bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The case for establishing a board of review for resolving environmental issues: The science court in Canada
Authors: Giesy John P , Solomon Keith R , Kacew Sam , Mackay Donald , Stobo Gerald , Kennedy Steven 
Published: October 2015

Abstract
Technology and scientific advancements are accelerating changes in society at a pace that is challenging the abilities of government regulatory agencies and legal courts to understand the benefits and costs of these changes to humans, wildlife, and their environments. The social, economic, and political facets of concern, such as the potential effects of chemicals, complicate the preparation of regulatory standards and practices intended to safeguard the public. Court judges and attorneys and, in some cases, lay juries are tasked with interpreting the data and implications underlying these new advancements, often without the technical background necessary to understand complex subjects and subsequently make informed decisions. Here, we describe the scientific-quasi-judicial process adopted in Canada under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, which could serve as a model for resolving conflicts between regulatory agencies and the regulated community. An example and process and lessons learned from the first Board of Review, which was for decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5; CAS# 541-02-06), are provided. Notable among these lessons are: 1) the need to apply state-of-the-science insights into the regulatory process, 2) to encourage agencies to continuously review and update their assessment processes, criteria, and models, and 3) provide these processes in guidance documents that are transparent and available to all stakeholders and generally foster closer cooperation between regulators, the academic community, industry, and nongovernment organizations (NGOs). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:572–579. © 2015 SETAC
Key Points
Advocate for the use of independent boards of review to adjudicate technical issues involving chemicals in the environment. Resolving conflicts between regulatory agencies and the regulated community. The formal judicial process is not the most effective venue in which to fully adjudicate complex issues related to chemicals and the environment.
Quantitative analysis of cerebrospinal fluid flow in complex regions by using phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Flórez Natalia , Bouzerar Roger , Moratal David , Meyer Marc‐Etienne , Martí‐Bonmatí Luis , Balédent Olivier 
Published: October 2015

AbstractTo develop a method for segmenting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) regions with complex, inhomogeneous pulsatile patterns in phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC‐MRI) sequences. Our approach used various temporal features of flow behavior as input attributes in an unsupervised k‐means classification algorithm. CSF flow parameters for the cervical subarachnoid spaces and the pontine cistern were calculated in 26 healthy volunteers. Background and aliasing corrections were applied automatically. The algorithm's reproducibility was determined by calculating two parameters (area and stroke volume) while varying the initially selected seed point. The influence of background correction on these parameters was also assessed. The method was highly reproducible, with coefficients of variation of 3 and 4% for the cervical stroke volume and area, respectively. In an analysis of variance, background correction did not have a statistically significant effect on either the stroke volume (p = 0.32) or the CSF net mean flow (p = 0.69) at the C2C3 level. The method presented here enables rapid, reproducible, quantitative analysis of CSF flow in complex regions such as the C2C3 subarachnoid spaces and the pontine cistern. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 21, 290–297, 2011;
Contrast enhancement dynamic histogram equalization for medical image processing application
Authors: Ismail Wan Zakiah Wan , Sim Kok Swee 
Published: October 2015

AbstractImage processing requires an excellent image contrast‐enhancement technique to extract useful information invisible to the human or machine vision. Because of the histogram flattening, the widely used conventional histogram equalization image‐enhancing technique suffers from severe brightness changes, rendering it undesirable. Hence, we introduce a contrast‐enhancement dynamic histogram‐equalization algorithm method that generates better output image by preserving the input mean brightness without introducing the unfavorable side effects of checkerboard effect, artefacts, and washed‐out appearance. The first procedure of this technique is; normalizing input histogram and followed by smoothing process. Then, the break point detection process is done to divide the histogram into subhistograms before we can remap the gray level allocation. Lastly, the transformation function of each subhistogram is constructed independently. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 21, 280‐289, 2011;
COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH APPROACHES TO COPE WITH UNCERTAINTY OF WATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN TIDAL AREAS
Authors: Ritzema H. P. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThroughout the world, tidal areas are being developed. The initial development is generally for agriculture, often in combination with flood protection. The development focus in tidal areas is, however, gradually moving to ports, harbours, transportation routes, industries, and aquaculture, housing and recreation facilities. Models are often used to develop strategies for sustainable land and water practices. These models normally require long‐time data sets that are often not available in emerging countries, thus new ways have to be found to address the traditionally validated simulation models. This paper presents case studies in Surinam, India and Vietnam in which the traditional validation process was replaced by joint plausibility discussions and shared vision building in order to improve the understanding of cause–effect relationships and proposals for water management measures. The aim was to match the tacit knowledge of the local stakeholders with explicit scientific knowledge in order to create a mutual basis for an integrated approach as opposed to single‐issue measures, and a mutual agreement on follow‐up steps needed to sustain both the livelihood of the people as well as natural resource functions. The collaborative modelling approach proved to be a useful tool to obtain a consensus of opinion among the stakeholders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of exercise on muscle and nonmuscle organs
