bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antigen‐induced airway hyperresponsiveness and obstruction is related to caveolin‐1 expression in airway smooth muscle in a guinea pig asthma model
Authors: Álvarez‐Santos Mayra , Ramos‐Ramírez Patricia , Gutiérrez‐Aguilar Fernando , Sánchez‐Hernández Sandra , Lascurain Ricardo , Olmos‐Zuñiga Raúl , Jasso‐Victoria Rogelio , Bobadilla Norma A , Bazan‐Perkins Blanca 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundCaveolin‐1 is a fundamental signalling scaffold protein involved in contraction; however, the role of caveolin‐1 in airway responsiveness remains unclear. We evaluated the relationship between caveolin‐1 expression in airway smooth muscle (ASM) and antigen‐induced airway responsiveness and obstruction in a guinea pig asthma model.MethodsAirway obstruction in sensitised guinea pigs, induced by antigenic (ovalbumin) challenges administered every 10 days, was measured. Antigen‐induced responsiveness to histamine and the expression of caveolin‐1 and cavin 1, 2 and 3 were evaluated at the third ovalbumin challenge. The control group received saline solution instead of ovalbumin.ResultsAfter the first challenge, antigen exposure induced a transient airway obstruction and airway hyperresponsiveness, high levels of IL‐4 and IL‐5 in lung and airway globet cells proliferation at the third antigenic challenge. Caveolin‐1 mRNA levels in total lung decreased in the experimental group compared with controls. Flow cytometric analysis of ASM from the experimental group showed a high number of cells expressing caveolin‐1 compared with controls. This increase was confirmed by western blot. Airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness correlated with the degree of increased caveolin‐1 expression in ASM cells (P < 0.05; r = 0.69 and −0.52, respectively). The expression of cavins 1, 2 and 3 in ASM also increased in the experimental group compared to controls. Immunohistochemical findings reveal that differences in ASM caveolin‐1 were not evident between groups. Nevertheless, a marked decrease in caveolin‐1 and caspase 3 was observed in the pulmonary vascular smooth muscle of asthma model compared with controls. Histological analysis did not reveal differences in smooth muscles mass or subepithelial fibrosis levels in airways between groups. However, an enlargement of smooth muscle mass was observed in the pulmonary microvessels of experimental animals. This enlargement did not induce changes in pulmonary or systemic arterial pressures.ConclusionsOur data suggest that caveolin‐1 expression in ASM has a crucial role in the development of antigen‐induced airway obstruction and hyperresponsiveness in a guinea pig asthma model. In addition, the asthma model in guinea pigs appears to induce a contractile smooth muscle phenotype in the airways and a proliferative smooth muscle phenotype in pulmonary vessels.
Generation bidding game with potentially false attestation of flexible demand
Authors: Shan Yuquan , Raghuram Jayaram , Kesidis George , Miller David J , Scaglione Anna , Rowe Jeff , Levitt Karl 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
With the onset of large numbers of energy-flexible appliances, in particular plug-in electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, a significant portion of electricity demand will be somewhat flexible and accordingly may be responsive to changes in electricity prices. In the future, this increased degree of demand flexibility (and the onset of only short-term predictable intermittent renewable supply) will considerably exceed present level of uncertainty in day-ahead prediction of assumed inelastic demand. For such a responsive demand idealized, we consider a deregulated wholesale day-ahead electricity marketplace wherein bids by generators (or energy traders) are determined through a Nash equilibrium via a common clearing price (i.e., no location marginality). This model assumes the independent system operator (ISO) helps the generators to understand how to change their bids to improve their net revenue based on a model of demand-response. The model of demand-response (equivalently, demand-side bidding day ahead) is based on information from load-serving entities regarding their price-flexible demand. We numerically explore how collusion between generators and loads can manipulate this market. The objective is to learn how to deter such collusion, e.g., how to set penalties for significant differences between stated and actual demand, resulting in higher energy prices that benefit certain generators.
