bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward self‐assembling dendritic macromolecules from conventional monomers by a combination of living radical polymerization and irreversible terminator multifunctional initiator
Authors: Percec Virgil , Grigoras Cristian , Kim Hyoung‐J. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractTERMINI stands for irreversible terminator multifunctional initiator and represents a new concept elaborated in our laboratory for the design of novel macromolecules with complex architecture from a diversity of commercial monomers. TERMINI is a masked multifunctional initiator that quantitatively interrupts a living polymerization. After demasking, the TERMINI‐derived repeat unit provides access to a quantitative reinitiation of the same living polymerization in more than one direction, thus becoming a branching point. In this article, with a combination of self‐regulated metal‐catalyzed living radical polymerization and TERMINI, we demonstrate a new method for the divergent synthesis of dendritic poly(methyl methacrylate) containing a bifunctional core at its focal point. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 505–513, 2004
Molecular electronic structure problem solved by numerical one‐electron Green's functions
Authors: Merzel Franci 
Published: December 2003

AbstractA method for the calculation of the electronic structure of molecules is presented that is based on the Kohn–Sham formulation of density functional theory. The method avoids calculating global molecular orbitals; therefore, the electron density is defined by means of numerically calculated one‐electron Green's functions. The method adopts a strategy of dividing a molecule into atomic subsystems whereby the favorable linear scaling of computational costs is obtained. Formulating the electronic structure problem by means of Green's functions allows the introduction of an additional coupling between subsystems that is not present in familiar methods. Although the method is general and can be applied to molecules with an arbitrary structure, it is at present tested only on some linear molecules. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity in the rat nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area after a short withdrawal from cocaine
Authors: Kozell L.B. , Meshul C.K. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractCocaine administration has been shown to alter glutamate transmission in numerous studies. Using quantitative electron microscopic immunogold labeling, our laboratory has previously reported that nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity is transiently altered following cocaine administration. The present study was undertaken to examine presynaptic nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity at shorter time points after withdrawal from cocaine. Animals received saline or cocaine for 7 days followed 3 days later by a cocaine or saline challenge. Most (>75%) cocaine‐challenged animals had a heightened locomotor response to cocaine compared to the first day of cocaine and were considered behaviorally sensitized. One day after the challenge, glutamate immunogold‐labeling was quantified in nerve terminals making asymmetrical synaptic contacts within the core and shell of the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area. A single dose of cocaine did not alter the density of presynaptic nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) or ventral tegmental area (VTA). The density of nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity in the shell, but not the core, was significantly increased in the animals receiving repeated cocaine. In the VTA the density of nerve terminal glutamate immunoreactivity did not change in the cocaine‐sensitized group, but was significantly increased in the nonsensitized group. The finding that repeated cocaine treatment increased glutamate nerve terminal immunolabeling within the nucleus accumbens shell, but not the core, supports the hypothesis that glutamate synapses in the core and shell are differentially sensitive to repeated cocaine administration. Overall, our study does not support a role for changes in presynaptic glutamate in the development of behavioral sensitization. Synapse 51:224–232, 2004. Published 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detailed distribution of neuropeptide FF receptors (NPFF1 and NPFF2) in the rat, mouse, octodon, rabbit, guinea pig, and marmoset monkey brains: A comparative autoradiographic study
Authors: Gouardères Christine , Puget Alain , Zajac Jean‐Marie 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe distribution of neuropeptide FF receptors (NPFF1 and NPFF2) was analyzed throughout the central nervous system of rodents (rat, mouse, Octodon degus, and guinea pig), rabbit, and marmoset monkey brains, representing three orders of mammals. Quantitative in vitro receptor autoradiography with [125I]EYF ([125I]EYWSLAAPQRF‐NH2) and [125I]YVP ([125I]YVPNLPQRF‐NH2) as specific radioligands for NPFF2 and NPFF1 receptors, respectively, was used. The NPFF2 receptor is predominantly expressed in all species, except in the central nervous system of Octodon degus, in which it is undetectable. The density of the NPFF1 subtype is low in rat and mice, moderate in octodon, rabbit, and monkey, and relatively high in the guinea pig. The present study reveals prominent species differences in the NPFF receptors expression in the brain. The distribution pattern of NPFF2 receptors in the diencephalon and the superficial layers of the spinal cord is consistent with a hypothesized potential role for NPFF in the modulation of sensory input and opioid analgesia. In contrast, the constant presence of NPFF1 receptors in the septum, the nucleus of the tractus solitarius, and the hypothalamus suggest its participation in neuroendocrine functions. Synapse 51:249–269, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Conditions for rapid sex determination in 47 avian species by PCR of genomic DNA from blood, shell‐membrane blood vessels, and feathers
Authors: Jensen Thomas , Pernasetti Flavia M. , Durrant Barbara 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe ability to rapidly and reliably determine the sex of birds is very important for successful captive‐bird breeding programs, as well as for field research. Visual inspection of adult birds is sufficient for sexually dimorphic species, but nestlings and monomorphic species are difficult, if not impossible, to sex by sight only. A method for rapid extraction of gDNA from blood, shell‐membrane blood vessels, and fully grown feathers, using Chelex, and the PCR conditions for determination of sex‐specific bands in 47 species (39 genera, 21 families, and 10 orders) are described. The PCR primers used amplify a length of DNA spanning an intron in the CHD‐1 gene, which is present on both the W and Z chromosomes. The intron differs in size between the two sex chromosomes, resulting in PCR products that separate into two bands for females and a single band for males in most avian species (except ratites). Because this simple technique uses Chelex, a rapid gDNA isolation protocol, and sets of PCR primers independent of restriction enzyme digestion, birds can be accurately sexed within 5 hr of sample collection. Zoo Biol 22:561–571, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Failure of a chemical spray to significantly reduce stereotypic licking in a captive giraffe
Authors: Tarou Loraine Rybiski , Bashaw Meredith J. , Maple Terry L. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe repetitive licking of nonfood substrates is a common stereotypic behavior in captive giraffes. In this study we attempted to reduce stereotypic licking in a Masai giraffe (Giraffa camelopardalis tippelskirchi) by applying a bitter chemical (marketed as a taste deterrent to prevent the unwanted licking and chewing of substrates) to the areas of the fence licked most frequently by the giraffe. We hypothesized that this treatment would reduce stereotypic licking. However, there were no significant overall changes in stereotypic licking following treatment with the chemical spray. Although licking of the treated area was observed to decrease, the behavior increased in nontreated areas. These results suggest that the underlying motivation driving the behavior was not affected by the aversive stimulus. Because stereotypic licking in giraffes may be based on a motivation to use their tongues in foraging, more effective techniques for reducing stereotypic fence‐licking in giraffes may include increasing feeding duration by increasing the quantity, processing time, or distribution range of food. Zoo Biol 22:601–607, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An update on the effects of playing violent video games
Authors: Anderson Craig A 
Published: December 2003

