bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modernizing governments in Transitional and Emerging Economies through financial reporting based on international standards
Authors: Navarro Galera Andrés , Rodríguez Bolívar Manuel Pedro 
Published: September 2011

In the administrative reforms that countries with emerging and transitional economies are undertaking, the choice of the method to be used for government accounts evaluation is a crucial issue, as the replacement of historical cost by fair value evaluation could affect the success or otherwise of the administrative reforms in these countries. In this article, we analyse the opinions of the National Accounting Standards Setters (NASS) regarding the utility of Fair Value Accounting (FVA) proposed by the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) in the development of administrative reforms in transitional and emerging economies. To achieve this, we perform a survey of the Official National Accounting Standards Setters in these countries, to study the relevance and reliability of financial government reports based on fair value model. Based on the opinions of NASS in sample countries, the findings show that the implementation of fair value in Transitional and Emerging Economies could contribute to administrative reforms, mainly through the enhancement of the usefulness of government financial statements for purposes of transparency and efficiency measurement. In addition, in countries in transition, NASS opinions show that the crucial factor for the usefulness of fair value is the type of assets held by public organizations, but in emerging countries NASS think that the main factor in this respect is the existence of markets where they can be traded. Points for practitioners For public managers in Transitional and Emerging Economies, the findings of this article may be useful. The findings show how the implementation of international accounting standards can contribute to successful administrative reforms, through the improvement of financial transparency and the evaluation of the efficiency of public sector services. In addition, we identify determining factors of the usefulness of financial information for administrative reform purposes in Transitional and Emerging Economies, on an individual basis.
Lost in diffusion? How collaborative arrangements lead to an accountability paradox
Authors: Willems Tom , Van Dooren Wouter 
Published: September 2011

Several authors have documented a shift from traditional bureaucracies to collaborative arrangements with joint public and private involvement. This article studies the impact of this shift on accountability. We conclude from our explorative case analysis of Public— Private Partnership (PPP) policy in Flanders (Belgium) that there is an accountability paradox. Many prominent players in the policy arena point to serious shortcomings in the accountability of complex PPPs. Yet, with the introduction of PPPs, the number of accountability mechanisms did increase rather than decrease. This remarkable inconsistency between accountability as a tool and as a result is the main focus of this article. How can we avoid that accountability gets lost in the diffusion of public and private responsibilities? Points for practitioners Most research concludes that there is something wrong with accountability in PPPs. Our empirical analysis confirms in general this negative interpretation. The respondents share important concerns about how accountability works nowadays in practice. We therefore state that: the shift towards PPPs erodes the traditional notion of accountability; it entails new tools of accountability with a strong emphasis on performance; these tools, however, do not counterbalance the eroded traditional notion of accountability. Yet, they also share a remarkable optimism about the accountability potential of PPPs. With the necessary modifications (minor or major) a balance between the democratic, constitutional and performance functions of accountability can be found.
Does body mass index affect clinical outcome post-operatively and at five years after primary unilateral total hip replacement performed for osteoarthritis?
Authors: Davis A. M. , Wood A. M. , Keenan A. C. M. , Brenkel I. J. , Ballantyne J. A. 
Published: September 2011

Studies describing the effect of body mass index (BMI) on the outcome of total hip replacement have been inconclusive and contradictory. We examined the effect of BMI on medium-term outcome in a cohort of 1617 patients who underwent a primary total hip replacement for osteoarthritis. These patients were followed prospectively for five years with the outcomes of dislocation, revision, duration of surgery and deep and superficial infection studied, as well as collecting Harris hip scores (HHS) and Short-Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaires pre-operatively and at review. A multivariate analysis was performed to see whether BMI is an independent predictor of poor outcome. We found that patients with a BMI of ? 35 kg/m2 have a 4.42 times higher rate of dislocation than those with a BMI < 25 kg/m2. Increasing BMI is also associated with superficial infection and poorer HHS and SF-36 scores at five years. These trends remain significant even when multivariate analysis adjusts for age, gender, prosthesis, operating consultant, pre-operative HHS and SF-36, and comorbidities including diabetes mellitus, cardiac disease and osteoporosis. Despite the increased risks, the five-year outcome scores indicate that obese patients have much to gain from total hip replacement. Thus total hip replacement should not be withheld from patients solely on the grounds of an elevated BMI. However, longer-term follow-up of this cohort is required to establish whether adverse outcomes become more evident with time.
Herpes virus infection can cause intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Alpantaki K. , Katonis P. , Hadjipavlou A. G. , Spandidos D. A. , Sourvinos G. 
Published: September 2011

