bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural and temporal changes of the microvascular basement membrane and astrocyte interface following focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Kwon Il , Kim Eun Hee , del Zoppo Gregory J. , Heo Ji Hoe 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMicrovascular integrity is lost during cerebral ischemia. Detachment of the microvascular basement membrane (BM) from the astrocyte, as well as degradation of the BM, is responsible for the loss of microvascular integrity. However, their ultrastructural and temporal changes during cerebral ischemia are not well known. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 48 hr. By using transmission electron microscopy, the proportion of intact BM–astrocyte contacts and electron densities of the BM were measured from five randomly selected microvessels in the ischemic basal ganglia. Their temporal changes and associations with activities of the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were investigated. The intact portion of the BM–astrocyte contacts was decreased significantly within 4 hr and was rarely observed at 48 hr after MCAO. Decreases in the electron density and degradation of the BM were significant 12 hr after MCAO. The intact BM–astrocyte contacts and the mean BM density showed a significant positive correlation (r = 0.784, P < 0.001). MMP‐9 activity was correlated negatively with the intact BM–astrocyte contacts (r = –0.711, P < 0.001) and with the BM density (r = –0.538, P = 0.0016). The increase in MMP‐9 coincided temporally with the loss of the BM–astrocyte contacts and a decrease in the BM density. Ultrastructural alterations occurring in the microvascular BM and its contacts with astrocyte endfeet were temporally associated in cerebral ischemia. Time courses of their alterations should be considered in the treatment targeted to the microvascular BM and its contact with astrocytes. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bradykinin selectively modulates the blood–tumor barrier via calcium‐induced calcium release
Authors: Wang Yi‐bao , Liu Yun‐hui 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTo investigate the underlying mechanism for the selective modulation of permeability of the blood–tumor barrier by small dose of BK, we established cell lines of rat brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and astrocytes by primary culture from neonatal rats. BMECs, astrocytes, or C6 glioma cells were treated with BK, and changes of intracellular NO and intracellular calcium level were measured with a fluorescent spectrophotometer. Similarly to the observations in astrocytes, although the initial application of BK easily triggered a ryanodine‐mediated calcium‐induced calcium release (CICR), we also detected a long‐lasting intracellular nitric oxide (NO) elevation in C6 glioma cells upon BK treatment. However, BMECs are not the direct target of BK. Further study showed that ryanodine‐mediated CICR contributes greatly to the secondary NO elevation induced by BK treatment. With an in vitro blood–tumor barrier (BTB) model, we demonstrated that NO generated in C6 glioma cells might act as an intercellular messenger and play an important role in the selective modulation of permeability of BMECs by BK. In conclusion, BK triggered CICR in C6 glioma cells, and the associated NO generation might be the underlying mechanism for the selective modulation of BTB permeability by BK. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capacity for public administration: analysis of meaning and measurement
Authors: Christensen Robert K. , Gazley Beth 
Published: September 2008

