bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of American Ginseng Extract (Panax quinquefolius) on Formalin-Induced Nociception in Mice
Authors: Yang J. C. , Pang C. S. , Tsang S. F. , Ng K .F.
Published: October 2003

Twenty-three ICR mice were force fed orally with American ginseng extract, Panax quin-quefolius, (Cold FX®) for 4 days. Another 20 mice were fed with water as placebo in a similar fashion. Formalin tests which yield typically two phases of pain behavior were done in both groups. Although there was no difference in the first phase between groups, mice treated with Cold FX® spent significantly less time in licking and biting of the injured paws in the second phase. The data indicate that American ginseng may have analgesic effect in this chronic pain model.
Effects of Ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc on Inferior Human Sperm MotilityIn Vitro
Authors: Chen Jung-Chou , Chen Leih-Der , Tsauer Wei , Tsai Chin Chuan , Chen Bih-Chern , Chen Ying-Jeng
Published: October 2003

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of two constituents of Panax notoginseng flower extract, Ginsenoside Rb2 and Rc, on human sperm motility and proression in vitro. Semen samples were collected from 20 patients with sperm motility between 20% and 40% of normal. All samples had sperm counts of over 20 million per milliliter, in accordance with the World Health Organization standard. Sperm were separated by a Percoll discontinuous gradient technique, and divided into a Percoll sperm control group, and three Ginsenoside Rb2 experimental groups (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml) and three Ginsenoside Rc experimental groups (0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 mg/ml). The results showed that at concentrations of 0.01 mg/ml and 0.001 mg/ml, Ginsenoxide Rc enhanced both sperm motility and sperm progression significantly at the end of the 1st and 2nd hour. However, the three concentrations of Ginsenoside Rb2 did not increase sperm motility at the 1st or 2nd hour, but promoted sperm progression at the 2nd hour, when compared to the Percoll group.
Protective Effect of Phenolic Compounds Isolated from the Hooks and Stems of Uncaria sinensis on Glutamate-Induced Neuronal Death
Authors: Shimada Yutaka , Goto Hirozo , Kogure Toshiaki , Shibahara Naotoshi , Sakakibara Iwao , Sasaki Hiroshi , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: October 2003

We isolated the phenolic compounds epicatechin, catechin, procyanidin B-1, procyanidin B-2, hyperin and caffeic acid from the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis (HSUS), and studied their protective effects against glutamate-induced neuronal death in cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. Cell viability evaluated by MTT assay was significantly increased by application of epicatechin (100–300 μM), catechin (300 μM), procyanidin B-1 (30–300 μM) and procyanidin B-2 (100–300 μM) compared with exposure to glutamate only. 45Ca2+ influx into cells induced by glutamate was also significantly inhibited by administration of epicatechin (300 μM), catechin (300 μM), procyanidin B-1 (100–300 μM) and procyanidin B-2 (100–300 μM). These results suggest that epicatechin, catechin, procyanidin B-1 and procyanidin B-2 are the active components of HSUS that protect against glutamate-induced neuronal death in cultured cerebellar granule cells by inhibition of Ca2+ influx.
The Analgesic Efficacy of Bee Venom Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Comparative Study with Needle Acupuncture
Authors: Kwon Young-Bae , Kim Ji-Hoon , Yoon Jung-Hee , Lee Jae-Dong , Han Ho-Jae , Mar Woung-Chon , Beitz Alvin J. , Lee Jang-Hern
Published: October 2003

The aim of this investigation was to determine whether been venom (BV) administered directly into an acupoint was a clinically effective and safe method for relieving the pain of patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) as compared to traditional needle acupuncture. We evaluated the efficacy of BV acupuncture using both pain relief scores and computerized infrared thermography (IRT) following 4 weeks of BV acupuncture treatment. We observed that a significantly higher proportion of subjects receiving BV acupuncture reported substantial pain relief as compared with those receiving traditional needle acupuncture therapy. Furthermore, the IRT score was significantly improved and paralleled the level of pain relief.
Objective Assessment of the Sympatholytic Action of Nei-Kuan Acupoint
Authors: Abad-Alegrìa Francisco , Pomaròn Carlos , Aznar Cristina , Muñoz Cristina , Adelantado Sonia
Published: October 2003

