bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Why do developing country anti‐corruption commissions fail to deal with corruption? Understanding the three dilemmas of organisational development, performance expectation, and donor and government cycles
Authors: Doig Alan , Watt David , Williams Robert 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe article reviews aspects of the literature on public sector organisational development in developing countries, and on Anti‐Corruption Agencies or Commissions (ACC), to set the context for its empirical research into five African countries' ACCs1. This argues that ACCs are as likely to be affected by the same problems as any other public sector institution, but the approaches taken by donors and the consequential expectations on performance fail to recognise this.The article further argues that, in addition to these two dilemmas relating to the conditions necessary to promote organisational development and performance expectation––organisational continuity––of ACCs, a third dilemma––differing cycles of donor and government activity––also poses problems for that development.This has practitioner and policy relevance. With multilateral and bilateral donors still continuing to establish ACCs as the lead agency to address corruption there is a need to address the future organisational development of existing ACCs as well as using the lessons from the performance of such ACCs to provide the continuity for new ACCs to be capable of dealing with corruption. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.The agencies visited were those with a responsibility for addressing corruption: the Anti‐Corruption Bureau (ACB) in Malawi; the Inspectorate of Government (IG), Uganda; the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Ghana; the Anti‐Corruption Commission (ACC), Sierra Leone; the Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCB), Tanzania; the Anti‐Corruption Commission (ACC), Zambia. The authors would like to thank the staff for their cooperation; the views in the article are solely those of the authors. Part of the field research was for a U4 research project.
Fetal pleural effusion
Authors: Rustico Maria Angela , Lanna Mariano , Coviello Dario , Smoleniec John , Nicolini Umberto 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFetal pleural effusion, a nonspecific accumulation of fluid in the pleural space, is an uncommon anomaly which can be associated with aneuploidy and a range of other structural malformations or genetic syndromes. Spontaneous resolution is not rare and confers a good prognosis. Perinatal outcome is better for those fetuses without hydrops than those presenting with hydrops. A detailed review of the literature indicates that, for fetuses with persistent effusions, in utero intervention (repeated thoracocentesis, intrauterine shunting and pleurodesis) may improve the chances of survival. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fully automated FISH examination of amniotic fluid cells
Authors: Wauters Jan , Assche Elvire Van , Antsaklis Aristidis , Tepperberg James , Sharp S. Michael , Kilpatrick Michael W. , Tafas Triantafyllos , Tsipouras Petros 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjective Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis has become a valuable adjunct in cytogenetics, providing a rapid screen for common chromosome abnormalities that is particularly helpful in prenatal diagnosis. FISH analysis using standard microscopy is expensive and labor intensive, requiring both a high skill level and subjective signal interpretation. A reliable fully automated system for FISH analysis could improve laboratory efficiency and potentially reduce errors and costs.Methods The efficacy of an automated system was compared to standard manual FISH analysis. Two sets of slides were generated from each of 152 amniotic fluid samples. Following hybridization with a standard panel of five chromosome FISH probes, one set of slides was evaluated using manual microscopy. The other set was evaluated using an automated microscopy system.Results A diagnostic outcome was obtained for all 152 samples using manual microscopy and for 146 of 152 (96%) samples using automated microscopy. Three cases of aneuploidy were detected. For those samples for which a diagnostic outcome was determined by both manual and automated microscopy, 100% concordance was observed. All FISH analysis results were confirmed by karyotype.Conclusion These data suggest that an automated microscopy system is capable of providing accurate and rapid enumeration of FISH signals in amniocytes. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isovalent impurity‐vacancy complexes in germanium
