bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public sector capacity reform in Ethiopia: a tale of success in two ministries?
Authors: Mengesha Getachew Hailemariam , Common Richard 
Published: July 2007

AbstractTo enhance the capacity of public institutions in Ethiopia and to create an ideal environment for investment and economic growth, the public sector has gone through a series of reform processes including the civil service. This article attempts to assess the outcomes of the Public Sector Capacity reform, based on a small‐scale survey conducted in two ministries. The survey, which was conducted between March and May in 2005, reveals a notable transformation of service delivery in each organisation. Very high levels of user satisfaction and spectacular improvements in performance were also recorded as a result of the introduction of business process reengineering (BPR). Although the change process in both organisations tended to be sluggish, these improvements appear to be outstanding within the context of Ethiopia's system of public administration. However, one challenge will be for the government to maintain the momentum of reform and to cascade BPR and other elements of the reform to other divisions, departments and work units in the government. Putting in place incentive schemes and an appropriate monitoring system should protect the reform from backsliding. Despite the pessimistic accounts of public sector reform in African countries, this article reveals that there are positive findings of interest to the field of development administration. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multiscale fiber‐reinforced composites prepared by vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding
Authors: Song Young Seok 
Published: July 2007

AbstractCarbon nanotube (CNT)/aramid fiber epoxy composites were produced using a new manufacturing method proposed in this study. The rheological and morphological experiments of the CNT/PEO nanocomposites indicates that the PEO nanocomposites have a good dispersion state of the CNTs. The flexural mechanical properties of the aramid fiber/CNT epoxy composites were measured. The CNTs dispersed in the epoxy resin between the aramid fibers were observed using field emission scanning electron miscroscope (FESEM). It was found that the flexural properties of the multiscale fiber‐reinforced composites were higher than those of aramid fiber/epoxy composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:458–461, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers.
Tuning the parameters of the suspension polymerization of styrene, divinylbenzene, and N‐(p‐vinylbenzyl)‐ 4,4‐dimethylazlactone
Authors: Lucchesi Céline , Pascual Sagrario , Jouanneaux Alain , Dujardin Gilles , Fontaine Laurent 
Published: July 2007

