bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PAMAMOS: The first commercial silicon‐containing dendrimers and their applications
Authors: Dvornic Petar R.
Published: March 2006

The world of dendrimers presently encompasses several thousands of publications, including scientific papers and patents, several hundreds of different compositions, but only a few commercially available families of products (i.e. polyamidoamines (PAMAMs), until recently polypropyleneimines, and phosphorus‐containing dendrimers) This is the story of PAMAMOS, which recently became the first commercially available silicon‐containing dendrimers, and how we journeyed from our initial idea to the point of their commercialization. It focuses on three unique features of these new dendrimers: their ability to form precisely defined nano‐structured, honeycomb‐like, 2D or 3D networks; the amazing usefulness of these networks for the preparation of a variety of nanocomplexes and nancomposites; and some of the new vistas that these materials open up for engineering nanotechnology applications. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2755–2773, 2006
Design of PEO‐based ruthenium carbene for aqueous metathesis polymerization. Synthesis by the “macromonomer method” and application in the miniemulsion metathesis polymerization of norbornene
Authors: Quémener Damien , Héroguez Valérie , Gnanou Yves
Published: March 2006

Novel water‐soluble ruthenium carbene complexes with finely tuned structure and properties in solution are reported. These ruthenium‐based initiators were found to exhibit great catalytic activity in aqueous miniemulsion ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of norbornene. Stable particles of polynorbornene could be generated in the 200–250 nm size range stabilized with a nonionic surfactant (polystyrene‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2784–2793, 2006
Self‐assembly of star‐shaped polystyrene‐block‐polypeptide copolymers synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and ring‐opening living polymerization of α‐amino acid‐N‐carboxyanhydrides
Authors: Abraham Sinoj , Ha Chang‐Sik , Kim Il
Published: March 2006

The self‐assembling nature and phase‐transition behavior of a novel class of triarm, star‐shaped polymer–peptide block copolymers synthesized by the combination of atom transfer radical polymerization and living ring‐opening polymerization of α‐amino acid‐N‐carboxyanhydride are demonstrated. The two‐step synthesis strategy adopted here allows incorporating polypeptides into the usual synthetic polymers via an amido–amidate nickelacycle intermediate, which is used as the macroinitiator for the growth of poly(γ‐benzyl‐L‐glutamate). The characterization data are reported from analyses using gel permeation chromatography and infrared, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR spectroscopy. This synthetic scheme grants a facile way to prepare a wide range of polymer–peptide architectures with perfect microstructure control, preventing the formation of homopolypeptide contaminants. Studies regarding the supramolecular organization and phase‐transition behavior of this class of polymer‐block‐polypeptide copolymers have been accomplished with X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analyses. The conformational change of the peptide segment in the block copolymer has been investigated with variable‐temperature infrared spectroscopy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 2774–2783, 2006
Soft magnetic properties and microstructure of Fe65Co35 thin films with different underlayers
Authors: Fu Yu , Cheng Xiaofeng , Yang Zheng
Published: March 2006

High‐moment soft magnetic Fe65Co35 thin films with well in‐plane uniaxial anisotropy were obtained by cosputtering on Co93Fe7, Ni80Fe20, Cu and Fe underlayers. The single‐layer Fe65Co35 film with thickness of 100 nm shows a magnetic anisotropy. The coercivity along easy axis H ce and that along hard axis H ch are equal to 3.3 kA/m and 2.1 kA/m, respectively. The soft magnetic properties of Fe65Co35 films were much improved by using an underlayer. The H ce and H ch of Fe65Co35 films with Ni80Fe20, Co93Fe7 and Cu underlayers can be reduced to 0.9–1.1 kA/m and 0.08–0.20 kA/m, respectively. For films with Fe underlayer, the H ce and H ch reduced to 1.1 kA/m and 0.6 kA/m, respectively. In the case of Co93Fe7, Ni80Fe20 and Fe underlayers, the coercivity of films did not depend remarkably on the thickness t of underlayer at t > 1 nm. While in the case of Cu underlayer, the coercivity of films changed remarkably with increasing underlayer thickness. It was shown that the texture of double‐layered underlayer/Fe65Co35 films is dependent on the material and the thickness of underlayer. The influence of the underlayer on the surface morphology and micro‐magnetic structure of films were investigated by AFM and MFM. It was suggested that the modification of the structure of Fe65Co35 films by using an underlayer is an important way to improve their soft magnetic properties. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Preparation and characterization of pulse electrodeposited GaAs films
Authors: Murali K. R. , Trivedi D. C.
Published: March 2006

GaAs is a III–V compound possessing high mobility and a direct band gap of 1.43 eV, making it a very suitable candidate for photovoltaic applications. Thin GaAs films were prepared by plating an aqueous solution containing GaCl3 and As2O3 at a pH of 2 and at room temperature. The current density was kept at 50 mA cm–2 and the duty cycle was varied in the range 10–50%. The films were deposited on titanium, nickel and tin oxide coated glass substrates. Films exhibited polycrystalline nature with peaks corresponding to single‐phase GaAs. Optical absorption measurements indicated a direct band gap of 1.40 eV. Atomic force microscope measurements indicated uniform coverage with large crystallites for the films deposited at higher duty cycles. Photoelectrochemical cells were made using the films as photoelectrodes and graphite as counter electrode in 1 M polysulphide electrolyte. At 60 mW cm–2 illumination, an open‐circuit voltage of 0.5 V and a short‐circuit current density of 5.0 mA cm–2 were observed for the films deposited at a duty cycle of 50%. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Chemomodulatory effects of Azadirachta indica on the hepatic status of skin tumor bearing mice
Authors: Koul Ashwani , Ghara Abdollah Ramzani , Gangar Subhash Chander
Published: March 2006

