bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION REFORM IN POST‐CONFLICT SOCIETIES: LESSONS FROM ACEH, INDONESIA
Authors: Hillman Ben 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYPost‐conflict reconstruction programs increasingly include components designed to strengthen the performance of the public service and to support public sector reform. Although there is a growing body of literature on the relationship between public administration, and peace and development, there have been few case studies of donor efforts to strengthen public administration as part of post‐conflict reconstruction. This study examines efforts to strengthen the civil service in Aceh, Indonesia, following the province's first post‐conflict elections in 2006. It examines the impact of a donor‐funded program designed to assist Aceh's first post‐conflict administration (2007–2012) to reform its personnel management practices. The case study sheds light on weaknesses in current donor approaches to public administration reform in post‐conflict situations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low uptake of the combined test in the Netherlands – which factors contribute?
Authors: Bakker Merel , Birnie Erwin , Pajkrt Eva , Bilardo Caterina Maddalena , Snijders Rosalinde Johanna Maria 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate which of the following factors affect the uptake of the combined test (CT) in the Netherlands: women's socio‐demographic background, attitude towards Down syndrome, attitude towards termination of pregnancy, counseling process, reimbursement policy, and knowledge on the aim of the CT.MethodsCross‐sectional survey in the Northwest (NW) and the Northeast (NE) region of the Netherlands.ResultsAnalyses were based on 820 questionnaires (73% response rate). Women from the NW region opted more often for the CT than women from the NE region (52.1% and 16.5%, respectively, p < 0.001). Women of 36 years and older opted more often for the CT than younger women (59.4% and 28.2%, respectively, p < 0.001). Women's socio‐demographic background and their attitude towards Down syndrome and termination of pregnancy (TOP) had contributed independently on CT choice.ConclusionThe uptake of the CT in this study is low. The main reason for the low uptake is the relatively positive attitude towards Down syndrome and a negative attitude towards TOP. Moreover, the perception of maternal age as strong predictor of Down syndrome risk and the inequality of access to care, due to the financial threshold for younger women, are likely to affect participation in screening. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical application of massively parallel sequencing‐based prenatal noninvasive fetal trisomy test for trisomies 21 and 18 in 11 105 pregnancies with mixed risk factors
Authors: Dan Shan , Wang Wei , Ren Jinghui , Li Yali , Hu Hua , Xu Zhengfeng , Lau Tze Kin , Xie Jianhong , Zhao Weihua , Huang Hefeng , Xie Jiansheng , Sun Luming , Zhang Xiaohong , Wang Weipeng , Liao Shixiu , Qiang Rong , Cao Jiangxia , Zhang Qiufang , Zhou Yulin , Zhu Haiyan , Zhong Mei , Guo Yi , Lin Linhua , Gao Zhiying , Yao Hong , Zhang Hongyun , Zhao Lijian , Jiang Fuman , Chen Fang , Jiang Hui , Li Songgang , Li Yingrui , Wang Jun , Wang Jian , Duan Tao , Su Yue , Zhang Xiuqing 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo report the performance of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) based prenatal noninvasive fetal trisomy test based on cell‐free DNA sequencing from maternal plasma in a routine clinical setting in China.MethodThe MPS‐based test was offered as a prenatal screening test for trisomies 21 and 18 to pregnant women in 49 medical centers over 2 years. A total of 11 263 participants were recruited and the MPS‐based test was performed in 11 105 pregnancies. Fetal outcome data were obtained after the expected date of confinement.ResultsOne hundred ninety cases were classified as positive, including 143 cases of trisomy 21 and 47 cases of trisomy 18. With the karyotyping results and the feedback of fetal outcome data, we observed one false positive case of trisomy 21, one false positive case of trisomy 18 and no false negative cases, indicating 100% sensitivity and 99.96% specificity for the detection of trisomies 21 and 18.ConclusionOur large‐scale multicenter study proved that the MPS‐based test is of high sensitivity and specificity in detecting fetal trisomies 21 and 18. The introduction of this screening test into a routine clinical setting could avoid about 98% of invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid aneusomy detection in products of conception using the KaryoLite™ BACs‐on‐Beads™ assay