Authors: Boström Pontus A. , Graham Evan L. , Georgiadi Anastasia , Ma Xiaochuan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractExercise is known to prevent and treat metabolic diseases such as diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, and there is currently much focus on detailing such pathways. Traditionally, much emphasis has been placed on skeletal muscle; however, recently, nonmuscle organs such as adipose tissue have been highlighted in mediating protective actions after training. Moreover, novel paracrine‐ and endocrine‐signaling molecules have been shown to trigger important responses in nonmuscle organs after exercise. This is exciting because, when administered exogenously, such signals have obvious therapeutic potential. In this review, the authors have described some general and historical aspects of training and disease protection. The authors have also highlighted some of the current knowledge on how exercise impacts nonmuscle organs. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(10):845–850, 2013
Biochemical and structural aspects of the ATP‐binding domain in inflammasome‐forming human NLRP proteins
Authors: MacDonald Justin A. , Wijekoon Champa P. , Liao Kuo‐Chieh , Muruve Daniel A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractNucleotide‐binding domain and leucine‐rich repeat‐containing receptors (NLRs) regulate innate immunity by activating inflammatory responses in a variety of biological systems following the recognition of pathogen‐ or disease‐associated molecular patterns. NLRs are characterized by a central nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization (NACHT) domain found in P‐loop NTPases. In this review, we detail the functional and structural properties of the NACHT domain of a subfamily of NLRs, the NLRPs (NLR containing a pyrin domain), based on previous studies, sequence analysis, homology modeling, and structure predictions. Several NLRPs have been found to regulate inflammatory responses through the assembly of oligomeric caspase 1‐activating platforms known as inflammasomes, the 3‐dimensional structure of the NLRP NACHT domain has still not been solved. Homology modeling suggests that sequence variability within the NACHT domains of different NLRP family members may alter the topology of the ATP‐binding pocket. Based on this finding, we discuss the potential therapeutic prospects aligned with the NACHT domain and the development of selective inhibitors of inflammasome activity. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(10):851–862, 2013
Paeonol inhibits B16F10 melanoma metastasis In vitro and In Vivo via disrupting proinflammatory cytokines‐mediated NF‐κB and STAT3 pathways
Authors: Zhang Lei , Tao Li , Shi Tianlu , Zhang Feng , Sheng Xiaobo , Cao Yuzhu , Zheng Shizhong , Wang Aiyun , Qian Wenhui , Jiang Ling , Lu Yin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCancer related inflammation (CRI) is now recognized as the seventh hallmark in the pathogenesis of many types of malignancies. Paeonol, a natural phenolic component isolated from the root bark of Paeonia moutan, has significant anti‐inflammatory activity. Recently, accumulating body of research has revealed potent anti‐tumor effects mediated by paeonol. However, little is known about its anticancer mechanism on the basis of CRI. In this study, we observed that paeonol exerted direct anticancer activity through inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and evident anti‐inflammatory effects by reducing proinflammatory cytokines secretion (TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TGF‐β) in the conditioned medium of B16F10 mouse melanoma cells. Interestingly, we found that paeonol significantly reversed motility phenotypes in TNF‐α‐ or IL‐6‐induced B16F10 singe cell and collective migration and invasion in vitro, which were related to affecting epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) makers and MMPs expression. In particular, paeonol disrupted both TNF‐α‐activated NF‐κB and IL‐6‐activated STAT3 signaling pathways in B16F10 cells. EMSA and luciferase assays showed that paeonol abrogated NF‐κB binding and NF‐κB‐driven promoter activity in the presence of TNF‐α. Finally, we showed that paeonol attenuated B16F10 spontaneous lung metastases in C57/BL6J mice with down‐regulated levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines. Therefore, paeonol possessed antitumor activity in melanoma cells and mice model by interruption of the aggressive feedback through proinflammatory cytokines mediated NF‐κB and STAT3 signaling activation. These findings provide a novel treatment strategy that paeonol might be a promising versatile adjuvant therapy for cancer related inflammation. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(10):778–788, 2015
1.2.2 The Role of Stakeholders in Requirements Elicitation
Authors: Ryan Michael J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe requirements definition process begins with the elicitation of stakeholder requirements, the first step of which is to identify the stakeholders from whom those requirements are to be gathered. It is common in requirements engineering to define a stakeholder as someone who has a stake in the project—that is, someone who is affected by the system in some way, or can affect the system in some way. In most systems, this definition is not useful since, regardless of where the system boundary is set, it is often difficult to find someone who is not affected by the system. While we must take into account anyone or anything that is affected by, or that can affect, the system when considering requirements, such entities are not automatically (nor necessarily) stakeholders. This paper proposes that a more useful definition of a stakeholder is someone who has a right to influence the system. A method for selecting stakeholders is proposed, and a simple example is provided to illustrate the process.
