bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vortex edge barriers and critical current density in granular superconductors
Authors: Belevtsov L. V. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractType‐II superconductors, even without bulk pinning and in the absence of a macroscopic Bean–Livingston surface barrier for vortex penetration, can exhibit barriers for flux penetration. We investigated some new edge barriers based on the laminar model, that are governed by the anisotropy ratio, grain coupling strength, and grain size. Expressions describing the pinning potential Up and critical current density Jc are derived for magnetic fields near Hc1. It is shown that edge barrier effects play a substantial role in a realistic description of the critical current density for both MgB2 and high‐Tc superconductors.
Spin waves in a semi‐infinite XY ferromagnet
Authors: Spirin Denis V. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe examine theoretically the spin waves in a semi‐infinite XY ferromagnet placed in an external magnetic field parallel to the surface via the Green's function formalism. The spectra of bulk and surface spin waves are obtained. It is shown that the surface of a semi‐infinite XY ferromagnet supports surface spin waves with root dispersion law. However, the penetration depth of these waves is almost the same as for the Heisenberg model.
The radial breathing mode frequency in double‐walled carbon nanotubes: an analytical approximation
Authors: Dobardžić E. , Maultzsch J. , Milošević I. , Thomsen C. , Damnjanović M. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractWe study the breathing‐like phonon modes of double‐walled carbon nanotubes in a simple analytical model by considering the tube walls as coupled oscillators. The force constant of the oscillator coupling is found to be proportional to the inner tube diameter. Thus, only for small‐diameter tubes, the shift of the breathing‐like phonon mode frequencies (relative to the radial breathing modes of the isolated layers) scales with the tube diameter D. For tubes with larger diameter the in‐phase breathing‐like phonon mode frequency is inversely proportional to the diameter (like the radial breathing modes of the single wall carbon nanotubes), while the out‐of‐phase mode approaches asymptotically, as 1/D2, the graphite B2g phonon mode frequency.
Estimation of the amniotic fluid volume using the Cavalieri method on ultrasound images
Authors: Sahin B , Alper T , Kökçü A , Malatyalioglu E , Kosif R 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjectives: Presently, a design‐based and practical method for measuring amniotic fluid volume (AFV) for routine clinical examinations has not been proposed. In this study we describe a new method, which combines the Cavalieri method with ultrasound imaging to estimate AFV. Methods: We measured the AFVs of 14 women in the third trimester of pregnancy, and repeated our measurements three times for each woman. Parallel planimetric ultrasonographic images were obtained at every 2 cm along the longitudinal uterine axis. AFVs were calculated as the total of the multiples of the estimated cut surface areas by the section thickness. Results: The mean estimated AFV was 380.5 cm3. The coefficient of error of each measurement was calculated and the mean was 0.108. The coefficient of correlation between the amniotic fluid index and our AFV estimations was 0.87. Conclusions: Design‐based and efficient estimation of AFV is possible with the combination of consecutive ultrasound images and the Cavalieri method.
The experience of loneliness of Canadian and Czech youth
Authors: Rokach Ami , Bauer Natasha , Orzeck Tricia 
Published: May 2003

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the influence of cultural background on adolescents’ experience of loneliness. Eighty Canadians and 168 adolescents from the Czech Republic formed the participants pool. They answered a 30‐item yes/no questionnaire. The questionnaire is composed of five subscales, namely: Emotional distress, Social inadequacy and alienation, Growth and discovery, Interpersonal isolation, and Self‐alienation. Results revealed a mixed pattern of differences between the two cultures, with Canadian youth scoring higher than the Czechs only on Emotional distress, while that trend was reversed in Social inadequacy and alienation and Interpersonal isolation. Gender differences within cultures were also examined.
Yeast RNA helicases of the DEAD‐box family involved in translation initiation
Authors: Linder Patrick 
Published: May 2003

