bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ethnobotany of edible seaweed (Porphyra abbottae and related species; Rhodophyta: Bangiales) and its use by First Nations on the Pacific Coast of Canada
Authors: Turner Nancy J
Published: May 2003

Porphyra abbottae Krishnamurthy is a nutritionally and culturally important species of red alga used by First Peoples of coastal British Columbia and neighbouring areas. This species, along with Porphyra torta and possibly others, is still harvested from wild populations in large quantities, dried and processed, and served in a variety of ways: toasted as a snack, cooked with clams, salmon eggs, or fish in soup, or sprinkled on other foods as a condiment. It is also a valued trade and gift item, especially on the central and northern coasts of British Columbia and Alaska. Common linguistic origin of the majority of names for this species among some 16 language groups in five language families indicates widespread exchange of knowledge about this seaweed from southern Vancouver Island north to Alaska. Coastal indigenous people have expressed concerns about potential commercialization of Porphyra and impacts from pollution and global climate change.Key words: Porphyra abbottae, Northwest Coast, traditional food, Aboriginal people, marine algae, edible seaweed.
Phenovariation induced in Streptocarpus prolixus (Gesneriaceae) by β-glucosyl Yariv reagent
Authors: Rauh Richard A , Basile Dominick V
Published: May 2003

Streptocarpus prolixus C.B. Clarke is a species in the family Gesneriaceae characterized by an acaulescent vegetative body. Instead of a stem bearing leaves developing from a shoot apical meristem, its vegetative body derives from the continued, intercalary growth of one of its cotyledons. β-glucosyl Yariv phenyglycoside (β-D-Glc)3 selectively binds a class of cell surface associated proteoglycans and glycoproteins known as arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs). Treating seeds and seedlings of S. prolixus with (β-D-Glc)3 induced phenovariants considered phyogenetically significant because they copied morphological features (phenocopied) characteristic of other, presumably more primitive species of Streptocarpus as well as species in other genera in the family to which it belongs. These results paralleled those obtained in earlier experiments with S. prolixus using antimetabolites of hydroxyproline-containing proteins (Hyp-proteins). Treatment with α-galactosyl phenylglycoside, a Yariv reagent that does not bind AGPs, did not induce phenovariants. The finding that (β-D-Glc)3 produced the same "phyletic phenocopies" as Hyp-protein antagonists strongly suggests that the morphoregulatory Hyp-proteins that were antagonized in the earlier experiments were AGPs and that AGPs play a pivotal role in pattern formation and pattern change during plant morphogenesis.Key words: Yariv phenyglycoside, arabinogalactan-protein, AGPs, Streptocarpus, phenovariation, morphogenesis.
Leaf trait variation in three species through canopy strata in a semi-evergreen Neotropical forest
Authors: Yáñez-Espinosa Laura , Terrazas Teresa , López-Mata Lauro , Valdez-Hernández Juan Ignacio
Published: May 2003

Morphological and structural changes among and within leaves of Aphananthe monoica (Hemsley) Leroy, Pleuranthodendron lindenii (Turczaninov) Sleumer, and Psychotria costivenia Grisebach were documented through canopy strata (<10, 1020, and >20 m high) and related to some environmental variables in a semi-evergreen Neotropical forest. The principal components analysis revealed that two components explained 93% of total variation. The first component (76.4%) denoted leaf structure, whereas the second (16.6%) denoted leaf shape. Anatomical differences in transverse leaf sections among different canopy strata were observed in Aphananthe monoica and Pleuranthodendron lindenii. Variance analyses showed significant differences among strata for leaf characters and light, relative humidity, vapour pressure deficit, and temperature. Canonical correlation analysis revealed that the first pair of canonical variates of leaf characters and environmental variables were closely related. The first environmental variate represented the changes in microclimate along forest canopy strata. Leaf structure observed in Aphananthe monoica and Pleuranthodendron lindenii suggested that they are intermediate shade-tolerant species, and Psychotria costivenia is a shade-tolerant understorey species. Aphananthe monoica and Pleuranthodendron lindenii, which during their life span occupy different positions in the vertical strata, showed the highest leaf variation.Key words: tropical trees, Aphananthe monoica, Pleuranthodendron lindenii, Psychotria costivenia, leaf variation, Veracruz.
The role of oleoresin flow in the induced response of loblolly pine to a southern pine beetle associated fungus
Authors: Tisdale Robert A , Nebeker T Evan , Hodges John D
Published: May 2003

The influence of total resin flow in loblolly pine, Pinus taeda L., on initial inoculation of the blue stain fungus Ophiostoma minus (Hedgc.) Syd. & P. Syd., a fungal associate of southern pine beetle (Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann (Coleoptera:Scolytidae)), was investigated. Resin flow of trees was mechanically manipulated so that it followed the same pattern of decrease and near cessation as seen in trees successfully attacked by southern pine beetle. There were also intermediate treatments where resin flow was allowed to recover. The fungus was inoculated into holes drilled to the xylem surface and allowed to grow for a specified time period. The lesion that formed as a result of the induced reaction was then measured and compared with lesions formed in trees for which resin flow was not manipulated. The experiment was conducted three times in 1993 and 1994 and twice in 1995. It was hypothesized that with decreased resin flow, O. minus would be less inhibited and that growth would be greater before being stopped by the induced reaction. It was found that longer lesions occurred in trees where wounding was prolonged and resin flow was decreased below that of control trees. Mixed results were obtained for trees in intermediate wounding treatments.Key words: oleoresin, blue stain fungus, defenses, bark beetles, induced reaction, Dendroctonus.
The trade-off between breaking of dormancy of caryopses and revival ability of young seedlings of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum)
Authors: Zhang Fengchun , Gutterman Yitzchak
Published: May 2003

