bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry in Concentrated Suspensions Part One: Effects of the Monolayer Structure
Authors: Shen Jianqi , Riebel Ulrich
Published: March 2005

The theory of transmission fluctuation spectrometry (TFS) was recently developed for particle size analysis in dilute flowing particle suspensions, whereby the statistical transmission fluctuations are used to extract the particle size distribution and particle concentration.
Transmission Fluctuation Spectrometry in Concentrated Suspensions Part Two: Particle Overlapping
Authors: Riebel Ulrich , Shen Jianqi
Published: March 2005

Transmission fluctuations measured on a flowing suspension of particles with a high spatial and temporal resolution can be used to measure the particle size distribution and particle concentration. The theory of transmission fluctuation spectrometry (TFS) was recently developed, whereby the statistical behavior of the entire suspension is described on the basis of a single monolayer, in combination with a layer model describing the suspension as a series of independent monolayers. As the monolayers are assumed to be statistically independent from each other, the transmission through the 3‐dimensional suspension is modeled as the product of transmissions through the monolayers.
Simulation of Aggregation with Applications to Soot Laden Lubricating Fluids
Authors: Zeidan Michael , Jia Xiaodong , Williams Richard A. , Wedlock David J.
Published: March 2005

The requirement for heavy duty diesel engines to reduce the level of NOx emissions has resulted in higher soot loading of engine lubricants due to fuel injection retardation and exhaust gas re‐circulation. An improved understanding of the process of soot aggregation and aggregate morphology is therefore required to provide an insight into the consequences of soot‐laden lubricants. These include the effects of dispersant architecture and soot loading rate on aggregate morphology. A 2D and 3D study using a semi‐quantitative random walk based simulation model into the evolution of simulated fractal‐like colloidal aggregates has been carried out and applied to address these issues. The effects of variable soot loading rates, which are engine dependent, are reported. The role of different interaction forces which are, among other things, engine temperature and lubricant formulation dependent is explored. Differences between the simulations run under the same conditions but in different dimensions are highlighted and their implications discussed. The data indicate that a correlation can be established between inter‐particle forces (represented via a sticking probability) and both aggregate morphology (represented by fractal dimension) and aggregate dispersancy and the degree of dispersion of those aggregates (measured by the mean empty space parameter). Significantly, a strong relationship was found between soot‐loading rate and aggregate morphology, with higher loading rates leading to both a much lower fractal dimension and a higher degree of aggregate dispersion, which in turn would lead to a higher lubricant viscosity.
Variations in Grain Size Analysis with a Time‐of‐Transition Laser Sizer (Galai CIS‐50) using a Gravitational Flow System
Authors: Bohling Björn
Published: March 2005

This study deals with grain size analysis with a Laser Sizer Galai CIS‐50. This device utilizes the time‐of‐transition method and is equipped with a module for measurements in the range 0.5 to 150 μm along with a gravitational flow system. Experiments were conducted using natural marine sediments. The aim was to determine possible explanations for discrepancies in the measured results that occurred between different operators of the Galai CIS‐50. These discrepancies may be due to differences in the technique of inserting a sub‐sample into the measurement system. Furthermore, the influence of the sample concentration and the flow velocity in the device's liquid flow cell is considered, since these factors can act as potential sources of inaccuracies and errors in the experimental setup. Strong variations in the results occurred, which were mainly due to problems in the detection of particles >20 μm. In the range>20 μm gaps appeared in the registration of the size distribution. An improvement in reproducibility was achieved by using a pipette instead of a beaker for the insertion step. Nevertheless, the standard deviation for mean grain sizes of natural marine sediments obtained with the Galai CIS‐50 is still about 20%.
Categorisation of Particulate Emissions from a Fluidised Catalytic Cracking Unit
Authors: Whitcombe Josh M. , Agranovski Igor E. , Braddock Roger D.
Published: March 2005

Fluidized Catalytic Cracker Units (FCCU) are used in the oil refining industry to convert long chained hydrocarbons into shorter ones. At normal operations there is little concern regarding catalyst particle emission into the atmosphere from these devices. However, when the unit is started, higher than normal emission rates are common. FCCU stack emissions were tested and categorized in terms of metal composition and were compared with the operational conditions experienced under start up conditions. It was found that excessive emissions can be explained due to fluctuations in cyclone performance, the production of fine particles via attrition processes and the thermal fracture of particles. In addition to particle emissions, levels of emitted metals also fluctuate during the start up period, with the highest levels being experienced at the moment oil is re‐fed into the unit. The current paper summarises stack testing results as well as the operational conditions in order to identify the key causes of start up emissions and provide recommendations to reduce and manage particle emissions from refineries.
Fast scanning tunnelling microscopy as a tool to understand changes on metal surfaces: from nanostructures to single atoms
Authors: Morgenstern Karina
Published: March 2005

Morphological changes on surfaces have been followed in real time by scanning tunnelling microscopy on the time scale of seconds to days. This “on‐site on‐time” mode has been employed for the observation of decay, motion, coalescence, and shape fluctuations of islands on the low‐indexed faces of Ag, Cu, Pt, and Au. For island changes under well‐defined conditions, well‐established theories are adapted to identify atomic processes and extract quantitative information on diffusion parameters important for growth and stability of nanostructures, such as energies and prefactors. Extension of the “on‐site on‐time” approach to atoms, dimers, etc. and to dislocations is outlined. (© 2005 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Feature Article: Fast scanning tunnelling microscopy as a tool to understand changes on metal surfaces: from nanostructures to single atoms
Authors: Morgenstern Karina
Published: March 2005

The Feature Article [1] describes how structural changes in metallic nanostructures can be followed with fast scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The title page shows the same spot of a Ag(111) surface at room temperature, imaged with STM approximately one hour apart. Intrinsic changes to prepared nano‐structures are marked as Brownian motion of vacancy islands (rectangle), coalescence of two vacancy islands (hexagon), and decay of an adatom island (circle).

