bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic effects of the synthetic oestrogens and androgens on Balb/c 3T3 and HepG2 cells
Authors: Minta Maria , Radko Lidia , Stypuła-Trębas Sylwia , Żmudzki Jan 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to test and compare the cytotoxic potential of two synthetic oestrogens: diethylstilboestrol (DES) and ethinyloestradiol (EE2) and two androgens: testosterone propionate (TP) and trenbolone (TREN) on two cell lines. The fibroblast cell line Balb/c 3T3 and the hepatoma cell line HepG2 were selected. To get more insight into the mode of toxic action, four methods were used, which evaluated different biochemical endpoints: mitochondrial activity (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)- 2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide reduction assay), lysosomal activity (neutral red uptake assay), total protein content, and lactate dehydrogenase release. Cytotoxicity was assessed after 24, 48, and 72 h exposure to eight concentrations ranging from 0.78 to 100 μg/mL. Concentration- and time- dependent effects were observed. Depending on the line and assay used, half maximal effective concentration after 72 h (EC50-72h) values ranged as follows: DES 1-13.7 μg/mL (Balb/c 3T3) and 3.7-5.2 μg/mL (HepG2); EE2 2.1-14.3 μg/mL (Balb/c 3T3) and 1.8-7.8 μg/mL (HepG2); TP-14.9-17.5 μg/mL (Balb/c 3T3), and 63.9- 100 μg/mL (HepG2); and TREN 11.3-31.4 μg/mL (Balb/c 3T3) and 12.5-59.4 μg/mL (HepG2). The results revealed that oestrogens were more toxic than androgens and the most affected endpoint was mitochondrial activity. In contrast to oestrogens, for which EC50-72h values were similar in both lines and by all assays used, Balb/c 3T3 cells were more sensitive than HepG2 cells to TP.
Reducing Call Blocks in Cellular Network with Non-Uniform Traffic Conditions
Authors: Sharma Abhijit , Sharma Pratik , Chaki Rituparna , Bhattacharya Uma 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
In cellular networks, while the motivation behind all basic channel assignment strategies is the better utilization of the available frequency spectrum with the consequent reduction of the call blocking probability in each cell, very few of them deal with the problem of non-uniform traffic demand in different cells which may lead to a gross imbalance in the system performance. Mobile users in hot cells (the cells with heavy traffic loads) may suffer from low throughput due to the load imbalance problem. In this paper, we propose a cost effective and simple load balancing scheme that can effectively reduce the overall call blocking. A common set of channels are determined dynamically which can be used simultaneously in all the cells. Cell tiers with different radii are used to cope with the interference introduced by using same set of channels simultaneously in all cells. The performance of the proposed scheme is presented in terms of call blocking probability and channel utilization. Simulation results show that the proposed scheme can reduce the call blocking significantly in highly congested cell.
Assessment of Metarhizium anisopliae (Clavicipitaceae) and its vector, Scleroderma guani (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae), for the control of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae)
Authors: Xu M. , Xu F.Y. , Liu Y.P. , Pan Y.S. , Wu X.Q. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus (Steiner and Buhrer) Nickle (Aphelenchida: Parasitaphelenchidae), is a major disease of pines forests in China. Its vector, Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), has been the focus of an intensive study to improve the efficiency of the parasitoid Scleroderma guani Xiao and Wu (Hymenoptera: Bethylidae) by using the parasitoid both as a larval parasitoid in its own right and additionally as a vector for the entomophagous pathogen Metarhizium anisopliae (Metchnikoff) Sorokin (Clavicipitaceae). Twenty-one M. anisopliae strains were screened and the best four tested for sporulation capabilities at a range of temperatures. The best strain was then evaluated at several sporulation concentrations to define the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) against the larvae of M. alternatus. Scleroderma guani was inoculated with the best strain and tested against larvae of M. alternatus, which were constrained singly in glass vials. Three S. guani females per vial infected with M. anisopliae (strain 789) were shown to cause the death of 100% of the M. alternatus larvae they were exposed to as compared exposures to just one or two infected S. guani females per vial. This demonstrates a successful interaction of two biocontrol agents for the control of the pinewood nematode vector M. alternatus.
High-Intensity Running and Plantar-Flexor Fatigability and Plantar-Pressure Distribution in Adolescent Runners
Authors: Fourchet François , Kelly Luke , Horobeanu Cosmin , Loepelt Heiko , Taiar Redha , Millet Grégoire 
Published: December 2014

Context:
Fatigue-induced alterations in foot mechanics may lead to structural overload and injury.

