bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public administration and governance: a sector-level analysis of World Bank aid
Authors: Moloney Kim 
Published: January 2010

This article turns the question about socioeconomic development away from its usual goal of economic growth and argues that governance is another appropriate measure of economic development. Instead of econometric analyses of country-level data, this article shows how aggregating project-level data to a sector-based approach is a new methodological tool for determining whether project and policy objectives translate into improved governance. Using the World Bank’s public administration, law and justice projects and panel-corrected time series, this article finds that the World Bank’s public administration, law and justice projects inconsistently improve governance. failures. Policy prescriptions removed from implementation considerations may limit public sector management project effectiveness. Points for practitioners (1) Foreign aid evaluation is assisted by sector-specific analyses. This is comple- mentary to traditional foreign aid evaluations’ focus on countries in general. (2) The World Bank’s Public Sector Management projects inconsistently improve a client country’s governance environment. (3) The World Bank’s ‘efficiency’ assumptions and partial understanding of public administration’s models may contribute to uneven project performances. (4) Certain public sector management projects neg- atively impact rule of law and the control of corruption. (5) Foreign aid researchers should re-engage their understanding of project outcomes and implementation
Prolonged activity of factor IX as a monomeric Fc fusion protein
Authors: Peters Robert T. , Low Susan C. , Kamphaus George D. , Dumont Jennifer A. , Amari John V. , Lu Qi , Zarbis-Papastoitsis Greg , Reidy Thomas J. , Merricks Elizabeth P. , Nichols Timothy C. , Bitonti Alan J. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Treatment of hemophilia B requires frequent infusions of factor IX (FIX) to prophylax against bleeding episodes. Hemophilia B management would benefit from a FIX protein with an extended half-life. A recombinant fusion protein (rFIXFc) containing a single FIX molecule attached to the Fc region of immunoglobulin G was administered intravenously and found to have an extended half-life, compared with recombinant FIX (rFIX) in normal mice, rats, monkeys, and FIX-deficient mice and dogs. Recombinant FIXFc protein concentration was determined in all species, and rFIXFc activity was measured in FIX-deficient animals. The half-life of rFIXFc was approximately 3- to 4-fold longer than that of rFIX in all species. In contrast, in mice in which the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) was deleted, the half-life of rFIXFc was similar to rFIX, confirming the increased circulatory time was due to protection of the rFIXFc via the Fc/FcRn interaction. Whole blood clotting time in FIX-deficient mice was corrected through 144 hours for rFIXFc, compared with 72 hours for rFIX; similar results were observed in FIX-deficient dogs. Taken together, these studies show the enhanced pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the rFIXFc fusion protein and provide the basis for evaluating rFIXFc in patients with hemophilia B.
Acquisition of genome-wide copy number alterations in monozygotic twins with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Bateman Caroline M. , Colman Susan M. , Chaplin Tracy , Young Bryan D. , Eden Tim O. , Bhakta Manoo , Gratias Eric J. , van Wering Elisabeth R. , Cazzaniga Giovanni , Harrison Christine J. , Hain Richard , Ancliff Philip , Ford Anthony M. , Kearney Lyndal , Greaves Mel 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Chimeric fusion genes are highly prevalent in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and are mostly prenatal, early genetic events in the evolutionary trajectory of this cancer. ETV6-RUNX1–positive ALL also has multiple (∼ 6 per case) copy number alterations (CNAs) as revealed by genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays. Recurrent CNAs are probably “driver” events contributing critically to clonal diversification and selection, but at diagnosis, their developmental timing is “buried” in the leukemia's covert natural history. This conundrum can be resolved with twin pairs. We identified and compared CNAs in 5 pairs of monozygotic twins with concordant ETV6-RUNX1–positive ALL and 1 pair discordant for ETV6-RUNX1 positive ALL. We compared, within each pair, CNAs classified as potential “driver” or “passenger” mutations based upon recurrency and, where known, gene function. An average of 5.1 (range 3-11) CNAs (excluding immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor alterations) were identified per case. All “driver” CNAs (total of 32) were distinct within each of the 5 twin pairs with concordant ALL. “Driver” CNAs in another twin with ALL were all absent in the shared ETV6-RUNX1–positive preleukemic clone of her healthy co-twin. These data place all “driver” CNAs secondary to the prenatal gene fusion event and most probably postnatal in the sequential, molecular pathogenesis of ALL.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of follicle-enclosed oocyte maturational and developmental competence acquisition in two non-mammalian vertebrates
Authors: Gohin Maella , Bobe Julien , Chesnel Franck 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
In vertebrates, late oogenesis is a key period during which the oocyte acquires its ability to resume meiosis (i.e. maturational competence) and to develop, once fertilized, into a normal embryo (i.e. developmental competence). However, the molecular mechanisms involved in these key biological processes are far from being fully understood. In order to identify key mechanisms conserved among teleosts and amphibians, we performed a comparative analysis using ovarian tissue sampled at successive steps of the maturational competence acquisition process in the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and in the clawed toad (Xenopus laevis). Our study aimed at identifying common differentially expressed genes during late oogenesis in both species. Using an existing transcriptomic analysis that had previously been carried out in rainbow trout, candidate genes were selected for subsequent quantitative PCR-based comparative analysis.

