, quantitative second part (using LISREL) in the context of the New Zealand-British wine sector.
The knowledge domain of chain and network science
Authors: Omta Onno , Trienekens Jacques , Beers George 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This editorial paper aims to provide a framework to categorise and evaluate the domain of Chain and Network Science (CNS), and to provide an envelope for the research and management agenda. The authors strongly feel that although considerable progress has been made over the past couple of years in the development of the CNS domain, a number of important and exciting challenges are still waiting to be tackled. This paper provides a definition of the object of study of CNS, its central problem area, the organisation and governance of chain and network co-operation, and the relationships between chain organisation and technology development, market dynamics, and the economy and society at large. It indicates relevant sources of knowledge among the various academic disciplines. It touches upon CNS problem solving by identifying areas for knowledge development and CNS tool construction.
Managing perceived risk: a multi-tier case study of a uk retail beef supply chain
Authors: Hornibrook S.A. , Fearne A. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper examines the effect of increased environmental uncertainty and information asymmetry on contractual relationships between all members of the beef supply chain. It offers an alternative theoretical framework to the traditional Transaction Cost Economics view of the treatment of information by viewing co-ordinated supply chains as a series of Principal Agent relationships, and draws on Perceived Risk Theory to explain both consumer and organisational behaviour. The paper also presents a supply chain methodology and submits empirical evidence of the perceived risks, associated management strategies and benefits for all members, including consumers, of one particular UK retail co-ordinated supply chain for an own brand fresh beef product.
Interdependency in joint ventures: the relationship between dependence asymmetry and performance
Authors: Kemp R.G.M. , Ghauri P.N. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract
This paper reports the results of a survey on joint venture collaborations. It focuses on the relations between the level and intensity of conflict, trust and norms of exchange, and ultimately the performance of a joint venture, in case of dependency asymmetry between the partners. In management literature, the relative dependency position of the partners is often indicated as an important antecedent of conflict. In a survey of 78 Dutch companies in joint ventures, we investigated these relationships in depth. Contrary to expectations, we did not find a relationship between the relative dependency of the partners, conflict and performance. The potential threat of conflict seems to be mediated by the norms of exchange shared by the partners. We therefore tentatively conclude that the best way to manage the dependency position in a JV might be to invest time and effort in discussing the norms of exchange up-front, which will help the partners develop a trusting relationship.
Linkage analysis of schizophrenia controlling for population substructure
Authors: Paunio Tiina , Arajärvi Ritva , Terwilliger Joseph D. , Hiekkalinna Tero , Haimi Perttu , Partonen Timo , Lönnqvist Jouko , Peltonen Leena , Varilo Teppo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractEtiological heterogeneity and complexity has hampered attempts to identify predisposing genes for schizophrenia. We sought to minimize the number of segregating genes involved by focusing on a population isolate with elevated disease prevalence. We exploited the well‐established population history, and searched for disease susceptibility loci in families from two alternative founder lineages. We studied 28 schizophrenia pedigrees (123 nuclear families) from an outlying municipality on the eastern border of Finland. We divided the families based on their genealogy and defined two routes of immigration: southern and northern. We examined the kinship coefficients and allele frequency distributions within each group, and performed a linkage analysis based on 497 microsatellite markers across the genome. A high degree of historical relatedness was demonstrated by higher sharing of alleles than predicted by the relationships we identified within the previous four generations alone, as would be expected. Between the two subpopulations, allele frequencies were significantly different, consistent with their isolated genealogies. The southern families showed some evidence of linkage in a schizophrenia locus at 4q23 (Z = 3.3) near our previous finding with quantitative variation in verbal learning and memory [Paunio et al. (2004); Hum Mol Genet 13: 1693–1702], while the northern pedigrees gave most significant evidence on 10q21 (Z = 2.53). Joint analysis of families from both lineages suggested evidence of linkage only at 3p14 (Z = 3.18). Thus the detailed genealogical information led us to identification of distinct linkage signals for schizophrenia susceptibility loci between the three analyses we performed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Poly(vinyl alcohol) films crosslinked by glutaraldehyde under mild conditions
