bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of A/O‐MBR for treatment of digestate from anaerobic digestion of cow manure
Authors: Gong Weijia , Li Wenzhe , Liang Heng 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND: Anaerobic digestion (AD) is widely used as an animal manure bioconversion technology. However, the effluent obtained from the digester during the wet‐AD process requires to be treated carefully before discharge if AD technology is to be developed as an effective and environmentally advantageous animal manure treatment.RESULTS: An anoxic/aerobic‐membrane bioreactor(A/O‐MBR) system has been developed for digestate treatment in an AD system treating cow manure. The performance of the A/O‐MBR system in terms of removal of nitrogen, COD and phosphorus were investigated. Results indicated that the average removal efficiencies of NH4‐N+, COD and PO43−‐P were 98.1%, 96.3% and 76.6%, respectively. The fouled membrane from the A/O‐MBR system was cleaned effectively using NaOH and a 30h soak time.CONCLUSION: This study suggests that it is technically feasible to use the A/O‐MBR for the treatment of digestate from a cow manure AD system, and can provide an environmentally acceptable way for the application of wet‐AD in animal manure treatment. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
A simple and versatile protocol for the preparation of 1,3‐functionalized heterocycles utilizing benzoylpyruvates
Authors: Nolsöe Jens M. J. , Ertan Anne , Svensson Mats , Weigelt Dirk 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
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Acid‐mediated condensation between benzoylpyruvates and various dinucleophiles in alcoholic solvent furnished the heterocyclic imprint in moderate to good yield. Combining a range of symmetric as well as nonsymmetric nitrogen/nitrogen or nitrogen/carbon centered dinucleophiles resulted in excellent regioselectivity. γ‐Difunctionalized fused pyrimidines, pyridazines, and pyridines were produced in this manner. The protocol was designed to obviate chromatographic purification. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2010).
Insurance status and hospital care for myocardial infarction, stroke, and pneumonia
Authors: Hasan Omar , Orav E. John , Hicks LeRoi S. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Despite widely documented variations in health care outcomes by insurance status, few nationally representative studies have examined such disparities in the inpatient setting.OBJECTIVE:To determine whether there are insurance‐related differences in hospital care for 3 common medical conditions.DESIGN AND SUBJECTS:Retrospective database analysis of 154,381 adult discharges (age 18‐64 years) with a principal diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, or pneumonia from the 2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS).MEASUREMENTS:For each diagnosis, we compared in‐hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and cost per hospitalization for Medicaid and uninsured patients with the privately insured.RESULTS:Compared with the privately insured, in‐hospital mortality among AMI and stroke patients was significantly higher for the uninsured (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.24‐1.85] for AMI and 1.49 [1.29‐1.72] for stroke) and among pneumonia patients was significantly higher for Medicaid recipients (1.21 [1.01‐1.45]). Excluding patients who died during hospitalization, LOS was consistently longer for Medicaid recipients for all 3 conditions (adjusted ratio 1.07, 95% CI [1.05‐1.09] for AMI, 1.17 [1.14‐1.20] for stroke, and 1.04 [1.03‐1.06] for pneumonia), although costs were significantly higher for Medicaid recipients for only 2 of the 3 conditions (adjusted ratio 1.06, 95% CI [1.04‐1.09] for stroke and 1.05 [1.04‐1.07] for pneumonia).CONCLUSIONS:In this nationally representative study of working‐age Americans hospitalized for 3 common medical conditions, significantly lower in‐hospital mortality was noted for privately insured patients compared with the uninsured or Medicaid recipients. Interventions to reduce insurance‐related gaps in inpatient quality of care should be investigated. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2010. © 2010 Society of Hospital Medicine.
