bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urinary catecholamine levels and dentofacial injuries in children
Authors: Vanderas A. P. , Papagiannoulis L.
Published: April 2006

Abstract This study investigated the relationship between urinary catecholamine levels and dentofacial injuries in 221 children, boys and girls, aged 8 to 10 years. Dentofacial injuries were recorded by a questionnaire and a clinical examination. Three 24‐h urine samples, taken with an interval of 1 year between each, were available for each subject. A representative urine sample from each examination was analyzed by the high‐performance liquid chromatography technique to assay the catecholamine content. Socioeconomic factors were recorded by a questionnaire. Of the examined children 58 (24 boys and 34 girls) with complete 24‐h urine samples showed neither historical nor clinical evidence of dentofacial injuries and constituted the control group. Two ease groups, A and B, with historical and/or clinical evidence of dentofacial injuries were matched by age and gender. Differences in the quantitative and qualitative data were tested by the paired t‐test and the χ2 test, respectively, while a regression analysis was applied to measure the effects of norepinephrine on epinephrine and dopamine. The 95% probability‐level was used. The results showed significant differences between control and case group A in the epinephrine and norepinephrine levels of the second urine sample. Significant differences were also found between control and ease group B at the first urine sample in epinephrine and dopamine and at the second in epinephrine. Injured boys had significantly higher values of all catecholamines except for epinephrine in the second urine sample than injured girls. The only significant difference found between boys and girls without dentofacial injuries was in norepinephrine in the second urine sample. The data suggested that children with dentofacial injuries are more frequently under emotional stress and consequently emotionally stressful children run a greater risk of sustaining such injuries.
Treatment of a horizontal root fracture by vital root submergence
Authors: Johnson B. R. , Jensen M. R.
Published: April 2006

Abstract Cervical third horizontal root fractures in immature permanent teeth often present complicated and unpredictable treatment options. This case report describes the successful management of a horizontal root fracture in an open apex tooth by vital root submergence and subsequent nonsurgical root canal therapy.
Comparison of three instruments in the preparation of curved root canals
Authors: Goldberg F. , Araujo J. A.
Published: April 2006

Abstract The transportation produced in the apical and middle areas of 30 mesiobuccal root canals of human mandibular molars was evaluated after circumferential instrumentation using stainless steel K‐files (group A), nickel‐titanium K‐files (group B), and clockwise/counterclockwise file rotation using Flexogates (group C). The canals were instrumented with files #15 to #35 in size. Apical transportation was assessed radiographically while that occurring in the middle area was studied microscopically in cross‐sections. Although apical transportation was greatest in the canals of group A, this difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). With respect to the middle area of the root canal, considerable transportation was observed in 7 of the 30 instrumented roots. Of these, live belonged to group A and two to group B, a difference which was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The best results for transportation in the middle area of the canal were obtained in group C, in which no transportation occurred. This difference was significant when compared with the transportation observed in group A (P=0.02) but not with that in group B (P>0.05).
Nuclear embedded star clusters in NGC 7582
Authors: Wold M. , Galliano E.
Published: April 2006

We report on the discovery of several compact regions of mid-infrared emission in the star-forming circumnuclear disc of the starburst/Seyfert 2 galaxy NGC 7582. The compact sources do not have counterparts in the optical and near-infrared, suggesting that they are deeply embedded in dust. We use the [Ne ii] 12.8-μm line emission to estimate the emission measure of the ionized gas, which in turn is used to assess the number of ionizing photons. Two of the brighter sources are found to have ionizing fluxes of ∼2.5 × 1052, whereas the fainter ones have ∼1 × 1052 photon s−1. Comparing with a 1-Myr-old starburst, we derive stellar masses in the range 3–5 × 105M⊙ and find that the number of O stars in each compact source is typically 0.6–1.6 × 103. We conclude that the compact mid-infrared sources are likely to be young, embedded star clusters, of which only a few are known so far. Our observation highlights the need for high-resolution mid-infrared imaging to discover and study embedded star clusters in the proximity of active galactic nuclei.
Code, control, and choice: why East is East and West is West
Authors: Brownsword Roger
Published: April 2006

Smart regulators know that traditional command and control interventions, however tempting to politicians, are not always an effective or efficient form of response; they know that the criminal law tends to do better at defining crime into existence rather than defining it out; they know that private law remedies are of limited impact; and they know that public law control exercised by agency licensing or negotiation is open to the twin charges of being too soft or being too tough. Even smarter regulators know that they can sometimes achieve the desired regulatory effect by relying vicariously on non-governmental pressure (whether in the form of self-regulation or co-regulation by or with business or the professions, pressure exerted by consumers, the activities of pressure groups, and so on) or by relying on market mechanisms; in addition, they know that careful consideration needs to be given to selecting the optimal mix of various regulatory instruments.
Forearm vascular responses to combined muscle metaboreceptor activation in the upper and lower limbs in humans
Authors: Tokizawa Ken , Mizuno Masaki , Muraoka Isao
Published: April 2006