The relationship between breaking of dormancy of wild barley (Hordeum spontaneum C. Koch) caryopses and revival ability of young seedlings from a long period of desiccation was studied using barley caryopses stored for 2 years at 5°C and freshly harvested caryopses from a semiarid population in Israel. The 2 years of storage at 5°C significantly enhanced the germination percentages, but dramatically decreased the revival ability of the young seedlings from drought stress. There was a negative correlation between the breaking of dormancy of caryopses and revival ability. There were no significant changes in the effects of storage at a high temperature for periods longer than 5 days. The earlier germination occurred, the higher the revival ability of young seedlings from drought. The results suggest that breaking of dormancy might be at the expense of lowering the subsequent revival ability of young seedlings. The general premise is that a trade-off is expected between dormancy release of caryopses and revival ability of seedlings from drought stress, and that a treatment that aims at breaking dormancy must reach some compromise that optimizes the balance between the two traits based on the specific circumstances.Key words: dormancy breaking, caryopses, revival ability, seedlings, Hordeum spontaneum, wild barley.
Postfire succession in Pinus albicaulis  Abies lasiocarpa forests of southern British Columbia
Authors: Campbell Elizabeth M , Antos Joseph A
Published: May 2003

To examine postfire succession in forests where Pinus albicaulis Englem. is common, we conducted chronosequence studies in two areas of contrasting climate in southern British Columbia. Tree age and growth data indicated that Pinus albicaulis established rapidly following fire disturbance but that trees also continued to establish in late seral stands. Interactions with Pinus contorta Dougl. ex Loud., which grows faster, are pivotal in controlling the population dynamics of Pinus albicaulis. Where Pinus contorta established abundantly after fire, it dominated stands and limited the abundance of Pinus albicaulis, even after the postfire Pinus contorta had largely died. In contrast, where few or no Pinus contorta established, Pinus albicaulis dominated stands throughout most of the successional sequence. Although Pinus albicaulis decreases in abundance in late seral stands, we found no evidence that it would be completely replaced by more shade-tolerant species in our study areas. Thus, Pinus albicaulis is not only a pioneer species like Pinus contorta, even though it establishes in abundance after disturbance, but also a stress tolerator, with population dynamics molded by its ability to grow slowly and persist for long periods under adverse conditions and by bird dispersal of its seeds.Key words: Abies lasiocarpa, forest fire, Picea engelmannii, Pinus albicaulis, Pinus contorta, succession.
A novel synthesis of N-fluoroalkanesulfonylamidines using a three-component reaction
Authors: Zhu Shizheng , Xu Yong , Jin Guifang
Published: May 2003

A novel, general, and efficient multicomponent reaction of fluoroalkanesulfonyl azides, secondary amines, and carbonyl compounds for the synthesis of N-fluoroalkanesulfonylamidines is presented. This reaction gave a good yield of products under very mild reaction conditions.Key words: multicomponent reactions, synthetic methods, N-fluoroalkanesulfonyl azide, N-fluoroalkanesulfonylamidine.
Synthesis and in vitro reactivity of cis-dichloro-(pyridin-2-ylcarboxaldimine)platinum(II) complexes with DNA
Authors: Nikolcheva Liliya G , Vogels Christopher M , Stefan R Alexandra , Darwish Hanni A , Duffy Stephen J , Ireland Robert J , Decken Andreas , Hudson Robert H , Westcott Stephen A
Published: May 2003

Five platinum pyridin-2-ylcarboxaldimine complexes of the type cis-[PtCl2(2-C5H4NCH=NR)] (R = CH2CH2OH (1); R = N(CH2CH2)2O (2); R = C6H5 (3); R = 1-C10H7 (4); R = (CH2)8CH=CH(CH2)7CH3 (5)) were prepared and their in vitro reactivity towards a 20-base pair (single- and double-stranded) DNA determined using nuclease digest studies and RP-HPLC. Variation of the imine functionality allowed for the design of compounds with different physical and chemical properties. Complexes 1 and 3 showed binding to both single- and double-stranded DNA comparable to that of cisplatin (cis-[PtCl2(NH3)2]). Crystals of 1 were monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n, a = 9.6612 (15), b = 12.9678 (19), c = 9.7004(13) Å, β = 117.73(3)°, Z = 4.Key words: platinum, pyridin-2-ylcarboxaldimines, DNA binding studies.
Solid-state 25Mg NMR, X-ray crystallographic, and quantum mechanical study of bis(pyridine)-(5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl porphyrinato)magnesium(II)
Authors: Wu Gang , Wong Alan , Wang Suning
Published: May 2003

We report solid-state 25Mg NMR, X-ray crystallographic, and quantum-mechanical calculation results for bis(pyridine)(5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato)magnesium(II), Mg(TPP)·Py2. Mg(TPP)·Py2 crystallizes in the triclinic form, in the space group P[Formula: see text]. The unit cell parameters are: a = 9.6139(13) Å, b = 11.0096(16) Å, c = 11.8656(15) Å; α = 102.063(3)°, β = 103.785(3)°, γ = 114.043(2)°; Z = 1. The Mg(II) ion is coordinated to four nitrogen atoms from the porphyrin ring and two nitrogen atoms from the axial pyridine ligands, forming a regular octahedron. The 25Mg quadrupole coupling constant (CQ) is 15.32 ± 0.02 MHz, which represents the largest value so far observed for 25Mg nuclei. The electric field gradient tensor at the Mg site is axially symmetric, ηQ = 0.00 ± 0.05. The 25Mg chemical shielding anisotropy is too small to be accurately determined. Quantum-mechanical calculations using a 631G(d) basis set reproduce reasonably well the observed 25Mg NMR data for Mg(TPP)·Py2. The calculations also suggest that the span of the 25Mg chemical shift tensor is less than 50 ppm. Using a theoretical approach, we also investigate the dependence of the 25Mg quadrupole coupling constant on the MgNax bond distance. The calculation suggests that the 25Mg quadrupole coupling constant for an Mg(II) ion at the center of a porphyrin ring without axial ligands is approximately 22 MHz, which may be treated as an upper limit of the 25Mg quadrupole coupling constant for all Mgporphyrin complexes.Key words: 25Mg NMR, crystal structure, quantum chemical calculation, quadrupole parameter, tetraphenylporphyrin.
Insect toxins from spruce endophytes
Authors: Findlay John A , Li Guoqiang , Miller J David , Womiloju Taiwo O
Published: May 2003

