bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student/Faculty Connections in the Development of Teaching
Authors: Koppenhaver Gary D. , Blackburn Virginia L. , Palan Kay M. , Ravenscroft Sue , Shrader Charles B.
Published: June 2007

This project directly involved students in two different models of instructional development. The first model was a Student Consultant program in which faculty selected from a menu of instructional services carried out by students. Typical services included attending class as impartial observers, soliciting feedback from other students on their learning experiences, videotaping class sessions, and evaluating course Web sites. The second model of instructional development was a program of student‐assisted teaching seminars for college faculty. Student Associates helped serve as panelists and facilitators. Assessments of attitudes toward teaching indicated that faculty members viewed both professors and students as collaborators in the classroom as a result of the seminar series.
Transesophageal Echocardiographic Assessment of a Floating Thrombus Located in the Ascending Aorta
Authors: Tugcu Aylin , Yildirimturk Ozlem , Rizaoglu Emine , Sagbas Ertan , Akpinar Belhhan , Aytekin Saide
Published: June 2007

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become a unique imaging technique that provides improved visualization of aorta because of its proximity to the esophagus. It is a reliable method for the diagnosis of thoracic aorta diseases and detection of protruding atheromas or thrombi as sources of systemic emboli. We report a case in which TEE revealed a floating aortic thrombus located in the ascending aorta in a patient with chronic renal failure.
Ventricular Diastolic Function of Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients by Using Conventional Pulsed Wave Doppler, Myocardial Performance Index and Tissue Doppler Imaging
Authors: Okan Taha , Sari Ismail , Akar Servet , Cece Hasan , Goldeli Ozhan , Guneri Sema , Akkoc Nurullah
Published: June 2007

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate ventricular functions by using standard Doppler echocardiography (SDE), myocardial performance index (MPI), and pulsed wave tissue Doppler imaging (PW‐TDI) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and healthy controls. Methods: Forty‐nine AS patients (38 ± 11 years, 25 M/24 F) and 33 controls (36 ± 9 years, 17 M/16 F) were studied. Two‐dimensional, M‐Mode, SDE, PW‐TDI echocardiography examinations were performed. Spinal mobility was assessed by the Bath ankylosing spondylitis metrology index (BASMI) measurement. Patients were also evaluated using the Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) and the Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI). Results: Four control subjects and six AS patients met the left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction (DD) criteria by using conventional Doppler echocardiography (p > 0.05). However, using PW‐TDI method 22 patients in the AS group and six subjects in the control group were diagnosed to have LV DD (Em/Am < 1). Pseudonormalized pattern was present in 16 AS patients and two control subjects. Correlation analysis revealed significant moderate negative correlations between Em/Am and BASMI, age and body mass index (p < 0.05; r =−0.3, −0.6, and −0.4, respectively). No correlation was observed between Em/Am and disease duration, BASFI, BASDAI, CRP, and ESR. We could not detect any right ventricular function involvement either by conventional or by recently introduced echocardiography methods. The risk of developing LV DD was found to be 3.7 times higher in AS patients. Conclusion: When sensitive echocardiographic Doppler techniques such as MPI, TDI‐derived MPI, and PW‐TDI are utilized, DD can be detected in a significant proportion of patients with AS without cardiovascular (CV) disease which may contribute CV mortality in these patients.
Hydroxycarboxylic Acids, N ‐Acetylamino Sugars, and N ‐Acetylamino Acids
Authors: Yu Ruey J. , Scott Eugene J. Van
Published: June 2007

Most alpha‐hydroxyacids and polyhydroxy acids are physiologic, natural, and nontoxic substances. All members of the group promote normal keratinization and desquamation. Those with multiple hydrox‐yl groups are moisturizing antioxidants, and are especially gentle for sensitive skin. Alpha‐hydroxy‐acids and polyhydroxy acids can increase biosynthesis of glycosaminoglycans and collagen fibers, and cause substantial skin plumping and increased dermal thickness. Formulation of alpha‐hydroxyacids and polyhydroxy acids in combination with pharmaceutical agents can enhance efficacy and diminish or eliminate side effects and drug resistance. N‐Acetylamino sugars and N‐acetylamino acids are two other categories of physiologic substances that can: 1) increase skin thickness; 2) improve wrinkles and photoaged skin; and 3) eradicate itch in senile and eczematous dermatitis.
Lichen Planus
Authors: Goldblum Orin M.
Published: June 2007

SKINmed: Dermatology for the Clinician spans a readership encompassing nondermatologists and dermatologists. The purpose of this column is twofold: 1) to identify the basic features and typical treatments of commonly encountered skin diseases; and 2) to discuss some of the less commonly used treatments for these diseases. It is my hope that both nondermatologists and dermatologists will benefit from the basic and practical information presented in this column.
Jumping Into the Future Using Teledermoscopy
Authors: Domenico Piccolo , Ketty Peris , Sergio Chimenti , Giuseppe Argenziano , H. Peter Soyer
Published: June 2007

Background. Teledermoscopy uses telecommunication technologies to transfer images of pigmented skin lesions via the Internet for teleconsultation.

Design. Clinical and dermoscopic images of 66 and 43 pigmented skin lesions achieved in two consecutive studies were sent by e‐mail to dermatologists with different degrees of experience in dermoscopy for a telediagnosis. All lesions included in these studies were surgically excised and diagnosed histopathologically.

