bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevention of allergic airway hyperresponsiveness and remodeling in mice by Astragaliradix Antiasthmatic decoction
Authors: Xu Su , Tian Bao-Ping , Zhang Lan-Hong , Hua Wen , Xia Li-Xia , Chen Zhi-Hua , Li Wen , Shen Hua-Hao 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background

Astragali radix Antiasthmatic Decoction (AAD), a traditional Chinese medication, is found effective in treating allergic diseases and chronic cough. The purpose of this study is to determine whether this medication could suppress allergen-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and remodeling in mice, and its possible mechanisms.

Methods
A mouse model of chronic asthma was used to investigate the effects of AAD on the airway lesions. Mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA), and the extent of AHR and airway remodeling were characterized. Cells and cytokines in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were examined.

Results
AAD treatment effectively decreased OVA-induced AHR, eosinophilic airway inflammation, and collagen deposition around the airway. It significantly reduced the levels of IL-13 and TGF-β1, but exerted inconsiderable effect on INF-γ and IL-10.

Conclusions
AAD greatly improves the symptoms of allergic airway remodeling probably through inhibition of Th2 cytokines and TGF-β1.
Outcome assessment of a triangular clinic as a harm reduction intervention in Rajaee-Shahr Prison, Iran
Authors: Asl Rahim Taghizadeh , Eshrati Babak , Dell Colleen Anne , Taylor Kelli , Afshar Parviz , Kamali Mohammad , Mirzazadeh Ali 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background
Transmission of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among incarcerated injection drug users (IDU) is a health epidemic in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Triangular clinics (TCs) were established in prisons as a harm reduction measure to decrease the risk of HIV transmission and other blood-borne infections. The objective of this study was to assess the immediate outcomes of one TC among male IDUs in Iran’s Rajaee-Shahr prison.

Methods
This study was conducted in two stages between 2003 and 2005. In the preparatory stage, focus group data was collected to update the prison’s TC education and medical interventions and construct the self-report questionnaire. In stage two, 150 male IDUs were recruited in a closed cohort study design to assess the immediate outcome of the TC. Participants were measured at baseline and followed up to six months to measure their drug use, attitude toward and knowledge of high risk behaviours, serological conversion for HIV, HBV and HCV, and engagement in risky behaviors. The TC outcomes were determined through random urine analysis testing, a self-administered questionnaire and behaviour report cards, and viral infection testing.

Results
The findings of the urine analyses indicated a minimal yet consistent decrease in drug use over the six months. The pre and post- self-administered questionnaire data relayed a modest change in IDU risky behaviours associated with sexual practices; this was greater in comparison to the knowledge and attitude measures. It was determined that age may have a detrimental effect as may viral infections (HIV and HBV) on knowledge, attitude and behavior change. Both education and employment may have a protective effect. Data collected from the self-report behaviour cards similarly showed a modest reduction in high risk practices. At the six month follow-up, only one case became HIV positive, 9 HCV and 17 HBV.