The liver plays an important role in the modulation of the process of carcinogenesis, as it is the primary site for the biotransformation of xenobiotics including carcinogens as well as anticancer drugs. The present study was designed to evaluate the biochemical alterations occurring in the liver of 7,12‐dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) induced skin tumor bearing male Balb/c mice and their modulation by aqueous Azadirachta indica leaf extract (AAILE). It was observed that skin tumor induction caused hepatic damage characterized by a decreased hepatosomatic index and significantly increased (p < 0.001) activities of the hepatic tissue injury marker enzymes, namely alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. However, upon treatment with AAILE, the above‐mentioned alterations, including the increased activities of hepatic tissue injury marker enzymes, were significantly reversed, which signified the hepato‐protective efficacy of Azadirachta indica. Increased oxidative stress was also observed in the hepatic tissue of skin tumor bearing mice as revealed by a significant increase (p < 0.001) in lipid peroxidation levels and a decrease in reduced glutathione contents and activities of various antioxidant enzymes studied, namely glutathione‐S‐transferase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase. The AAILE treatment reduced oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation levels and enhancing the reduced glutathione contents and activities of various antioxidant enzymes. The activities of the xenobiotic biotransformation enzymes, namely cytochrome P450, cytochrome b5 and glutathione‐S‐transferase, were found to be decreased in the hepatic tissue of tumor bearing mice. Treatment with AAILE further caused a decrease in the activity of cytochrome P450 and cytochrome b5, whereas it up‐regulated the activity of glutathione‐S‐transferase. The significance of these observations with respect to the progress of the process of carcinogenesis is explained in the present research article. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A water soluble extract from Uncaria tomentosa (Cat's Claw) is a potent enhancer of DNA repair in primary organ cultures of human skin
Authors: Mammone Thomas , Åkesson Christina , Gan David , Giampapa Vincent , Pero Ronald W.
Published: March 2006

Cat's Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) water extracts, essentially free of oxindole alkaloids, have been shown to possess a broad spectrum of biological activity including DNA repair enhancement and antiinflammatory properties. These two biological mechanisms are key molecular targets to develop treatments that protect skin exposed to ultraviolet light from the sun. Because C‐Med‐100, a Cat's Claw water extract, is the only documented natural source of components that can up‐regulate simultaneously both DNA repair and antiinflammation, its ability to modulate DNA repair in human skin organ cultures was undertaken. For this purpose skin cultures were treated with or without 5 mg/mL C‐Med‐100, irradiated with 0–100 mJ/cm2 UVB, and microscopically analysed for necrosis as well as the level of pyrimidine dimers using immunofluorescent TT‐dimer antibody staining. The data clearly demonstrated that co‐incubation with C‐Med‐100 reduced skin cell death from UV exposure, and this protection was accounted for by a concomitant increase in DNA repair. Based on these results, it was concluded that C‐Med‐100 was a natural plant extract worthy of further consideration as a sunscreen product. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of combining extracts (from propolis or Zingiber officinale) with clarithromycin on Helicobacter pylori
Authors: Nostro A. , Cellini L. , Bartolomeo S. Di , Cannatelli M.A. , Campli E. Di , Procopio F. , Grande R. , Marzio L. , Alonzo V.
Published: March 2006

Propolis and Zingiber officinale have been shown to be specifically targeted against Helicobacter pylori strains, to possess antiinflammatory, antioxidant and antitumoral activity and to be used in traditional medicine for the treatment of gastrointestinal ailments. Considering that these natural products could potentially serve as novel therapeutic tools also in combination with an antibiotic, the aim of this work was to evaluate their effect when combined with clarithromycin on clinical H. pylori isolates (n = 25), characterized in respect to both clarithromycin susceptibility and the presence of the cagA gene. The results showed that the combinations of propolis extract + clarithromycin and Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin exhibited improved inhibition of H. pylori with synergistic or additive activity. Interestingly, the susceptibility to combinations was significantly independent of the microbial clarithromycin susceptibility status. Only one H. pylori strain showed antagonism towards the Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin combination. The data demonstrate that combinations of propolis extract + clarithromycin and Z. officinale extract + clarithromycin have the potential to help control H. pylori‐associated gastroduodenal disease. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Salviae miltiorrhizae radix increases dopamine release of rat and pheochromocytoma PC12 cells
Authors: Kim Cheorl‐Ho , Koo Byung‐Soo , Kim Kyeong‐Ok , Kim June‐Ki , Chang Young‐Chae , Lee In‐Seon
Published: March 2006