Results. The diagnostic concordance between the face‐to‐face diagnosis and the telediagnosis was 91% in the first study, whereas, in the second study, it varied from 76.7%–95.3%. The accuracy of the diagnoses in both studies was not related to the quality of the images, but did highly depend on the level of diagnostic difficulty of a given pigmented skin tumor and on the level of experience of each observer. ???Conclusions. Teleconsultation of dermoscopic images of pigmented skin lesions via e‐mail provides a similar degree of diagnostic accuracy as “face‐to‐face” diagnosis when the diagnosis is made by a dermatologist confident with dermoscopy.
Effect of a 1‐month vs. a 12‐month reference period on responses to the 14‐item Oral Health Impact Profile
Authors: Sutinen Saila , Lahti Satu , Nuttall Nigel M. , Sanders Anne E. , Steele Jimmy G. , Allen P. Finbarr , Slade Gary D.
Published: June 2007

The length of the reference period used in surveys of subjective oral health may have a marked influence on the responses obtained. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a 1‐month (RP‐1) vs. a 12‐month (RP‐12) reference period in the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) questionnaire. Using a randomized cross‐over design, RP‐1 and RP‐12 OHIP‐14 questionnaires were administered, 1 month apart, to two samples of Finnish adults, namely people awaiting orthognathic surgery (n = 104) and non‐patient workers (n = 111). The effect of the reference period was computed by subtracting RP‐1 OHIP‐14 severity scores from RP‐12 OHIP‐14 severity scores (ΔRP). Potential order effects were assessed by comparing ΔRP between groups completing the RP‐1 vs. the RP‐12 questionnaire first. Mean OHIP‐14 severity scores were slightly higher when the RP‐12 questionnaire was administered first, but mean ΔRP values were below the value of 2.5 considered clinically meaningful, and all 95% confidence intervals for ΔRP included zero. No order effects in the OHIP‐14 severity scores were observed. Therefore, although a standardized reference period of 12 months is recommended, in population surveys the use of a shorter reference period does not appear to influence responses.
Influence of environmental calcium/phosphate and pH on glass ionomers
Authors: Wang Xiao Yan , Jin Adrian Yap U. , Ngo Hien C.
Published: June 2007

This study investigated the effects of environmental calcium/phosphate and pH on the hardness and elastic modulus of two glass‐ionomer cements (GICs) [Fuji IX Fast (FN) and KetacMolar (KM)]. Specimens were randomly subjected to storage media of pH 3, 5, and 7. The calcium and phosphate levels of the storage solutions ranged from 0 to 2.4 mM. After 4 wk of conditioning, hardness and elastic modulus were determined using a depth‐sensing microindentation test. Sectioned surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy. For both FN and KM, no significant change in hardness, elastic modulus, or surface structure were observed at pH 7 and 5, regardless of the concentration of calcium and phosphate. FN and KM specimens conditioned at pH 3 had lower hardness and modulus in comparison to those conditioned at pH 7. An increased level of environmental phosphate led to higher hardness and elastic modulus of FN and KM at pH 3. In general, a microscopic surface reaction layer was observed in specimens conditioned at pH 3. The thickness and structure of the reaction layer varied depending on environmental phosphate levels. The results suggest that the influence of environmental calcium and phosphate on GICs was pH dependent.
In vivo enamel fluid movement
Authors: Bertacci Angelica , Chersoni Stefano , Davidson Carel Leon , Prati Carlo
Published: June 2007

The aim of this study was to visualize fluid movement through dental enamel in vivo. Fifty permanent upper central incisors, from subjects aged 10–70 yr, and 5 permanent central just‐erupted incisors, from subjects aged 6–7 yr, were included in the study. An impression was obtained by vinyl polyxiloxane, and replicas were then obtained by polyether impression material. The hydrophobic vinyl polyxiloxane material yielded a morphological image in situ of outward fluid flow through tooth enamel. The study confirmed in vivo that enamel is a permeable substrate, as shown by the presence of droplets on its surface, and demonstrated that age and enamel permeability are closely related. Samples from subjects of different ages showed a decreasing number and size of droplets with increasing age: freshly erupted permanent teeth showed many droplets covering the entire enamel surface. Droplets in permanent teeth were prominent along enamel perikymata.
Oral health in children and adolescents with myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Engvall Monica , Sjögreen Lotta , Kjellberg Heidrun , Robertson Agneta , Sundell Sten , Kiliaridis Stavros
Published: June 2007

Myotonic dystrophy or dystrophia myotonica (DM) is a hereditary neuromuscular multisystem disease with a varying clinical expressivity and severity. The objective of this study was to assess the oral health in children with myotonic dystrophy and to compare it with a control group. Fifty‐six DM patients, aged 2.7–18.0 yr, were compared with age‐ and gender‐matched control patients with respect to caries, plaque, and gingivitis. Oral function and signs of temporomandibular dysfunction (TMD) were assessed, and the ability to co‐operate in dental treatment was estimated. Questionnaires concerning eating habits, dental care, traumatic injuries to teeth, and orofacial function were also used. The DM patients had significantly more caries, plaque, and gingivitis than did control patients. They had more TMD problems and lower co‐operation ability than the healthy control persons. General sedation was frequently needed to carry through dental treatment. DM patients are at risk of caries, gingivitis and TMD problems, and need intensified prophylactic care. Behavior management problems are common.
Physicomechanical evaluation of low‐shrinkage dental nanocomposites based on silsesquioxane cores
Authors: Soh Mui S. , Yap Adrian U. J. , Sellinger Alan
Published: June 2007

