bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PAIR PRODUCTION IN A STRONG ELECTRIC FIELD: AN INITIAL VALUE PROBLEM IN QUANTUM FIELD THEORY
Authors: KLUGER Y. , EISENBERG J.M. , SVETITSKY B. 
Published: November 2004

We review recent achievements in the solution of the initial-value problem for quantum backreaction in scalar and spinor QED. The problem is formulated and solved in the semiclassical mean-field approximation for a homogeneous, time-dependent electric field. Our primary motivation in examining backreaction has to do with applications to theoretical models of production of the quark-gluon plasma though we here address practicable solutions for backreaction in general. We review the application of the method of adiabatic regularization to the Klein-Gordon and Dirac fields in order to renormalize the expectation value of the current and derive a finite coupled set of ordinary differential equations for the time evolution of the system. Three time scales are involved in the problem and therefore caution is needed to achieve numerical stability for this system. Several physical features like plasma oscillations and plateaus in the current appear in the solution. From the plateau of the electric current one can estimate the number of pairs before the onset of plasma oscillations, while the plasma oscillations themselves yield the number of particles from the plasma frequency. We compare the field-theory solution to a simple model based on a relativistic Boltzmann-Vlasov equation with a particle production source term inferred from the Schwinger particle creation rate and a Pauli-blocking (or Bose-enhancement) factor. This model reproduces very well the time behavior of the electric field and the creation rate of charged pairs of the semiclassical calculation. It therefore provides a simple intuitive understanding of the nature of the solution since nearly all the physical features can be expressed in terms of the classical distribution function.
FRACTAL STOCHASTIC ELECTROMAGNETIC BACKGROUND AS A FACTOR STABILIZING PROCESSES OF VITAL ACTIVITY
Authors: URITSKY VADIM M. , MUZALEVSKAYA NATALIA I. 
Published: November 2004

The linkage between functional status of living systems and scale organization of environmental low-frequency fluctuations is studied and shown to be possible only for influences transferring biologically significant information. Fundamental relict form of such influences is background weak energy electromagnetic field. It is demonstrated experimentally that physiologically normal state is supported by scale-invariant (fractal) electromagnetic fluctuations with 1/f spectrum, which have pronounced stabilizing effect on homeostasis and can act as a powerful therapeutic agent. On the contrary, distortion of fractal structure of the background, i.e., during geomagnetic storms, is a destabilizing and pathogenic factor. Primary response of living systems to fractal electromagnetic background appears as restoration and support of self-similarity of endogenic low-frequency fluctuations. Vitally important interaction of living systems with fractal fluctuations of non-living environment is called fractal stochastic coupling.
RELAXATION OF THE FRACTAL DOMAIN STATE OF DILUTED ANTIFERROMAGNETS
Authors: NOWAK U. 
Published: November 2004

The diluted Ising antiferromagnet in an external magnetic field is an ideal system to study random field behavior theoretically as well as experimentally. When the system is cooled in an external field, a frozen domain state develops. The domains have been shown to be fractal. In this paper, I want to focus on the relaxation dynamics of this frozen domain state after removal of the external field. Using Monte Carlo methods, I investigated the nature of the relaxation of the fractal domains numerically as well as by graphical representation. The antiferromagnetic correlation length is shown to grow during the relaxation. The corresponding relaxation mechanism is investigated and analogies to SOC are discussed.
Coagulation Factor Xa Stimulates Interleukin-8 Release in Endothelial Cells and Mononuclear Leukocytes
Authors: Busch Gabi , Seitz Isabell , Steppich Birgit , Hess Sibylle , Eckl Robert , Schömig Albert , Ott Ilka 
Published: November 2004

