bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Baclofen reestablishes μ‐opioid receptor levels modified by morphine withdrawal syndrome in either sex
Authors: Diaz Silvina L. , Kemmling Alma K. , Bonavita Carla D. , Rubio Modesto C. , Balerio Graciela N. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWe have previously shown that the GABAB agonist baclofen (BAC) prevents the expression of morphine (MOR) withdrawal syndrome in male as well as female mice. In addition, we have demonstrated that BAC reestablishes the dopamine levels modified by MOR withdrawal syndrome in male mice. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the μ‐opioid receptor binding parameters in striatum and frontal cortex of male and female mice during MOR withdrawal and its prevention with BAC. Prepubertal Swiss‐Webster mice of either sex were rendered dependent by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of MOR (2 mg/kg) twice daily for 9 days. On the tenth day, dependent animals received naloxone (NAL) (6 mg/kg, i.p.) 60 min after the last dose of MOR and another pool of dependent mice received BAC (2 mg/kg, i.p.) previous to NAL injection. Thirty min after NAL or saline injection mice were sacrificed, brains were collected, and the striatum and frontal cortex were dissected in order to perform binding studies with [3H][DAMGO]. The density of μ‐opioid receptor increased significantly during MOR withdrawal in male and female striatum as well as in male cortex. In addition, in both brain areas the Bmax was higher in male than in female mice during MOR withdrawal. Finally, BAC pretreatment of MOR withdrawn mice reestablished the levels of μ‐opioid receptor by significantly decreasing the Bmax in either sex. In conclusion, although there were sex differences in the μ‐opioid receptor density during MOR withdrawal syndrome, BAC was able to reestablish the changes in binding parameters induced by the NAL‐precipitated withdrawal in female and male mice. Synapse 54:24–29, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Solvent‐free low‐dimensional polymer electrolytes for lithium–polymer batteries
Authors: Zheng Yungui , Lui Janguo , Ungar Goran , Wright Peter V. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe development of solvent‐free low‐dimensional polymer electrolytes intended for use in solvent‐free lithium batteries operating at ambient or sub‐ambient temperatures is described. The synthetic routes to the amphiphilic polymers I having 5‐alkoxy‐3,4‐phenylene units connected with oligoethoxy segments via polyester–ether or pure polyether links (abbrev. CmOn, m = 12, 16, 18, n = 1–5) and to the copolymers CmO1–CmOn are described. The structures, thermal properties and SAXS long spacings of their complexes with lithium salts (type A) and with long chain n‐alkane or alkyl side chain intercalation (type B) are discussed. However, high ambient conductivities (10−4–10−3 S cm−1) are observed in type C systems when a second copolymer based on polytetramethylene oxide segments (II) is incorporated as a microphase between the lamellae of I and serving as an ion bridge or “glue”. DC polarization between Li electrodes also gives ambient conductivities ≥ca.10−3 S cm−1. In type D systems the I/II interface is stabilized by including a copolymer III, promoting high reproducibility in performance. Copolymers I of CmO1–CmO5 having CmO1 in excess give optimum conductivities with low temperature‐dependence. This, together with molecular modeling, suggests uncoupled ion mobilities by hopping between small aggregates in the interlamellar spaces. © 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 4: 176–191; 2004: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20012
Electron transport in bipyridinium films
Authors: Raymo Françisco M. , Alvarado Robert J. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBipyridinium dications are versatile building blocks for the assembly of functional materials. In particular, their reliable electrochemical response has encouraged the design of electroactive films. Diverse and elegant experimental strategies to coat metallic and semiconducting electrodes with bipyridinium compounds have, in fact, emerged over the past two decades. The resulting interfacial assemblies span from a few nanometers to several micrometers in thickness. They incorporate from a single molecular layer to large collections of entangled polymer chains. They transport electrons efficiently from the electrode surface to the film/solution interface and vice versa. Electron self‐exchange between and the physical diffusion of the bipyridinium building blocks conspire in defining the charge transport properties of these fascinating electroactive assemblies. Often, the matrix of electron‐deficient bipyridinium dications can be exploited to entrap electron‐rich analytes. Electrostatic interactions promote the supramolecular association of the guests with the surface‐confined host matrix. Furthermore, chromophoric sites can be coupled to the bipyridinium dications to produce photosensitive arrays capable of harvesting light and generating current. Thus, thorough investigations on the fundamental properties of these functional molecule‐based materials can lead to promising applications in electroanalysis and solar energy conversion, while contributing to advances in the basic understanding of electron transport in interfacial assemblies. © 2004 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 4: 204–218; 2004: Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI 10.1002/tcr.20013
Antianxiety and antidepressant‐like effects of AC‐5216, a novel mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor ligand
Authors: Kita Atsuko , Kohayakawa Hitoshi , Kinoshita Tomoko , Ochi Yoshiaki , Nakamichi Keiko , Kurumiya Satoshi , Furukawa Kiyoshi , Oka Makoto 
Published: July 2004