Extracts of fermentation cultures of a fungal endophyte (DAOM 221611) from spruce needles have afforded the known macrocyclic antibiotic vermiculin (1), 7α,8β,11-trihydroxydrimane (2), and eight novel 13-carbon γ-lactones, namely trans-3-methyldodec-cis-6-en-4-olide (3), trans-8-hydroxy-3-methyldodec-cis-6-en-4-olide (4), trans-8-acetoxy-3-methyldodec-cis-6-en-4-olide (5), trans-9-hydroxy-3-methyl-8-oxo-dodec-trans-6-en-4-olide (6), trans-8,9-dihydroxy-3-methyldodec-cis-6-en-4-olide (7), trans-9-hydroxy-8-oxo-3-methyldodecan-4-olide (8), trans-7,9-dihydroxy-3-methyl-8-oxo-dodecan-4-olide (9), and trans-6-hydroxymethyl-3-methyl-7-oxo-undecan-4-olide (10). A known JH III metabolism product, 10,11-dihydroxyfarnesenic acid (11), was also isolated and synthesized from farnesol. Other endophyte cultures from black spruce and white spruce afforded the novel 6,7-dihydroxy-2-propyl-2,4-octadien-4-olide (16), 5,6,8-trihydroxy-4-(1'-hydroxyethyl) isocoumarin (17) plus the known sescandelin (18), sescandelin B (19), and 4-hydroxy-2-methoxyacetanilide (20). Several of the γ-lactones showed toxicity to spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) larvae and vermiculin 1 and compound 16 were toxic to spruce budworm cells.Key words: toxigenic endophytes, insect toxins, γ-lactones, isocoumarins.
Corrosion et passivation de l'étain dans un milieu simulé à une eau industrielle
Authors: Addi El Habib Ait , Bazzi Lahcen , Hilali Mostafa , Zine El Alami , Salghi Rachid , Issami Souad El
Published: May 2003

The corrosion behaviour of tin in a synthetic medium similar to an industrial water has been studied by using electrochemical methods (plotted potentiodynamic curves and polarization resistance measurement). The effect of pH variation, temperature and concentration of anions in solution has been investigated. The results obtained show that pH variation (around the value 8.2 of the synthetic medium) has no effect on the pitting sensitivity of tin. However, the increasing of temperature in the range of 2070°C accelerates the corrosion process. The presence of anions Cl and SO42 leads to pitting corrosion of tin. Cl ions are more aggressive than SO42 ions, whereas HCO3 ions acted as an inhibitor for pitting corrosion of tin in the studied medium.Key words: tin, corrosion, pitting, industrial water.
Volumetric studies of ion solvation in propylene carbonate + N,N-dimethylformamide electrolyte solutions
Authors: Zhao Yang , Wang Jianji , Xuan Xiaopeng , Lin Ruisen
Published: May 2003

Apparent molar volumes V2,ϕ and standard partial molar volumes V°2,ϕ for tetraethylammonium bromide (Et4NBr), tetrapropylammonium bromide (Pr4NBr), tetrabutylammonium bromide (Bu4NBr), and tetrahexylammonium bromide (Hex4NBr) have been determined at 298.15 K from precise density measurements in solvent mixtures of propylene carbonate (PC) with N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Combined with our previous data for LiClO4 and LiBr in the same solvents, ionic molar volumes of Li+, Et4N+, Pr4N+, Bu4N+, Hex4N+, and related anions have been deduced from the extrapolation method suggested by Conway and co-workers. It is shown that the molar volumes of these cations are quite independent of the nature of the solvent and the composition of the solvent mixtures, in contrast to those of ClO4 and Br anions. This suggests that the Lewis-base-type solvents with similar molecular volumes have similar interactions with Li+. The constancy in partial molar volume for tetraalkylammonium ions provides helpful evidence for the lack of solvation of large tetraalkylammonium cations in organic solvents. These findings have been interpreted using scaled-particle theory. The results are discussed in terms of ion solvation, packing effects of solvent molecules in the solvation shell, and the electrostriction of solvents.Key words: ionic volumes, propylene carbonate, N,N-dimethylformamide, solvent mixtures, solvation, lithium batteries.
Thermodynamics of mixtures containing alkoxyethanols: Part XVII  ERAS characterization of alkoxyethanol + alkane systems
Authors: González Juan Antonio , Villa Susana , Riesco Nicolás , García de la Fuente Isaías , Cobos José Carlos
Published: May 2003