Karina Morgenstern is now professor at the University of Hannover. Her research is placed within the field of nanoscience and is in particular devoted to thermally activated processes of metallic nanostructures, electronically activated reactions of molecules on metallic surfaces, and water–metal interactions.

The present issue of physica status solidi (b) also contains the article ‘Apperance of copper d9 defect centres in wide‐gap CdSe nanoparticles: A high‐fequency EPR study’ by N. R. J. Poolton et al. as Editor's Choice [2] as well as several papers on electrical and nonlinear optical properties from the European Conference on Organised Films (ECOF 2004) chaired by José Antonio de Saja, Valladolid.
Analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. Hillaire (Manacá) roots
Authors: Matos L. G. , Pontes I. S. , Tresvenzol L. M. F. , Paula J. R. , Costa E. A.
Published: March 2005

Acetic acid‐induced abdominal writhing, the tail flick test and carrageenan‐induced peritonitis were used to study the analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activity of the crude ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima roots. Pentobarbital‐induced sleeping time was used to study the central depressant effect of the extract. The ethanolic extract caused a dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid‐induced abdominal writhing and leukocyte migration, and produced a significant, dose‐related increase in the duration of sleep. The results suggest that Spiranthera odoratissima roots contain compounds with anti‐inflammatory and central depressant actions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemical analysis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of two Satureja species essential oils
Authors: Skočibušić Mirjana , Bezić Nada
Published: March 2005

The phytochemical GC[sol ]MS analysis and in vitro antimicrobial activity of the essential oils of the aerial parts of Satureja montana L. and Satureja cuneifolia Ten., collected in Croatia were performed. The major compound of S. montana oil was the phenolic monoterpene carvacrol (45.7%). Other important compounds were the monoterpenic hydrocarbons p‐cymene (12.6%), γ‐terpinene (8.1%) and the oxygen‐containing compounds carvacrol methyl ether, borneol, thymol and thymol methyl ether. The volatile oil of S. cuneifolia was characterized as β‐cubebene (8.7%), limonene (8.3%), α‐pinene (6.9%), spathulenol and β‐caryophyllene. The antimicrobial effects of S. montana and S. cuneifolia oils were found to have a broad spectrum activity against multidrug‐resistant pathogens by the broth microdilution method. These oils were active against all the test strains, with the exception of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Compared with S. cuneifolia, savory oil exhibited greater antimicrobial activity. The maximum activity of savory oil was observed against Escherichia coli, methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus and against the yeast (Candida albicans). The essential oil of S. cuneifolia was also found to inhibit the growth of medically important pathogens such as S. aureus and E. coli. Fungicidal activity for both oils against C. albicans and S. cerevisiae was also observed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of Alnus japonica extracts on acetaminophen‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Kim Sang Tae , Kim Jung Do , Ahn Seung Hee , Ahn Gu Seok , Lee Young Ik , Jeong Yoong Seok
Published: March 2005

The stem bark of the Betulaceae plant Alnus japonica, which is indigenous to Korea, has been used as a popular folk medicine for hepatitis and cancer. In this study, the antioxidant activity of the crude extract and the hepatoprotective activities on acetaminophen (AAP)‐induced toxicity in the rat liver were evaluated. We investigated the effect of the methanol (AJM) and solvent fracton of the stem bark of Alnus japonica (AJ) on AAP‐induced hepatotoxicity in rats. In rat hepatocyte culture, pretreatment with AJM (50, 100, 150 and 200 µg[sol ]ml) significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of AAP in a dose‐dependent manner. The pretreated with EtOAc and BuOH fraction led to an increase in free radical scavenging activity and a decrease in inhibition of lipid peroxidation, both superoxide dismutase and catalase prevent the hepatotoxicity by AAP in the treatment of A. japonica fraction. We conclude that AJ is an important antioxidant in AAP‐induced live hepatotoxicity and that extract of AJM plays a hepatoprotective effects in the against AAP‐induced cytotoxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes in vitro. Pending more evaluation for safety and efficacy, AJ can potentially be used in mitigating AAP‐induced hepatotoxicity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supplementation with gliadin‐combined plant superoxide dismutase extract promotes antioxidant defences and protects against oxidative stress
Authors: Vouldoukis Ioannis , Conti Marc , Krauss Pascal , Kamaté Caroline , Blazquez Samantha , Tefit Maurel , Mazier Dominique , Calenda Alphonse , Dugas Bernard
Published: March 2005

