bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone-dependent versus -independent markers of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in primary hepatocytes
Authors: Godoy Patricio , Lakkapamu Sumathi , Schug Markus , Bauer Alexander , Stewart Joanna D. , Bedawi Essam , Hammad Seddik , Amin Jakia , Marchan Rosemarie , Schormann Wiebke , Maccoux Lindsey , Recklinghausen Iris von , Reif Raymond , Hengstler Jan G. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Recently, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been shown to represent a feature of dedifferentiating hepatocytes in vitro. Three-dimensional soft collagen gels can antagonize but not completely abolish this effect. Hormonal additives to culture media are known to maintain differentiated hepatocyte functions. Therefore, we studied whether insulin and dexamethasone antagonize EMT in cultured hepatocytes. Both hormones antagonized but not completely abolished certain morphological features of EMT. Dexamethasone antagonized acquisition of fibroblastoid shape, whereas insulin favored bile canaliculi formation. In a subsequent step, we analyzed expression of a battery of EMT-related genes. Of all markers tested, vimentin and snail-1 correlated best with morphological features of EMT. Interestingly, dexamethasone reduced expression levels of both vimentin and snail-1, whereas the influence of insulin was less pronounced. An important result of this study is that 12 out of 17 analyzed EMT markers were transcriptionally influenced by dexamethasone (vimentin, snail-1, snail-2, HNF4α, Twist-1, ZEB2, fibronectin, occludin, MMP14, claudin-1, cytokeratin-8, and cytokeratin-18), whereas the remaining factors seemed to be less dependent on dexamethasone. In conclusion, EMT markers in hepatocytes can be classified as dexamethasone-dependent versus -independent.
Predicting Dynamic Segregation of Self-Consolidating Concrete from the Slump-Flow Test
Authors: Tregger Nathan , Ferrara Liberato , Shah Surendra 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Two key characteristics of self-consolidating concrete are flowability and segregation resistance. Quality control of flowability is typically predicted by the final diameter of the slump-flow test. In this paper, experimental results demonstrate that dynamic segregation of a self-consolidating concrete mix can also be predicted from the slump-flow test by measuring the time it takes for the flow to reach its final diameter. For a constant final diameter and aggregate content, increasing the time to final diameter led to a more stable mix. Two sets of slump-flow and segregation data were obtained for flow diameters of 65 and 70 cm, both with constant water-to-binder and aggregate-to-binder ratios. Dynamic segregation was determined by comparing the aggregate content in three regions: Within the diameter of the slump cone, between the diameter of the cone and a diameter of 50 cm, and between a diameter of 50 cm and the final diameter. In addition, the rapid penetration test was used to compare dynamic and static segregation characteristics.
Preparing Taiwanese Students for Insurance Industry Jobs: Curriculum Reform and Evaluation
Authors: Fan Chiang-Ku , Wu Cheng-Ru 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Given the environment of the recent financial tsunami and a slowdown in global economy, to meet long-term hiring needs, insurance companies hope to recruit highly qualified graduates who do not require extensive and expensive training. On the other hand, the departments of risk management and insurance (DRMI) in universities must engage in improving their curricular to better equip and enhance their students’ employability. Therefore, both the human resources management in life insurance companies and curricular designers in the DRMI need an effective evaluation method to provide an accurate solution in problems of employee selection and curricular design. This paper proposes a curriculum performance evaluation method combining the analytical hierarchy process and Grey relational analysis. Using this evaluation method enables the human resources managers in life insurance companies to identify which university designs the most appropriated curriculum that can educate students to become the talented, skilled, and well-prepared labor force to satisfy hiring needs. Moreover, to explore the outcome of this evaluation, the DRMI can accordingly improve their curricular.
Mithridates II and Antiochos Hierax
Authors: Petković Žarko 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The explanation of the Pontic policy of Mithridates II as offered in our scanty sources is hardly satisfactory. After the battle of Ankyra (240–239 BC), Mithridates’ position appeared ambiguous to modern and ancient authors alike (Section I–II). A revision of all the evidence would be welcome. If the chronology proposed here is correct (notably, it puts the date of the Pontic attack on Sinope at c. 228 BC instead of the widely accepted 220 BC), the aggressive policy of Mithridates in Asia Minor can be revised. The siege of Sinope should not be understood as an isolated episode in the endless Anatolian warfare; it was part of a premeditated policy which well accorded with the ambitious schemes of Antiochos Hierax (Section III). However, after Hierax’ defeat, Mithridates reverted to a policy of good relations with the main branch of the Syrian dynasty (Section IV).
Auseinandertreten, wenn alle einer Meinung sind – Überlegungen zur discessio
Authors: Timmer Jan 
Published: November 2009