AbstractAzlactone‐functionalized microporous polystyrene resins were synthesized by suspension polymerization of styrene, divinylbenzene and N‐(p‐vinylbenzyl)‐4,4‐dimethylazlactone (VBM). A fractional factorial design of experiments (DOE) has been used to evaluate the influence of several parameters (factors) on the physical and chemical properties (responses) of the resins. Six factors were considered: (i) the organic/aqueous phase ratio, (ii) the amount of the functional monomer N‐(p‐vinylbenzyl)‐4,4‐dimethylazlactone, (iii) the amount of stabilizer, (iv) the amount of initiator, (v) the stirring speed, and (vi) the equilibration time. The process responses were the yield of polymerization, the diameter of the beads and their polydispersity, their swelling ratio in dichloromethane and the accessibility ratio of the immobilized azlactone sites. This methodology enables the determination of an optimal combination of the six factors to synthesize beads in high yield (92%) with remarkable properties for SPOS applications (azlactone sites loading = 1.57 mmol/g, swelling ratio in dichloromethane = 5.0 mL/g and 100% accessibility ratio). © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 3677–3686, 2007
Annexin A2/P11 interaction: New insights into annexin A2 tetramer structure by chemical crosslinking, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and computational modeling
Authors: Schulz Daniela M. , Kalkhof Stefan , Schmidt Andreas , Ihling Christian , Stingl Christoph , Mechtler Karl , Zschörnig Olaf , Sinz Andrea 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDuring the past few years, the structural analysis of proteins and protein complexes by chemical crosslinking and mass spectrometry has enjoyed increasing popularity. With this approach we have investigated the quaternary structure of the complex between annexin A2 and p11, which is involved in numerous cellular processes. Although high‐resolution data are available for both interaction partners as well as for the complex between two p11 subunits and two annexin A2 N‐terminal peptides, the structure of the complete annexin A2/p11 heterotetramer has not yet been solved at high resolution. Thus, the quaternary structure of the biologically relevant, membrane‐bound annexin A2/p11 complex is still under discussion, while the existence of a heterotetramer or a heterooctamer is the prevailing opinion. We gained further insight into the spatial organization of the annexin A2/p11 heterotetramer by employing chemical crosslinking combined with high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Furthermore, tandem mass spectrometry served as a tool for an exact localization of crosslinked amino acid residues and for a confirmation of crosslinked product assignment. On the basis of distance constraints from the crosslinking data we derived structural models of the annexin A2/p11 heterotetramer by computational docking with Rosetta. We propose an octameric model for the annexin A2/p11 complex, which exerts annexin A2 function. The proposed structure of the annexin A2/p11 octamer differs from so far suggested models and sheds new light into annexin A2/p11 interaction. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
QM/MM linear response method distinguishes ligand affinities for closely related metalloproteins
Authors: Khandelwal Akash , Balaz Stefan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractDesign of selective ligands for closely related targets is becoming one of the most important tasks in the drug development. New tools, more precise than fast scoring functions and less demanding than sophisticated Free Energy Perturbation methods, are necessary to help accomplish this goal. The methods of intermediate complexity, characterizing individual contributions to the binding energy, have been an area of intense research in the past few years. Our recently developed quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical (QM/MM) modification of the Linear Response (LR) method describes the binding free energies as the sum of empirically weighted contributions of the QM/MM interaction energies and solvent‐accessible surface areas for the time‐averaged structures of hydrated complexes, obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The method was applied to published data on 27 inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase‐3 (MMP‐3). The two descriptors explained 90% of variance in the inhibition constants with RMSE of 0.245 log units. The QM/MM treatment is indispensable for characterization of the systems lacking suitable force‐field expressions. In this case, it provided characteristics of H‐bonds of the inhibitors to Glu202, charges of binding site atoms, and accurate coordination geometries of the ligands to catalytic zinc. The geometries were constrained during the MD simulations, which characterized conformational flexibility of the complexes and helped in the elucidation of the binding differences for related compounds. A comparison of the presented QM/MM LR results with those previously published for inhibition of MMP‐9 by the same set of ligands showed that the QM/MM LR approach was able to distinguish subtle differences in binding affinities for MMP‐3 and MMP‐9, which did not exceed one order of magnitude. This precision level makes the approach a useful tool for design of selective ligands to similar targets, because the results can be safely extrapolated to maximize selectivity. Proteins 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ureido group containing cyclic dermorphin(1–7) analogues: synthesis, biology and conformation
Authors: Witkowska Ewa , Nowakowski MichaŁ , Oleszczuk Marta , Filip Katarzyna , Ciszewska MaŁgorzata , Chung Nga N. , Schiller Peter W. , Wójcik Jacek , Izdebski Jan 
Published: July 2007