Results
Among the 1200 differentially expressed clones in rainbow trout, twenty-six candidate genes were selected for further analysis by real-time PCR in both species during late oogenesis. Among these genes, eight had similar expression profiles in trout and Xenopus. Six genes were down-regulated during oocyte maturation (cyp19a1, cyp17a1, tescalcin, tfr1, cmah, hsd11b3) while two genes exhibited an opposite pattern (apoc1, star). In order to document possibly conserved molecular mechanisms, four genes (star, cyp19a1, cyp17a1 and hsd11b3) were further studied due to their known or suspected role in steroidogenesis after characterization of the orthology relationships between rainbow trout and Xenopus genes. Apoc1 was also selected for further analysis because of its reported function in cholesterol transport, which may modulate steroidogenesis by regulating cholesterol bioavailability in the steroidogenic cells.

Conclusions
We have successfully identified orthologous genes exhibiting conserved expression profiles in the ovarian follicle during late oogenesis in both trout and Xenopus. While some identified genes were previously uncharacterized during Xenopus late oogenesis, the nature of these genes has pointed out molecular mechanisms possibly conserved in amphibians and teleosts. It should also be stressed that in addition to the already suspected importance of steroidogenesis in maturational competence acquisition, our approach has shed light on other regulatory pathways which may be involved in maturational and developmental competence acquisitions that will require further studies.
Signaling pathways involved in LPS induced TNFalpha production in human adipocytes
Authors: Hoareau Laurence , Bencharif Karima , Rondeau Philippe , Murumalla Ravi , Ravanan Palaniyandi , Tallet Frank , Delarue Pierre , Cesari Maya , Roche Régis , Festy Franck 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundThe development of obesity has been linked to an inflammatory process, and the role of adipose tissue in the secretion of pro-inflammatory molecules such as IL-6 or TNFalpha has now been largely confirmed. Although TNFalpha secretion by adipose cells is probably induced, most notably by TLR ligands, the activation and secretion pathways of this cytokine are not yet entirely understood. Moreover, given that macrophagic infiltration is a characteristic of obesity, it is difficult to clearly establish the level of involvement of the different cellular types present within the adipose tissue during inflammation.MethodsPrimary cultures of human adipocytes and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells were used. Cells were treated with a pathogen-associated molecular pattern: LPS, with and without several kinase inhibitors. Western blot for p38 MAP Kinase was performed on cell lysates. TNFalpha mRNA was detected in cells by RT-PCR and TNFalpha protein was detected in supernatants by ELISA assays.ResultsWe show for the first time that the production of TNFalpha in mature human adipocytes is mainly dependent upon two pathways: NFkappaB and p38 MAP Kinase. Moreover, we demonstrate that the PI3Kinase pathway is clearly involved in the first step of the LPS-pathway. Lastly, we show that adipocytes are able to secrete a large amount of TNFalpha compared to macrophages.ConclusionThis study clearly demonstrates that the LPS induced activation pathway is an integral part of the inflammatory process linked to obesity, and that adipocytes are responsible for most of the secreted TNFalpha in inflamed adipose tissue, through TLR4 activation.
Spontaneous rupture of a large non-parasitic liver cyst: a case report
Authors: Miliadis Lazaros , Giannakopoulos Triantafillos , Boutsikos Georgios , Terzis Ioannis , Kyriazanos Ioannis D 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIntroductionNon-parasitic hepatic cysts are benign entities, occur rarely (5% of the population), and in the majority of cases, are asymptomatic. Cysts can cause symptoms when they become large and produce bile duct compression or portal hypertension, and also when complications such as rupture, infection or hemorrhage take place.Case presentationWe present the case of a 70-year-old Greek-Caucasian man with a large, asymptomatic and non-parasitic liver cyst that presented as an acute surgical abdominal emergency after spontaneous rupture into the peritoneal cavity.ConclusionsWe present an extremely rare complication of simple liver cyst, its rupture in the free abdominal cavity, and its presentation as an acute abdomen. Large simple liver cysts should be treated with intervention at early recognition as conservative management usually results in their recurrence.
Vitamin D deficiency following Billroth II surgery - How much vitamin D is enough?: a case report
Authors: Sampl Eva , Wagner Doris , Friedl Claudia , Dobnig Harald , Fahrleitner-Pammer Astrid 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Vitamin D deficiency with all its consequences is a global health problem.

