bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The application of new public management doctrines in the developing world: An exploratory study of the autonomy and control of executive agencies in Tanzania
Authors: Sulle Andrew 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThis article examines the agencification of public service in Tanzania. This is discussed with reference to the New Public Management (NPM)‐inspired reforms of which the creation of executive agencies is one of its core features. The article attempts to understand the extent to which executive agencies in Tanzania display characteristic features of an ideal‐agency model as propagated by the NPM reform doctrines. Key features of the ideal‐agency model have been described as structural disaggregation, autonomy and contractualisation. It questions views held by many NPM‐minded reformers, such as the EU and World Bank that this model is universally applicable and can be emulated in different parts of the world. The article's assumption is that the NPM‐agency model is based on a weak empirical foundation and its universal applicability is questionable. To illustrate our arguments we confront the NPM‐agency model with the empirical data drawn from the agencification of public services in Tanzania. Findings indicate that agencies in Tanzania display hybrid characteristics in terms of their autonomy and control. Our conclusion is that the universality of NPM‐agency model is illusive. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Galactomannan–amphotericin B conjugate: synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Farber Shimon , Ickowicz Diana , Sionov Edward , Kagan Sarah , Polacheck Itzhack , Domb Abraham J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPolysaccharide conjugated amphotericin B (AmB) was synthesized by conjugation of AmB to oxidized galactomannan (GM) by reductive amination and tested for antifungal activity. AmB conjugates were investigated for their ability to inhibitCandida albicansgrowth. Antifungal efficiency of the synthetic AmB–GM depends on both, AmB content and duration of exposure. The most potent compound was a conjugate which contains 40% AmB with minimal inhibition concentration of 0.25 mg/l.In vitrotoxicity analysis revealed that conjugates with 20, 30, and 40% w/w AmB content have no hemolytic effect and no influence on the viability of the VERO kidney cells. Furthermore, maximal tolerant dose (MTD) of the conjugate was determinedin vivoand found to be 60 mg/kg (equivalent to AmB), while commercial Fungizone® demonstrated increased toxicity of 3 mg/kg on mice model. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Point of care testing in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Tirosh‐Wagner Tal , Strauss Tzipi , Rubinshtein Marina , Tamarin Ilia , Mishaly David , Paret Gideon , Kenet Gili 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundExcessive hemorrhage is a major complication after cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this study was to define the potential role of the cone and platelet analyzer (CPA) and the rotating thromboelastogram (ROTEM) point of care tests in children undergoing CPB.ProcedureWe prospectively studied 15 pediatric patients aged 1 month to 10 years. Blood count, blood coagulation tests (prothrombin time [PT], activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, thrombin time), CPA and ROTEM parameters were measured before and after CPB. Demographic and surgical data were recorded as were those on perioperative blood loss and blood product transfusion.ResultsLow body weight, longer duration on CPB and lower core body temperature were associated with an increased bleeding risk. The ROTEM test showed a significant prolongation of clotting time and decreased maximal clot firmness (MCF) postoperatively in children with increased bleeding. The coagulation parameters associated with increased bleeding were: prolonged PT, lower fibrinogen levels, prior to surgery, and lower MCF after surgery. CPA test findings were not associated with postoperative bleeding in our patients.ConclusionsCPA did not serve as a prognostic tool for predicting bleeding risk in children undergoing CPB. The change in ROTEM's post‐CPB results associated with bleeding tendency, and they may predict for poorer clot formation and stability. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:794–798. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with MUNC13‐4 gene mutation or reduced natural killer cell function prior to onset of childhood leukemia