The Radix of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Labiatae) (SMR), an eminent herb, is often included as an ingredient in various herbal remedies recommended for vascular circulation therapies. The present study investigated the effect of SMR on dopaminergic neurotransmission. Various extracts prepared from the stems of SMR were tested for cytotoxic activity on pheochromocytoma PC12 cells using the XTT assay method. The ethanol extract (IC50 > 100 µg/mL), water extract (IC50 > 100 µg/mL) and chloroform (IC50 = 90 µg/mL) fraction exhibited weak cytotoxic activity. However, the butanol (IC50 = 80 µg/mL) and ethyl acetate (EtOAc; IC50 = 70 µg/mL) fractions exhibited strong cytotoxic activity. Also, the extracts and fractions were investigated for dopamine release effects. The EtOAc fraction showed a stronger stimulatory effect on dopamine release activity than the other fractions. The effect of the crude EtOAc fraction (50 µg/mL) of SMR on K+ (20 mm)‐stimulated dopamine (DA) release from rat striatal slices was compared with amphetamine (10−4 m) using high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection to measure endogenous DA. The EtOAc fraction significantly increased K+‐stimulated DA release (p < 0.001) from rat striatal slices when compared with K+‐stimulated alone. The EtOAc fraction potentiated the effect of amphetamine on K+‐stimulated DA release (p < 0.001) when compared with amphetamine alone. To examine whether in vitro the EtOAc fraction treatment induces DA release in PC12 cells, the role of protein kinases was investigated in the induction of the EtOAc fraction‐mediated events by using inhibitors of protein kinase C (PKC), mitogen activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) or protein kinase A (PKA). The PKC inhibitors chelerythrine (50 nm and 100 nm) and Ro31‐8220 (100 nm) and the MAP kinase kinase inhibitor, PD98059 (20 µm), inhibited the ability of the EtOAc fraction of SMR to elicit the EtOAc fraction‐stimulated DA release. The PKC activator, 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol 13‐acetate (TPA, 100 nm) mimicked the ability of the EtOAc fraction of SMR to elicit DA release. In contrast, a selective PKA inhibitor, 50 µm Rp‐8‐Br‐cAMP, blocked the development of EtOAc fraction‐stimulated DA release. It was demonstrated that the EtOAc fraction of SMR stimulated DA release. Therefore the mechanism by which the EtOAc fraction of SMR induced the enhancement in EtOAc fraction‐stimulated DA release is apparent. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant flavonol glycosides from Schinus molle
Authors: Marzouk Mohamed S. , Moharram Fatma A. , Haggag Eman G. , Ibrahim Magda T. , Badary Osama A.
Published: March 2006

Chromatographic separation of aqueous MeOH extract of the leaves of Schinus molle L. has yielded two new acylated quercetin glycosides, named isoquercitrin 6″‐O‐p‐hydroxybenzoate (12) and 2″‐O‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐hyperin 6″‐O‐gallate (13), together with 12 known polyphenolic metabolites for the first time from this species, namely gallic acid (1), methyl gallate (2), chlorogenic acid (3), 2″‐α‐l‐rhamnopyranosyl‐hyperin (4), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d‐neohesperidoside (5), miquelianin (6), quercetin 3‐O‐β‐d‐galacturonopyranoside (7), isoquercitrin (8), hyperin (9), isoquercitrin 6″‐gallate (10), hyperin 6″‐O‐gallate (11) and (+)‐catechin (14). Their structures were established on the basis of chromatographic properties, chemical, spectroscopic (UV, 1H, 13C NMR) and ESI‐MS (positive and negative modes) analyses. Compounds 4–9 and 11 exhibited moderate to strong radical scavenging properties on lipid peroxidation, hydroxyl radical and superoxide anion generations with the highest activities shown by 6 and 7 in comparison with that of quercetin as a positive control in vitro. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidants from Rabdosia japonica
Authors: Masuoka Noriyoshi , Isobe Takahiko , Kubo Isao
Published: March 2006

The antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds: pedalitin, quercetin, rutin, isoquercitrin, and rosmarinic acid, isolated from the dried leaves of Rabdosia japonica Hara (Labiatae) were elucidated. All the phenolics tested exhibited superoxide scavenging activity and an inhibitory effect on xanthine oxidase (EC 1.1.3.22), and pedalitin showed the most potent antioxidant activity. Pedalitin prevents the generation of superoxide radicals in part by inhibiting xanthine oxidase competitively. Both pedalitin and quercetin inhibited uric acid formation by xanthine oxidase, and the inhibition kinetics analysed by Lineweaver‐Burk plots found both flavonoids to be competitive inhibitors. On the other hand, isoquercitrin, rutin and rosmarinic acid were effective in scavenging superoxide radicals generated by the xanthine–xanthine oxidase system without inhibiting the enzyme. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of Korean herbal remedy against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Kim Myung‐Sunny , Kwon Dae Young , Cho Hye‐Jin , Lee Myeong Soo
Published: March 2006