AbstractPublic administration researchers and practitioners have placed a heavy emphasis on the theme of programme performance. More recently, there has been a growing sentiment in the literature about the integral role of organisational capacity in achieving performance. While this is often expressed in the (re)iteration of a ‘management matters’ mantra, we see some disarray in the broader capacity literature both in definition and application. As scholars call for more integrated models of governance that link, for example, capacity and performance, we see a growing need for an analysis of the concept of capacity. Using bibliometric and content analyses to explore scholarly treatment of capacity constructs, this article assesses whether the perceived disarray is real, and if so what consequences it might have. We do so by reporting on capacity's meaning and measurement through an analysis of four decades of the private, public and nonprofit management literatures. While specific definitions of capacity are, by nature, context dependent, we conclude by distilling a general, conceptual framework of capacity for public management researchers and practitioners. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Public sector reform in Sub‐Saharan Africa: what can be learnt from the civil service performance improvement programme in Ghana?
Authors: Antwi K. B. , Analoui F. , Nana‐Agyekum D. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis paper focuses on public sector management reform ‘best‐practice’ case experience from Sub‐Sahara African (SSA). Given that ‘best‐practice’ is a relative concept and often debatable, the paper uses the Ghana Civil Service Performance Improvement Programme (GCSPIP) experience as rather a ‘good‐practice’ case with the view to sharing the outcome and lessons to encourage collaborative‐learning. It seeks to share the outcome and lessons learnt by the Ghana civil service reform with future public service reformers and to contribute to the literature. The paper concludes with an adaptable three‐dimensional framework. The framework argues that successful future public service reform (PSR) should consider three broad issues: first, are the ‘critical success factors’, including wholehearted political leadership commitment; wholehearted bureaucratic leadership commitment; thoughtful synergistic planning/preparation; patience for implementation and evaluation; capacity to convince; neutralise and accommodate reform‐phobias and critics; sustainable financial and technical resource availability and conscious nurturing of general public support. Second, is the need for reformers to appreciate the concerns of the public and the civil society scepticism of public ‘institutions’ and its ‘operatives’ and finally placing any reform programme in a country‐specific context, including understanding its history, culture, politics, economy, sociology, ideology and values. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In search of a governance institution model for Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) under Indonesia's new decentralisation policy: old problems, new challenges
Authors: Firman Tommy 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis study explores a possible governance model for Jakarta Metropolitan Area (JMA) under Indonesia's new Decentralisation Policy. At present the management of JMA development is coordinated by Badan Koordinasi Pembangunan Jabodetabekjur (BKSP) —Coordinating Board for JMA Development, but this agency is ineffective and powerless to perform its tasks because of lack of authority and power. The establishment of JMA governance model should take into account the existence of the BKSP which has been politically accepted by all provincial and local governments in the region. Involvement of central government in JMA governance is very important. A mixed model of urban governance is most suitable for the JMA. Thereunder the central government should have authority to plan and develop major physical infrastructure for the whole JMA, while the provincial and local governments retain their respective general administrative functions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Beyond public administration? HIV/AIDS policy networks and the transformation of public administration in Botswana
Authors: Kaboyakgosi Gape , Mpule Keneilwe P. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractWhat impact has HIV/AIDS had on the structure of public administration and what further lessons do these changes hold for other policy sectors in Botswana? For long, Botswana has had the highest prevalence of HIV/AIDS, bringing many developmental challenges. An under‐researched facet of HIV/AIDS is the effect it had on the public administration in Botswana. Whereas classical approaches to public administration suggest that it is ‘civil’ service organisations that lead in health administration, HIV/AIDS spawned a particular type of organisation, the policy network. In mitigating HIV/AIDS, the policy environment became more fragmented with networks for treatment, prevention, advocacy and research emerging. These networks are made up of entities from the public, private for‐profit and not for‐profit sectors. They participate in the agenda setting, formulation, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of HIV/AIDS policy. Traditional public administration theories cease to hold sway; private actors become engaged in ‘public policy’ and the other way round. Policy is carried out in horizontal arrangements; linking government, business and non‐governmental organisations in mutual inter‐dependences. Health care professionals share policy spaces with the media, social scientists and politicians. New challenges face public policy‐making including co‐ordination problems, fragmented accountability and shared policy spaces. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessing the regulatory model for water supply in Jakarta
Authors: Iwanami Michiko , Nickson Andrew 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThis article assesses the regulatory model for urban water supply services in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Water supply services have been privately operated there since February 1998 after two companies—Thames PAM Jaya (TPJ), operating in Eastern Jakarta, and PAM Lyonnaise Jaya (PALYJA), operating in Western Jakarta—signed 25‐years concession contracts with the state‐owned Jakarta City Water Company (PAM Jaya). An independent regulatory body, the Jakarta Water Supply Regulatory Body (JWSRB) was established in 2001. The article compares the regulatory system in Jakarta with the French and English approaches to water regulation. It then assesses this regulatory system from the perspective of customers in order to assess how well customer protection, a central purpose of regulation, is being performed. The article concludes that although the essential regulatory mechanisms and activities are operating in Jakarta, the key regulatory role of customer protection is not being performed because customers do not perceive that they receive an acceptable level of water supply services. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying rapid results approach to local service delivery: issues, lessons and challenges from Nairobi City Council
Authors: Osiche Mark 
Published: September 2008

AbstractOver the years, the Kenyan Government has pursued wide‐ranging public sector reforms to improve local service delivery, but little has been achieved due to lack of a wide‐ranging decentralisation policy and institutional framework. To precipitate the reform process, the rapid results approach (RRA), commonly applied in private sector organisations, was recently introduced thorough out the public sector, including local authorities (LAs). This article assesses the efficacy of the rapid results approach (RRA) methodology in local service delivery using Nairobi City Council as a prototype; highlighting the success stories, pitfalls and challenges. The analyses are based on the findings obtained using current literature on the subject matter and the author's interactions with the council staff, councillors and other stakeholders. On the basis of the analysis, the article draws the main conclusions and policy advice on what could be considered critical for further debate, highlighting issues, lessons and challenges that could be raised to improve the practice of RRI. The key messages presented here will help policy makers, scholars and practitioners of reform to re‐think the envisaged countrywide replication of RRI to the rest of LAs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The mechanism of the oxidative polymerization of aniline and the formation of supramolecular polyaniline structures
Authors: Sapurina Irina , Stejskal Jaroslav 
Published: October 2008

