bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bicuculline induces synapse formation on primary cultured accessory olfactory bulb neurons
Authors: Kato‐Negishi Midori , Muramoto Kazuyo , Kawahara Masahiro , Hosoda Ritsuko , Kuroda Yoichiro , Ichikawa Masumi 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTo investigate the roles of the GABAergic inhibitory system of accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) in pheromonal memory formation, we have developed a primary culture system of AOB neurons, which had numerous excitatory and inhibitory synapses. Using this culture system of AOB neurons, we examined the correlation in rats between neuronal excitation and synaptic morphology by bicuculline‐induced disinhibition of cultured AOB neurons. The exposure to bicuculline induced long‐lasting oscillatory changes in the intracellular calcium level ([Ca2+]in) of cultured non‐GABAergic multipolar neurons, which were identified as mitral/tufted cells (MT cells). These MT cells exhibited the appearance of dendritic filopodia structures after a 10‐min treatment with bicuculline. By labelling presynaptic terminals with FM4‐64, the appearance of new presynaptic terminals was clearly observed on newly formed filopodia after 120 min treatment with bicuculline. These results suggest that bicuculline‐induced [Ca2+]in oscillation of MT cells induces the growth of filopodia and subsequently the formation of new presynaptic terminals. Furthermore, tetrodotoxin or the deprivation of extracellular calcium blocked bicuculline‐induced synapse formation. The present results indicate that the long‐lasting [Ca2+]in oscillation caused by bicuculline‐induced disinhibition of cultured MT cells is significantly implicated in the mechanism underlying synapse formation on cultured AOB neurons. Our established culture system of AOB neurons will aid in clarifying the mechanism of synapse formation between AOB neurons and the molecular mechanism of pheromonal memory formation.
Seizure‐free Days Observed in Randomized Placebo‐controlled Add‐on Trials with Levetiracetam in Partial Epilepsy
Authors: Leppik Ilo , Morrell Martha , Godfroid Philippe , Arrigo Celestina 
Published: September 2003

Summary:  Purpose: We examined the effect of adjunctive levetiracetam (LEV; 1,000 to 3,000 mg/day) on the number of seizure‐free days gained per quarter in adult patients with refractory partial‐onset epilepsy. Methods: The treatment effect was studied in a meta‐analysis using individual patient data of a subpopulation of patients (n = 846) emerging from the three randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase III trials (n = 904). Results: Adding LEV effectively increased the number of days without seizures by 5.19 days per quarter [95% confidence interval (CI), 3.63–6.76; p = 0.0001; titration and stable dose periods]. Conclusions: LEV adjunctive treatment shows a clear benefit in terms of seizure‐free days gained for patients with refractory epilepsy. This gain is significant for the pooled and for each LEV dose compared with placebo.
Wage differentials and state‐private sector employment choice in Yugoslavia*
Authors: Lokshin Michael M. , Jovanovic Branko 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIn this study we use the newly available Yugoslavian Labor Force Survey data to investigate wage differentials and employment decisions in the state and private sectors in Yugoslavia. For the analysis we use three empirical models that rely on different statistical assumptions. We extend the standard switching regression model to allow non‐normality in the joint distribution of the error terms. After correcting for the sector selection bias and controlling for workers’ characteristics we find a private sector wage advantage. The wage premium is largest for workers with low education levels and declining for workers with higher educational levels. Given the regulatory and tax policies that pushed the private sector into the informal sphere of the economy during the period covered by our data, we argue that the state/private wage gap is likely to grow in the future. This will make it increasingly difficult for the state sector to attract and retain highly skilled employees.
Banking efficiency in transition economies
Authors: Weill Laurent 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAn increasing share of the banking sector is controlled by foreign capital in the majority of transition countries. To analyse the effects of this trend on the performance of the banking sector in these countries, this study conducts a comparative analysis of the performance of foreign‐owned and domestic‐owned banks operating in the Czech Republic and Poland. We use the stochastic frontier approach to compute cost efficiency scores. Following Mester (1996), financial capital is included in the cost frontier model to control for risk preferences. Our finding is that on average foreign‐owned banks are more efficient than domestic‐owned banks. We conclude, however, that this advantage does not result from differences in the scale of operations or the structure of activities.
The Czech economic transition
Authors: Barry Frank , Bradley John , Kejak Michal , Vavra David 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe processes that will drive the next stage of the Czech transition are likely to be similar to those promoting real convergence in the countries of the EU periphery. We draw on previous modeling research on these latter economies to construct and calibrate a small macrosectoral model of the Czech Republic. Model simulations explore some key policy issues facing CEE‐country decision‐makers: labour market reforms, disinflation and industrial development. Our analysis suggests that much can be learned from the experience of countries like Ireland and Portugal which have converged substantially towards EU average living standards.