Alkoxyethanol + alkane systems have been examined in the framework of the ERAS model. An exact expression for the molar excess heat capacity at constant pressure, CPE, of solutions formed by a self-associated compound and an inert solvent has been derived. The CPE and the molar excess enthalpies (HE) and excess volumes (VE), as well as the molar enthalpies of vaporization of the pure alkoxyethanols, are represented accurately by ERAS. The calculated curves for HE and VE are skewed towards high mole fractions of the alkane. The experimental curves are more symmetrical. The opposite behaviour is observed for CPE in solutions with 2-ethoxyethanol, 2-propoxyethanol, or 2-butoxyethanol. The differences between the experimental and theoretical values arise because ERAS does not properly take into account the enhanced dipoledipole interactions due to the formation of intramolecular H-bonds in alkoxyethanols. As in previous applications, ERAS cannot simultaneously represent molar excess Gibbs energies and liquidliquid equilibria. DISQUAC, a purely physical theory, improves ERAS predictions for HE (except at high temperatures and pressures) and for CPE. Liquidliquid equilibria are also described more consistently. The self-association of alkoxyethanols via intramolecular H-bonds and the strong dipoledipole interactions lead to values of the self-association enthalpy and of the adjustable parameter of the physical contribution to HE and VE that are higher than those of the homomorphic 1-alkanols. In contrast, the equilibrium constants are lower. There is good agreement between the partial molar excess enthalpies at 298.15 K and infinite dilution of 2-alkoxyethanol in 2-alkoxyethanol(1) + n-heptane(2) mixtures and the values of the self-association enthalpies. Key words: alkoxyethanol, intermolecular, intramolecular, H-bond, dipoledipole interactions.
Convenient, tandem and one-reaction vessel synthesis of mixed dialkylated 2-naphthols from 2-tetralone
Authors: Jha Amitabh , Dimmock Jonathan R
Published: May 2003

A convenient acid-catalyzed method for the synthesis of 1-alkyl-2-alkoxynaphthalenes by one-reaction vessel mixed alkylation of 2-tetralone, using aryl or alkyl aldehydes and alcohols followed by aromatization, is described.Key words: ethers, aromatization, rearrangement, alkylation, 2-alkoxynaphthalenes.
Catalysis by organotransition metal compounds: Synergism between the pure and the applied1
Authors: Baird Michael C
Published: May 2003

The modern era of transition-metal-catalyzed polymerization of alkenes began with the Nobel Prize winning work of Ziegler and Natta in the 1950s, but the field has exploded since the mid-1980s and anticipated applications of organometallic catalysts are being spectacularly realized. Our research in metal-catalyzed alkene polymerization began about ten years ago with an investigation of the catalytic applications of half-sandwich complexes of the Group 4 metals, and this lecture will describe our efforts to find both better initiators to make known commercial polymers and new initiators to make novel polymeric materials. Good luck, bad luck, blind alleys, and serendipity have all played key roles in our research, resulting ultimately in a very satisfying convergence of the motives for pure, and the needs of applied, research.Key words: alkene, polymerization, Ziegler, catalysis, carbocationic, titanium.
Huperzines S, T, and U: New Lycopodium alkaloids from Huperzia serrata
Authors: Tan Chang-Heng , Ma Xiao-Qiang , Chen Guo-Fu , Zhu Da-Yuan
Published: May 2003

Three new Lycopodium alkaloids, huperzines S (1), T (2), and U (3), along with eight known compounds, were isolated from the total alkaloids of the whole plant of Huperzia serrata (Thunb) Trev. (Huperziaceae). Those novel alkaloids were identified as 2β,13β-epoxyalopecuridine (1), 5α-hydroxy-6-oxodihydrophlegmariurine A (2), and 2,3-dihydro-12-hydroxyhuperzine B (3), respectively, by means of spectral techniques including NMR studies.Key words: Huperzia serrata, Lycopodium alkaloids, huperzines S, T, U.
DESITTER GAUGE THEORY OF GRAVITATION
Authors: ZET G. , MANTA V. , BABETI S.
Published: May 2003

A deSitter gauge theory of gravitation over a spherical symmetric Minkowski space–time is developed. The "passive" point of view is adapted, i.e., the space–time coordinates are not affected by group transformations; only the fields change under the action of the symmetry group. A particular ansatz for the gauge fields is chosen and the components of the strength tensor are computed. An analytical solution of Schwarzschild–deSitter type is obtained in the case of null torsion. It is concluded that the deSitter group can be considered as a "passive" gauge symmetry for gravitation.

Because of their complexity, all the calculations, inclusive of the integration of the field equations, are performed using an analytical program conceived in GRTensorII for MapleV. The program allows one to compute (without using a metric) the strength tensor [Formula: see text], Riemann tensor [Formula: see text], Ricci tensor [Formula: see text], curvature scalar [Formula: see text], field equations, and the integration of these equations.
AXIAL AND OFF-AXIAL DYNAMIC TRANSITIONS IN UNIAXIALLY ANISOTROPIC HEISENBERG FERROMAGNET: A COMPARISON
Authors: ACHARYYA MUKTISH
Published: May 2003

Uniaxially anisotropic Heisenberg ferromagnet, in the presence of a magnetic field varying sinusoidally in time, is studied by Monte Carlo simulation. The axial (field applied only along the direction of anisotropy) and off-axial (field applied only along the direction which is perpendicular to the direction of anisotropy) dynamic transitions are studied. By studying the distribution of the dynamic order parameter component, it is observed that the axial transition is discontinuous for low anisotropy and becomes continuous in high anisotropy. The off-axial transition is found to be continuous for all values of anisotropy. In the infinite anisotropy limit, both types of transitions are compared with that observed in an Ising ferromagnet for the same value of the field and frequency. The infinitely anisotropic axial transition and dynamic transition in the Ising ferromagnet occur at different temperatures, whereas the infinitely anisotropic off-axial transition and the equilibrium ferro-para transition in the Ising model occur at the same temperature.
PHOTOACOUSTIC MEASUREMENT AND MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATION FOR THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF Al0.3Ga0.7As
Authors: CHITRA S. , JALAL A. , RAMACHANDRAN K. , RAJAGOPAL S.
Published: May 2003