1.4.2 Synthesizing and Specifying Architectures for System of Systems
Authors: Kenley C. Robert , Dannenhoffer Timothy M. , Wood Paul C. , DeLaurentis Daniel A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBased on our experience with defining and evaluating system of systems and architectures using agent‐based modeling, we describe the steps that we have employed in the context of a well‐known process for defining system architectures and identify which steps of the process capture the unique characteristics of a system of systems. We describe a particular method that we developed to automate the generation of the communications links needed for executable simulation models when evaluating a large architectural design space, and we review model‐based systems engineering methods that are applicable to specifying systems of systems and that support developing executable agent‐based simulation models.
3.1.1 Model Lifecycle Management for MBSE
Authors: Fisher Amit , Nolan Mike , Friedenthal Sanford , Loeffler Michael , Sampson Mark , Bajaj Manas , VanZandt Lonnie , Hovey Krista , Palmer John , Hart Laura 
Published: October 2015

AbstractModel Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is an evolving practice in the early stages of adoption similar to the mechanical, electrical and software domains 20 to 30 years ago. Today there is increasing recognition of the potential MBSE brings to system life cycle processes with the increasing complexity of systems and the demands of the global marketplace. In order for the practice to realize this potential, system modeling and MBSE must be part of the larger model based engineering effort, and integrate with other engineering discipline models and modeling activities across the life cycle of a system. This is placing increasing demands on the need for Model Lifecycle Management (MLM) as an essential part of an MBSE infrastructure. This paper establishes the motivation for MLM, as well as laying the foundation for addressing challenges that lay ahead. The paper is focused on describing key concepts, requirements, current practices, and future directions of MLM, and setting the basis for more in depth overview of MLM solutions and vendor offering that are beyond the scope of this paper.
6.1.1 UNDERSTANDING DISEASE THROUGH SYSTEMS THINKING
Authors: Smith Gary Robert 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAngiotensin II is a hormone within the renin‐angiotensin system. Its effects in controlling blood pressure and thirst are universally recognized and well established. In the early part of this millennium we were somewhat puzzled to find that this blood pressure hormone had unforeseen apparently unrelated inflammatory effects and that an imbalance of this system was being implicated as a key driver not only in cardiovascular disease but in many diseases. Systems' thinking reveals a far more profound role for the renin‐angiotensin system in injury sensing, repair and development and provides an explanation for why it is closely associated with the inception and progression of all chronic inflammatory diseases (includes cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, chronic infections and autoimmune conditions). At some point in the future, manipulation of the angiotensin system, when used in synergy with other agents, will undoubtedly be used to far more effectively treat disease. The speed at which this goal is achieved will depend on our ability to adapt our thinking.
7.2.2 Developing the Next Generation of the INCOSE Systems Engineering Competency Framework
Authors: Gelosh Don S. , Snoderly John R. , Heisey Mimi , Anthony James F. , Nidiffer Ken 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis paper describes the proposed development of an INCOSE Systems Engineering (SE) Competency Framework. This framework will be developed as an evolution of the current INCOSE United Kingdom (UK) SE Competencies Framework (INCOSE, 2010). The INCOSE Competency Working Group (CWG) is conducting this project in collaboration with the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA), SE Division, Education and Training Committee to develop a common approach to the definition of an SE Competency Framework.
Reducing bone cancer cell functions using selenium nanocomposites
Authors: Stolzoff Michelle , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCancer recurrence at the site of tumor resection remains a major threat to patient survival despite modern cancer therapeutic advances. Osteosarcoma, in particular, is a very aggressive primary bone cancer that commonly recurs after surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapeutic treatment. The objective of the present in vitro study was to develop a material that could decrease bone cancer cell recurrence while promoting healthy bone cell functions. Selenium is a natural part of our diet which has shown promise for reducing cancer cell functions, inhibiting bacteria, and promoting healthy cells functions, yet, it has not been widely explored for osteosarcoma applications. For this purpose, due to their increased surface area, selenium nanoparticles (SeNP) were precipitated on a very common orthopedic tissue engineering material, poly‐l‐lactic acid (or PLLA). Selenium‐coated PLLA materials were shown to selectively decrease long‐term osteosarcoma cell density while promoting healthy, noncancerous, osteoblast functions (for example, up to two times more alkaline phosphatase activity on selenium coated compared to osteoblasts grown on typical tissue culture plates), suggesting they should be further studied for replacing tumorous bone tissue with healthy bone tissue. Importantly, results of this study were achieved without the use of chemotherapeutics or pharmaceutical agents, which have negative side effects. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 476–482, 2016.