OMB and the Budget Examiner: Changes in the Reagan Era
Authors: Johnson Bruce 
Published: September 2003

This is the first of a two‐part retrospective on the role of the OMB budget examiner during the Reagan administration. Changes in the federal budget process, historical federal deficits and the inability of Congress to meet appropriation deadlines have significantly altered the role of OMB and its budget examiners, undermining the examiner’s traditional role as program analyst and controler. This part focuses on the preparation of the president’s budget and budget execution, and the compressed time in which OMB must respond to “top‐down” budget requirements. The summer of 1987 is presented as a case study of the demands now placed on OMB.Part Two, in the next issue, will focus on the budget examiner in the congressional budget process and in advocacy roles for the president.
Mourning by History – Ideas of a New Element in Historical Thinking
Authors: Rüsen Jörn 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Mourning as a mental procedure has not yet been applied to the cultural processes of making sense of the past, i.e. to historical thinking. Jörn Rüsen's essay argues on a theoretical level that mourning and historical thinking have astonishing similarities. He urges that for historical thinking to cope with the traumatic character of experiences in the recent past it should make use of these similarities and become a procedure of mourning. He develops his argument by treating three examples of mourning loss in three different contexts of an intergenerational relationship, of national identity and of mankind as a subject matter of historical thinking. Mourning is the most basic procedure of relating individuals to the past. Every individual needs to relate to the past, but the past is absent in its everyday life and has therefore to be made present for the individuals to be able to define its identity. This is where mourning as a mode of historical thinking is rooted. Taking the holocaust as an example, Rüsen argues that victims as well as culprits suffer from not being able to define their historical identity in an intergenerational context. That is why they need mourning as a means to regain their historical identity rather than trying to forget the past.
History as a basis of nation building is at risk as soon as historical experiences of traumatic character jeopardize the positive self-esteem generated by the collective memory of events legitimizing the system of norms for a given topical culture. Mourning in this context is a cultural practice helping the nation to realize the loss of self-esteem that has been brought about by negative historical experiences. By reclaiming the loss, the nation can be re-established.
But the self is not only part of a nation. It also defines its fundamental political convictions based on the notion of belonging to mankind. Historical experiences that negate the universal validity of the category of mankind by depriving others of their status as human beings destroy the historical foundations of modern society and the continuity of history. The 20th century is loaded with an abundance of this kind of experiences. Mourning these experiences of drastic inhumanity means acknowledging the loss of the "we-ideal" of modern subjectivity and recovering humanity by moving beyond the experience of a break of civilization. Mankind is being re-appropriated in the form of a standard pointing in the direction of an improving civilization.
Low Temperature Synthesis and Characterization of Cubic CaB6 Ultrafine Powders
Authors: Shi Liang , Gu Yunle , Chen Luyang , Yang Zeheng , Ma Jianhua , Qian Yitai 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Ultrafine calcium hexaboride (CaB6) powder was successfully synthesized at 500 °C in an autoclave by using CaCl2 and NaBH4 as the reactants. X-ray powder diffraction pattern and Raman spectra indicate the formation of CaB6. The atomic ratio of B to C of 5.91:1.0 was determined from X-ray photoelectron spectra.
Covalently Attached Multilayer Assemblies of Diazo-resins and Glucose Oxidase
Authors: Zhang Suxia , Niu Yaming , Zhang Li , Shi Lixin , Li Xiaofang , Sun Changqing 
Published: September 2003

Abstract
Stable multilayers of glucose oxidase were uniformly assembled on an Au electrode surface or a quarze slide by UV irradiation of ionic self-assembled multilayer films of diazo-resins (DAR) and glucose oxidase (GOx). By adopting this simple method, we achieved much greater control over the structure of the multilayer film, and we are able to analyze the catalytic responses of this GOx-modified electrode to glucose.
Molecular spectrum of α‐thalassemia in the Iranian population of Hormozgan: Three novel point mutation defects
Authors: Harteveld C.L. , Yavarian M. , Zorai A. , Quakkelaar E.D. , van Delft P. , Giordano P.C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWe describe the molecular spectrum of α‐thalassemia mutations in a population sample of newborns in the South‐Iranian province of Hormozgan. Out of 660 randomly collected blood samples 218 (33%) had visibly elevated Hb Bart's. DNA was extracted from 78 samples out of this selection (n = 156), of which 114 alleles were found to carry an α‐thalassemia defect. Besides the common −α3.7 (79.1%), −α4.2 (1.7%), and α‐5nt α alleles (4.3%), three novel nondeletional α‐thalassemia mutations were found; the α2 cd19 (‐G) frameshift mutation (12.2%), the α1 IVS1‐148(A→G) (0.9%) affecting the splice acceptor site consensus sequence and the cd14 (TGG→TAG) (0.9%), which creates a premature stop codon in the first exon of the α1‐gene. A fourth mutation in the α1‐gene, the IVS1‐38 (C→T) (0.9%) of undetermined effect, was found in an individual heterozygous for the α2 cd19(‐G) mutation. Am. J. Hematol. 74:99–103, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Ins.
Anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA prevalence and clinical correlations in cases with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma
Authors: Paydas Semra , Kilic Banu , Yavuz Sinan , Disel Umut , Tanriverdi Kahraman , Sahin Berksoy , Burgut Refik 
Published: September 2003

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) is an RNA virus in the Flaviviridae family. It displays lymphotropism in addition to hepatotropism and extrahepatic manifestations are very well known. There are many studies showing an association between HCV infection and non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL). In this study the evidence for HCV infection was studied in cases with NHL. To this end, anti‐HCV antibody and HCV‐RNA were screened in serum samples of cases with NHL using third‐generation ELISA and RT‐PCR. Anti‐HCV antibody was studied in 223 patients and was found to be positive in 18 cases (8.1%). Anti‐HCV antibody positivity was compared with our blood bank / blood donor population. There was an important increased risk of HCV infection—the common odds ratio was 34.56 and corrected odds ratio was 19.07. HCV‐RNA was studied in 67 of 223 serum samples. HCV‐RNA was found to be positive in 21 of 67 samples (31.3%). When compared with clinico‐demographic parameters for anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA, including age, nodal status, and grade (in evaluable cases), except age in cases with or without HCV‐RNA, we did not find an important correlation with HCV status and clinical findings (P = 0.155; 0.442; 0.288 for anti‐HCV and 0.027; 0,558; 0.126, respectively). These results suggest that HCV infection may be an important risk factor for lymphomagenesis and HCV‐RNA is more useful for the detection of HCV infection in these immunosuppressed cases. Simultaneous detection of anti‐HCV and HCV‐RNA will be more informative in this population. Am. J. Hematol. 74:89–93, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sickle cell anemia is associated with reduced nitric oxide bioactivity in peripheral conduit and resistance vessels
Authors: Eberhardt Robert T. , McMahon Lillian , Duffy Stephen J. , Steinberg Martin H. , Perrine Susan P. , Loscalzo Joseph , Coffman Jay D. , Vita Joseph A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe purpose of the study was to examine endothelium‐dependent and ‐independent vasodilation of conduit and resistance vessels in sickle cell anemia (HbSS). We measured the effects of intra‐arterial infusion of methacholine, sodium nitroprusside, and NG‐monomethyl‐L‐arginine (L‐NMMA) on forearm blood flow using venous occlusion plethysmography in eight patients with HbSS and 11 HbAA controls. We assessed vasodilation of the conduit brachial artery using ultrasound in 17 patients with HbSS and 41 nonanemic controls. Forearm blood flow response to methacholine was similar in HbSS and HbAA, while the response to sodium nitroprusside was greater in those with HbSS. Nitric oxide synthase inhibition with L‐NMMA attenuated methacholine‐induced forearm blood flow to a lesser extent in HbSS compared to HbAA, suggesting diminished nitric oxide (NO) contribution to endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Flow‐mediated and nitroglycerin‐induced dilation were impaired in HbSS compared to controls and were not affected by the antioxidant vitamin C or the precursor substrate for NO synthesis L‐arginine. NO bioactivity is reduced but differs in peripheral conduit and resistance vessels in HbSS. Resistance vessels have preserved response to exogenous NO donors but have diminished contribution of NO to endothelium‐dependent vasodilation. Conduit vessels demonstrate impaired vasodilation to endogenous and exogenous NO. Am. J. Hematol. 74:104–111, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Infliximab for steroid‐refractory acute GVHD: A case series
Authors: Jacobsohn David A. , Hallick Jason , Anders Viki , McMillan Stephanie , Morris Lawrence , Vogelsang Georgia B. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractAcute and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) remain major barriers to successful hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). TNF‐α has been implicated in the pathogenesis of GVHD and TNF‐α blockade has been explored for treatment of GVHD. The development of a chimeric mouse/human monoclonal antibody (infliximab) which binds to cells producing TNF‐α, allowing for not only the neutralization of TNF‐α but also lysis of the cells producing the TNF‐α, makes this an attractive drug to explore in GVHD. We report on 11 patients with acute GVHD who were treated with infliximab after failing other therapies. The survival was very poor, in keeping with previously published reports of steroid‐refractory acute GVHD. Two patients with severe diarrhea from acute GI GVHD resolved their symptoms after treatment with infliximab. Only these two patients survived. It appears that of all acute GVHD manifestations, gastrointestinal GVHD may be more responsive to treatment with infliximab than others. Caution is recommended when using this agent since it may exacerbate active infections, particularly aspergillosis. Furthermore, we do not know the correct dose or schedule to use with this drug. Given these data, controlled studies assessing dose and timing of administration may be warranted to study infliximab in acute GVHD. Am. J. Hematol. 74:119–124, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss Inc.
