bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Forecasting US employment growth using forecast combining methods
Authors: Rapach David E. , Strauss Jack K. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe examine different approaches to forecasting monthly US employment growth in the presence of many potentially relevant predictors. We first generate simulated out‐of‐sample forecasts of US employment growth at multiple horizons using individual autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) models based on 30 potential predictors. We then consider different methods from the extant literature for combining the forecasts generated by the individual ARDL models. Using the mean square forecast error (MSFE) metric, we investigate the performance of the forecast combining methods over the last decade, as well as five periods centered on the last five US recessions. Overall, our results show that a number of combining methods outperform a benchmark autoregressive model. Combining methods based on principal components exhibit the best overall performance, while methods based on simple averaging, clusters, and discount MSFE also perform well. On a cautionary note, some combining methods, such as those based on ordinary least squares, often perform quite poorly.  Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strengthening of laterality of verbal and visuospatial functions during childhood and adolescence
Authors: Everts Regula , Lidzba Karen , Wilke Marko , Kiefer Claus , Mordasini Michela , Schroth Gerhard , Perrig Walter , Steinlin Maja 
Published: January 2008

AbstractCognitive functions in the child's brain develop in the context of complex adaptive processes, determined by genetic and environmental factors. Little is known about the cerebral representation of cognitive functions during development. In particular, knowledge about the development of right hemispheric (RH) functions is scarce. Considering the dynamics of brain development, localization and lateralization of cognitive functions must be expected to change with age. Twenty healthy subjects (8.6–20.5 years) were examined with fMRI and neuropsychological tests. All participants completed two fMRI tasks known to activate left hemispheric (LH) regions (language tasks) and two tasks known to involve predominantly RH areas (visual search tasks). A laterality index (LI) was computed to determine the asymmetry of activation. Group analysis revealed unilateral activation of the LH language circuitry during language tasks while visual search tasks induced a more widespread RH activation pattern in frontal, superior temporal, and occipital areas. Laterality of language increased between the ages of 8–20 in frontal (r = 0.392, P = 0.049) and temporal (r = 0.387, P = 0.051) areas. The asymmetry of visual search functions increased in frontal (r = −0.525, P = 0.009) and parietal (r = −0.439, P = 0.027) regions. A positive correlation was found between Verbal‐IQ and the LI during a language task (r = 0.585, P = 0.028), while visuospatial skills correlated with LIs of visual search (r = −0.621, P = 0.018). To summarize, cognitive development is accompanied by changes in the functional representation of neuronal circuitries, with a strengthening of lateralization not only for LH but also for RH functions. Our data show that age and performance, independently, account for the increases of laterality with age. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sex differences in brain activation to anticipated and experienced pain in the medial prefrontal cortex
Authors: Straube Thomas , Schmidt Stephanie , Weiss Thomas , Mentzel Hans‐Joachim , Miltner Wolfgang H.R. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPrevious studies on sex differences in neural responses to noxious stimuli yielded mixed results. Both increased and decreased brain activation in several brain areas in women as compared to men has been reported. The current event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging study used a parametric design with different levels of the intensity of electrical stimulation in order to investigate sex differences in brain activation during pain processing. Four intensity levels, which were determined individually according to subjective ratings, ranging from stimulation below the stimulus detection threshold to moderately painful stimuli, were applied. Females experienced mild and moderate pain at lower stimulus intensity than males. Pronounced sex differences in brain activation were found in response to stimulation below the detection threshold and for the most intense pain stimuli in the medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC). Under both the conditions, women showed stronger activation in a region of the pregenual MPFC, which has been implicated in introspective, self‐focused informationprocessing. The results suggest that women, as compared to men, show increased self‐related attention during anticipation of pain and in response to intense pain. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Building‐Block Approach for the Straightforward Incorporation of a New FRET (Fluorescence‐Resonance‐Energy Transfer) System into Synthetic DNA
Authors: Clima Lilia , Bannwarth Willi 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of the two new phosphoramidites 5 and 8 bearing a carbostyril (=quinolin‐2(1H)‐one) chromophore used as donor entity in our recently developed new FRET (fluorescence‐resonance‐energy transfer) system is described (Schemes 1 and 2) The high stability of the chromophore to basic conditions enables the incorporation of the phosphoramidites directly into DNA during solid‐phase synthesis (Schemes 3 and 4). Since this is also possible for the (bathophenanthroline)ruthenium(II) complex used as acceptor (Scheme 4, Steps d and e), the whole labelling procedure to insert the FRET system into synthetic DNA is straightforward and represents a major improvement to our previous strategy.