AbstractRNA helicases of the DEAD‐box and related families have been found to be required for all processes involving RNA molecules. Biochemical and genetic analyses have shown that at least two RNA helicases are required for translation initiation in yeast. Although it is generally believed that these enzymes are necessary to unwind secondary structures in the 5′ untranslated region of mRNAs, their exact role has not been convincingly shown. We discuss here our present knowledge of the function of eIF4A and Ded1p, two DEAD‐box proteins required for translation in eukaryotic cells.
In vitro Regulation of β1 and β3 Integrin Subunits in Endometrial Epithelial Cells From Normal Endometrium
Authors: Pierro Emilia , Minici Francesca , Alesiani Ornella , Monica Loredana D. , Anna Maria M , Muncuso Salvatore , Lanzone Antonio 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVE:  To evaluate the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) on integrin expression.DESIGN:  Cultures of endometrial epithelial cells from normal endometrium.SETTING:  All endometrial specimens were obtained from the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Catholic University, Rome, Italy.PATIENTS:  Four patients with normal menstrual cycles undergoing operative laparoscopy for non‐endometrial problems.INTERVENTION:  Endometrial samples were collected by uterine courettings.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:  Immunocytochemistry for β1 and β3 integrin subunits.RESULTS:  PGE2 clearly enhances both β1 and β3 integrin subunit expression. IL‐1β seem to slightly increase only β3 subunit expression.CONCLUSIONS:  In light of the critical role played by eicosanoids in endometrial differentiation, we suggest that PGE2 is also involved in local paracrine regulation of integrin expression.
Serotonin upregulates the activity of phagocytosis through 5‐HT1A receptors
Authors: Freire‐Garabal M , Núñez M J , Balboa J , López‐Delgado P , Gallego R , García‐Caballero T , Fernández‐Roel M D , Brenlla J , Rey‐Méndez M 
Published: May 2003

In this study, we investigated whether serotonin could regulate the in vitro activity of phagocytosis through 5‐hydroxytryptamine or serotonin (5‐HT1A) receptors.
Mouse peritoneal macrophages were cultured with serotonin and the activity of phagocytosis was assessed by the uptake of zymosan and latex particles added to the culture media. Specific binding of [3H]8‐OH‐DPAT and immunohistochemistry using an affinity‐purified anti‐5‐HT1A‐receptor antibody were assayed in the macrophages. In addition, we took advantage of the availability of pharmacological inhibitors of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) to explore its role in the regulation of the 5‐HT1A receptor.
Serotonin increased the in vitro activity of phagocytosis in a dose‐dependent manner. The 5‐HT1A receptor agonist (±)‐8‐hydroxy‐2‐(di‐n‐propyl‐amino)‐tetralin (R(+)‐8‐OH‐DPAT) reproduced these effects. Serotonin‐ or R(+)‐8‐OH‐DPAT‐induced increases in phagocytosis were blocked by the 5‐HT1A receptor antagonist WAY100635 and the NF‐κB inhibitor pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate. Moreover, mouse peritoneal macrophages expressed specific binding sites for [3H]8‐OH‐DPAT when cultivated in the presence of zymosan or latex beads. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of the 5‐HT1A receptor protein in the macrophages.
These results show that serotonin can upregulate the activity of peritoneal macrophages through 5‐HT1A receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 457–463. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705188
P2Y receptor regulation of cultured rat cerebral cortical cells: calcium responses and mRNA expression in neurons and glia
Authors: Bennett Gillian C , Ford Anthony P D W , Smith Jacqueline A M , Emmett Caroline J , Webb Tania E , Boarder Michael R 
Published: May 2003

We have investigated increases in cytosolic Ca2+ in response to nucleotides in mixed rat cerebrocortical cultures (neurons and glia in similar numbers) and in essentially neuron‐free glial cultures.
In both cultures, the agonist‐response profile was 2‐methylthioADP(2MeSADP)>2‐methylthioATP(2MeSATP)>ADP>ATP>adenosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate), consistent with a P2Y1 receptor. The maximal responses to 2MeSADP, 2MeSATP and ADP were identical, but that to ATP was higher.
Suramin, pyridoxal‐phosphate‐6‐azophenyl‐2′,4′‐disulphonic acid, reactive blue 2 (RB2), and adenosine biphosphate (A3P5P) were antagonists with apparent pA2 values of 5.5 for suramin, 6.4 for RB2, and 4.7 for A3P5P.
Single cell imaging divided the cells from the mixed neuronal–glial cultures into two populations: responsive (neurons) and unresponsive (glial cells) to high [K+]. The response of cells to nucleotides was almost exclusively limited to those not responsive to high K+.
In the presence of extracellular Mn2+, the response of the mixed cultures to 30 mM K+ and 20 μM Bay K 8644 was attenuated. However, when 2MeSADP was added there was no reduction in response in cultures previously loaded with Mn2+. This further indicated that the 2MeSADP response was not in the neurons.
Reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction studies detected transcripts for P2Y1, P2Y4 and P2Y6 in RNA preparations from embryonic rat cortex, and from both mixed and glial cultures. P2Y2 transcripts were not detected in the embryonic cortex.
Based on this and previous work, it is proposed that the principal P2Y influences in the brain are on cytosolic Ca2+ in glial cells and presynaptic sites on neurons.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 279–288. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705242
Roles for CCK1 and 5‐HT3 receptors in the effects of CCK on presympathetic vasomotor neuronal discharge in the rat
Authors: Saita Mitsuhiko , Verberne Anthony J M 
Published: May 2003

