bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of the phosphatase PTEN protects mice against oleic acid‐induced acute lung injury
Authors: Lai Ju‐Ping , Bao Shengying , Davis Ian C. , Knoell Daren L. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Injury to the lung parenchyma is a constitutional feature shared by many lung diseases. The protein, phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome Ten (PTEN) is a major suppressor of phosphoinositide‐3 kinase/Akt signalling, a vital survival pathway in lung parenchymal cells. Based on this, we hypothesized that PTEN inhibition in vivo would enhance cell tolerance to stress thereby preventing acute lung injury.Experimental approach:  We evaluated the ability of a PTEN inhibitor, potassium bisperoxo (1,10‐phenanthroline) oxovanadate [bpV(phen)], to prevent acute lung injury induced by oleic acid (OA) in adult C57BL/6 mice. Lung assessments included bronchoalveolar lavage, tissue morphology, immunostaining for markers of cell death, cell identity, phospho‐Akt and phospho‐ERK levels and oximetry.Key results:  OA induced acute lung injury in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. No injury was observed in the vehicle control or bpV(phen) treatment groups. PTEN inhibition by bpV(phen) increased lung tissue levels of phospho‐Akt and ERK and but not focal adhesion kinase. This occurred in conjunction with a statistically significant reduction in protein content, lactate dehydrogenase, as well as tumour necrosis factor‐α and chemokines in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid when compared with OA treatment alone. The incidence of alveolar lesions, consistent with acute lung injury, and terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL)‐positive cells was also significantly reduced. Importantly, PTEN suppression maintained pulmonary function.Conclusions and implications:  Treatment with bpV(phen) significantly reduced the severity of acute lung injury in mice indicating that additional investigation is warranted to understand the important role that this phosphatase may play in the lung.
Etanercept prevents airway hyperresponsiveness by protecting neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors in antigen‐challenged guinea pigs
Authors: Nie Zhenying , Jacoby David B. , Fryer Allison D. 
Published: February 2009

Background and purpose:  Increased tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) is associated with airway hyperreactivity in antigen‐challenged animals. In human asthmatics, TNF‐α is increased and blocking it prevents airway hyperreactivity in some asthmatic patients. However, the mechanisms by which TNF‐α mediates hyperreactivity are unknown. Airway hyperreactivity can be caused by dysfunction of neuronal M2 muscarinic receptors that normally limit acetylcholine release from parasympathetic nerves. Here we test whether blocking TNF‐α receptors with etanercept prevents M2 receptor dysfunction and airway hyperreactivity in antigen‐challenged guinea pigs.Experimental approach:  Ovalbumin‐sensitized guinea pigs were challenged by inhalation of antigen. Some animals received etanercept (3 mg kg−1 i.p.) 3 h before challenge. 24 h after challenge, airway hyperreactivity and M2 receptor function were tested. Inflammatory cells in bronchoalveolar lavage, blood and lung were counted. TNF‐α and its receptors were detected by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry in parasympathetic nerves from humans and guinea pigs and in human neuroblastoma cells.Key results:  Antigen‐challenged animals were hyperreactive to vagal stimulation and neuronal M2 receptors were dysfunctional. Both M2 receptor dysfunction and airway hyperreactivity were prevented by etanercept. Etanercept reduced eosinophils around airway nerves, and in blood, bronchoalveolar lavage and airway smooth muscle. Also, TNF‐α decreased M2 receptor mRNA in human and guinea pig parasympathetic neurons.Conclusions and implications:  Tumour necrosis factor‐α may contribute to M2 receptor dysfunction and airway hyperreactivity directly by decreasing receptor expression and indirectly by promoting recruitment of eosinophils, containing major basic protein, an M2 antagonist. This suggests that etanercept may be beneficial in treatment of allergic asthma.
Nonparametric Estimation of Oligopsony Power in First‐Price Auction
Authors: Chung Chanjin , Tostão Emílio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper proposes a nonparametric procedure to estimate market power for first‐price auction data and applies the procedure to cattle procurement markets. Most previous studies have used parametric methods, which require specific functional forms for retail demand, input supply and processors’ cost equations. However, researchers often find that market power estimates from parametric methods are sensitive to the choice of functional forms and specifications. An application to data from cattle procurement experiments shows that our nonparametric approach greatly outperforms commonly used parametric methods in estimating the degree of market power. While parametric estimates are sensitive to functional form specification and are at least 90% smaller than ‘true’ market power indices, estimates from our nonparametric procedure deviate from the actual value by no more than 25%.