This study aimed to determine the modulus, hardness, and polymerization shrinkage of novel silsesquioxane (SSQ)‐based nanocomposites synthesized for dental applications. Four novel SSQ materials were developed and mixed with control monomers in 5, 10, 20, and 50 wt% SSQ nanocomposite ratios and were evaluated for use as potential low‐shrinkage composite restoratives. The postgel polymerization shrinkage of the hybrid materials was then investigated and compared with unfilled 1 : 1 (control) bisphenol A glycerolate (1 glycerol/phenol) dimethacrylate/tri(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA) materials using a strain‐monitoring device and test configuration. Mechanical properties, such as hardness and modulus, were determined using the depth‐sensing microindentation approach. All samples investigated were polymerized using a dental light‐curing unit (BISCO VIP) at 500 mW cm−2 for 40 s. The results obtained were analyzed using analysis of variance/Scheffe's posthoc test at a significance level of 0.05. At 60 min postlight polymerization, postgel shrinkage associated with the control was found to be significantly higher than for all control/SSQ mixtures. Hardness and modulus were found to decrease with increased amount of SSQ monomers added, indicating that the incorporation of SSQ monomers into the control generally helps to reduce both the rigidity and the polymerization shrinkage. Therefore, in the correct formulation, SSQ materials have great potential to be used as low‐shrinkage composite restoratives.
Consumption of dental services among adults in Denmark 1994–2003
Authors: Christensen Lisa B. , Petersen Poul E. , Steding‐Jessen Marianne
Published: June 2007

The purpose of the present study was to measure the consumption of dental services among adults in Denmark and to analyze at what level socio‐demographic/socio‐economic factors influence dental attendance and oral examinations. A sample of 10% of the total population of 18 yr or older was randomly drawn from a population register, based on a cross‐sectional design. Information on the use of dental services was retrieved from public registers along with data on gender, age‐group, regions, ethnicity, education, marital status, and income. In addition, a cohort of persons was drawn from the sample in 1999 including only persons who were registered as residents in Denmark from 1999 to 2003. Over time, an increase in the number of dental visits and oral examinations was found among persons older than 45 yr, whereas a decrease was observed in the younger age‐groups. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine the effect of various variables on the experience of dental visits and oral examinations, and relatively high odds for dental attendance and oral examinations was found for the following: younger adults; women; married persons; high income; high education; and persons of Danish origin. The present dental healthcare system does not yet seem to have established mechanisms to address social inequalities in the consumption of dental services.
Neural stem cell transplantation and melatonin treatment in a 6‐hydroxydopamine model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sharma Rohita , McMillan Catherine R. , Niles Lennard P.
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Melatonin has multiple roles including neuroprotection. Melatonin signaling involves diverse targets including two G‐protein‐coupled receptors, MT1 and MT2, which have both been localized to the nigrostriatal pathway. Previous studies in our laboratory demonstrated preservation of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity, following chronic treatment with a physiological dose of melatonin, in the 6‐hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, we reported the presence of the melatonin MT1 receptor subtype in cultured C17.2 neural stem cells (NSCs). In the present study, we examined the effects of C17.2 NSC transplantation on dopaminergic denervation following 6‐hydroxydopamine lesioning in the rat striatum. Moreover, based on our detection of the MT1 in these cells, we examined the effects of combined C17.2 NSC transplantation and melatonin treatment, following striatal lesioning. Behavioral studies indicated a marked inhibition of apomorphine‐induced rotations in lesioned animals that received C17.2 NSC transplantation, melatonin, or the combined regimen. In addition, these treatments resulted in a significant protection of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity in the striatum and substantia nigra of lesioned animals, when compared with untreated controls. Lesioned animals treated with C17.2 NSCs, melatonin or a combination of both agents exhibited no significant differences in the number of tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive cells in the substantia nigra or ventral tegmental area ipsilateral or contralateral to the lesioned striatum. These findings suggest that stem cell therapy and concomitant use of neuroprotective agents such as melatonin could be a viable approach in Parkinson’s disease.
Inverse agonist exposure enhances ligand binding and G protein activation of the human MT1 melatonin receptor, but leads to receptor down‐regulation
Authors: Kokkola Tarja , Vaittinen Maija , Laitinen Jarmo T.
Published: June 2007