ABSTRACTThis article presents a brief overview of existing research on the effects of exposure to violent video games. An updated meta‐analysis reveals that exposure to violent video games is significantly linked to increases in aggressive behaviour, aggressive cognition, aggressive affect, and cardiovascular arousal, and to decreases in helping behaviour. Experimental studies reveal this linkage to be causal. Correlational studies reveal a linkage to serious, real‐world types of aggression. Methodologically weaker studies yielded smaller effect sizes than methodologically stronger studies, suggesting that previous meta‐analytic studies of violent video games underestimate the true magnitude of observed deleterious effects on behaviour, cognition, and affect.
Correlates of coping with perceived discriminatory experiences among African American adolescents
Authors: Scott Lionel D. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis study examined the relation of background and race‐related factors to the use of approach and avoidance strategies to cope with perceived discriminatory experiences among a sample of African American adolescents of relative affluence (n=71). Results showed that gender, family structure, socioeconomic status (SES), perceived control over discriminatory experiences, discrimination distress, and racism‐related socialization were significant correlates of coping with perceived discriminatory experiences. Results concerning gender, perceived control, and stress arousal were consistent with findings from the general adolescent stress and coping literature. Results concerning family structure, SES, and socialization suggest that certain factors may be very important for the positive adjustment of African American adolescents in the face of race‐related adversity.
Gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves
Authors: Anthis Kristine S , Dunkel Curt S , Anderson Brian 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe current study examined gender and identity status differences in late adolescents’ possible selves. The intent of the study was to clarify conflicts between theory and research on gender differences in identity by investigating the content of participants’ possible selves. Participants completed measures of identity and possible selves. The results indicated that there was a relationship between gender and the mean number of both feared and balanced interpersonally themed possible selves. The pattern of results is discussed in terms of prior findings regarding gender differences in both identity and possible selves. Suggestions for future research are also provided.
European reference values for Doppler indices of left ventricular diastolic filling
Authors: Sim M.F.Victor , Ho Shu F. , O'Mahony M.Sinead , Steward John A. , Buchalter Maurice , Burr Michael 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThe European Study Group on diastolic heart failure requires objective evidence of abnormal left ventricular diastolic function to establish the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure, which is common in older people. Reference values for Doppler indices of transmitral flow, used to assess left ventricular diastolic function, have not been reported for people 70 years and over in Europe. The aim of this study was to establish reference values for these Doppler indices of transmitral flow in older people. A random sample of 355 subjects aged 70 and over, living in the community underwent clinical assessment and echocardiography. Asymptomatic subjects with no cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular risk factors were identified. Measurements of five commonly used Doppler indices of transmitral flow from these subjects were obtained and reference range expressed as mean±2 standard deviations and as percentiles. We have therefore generated reference Doppler values of transmitral flow for people aged over 70 in a British population.
Physical distribution service quality in Internet retailing: service pricing, transaction attributes, and firm attributes
Authors: Rabinovich Elliot , Bailey Joseph P 
Published: December 2003