Case Presentation
We reported a 62-year-old Caucasian woman with alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (Child class A) and a medical history of Billroth II surgery. Although she has taken an oral dose of 16 800 IU vitamin D daily for six weeks to normalise her 25-hydroxyvitamin D level the raise was only moderate.

Conclusion
High-dose oral or parenteral vitamin D therapy is necessary to gain sufficient 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels in patients following gastric surgery.
The effect of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha on human joint capsule myofibroblasts
Authors: Mattyasovszky Stefan G , Hofmann Alexander , Brochhausen Christoph , Ritz Ulrike , Kuhn Sebastian , Wollstädter Jochen , Schulze-Koops Hendrik , Müller Lars P , Watzer Bernhard , Rommens Pol M 
Published: January 2010

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies have shown that the number of myoblastically differentiated fibroblasts known as myofibroblasts (MFs) is significantly increased in stiff joint capsules, indicating their crucial role in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic joint stiffness. Although the mode of MFs' function has been well defined for different diseases associated with tissue fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms of their regulation in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic joint capsule contracture are largely unknown.MethodsIn this study, we examined the impact of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) on cellular functions of human joint capsule MFs. MFs were challenged with different concentrations of TNF-α with or without both its specifically inactivating antibody infliximab (IFX) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) inhibitor diclofenac. Cell proliferation, gene expression of bothalpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)andcollagen type I, the synthesis of prostaglandin derivates E2, F1A, and F2A, as well as the ability to contract the extracellular matrix were assayed in monolayers and in a three-dimensional collagen gel contraction model. The α-SMA and COX2 protein expressions were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot analysis.ResultsThe results indicate that TNF-α promotes cell viability and proliferation of MFs, but significantly inhibits the contraction of the extracellular matrix in a dose-dependent manner. This effect was associated with downregulation ofα-SMAandcollagen type Iby TNF-α application. Furthermore, we found a significant time-dependent upregulation of prostaglandin E2synthesis upon TNF-α treatment. The effect of TNF-α on COX2-positive MFs could be specifically prevented by IFX and partially reduced by the COX2 inhibitor diclofenac.ConclusionsOur results provide evidence that TNF-α specifically modulates the function of MFs through regulation of prostaglandin E2synthesis and therefore may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of joint capsule contractures.
Parametrierung von IDA-PBC über Zuweisung lokal linearer DynamikParametrization of IDA-PBC by Assignment of Local Linear Dynamics
Authors: Kotyczka Paul , Lohmann Boris 
Published: January 2010