Authors: Paxton Christian N. , Brothman Arthur R. , Geiersbach Katherine B. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveChromosome analysis is the traditional method for detecting genetic abnormalities in products of conception, but it is prone to a high failure rate because of the requirement for cell culture. Molecular genetic tests do not require cell culture, but are either more expensive (e.g. chromosomal microarray) or less sensitive than chromosome analysis (e.g. fluorescence in situ hybridization, multiplex ligation mediated amplification). The KaryoLite™ BACs‐on‐Beads™ (KL‐BoBs™) assay is highly multiplexed with low resolution coverage and is designed to detect aneusomy for any chromosome.MethodsWe retrospectively tested 100 products of conception samples previously characterized by karyotype (n = 90), and/or microarray (n = 61) using KL‐BoBs™. We included samples extracted from either cultured or direct specimens from placental villi or fetal somatic tissue, with a variety of chromosomal abnormalities typically identified in our clinical cytogenetics laboratory.ResultsKL‐BoBs™ and microarray results were concordant for all cases of aneusomy. On the basis of a review of 3794 consecutive cases in our laboratory, aneusomy accounts for 74.3% of abnormalities detected. Polyploidy and structural abnormalities were not detected by KL‐BoBs™.ConclusionKL‐BoBs™ is potentially very useful as a first line test for aneusomy detection because of its lower cost, rapid detection, and ability to generate a molecular karyotype for samples that fail to grow in culture. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Environmental allergies and respiratory morbidities in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Collaco Joseph M. , Morrow Christopher B. , Green Deanna M. , Cutting Garry R. , Mogayzel Peter J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundCystic fibrosis (CF) is characterized by recurrent respiratory infections and progressive lung disease. Although environmental factors account for 50% of the variation in CF lung function, few specific exposures have been identified. Studies using small study samples focusing on environmental allergies in CF have had inconsistent results. Our objective was to examine the role of environmental allergies in upper and lower respiratory tract morbidities in CF.MethodsA total of 1,321 subjects with CF were recruited through the U.S. CF Twin–Sibling Study. Questionnaires were used to determine the presence/absence of environmental allergies. Questionnaires, chart review, and U.S. CF Foundation Patient Registry data were used to track outcomes.ResultsWithin the study sample 14% reported environmental allergies. Environmental allergies were associated with a higher risk of sinus disease (adjusted OR: 2.68; P < 0.001) and nasal polyps (adjusted OR: 1.74; P = 0.003). Environmental allergies were also associated with a more rapid decline in lung function (additional −1.1%/year; P = 0.001). However, allergies were associated with a later median age of acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (6.6 years vs. 4.4 years; log rank P = 0.027). The reported use of common allergy medications, anti‐histamines and leukotriene inhibitors, did not alter the frequency of respiratory morbidities.ConclusionsEnvironmental allergies are associated with an increased risk of sinus disease and nasal polyps and a more rapid decline in CF lung function, but may have a protective effect against the acquisition of P. aeruginosa. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these associations which have implications for more aggressive management of allergies. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:857–864. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Obesity in children with poorly controlled asthma: Sex differences
Authors: Lang Jason E. , Holbrook Janet T. , Wise Robert A. , Dixon Anne E. , Teague W. Gerald , Wei Christine Y. , Irvin Charles G. , Shade David , Lima John J. ,   for the American Lung Association‐Asthma Clinical Research Centers
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundObesity increases asthma risk, and may alter asthma severity. In adults, sex appears to modify the effect of obesity on asthma. Among children, the effect of sex on the relationship between obesity and asthma severity remains less clear, particularly when considering race.ObjectiveTo determine how obesity affects disease characteristics in a diverse cohort of children with poorly controlled asthma, and if obesity effects are altered by sex.DesignWe analyzed 306 children between 6 and 17 years of age with poorly controlled asthma enrolled in a 6‐month trial assessing lansoprazole for asthma control. In this secondary analysis, we determined associations between obesity and symptom severity, spirometry, exacerbation risk, airway biomarkers, bronchial reactivity, and airflow perception. We used both a multivariate linear regression and longitudinal mixed‐effect model to determine if obesity interacted with sex to affect asthma severity.ResultsRegardless of sex, BMI >95th percentile did not affect asthma control, exacerbation risk or airway biomarkers. Sex changed the effect of obesity on lung function (sex × obesity FEV1%, interaction P‐value < 0.01, sex × obesity FEV1/FVC, interaction P‐value = 0.03). Obese males had significantly worse airflow obstruction compared to non‐obese males, while in females there was no obesity effect on airflow obstruction. In females, obesity was associated with significantly greater FEV1 and FVC, and a trend toward reduced airway reactivity.ConclusionsObesity did not affect asthma control, airway markers or disease stability; however obesity did affect lung function in a sex‐dependent manner. In males, obesity associated with reduced FEV1/FVC, and in females, obesity associated with substantially improved lung function. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2013; 48:847–856. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural basis of fluorescence quenching in caspase activatable‐GFP