Authors: Figueiredo Katia C. S. , Alves Tito L. M. , Borges Cristiano P. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe use of mild conditions to perform the entrapment of biomolecules in polymeric matrices is a crucial step in a broad range of applications as biosensors, biocarrier‐mediated facilitated transport membranes, and drug‐controlled release devices. In this study, we investigated the crosslinking of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) by glutaraldehyde in the absence of an acid catalyst and organic solvents to improve the water resistance of the hydrophilic biocompatible polymer. Glutaraldehyde was chosen as the crosslinking agent because it favors the intermolecular reaction with PVA and is able to bind nonspecifically to proteins. The effects of the temperature and glutaraldehyde content on the thermal and structural properties of the PVA films were examined. Membranes prepared at 40°C showed a maximum crosslinking density for low glutaraldehyde content namely, 0.04 wt % in the spreading solution. Higher amounts of the crosslinker led to the branching of PVA. The increase in membrane thermal properties and reduction in crystallinity were ascribed to the crosslinking treatment, which was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis. The oxygen permeability of the films was reduced up to 2.7 times, which indicated that the crosslinking of the polymer was successfully accomplished. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Extrusion coating performances of iPP/LDPE blends
Authors: Kang Gyung Bo , Kim Mun Ho , Son Younggon , Park O. Ok 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe performance of iPP/LDPE blends in an extrusion coating process was investigated in the terms of coating width and draw‐down ability. It is well known that iPP alone is not proper because of lower draw‐down ability with severe draw resonance in elongational flow. To obtain higher draw‐down ability, iPP was blended with LDPE. Additionally, iPPs having different molecular weight distribution (MWD) were used in this study to find out the effect of MWD of iPP on neck‐in and draw‐down ability. It was observed that iPP/LDPE blend with narrower MWD exhibits narrower coating width and higher draw‐down ability. Neck‐in and draw‐down ability were correlated with shear and elongational properties obtained by several rheological measurements. From this study, the major rheological parameters affecting extrusion performance in iPP/LDPE blends could be assessed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Benzoin‐terminated polyurethane as macrophotoinitiator for synthesis of polyurethane–polymethyl methacrylate block copolymers
Authors: Deka S. R. , Kakati D. K. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractMacromolecular photoinitiators have attracted much attention in the recent years. They combine the properties of polymers with those of low‐molecular weight photoinitiators. These are polymers having side‐ or main‐chain photoreactive groups and can be used to make tailor‐made graft and block copolymers. Benzoin is an important photoinitiator, and polymers containing terminal photoactive benzoin group can initiate polymerization of vinylic monomers to give block copolymers. In the present case, we report the synthesis of polyurethane macrophotoinitiator with benzoin end group, which was subsequently used to synthesize polyurethane–polymethyl methacrylate block copolymers. The block copolymers were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, TGA, scanning electron microscopic analysis, and solution viscometry studies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Copolymer resin. VII. 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid–thiourea–formaldehyde copolymer resins and their ion‐exchange properties
Authors: Mane V. D. , Wahane N. J. , Gurnule W. B. 
Published: December 2008

Abstract8‐Hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid–thiourea–formaldehyde copolymer resins were synthesized through the condensation of 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulfonic acid and thiourea with formaldehyde in the presence of hydrochloric acid as a catalyst and with various molar ratios of the reacting monomers. The resulting copolymers were characterized with UV‐visible, IR and 1H‐NMR spectral data, employed to determine the reactivity of monomers. The average molecular weights of these resins were determined with vapor pressure osmometry and conductometric titration in a nonaqueous medium. The chelation ion‐exchange properties were also studied with the batch equilibrium method. The resins were proved to be selective chelating ion‐exchange copolymers for certain metals. The chelation ion‐exchange properties of these copolymers were studied for Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Pb2+, and Fe3+ ions. The study was carried out over a wide pH range and in media of various ionic strengths. The copolymers showed a higher selectivity for Fe3+ ions than for Cu2+, Ni2+, Co2+, and Pb2+ ions. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Genome‐wide linkage scan for bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex
Authors: Ludwig Michael , Rüschendorf Franz , Saar Kathrin , Hübner Norbert , Siekmann Lothar , Boyadjiev Simeon A. , Reutter Heiko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND:The bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex represents a spectrum of urogenital anomalies in which part or all of the distal urinary tract fail to close and are exposed on the outer abdominal wall. Previous studies are suggestive of an underlying multifactorial mode of inheritance. However, no genetic or nongenetic factor has been identified so far. In this study, we sought risk loci by parametric and nonparametric linkage analysis, searching for homozygous segments, and more complex inherited loci, respectively.METHODS:Two pedigrees, Spanish and German, each comprising two members affected with classical bladder exstrophy, were analyzed by genome‐wide linkage scan.RESULTS:Evidence for possible risk/modifying loci on chromosomes 2p22.1–p21, 2p25.2–p25.1, 4q23–q32.3, 7q21.3–q33, 7q34–q36.1, 14q31.1–q32.2, and 19q13.33–q13.43 (LOD scores >1.50) was obtained.CONCLUSIONS:This study was the first positional approach to identify chromosomal candidate regions causally related to bladder exstrophy‐epispadias complex. Our results suggest the presence of susceptibility genes in the regions identified. These regions need to be confirmed in future studies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Existence of optimal strategies for a fire confinement problem