The estimation of per capita loadings of domestic wastewater in Tehran
Authors: Mesdaghinia Alireza , Nasseri Simin , Mahvi Amir Hossein , Tashauoei Hamid Reza , Hadi Mahdi 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The amount of wastewater characteristics loading is one of the main parameters in the design of wastewater collection and treatment systems. The generation per capita per day (GPCD) of wastewater characteristics was estimated by analyzing the monthly data of nine wastewater treatment plants in Tehran, capital city of Iran. GPCD values were calculated from measured collected wastewater flow, the population and concentration data. The results indicated the values of 32.96 ± 1.91, 49.25 ± 2.49, 37.31 ± 2.44, 6.77 ± 0.53, 1.96 ± 0.11, 92.23 ± 5.68, 2.07 ± 0.39 and 128.96 ± 6.69 g/d.cap of GPCD for BOD5, COD, TSS, TKN, P, TDS, ON and TS, respectively, for Tehran’s wastewater. The per capita estimated for the wastewater production and treatment were determined to be 186.06 ± 7.85 and 136.72 ± 5.43 L/d.cap, respectively. It is estimated that about 504 m3/d and 346 m3/d of sludge, will be produced and waste as excrement raw sludge, respectively, in Tehran. Simple regression models were presented the relationships such as the change of collected and treated wastewater with population and changes of GPCD parameters with each other. It was revealed that the Tehran’s wastewater may be classified as highly degradable, but during recent decades its Biodegradability Index (BI) has been reduced up to 15%. The new suggested revised per capita parameters can be used for design purposes in Tehran, and possibly, in areas with similar characteristics, substituting the classical values obtained from foreign textbooks. These values could help in designing more accurate treatment systems and may lower the required capacity for the treatment of wastewater up to 40% in Tehran.
La Capitale de la Faim: Black Market Restaurants in Paris, 1940-1944
Authors: Mouré Kenneth 
Published: March 2015

Black market restaurants thrived in Occupied Paris. German authorities castigated the French for their failure to shut them down, claiming that profiteers consumed luxurious fare in restaurants at the expense of hungry Parisians waiting in marketplace queues. Paris restaurants merit closer attention for the evidence they provide on the conflicts and relative powers in Franco-German “collaboration,” for the glaring inequities in food distribution exemplified by these restaurants that discredited Vichy food management policies, and for the creativity of Parisian restaurant owners in finding methods of alternate supply and service for their clients. The restaurants provide material for a case study to highlight the development of black markets and the frustration of control efforts, the reasons for popular sentiments of injustice in food supply, and the critically important role of German demands in the development of black market activity.
Les restaurants parisiens du marché noir ont prospéré pendant l’Occupation. Les Allemands ont fustigé les autorités françaises pour leur incapacité d’arrêter ce commerce, soutenant que les repas luxueux consommés par les trafiquants du marché noir privaient les Parisiens des denrées essentielles. Une étude des restaurants parisiens du marché noir pourrait nous aider à éclaircir la nature des conflits franco-allemands sur le ravitaillement et le pouvoir relatif déterminant la « collaboration », à expliquer l’exacerbation progressive de l’opinion publique contre le régime de Vichy, et à mettre en lumière la créativité des restaurateurs qui trouvaient des méthodes alternatives pour alimenter leur commerce. On y voit aussi l’importance des exigences allemandes qui provoquaient l’étendue des activités du marché noir.
Retinoblastoma: Clinician and patient perspectives
Authors: Parulekar Manoj V , Green Lesley , Hopson Rob 
Published: March 2015

Retinoblastoma is the most common malignant tumour of the eye in children and accounts for 3% of all childhood cancers in the UK. It is a life-threatening disease, but over the past four decades, the management of retinoblastoma has evolved tremendously, transforming it from a deadly childhood cancer to a largely curable disease. A swift referral pathway is vital to reduce the risk of mortality. The fist section of this article looks at the epidemiology, signs and symptoms and treatment of retinoblastoma. The second gives an overview of the support work carried out with individuals and families affected by retinoblastoma by UK charity the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust. The final section tells the story of Rob Hopson, a retinoblastoma survivor whose two sons also have the condition.
