bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anticorruption effects of information communication and technology (ICT) and social capital
Authors: Dong Chul Shim  , Tae Ho Eom  
Published: March 2009

This article examines the argument that Information Communication and Technology (ICT) and social capital serve as major factors to reduce corruption. ICT has the potential to reduce unnecessary human intervention in government work processes, thus reducing the need to monitor corrupt behavior. Furthermore, citizens living in a society with a high level of social capital are more likely to become actively involved in the political decision-making process, increasing the likelihood that public employees' corrupt behaviors will be exposed to the densely connected public. We also examined the relationship between social capital and ICT. Our statistical analysis, which used panels of datasets obtained from various sources, revealed that (1) ICT is an effective tool for reducing corruption; (2) social capital also has positive effects on anti-corruption, but various dimensions of social capital may have different impacts; and (3) the relationship between social capital and ICT is inconclusive. Points for practitioners The theoretical model and empirical results of this article shed light on the potential impacts of ICT on corruption, thereby providing practitioners with the opportunity to consider ICT as a useful and practical policy tool for reducing corruption in addition to traditional methods, i.e. administrative reform and law enforcement. Further, although our research findings on the relationship between ICT and social capital were inconclusive, social capital was found to have anticorruption effects independent of ICT, which implies that policies designed to foster trust networks in a society can contribute to the reduction of corruption.
Governmental financial transparency in MERCOSUR member countries
Authors: Caba Pérez Carmen , López-Hernández Antonio Manuel 
Published: March 2009

In the last century, the MERCOSUR member countries have carried out reforms aimed at achieving better public financial information for governmental decision-taking. Important changes are currently taking place on the international public accounting scene, and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) has published International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS), by which it seeks to ensure that governmental financial reports include financial information of sufficient quality to support decision-making by different users, and at the same time to improve the comparability of the financial information presented by public sector bodies throughout the world. In this article, we examine the consistency of the information included by MERCOSUR member countries in their current year-end governmental public financial reports with the public financial reporting practices recommended by IFAC, in order to determine whether further efforts are needed to improve transparency and comparability. Points for practitioners The article may help government practitioners in MERCOSUR countries to become aware of the divergences which exist regarding the governmental financial information offered by each of the countries in MERCOSUR. Moreover, it could help to set up a common project of account reform which would take IPSAS as its model. This unified framework for accounting policies would increase the coherence of financial information and would establish a common measurement basis to assess the financial results of all of the MERCOSUR countries.
Enzymuria determination in children treated with aminoglycosides drugs
Authors: Mohammadi-Karakani A , Asgharzadeh-Haghighi S , Ghazi-Khansari M , Seyed-Ebrahimi A , Ghasemi A , Jabari E 
Published: March 2009

Although aminoglycosides antibiotics are used in children and adult commonly, they have serious side effects such as nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. In clinical practice, for renal function, the levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen routinely are measured. Since these parameters have limitations such as unreliability, insensitivity, and nonspecificity, the rapid assessment of renal function based on these patients is very important. Increase in N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), a hydrolytic lysosomal enzyme, suggests proximal tubular cell damage. In this study, 32 children aged 2 months through 2 years, treated with gentamicin and amikacin for suspected infections at the pediatric ward of Alborz hospital from September 2006 to February 2007, were enrolled. Serum and fresh urine before and after drug infusion were obtained on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th days of antibiotic treatment. Serum urea and creatinine with urinary creatinine, albumin, NAG, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activity were then determined. A statistically significant increase in urinary NAG, LDH, and AP on 5th day was found compared with before gentamicin administration ( P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.05, respectively). The urinary NAG activity may be a useful indicator of renal injury in children treated with aminoglycosides drugs compared with other routine clinical indicators.
sPECAM-1 and sVCAM-1: role in pathogenesis and diagnosis of chronic hepatitis C and association with response to antiviral therapy
Authors: Kukla Michal , Zwirska-Korczala Krystyna , Gabriel Andrzej , Janczewska-Kazek Ewa , Berdowska Agnieszka , Wiczkowski Andrzej , Rybus-Kalinowska Barbara , Kalinowski Mariusz , Ziolkowski Adam , Wozniak-Grygiel Elzbieta , Waluga Marek , Nowak Blazej 
Published: March 2009

