bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible mechanisms involved in the discrepancy of hepatic and aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthases during the development of cirrhosis in rats
Authors: Shir Mohammadi Morvarid , Thabut Dominique , Cazals‐Hatem Dominique , Galbois Arnaud , Rudler Marika , Bonnefont‐Rousselot Dominique , Moreau Richard , Lebrec Didier , Tazi Khalid A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackground/Aim: In cirrhosis, systemic nitric oxide (NO) overproduction and hepatic NO hypoproduction lead to arterial vasodilatation and portal hypertension. The mechanisms involved in these alterations in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)‐derived NO production in hepatic and systemic vasculature remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the regulation of eNOS and its major modulators in the liver and aorta during the development of cirrhosis in rats.Methods: Activated eNOS and Akt and expressions, and caveolin‐1 (Cav‐1) and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR‐BI) expressions were measured before and 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks after bile duct ligation. Plasma high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were measured.Results: Activated aortic eNOS increased at week 1, whereas it began to decrease at week 3 in the liver. Aortic expression of Cav‐1 decreased at week 3 while hepatic expression increased by four‐fold. Activated aortic Akt increased progressively while in the liver it gradually decreased during the development of cirrhosis. HDL levels decreased during the first week and decreased thereafter. The hepatic expression of SR‐BI decreased.Conclusion: This study shows that the modulation of Akt and Cav‐1 is inverted in the liver and the aorta during the development of cirrhosis. In addition, decreased HDL levels may play a role in reduced hepatic eNOS activity.
Experience with Cyclosporine in Children with Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria
Authors: Doshi Devang R. , Weinberger Miles M. 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Background:  The identification of an autoimmune mechanism for many patients with chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) was used as a rational for a controlled clinical trial of cyclosporine for adults with CIU not responsive to usual measures. That randomized placebo controlled clinical trial demonstrated clinical efficacy, acceptable safety, and a suggestion of inducing remission in such patients.Objective:  To report our experience with cyclosporine in pediatric patients with CIU.Methods:  Fifty‐four patients with CIU were referred to us during the period from 2000 through June of 2005. Seven of those, aged 9–16, failed therapy with high dose antihistamines even with the addition of alternate morning prednisone. Neoral brand of cyclosporine, 3 mg/kg/day divided b.i.d., was initiated in these patients. Cyclosporine serum concentrations, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and blood pressure were routinely monitored.Results:  All had cessation of hives. This occurred after 1–4 weeks for six of the seven and 8 weeks for one. While some experienced relapses, all were eventually off of all medications and free of hives. None of the seven experienced any adverse effects.Conclusions:  Our experience in children is consistent with a previous controlled clinical trial in adults and supports the efficacy and safety of cyclosporine for CIU. However, we recommend that it be reserved for those whose CIU that is resistant to conventional measures and that patients be carefully monitored with cyclosporine serum concentrations and measures of renal function.
Facilitation of Myocardial PI3K/Akt/nNOS Signaling Contributes to Ethanol‐Evoked Hypotension in Female Rats
Authors: El‐Mas Mahmoud M. , Fan Ming , Abdel‐Rahman Abdel A. 
Published: April 2009

Background: The mechanism by which ethanol reduces cardiac output (CO) and blood pressure (BP) in female rats remains unclear. We tested the hypothesis that enhancement of myocardial phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling and related neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and/or endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity constitutes a cellular mechanism for the hemodynamic effects of ethanol.Methods: We measured the level of phosphorylated eNOS (p‐eNOS) and p‐nNOS in the myocardium of ethanol (1 g/kg intragastric, i.g.) treated female rats along with hemodynamic responses [BP, CO, stroke volume, (SV), total peripheral resistance, (TPR)], and myocardial nitrate/nitrite levels (NOx) levels. Further, we investigated the effect of selective pharmacological inhibition of nNOS withNω‐propyl‐l‐arginine (NPLA) or eNOS withN5‐(1‐iminoethyl)‐l‐ornithine (l‐NIO) on cellular, hemodynamic, and biochemical effects of ethanol. The effects of PI3K inhibition by wortmannin on the cardiovascular actions of ethanol and myocardial Akt phosphorylation were also investigated.Results: The hemodynamic effects of ethanol (reductions in BP, CO, and SV) were associated with significant increases in myocardial NOx and myocardial p‐nNOS and p‐Akt expressions while myocardial p‐eNOS remained unchanged. Prior nNOS inhibition by NPLA (2.5 or 12.5 μg/kg) attenuated hemodynamic effects of ethanol and abrogated associated increases in myocardial NOx and cardiac p‐nNOS contents. The hemodynamic effects of ethanol and increases in myocardial p‐Akt phosphorylation were reduced by wortmannin (15 μg/kg). On the other hand, although eNOS inhibition byl‐NIO (4 or 20 mg/kg) in a dose‐dependent manner attenuated ethanol‐evoked hypotension, the concomitant reductions in CO and SV remained unaltered. Also, selective eNOS inhibition uncovered dramatic increases in TPR in response to ethanol, which appeared to have offset the reduction in CO. Neither NPLA norl‐NIO altered plasma ethanol levels.Conclusions: These findings implicate the myocardial PI3K/Akt/nNOS signaling in the reductions in BP and CO produced by ethanol in female rats.