Objectives:
To investigate how a high-intensity running exercise to exhaustion modifies ankle plantar-flexor and dorsiflexor strength and fatigability, as well as plantar-pressure distribution in adolescent runners.

Design:
Controlled laboratory study.

Setting:
Academy research laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants:
Eleven male adolescent distance runners (age = 16.9 ± 2.0 years, height = 170.6 ± 10.9 cm, mass = 54.6 ± 8.6 kg) were tested.

Intervention(s):
All participants performed an exhausting run on a treadmill. An isokinetic plantar-flexor and dorsiflexor maximal-strength test and a fatigue test were performed before and after the exhausting run. Plantar-pressure distribution was assessed at the beginning and end of the exhausting run.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
We recorded plantar-flexor and dorsiflexor peak torques and calculated the fatigue index. Plantar-pressure measurements were recorded 1 minute after the start of the run and before exhaustion. Plantar variables (ie, mean area, contact time, mean pressure, relative load) were determined for 9 selected regions.

Results:
Isokinetic peak torques were similar before and after the run in both muscle groups, whereas the fatigue index increased in plantar flexion (28.1%; P = .01) but not in dorsiflexion. For the whole foot, mean pressure decreased from 1 minute to the end (−3.4%; P = .003); however, mean area (9.5%; P = .005) and relative load (7.2%; P = .009) increased under the medial midfoot, and contact time increased under the central forefoot (8.3%; P = .01) and the lesser toes (8.9%; P = .008).

Conclusions:
Fatigue resistance in the plantar flexors declined after a high-intensity running bout performed by adolescent male distance runners. This phenomenon was associated with increased loading under the medial arch in the fatigued state but without any excessive pronation.
An uncommon evaluation in recurrent acute pancreatitis
Authors: Patil Mallikarjun , Sheth Keyur A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRecurrent acute pancreatitis can be caused due to mechanical, metabolic, anatomical abnormalities and other miscellaneous causes. Among the anatomical causes, choledochoceles are rare entities that result in recurrent acute pancreatitis. Choledochoceles are different in morphological and clinical features as compared to other choledochal cysts. We present a case of 21-year-old female with recurrent episodes of acute pancreatitis due to choledochocele as etiology. She was managed with endoscopic sphincterotomy and was asymptomatic for last 24 months.
Pyogenic granuloma of the gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Mittal Chetan , Mittal Aakanksha , Nabi Shahzaib , Chacra Wadiha , Shah Veena , Alaradi Osama , Amer Syed 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Introduction: Pyogenic granuloma (PG) or granuloma pyogenicum is essentially a capillary hemangioma on the skin or a mucosal surface which shows an exophytic growth pattern and has a lobulated appearance. The most common sites are skin (40%) and mucosal surfaces (predominantly oral cavity, 60%). We intend to report all available cases of PG of gastrointestinal (GI) tract, diagnosed at the Henry Ford hospital, a tertiary referral center. Patients and Methods: A retrospective review of pathological database was performed on all GI biopsies in the last 10 years using diagnostic codes and pathology codes searching for PG of the GI tract. Results: A total of 23 cases of pathologically diagnosed PG was diagnosed over a 10 year period. The median age of patients was 64 with almost equal gender distribution (47.8% were males, and 52.2% were females). The most common location of PG was sigmoid colon (65.2%), esophagus (17.4%) and transverse colon (13%). PG presented as a polyp in 16 patients (69.6%). The most common indication for endoscopy in these cases was screening colonoscopy (30.4% cases). Discussion: PG of GI tract is rare. To date, only about 15–20 cases have been reported in the literature and most cases have been reported from Japan and Korea. This is the largest case series of this rare pathological lesion of the GI tract. Most cases of PG were diagnosed on an endoscopy done for an unrelated reason in our series. Hence, most cases were asymptomatic, unlike previously reported cases which were mostly associated with GI bleeding.
A Tale of Two Regulators: Telecom Policy Participation in Canada
Authors: Shepherd Tamara , Taylor Gregory , Middleton Catherine 
Published: December 2014