Authors: Bressan Alberto , De Lellis Camillo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractWe consider a class of variational problems for differential inclusions related to the control of forest fires. The area burned by the fire at time t > 0 is modeled as the reachable set for a differential inclusion ẋ ∈ F(x) starting from an initial set R0. To block the fire, a barrier can be constructed progressively in time at a given speed. In this paper we prove the existence of an optimal strategy, which minimizes the value of the area destroyed by the fire plus the cost of constructing the barrier. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Relationship between GABAergic interneurons migration and early neocortical network activity
Authors: de Lima Ana D. , Gieseler Anne , Voigt Thomas 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAvailable evidence converges to suggest that during the early development of the cerebral cortex, the emergence of the spontaneous network activity chronologically overlap with the end of the cell migration period in the developing cortex. We approached the functional regulation of neuronal migration in a culture model of neocortical networks, using time lapses to detect migratory movements, calcium‐imaging to assess the activity of migratory neurons, and immunocytochemical methods to identify the migratory cells retrospectively. In cell cultures, early physiological development and cell migration are reproduced at a local network level, thus allowing the study of the interrelationships between cell migration and network development independent of the topographical complexity. Neurons migrate at least until 12 days in vitro and GABAergic neurons migrate faster compared with non‐GABAergic neurons. A decline of migratory activity was coincident with the development of spontaneous synchronous network activity. Migrating interneurons did not participate in synchronous network activity, but interneurons that ended cell migration during observation time frequently engaged in synchronous activity within less than an hour. Application of GABAA and ionotropic glutamate receptor antagonists significantly increased the number of migrating GABAergic neurons without changing the dynamics of the migratory movements. Thus, neurotransmitters released by early network activity might favor the termination of neuronal migration. These results reinforce the idea that network activity plays an important role in the development of late‐born GABAergic cells. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2009
Sensitivity of seismically isolated structures
Authors: Politopoulos Ioannis , Pham Hoan Khac 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper we study the sensitivity of seismically isolated structures to a small variability of the earthquake excitation and of some structural properties with respect to the probability of failure and floor spectra. In particular, the influence of the nonlinear behaviour of the isolated superstructure on the vulnerability and on the floor spectra is investigated by means of a series of Monte Carlo simulations of simple two degrees‐of‐freedom systems. Several types of passive and active isolation systems are examined and three different idealized nonlinear constitutive laws are considered for the superstructure. It is found that, in general, the probability of failure does not depend on the specific cyclic behaviour of the assumed constitutive law and general trends regarding the impact of different isolation devices on vulnerability are established. As for the floor spectra, the influence of moderate nonlinear behaviour of isolated superstructures, with the exception of the case of a non‐dissipative elastic nonlinear law, is negligible, contrary to the case of conventional structures. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing and minimizing the effects of noise and motion in clinical DTI at 3 T
Authors: Tijssen Rob. H.N. , Jansen Jacobus F.A. , Backes Walter H. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractCompared with conventional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is more prone to thermal noise and motion. Optimized sampling schemes have been proposed that reduce the propagation of noise. At 3 T, however, motion may play a more dominant role than noise. Although the effects of noise at 3 T are less compared with 1.5 T because of the higher signal‐to‐noise ratio, motion is independent of field strength and will persist. To improve the reliability of clinical DTI at 3 T, it is important to know to what extent noise and motion contribute to the uncertainties of the DTI indices. In this study, the effects of noise‐ and motion‐related signal uncertainties are disentangled using in vivo measurements and computer simulations. For six clinically standard available sampling schemes, the reproducibility was assessed in vivo, with and without motion correction applied. Additionally, motion and noise simulations were performed to determine the relative contributions of motion and noise to the uncertainties of the mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA). It is shown that the contributions of noise and motion are of the same order of magnitude at 3 T. Similar to the propagation of noise, the propagation of motion‐related signal perturbations is also influenced by the choice of sampling scheme. Sampling schemes with only six diffusion directions demonstrated a lower reproducibility compared with schemes with 15 and 32 directions and feature a positive bias for the FA in relatively isotropic tissue. Motion correction helps improving the precision and accuracy of DTI indices. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.