Aid and economic growth: Sensitivity analysis
Authors: Gyimah‐Brempong Kwabena , Racine Jeffrey S. , Gyapong Anthony 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper uses panel data from 77 developing countries, two measures of aid, and a dynamic panel data (DPD) estimator to investigate the effects of aid on economic growth. We find that the relationship between income growth and aid is quadratic in nature. We find a negative partial growth effect of aid at low levels of aid but a positive effect when the ratio of aid to gross national income (GNI) reaches a threshold of between 6.6 and 14.4per cent. We find a positive and significant relationship between aid and physical capital investment. Accounting for indirect effects through investment, we find a positive growth effect at all levels of aid. These results are robust to the measurement of aid, the policy environment, income levels and region. Our results differ from much of the earlier research but are consistent with research that calls for increased aid to developing countries. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
THE DETERMINANTS OF INSTITUTIONAL QUALITY. MORE ON THE DEBATE
Authors: Alonso José Antonio , Garcimartín Carlos 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThis paper provides new evidences about the determinants of institutional quality. Prior to implementing our empirical research, we discuss the criteria that should be used to judge the quality of institutions. Then, we identify the factors that, according to these criteria, determine institutional quality. The results obtained in the estimated model enable to draw some interesting conclusions. Firstly, development level determines institutional quality: the highest the former, the highest the latter. Secondly, income distribution conditions institutional quality. Thirdly, a sound tax system is positively associated with institutional quality improvement. Taxes provide the necessary revenue to generate quality institutions and create a narrower and more demanding relation between State and citizens. Finally, education improves institutional quality. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHOOSING THE CURRENCY STRUCTURE OF FOREIGN‐CURRENCY DEBT: A REVIEW OF POLICY APPROACHES
Authors: Melecky Martin 
Published: June 2010

AbstractStarting from the constraints and incentives that cause countries to issue debt in foreign currency, this paper provides an overview of policy approaches for choosing the optimal currency structure of sovereign foreign‐currency debt. The objective of sovereign debt managers generally includes both risk and cost minimisation, while constraints to foreign‐currency debt allocation originate in the parameters of the domestic macroeconomy, the shocks it faces and the initial conditions. Overall, the main parameters that drive the solutions for optimal currency allocation of foreign‐currency debt are the covariances of macrovariables with exchange rates and the variances of different exchange rates. Both the covariances and the exchange rate volatility can be deceptive when a fixed exchange rate regime is maintained, however. To adequately capture the expected covariances in the context of managed exchange rate regimes, we suggest that sovereign debt managers work with equilibrium instead of actual exchange rates. For the same reason and because the estimates of relative exchange rate variances should be forward looking, we suggest using synchronisation indicators in the policy analysis to better capture the underlying drivers of exchange rate volatility across currencies. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Occurrence of substance P in bone repair under different load comparison of straight and angulated fracture in rat tibia
Authors: Li Jian , Ahmed Mahmood , Bergstrom Jonas , Ackermann Paul , Stark André , Kreicbergs Andris 
Published: June 2010

AbstractSubstance P (SP) has been shown in vitro to stimulate both formation and resorption of bone. This seemingly contradictory observation could be explained by in vivo variations in skeletal loading and rate of bone turnover, features which may be explored during different phases of fracture healing. In 50 SD rats, the right tibia was fractured and fixed with an intramedullary pin in straight alignment and in anterior angulation resulting in a convex and concave side under different load. Fracture repair was assessed by radiography, histology, and semi‐quantitative immunohistochemistry of SP nerve fiber occurrence at days 7, 21, 35, 56, and 84 post‐fracture. During regeneration, days 7–35, abundant SP‐nerve ingrowth was observed in the fracture callus reaching a