From animal experiments and clinical trials, we can think that acupuncture of Nei-Kuan (EH-6) is effective in the control of some vegetative functions. We have tried to determine the real reach of these assumptions by means of simple quantitative measurement methods, such as detection of cardiac frequency and systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and the sympathetic electrical response. The experiments were performed on 29 healthy volunteers. Basal values of these parameters were recorded, and also after orthodox Nei-Kuan acupuncture, non-acupunctural point puncture, supine lying by 15 min, Chü-Tze (EH-3) acupuncture and bipolar electrical stimulus of the median nerve at the Nei-Kuan level in the wrist. Such conditions were designed to evaluate non-specific puncture, repose and direct median nerve stimulation influences in the effects of Nei-Kuan acupuncture.

We conclude that Nei-Kuan acupuncture strongly inhibits sympathetic tone, with reduction of cardiac frequency, systolic blood pressure and an important reduction of the amplitude of the sympathetic electrical response; the latency of the electrical response was also prolonged. Some weak effects on blood pressure and cardiac frequency were observed also, as non-specific effects of puncture and median nerve stimulation. From previous anatomical data, we hypothesize that the level of such actions is suprametameric, with strong implication of the diencephalon and cerebral cortex.
Studies of the Central Neural Pathways to the Stomach and Zusanli (ST36)
Authors: Lee Chang Hyun , Jung Han Sol , Lee Tae Young , Lee Sang Ryoung , Yuk Sang Won , Lee Kwang Gyu , Lee Bong Hee
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this morphological study was to investigate the relation between the meridian, meridian points and viscera using neuroanatomical tracers. The common locations of the spinal cord and brain projecting to the stomach and Zusanli were observed following injection of CTB (cholera toxin B subunit) and pseudorabies viruses (PRV-Ba, Bartha strain and PRV-Ba-Gal, galactosidase insertion) into the stomach and Zusanli (ST36). After 4–5 days of survival following injection into twelve rats, they were perfused, and their spinal cords and brains were frozen sectioned (30 μm). These sections were stained by X-gal histochemical, CTB and PRV-Bia immunohistochemical staining methods, and examined with the light microscope. The results were as follows: Commonly labeled medulla oblongata regions were dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve (DMV), nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and area postrema (AP) following injection of CTB and PRV-Ba-Gal into stomach and Zusanli, respectively. In the spinal cord, commonly labeled neurons were found in thoracic, lumbar and sacral spinal segments. Densely labeled areas were found in lamina IV, V, VII (intermediolateral nucleus) and X of the spinal cord. In the brain, commonly labeled neurons were found in the A1 noradrenalin cells/C1 adrenalin cells/caudoventrolateral reticular nucleus, dorsal motor nucleus of vagus nerve, nucleus tractus solitarius, area postrema, raphe obscurus nucleus, raphe pallidus nucleus, raphe magnus nucleus, gigantocellular nucleus, locus coeruleus, parabrachial nucleus, Kolliker-Fuse nucleus, A5 cell group, central gray matter, paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus, lateral hypothalamic nucleus, retrochiasmatic hypothalamic nucleus, bed nucleus of stria terminals and amygdaloid nucleus. Thus central autonomic center project both to the stomach and Zusanli. These morphological results suggest that there is a commonality of CNS cell groups in brain controlling stomach (viscera) and Zusanli (limb).
The Effectiveness of Tsu-San-Li (St-36) and Tai-Chung (Li-3) Acupoints for Treatment of Acute Liver Damage in Rats
Authors: Liu Hsu-Jan , Hsu Sheng-Feng , Hsieh Chang-Chi , Ho Tin-Yun , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Tsai Chin-Chuan , Lin Jaung-Geng
Published: October 2003

