bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Information Technology Achievement and Diffusion on Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Gani Azmat , Sharma Basu 
Published: February 2004

AbstractForeign direct investment (FDI) and the new information and communications technology (ICT) have gained significant grounds in many parts of the world in somewhat parallel fashion. The objective of this paper is to assess the proposition that the level of technological achievement and diffusion is a determining factor in attracting FDI in high-income countries. A sample of technologically advanced countries was chosen on the basis of the technological achievement index (TAI). Crosscountry data for the period of 1994 to 1998 were used to estimate a fixed effects model. The empirical results obtained provide strong evidence that technology diffusion of new instruments of ICT, such as mobile phones and Internet hosts, are major pull factors of FDI. The results also provide evidence that robust economic environment, low unit cost, and high degree of openness are other essential determinants of FDI. We conclude that in order to retain and attract FDI, countries should create opportunities for useful innovations to be created and diffused, as well as maintain flexible, competitive and dynamic economic environments. The main policy implication for countries lagging in terms of attracting foreign investment is to build on reforms that emphasize creation and diffusion of ideas and products, as well as maintain a high degree of openness to new investors, especially in ICT.
The Impact of Unequal Access to the Internet on Earnings: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Kim Sangmoon 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe computer has transformed the way that information is spread, as well as the way that it is processed and generated. The Internet provides a huge amount of information in a cost-efficient way, and has become a main channel for gaining information. This study addresses an economic consequence of the rapid spread of information via the Internet. Given that economic rationality and utility maximization rely on agents' information set, the access to the Internet may result in information asymmetry between users and non-users, which affects utility maximization. Analyzing the CPS data, this study finds that, controlling for occupational status, education, and other variables, Internet access influences one's utility maximization, measured as hourly earnings. More specifically, information-seeking activity, but not Internet access itself, produces differences in earnings. It is also found that the characteristics of Internet users correlate with the main factors of stratification, such as race/ethnicity, education, and occupation. This finding implies that information revolution, informatization, or the information society, whatever one calls it, follows a long prevailing split between haves and have-nots, and may have exacerbated old inequalities in new ways.
Economic Reform, Discontinuous Change and China's Future
Authors: Mushkat Miron 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThe Chinese economy has undergone a significant transformation in the last quarter of a century. The restructuring of economic institutions has attracted considerable academic attention and has spawned a substantial number of scholarly investigations. The voluminous literature that has emerged nevertheless contains some fundamental gaps and is not entirely balanced. Some recent studies have challenged the assumptions upon which the entire edifice rests and have painted a far more cautious picture of the economy and political system in the coming years. This picture, in turn, needs to be extended, refined and, if possible, at least partially validated.
Plunder, Predation and Profiteering: The Political Economy of Armed Conflicts and Economic Violence in Modern Africa
Authors: Orogun Paul 
Published: February 2004

AbstractThis paper presents a comparative analytical study that is based on a political economy perspective concerning the effects of economic violence and the specter of predation-induced armed conflicts in modern African states. Although "blood diamonds," crude oil, "conflict timber," and illicit arms trafficking have engendered and exacerbated civil wars, cross-border raids, and protracted regional destabilization in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo, my primary focus is on the ongoing military debacle in Liberia and the recently concluded mayhem in Sierra Leone. The "resource curse" hypothesis will be utilized to examine and to illuminate the impact of economic pillaging, illicit arms trade, and predatory warlordism on the political instability and humanitarian atrocities in these two West African countries. A review of the internal regime types and the regional security relations within the sub-region will help to contextualize the recurrent trends and discernable systemic patterns that have been associated with these pillaging wars in the post-cold war era of Africa's international relations. In short, armed conflicts have weakened state capabilities, strained the financial resources of nongovernmental organizations and even raised provocative questions about the political will and sustaining capacities of the international community and regional security organizations to keep the peace and create conditions that are conducive to long-term, sustainable and viable political stability and economic development in the conflict-ridden and war-ravaged Sub-Saharan African States.