It has been proposed that intervertebral disc degeneration might be caused by low-grade infection. The purpose of the present study was to assess the incidence of herpes viruses in intervertebral disc specimens from patients with lumbar disc herniation. A polymerase chain reaction based assay was applied to screen for the DNA of eight different herpes viruses in 16 patients and two controls. DNA of at least one herpes virus was detected in 13 specimens (81.25%). Herpes Simplex Virus type-1 (HSV-1) was the most frequently detected virus (56.25%), followed by Cytomegalovirus (CMV) (37.5%). In two patients, co-infection by both HSV-1 and CMV was detected. All samples, including the control specimens, were negative for Herpes Simplex Virus type-2, Varicella Zoster Virus, Epstein Barr Virus, Human Herpes Viruses 6, 7 and 8. The absence of an acute infection was confirmed both at the serological and mRNA level. To our knowledge this is the first unequivocal evidence of the presence of herpes virus DNA in intervertebral disc specimens of patients with lumbar disc herniation suggesting the potential role of herpes viruses as a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of degenerative disc disease.
Steroids, spinal cord and pain sensation
Authors: Patte-Mensah Christine , Meyer Laurence , Mensah-Nyagan Ayikoe Guy 
Published: September 2011

Abstract
During the whole life, the nervous system is continuously submitted to the actions of different categories of hormones, including steroids. Therefore, the interactions between hormonal compounds and neural tissues are subjected to intense investigations. While a majority of studies focus on the brain, the spinal cord (SC) has received little attention, although this structure is also an important part of the central nervous system, controlling motor and sensory functions. To point out the importance of interactions between hormones and the SC in the regulation of neurobiological activities, we recapitulated and discussed herein various key data, revealing that the pivotal role played by the SC in nociception and pain modulation, directly depends on the SC ability to metabolize and synthesize steroidal molecules. The paper suggests that future investigations aiming to develop effective strategies against chronic pain, must integrate regulatory effects exerted by hormonal steroids on the SC activity, as well as the actions of endogenous neurosteroids locally synthesized in spinal neural networks.
S‐Nitrosoglutathione Decreases Inflammation and Bone Resorption in Experimental Periodontitis in Rats
Authors: de Menezes Adriana Magalhães Andrade , de Souza Gabriela Freitas Pereira , Gomes Antoniella Souza , de Carvalho Leitão Renata Ferreira , de Albuquerque Ribeiro Ronaldo , de Oliveira Marcelo Ganzarolli , de Castro Brito Gerly Anne 
Published: September 2011

Background: S‐nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) is a nitric oxide donor that may exert antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and microbicidal actions and is thus a potential drug for the topical treatment of periodontitis. In this study, the effect of intragingival injections of GSNO‐containing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) formulations is evaluated in a rat model of periodontitis.Methods: Periodontal disease was induced by placing a sterilized nylon (000) thread ligature around the cervix of the second left upper molar of the animals, which received intragingival injections of PVP; saline; or PVP/GSNO solutions which corresponded to GSNO doses of 25, 100, and 500 nmol; 1 hour before periodontitis induction, and thereafter, daily for 11 days.Results: PVP/GSNO formulations at doses of 25 and/or 100, but not 500 nmol caused significant inhibition of alveolar bone loss, increase of bone alkaline phosphatase, decrease of myeloperoxidase activity, as well as significant reduction of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers when compared to saline and PVP groups. These effects were also associated with a decrease of matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 8, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor‐κB immunostaining in the periodontium.Conclusion: Local intragingival injections of GSNO reduces inflammation and bone loss in experimental periodontal disease.
The weight change impact on metabolic syndrome: a 17-year follow-up study
Authors: Kwaśniewska Magdalena , Kaleta Dorota , Jegier Anna , Kostka Tomasz , Dziankowska-Zaborszczyk Elżbieta , Drygas Wojciech 
Published: September 2011