Heterogeneous Risk Preferences, Discount Rates and Land Contract Choice in Ethiopia
Authors: Bezabih Mintewab 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis paper analyses the role of risk and rate of time preference in the choice of land contracts. The analysis builds on the risk‐sharing and imperfect market explanations of contract choice. Unique data from Ethiopia, which contain land contract information and experimental risk and rate of time preference measures on matched landlord–tenant partners, are employed in the empirical analysis. The results show that landlord and tenant time preferences are significant determinants of contract choice. For landlords (but not tenants), risk preference is also significant, indicating the importance of financial constraints and production risk in the determination of contract choice. The results are of particular relevance to land market policy in Ethiopia, where production is risk‐prone, financial markets are imperfect, and where there is a major need for the development of vibrant land rental markets.
Production Efficiency of Jasmine Rice Producers in Northern and North‐eastern Thailand
Authors: Rahman Sanzidur , Wiboonpongse Aree , Sriboonchitta Songsak , Chaovanapoonphol Yaovarate 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe paper jointly evaluates the determinants of switching to Jasmine rice and its productivity while allowing for production inefficiency at the level of individual producers. Model diagnostics reveal that serious selection bias exists, justifying use of a sample selection framework in stochastic frontier models. Results from the probit variety selection equation reveal that gross return (mainly powered by significantly higher Jasmine rice price), access to irrigation and education are the important determinants of choosing Jasmine rice. Results from the stochastic production frontier reveal that land, irrigation and fertilisers are the significant determinants of Jasmine rice productivity. Significantly lower productivity in Phitsanulok and Tung Gula Rong Hai provinces demonstrate the influence of biophysical and environmental factors on productivity performance. The mean level of technical efficiency is estimated at 0.63 suggesting that 59% [(100 − 63)/63] of the productivity is lost due to technical inefficiency. Policy implications include measures to keep Jasmine rice price high, increase access to irrigation and fertiliser availability, as well as investment in education targeted to farm households which will synergistically increase adoption of Jasmine rice as well as farm productivity.
Different patterns of neuronal activation and neurodegeneration in the thalamus and cortex of epilepsy‐resistant Proechimys rats versus Wistar rats after pilocarpine‐induced protracted seizures
Authors: Andrioli Anna , Fabene Paolo F. , Spreafico Roberto , Cavalheiro Esper A. , Bentivoglio Marina 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To analyze cellular mechanisms of limbic‐seizure suppression, the response to pilocarpine‐induced seizures was investigated in cortex and thalamus, comparing epilepsy‐resistant rats Proechimys guyannensis with Wistar rats.Methods:  Fos immunoreactivity revealing neuronal activation, and degenerating neurons labeled by Fluoro‐Jade B (FJB) histochemistry were analyzed on the first day after onset of seizures lasting 3 h. Subpopulations of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic cells were characterized with double Fos‐parvalbumin immunohistochemistry.Results:  In both cortex and thalamus, degenerating neurons were much fewer in Proechimys than Wistar rats. Fos persisted at high levels at 24 h only in the Proechimys thalamus and cortex, especially in layer VI where corticothalamic neurons reside. In the parietal cortex, about 50% of parvalbumin‐containing interneurons at 8 h, and 10–20% at 24 h, were Fos‐positive in Wistar rats, but in Proechimys, Fos was expressed in almost all parvalbumin‐containing interneurons at 8 h and dropped at 24 h. Fos positivity in cingulate cortex interneurons was similar in both species. In the Wistar rat thalamus, Fos was induced in medial and midline nuclei up to 8 h, when <30% of reticular nucleus cells were Fos‐positive, and then decreased, with no relationship with cell loss, evaluated in Nissl‐stained sections. In Proechimys, almost all reticular nucleus neurons were Fos‐positive at 24 h.Discussion:  At variance with laboratory rats, pilocarpine‐induced protracted seizures elicit in Proechimys limited neuronal death, and marked and long‐lasting Fos induction in excitatory and inhibitory cortical and thalamic cell subsets. The findings implicate intrathalamic and intracortical regulation, and circuits linking thalamus and cortex in limbic seizure suppression leading to epilepsy resistance.