Stereotypes, Asian Americans, and Wages: An Empirical Strategy Applied to Computer Use at Work
Authors: Tashiro Sanae , Conrad Cecilia A. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article examines the effect on wages of the Asian‐American stereotype as mathematically and technically adept, and the role this stereotype may play in explaining racial wage differences. We propose an empirical strategy to examine the influence of stereotypes on labor market outcomes, with a specific application to the wage premium associated with computer use at work. Using Current Population Survey data, ordinary least squares estimates do not provide compelling evidence that a positive stereotype affects wages for Asian Americans.
Determinants of Intercountry Internet Diffusion Rates
Authors: Wunnava Phanindra V. , Leiter Daniel B. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article employs cross‐sectional data from 100 countries to analyze the main determinants of intercountry Internet diffusion rates. We set up an empirical model based on strong theoretical foundations, in which we regress Internet usage on variables that capture social, economic, and political differences between these countries. Our results support past findings that economic strength, infrastructure, and knowledge of the English language positively affect Internet connectivity. In addition to these indicators, the openness of a country, tertiary enrollment, and income equality are found to also have a significant positive effect on Internet diffusion.
College Football and Student Quality: An Advertising Effect or Culture and Tradition?
Authors: Smith D. Randall 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIntercollegiate sports are said to generate positive advertising that produces many benefits to the host school. Donations, applications, and the academic quality of the student body are some of the mission outcomes thought to rise with the fortunes of the football team. The present study tests these claims for three measures of the academic quality of the entering classes on a 12‐year panel of the 233 colleges and universities competing at the highest levels of football. Results show clear positive effects attributable to the football program, though those effects are more the result of the football culture and tradition at the school than the on‐field performance of the team. Any sports advertising effects of the football program are minimal when compared to the effects of nonathletic institutional characteristics on the quality of students enrolling at the school.
High Frequency AC Power System
Authors: CALFO RAYMOND M. , POOLE GREGORY E. , TESSARO JOHN E. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe Navy's Next Generation Integrated Power System (NGIPS) master plan calls for the evolution of the IPS system from its current medium voltage, 60 Hz state to a high‐frequency, medium‐voltage AC (HFAC) system in the next 10 years. Beyond that, and pending development of key protection components, a medium‐voltage DC system will be considered for implementation. The master plan calls for power generation modules at three power levels across these systems:

A low power level (2–5 MW) driven by a fuel‐efficient diesel prime mover,
A medium power level (10–15 MW) driven by a gas turbine, and
A main propulsion power level (20–40 MW) driven by a gas turbine.

EMD is currently developing a high‐speed, high‐frequency, liquid‐cooled generator under contract with NAVSEA that will effectively demonstrate the mid‐level generator for the HFAC system. It will be coupled directly to the output of a GE LM1600 Gas Turbine to provide a TG set with power density four times more favorable than conventional ATG sets. The generator development is proceeding favorably, with testing at the Navy's land‐based test site (LBTS) expected to begin in July 2008. The technology embodied in the high‐speed generator can be easily extrapolated to main turbine generator power levels. Given the availability of prime movers at appropriate speeds, the power generation modules for the HFAC system, at all three power levels, could be provided in a much shorter time frame than noted in the NGIPS master plan. This paper will explore the combinations of prime movers and advanced generators that would suit the three power generation modules of the HFAC system. A description of the prime mover and the generator used for each module will be provided to demonstrate the modest level of development needed. The performance parameters for each generation module will be provided, along with key characteristics and dimensions for the set. In the end, the paper will make the case that demonstration of a HFAC power generation system can be made in the short term, allowing the shipbuilding community to take advantage of the benefits of state‐of‐the‐art power dense electrical generation.