The thermal conductivity of Al 0.3 Ga 0.7 As is studied using photoacoustic technique and molecular dynamics simulation. Tersoff's potential is used for the simulation, for the first time, to this alloy. Thermal conductivity, determined experimentally by photoacoustic technique using our experimental setup, agrees well with the molecular dynamics simulation and literature values. The results are compared with the host GaAs and the role of DX centers in thermal property is discussed.
EXACT TRAVELING WAVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOME NONLINEAR EVOLUTION EQUATIONS WITH NONLINEAR TERMS OF ANY ORDER
Authors: CHEN YONG , LI BIAO , ZHANG HONG-QING
Published: May 2003

In this paper, we improved the tanh method by means of a proper transformation and general ansätz. Using the improved method, with the aid of Mathematica™, we consider some nonlinear evolution equations with nonlinear terms of any order. As a result, rich explicit exact traveling wave solutions for these equations, which contain kink profile solitary wave solutions, bell profile solitary wave solutions, rational solutions, periodic solutions, and combined formal solutions, are obtained.
ADVERTISING IN THE SZNAJD MARKETING MODEL
Authors: SCHULZE CHRISTIAN
Published: May 2003

The traditional Sznajd model, as well as its Ochrombel simplification for opinion spreading, is applied to marketing with the help of advertising. The larger the lattice, the smaller the amount of advertising is needed to convince the whole market.
EXTREME LONG-TIME DYNAMIC MONTE CARLO SIMULATIONS FOR METASTABLE DECAY IN THE d=3 ISING FERROMAGNET
Authors: KOLESIK MIROSLAV , NOVOTNY M. A. , RIKVOLD PER ARNE
Published: May 2003

We study the extreme long-time behavior of the metastable phase of the three-dimensional Ising model with Glauber dynamics in an applied magnetic field and at a temperature below the critical temperature. For these simulations, we use the advanced simulation method of projective dynamics. The algorithm is described in detail, together with its application to the escape from the metastable state. Our results for the field dependence of the metastable lifetime are in good agreement with theoretical expectations and span more than 50 decades in time.
TUNNELING OF PROTONS AND TAUTOMERIC TRANSITIONS IN BASE PAIRS OF DNA
Authors: GOLO V. L. , VOLKOV YU. S.
Published: May 2003

We study the interplay of the tautomeric transitions amino/keto → imino/enol of DNA base pairs and the elastic properties of the DNA, by employing the numerical simulation of the nonlinear and nonlocal Schrödinger equation that describes the concerted tunneling of protons in the hydrogen bonds of base pairs. We show that the dynamics of tunneling is characterized by solitary waves for the tunneling amplitudes. The velocity of solitons is generally small, of the order 10-3–10-2 cm/sec . We also found a phenomenon similar to the freak wave of nonlinear theory; in the context of DNA, it means that the conformation of the base pairs and the proton states, for which a tautomeric transition is only of low probability, could move along the DNA molecule and focus on a smaller set of base pairs so that the rate of transition increases. This result may have a bearing on the phenomenon of spontaneous mutations. We suggest that the irradiation of DNA with electromagnetic waves at frequencies in the infrared region, corresponding to the proton tunneling, could cause mutations.
HAMILTONIAN MODEL FOR MULTIDIMENSIONAL EPISTASIS
Authors: ÖZÇELIK SEHER , ERZAN AYŞE
Published: May 2003

We propose and solve a Hamiltonian model for multidimensional epistatic interactions between beneficial mutations. The model gives rise to either a phase transition between two equilibrium states, without any coexistence, or exhibits a state where hybrid species coexist, with gradual passage from one wild type to another. The transition takes place as a function of the tolerance of the environment, which we defined as the amount of noise in the system.
EXPONENTIALLY AND TRIGONOMETRICALLY FITTED EXPLICIT ADVANCED STEP-POINT (EAS) METHODS FOR INITIAL VALUE PROBLEMS WITH OSCILLATING SOLUTIONS
Authors: PSIHOYIOS G. , SIMOS T. E.
Published: May 2003

In this paper, an exponentially fitted and trigonometrically fitted predictor–corrector class of methods is developed. These methods represent a totally new area of application for the explicit advanced step-point or EAS methods developed by Psihoyios and Cash. Numerical examples show that the newly developed procedure is much more efficient than well-known methods for the numerical solution of initial value problems with oscillating solutions.
A TWO-PLAYER GAME OF LIFE
Authors: LEVENE MARK , ROUSSOS GEORGE
Published: May 2003

We present a new extension of Conway's game of life for two players, which we call "p2life". P2life allows one of two types of token, black or white, to inhabit a cell and adds competitive elements into the birth and survival rules of the original game. We solve the mean-field equation for p2life and determine, using simulation, that the asymptotic density of p2life approaches 0.0362.
TRANSIENT ORDERED STATES IN A MODEL REACTION ON A SURFACE WITH ACTIVE SITES
Authors: LUQUE J. J. , MAESTRO V. , LÓZAR A. , CÓRDOBA A.
Published: May 2003