AbstractSix cyclic peptides related to dermorphin(1–7) have been synthesized. The synthesis of linear peptides containing diamino acid residues in positions 2 and 4 was carried out on a 4‐methylbenzhydrylamine resin, and cyclization was achieved by treatment with bis‐(4‐nitrophenyl)carbonate to form a urea unit. The peptides were tested in the guinea‐pig ileum (GPI) and mouse vas deferens (MVD) assays. Diverse opioid agonist activities were observed, depending on the size of the ring. The results were compared with those obtained earlier for 1–4 dermorphin analogues. The conformations of all six dermorphin analogues were studied. The conformational space of the peptides was examined using the electrostatically driven Monte Carlo method. On the basis of NMR data, an ensemble of conformations was obtained for each peptide. The opioid activity profiles of the compounds are discussed in the light of the structural data. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structure of small II‐VI semiconductor nanoparticles: A new approach based on powder diffraction
Authors: Niederdraenk Franziska , Seufert Knud , Luczak Pawel , Kulkarni Sulabha K. , Chory Christine , Neder Reinhard B. , Kumpf Christian 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIn many cases of nanostructures a better understanding of the optical, electronic, and catalytic properties is hindered by a lack of detailed structural knowledge of sufficient quality. This is in particular true for very small nanoparticles (<5 nm) where quantum confinement effects play a dominant role. We introduce a novel method for the detailed structural analysis of such small nanoparticles, which includes not only the modeling of basic parameters like size, shape, and structure, but also allows to determine impurities and defects (like, e.g., stacking faults), stress and relaxation effects, etc. Distributions of basic parameters as the size distribution are also implemented by enabling ensemble averaging. Different examples obtained from CdS, ZnS and ZnO particles are presented and demonstrate the superiority of the new approach compared to simpler methods. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Comparison of the effect of volume conduction on EEG coherence with the effect of field spread on MEG coherence
Authors: Winter William R. , Nunez Paul L. , Ding Jian , Srinivasan Ramesh 
Published: July 2007

AbstractWe analyzed models of volume conduction and magnetic field spread to account for aspects of spatial structure in electroencephalographic (EEG) and magnetoencephalographic (MEG) coherence. The head volume conduction model consisted of three confocal ellipsoids, representing three layers (brain, skull, and scalp) with different tissue conductivities, while the magnetic field model follows from the Biot–Savart law in a spherically symmetric medium. Source models were constructed based on magnetic resonance imaging data from three subjects, approximating neocortical current source distributions as dipoles oriented perpendicular to the local cortical surface. Assuming that every source is uncorrelated to every other source, coherence between sensors due to volume conduction and field‐spread effects was estimated. Spatial properties of the model coherences were then compared with simultaneously recorded spontaneous EEG and MEG. In both models and experimental data, EEG and MEG coherence was elevated between closely spaced channels. At very large channel separations, the field‐spread effect on MEG coherence appears smaller than the volume conduction effect on EEG coherence. In EEG coherence studies, surface Laplacian methods can be used to remove volume conduction effects. With single‐coil magnetometers, MEG coherences are free of field effects only for sensor pairs separated by more than 20 cm. Model coherences resemble most high‐frequency (e.g. >20 Hz) data; volume conduction and field‐spread effects are independent of frequency, suggesting mostly uncorrelated sources in these bands. High‐frequency EEG and MEG coherence can evidently serve as an estimate of coherence effects due to volume conduction and field effects, when source and head models are not available for individual subjects. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EPR Study of Radicals Generated in Starch by Microwaves or by Conventional Heating
Authors: Dyrek Krystyna , Bidzińska Ewa , Łabanowska Maria , Fortuna Teresa , Przetaczek Izabela , Pietrzyk Sławomir 
Published: July 2007