Warfighter Inclusion in System Development: The Operational Perspective in Defining Design Requirements
Authors: WALLACE DANIEL , WHITE DENNIS , DAVIDSON KAROLE 
Published: April 2009

AbstractHuman systems integration (HSI) is integral to any comprehensive system engineering process. HSI is defined by the International Conference on System Engineering as “interdisciplinary technical and management processes for integrating human considerations within and across all system elements; an essential enabler to systems engineering practice.” But how does one accomplish this interdisciplinary integration? This paper highlights the essential role of the warfighter as an overarching elicitor and integrator of system requirements, and how to effectively exploit this crucial resource. All complex systems are developed to be used and maintained in a specific operational environment by a trained user. It is therefore imperative that the unique operational perspectives of those users are made part of the design and development process. There are several key opportunities within the acquisition process where qualified, representative users play a significant role in refining the system's requirements and defining how the total system will perform. Active participation from the warfighter and user community in the design process will aid in identifying issues early enough to make a meaningful influence on design, fosters warfighter acceptance of the system, reduces the risks associated with warfighter alterations to system configurations, and validates total system performance using human in the loop evaluations.
Architecting a System of Systems Responding to Maritime Domain Terrorism by Orthogonal Array Experiment
Authors: HUYNH THOMAS , CONNETT BRIAN , CHIU‐ROURMAN JARED “CHEWEY” , DAVIS JENNIFER , KESSLER ANDREW , ORAVEC JOSEPH , SCHEWFELT MICHAEL , WARK SHAUNNAH 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn this work we solve the problem of architecting a conceptual, cost‐effective, near‐term system of systems (SoS) to respond to terrorist threats to the United States emanating from the maritime domain. The threats include a weapon of mass destruction smuggled on a container ship, a commandeered ship used as a weapon, and small boats used by terrorists to attack maritime commerce traffic and critical shore infrastructures. We formulate the problem as an assignment problem, which is then solved using the orthogonal array experiment. The optimality of the resulting SoS architecture is validated against a heuristically developed architecture and an optimal effective, but not necessarily cost‐effective, architecture obtained also with the orthogonal array experiment approach. The principal results of the orthogonal array experiment method reported herein underline this successful exploratory work in architecting an SoS. This method can be extended to architecting of other systems of systems.
Clermont‐Ferrand dental school’ curriculum: an appraisal by last‐year students and graduates
Authors: Nicolas E. , Baptiste M. , Roger‐Leroi V. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjective:  Last‐year students and young graduates of the Clermont‐Ferrand dental school (France) assessed their professional skills in order to shed light on those which are perfectly mastered and those which are not, with the aim of improving the undergraduate training given by the school.Methods:  A questionnaire was handed out to students in their last two years and to young graduates (n = 170). They were asked to appraise their self‐assessed level concerning 52 skills using a 0–10 visual analogue scale. The respondents also had to highlight the five skills which, according to them, needed to be improved during the programme.Results:  Thirteen skills obtained a score lower than 5/10 showing a need of more thorough training, notably in the fields of implantology, paradontal surgery, temporomandibular joint disorders and dental practice financial management. Among these, five skills were found that demand in depth acquisition according to respondents. However, these five skills are not necessarily the ones which obtained the lowest scores.Conclusions:  Our school needs to improve the quality of its training, notably by reorganising some of its courses and by intensifying student’ training in outreach programmes, particularly in private practice, where skills like the financial management of a dental practice could be more easily acquired than in a hospital environment.
An animal model of intrinsic dental erosion caused by gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Higo T , Mukaisho K , Ling Z‐Q , Oue K , Chen K‐H , Araki Y , Sugihara H , Yamamoto G , Hattori T 
Published: April 2009

Objectives:  To explore the association between dental erosion and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), we used an animal model of GORD.Materials and Methods:  We performed an operation to force gastro‐duodenal contents reflux in male Wistar rats, and examined the teeth in the reflux rats at 15 or 30 weeks postoperatively. Dental erosion was evaluated based on a slightly modified index from a previous report. Estimation of pH was employed in the oesophageal and gastric contents.Results:  Macroscopically, dental erosion was only detected in the reflux rats. Histopathologically, dentin exposure was detected in three of the seven cases after 30 weeks. Alveolar bone destruction and osteomyelitis were also noted in severe cases. The pH of the oesophageal and stomach contents was 6.93 ± 0.15 and 3.7 ± 0.39, respectively.Conclusions:  We confirmed the relationship between dental erosion and GORD. First step of dental erosion caused by GORD is the loss of surface enamel induced by regurgitation of an acidic liquid and acidic gas. Subsequently, further destruction of dental hard tissues and tooth supporting structure is accelerated by mixed juice with gastric and duodenal contents. The reflux animal model is a useful tool to examine the mechanism of dental erosion in GORD.