This study investigated the effects of acupuncture on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced acute liver injury in male rats (n = 36). The experimental groups were injected with CCl4before, during, or after acupuncture therapy. Acupoints similar to the human Tsu-San-Li (St-36) and Tai-Chung (Li-3) were needled bilaterally. Rats treated with CCl4had higher levels of serum glutamate-oxalate-transaminase (sGOT) and serum glutamate-pyruvate-transaminase (sGPT). Comparing the experimental groups, biochemical and pathological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced when rats were acupunctured after, not before, CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity. Acupuncture at the Tsu-Sa-Li and Tai-Chung acupoints cannot prevent acute liver injury but may be effective in treating liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats.
Changes in Peripheral Lymphocyte Subpopulations After Direct Moxibustion
Authors: Yamashita Hitoshi , Ichiman Yoshitoshi , Tanno Yasuo
Published: October 2003

We measured peripheral lymphocyte subpopulations after direct moxibustion using moxa cones the size of a half-rice grain. In humans at 2 hrs after the direct moxibustion, NK cell percentage decreased and CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly. Although the same trends were observed in the control session, those changes were not statistically significant. In rabbits at 3 and 12 hrs after direct moxibustion, CD4/CD8 ratio significantly increased, and recovered at between 24 and 72 hrs after treatment. Similarly, the CD4/CD8 ratio significantly increased in the control session, but they seemed to have a shorter duration. Although it is not yet clear whether the effects are beneficial, we found that direct moxibustion influences the immune system at least transiently.
Qi Therapy as an Intervention to Reduce Chronic Pain and to Enhance Mood in Elderly Subjects: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lee Myeong Soo , Yang Kyung-Hee , Huh Hwa Jeong , Kim Hyun Wook , Ryu Hoon , Lee Ho-Sub , Chung Hun-Taeg
Published: October 2003

Qi therapy (or external Qi) is an oriental complementary therapy preventing, curing disease and strengthens health and improving the human potentiality through regulation of body. It is increasingly being used to improve the quality of life, but there is little direct evidence of its efficacy. This study assessed the effects of Qi therapy (QT) on reducing pain and enhancing mood states in elderly subjects with chronic pain. We studied 40 elderly participants with chronic pain, who were randomly allocated to receive QT (n = 20). The experimental group receives Qi therapy twice a week for 2 weeks (total 4 times), and control group received general care at the same time and the same amount of duration. We measured pain level and Profile of Mood State (POMS) to explore participants' response to Qi therapy. There was a significant reduction in pain (p < 0.0001) after QT and an improved positive mood state (p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that Qi therapy may have a role in helping the elderly to cope with their pain and mood disturbances.
Studies on the Psychosomatic Functioning of Ill-Health According to Eastern and Western Medicine 6.
Authors: Takeichi Masashi , Sato Takeshi , Takefu Masasuke
Published: October 2003

In the accompanying paper "Psychosomatic Characteristics of Anxiety and the Anxiety Affinitive Constitution (Provisional Term) in Medical Students," we suggest that anassessment of the relationship between anxiety and the state of thoracic-abdominal balance of breathing, and the creation of an anxiety-affinitive constitution index (AACI) derived from that assessment, will be indispensable for furthering research in the future. Using the tenets of Oriental psychosomatic medicine, we examined in this research medical students (N = 104) from whom we had received fully-informed consent for the research in writing, and patients who met the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for anxiety disorders (N = 18) and major depressive episodes (N = 20). We then identified their anxiety and depressive psychosomatic traits in accordance with an assessment of the relationship between anxiety and the state of their thoracic-abdominal balance of breathing, and the AACI derived from that assessment. We performed a multiple regression analysis with the STAI trait anxiety as the dependent variable, and the parameters of the somatic tests as the independent variables. We obtained the formula that AACI = - 62.9 + 72.9 × the thoracic/abdominal respiratory movement ratio (the fractal dimensionvalue for the thoracic respiratory curve/the fractal dimension value for the abdominal respiratory curve) + 22.5 × the horizontal eye movement (the fractal dimension value) + 2.4 × the dental indentation of the tongue (existence, 1; none 0). We then obtained data regarding a symptomatological, constitutional, and nosological diagnosis of anxiety and depression based on the AACI values of the Student's t test calculated for the medical students and the anxiety disorder patients with major depressive episodes, and a statistical analysis using ANOVA. We believe the AACI we created in this research will be very important and significant for the preventive treatment of lifestyle illnesses and stress-related diseases.
Modulation of Chelidonii herba on GABA Activated Choride Current in Rat PAG Neurons
Authors: Kim Yonjung , Shin Minchul , Chung Jooho , Kim Eehwa , Koo Gyosung , Lee Choongyeol , Kim Changju
Published: October 2003