Our previous studies showed that venous occlusion or passive stretch of the lower limb, assuming a mechanical stimulus, attenuates the vasoconstriction in the non‐exercised forearm during postexercise muscle ischaemia (PEMI) of the upper limb. In this study, we investigated whether a metabolic stimulus to the lower limb induces a similar response. Eight subjects performed a 2 min static handgrip exercise at 30% maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) followed by 3 min PEMI of the upper limb, concomitant with or without 2 min static ankle dorsiflexion at 30% MVC followed by 2 min PEMI of the lower limb. During PEMI of the upper limb alone, forearm blood flow (FBF) and forearm vascular conductance (FVC) in the non‐exercised arm decreased significantly, whereas during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs, the decreases in FBF and FVC produced by PEMI of the upper limb was attenuated. Forearm blood flow and FVC were significantly greater during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs than during PEMI of the upper limb alone. When PEMI of the lower limb was released after combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs (only PEMI of the upper limb was maintained continuously), the attenuated decreases in FBF and FVC observed during combined PEMI of the upper and lower limbs was not observed. Thus, forearm vascular responses differ when muscle metaboreceptors are activated in the upper limb and when there is combined activation of muscle metaboreceptors in both the upper and lower limbs.
Fatty acids stimulate AMP‐activated protein kinase and enhance fatty acid oxidation in L6 myotubes
Authors: Watt Matthew J. , Steinberg Gregory R. , Chen Zhi‐Ping , Kemp Bruce E. , Febbraio Mark A.
Published: April 2006

We investigated the role of fatty acid availability on AMPK signalling and fatty acid oxidation in skeletal muscle. Incubating L6 skeletal muscle myotubes with palmitate (a saturated fatty acid) or linoleate (a polyunsaturated fatty acid) increased AMPK activity by 56 and 38%, respectively, compared with untreated cells. Consistent with these changes, AMPK Thr172 and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase β Ser218 phosphorylation were increased in fatty acid treated cells. Pre‐incubating cells with palmitate or linoleate increased subsequent fatty acid oxidation by 86 and 92%, respectively. The enhanced AMPK signalling occurred in the absence of detectable changes in free AMP and glycogen content. The activity of the upstream kinase LKB1 was decreased by fatty acid treatment indicating that AMPK activation was not a consequence of LKB1 activation. Instead, fatty acids enhanced LKB1 phosphorylation of AMPK. Fatty acids did not alter LKB1 activity when either synthetic peptide or AMPK α(1–312) catalytic fragment was used as substrate indicating that the βγ subunits were required for the fatty acid activation. Infection of cells with a dominant‐negative AMPK adenovirus reduced basal fatty acid oxidation and inhibited the stimulatory effects of fatty acid pretreatment on fatty acid oxidation. These results indicate that increasing fatty acid availability increases AMPK activity independent of changes in the cellular energy charge and support the view that fatty acids may modulate AMPK allosterically, making it a better substrate for LKB1.
Functional consequence of mutation in rat cardiac troponin T is affected differently by myosin heavy chain isoforms
Authors: Tschirgi Matthew L. , Rajapakse Indika , Chandra Murali
Published: April 2006

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is an essential component of the thin filament regulatory unit (RU) that regulates Ca2+ activation of tension in the heart muscle. Because there is coupling between the RU and myosin crossbridges, the functional outcome of cardiomyopathy‐related mutations in cTnT may be modified by the type of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform. Ca2+ activation of tension and ATPase activity were measured in muscle fibres from normal rat hearts containing α‐MHC isoform and propylthiouracil (PTU)‐treated rat hearts containing β‐MHC isoform. Muscle fibres from normal and PTU‐treated rat hearts were reconstituted with two different mutations in rat cTnT; the deletion of Glu162 (cTnTE162DEL) and the deletion of Lys211 (cTnTK211DEL). α‐MHC and β‐MHC isoforms had contrasting impact on tension‐dependent ATP consumption (tension cost) in cTnTE162DEL and cTnTK211DEL reconstituted muscle fibres. Significant increases in tension cost in α‐MHC‐containing muscle fibres corresponded to 17% (P < 0.01) and 23% (P < 0.001) when reconstituted with cTnTE162DEL and cTnTK211DEL, respectively. In contrast, tension cost decreased when these two cTnT mutants were reconstituted in muscle fibres containing β‐MHC; by approximately 24% (P < 0.05) when reconstituted with cTnTE162DEL and by approximately 17% (P= 0.09) when reconstituted with cTnTK211DEL. Such differences in tension cost were substantiated by the mechano‐dynamic analysis of cTnT mutant reconstituted muscle fibres from normal and PTU‐treated rat hearts. Our observation demonstrates that qualitative changes in MHC isoform alters the nature of cardiac myofilament dysfunction induced by mutations in cTnT.
LL-37 Protects Rats against Lethal Sepsis Caused by Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Cirioni Oscar , Giacometti Andrea , Ghiselli Roberto , Bergnach Cristina , Orlando Fiorenza , Silvestri Carmela , Mocchegiani Federico , Licci Alberto , Skerlavaj Barbara , Rocchi Marco , Saba Vittorio , Zanetti Margherita , Scalise Giorgio
Published: April 2006