Objective—In acute myocardial infarction (AMI), proinflammatory plasma C-reactive protein values are strongly associated with postinfarction morbidity and mortality. So far, the cause of these inflammatory changes is not well understood. Therefore, we sought to investigate the relationship between the activation of coagulation and subsequent systemic inflammatory changes in AMI.Methods and Results—Factor Xa (FXa) bound to tissue factor pathway inhibitor and prothrombin fragments F1+2 (F1+2) were used as a measure for activated coagulation. To assess systemic inflammatory changes, plasma interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 concentrations were analyzed by immunoassay. Blood samples were taken from 21 patients with AMI and 20 patients with stable angina pectoris. In AMI, tissue factor pathway inhibitor FXa but not F1+2 plasma levels were associated with circulating IL-8 (P=0.01). In vitro experiments revealed that FXa stimulated IL-8 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 release and RNA expression in endothelial cells and mononuclear leukocytes by activation of protease-activated receptor-1.Conclusion—Our data suggest that coagulation FXa may contribute to proinflammatory changes in AMI by stimulation of IL-8 release. Therapeutic inhibition of the proinflammatory effects of FXa may improve the clinical course in AMI.
Is the Third Way the Best Way?
Authors: Leigh Sarah , Miller Chris 
Published: November 2004

•Summary: This article is based on a piece of qualitative research with service users in England who asked for help and advice from a statutory locality childcare service. It is located in the framework of the modernization agenda, focusing on the value placed upon service user feedback, social exclusion and the quality targets for local authorities. The research aimed to examine service users’views on their experience of the service they obtained. It also focuses on those areas of social work that have always been hard to measure, such as the effect of the person in the professional role, their warmth, empathy, ability to understand and engage with others. •Findings: The research draws conclusions for practice. Service users want social workers to be clear about their role, to listen and to attempt to gain an understanding of their world. A social worker who has time to go ‘that extra mile’appears to be able to help people when they are in a crisis with their children. Service users interviewed were very forthright about wanting to use talking cures; they wanted advice but did not necessarily expect solutions. Some demonstrated a sophisticated understanding of the very tricky line walked between the person and the professional. •Applications: When social workers are under increasing pressure to evidence quality in their work, it appears that the social work relationship could be the sacrificial lamb within the modernization agenda for childcare.
Postmodern Thinking
Authors: Noble Carolyn 
Published: November 2004

•Summary: Postmodern discourse in contemporary social work literature has captured a growing audience and is raising a serious challenge for social work theory and practice. While attention is being focused on this new post-activist work the role and function of the welfare state in many western democratic countries is being devalued. At the same time state-based services and resources are being cut, with social workers becoming prime targets for rationalization. Addressing and responding to this postmodern ‘turn’is one of the major challenges that confront social work today: a concern that needs urgent attention if social work is to remain a viable player in the ‘post welfare’debate. •Findings: Social work needs to wake up from the enticing, almost mesmerizing effect of postmodern discourse and take another look at the way economic, gender and colonial issues continue to lie at the root of injustice and impoverishment. Focusing on the local and the contextuality of the specific takes attention away from the pervasive power of structural forces. Rather than call for the negation of grand theories, social work needs to realign itself with a more, rather than less, national and global focus. •Applications: Postmodern social work argues for the jettisoning of ‘grand’or ‘universal’social change theories on which social work was founded, in favour of the re-appreciation of the local and the everyday contexts of practice as sites for action and resistance. Underlying this development is a neo-conservative ideology that creates great discrepancies between rich and poor and undermines traditional social work theory and practice. Ultimately social work must refocus its attention on exposing global economic inequalities and oppressive gender and ethnicity-based relations across the globe. Social work will survive in its mission if it takes on this challenge in addition to the micro-deconstruction offered by the postmodern discourse. Finding a way forward means combining the personal with the political so that both are integrated into a more relevant social work discourse.
Moral and Professional Dilemmas in Long-term Assessment of Children and Families
Authors: Clifford Derek , Burke Beverley 
Published: November 2004