Abstract: Melatonin binds and activates G protein‐coupled melatonin receptors. The density and affinity of the endogenous melatonin receptors change throughout the 24‐hr day, and the exposure of recombinant melatonin receptors to melatonin often results in desensitization of the receptors. Receptor density, G protein activation and expression level were analyzed in CHO cell lines stably expressing the human MT1 receptors after 1 or 72 hr of exposure to melatonin (agonist, 10 nm) and luzindole (antagonist/inverse agonist, 10 μm). The 72‐hr exposure to luzindole significantly increased the apparent receptor density in cell lines with both high and low MT1 receptor expression levels (MT1highand MT1lowcells, respectively). In the constitutively active MT1highcells, luzindole pretreatment also stimulated the functional response to melatonin in [35S]GTPγS binding assays, whereas melatonin pretreatment attenuated the functional response at both time points. Receptor ELISA was used to analyze the cell membrane and total expression level of the MT1 receptor in intact and permeabilized cells, respectively. Luzindole pretreatment decreased the total cellular level of MT1 receptor in the MT1highcells at both time points but increased the cell surface expression of MT1 receptor at 72 hr. Melatonin significantly decreased MT1 receptor cell surface expression only in MT1highcells after a 1‐hr treatment. These results indicate that melatonin treatment desensitizes MT1 receptors, whereas luzindole increases ligand binding and G‐protein activation. Luzindole also stimulates downregulation of the MT1 receptor protein, interfering with the synthesis and/or degradation of the receptor.
Honokiol, a Neuroprotectant against Mouse Cerebral Ischaemia, Mediated by Preserving Na+, K+‐ATPase Activity and Mitochondrial Functions
Authors: Chen Chang‐Mu , Liu Shing‐Hwa , Lin‐Shiau Shoei‐Yn
Published: June 2007

Abstract:   Honokiol, a component of the herb Magnolia officinalis, exhibits antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, increases seizure threshold, and promotes neurite outgrowth. Because stroke has become the second leading cause of death in industrialized countries, an effective neuroprotectant is urgently required. In this study, we attempted to elucidate in a mouse cerebral ischaemia model whether honokiol could be a neuroprotectant. Adult male Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion for 45 min. Honokiol (10 µg/kg in 0.2 ml of saline) or control vehicle was intraperitoneally administered twice, 15 min. before and 60 min. after the induction of ischaemia. Cerebral ischaemia induced by this method was associated with an increase in synaptosomal production of reactive oxygen species, with decreases in synaptosomal mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and synaptosomal mitochondrial metabolic function, and with reductions in Na+, K+‐ATPase activities of tissues isolated from selected brain regions. Administration of honokiol resulted in significant reductions in brain infarct volume and in synaptosomal production of reactive oxygen species. The decreases in synaptosomal mitochondrial membrane potential, synaptosomal mitochondrial metabolic function and tissue Na+, K+‐ATPase activities observed in the ischaemic brains were also attenuated by honokiol treatments. It is concluded that honokiol can protect brain against ischaemic reperfusion injury and preserve mitochondrial function from oxidative stress. Regarding therapeutic application, further studies are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of honokiol in clinical situations.
Torsion/Detorsion of the Testis Does Not Modify Responses to Nitric Oxide in Rat Isolated Penile Bulb
Authors: Ozkan Melike H. , Vural İ. Mert , Moralioglu Serdar , Uma Serdar , Sarioglu Yusuf
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Ischaemia‐reperfusion damage induced by torsion/detorsion of the testicles may be a causative factor leading to erectile dysfunction through oxidative stress‐dependent changes in the responses of the penile bulb, an erectile tissue of the penis. We aimed at investigating the effects of unilateral testicular torsion/detorsion (2 or 24 hr) treatment on relaxations induced by electrical field stimulation and sodium nitroprusside in rat isolated penile bulb. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats used in the study were divided into two groups. The treatment group was subjected to unilateral torsion followed by detorsion for 2 or 24 hr, while the control group underwent only sham operation. For in vitro organ bath experiments, penile bulbs were isolated and responses to relaxant agents and electrical field stimulation (70 V, 1 msec., 0.5–8 Hz, 5 sec.) were recorded on a computer‐based data acquisition system via a force displacement transducer. In tissues precontracted with phenylephrine (3 × 10−6 M), relaxations induced by electrical field stimulation were not significantly different before and after 2 or 24 hr of detorsion. Similarly sodium nitroprusside‐ (10−8–3 × 10−6 M) and papaverine‐induced (10−7–10−4 M) relaxations were also found unchanged in the detorsion group compared to control. In conclusion, spermatic cord torsion did not lead to impairment in nitric oxide‐mediated relaxant responses of the rat isolated penile bulb.
Cipura paludosa Extract Prevents Methyl Mercury‐Induced Neurotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Lucena Greice M. R. de S. , Franco Jeferson Luis , Ribas Camila Mafalda , Azevedo Mariângela S. , Meotti Flávia Carla , Gadotti Vinicius M. , Dafre Alcir Luiz , Santos Adair R. S. , Farina Marcelo
Published: June 2007