Micellar Effects on the Reaction between an Arenediazonium Ion and the Antioxidants Gallic Acid and Octyl Gallate
Authors: Barreiro Sonia Losada , Sánchez‐Paz Verónica , Gallego Maria José Pastoriza , Bravo‐Díaz Carlos 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe effect of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles on the reaction between the 3‐methylbenzenediazonium (3MBD) ion and either the hydrophilic antioxidant gallic acid (GA) or the hydrophobic analogue octyl gallate (OG) have been investigated as a function of pH. Titration of GA in the absence and presence of SDS micelles showed that the micelles do not alter the first ionization equilibrium of GA. Analysis of the dependence of the observed rate constant (kobs) with pH shows that the reactive species are GA2− and OG−. Kinetics results in the absence and presence of SDS micelles suggest that SDS aggregates do not alter the expected reaction pathway. SDS Micelles inhibit the spontaneous decomposition of 3MBD as well as the reaction between 3MBD and either GA or OG, and upon increasing the SDS concentration, with kobs approaching the value for the thermal decomposition of 3MBD in the presence of SDS. Our results are consistent with the prediction of the pseudophase model and show that the origin of the inhibition for the reaction with GA is different to that for the reaction with OG; in the former case, the observed inhibition can be rationalized in terms of the micelle‐induced electrostatic separation of reactants in the micellar Stern layer, whereas the observed inhibition in the reaction with OG is a consequence of the dilution effect caused by increasing SDS concentration, decreasing the local OG− concentration in the Stern layer.
Synthesis of a Novel Chiral Ionic Liquid and Its Application in Enantioselective Aldol Reactions
Authors: Zhou Wei , Xu Li‐Wen , Qiu Hua‐Yu , Lai Guo‐Qiao , Xia Chun‐Gu , Jiang Jian‐Xiong 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA novel chiral ionic liquid, compound 1, based on camphorsulfonic acid, was prepared. A catalytic amount of 1 readily promotes L‐proline‐catalyzed aldol reactions, with good chemoselectivity, both in H2O and in organic solvents. Further, the aldol reaction of cyclohexanone with 4‐nitrobenzaldehyde afforded 2‐[hydroxy(4‐nitrophenyl)methyl]cyclohexanone (6) in 98% yield with high enantioselectivity (94% ee) when large amounts of 1 (5 equiv.) were used as promoter.
Two New Dammarane‐Type Bisdesmosides from the Fruit Pedicels of Panax notoginseng
Authors: Wang Xian‐You , Wang Dong , Ma Xiao‐Xia , Zhang Ying‐Jun , Yang Chong‐Ren 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTwo new dammarane‐type triterpenoidal saponins, notoginsenosides FP1 (1) and FP2 (2), were isolated from the fruit pedicels of Panax notoginseng, along with 22 known compounds. Their structures were elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic evidences and chemical methods. The known compounds were identified as ginsenosides Rg1 (3), Re (4), Rb3 (5), Rc (6), Rd (7), Rb2 (8), Rb1 (9), F2 (10), and F1 (11); as notoginsenosides R1 (12), Fa (13), and Fc (14); as vina‐ginsenoside R7 (15); as gypenosides IX (16), XVII (17), and XIII (18), and as chikusetsusaponin‐L5 (19), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (20), kaempferol 3‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranosyl‐(1→2)‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (21), benzyl‐β‐primeveroside (22), (S)‐tryptophan (23), and icariside B6 (24). Compounds 15, 19 and 22–24 are reported for the first time from the title plant.
