bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employing threshold‐based behavior and network dynamics for the creation of memristive logic circuits and architectures
Authors: Vourkas Ioannis , Sirakoulis Georgios Ch. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis work focuses on the creation of logic circuits by employing the collective dynamics of assembles of reciprocal memristors. A novel circuit design methodology is described where the computing systems comprise passive memristors interfaced with active CMOS circuitry, working under already known circuit design principles from the CMOS technology. The accuracy and completeness of this straightforward methodology is demonstrated through SPICE simulations which are based on a threshold‐type device model for memristors. Overall, this work contributes to the creation of proper methodologies which will enable the development of efficient design flows for circuits and architectures comprising memristors. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bio‐organic memristive device: polyaniline–Physarum polycephalum interface
Authors: Cifarelli Angelica , Berzina Tatiana , Erokhin Victor 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOrganic memristive device is an electronic system mimicking some properties of biological synapses. Slime mold – Physarum polycephalum – is a single cell living being, widely considered now for the unconventional computing application. This work is dedicated to the realization of hybrid organic memristive device/Physarum polycephalum system and studying of its electrical properties. It was found that the slime mold remains alive only when the appropriate biocompatible layer is inserted into the structure and that the characteristics of the system are very different from those of the standard organic memristive devices. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A convex approach for NMPC based on second order Volterra series models
Authors: Gruber J. K. , Ramirez D. R. , Limon D. , Alamo T. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryIn model predictive control (MPC), the input sequence is computed, minimizing a usually quadratic cost function based on the predicted evolution of the system output. In the case of nonlinear MPC (NMPC), the use of nonlinear prediction models frequently leads to non‐convex optimization problems with several minimums. This paper proposes a new NMPC strategy based on second order Volterra series models where the original performance index is approximated by quadratic functions, which represent a lower bound of the original performance index. Convexity of the approximating quadratic cost functions can be achieved easily by a suitable choice of the weighting of the control increments in the performance index. The approximating cost functions can be globally minimized by convex optimization techniques in order to compute the input sequence. The minimization of the performance index is carried out by an iterative optimization procedure, which guarantees convergence to the solution. Furthermore, for a nominal prediction model, asymptotic stability for the proposed NMPC strategy can be shown. In the case of considering an estimation error in the prediction model, input‐to‐state practical stability is assured. The control performance of the NMPC strategy is illustrated by experimental results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise Reviews: The Role of Biomechanics in the Limbal Stem Cell Niche: New Insights for Our Understanding of This Structure
Authors: Eberwein Philipp , Reinhard Thomas 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The limbal stem cell niche is a structure of the ocular surface that is characterized by high specification, organization, and clinical significance. Harboring the limbal epithelial stem cells, which are the progenitor cells of the corneal epithelium, it provides a niche environment that guarantees the self-renewal of the corneal epithelial stem cells throughout life. Growth factors, stromal niche cells, and specific extracellular matrix compositions provide this environment. In recent years, another important component has been added to this list: the biomechanical aspect of the niche. This review focuses on this new and still underestimated aspect, which exhibits a direct effect on cells and can also influence growth and differentiation. Stem Cells 2015;33:916–924
Responses of testis, epididymis, and sperm of pubertal rats exposed to functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Farombi Ebenezer O. , Adedara Isaac A. , Forcados Gilead E. , Anao Osemudiamen O. , Agbowo Agatha , Patlolla Anita K. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the response of testes, epididymides and sperm in pubertal Wistar rats following exposure to 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0 mg kg−1 functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs) for 5 days. The results showed that administration of (f‐MWCNTs) significantly increased the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in a dose‐dependent manner in both testes and sperm compared with control group. Moreover, the significant decrease in the activity of glutathione‐S‐transferase and glutathione level was accompanied with significant elevation in the levels of hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde in both testes and sperm of (f‐MWCNTs)‐treated rats. The spermiogram of (f‐MWCNTs)‐treated rats indicated significant decrease in epididymal sperm number, sperm progressive motility, testicular sperm number and daily sperm production with elevated sperm abnormalities when compared with the control. Exposure to (f‐MWCNTs) decreased plasma testosterone level and produced marked morphological changes including decreased geminal epithelium, edema, congestion, reduced spermatogenic cells and focal areas of tubular degeneration in the testes. The lumen of the epididymides contained reduced sperm cells and there was mild to severe hyperplasia epithelial cells lining the duct of the epididymis. Collectively, pubertal exposure of male rats to (f‐MWCNTs) elicited oxidative stress response resulting in marked testicular and epididymides dysfunction. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 543–551, 2016.