The potential benefits to health of antioxidant enzymes supplied either through dietary intake or supplementation is still a matter of controversy. The development of dietary delivery systems using wheat gliadin biopolymers as a natural carrier represents a new alternative. Combination of antioxidant enzymes with this natural carrier not only delayed their degradation (i.e. the superoxide dismutase, SOD) during the gastrointestinal digestive process, but also promoted, in vivo, the cellular defences by strengthening the antioxidant status. The effects of supplementation for 28 days with a standardized melon SOD extract either combined (Glisodin®) or not with gliadin, were evaluated on various oxidative‐stress biomarkers. As already described there was no change either in superoxide dismutase, catalase or glutathione peroxidase activities in blood circulation or in the liver following non‐protected SOD supplementation. However, animals supplemented with Glisodin® showed a significant elevation in circulated antioxidant enzymes activities, correlated with an increased resistance of red blood cells to oxidative stress‐induced hemolysis. In the presence of Sin‐1, a chemical donor of peroxynitrites, mitochondria from hepatocytes regularly underwent membrane depolarization as the primary biological event of the apoptosis cascade. Hepatocytes isolated from animals supplemented with Glisodin® presented a delayed depolarization response and an enhanced resistance to oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis. It is concluded that supplementation with gliadin‐combined standardized melon SOD extract (Glisodin®) promoted the cellular antioxidant status and protected against oxidative stress‐induced cell death. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activity of Ganoderma lucidum in acute ethanol‐induced heart toxicity
Authors: Wong Kar‐Lok , Chao Hung‐Hsing , Chan Paul , Chang Li‐Ping , Liu Chi‐Feng
Published: March 2005

The hot water extract of the mushroom Ganoderma lucidum was shown to have antioxidative effect against heart toxicity. Investigations into the mechanisms of action, level of lipid peroxidation level in vivo, and superoxide scavenging activity were also conducted. The mice were divided into six groups with ten animals in each group. Ganoderma lucidum, at doses of 10, 25 and 50 mg[sol ]kg (p.o.) was administered. Superoxide anions were assayed by UV spectrophotometer using the cytochrome C reduction method. The results of this study showed that Ganoderma lucidum exhibited a dose‐dependent antioxidative effect on lipid peroxidation and superoxide scavenging activity in mouse heart homogenate. Additionally, this result indicated that heart damage induced by ethanol shows a higher malonic dialdehyde level compared with heart homogenate treated with Ganoderma lucidum. It is concluded that the antioxidative activity may therefore contribute to the cardioprotective effect of Ganoderma lucidum, and may therefore protect the heart from superoxide induced damage. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of an indigenous herbal compound preparation ‘Trikatu’ on the lipid profiles of atherogenic diet and standard diet fed Rattus norvegicus
Authors: Sivakumar Valsala , Sivakumar S.
Published: March 2005

Combating heart disease is one of the challenging problems of biomedical science today. Towards this goal an indigenous preparation ‘Trikatu’ (a herbal combination containing Piper longum (fruit), Piper nigrum (fruit) and Zingiber officinale (rhizome) dry powder) was fed to normal and cholesterol fed male Rattus norvegicus to ascertain its efficacy as a hypolipidaemic agent. Its effects on body weight, blood and tissue (aortic, cardiac and hepatic) lipids – total, free and esterified cholesterol, low density lipoprotein(LDL) and high density lipoprotein(HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids – and the atherogenic index were measured. It was found that ‘Trikatu’ by virtue of its ability to reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol and to increase HDL cholesterol can reduce the risk of hyperlipidaemia and atherosclerosis. Hence ‘Trikatu’ can be used as a potent hypolipidaemic agent and it can reduce the atherosclerosis associated with a high fat diet. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic properties of Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Pedaliaceae) secondary root aqueous extract
Authors: Mahomed Ismail M. , Ojewole John A. O.
Published: March 2005

South Africa is blessed with a rich floral biodiversity of medicinally useful plants. One such plant is Harpagophytum procumbens DC (Family: Pedaliaceae). H. procumbens is widely used in South African traditional medicine for the treatment, management and[sol ]or control of a variety of human ailments. In the present study, the analgesic effect of H. procumbens secondary root aqueous extract was evaluated in mice, using the ‘hot‐plate’ and ‘acetic acid’ test methods; while the antiinflammatory and antidiabetic effects of the plant's secondary root extract were investigated in rats. Fresh egg albumin‐induced pedal oedema and streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetes mellitus were used as experimental test models of inflammation and diabetes Diclofenac (DIC, 100 mg[sol ]kg i.p.) was used as a reference analgesic and antiinflammatory agent for comparison. Chlorpropamide (250 mg[sol ]kg p.o.) was used as a reference hypoglycaemic agent for comparison. H. procumbens root aqueous extract (HPE, 50–800 mg[sol ]kg i.p.) produced significant (p < 0.05–0.001) analgesic effects against thermally and chemically induced nociceptive pain stimuli in mice. H. procumbens root extract (HPE, 50–800 mg[sol ]kg i.p.) also produced dose‐related, significant reductions (p < 0.05–0.001) of the fresh egg albumin‐induced acute inflammation of the rat hind paw oedema. Furthermore, the plant extract (HPE, 50–800 mg[sol ]kg i.p.) produced dose‐dependent, significant reductions (p < 0.05–0.001) in the blood glucose concentrations of both fasted normal and fasted diabetic rats. The results of this experimental animal study indicate that H. procumbens root aqueous extract possesses analgesic, antiinflammatory and hypoglycaemic properties, and lend pharmacological support to the suggested folklore uses of Harpagophytum procumbens root in the management and[sol ]or control of painful, arthritic and other inflammatory conditions, as well as for adult‐onset, type‐2 diabetes mellitus in some communities of South Africa. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal effect of various essential oils against Candidaalbicans. Potentiation of antifungal action of amphotericin B by essential oil from Thymus vulgaris
Authors: Giordani R. , Regli P. , Kaloustian J. , Mikaïl C. , Abou L. , Portugal H.
Published: March 2005