New Epoxydammarane Triterpenes from Salvia santolinifolia
Authors: Ahmad Zaheer , Fatima Itrat , Mehmood Sajid , Ifzal Rehana , Malik Abdul , Afza Nighat 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThree new 20,24‐epoxydammarane triterpenes, santolins A–C (1–3), were isolated from the AcOEt‐soluble fraction of the MeOH extract of Salvia santolinifolia (whole plant). Their structures were assigned based on 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR (DEPT), and 2D‐NMR analyses, in combination with HR‐MS experiments and comparison with literature data of related compounds.
Three New Polyyne (=Polyacetylene) Glucosides from the Edible Roots of Codonopsis cordifolioidea
Authors: Mei Ren‐Qiang , Lu Qing , Hu Yan‐Fen , Liu Hai‐Yang , Bao Fu‐Kai , Zhang Yu , Cheng Yong‐Xian 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThree new linear C14 polyyne (=polyacetylene) glucosides, cordifolioidynes A–C (1–3), together with two known polyynes, lobetyol (4) and lobetyolin (5), and five known phenylpropanoids, i.e., sinapinaldehyde (6), coniferaldehyde (7), coniferoside (8), sachaliside (9), and isoconiferin (10), were isolated from the roots of Codonopsis cordifolioidea. The structures of 1–3 were established from spectral evidences and by characterization of their hydrolysis products. Acid hydrolysis of 1 afforded the aglycone 1a, while hydrolysis of 2 and 3 gave the cyclization products 2a and 3a, respectively. Compounds 4–10 were isolated from this plant for the first time. The antibacterial activity of compounds 1–5 were assessed against eight microbial strains by the agar dilution method, none of them exhibited antibacterial effects at concentrations up to 100 μg/ml.
Synthesis of Components for the Generation of Constitutional Dynamic Analogues of Nucleic Acids
Authors: Hickman David T. , Sreenivasachary Nampally , Lehn Jean‐Marie 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe introduction of dynamic covalent polymers, in which the monomer units are linked by reversible covalent bonds and can undergo component exchange, opens up new possibilities for the generation of functional materials. Extending this approach to the generation of dynamic biopolymers in aqueous media, which are able to adapt constitution (sequence, length) to external factors (e.g., environment, medium, template), would provide an alternative approach to the de novo design of functional dynamic bio‐macromolecules. As a first step towards this goal, various mono‐ and bifunctionalised (hetero‐ and homotopic) nucleic acid‐derived building blocks of type I–X have been synthesised for the generation of dynamic main‐chain and side‐chain reversible nucleic acid analogues. Hydrazide‐ and/or acetal (protected carbonyl)‐functionalised components were selected, which differ in terms of flexibility, length, net formal charge, and hydrazide/acetal substituents, in order to explore how such factors may affect the properties (structure, solubility, molecular recognition features) of the polymer products that may be generated by polycondensation.
Long‐term weight loss observed with olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets in overweight patients with chronic schizophrenia. A 1 year open‐label, prospective trial
Authors: Chawla Bharat , Luxton‐Andrew Heather 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the long‐term weight loss outcomes during usual clinical practice after switching from olanzapine standard oral tablet (SOT) to olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets (ODT).MethodIn this open‐label prospective study, 26 patients with schizophrenia who were clinically stable on olanzapine SOT treatment were switched to olanzapine ODT. All other aspects of treatment remained constant. Weight was recorded at 3, 6, and 12 months.ResultsPatients incurred an average weight loss of 2.7 ± 0.7 kg (p = 0.001) after switching patients from olanzapine SOT to olanzapine ODT at 12 months. Peak weight loss was observed at 6 months; however, significant weight loss was achieved as early as 3 months. The majority (81.9%) of patients lost weight, while 18.1% had no weight change or weight gain. Body mass index (BMI) significantly decreased by 1.0 ± 0.3 kg/m2 (p = 0.001). Interestingly, patients treated with higher doses of olanzapine (≥20 mg) incurred a greater weight loss of their body weight (5.6%), compared to those treated with lower doses (<20 mg), who lost 1.9% of their body weight (p = 0.04).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that, in usual clinical practice, switching patients from olanzapine SOT to olanzapine ODT treatment resulted in significant weight loss that was maintained over 12 months. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic OCT with forward‐looking probe: clinical studies in urology and gastroenterology