AbstractIntroduction: Data on long-term patterns of weight change in relation to the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are scarce. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of weight change on the risk of MetS in men. Material and Methods: Prospective longitudinal observation (17.9 ± 8.1 years) of apparently healthy 324 men aged 18–64 years. Metabolic risk was assessed in weight gain (⩾ 2.5 kg), stable weight (> −2.5 kg and < 2.5 kg) and weight loss (⩽ −2.5 kg) groups. Adjusted relative risk (RR) of MetS was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: The prevalence of MetS over follow-up was 22.5%. There was a strong relationship between weight gain and worsening of MetS components among baseline overweight men. Long-term increase in weight was most strongly related with the risk of abdominal obesity (RR=7.26; 95% CI 2.98–18.98), regardless of baseline body mass index (BMI). Weight loss was protective against most metabolic disorders. Leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with energy expenditure > 2000 metabolic equivalent/min/week was associated with a significantly lower risk of MetS. Conclusions: Reducing weight among overweight and maintaining stable weight among normal-weight men lower the risk of MetS. High LTPA level may additionally decrease the metabolic risk regardless of BMI.
Micro/Nano‐Structured Superhydrophobic Gas Diffusion Electrode for Boosting the Stability of Industrial‐Compatible Electrochemical CO Production in Flow Cells
Authors: Jiang Zhe , Lyu Zhen‐Hua , Liu Xiao‐Zhi , Fu Jiaju , Zhang Libing , Yao Ze‐Cheng , Zheng Li‐Rong , Su Dong , Fan You‐Jun , Tang Tang , Hu Jin‐Song 
Published: June 2024

AbstractElectrochemical flow cells based on gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) provide a potential means to achieve industrial‐compatible massive CO production. However, the application of flow cells is hindered by the stability issue caused by GDE hydrophilizing and electrolyte flooding. The current strategies have certain limitations in maintaining the long‐term hydrophobicity of GDE. Inspired by the superhydrophobic materials in nature, here a constructionally engineered superhydrophobic GDE is presented for boosting the stability of CO2 reduction to CO in flow cells under industrial‐compatible current densities. This superhydrophobic GDE is comprised of micro/nano‐structured CNTs/graphene composites with abundant and robust single‐atomic Ni‐Nx active sites (NiSA‐CNT@G). The unique integrated hierarchical structure with highly exposed surface area and enhanced mass/charge transfer contributes to an industrial‐scale CO partial current density of 406.5 mA cm−2 with a FECO of 96.3% in a flow cell. Notably, the robust superhydrophobic micro/nanostructure efficiently resists electrolyte flooding over the GDE during the CO2RR, thus maintaining a stable three‐phase interface. Over 70 h stability is demonstrated at an industrial‐compatible current density of 300 mA cm−2. These results open up new opportunities for industrial‐level CO production via electrochemical CO2RR.
Sensitive Intracellular Recording of Action Potentials by Supramolecular Self‐Assembled Electrodes
Authors: Xiao Xuedong , Xu Dongxin , Han Haote , Wang Duan‐Chao , Lei Sheng‐Nan , Liu Rui , Hu Ning , Sessler Jonathan L. , Huang Feihe 
Published: June 2024