The role of peripheral 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT3) receptors and cholecystokinin type 1 (CCK1) receptors in the inhibitory effects of phenylbiguanide (PBG) and CCK on arterial blood pressure, heart rate and the discharge of presympathetic vasomotor neurones of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) was studied in α‐chloralose‐anaesthetized rats.
CCK (1 and 4 μg kg−1, i.v.) and PBG (2 and 10 μg kg−1, i.v.) reduced arterial blood pressure and heart rate, and inhibited the discharge of single RVLM presympathetic vasomotor neurones in a dose‐related manner.
Devazepide (0.5 mg kg−1, i.v.), a selective CCK1 receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of CCK on arterial blood pressure, heart rate and neuronal discharge but did not significantly alter these responses to PBG. MDL72222 (0.1 mg kg−1, i.v.), a selective 5‐HT3 receptor antagonist, blocked the effects of PBG on arterial blood pressure, heart rate and presympathetic neuronal discharge. MDL72222 attenuated the effects of CCK on arterial blood pressure, heart rate and RVLM presympathetic neuronal discharge. Vehicle did not significantly alter any of the responses to CCK or PBG.
These experiments suggest that systemically administered CCK acts directly through CCK1 receptors to modulate sympathetic vasomotor function. In addition, the actions of CCK also are partly dependent on activation of 5‐HT3 receptors. CCK may release 5‐HT which then acts at 5‐HT3 receptors to produce sympathetic vasomotor inhibition. In contrast, the actions of PBG are entirely dependent on 5‐HT3 receptors and are independent of any actions at the CCK1 receptor.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 415–423. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705245
Involvement of H2O2 in superoxide‐dismutase‐induced enhancement of endothelium‐dependent relaxation in rabbit mesenteric resistance artery
Authors: Itoh Takeo , Kajikuri Junko , Hattori Tomonori , Kusama Nobuyoshi , Yamamoto Tamao 
Published: May 2003

The mechanism underlying the enhancement by superoxide dismutase (SOD) of endothelium‐dependent relaxation was investigated in rabbit mesenteric resistance arteries.
SOD (200 U ml−1) increased the production of H2O2 in smooth muscle cells (as indicated by the use of an H2O2‐sensitive fluorescent dye).
Neither SOD nor catalase (400 U ml−1) modified either the resting membrane potential or the hyperpolarization induced by acetylcholine (ACh, 1 μM) in smooth muscle cells.
In arteries constricted with noradrenaline, the endothelium‐dependent relaxation induced by ACh (0.01–1 μM) was enhanced by SOD (200 U ml−1) (P<0.01). This action of SOD was inhibited by L‐NG‐nitroarginine (nitric oxide (NO)‐synthase inhibitor) but not by either charybdotoxin+apamin (Ca2+‐activated‐K+‐channel blockers) or diclofenac (cyclooxygenase inhibitor).
Neither ascorbate (50 μM) nor tiron (0.3 mM), superoxide scavengers, had any effect on the ACh‐induced relaxation, but each attenuated the enhancing effect of SOD on the ACh‐induced relaxation. Similarly, catalase (400 U ml−1) inhibited the effect of SOD without changing the ACh‐induced relaxation.
In endothelium‐denuded strips constricted with noradrenaline, SOD enhanced the relaxation induced by the NO donor 1‐hydroxy‐2‐oxo‐3‐(N‐methyl‐3‐aminopropyl)‐3‐methyl‐1‐triazene (NOC‐7) (P<0.05). Ascorbate and catalase each attenuated this effect of SOD.
H2O2 (1 μM) enhanced the relaxation on the noradrenaline contraction induced by NOC‐7 and that induced by 8‐bromo‐cGMP, a membrane‐permeable analogue of guanosine 3′,5′ cyclic monophosphate (cGMP).
SOD had no effect on cGMP production, whether measured in endothelium‐intact strips following an application of ACh (0.1 μM) or in endothelium‐denuded strips following an application of NOC‐7 (0.1 μM).
It is suggested that in rabbit mesenteric resistance arteries, SOD increases the ACh‐induced, endothelium‐dependent relaxation by enhancing the action of NO in the smooth muscle via its H2O2‐producing action (rather than via a superoxide‐scavenging action).