We investigated the ability of N‐benzyl‐N‐ethyl‐2‐(7,8‐dihydro‐7‐methyl‐8‐oxo‐2‐phenyl‐9H‐purin‐9‐yl)acetamide (AC‐5216), a novel mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor (MBR) ligand, to produce anti‐anxiety and antidepressant‐like effects in various animal models.
AC‐5216 showed high affinity for MBRs prepared from rat whole brain (Ki 0.297 nM), rat glioma cells (IC50 3.04 nM) and human glioma cells (IC50 2.73 nM), but only negligible affinity for the other main receptors including central benzodiazepine receptors.
AC‐5216 produced anti‐anxiety effects in the Vogel‐type conflict test in rats, and in the light/dark box and social interaction tests in mice at 0.1–3, 0.003–0.01 and 0.01–0.3 mg kg−1, p.o., respectively. These effects of AC‐5216 were antagonized by PK11195, an MBR antagonist. In the forced swimming test in rats, AC‐5216 (3–30 mg kg−1, p.o.) reduced the immobility time, and this effect was blocked by PK11195.
AC‐5216 had no myorelaxant effects, did not affect the memory or prolong hexobarbitone‐induced sleep in mice, even at doses as high as 1000 mg kg−1, p.o. Although it did slightly prolong the ethanol‐induced sleep time at 1000 mg kg−1, AC‐5216 (1–100 mg kg−1, p.o.) produced no distinct change in the rat electroencephalogram.
These results indicate that AC‐5216 produces anti‐anxiety and antidepressant‐like effects that are mediated by MBR, but does not cause the side effects normally associated with conventional benzodiazepines. Hence, AC‐5216 shows potential for the treatment of stress‐related disorders including anxiety and depression.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1059–1072. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705681
Importance of ERK1/2 in upregulation of endothelin type B receptors in cerebral arteries
Authors: Henriksson Marie , Xu Cang‐Bao , Edvinsson Lars 
Published: July 2004

This study examines the importance of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in upregulation of endothelin type B (ETB) receptors.
Rat middle cerebral arteries (MCAs) were incubated for 24 h with or without kinase inhibitors. Vessel segments were mounted in myographs and the contractile responses to endothelin‐1 (ET‐1; ETA and ETB receptor agonist) and sarafotoxin 6c (S6c; ETB receptor agonist) were studied. We used real‐time PCR to measure the receptor mRNA levels. An ELISA assay showed the activation of ERK1/2 kinases after 3 h. Immunohistochemistry revealed the presence of ETB receptors on the vessels.
After organ culture, S6c induced vasoconstriction. Incubation with the MEK/ERK inhibitors U0126 and SB386023 diminished the contractile response to S6c. The p38 MAPK inhibitor SB239063 did not affect the S6c‐induced contraction.
The ET‐1‐induced vasoconstriction was increased after incubation with SB386023 or SB239063, while unaffected by U0126.
The ETB receptor mRNA levels were diminished by SB386023 and U0126. The ETA receptor mRNA levels were unaffected.
The levels of activated ERK1/2 kinases were significantly higher after 3 h of organ culture as compared to fresh vessels.
The level of ETB receptor protein on the smooth muscle cells of the MCA, visualised by immunohistochemistry, was somewhat diminished by SB386023.
Our results show that the ERK1/2 MAPK is important in the upregulation of contractile ETB receptors in MCA after organ culture. Since there is a similar upregulation in models of focal ischaemia and subarachnoid haemorrhage, this may be an important pathophysiological event.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1155–1161. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705803
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) antagonists: blockers of neuronal transmission in migraine
Authors: Brain Susan D 
Published: July 2004

The neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is a potent vasodilator that is contained in and released from sensory nerves. CGRP has been implicated in migraine, and the nonpeptide CGRP antagonist BIBN4096BS has been shown to be effective in clinical trials in migraine. To date, it has been largely assumed that the CGRP antagonist is effective due to its ability to block vasodilator activity. Goadsby and co‐workers present data that now suggest that CGRP antagonists may also block neuronal transmission in migraine.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1053–1054. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705806
Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) modulates nociceptive trigeminovascular transmission in the cat
Authors: Storer Robin James , Akerman Simon , Goadsby Peter J 
Published: July 2004

Calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) is released into the cranial circulation of humans during acute migraine. To determine whether CGRP is involved in neurotransmission in craniovascular nociceptive pathways, we microiontophoresed onto neurons in the trigeminocervical complex and intravenously administered the CGRP receptor antagonists α‐CGRP‐(8–37) and BIBN4096BS.
Cats were anaesthetised with α‐chloralose, and using halothane during surgical preparation. A craniotomy and C1/C2 laminectomy allowed access to the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) and recording site. Recordings of activity in the trigeminocervical complex evoked by electrical stimulation of the SSS were made. Multibarrelled micropipettes incorporating a recording electrode were used for microiontophoresis of test substances.
Cells recorded received wide dynamic range (WDR) or nociceptive specific (NS) input from cutaneous receptive fields on the face or forepaws. Cell firing was increased to 25–30 Hz by microiontophoresis of L‐glutamate (n=43 cells).
Microiontophoresis of α‐CGRP excited seven of 17 tested neurons.
BIBN4096BS inhibited the majority of units (26 of 38 cells) activated by L‐glutamate, demonstrating a non‐presynaptic site of action for CGRP. α‐CGRP‐(8–37) inhibited a similar proportion of units (five of nine cells).
Intravenous BIBN4096BS resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of trigeminocervical SSS‐evoked activity (ED50 31 μg kg–1). The maximal effect observed within 30 min of administration.
The data suggest that there are non‐presynaptic CGRP receptors in the trigeminocervical complex that can be inhibited by CGRP receptor blockade and that a CGRP receptor antagonist would be effective in the acute treatment of migraine and cluster headache.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1171–1181. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705807
Role of nuclear factor‐κB and heme oxygenase‐1 in the mechanism of action of an anti‐inflammatory chalcone derivative in RAW 264.7 cells
Authors: Alcaraz María José , Vicente Ana María , Araico Amparo , Dominguez José N , Terencio María Carmen , Ferrándiz María Luisa 
Published: July 2004

The synthetic chalcone 3′,4′,5′,3,4,5‐hexamethoxy‐chalcone (CH) is an anti‐inflammatory compound able to reduce nitric oxide (NO) production by inhibition of inducible NO synthase protein synthesis. In this work, we have studied the mechanisms of action of this compound.
CH (10–30 μM) prevents the overproduction of NO in RAW 264.7 macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (1 μg ml−1) due to the inhibition of nuclear factor κB (NF‐κB) activation.
We have shown that treatment of cells with CH results in diminished degradation of the NF‐κB–IκB complex leading to inhibition of NF‐κB translocation into the nucleus, DNA binding and transcriptional activity.
We also demonstrate the ability of this compound to activate NfE2‐related factor (Nrf2) and induce heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1).
Our results indicate that CH determines a rapid but nontoxic increase of intracellular oxidative species, which could be responsible for Nrf2 activation and HO‐1 induction by this chalcone derivative.
This novel anti‐inflammatory agent simultaneously induces a cytoprotective response (HO‐1) and downregulates an inflammatory pathway (NF‐κB) with a mechanism of action different from antioxidant chalcones.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1191–1199. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705821
Pharmacological prevention of cardiovascular aging – targeting the Maillard reaction
Authors: Aronson Doron 
Published: July 2004