A study to evaluate the relationship between periodontitis, cardiovascular disease and serum lipid levels
Authors: Sridhar R , Byakod G , Pudakalkatti P , Patil R 
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  Background:  The search for cellular mechanisms linking periodontitis to changes in systemic health has resulted in the evolution of a new area of lipid research. So far the causality and possible pathways of the association between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease is obscure.Method:  A total of 120 subjects were included in the study with 30 subjects in each of the following groups: healthy group (A), chronic periodontitis group (B), coronary heart disease (CHD + periodontitis group) (C) and CHD − periodontitis group (D). All subjects underwent oral examination and their Gingival Index, Oral Hygiene Index, Periodontal Disease Index scores and attachment loss were recorded. Two millilitres of fasting venous blood sample was drawn and tested for the level of total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglyceride level.Results and Conclusion:  The results revealed no significant difference with respect to the lipid profile levels between the four groups. Interpreting the results of the study, periodontal disease did not cause an increase in total CHL, LDL or triglyceride levels or a decrease in the HDL levels in an otherwise systemically healthy individual or in a CHD patient. Periodontitis in a CHD patient did not seem to exacerbate the destruction of periodontal tissue. Higher triglyceride levels did not have any correlation with the severity of attachment loss in a periodontitis subject.
Large‐scale changes in abundance of terricolous bryophytes and macrolichens in Finland
Authors: Mäkipää Raisa , Heikkinen Juha 
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Major changes in forest floor vegetation were identified on the basis of three nationwide surveys conducted as part of national forest inventories in 1951–1953, 1985–1986 and 1995. These surveys provided objectively selected, statistically representative samples of all forested land in Finland. The 1951–1953 data consist of over 10000 sample plots, while the later surveys were conducted on ca. 3000 permanent plots.Changes in relative abundance of dominant species (i.e. in the proportions of species of the total cover of forest floor vegetation) were analysed across biogeographical provinces. Spatial correlation, systematic sampling, partial re‐measurement and multiple testing were taken into account in assessment of the statistical significance of the observed changes.The most notable changes in forest floor vegetation were a decrease in the relative abundance of Hylocomium splendens and an increase in Dicranum polysetum. In N Finland, where forests are grazed by semi‐domestic reindeer, we observed a decline in the abundance of Cladina lichens and an increase in Dicranum mosses. Peltigera aphthosa declined throughout the country. Polytrichum juniperinum, Pohlia nutans, and Brachythecium species, which occupy disturbed sites or grow on litter, increased in abundance. The relative abundance of Sphagnum species decreased, particularly in W Finland, where Pleurozium schreberi was favoured. A major decline in S. fuscum was also recorded in C and E Finland.Many of the changes detected in this study are apparently related to intensified forest management; but solely on the basis of this study, its effects cannot be distinguished from those of other large‐scale environmental changes.
Can soil temperature direct the composition of high arctic plant communities?
Authors: Brooker Rob , van der Wal René 
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Low temperatures exert a primary constraint on the growth of high arctic vascular plants. However, investigations into the impact of temperature on high arctic plants rarely separate out the role of air and soil temperatures, and few data exist to indicate whether soil temperatures alone can significantly influence the growth of high arctic vascular plants in a manner that might direct community composition.We examined the response of high arctic plants of three functional types (grasses, sedges/rushes and non‐graminoids) to manipulated soil temperature under common air temperature conditions. Target plants, within intact soil cores, were placed in water baths at a range of temperatures between 4.9 and 15.3 °C for one growing season. Grasses responded most rapidly to increased soil temperature, with increased total live plant mass, above‐ground live mass and total below‐ground live mass, with non‐graminoids having the lowest, and sedges/rushes an intermediate degree of response. The ratio of above‐ground live mass to total live mass increased in all growth forms. Grasses, in particular, responded to enhanced soil temperatures by increasing shoot size rather than shoot number. In all growth forms the mass of root tissue beneath the moss layer increased significantly and to a similar extent with increasing soil temperature.These results clearly indicate that different growth forms, although collected from the same plant community, respond differently to changes in soil temperature. As a consequence, factors influencing soil temperature in high arctic ecosystems, such as global climate change or herbivory (which leads to reduced moss depth and increased soil temperatures), may also direct changes in vascular plant community composition.
BOOK REVIEWS
Authors: Michaletz Sean T. , Johnson Edward A. 
Published: April 2009

Book reviewed in this article:Trabaud, L. & Prodon, R. (eds.) 2002. Fire and Biological Processes. x + 345 pp. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, The Netherlands. ISBN 90‐5782‐116‐8 (paperbound). Price: EUR 90.‐.