Zileuton induces hemoglobin F synthesis in erythroid progenitors: role of the l-arginine–nitric oxide signaling pathway
Authors: Haynes Johnson , Baliga B. Surendra , Obiako Boniface , Ofori-Acquah Solomon , Pace Betty 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Induction of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F) is an important therapeutic tool in ameliorating complications of sickle cell disease. Nitric oxide has been implicated in the mechanism of Hb F synthesis induced by hydroxyurea (HU). This study examined whether zileuton (ZL), a structural analog of hydroxyurea, possessed Hb F–inducing properties and the potential role nitric oxide plays. ZL caused a dose-dependent increase in γ-globin expression in K562 cells. This effect was confirmed by a dose-dependent increase in Hb F synthesis in erythroid progenitors from individuals with sickle cell anemia and normal hemoglobin genotypes. l-arginine had no effect on Hb F production; however, it dose-dependently inhibited ZL's ability to induce Hb F. The nitric oxide synthase inhibitor NG-monomethyl–l-arginine (l-NMMA) inhibited l-arginine's effect and restored ZL-mediated increase in Hb F synthesis. In addition, 8-PCPT–cGMP (8-(4-chlorophenylthio)guanosine 3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate) inhibited ZL-mediated induction of Hb F synthesis. When comparing l-NMMA effects alone on ZL and HU, a partial reversal of increased Hb F synthesis was seen only with HU. Neither l-arginine alone nor l-arginine in combination with l-NMMA effected hydroxyurea-mediated induction of Hb F synthesis. This study demonstrates that ZL induces Hb F through a mechanism that involves l-arginine/nitric oxide/cGMP in a manner distinctly different from HU.
High Selective Conversion of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) into Oil Using Ca(OH)2
Authors: Yoshioka Toshiaki , Kitagawa Eisaku , Mizoguchi Tadaaki , Okuwaki Akitsugu 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
It is a well known fact that sublimation substances, such as benzoic acid and terephthalic acid, are produced in the thermal decomposition of PET, and this causes problems in plastic recycling plants. However, it is clear that the addition of Ca(OH)2 affects the high selectivity of benzene without producing sublimation substances. The yield of benzene was 35.85 wt % at 700 °C and a 10.0 Ca(OH)2/PET molar ratio. This value means that the selectivity of benzene is 78.8% for liquid products, and 85.1 wt % for aromatic ring in input PET.
Electrochemical Behavior of Methyl- and Butyl- Terminated Si(111) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Niwa Daisuke , Inoue Tomoyuki , Fukunaga Hiroshi , Akasaka Toru , Yamada Taro , Homma Takayuki , Osaka Tetsuya 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Formation of the methyl- and n-butyl monolayer on (Cl)–Si(111) surfaces by using the Grignard reaction and their electrochemical behavior was investigated. The modified Si(111) surfaces were indicated to be closely packed with a single moiety species. The methyl-modified Si(111) surface was composed of (1 × 1) adlattice structure. The methyl-modified surface was stable in aqueous solution, and showed essentially good electrical conductive property with p-n junction like behavior.
Novel Ultrasonication-assisted Carbonyl Allylation Mediated by SnCl2 in Water
Authors: Wang Jun , Yuan Gu , Dong Chang-Qing 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Under ultrasonication, it was found that SnCl2 could efficiently mediate the aqueous Barbier reactions between carbonyl compounds and allyl bromide to give the corresponding homoallylic alcohols in high yields without using any Lewis acid catalyst.
Potassium Hydrogen Sulfate-Catalyzed Reactions of Indoles: A Mild, Expedient Synthesis of Bis-indolylmethanes
Authors: Nagarajan Rajagopal , Perumal Paramasivan T 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Biologically important bis-indolylmethanes and their derivatives were prepared in good yields by the electrophilic substitution of indole with aldehydes catalyzed by potassium hydrogen sulfate.