The development of myocardial and large vessel stiffness with aging underlies the development of diastolic heart failure and isolated systolic hypertension. Nonenzymatic reaction between glucose and proteins (Maillard reaction) leading to collagen crosslinking in the myocardium and arterial wall has been implicated in age‐related increase in cardiovascular stiffness. In the present issue, Chang et al. show that aminoguanidine, an inhibitor of protein crosslinking, retards age‐related decline in the elastic properties of the left ventricle and arteries. The significance of these findings is discussed in this commentary.British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1055–1058. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705832
Levetiracetam inhibits Na+‐dependent Cl−/HCO3− exchange of adult hippocampal CA3 neurons from guinea‐pigs
Authors: Leniger Tobias , Thöne Jan , Bonnet Udo , Hufnagel Andreas , Bingmann Dieter , Wiemann Martin 
Published: July 2004

The novel anticonvulsant levetiracetam (LEV) was tested for effects on bioelectric activity and intracellular pH (pHi) regulation of hippocampal CA3 neurons from adult guinea‐pigs.
In 4‐aminopyridine‐treated slices, LEV (10–100 μM) reduced the frequency of action potentials and epileptiform bursts of CA3 neurons by 30–55%, while the shape of these potentials remained largely unchanged. Suppressive effects were reversed by an increase of pHi with trimethylamine (TMA).
Using BCECF‐AM‐loaded slices, we found that LEV (10–50 μM) reversibly lowered neuronal steady‐state pHi by 0.19±0.07 pH units in the presence of extracellular CO2/HCO3− buffer. In the nominal absence of extracellular CO2/HCO3− or in Na+‐free CO2/HCO3−‐buffered solution, LEV had no effect on steady‐state pHi.
Recovery of pHi subsequent to ammonium prepulses remained unchanged in the absence of CO2/HCO3− buffer, but was significantly reduced by LEV in the presence of CO2/HCO3− buffer. These findings show that LEV inhibits HCO3−‐dependent acid extrusion, but has no effect on Na+/H+ exchange.
LEV did not affect Na+‐independent Cl−/HCO3− exchange because intracellular alkalosis upon withdrawal of extracellular Cl− remained unchanged.
These data show that LEV at clinically relevant concentrations inhibits Na+‐dependent Cl−/HCO3− exchange, lowers neuronal pHi, and thereby may contribute to its anticonvulsive activity.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2004) 142, 1073–1080. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705836
Endoscopic Endonasal Approaches to the Cavernous Sinus: Surgical Approaches
Authors: Alfieri Alessandra , Jho Hae-Dong 
Published: July 2004

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
After completion of an earlier endoscopic transsphenoidal anatomic study, we studied various endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches using cadaveric specimens to develop endoscopic endonasal surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus.

METHODS
Ten cavernous sinuses in five artery-injected adult cadaveric heads were studied with 0-, 30-, and 70-degree angled 4-mm rod-lens endoscopes. The extent of the surgical exposure, the skewed endoscopic anatomic view, and the maneuverability of surgical instruments through their relative operating spaces were studied after various endoscopic endonasal approaches via one nostril.

RESULTS
The paraseptal approach was used between the nasal septum and the middle turbinate and provided exposure at the anteromedial portion of the cavernous sinus. The contralateral paraseptal approach rendered a slightly more medial view at the cavernous sinus than did the ipsilateral approach. This approach offered limited surgical access to the lateral vertical compartment. The middle turbinectomy approach allowed surgical access to the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus, except for the superior orbital fissure and the orbital apex. The middle meatal approach, which was made between the middle turbinate and the lateral nasal wall, revealed the entire lateral vertical compartment of the cavernous sinus, including the orbital apex and the superior orbital fissure. However, its lateral tangential surgical trajectory and the absence of dedicated surgical tools limited the surgeon's surgical maneuverability. A combination of the middle turbinectomy and middle meatal approaches increased the operating space.