Aim: To analyze the relationship between pretreatment clinical or histological features and the levels of soluble platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (sPECAM-1) and soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), to determine their serum concentration in responders and nonresponders, to evaluate the behavior under antiviral therapy, to explain their relationship in response to therapy and to assess the association between these two molecules in chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Methods: The study analyzed 65 CHC patients, including 50 patients (Group 1) with marked fibrosis treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin, 15 patients without fibrosis (Group 2) and 13 healthy volunteers (the control group, Group 3). sPECAM-1 and sVCAM-1 levels were assessed by an immunoenzymatic method (ELISA) before and after therapy. Results: sVCAM-1 and sPECAM-1 serum concentrations increased significantly in CHC patients (p<0.001). sPECAM-1 levels corresponded to inflammatory grade (p = 0.03) and fibrosis stage (p = 0.01). sVCAM-1 increased only in advanced fibrosis. After therapy, sPECAM-1 levels decreased significantly (p<0.001) with no difference between responders and nonresponders. sPECAM-1 correlated positively with inflammatory activity (p = 0.02), fibrosis stage (p<0.001), sVCAM-1 (r = 0.56, p<0.001) and alanine aminotransferase activity (r = 0.30, p = 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a good discriminant power of serum sPECAM-1 concentrations for detection of liver fibrosis — stage 0 versus stage 1—3, AUC 0.81; cut-off 221.0 ng/ml and a fair discriminant power for distinguishing bridging fibrosis, AUC 0.78; cut-off 237.1 ng/ml. Conclusions: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection results in upregulation of sPECAM-1 and sVCAM-1. sPECAM-1 levels are related to necroinflammatory activity and may also identify patients with advanced fibrosis. The sPECAM-1 value was decreased by therapy but its measurement cannot predict therapy outcome and confirm HCV persistence. sPECAM-1 may influence VCAM-1 expression.
A eukaryotic initiation factor 5C is upregulated during metamorphosis in the cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Dong Du-Juan , Wang Jin-Xing , Zhao Xiao-Fan 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
The orthologs of eukaryotic initiation factor 5C (eIF5C) are essential to the initiation of protein translation, and their regulation during development is not well known.

Results
A cDNA encoding a polypeptide of 419 amino acids containing an N-terminal leucine zipper motif and a C-terminal eIF5C domain was cloned from metamorphic larvae of Helicoverpa armigera. It was subsequently named Ha-eIF5C. Quantitative real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) revealed a high expression of the mRNA of Ha-eIF5C in the head-thorax, integument, midgut, and fat body during metamorphosis. Immunohistochemistry suggested that Ha-eIF5C was distributed into both the cytoplasm and the nucleus in the midgut, fat body and integument. Ha-eIF5C expression was upregulated by 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E). Furthermore, the transcription of Ha-eIF5C was down regulated after silencing of ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) or Ultraspiracle protein (USP) by RNAi.