Bioaccumulation patterns, element partitioning and biochemical performance of Venerupis corrugata from a low contaminated system
Authors: Velez Catia , Freitas Rosa , Soares Amadeu , Figueira Etelvina 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe current study reports metals and arsenic (As) concentrations present in sediments and in the native clam Venerupis corrugata, collected in the Ria de Aveiro, one of the most important aquatic systems of the Portuguese coast with high biodiversity and socio‐economic value. Because of its ecological importance in its habitat, and being one of the most exploited bivalve mollusks in Portugal, several biochemical biomarkers were evaluated in order to illustrate the species status when under environmental conditions. The concentration of metals and As in the sediments showed an increase of contamination among areas (areas A–E). The results proved higher bioaccumulation in organisms from the area less contaminated (area A, BAF > 1). The concentration of metals and As was predominant (63.4%) in the insoluble fraction of clams. The biochemical evaluation evidenced an increase of oxidative stress in organisms from the most (D and E) and the less (area A) contaminated areas, demonstrated by higher LPO levels, CAT, and GSHt activities at these areas and the increase of methalotionines (MTs) along the concentration gradient. This suggests a preventive mechanism in order to protect cells against pollutants (metals and As). © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 569–583, 2016.
Absorption and metabolism of triclosan after application to the skin of B6C3F1 mice
Authors: Fang Jia‐Long , Vanlandingham Michelle , da Costa Gonçalo Gamboa , Beland Frederick A. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTTriclosan is used as an antimicrobial agent in personal care products, household items, medical devices, and clinical settings. Humans can receive lifelong exposures to triclosan; however, data on the toxicity and carcinogenicity after topical application are lacking. This study determined the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of triclosan after application to the skin of B6C3F1 mice. [14C(U)]triclosan (10 or 100 mg triclosan/kg body weight) was administered topically to mice in two separate experiments: a vehicle selection experiment using propylene glycol, ethanol, and a generic cosmetic cream, and a toxicokinetic experiment. Mice were killed up to 72 h after triclosan administration, and excreta and tissues were analyzed for radioactivity. Ethanol had the best properties of the vehicles evaluated. Maximum absorption was obtained at approximately 12 h after dosing. Radioactivity appeared in the excreta and in all tissues examined, with the highest levels in the gall bladder and the lowest levels in the brain. Triclosan was metabolized to triclosan sulfate, triclosan glucuronide, 2,4‐dichlorophenol, and hydroxytriclosan. The metabolite profile was tissue‐dependent and the predominant route of excretion was fecal. The AUC0–∞ and the Cmax of plasma and liver in females were greater than those in males. Slightly lower absorption was observed in mice with Elizabethan collars. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 609–623, 2016.
Dual effects of quercetin in doxorubicin‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats and its modulation of the cytotoxic activity of doxorubicin on human carcinoma cells
Authors: Heeba Gehan H. , Mahmoud Magda E. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTQuercetin (QUR) has been shown to induce anti‐, as well as, pro‐oxidant effects depending on the dose and on the redox state of the cell. This study investigated the effects of different doses of QUR on doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced nephrotoxicity in rats with emphasis on the suggested mechanisms and its modulation of the cytotoxic activity of DOX on different human carcinoma cell lines. Three doses of QUR (10, 50, and 100 mg kg−1) were administered orally to adult male albino rats for 14 days, in the presence or absence of nephrotoxicity induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of DOX (15 mg kg−1) at day 7 of the experiment. Moreover, the effect of QUR in the presence of DOX on the cell viability of four different human cancer cell lines; PC3, HELA, MCF7, and HEPG2 was studied. Results showed that the lowest dose of QUR was more effective in preserving renal function (kidney index, blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, reduced glutathione, catalase activity, renal expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐1B, iNOS, and caspase‐3, and renal histopathology) than higher doses. Alternatively, the pro‐oxidant and pro‐inflammatory mechanisms have been reflected at highest QUR dose. In conclusion, QUR protected against DOX‐induced nephrotoxicity with a provision to dosage adjustment. Furthermore, QUR did not interfere but rather enhanced the cytotoxic effects of DOX on different human cancer cell lines. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 624–636, 2016.