Authors: Chroneos A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractElectronic structure simulations are used to predict the structures and relative energies of clusters formed between isovalent impurities and lattice vacancies in germanium and for comparison in silicon. The structures and relative energies of a series of different carbon‐vacancy complexes in germanium are considered. The technique is also used to predict the effect of carbon atoms on the binding of tin‐vacancy pairs in germanium. For germanium and silicon different configurations containing carbon, tin and vacancies are stable. The calculations highlight important differences in the stability of clusters in germanium compared to silicon. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Dilute nitride Ga(NAsP)/GaP‐heterostructures: toward a material development for novel optoelectronic functionality on Si‐substrate
Authors: Kunert B. , Volz K. , Stolz W. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe current status of the development of the novel dilute nitride Ga(NAsP)/GaP for the monolithic integration of optoelectronic functionality to Si is summarized from the concept, design and epitaxial optimization to the verification of direct energy gap and the realization of electrical injection laser devices at room temperature. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Physics, growth, and performance of (In,Ga)As–AlP/InP quantum‐cascade lasers emitting atλ< 4 μm
Authors: Masselink W. Ted , Semtsiv Mykhaylo P. , Dressler Sebastian , Ziegler Mathias , Wienold Martin 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe design strategy and performance for short wavelength (λ⪅ 4 μm) quantum‐cascade lasers (QCLs) is discussed. The QCLs are based on strain‐compensated AlAs–In0.73Ga0.27As heterostructures grown using gas‐source molecular‐beam epitaxy on InP substrates. Both composite barriers based on AlAs–In0.55Al0.45As and composite wells based on In0.73Ga0.27As–In0.55Al0.45As are used to achieve laser emission at wavelengths as short as 3.05 µm by avoiding leakage from the upper laser state into either the higher‐lying miniband or into indirect states within the heterostructure. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Naturally occurring tyrosinase inhibitors: mechanism and applications in skin health, cosmetics and agriculture industries
Authors: Parvez Shoukat , Kang Moonkyu , Chung Hwan‐Suck , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: June 2007

AbstractTyrosinase is a copper‐containing enzyme, which is widely distributed in microorganisms, animals and plants and is a key enzyme in melanin biosynthesis, involved in determining the color of mammalian skin and hair. In addition, unfavorable enzymatic browning of plant‐derived foods by tyrosinase causes a decrease in nutritional quality and economic loss of food products. The inadequacy of current conventional methods to prevent tyrosinase action encourages researchers to seek new potent tyrosinase inhibitors for food and cosmetics.This article presents a study on the importance of tyrosinase, biochemical characteristics, type of inhibitions, activators from various natural sources with its clinical and industrial importance in recent prospects is discussed in this paper. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities of Desmodium gangeticum fractions in carrageenan‐induced inflamed rats
Authors: Govindarajan R. , Vijayakumar M. , Rao Ch. V. , Shirwaikar A. , Kumar Santhosh , Rawat A. K. S. , Pushpangadan P. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractFlavonoid and alkaloid fractions of Desmodium gangeticum were evaluated for antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities in carrageenan‐induced inflamed rats with the aim of studying the promising fraction for inhibitory action on ferrous sulphate induced lipid peroxidation, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and total reduced glutathione in liver and spleen homogenates of inflamed rats. The results showed that the flavonoid fraction of D. gangeticum possesses potent antioxidant activity compared with the alkaloid fraction and also with respect to the standard drug indomethacin, in terms of augmentation of the liver and spleen SOD, CAT and GPX activities, concomitant with a reduction in lipid peroxidation (TBARS). In addition, the quantification of caffeic and chlorogenic acid in the flavonoid fraction has also been carried out using HPLC, which can be utilized as a marker compound in the standardization. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocytes in the development of hypogonadal osteoporosis in an ovariectomized rat model: possible phytoestrogenic efficacy of oil extract of garlic to preserve skeletal health
Authors: Mukherjee M. , Das A. S. , Das D. , Mukherjee S. , Mitra S. , Mitra C. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThis study was to examine whether skeletal health deterioration in the hypogonadal situation is a consequence of an alteration in the functional status of peripheral mononuclear cells and its amelioration, if any, by an oil extract of garlic. The results suggest that hypogonadism‐induced oxidative stress of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocytes could be reduced by supplementation with an oil extract of garlic. However, estrogen deficiency did not cause any significant change in DNA fragmentation of peritoneal macrophages. The hypogonadism‐induced increase in the serum levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐α were significantly reduced by an oil extract of garlic. Further, such supplementation could revive the hypogonadism‐induced decrease in serum estrogen titer and counter‐balance the increase in bone turnover as determined by low bone tensile strength and alterations in bone related biochemical variables such as urinary calcium, hydroxyproline, calcium to creatinine ratio and serum tartrate resistant acid phosphatase activity (TRAP). The garlic oil supplemented partial recovery of the serum estrogen titer in hypogonadal rats was found to be persistently associated with reduced oxidative stress of peritoneal macrophages and lymphocytes, reduced serum interleukins and better preservation of bone mass. This study proposes that the hypogonadism‐induced bone loss has a direct correlation with the functional status of lymphocytes and peritoneal macrophages, and garlic can prevent this. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vitro cytotoxic activity of some Korean medicinal plants on human cancer cell lines: enhancement in cytotoxicity by heat processing
Authors: Yoo Hye Hyun , Park Jeong Hill , Kwon Sung Won 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe goal of this study was to examine the in vitro antiproliferative activity of crude methanol extracts of three traditional Korean medicinal plants: Achyranthes fauriei, Epimedium koreanum Nakai and Scutellaria baicalensis before and after heat processing. The extracts were screened for antitumoral potential by means of an MTT assay on four human cancer cell lines: lung cancer cells (Lu1), colon cancer cells (Col2), oral epidermoid carcinomas (KB) and hormone‐dependent prostate cancer cells (LNCaP). None of the extracts showed significant activity against any of the cancer cell lines. However, after treatment with steam, the processed Achyranthes fauriei extract exhibited a slight, but enhanced cytotoxic activity against all four of the cancer cell lines. The processed Scutellaria baicalensis extract exerted a potent cytotoxic activity against the Lu1 cell line in a specific manner with an IC50 value of 14.3 µg/mL. The Epimedium koreanum extract showed no cytotoxic effects against any of the cancer cell lines with or without heat processing. These results suggest that the heat processing of medicinal plants represents a possible route to the development of antitumor agents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlation models for monitoring child growth
Authors: Argyle Jenny , Seheult Allan H. , Wooff David A. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractGrowth measurements of children, such as weight and height, are monitored regularly, particularly in infancy, to assess whether or not a child's growth is normal when compared with a reference population of the same age and sex. Here, after a suitable power transformation to normality of the reference population, we model temporal evolution of the standardized deviation (Z‐score) of the transformed measurement of a normal child from the reference population as a Gaussian process with zero mean and unit variance. This paper concentrates on modelling and fitting the serial correlation structure of the process, with the benefit that monitoring growth at specific ages is not crucial, statistically. Exploratory analysis of various observed correlation matrices has suggested that a particular two‐parameter Markovian form is a good representation of the correlation function in infancy. The main implication for growth monitoring is that we only need to condition on the most recentZ‐score to inform a clinician's judgement about a child's growth based on its currentZ‐score. Inferences about the correlation parameters derive from likelihood methods based either on observedZ‐scores or, if raw data are unavailable, on an observed correlation matrix. The Markov model is compared with a previously studied six‐parameter correlation model. Data from major child growth studies in Newcastle and Cambridge are used to illustrate the methods and compare predictions from the two models. We argue that the Markov model serves as a pragmatic choice for growth monitoring in infancy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Das Sandwich‐Platten‐System (SPS)
Authors: Kennedy Stephen 
Published: June 2007

AbstractSPS wurde ursprünglich als Plattenverkleidung von Offshore‐Konstruktionen sowie Arbeitsplattformen im kanadischen Beaufort‐Meer zum Schutz vor (Schiffs‐)Anprall entwickelt. Innerhalb der vergangenen 13 Jahre wurden für SPS umfangreiche Untersuchungen zu Materialverhalten und ‐eigenschaften und Brandschutz durchgeführt sowie Bemessungsregeln für die Konstruktion entwickelt. Zudem wurden spezielle Verbindungsdetails entworfen und der Arbeitsablauf für Herstellung, Reparatur und Qualitätsüberwachung optimiert – insbesondere für den Baustelleneinsatz bei SPS‐Overlay‐Maßnahmen. Diese Arbeiten und Untersuchungen, die in diesem Aufsatz vorgestellt werden, zeigen deutlich, dass sich mit SPS‐Platten gleiche Tragfähigkeiten wie mit konventionell versteiften Stahlplatten erzielen lassen, wobei bei gleichzeitiger Gewährleistung der Wirtschaftlichkeit eine Reihe weiterer Vorteile bei Leistungsfähigkeit und Sicherheit erlangt werden können.