Conclusions
Considering that HIV is concentrated among Iranian prisoners who inject drugs at a high level, the results of this study indicate that TCs are a possible effective intervention. However, many prisoners continued with risky behaviors even if they were participating in harm reduction measures, such as methadone maintenance therapy.
Earthworm extracts utilized in the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles capable of reinforcing the anticoagulant activities of heparin
Authors: Kim Hee Kyeong , Choi Myung-Jin , Cha Song-Hyun , Koo Yean Kyoung , Jun Sang Hui , Cho Seonho , Park Youmie 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Gold nanoparticles were obtained using a green synthesis approach with aqueous earthworm extracts without any additional reducing or capping agents. The gold nanoparticles were characterized using UV-visible spectrophotometry, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The anticoagulant activity of the gold nanoparticles was assessed using the activated partial thromboplastin time and was mildly enhanced by combining the gold nanoparticles with heparin. In addition to the generation of spherical nanoparticles with an average diameter of 6.13 ± 2.13 nm, cubic and block-shaped nanoparticles with an average aspect ratio, defined as the length divided by width, of 1.47 were also observed.
Novel One-pot Synthesis of Polysubstituted Isocoumarins from Arynes and Trifluoroacetylated β-Diketones
Authors: Okuma Kentaro , Hirano Koki , Tanabe Yukiko , Itoyama Ryoichi , Miura Atsumi , Nagahora Noriyoshi , Shioji Kosei 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Polysubstituted isocoumarins such as thunberginol A were synthesized by the reaction of substituted 2-(trimethylsilyl)phenyl triflate with trifluoromethylated β-diketones in the presence of CsF. The reaction proceeded via carbon–carbon bond insertion of aryne followed by intramolecular cyclization and CF3 anion extrusion. The –C(···O)CF3 unit has high potential for not only the nucleophilic moiety but also a useful leaving group of CF3.
Alcohols or Masked Alcohols as Directing Groups for C–H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Mo Fanyang , Tabor John R , Dong Guangbin 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This highlight review describes the recent progress in alcohol or masked alcohol-directed C–H functionalization, which enables rapid access to a large array of complex structures. Given the ubiquity of the hydroxy group in organic chemistry, these types of transformations may have significant impacts on synthetic strategy design.
Generating Smooth Curves in 3 Dimensions by Minimizing Higher Order Strain Energy Measures
Authors: Adriaenssens Sigrid , Malek Samar , Miki Masaaki , Williams Chris J K 
Published: December 2013

Elastic beams or rods in two and three dimensions produce smooth curves by minimizing the strain energy due to classical Euler-Bernoulli bending and Saint-Venant torsion subject to constraints on the arc length and end positions and orientations. However it is possible to postulate other strain energy measures. In this paper we describe a strain energy measure which is the sum of the square of the rate of change of curvature and the square of the product of the curvature and the Frenet torsion.
Shaping Tension Structures with Actively Bent Linear Elements
Authors: Van Mele Tom , De Laet Lars , Veenendaal Diederik , Mollaert Marijke , Block Philippe 
Published: December 2013

To achieve sufficient anticlastic (negative) curvature, membrane structures are tensioned between high and low anchor points, attached to the ground, buildings or poles. By integrating flexible bending elements in the membrane surface, an internal support and shape-defining system is created that provides more freedom in design and allows reducing the amount of external supports compared to traditional membrane structures. This paper presents a computational framework for form finding of tension structures with integrated, elastically bent, linear elements, based on three-dimensional bending moment vectors and a mixed force density formulation. With an implementation of this framework in CAD modelling software, users can control form and forces by prescribing any combination of force densities, forces, stiffness or lengths to the spline and cable-net elements. Sparse matrix operations are used to compute the resulting equilibrium shapes. The shape-defining possibilities of integrating ‘bending-active’ elements in tension structures are demonstrated through a series of design studies with various boundary conditions and spline configurations. The presented framework and implementation provide a straightforward method for the design of this hybrid structural system, and, therefore, facilitate its further exploration.
Considerations on the Scaling of Bending-Active Structures
Authors: Lienhard Julian , Knippers Jan 
Published: December 2013

Bending-active structures are composed of curved beam or shell elements which base their geometry on the elastic deformation of an initially straight or planar configuration. In bending-active structures the moment of inertia has a direct influence on the residual stress and is therefore limited by a given minimal curvature in the system and the permissible bending stress capacities of the chosen material. These interdependencies may lead to a scaling issue that limit bending-active structures to a certain size range. This range may be widened if the system's reliance on elastic stiffness is compensated by other stiffening factors such as coupling of structural elements and stress stiffening effects. This paper will analyse the scaling effects in bending-active structures. Some basic systems are studied by means of dimensional analysis and FEM parameter studies to clarify at which power each influencing factor effects scaling. Based on these findings some more complex structures are studied for their scalability. This will offer the basis for some more general conclusions.
Numerical Assessment of Plenums Intersected by Four Baffles Using the Boundary Element Method, Genetic Algorithm, and Neural Networks
Authors: Chiu Min-Chie , Chang Ying-Chun 
Published: December 2013