Zusammenfassung
In der Forschung ist die discessio, also die Abstimmung am Ende von Senatssitzungen, bisher als Verfahren zur Herstellung einfacher Mehrheiten, die die Grundlage kollektiv verbindlicher Entscheidungen darstellten, interpretiert worden. Eine Betrachtung der überlieferten Abstimmungsergebnisse von Senatssitzungen zeigt hingegen, daß in der Regel weitgehende Einmütigkeit des Gremiums erreicht wurde, die Untersuchung der Norm, daß dies auch der Selbstbeschreibung des Funktionierens politischer Ordnung entsprach. Dieser Befund spricht gegen die bisherige Deutung. Vielmehr ist das Verfahren als performativer Akt zu erklären, der die Einmütigkeit des Gremiums dar- und zugleich mitherstellte. Dies geschah dadurch, daß die Akteure im Prozeß des Auseinandertretens wahrnahmen, welcher Handlungsoption die einflußreicheren Senatoren zuneigten und dieser Option beitraten, und zwar auch dann, wenn sie für sie nicht die ‚erste Wahl‘ darstellte.
Pompeius’ Career from 79 to 70 BCE: Constitutional, Political and Historical Considerations
Authors: Vervaet Frederik J. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Cn. Pompeius Magnus is undoubtedly best known for his great commands of 67 and 66 BCE and his subsequent role as ally, then enemy, of Iulius Caesar. Nonetheless, comprehensive scrutiny of Pompeius’ track record from 79 to 70 BCE reveals that this was perhaps the most remarkable and ground breaking stage of his career. In 78, in the face of yet another civil war, the Senate charged Rome’s first ever eques triumphalis with an independent propraetorian commission, under the auspices of the consul Q. Lutatius Catulus. In 77, Pompeius flatly ignored Catulus’ direct orders to disband his army, eager to secure a major role in the war against Sertorius and his Spanish associates. After a long and acerbic debate, the Senate eventually decided to have the People appoint Pompeius to an extraordinary proconsulship. By virtue of an unprecedented provision, the equestrian proconsul was, moreover, authorized to command in Spain on an equal footing with the consular proconsul Metellus Pius, the princeps ciuitatis of the time. In 71, Pompeius boldly decided to stand for the consulship of 70, in collusion with M. Licinius Crassus. As he ran on a decidedly popular platform and, once again, refused to disband his legions, the conscript Fathers had little choice but to grant dispensation from the Cornelian Law as well as a second public triumph. This paper will argue that, in political and constitutional terms, Pompeius played an instrumental role in burying Sulla’s constitutional settlement, and that his extraordinary career in the seventies BCE set a fateful example for the next couple of decades.
Caesars Griff nach Gallien
Authors: Fischer Franz 
Published: November 2009

Zusammenfassung
Caesars Entschluß, Gallien als Tätigkeitsfeld zu wählen, wird oft ausschließlich unter dem Aspekt stadtrömischer Politik gesehen. Die genauere Würdigung seiner Tätigkeiten in Hispania ulterior, vor allem 61/60 als Propraetor und die Überführung der beiden spanischen Legionen VII und VIII nach Aquileia, die Caesar im Sommer 60 zu seinem geplanten, dann von Cato verhinderten Triumph mitgebracht hatte, ergeben ein deutlicheres Bild als bisher von den Hintergründen von Caesars Griff nach Gallien.
Algunas consideraciones sobre la ambiguitas religiosa en el s. IV d. C. los discursos de Claudio Mamertino y Pacato
Authors: Palacios José Luis Cañizar 
Published: November 2009