Amphetamine sensitization elevates CaMKIIß mRNA
Authors: Greenstein Rachel , Novak Gabriela , Seeman Philip 
Published: June 2007

AbstractRecent studies have shown that the elevation in calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) may play an important role in amphetamine‐induced dopamine release, as well as in the increase of dopamine D2 receptor high‐affinitystates in psychosis. Because amphetamine sensitization is a widely used animal model of psychosis or schizophrenia, we investigated whether amphetamine sensitization results in an overall increase in the α and β subunits of CaMKII. To answer this question, we measured CaMKII α and β subunit mRNA expression using Real‐Time Quantitative PCR in amphetamine‐sensitized rat striata, compared to saline‐treated controls. The results were then standardized to β‐glucuronidase, a housekeeping gene. Our results showed a statistically significant increase in the CaMKII β subunit, and an increase in the α subunit which did not reach statistical significance. Because the levels of both CaMKIIβ and CaMKIIα play a role in neuronal function and synapse formation, the present finding of an elevated level of CaMKII β and α subunit mRNA in the amphetamine‐sensitized model of psychosis points to the possibility of dysregulated levels of CaMKII subunits in human psychosis. Synapse 61:827–834, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
D2dopamine receptors recruit a GABA component for their attenuation of excitatory synaptic transmission in the adult rat prefrontal cortex
Authors: Tseng Kuei Y. , O'Donnell Patricio 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe dopamine modulation of neuronal excitability in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) changes during critical late periods of postnatal development. In particular, D2receptors activate fast‐spiking interneurons after, and not before, adolescence. To test the functional impact of this change, we investigated the effects of dopamine agonists on PFC excitatory synaptic transmission with whole‐cell recordings from deep‐layer pyramidal neurons in brain slices obtained from prepubertal [postnatal day (PD) 28–35] and postpubertal (PD > 51) rats. Electrical stimulation of superficial layers elicited a fast AMPA/kainate excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP). In the adult PFC, the D2agonist quinpirole decreased EPSP amplitude, an effect that lasted for at least 25 min after drug washout and was blocked by the D2antagonist eticlopride. The late component of this effect was blocked by the GABA‐A antagonist picrotoxin without affecting the early inhibition. Quinpirole also decreased EPSP amplitude in deep‐layer pyramidal neurons from prepubertal rats, but this response was not affected by picrotoxin. A D1agonist, on the other hand, did not affect the pyramidal neuron EPSP. These results indicate that D2, not D1, receptors attenuate local excitatory synaptic transmission in the adult PFC, and this effect of D2involves a recruitment of local GABAergic activity. Synapse 61:843–850, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential modulation of a 40 kDa catecholamine regulated protein in the core and shell subcompartments of the nucleus accumbens following chronic quinpirole and haloperidol administration in the rat
Authors: Gabriele Joseph , Thomas Nancy , N‐Marandi Sevil , Mishra Ram 
Published: June 2007

AbstractPast reports have shown dopamine (DA) D2/D3 receptor agonist quinpirole (QNP) and the DA D2 receptor antagonist, haloperidol (HAL) display a significant increase in expression of catecholamine regulated protein (CRP40) in the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and the striatum, respectively. The present study investigated the in vivo effects of QNP and HAL on CRP40 protein levels within the core and shell subcompartments of the NAcc. As significant homology exists between CRP40 and Hsp70/Hsc70, parallel studies with inducible Hsp70 and constitutive Hsc70 were conducted to establish the specificity with respect to QNP on Hsp70 and CRP40. Results demonstrated that CRP40 protein was significantly expressed in the shell relative to the core region of NAcc following chronic QNP (+16.28% ± 0.42%, P < 0.05) and CRP40 protein was significantly expressed in the core vs. the shell following chronic HAL (+36.02% ± 0.75%, P < 0.05). There was no significant change in Hsp70 protein levels following chronic QNP or HAL administration. The results demonstrated selective modulation of CRP40 within NAcc by QNP and HAL treatment, without affecting Hsp70. Synapse 61:835–842, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Treatment of Niemann–Pick disease type C in two children with miglustat: Initial responses and maintenance of effects over 1 year