•Summary: This paper discusses some of the issues that concern social workers making long-term assessments in the light of central government criticism of inadequate assessment and use of adoptive placements. We draw partly on our research into local government use of adoption placements (Clifford et al., 2003). We also draw on our previous publications on assessment, and on related research. Our approach is therefore both empirical and theoretical. It is partly a contribution to understanding the nature of contemporary social work assessment practice, but primarily a polemic against influential misperceptions. •Findings: Our findings are that policy-makers have notsufficiently understood the complexity of the mix of interpretation, evidence and ethical judgement involved, and that social workers inevitably struggle with moral dilemmas arising from their simultaneous responsibilities to interpret evidence and to work in close partnership with the conflicting interests of service users, of carers and of other professional colleagues. •Applications: The application of the evidence in this paper is that policy-makers need to understand the dynamic, ethical complexity of judgements involved in social work assessment, and avoid policy development linked to misguided assumptions. The findings also underline the need for social workers to continue to pay critical attention to empirical evidence, interpretative issues and ethical considerations.
Hematology Grants Workshop
Authors: Platanias Leonidas C. , Eklund Elizabeth A. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Obtaining research funding is of utmost importance for academic hematologists, especially those engaged in basic science research. Several funding mechanisms are available to researchers working in the fields of Hematology and/or Oncology. This chapter will discuss various issues relating to applications for National Institutes of Health (NIH) R01 grants, the classic funding mechanism for investigator-initiated research. It will also discuss other opportunities for funding from other government agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. We will also provide a summary of the process by which NIH R01 applications are reviewed and some guidelines and tips for the successful writing of R01 grants or their equivalents from other agencies.
Antileukemic activity of rapamycin in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Récher Christian , Beyne-Rauzy Odile , Demur Cécile , Chicanne Gaëtan , Dos Santos Cédric , Mas Véronique Mansat-De , Benzaquen David , Laurent Guy , Huguet Françoise , Payrastre Bernard 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of growth and survival in many cell types. Its constitutive activation has been involved in the pathogenesis of various cancers. In this study, we show that mTOR inhibition by rapamycin strongly inhibits the growth of the most immature acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell lines through blockade in G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Accordingly, 2 downstream effectors of mTOR, 4E-BP1 and p70S6K, are phosphorylated in a rapamycin-sensitive manner in a series of 23 AML cases. Interestingly, the mTOR inhibitor markedly impairs the clonogenic properties of fresh AML cells while sparing normal hematopoietic progenitors. Moreover, rapamycin induces significant clinical responses in 4 of 9 patients with either refractory/relapsed de novo AML or secondary AML. Overall, our data strongly suggest that mTOR is aberrantly regulated in most AML cells and that rapamycin and analogs, by targeting the clonogenic compartment of the leukemic clone, may be used as new compounds in AML therapy.
Reserpine methonitrate, a novel quaternary analogue of reserpine augments urinary excretion of VMA and 5-HIAA without affecting HVA in rats
Authors: Sreemantula Satyanarayana , Boini Krishna M , Nammi Srinivas 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Reserpine, an alkaloid from Rauwolfia serpentina was widely used for its antihypertensive action in the past. In later years, its use has been reduced because of precipitation of depression and extra pyramidal symptoms due to its central action. In the present investigation, reserpine methonitrate (RMN), a novel quaternary analogue of reserpine was synthesised and evaluated biochemically for its central and peripheral amine depleting actions in rats while its influence on the blood pressure was measured in anaesthetized rats in comparison with reserpine

Results
Reserpine treatment (5 mg/kg) produced a significant increase in the urinary excretion of VMA, 5-HIAA and HVA while RMN at doses of equal to and double the equimolar doses of reserpine (5 and 10 mg/kg) produced significant increase in VMA and 5-HIAA excretion without producing any effect on HVA excretion compared to control animals. Reserpine in the dose range of 0.5 to15 μg/kg produced significant reduction in blood pressure compared to control. RMN was also found to produce significant decrease in blood pressure at doses of 10, 25 and 50 μg/kg body weight in comparison to control. The results indicated peripheral depletion of biogenic amines by RMN without affecting the central stores of the amines.