AbstractPolyaniline is one of the most important conducting and responsive polymers. A molecular mechanism for the oxidation of aniline is proposed. This mechanism explains the specific features of aniline oligomerization and polymerization in various acidity ranges. The formation of polyaniline precipitates, colloids and thin films is reviewed and discussed on the basis of the chemistry of aniline oxidation. The generation of nanostructures, i.e. granules, nanotubes, nanowires and microspheres, is also considered. Oligomers containing phenazine constitutional units play an important role in self‐assembly to form templates. Polyaniline chains then grow from these templates and produce the various individual morphologies. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation and characterization of styrene/styryl–polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane hybrid copolymers
Authors: Zhang He‐xin , Lee Ho‐young , Shin Young‐jun , Yoon Keun‐byoung , Noh Seok‐Kyun , Lee Dong‐ho 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Organic–inorganic nanocomposites were prepared by copolymerization of various monomers and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) derivatives. Preliminary results showed that styrene/styryl–POSS copolymers could be obtained using CpTiCl3 catalyst. In the work reported here, the copolymerization of styrene and styryl‐substituted POSS was studied in detail for a more effective catalyst, Cp*TiCl3.RESULTS: The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the copolymers prepared increased with increasing POSS content. The degradation temperature (Td) of the copolymers was 60 °C higher than that of syndiotactic polystyrene under nitrogen. Although the thermal properties were improved by incorporation of POSS, the catalytic activity decreased with POSS content. The racemic triad and syndiotactic index of the copolymers decreased with increasing POSS content. Gel permeation chromatograms of the copolymers exhibited multimodal distribution due to the presence of multi‐active centres, which were formed by interaction of Ti with the POSS siloxane linkage.CONCLUSION: With the incorporation of POSS, the thermal properties of polystyrene were improved. The styrene/styryl–POSS copolymers are formed through the various active sites arising from the interactions of Ti with POSS. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Modelling the Low‐Pressure N2O2 Plasma Afterglow to Determine the Kinetic Mechanisms Controlling the UV Emission Intensity and Its Spatial Distribution for Achieving an Efficient Sterilization Process
Authors: Kutasi Kinga , Saoudi Bachir , Pintassilgo Carlos D. , Loureiro Jorge , Moisan Michel 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe flowing afterglow of a N2O2 microwave discharge intended to provide intense and spatially uniform UV emission for an efficient inactivation of bacterial spores is modelled with a 3‐D hydrodynamic model leading to the spatial density distribution of the species in the reactor. The agreement of the calculated densities of the NO(A) and NO(B) UV emitting species with the corresponding measured emission intensities strongly supports the choice of the kinetic reactions retained in the model. In that respect, the specific contribution of N and O atoms to the spatial distribution of the NO(A) density (generating the NOγ system) in the late afterglow is, for the first time, brought into relief.magnified image
Methane Oligomerization in a Dielectric Barrier Discharge at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Scarduelli Giorgina , Guella Graziano , Mancini Ines , Dilecce Giorgio , De Benedictis Santolo , Tosi Paolo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe conversion of methane into more valuable higher hydrocarbons has been more and more fascinating for both the industry and the scientific community. Recently, the direct conversion of methane by using various plasma technologies has received particular attention. This work reports on the formation of a liquid deposit during the plasma treatment of methane mixtures in a coaxial cylindrical dielectric barrier discharge reactor at atmospheric pressure. In order to investigate its nature, the liquid deposit has been analyzed by spectroscopic and mass spectrometric techniques. The material consists of a mixture of hydrocarbons, the most represented moiety being the gem‐dimethyl group CC(CH3)2C.magnified image
A Novel Insensitive High Explosive 3,4‐Bis (Aminofurazano) Furoxan
Authors: Wang Jun , Li Jinshan , Liang Qinqin , Huang Yigang , Dong Haishan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA novel insensitive high explosive 3,4‐bis (aminofurazano) furoxan (BAFF) was prepared using 3‐amino‐4‐acylchloroximinofurazan (ACOF) as a precursor. The molecular and crystal structures of BAFF were characterized by IR, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, elemental analysis, and single crystal X‐ray diffraction. The single crystal structure of BAFF recrystallized from water is monoclinic, space group P 21/c, and ρc=1.745 g cm−3, and that recrystallized from ethanol is triclinic, space group P 1, and ρc=1.737 g cm−3. BAFF has multiple crystal forms. The calculated detonation velocity by BKW code is 8100 m s−1 (ρ=1.795 g cm−3, theoretical density calculated by quantum chemistry) and the experimental value is 7177 m s−1 (ρ=1.530 g cm−3, charge density). The tested values of impact, friction, and electrostatic spark sensitivity show that BAFF is insensitive.
Lithographically patterned nanowire electrodeposition
Authors: Xiang Chengxiang , Thompson Michael A. , Yang Fan , Menke Erik J. , Yang Li‐Mei C. , Penner Reginald M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe cover picture of this issue of physica status solidi (c) has been taken from the article [1]. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Test substance characterization for the EPA: what you've always wanted to know but were afraid to ask
Authors: Barta William , Lee Carol , Oster Maryanne , White Tammy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe Society of Quality Assurance (SQA) GLP Specialty Section, a member of the SQA Regulatory Forum, is a group of participants from the regulated community which provides insight and guidance to our membership and the regulated community. The Specialty Section has encountered several participants who want to know what types of information and data are needed during an inspection by the US EPA's Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA). The OECA is responsible for monitoring studies submitted to the Office of Pesticide Programs in support of pesticide registrations as defined under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). All submitted studies are to be conducted according to the FIFRA US Good Laboratory Practice Standards (GLPS). The GLPS contain specific language concerning the characterization of test, control and reference substances used in these studies. This article clarifies those requirements and provides perspective on the EPA expectations on meeting those requirements. The topics of discussion include:

regulatory requirements

responsibilities of the testing facility management, study director, Quality Assurance Unit and the sponsor

preparing for an inspection

overview of data to be made available at the time of inspection

composition of a Certificate of Analysis.

Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GSH‐dependent iNOS and HO‐1 mediated apoptosis of human Jurkat cells induced by nickel(II)
Authors: Zhang Dongmei , Shen Jie , Wang Cuicui , Zhang Xin , Chen Junhui 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe molecular mechanisms by which nickel compounds cause immune cytotoxicity are far from understood. Our preliminary data suggested that nickel(II) induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells by mitochondrial pathway, specifically via mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation and antiapoptotic gene bcl‐2 down‐regulation. The main goal of this study was to further investigate the toxicity of nickel, especially the induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on immune cells, which finally induced apoptosis. Nickel was found to induce glutathione (GSH) depletion in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. When Jurkat cells were preincubated with antioxidant N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), apoptosis was inhibited distinctly, which suggested that ROS played an initial role in nickel immune toxicity. Heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and Nitric oxide (NO) which may play an important role in regulatory and protective processes in cells were assayed upon nickel treatment. A significant increase in HO‐1 mRNA levels was detected in nickel treated cells. We confirmed that reduction of Nitrate levels in Jurkat cells was due to down‐regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), not endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Expression changes of HO‐1 and iNOS were markedly blocked when Jurkat cells were preincubated with NAC, suggesting that ROS resulted in HO‐1 and iNOS dysfunction in Jurkat cells. We supposed that the immune toxicity of nickel(II) was mainly due to GSH depletion and finally led to apoptosis, probably via changing the expression levels of HO‐1 and iNOS in human T lymphocytes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol, 2009.
The Synthesis of Oleic Acid Polyglycol Ester Catalyzed by Solid Super Acid
Authors: Luo Xiao‐min , Ren Long‐fang , Zhang Xiao‐lei , Qiang Tao‐tao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA SO42−/ZrO2 super acid was prepared and the effect of different kinds of catalysts on the esterification reaction reviewed. The results showed that the SO42−/ZrO2 super acid had higher catalytic activity and reactive selectivity in the synthesis of oleic acid polyglycol ester. Under optimum conditions the product was a monoester and the rate of production was more than 90%. The reaction product was characterized.
Proximal femoral osteotomies in children using the Richards hip screw: Techniques, outcome and subsequent removal
Authors: Webb James A. , Almaiyah Mohammed , McVie Jim , Montgomery Richard J. 
Published: October 2008

Introduction We investigated the clinical and radiological outcome of proximal femoral osteotomies in children using the Richards hip screw. We also describe previously unreported techniques used in the insertion of the screw to aid satisfactory correction of the neck shaft angle and medialisation. Methods Seventy-two children undergoing 81 proximal femoral osteotomies under the care of the senior author over a 10-year period were reviewed. Results For the primary procedure, there was an overall complication rate of 5%. This included two (2.5%) cases requiring re-operation. There were no fractures and no long-term complications. For subsequent removal of the metalwork, the complication rate was 5%, with a re-operation rate of 1%. Conclusion We conclude that the Richards hip screw is a safe, atraumatic and easy-to-use method of fixation for proximal femoral osteotomies in children, with lower complication.