There has been much research on partitioned plenums in the industrial field. However, maximum noise reduction of a plenum within a constrained space, which frequently occurs in engineering problems, has been neglected. Therefore, the optimum design of multi-chamber plenums becomes essential. In this paper, five-chamber plenums intersected by four baffles within a fixed space are assessed. In order to select the appropriate design parameter sets used in the shape optimization of a five-chamber plenum, three kinds of design parameter sets (Case I: L1* and L2*; Case II: L1** and L2**; Case III: L1***, L2***, and L3***) are proposed. In order to simplify the shape optimization of plenums intersected by multiple baffles, a simplified objective function (OBJ) is established by linking the boundary element model (BEM, developed using SYSNOISE) with a polynomial neural network fitted with a series of real data - input design data (baffle dimensions) and output data approximated by BEM data in advance. Before optimization is performed, accuracy of the boundary element method (BEM) for a one-chamber and three-chamber plenum is checked using analytical and experimental data and found to be accurate. To assess the optimal plenums, a genetic algorithm (GA) is adopted. Consequently, optimal results reveal that the depths of the two upper baffles and the two lower baffles play essential roles in minimizing the noise level of the lower frequencies (400∼800 Hz). Moreover, the horizontal span of the baffles will influence the acoustical performance of the higher frequencies (1200 Hz and above).
Electromyographic Analysis of Trunk Muscles during the Golf Swing Performed with Two Different Clubs
Authors: Marta Sérgio , Silva Luis , Vaz João , Bruno Paula , Pezarat-Correia Pedro 
Published: December 2013