Expression patterns of synaptic vesicle protein 2A in focal cortical dysplasia and TSC‐cortical tubers
Authors: Toering Sjoukje T. , Boer Karin , De Groot Marjolein , Troost Dirk , Heimans Jan J. , Spliet Wim G. M. , Van Rijen Peter C. , Jansen Floor E. , Gorter Jan A. , Reijneveld Jaap C. , Aronica Eleonora 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose: Synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A), the binding site for the antiepileptic drug (AED) levetiracetam, has been shown to be involved in the control of neuronal excitability. The aim of the study was to define the expression and cell‐specific distribution of SV2A in developmental focal lesions associated with medically intractable epilepsy.Methods: SV2A immunocytochemistry and Western blotting was performed in focal cortical dysplasia (FCD type IIB) and cortical tubers from patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC).Results: Autopsy and surgical control neocortical specimens were characterized by strong SV2A immunoreactivity throughout all cortical layers, with punctate labeling around the somata and dendrites of neurons. In FCD and cortical tuber specimens less intense, SV2A immunoreactivity was observed in the neuropil. The reduction in expression was confirmed by Western blot analysis. In both FCD and tuber specimens, clusters of punctate labeling were detected along cell borders and processes (perisomatic synapses) of dysplastic neuronal cells localized in both gray and white matter. The large majority of balloon cells in FCD, or giant cells in tubers, did not show punctate labeling around their somata. SV2A immunoreactivity was observed occasionally within the neuronal perikarya.Conclusions: The pattern of SV2A immunoreactivity with reduced neuropil expression and altered cellular and subcellular distribution suggests a possible contribution of SV2A to the epileptogenicity of these malformations of cortical development. Knowledge of the expression pattern of SV2A in epilepsy‐associated pathologies may be valuable for the evaluation of the effectiveness of AEDs targeting this protein.
Cholecystokinin‐8 sulfate modulates the anticonvulsant efficacy of vigabatrin in an experimental model of partial complex epilepsy in the rat
Authors: Ferraro Giuseppe , Sardo Pierangelo 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose:  We evaluated the possible additive effect induced by the administration of the anticonvulsant vigabatrin (VGB) and cholecystokinin‐8 sulfate (CCK‐8S) on an experimental model of partial complex seizures (maximal dentate gyrus activation, MDA). Moreover, the functional involvement of γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission was tested by iontophoretically administering bicuculline (GABA receptor antagonist) in the dentate gyrus.Methods:  Urethane anesthetized rats were pretreated with VGB (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg, i.p.) or CCK‐8S (8 nmol/kg, i.p.) alone or coadministered with VGB (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Dentate gyrus epileptic activity was obtained through the repetitive electrical stimulation of the angular bundle. MDA latency, duration, and poststimulus afterdischarge (AD) duration were evaluated. The extracellular activity of some dentate neurons was recorded before and during bicuculline iontophoresis.Results:  Only the higher dose of VGB reduced the mean duration of dentate MDA and AD. CCK‐8S significantly decreased the number of animals exhibiting MDA responses, characterized by increased latency and shorter duration. The coadministration of CCK‐8S and VGB (50 mg/kg) significantly increased the anticonvulsant effects, either reducing the number of responding animals or decreasing both MDA and AD durations. During bicuculline iontophoresis, all the modifications induced on the MDA‐related activity of dentate neurons by the pretreatments (VGB and/or CCK‐8S) were abolished.Discussion:  The results indicate that CCK‐8S significantly enhances the VGB‐induced anticonvulsant effect in the MDA model of partial epilepsy, probably through an increase of GABA cerebral levels. Such increased anticonvulsant effect becomes evident by using VGB at a lower dose.
Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the low glycemic index treatment in pediatric epilepsy
Authors: Muzykewicz David A. , Lyczkowski David A. , Memon Naureen , Conant Kerry D. , Pfeifer Heidi H. , Thiele Elizabeth A. 