Authors: Chang Tamara Y. , Jaffray Julie , Woda Bruce , Newburger Peter E. , Usmani G. Naheed 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare histiocytic reactive process due to mutations in the perforin, MUNC13‐4 or syntaxin 11 genes, or secondary to malignancy, infection or autoimmune disorder. HLH as a preceding diagnosis to leukemia is rare. We report two cases with progression to acute leukemia, one heterozygous for MUNC13‐4 and the other with reduced natural killer (NK) cell function and perforin expression. These defects may predispose to a secondary HLH‐like presentation of pre‐clinical leukemia or confer increased susceptibility to malignancy. HLH patients with genetic mutations or NK cell function abnormalities need monitoring for future malignancy even if the HLH resolves. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:856–858. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunoglobulin abnormalities and effects of enzyme replacement therapy in children with Gaucher disease
Authors: Arıkan‐Ayyıldız Zeynep , Yuce Aysel , Uslu‐Kızılkan Nuray , Demir Hülya , Gurakan Figen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHyperimmunoglobulinemia is documented in patients with Gaucher disease of all ages. We investigated the frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in 12 pediatric patients with type I and III Gaucher disease and the effects of enzyme replacement therapy on these abnormalities. The incidence of hyperimmunoglobulinemia was 77%, 66%, and 60% at the diagnosis, before and after ERT, respectively. Immunoglobulin G abnormalities were the most commonly seen isotype abnormality. After enzyme replacement therapy normalization of IgA and IgM levels were recorded but decline in IgG levels was less likely to occur. This study indicated the higher frequency of hyperimmunoglobulinemia in pediatric Gaucher patients. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:664–666. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hearing impairment after platinum‐based chemotherapy in childhood
Authors: Einar‐Jon Einarsson , Trausti Oskarsson , Asgeir Haraldsson , Christian Moëll , Thomas Wiebe , Måns Magnusson , Jon Kristinsson , Hannes Petersen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundChemotherapy is used in the treatment of children and adolescents with malignant diseases. Some of the chemotherapeutic agents are highly toxic and may cause a number of side effects. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the long‐term effects on hearing in cancer survivors who had received platinum‐based chemotherapy in childhood or adolescence.ProcedureMedical records of 297 patients, who had received treatment for cancer at the Children's Hospital, Landspitali University Hospital in Iceland between 1981 and 2006, were retrospectively reviewed. Fifteen subjects fulfilled the eligibility criteria for the study and underwent an extended audiometric evaluation.ResultsThe results showed that three of the subjects had a high frequency hearing loss. In one subject, we observed a hearing recovery just after the completion of chemotherapy, but the hearing deteriorated again some years later. Nine of the 15 subjects (60%) had tinnitus after the cancer treatment. An evaluation of subjective hearing disability and handicap (The Hearing Measurements Scale) revealed that some subjects had great difficulties with hearing in certain situations. The Hearing Measurement Scale showed that the pure‐tone audiogram findings were only partly associated with the apparent hearing difficulties.ConclusionRegular follow‐up hearing examinations, which include both pure‐tone audiogram investigations and subjective hearing disability assessments, should be performed during and after chemotherapy to identify subjects who require particular attention. This will ensure that hearing impaired individuals are provided with the most suitable listening devices, to promote good speech and social development. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:631–637. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is there nascent structure in the intrinsically disordered region of troponin I?