AbstractWhat are the challenges to effective academic participation in telecommunications policymaking? In this article, the authors analyze their experiences with the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission and Industry Canada as examples. Their goal is to increase academic policy engagement despite negligible government support for public interest advocacy, as traditional public interest values are discarded by regulators because new technologies are framed as individual rather than collective. Industry Canada is deemed opaque with an “advocacy deficit,” though the CRTC is more transparent and inviting. To succeed in both venues, academics need to work with advocacy organizations as “circumstantial activists.” Such academic participation can offer new conceptual frameworks, add nuance to discourse, substantiate the use of scholarly research in policy debates, and add to policy theory building.
Making Information Technologies Work at the End of the Road
Authors: McMahon Rob , Gurstein Michael , Beaton Brian , O'Donnell Susan , Whiteduck Tim 
Published: December 2014

AbstractRemote and rural areas face many challenges, including the provision of telecommunications services. Regardless of universal service policies or other political promises, rural communities can be deemed unprofitable by service providers while government assistance is managed by faraway regulators who lack understanding of the affected communities and citizens. The authors assess these challenges in the context of the First Nations of Canada, via a decentralized “First Mile” framework. They find that these remote communities are capable of local innovation and can collaborate with intermediary organizations to build digital infrastructures, by bridging the gap between the public and private sectors.
“Feeling for Rocks While Crossing the River”: An Analysis of the Statutory Language of China's First Freedom of Information Law
Authors: Tang Yong 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
What is the outlook for expanded Open Government Information (OGI) rules in the Chinese legal system? Slow broadening through cautious testing, predicts Professor Tang. That country's national freedom of information law in some ways compares favorably to those in other countries, but it also has structural provisions that favor non-disclosure. This article compares China's initial “Academic Draft” of the OGI law with the final version as approved by the State Council. The latter is far more limited, apparently in order to avoid perceived threats to social stability. The author sees a “two steps forward, one step back” process towards a gradual increase in openness.
The Construction of a Mediterranean Perspective in Media Policy: Common Values for Content Regulation in MENA and EU Countries
Authors: Bugs Ricardo Carniel , Crusafon Carmina 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Are the communications regulatory regimes in the Middle East/North Africa region moving towards the adoption of European-style audiovisual policies? Broadly yes, but with important exceptions, say the authors. This article analyzes the actions of the 24-member Mediterranean Network of Regulatory Authorities, and then examines the individual cases of authorities in Lebanon and Morocco. The authors find evidence of movement towards European-style regulatory harmonization and integration in the region; however, uncertainties about the future remain, especially with respect to transparency and accountability.
Shale Gas Boom Affecting the Relationship Between LPG and Oil Prices
Authors: Oglend Atle , Lindback Morten E. , Osmundsen Petter 
Published: December 2014

Liquefied petroleum gases (LPGs) together with other natural gas liquids (NGLs) have played an important role in the current U.S. shale gas boom. Depressed gas prices in recent years have made pure natural gas operations less profitable. The result is that liquids components in gas production have become increasingly important in ensuring the profitability of shale gas operations. In this paper we investigate whether the shale gas expansion, which has led to an increase in associated LPG production, has also affected the historically strong relationship between LPG and oil prices. Revealing the strength and stability of the LPG/oil relationship is relevant when it comes to the future profitability and development of the U.S. natural gas sector. Our results suggest that the LPG/oil relationship has weakened in recent years with a move towards cheaper liquids relative to oil. This is consistent with developments in the natural gas sector with increased liquids production. A consequence is that U.S. natural gas operations cannot automatically rely on high liquids prices to ensure profitability.
Het geheim van de smid
Authors: Simons J.P.M. 
Published: December 2014