We investigated the efficacy of LL-37, the C-terminal part of the only cathelicidin in humans identified to date (termed human cationic antimicrobial protein), in three experimental rat models of gram-negative sepsis. Adult male Wistar rats (i) were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg
Escherichia coli
0111:B4 LPS, (ii) were given 2 × 10
10
CFU of
Escherichia coli
ATCC 25922, or (iii) had intra-abdominal sepsis induced via cecal ligation and puncture. For each model, all animals were randomized to receive intravenously isotonic sodium chloride solution, 1-mg/kg LL-37, 1-mg/kg polymyxin B, 20-mg/kg imipenem, or 60-mg/kg piperacillin. Lethality; growth of bacteria in blood, peritoneum, spleen, liver, and mesenteric lymph nodes; and endotoxin and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentrations in plasma were evaluated. All compounds reduced lethality compared to levels in controls. Endotoxin and TNF-α plasma levels were significantly higher in conventional antibiotic-treated rats than in LL-37- and polymyxin B-treated animals. All drugs tested significantly reduced bacterial growth compared to saline treatment. No statistically significant differences between LL-37 and polymyxin B were noted for antimicrobial and antiendotoxin activities. LL-37 and imipenem proved to be the most effective treatments in reducing all variables measured. Due to its multifunctional properties, LL-37 may become an important future consideration for the treatment of sepsis.
Quorum-Sensing Antagonistic Activities of Azithromycin in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
PAO1: a Global Approach
Authors: Nalca Yusuf , Jänsch Lothar , Bredenbruch Florian , Geffers Robert , Buer Jan , Häussler Susanne
Published: April 2006

The administration of macrolides such as azithromycin for chronic pulmonary infection of cystic fibrosis patients has been reported to be of benefit. Although the mechanisms of action remain obscure, anti-inflammatory effects as well as interference of the macrolide with
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
virulence factor production have been suggested to contribute to an improved clinical outcome. In this study we used a systematic approach and analyzed the impact of azithromycin on the global transcriptional pattern and the protein expression profile of
P. aeruginosa
PAO1 cultures versus those in untreated controls. The most remarkable result of this study is the finding that azithromycin exhibited extensive quorum-sensing antagonistic activities. In accordance with the inhibition of the quorum-sensing systems, virulence factor production was diminished and the oxidative stress response was impaired, whereas the type III secretion system was strongly induced. Moreover,
P. aeruginosa
motility was reduced, which probably accounts for the previously observed impaired biofilm formation capabilities of azithromycin-treated cultures. The interference of azithromycin with quorum-sensing-dependent virulence factor production, biofilm formation, and oxidative stress resistance in
P. aeruginosa
holds great promise for macrolide therapy in cystic fibrosis. Clearly quorum-sensing antagonist macrolides should be paid more attention in the management of chronic
P. aeruginosa
infections, and as quorum-sensing antagonists, macrolides might gain vital importance for more general application against chronic infections.
Reducing sick leave by minimal postal intervention: a randomised, controlled intervention study
Authors: Fleten N , Johnsen R
Published: April 2006

Background:The lack of efficient medical interventions for combating increasing sickness absence rates has lead to the introduction of alternative measures initiated by the Norwegian National Insurance Service or at workplaces.

Aim:To determine whether minimal postal intervention had any effect on the length of sick leave.

Methods:Randomised, controlled trial with a one year follow up in Northern Norway in 1997 and 1998; 990 consecutive newly sick-listed persons with musculoskeletal or mental disorders were studied. Within the intervention group, 495 eligible sick-listed persons received a general information letter and a questionnaire as their sick leave passed 14 days. Possible intervention effects were analysed by survival analysis of the probability of returning to work within one year, and logistic regressions with benefits at one year as the dependent variable.

Results:The overall reduction of 8.3 (95% CI −22.5 to 6.0) calendar days in mean length of sick leaves in the intervention group compared to controls, was not statistically significant. However, intervention significantly reduced length of sick leaves in subgroups with mental disorders, and with rheumatic disorders and arthritis, and overall for sick leaves lasting 12 weeks or more. Young people with low back pain showed an adverse effect to intervention. The overall relative risk of receiving benefits due to sickness after one year in the intervention group was 0.69 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.93) compared to controls.

Conclusion:The results should encourage employers, insurance institutions, and authorities to initiate challenges as questions on the length of sick leave and possible modified work measures, during the first few weeks of sick leave, for at least some groups of sick-listed persons.
PROMPT BETA SPECTROSCOPY AS A DIAGNOSTIC FOR MIX IN IGNITED NIF CAPSULES
Authors: HAYES A. C. , JUNGMAN GERARD , SOLEM J. C. , BRADLEY P. A. , RUNDBERG R. S.
Published: April 2006

The National Ignition Facility (NIF) technology is designed to drive deuterium–tritium (DT) internal confinement fusion (ICF) targets to ignition using indirect radiation from laser beam energy captured in a hohlraum. Hydrodynamical instabilities at interfaces in the ICF capsule leading to mix between the DT fuel and the ablator shell material are of fundamental physical interest and can affect the performance characteristics of the capsule. Here we describe new radiochemical diagnostics for mix processes in ICF capsules with plastic or Be (0.9% Cu ) ablator shells. Reactions of high-energy tritons with shell material produce high-energy β-emitters. We show that mix between the DT fuel and the shell material enhances high-energy prompt beta emission from these reactions by more than an order of magnitude over that expected in the absence of mix. We further show how a mix signal could be detectable in an ignition failure regime corresponding to yields greater than about 2 kJ.
THE EVOLUTION OF THE UNIVERSE WITH THE B–I TYPE PHANTOM SCALAR FIELD
Authors: FANG WEI , LU H. Q. , HUANG Z. G. , ZHANG K. F.
Published: April 2006