side‐symmetrical peak at day 21 in straight fractures. In angulated fractures, the SP peak was also observed at day 21 on the concave loaded side, but not until day 35 on the convex unloaded side. Each SP‐peak coincided with cortical bridging. During remodeling, days 35–84, a side‐symmetrical disappearance of SP‐positive fibers was seen in straight fractures. The same pattern was seen on the concave loaded side of angulated fractures. However, on the convex unloaded side, where resorption now took place, SP‐fibers remained until the end of the experiment. Our study suggests that neuronal SP during bone regeneration has a stimulatory role on bone formation, while during remodeling increased SP fiber density in unloaded areas may be related to bone resorption. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1643–1650, 2010
Collagen and mineral deposition in rabbit cortical bone during maturation and growth: Effects on tissue properties
Authors: Isaksson Hanna , Harjula Terhi , Koistinen Arto , Iivarinen Jarkko , Seppänen Kari , Arokoski Jari P.A. , Brama Pieter A. , Jurvelin Jukka S. , Helminen Heikki J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe characterized the composition and mechanical properties of cortical bone during maturation and growth and in adult life in the rabbit. We hypothesized that the collagen network develops earlier than the mineralized matrix. Growth was monitored, and the rabbits were euthanized at birth (newborn), and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 18 months of age. The collagen network was assessed biochemically (collagen content, enzymatic and non‐enzymatic cross‐links) in specimens from the mid‐diaphysis of the tibia and femur and biomechanically (tensile testing) from decalcified whole tibia specimens. The mineralized matrix was analyzed using pQCT and 3‐point bend tests from intact femur specimens. The collagen content and the Young's modulus of the collagen matrix increased significantly until the rabbits were 3 months old, and thereafter remained stable. The amount of HP and LP collagen cross‐links increased continuously from newborn to 18 months of age, whereas PEN cross‐links increased after 6 months of age. Bone mineral density and the Young's modulus of the mineralized bone increased until the rabbits were at least 6 months old. We concluded that substantial changes take place during the normal process of development in both the biochemical and biomechanical properties of rabbit cortical bone. In cortical bone, the collagen network reaches its mature composition and mechanical strength prior to the mineralized matrix. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 28:1626–1633, 2010
Electrochemical functionalisation of SWNTs with poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) evidenced by anti‐Stokes/Stokes Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Baltog Ioan , Baibarac Mihaela , Lefrant Serge , Mevellec Jean Yves 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe capability of anti‐Stokes/Stokes Raman spectroscopy to evaluate chemical interactions at the interface of a conducting polymer/carbon nanotubes is demonstrated. Electrochemical polymerisation of the monomer 3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene (EDOT) on a Au support covered with a single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) film immersed in a LiClO4/CH3CN solution was carried out. At the resonant optical excitation, which occurs when the energy of the exciting light coincides with the energy of an electronic transition, poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) deposited electrochemically as a thin film of nanometric thickness on a rough Au support presents an abnormally intense anti‐Stokes Raman spectrum. The additional increase in Raman intensity in the anti‐Stokes branch observed when PEDOT is deposited on SWNTs is interpreted as resulting from the excitation of plasmons in the metallic nanotubes. A covalent functionalisation of SWNTs with PEDOT both in un‐doped and doped states takes place when the electropolymerisation of EDOT, with stopping at +1.6 V versus Ag/Ag+, is performed on a SWNT film deposited on a Au plate. The presence of PEDOT covalently functionalised SWNTs is rationalised by (1) a downshift by a few wavenumbers of the polymer Raman line associated with the symmetric CC stretching mode and (2) an upshift of the radial breathing modes of SWNTs, both variations revealing an interaction between SWNTs and the conjugated polymer. Raman studies performed at different excitation wavelengths indicate that the resonant optical excitation is the key condition to observe the abnormal anti‐Stokes Raman effect. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weather broadcasting and training in the late twentieth century: the meteorologist's view