Resumen
En el siglo IV d C. no resulta extraordinario que en determinadas manifestaciones públicas, como puedan ser los panegíricos imperiales, ante la existencia y convivencia de población pagana y cristiana, se emplee con una intencionalidad eminentemente práctica y política cierto tono ambiguo en el terreno religioso, y ello con independencia del contexto histórico, del destinatario del discurso encomiástico e incluso del sentimiento religioso de su autor.
Un canon africano concerniente a las obligaciones de los hijos de los eclesiásticos durante la Antigüedad Tardía
Authors: Jiménez Sánchez Juan Antonio 
Published: November 2009

Resumen
Un canon dictado en el concilio de Hipona del 393 prohibió que los hijos de obispos y sacerdotes exhibieran espectáculos o asistieran a ellos. En el presente trabajo estudiamos la transmisión textual de este texto, desaparecido en su versión original y conocido gracias a la forma resumida conservada en el Breuiarium Hipponense. Igualmente, intentamos ofrecer una explicación del motivo que llevó a su promulgación. En nuestra opinión, fue el resultado de la legislación imperial que obligaba a los hijos de antiguos decuriones, que habían abandonado la curia para entrar en el clero, a asumir las obligaciones de sus padres. Entre éstas se contaban la organización y presidencia de los espectáculos públicos, manifestaciones que la Iglesia condenó siempre.
Shrinkage estimation in elliptically contoured distribution with restricted parameter space
Authors: Tsukuma Hisayuki 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
This paper deals with the problem of estimating the mean vector of an elliptically contoured distribution with unknown scale matrix, where the mean vector is restricted to an unbounded and closed convex set with a smooth or a piecewise smooth boundary. A shrinkage-type estimator is shown to be better than the maximum likelihood estimator subject to the restriction relative to a quadratic loss.
IGF1 and its binding proteins 3 and 1 are differentially associated with metabolic syndrome in older men
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Chubb S A Paul , Ho Ken K Y , Setoh Johnson W S , McCaul Kieran A , Norman Paul E , Jamrozik Konrad , Flicker Leon 
Published: November 2009

ObjectiveCirculating IGF1 declines with age, and reduced circulating IGF1 is associated with increased cardiovascular mortality in some but not all studies. The relationship between IGF-binding proteins 3 and 1 (IGFBP3 and IGFBP1) with risk of cardiovascular disease remains unclear. We sought to examine associations between IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGFBP1 with metabolic syndrome in older men.DesignCross-sectional analysis of 3980 community-dwelling men aged ≥70 years.MethodsMorning plasma levels of IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGFBP1 were assayed. Metabolic syndrome was defined according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATPIII) criteria.ResultsFor IGF1 and IGFBP3, there was a U-shaped relationship, with middle quintiles possessing the lowest odds ratios (OR) for metabolic syndrome (reference Q1, Q3 IGF1: OR 0.74, 95% confidence intervals 0.57–0.96, Q3 IGFBP3: OR 0.67, 0.51–0.87). Increasing IGFBP1 was associated with reduced risk of metabolic syndrome with a dose–response gradient (reference Q1, OR for Q2 to Q5 IGFBP1: 0.56, 0.33, 0.22 and 0.12 respectively, P<0.001). IGF1 was associated with two, IGFBP1 with four and IGFBP3 with all five components of the metabolic syndrome. The ratio of IGF1/IGFBP3 was not associated with metabolic syndrome.ConclusionsIn older men, both lower and higher IGF1 and IGFBP3 levels may be metabolically unfavourable. IGFBP1, as a marker of insulin sensitivity, is relevant in the assessment of metabolic syndrome, while the IGF1/IGFBP3 ratio is less informative. Longitudinal follow-up of this cohort would be needed to determine whether these distributions of IGF1, IGFBP3 and IGFBP1 predict incidence of cardiovascular events during male ageing.
Molecular and Genetic Analyses of Four Nonfunctional S Haplotype Variants Derived from a Common Ancestral S Haplotype Identified in Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)
Authors: Tsukamoto Tatsuya , Hauck Nathanael R , Tao Ryutaro , Jiang Ning , Iezzoni Amy F 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Tetraploid sour cherry (Prunus cerasus) has an S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI) system; however, individuals can be either self-incompatible (SI) or self-compatible (SC). Unlike the situation in the Solanaceae, where self-compatibility accompanying polyploidization is often due to the compatibility of heteroallelic pollen, the genotype-dependent loss of SI in sour cherry is due to the compatibility of pollen containing two nonfunctional S haplotypes. Sour cherry individuals with the S4S6S36aS36b genotype are predicted to be SC, as only pollen containing both nonfunctional S36a and S36b haplotypes would be SC. However, we previously found that individuals of this genotype were SI. Here we describe four nonfunctional S36 variants. Our molecular analyses identified a mutation that would confer loss of stylar S function for one of the variants, and two alterations that might cause loss of pollen S function for all four variants. Genetic crosses showed that individuals possessing two nonfunctional S36 haplotypes and two functional S haplotypes have reduced self-fertilization due to a very low frequency of transmission of the one pollen type that would be SC. Our finding that the underlying mechanism limiting successful transmission of genetically compatible gametes does not involve GSI is consistent with our previous genetic model for Prunus in which heteroallelic pollen is incompatible. This provides a unique case in which breakdown of SI does not occur despite the potential to generate SC pollen genotypes.
Association of Maternal Smoking Status With Breastfeeding Practices: Missouri, 2005
Authors: Weiser Thomas M. , Lin Mei , Garikapaty Venkata , Feyerharm Robert W. , Bensyl Diana M. , Zhu Bao-Ping 
Published: November 2009