Authors: Zagaynova E. , Gladkova N. , Shakhova N. , Gelikonov G. , Gelikonov V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn the current paper we present results of application of endoscopic time‐domain OCT (EOCT) with lateral scanning by forward looking miniprobe. We analysed material of clinical studies of 554 patients: 164 patients with urinary bladder pathology, and 390 with gastrointestinal tract pathology. We reviewed the materials obtained in different clinics using the OCT device elaborated at the Institute of Applied Physics. We demonstrate results of EOCT application in detection of early cancer and surgery guidance, examples of combined use of OCT and fluorescence imaging. As a result, we show the diagnostic accuracy of EOCT in specific clinical tasks. The sensitivity of EOCT cancer determination in Barrett's esophagus is from 71% to 85% at different stages of neoplasia with specificity 68% for all stages. As for bladder carcinoma, the sensitivity and specificity are 85% and 68%, respectively. In colon dysplasia EOST demonstrates high efficacy: sensitivity 92% and specificity 84%. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Mammalian collagen IV
Authors: Khoshnoodi Jamshid , Pedchenko Vadim , Hudson Billy G. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractFour decades have passed since the first discovery of collagen IV by Kefalides in 1966. Since then collagen IV has been investigated extensively by a large number of research laboratories around the world. Advances in molecular genetics have resulted in identification of six evolutionary related mammalian genes encoding six different polypeptide chains of collagen IV. The genes are differentially expressed during the embryonic development, providing different tissues with specific collagen IV networks each having unique biochemical properties. Newly translated α‐chains interact and assemble in the endoplasmic reticulum in a chain‐specific fashion and form unique heterotrimers. Unlike most collagens, type IV collagen is an exclusive member of the basement membranes and through a complex inter‐ and intramolecular interactions form supramolecular networks that influence cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Collagen IV is directly involved in a number of genetic and acquired disease such as Alport's and Goodpasture's syndromes. Recent discoveries have also highlighted a new and direct role for collagen IV in the development of rare genetic diseases such as cerebral hemorrhage and porencephaly in infants and hemorrhagic stroke in adults. Years of intensive investigations have resulted in a vast body of information about the structure, function, and biology of collagen IV. In this review article, we will summarize essential findings on the structural and functional relationships of different collagen IV chains and their roles in health and disease. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
MR‐guided prostate interventions
Authors: Tempany Clare , Straus Sarah , Hata Nobuhiko , Haker Steven 
Published: January 2008

AbstractIn this article the current issues of diagnosis and detection of prostate cancer are reviewed. The limitations for current techniques are highlighted and some possible solutions with MR imaging and MR‐guided biopsy approaches are reviewed. There are several different biopsy approaches under investigation. These include transperineal open magnet approaches to closed‐bore 1.5T transrectal biopsies. The imaging, image processing, and tracking methods are also discussed. In the arena of therapy, MR guidance has been used in conjunction with radiation methods, either brachytherapy or external delivery. The principles of the radiation treatment, the toxicities, and use of images are outlined. The future role of imaging and image‐guided interventions lie with providing a noninvasive surrogate for cancer surveillance or monitoring treatment response. The shift to minimally invasive focal therapies has already begun and will be very exciting when MR‐guided focused ultrasound surgery reaches its full potential. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:356–367. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pulse sequences and system interfaces for interventional and real‐time MRI
Authors: Yutzy Stephen R. , Duerk Jeffrey L. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractThe use of MRI for intervention and real‐time imaging has seen many changes since its inception in the late 1980s. Initial interventional MRI researchers made great strides in building this new specialty, creating devices, sequences, and applications to push the field forward. More recently, researchers have gained more access to the systems themselves, and have taken advantage of this situation to create truly interactive interventional systems. Techniques such as fully interactive scan adjustments and device tracking can be accomplished in real time due to increased transparency between vendors and researchers. Additionally, pulse sequences have undergone an evolution as well, with the constant emergence of novel acquisition schemes to generate image contrast quickly, increase temporal resolution and cover k‐space with nonrectilinear trajectories. We will look at both emerging system interface concepts and novel pulse sequences that we believe will continue to push innovation in the field of interventional MRI. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:267–275. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of ultrasound and magnetic resonance in local drug delivery