Toward accelerated bone regeneration by altering poly(d,l‐lactic‐co‐glycolic) acid porogen content in calcium phosphate cement
Authors: van Houdt C. I. A. , Preethanath R. S. , van Oirschot B. A. J. A. , Zwarts P. H. W. , Ulrich D. J. O. , Anil S. , Jansen J. A. , van den Beucken J. J. J. P. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis work aimed to compare in vitro degradation of dense PLGA microspheres and milled PLGA particles as porogens within CPC, considering that the manufacturing of milled PLGA is more cost‐effective when compared with PLGA microspheres. Additionally, we aimed to examine the effect of porogen amount within CPC/PLGA on degradation and bone formation. Our in vitro results showed no differences between both forms of PLGA particles (as porogens in CPC; spherical for microspheres, irregular for milled) regarding morphology, porosity, and degradation. Using milled PLGA as porogens within CPC/PLGA, we evaluated the effect of porogen amount on degradation and bone forming capacity in vivo. Titanium landmarks surrounded by CPC/PLGA with 30 and 50 wt % PLGA, were implanted in forty femoral bone defects of twenty male Wistar rats. Histomorphometrical results showed a significant temporal decrease in the amount of CPC, for both formulas, and confirmed that 50 wt % PLGA degrades faster than 30 wt%, and allows for a 1.5‐fold higher amount of newly formed bone. Taken together, this study demonstrated that (i) milled PLGA particles perform equal to PLGA microspheres, and (ii) tuning of the PLGA content in CPC/PLGA is a feasible approach to leverage material degradation and bone formation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 483–492, 2016.
Reducing the inflammatory responses of biomaterials by surface modification with glycosaminoglycan multilayers
Authors: Zhou Guoying , Niepel Marcus S. , Saretia Shivam , Groth Thomas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractChronic inflammatory responses after implantation of biomaterials can lead to fibrotic encapsulation and failure of implants. The present study was designed to reduce the inflammatory responses to biomaterials by assembling polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) composed of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and chitosan (Chi) on glass as model surfaces through layer‐by‐layer (LBL) technique. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and water contact angle (WCA) investigations confirmed the multilayer build‐up with alternating deposition of GAGs and Chi layers, while zeta potential measurements showed significant negative charges after multilayer deposition, which further proved the PEM formation. Macrophage adhesion, macrophage spreading morphology, foreign body giant cell (FBGC) formation, as well as β1 integrin expression and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) production were all significantly decreased by GAG‐Chi multilayer deposition in comparison to the primary poly (ethylene imine) (PEI) layer. Thereby, the type of GAGs played a pivotal role in inhibiting the inflammatory responses to various extents. Especially heparin (Hep)‐Chi multilayers hindered all inflammatory responses to a significantly higher extent in comparison to hyaluronic acid (HA)‐Chi and chondroitin sulfate (CS)‐Chi multilayer systems. Overall, the present study suggests a great potential of GAG‐Chi multilayer coating on implants, particularly the Hep‐Chi based systems, to reduce the inflammatory responses. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 493–502, 2016.
Protective Effects of 7‐Hydroxycoumarin on Dyslipidemia and Cardiac Hypertrophy in Isoproterenol‐Induced Myocardial Infarction in Rats
Authors: Jagadeesh Govindan Sangaran , Nagoor Meeran M. F. , Selvaraj Palanisamy 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the protective effects of 7‐hydroxycoumarin (7‐HC) on dyslipidemia and cardiac hypertrophy in isoproterenol (ISO) induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Rats were pre‐ and co treated with 7‐HC (16 mg/kg) daily for 8 days. ISO (100 mg/kg) was subcutaneously injected into rats on seventh and eighth days to induce MI. Increased activity/levels of serum creatine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB), troponin‐T, plasma lipid peroxidation products, and altered levels of lipids in the serum and heart and serum lipoproteins were noted in ISO‐induced rats. ISO‐induced myocardial infarcted rats revealed increased hypertrophy (cardiac and left ventricular) and hepatic 3‐hydroxyl 3‐methylglutaryl‐coenzyme‐A reductase (HMG‐CoA reductase) activity. Pre and cotreatment with 7‐HC revealed significant protective effects on all the biochemical parameters evaluated. The in vitro study demonstrated its free radical scavenging property. Thus, 7‐HC protects ISO‐induced MI in rats by its free radical scavenging and antihyperlipidaemic and antihypertrophic properties.