Abstract:  Cipura paludosa (Iridaceae), a native plant widely distributed in the north of Brazil, is used in traditional medicine as an anti‐inflammatory and analgesic agent, against tuberculosis and gonorrhoea and for regulation of menstrual flow. However, scientific studies on the pharmacological properties of C. paludosa are scarce. We have examined the potential protective effects of the ethanolic extract of C. paludosa against methyl mercury (MeHg)‐induced neurotoxicity in adult mice. MeHg was diluted in drinking water (40 mg/l, freely available) and the ethanolic C. paludosa extract (CE) was diluted in a 150 mM NaCl solution and administered by gavage (10 and 100 mg/kg body weight, respectively, twice a day). Because treatment lasted for 14 days and each animal weighed around 40 g, the total dosage of plant extract given to each mouse was 5.6 and 56 g, respectively. After the treatment period, MeHg exposure induced a significant deficit in the motor coordination, which was evident by a reduction (90%) in the falling latency in the rotarod apparatus. Interestingly, this phenomenon was completely recovered to control levels by CE co‐administration, independent of dosages. MeHg exposure inhibited cerebellar glutathione peroxidase (mean percentage inhibition of 42%) – an important enzyme involved in the detoxification of endogenous peroxides – and this effect was prevented by co‐administration of CE. Conversely, MeHg exposure increased cerebellar glutathione reductase activity (mean percentage inhibition of 70%), and this phenomenon was not affected by C. paludosa co‐administration. Neither MeHg nor CE changed the cerebellar glutathione levels. This study has shown for the first time, the in vivo protective effects of CE against MeHg‐induced neurotoxicity. In addition, our findings encourage studies concerning the beneficial effects of C. paludosa on neurological conditions related to excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.
Establishing a Democratic Religion: Metaphysics and Democracy in the Debates Over the President's Commission on Higher Education
Authors: Schrum Ethan
Published: June 2007

World War II stands as a defining moment for American higher education. During the crisis of international relations that existed by the late 1930s, American thinkers of various stripes felt compelled to mobilize the country's intellectual and educational resources in defense of democracy, thus creating “a great ideological revival of democracy that accompanied the war.” The war aims of the United States—as enunciated in the Atlantic Charter and popular portrayals of the “good war” in which the United States fought to free the world from the grips of evil dictatorships—gave tremendous legitimacy to these efforts, which built into a national discussion on the goals of higher education. Between 1943 and 1947, at least five major reports on general education or liberal education appeared, three of which explicitly treated the relation of such education to “democracy” or “free society.”
The Changing Profile of College Access: The Truman Commission and Enrollment Patterns in the Postwar Era
Authors: Kim Dongbin , Rury John L.
Published: June 2007

The 1947 President's Commission on Higher Education, popularly known as the Truman Commission, offered a remarkable vision, one of an expansive, inclusive and diverse system of postsecondary education in the United States. It appeared just as hundreds of thousands of former GIs poured onto the nation's campuses, taking advantage of a little heralded program to provide tuition and other benefits to veterans of the recently concluded World War II. As it turned out, both of these events signaled the beginning of a remarkable period of expansion in higher education. The postwar years have been described as the third great period of growth in the history of American education, a development that took decades to unfold. While the Commission suggested that nearly half of the nation's youth could benefit from collegiate education, it limited its projections to just thirteen years (to 1960). In fact, it took more than twice as long to approach such high levels of popular participation in higher education, and the most dramatic growth occurred in the 1960s and 1970s. In other respects, however, the President's commissioners' projections for change in enrollment patterns look remarkably prescient in retrospect. Even if they missed the timing of college growth and the significant role women played in it, their report still managed to anticipate a very broad process of change. By 1980 the collegiate student population had come to embody much of the inclusiveness and diversity that they had envisaged some thirty-three years earlier.
African Americans and the Struggle for Opportunity in Florida Public Higher Education, 1947-1977
Authors: Johnson Larry , Cobb-Roberts Deirdre , Shircliffe Barbara
Published: June 2007

In the decades following World War II, access to higher education became an important vehicle for expanding opportunity in the United States. The African American-led Civil Rights Movement challenged discrimination in higher education at a time when state and federal government leaders saw strengthening public higher education as necessary for future economic growth and development. Nationally, the 1947 President's Commission on Higher Education report Higher Education for American Democracy advocated dismantling racial, geographic, and economic barriers to college by radically expanding public higher education, to be accomplished in large part through the development of community colleges. Although these goals were widely embraced across the country, in the South, white leaders rejected the idea that racial segregation stood in the way of progress. During the decades following World War II, white southern educational and political leaders resisted attempts by civil rights organizations to include desegregation as part of the expansion of public higher education.
Religion and the Aramaic Incantation Bowls
Authors: Morony Michael G.
Published: June 2007

The corpus of Late Antique Aramaic incantation texts is defined. The issues in this field are identified as explicating the language of the Aramaic dialects used for these texts, correlating the religious identity of their authors with the dialects and the scripts used for them, the level of the authors’ literacy, and explaining the magic praxis of the bowls and their demonology. The pagan, Judaic, Mandaean, Christian, and Zoroastrian content of these texts is surveyed. It is noted that the nature of this content tends to be explained in terms of syncretism and popular religion.
Evaluation of Pb‐Pb and U‐Pb Laser Ablation ICP‐MSZircon Dating using Matrix‐Matched Calibration Sampleswith a Frequency Quadrupled (266 nm)Nd‐YAG Laser
Authors: Bruguier Olivier , Télouk Philippe , Cocherie Alain , Fouillac Anne‐Marie , Albarède Francis
Published: June 2007