AbstractThis paper develops a theoretical framework and empirically investigates physical distribution service (PDS) quality by Internet retailers in their transactions with consumers. An analysis of data that measure hundreds of electronic commerce transactions along with data at the firm level shows that higher shipping and handling charges are good indicators of better PDS quality. Other transaction‐level conditions and firm‐level attributes also affect PDS quality, as measured by availability, timeliness, and reliability. Most notably, when the net price of products transacted increases, PDS reliability and availability decline. Furthermore, Internet‐retailer size is found to favor PDS availability whereas, surprisingly, newer Internet retailers exhibit a higher level of PDS availability than many of their incumbent competitors.
Menegazzia subsimilis, a widespread sorediate lichen
Authors: Bjerke Jarle W. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractStudies of type specimens and other specimens of Menegazzia subsimilis and M. dissecta have shown that they are referable to the same taxon. Thus, M. dissecta is reduced to synonymy with M. subsimilis, which is characterized by lacerate soralia protruding from lobe apices or vertical lobules (protuberances), small perforations and the presence of the stictic acid complex in the medulla. It has 2-spored asci. The synonymy implies that M. subsimilis has a much wider distribution range than previously known. It is reported here from Oceania (Hawaii, Solomon Islands), Asia (Japan, Papua New Guinea, Russia), Europe (Austria, Germany, Portugal), South America (Ecuador, Peru), the Caribbean (Dominican Republic, Jamaica) and North America (Canada, USA).
The lichen genus Neofuscelia (Ascomycota, Parmeliaceae) in Italy
Authors: Giordani Paolo , Benesperi Renato , Rellini Ivano , Frati Luisa , Brunialti Giorgio , Paoli Luca , Isocrono Deborah , Elix John A. 
Published: December 2003

AbstractSeven Neofuscelia species have been identified from Italy. A key to the species is provided and the distinguishing morphological and chemical characters, distribution, ecology, substratum preference and interrelationships of each are discussed. Neofuscelia perrugata is new to Italy. N. pyrenaica is new to Greece and Cyprus. New data on the distribution and ecology of N. perrugata, N. delisei and N. luteonotata are presented and these are consistent with their taxonomic rank.
The defect of the perforin granule system in cytotoxic T lymphocytes of atopic patients – are perforin reduction and hyperreleasability of clinical relevance?
Authors: Ambach Andreas , Bonnekoh Bernd , Gollnick Harald 
Published: December 2003