Ondamtanggagambang (ODG) has been used as a prescription for psychological anxiety and depression in Korean medicine. In this study, we found that ODG have protective effects against oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Pretreatment with ODG extract prevented H2O2 and ZnCl2‐induced cell damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes, whereas simultaneous treatment of ODG extract did not. The protective effect of ODG extract on oxidative stress‐induced damage was suppressed significantly by heme oxygenase (HO) inhibitors, zinc protoporphyrin‐IX (ZnPP‐IX, p < 0.01) and tin protoporphyrin‐IX (SnPP‐IX, p < 0.01) in H9c2 cells. ODG stimulation of cells strongly induced the expression of HO‐1 protein. Taken together, it is suggested that ODG‐induced expression of HO‐1 may have a beneficial role in cardiomyocytes under oxidative stress. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the antioxidant activity of wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum L.) as a function of growth under different conditions
Authors: Kulkarni Sunil D. , Tilak Jai. C. , Acharya R. , Rajurkar Nilima S. , Devasagayam T. P. A. , Reddy A. V. R.
Published: March 2006

The antioxidant activity of wheatgrass, which is consumed as a dietary supplement, was estimated at different levels. The methods employed include FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power), ABTS (2,2′‐azobis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) and DPPH (1,1′‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) assays. Aqueous and ethanol extracts of wheatgrass grown under different conditions over a period of 6, 7, 8, 10 and 15 days were used. Lipid peroxidation and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) were determined and utilized to check the potency of a few selected extracts. Different conditions used for growth were (1) tap water, (2) tap water with nutrients, (3) soil and tap water, and (4) soil with nutrients. For comparison, a commercially available wheatgrass tablet was analysed. To explain the reasons behind the observed differences, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extracts were measured. These contents increased with growth under all the conditions. The ethanol extracts were found to have a higher phenolic and flavonoid content than the aqueous extracts. The highest FRAP values occurred on day 15 of growth under condition 4, the values being 0.463 and 0.573 mmol of ascorbic acid and Trolox equivalents/100 g fresh wheatgrass for aqueous and ethanol extracts, respectively. In the aqueous extracts no specific trend was observed with the DPPH assay for the different conditions nor for the growth period. In the case of ethanol extracts, however, it increased with the growth period and the wheatgrass grown in condition 4 was found to be the most effective. These extracts were also found to inhibit significantly ascorbate‐Fe2+ induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver mitochondria. The ORAC values of aqueous and ethanol extracts of day 10 with condition 4 were found to be 39.9 and 48.2, respectively, being higher than those reported for many natural extracts or vegetables. opyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applications of iron nanoparticles for groundwater remediation
Authors: Zhang Wei‐xian , Elliott Daniel W.
Published: March 2006

Iron nanoparticles are increasingly being applied in site remediation and hazardous waste treatment. Nearly a decade after it was first proposed in 1996, the iron nanoparticle technology is at a critical stage of its developmental process. Significant research innovations have been made in terms of synthetic methods, surface property modification, and enhancement for field delivery and reactions. Extensive laboratory studies have demonstrated that nanoscale iron particles are effective for the treatment of a wide array of common groundwater contaminants such as chlorinated organic solvents, organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organic dyes, and various inorganic compounds. Several field tests have also demonstrated the promising prospective for in situ remediation. Nonetheless, there are still considerable knowledge gaps on many fundamental scientific issues (e.g., fate, transport, and environmental impact) and economic hurdles, which could determine the acceptance of the technology within the academic community as well as by regulators and the private sector. An overview of the iron nanoparticle technology is provided in this article, beginning with a description of the process fundamentals. This is followed by a discussion of the synthetic schemes for the nanoparticle types developed at Lehigh University. Next, a summary of the major research findings is provided, highlighting the key characteristics and remediation‐related advantages of the iron nanoparticle technology versus the granular/microscale iron technology. A discussion of challenges related to its future directions and environmental impact is presented. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nanotechnology and groundwater remediation: A step forward in technology understanding
Authors: Macé Christian , Desrocher Steve , Gheorghiu Florin , Kane Allen , Pupeza Michael , Cernik Miroslav , Kvapil Petr , Venkatakrishnan Ramesh , Zhang Wei‐xian
Published: March 2006

Nanotechnology application to contaminated site remediation, and especially the use of nanoscale zero‐valent iron particles to treat volatile organic compound (VOC)‐impacted groundwater, is now recognized as a promising solution for cost‐effective in situ treatment. Results obtained during numerous pilot tests undertaken by Golder Associates between 2003 and 2005 in North America (United States and Canada) and Europe have been used to present a synthetic cross‐comparison of technology dynamics. The importance of a comprehensive understanding of the site‐specific geological, hydrogeological, and geochemical conditions, the selection of appropriate nanoscale particles, the importance of monitoring geochemical parameters during technology application, and the potential of nanoparticle impact on microbial activity are discussed in this article. The variable technology dynamics obtained during six pilot tests (selected among numerous other tests) are then presented and discussed. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Field and laboratory evaluation of the treatment of DNAPL source zones using emulsified zero‐valent iron
Authors: Hara Suzanne O' , Krug Thomas , Quinn Jacqueline , Clausen Christian , Geiger Cherie
Published: March 2006