Authors: Giles Bill 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWeather forecasts on BBC radio and television are recognized as the bench mark by which all other weather broadcasts in the United Kingdom are judged. Having spent many years at the BBC Weather Centre, as forecaster and senior meteorologist, the author reflects on the development of television weather forecasts on the national, licence fee funded, broadcaster in the United Kingdom. The period referred to in the paper saw technology evolve rapidly with television weather graphics at the forefront of the technological revolution. Changes in the recruitment and training of forecasters over time are discussed, giving an insight into the behind the scenes evolution of the workings of television and radio weather broadcasts. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Effects of plant‐derived polyphenols on TNF‐α and nitric oxide production induced by advanced glycation endproducts
Authors: Chandler Dave , Woldu Ameha , Rahmadi Anton , Shanmugam Kirubakaran , Steiner Nicole , Wright Elise , Benavente‐García Obdulio , Schulz Oliver , Castillo Julián , Münch Gerald 
Published: June 2010

AbstractAdvanced glycation endproducts (AGEs) accumulate on protein deposits including the β‐amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease. AGEs interact with the “receptor for advanced glycation endproducts”, and transmit their signals using intracellular reactive oxygen species as second messengers. Ultimately, AGEs induce the expression of a variety of pro‐inflammatory markers including the tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and inducible nitric oxide (NO) synthase. Antioxidants that act intracellularly, including polyphenols, have been shown to scavenge these “signaling” reactive oxygen species, and thus perform in an anti‐inflammatory capacity. This study tested the pure compounds apigenin and diosmetin as well as extracts from silymarin, uva ursi (bearberry) and green olive leaf for their ability to attenuate AGE‐induced NO and TNF‐α production. All five tested samples inhibited BSA‐AGE‐induced NO production in a dose‐dependent manner. Apigenin and diosmetin were most potent, and exhibited EC50values ∼10 μM. In contrast, TNF‐α expression was only reduced by apigenin, diosmetin and silymarin; not by the bearberry and green olive leaf extracts. In addition, the silymarin and bearberry extracts caused significant cell death at concentrations ≥10 μg/mL and ≥50 μg/mL, respectively. In conclusion, we suggest that plant‐derived polyphenols might offer therapeutic opportunities to delay the progression of AGE‐mediated and receptor for advanced glycation endproducts‐mediated neuro‐inflammatory diseases including Alzheimer's disease.
The sharp end: Real life challenges in a complex activity space
Authors: Thomas Keith T. , Walker Allan D. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

Many forces are at play beneath the public face of organizations and particular tensions emerge when policy rhetoric encounters organizational and leadership reality. These inherent contextual tensions are explored at the sharp or operational end of leadership, the organizational space where policies are implemented, values enacted and practices evidenced. The sharp end leaves little room for intellectual introspection or detailed post hoc analysis favoured by those more detached from the action. However, the sharp end does provide a useful position from which to explore the so‐called ‘crisis of leadership ethics’. Describing a complex activity space, this paper highlights how individual biases, group dynamics and countervailing forces shape behaviour, and their collective influence can often derail well‐intentioned actions by creating irrational moments that spiral out of control.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bolstering unethical leaders: The role of the media, financial analysts and shareholders
Authors: Chen Stephen 
Published: June 2010

Abstract

This paper examines factors that contribute to financial misreporting by companies and the role played by the character of the CEO, financial analysts, the media and shareholders in bolstering unethical leadership in companies. Through the use of computer simulation models, it shows how a combination of CEO narcissism, financial incentives, shareholder expectations and media praise as well as unethical leadership, can do much to explain some of the findings highlighted in recent high profile financial accounting scandals.