Authors: Nicholls Samantha B. , Hardy Jeanne A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractApoptosis is critical for organismal homeostasis and a wide variety of diseases. Caspases are the ultimate executors of the apoptotic programmed cell death pathway. As caspases play such a central role in apoptosis, there is significant demand for technologies to monitor caspase function. We recently developed a caspase activatable‐GFP (CA‐GFP) reporter. CA‐GFP is unique due to its “dark” state, where chromophore maturation of the GFP is inhibited by the presence of a C‐terminal peptide. Here we show that chromophore maturation is prevented because CA‐GFP does not fold into the robust β‐barrel of GFP until the peptide has been cleaved by active caspase. Both CA‐GFP and GFP1‐10, a split form of GFP lacking the 11th strand, have similar secondary structure, different from mature GFP. A similar susceptibility to proteolytic digestion indicates that this shared structure is not the robust, fully formed GFP β‐barrel. We have developed a model that suggests that as CA‐GFP is translated in vivo it follows the same folding path as wild‐type GFP; however, the presence of the appended peptide does not allow CA‐GFP to form the barrel of the fully matured GFP. CA‐GFP is therefore held in a “pro‐folding” intermediate state until the peptide is released, allowing it to continue folding into the mature barrel geometry. This new understanding of the structural basis of the dark state of the CA‐GFP reporter will enable manipulation of this mechanism in the development of reporter systems for any number of cellular processes involving proteases and potentially other enzymes.
Structural insight into the separate roles of inositol tetraphosphate and deacetylase‐activating domain in activation of histone deacetylase 3
Authors: Arrar Mehrnoosh , Turnham Rigney , Pierce Levi , de Oliveira Cesar Augusto F. , McCammon J. Andrew 
Published: November 2012

AbstractHistone deacetylases (HDACs) repress transcription by deacetylating acetyllysines on specific histone tails. HDAC3 is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, certain leukemias, and even in disrupting HIV‐1 latency. A recent crystal structure of HDAC3 in complex with the deacetylase‐activating domain (DAD) of its corepressor complex revealed an inositol tetraphosphate (IP4) molecule at the protein–protein interface. IP4 was shown to play an important, yet mechanistically ambiguous, role in the activity of HDAC3. The goal of this article is to explore the conformational ensemble of HDAC3 in its inactive apo state and in the presence of each or both of DAD and IP4. Using triplicate, 100 ns molecular dynamic simulations, we study the apo, ternary, and intermediate DAD‐bound or IP4‐bound HDAC3 states. We find that a population‐shift effect is induced by the presence of each corepressor, and is most notable in the presence of both. Our results offer new insights into the change in dynamics necessary for the activation of HDAC3 and highlight the roles of IP4 and DAD in this process.
Age‐dependent racemization of serine residues in a human chaperone protein
Authors: Hooi Michelle Y. S. , Raftery Mark J. , Truscott Roger J. W. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractRacemization is one of the most abundant modifications in long‐lived proteins. It has been proposed that the accumulation of such modifications over time could lead to changes in tissues and ultimately human age‐related diseases. Serine is one of the main amino acids involved in racemization; however, the site of D‐Ser in any aged protein has yet to be reported. In this study, racemization of two residues, Ser 59 and Ser 62, has been demonstrated in an unstructured region of the small heat shock protein, αA‐crystallin. αA‐crystallin is also the most abundant structural protein in the human lens. D‐Ser increased linearly with age in normal lenses, until it accounted for approximately 35% of the Ser at both sites by the age of 75 years. In agreement with a possible role in human age‐related disease, levels were significantly higher in cataract lenses. It is likely that such prevalent age‐related changes contribute to the denaturation of α‐crystallin, and therefore its ability to act as a chaperone. Racemization of amino acids, such as serine, in flexible regions of long‐lived proteins, could be associated with the development of human age‐related conditions such as cataract.