The antifungal effect of the essential oil from Satureja montana L., Lavandula angustifolia Mill., Lavandula hybrida Reverchon, Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merril and Perry, Origanum vulgare L., Rosmarinus officinalis L. and six chemotypes of Thymus vulgaris L. on Candida albicans growth were studied. The most efficiency was obtained with the essential oil from Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype (MIC 80% = 0.016 µL[sol ]mL and Kaff = 296 µL[sol ]mL). The presence in the culture medium of essential oil from Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype (0.01, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 µg[sol ]mL) and amphotericin B involved a decrease of the MIC 80% of amphotericin B. In contrast, the combination of amphotericin B and low concentrations (0.00031–0.0025 µg[sol ]mL) of essential oil was antagonistic. The strongest decrease (48%) of the MIC 80% was obtained with medium containing 0.2 µL[sol ]mL of essential oil. These results signify that the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris thymol chemotype potentiates the antifungal action of amphotericin B suggesting a possible utilization of this essential oil in addition to antifungal drugs for the treatment of mycoses. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of parsley (Petroselinum crispum) on the liver of diabetic rats: a morphological and biochemical study
Authors: Bolkent S. , Yanardag R. , Ozsoy‐Sacan O. , Karabulut‐Bulan O.
Published: March 2005

Parsley is used by diabetics in Turkey to reduce blood glucose. The present study aims to investigate both the morphological and biochemical effects of parsley on liver tissue. Rat hepatocytes were examined by light and electron microscopy. Degenerative changes were observed in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats. These degenerative changes were significantly reduced or absent in the hepatocytes of diabetic rats treated with parsley. Blood glucose levels, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase were observed to be raised in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats treated with parsley demonstrated significantly lower levels of blood glucose, alanine transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. The present study suggests that parsley demonstrates a significant hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of the rhizomes ofAstilbe chinensison UVB‐induced inflammatory response
Authors: Na MinKyun , Min Byung Sun , An Ren Bo , Jin WenYi , Kim Young Ho , Song Kyung Sik , Seong Yeon Hee , Bae KiHwan
Published: March 2005

The EtOH extract from the rhizomes ofAstilbe chinensis(Saxifragaceae) exhibited potent antioxidant act‐ivity in preliminary screening. Since oxidative stress is known to be involved in the inflammatory response after UVB exposure, the ability of anA. chinensisextract to inhibit UVB‐induced PGE2and NO production was examined. UVB irradiation (35 mJ[sol ]cm2) increased PGE2and NO production, which were significantly decreased by pre‐administration of the extract in a dose‐dependent manner. TheA. chinensisextract also preserved the cellular antioxidant capacity after UVB irradiation, which was determined by the GSH content. UVB irradiation enhanced the formation of ROS in the keratinocytes, which was determined using DCFH‐DA, a redox sensitive dye. The levels of intracellular ROS were also significantly reduced by pre‐treatment of the extract in a dose‐dependent manner measured 9 h after UVB irradiation. The results suggest that theA. chinensisextract may have a protective effect on the UVB‐injured keratinocytes by inhibiting PGE2and NO production, possibly through the inhibition of intracellular ROS accumulation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interactions between aqueous Hypericum perforatum extracts and drugs: in vitro studies
Authors: Müller R. S. , Breitkreutz J. , Gröning R.
Published: March 2005

Physico‐chemical interactions between drugs and plant extracts can result in the formation of nanoparticles, microparticles and precipitates. The extraction method may have an influence on the components of the plant preparations and the interactions between drugs and plant extracts. In this study the particle formation in different drug‐containing preparations of Hypericum perforatum L. was compared. The formation of nanoparticles was investigated by PCS and scanning electron microscopy. Precipitates were separated from nanoparticles by centrifugation or filtration. The particle formation in drug‐containing infusions and recon‐stituted methanolic extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. was different. In reconstituted dry extracts 21.5% 17α‐ethinylestradiol and 36.6% levonorgestrel was bound to precipitates, in aqueous Hypericum infusions less than 4% of the hormones was bound. In infusions containing desipramine nanoparticles were formed while the formation of nanoparticles in desipramine‐containing reconstituted extracts was negligible. Up to 10% of desipramine was bound to precipitates in reconstituted extracts, but only 4% was associated with the pre‐cipitate of infusions. The interactions between extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. and drugs depended on the extraction method. Reconstituted methanolic extracts showed a more intensive binding with oral contraceptives than aqueous infusions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of compounds from Zingiberaceae species on platelet activating factor receptor binding
Authors: Jantan Ibrahim , Pisar Mazura , Sirat Hasnah Mohd , Basar Norazah , Jamil Shajarahtunnur , Ali Rasadah Mat , Jalil Juriyati
Published: March 2005