We consider the phantom cosmology with a Lagrangian [Formula: see text] originated from the nonlinear Born–Infeld type scalar field. This cosmological model can explain the accelerating expansion of the universe with the equation of state parameter w ≤ -1. We get a sufficient condition for an arbitrary potential that admits a late time attractor solution: the value of potential u(Xc) at the critical point (Xc, 0) should be maximum and greater than zero. We study a specific potential with the form of [Formula: see text] via phase plane analysis and compute the cosmological evolution by numerical analysis in detail. The results show that the phantom field survives till today (to account for the present observed accelerating expansion) without interfering with the nucleosynthesis of the standard model (the density parameter Ωϕ≃10-12 at the equipartition epoch), and also avoid the future collapse of the universe.
SUPPORTING MULTI-SYNCHRONOUS GROUPWARE: DATA MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND A SOLUTION
Authors: PREGUIÇA NUNO , MARTINS J. LEGATHEAUX , DOMINGOS HENRIQUE JOÃO , DUARTE SÉRGIO
Published: April 2006

It is common that, in a long-term asynchronous collaborative activity, groups of users engage in occasional synchronous sessions. In this paper, we analyze the data management requirements for supporting this common work practice in typical collaborative activities and applications. We call the applications that support such work practice multi-synchronous applications. This analysis shows that, as users interact in different ways in each setting, some applications have different requirements and need to rely on different data sharing techniques in synchronous and asynchronous settings. We present a data management system that allows to integrate a synchronous session in the context of a long-term asynchronous interaction, using the suitable data sharing techniques in each setting and an automatic mechanism to convert the long sequence of small updates produced in a synchronous session into a large asynchronous contribution. We exemplify the use of our approach with two multi-synchronous applications.
INCORPORATING TRANSPORTATION COSTS INTO JIT LOT SPLITTING DECISIONS FOR COORDINATED SUPPLY CHAINS
Authors: NIE LANSHUN , XU XIAOFEI , ZHAN DECHEN
Published: April 2006

There is an increased emphasis on making all costs transparent in supply chain management. Transportation costs should be appropriately incorporated into logistics decisions given that transportation costs can be almost 50% of the logistics cost. This study develops a buyer-supplier coordination model to facilitate frequent deliveries in small lot size in manufacturing supply chains. Two transportation cost functions that emulate reality and simultaneously provide a straightforward representation of actual freight rates are identified. Then, they are used to estimate transportation costs and deduce concrete models for truck-load (TL) and less-than-truck-load (LTL). The optimal order quantities of the two deduced models are equal. The solution of the truck-load model has a smaller number of deliveries per order and incurs high inventory cost, while the solution of the less-than-truck-load model has a larger number of deliveries per order and incurs high transportation cost. We propose a heuristic procedure to search the optimal number of deliveries per order in the interval bounded by these two solutions. Experimental results show that the proposed model can guarantee the accuracy and performance of the decision without adding undue complexity and effort to the decision process.
PERFORMANCE VALUE ANALYSIS FOR JUSTIFICATION OF GREEN MANUFACTURING SYSTEMS
Authors: SANGWAN KULDIP SINGH
Published: April 2006

Green Manufacturing Systems (GMS) has attracted the attention of organizations all over the world. There is a general challenge offered to the field of engineering economics by the introduction of green manufacturing systems as, typically, the traditional approaches do not account for the significant intangible benefits offered by GMS. In this paper, an attempt has been made to overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies by presenting a multi attribute decision model — Performance Value Analysis (PVA) — for the justification of green manufacturing systems. The usefulness of the model is demonstrated through an illustrative example. The results clearly show that the implementation of green manufacturing systems offers far better competitive advantages over the non-green manufacturing systems.
Bench to bedside: targeting coagulation and fibrinolysis in acute lung injury
Authors: Ware Lorraine B. , Camerer Eric , Welty-Wolf Karen , Schultz Marcus J. , Matthay Michael A.
Published: April 2006

Substantial progress has been made in understanding the contribution of alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis to the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Findings from mouse, rat, baboon, and human studies indicate that alterations in coagulation and fibrinolysis may be of major pathogenetic importance in ALI and other inflammatory conditions in the lung including pneumonia, sepsis, and ventilator-induced lung injury. Therapies targeted at both activation of coagulation through the extrinsic coagulation cascade and modulation of coagulation through the protein C system have the potential to favorably impact clinical ALI/acute respiratory distress syndrome.
Advancing age alters the expression of the ryanodine receptor 3 isoform in adult rat superior cervical ganglia
Authors: Vanterpool Conwin K. , Vanterpool Elaine A. , Pearce William J. , Buchholz John N.
Published: April 2006