Emulsified zero‐valent iron (EZVI) is a surfactant‐stabilized, biodegradable emulsion that forms droplets consisting of a liquid‐oil membrane surrounding zero‐valent iron (ZVI) particles in water. This article summarizes the results obtained during the first field‐scale deployment of EZVI at NASA's Launch Complex 34 (LC34) located on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida, in August 2002 and presents the results of recent follow‐on laboratory tests evaluating the mechanisms, which contribute to the performance of the technology. The field‐scale demonstration evaluated the performance of EZVI containing nanoscale zero‐valent iron (NZVI) when applied to dense, nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) trichloroethylene (TCE) in the saturated zone. Results of the field demonstration indicate substantial reductions in TCE soil concentrations (greater than 80 percent) at all but two soil boring locations and significant reductions in TCE groundwater concentrations (e.g., 60 percent to 100 percent) at all depths targeted with EZVI. Laboratory tests conducted in 2005 suggest that both NZVI particles and EZVI containing NZVI can provide significant reductions in TCE mass when used to treat TCE DNAPL in small test reactors. However, EZVI was able to reduce TCE concentrations to lower levels than were obtained with NZVI alone, likely as a result of the combined impact of sequestration of the TCE into the oil phase and degradation of the TCE with the NZVI. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Growth performance and proximate profile of Telfairia occidentalis Hook F. (cucurbitaceae) grown in crude oil‒contaminated soil
Authors: Wegwu Matthew Owhondah , Onyeike Eugene N.
Published: March 2006

In this study, the growth performance and nutritional quality of Telfairia occidentalis planted in soil polluted with varied levels of water‐soluble fraction (WSF) of crude oil (Bonny light) were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of organic nutrients (poultry manure and sawdust) in the phytore mediation of WSF‐contaminated soil. The results showed that WSF application delayed germination of vegetables. However, treatment of soils with organic nutrients enhanced the germination rate of vegetables, promoted greenish coloration of leafs and increased the levels of energy‐yielding macronutrients (carbohydrate, lipid, and protein). Also, soils supplemented with poultry manure gave the highest caloric values for all the percentages of WSF studied, followed by sawdust. Our findings suggest that the adverse effects of WSF on soil could be remediated through organic nutrient supplementation. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An application of a phytoremediation technology in Bulgaria—The Kremikovtzi Steel Works experiment
Authors: Simeonova Biana G. , Simeonov Lubomir I.
Published: March 2006

The first in‐field phytoremediation trial in Bulgaria was initiated in the summer of 1998 at two highly polluted heavy‐metal sites within the industrial region of Kremikovtzi Steel Works, near the capital town of Sofia. The experiment targeted phytoextraction of lead, according to the selection of Brassica juncea seed material and technology, generously provided by Phytotech, Inc. The metal concentrations in soil samples were measured before planting and after harvest. Leaf and stem plant samples were investigated by laser mass spectrometry in search of metal accumulation depots. The results of the one‐planting experiment show a very uneven decrease between 0 and 25.9 percent of the initial lead concentration at various sample locations. The trial, which was initially planned for three consecutive years, was unfortunately terminated in the second year because the Steel Works entered a privatization procedure. Nevertheless, the experimental data obtained confirmed the general applicability of phytoremediation to treat soil polluted with heavy metals. The experiment was further successful, because it confirmed the proposal to clean the three‐kilometer ecological zone around the Steel Works with two plantings per year in two years to levels below the maximum permissible level for lead of 25 to 80 g/t for pH 4, according to the Bulgarian Environmental Standards. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An evaluation of bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis for the joint synthesis of two correlated outcomes
Authors: Riley R. D. , Abrams K. R. , Lambert P. C. , Sutton A. J. , Thompson J. R.
Published: March 2006

Often multiple outcomes are of interest in each study identified by a systematic review, and in this situation a separate univariate meta‐analysis is usually applied to synthesize the evidence for each outcome independently; an alternative approach is a single multivariate meta‐analysis model that utilizes any correlation between outcomes and obtains all the pooled estimates jointly. Surprisingly, multivariate meta‐analysis is rarely considered in practice, so in this paper we illustrate the benefits and limitations of the approach to provide helpful insight for practitioners.

We compare a bivariate random‐effects meta‐analysis (BRMA) to two independent univariate random‐effects meta‐analyses (URMA), and show how and why a BRMA is able to ‘borrow strength’ across outcomes. Then, on application to two examples in healthcare, we show: (i) given complete data for both outcomes in each study, BRMA is likely to produce individual pooled estimates with very similar standard errors to those from URMA; (ii) given some studies where one of the outcomes is missing at random, the ‘borrowing of strength’ is likely to allow BRMA to produce individual pooled estimates with noticeably smaller standard errors than those from URMA; (iii) for either complete data or missing data, BRMA will produce a more appropriate standard error of the pooled difference between outcomes as it incorporates their correlation, which is not possible using URMA; and (iv) despite its advantages, BRMA may often not be possible due to the difficulty in obtaining the within‐study correlations required to fit the model. Bivariate meta‐regression and further research priorities are also discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age, period and cohort effects in Bayesian smoothing of spatial cancer survival with geoadditive models
Authors: Sauleau Erik A. , Hennerfeind Andrea , Buemi Antoine , Held Leonhard
Published: March 2006