AbstractDeveloping accurate electrophysiological recording platforms is crucial for investigating cellular electrical activities, understanding the mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, and advancing therapeutic strategies. While the successful recording of intracellular electrophysiological status has been achieved by 3D micro/nano devices, their preparation through demanding micro/nanofabrication and poorly controllable solvothermal synthesis is an impediment to widespread utilization. Easier‐to‐access recording electrodes are needed. To address this challenge, a simple and efficient supramolecular self‐assembly strategy that allows access to novel 3D electrodes is introduced. It relies on small organic molecules that can be self‐assembled efficiently into various 3D nanostructures, including lamellated nanosheets, thin nanobelts, and short rod‐like structures. Electrodes prepared through the present self‐assembly process are considerably simpler and more cost‐effective than conventional 3D micro/nanoelectrodes prepared through fabrication or solvothermal synthesis. It is demonstrated that the present electrodes allow for higher quality and prolonged intracellular recordings of action potentials as compared to similarly sized conventional planar electrodes. The noted improvements are attributed to the fact that 3D geometrical electrodes enhance the cell‐electrode interface, ensuring tight coupling and effective electroporation. This work showcases how supramolecular self‐assembly might emerge as a promising and powerful electrode preparation strategy that may facilitate low‐cost electrophysiological studies.
Strain‐Programmed Adhesive Patch for Accelerated Photodynamic Wound Healing
Authors: Kim Seong‐Jong , Kim Mungu , Yang Seung Min , Park Kwanghyeon , Hahn Sei Kwang 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAs an alternative to tissue adhesives, photochemical tissue bonding is investigated for advanced wound healing. However, these techniques suffer from relatively slow wound healing with bleeding and bacterial infections. Here, the versatile attributes of afterglow luminescent particles (ALPs) embedded in dopamine‐modified hyaluronic acid (HA–DOPA) patches for accelerated wound healing are presented. ALPs enhance the viscoelastic properties of the patches, and the photoluminescence and afterglow luminescence of ALPs maximize singlet oxygen generation and collagen fibrillogenesis for effective healing in the infected wounds. The patches are optimized to achieve the strong and rapid adhesion in the wound sites. In addition, the swelling and shrinking properties of adhesive patches contribute to a nonlinear behavior in the wound recovery, playing an important role as a strain‐programmed patch. The protective patch prevents secondary infection and skin adhesion, and the patch seamlessly detaches during wound healing, enabling efficient residue clearance. In vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo model tests confirm the biocompatibility, antibacterial effect, hemostatic capability, and collagen restructuring for the accelerated wound healing. Taken together, this research collectively demonstrates the feasibility of HA–DOPA/ALP patches as a versatile and promoting solution for advanced accelerated wound healing, particularly in scenarios involving bleeding and bacterial infections.
Inhibiting the Jahn–Teller Effect of Manganese Hexacyanoferrate via Ni and Cu Codoping for Advanced Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Yifang , Shen Jialong , Yao Yu , Dai Junyi , Ling Fangxin , Li Ling , Jiang Yu , Wu Xiaojun , Rui Xianhong , Yu Yan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractManganese (Mn)‐based Prussian blue analogs (PBAs) are of great interest as a prospective cathode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high redox potential, easy synthesis, and low cost. However, the Jahn–Teller effect and low electrical conductivity of Mn‐based PBA cause poor structure stability and unsatisfactory performance during the cycling. Herein, a novel nickel‐ and copper‐codoped K2Mn[Fe(CN)6] cathode is developed via a simple coprecipitation strategy. The doping elements improve the electrical conductivity of Mn‐based PBA by reducing the bandgap, as well as suppress the Jahn–Teller effect by stabilizing the framework, as verified by the density functional theory calculations. Simultaneously, the substitution of sodium with potassium in the lattice is beneficial for filling vacancies in the PBA framework, leading to higher average operating voltages and superior structural stability. As a result, the as‐prepared Mn‐based cathode exhibits excellent reversible capacity (116.0 mAh g−1 at 0.01 A g−1) and superior cycling stability (81.8% capacity retention over 500 cycles at 0.1 A g−1). This work provides a profitable doping strategy to inhibit the Jahn–Teller structural deformation for designing stable cathode material of SIBs.
Demonstration of Optical Gain at 1535 nm Based on ErIII Complex‐Doped Polymer Waveguides Under Light‐Emitting Diode Excitation
Authors: He Yan , Man Yi , Shi Xiaowu , Xu Hui , Lin Zhuliang , Zhang Baoping , Yu Daquan , Huang Yuyang , Zhang Dan 
Published: June 2024