Modulation of Chelidonii herba on γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) activated chloride current in the acutely dissociated periaqueductal gray (PAG) neuron was studied by nystatin-perforated patch-clamp technique. High concentrations of Chelidonii herba elicited ion current, that was blocked by bicuculline. Low concentrations reduced the GABA activated current in PAG. Two types of inhibitory action of Chelidonii herba on GABA activated current have been implicated in PAG. One is the inhibitory action of Chelidonii herbe on GABA was abolished by naltrexone and the other is that of Chelidonii herba was potentiated by naltrexone. In addition, all of two types of action of Chelidonii herba are linked to pertussis toxin-sensitive GTP-binding proteins. These results suggest that the inhibitory modulation of Chelidonii herba on GABA activated current via G-proteins in PAG neuron is an important analgesic mechanism.
Administration of Chinese Herbal Medicines Facilitates the Locomotor Activity in Dystrophin-Deficient Mice
Authors: Chen Shun-Sheng , Wang Dean-Chuan , Chen Tsan-Ju , Yang Shu-Ling
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this study was to access the effects of chinese herbal medicines on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). We use dystrophin-deficient mice (mdx), an animal model of DMD, to evaluate the effect of chinese herbal medicines on locomotor activity. The consumption of water for each mouse was controlled during the three-month experimental session. Each mouse was allowed to drink 3 ml water with or without herbal medicines daily for three months. The estimated intake of chinese herbal medicine in adult mdx mouse with 30 g weight is 100 mg/kg per day, close to a dose used in human. The locomotor activity of the mdx mice was measured every month. Monitoring the locomotor activity of mdx mice after three-month administration of chinese herbal medicines, the results showed that Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan (LDW) and San-Lin-Pai-Tsu-San (SPS) can facilitate locomotor activity with the parameters of horizontal activity, total distance, number of movements, movement time, vertical activity, number of vertical movements, vertical movement time, stereotypy, number of stereotyped movements, and stereotyped movement time. These results suggest that either LDW or SPS can act as a potent herbal medicine for the pharmacological treatment of DMD patients.
Effect ofAlpinia oxyphyllaFruit Extract on Compound 48/80-induced Anaphylactic Reactions
Authors: Shin Tae Yong , Won Jin Hee , Kim Hyung Min , Kim Sand Hyun
Published: October 2003

The effect of the aqueous extract of Alpinia oxyphylla Miq. (Zingiberaceae) fruits (AOFE) on anaphylactic reaction was investigated. AOFE completely inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylactic shock at dose of 1.0 g/kg. When AOFE was pretreated at concentrations ranging from 0.01 to 1.0 g/kg, the plasma histamine levels induced by compound 48/80 were reduced in a dose-dependent manner. AOFE also inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) by compound 48/80. The level of cAMP in RPMC, when AOFE was added, transiently and significantly increased about 4-fold compared with that of basal cells. These results indicate that AOFE may be beneficial in the treatment of non-specific anaphylactic reactions.
Suppression of Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats by Continuous Administration of Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang (Da-Fang-Feng-Tang)
Authors: Joe Su Mee , Lee In Seon , Lee Yong Tae , Lee Jun Hyuk , Choi Byung Tae
Published: October 2003