Based on the example of data on breast cancer survival in a specific area in France, this paper describes a Bayesian approach to analysing individual continuous‐time spatially referenced survival data. Starting from the well‐known Cox model we develop a geoadditive survival model with a baseline effect, spatial effects, age, period and cohort effects as well as the effect of the number of metastases at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, we also investigate temporal and spatial variations in the effect of the number of metastases. Our approach is particularly useful since we find clear hints for a violation of the proportional hazards assumption and the existence of different spatial patterns for patients with no, one and more than one metastasis. The reliability of our approach is attested by comparison with a parametric model and with several simulated data sets with known risk profiles. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A shared random effects model for censored medical costs and mortality
Authors: Liu Lei , Wolfe Robert A. , Kalbfleisch John D.
Published: March 2006

In this paper, we propose a model for medical costs recorded at regular time intervals, e.g. every month, as repeated measures in the presence of a terminating event, such as death. Prior models have related monthly medical costs to time since entry, with extra costs at the final observations at the time of death. Our joint model for monthly medical costs and survival time incorporates two important new features. First, medical cost and survival may be correlated because more ‘frail’ patients tend to accumulate medical costs faster and die earlier. A joint random effects model is proposed to account for the correlation between medical costs and survival by a shared random effect. Second, monthly medical costs usually increase during the time period prior to death because of the intensive care for dying patients. We present a method for estimating the pattern of cost prior to death, which is applicable if the pattern can be characterized as an additive effect that is limited to a fixed time interval, saybunits of time before death. This ‘turn back time’ method for censored observations censors cost databunits of time before the actual censoring time, while keeping the actual censoring time for the survival data. Time‐dependent covariates can be included. Maximum likelihood estimation and inference are carried out through a Monte Carlo EM algorithm with a Metropolis–Hastings sampler in the E‐step. An analysis of monthly outpatient EPO medical cost data for dialysis patients is presented to illustrate the proposed methods. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal tricuspid regurgitation at the 11 + 0 to 13 + 6‐week scan: association with chromosomal defects and reproducibility of the method
Authors: Falcon O. , Faiola S. , Huggon I. , Allan L. , Nicolaides K. H.
Published: March 2006

Objective

To determine the reproducibility of diagnosing tricuspid regurgitation (TR) at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation, to examine further the relationship between TR and the presence of chromosomal defects and to calculate the likelihood ratios for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 in fetuses with TR.

Methods

Pulsed wave Doppler of flow across the tricuspid valve was carried out by 12 obstetricians, trained in fetal echocardiography, to ascertain the presence or absence of TR in 1557 fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks. The assessment was carried out immediately before chorionic villus sampling for fetal karyotyping. In 128 cases, assessment of tricuspid flow was also performed by experienced fetal cardiologists to examine the reproducibility of the method.

Results

Tricuspid flow was successfully assessed in 1538 (98.8%) cases and TR was present in 58 (4.4%) of the 1323 chromosomally normal fetuses, 77 (67.5%) of the 114 cases with trisomy 21, and 14 (33.3%) of the 42 cases with trisomy 18. The kappa coefficient of agreement between obstetricians and cardiologists was 0.872 (P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that, in chromosomally normal fetuses, significant prediction of the likelihood of TR was provided by delta nuchal translucency (NT). The likelihood ratio for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 for TR, derived by dividing the likelihood (%) of TR in trisomy 21 by the likelihood (%) in normal fetuses, decreased with delta NT.

Conclusion

At 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks, TR is a common finding in fetuses with trisomies 21 and 18. Assessment of the tricuspid flow can be performed by sonographers trained in fetal echocardiography. Copyright © 2006 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship of Nondirectiveness to Genetic Counseling: Report of a Workshop at the 2003 NSGC Annual Education Conference
Authors: Weil Jon , Ormond Kelly , Peters June , Peters Kathryn , Biesecker Barbara Bowles , LeRoy Bonnie
Published: March 2006

Nondirectiveness has been a guiding principle for genetic counseling since the founding of the profession. However, its efficacy and appropriateness in this role have been frequently questioned. A workshop at the 2003 Annual Education Conference of the National Society of Genetic Counselors provided audience participation in a discussion of these issues. Participants presented arguments for and against nondirectiveness as a central ethos. They described complex personal transitions in adapting what they had learned about nondirectiveness during training to the realities of the workplace. There was support for flexible approaches to genetic counseling, with varying adherence to nondirectiveness, based on client and family needs and values, clinical circumstances, and desired counseling outcomes. The discussion supports the use of clinical experience, outcomes research, and the experience of other professions to move beyond nondirectiveness and more accurately identify the theoretical bases that underlie genetic counseling in the variety of circumstances in which it is currently practiced.
Pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care: what are the influencing factors, and what makes a difference in providing support?☆
Authors: Chase Elaine , Maxwell Claire , Knight Abigail , Aggleton Peter
Published: March 2006

Previous research has shown increased vulnerability to teenage parenthood for young people with experience of local authority care. This study explored factors contributing to early pregnancy and parenthood among young people in and leaving care; the types of support available; and the extent to which services are perceived as accessible. Semi‐structured interviews were undertaken with 63 young people. The study findings suggest that young people's experiences both prior to, and during care, influence their decisions in relation to pregnancy and impact on how they view and engage with services. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of recent changes in legislation and services throughout England.
CMV promotor activity during ES cell differentiation: Potential insight into embryonic stem cell differentiation
Authors: Bagchi Bandita , Kumar Manoj , Mani Shyamala
Published: March 2006