Conclusions
The present study clearly indicated that the quaternization of reserpine restricts its transfer across the blood-brain barrier and could be the reason for its selective peripheral action. It is also clear that the hypotensive actions of RMN could be due to peripheral depletion of catecholamines.
Zygapophysial joint blocks in chronic low back pain: a test of Revel's model as a screening test
Authors: Laslett Mark , Öberg Birgitta , Aprill Charles N , McDonald Barry 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Only controlled blocks are capable of confirming the zygapophysial joints (ZJ) as the pain generator in LBP patients. However, previous workers have found that a cluster of clinical signs ("Revel's criteria"), may be valuable in predicting the results of an initial screening ZJ block. It was suggested that these clinical findings are unsuitable for diagnosis, but may be of value in selecting patients for diagnostic blocks of the lumbar ZJ's. To constitute evidence in favour of a clinical management strategy, these results need confirmation. This study evaluates the utility of 'Revel's criteria' as a screening tool for selection of chronic low back pain patients for controlled ZJ diagnostic blocks.

Methods
This study utilized a prospective blinded concurrent reference standard related validity design. Consecutive chronic LBP patients completed pain drawings, psychosocial distress and disability questionnaires, received a clinical examination and lumbar zygapophysial blocks. Two reference standards were evaluated simultaneously: 1. 75% reduction of pain on a visual analogue scale (replication of previous work), and 2. abolition of the dominant or primary pain. Using "Revel's criteria" as predictors, logistic regression analyses were used to test the model. Estimates of sensitivity, specificity, predictive values and likelihood ratios for selected variables were calculated for the two proposed clinical strategies.

Results
Earlier results were not replicated. Sensitivity of "Revel's criteria" was low sensitivity (<17%), and specificity high (approximately 90%). Absence of pain with cough or sneeze just reached significance (p = 0.05) within one model.

Conclusions
"Revel's criteria" are unsuitable as a clinical screening test to select chronic LBP patients for initial ZJ blocks. However, the criteria may have use in identifying a small subset (11%) of patients likely to respond to the initial block (specificity 93%).
Laboratory diagnosis and susceptibility profile of Helicobacter pylori infection in the Philippines
Authors: Destura Raul V , Labio Eternity D , Barrett Leah J , Alcantara Cirle S , Gloria Venancio I , Daez Ma Lourdes O , Guerrant Richard L 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Background
Helicobacter pylori diagnosis and susceptibility profile directs the applicability of recommended treatment regimens in our setting. To our knowledge, there is no published data on the culture and local susceptibility pattern of Helicobacter pylori in the Philippines.

Methods
52 dyspeptic adult patients undergoing endoscopy from the Outpatient Gastroenterology clinic of the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital underwent multiple gastric biopsy and specimens were submitted for gram stain, culture, antimicrobial sensitivity testing, rapid urease test and histology. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by Epsilometer testing (Etest) method against metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin, and tetracycline.

Results
Sixty percent (60%) of the study population was positive for H. pylori infection (mean age of 44 years ± 13), 70% were males. H. pylori culture showed a sensitivity of 45% (95% CI [29.5–62.1]), specificity of 98% (95%CI [81.5–100%]), positive likelihood ratio of 19.93 (95% CI [1.254–317.04]) and a negative likelihood ratio of 0.56 (95% CI [0.406–0.772]). All H. pylori strains isolated were sensitive to metronidazole, clarithromycin, amoxicillin and tetracycline.

Conclusion
Knowledge of the antibiotic susceptibility patterns in our setting allows us to be more cautious in the choice of first-line agents. Information on antibiotic susceptibility profile plays an important role in empiric antibiotic treatment and management of refractive cases.
Permissive human cytomegalovirus infection of a first trimester extravillous cytotrophoblast cell line
Authors: LaMarca Heather L , Sainz Bruno , Morris Cindy A 
Published: November 2004