Authors: Julien Olivier , Mercier Pascal , Allen Claire N. , Fisette Olivier , Ramos Carlos H. I. , Lagüe Patrick , Blumenschein Tharin M. A. , Sykes Brian D. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn striated muscle, the binding of calcium to troponin C (TnC) results in the removal of the C‐terminal region of the inhibitory protein troponin I (TnI) from actin. While structural studies of the muscle system have been successful in determining the overall organization of most of the components involved in force generation at the atomic level, the structure and dynamics of the C‐terminal region of TnI remains controversial. This domain of TnI is highly flexible, and it has been proposed that this intrinsically disordered region (IDR) regulates contraction via a “fly‐casting” mechanism. Different structures have been presented for this region using different methodologies: a single α‐helix, a “mobile domain” containing a small β‐sheet, an unstructured region, and a two helix segment. To investigate whether this IDR has in fact any nascent structure, we have constructed a skeletal TnC‐TnI chimera that contains the N‐domain of TnC (1–90), a short linker (GGAGG), and the C‐terminal region of TnI (97–182) and have acquired 15N NMR relaxation data for this chimera. We compare the experimental relaxation parameters with those calculated from molecular dynamic simulations using four models based upon the structural studies. Our experimental results suggest that the C‐terminal region of TnI does not contain any defined secondary structure, supporting the “fly‐casting” mechanism. We interpret the presence of a “plateau” in the 15N NMR relaxation data as being an intrinsic property of IDRs. We also identified a more rigid adjacent region of TnI that has implications for muscle performance under ischemic conditions. Proteins 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accurate Kohn–Sham DFT with the speed of tight binding: Current techniques and future directions in materials modelling
Authors: Briddon P. R. , Rayson M. J. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe present a review of methodological and implementation details of the AIMPRO Kohn–Sham density functional code. It is demonstrated that full Kohn–Sham density functional theory calculations can be performed in a time only marginally greater than tight binding implementations and a route is opened to achieve full and demonstrable convergence with respect to basis size. Topics covered will include both the kernel and functionality of the current code, a discussion of recent developments as well as future research directions and perspectives. Also, a broad discussion regarding the application of these methods is made that, it is hoped, will serve as a useful guide to application specialists.
Ultrasonic‐based protein quantitation by 18O‐labeling: optimization and comparison between different procedures
Authors: Carreira R. J. , Diniz M. S. , Capelo J. L. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractHerein we report results regarding the optimization and comparison between different ultrasonic‐based procedures for protein quantitation by the direct 18O‐labeling approach. The labeling procedure was evaluated using different proteins, different ultrasonic devices and different reaction times: from 30 s to 10 min with the ultrasonic probe and from 30 s to 30 min with the sonoreactor. Variables such as the enzyme‐to‐protein ratio and protein concentration were also assessed. The results show that it is possible to accelerate the labeling reaction from 12 h to only 15 min with the sonoreactor without compromising the labeling efficiency. A larger variation in the double labeling yield was obtained among the different peptides, but the values for the smaller peptides are similar to the ones achieved with the classic methodology. These findings were further confirmed by labeling a complex protein mixture from human plasma. It was also found that the labeling reaction is affected by the sample concentration, even when performed with the classic overnight procedure. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extending the dynamic range of proton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometers by a novel dead time correction
Authors: Cappellin Luca , Biasioli Franco , Schuhfried Erna , Soukoulis Christos , Märk Tilmann D. , Gasperi Flavia 
Published: December 2010

AbstractProton transfer reaction time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PTR‐TOF‐MS) allows for very fast simultaneous monitoring of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in complex environments. In several applications, food science and food technology in particular, peaks with very different intensities are present in a single spectrum. For VOCs, the concentrations range from the sub‐ppt all the way up to the ppm level. Thus, a large dynamic range is necessary. In particular, high intensity peaks are a problem because for them the linear dependency of the detector signal on VOC concentration is distorted. In this paper we present, test with real data, and discuss a novel method which extends the linearity of PTR‐TOF‐MS for high intensity peaks far beyond the limit allowed by the usual analytical correction methods such as the so‐called Poisson correction. Usually, raw data can be used directly without corrections with an intensity of up to about 0.1 ions/pulse, and the Poisson correction allows the use of peaks with intensities of a few ions/pulse. Our method further extends the linear range by at least one order of magnitude. Although this work originated from the necessity to extend the dynamic range of PTR‐TOF‐MS instruments in agro‐industrial applications, it is by no means limited to this area, and can be implemented wherever dead time corrections are an issue. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A silanized mica substrate suitable for high‐resolution fiber FISH analysis by scanning near‐field optical/atomic force microscopy