A six-step approach to curriculum development for mid-level ophthalmic professionals in Singapore
Authors: Drury Vicki , Korne Dirk de , Gopalan Radhika , Thiyagarajan Jayabaskar 
Published: March 2015

Background/Aims:Ageing populations with increasing eye care needs and a global shortage of ophthalmologists has resulted in a growing need for mid-level ophthalmic professionals. This article describes the process used to develop accredited, internationally recognised educational programmes for ophthalmic assistants, ophthalmic technicians and ophthalmic enrolled nurses in Singapore.Method:Using action research methodology, a six-step approach to curriculum development based on Hilda Taba's (1962) Curriculum Development was utilised.Results:Programmes for ophthalmic assistants and technicians were developed and piloted and through accreditation by the Joint Commission of Allied Health Professionals in Ophthalmology, the Singapore National Eye centre was granted global accreditation for these training programmes.Discussion:To cope with the greater eye care demands of the future, task-shifting from ophthalmologists to mid-level ophthalmic professionals could be a valuable approach. Education must be standardised and meet international benchmarks.Conclusions:Training mid-level ophthalmic professionals could improve access to eye care services and decrease the burden on medical staff, allowing ophthalmologists to concentrate on complex cases. Additionally, the initiation of more holistic care by mid-level ophthalmic professionals may improve patient outcomes.
Women and violence in contemporary Spanish cinema: La vida secreta de las palabras (2005), Mataharis (2007) and Elisa K. (2010)
Authors: Gámez Fuentes María José 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Within the framework of the debate on violence against women in Spain, this article aims to analyse three Spanish films that constitute a turning point in the media and political configuration of the issue. The specialist literature agrees that, despite good intentions, the attention paid to the matter since the 1990s has reinforced rather than dismantled the cultural imaginary that sustains violence against women by placing them in the eternal position of victims. However, La vida secreta de las palabras, Mataharis and Elisa K. offer challenging narrative strategies to undermine this hegemonic grammar of recognition. Through our analysis, we will investigate how their approach is linked to an attempt to go against the grain of traditional technologies of representation and, hence, the sadism in narratives portraying gender violence (not only in Spain but in the international arena). Second, we will examine how, by framing that attempt within particular historical backgrounds that sustain (or have sustained) violence against women, the films, in the last instance, deal with the rewriting of historical memory.
Making room for women in the last chapter of the war story: Fanta Régina Nacro’s La Nuit de la vérité/The Night of Truth
Authors: Spleth Janice 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Traditionally, the war film has been a primarily masculine genre. To some extent, the absence of women in the war story merely reflected the way wars had been fought throughout history, but by the end of the twentieth-century, the nature of war around the globe was changing substantially, and recent engagements have largely been civil conflicts. While the majority of combatants in Africa’s ethnic wars have been men, women are increasingly implicated in the violence. Despite her obvious involvement in hostilities, however, woman’s voice is rarely represented in the negotiations for peace at the end of hostilities, a process inevitably dominated by men, generally military leaders. In her film, La Nuit de la vérité/The Night of Truth (2004), Fanta Régina Nacro describes the reconciliation process in the wake of civil conflict in an imaginary African country. Peace talks are clearly controlled by the men in the film, but Nacro’s representation of women demonstrates how their role in war has changed and ultimately suggests that they have a role to play in the success of peace. This article explores narrative and cinematographic devices through which Nacro’s film makes a place for women in the last chapter of the war story, ultimately situating the film-maker’s work in the context of recent scholarship by social scientists who have studied Africa’s new wars and their reconciliation processes from the perspective of gender.