AbstractHuman cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the leading cause of congenital viral infection in the United States and Europe. Despite the significant morbidity associated with prenatal HCMV infection, little is known about how the virus infects the fetus during pregnancy. To date, primary human cytotrophoblasts (CTBs) have been utilized to study placental HCMV infection and replication; however, the minimal mitotic potential of these cells restricts experimentation to a few days, which may be problematic for mechanistic studies of the slow-replicating virus. The aim of this study was to determine whether the human first trimester CTB cell line SGHPL-4 was permissive for HCMV infection and therefore could overcome such limitations. HCMV immediate early (IE) protein expression was detected as early as 3 hours post-infection in SGHPL-4 cells and progressively increased as a function of time. HCMV growth assays revealed the presence of infectious virus in both cell lysates and culture supernatants, indicating that viral replication and the release of progeny virus occurred. Compared to human fibroblasts, viral replication was delayed in CTBs, consistent with previous studies reporting delayed viral kinetics in HCMV-infected primary CTBs. These results indicate that SGHPL-4 cells are fully permissive for the complete HCMV replicative cycle. Our findings suggest that these cells may serve as useful tools for future mechanistic studies of HCMV pathogenesis during early pregnancy.
Australia and New Zealand Health Policy: a new journal
Authors: Duckett Stephen J 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAustralia and New Zealand Health Policy is a new journal which aims to promote debate and understanding about contemporary health policy developments in Australia and New Zealand. Although there are other international journals focussing on health policy, there are no Australian or New Zealand journals with this focus.One of the aims of Australia and New Zealand Health Policy is to focus on contemporary critiques and contemporary developments. Accordingly an e-journal format is particularly appropriate. Australian and New Zealand Health Policy is an open access journal which means that all articles will be freely and universally accessible online which, amongst other things, means that all articles will be freely and universally accessible online without any barriers to access, which increases their visibility.
Hummingbirds arrest their kidneys at night: diel variation in glomerular filtration rate in Selasphorus platycercus
Authors: Bakken Bradley Hartman , McWhorter Todd J. , Tsahar Ella , del Rio Carlos Martínez 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARY
Small nectarivorous vertebrates face a quandary. When feeding, they must eliminate prodigious quantities of water; however, when they are not feeding,they are susceptible to dehydration. We examined the role of the kidney in the resolution of this osmoregulatory dilemma. Broad-tailed hummingbirds(Selasphorus platycercus) displayed diurnal variation in glomerular filtration rate (GFR). During the morning, midday and evening, GFRs were 0.9±0.6, 1.8±0.4 and 2.3±0.5 ml h–1,respectively. At midday, GFR increased linearly with increased water intake. During the evening, hummingbirds decreased renal fractional water reabsorption linearly with increased water intake. Broad-tailed hummingbirds appeared to cease GFR at night (–0.1±0.2 ml h–1) and decreased GFR in response to short-term (∼1.5 h) water deprivation. GFR seems to be very responsive to water deprivation in hummingbirds. Although hummingbirds and other nectarivorous birds can consume astounding amounts of water, a phylogenetically explicit allometric analysis revealed that their diurnal GFRs are not different from the expectation based on body mass.
The hyperoxic switch: assessing respiratory water loss rates in tracheate arthropods with continuous gas exchange
Authors: Lighton John R. B. , Schilman Pablo E. , Holway David A. 
Published: November 2004

SUMMARYPartitioning the relative contributions of cuticular and respiratory water loss in a tracheate arthropod is relatively easy if it undergoes discontinuous gas exchange cycles or DGCs, leaving its rate of cuticular water loss in primary evidence while its spiracles are closed. Many arthropods are not so obliging and emit CO2 continuously, making cuticular and respiratory water losses difficult or impossible to partition. We report here that by switching ambient air from 21 to 100% O2, marked spiracular constriction takes place, causing a transient but substantial – up to 90% – reduction in CO2 output. A reduction in water loss rate occurs at the same time. Using this approach, we investigated respiratory water loss in Drosophila melanogaster and in two ant species, Forelius mccooki and Pogonomyrmex californicus. Our results– respiratory water loss estimates of 23%, 7.6% and 5.6% of total water loss rates, respectively – are reasonable in light of literature estimates, and suggest that the `hyperoxic switch' may allow straightforward estimation of respiratory water loss rates in arthropods lacking discontinuous gas exchange. In P. californicus, which we were able to measure with and without a DGC, presence or absence of a DGC did not affect respiratory vs total water loss rates.