Published: February 2009

SummaryPurpose:  To report the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of the low glycemic index treatment (LGIT) in pediatric epilepsy.Methods:  A retrospective chart review was performed on patients initiating the LGIT at the Massachusetts General Hospital between January 2002 and June 2008. Demographic and clinical information including seizure type, baseline seizure frequency, medications, blood chemistries, side effects, and anthropometrics were collected. Initiation of the LGIT was done in an outpatient setting. Patients were educated by a dietitian to restrict foods with high glycemic index and to limit total daily carbohydrates to 40–60 g. Change in seizure frequency was assessed at 1‐, 3‐, 6‐, 9‐, and 12‐month follow‐up intervals.Results:  Seventy‐six children were included in the study. Eighty‐nine percent had intractable epilepsy (≥3 antiepileptic drugs). A greater than 50% reduction from baseline seizure frequency was observed in 42%, 50%, 54%, 64%, and 66% of the population with follow‐up available at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively. Increased efficacy was correlated with lower serum glucose levels at some time points, but not with β‐hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) changes or ketosis status at any time point. Only three patients reported side effects (transient lethargy). Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was elevated in approximately one‐third of follow‐up laboratory studies. No significant changes were seen in body mass index (BMI) or BMI z‐score at any follow‐up interval. The most cited reason for treatment discontinuation was the restrictiveness of the diet, in 18 patients (24%).Conclusion:  The LGIT was associated with reduced seizure frequency in a large fraction of patients, with limited side effects.
Failure Mode of Transcondylar Screws Used for Treatment of Incomplete Ossification of the Humeral Condyle in 5 Dogs
Authors: CHARLES E. ALASDAIR , NESS MALCOLM G. , YEADON RUSSEL 
Published: February 2009

Objective—To investigate the mode of failure of transcondylar screws retrieved from dogs previously treated for incomplete ossification of the humeral condyle (IOHC).Study Design—Metallurgical study.Sample Population—Broken screws (n=5) from dogs with IOHC.Methods—Broken transcondylar bone screws were retrieved from dogs that had apparently successful surgery for IOHC. Screws were measured and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive analysis by X‐rays (EDX).Results—EDX confirmed that screws were made from 316L stainless steel and there was no evidence of significant corrosion or manufacturing faults that might have contributed to implant failure. SEM of the fractured surface of screws revealed a similar and complex pattern of fatigue failure characterized by multidirectional fatigue cracks and the presence of several initiation sites. All screws had signs of fatigue failure because of multidirectional forces of variable magnitude.Conclusions—Intercondylar instability is a feature of IOHC that persists despite placement of a transcondylar screw.Clinical Relevance—The pathogenesis of IOHC involves chronic intercondylar instability and its treatment using even relatively large transcondylar screws has a risk of late implant failure.
Measurement of Ulnar Subtrochlear Sclerosis Using a Percentage Scale in Labrador Retrievers with Minimal Radiographic Signs of Periarticular Osteophytosis
Authors: SMITH THOMAS J. , FITZPATRICK NOEL , EVANS RICHARD B. , PEAD MATHEW J. 
Published: February 2009

Objective—To report the development of a measurement method for quantifying ulnar subtrochlear sclerosis (STS) in Labrador Retrievers.Study Design—Prospective blinded study.Sample Population—Radiographs of Labrador Retrievers elbows (n=30) with minimal radiographic signs of periarticular osteophytosis.Method—Measurement of STS as a % of the distance between 2 standardized radiographic landmarks (%STS) was developed. Mediolateral radiographic projections of flexed elbows were collected from 2 cohorts termeddiseased(n=15; confirmed disease of the medial coronoid process) andcontrol(n=15; free from clinically evident disease). Five observers blindly assessed each radiograph for radiographic technique, elbow positioning, periarticular osteophytosis, and STS, which, if present, was measured and assigned a %STS score. Intraobserver and interobserver variations in measuring STS and the ability to differentiate study cohorts were assessed using receiver operator curve (ROC) characteristics. AP‐value of <.05 was considered significant.Results—Median %STS fordiseasedelbows was 47% (range, 0–74%) and 0% (range, 0–62%) forcontrolelbows. Correlations were not significantly different between each observer's assessments of %STS, with a median Spearman'sP‐value of .75 (range, .67–.86). All observers differentiated the 2 cohorts with “fair‐good” accuracy, with a median ROC value of 0.81 (range, 0.75–0.88).Conclusion—Measurement of %STS in Labrador Retrievers was repeatable for each observer and repeatable between observers.Clinical Relevance—A method for measuring STS allows comparison of Labrador Retrievers of different sizes, is easy to perform, and could be used to investigate the clinical significance of STS in this breed.