AbstractA near‐infrared luminescent complex Er(DBTTA)3(DBFDPO) [where DBTTA = dibenzotetrathienoacene; DBFDPO = 4,6‐bis (diphenylphosphoryl) dibenzofuran] is synthesized. Based on the intramolecular energy transfer between organic ligands and Er3+ ions, optical gains at 1535 nm are demonstrated in Er(DBTTA)3(DBFDPO)‐doped polymer waveguides under the excitation of light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of laser pumping. Relative gains of 6.4, 8.2, and 10.6 dB are obtained in 1 cm long waveguides with cross‐sectional dimensions of 6 × 4, 4 × 4, and 2 × 3 µm2 respectively, using the vertical top‐pumping mode of a 365 nm LED with 462 mW. Incorporating an ≈100 nm thick aluminum reflector grown under the lower cladding, enhanced the optical gain to 11.6 dB cm−1 in a waveguide with a cross‐section of 4 × 4 µm2, and an internal gain of ≈7.4 dB cm−1 is achieved. By relying on the intramolecular energy transfer and LED top‐pumping technology, the upconversion luminescence of Er3+ ions and thermal damage to polymer waveguides caused by the high power density of laser pumping can be effectively reduced. The complex Er(DBTTA)3(DBFDPO)‐doped polymer can be spin‐coated on different types of waveguides to compensate for optical losses at 1.5 µm and is expected to have a critical role in planar photonic integration.
Corrole Polymers as a Novel Materials for Room Temperature Resistive Gas Sensors
Authors: Zazzo Lorena Di , Filippo Ilaria di , Guido Lorenzo , Magna Gabriele , Lvova Larisa , Caroleo Fabrizio , Stefanelli Manuela , Duranti Leonardo , Nardis Sara , Di Natale Corrado , Paolesse Roberto 
Published: June 2024

AbstractCorroles, a family of contracted porphyrinoids, exhibit broad chemical interactions, undergo straightforward synthetic preparation and functionalization, and enable versatile thin film deposition. These attributes render them promising candidates for use in chemical sensors. Nevertheless, the inherently limited conductivity of corrole solid films constrains their application in mass and optical sensors. Despite this impediment, there is a great interest in matching the sensitive properties of the corrole with the features of facile miniaturization and integration into low‐cost electronic circuits. This work explores the possibility of directly and simply depositing conductometric polymeric films of [5,10,15‐(4‐aminophenyl)corrolato] copper onto interdigitated electrodes. Remarkably, the electropolymerization protocol allows the selection of the semiconductive nature (p‐ or n‐type) of these films, yielding two distinct sensor types: the former exhibiting high sensitivity and selectivity toward nitrogen monoxide (NO) with a slight influence of relative humidity and the other manifesting a broad spectrum of sensitivities. This breakthrough lays the foundation for developing miniaturized conductometric gas detectors, nonlinear conductometric sensing elements, and electronic nose platforms based on polycorroles.
BRD4 degraders may effectively counteract therapeutic resistance of leukemic stem cells in AML and ALL
Authors: Bauer Karin , Hauswirth Alexander , Gleixner Karoline V. , Greiner Georg , Thaler Johannes , Bettelheim Peter , Filik Yüksel , Koller Elisabeth , Hoermann Gregor , Staber Philipp B. , Sperr Wolfgang R. , Keil Felix , Valent Peter 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAcute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) are life‐threatening hematopoietic malignancies characterized by clonal expansion of leukemic blasts in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The epigenetic reader BRD4 and its downstream effector MYC have recently been identified as potential drug targets in human AML and ALL. We compared anti‐leukemic efficacies of the small‐molecule BET inhibitor JQ1 and the recently developed BRD4 degraders dBET1 and dBET6 in AML and ALL cells. JQ1, dBET1, and dBET6 were found to suppress growth and viability in all AML and ALL cell lines examined as well as in primary patient‐derived AML and ALL cells, including CD34+/CD38− and CD34+/CD38+ leukemic stem and progenitor cells, independent of the type (variant) of leukemia or molecular driver expressed in leukemic cells. Moreover, we found that dBET6 overcomes osteoblast‐induced drug resistance in AML and ALL cells, regardless of the type of leukemia or the drug applied. Most promising cooperative or even synergistic drug combination effects were seen with dBET6 and the FLT3 ITD blocker gilteritinib in FLT3 ITD‐mutated AML cells, and with dBET6 and the multi‐kinase blocker ponatinib in BCR::ABL1+ ALL cells. Finally, all BRD4‐targeting drugs suppressed interferon‐gamma‐ and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha‐induced expression of the resistance‐related checkpoint antigen PD‐L1 in AML and ALL cells, including LSC. In all assays examined, the BRD4 degrader dBET6 was a superior anti‐leukemic drug compared with dBET1 and JQ1. Together, BRD4 degraders may provide enhanced inhibition of multiple mechanisms of therapy resistance in AML and ALL.