Overexpression of the 32‐kilodalton dopamine and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate‐regulated phosphoprotein in common adenocarcinomas
Authors: Beckler Andy , Moskaluk Christopher A. , Zaika Alexander , Hampton Garret M. , Powell Steven M. , Frierson Henry F. , El‐Rifai Wa'el 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe 32‐kilodalton dopamine and cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate‐regulated phosphoprotein (DARPP‐32) is the only known protein that can act as a protein phosphatase‐1 inhibitor or a protein kinase inhibitor. It is known as a neurogenic protein that plays a major role in dopamine regulation in the central nervous system. Recently, DARPP‐32 and a truncated isoform, t‐DARPP, have been cloned in gastric carcinoma. The extent of DARPP‐32 and t‐DARPP expression in human epithelial tissues and carcinomas remained unknown.METHODSUsing tissue microarrays and an antibody to DARPP‐32, the authors evaluated the immunohistochemical findings in 43 different normal epithelium human tissue samples and in 187 samples of common carcinomas of breast, prostate, colon, and stomach.RESULTSDARPP‐32 proteins were expressed at varying levels in several types of normal epithelial tissues outside of the central nervous system. Using quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis, the authors demonstrated that both DARPP‐32 and t‐DARPP mRNAs frequently were overexpressed in carcinomas of the breast, prostate, colon, and stomach compared with normal tissue samples. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue microarrays that contained 187 carcinoma samples confirmed the strong expression of DARPP‐32 proteins in these tumor types.CONCLUSIONSThe current study provides the first evidence that DARPP‐32 expression is not limited to dopamine signaling in normal cells of the central nervous system. The pattern of expression of DARPP‐32 proteins in normal epithelial tissues suggests that these proteins play an important role in epithelial signaling that may be tissue specific. Moreover, the observation that DARPP‐32 and t‐DARPP frequently are overexpressed in common subtypes of human adenocarcinomas suggest that these proteins may be important in tumorigenesis. Cancer 2003;98:1547–51. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11654
The incidence of lung carcinoma after surgery for breast carcinoma with and without postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Deutsch Melvin , Land Stephanie R. , Begovic Mirsada , Wieand H. Samuel , Wolmark Norman , Fisher Bernard 
Published: September 2003

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn the current study, the authors compared the incidence of subsequent primary lung carcinoma in patients with breast carcinoma who received radiotherapy as part of their treatment and in those patients who did not. The patients were participants in two large National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project (NSABP) breast carcinoma trials, B‐04 and B‐06, which prospectively randomized women to either undergo surgery alone or to undergo surgery and postoperative radiotherapy.METHODSThe NSABP trial B‐04 (1971–1974) randomized patients to undergo radical mastectomy versus total (simple) mastectomy and radiotherapy to the chest wall, axilla, and supraclavicular and internal mammary lymph node areas. For patients with a clinically uninvolved axilla, there was a third randomization arm: total mastectomy without radiotherapy. The B‐06 trial (1976–1984) randomized patients between those undergoing total mastectomy versus lumpectomy versus those undergoing lumpectomy and breast irradiation, with all patients undergoing an axillary lymph node dissection. The records of all patients who developed a recurrence in the lung or a new primary lung tumor were reviewed to determine the incidence and laterality of confirmed and probable primary lung carcinoma.RESULTSFor the 1665 evaluable patients on the NSABP B‐04 trial (mean follow‐up of 21.4 years), there was a total of 23 subsequent confirmed and probable ipsilateral or contralateral primary lung carcinomas. In those patients who had received comprehensive postmastectomy radiotherapy, there was a statistically significant increase in the incidence of these new primary tumors (P = 0.029). With regard to the development of confirmed new primary ipsilateral lung carcinoma alone, the incidence was statistically significantly increased (P = 0.013) in those patients who had received radiotherapy as part of their treatment, and when confirmed and probable ipsilateral lung carcinomas were analyzed, there was a strong trend toward a statistically significant increase in those patients who had received radiotherapy (P = 0.066). For the 1850 evaluable patients on the NSABP trial B‐06 (mean follow‐up of 19.0 years), there was a total of 30 second primary lung carcinomas but no increase in either ipsilateral or contralateral primary tumors of the lung in those patients who had received radiotherapy.CONCLUSIONSExtensive postmastectomy irradiation of the chest wall and regional lymphatic node areas, with consequent exposure of a greater volume of lung to higher doses as administered in the NSABP B‐04 trial compared with postlumpectomy breast irradiation in the NSABP B‐06 trial, was associated with an increased incidence of subsequent primary lung tumors, both ipsilateral and contralateral. Cancer 2003;98:1362–8. © 2003 American Cancer Society.DOI 10.1002/cncr.11655