The activity of the PCMV IE promoter was studied during the differentiation of ES cells into neurons. In order to do this, stable embryonic stem (ES) cell lines that express enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the control of PCMV IE were created and these ES cells were differentiated by aggregation of cells in the presence of retinoic acid (RA). Based on our observations that the activity of PCMV IE was highest in undifferentiated cells, and that cell—cell interaction and addition of RA that lead to enhanced cell proliferation also increased expression from PCMV IE, we hypothesized that the activity of PCMV IE was positively regulated in cycling cells. However, when analysis was done at the single cell level it was found that BrdU label and EGFP expression were not correlated. EGFP expression was found to be down‐regulated in many cells that were BrdU positive and conversely there were significant numbers of BrdU negative cells that were EGFP positive. Further, PCMV IE activity was not observed in cells that were nestin positive or in differentiated neurons, but PCMV IE was active in cells with a fibroblast‐like morphology. Finally, several proteins present in undifferentiated ES cells were found to bind to regulatory regions of PCMV IE. These were absent when cells were aggregated in the presence of RA. The above results have implications for expression of transgenes in ES cells as well as providing new insight into the mechanism of lineage restriction.
Human autologous serum obtained using a completely closed bag system as a substitute for foetal calf serum in human mesenchymal stem cell cultures
Authors: Mizuno Noriyoshi , Shiba Hideki , Ozeki Yoshitaka , Mouri Yoshihiro , Niitani Miyuki , Inui Takafumi , Hayashi Hideaki , Suzuki Koji , Tanaka Seishin , Kawaguchi Hiroyuki , Kurihara Hidemi
Published: March 2006

The major problem in cell therapy is the possibility of viral or bacterial infection and immune reactions. Therefore, it is expected of culture cells which are intended to be re‐implanted with autologous serum rather than conventional bovine serum. Cell therapy with human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC), differentiating to various cells, is thought to be curative. To culture hMSC with human autologous serum (HAS) and re‐implant them for cell therapy, we developed a completely closed bag system separating serum, comparing proliferation and multipotency of hMSC cultured in HAS with those in foetal calf serum (FCS). HAS was simply, safely and efficiently obtained with the developed closed bag system. Cell proliferation of hMSC cultured in HAS was greater than that in FCS. hMSC, exposed to the defined induction medium containing HAS as well as FCS, differentiated into osteoblasts and adipocytes. These findings suggest that HAS obtained with the developed closed bag system is advantageous in a point of decrease in risk of virus or bacterial infection and foreign protein contamination and enhancement of proliferation of hMSC.
Myocardial dysfunction with increased ventricular compliance in volume overload hypertrophy
Authors: De Stefano Laercio Martins , Matsubara Luiz Shiguero , Matsubara Beatriz Bojikian
Published: March 2006

The aim this study was to evaluate systolic and diastolic function in volume overload induced myocardial hypertrophy in rats.

Volume overload myocardial hypertrophy was induced in thirteen male Wistar rats by creating infrarenal arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The results were compared with a SHAM operated group (n = 11). Eight weeks after surgery, tail‐cuff blood pressure was recorded, then rats were sacrificed for isolated heart studies using Langendorff's preparation.

AVF rats presented increased left and right ventricular weights, compared to controls. The increased normalized ventricular volume (V0/LVW, 0.141 ± 0.035 mL/g vs. 0.267±0.071 mL/g, P <0.001) in the AVF group indicated chamber dilation. Myocardial hydroxyproline concentration remained unchanged. There was a significant decrease in +dP/dt (3318±352 mm Hg s−1 vs. 2769±399 mm Hg s −1; P=0,002), end‐systolic pressure‐volume relation (246±56 mm Hg mL−1 vs. 114±63 mm Hg mL−1; P<0,001), and −dP/dt (1746±240 mm Hg s −1 vs. 1361±217 mm Hg s −1 P<0.001) in the AVF group, which presented increased ventricular compliance (ΔV25: SHAM=0.172±0.05 mL vs. AVF=0.321±0.072 mL, P<0.001) with preserved myocardial passive stiffness (Strain25: SHAM=13.5±3.0% vs. AVF=12.3+1.9%, P>0.05).

We conclude that volume‐overload induced hypertrophy causes myocardial systolic and diastolic dysfunction with increased ventricular compliance. These haemodynamic features help to explain the long‐term compensatory phase of chronic volume overload before transition to overt congestive heart failure.
Effect of socioeconomic deprivation on the population risk of incident heart failure hospitalisation: An analysis of the Renfrew/Paisley Study
Authors: Stewart S. , Murphy N.F. , McMurray J.J.V. , Jhund P. , Hart C.L. , Hole D.
Published: March 2006

Background

There are few data describing the effect of socioeconomic deprivation on the risk of developing heart failure (HF).

Aims

To examine the relationship between socioeconomic deprivation and hospitalisation with HF over 20 years.

Methods

Between 1972 and 1976, 15,402 individuals, aged 45–64 years, residing in two towns in Scotland, underwent cardiovascular screening. We report hospitalisations with HF over the subsequent 20 years according to Carstairs deprivation category and Social Class.