Conclusion
These results suggested that during metamorphosis of the cotton bollworm, Ha-eIF5C was upregulated by 20E through the EcR and USP transcription factors.
residues implicated in the formation K+ and Na+ ion channels effector toxins
Authors: Soli Rima , Kaabi Belhassen , Barhoumi Mourad , El-Ayeb Mohamed , Srairi-Abid Najet 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundK+and Na+channel toxins constitute a large set of polypeptides, which interact with their ion channel targets. These polypeptides are classified in two different structural groups. Recently a new structural group calledbirtoxin-like appeared to contain both types of toxins has been described. We hypothesized that peptides of this group may contain two conserved structural motifs in K+and/or Na+channels scorpion toxins, allowing thesebirtoxin-likepeptides to be active on K+and/or Na+channels.ResultsFour multilevel motifs, overrepresented and specific to each group of K+and/or Na+ion channel toxins have been identified, using GIBBS and MEME and based on a training dataset of 79 sequences judged as representative of K+and Na+toxins.Unexpectedlybirtoxin-like peptides appeared to present a new structural motif distinct from those present in K+and Na+channels Toxins. This result, supported by previous experimental data, suggests thatbirtoxin-like peptides may exert their activity on different sites than those targeted by classic K+or Na+toxins.Searching, thenrdatabase with these newly identified motifs using MAST, retrieved several sequences (116 with e-value < 1) from various scorpion species (test dataset). The filtering process left 30 new and highly likely ion channel effectors.Phylogenetic analysis was used to classify the newly found sequences. Alternatively, classification tree analysis, using CART algorithm adjusted with the training dataset, using the motifs and their 2D structure as explanatory variables, provided a model for prediction of the activity of the new sequences.ConclusionThe phylogenetic results were in perfect agreement with those obtained by the CART algorithm.Our results may be used as criteria for a new classification of scorpion toxins based on functional motifs.
Distinct gene subsets in pterygia formation and recurrence: dissecting complex biological phenomenon using genome wide expression data
Authors: Tong Louis , Chew Jaime , Yang Henry , Ang Leonard PK , Tan Donald TH , Beuerman Roger W 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundPterygium is a common ocular surface disease characterized by fibrovascular invasion of the cornea and is sight-threatening due to astigmatism, tear film disturbance, or occlusion of the visual axis. However, the mechanisms for formation and post-surgical recurrence of pterygium are not understood, and a valid animal model does not exist. Here, we investigated the possible mechanisms of pterygium pathogenesis and recurrence.MethodsFirst we performed a genome wide expression analysis (human Affymetrix Genechip, >22000 genes) with principal component analysis and clustering techniques, and validated expression of key molecules with PCR. The controls for this study were the un-involved conjunctival tissue of the same eye obtained during the surgical resection of the lesions. Interesting molecules were further investigated with immunohistochemistry, Western blots, and comparison with tear proteins from pterygium patients.ResultsPrincipal component analysis in pterygium indicated a signature of matrix-related structural proteins, including fibronectin-1 (both splice-forms), collagen-1A2, keratin-12 and small proline rich protein-1. Immunofluorescence showed strong expression of keratin-6A in all layers, especially the superficial layers, of pterygium epithelium, but absent in the control, with up-regulation and nuclear accumulation of the cell adhesion molecule CD24 in the pterygium epithelium. Western blot shows increased protein expression of beta-microseminoprotein, a protein up-regulated in human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Gene products of 22 up-regulated genes in pterygium have also been found by us in human tears using nano-electrospray-liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry after pterygium surgery. Recurrent disease was associated with up-regulation of sialophorin, a negative regulator of cell adhesion, andnever in mitosis a-5, known to be involved in cell motility.ConclusionAberrant wound healing is therefore a key process in this disease, and strategies in wound remodeling may be appropriate in halting pterygium or its recurrence. For patients demonstrating a profile of 'recurrence', it may be necessary to manage as a poorer prognostic case and perhaps, more adjunctive treatment after resection of the primary lesion.
Relationship between body adiposity measures and risk of primary knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Simpson Julie Anne , Wluka Anita E , Teichtahl Andrew J , English Dallas R , Giles Graham G , Graves Stephen , Cicuttini Flavia M 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Introduction
Total joint replacement is considered a surrogate measure for symptomatic end-stage osteoarthritis. It is unknown whether the adipose mass and the distribution of adipose mass are associated with the risk of primary knee and hip replacement for osteoarthritis. The aim of the present investigation was to examine this in a cohort study.

Methods
A total of 39,023 healthy volunteers from Melbourne, Australia were recruited for a prospective cohort study during 1990 to 1994. Their body mass index, waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio were obtained from direct anthropometric measurements. The fat mass and percentage fat were estimated from bioelectrical impedance analysis. Primary knee and hip replacements for osteoarthritis between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2005 were determined by data linkage to the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate the hazard ratios (HRs) for primary joint replacement associated with each adiposity measure.