A model for the monomer–monomer surface reaction of the type A + B → AB, with diffusion of A and B monomers on a surface and reaction only on active sites randomly distributed on the surface, has been proposed and studied. For a critical point where both adsorption probabilities are the same, a seemingly reactive steady state transforms itself into a poisoned state. In this transient state, the production of AB molecules, in relation to the density of active sites, is considered and an inert-reactive irreversible phase transition is observed. The critical values of the density of active sites, where the irreversible phase transition occurs, is obtained in the limit L → ∞ by means of a finite-size scaling analysis. The critical exponents that dominate the correlation length of clusters, as well as the production of AB molecules at criticality, are determined.
SIMILARITY REDUCTIONS AND INTEGRABILITY FOR THE BRUSSELATOR REACTION–DIFFUSION MODEL WITH SYMBOLIC COMPUTATION
Authors: TIAN BO , LI WEI , GAO YI-TIAN
Published: May 2003

The direct reduction method and computerized symbolic computation are extended to the Brusselator reaction–diffusion model, which describes a biochemical system and consists of two coupled nonlinear partial differential equations. New similarity reductions are obtained, which could be of biochemical interest. The resulting nonlinear ordinary differential equation in one dynamical variable cannot be transformed into any of the six standard forms which have solutions in terms of the Painlevé transcendents. Thus, the Brusselator model is not integrable according to the Painlevé conjecture.
Clinical Evaluation of the Effect of Daio (Rhei Rhizoma) on the Progression of Diabetic Nephropathy with Overt Proteinuria
Authors: Goto Hirozo , Shimada Yutaka , Tanikawa Kiyoaki , Sato Shigehiko , Hikiami Hiroaki , Sekiya Nobuyasu , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: May 2003

We studied the effect of traditional herbal medicines containing Daio (Rhei Rhizoma) on the long-term progression of diabetic nephropathy with overt proteinuria in eight patients [mean age 60 (45–73) years; duration of diabetes 18 (7–36) years]. At the beginning of the study, mean HbA1c was 8.2% and mean serum creatinine was 1.0 ± 0.3 mg/dl. Every patient had diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy. Three of the patients had hypertension and four had ischemic heart disease. After 107 ± 25 months, the mean serum creatinine level had significantly increased to 4.8 ± 2.6 mg/dl. The mean serum creatinine levels of five patients not advancing to dialysis treatment increased from 1.2 ± 0.3 to 3.2 ± 1.0 mg/dl, and the three patients requiring dialysis increased from 0.8 ± 0.1 to 7.5 ± 2.1 mg/dl. In the control group, treated without traditional herbal medicines, the mean serum creatinine level had significantly increased from 1.0 ± 0.3 to 9.5 ± 1.9 mg/dl after 71 ± 12 months. All of the control group required dialysis treatment. Diabetic nephropathy with overt proteinuria is reported to develop into renal failure after 6–7 years. In this retrospective study, traditional herbal medicines with Daio were considered to be effective in prolonging the pre-dialysis period of diabetic nephropathy.
Polygonum multiflorum Extracts Improve Cognitive Performance in Senescence Accelerated Mice
Authors: Chan Yin-Ching , Wang Ming-Fu , Chang Hsiu-Ching
Published: May 2003

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) Thunb. on the learning and memory ability in one- and seven- month-old male senescence accelerated mice (SAMP8). The mice were fed with two different diets for 18 weeks; they were casein dietary group (control group) and casein diet supplemented with PM extracts. Active shuttle avoidance test was performed to determine the learning and memory ability of the mice while the spongy degeneration and the lipofuscin, malondialdehyde, and total thiol levels of the brain were measured to evaluate the extent of the brain degeneration and oxidative status. Results of active shuttle avoidance test showed the mice fed with the PM extracts had significantly better learning and memory ability than the control group. The spongy degeneration and the lipofuscin and malondialdehyde concentrations of the mice in the PM groups were significantly lower than the control in both age groups, whereas the total thiol levels were higher but not significantly different. It was concluded that the supplement of the PM extracts could improve the learning and memory ability and reduce the brain pathological changes in mice. This might be due to the antioxidant phytochemicals of the PM extracts.
Safety and Efficacy Assessment of Chungpyesagan-tang for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Jung Woo Sang , Choi Dong Jun , Cho Ki Ho , Lee Kyung Sup , Moon Sang Kwan , Kim Young Suk , Bae Hyung Sup , Choi Byung Ok
Published: May 2003

Chungpyesagan-tang is one of the most well-known traditional herbal formulations frequently used for treatment of acute stroke in Korea. Therefore, this study aims to assess the clinical safety and efficacy of Chungpyesagan-tang on acute ischemic stroke. We recruited acute cerebral infarction subjects within 1 week after onset time. Then, we prescribed Chungpyesagan-tang to an Oriental medical treatment group (OM-group) for 2 weeks and enrolled a Western medical treatment group (WM-group) which received only Western biomedical care as a control. In this study, the OM-group was composed of 75 subjects. However, 14 of them dropped out, as two had progressive stroke while 12 complained of diarrhea. Thus, 61 cases were included in the analysis and compared to the 76 cases of the WM-group. The improvement of OM-group was better than that of the WM-group according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), but not by the Modified Barthel Index (MBI). There were no definite abnormalities on laboratory safety assessment. Therefore, we suggest that Chungpyesagan-tang may have therapeutic effects, acting to reduce the severity of stroke and improving functional recovery without definite hepatic or renal toxicity when given for the first 2 weeks after a stroke.
Effect of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Bunge on Cerebral Infarct in Ischemia-reperfusion Injured Rats
Authors: Lao Chih-Jui , Lin Jaung-Geng , Kuo Jon-Son , Chiang Sun-Yin , Chen Shu-Chao , Liao En-Tzu , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: May 2003