Sympathetic nerves arising from the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) protect the cerebrovasculature during periods of acute hypertension and may play a role in homeostasis of target organs. The functions of these nerves depend on calcium release triggered by activation of ryanodine receptor (RyR) channels. The function of RyR channels is in part dependent on genetic expression and regulation by numerous protein modulators such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neurons also found in the SCG. We have shown that release of calcium in SCG cells is altered during late maturation and advancing age. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that may in part account for these data are elusive. Therefore we used molecular techniques to test the hypothesis that advancing age alters the pattern of genetic expression and/or protein levels of RyRs and their modulation by nNOS in the SCG in F344 rats aged 6, 12, and 24 mo. Surprisingly, ryr1 expression was undetectable in all age groups and ryr2 and ryr3 are the predominantly transcribed isoforms in the adult rat SCG. mRNA and protein levels for RyR2 isoform did not change with advancing age. However, ryr3 mRNA levels increased from 6 to 12 mo and declined from 12 to 24 mo. Similarly, RyR3 receptor protein levels also increased from 6 to 12 mo and declined from 12 to 24 mo. Because nNOS and the phosphorylation of the RyRs have been shown to modulate the function of RyRs, total phosphorylation and nNOS protein levels were analyzed in all age groups. Phosphorylation levels of the RyRs were similar in all age groups. However, nNOS protein levels increased from 6 to 12 mo followed by decline from 12 to 24 mo. These data suggest that advancing age selectively impacts the genetic expression and protein levels of RyR3 as well as modulatory nNOS protein levels. In addition, these data may part provide some insight into the possible changes in the function of RyRs that may occur with the normal aging process.
Central pathways of pulmonary and lower airway vagal afferents
Authors: Kubin Leszek , Alheid George F. , Zuperku Edward J. , McCrimmon Donald R.
Published: April 2006

Lung sensory receptors with afferent fibers coursing in the vagus nerves are broadly divided into three groups: slowly (SAR) and rapidly (RAR) adapting stretch receptors and bronchopulmonary C fibers. Central terminations of each group are found in largely nonoverlapping regions of the caudal half of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). Second order neurons in the pathways from these receptors innervate neurons located in respiratory-related regions of the medulla, pons, and spinal cord. The relative ease of selective activation of SARs, and to a lesser extent RARs, has allowed for more complete physiological and morphological characterization of the second and higher order neurons in these pathways than for C fibers. A subset of NTS neurons receiving afferent input from SARs (termed pump or P-cells) mediates the Breuer-Hering reflex and inhibits neurons receiving afferent input from RARs. P-cells and second order neurons in the RAR pathway also provide inputs to regions of the ventrolateral medulla involved in control of respiratory motor pattern, i.e., regions containing a predominance of bulbospinal premotor neurons, as well as regions containing respiratory rhythm-generating neurons. Axon collaterals from both P-cells and RAR interneurons, and likely from NTS interneurons in the C-fiber pathway, project to the parabrachial pontine region where they may contribute to plasticity in respiratory control and integration of respiratory control with other systems, including those that provide for voluntary control of breathing, sleep-wake behavior, and emotions.
Capsaicin-induced activation of pulmonary vagal C fibers produces reflex laryngeal closure in the rat
Authors: Lu I-Jung , Lee Kun-Ze , Hwang Ji-Chuu
Published: April 2006

Our recent studies show that intravenous administration of capsaicin induces enhancement of the intralaryngeal thyroarytenoid (TA) branch but a reduction of the intralaryngeal abducent branch, suggesting that the glottis is likely closed by capsaicin. The aim of the present study was to examine whether the glottis is adducted by intravenous administration of capsaicin. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the TA muscle, subglottal pressure (SGP), and glottal behavior were evaluated before and after intravenous administration of capsaicin in male Wistar rats that were anesthetized and tracheostomized. Catheters were placed in the femoral artery and vein, as well as in the right jugular vein. Low and high doses of capsaicin (0.625 and 1.25 μg/kg) produced apnea and increases in the amplitude of the TA EMG. This enhancement of the TA EMG was observed during apnea as well as during recovery from apnea. Moreover, the onset of the TA EMG was advanced such that it commenced earlier during inspiration. Concomitantly, the SGP substantially increased. Increases in both the TA EMG and SGP were abolished after bilateral sectioning of the recurrent laryngeal nerve. In some animals, movement of the vocal folds was recorded by taking a motion picture with a digital camera under a surgical microscope. With intravenous administration of capsaicin, a tight glottal closure, decreases in blood pressure, and bradycardia were observed. These results strongly suggest that glottal closure is reflexively induced by intravenous administration of capsaicin and that closure of the glottis is beneficial for the defense of the airway and lungs when an animal is exposed to environmental irritants.
Transforming growth factor-β1-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction involves Smad2-dependent p38 activation and subsequent RhoA activation
Authors: Lu Qing , Harrington Elizabeth O. , Jackson Heather , Morin Nicole , Shannon Christopher , Rounds Sharon
Published: April 2006