Results
Comparing the fourth quartile with the first, there was a threefold to fourfold increased risk of primary joint replacement associated with body weight (HR = 3.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.83 to 4.18), body mass index (HR = 3.44, 95% CI = 2.80 to 4.22), fat mass (HR = 3.51, 95% CI = 2.87 to 4.30), and percentage fat (HR = 2.99, 95% CI = 2.46 to 3.63). The waist circumference (HR = 2.77, 95% CI = 2.26 to 3.39) and waist-to-hip ratio (HR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.21 to 1.76) were less strongly associated with the risk. Except for the waist-to-hip ratio, which was not significantly associated with hip replacement risk, all adiposity measures were associated with the risk of both knee and hip joint replacement, and were significantly stronger risk factors for knee.

Conclusions
Risk of primary knee and hip joint replacement for osteoarthritis relates to both adipose mass and central adiposity. This relationship suggests both biomechanical and metabolic mechanisms associated with adiposity contribute to the risk of joint replacement, with stronger evidence at the knee rather than the hip.
Fluorine-18-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography for Interim Response Assessment of Advanced-Stage Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Terasawa Teruhiko , Lau Joseph , Bardet Stéphane , Couturier Olivier , Hotta Tomomitsu , Hutchings Martin , Nihashi Takashi , Nagai Hirokazu 
Published: March 2009

Purpose To systematically review the prognostic accuracy of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) for interim response assessment of patients with untreated advanced-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) or diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and Biologic Abstracts were searched for relevant studies. Two assessors independently reviewed studies for inclusion and extracted data. Relevant unpublished data were requested from the investigators if unavailable from publications. A meta-analysis of the prognostic accuracy was performed. Results Thirteen studies involving 360 advanced-stage HL patients and 311 DLBCL patients met our inclusion criteria. Advanced-stage HL studies included few unfavorable-risk patients. DLBCL studies were heterogeneous. FDG-PET had an overall sensitivity of 0.81 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.89) and a specificity of 0.97 (95% CI, 0.94 to 0.99) for advanced-stage HL, and a sensitivity of 0.78 (95% CI, 0.64 to 0.87) and a specificity of 0.87 (95% CI, 0.75 to 0.93) for DLBCL. Meta-regression and subgroup analyses did not identify factors that affect prognostic accuracy. Conclusion For low- to intermediate-risk advanced-stage HL, FDG-PET performed after a few cycles of standard chemotherapy seems to be a reliable prognostic test to identify poor responders, warranting prospective studies to assess PET-based treatment strategies. For DLBCL, no reliable conclusions can be drawn due to heterogeneity. Interim PET remains an unproven test for routine clinical practice. Its use should be reserved for research settings where treatment regimens and imaging conditions are standardized.
Suction Measurements as Indicators of Sample Quality in Soft Clay
Authors: Donohue Shane , Long Michael 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Soil samples removed from the ground during sampling possess a suction in their unconfined state. This suction may vary depending on the degree of disturbance induced during the sampling process. The objective of this work is to examine the feasibility of using suction measurements for sample quality assessment. A number of suction measuring techniques are reviewed and examined on samples of varying quality from two well-characterized soft clay sites, Onsøy in Norway and Ballinasloe in Ireland. Most of the techniques tested gave comparable results, although the cell pressure loading method provided the most variable measurements. The Japanese and University of Massachusetts Amherst suction probe techniques provide relatively quick and consistent suction measurements, requiring less than half an hour to stabilize. In terms of sample quality the Sherbrooke block samples consistently exhibit higher suctions than the 76 mm, 54 mm, and continuous soil samplers for the Onsøy test site. Suctions measured on the Japanese 75 mm samples are similar to those measured on the block samples. The 5° displacement sampler provides the highest suctions on the Ballinasloe samples. It is observed that the quality of samples indicated by suction measurements is similar to that inferred from the normalized change in void ratio (Δe/e0) criterion.
Effects of Radiation on Materials: 14th International Symposium (Volume I)
Authors: Packan NH , Stoller RE , Kumar AS 
Published: March 2009