Ten compounds isolated from Alpinia mutica Roxb., Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. and Kaempferia rotunda Linn. (Family: Zingiberaceae) were investigated for their platelet‐activating factor (PAF) antagonistic activities on rabbit platelets using 3H‐PAF as a ligand. Among them, four compounds showed significant inhibitory effects. Alpinetin and 5,6‐dehydrokawain isolated from A. mutica exhibited IC50 values of 41.6 and 59.3 µm, respectively. The IC50 values of 3‐deacetylcrotepoxide and 2‐hydroxy‐4,4′,6′‐trimethoxychalcone from K. rotunda were 45.6 and 57.4 µM, respectively. 1‐Methoxy‐2‐methyl‐5‐(1′,5′‐dimethylhex‐4′‐enyl)‐benzene, synthesized by methylation of xanthorrhizol which was obtained from C. xanthorrhiza, showed an IC50 value of 40.9 µm. The results indicated that these compounds were relatively strong PAF receptor binding inhibitors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Therapeutic efficacy of pycnogenol in experimental inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Mochizuki Miyako , Hasegawa Noboru
Published: March 2005

Pycnogenol was administered for 10 days by gavage to Sprague‐Dawley rats fed an elemental diet, then inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was induced by intrarectal administration of ethanol 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS). Twelve hours after TNBS treatment, the rats were killed, the colon was assessed by a macroscopic damage score and mucosa homogenate was assayed for myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. The supplementation of pycnogenol significantly inhibited the macroscopic damage score and MPO activity in a dose‐dependent manner. These results suggested that pycnogenol ameliorates TNBS‐induced inflammation by radical scavenging activity, and may have beneficial effects as a supplement in enteral nutrition for IBD. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol stimulates lipolysis in 3t3‐L1 cells via stimulation of β‐receptor mediated activity
Authors: Mochizuki Miyako , Hasegawa Noboru
Published: March 2005

The influence of pycnogenol on the glycerol released into the medium in fully differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells was studied.

After incubation for 2 h, pycnogenol stimulated glycerol release in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with the β‐receptor antagonist, propranolol, significantly reduced pycnogenol‐induced lipolysis in a dose‐dependent manner. When fully differentiated 3T3‐L1 cells were incubated with pycnogenol, the cyclic adenosine monophosphate content significantly increased. These data suggested that pycnogenol has strong lipolytic effects via stimulation of β‐receptor mediated activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of the antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties of Secamone afzelii Rhoem.
Authors: Mensah A. Y. , Houghton P. J. , Akyirem G. N. A. , Fleischer T. C. , Mensah M. L. K. , Sarpong K. , Adosraku R.
Published: March 2005

The antioxidant activity of a methanol extract of Secamone afzelii stems was tested using the DPPH assay and the active compound was identified as α‐tocopherol. HPLC determination showed that 0.12% w[sol ]w α‐tocopherol was present in the plant. The total extract also showed effective free radical scavenging activity in the assay for non‐enzymatic lipid peroxidation in liposomes with an IC50 value of 90 µg[sol ]mL, with α‐tocopherol isolated from the plant having an IC50 of 15 µg[sol ]mL in the same system, thus demonstrating the presence of other antioxidants. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activities of some common ingredients of traditional chinese medicine, Angelica sinensis, Lycium barbarum and Poria cocos
Authors: Wu Sue‐Jing , Ng Lean‐Teik , Lin Chun‐Ching
Published: March 2005

The antioxidant activities of three popular ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine, namely Angelica sinensis (AS), Lycium barbarum (LB) and Poria cocos (PC) were evaluated in this study. The results showed that aqueous extracts of these crude drugs exhibited antioxidant activities in a concentration‐dependent manner. All extracts displayed an inhibitory effect on FeCl2‐ascorbic acid induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenate in vitro, with the order of activity LB > AS > PC. The tested extracts showed a superoxide anion scavenging activity ranging from 28.8% to 82.2% and anti‐superoxide activity varying from 38.0% to 84.5%. Among the different extracts, LB extract exhibited the lowest IC50 values (0.77–2.55 µg[sol ]mL) in all model systems tested in this study. The present study concludes that LB extract possessed the strongest inhibition on malondialdehyde formation in rat liver homogenate, and superoxide anion scavenging and anti‐superoxide formation activities. These results also suggest that LB extract is a good source of antioxidant agent in the daily dietary supplement. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protection of urinary bladder function by grape suspension
Authors: Agartan Canan Aldirmaz , Whitbeck Catherine , Sokol Rebekah , Chichester Paul , Levin Robert M.
Published: March 2005

Urinary bladder dysfunction secondary to BPH is a major affliction of aging men. A rabbit model of partial outlet obstruction was used to evaluate the ability of a standardized grape suspension to protect the bladder against obstructive bladder dysfunction.