AbstractIrradiation of starch with microwaves or heating at relatively low temperature (483 K) generates radicals with anisotropic EPR signals (signal I and II) of lorentzian shape and similar g factors (gav=2.006 and 2.007 in X and Q band, respectively). Signal I, exhibiting a doublet hyperfine structure (HFS) with Aav=1.19 mT (X band) and Aav=1.24 mT (Q band), was ascribed to a carbon radical with an unpaired electron localized at C(1) of the glucose unit, from which a hydrogen atom was abstracted. The electron interacts with the nuclear spin of the β‐hydrogen at C(2). Signal II, with g factor values similar to that of signal I but without HFS, was assigned to a radical with unpaired electron localized also at C(1) of the glucose unit from which, however, two hydrogens (α and β) were abstracted from C(1) and C(2), respectively. Signals I and II show different saturation ability in the power range 0.3–30 mW. Radicals generated in the native starch at higher temperature (503 K) exhibit more intensive EPR spectra, with dominating signal II and lower HFS constant of the signal I. The same trend of weakening of the HF interactions is observed for oxidized starch, proving that the β‐hydrogen is abstracted more easily from C(2) at higher temperature. The decay of the radicals generated by microwaves or by heating at 483 K, during storing at 293 K, occurs monotonously, according to a second order kinetics. On the other hand, the radicals formed at higher temperature (503 K) represent nonmonotonous changes with the time of storing at 293 K. Such behavior may be explained assuming nonuniform distribution of thermally generated radicals, which partially do not contribute to the signal intensity leading to the significant broadening of the EPR lines. During relaxation the radicals became better dispersed which makes them active in EPR.
Comparative evaluation of the toxicity and genotoxicity of cadmium in amphibian larvae (Xenopus laevis and Pleurodeles waltl) using the comet assay and the micronucleus test
Authors: Mouchet F. , Gauthier L. , Baudrimont M. , Gonzalez P. , Mailhes C. , Ferrier V. , Devaux A. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe toxic and genotoxic potential of Cadmium (CdCl2) were evaluated by the micronucleus test (MNT) and comet assay (CA) using amphibian larvae (Xenopus laevis and Pleurodeles waltl). Acute toxicity results showed that Cd is toxic to Xenopus larvae exposed from 2 to 50 mg/L and to Pleurodeles from 5 to 50 mg/L, depending on the nature of the water (reconstituted water containing mineral salts or mineral water MW (Volvic®)). The MNT results obtained in MW showed that Cd (2 mg/L) is genotoxic to Xenopus, whereas it was not genotoxic to Pleurodeles at all concentrations tested. The CA established that the genotoxicity of Cd to Xenopus and Pleurodeles larvae depends on the concentration, the exposure times, and the comet parameters (Tail DNA, ETM, OTM, and TL). The CA and MNT results were compared for their ability to detect genotoxic effects, considering the concentrations of Cd applied and the exposure time. The CA showed Cd to be genotoxic from the first day of exposure. In amphibians, the CA appears to be a sensitive and suitable method for detecting genotoxicity such as that caused by Cd. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 22: 422–435, 2007.
Characteristics of effective summer learning programs in practice
Authors: Bell Susanne R. , Carrillo Natalie 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThe Center for Summer Learning examined various summer program models and found that there are nine characteristics that provide a framework for effective summer programs. In this chapter, the authors demonstrate how effective practices lead to positive results for young people.The nine characteristics of effective summer learning programs are (1) accelerating learning, (2) youth development, (3) proactive approach to summer learning, (4) leadership, (5) advanced planning, (6) staff development, (7) strategic partnerships, (8) evaluation and commitment to program improvement, and (9) sustainability and cost‐effectiveness. These characteristics are divided into two sections. The first three characteristics address a program's approach to learning. Summer instructional techniques are most effective when academic learning is woven into enrichment activities and youth development. The second section covers program infrastructure to ensure the organization achieves and maintains quality programming. The nine characteristics complement each other to ensure a strong program that works to prevent summer learning loss and narrow the achievement gap.To demonstrate the variety of high‐quality programs that include the nine characteristics, thirteen program profiles at the conclusion of the chapter each highlight one of the characteristics. These profiles show the various approaches that different summer programs have developed to accelerate academic achievement and promote positive development for young people in their communities.
Monitoring yeast physiology during very high gravity wort fermentations by frequent analysis of gene expression
Authors: Rautio Jari J. , Huuskonen Anne , Vuokko Heikki , Vidgren Virve , Londesborough John 
Published: July 2007