Lung edema due to increased vascular permeability is a hallmark of acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Both p38 and RhoA signaling events are involved in transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-increased endothelial permeability; however, the mechanism by which these pathways cooperate is not clear. In this study, we hypothesized that TGF-β1-induced changes in endothelial monolayer permeability and in p38 and RhoA activation are dependent on Smad2 signaling. We assessed the role of Smad2 in p38 activation and the role of p38 in RhoA activation by TGF-β1. We found that TGF-β1caused Smad2 phosphorylation between 0.5 and 1 h of exposure in endothelial cells. Knockdown of Smad2 protein prevented TGF-β1-induced p38 activation and endothelial barrier dysfunction. Furthermore, TGF-β1-enhanced RhoA activation was dependent on p38 activation. Inhibition of the RhoA-Rho kinase signaling pathway blunted TGF-β1-induced adherens junction disruption and focal adhesion complex formation. In addition, depletion of heat shock protein 27, a downstream signaling molecule of p38, did not prevent TGF-β1-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction. Finally, inhibition of de novo protein expression blunted TGF-β1-induced RhoA activation and endothelial barrier dysfunction. Our data indicate that TGF-β1induces endothelial barrier dysfunction involving Smad2-dependent p38 activation, resulting in RhoA activation by possible transcriptional regulation.
Contribution of Gene Sequence Variations of the Hepatic Cytochrome P450 3A4 Enzyme to Variability in Individual Responsiveness to Clopidogrel
Authors: Angiolillo Dominick J. , Fernandez-Ortiz Antonio , Bernardo Esther , Ramírez Celia , Cavallari Ugo , Trabetti Elisabetta , Sabaté Manel , Hernández Rosana , Moreno Raul , Escaned Javier , Alfonso Fernando , Bañuelos Camino , Costa Marco A. , Bass Theodore A. , Pignatti Pier Franco , Macaya Carlos
Published: April 2006

Objectives—

Metabolic activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 has been associated with clopidogrel response variability. Because metabolic activity of CYP3A4 is genetically regulated, we hypothesized that genetic variations of this enzyme may contribute to clopidogrel response variability.

Methods and Results—

The CYP3A4*1B, CYP3A4*3, IVS7+258A>G, IVS7+894C>T, and IVS10+12G>A polymorphisms of the CYP3A4 gene were assessed in 82 patients in a steady phase of clopidogrel therapy. Glycoprotein (platelet glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor activation and platelet aggregation were assessed. A cohort of 45 clopidogrel-naïve patients was studied to determine the modulating effects of these polymorphisms after loading dose (300 mg) administration. Only the IVS7+258A>G, IVS7+894C>T, and IVS10+12G>A polymorphisms were sufficiently polymorphic. During the steady phase of clopidogrel treatment, IVS10+12A allele carriers had reduced GP IIb/IIIa activation (
P
=0.025) and better responsiveness (
P
=0.02); similarly, clopidogrel-naïve patients carriers of the IVS10+12A allele had reduced GP IIb/IIIa activation during the first 24 hours after a loading dose (
P
=0.025), increased platelet inhibition (
P
=0.006), and a more optimal drug response (
P
=0.003). This polymorphism did not influence platelet aggregation profiles. No association was observed between the other polymorphisms and clopidogrel responsiveness.

Conclusions—

The IVS10+12G>A polymorphism of the CYP3A4 gene modulates platelet activation in patients treated with clopidogrel and may therefore contribute to clopidogrel response variability.
Nitric Oxide and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Gotoh Tomomi , Mori Masataka
Published: April 2006

Nitric oxide (NO) is a multifunctional biomolecule involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including regulation of blood vessel dilatation and anti-arteriosclerotic effects. However, a large amount of NO is toxic to the host and causes several diseases such as apoptosis, septic shock, and diabetes mellitus. Inducible-form NO synthase is induced in inflammatory diseases, including insulitis and arteriosclerosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress pathway was first identified as a cellular response pathway induced by the accumulation of unfolded proteins in ER to preserve ER functions. Later it was found that ER stress pathway is also activated by various cellular stresses to protect cells, but when stresses are severe, apoptosis is induced to remove damaged cells. It is reported that NO and reactive oxygen species disturb ER functions, then ER stress-mediated apoptosis pathway is activated. CHOP/GADD153, which belongs to C/EBP transcription factor family, is induced in this process and mediates apoptosis. ER stress pathway induced by NO can be involved in the pathogenesis of various vascular diseases.
Erythropoietin-Mobilized Endothelial Progenitors Enhance Reendothelialization via Akt-Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Activation and Prevent Neointimal Hyperplasia
Authors: Urao Norifumi , Okigaki Mitsuhiko , Yamada Hiroyuki , Aadachi Yasushi , Matsuno Kuniharu , Matsui Akihiro , Matsunaga Shinsaku , Tateishi Kento , Nomura Tetsuya , Takahashi Tomosaburo , Tatsumi Tetsuya , Matsubara Hiroaki
Published: April 2006

We investigated whether the mobilization of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) by exogenous erythropoietin (Epo) promotes the repair of injured endothelium. Recombinant human Epo was injected (1000 IU/kg for the initial 3 days) after wire injury of the femoral artery of mice. Neointimal formation was inhibited by Epo to 48% of the control (
P
<0.05) in an NO-dependent manner. Epo induced a 1.4-fold increase in reendothelialized area of day 14 denuded vessels, 55% of which was derived from bone marrow (BM) cells. Epo increased the circulating Sca-1
+
/Flk-1
+
EPCs (2.0-fold,
P
<0.05) with endothelial properties NO dependently. BM replacement by GFP- or β-galactosidase-overexpressing cells showed that Epo stimulated both differentiation of BM-derived EPCs and proliferation of resident ECs. BM-derived ECs increased 2.2- to 2.7-fold (
P
<0.05) in the Epo-induced neoendothelium, where the expression of Epo receptor was upregulated. Epo induced Akt/eNOS phosphorylation and NO synthesis on EPCs and exerted an antiapoptotic action on wire-injured arteries. In conclusion, Epo treatment inhibits the neointimal hyperplasia after arterial injury in an NO-dependent manner by acting on the injured vessels and mobilizing EPCs to the neo-endothelium.
Persistent Infarct Hyperintensity on Diffusion-Weighted Imaging Late After Stroke Indicates Heterogeneous, Delayed, Infarct Evolution
Authors: Rivers Carly S. , Wardlaw Joanna M. , Armitage Paul A. , Bastin Mark E. , Carpenter Trevor K. , Cvoro Vera , Hand Peter J. , Dennis Martin S.
Published: April 2006