Twenty‐four New Zealand White rabbits were separated into four groups of six rabbits each. Groups 1 and 3 were pretreated by oral gavage for 3 weeks with a standardized grape suspension suspended in water; groups 2 and 4 were treated with vehicle. Groups 1 and 3 received sham operations after 3 weeks of treatment; groups 2 and 4 received partial outlet obstruction by surgically placing a silk ligature loosely around the urethra. At 3 weeks following surgery, in vivo and in vitro bladder functions were evaluated.

Based on both in vivo and in vitro studies, the grape suspension significantly reduced the severity of obstructed bladder dysfunction. This is consistent with the hypothesis that ischemia is a major etiological factor in obstructive dysfunction, and treatment with antioxidants and membrane stabilization compounds such as those in the grape suspension can be effective in the treatment of obstructive bladder pathology. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical study of the electronic spectrum of binuclear gold(I) complexes
Authors: Mendizabal Fernando , Olea‐Azar Claudio
Published: March 2005

The electronic structure and the spectroscopic properties of [Au2(CS3)2]−2, [Au2(pym‐2‐S)2] (pym = pyrimidethiolate), [Au2(dpm)2]+2 (dpm = bis(diphosphino)methane) were studied using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP level. The absorption spectrum of these binuclear gold(I) complexes was calculated by single excitation time‐dependent (TD) method. All complexes showed a 1(5dσ* → 6pσ) transition associated with a metal–metal charge transfer, which is strongly interrelated with the gold–gold distance. Furthermore, we have calculated the frequency of the gold–gold vibration (νAu2) on the above complexes. The values obtained are theoretically in agreement with experimental range. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2005
Improved estimation of controlled direct effects in the presence of unmeasured confounding of intermediate variables
Authors: Kaufman Sol , Kaufman Jay S. , MacLehose Richard F. , Greenland Sander , Poole Charles
Published: March 2005

Adjusting for a causal intermediate is a common analytic strategy for estimating an average causal direct effect (ACDE). The ACDE is the component of the total exposure effect that is not relayed through the specified intermediate. Even if the total effect is unconfounded, the usual ACDE estimate may be biased when an unmeasured variable affects the intermediate and outcome variables. Using linear programming optimization to compute non‐parametric bounds, we develop new ACDE estimators for binary measured variables in this causal structure, and use root mean square confounding bias (RMSB) to compare their performance with the usual stratified estimator in simulated distributions of target populations comprised of the 64 possible potential response types as well as distributions of target populations restricted to subsets of 18 or 12 potential response types defined by monotonicity or no‐interactions assumptions of unit‐level causal effects. We also consider target population distributions conditioned on fixed outcome risk among the unexposed, or fixed true ACDE in one stratum of the intermediate. Results show that a midpoint estimator constructed from the optimization bounds has consistently lower RMSB than the usual stratified estimator both unconditionally and conditioned on any risk in the unexposed. When conditioning on true ACDE, this midpoint estimator performs more poorly only when conditioned on an extreme true ACDE in one stratum of the intermediate, yet outperforms the stratified estimator in the other stratum when interaction is permitted. An alternate ‘limit‐modified crude’ estimator can never perform less favourably than the stratified estimator, and often has lower RMSB. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment theory for college classrooms
Authors: Brookhart Susan M.
Published: March 2005

Classroom assessment information should be the basis for important classroom processes and outcomes: students' study and work patterns, students' understanding of what they are learning, and teachers' instructional and grading decisions. Attention to principles of assessment quality, especially validity and reliability, increases confidence in the quality of assessment information.
Assessing fundamentals in every course through mastery learning
Authors: Gentile J. Ronald
Published: March 2005

We are all accustomed to periodic summative testing for achievement, but in this chapter the importance of requiring mastery of fundamentals as the baseline for evaluation, regardless of the level of the class involved, is discussed.
Authentic assessment: Testing in reality
Authors: Svinicki Marilla D.
Published: March 2005

The new learning paradigm brings with it the need for a change in assessment practices as well. In this chapter, one of the assessment practices that is most consistent with this paradigm, authentic assessment, is discussed.
Pattern of changes in species diversity, structure and dynamics of forest ecosystems along latitudinal gradients in East Asia
Authors: Takyu Masaaki , Kubota Yasuhiro , Aiba Shin‐ichiro , Seino Tatsuyuki , Nishimura Takashi
Published: March 2005

We examined effects of seasonality of climate and dominant life form (evergreen/deciduous, broad‐leaf/coniferous) together with energy condition on species diversity, forest structure, forest dynamics, and productivity of forest ecosystems by comparing the patterns of changes in these ecosystem attributes along altitudinal gradients in tropical regions without seasonality and along a latitudinal gradient from tropical to temperate regions in humid East Asia. We used warmth index (temperature sum during growing season, WI) as an index of energy condition common to both altitudinal and latitudinal gradients. There were apparent differences in patterns of changes in the ecosystem attributes in relation to WI among four forest formations that were classified according to dominant life form and climatic zone (tropical/temperate). Many of the ecosystem attributes—Fisher's alpha of species‐diversity indices, maximum tree height and stem density, productivity [increment rate of aboveground biomass (AGB)], and population and biomass turnover rates—changed sharply with WI in tropical and temperate evergreen broad‐leaved forests, but did not change linearly or changed only loosely with WI in temperate deciduous broad‐leaved and evergreen coniferous forests. Values of these ecosystem attributes in temperate deciduous broad‐leaved and evergreen coniferous forests were higher (stem density was lower) than those in tropical and temperate evergreen broad‐leaved forests under colder conditions (WI below 100°C). Present results indicate that seasonality of climate and resultant change in dominant life form work to buffer the effects of energy reduction on ecosystem attributes along latitudinal gradients.
Incidence of herpes zoster, 1997–2002
Authors: MULLOOLY J. P. , RIEDLINGER K. , CHUN C. , WEINMANN S. , HOUSTON H.
Published: March 2005