Two Cases of Metallosis from Metal‐on‐Polyethylene Total Hips: An Emerging Problem
Authors: Kao Cyrus , Scalettar Raymond , Bunning Robert D. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis report describes 2 cases of metallosis from metal‐on‐polyethylene total hip replacements. Case 1 involved a Stryker rejuvenate implant, which has since been recalled. This patient had minimal symptoms, an elevated cobalt level, and loosening. The patient in case 2 had a Dupuys Pinnacle system, with symptoms of weakness, rash, and hip pain. Abnormal laboratory values include elevated sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, creatinine, cobalt, and decreased hematocrit. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed synovial thickening and extracapsular edema. Although metallosis is a well‐established complication of metal‐on‐metal implants, emerging data reveal that it also may be a problem in non–metal‐on‐metal implants such as either metal‐on‐polyethylene or ceramic‐on‐polyethylene implants, perhaps related to modular corrosion.
ARISTOPHANES, ACHARNIANS 833
Authors: Reeve Michael D. 
Published: November 2014

in memory of Eric HandleyDicaeopolis brushes the informer aside and closes his deal with the starving Megarian:
ΔΙ. … λαβὲ ταυτὶ τὰ σκόροδα καὶ τοὺς ἅλαςκαὶ χαῖρε πόλλ’. ΜΕ. ἀλλ’ ἁμὶν οὐκ ἐπιχώριον.ΔΙ. πολυπραγμοσύνη νῦν ἐς κεϕαλὴν τράποιτ’ ἐμοί. 833
Even before Douglas Olson's thorough study of the tradition in his commentary on Acharnians (Oxford, 2002) it was clear that the oldest manuscript, R, has as much weight as the agreement of the others that editors report. In 833 it reads πολυπραγμοσύνη, the others –σύνης. A scholion runs λείπει (δὲ) τὸ ἕνεκα, (ἵνα ᾖ) ἕνεκα τῆς πολυπραγμοσύνης (‘because of is not expressed, [to make it] because of the meddling’), plainly written for a text that had –σύνης, which is also the lemma in one manuscript; the lemma in the other that has one is –σύνῃσιν. It has not been shown, however, either that this scholion is ancient or that its agreement with all the manuscripts but R overrides the testimony of R. As regards attestation, therefore, the tradition offers two readings of equal weight, or three if –σύνῃσιν is taken to be a relic of a text different from the one that prompted the scholion.
VERSES ATTRIBUTED TO THETELEGONY
Authors: Tsagalis Christos 
Published: November 2014

The huge differences characterizing the main editions of the Greek epic poets of the Archaic period are well known. The sparse amount of information available poses serious problems; so too does the lack of unanimous acceptance of the same methodological principles with respect to the attribution of a citation to a given author and poem. The case of theTelegonyis typical: Bernabé lists five fragments, Davies two (only one in common with Bernabé), and West six (four in common with Bernabé, one in common with Davies, and one published by Livrea ten years after the appearance of the editions of Bernabé and Davies). To alert the reader that the attribution of fragments 1 and 2 to theTelegonyis conjectural and not based on ancient evidence, West attaches an asterisk to them. My aim is to discuss both what certain scholars have taken as one (and, for exactly 110 years, the only) of the two surviving lines from Eugammon'sTelegony, that is fr. 1 (PEG1, Bernabé = *1 West) = fr. 2 (Allen), and also what appears as fr. *2 in West's Loeb edition.