Description
Temporarily out of stock; will ship by July 2011.
This two-volume set is a collection of research results of radiation effects in structural materials and nuclear fuels. Complex topics are covered in detail with supporting evidence.
Volume I — 50 papers on: microstructures; gas effects; radiation-induced segregation or phase changes; micro structural modeling; fundamental defect behavior; and special measurement techniques.
Volume II — 39 papers on: pressure vessel steels; mechanical properties; irradiation creep and swelling; damage facilities and dosimetry; breeder core materials; and fuels and ceramics.
The Measurement and Correction of Electrolyte Resistance in Electrochemical Tests
Authors: Taylor R , Scribner L 
Published: March 2009

Description
Reviews and critiques new and existing methods for the correction of ohmic electrolyte resistance, an error inherent in all electrochemical experiments.
13 peer-reviewed papers are divided into sections on theory, critical comparisons of methods, mathematical approaches, and applications. Includes applications on metals in desert soils, buried pipelines, corrosion in concrete, and crevice corrosion case studies.
Geotechnics of Waste Fills—Theory and Practice
Authors: Landva A , Knowles GD 
Published: March 2009

Description
Explores the geotechnical properties and behavior of waste fill materials. 23 peer-reviewed papers provide solutions to problems pertaining to placing methods, field and laboratory sampling and testing, classification, and in-situ improvement methods.
Papers in 4 sections:
• Landfill Investigations, Design, Construction
• Stabilization, Compaction, Consolidation
• Stability and Settlement Analyses
• and Case Histories.
Useful handbook for design and construction on and in the large number of closed landfills in North America and elsewhere.
Geosynthetic Testing for Waste Containment Applications
Authors: Koerner RM 
Published: March 2009

Description
26 papers help the reader with the selection, testing, design, and use of geosynthetics. The peer-reviewed volume:
• Focuses on the many available geosynthetic material tests that are performed in isolation (index tests)
• Contrasts these tests with soil/geosynthetic material tests (performance tests)
• Determines if, and what type of, full scale field tests are available
• Identifies needs for modification of these tests, or for additional tests that better predict field performance than those that are currently available.
Chapters include:
• Chemical Resistance of Geomembranes
• Test Methods and Procedures to Evaluate Geomembranes
• Chemical Resistance of Geotextiles and Other Geosynthetics
• Test Methods and Procedures to Evaluate Geotextiles and Other Geosynthetics
• and Performance Behavior of Several Geosynthetic Systems.
For waste facility owners (both private and public); permitting agencies; consulting engineers and testing firms in waste industry. Also geotechnical engineers; environmental engineers; hydraulics engineers.
Characterization and Toxicity of Smoke
Authors: Hasegawa HK 
Published: March 2009

Description
12 peer-reviewed papers on smoke toxicity, smoke chemistry, and smoke characterization. Studies address smoke hazard assessment, smoke spread modeling, appropriateness of toxicity tests, appropriateness of animal species as human substitutes, effect of materials on nuclear winter, and more. For researchers, regulators, producers, and those involved in the field of smoke research.
Building Deck Waterproofing
Authors: Gish LE 
Published: March 2009

Description
Practical publication gives you access to the expertise of architects, specifiers, contractors, and manufacturers in the waterproofing industry. 18 peer-reviewed papers on: the basics from several points of view; problem solving in the field and in the laboratory; and perceived problem areas and proposed solutions. For architects, design engineers, building owners, waterproofing manufacturers, building maintenance persons, waterproofing contractors.
Geotechnical Engineering of Ocean Waste Disposal
Authors: Demars KR , Chaney RC 
Published: March 2009

Description
15 peer-reviewed papers on geotechnical test methods and procedures used for site evaluation, design, construction, and monitoring of both contaminated areas and waste disposal facilities in the marine environment.
Part A -- Shallow Ocen Disposal: Dredged Material, Sludges, and Bulking Wastes includes six papers on dredge material disposal.
Part B -- Deep Ocean Disposal: Radioactive and Concentrated Chemical Wastes presents nine papers on both subseabed disposal of nuclear wastes and concentrated chemical wastes.
For geotechnical engineers.