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 444–456. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705255
Angiopoietin‐1 inhibits endothelial permeability, neutrophil adherence and IL‐8 production
Authors: Pizurki Lara , Zhou Zongmin , Glynos Konstantinos , Roussos Charis , Papapetropoulos Andreas 
Published: May 2003

Angiopoietin‐1 (Ang1) is an angiogenic growth factor that binds to the Tie2 receptor on vascular endothelium, promoting blood vessel maturation and integrity. In the present study, we have investigated whether Ang1 also possesses anti‐inflammatory properties by determining its effects on endothelial barrier function, neutrophil (PMN) adherence to endothelial cells (EC) and production of the PMN chemotactic factor interleukin‐8 (IL‐8).
Pretreatment of endothelial monolayers with Ang1 attenuated the permeability increase induced by thrombin in both lung microvascular cells and a human endothelial cell line. Similarly, Ang1 prevented the permeability‐inducing effects of platelet‐activating factor, bradykinin and histamine.
Pretreatment of EC with Ang1 also reduced the adherence of PMN to EC stimulated by thrombin. In contrast to its ability to counteract the increase in monolayer permeability brought about by various inflammatory agents, Ang1 did not affect the ability of histamine, PAF, or tumor necrosis factor‐α to stimulate PMN adherence to EC.
In addition to its ability to inhibit PMN adherence, Ang1 diminished IL‐8 production from EC challenged with thrombin in a concentration‐dependent manner.
When EC were preincubated with the specific Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y‐27632, we observed a reduction in PMN adherence in response to thrombin, as well as a decrease in thrombin‐stimulated IL‐8 production. Coincubation of monolayers with Y‐27632 and Ang1 did not further attenuate the above‐mentioned responses. However, Ang‐1 failed to inhibit the activation of RhoA in response to thrombin, suggesting that inhibition of EC adhesiveness for PMN and IL‐8 production by Ang1 does not result from reduced ROCK activation.
We conclude that Ang1 can counteract several aspects of the inflammatory response, including endothelial permeability, PMN adherence to EC as well as inhibition of IL‐8 production by EC.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 329–336. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705259
Castration decreases amylase release associated with muscarinic acetylcholine receptor downregulation in rat parotid gland
Authors: Busch Lucila , Borda Enri 
Published: May 2003

The mechanism and receptor subtypes involved in carbachol‐stimulated amylase release and its changes after castration were studied in parotid slices from male rats.
Carbachol induced both amylase release and inositol phosphate (IP) accumulation in parotid slices from control and castrated rats, but castration induced a decrease of carbachol maximal effect. The effect of castration was reverted by testosterone replacement.
The selective M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor antagonists, pirenzepine and 4‐diphenylacetoxy‐N‐methylpiperidine methiodide, respectively, inhibited carbachol‐stimulated amylase release and IP accumulation in a dose‐dependent manner in parotid slices from control and castrated rats.
A diminution of binding sites of muscarinic receptor in parotid membrane from castrated rats was observed. Competition binding assays showed that both, M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes are expressed in membranes of parotid glands from control and castrated rats, M3 being the greater population.
These results suggest that amylase release induced by carbachol in parotid slices is mediated by phosphoinositide accumulation. This mechanism appears to be triggered by the activation of M1 and M3 muscarinic receptor subtypes. Castration induced a decrease of the maximal effect of carbachol evoked amylase release and IP accumulation followed by a diminution in the number of parotid gland muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.