Water Sorption of CaCl2-Containing Materials as Heat Storage Media
Authors: Liu Chun Yi , Morofuji Kentaro , Tamura Kenji , Aika Ken-ichi 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
The water sorption behavior of CaCl2-containing materials as heat transfer media was studied. Amount of the water sorption on CaCl2-containing materials was higher than those on the zeolites at the higher humidity region. Heat storage capacity of 33 wt % CaCl2/FSM16 (1200 MJ m−3) was 3.5 times as high as Na form Y-zeolite at 18.7 Torr of water vapor.
Palladium-Catalyzed H–D Exchange Reaction under Hydrothermal Condition
Authors: Matsubara Seijiro , Yokota Yutaka , Oshima Koichiro 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Alkenes and alkanes were converted into fully deuterium labelled ones by treatment with palladium on charcoal and deuterium oxide under hydrothermal condition. The simple method to get fully deuterium labelled compounds is easy to apply to various types of organic compounds.
Partly Nonparametric Approach for Determining the Limit of Detection
Authors: Linnet Kristian , Kondratovich Marina 
Published: February 2004

Abstract
Background: According to recent International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards, the limit of detection (LoD) of an assay should be estimated taking both type I (α) and II (β) errors into account. The suggested procedure, however, supposes gaussian distributions of both blank and sample measurements and a linear calibration curve. In clinical chemistry, asymmetric, nongaussian blank distributions are common, and the calibration curve may be nonlinear. We present a partly nonparametric procedure that takes these aspects into account.
Methods: Using theoretical distribution models and simulation studies, we developed a LoD estimation procedure suitable for the field of clinical chemistry that is partly based on nonparametric statistics.
Results: For sample size n, the nonparametrically determined 95th percentile of the blank measurements {obtained as the value of the [n(95/100) + 0.5]th ordered observation} defines the limit for results significantly exceeding zero [limit of blank (LoB)]. The LoD is the lowest value that is likely to yield a result exceeding the LoB. LoD is estimated as: LoB + cβ × SDS, where SDS is the analytical SD of a sample with a low concentration; cβ = z1 − β/[1 − 1/(4 × f)]; z1 − β is the standard normal deviate; and f is the number of degrees of freedom for estimation of SDS. cβ is approximately equal to 1.65 for a type II error of 5%. Approaches and needed tabular values for calculation of confidence limits are presented as well as sample size. Worked examples are given to illustrate estimation and verification of the limit of detection. Simulation results are used to document performance.
Conclusion: The proposed procedure appears useful for application in the field of clinical chemistry and promotes a standardized approach for estimating LoDs of clinical chemistry assays.
Inflammation and arterial stiffness in systemic vasculitis: A model of vascular inflammation
Authors: Booth A. D. , Wallace S. , McEniery C. M. , Yasmin  , Brown J. , Jayne D. R. W. , Wilkinson I. B. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveArterial stiffness, an independent determinant of cardiovascular risk, is regulated by both structural and functional factors, including endothelium‐derived nitric oxide. Endothelial dysfunction is associated with acute and chronic systemic inflammation. However, the role of systemic inflammation in arterial stiffening has not been determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between inflammation and arterial stiffness in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody–associated systemic vasculitis (AASV) as a model of systemic inflammation.MethodsThirty‐one patients with AASV (15 with active disease) and 32 age‐matched controls were studied. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and the augmentation index (AIx) were assessed noninvasively and related to serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor α.ResultsIn subjects with active disease, the AIx, PWV, and level of CRP were elevated compared with that in controls (mean ± SEM 31 ± 3% versus 22 ± 2% [P = 0.003], 9.2 ± 0.7 versus 7.5 ± 0.3 meters/second [P = 0.03], and 16.0 ± 4.0 versus 1.1 ± 0.1 mg/liter [P < 0.001], respectively). However, PWV and the AIx were not significantly different between patients with disease in remission and controls (8.0 ± 0.5 versus 7.5 ± 0.3 meters/second and 19 ± 3% versus 22 ± 2%, respectively). The CRP level was positively correlated with both PWV and the AIx. Multiple regression analysis indicated that age, mean arterial pressure (MAP), and CRP were independently related to PWV, and that age, MAP, CRP, sex, and heart rate were associated with the AIx.ConclusionThese data indicate that AASV is associated with increased arterial stiffness, and that stiffness correlates with the degree of active inflammation.