Het geheim van de smid. De Wbp en het recht op inzage in en afschrift van stukken tijdens het medisch beoordelingstraject bij personenschades: waar staan we inmiddels?
Al geruime tijd staat binnen de letselschadebranche ter discussie in hoeverre benadeelden met een beroep op artikel 35 Wbp inzage in en afschrift van documenten kunnen krijgen van (de verzekeraar van) de aansprakelijke partij, wanneer daarin persoonsgegevens zijn verwerkt. In het bijzonder speelt daarbij de vraag of benadeelden tevens recht hebben op inzage in en afschrift van (1) interne notities die in het kader van de afwikkeling van personenschades door medewerkers van verzekeraars en andere aan de zijde van verzekeraars bij de afwikkeling betrokken personen zijn opgesteld en (2) adviezen van de medisch adviseur(s) van verzekeraars. Hoewel hierover inmiddels de nodige jurisprudentie is verschenen, bestaat er op dit gebied nog steeds onduidelijkheid en vormen deze vragen nog regelmatig voer voor discussie.
La négociation collective à l’ère de la financiarisation : le paradigme de l’option dans le cas des clauses de renouvellement automatique des conventions collectives
Authors: Hanin Frédéric , Bilodeau Pier-Luc 
Published: December 2014

Cet article analyse les enjeux de la financiarisation pour la négociation collective, point de rencontre de la stratégie syndicale et de la stratégie d’affaire de l’entreprise. À partir d’une analogie entre la théorie financière de l’option et la négociation collective, nous montrons ses implications sur la sécurité d’emploi et les conditions de travail dans les établissements à partir du cas du complexe Jonquière d’Alcan au Québec. La financiarisation n’est donc pas une « externalité » du système économique, mais bien une nouvelle forme de régulation. La recherche illustre ainsi le caractère performatif de la finance sur les relations du travail.
Mineralogy and fluvial history of the watersheds of Gale, Knobel, and Sharp craters: A regional context for the Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity's exploration
Authors: Ehlmann Bethany L. , Buz Jennifer 
Published: December 2014

AbstractA 500 km long network of valleys extends from Herschel crater to Gale, Knobel, and Sharp craters. The mineralogy and timing of fluvial activity in these watersheds provide a regional framework for deciphering the origin of sediments of Gale crater's Mount Sharp, an exploration target for the Curiosity rover. Olivine‐bearing bedrock is exposed throughout the region, and its erosion contributed to widespread olivine‐bearing sand dunes. Fe/Mg phyllosilicates are found in both bedrock and sediments, implying that materials deposited in Gale crater may have inherited clay minerals, transported from the watershed. While some topographic lows of the Sharp‐Knobel watershed host chloride salts, the only salts detected in the Gale watershed are sulfates within Mount Sharp, implying regional or temporal differences in water chemistry. Crater counts indicate progressively more spatially localized aqueous activity: large‐scale valley network activity ceased by the early Hesperian, though later Hesperian/Amazonian fluvial activity continued near Gale and Sharp craters.
Cutoff latitude variation during solar proton events: Causes and consequences
Authors: Nesse Tyssøy H. , Stadsnes J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractTo accurately quantify the effect of solar proton events (SPEs) on the atmosphere requires a good estimate of the particle energy deposition in the middle atmosphere (60–100 km) and how the energy is distributed globally. Protons in the energy range 1–20 MeV, depositing their energy in the middle atmosphere, are subject to more complex dynamics with strong day‐night asymmetries compared to higher‐energy particles. Our study targets six SPEs from 2003 to 2012. By using measurements from the Medium Energy Proton and Electron Detector on all available Polar Orbit Environment Satellites (POES), we show that in the main phase of geomagnetic storms the dayside cutoff latitudes are pushed poleward, while the nightside cutoff latitudes have the opposite response, resulting in strong day‐night asymmetries in the energy deposition. These features cannot be measured by the frequently used Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). Assuming that the protons impact the polar atmosphere homogeneously above a fixed nominal latitude boundary will therefore give a significant overestimate of the energy deposited in the middle atmosphere during SPEs. We discuss the magnetospheric mechanisms responsible for the local time response in the cutoff latitudes and provide a simple applicable parameterization which includes both dayside and nightside cutoff latitude variability using only the Dst, the northward component of the interplanetary magnetic field, and solar wind pressure. The parameterization is utilized on the GOES particle fluxes, and the resulting energy deposition successfully captures the day‐night asymmetry in good agreement with the energy deposition predicted from the POES measurement.
Neural network based terminal iterative learning control for uncertain nonlinear non‐affine systems
Authors: Liu Tianqi , Wang Danwei , Chi Ronghu 
Published: December 2014