Authors: Deckers Roel , Rome Claire , Moonen Chrit T.W. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractLocal drug delivery has recently attracted much attention since it represents a strategy to increase the drug concentration at the target location and decrease systemic toxicity effects. Ultrasound can be used in different ways to trigger regional drug delivery. It can cause the local drug release from a carrier vehicle and the local increase of cell membrane permeability either by a mechanical action or by a temperature increase. Ultrasound contrast agents may enhance these effects by means of cavitation. Ultrasound can be focused deep inside the body into a small region with dimensions on the order of 1 mm. Several types of drug microcarriers have been proposed, from nano‐ to micrometer sized particles. The objective of real‐time imaging of local drug delivery is to assure that the delivery takes place in the target region, that the drug concentration and the resulting physiological reaction are sufficient, and to intervene if necessary. Ultrasound and nuclear imaging techniques play an important role. MRI is rather insensitive but allows precise targeting of (focused) ultrasound, can provide real‐time temperature maps, and gives access to a variety of imaging biomarkers that may be used to assess drug action. Examples from recent articles illustrate the potential of the principles of ultrasound‐triggered local drug delivery. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2008;27:400–409. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Roc domain of leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 is sufficient for interaction with microtubules
Authors: Gandhi Payal N. , Wang Xinglong , Zhu Xiongwei , Chen Shu G. , Wilson‐Delfosse Amy L. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMutations in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene are the leading cause of genetically inherited Parkinson's disease (PD). Although this multidomain protein has been shown to have both GTPase and kinase activities through the Roc and MAPKKK domains, respectively, the protein–protein interactions and pathways involved in LRRK2‐mediated signaling remain elusive. Utilizing a combination of protein pull‐down assays, mass spectrometry, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence microscopy, this study identifies and describes the interaction between LRRK2 and microtubules. The Roc or GTPase‐like domain of LRRK2 is sufficient for interaction with α/β‐tubulin heterodimers. This interaction occurs in a guanine nucleotide‐independent manner, suggesting that tubulin might not be an effector of the LRRK2 GTPase domain. The R1441C pathogenic mutation, located within the Roc domain, retains interaction with α/β‐tubulin heterodimers, suggesting that disruption of this interaction likely is not the mechanism whereby the R1441C mutation leads to disease. At a subcellular level, endogenous LRRK2 protein was found to colocalize with α/β‐tubulin in primary hippocampal neurons. These findings are significant in that they link LRRK2 with microtubules, a structural component of the cell that is critically involved in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localization of Nogo and its receptor in the optic pathway of mouse embryos
Authors: Wang Jun , Chan Chung‐Kit , Taylor Jeremy S.H. , Chan Sun‐On 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe have investigated the localization of Nogo, an inhibitory protein acting on regenerating axons in the adult central nervous system, in the embryonic mouse retinofugal pathway during the major period of axon growth into the optic chiasm. In the retina, Nogo protein was localized on the neuroepithelial cells at E12 and at later stages (E13–E17) on radial glial cells. Colocalization studies showed expression of Nogo on vimentin‐positive glia in the retina and at the optic nerve head but not on most of the TuJ1‐ and islet‐1‐immunoreactive neurons. Only a few immature neurons in the ventricular and peripheral regions of the E13 retina were immunoreactive to Nogo. In the ventral diencephalon, Nogo was expressed on radial glia, most strongly on the dense radial glial midline raphe within the chiasm where uncrossed axons turn and in the initial segment of the optic tract. In vitro studies showed that the Nogo receptor (NgR) was expressed on the neurites and growth cones from both the ventral temporal and dorsal nasal quadrant of the retina. In the optic pathway, NgR staining was obvious in the vitreal regions of the retina and on axons in the optic stalk and the optic tract, but not in the chiasm. These expression patterns suggest an interaction of Nogo with its receptor in the mouse retinofugal pathway, which may be involved in guiding axons into the optic pathway and in governing the routing of axons in the optic chiasm. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.