Authors: Chien Y.‐H. , Lee N.‐C. , Tsai L.‐K. , Huang A.‐C. , Peng S.‐F. , Chen S.‐J. , Hwu W.‐L. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryNiemann–Pick disease type C (NP‐C) is a lipid storage disorder characterized by the accumulation of unesterified cholesterol and glycolipids in the lysosomal/late endosomal system of certain cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and visceral organs. Clinical symptoms include progressive neurological deterioration and visceral organomegaly. Miglustat, a small iminosugar molecule approved for the treatment of Gaucher disease, reversibly inhibits glucosylceramide synthase, which catalyses the first committed step in glycosphingolipid synthesis. The physicochemical properties of miglustat allow it to cross the blood–brain barrier and suggest possible benefits in lysosomal storage diseases affecting the CNS. Here, we present findings in two children with NP‐C, aged 14 years (patient 1) and 9 years (patient 2), treated with miglustat for 1 year. Before treatment, patient 1 presented with severe difficulties in swallowing and walking, and patient 2 with problems mostly affecting communication and social interaction. Videofluoroscopic studies in patient 1 demonstrated a substantial improvement in swallowing by month 6 of treatment, and ambulation index measurements indicated improved walking. Mini Mental‐State Examination (MMSE) assessments in patient 2 showed cognitive improvement by month 6, which was sustained up to month 12. Liver/spleen volume and plasma chitotriosidase activities were stabilized in both cases. There was no weight loss during treatment. Patient 1 experienced severe but self‐limiting paresthesia, which was not associated with peripheral neuropathy. We conclude that miglustat can provide therapeutic benefits in CNS symptoms and allows stabilization of systemic disease in childhood‐onset NP‐C. Further follow‐up is crucial to determine the long‐term maintenance of these effects.
Soy fatty acid oxidation with sodium hypochlorite monitored by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Pinglang , Tao Bernard Y. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe oxidation process of soy fatty acids by sodium hypochlorite with ruthenium trichloride catalyst was examined at different temperatures and active chlorine:fatty acid molar ratios. 1H and 13C distortionless enhancement by polarized transfer nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy techniques were used to monitor oxidation of the double bonds in unsaturated lipids by measuring the peak integration ratio of double‐bond peaks:methylene‐methyl peaks. This NMR monitoring technique proved to be an excellent means to quantify double‐bond reactions. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry was used to identify mono‐ and diacid products, separated by hexane/methylene chloride extraction, as well as other oxidation products. While the presence of ruthenium catalyst increased the initial rate of oxidation, it also catalyzed the decomposition of hypochlorite, decreasing the available reactive chlorine, resulting in a delay in complete oxidation. A 9:1 molar ratio of active chlorine to fatty acids completely oxidized all double bonds of soy fatty acids. However, the yield of low‐molecular‐weight monoacid oxidation products was only 17%, indicating the probable formation of hydroxy fatty acids.
Phosphorus in oil. Production of molybdenum blue derivative at ambient temperature using noncarcinogenic reagents
Authors: Tosi Enzo A. , Cazzoli Ampelio F. , Tapiz Luis M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractThe determination of phosphorus content in crude and degummed oils, especially soybean oil, is commonly used to monitor the efficiency of the degumming process. Techniques for phosphorus determination are based on calcination of the oil in the presence of zinc or magnesium oxide, followed by phosphomolybdate formation, a subsequent reduction and a spectrophotometric determination of the final product, molybdenum blue. Several reducing agents have been employed, all of which need heating to develop color, and then cooling before the absorbance is measured. The objective of this study was to investigate the use of potassium antimonyl tartrate as a catalyst for the phosphomolybdate reduction with ascorbic acid at room temperature, to evaluate the useful life of reagents, comparative kinetics of molybdenum blue formation (with and without catalyst addition) and the extent of phosphorus recovery, and to compare these results with those from AOCS Official Method Ca 12–55.