The aim of this study was to compare the EMG patterns of trunk muscles throughout the golf swing, performed with two different clubs, and also to describe the activity patterns in the average golfer. Nine male golfers performed ten swings using the pitching wedge and the 4-iron, alternately. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from trunk muscles of both sides: rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), erector spinae (ES) and gluteus maximus (GM). 3D high-speed video analysis was used for determination of golf swing phases. Muscles had their highest activation during the forward swing and acceleration phases. The highest mean activation regarding the maximal EMG (EMGMAX), was found in the right EO (59–67% EMGMAX) and in the GM of the trailing leg (62–72% EMGMAX). In the majority of the cases and phases, trunk muscles showed higher mean values of EMG activation when golfers performed with 4-iron club. However, no club effect was verified in trunk muscles.
Microcirculatory effects of a hyperviscous hemoglobin-based solution administered intravenously in dogs with experimentally induced hemorrhagic shock
Authors: Peruski Ann M. , Cooper Edward S. , Butler Amy L. 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Objective—To determine whether increasing the viscosity of a standard hemoglobin-based oxygen-carrying solution (HBOC) would offset its associated vasoconstrictive effects and result in improved microvascular perfusion in healthy splenectomized dogs with experimentally induced hemorrhagic shock.
Animals—12 male American Foxhounds.
Procedures—Each dog underwent anesthesia and splenectomy. Shock was induced by controlled hemorrhage until a mean arterial blood pressure of 40 mm Hg was achieved and maintained for 60 minutes. Dogs were then randomly assigned to receive either a standard or hyperviscous HBOC (6 dogs/group). Sidestream dark-field microscopy was used to assess the effects of shock and HBOC administration on the microcirculation of the buccal mucosa and the jejunal serosa. Video recordings of the microcirculation were collected before shock was induced (baseline) and at intervals up to 180 minutes following HBOC administration. Vascular analysis software was used to compute microcirculatory variables.
Results—Compared with baseline findings, hemorrhagic shock resulted in decreases in all microvascular variables in the buccal mucosa and the jejunal serosa. At all time points following HBOC administration, microvascular variables were similar to initial values and no significant differences between treatment groups were detected. At all time points following HBOC administration, blood and plasma viscosities in dogs treated with the hyperviscous solution were significantly higher than values in dogs receiving the standard solution.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In splenectomized dogs with experimentally induced hemorrhagic shock, administration of a hyperviscous HBOC did not significantly affect microvascular variables, compared with effects of a standard HBOC. Microcirculatory flow returned to baseline values in both treatment groups, suggesting that marked HBOC-associated vasoconstriction did not occur.
Comparison of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained by manual aspiration with a handheld syringe with that obtained by automated suction pump aspiration from healthy dogs
Authors: Woods Katharine S. , Defarges Alice M. N. , Abrams-Ogg Anthony C. G. , Dobson Howard , Brisson Brigitte A. , Viel Laurent , Bienzle Dorothee 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Objective—To compare bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid obtained by manual aspiration (MA) with a handheld syringe with that obtained by suction pump aspiration (SPA) in healthy dogs.
Animals—13 adult Beagles.
Procedures—Each dog was anesthetized and bronchoscopic BAL was performed. The MA technique was accomplished with a 35-mL syringe attached to the bronchoscope biopsy channel. The SPA technique was achieved with negative pressure (5 kPa) applied to the bronchoscope suction valve with a disposable suction trap. Both aspiration techniques were performed in each dog in randomized order on opposite caudal lung lobes. Two 1 mL/kg aliquots of warm saline (0.9% NaCl) solution were infused per site. For each BAL fluid sample, the percentage of retrieved fluid was calculated, the total nucleated cell count (TNCC) and differential cell count were determined, and semiquantitative assessment of slide quality was performed. Comparisons were made between MA and SPA techniques for each outcome.
Results—1 dog was removed from the study because of illness. The mean percentage of fluid retrieved (mean difference, 23%) and median TNCC (median distribution of differences, 100 cells/μL) for samples obtained by SPA were significantly greater than those for samples obtained by MA.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—In healthy dogs, BAL by SPA resulted in a significantly higher percentage of fluid retrieval and samples with a higher TNCC than did MA. Further evaluation of aspiration techniques in dogs with respiratory tract disease is required to assess whether SPA improves the diagnostic yield of BAL samples.
The very idea of academic culture: What academy? What culture?
Authors: Barnett Ronald 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
In what senses can the academy be said to be a site of culture? Does that very idea bear much weight today? Perhaps the negative proposition has more substance, namely that the academy is no longer (if indeed it ever was) a place of culture. After all, we live in dark times-of unbridled power, tyranny, domination and manipulation. Some say that we have entered an age of the posthuman or even the inhuman. It just may be, however, that in such a world, the academic community is needed more than ever for it offers a culture of justified revelation. It is a culture that reveals the world to us in new ways, but in ways that are attested and contested; its judgements emerge out of a critical and unworldly pedantry. With some hesitancy, we can legitimately therefore speak of not just a culture of the academic community but, indeed, the culture of the academic community.
Using ethnography to understand twenty-first century college life
Authors: Iloh Constance , Tierney William 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Ethnography in the field of postsecondary education has served as a magnifying glass bringing into focus university culture and student life. This paper highlights the ways in which ethnography is especially useful for understanding more recent dynamics and shifts in higher education. The authors utilize existing literature to uphold the relevancy of ethnography, while exploring its opportunities for research on adult students, online education, and for-profit colleges in particular. They conclude with methodological recommendations and directions for both qualitative research and higher education scholarship.
Contemporary dilemmas in university and academic education - a Central European perspective
Authors: Kosová Beata 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This study is a philosophically sociological and pedagogical reflection on the current status of universities as institutions and the profile of university education. It draws attention to the original characteristics that made up the idea and essence of university, which should not be forgotten at a time when higher education institutions are being diversified. It analyzes the development of higher education in terms of its functions and value in the context of societal change in the era of industrialization and globalization. It contemplates the university’s loss of identity at a time when financial capital prevails over science and technology, and educational preferences favor the market and practice. It considers paradigmatic change in university education as well as the future role of universities. The paper reflects on global trends through the eye of transforming countries, although it does not directly cover these countries directly.
Beyond the myth of “self-domination” (Imaginal psychology in the pursuit of cultural shift)
Authors: Vrbata Aleš 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
This paper deals with the theoretical concepts of image and imagery as used by the foremost imaginal psychologists. Attributing primary epistemological status to image and imagery, imaginal psychology school developed a new theory of image and imagery, questioning the older thesis on the derivative and secondary epistemological status of the image. Using Jung’s concept of the autonomous psyche of an essentially archetypal nature, Hillman started to question Jung’s concept of the Self as a central archetype symbolizing a sort of disguised traditional monotheism (the Christian God, the Jewish Yahweh etc.) like Freud’s sexuality (id) or central cultural myth (the Oedipus myth). Imaginal psychology defends essential sovereignty and the equality of all images and the resultant polytheist psychology. Jungian studies set out it this direction, giving birth to parallel developments to imaginal psychology in various fields. Derrida’s and Feyerabend’s rejection of an ultimate referential frame was not identical to but corresponds to Hillman’s and Vannoy Adam’s discovery that it is fantasy that rules the psyche.
Crise de la théorie et crise de la politique économique
Authors: Gaffard Jean-Luc 
Published: December 2013