We estimated age-specific herpes zoster (HZ) incidence rates in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest Health Plan (KPNW) during 1997–2002 and tested for secular trends and differences between residents of two states with different varicella vaccine coverage rates. The cumulative proportions of 2-year-olds vaccinated increased from 35% in 1997 to 85% in 2002 in Oregon, and from 25% in 1997 to 82% in 2002 in Washington. Age-specific HZ incidence rates in KPNW during 1997–2002 were compared with published rates in the Harvard Community Health Plan (HCHP) during 1990–1992. The overall HZ incidence rate in KPNW during 1997–2002 (369/100000 person-years) was slightly higher than HCHP's 1990–1992 rate when adjusted for age differences. For children 0–14 years old, KPNW's rates (182 for females, 123 for males) were more than three times HCHP's rates (54 for females, 39 for males). This increase appears to be associated with increased exposure of children to oral corticosteroids. The percentage of KPNW children exposed to oral corticosteroids increased from 2·2% in 1991 to 3·6% in 2002. Oregon residents had slightly higher steroid exposure rates during 1997–2002 than Washington residents. There were significant increases in HZ incidence rates in Oregon and Washington during 1997–2002 among children aged 10–17 years, associated with increased exposure to oral steroids.
Seroepidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis in rural women in Zimbabwe and patterns of association with HIV infection
Authors: MASON PETER R. , LUIGI FIORI PIER , CAPPUCCINELLI PIERO , RAPPELLI PAOLA , GREGSON SIMON
Published: March 2005

Serological assays using dried blood spots from 5221 women in rural areas of eastern Zimbabwe were used to assess the epidemiology of Trichomonas vaginalis infection, and its association with HIV. Antibodies to T. vaginalis and to HIV were detected by enzyme immunoassays. Behavioural and demographic data were collected by confidential questionnaires. In total, 516 (9·9%) women were seropositive for T. vaginalis and seroprevalence increased with age among younger women. Divorced, widowed and single women were more likely to be seropositive. After controlling for age, seropositivity was significantly associated with being sexually active, having multiple sex partners, having a partner who had multiple sex partners, and having a new sex partner in the past year. Seropositivity was associated with a recent history of genital discharge. Overall, 208 (40·3%) T. vaginalis-positive samples were also positive for HIV, compared with 1106 (23·5%) T. vaginalis-negative samples (age and sex adjusted OR 2·11, 95% CI 1·74–2·55, P<0·001). There was increased risk for being HIV-positive amongst T. vaginalis-seropositive women regardless of residence, employment or education. In a logistic regression controlling for common risk factors, the association remained significant. T. vaginalis-seropositive young women with a history of genital discharge were much more likely to be HIV-positive than women who were T. vaginalis-seronegative and had no history of discharge (OR 6·08, 95% CI 2·95–12·53). Although a causal relationship cannot be assumed, detection and treatment of trichomoniasis may be important in strategies to reduce HIV transmission through sexually transmitted infection control.
Influenza and its relationship to circulatory disorders
Authors: FLEMING D. M. , CROSS K. W. , PANNELL R. S.
Published: March 2005

Three sources of data (general practice episode data from the Weekly Returns Service of the Royal College of General Practitioners, national hospital admission data for England and national mortality data by date of death) were examined separately in each winter (1994/1995 to 1999/2000) to investigate the impact of influenza on circulatory disease. Weekly data on incidence (clinical new episodes) hospital emergency admissions and deaths certified to circulatory disorders and to respiratory diseases (chapters VII and VIII of ICD9) during influenza epidemic periods (defined from combined clinical/virological surveillance) were examined in age groups 45–64, 65–74 and [ges ]75 years. Data collected in the four winters in which there were substantial influenza A epidemics were consolidated for the period 6 weeks before to 6 weeks after each peak of the epidemic, and associations between the variables at different time lags examined by calculating cross-correlation coefficients. We also examined deaths due to ischaemic heart disease (IHD) as a proportion of all circulatory deaths and deaths due to influenza/pneumonia as a proportion of all respiratory deaths. There were no increases of GP episodes nor of emergency admissions for circulatory disorders in any of the three age groups during epidemic periods. Increased circulatory deaths occurred in all age groups and particularly in the oldest group. The large cross-correlation coefficients of deaths (circulatory and respiratory) with GP respiratory episodes at weekly lags of 0, −1 and 1 were evidence that the deaths and episode distributions were contemporaneous. The ratios of excess circulatory deaths relative to excess respiratory deaths during epidemic periods were 0·74 (age 45–64), 0·72 (65–74) and 0·57 ([ges ]75 years). Increased circulatory deaths contemporary with new incident cases of respiratory episodes but with no concomitant increase in admissions suggests rapid death during the acute phase of illness. Influenza contingency planning needs to take account of these deaths in determining policy for prophylaxis and in providing facilities for cardio-respiratory resuscitation.
The epidemiology of recurrent bacterial pneumonia in people with AIDS in Europe
Authors: PURO V. , SERRAINO D. , PISELLI P. , BOUMIS E. , PETROSILLO N. , ANGELETTI C. , IPPOLITO G.
Published: March 2005