The role of PEG conformation in mixed layers: from protein corona substrate to steric stabilization avoiding protein adsorption
Authors: Comenge Joan , Puntes Víctor F. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Although nanoparticles (NPs) have been traditionally modified with a single ligand layer, mixture of ligands might help to combine different functionalities and to further engineer the NP surface. A detailed study of the competition between an alkanethiol (11-mercaptoundecanoic acid) and SH-PEG for the surface of AuNPs and the resultant behaviors of this model nanoconjugate is presented here. As a result, the physicochemical properties of these conjugates can be progressively tuned by controlling the composition and especially the conformation of the mixed monolayer. This has implications in the physiological stability. The controlled changes on the SH-PEG conformation rather than its concentration induce a change in the stabilization mechanism from electrostatic repulsion to steric hindrance, which changes the biological fate of NPs. Importantly, the adsorption of proteins on the conjugates can be tailored by tuning the composition and conformation of the mixed layer.
Molecular evidence for verifying the distribution of Chondracanthus chamissoi and C. teedei (Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)
Authors: Yang Mi Yeon , Macaya Erasmo C. , Kim Myung Sook 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Chondracanthus teedei and C. chamissoi are regarded as cosmopolitan and endemic species, respectively. To verify the geographic distribution of these two species, we analyzed specimens of C. teedei from the Western Pacific and the Atlantic coast of Spain, as well as of C. chamissoi from Chile using plastid rbcL and mitochondrial COI genes. The phylogenetic tree of rbcL revealed that “C. teedei” from Asia and Chondracanthus sp. from France are conspecific with C. chamissoi from Chile, but distinct from the clade of C. teedei from the Atlantic. These results indicate that C. chamissoi is not exclusively distributed in the southeastern Pacific, but is also found in Korea/Japan and France, whereas C. teedei is found in the Atlantic and not in the western Pacific region. This study demonstrated that the range of C. chamissoi is wider than previously thought, raising interesting questions regarding the transportation vector and the absence of C. teedei from Korea and Japan. In addition, we confirmed that molecular analyses can be used to examine the geographic distribution of marine macroalgae.
Unleashing the power of comparative oncology models in nanomedicine research
Authors: Henry Carolyn J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe pathway from discovery of novel candidate drugs, including nanomedicine compounds, to FDA approval is lengthy and may be difficult to navigate. Oftentimes, investigational drugs are appropriately abandoned early in the development pathway due to preclinical failure. Other novel compounds may look quite promising in rodent models and preclinical trials, but prove disappointing when tested in human patients. In fact, only 5% of drugs entering Phase I human cancer clinical trials in the US are ultimately approved. Given the enormous cost, in terms of both financial investment and delay in progress toward improved patient outcome, there is a critical need for a more reliable and efficient process. One solution may be to improve translatability of our preclinical data by including trials in cancer-bearing pet dogs in the drug development pathway.
Double Bias: Estimation of Causal Effects from Length-Biased Samples in the Presence of Confounding
Authors: Ertefaie Ashkan , Asgharian Masoud , Stephens David A. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLength bias in survival data occurs in observational studies when, for example, subjects with shorter lifetimes are less likely to be present in the recorded data. In this paper, we consider estimating the causal exposure (treatment) effect on survival time from observational data when, in addition to the lack of randomization and consequent potential for confounding, the data constitute a length-biased sample; we hence term this a double-bias problem. We develop estimating equations that can be used to estimate the causal effect indexing the structural Cox proportional hazard and accelerated failure time models for point exposures in double-bias settings. The approaches rely on propensity score-based adjustments, and we demonstrate that estimation of the propensity score must be adjusted to acknowledge the length-biased sampling. Large sample properties of the estimators are established and their small sample behavior is studied using simulations. We apply the proposed methods to a set of, partly synthesized, length-biased survival data collected as part of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging (CSHA) to compare survival of subjects with dementia among institutionalized patients versus those recruited from the community and depict their adjusted survival curves.