Although Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang (an herbal formula of 15 herbs)-treated rats exhibited a mild inflammation, the significant histological changes including a marked infiltration of inflammatory cells in the synovium and damaged articular cartilages were not observed. The staining abilities of the cartilage such as periodic acid Schiff's reaction in the interterritorial matrix of hyaline cartilage, alcian blue and aldehyde fuchsin staining in the capsule of chondrocytes and in the interterritorial matrix of articular cartilage and Con A, sWGA and BSL-1 affinities of chondrocytes tended to decrease in the rats with collagent-induced arthritis compared with normal rats. Decreased stainabilities and affinities were almost recovered in the Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang-treated rats. In the collagen-induced rats, iNOS expression in the synovial lining cells and subsynovial tissue were significantly increased and numerous strong immunoreactive cells were demostrated in the subsynovial tissue. Somewhat decreased immunoreaction of iNOS was shown in the synovial lining cells and subsynovial tissue of Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang-treated rats. It was concluded that Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang showed a notable protection against histological changes and histochemical staining, and it acted as an inhibitor of iNOS expression. Dae-Bang-Poong-Tang may be used as a complementary therapeutic agent to alleviate the rheumatoid arthritis.
Effect of Acupuncture Stimulation on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Silicone Rubber Chambers
Authors: Chen Yueh-Sheng , Yao Chun-Hsu , Chen Ter-Hsin , Lin Jaung-Geng , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Chun-Chin , Lao Chih-Jui , Tsai Chin-Chuan
Published: October 2003

The purpose of this study was to determine whether acupuncture could affect the regeneration of a 10-mn gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Empty silicone rubber tubes with no further treatment were used as controls. Six weeks after implantation, the animals received the acupuncture or the electroneedling treatment exhibited a more mature ultrastructural nerve organization with significantly higher numbers in the axon density, the blood vessel area, and the percentage of blood vessel area occupied in total nerve area than the controls. In addition, the electroneedling could combine both the needling and the electrical stimulation to potentiate the nerve-growth promoting effect of the acupuncture treatment. These results showed that acupuncture treatment could elicit positive effects on regenerated peripheral nerves.
Heart Rate Responses and Oxygen Consumption during Tai Chi Chuan Practice
Authors: Lan Ching , Chen Ssu-Yuan , Lai Jin-Shin , Wong May-Kuen
Published: October 2003

Tai Chi Chuan (TCC) is a popular Chinese conditioning exercise, however, its exercise intensity remains controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the exercise intensity of Yang TCC by measuring heart rate (HR) responses and oxygen consumption [Formula: see text] during practice. Fifteen men aged 39.9 ± 9.5 yrs (range 26–56 yrs) participated in this study. Subjects had practiced classical Yang TCC for 5.8 ± 2.4 years. HR responses and [Formula: see text] were measured during practice of TCC by using a K4 telemetry system. Blood lactate was measured before and immediately after TCC practice. Additionally, breath-by-breath measurement of cardiorespiratory function and sequential determination of blood lactate were performed during the incremental exercise of leg cycling. Measurements obtained during the TCC practice and exercise testing were compared to determine the exercise intensity of TCC. While performing TCC, the mean HR of subjects was 140 ± 10 bpm, and the mean [Formula: see text] was 21.4 ± 1.5 mL·kg-1min-1. Compared with the data of the exercise test, the HR during practice was 58% of the heart rate range. Meanwhile, the [Formula: see text] during TCC practice was 55% of the [Formula: see text]. Additionally, the level of blood lactate immediately after TCC practice was 3.8 mM, which reflected the level of lactate during TCC, approximated the onset of blood lactate accumulation (OBLA). The results demonstrate that TCC is an exercise with moderate intensity, and is aerobic in nature.
Studies on the Psychosomatic Functioning of Ill-Health According to Eastern and Western Medicine 7.
Authors: Takeichi Masashi , Sato Takeshi
Published: October 2003