When Are Sanctions Effective? A Bargaining and Enforcement Framework
Authors: Bapat Navin A. , Kwon Bo Ram 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAlthough a considerable literature identifies the conditions under which sanctions are more likely to be successful, few studies examine the question of when sanctioning states or senders are willing to enforce their sanctions laws against their firms. Using a game theoretic model, we argue that imposing sanctions creates a strategic dilemma for senders. We demonstrate that senders often have disincentives to enforce their sanctions policies, given that the restriction on economic transactions with targeted states may undermine their firms' competitiveness. The model indicates that sanctions are more likely to succeed when the sender's firm retains a moderate share of the target's market relative to its foreign competitors. However, the model also demonstrates that sanctions are likely to be imposed only when the conditions do not favor their success. The empirical implications of the model are tested using the Threat and Imposition of Economic Sanctions (TIES) data set.
Chinese Xenology and the Opium War: Reflections on Sinocentrism
Authors: Basu Dilip K. 
Published: November 2014

Editor's Note: The essay that follows is based on a conference paper by Dilip K. Basu that has long circulated informally, in the process exercising an unusually high degree of influence for an unpublished commentary. Most notably, some ideas embedded in it have been spread via literary scholar Lydia Liu's engagement with and quoting of the paper inThe Clash of Empires: The Invention of China in Modern World Making(Liu 2006), a provocative and much-cited book that calls for a radical rethinking of some of the standard terms and concepts used in the past to refer to the Qing Empire's ties to and conflicts with other political and territorial units. Those familiar with Liu's work will find here an essay that complements some arguments in her book; those who have not read it will be introduced to those ideas for the first time. Beyond this, though, all readers will find a discussion of various ideas and events—visions of China's place in the world, how the story of the Opium War is thought about in different settings, the history of Sinology—shaped by personal as well as scholarly concerns.The essay's ties to the author's life and associations, which come into play more as the essay proceeds, make it a good fit with the goals of our recently introduced and still evolving “Reflections” genre. In addition, since it revisits critically ideas about China associated with the work of John K. Fairbank, it can be placed well beside some of the essays published in the “Legacies” series launched by Kenneth George, in his time as editor of the journal. And regular attendees of the Association for Asian Studies annual meetings may notice that much that follows resonates with the keynote address by Amitav Ghosh, one of those familiar with Basu's essay in draft form, when that conference was held in Toronto in 2012. The pages that follow are tightly focused on China, but Basu's discussion of “xenology” (a term for the ways that cultures think about those deemed “others,” which has, of course, the same root as the more familiar term “xenophobia”) clearly has implications for widely varied times and places, just as the handling of Fairbank's distinctive role in Chinese studies may bring to mind parallels to the influence that other prominent Western academics from the last century once shaped and via their legacies can continue to shape academic work on other parts of Asia. While focused tightly on China, in other words, it has much to offer readers whose primary interest is not in that country.
Inuit women in the process of the conversion to Christianity in the Canadian eastern Arctic: 1894–1945
Authors: Laugrand Frédéric B. , Oosten Jarich G. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTArctic missionaries have been studied extensively as agents of change but the role of Inuit women in the adoption of Christianity has been largely overlooked. In this paper we discuss Inuit women who played an important role in the processes of evangelisation and conversion. We focus on the first converts in South Baffin Island as well as the cases of Teresikuluk, a young woman who tried to turn her relatives from shamanism to Christianity, and of Pelagie, the first Inuit nun, in the Kivalliq. The missionaries often presented these women as role models choosing the right path in contrast to other individuals who kept their ‘pagan’ that is shamanic traditions. For these Inuit women, Christianity was attractive as it freed them from many ritual restrictions, providing them with more freedom and power. Many women were among the first converts, but in most areas men took the leading roles as preachers and evangelists. It proved to be hard for women to pursue a religious career and here the constraints of their social roles played an important part.