Background and Purpose—

Some infarcts have persistently hyperintense areas on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) even at 1 month after stroke, whereas others have become isointense to normal brain. We hypothesized that late DWI hyperintensity reflected different infarct evolution compared with areas that were isointense by 1 month.

Methods—

We recruited patients prospectively with ischemic stroke, performed DWI and perfusion-weighted MRI (PWI) on admission, at 5 days, 14 days, and 1 month after stroke, and assessed functional outcome at 3 months (Rankin Scale). Patient characteristics and DWI/PWI values were compared for patients with or without “still hyperintense” infarct areas on 1-month DWI.

Results—

Among 42 patients, 27 (64%) had “still hyperintense” infarct regions at 1 month, mostly in white matter. Patients with “still hyperintense” regions at 1 month had lower baseline apparent diffusion coefficient ratio (ADCr; mean±SD 0.76±0.12 versus 0.85±0.12; hyperintense versus isointense;
P
<0.05), prolonged reduction of ADCr (repeated-measures ANOVA;
P
<0.01), no difference in baseline perfusion but delayed normalization of mean transit time (
P
<0.05) and cerebral blood flow ratios (repeated measures ANOVA;
P
<0.05), initially more severe stroke, and worse 3-month outcome than patients whose lesions were isointense by 1 month.

Conclusion—

The late DWI lesion hyperintensity emphasizes the heterogeneity in temporal evolution of stroke injury and suggests ongoing “ischemia.” Lower baseline ADCr precedes delayed perfusion normalization, suggesting that worse cell swelling impedes reperfusion. Further study is required to determine underlying mechanisms and any potential for subacute intervention to improve recovery.
Cortical Perfusion Measurement by Indocyanine-Green Videoangiography in Patients Undergoing Hemicraniectomy for Malignant Stroke
Authors: Woitzik Johannes , Peña-Tapia Pablo G. , Schneider Ulf C. , Vajkoczy Peter , Thomé Claudius
Published: April 2006

Background and Purpose—Assessment of cerebral perfusion during neurosurgical procedures would be beneficial to identify areas at risk and to guide placement of monitoring probes. Therefore, we have adapted near-infrared indocyanine-green (ICG) videoangiography to assess cortical perfusion intraoperatively.

Methods—ICG videoangiography was performed intraoperatively in 6 patients after decompressive hemicraniectomy for middle cerebral artery stroke. Flow maps of cortical perfusion were generated with IC-CALC 1.1 software by calculating the ratio of difference in fluorescence intensity and rise time.

Results—Excellent visualization of cerebral arteries, cortical perfusion and collateral circulation via leptomeningeal anastomoses could be demonstrated in all cases. Flow maps revealed high spatial resolution and showed heterogeneous maple-leaf-shaped hypoperfusion. 26.5±13.7% and 29.0±9.1% of the exposed cortical surface (141±18 cm2) demonstrated core and penumbral flow, respectively.

Conclusions—ICG videoangiography appears to be a valuable tool to precisely detect relative cortical tissue perfusion. Thus, it may provide useful research data on the pathophysiology of human stroke, help surgeons to maintain adequate brain perfusion intraoperatively, and simplify adequate placement of tissue probes to monitor critically hypoperfused brain tissue.
Model of Hospital-Supported Discharge After Stroke
Authors: Torp Claus Rydahl , Vinkler Sonja , Pedersen Kirsten Damgaard , Hansen Finn Rønholt , Jørgensen Torben , Olsen Jens
Published: April 2006

Background and Purpose—

Readmission rate within 6 months after a stroke is 40% to 50%. The purpose of the project was to evaluate whether an interdisciplinary stroke team could reduce length of hospital stay, readmission rate, increase patient satisfaction and reduce dependency of help.

Methods—

One hundred and ninety-eight patients with acute stroke were randomized into 103 patients whose discharge was supported by an interdisciplinary stroke team and 95 control patients who received standard aftercare. Baseline characteristics were comparable in the 2 groups. The patients were evaluated after 6 and 12 months regarding functional status and need for help.

Results—

Length of hospital admission was insignificantly shorter in the intervention compared with the control group (35.2 versus 39.8 days). There was no significant difference in readmission, GP-visits, and primary health care services. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in functional scores or patient satisfaction.