According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, cerebral infarction results from blood stasis, and the method of quickening the blood and dispelling stasis is used to treat cerebral infarct. Salvia Miltorrhiza Bunge (SM) is a Chinese herb, which is considered to have an action of quickening the blood and dispelling stasis, and is frequently used to treat related disorders of blood stasis such as cerebrovascular accident and ischemic heart disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of SM on cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. A total of 30 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were studied. A model of focal cerebral infarct was developed by occluding both common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 minutes. After 24 hours reperfusion, the rats were killed and the brain tissue was stained with 2, 3, 5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride (TTC). The areas of cerebral infarct were calculated, and lumino-chemiluminesence (CL) counts and lucigenin-CL counts of peripheral blood taken at this time were measured. The changes in the area of cerebral infarct were used as an index to evaluate the effect of SM on cerebral infarct. The results indicated that pretreatment with intraperitoneal injection of 30 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg SM reduced the area of cerebral infarct and also reduced the luminol-CL counts of peripheral blood in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. This study has demonstrated that SM can reduce the area of cerebral infarct in ischemia-reperfusion injured rats, suggesting it may be useful in the treatment of cerebral infarct in humans. The therapeutic effect of SM may be partly due to its free radical scavenging activities.
Effects of Traditional Chinese Formulations on Rat Carotid Artery Injured by Balloon Endothelial Denudation
Authors: Chung Hwa-Jin , Kim Dong-Wook , Maruyama Ikuro , Tani Tadato
Published: May 2003

We examined the inhibitory effects of traditional Chinese formulations (TCFs: Kampo formulation in Japanese) on intimal thickening of the carotid artery injured by balloon endothelial denudation in rats. Among the eight TCFs examined, Oren-gedoku-to (Huanglian-Jiedu-Tang in Chinese), Choto-san (Diao-Teng-San), Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to (Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli-Tang) and Dai-joki-to (Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang) significantly inhibited the intimal thickening 7 days after denudation. These four TCFs also inhibited proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), which may play a central role in the development of restenosis after balloon endothelial denudation. The present results suggest that further evaluation of these four TCFs as inhibitors of VSMC proliferation to prevent arteriosclerosis is warranted.
Anti-metastatic Effects of Fuzhengfangaitang on Human Fibrosarcoma Cells HT1080
Authors: Shim Bum-Sang , Park Kun-Koo , Choi Seung-Hoon
Published: May 2003

Fuzhengfangaitang (FZFAT) is used to inhibit recurrence and metastasis of cancer in the clinic. By applying an in vitro invasion assay model, we examined the antimetastatic effect of FZFAT. In the3H-thymidine incorporation assay, FZFAT-treated groups showed a decreased DNA synthesis rate compared with the control group (F-value 87.42981, P-value 2.02E-08, F0.05(3,12) 3.4903). Gelatin zymogram assay showed that FZFAT decreased the gelatinolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) from human fibrosarcoma cell line (HT-1080), at concentrations of 200 and 400 μg/ml. In the MMPs dot blotting assay, FZFAT inhibited the expression of MMP-1 at concentration of 100 μg/ml, and MMP-9 at concentrations of 200 and 400 μg/ml. Western blots for AP-1 and its signal mediators Erk and JNK showed that expression of Fos and JNK were decreased by the addition of FZFAT at 300 μg/ml, whereas Erk was not. Therefore it was evident that FZFAT regulated the expression of MMP-9 through its transcription factor AP-1 and the signal mediator JNK. We examined whether FZFAT inhibited the invasion of HT-1080 cells through matrigel precoated transwell chambers. The results showed that FZFAT effectively inhibited the invasion of HT-1080 cells as compared with the control phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (+PMA) groups (t-value 5.871584, P-value 0.013901, t0.05(2) 2.919987). From our research, part of the mechanism underlying the antimetastatic effect of FZFAT has been elucidated in vitro.
High Eosinophil Cationic Protein Level in Asthmatic Patients with "Heat" Zheng
Authors: Hsu Ching-Hsaing , Yu Min-Chien , Lee Chang-Hsien , Lee Tsung-Cheng , Yang Su-Yu
Published: May 2003

In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the imbalance of yin and yang is one of the basic pathogeneses of a disease. Preponderance of yang leads to "heat" manifestations including thirst, dryness of the throat, dark scanty urine and constipation. Treatment of asthma in TCM is based on the differentiation of "heat" Zheng according to the manifestations. Some of the patients with allergic asthma also present typical "heat" manifestations. To investigate the essence of "heat" manifestation in asthma, we measured the serum level of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in asthmatic patients. ECP usually represents the activation of eosinophils which are the main effectors in late allergic reactions. Our results demonstrated that asthmatic patients with "heat" manifestations had higher serum ECP levels, compared to those without "heat" manifestations (34.3 ± 4 μg/l versus 15.3 ± 3 μg/l). However, total immunoglobulin E (IgE), and the eosinophil count in peripheral blood did not show any difference between the "heat" and "non-heat" groups. Therefore, we conclude that ECP in asthmatic patients plays an important role in the development of "heat" manifestations as diagnosed by TCM.
Electroacupuncture Attenuates Both Glutamate Release and Hyperemia After Transient Ischemia in Gerbils
Authors: Pang Jinming , Itano Toshifumi , Sumitani Kazunori , Negi Tetsuro , Miyamoto Osamu
Published: May 2003