Inhibition of CD95 apoptotic signaling by interferon‐γ in human osteoarthritic chondrocytes is associated with increased expression of FLICE inhibitory protein
Authors: Grassi Francesco , Piacentini Anna , Cristino Sandra , Toneguzzi Stefania , Facchini Andrea , Lisignoli Gina 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveCartilage homeostasis dysregulation during osteoarthritis (OA) has been linked to an increased rate of apoptosis of chondrocytes, the only cell type resident in the cartilage. In addition, the CD95–CD95 ligand (the Fas system) has emerged as one of the major pathways of cell death in the cartilage. We undertook the present study to investigate the role of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in the regulation of the Fas system by analyzing the modulation of intracellular signaling molecules (FLICE inhibitory protein [FLIP] and caspases 3 and 8) in primary cultures of human OA chondrocytes.MethodsCD95‐induced apoptotic death of human OA chondrocytes was analyzed in the presence or absence of IFNγ using cell death immunoassay for apoptosis, real‐time polymerase chain reaction for FLIP and caspase 8 expression, Western blotting for FLIP, and proteolytic activity for caspases 3 and 8.ResultsCD95‐induced apoptotic death of human OA chondrocytes was strongly counteracted by IFNγ treatment, although the surface expression of CD95 was slightly up‐regulated by this cytokine. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of FLIP and caspase 8, mediators involved in CD95 signaling, revealed that FLIP expression in human OA chondrocytes was significantly up‐regulated (2‐fold increase) by IFNγ treatment. Moreover, the FLIP:caspase 8 mRNA ratio increased significantly. FLIP up‐regulation by IFNγ was confirmed at the protein level. Caspase 8 and caspase 3 proteolytic activities, both induced in these cells by stimulation with anti‐CD95, were also significantly down‐modulated by IFNγ.ConclusionThese findings suggest that IFNγ impairs CD95‐mediated signaling and apoptotic death in human chondrocytes. Its mechanism of action involves down‐regulation of caspase 8 and caspase 3 activities and increased expression of the antiapoptotic protein FLIP, suggesting an interesting mechanism for the inhibition of chondrocyte apoptosis.
How safe is primary knee replacement surgery? Perioperative complication rates in Northern Illinois, 1993–1999
Authors: Feinglass Joe , Amir Hagay , Taylor Patricia , Lurie Ithai , Manheim Larry M. , Chang Rowland W. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo describe inpatient complications for primary total knee replacement (TKR) in a period of rapidly growing orthopedic surgery capacity, declining length of stay, and more frequent discharge to rehabilitation facilities.MethodsComplication incidence according to published coding algorithms was estimated for 35,531 primary TKR admissions of northern Illinois residents to 65 Illinois hospitals. Complication odds were estimated as a function of patients' clinical and sociodemographic status, hospital volume, residency training, TKR length of stay, International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) coding intensity, and discharges to skilled nursing or rehabilitation facilities.ResultsPrimary TKR admissions increased 36% between 1993 and 1999, length of stay declined 43%, average ICD‐9 code use increased 31%, and rehabilitation discharges increased 68%. Major complication rates declined 44% (12.4% to 6.9%; P < 0.0001) over this period, reflecting a 50% reduction in the adjusted odds of complication between 1993 and 1999. There was no association of procedure volume and outcome.ConclusionIt is likely that the reduction in complications reflects true safety improvements as well as reduced length of stay.