Conclusions—

In this setting we could not show benefit of an interdisciplinary stroke team supporting patients at discharge perhaps because standard aftercare was very efficient already.
Central Bank Independence - Economic and Political Dimensions
Authors: Issing Ottmar
Published: April 2006

This article reviews the empirical evidence and theoretical arguments for central bank independence, including political economy considerations. It concludes that the optimal institutional framework to keep inflation lastingly under control is based on granting independence to central banks and establishing price stability as the overriding objective of monetary policy. This framework — combined with appropriate appointment procedures, a sound governance structure and a well-defined monetary policy strategy of the central bank — would ensure price stability. Finally, public support for central bank independence also matters. In this respect, the central bank has a special role in nurturing a stability-oriented culture in society.
Social Networks and College Drinking: Probing Processes of Social Influence and Selection
Authors: Reifman Alan , Watson Wendy K. , McCourt Andrea
Published: April 2006

This study used a three-wave panel design (N = 119 complete cases for all waves) to test for social influence and selection in the relation of college students’ heavy drinking and that of their social networks. Evidence emerged for both social influence and selection, leading the authors to probe more specialized issues related to each. Results regarding social influence revealed, further, that greater presence in the network of individuals that the focal respondent considered “drinking buddies” was predictive of one’s own later drinking, controlling for potential confounds. Network demographic characteristics associated with a “risky” (i.e., heavy-drinking) network also were documented. An additional finding, important for selection, was that wave-to-wave change in average network drinking appeared to result primarily from network members with different drinking levels being added to and dropped from the network. Findings are discussed in the context of the recent renaissance in social-network research.
What the Voice Reveals: Within- and Between-Category Stereotyping on the Basis of Voice
Authors: Ko Sei Jin , Judd Charles M. , Blair Irene V.
Published: April 2006

The authors report research that attempts to shift the traditional focus of visual cues to auditory cues as a basis for stereotyping. Moreover, their approach examines whether gender-signaling vocal cues lead not only to between-category but also to within-category gender stereotyping. Study 1 showed that both men and women vary within category in how feminine their voices sound and that perceptions of vocal femininity are highly consensual. Furthermore, the measured acoustic characteristics that differed between gender were also related to perceptions of within-gender femininity. Subsequent studies demonstrated that variability in vocal femininity affects gender stereotyping when the targets are all of the same gender (Study 2) and when the targets are of different genders (Study 3). In the latter case, evidence of both category-based and feature-based stereotyping was found. Mediation analyses showed that the relationship between acoustics and stereotyping was in part due to femininity.
The Causes and Consequences of an Avoidance-Focus for Interracial Interactions
Authors: Plant E. Ashby , Butz David A.
Published: April 2006

The current work examined the causes and consequences of non-Black people’s desire to avoid interracial interactions (an avoidance-focus). Expecting to respond with racial bias in inter-racial interactions was argued to result in an avoidance-focus for such interactions, which was hypothesized to have negative implications for the quality of interracial interactions. Across three studies, feedback indicating that non-Black participants would respond with racial bias in interactions with Black people resulted in anxiety and the desire to avoid the interaction. In addition, when participants with an avoidance-focus interacted with a Black confederate (Study 2), they had shorter interactions that were rated as less pleasant by the confederate and participant as compared to those without an avoidance-focus. Avoidance-focused participants were less interested in future interactions and came across as more avoidant and biased to their partner than less avoidance-focused participants. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for racial relations.
When Is Inequality a Problem?
Authors: Berbrier Mitch , Pruett Elaine
Published: April 2006

The authors argue that since social activists are often busier establishing the unfairness of inequalities than establishing the mere existence of those inequalities, a constructionist sociology of inequality ought to build upon the scholarship on “victim claiming” and “injustice framing.” To illustrate, they present the case of the Office of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Student Support Services at Indiana University—a local controversy in Bloomington, Indiana, in 1994 that was also part of the national debate over gay and lesbian rights. The central issue in the case was whether treating gays differently from heterosexuals was justified, often framed as comparable to discrimination against blacks. Among other things, the authors conclude that the discourse of black civil rights has spawned a broader cultural discourse for inequalities that are also unjust, and hence, it has become central to debates about the meaning of inequality, particularly in the United States.
Social Constructionism and Social Inequality
Authors: Harris Scott R.
Published: April 2006

This article highlights two major trends in the social sciences: an increasing concern with inequality and a growing interest in interpretive variability and the creation of meaning. Despite these trends, not enough research treats inequality itself as a meaning that is socially constructed. The article proposes a list of ten ideas useful for guiding research on inequality in a more consistently constructionist direction. Then it introduces the five articles that compose this special issue on social constructionism and social inequality, articles that contribute to the constructionist agenda in varied ways.
Diversity, International Students, and Perceived Discrimination: Implications for Educators and Counselors
Authors: Hanassab Shideh
Published: April 2006

This study assesses the experiences of international students in terms of perceived discrimination since entering an institution of higher learning in the United States. More specifically, the investigation focuses on the similarities and differences of the students as a function of their geographical region and other demographic factors such as gender, degree objective, and field of study. The findings indicate that international students coming from different regions experience discrimination in various degrees. The findings report that international students from the regions of the Middle East and Africa experience more discrimination than do students from other regions. The results also indicate that international students experience more discrimination off campus compared to on campus. In addition, the diversification of campus by international students is discussed as well as the importance of their presence in higher education. Challenges for the institutions of higher education and implications for counselors and educators are also addressed.