SummaryIn this paper, a novel neural network based terminal iterative learning control method is proposed for a class of uncertain nonlinear non‐affine systems to track run‐varying reference point with initial state variance. In this new control scheme, the non‐affine terminal dynamics are converted affine, and the unrealisable recurrent network is simplified into realisable static network. As a result, the effect of initial state and control signal on terminal output can be estimated by neural network. With this estimation, the proposed control scheme can drive nonlinear non‐affine systems to track run‐varying reference point in the presence of initial state variance. Stability and convergence of this approach are proven, and numerical simulation results are provided to verify its effectiveness.
Autophagy is deficient in nasal polyps: implications for the pathogenesis of the disease
Authors: Chen Jeff Yi‐Fu , Hour Tzyh‐Chyuan , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Chien Chen‐Yu , Chen Hau‐Ren , Tsai Ke‐Li , Ko Jenq‐Yuh , Wang Ling‐Feng 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundNasal polyposis is characterized by persistent inflammation but the pathogenesis is complex and still debatable. Autophagy has been associated with many human health problems including chronic inflammatory airway diseases. Whether autophagy plays a role in nasal polyps and could be a therapeutic target is completely unknown.MethodsWe studied light chain 3 (LC3) protein expression, a common indication of autophagy, in fresh tissue specimens of 5 nasal polyps and 6 normal nasal mucosa by Western blot analysis. The results were also confirmed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using additional 25 paraffin‐embedded nasal tissue sections. Finally the autophagic activity was validated in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts by evaluating the number of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐labeled LC3 puncta.ResultsThe expression of LC3 was dramatically decreased in all 5 nasal polyp tissues. In contrast, protein kinase B–mechanistic target of rapamycin (Akt‐mTOR) signaling, an established negative regulator of autophagy, was significantly activated in these tissues. Immunohistochemical results further demonstrated a negative correlation between autophagy and nasal polyps (p < 0.05). GFP‐LC3 puncta formation, an alternative indicator of autophagy, was also diminished in nasal polyp–derived fibroblasts (p < 0.01).ConclusionAutophagy is deficient presumably due to suppression by high Akt‐mTOR activity in nasal polyps, which may provide a molecular basis for future mechanistic study of the disease.
Regioselective Catalytic Asymmetric C‐Alkylation of Isoxazolinones by a Base‐Free Palladacycle‐Catalyzed Direct 1,4‐Addition
Authors: Hellmuth Tina , Frey Wolfgang , Peters René 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIsoxazolinones constitute a class of heterocycles utilized for the development of novel drug candidates. The cyclic oxime ester motif is also synthetically useful as it contains functional handles which have previously been used to provide access to an assortment of valuable compound classes not easily accessible by alternative approaches. However, asymmetric methods towards isoxazolinones are notoriously scarce. Herein we report the first catalytic asymmetric alkylations of isoxazolinones forming all‐C‐substituted quaternary stereocenters. The present studies were driven by the question of how to control the regioselectivity in the competition of different nucleophilic positions. The investigation of a direct 1,4‐addition uncovered that a sterically demanding palladacycle catalyst directs the reactivity in the absence of a base nearly exclusively to the nucleophilic C atom, while at the same time it allows for high enantioselectivity and TONs up to 1900.