Concerns of patients actively contemplating total knee replacement: Differences by race and gender
Authors: Chang Huan J. , Mehta Priya S. , Rosenberg Aaron , Scrimshaw Susan C. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo examine differences by race/ethnicity and gender in patients' concerns regarding total knee replacement (TKR).MethodsFocus groups of patients actively considering TKR were conducted. Discussion included patients' questions and concerns regarding TKR. The software ATLAS.ti was used to tabulate themes by race/ethnicity and gender. Concerns raised by focus group participants were compared with thematic content from patient joint replacement information materials. This comparison used patient literature from 3 high‐volume academic TKR centers, the Arthritis Foundation, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.ResultsAll groups shared similar concerns. However, some issues were more prevalent among certain gender and racial groups. For instance, concerns regarding anesthesia were more important to white Americans and concerns regarding recovery were more important to women. Some of these concerns were not addressed in the available patient literature.ConclusionsDifferent gender and racial subgroups focus on different concerns when considering TKR. These differences may contribute to gender and race/ethnicity disparity seen in TKR use.
Responsiveness and discriminative capacity of the assessments in ankylosing spondylitis disease‐controlling antirheumatic therapy core set and other outcome measures in a trial of etanercept in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Wanders Astrid J. B. , Gorman Jennifer D. , Davis John C. , Landewe Robert B. M. , Van Der Heijde Désirée M. F. M. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the responsiveness and discriminative capacity, and the relationship between both, of instruments selected for the disease‐controlling antirheumatic therapy (DC‐ART) core set by the Assessments in Ankylosing Spondylitis Working Group (ASAS).MethodsResponsiveness and discriminative capacity of different measures reflecting disease activity and function, either included in the ASAS DC‐ART core set or not, were evaluated in a randomized controlled clinical trial comparing etanercept with placebo in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Guyatt's method was used as the primary analysis for responsiveness, and Student's t‐test for discriminative capacity.ResultsAt day 28 of therapy, almost all measures indicated moderate to large responsiveness in the etanercept group (Guyatt 0.60–3.11). Some scales of the Short Form 36 (general health, mental component summary, and role emotional), the modified Schober's test, and the Fatigue Severity Scale were not responsive. The results were similar if analyzed at day 112 of therapy. Peripheral joint counts, joint scores, and occiput‐to‐wall distance could not be evaluated due to a floor effect. In general, the relation between responsiveness and discriminative capacity was strong: Measures that demonstrated high responsiveness also showed high between‐group t values.ConclusionMeasures included in the ASAS DC‐ART core set, except modified Schober's test, have good responsiveness and good discriminatory capacity. Some measures could not be evaluated due to a floor effect.
Measuring systemic lupus erythematosus activity during pregnancy: Validation of the lupus activity index in pregnancy scale
Authors: Ruiz‐Irastorza G. , Khamashta M. A. , Gordon C. , Lockshin M. D. , Johns K. R. , Sammaritano L. , Hughes G. R. V. 
Published: February 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo validate the Lupus Activity Index in Pregnancy (LAI‐P) scale as a diagnostic tool for lupus flares during pregnancy and the puerperium.MethodsThe LAI‐P is a modified activity scale specific for pregnancy. Thirty‐eight pregnant women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were prospectively followed in 3 clinics specific for lupus in pregnancy. On each visit, LAI‐P was calculated. A modified physician global assessment (m‐PGA) scale was used as gold standard (0 = no activity, 1 = mild‐moderate activity, 2 = severe activity). A change ≥ 0.25 in LAI‐P was predefined as a flare according to previous studies in nonpregnant patients. For the purposes of the study, each visit was considered as an independent case.ResultsDuring the study period, 158 visits took place for a total 621 patient‐weeks. Sensitivity to change was high (standardized response mean for LAI‐P = 1.6). We found a significant association between LAI‐P and m‐PGA (P < 0.002 in all regression models performed). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 0.93, 0.98, 0.88, and 0.99. Positive and negative likelihood ratios were 49 and 0.07, respectively.ConclusionsLAI‐P has a high sensitivity to changes in lupus activity, a significant correlation with m‐PGA, and high sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, and likelihood ratios for diagnosing SLE flares during pregnancy and the puerperium.