Using the anxiety-affinitive constitution index (AACI) that we created, we measured the degree of the anxiety-affinitice constituation as an equivalent of ill-health for the study of psychoimmuno-endrocrinological changes induced by Kampo medication and relaxation training (RT). With 20 sixth-year Saga Medical School students (average age: 24.8 ± 1.4) as the subjects, we obtained three results: (1) relaxation training produced lowered STAI trait and state anxiety scores and tended to transform the respiratory pattern from thoracic to abdominal; (2) Kampo medication generated lowered GHQ-30 total scores and lowered the depression factor scores for its symptom components; and (3) Kampo medication for overcoming blood stagnation induced lowered NK cell activity, whereas Kampo medication for providing a tonic effect on vital energy and enriching blood brought about elecvated NK cell activity and blood cortisol concentration. These results strongly suggest that while Kampo medication alleviated psychological distress as demonstrated by lowered GHQ-30 scores, RT improved the respiratory pattern, as demonstrated by increased abdominal dominance. The utmost attention must be paid to the prolonged administration of drugs for overcoming blood stagnation because of their possible immunosuppressive action.
Effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration Using Silicone Rubber Chambers
Authors: Chen Yueh-Sheng , Cheng Wen-Chiang , Yao Chun-Hsu , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Lin Jaung-Geng , Lai Tung-Yuan , Lin Chun-Ching , Tsai Chin-Chuan
Published: October 2003

This study investigated the effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction on the regeneration of a 10-mm gap of rat sciatic nerve created between the proximal and distal nerve stumps, which were sutured into silicone rubber tubes. Empty silicone rubber tubes with no further treatment were used as controls. Six weeks after implantation, 89% of the animals orally administered the Buyang Huanwu decoction exhibited regeneration across the nerve gaps, whereas only 70% had regenerated in the control group. Both qualitative and quantitative histology of the regenerated nerves revealed a more mature ultrastructural organization with significantly higher numbers of myelinated axons, larger endoneurial areas, higher axon densities and a larger percentage of axon area per total nerve area in the Buyang Huanwu group than in the controls. These results showed that the Buyang Huanwu decoction had a growth-promoting effect on the regenerated nerves.
Inhibitory Effect of Anti-pyretic and Anti-inflammatory Herbs on Herpes Simplex Virus Replication
Authors: Hsiang Chien-Yun , Hsieh Ching-Liang , Wu Shih-Lu , Lai I-Lu , Ho Tin-Yun
Published: October 2003

The increasing clinical use of acyclovir, ganciclovir, and foscarnet against herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus, and cytomegalovirus has been associated with the emergence of drug-resistant herpesvirus strains. To develop anti-HSV compounds from plants, 31 herbs used as antipyretic and anti-inflammatory agents in Chinese medicine were screened. Five different preparations (cold aqueous, hot aqueous, ethanolic,acid ethanolic, and methanolic) from 31 herbs were analyzed by plaque reduction assay, and 7 extracts, which showed significant antiviral activities, were further elucidated for their antiviral mechanisms. Our results showed that ethanolic extract of Rheum officinale and methanolic extract of Paeonia suffruticosa prevented the process of virus attachment and penetration. Aqueous extract of P. suffruticosa and ethanolic extract of Melia toosendan inhibited virus attachment to cell surface. Aqueous extract of Sophora flavescens and methanolic extract of M. toosendan showed on effect on virus attachment and penetration. These data indicated that these 4 herbs have a potential values as source of new powerful anti-HSV compounds.
Effect of Solanun nudum Extracts on the Liver of Mice Infected with Plasmodium berghei
Authors: Marcela Echeverri , Silvia Blair , Jaime Carmona , Pilar Pérez
Published: October 2003

The plant Solanum nudum has been used by the community of Tumaco (Nariño, Colombia) as a cure for malaria. Our group has confirmed the in vitro antimalarial activity against the strain of Plasmodium falciparum FCB-2. During our in vivo studies on the therapeutic effect of Solanum nudum extracts on mice infected with Plasmodium berghei, we observed yellowish tint in the palms of mice treated with the aqueous extract via ip at a concentration of 2.4% w/vol. This findings suggested the need to carry out a histology study of the liver. Plasmodium berghei infection produces liver changes such as the deposit of pigment inn sinusoids, leucocytes infiltration, esteatosis and necrosis of hepatocytes. These changes were also observed when the mice were treated with methane and hexane extracts from Solanum nudum; however necrosis of hepatocytes in mice infected with malaria decreased 47–65% when they were administered wither with queous extract, or tumacoside A and degraded diosgenone, compounds from methane and hexane extracts of Solanum nudum respectively.
Pancreatic Islet Regeneration by Ephedrine in Mice with Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes
Authors: Xiu Li-Mei , Miura Akira B. , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Kobayashi Takao , Song Qing-Hua , Kitamura Hajime , Cyong Jong-Chol
Published: October 2003