Zusammenfassung
Der Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Parametrierung der nichtlinearen Zustandsregelung durch Interconnection and Damping Assignment Passivity Based Control (IDA-PBC). Die Struktur der geregelten Strecke als Port-Hamilton (PH) System ist physikalisch motiviert und beruht auf der Speicherung, dem Austausch und der Dissipation von Energie. Die Wirkung der Entwurfsparameter in den vorzugebenden Struktur- und Dämpfungsmatrizen sowie der Energiefunktion auf das Zeitverhalten ist jedoch in der Regel undurchsichtig. Die Betrachtung der Linearisierung des geregelten nichtlinearen Systems in Abhängigkeit der Entwurfsparameter bietet die Möglichkeit, wenigstens lokal gewünschtes Zeitverhalten systematisch im Regelungsentwurf zu berücksichtigen.
Digital control circuitry for the p53 dynamics in cancer cell and apoptosis
Authors: Ardito Marretta Rosario 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Experimental work and theoretical models deduce a “digital” response of the p53 transcription factor when genomic integrity is damaged. The mutual influence of p53 and its antagonist, the Mdm2 oncogene, is closed in a feedback. This paper proposes an aerospace-based architecture for translating the p53/Mdm2/DNA damage network into a digital circuitry in which the optimal control theory is applied for obtaining the requested dynamic evolutions of some considered cell species for repairing a DNA damage. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of such digital circuitry design to detect and predict the cell species dynamics for shedding light on their inner and mutual mechanisms of interaction. Moreover, the cell fate is newly conceived by the modified pulsing mechanism of p53 and other apoptotic species when the digital optimal control is applied to an apoptosis wiring diagram.
Approximation of Jacobian inverse kinematics algorithms
Authors: Tchoń Krzysztof , Karpińska Joanna , Janiak Mariusz 
Published: January 2010

Approximation of Jacobian inverse kinematics algorithmsThis paper addresses the synthesis problem of Jacobian inverse kinematics algorithms for stationary manipulators and mobile robots. Special attention is paid to the design of extended Jacobian algorithms that approximate the Jacobian pseudoinverse algorithm. Two approaches to the approximation problem are developed: one relies on variational calculus, the other is differential geometric. Example designs of the extended Jacobian inverse kinematics algorithm for 3DOF manipulators as well as for the unicycle mobile robot illustrate the theoretical concepts.
On path following control of nonholonomic mobile manipulators
Authors: Mazur Alicja , Szakiel Dawid 
Published: January 2010

On path following control of nonholonomic mobile manipulatorsThis paper describes the problem of designing control laws for path following robots, including two types of nonholonomic mobile manipulators. Due to a cascade structure of the motion equation, a backstepping procedure is used to achieve motion along a desired path. The control algorithm consists of two simultaneously working controllers: the kinematic controller, solving motion constraints, and the dynamic controller, preserving an appropriate coordination between both subsystems of a mobile manipulator, i.e. the mobile platform and the manipulating arm. A description of the nonholonomic subsystem relative to the desired path using the Frenet parametrization is the basis for formulating the path following problem and designing a kinematic control algorithm. In turn, the dynamic control algorithm is a modification of a passivity-based controller. Theoretical deliberations are illustrated with simulations.
Controllability of nonlinear impulsive Ito type stochastic systems
Authors: Sakthivel Rathinasamy 
Published: January 2010

Controllability of nonlinear impulsive Ito type stochastic systemsIn this article, we consider finite dimensional dynamical control systems described by nonlinear impulsive Ito type stochastic integrodifferential equations. Necessary and sufficient conditions for complete controllability of nonlinear impulsive stochastic systems are formulated and proved under the natural assumption that the corresponding linear system is appropriately controllable. A fixed point approach is employed for achieving the required result.
Zeros in linear systems with time delay in state
Authors: Tokarzewski Jerzy 
Published: January 2010