British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 139, 399–407. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0705260
Cost‐effectiveness and patient satisfaction with pregnancy day care for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
Authors: Dunlop Lisa , Umstad Mark , McGrath Gabrielle , Reidy Karen , Brennecke Shaun 
Published: May 2003

AbstractObjective: To quantify the cost‐effectiveness of, and evaluate patient satisfaction with, day care for management of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.Design: Retrospective descriptive study.Setting: Pregnancy Day Care Centre, Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne.Sample: A total of 1200 consecutive women attending with a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.Methods: Sociodemographic details and perinatal outcome were entered in a purpose designed computer program. A satisfaction questionnaire was administered to 130 women. Clinical costing data were calculated by casemix analysts to compare traditional inpatient and day care models of care.Results: An admission to the Pregnancy Day Care Centre cost an average of $684.85 less than a traditional inpatient admission. Women had an overwhelming preference for day care.Conclusion: Pregnancy day care is a cost‐effective method of providing care for women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Women prefer day care to inpatient care.
Down syndrome screening: What do health professionals know?
Authors: Tyzack Katrina , Wallace Euan M. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Objective: To assess the level of knowledge about Down syndrome screening among a sample of health professionals providing antenatal care.Design: A structured questionnaire‐based survey.Setting: Health professionals allied to a tertiary level maternity hospital in metropolitan Melbourne.Methods: A self‐administered questionnaire was given or posted to 166 health care providers to assess their knowledge of prenatal Down syndrome screening.Results: A total of 140 completed surveys were returned (83% response rate), including 70 from general practitioners, 34 from midwives, 33 from obstetricians and three from geneticists. Of these, 130 confirmed that they regularly counsel women about prenatal screening for Down syndrome. Sixteen per cent of those indicated that they only offered testing to selected ‘high risk’ women rather than all women. Overall, there was a high level of awareness regarding the gestations at which the commonly used screening tests are offered but a poor appreciation of the relative performances of those tests. Seventy‐eight (60%) of those counselling indicated that they discussed detection and screen positive rates specific for the age of the woman. However, less than 10% were able to provide those rates.Conclusion: Knowledge of Down syndrome screening was variable among those who regularly counsel women about these tests. The results of the present survey highlight the need for professional education about prenatal screening.
Survey of current prenatal screening for Down syndrome in Australian hospitals providing maternity care
Authors: Lawrence Kathryn , Crowther Caroline A. 
Published: May 2003

AbstractBackground: The present study assessed the screening tests for Down syndrome available to women within Australian hospitals.Methods: Postal questionnaires.Results: A total of 282 (57%) hospitals responded with over two‐thirds offering some form of screening test which varied by geographical region and level of institution. First trimester maternal serum screening was offered by 11% of hospitals. Nuchal translucency screening was offered by 52% of hospitals with higher use in Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales than in the other regions. Second trimester maternal serum screening was offered by 75% of hospitals with higher rates in Australian Capital Territory, South Australia and the lowest rate in Queensland.Conclusions: A high proportion of women are offered screening but with wide variation in the tests used.
An Integrated Approach to Veteran and Military Mental Health: An Overview of the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health
Authors: Creammer Mark , Singh Bruce 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To provide an overview of the development of mental health services for veterans and currently serving military personnel in Australia, with reference to the role of the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health (ACPMH). Conclusions: Recent years have seen significant changes in attitudes to the mental health sequelae of military service. The ACPMH, working in collaboration with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), as well as with clinicians, researchers, and consumers around Australia, acts as a focus for an integrated approach to veteran and military mental health. The active involvement of both the ADF and DVA in the challenge of mental health provides new opportunities to address psychiatric morbidity at every stage, from recruitment, through deployments and discharge, to veteran status. The ACPMH is in a unique position to facilitate an integrated approach to prevention, intervention, policy development, training, research, and evaluation in order to ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of world's best practice in veteran and military psychiatry. The Centre is also uniquely placed to offer those same services in the field of traumatic stress to the broader community.
Patient with XY Karyotype and Female Phenotype: Description and Psychological Implications
Authors: Kraya Niazi 
Published: May 2003

Objective: To describe a case of XY karyotype and female phenotype. Conclusions: This is a rare syndrome. Some differences between this syndrome, transexualim and hermaproditism are explained, and the clinical, including psychological implications, are then discussed. The need for psychological assessment and intervention for the child and the family is highlighted as well as some cultural issues pertinent to the present case.