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the association of smoking status as a risk factor for reduced initiation and duration of breastfeeding.METHODS: The Missouri Pregnancy Related Assessment and Monitoring System collected a stratified sample of new mothers in 2005. Surveys were mailed, with telephone follow-up, and completed within 2 to 12 months after delivery. Respondents were classified as nonsmokers, smokers who quit during pregnancy, light smokers (≤10 cigarettes per day), or moderate/heavy smokers (&gt;10 cigarettes per day). Multivariable binomial regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess breastfeeding initiation and duration according to smoking status.RESULTS: Overall, 1789 women participated (weighted response rate: 61%). Approximately 74% of the women ever breastfed; 31% of the women ever smoked while pregnant. Compared with nonsmokers, the moderate/heavy smokers and light smokers were less likely to initiate breastfeeding, after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, the presence of other smokers in the household, alcohol use, mode of delivery, and infant hospitalization. Compared with nonsmokers, the moderate/heavy smokers, light smokers, and smokers who quit during pregnancy were more likely to wean over time, controlling for the same covariates. There were no significant differences between nonsmokers and smokers regarding reasons for not initiating or ceasing breastfeeding.CONCLUSIONS: Mothers who smoked initiated breastfeeding less often and weaned earlier than nonsmoking mothers. Incorporating knowledge of the association between smoking and breastfeeding into existing smoking-cessation and breastfeeding programs could provide opportunities to reduce perinatal exposure to tobacco smoke, improve interest in breastfeeding, and address other barriers to breastfeeding that smoking mothers may face.
Investigation of Photon Redistribution in High Temperature Photonic Crystal Structures
Authors: Zhao Weijun , Biswas Rana , Puscasu Irina , Greenwald Anton , Johnson Edward 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe have simulated the angle-dependent absorption and thermal emittance of two dimensional metallic and metallodielectric photonic crystals (PCs) with rigorous scattering matrix methods- where Maxwell's equations are solved in Fourier space. These metallic photonic crystals exhibit strong thermal emittance and absorption peaks in the normal direction. This peak splits into multiple peaks at larger and shorter wavelengths away from the normal direction. The thermal emission at different wavelengths is redistributed into different emission angles. There is partial suppression of photon emission at long wavelengths and enhancement at the shorter wavelength spectral range where the thermal emittance has a maximum. Angle-dependent measurements of the emission in metallo-dielectric photonic crystals are performed. Simulations compare well with these measurements and are consistent with the surface plasmon model. The strong dependence of the absorption with angle is very important for thermo-photovoltaic devices.
Self-organizing Dimer Formation of Silver Nanocubes through Face Selective Functionalization and Surface Plasmon Coupling at Its Fractal Junction
Authors: Uchida Shuhei , Mitani Munehisa , Zettsu Nobuyuki 
Published: November 2009