Dachas on permafrost: the creation of nature among Arctic Russian city-dwellers
Authors: Stammler Florian , Sidorova Lena 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThis article analyses the phenomenon of the post-Soviet Russian summer cottage, dacha, in the Arctic. We take an ethnographic comparative perspective for contributing to the refinement of our understanding of human-environment relations and urban anthropology of incomer-northerners, those with roots somewhere outside the north. Evidence from fieldwork in Murmansk Oblast, West Siberia and Sakha-Yakutia shows how for a socialist and post-socialist northern urban livelihood, the dacha has become an indispensable counterpart of life in the urban concrete housing blocks for most Russian northern inhabitants. We explore in this article the importance of dacha for northern identity of urban dwellers, by analysing spheres of individual and collective agency, freedom, attachment to place and land. We conclude that the dacha movement has filled a gap that had been left open by Soviet Arctic urbanisation: a dacha has come to stand for a human-environment relationship that gradually re-introduces rurality to urban life in the Russian Arctic so permanently that dacha places start losing their seasonal character.
Pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention: a meta-analysis of observational studies
Authors: Rong Ke , Yu Kai , Han Xiaolong , Szeto Ignatius MY , Qin Xueying , Wang Junkuan , Ning Yibing , Wang Peiyu , Ma Defu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association of gestational weight gain (GWG) or pre-pregnancy BMI with postpartum weight retention (PPWR).DesignMeta-analysis.SettingPubMed, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, Current Contents Connects and Biosis Previews were used to search articles.SubjectsPublications that described the influence of pre-pregnancy BMI or GWG on PPWR.ResultsSeventeen studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the analyses. Women with inadequate and excessive GWG had significantly lower mean PPWR of −2·14 kg (95 % CI –2·43, –1·85 kg) and higher PPWR of 3·21 kg (95 % CI 2·79, 3·62 kg), respectively, than women with adequate GWG. When postpartum time spans were stratified into 1–3 months, 3–6 months, 6–12 months, 12–36 months and ≥15 years, the association between inadequate GWG and PPWR faded over time and became insignificant (−1·42 kg; 95 % CI −3·08, 0·24 kg) after ≥15 years. However, PPWR in women with excess GWG exhibited a U-shaped trend; that is, a decline during the early postpartum time span (year 1) and then an increase in the following period. Meta-analysis of qualitative studies showed a significant relationship between excessive GWG and higher PPWR risk (OR=2·08; 95 % CI 1·60, 2·70). Moreover, meta-analysis of pre-pregnancy BMI on PPWR indicated that mean PPWR decreased with increasing BMI group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that GWG, rather than pre-pregnancy BMI, determines the shorter- or longer-term PPWR.
Malathion-Induced Granulosa Cell Apoptosis in Caprine Antral Follicles: An Ultrastructural and Flow Cytometric Analysis
Authors: Bhardwaj Jitender K. , Saraf Priyanka 
Published: November 2014

AbstractOrganophosphate pesticides (OPs) like malathion interfere with normal ovarian function resulting in an increased incidence of atresia and granulosa cell apoptosis that plays a consequential role in the loss of ovarian follicles or follicular atresia. The aim of present study was to assess malathion-induced (100 nM) reproductive stress, ultrastructural damage and changes in apoptosis frequency in ovarian granulosa cells of antral follicles. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed for ultrastructural characterization, oxidative stress was evaluated using thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay to measure lipid peroxidation, and apoptosis was quantified via flow cytometry. By TEM, apoptosis was identified by the presence of an indented nuclear membrane with blebbing, pyknotic crescent-shaped fragmented nuclei, increased vacuolization, degenerating mitochondria, and lipid droplets. The results indicate a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level (nmols/g wet tissue) at a 100 nM dose of malathion i.e. 7.57±0.033*, 8.53±0.12*, and 12.87±0.78** at 4, 6, or 8 h, respectively, as compared with controls (6.07±0.033, p<0.01*, p<0.05**) showing a positive correlation between malathion-induced lipid peroxidation and percentage of granulosa cell apoptosis (r=1; p<0.01). The parallel use of these three methods enabled us to determine the role of malathion in inducing apoptosis as a consequence of cytogenetic damage and oxidative stress generated in granulosa cells of antral follicles.