AbstractBrewer's yeast experiences constantly changing environmental conditions during wort fermentation. Cells can rapidly adapt to changing surroundings by transcriptional regulation. Changes in genomic expression can indicate the physiological condition of yeast in the brewing process. We monitored, using the transcript analysis with aid of affinity capture (TRAC) method, the expression of some 70 selected genes relevant to wort fermentation at high frequency through 9–10 day fermentations of very high gravity wort (25°P) by an industrial lager strain. Rapid changes in expression occurred during the first hours of fermentations for several genes, e.g. genes involved in maltose metabolism, glycolysis and ergosterol synthesis were strongly upregulated 2–6 h after pitching. By the time yeast growth had stopped (72 h) and total sugars had dropped by about 50%, most selected genes had passed their highest expression levels and total mRNA was less than half the levels during growth. There was an unexpected upregulation of some genes of oxygen‐requiring pathways during the final fermentation stages. For five genes, expression of both the Saccharomyces cerevisiae and S. bayanus components of the hybrid lager strain were determined. Expression profiles were either markedly different (ADH1, ERG3) or very similar (MALx1, ILV5, ATF1) between these two components. By frequent analysis of a chosen set of genes, TRAC provided a detailed and dynamic picture of the physiological state of the fermenting yeast. This approach offers a possible way to monitor and optimize the performance of yeast in a complex process environment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative genomics of the environmental stress response in ascomycete fungi
Authors: Gasch Audrey P. 
Published: July 2007

AbstractUnicellular fungi thrive in diverse niches around the world, and many of these niches present unique and stressful challenges that must be contended with by their inhabitants. Numerous studies have investigated the genomic expression responses to environmental stress in ‘model’ ascomycete fungi, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida albicans and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. This review presents a comparative‐genomics perspective on the environmental stress response, a common response to diverse stresses. Implications for the role of this response, based on its presence or absence in fungi from disparate ecological niches, are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consumer preferences for front-of-pack calories labelling
Authors: van Kleef Ellen , van Trijp Hans , Paeps Frederic , Fernández-Celemín Laura 
Published: July 2007

AbstractObjectiveIn light of the emerging obesity pandemic, front-of-pack calories labels may be an important tool to assist consumers in making informed healthier food choices. However, there is little prior research to guide key decisions on whether caloric content should be expressed in absolute terms or relative to recommended daily intake, whether it should be expressed in per serving or per 100 g and whether the information should be further brought alive for consumers in terms of what the extra calorie intake implies in relation to activity levels. The present study aimed at providing more insight into consumers’ appreciation of front-of-pack labelling of caloric content of food products and their specific preferences for alternative execution formats for such information in Europe.DesignFor this purpose, eight executions of front-of-pack calorie flags were designed and their appeal and information value were extensively discussed with consumers through qualitative research in four different countries (Germany, The Netherlands, France and the UK).ResultsThe results show that calories are well-understood and that participants were generally positive about front-of-pack flags, particularly when flags are uniform across products. The most liked flags are the simpler flags depicting only the number of calories per serving or per 100 g, while more complex flags including references to daily needs or exercise and the flag including a phrase referring to balanced lifestyle were least preferred. Some relevant differences between countries were observed. Although participants seem to be familiar with the notion of calories, they do not seem to fully understand how to apply them.ConclusionFrom the results, managerial implications for the design and implementation of front-of-pack calorie labelling as well as important directions for future research are discussed.
Patient reactions to hospital choice in Norway, Denmark, and Sweden
Authors: VRANGBÆK KARSTEN , ØSTERGREN KATARINA , BIRK HANS OKKELS , WINBLAD ULRIKA 
Published: July 2007

AbstractThis article is a comparative study of three Scandinavian countries – Norway, Denmark, and Sweden – all of which have provided the individual patient with extensive rights to choose the hospital where he/she wishes to receive treatment. In the paper, we present an analysis of the utilization of the opportunity to choose between hospitals in these three countries. The analysis addresses two questions: (i) How many patients are exercising the right to choose between hospitals in these countries and who is making use of this opportunity? (ii) How can we explain the observed utilization pattern? The results of the study reveal clear similarities between the three countries and suggest that few patients have actually chosen their hospital. However, a gradual increase can be observed over the years. Few formal, legislative, or economic barriers exist for patients. Instead, limited knowledge amongst patients regarding reforms, combined with insufficient support from GPs and limited information, can explain why few patients choose to receive care outside of their local region.