Zeros in linear systems with time delay in stateThe concept of invariant zeros in a linear time-invariant system with state delay is considered. In the state-space framework, invariant zeros are treated as triples: complex number, nonzero state-zero direction, input-zero direction. Such a treatment is strictly related to the output-zeroing problem and in that spirit the zeros can be easily interpreted. The problem of zeroing the system output is discussed. For systems of uniform rank, the first nonzero Markov parameter comprises a certain amount of information concerning invariant zeros, output-zeroing inputs and zero dynamics. General formulas for output-zeroing inputs and zero dynamics are provided.
Indirect adaptive controller based on a self-structuring fuzzy system for nonlinear modeling and control
Authors: Qi Ruiyun , Brdys Mietek 
Published: January 2010

Indirect adaptive controller based on a self-structuring fuzzy system for nonlinear modeling and controlIn this paper, a unified nonlinear modeling and control scheme is presented. A self-structuring Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model is used to approximate the unknown nonlinear plant based on I/O data collected on-line. Both the structure and the parameters of the T-S fuzzy model are updated by an on-line clustering method and a recursive least squares estimation (RLSE) algorithm. The rules of the fuzzy model can be added, replaced or deleted on-line to allow a more flexible and compact model structure. The overall controller consists of an indirect adaptive controller and a supervisory controller. The former is the dominant controller, which maintains the closed-loop stability when the fuzzy system is a good approximation of the nonlinear plant. The latter is an auxiliary controller, which is activated when the tracking error reaches the boundary of a predefined constraint set. It is proven that global stability of the closed-loop system is guaranteed in the sense that all the closed-loop signals are bounded and simulation examples demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
The steady-state impedance operator of a linear periodically time-varying one-port network and its determination
Authors: Kłosiński Radosław 
Published: January 2010

The steady-state impedance operator of a linear periodically time-varying one-port network and its determinationThe main subject of the paper is the description and determination of the impedance operator of a linear periodically timevarying (LPTV) one-port network in the steady-state. If the one-port network parameters and the supply vary periodically with the same period, the network reaches a periodic steady state. However, the sinusoidal supply may induce a non-sinusoidal voltage or current. It is impossible to describe such a phenomenon by means of one complex number. A periodically time-varying one-port network working in a steady-state regime can be described with a circular parametric operator. Within the domain of discrete time, such an operator takes the form of a matrix with real-valued entries. The circular parametric operator can be transformed into the frequency domain using a two-dimensional DFT. This description makes it possible to quantitatively assess LPTV system input and output harmonics aliasing. The paper also presents the derivation and the proof of convergence of an iteration scheme for the identification of circular parametric operators. The scheme may be used to determine the impedance of an LPTV one-port network. Some results of computer simulations are shown.
Some remarks on evaluating the quality of the multiple sequence alignment based on the BAliBASE benchmark
Authors: Błażewicz Jacek , Formanowicz Piotr , Wojciechowski Paweł 
Published: January 2010

Some remarks on evaluating the quality of the multiple sequence alignment based on the BAliBASE benchmarkBAliBASE is one of the most widely used benchmarks for multiple sequence alignment programs. The accuracy of alignment methods is measured bybali_score—an application provided together with the database. The standard accuracy measures are the Sum of Pairs (SP) and the Total Column (TC). We have found that, for non-core block columns, results calculated bybali_scoreare different from those obtained on the basis of the formal definitions of the measures. We do not claim that one of these measures is better than the other, but they are definitely different. Such a situation can be the source of confusion when alignments obtained using various methods are compared. Therefore, we propose a new nomenclature for the measures of the quality of multiple sequence alignments to distinguish which one was actually calculated. Moreover, we have found that the occurrence of a gap in some column in the first sequence of the reference alignment causes column discarding.