A new locality, range extension and record of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in the endangered terrestrial breeding frog Pristimantis katoptroides Flores, 1988 (Anura: Craugastoridae) in Peru
Authors: Cusi Juan Carlos , Barboza Andy C. , Vredenburg Vance , Von May Rudolf 
Published: March 2015

We provide a new record of the poorly known and endangered Pristimantis katoptroides from the Cordillera Central in Peru, based on a specimen collected in the Alto Mayo Protected Forest, San Martin Department. We provide notes on the morphology and coloration of the species and two other specimens previously collected in Peru, as well as photographs and an updated map indicating the known localities of P. katoptroides. This record represents an extension of 210 km in the southern limit of the geographic range. Additionally, we report the presence of the chytrid fungus in this species.
Enhancement of the thermoelectric figure-of-merit in nanowire superlattices
Authors: Wang Chumin , González J. Eduardo , Sánchez Vicenta 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACTBased on the Kubo-Greenwood formula, the thermoelectric effects in periodically and quasiperiodically segmented nanowires are studied by means of a real-space renormalization plus convolution method, where the electrical and lattice thermal conductivities are respectively calculated by using the tight-binding and Born models; the latter includes central and non-central interactions between nearest-neighbor atoms. The results show a significant enhancement of the thermoelectric figure-of-merit (ZT) induced by the structural disorder and/or the reduction of nanowire cross-section area. In addition, we observe a maximum ZT in both the chemical-potential and temperature spaces.
Paroxysmales Vorhofflimmern und klinisch reversibles Cor pulmonale bei einem Pferd mit komplizierter rezidivierender Atemwegsobstruktion
Authors: van den Hoven R. , Schwarz B. , Hanka J. 
Published: March 2015

ZusammenfassungDie Entstehung eines Cor pulmonale stellt eine seltene Komplikation bei Pferden mit rezidivierender Atemwegsobstruktion (RAO) dar. Dieser Fallbericht beschreibt Vorgeschichte, Ergebnisse klinischer und weiterführender Untersuchungen, Behandlung und Kranhkeitsverlauf eines Pferdes mit Cor pulmonale und paroxysmalem Vorhofflimmern von 2 Tagen Dauer aufgrund einer Exazerbation einer RAO. Unseres Wissens nach ist dies der erste Bericht eines durch RAO verursachten Lungenhochdrucks beim Pferd, der zu Vorhofflimmern führte. Dennoch scheinen auch schwere Herzveränderungen aufgrund von Atemwegsproblemen beim Pferd größtenteils reversibel zu sein.
Minimizing HSE Impacts During Design and Construction of a Major Gas Pipeline Through the Baltic Sea
Authors: Valeur Jens R. , Strøbæk Neel , Andersson Nicklas 
Published: March 2015

Summary
From 2010 to 2012, two parallel gas pipelines (the Nord Stream Project) were installed in the Baltic Sea between Vyborg in Russia and Greifswald in Germany. The pipeline system will enable an annual transport of 55 billion m3 (bcm) of natural gas from the large Russian gas fields to the European gas grid.
Comprehensive environmental and safety studies were carried out in the design phase. The outcome of these studies was used in iterations with the pipeline-design process, ensuring that the final pipeline design has minimal impact on the environment as well as on human activities in the Baltic Sea. Also, due consideration has been given to ensuring the health and safety of construction personnel and minimizing the environmental impacts during construction.
Major changes to the design were made in order to minimize project impacts, including
An originally planned intermediate service platform was "engineered out," eliminating the risk of ship collisions in the operation phase.
The pipeline route was optimized to avoid sensitive natural areas and heavily used ship-traffic routes.
Extensive geophysical surveys were carried out in order to identify and mitigate interaction with dumped chemical and conventional munitions and cultural-heritage objects.
It was ensured by theoretical analysis verified by measurements that the pipeline with the chosen route did not have a negative impact on inflow and mixing of water in the Baltic Sea.
Environmental monitoring and subsequent feedback to the construction vessels were carried out during seabed-intervention works near sensitive habitats.
Unique for this project are the major design changes that have taken place as a result of the HSE analysis. One outcome of this has been that all five affected countries have given permit to the project in a relatively short time period, even though it is the first major pipeline project in the Baltic Sea.