This paper reports the successful application of laser ablation (LA) ICP‐MS to the in situ analysis of 207Pb/206Pb and 206Pb/238U isotopic ratios on zircon crystals using matrix‐matched calibration samples as external calibrators. For 207Pb/206Pb analyses, LA‐ICP‐MS results on reference materials (UQ‐Z1 and G91500) indicated individual precisions in the range 1‐10% (2s), most analyses being better than 6%. The resulting weighted means were associated with errors typically better than 1% with ages of 1148 ± 5 Ma (2s) and 1069 ± 9 Ma (2s) respectively. Analyses of well‐dated late Archaean granitic rocks from the western margin of the Yilgarn Craton (Australia) are presented and show a close agreement with the reference values. An orthogneiss dated at 2662 ± 4 Ma (2s) by ion microprobe (SHRIMP) gave a 207Pb/206Pb age of 2657 ± 6 Ma (2s). A more complex zircon population from a syenite emplaced at 2654 ± 5 Ma containing a > 3.25 Ga inherited component has been investigated using a spot size of approximately 45 μm. LA‐ICP‐MS provides a 207Pb/206Pb age of 2653 ± 6 Ma with older grains yielding ages of up to 3.23 Ga. Dating of younger rocks (< 1 Ga), however, was limited by poor precision in the measurement of the 207Pb/206Pb isotopic ratios and by inter‐element fractionation between Pb and U during the ablation processes. Using a high power density, variations of the 206Pb/238U ratios during one spot analysis appeared to correlate positively with time over the first minute of ablation. A linear fit of the data acquired during this period allowed a 206Pb/238U ratio to be calculated, thus reducing the magnitude of the fractionation and improving precision to around 5% (2s). Results on the G91500 zirconreference sample yielded a 206Pb/238U age of 1057 ± 14 Ma, in good agreement with the published reference value (1062.4 Ma). Late Hercynian zircons from a Corsican alkali granite dated at ca. 285 Ma by TIMS and SHRIMP yielded a younger but consistent age of 277 ± 11 Ma. These results show that using a somewhat simple apparatus (quadrupole ICP‐MS and 266 nm Nd:YAG laser), the technique has the capability of producing precise and reliable 207Pb/206Pb and 206Pb/238U ages with a minimal sample preparation and a high throughput. The present limitations are associated with the high density power used in this study, as analyses must be conducted on grains larger than 80 μm that are free of inclusions and fractures, which often result in “catastrophic” ablation. Shorter wavelength lasers, which yield a better laser‐target coupling and which produce smaller ablated particles, should help to reduce these drawbacks.
Identification of Anomalous Aluminium Contents in Surface and Ground Water in the Alba Territory (NW Italy)
Authors: Civita Massimo , Fiorucci Adriano , Miè Roberta
Published: June 2007

Aluminium was determined in surface and ground waters in the Alba region of NW Italy to provide information on natural and anthropogenic sources of contamination. Determinations were made by a spectrophotometric method based on the aluminium‐pyrocatechol complex. The total aluminium content of waters was determined as well as the toxic form of monomeric aluminium, obtained from samples that had been passed through 0.20 μm cellulose filters to remove colloidal and particulate material. Results were correlated with mortality data associated with Alzheimer's disease. There appeared to be a correlation between mortality data and areas having the highest aluminium content of water.
A Reappraisal of Rb, Y, Zr, Pb and Th Values in Geochemical Reference Material BHVO‐1
Authors: Chazey William J. , Neal Clive R. , Jain Jinesh C. , Kinman William S.
Published: June 2007

The geochemical reference material BHVO‐1 was analysed by a variety of techniques over a six year period. These techniques included inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry and atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP‐MS and ICP‐AES, respectively), laser ablation ICP‐MS and spark source mass spectroscopy. Inconsistencies between the published consensus values reported by Gladney and Roelandts (1988, Geostandards Newsletter) and the results of our study are noted for Rb, Y, Zr, Pb and Th. The values reported here for Rb, Y, Zr and Pb are generally lower, while Th is higher than the consensus value. This is not an analytical artefact unique to the University of Notre Dame ICP‐MS facility, as most of the BHVO‐1 analyses reported over the last ten to twenty years are in agreement with our results. We propose new consensus values for each of these elements as follows: Rb = 9.3 ± 0.2 μg g‐1 (compared to 11 ± 2 μg g‐1), Y = 24.4 ± 1.3 μg g‐1 (compared to 27.6 ± 1.7 μg g‐1), Zr = 172 ± 10 μg g‐1 (compared to 179 ± 21 μg g‐1), Pb = 2.2 ± 0.2 μg g‐1 (compared to 2.6 ± 0.9 μg g‐1) and Th = 1.22 ± 0.02 μg g‐1 (compared to 1.08 ± 0.15 μg g‐1).
Expression of Rab5a in hepatocellular carcinoma: Possible involvement in epidermal growth factor signaling
Authors: Fukui Koji , Tamura Shinji , Wada Akira , Kamada Yoshihiro , Igura Takumi , Kiso Shinichi , Hayashi Norio
Published: June 2007

Aim:  The Rab subfamily plays a role in intracellular transport. Rab5a is, in particular, involved in receptor‐mediated endocytosis. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is known to induce cell migration and promote invasion and angiogenesis. The EGF receptor (EGFR) is actively internalized upon the addition of EGF. The aim of the present study was to clarify the expression of Rab5a in hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) and to examine its effect on EGF signaling.