Results

Following screening, 628 men and women (4.1%) were hospitalised with a primary diagnosis of HF. There was a gradient in the risk of HF hospitalisation with increasing socioeconomic deprivation (P=0.003). Of the most deprived individuals, 6.4% were hospitalised for HF compared to 3.5% of the most affluent group. Cox‐proportional Hazard models showed that independent of age, sex and baseline risk factors for cardio‐respiratory status, greater socioeconomic deprivation increased the risk of HF admission (P=0.001, overall). The adjusted risk of admission for HF was 39% greater in the most versus least deprived subjects (RR 1.39 95% CI 1.04–2.01; P=0.04).

Conclusion

These data show a link between social deprivation and the risk of developing HF, irrespective of baseline cardio‐respiratory status and cardiovascular risk factors.
Effects of home‐based exercise training on neurovascular control in patients with heart failure
Authors: de Mello Franco Fábio Gazelato , Santos Amilton C. , Rondon Maria Urbana P. , Trombetta Ivani C. , Strunz Célia , Braga Ana Maria W. , Middlekauff Holly , Negrão Carlos E. , Barretto Antônio C. Pereira
Published: March 2006

Background

The effect of home‐based exercise training on neurovascular control in heart failure patients is unknown.

Aims

To test the hypothesis that home‐based training would maintain the reduction in muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) and forearm vascular resistance (FVR) acquired after supervised training.

Methods and results

Twenty‐nine patients (54±1.9 years, EF<40%) were randomised into two groups: untrained control (n=12) and exercise trained (n=17). Both groups underwent assessment of Quality of Life (QoL), MSNA, and forearm blood flow. The exercise group underwent a 4‐month supervised training program followed by 4 months of home‐based training. After the initial 4 months of training, patients in the exercise group showed a significant increase in peak VO2 and reduction in MSNA, compared to the untrained group, but this was not maintained during 4 months of home‐based training. In contrast, the decrease in FVR (56±3 vs. 46±4 vs. 40±2 U, p=0.008) and the improvement in QOL that were achieved during supervised training were maintained during home‐based training.

Conclusions

Home‐based training following supervised training is a safe strategy to maintain improvements in QoL and reduction in FVR in chronic heart failure patients, but is an inadequate strategy to maintain fitness as estimated by peak VO2 or reduction in neurohumoral activation.
Decreased ANT content in Zucker fatty rats: Relevance for altered hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics in steatosis
Authors: Teodoro João , Rolo Anabela P. , Oliveira Paulo J. , Palmeira Carlos M.
Published: March 2006

Mitochondria from Zucker fatty (ZF) rats (a model for fatty liver disease) showed a delay in the repolarization after a phosphorylative cycle and a decrease on state 3 respiration, suggesting alterations at the phosphorylative system level. The ATPase activity showed no differences between control and ZF rats, implying alterations in other components of the phosphorylative system. A pronounced depletion in the content of the adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) was observed by Western blotting, while no alterations were found in the mitochondrial voltage‐dependent anion channel content. These data suggest that hepatic accumulation of fat impairs mitochondrial function, reflecting the loss of oxidative phosphorylation capacity caused by a decrease in the ANT content.
Testing for international equity market integration using regime switching cointegration techniques
Authors: Davies Andrew
Published: March 2006

Using MSCI total return index data, this paper analyses the degree of international equity market integration using modern cointegration techniques. The existence of a long run equilibrium across equity markets is important since it implies a violation of weak form market efficiency. Short run deviations away from equilibrium can be expected to reverse, thereby implying a degree of market predictability. This analysis adds to the existing literature by considering a regime switching cointegration relationship that allows for multiple structural breaks over time. The analysis provides scant evidence in favour of market integration with a single regime treatment. There is, however, significant evidence to support a two‐regime Markov switching long‐run equilibrium relationship that has evolved since the 1970s.
Asymmetric adjustment in the prime lending–deposit rate spread
Authors: Thompson Mark A.
Published: March 2006

The hypothesis that bank lending rates adjust differently to rising versus declining market rates is empirically examined. This study applies threshold autoregressive and momentum threshold autoregressive models developed by Enders & Granger [Enders, W. & Granger, C. (1998). Unit root tests and asymmetric adjustment with an example using the term structure of interest rates.Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 16, 304–311] and Enders and Siklos [Enders, W. & Siklos, P. (2001). Cointegration and threshold adjustment.Journal of Business & Economic Statistics 19, 166–176] to the prime lending–deposit rate spread. Within the context of these models, this paper provides evidence of asymmetric adjustment in the spread.
Development and resistance to Verticillium dahliae of olive plantlets inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi during the nursery period
Authors: PORRAS-SORIANO A. , MARCILLA-GOLDARACENA I. , SORIANO-MARTÍN M. L. , PORRAS-PIEDRA A.
Published: March 2006

The current study, performed in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain) in 2003–04, reports the growth, nutrition, tolerance to transplanting stress, and resistance to Verticillium dahliae of olive plantlets (Olea europaea L.) inoculated with different arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (Glomus mosseae, G. intraradices and G. claroideum). Inoculated plants tolerated the stress of transplanting better than non-inoculated plants. Compared with controls, plantlets inoculated with any of these three Glomus species grew taller, had more and longer shoots, and showed higher plant N, P and K concentrations. However, colonization seemed to have no influence on resistance to V. dahliae.