SummaryPerforin‐containing lytic granules are secretory lysosomes of cytotoxic lymphocytes. They act as a negative regulator of activated T cells, control immunoglobulin production, contribute to the regulation of the TH1/TH2 balance, and occupy a central role in anti‐viral defense mechanisms. This review focuses on recent evidence for a fundamental defect in the lymphocytic perforin system of atopic patients, namely perforin reduction and the hyperreleasability of perforin granules. These findings are set in relation to the immune imbalance in atopy, which is characterized by a weakly restrained proliferation of allergen‐specific T and B cells, a predominance of Ttype‐2 cytokines, and an increased susceptibility to cutaneous infections. In the context of the well‐known defect of secretory lysosomes in mast cells and keratinocytes of atopic patients, the possibility of a cell type‐independent major pathological factor in atopy is discussed: pan‐cellular reduction and hyperreleasability of secretory lysosomes.
Die Extrakorporale Photopherese bei Progressiver Systemischer Sklerodermie: Unterscheidung von Respondern und Non‐Respondern
Authors: Reich Stefanie , Radenhausen Michael , Altmeyer Peter , Hoffmann Klaus 
Published: December 2003

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund: Die Wirksamkeit der Extrakorporalen Photopherese (ExP) bei Progressiver Systemischer Sklerodermie (PSS) wird kontrovers diskutiert. Bisher bestehen nur wenige Erfahrungen zur Langzeitanwendung der ExP bei PSS. Ziel vorliegender Untersuchung war es, bei der Anwendung von ExP bei PSS Responder von Non‐Respondern zu unterscheiden und geeignete Verlaufsparameter zu evaluieren. Patienten und Methodik: Es wurden 20 PSS‐Patienten während einer 12‐monatigen ExP‐Therapie (Intervall: 1x/Monat) als immunmodulatorische Mono‐ (11/20) oder Kombinationstherapie (9/20) beobachtet. Der Verlauf der PSS wurde mittels eines eigens für die einheitliche Beurteilung der PSS‐Patienten etablierten klinischen Scores und serologischen Parametern (CRP, ANA‐Titer, beta‐Galaktosidase, P‐III‐P, CD4/CD8‐Ratio, TNF‐alpha, Il‐2‐R, Il‐6) kontrolliert. Ergebnisse: Nach 12‐monatiger ExP‐Therapie zeigten 30 % der PSS‐Patienten eine partielle Remission und 25 % einen stabilen Verlauf (55 % Responder), während 45 % eine Progression (Non‐Responder) aufwiesen. Zwar korrelierte der Krankheitsverlauf nicht mit den untersuchten laborchemischen Parametern, doch zeigte ein Anstieg der beta‐Galaktosidase unter Therapie bei den Non‐Respondern einen PSS‐Schub an. Bei den Respondern war ein kurzer Krankheitsverlauf vor ExP‐Beginn, moderat erhöhte ANA‐Titer, normwertige TNF‐alpha‐Spiegel sowie ein negativer Scl‐70‐Nachweis prognostisch günstig einzuschätzen. Schlussfolgerungen: Etwa die Hälfte der PSS‐Patienten profitierten von einer langfristigen Wirksamkeit der ExP. Jedoch scheint die milde immunmodulatorische Wirkung der ExP nicht ausreichend, um stark progressive Verläufe der PSS zu kontrollieren.
Evaluation of caspase 1 and sFas serum levels in patients with systemic sclerosis: correlation with lung dysfunction, joint and bone involvement
Authors: Dziankowska-bartkowiak Bozena , Waszczykowska Elzbieta , Zalewska Anna , Sysa-jędrzejowska Anna 
Published: December 2003