AbstractWe have demonstrated the dimerization of single-crystalline Ag nanocubes with reasonably high yields through stepwise integration by following three steps: the preparation of a single layer of densely packed Ag nanocubes on a substrate by modified convective assembly, the selective functionalization of the upper face of the Ag nanocubes with a hydrophobic DT-SAM using the μCP approach, and the spontaneous dimerization in a mixture of ethanol and water driven by enhanced anisotropic hydrophobic interparticle interactions. Face-selective functionalization using hydrophobic DT-SAM gave the nanocubes directionality with respect to their anisotropic interparticle interactions under an external hydrophilic environment. We conclude that the driving force that reduced the surface area of the hydrophobic faces is sufficient large to form an ordered assembly of nanosized building blocks in an aqueous solution. Both experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the 50-nm-diameter Ag nanocubes dimers with a ca. 3.3 nm gap at their junction exhibited two plasmon peaks centered at 446 nm and 600 nm, which contributed to transverse and longitudinal plasmon resonances, respectively. Elctromagnetic calculations based on the FDTD method clearly showed that a greater enhancement of the local field occurred, with an average amplitude of the electric field of 1.0×1015, at the fractal space between the aggregated Ag nanocubes when the dimer was illuminated under longitudinally polarized light.
Recently in Canadian Geotechnical Journal
Authors: Driscoll R. 
Published: November 2009

Published bi-monthly by the National Research Council of Cananda, Ottawa; circa 275 pages per issue. Current overseas, personal subscription: $246US, including airmail delivery. ISSN 0 008 367 4. The Canadian Geotechinical Journal generally has a pleasing mixture of practical and theoretical papers covering soil and rock mechanics and engineering. The reader will not be surprised to find the occasional paper in French; the generous number of papers published in each issue will amply compensate the non-Francophone. Papers on soil behaviour tend to form the majority, while, as for many international Journals, there is a stated desire to publish case histories of practical application that is frequently fulfilled. Not suprisingly given the number of papers, there tends to be a voluminous Discussion section at the end. The following brief selection from the February and April 2002 issues gives a flavour of the Journal.
Improvement of granular soils by high-energy impact
Authors: Chow Y. K. , Yong D. M. , Yong K. Y. , Lee S. L. 
Published: November 2009

A recently developed wave equation model for analysing the improvement of granular soils by high-energy impact is used to perform a parametric study to investigate the ground response during dynamic compaction. The important parameters investigated include the pounder base area, pounder weight, drop height, number of drops and initial soil properties within the practical range in a dynamic compaction project. This study provides a better understanding of the influence of the various parameters studied on the ground response during high-energy impact. The characteristic curves developed will enable a design engineer to determine the crater depth, and level and depth of soil improvement that will facilitate the selection of operational parameters. On utilise un modèle d'équation d'onde mis au point récemment pour l'analyse de l'optimisation de sols granulaires par impact à é nergie é levée, pour effectuer une é tude paramétrique afin d'établir la réponse du sol au cours du compactage dynamique. Parmi les paramètres importants qui sont examinés, on indiquera la surface de base du bocardage, le poids du marteau à bocarder, la hauteur de chute, le nombre de chutes et les propriétés initiales du sol dans les limites de la plage utile d'un project de compactage dynamique. Cette é tude permet de mieux comprendre l'influence des différents paramètres é tudiés sur la réponse du sol aux impacts à é nergie é levée. Les courbes caractéristiques tracées permettent au concepteur de déterminer la profondeur du cratère ainsi que le niveau et la profondeur de l'optimisation du sol qui permettra de faciliter la sélection de paramètres d'exploitation.