Authors: Sugiyama Shigeru , Fukuta Megumi , Hirose Tamaki , Ohtani Toshio , Yoshino Tomoyuki 
Published: December 2010

AbstractWe applied a novel silanized mica substrate with an extremely flat surface constructed according to Sasou et al. (Langmuir 19, 9845–9849 (2003)) to high‐resolution detection of a specific gene on a DNA fiber by scanning near‐field optical/atomic force microscopy (SNOM/AFM). The interaction between the substrate and fluorescence‐dye conjugated peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes, which causes fluorescence noise signal, was minimal. By using the substrate, we successfully obtained a fluorescence in situ hybridization signal from the ea47 gene on a λphage DNA labeled with an Alexa 532‐conjugated 15‐base PNA probe. As the results, no fluorescence noises were observed, indicating that the surface adsorbed almost none of the PNA probe. The combination of the substrate and SNOM/AFM is an effective tool for visualizing DNA sequences at nanometer‐scale resolution. SCANNING 32: 383–389, 2010. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An efficient and provably secure public key encryption scheme based on coding theory
Authors: Lu Rongxing , Lin Xiaodong , Liang Xiaohui , Shen Xuemin (Sherman) 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAlthough coding‐based public key encryption schemes such as McEliece and Niederreiter cryptosystems have been well studied, it is not a trivial task to design an efficient coding‐based cryptosystem with semantic security against adaptive chosen ciphertext attacks (IND‐CCA2). To tackle this challenging issue, in this paper, we first propose an efficient IND‐CCA2‐secure public key encryption scheme based on coding theory. We then use the provable security technique to formally prove the security of the proposed scheme is tightly related to the syndrome decoding (SD) problem in the random oracle model. Compared with the previously reported schemes, the proposed scheme is merited with simple construction and fast encryption speed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fast graph‐based instruction selection for multi‐output instructions
Authors: Youn Jonghee M. , Lee Jongwon , Paek Yunheung , Lee Jongeun , Scharwaechter Hanno , Leupers Rainer 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA multi‐output instruction (MOI) is an instruction that produces multiple outputs to its destination locations. Such inherently parallel instructions are becoming more and more popular in embedded processors, due to the advances in application‐specific architectures. In order to provide high‐level programmability and thus guarantee widespread acceptance, sophisticated compiler support for these programmable cores is necessary. However, traditionaltree‐basedapproaches for instruction selection, although very fast, fail to exploit MOIs mainly because of the fundamental limitation of the tree representation. In fact, to generate optimal code with MOIs requires a more generalgraph‐basedformulation of the instruction selection problem, which is at least NP‐complete. In this paper we present a new methodology to automatically generate from simple instruction set descriptions, graph‐based code selectors that can effectively utilize all provided instructions including MOIs. Our experimental results using a set of benchmarks on a target processor with various MOIs of up to two outputs demonstrate that our generated code selectors can quickly and effectively exploit many MOIs at the application level, and therefore are highly desirable both for architecture exploration and as code generators after architecture is fixed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advantages of online spellchecking: a Croatian example
Authors: Dembitz Šandor , Randić Mirko , Gledec Gordan 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOnline spellchecking is commonly regarded as an auxiliary way of performing spellchecking. However, it offers a unique opportunity to constantly improve spellchecker linguistic functionality through interaction with the community of spellchecker users. Such a possibility is crucial for spellchecking in non‐central and under‐resourced languages, in order to overcome gaps in NLP tools between them and central languages. The paper describes Hascheck, a Croatian online spellchecker able to learn words from texts it receives. It started as the first Croatian spellchecker, hence as a basic NLP tool for an under‐resourced language, but due to its learning ability it demonstrates linguistic functionality comparable to that of conventional central‐language spellcheckers. Based on these experiences we also discuss the future of online spellchecking in the context of global NLP tasks. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the characteristics and design of yielding elements used in steel‐braced framed structures