Although many studies have indicated that electroacupuncture (EA) provides a neuroprotective effect against ischemic brain damage, the protective mechanism is not fully understood. Glutamate release and hippocampal blood flow in ischemia with EA were investigated to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanism of EA. Transient 5-minute ischemia was induced in gerbils. EA (7 Hz, 6 mA, for 30 minutes) delivered to the points called Fengfu (GV16) and Shendao (GV11) was administered pre-, intra- or post-ischemia. The procedure rescued hippocampal neurons from ischemic insult and significantly attenuated both ischemia-induced glutamate release and transient increase of cerebral blood flow (CBF) during reperfusion (hyperemia). Hyperemia as well as excessive glutamate after ischemia are regarded as important factors in brain damage as they lead to reperfusion injury. These results suggest that EA protects neurons by suppressing both glutamate release and reperfusion injury after ischemia.
Acupuncture Increases Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression in Hippocampus of Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Jang Mi-Hyeon , Shin Min-Chul , Lim Baek-Vin , Kim Hyun-Bae , Kim Young-Pyo , Kim Ee-Hwa , Kim Hong , Shin Mal-Soon , Kim Sung-Soo , Kim Chang-Ju
Published: May 2003

In the present study, the effect of acupuncture at Zusanli acupoint on nitric oxide synthase (NOS) expression in the hippocampus of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats was investigated via nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry. Animals were divided into four groups: the control group, the nondiabetic and acupunctured group, the STZ-induced diabetes group, and the STZ-induced diabetes and acupunctured group. From the results, NADPH-d-positive neurons in the hippocampus were decreased in STZ-induced diabetic rats, while acupuncture increased NOS expression significantly under diabetic conditions. In the present study, it can be suggested that acupuncture treatment may modulate NOS activity in the hippocampus under diabetic conditions.
Anti-phlogistic and Immunocompetent Effects of Acupuncture Treatment in Women Suffering from Chronic Pelvic Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Woźniak Piotr R. , Stachowiak Grzegorz P. , Pięta-Dolińska Agnieszka K. , Oszukowski Przemysław J.
Published: May 2003

Thirty-nine women of reproductive age suffering from chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) for at least two years, previously treated pharmacologically with no effect, were enrolled in a four-week therapeutic protocol consisting of 12 acupuncture treatments performed with the frequency of three per week. In each female patient at baseline and after the study, pain score and the following parameters in blood serum were evaluated: concentration of immunoglobulin M (IgM), albumins, α1-globulins, α2-globulins and γ-globulins, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and white blood cell (WBC) count. During the study, we obtained a significant drop in ESR and IgM levels together with a rise in γ-globulin concentrations. A significant decrease (from 4.89 ± 0.82 to 0.63 ± 1.05) in pain score was obtained. The other parameters remained unchanged. These results suggest that acupuncture treatment of PID exhibits a clear anti-inflammatory and immunocompetent effect.
Effect of Apitherapy in Piglets with Preweaning Diarrhea
Authors: Choi Seok Hwa , Cho Seong Koo , Kang Seong Soo , Bae Chun Sik , Bai Young Hoon , Lee Seung Hoo , Pak Sok Cheon
Published: May 2003

This study was designed to examine the therapeutic effect of honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) venom in piglets with bacterial diarrhea. Comparison between bee venom- and drug-treated groups was our main concern in the present study. Preweaning piglets were assigned to treated and non-treated control groups. In the treated group, 47 piglets were acupunctured with the worker honeybee once a day for three consecutive days. Two acupoints, GV-1 (Jiao-chao) and ST-25 (Hai-men), were selected for apitherapy. In the control group, 44 piglets were intramuscularly injected with a standard dose of a known antibacterial drug, colistin sulfate (300,000 IU/kg of body weight), and an antidiarrheal drug (berberine, 2 ml/kg) once a day for three consecutive days. At post-treatment, 90.9% of the control piglets and 93.6% of piglets in the treated group recovered from bacterial diarrhea. Bee acupuncture therapy did not show any side effects such as allergy, intoxication, hemorrhage or infection. It is concluded that bee venom therapy was effective in controlling bacterial diarrhea in preweaning piglets.
Effects of Qigong on Immune Cells
Authors: Lee Myeong Soo , Huh Hwa Jeong , Jeong Seong Min , Jang Hye-Sook , Ryu Hoon , Park Jae-Hwang , Chung Hun-Taeg , Woo Won-Hong
Published: May 2003

The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of two acute Qigong interventions (Qi-training and Qi-therapy) on immune cells. The Qigong interventions were compared with placebo training and placebo therapy in which no attempt was made to gather or move Qi. Immune cell numbers were measured pre-intervention, immediately post-intervention and 1 or 2 hours post-intervention. White blood cells increased significantly 2 hours after actual Qi-training (p < 0.05) but not sham training compared with pre-intervention. There were significant increases in lymphocytes 2 hours after actual but not sham Qi-training (p < 0.05) and monocyte numbers were significantly increased immediately after both actual Qi-training (p < 0.01) and sham training (p < 0.05). NK cell numbers decreased significantly both immediately after Qi-training and after sham movements done without concomitant Qi-training (p < 0.01). There were no significant effects on neutrophils. Actual Qi-therapy but not sham therapy increased monocyte numbers immediately after Qi-therapy, and lymphocytes increased more after real than after sham therapy. Neutrophils were again little changed. The data indicate that a single Qigong intervention can increase the monocyte and lymphocyte numbers.
QUANTUM MAGNETIC VORTICES AT FINITE TEMPERATURE IN (3 + 1)-D
Authors: MARINO E. C. , SASAKI D. G. G.
Published: May 2003

We study the effect of a finite temperature on the correlation function of quantum magnetic vortex lines in the framework of the (3 + 1)-dimensional Abelian Higgs model. The vortex energy is inferred from the large distance behavior of these correlation functions. For large straight vortices of length L, we obtain that the energy is proportional to TL2 differently from the zero temperature result which is proportional to L. The case of closed strings is also analyzed. For T = 0, we evaluate the correlation function and energy of a large ring. Finite closed vortices do not exist as genuine excitations for any temperature.