Comparative surface studies of oxygen passivated FeCo nanoparticles and thin films
Authors: Jaffari G. Hassnain , Lin H. , Rumaiz A. K. , Yassitepe Emre , Ni C. , Shah S. Ismat 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe present results on the comparative studies of the surfaces of oxygen passivated FeCo nanoparticles (NPs) and thin films prepared by inert gas condensation and pulse laser deposition, respectively. Morphology and structure of the NPs and thin films are investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction. Due to the larger surface area, thicker oxide over‐layer is observed for particles in comparison with thin films. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra strongly depended on the morphology and oxide over layer thicknesses for nanostructures. This leads to observation of clearly different background and is explained in term of different cationic distribution in the overlayer, thicknesses, and morphology (enhanced surface area) of the nanostructures. TEM analyses showed an oxide over‐layer on the NP of approximately 2.6 nm, which is consistent with the theoretical model based on electron attenuation lengths. However, in the case of thin films a much thinner oxide over‐layer of about 1.3 nm was observed. As expected, XPS spectra of oxygen passivated particles show oxide peaks with weak metal peaks compared to oxygen passivated thin films which show significantly high zero‐valent metal peaks.
Electronic band structure of helical iodine chains
Authors: Rybkovskiy Dmitry , Osadchy Alexander , Obraztsova Elena 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe electronic band structure of helical iodine chains was calculated within the empirical tight binding approach. The screw symmetry of the system was used to reduce the size of the problem to a single atom with four atomic orbitals. The overlap parameters were fitted to reproduce the DFT results for a linear iodine chain. The obtained results for helical chains have shown the energy band splitting due to the overlap between p orbitals introduced by the structure twisting. The splitting magnitude depends on the pitch of the helix.
Carbon solubility in nickel nanoparticles: A grand canonical Monte Carlo study
Authors: Diarra Mamadou , Amara Hakim , Ducastelle François , Bichara Christophe 
Published: November 2012

AbstractProducing single‐wall carbon nanotubes with a given structure, in terms of diameter and chirality, is still a difficult issue. In this context, understanding the physical and chemical properties of the catalyst nanoparticle during the chemical vapor deposition synthesis is fundamental. By using tight‐binding calculations at atomic scale, we show that carbon solubility is larger for smaller nanoparticles (NPs), with solubility limits depending on the size, but also on the physical state (solid, partially molten liquid) of the catalyst. Moreover, optimal thermodynamic conditions have been found to nucleate carbon cap after saturation of the metal catalyst with carbon atoms. magnified imageDensity profiles along the radius of the nanoparticle calculated at 1000 K (black: C, orange: Ni). The inset presents the structure of C‐rich NPs with a crystalline core surrounded by a molten layer.
Catalyst design by cyclic deposition: Nanoparticle formation and growth of high‐density nanotube forests
Authors: Esconjauregui Santiago , Fouquet Martin , Xie Rongsie , Cartwright Richard , Newcomb Simon B. , Robertson John 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe areal density of carbon nanotube forests can be increased up to the order of 1013 cm−2 using cycles of deposition and annealing of ultra‐thin metal films, followed by nanoparticle immobilization. Herein, we show how the density of the catalyst nanoparticles increases after each cycle by using cross‐sectional transmission electron microscopy. The layers of metal catalyst – subsequently deposited after previous annealing – sit on the uncovered areas of the support and, after annealing, restructure into nanoparticles cumulatively increasing the catalyst density. These nanoparticles lead to close‐packed, high‐density nanotube forests with nanotube areal densities of ∼1013 cm−2. The height of these high‐density forests shortens as the density of the catalyst nanoparticle increases, which is observed using several synthesis conditions. This high nanotube density is required for using carbon nanotubes as interconnects in integrated circuits and in thermal interface materials.