CONCLUSION
Various endoscopic endonasal surgical approaches to the cavernous sinus were studied using adult cadaveric head specimens.
Secularism as a Barrier to Integration? The French Dilemma
Authors: Freedman Jane 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTThis article focuses on the secularism debate currently taking place in France by examining how this issue impacts the integration of immigrants, particularly Muslim immigrants. Secularism is one of the key values of French Republicanism, but one which has been challenged by the establishment of a settled population of Muslim immigrants in France. The issue has been particularly highlighted by the affaire des foulards (headscarf affair), an ongoing debate over the rights of Muslim girls to wear a headscarf to secular French schools. Discussions of the principle of secularism and of its application have been even more intense in recent months with the publication in December 2003 of a report by the Stasi Commission, a commission set up by President Chirac to investigate the application of the principle of secularism, and by the passage of legislation intended to outlaw the wearing of any “overt” religious insignia in French schools. This article examines these recent developments in the context of the long‐running debate over Muslim women's right to wear a headscarf in French schools. It argues that the current focus on secularism provides evidence of the return of assimilation as a primary objective of public policy (Brubaker, 2001) and the decreasing strength of the movement in favour of the droit à la différence (right to difference). Finally, the paper argues that this has provided important obstacles to the integration of certain groups of immigrants, particularly Muslim immigrants.
The Socio‐economic Integration of the Ethiopian Community in Israel
Authors: Offer Shira 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTUsing data from the 1995 Israeli Census of Population, this study examines the demographic, human capital, and labour force characteristics of the Ethiopian community in Israel and its determinants of employment. The results provide strong evidence for the overall disadvantaged socio‐economic status of the Ethiopian community and reveal substantial gaps in educational and occupational attainment between Ethiopian Israelis and members of other ethnic groups in Israeli society. Ethiopian Israelis have substantially lower levels of education, lower employment rates, and are more likely to have low‐skilled occupations. However, multivariate analyses show that the determinants of employment of Ethiopian Israelis are relatively similar to those of other ethnic groups. Education and veteran status are found to be especially important factors associated with increased odds of employment. Although the rates of return from education are lower among Israelis of Ethiopian origin compared to other ethnic groups, this study suggests that education constitutes the major avenue for upward mobility in the Ethiopian community. Nevertheless, considering their current disadvantaged position, the question of whether Ethiopian immigrants will manage in the long run to climb up the socio‐economic ladder and significantly improve their status, or whether they run the risk of becoming a marginalized ethnic group in Israeli society, remains a major concern. Implications for the formation of a new cleavage in Israeli society and the emergence of a stratification system based on race are discussed.
Recent Trends of Emigration from China: 1982–2000
Authors: Liang Zai , Morooka Hideki 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTUsing data from several Chinese censuses and surveys, we provide a new perspective for the study of international migration. Focusing on the trends of international migration from China and Fujian province between 1982 and 2000, several findings emerge. First, Fujian and Yunnan provinces became the leading immigrant‐sending provinces in China by 2000. Second, changes in socio‐economic selectivity among emigrants from Fujian province from 1990 to 1995 are also clearly revealed in our analysis. The shift from urbanites to rural peasants among the emigrant population is particularly noteworthy. Third, in the context of Fujian province, factors such as age, education, rural/urban status, and occupation (especially the service sector) are the most important predictors of emigration. The paper ends with a discussion of the prospects of assimilation of Fujianese immigrants in destination societies.
Survival of probiotic bifidobacteria in buffalo curd and their effect on sensory properties
Authors: Jayamanne Vijith S. , Adams Martin R. 
Published: July 2004

SummaryThe feasibility of incorporating Bifidobacterium longum NCTC11818 in buffalo curd to produce a probiotic product was investigated. Fermentation at tropical ambient temperature (29 ± 2 °C), two storage temperatures (29 ± 2 °C and 4 ± 2 °C), and in three packaging materials (clay pots, plastic cups, and glass bottles) was investigated. Bifidobacteria survived for 3 days above the required population level of 106 CFU g−1 in buffalo curd packed in clay pots at 29 ± 2 °C. They did not persist at acceptable levels over the 4‐day shelf life because of the combined effects of temperature, acidity, and redox potential. Chill storage slows post‐fermentation acidification and prolongs bifidobacterial viability while packaging materials, which present a greater barrier to oxygen, had a similar effect. The results indicated that bifidobacteria could be successfully incorporated into buffalo curd to give a product which has improved acceptability. Probiotic buffalo curd, when compared to uninoculated curd, had significantly higher (P < 0.05) sensory scores for properties such as taste and mouth‐feel resulting in a significantly higher (P < 0.001) overall acceptability.