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Balance of pro‐ versus anti‐angiogenic splice isoforms of vascular endothelial growth factor as a regulator of neuroblastoma growth
Authors: Peiris‐Pagès Maria , Harper Steven J , Bates David O , Ramani Pramila 
Published: June 2010

AbstractNeuroblastoma (NB) is the second most common extracranial tumour of childhood. Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in the growth and development of NB and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most potent stimuli of angiogenesis, has been studied extensively in vitro. VEGF165 has been shown to be the predominant angiogenic isoform expressed in NB cell lines and tumours. In this study, we investigated the anti‐angiogenic isoform of VEGF‐A, generated from distal splice site selection in the terminal exon of VEGF (VEGF165b) and shown to be down‐regulated in epithelial malignancies. The expression of both the pro‐ (VEGFxxx) and the anti‐angiogenic (VEGFxxxb) isoforms was compared in a range of NB and ganglioneuroma (GN) tumours. Whereas VEGFxxxb and VEGFxxx were both expressed in GN, specific up‐regulation of the VEGFxxx isoforms was seen in NB at RNA and protein levels. Highly tumourigenic NB cell lines also showed up‐regulation of the angiogenic isoforms relative to VEGFxxxb compared to less tumourigenic cell lines, and the isoforms were differentially secreted. These results indicate that VEGF165 is up‐regulated in NB and that there is a difference in the balance of isoform expression from anti‐angiogenic VEGF165b to angiogenic VEGF165. Treatment with recombinant human VEGF165b significantly reduced the growth rate of established xenografts of SK‐N‐BE(2)‐C cells (4.24 ± 1.01 fold increase in volume) compared with those treated with saline (9.76 ± 3.58, p < 0.01). Microvascular density (MVD) was significantly decreased in rhVEGF165b‐treated tumours (19.4 ± 1.9 vessels/mm3) in contrast to the saline‐treated tumours (45.5 ± 8.6 vessels/mm3). VEGF165b had no significant effect on the proliferative or apoptotic activity, viability or cytotoxicity of SK‐N‐BE(2)‐C cells after 48 h. In conclusion, VEGF165b is an effective inhibitor of NB growth. These findings provide the rationale for further investigation of VEGF165b in NB and other paediatric malignancies. Copyright © 2010 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Helical opposition in poly(2‐methoxyaniline) by tuning the concentration of salts in reaction solution
Authors: Yuan Guo‐Li , Liu Chen , Kuramoto Noriyuki , Yang Zhong‐Fang 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe synthesis and application of helical polyaniline derivatives (PANIs) have attracted much interest. However, most of these syntheses have been carried out in organic solutions. In our previous reports, helical PANIs were successfully realized in aqueous solution. Because helical architecture in the backbones of PANIs is an induced rather than the natural arrangement, it is significant to study the change in helicity in aqueous solution, especially opposition or reversion. One excess‐handed helicity was induced in poly(2‐methoxyaniline) (PMOA) by electrochemical polymerization of 2‐methoxyaniline at pH = 2.5 in the presence of protonated β‐cyclodextrin sulfate (CDS− H+). When 0.04 mol L−1 NaCl was added to the reaction solution, the PMOA backbone took on an opposite excess of one‐handed helicity, which was confirmed by induced circular dichroism. Such a result originates from the dynamic switch between electrostatic and hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The helix‐inducing process in PMOA depends on the interaction between PMOA and chiral CDS. Due to the competition of Na+ Cl− with PMOA+ CDS−, the electrostatic interaction between PMOA and CDS is limited or weakened. Thus, the slightly preferred interaction between them switches from electrostatic to hydrogen bonding. Simultaneously, the interaction positions and distance are changed. The changed steric hindrance induces PMOA into adopting an opposite excess‐handed helicity. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteome analysis of brain in murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Fazeli Abolhassan Shahzadeh , Nasrabadi Davood , Sanati Mohammad Hossein , Pouya Alireza , Ibrahim Saleh M. , Baharvand Hossein , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMultiple sclerosis is considered a prototype inflammatory autoimmune disorder of the CNS. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein is one of the best‐characterized animal models of multiple sclerosis. Comprehensive understanding of gene expression in EAE can help identify genes that are important in drug response and pathogenesis. We applied a 2‐DE‐based proteomics approach to analyze the protein expression pattern of the brain in healthy and EAE samples. Of more than 1000 protein spots we analyzed, 70 showed reproducible and significant changes in EAE compared to controls. Of these, 42 protein spots could be identified using MALDI TOF‐TOF‐MS. They included mitochondrial and structural proteins as well as proteins involved in ionic and neurotransmitter release, blood barriers, apoptosis, and signal transduction. The possible role of these proteins in the responses of mice to animal models of multiple sclerosis is discussed.