Methods:  The expression of the Rab5a protein in HCC and corresponding non‐tumorous tissues from 23 patients with HCC who had undergone surgical resection were analyzed by immunoblotting. A stable transfectant of Rab5a dominant negative (S34N) was established in a human hepatoma cell line, PLC/PRF/5 (PLC/PRF/5/Rab5aDN).

Results:  High expression (tumor/non‐tumor (T/N) ratios ≥ 1) of Rab5a protein in HCC compared to the paired non‐tumortissues was recognized in 15 patients (65.2%) of 23 samples. The Rab5a antigen was diffusely expressed in the cytoplasm and membranes of the cancer cells. The membrane‐associated Rab5a is also enhanced via overexpression in HCC. The EGF‐induced endocytosis of EGFR and the phosphorylation of MAP kinase were inhibited in PLC/PRF/5/Rab5aDN cells. The migration of PLC/PRF/5/Rab5aDN cells induced by EGF was also significantly attenuated.

Conclusions:  These results indicate that the overexpression of Rab5a in HCC may play an important role in EGF signaling.
Exposure and dose modelling in occupational epidemiology
Authors: Kriebel David , Checkoway Harvey , Pearce Neil
Published: June 2007

Complex and dynamic physiologic processes underlie the exposure-response relations that occupational and environmental epidemiologists study. Simple summary measures of exposure such as the average, cumulative exposure, or duration of exposure, can be applied suitably in exposure-response analyses in many instances. However, there are situations where these metrics may not be directly proportional to risk, in which case their use will result in misclassification and biased estimates of exposure-response associations. We outline methods for developing exposure or dose metrics which may reduce misclassification, as illustrated with some recent examples. Selecting better exposure or dose metrics can be thought of as a problem of choosing appropriate weights on the exposure history of each cohort member. Dosimetric modeling involves choosing exposure weights based on formal hypotheses about underlying physiologic or pathogenetic processes. Dosimetric modeling is still not widely used in epidemiology, and so the forms of mathematical models and the criteria for choosing one model over another are not yet standardized. We hope to stimulate further applications through this presentation.
CARDY'S FORMULA FOR CERTAIN MODELS OF THE BOND-TRIANGULAR TYPE
Authors: CHAYES L. , LEI H. K.
Published: June 2007

We introduce and study a family of 2D percolation systems which are based on the bond percolation model of the triangular lattice. The system under study has local correlations, however, bonds separated by a few lattice spacings act independently of one another. By avoiding explicit use of microscopic paths, it is first established that the model possesses the typical attributes which are indicative of critical behavior in 2D percolation problems. Subsequently, the so-called Cardy–Carleson functions are demonstrated to satisfy, in the continuum limit, Cardy's formula for crossing probabilities. This extends the results of S. Smirnov to a non-trivial class of critical 2D percolation systems.
ON THE HIGHER ORDER CONFORMAL COVARIANT OPERATORS ON THE SPHERE
Authors: HANG FENGBO
Published: June 2007

We will show that in the conformal class of the standard metric gSnon Sn, the scaling invariant functional [Formula: see text] maximizes at gSnwhen n is odd and [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text]. For n odd and [Formula: see text], gSnis not stable and the functional has no local maximizer. Here Q2m,gis the 2mth order Q-curvature.
SHEAR BUCKLING OF THIN PLATES WITH CONSTANT IN-PLANE STRESSES
Authors: SHUFRIN IGOR , EISENBERGER MOSHE
Published: June 2007

This work presents highly accurate numerical calculations of the buckling loads for thin elastic rectangular plates with known constant in-plane stresses, and in-plane shear loading that is increased until the critical load is obtained and the plate losses its stability. The solutions are obtained using the multi-term extended Kantorovich method. The solution is sought as the sum of multiplications of two one-dimensional functions. In this method a solution is assumed in one direction of the plate, and this enables transformation of the partial differential equation of the plate equilibrium into a system of ordinary differential equations. These equations are solved exactly by the exact element method, and an approximate buckling load is obtained. In the second step, the derived solution is now taken as the assumed solution in one direction, and the process is repeated to find an improved buckling load. This process converges with a small number of solution cycles. For shear buckling this process can only be used if two or more terms are taken in the expansion of the solution. Many examples are given for shear buckling loads for various cases of tension and compression bi-directional loading.
NUMERICAL BUCKLING STRENGTH VERIFICATION OF CYLINDRICAL STEEL SHELL STRUCTURES SUBJECT TO COMBINED LOADING
Authors: SCHNEIDER W. , GETTEL M.
Published: June 2007