De‐intercalation process from Stage‐1 to Stage‐2 graphite intercalation compounds revisited
Authors: Chacón‐Torres J. C. , Ganin A. Y. , Rosseinsky M. J. , Pichler T. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe identification and contribution of the different phonons present in the G‐line Raman response in Stage‐1 and Stage‐2 graphite intercalation compounds (GIC) is crucial for a correct stage determination. Different factors like laser induced de‐intercalation play an important role in the precise stage assignment of these phases, and their intrinsic Raman response. In this contribution, an in situ micro‐Raman analysis was conducted under high‐vacuum conditions. Local heating of the samples was induced by using a high laser power (8.5 mW) in order to study the de‐intercalation process from Stage‐1 to Stage‐2 GICs. A detailed Raman line‐shape analysis was performed from the recorded spectra to determine the changes from the G‐line response of KC8, CaC6, and LiC6. We confirmed the assignment of the broad E2g Fano mode at ∼1510 cm−1 to the intrinsic Stage‐1 Raman response in GICs. Additionally, the most evident change from Stage‐1 to Stage‐2 was observed in an asymmetric Fano mode in the range of 1565–1610 cm−1. This mode is linked to the first‐order stretching Raman mode of Graphite, which tends to increase in frequency and decrease in width as function of de‐intercalation. Finally, the response of the Stage‐2 phase after de‐intercalation was confirmed to be a useful benchmark for the identification of the intercalation stage in highly doped GICs.
Designing a spiropyran‐based molecular switch for carbon nanotube functionalization: Influence of anchor groups and tube–switch separation
Authors: Bluemmel Pascal , Setaro Antonio , Maity Chandan , Hecht Stefan , Reich Stephanie 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMolecular switch compounds, consisting of aromatic anchoring groups connected to a spiropyran moiety, are exploited for carbon nanotube functionalization. The effect of the different anchor groups on sample distribution and debundling efficiency is investigated as well as the influence of the anchor–switch distance and hence tube–switch separation. Morphologically similar anchor groups result in similar chiral compositions of the sample. With smaller separation, the tube–switch interaction strength increases as well as the lifetime of the ring opened isomer.
Relaxation dynamics via acoustic phonons in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Köhler Christopher , Watermann Tobias , Malic Ermin 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe have investigated the efficiency of scattering processes through acoustic phonons in semiconducting nanotubes. Based on the density matrix formalism we obtain Boltzmann scattering equations, which give us a microscopic access to the time‐ and momentum‐resolved relaxation dynamics of optically excited carriers. In agreement with a recent experiment [see Dyatlova et al., Nano Lett. 12, 2249 (2012)], we obtain relaxation times on the picosecond time scale. Here we study the importance of carrier–phonon interaction as a function of probe energy and initial temperature for the exemplary (8,7) nanotube. Furthermore, we calculate the relaxation dynamics for nanotubes with different diameters focusing on the change in the relaxation time with the curvature of the corresponding energetically lowest conduction subband.
Ferromagnetic decoration in metal–semiconductor separated and ferrocene functionalized single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chernov A. , Havlicek M. , Jantsch W. , Rümmeli M. H. , Bachmatiuk A. , Yanagi K. , Peterlik H. , Kataura H. , Sauerzopf F. , Resel R. , Simon F. , Kuzmany H. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSpin resonance, magnetic measurements, and structural analysis are reported for metal‐semiconductor separated SWCNTs after filling with ferrocene. Raman scattering performed after a heat treatment confirms partial transformation to double‐walled CNTs but results from spin resonance (FMR), X‐ray diffraction, and TEM evidence in addition the growth of ferromagnetic nanoparticles. For the metallic tubes the particles are identified as magnetite (Fe3O4) with full chemical stoichiometry. From the temperature dependence of the FMR response and from measurements of the magnetization by dc and ac SQUID the magnetite crystals are shown to undergo a Verwey transition. The transition temperature from the SQUID experiment is around 125 K as expected but considerably higher than observed from the FMR analysis. Results for semiconducting tubes are similar but magnetic particles are an order of magnitude smaller and exhibit different structures in addition to magnetite.