The Utilization of Artificial Neural Networks in Marine Applications: An Overview
Authors: GOUGOULIDIS GEORGE 
Published: February 2009

AbstractTraditional calculation methods used in naval architecture and marine engineering rely mainly on statistical approaches and regression analysis. A relatively new tool in this field is the use of artificial neural networks. Artificial neural networks possess a number of unique characteristics that make them particularly attractive in complex problems, such as the ship design process. In this paper, an overview of the application of neural networks to various aspects of the ship design process is examined. Representative examples in the literature are presented in order to illustrate the power and the versatility of such an approach. The paper aims to provide the reader, whether a novice or an expert in the field of artificial intelligence and naval architecture, with useful sources as well as outline the potential for the extensive use of neural networks in naval applications.
The combination of atenolol and amlodipine is better than their monotherapy for preventing end‐organ damage in different types of hypertension in rats
Authors: Han Ping , Shen Fu‐Ming , Xie He‐Hui , Chen Yuan‐Yuan , Miao Chao‐Yu , Mehta Jawahar L. , Sassard Jean , Su Ding‐Feng 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCombinations therapy is often used in hypertensive patients whether combination therapy is necessary for preventing end‐organ damage is not known. The objective of this study was to determine in four different hypertensive animal models the necessity of adding the calcium channel blocker amlodipine to therapy with the ß‐blocker atenolol to modulate end‐organ damage. Spontaneously hypertensive rats, DOCA‐salt hypertensive rats, two‐kidney, one‐clip renovascular hypertensive rats and Lyon genetically hypertensive rats were used to study this objective. These animal models have different sensitivities to atenolol and amlodipine. The dosages of therapy employed were 10 mg/kg atenolol alone, 1 mg/kg amlodipine, 10 mg atenolol + 1 mg/kg amlodipine and 5 mg/kg atenolol+0.5 mg/kg amlodipine. BP was continuously recorded in all animals. After determination of baroreflex sensitivity, rats were sacrificed for end‐organ damage evaluation. The combination of amlodipine and atenolol had a synergistic inhibitory effect on blood pressure and blood pressure variability, and end‐organ damage as compared with monotherapy with atenolol or amlodipine in all animal models. Baroreflex sensitivity also improved with the combination therapy more than with monotherapy. In conclusion, atenolol and amlodipine combination exerts a superior effect on blood pressure, blood pressure variability, baroreflex sensitivity and end‐organ damage. The superior effect of the combination was observed in all four models of hypertension.
INTEGRATING FUZZY LOGIC PROCEDURE FOR SIGNAL VALIDATIONS: MALTA COLORING AS STUDY CASE
Authors: RIVEROL C. , CAROSI C. 
Published: February 2009

ABSTRACT In this study, the use of fuzzy logic for signal validation is introduced. This tool uses the sensor readings at the current time step to predict system state at the next time step using observers. The deviation between the sensor reading and the model prediction rises, leading to fault detection and isolation. The fault is accommodated by replacing the reading of the faulty sensor by the model prediction. The results presented in this article demonstrate that a simple scheme can carry out sensor fault detection, isolation and accommodation using a fuzzy rule‐based system based on experience of an operator into heuristics. Although the method lacks the mathematical basis that other analytical methods provide, this method is simple, effective and useful. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSThe coloring process has to be controlled and monitored carefully because if the color of the MALTA is not adequate, then the MALTA has to be recycled to another unit (dilution unit) where the colorant is eliminated. This recycling process uses delay around 3 working days, and the economic impact is high. The validation of signal and reduction of fault sensor contribute to the reduction of the recycling process. In this study, the incorporation of fuzzy logic in the treatment of sensor signal represents a significant factor in the improvement of MALTA production units.