Recent studies point out at the role of apoptosis disturbances in the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc).The aim of our study was to examine caspase 1 and sFas serum levels in scleroderma patients and correlate the obtained results with skin involvement and internal organ changes.We studied 29 patients (14 with limited and 15 with diffuse SSc). The extension of skin involvement was measured using Total Skin Score (TSS). Internal organ involvement was assessed by specialist procedures. Serum caspase 1 and sFas levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.We found correlation between sFas serum level and duration of Raynaud′s phenomenon and TSS; caspase 1 serum level correlated only with TSS. Correlations between caspase 1 and lung dysfunction and sFas levels with joint and bone involvement in SSc patients were also observed.The obtained results revealed that disturbances of apoptosis might play a role in SSc pathogenesis. Caspase 1 and sFas serum levels correlate with the skin involvement severity, lung dysfunction, joint and bone changes.
Oxidative and adhesive responses of human neutrophils to nitrovasodilators in vitro: the role of protein kinases
Authors: Klink Magdalena , Tchorzewski Henryk , Sulowska Zofia 
Published: December 2003

Background: Sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and molsidomine are used in the treatment of coronary heart disease. Since the neutrophils play a pathological role in ischaemic heart disease, it is important to understand the direct action of nitrovasodilators on their function.Aim: We examined the effects of SNP and 3‐morpholinosydnonimine (SIN‐1, molsidomine metabolite) on the respiratory burst of human neutrophils and their adhesion sin vitro. The influence of nitric oxide (NO) donors on the activity of protein kinases, which are involved in the NADPH oxidase activation, was also investigated.Methods: The respiratory burst of neutrophils was determined by chemiluminescence and fluorescence methods, while the adhesion was assayed by adherence of neutrophils to the plastic surface.Results: NO donors decreased the oxidative burst of activated neutrophils. However, the effects of SNP and SIN‐1 strongly depended on the treatment time of neutrophils and on the stimulus employed to cells activation. Protein kinase C inhibitor did not prevent the inhibitory effect of SIN‐1, but diminished the inhibitory effect of SNP on the neutrophils′ respiratory burst. Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor did not affect the action of SNP, but diminished the inhibitory effect of SIN‐1 on fMLP‐stimulated but not on PMA‐stimulated oxidative burst of neutrophils. This suggests that SNP action is mainly associated with protein kinase C, while SIN‐1 is associated with protein tyrosine kinase activity. We also found that SIN‐1 but not SNP diminished the adhesive activity of neutrophils.Conclusions: Our data show that SIN‐1 biological effect on some neutrophils activity is different from both spermine NONOate and SNP, and mainly depends on ONOO−, while SNP action is mediated by NO.
Role of soluble gp130 in the tumour necrosis factor‐α expression and its production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Jablonskaca E. , Puzewska W. , Marcinczyk M. , Jablonski J. 
Published: December 2003

Background: In our previous study we found that rhsIL‐6R, along with recombinant human interleukin‐6, plays a regulatory role in the immune response by modulating the tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) expression and its production by peripheral blood mononuclearcells (PBMC). We also suggested that sIL‐6R with IL‐6 secreted by human PMN (neutrophils) influenced the TNF‐α expression and its production by autologous PBMC.Aims: Since soluble gp130 (sgp130) is a natural inhibitor for sIL‐6R/interleukin‐6 responses, in the present study we estimated an effect of exogenous recombinant human sgp130 and sgp130 secreted by PMN on the TNF‐α expression and its production by PBMC.Methods: Cells were isolated from whole blood of healthy persons. The PMN were cultured in 96‐well plates for 1 h at 37°C in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2. After the incubation, the culture supernatant of PMN was removed and added to the PBMC. PBMC were incubated for 1 h at 37°C in the same conditions. Cytoplasmic protein fractions of PMN and, for comparative purpose of PBMC, were analysed for presence of sgp130 by western blotting with the use of monoclonal antibody capable of detecting this protein. In the culture supernatants of PMN we examined the concentrations of sgp130 by human enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. TNF‐α was measured at the protein levels as well as the mRNA levels.Results and conclusions:The present results revealed that exogenous recombinant human sgp130 modulates the TNF‐α expression and production by PBMC. In contrast, we did not find any effect of sgp130 secreted by PMN on the TNF‐α expression and its production by autologous PBMC.