Data from AIDS surveillance systems in the World Health Organization European region (1993–2001) were analysed to describe the main epidemiological aspects of recurrent bacterial pneumonia (RBP) as AIDS-defining illness (ADI) in Europe. Among the 153756 AIDS cases analysed, 5796 (3·8%) had RBP. The proportion of RBP was higher (8·3%) in eastern than in western Europe (3·6%), possibly because of a greater propensity of certain countries to diagnose RBP. In western Europe, the proportion of RBP as ADI appeared to increase over time up to 1998 (from 2·5% to 4·5%), and declined thereafter (3·3% in 2001). RBP was strongly associated with intravenous drug use (odds ratio 3·0, 95% CI 2·7–3·3), whereas it did not differ in age groups or geographical areas. The study findings confirm the crucial role of intravenous drug use in the occurrence of RBP and suggest that highly active antiretroviral therapies might have had a postponing impact on the relative frequency of RBP as ADI.
Seroepidemiology of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in wild mice captured in Northern Turkey
Authors: GÜNER E. S. , WATANABE M. , KADOSAKA T. , POLAT E. , GARGİLİ A. , GULANBER A. , OHASHİ N. , KANEDA K. , IMAI Y. , MASUZAWA T.
Published: March 2005

An expedition across the Asian part of the Black Sea coast and national parks of Northern Turkey was organized in the summer of 2001 to investigate the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.), Lyme borreliosis agent, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum, human granulocytic ehrlichiosis agent, in wild mice. A total of 65 Apodemus flavicollis, Apodemus sylvaticus, Microtus epiroticus, Crocidura suaveolens and Mus macedonicus, were captured. Two out of 22 Apodemus sylvaticus specimens were seropositive for B. afzelii by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as confirmed by Western blotting, however cultures of skin and bladder samples from all small mammals in Barbour–Stoenner–Kelly's medium-II remained negative for B. burgdorferi s.l. All sera tested were negative for Anaplasma phagocytophilum by indirect immunofluorescent assay. The prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Anaplasma phagocytophilum is low in wild mice of the Asian part of Northern Turkey.
Distribution and susceptibility to amphotericin B and fluconazole of Candida spp. isolated from Taiwan
Authors: YANG Y. L. , HO Y. A. , CHENG H. H. , LO H. J.
Published: March 2005

Susceptibilities to amphotericin B and fluconazole of 628 clinical yeast strains collected from 22 hospitals in Taiwan were determined. A total of 53 isolates (8·4%) were resistant to fluconazole. Each hospital had different resistance rate to fluconazole ranging from 0% to 24%. None of the 186 isolates from eight of the 22 hospitals was resistant to fluconazole. In contrast, isolates from nine of the remaining 14 hospitals had greater than 10% resistance rate to fluconazole. Consistently, 88·9% (8/9) fluconazole-resistant C. albicans isolates were from hospitals having a high resistance rate to fluconazole. The prevalence of various Candida spp. in each hospital was different. A positive association was found between the prevalence of C. tropicalis and the resistance rate to fluconazole for individual hospitals. Although only three isolates (0·5%) were resistant to amphotericin B, a co-resistance to both amphotericin B and fluconazole was observed, which highlights the emerging problem of drug resistance.
Clustering of equine grass sickness cases in the United Kingdom: a study considering the effect of position-dependent reporting on the space–time K-function
Authors: FRENCH N. P. , McCARTHY H. E. , DIGGLE P. J. , PROUDMAN C. J.
Published: March 2005

Equine grass sickness (EGS) is a largely fatal, pasture-associated dysautonomia. Although the aetiology of this disease is unknown, there is increasing evidence that Clostridium botulinum type C plays an important role in this condition. The disease is widespread in the United Kingdom, with the highest incidence believed to occur in Scotland. EGS also shows strong seasonal variation (most cases are reported between April and July). Data from histologically confirmed cases of EGS from England and Wales in 1999 and 2000 were collected from UK veterinary diagnostic centres. The data did not represent a complete census of cases, and the proportion of all cases reported to the centres would have varied in space and, independently, in time. We consider the variable reporting of this condition and the appropriateness of the space–time K-function when exploring the spatial-temporal properties of a ‘thinned’ point process. We conclude that such position-dependent under-reporting of EGS does not invalidate the Monte Carlo test for space–time interaction, and find strong evidence for space–time clustering of EGS cases (P<0·001). This may be attributed to contagious or other spatially and temporally localized processes such as local climate and/or pasture management practices.