Authors: Tajammolian Hamed , Mofid Massood 
Published: December 2010

SUMMARYIn this paper, the behavior of a concentric braced frame structure equipped with yielding elements (YE), based on energy concepts, has been investigated extensively. When a severe earthquake occurs, energy will get absorbed through structural elements, which causes destruction. In order to reduce structural damage, input energy should be dissipated. YE will act as a fuse and absorb a great deal of earthquake input energy. Two one‐story steel frames with different bay‐to‐height ratios (B/H < 1 and B/H > 1) are investigated. YE is located in the braces intersection. First, through studying the elastic behavior of the frame, the best location, angle and shape of YE is proposed. Subsequently, a nonlinear dynamic analysis has been implemented to obtain the frames' response in different ground motions. In addition, the ratio of ‘dissipated energy by yielding elements’ to ‘total entering energy of structure’ is further calculated. Finally, an approximate method is presented for estimating the nonlinear behavior of the braced frame equipped with YE. This approximation transfers a complex problem into a set of practical graphs and charts. The comparison of the results between suggested method and time history analysis indicates very reasonable agreement between the two techniques. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraoperative Parathyroid Hormone Monitoring in Patients with Recognized Multiglandular Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Hughes David T. , Miller Barbra S. , Doherty Gerard M. , Gauger Paul G. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractBackgroundIntraoperative parathyroid hormone (IOPTH) monitoring reliably predicts cure of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) due to single‐gland disease. However, its utility in PHPT caused by multiple‐gland disease (MGD) is still debated, for both detection and prediction of adequate resection. Our hypothesis is that once MGD is encountered during an operation, more stringent criteria for determining adequate resection can improve cure rates.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients with PHPT who were found to have MGD during the course of focused parathyroidectomy. IOPTH levels after completed multiple parathyroid gland excision were compared between cured patients and those with persistent hyperparathyroidism.ResultsOf 1855 patients undergoing focused parathyroidectomy, 243 were found to have MGD. Of the 207 study patients with MGD, 193 were cured and 14 had persistent hyperparathyroidism. After final gland excision, the mean ± SEM percentage decrease in IOPTH from the baseline was of significantly greater magnitude for the cured group (90.0 ± 0.5%) than for the persistent group (74.0 ± 3.8%) (p < 0.01). The mean ± SEM IOPTH after completed multigland excision was higher in the persistent group (44.0 ± 8.4 pg/ml) than in the cured group (34.0 ± 3.5 pg/ml) (p = 0.19), although both were within the normal range (12–65 pg/ml). When the groups were analyzed for an incremental fall of IOPTH from the baseline, the criteria of ≥75% drop and into the normal range improved the positive predictive value from 93.2 to 96.6% when compared to the standard criterion of a 50% decrease from the baseline.ConclusionsWhen PHPT due to MGD is recognized and focused parathyroidectomy is extended, a final postexcision PTH level that is ≥75% decreased from the baseline PTH level and in the normal range should be used to predict adequate gland resection.
A landscape of shifting‐mosaic steady state in Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Authors: Wang Po‐Ching , Finley James C. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIt is generally perceived that landscape patterns or textures in a given protected area are spatially stationary. The findings of this study suggest that this common perception is only partially correct. Over the course of 52 years, equilibrium in landscape shifting was detected using digital data for the Lassen Volcanic National Park (USA). Vertical aerial photographs taken of the park in 1941 were geo‐referenced with the digital orthophoto quarter quadrangle (DOQQ) images of the same area from 1993 to identify landscape compositions and to measure change. Spatial analysis was used to observe pattern changes over time. The results suggested that landscape development maintained equilibrium while patches were in various stages of a successional sequence. The total area of each landscape component held steady, although over time patches throughout the landscape changed—a shifting‐mosaic steady state (SMSS). These findings reflect the limitations of contemporary environmental conservation theory. They also suggest the importance of considering landscape change in policies that currently govern park planning and management.