The inevitable deviations from the nominal data of the resistance parameters have to be included in a numerical calculation of the load-bearing capacity of shells, because these structures are very imperfection-sensitive. The assumed imperfections are fundamental for the numerical buckling strength verification, because they have to cover the influence of all accidental imperfections of the structure in a consistent manner. Consistent equivalent geometric imperfections have been developed during the last years for the basic buckling cases of the circular cylindrical steel shell. The situation at shells subject to combined loading is more difficult, because not so much experimental data is available. Fundamental problems and previous proposals for assuming equivalent imperfections at combined loading are discussed in the contribution. In particular, it is a moot point whether the equivalent geometric imperfections have to be chosen without regard to the load case, because imperfections of real shells are caused by manufacturing and not by loading. Reasons are given for, why this is not applicable at equivalent imperfections of a numerical simulation. The conception of quasi-collapse-affine imperfections, which has already been proved at the basic buckling cases, can also be applied to shells under combined loading.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF FLUID-STRUCTURE-INTERACTION ON THE STABILITY OF THIN-WALLED SHELL STRUCTURES
Authors: HAßLER M. , SCHWEIZERHOF K.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this contribution is to investigate the stabilizing influence of hydrostatic fluid and/or gas pressure supports (especially the effect of the volume dependency on gas or fluid pressures) on the stability, namely the eigenvalues and eigenmodes of the stiffness matrix of shell or membrane-like structures undergoing large displacements. For this purpose, an analytical mesh free or lumped parameter description for the fluid/gas (see also Refs. 3, 12, 13 and 14) is taken, which yields a special structure of the nonlinear equations representing the change of the gas or fluid volume or alternatively the change of the wetted part of the shell surface. Finally this procedure leads to a stiffness matrix with several rank updates — depending on the volume containing either gas or fluid or both. These rank updates are a key part in the stability analysis: they describe the different coupling of the fluid or gas volume change with the structural displacements in addition to the deformation dependence of the standard pressure. The specific rank updates allow the derivation of a very efficient algorithm to compute the modifications of the eigenvalues and eigenmodes of the original stiffness matrix without gas or fluid loading or support.
LOCAL AND INTERACTIVE POST-BUCKLING OF RHS THIN-WALLED MEMBERS — COMPARING A NEW SPECIAL BEAM FINITE ELEMENT WITH SHELL FE MODELS
Authors: DEGEE HERVE , BOISSONNADE NICOLAS , ROSSI BARBARA
Published: June 2007

This paper presents a special thin-walled plane beam finite element that accounts for the in-plane cross-section local deformation. The element is based on the superposition of a classical beam displacement field and of an additional field describing local effects, with an approximation on the local second-order membrane stress field. The theoretical formulation is summarized and an application of the resulting numerical tool to the post-buckling analysis of RHS thin-walled members with moderate local and global slenderness susceptible to both global and local buckling is then performed. Different types of analyses are presented (computation of critical bifurcation loads, geometrically non-linear analysis, geometrically and materially non-linear analysis). The results obtained with the proposed beam finite element are compared to values provided by shell FE models.
ON THE INFLUENCE OF MATERIAL COUPLINGS ON THE LINEAR AND BUCKLING BEHAVIOR OF I-SECTION COMPOSITE COLUMNS
Authors: SILVA N. FREITAS , SILVESTRE N.
Published: June 2007

This paper presents the incorporation of shear deformation effects into a Generalized Beam Theory (GBT) developed to analyze the structural behavior of composite thin-walled columns made of laminated plates and displaying arbitrary orthotropy. Unlike other existing beam theories, the present GBT formulation incorporates in a unified fashion (i) elastic coupling effects, (ii) warping effects, (iii) cross-section in-plane deformation and (iv) shear deformation. The main concepts and procedures involved in the available GBT are adapted/modified to account for the specific aspects related to the member shear deformation. In particular, the GBT fundamental equilibrium equations are presented and their terms are physically interpreted. An I-section is used to illustrate the performance of GBT cross-section analysis and the mechanical properties are explained in detail. With the purpose of solving the GBT system of differential equilibrium equations, a finite element formulation is briefly presented. Finally, in order to clarify the concepts involved in the formulated GBT and illustrate its application and capabilities, the linear (first-order) and stability behavior of three composite I-section members displaying non-aligned orthotropy are analyzed and the results obtained are thoroughly discussed and compared with estimates available in the literature.
Adipokines oversecreted by omental adipose tissue in human obesity
Authors: Maury E. , Ehala-Aleksejev K. , Guiot Y. , Detry R. , Vandenhooft A. , Brichard S. M.
Published: June 2007

Central-omental obesity plays a causative role in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome. Adipokines are involved in the pathogenesis of this syndrome. However, adipokines secreted by omental adipose tissue (OAT) are still poorly characterized in human obesity. Therefore, we searched for novel adipokines abnormally secreted by OAT in obesity and examined their relationships with some features of metabolic syndrome and the respective contribution of adipocytes vs. stromal-vascular cells. OAT from obese and nonobese men was fractionated into adipocytes and SV cells, which were then cultured. Medium was screened by medium-scale protein arrays and ELISAs. Adipokine mRNA levels were measured by real-time RT-qPCR. We detected 16 cytokines secreted by each cellular fraction of lean and obese subjects. Of the 16 cytokines, six adipokines were newly identified as secretory products of OAT, which were dysregulated in obesity: three chemokines (growth-related oncogen factor, RANTES, macrophage inflammatory protein-1β), one interleukin (IL-7), one tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), and one growth factor (thrombopoietin). Their secretion and expression were enhanced in obesity, with a relatively similar contribution of the two fractions. The higher proportion of macrophages and endothelial cells in obesity may contribute to this enhanced production as well as changes in intrinsic properties of hypertrophied adipocytes. Accordingly, mRNA concentrations of most of these adipokines increased during adipocyte differentiation. Eventually, expression of the investigated adipokines did correlate with several features of the metabolic syndrome. In conclusion, six adipokines were newly identified as oversecreted by OAT in obesity. These adipokines may link obesity to its cardiovascular or metabolic comorbidities.