Dans cet article, une évaluation critique des modèles d’équilibre général dynamique stochastique, qui constituent le fondement théorique des politiques mises en œuvre par les banques centrale, est le point de départ pour reconsidérer la nature des fluctuations et produire des arguments en faveur d’une approche « hors de l’équilibre ». Cette dernière met l’accent sur les distorsions de la capacité productive induites par tout changement structurel et montre pourquoi et comment l’incohérence temporelle entre les phases de construction et d’utilisation de la capacité productive a une contrepartie monétaire et financière qui peut engendrer une instabilité globale. Elle appelle une révision des objectifs de la politique monétaire et un nouveau Policy mix.
La justice est aveugle
Authors: Kandil Feriel 
Published: December 2013

Résumé L’article soutient que l’impartialité conçue comme ignorance est un premier pas, nécessaire mais insuffisant, vers la justice sociale. Il montre la pertinence de placer l’évaluateur social sous un voile d’ignorance : ses jugements sont alors soumis au principe moral d’universalisation, lequel en garantit l’impartialité. Mais la modélisation de l’impartialité diffère selon que l’on interprète de manière kantienne ou utilitariste le principe sous-jacent d’universalisation. L’article compare le modèle utilitariste de l’observateur impartial de Harsanyi au modèle kantien de l’observateur ignorant de Gajdos et Kandil. Il défend ce dernier, lequel prouve que, contrairement à ce que prétendait Rawls, le critère de choix sous voile d’ignorance n’est pas univoque.
Le développement de la théorie de l'équilibre général
Authors: Béraud Alain 
Published: December 2013

Dans le développement des théories de l’équilibre général, Hicks et Allais ont joué un rôle essentiel. On étudie ici les contributions qui furent les leurs respectivement dans Valeur et Capital (1939) et dans le Traité d’économie pure (1943). L’accent est mis sur trois points : la théorie du bien-être, la stabilité de l’équilibre et la construction d’un modèle dynamique.
Droit des actionnaires et concentration de la propriété en Europe
Authors: Auvray Tristan 
Published: December 2013

Cet article propose des indicateurs juridiques portant sur le pouvoir décisionnaire des actionnaires en assemblée générale dans quinze pays européens. Élaborés à l’aide d’une étude de droit comparé (Shearman & Sterling LLP [2007]), ces indicateurs reflètent la capacité des actionnaires à nommer et à révoquer les administrateurs des sociétés cotées d’une part (« droits de contrôle »), ainsi que leur implication dans un ensemble de décisions en assemblée générale d’autre part (« droits de structure »). Les indicateurs classiques de la Law and Finance et les mesures élaborées ici sont ensuite confrontés pour expliquer la concentration actionnariale de 287 sociétés cotées. Cette étude montre l’existence d’une complémentarité institutionnelle entre la concentration de la propriété des actions, la régulation des conflits d’agence et le pouvoir des actionnaires en assemblée générale.