In this experiment, we investigated the effects of crude Ephedrae herba, alkaloid extract of Ephedrae herbal and 1-ephedrine, a major alkaloid component, on diabetic mice induced by streptozotocin (STZ). The alkaloid extract and 1-ephedrine showed suppression on the hyperglycemia. The suppression by Ephedrae herba of hyperglycemia may therefore be due to 1-ephedrine. Furthermore, we found that Ephedrae herba, alkaloid and 1-ephedrine promoted the regeneration of pancreas islets following atrophy induced by STZ. It is therefore suggested that Ephedrae herba may regenerate atrophied pancreatic islets, restore the secretion of insulin, and thus correct hyperglycemia.
Acute Toxicity of Various Oral Doses of Dried Nerium Oleander Leaves in Sheep
Authors: Adam S.E.I. , Al-Yahya M.A. , Al-Farhan A.H.
Published: October 2003

The acute toxicity of dried Nerium oleander leaves to Najdi sheep is described in 12 sheep assigned as untreated controls, N. oleander-treated once at 1 and 0.25 g/kg body weight and N. oleander-treated daily at 0.06 g/kg body weight by drench. Single oral doses of 1 or 0.25 g of dried N. oleander leaves/kg body weight caused restlessness, chewing movements of the jaws, dyspnea, ruminal bloat, incoordination of movements, limb paresis, recumbency and death 4–24 hr after dosing. Lesions were widespread congestion or hemorrhage, pulmonary cyanosis and emphysema, hepatorenal fatty change and catarrhal abomasitis and enteritis. The daily oral doses of 0.06 g dried N. oleander leaves/kg body weight caused less severe signs and death occurred between days 3 and 14. In these animals, the main lesions were hepatonephropathy and gelatinization of the renal pelvis and mesentry and were accompanied by significant increases in serum AST and LDH activities, in bilirubin, cholesterol and urea concentrations and significant decreases in total protein and albumin levels, anemia and leucopenia.
Data Compression for Arterial Pulse Waveform
Authors: Chen Wen-Shiung , Yuan Shang-Yuan , Liao Ho-En
Published: October 2003

The arterial pulse possesses important clinical information in traditional Chinese medicine. It is usually recorded for a long period of time in the applications of telemedicine and PACS systems. Due to the huge amount of data, by recognizing the strong correlation between successive beat patterns in arterial pulse waveform sequences, a novel and efficient data compression scheme based mainly on pattern matching is introduced. The simulation results show that our coding scheme can achieve a very high compression ratio and low distortion for arterial pulse waveform.
ELECTRONIC STRUCTURE AND GROUND STATE PROPERTIES OF NON-MAGNETICNiPtSYSTEMS
Authors: PAUDYAL DURGA , MOOKERJEE ABHIJIT
Published: October 2003

We have studied the electronic properties like density of states and band structures and also the ground state properties like formation energy, cohesive energy, bulk modulus and structural energy of NiPt system using the linearized muffin-tin orbital method introduced by Andersen.1,2In an earlier communication we had argued that both charge neutrality and scalar relativistic corrections are very important for the high concentration of Pt alloys. The calculations here, were, therefore, carried out with charge neutrality as well as with and without scalar relativistic correction for comparison.
FEYNMAN PATH-INTEGRAL APPROACH TO THE QED3 THEORY OF THE PSEUDOGAP
Authors: SHEEHY DANIEL E.
Published: October 2003

In this work the connection between vortex condensation in a d-wave superconductor and the QED 3 gauge theory of the pseudogap is elucidated. The approach taken circumvents the use of the standard Franz–Tesanovic gauge transformation, borrowing ideas from the path-integral analysis of the Aharonov–Bohm problem. An essential feature of this approach is that gauge transformations which are prohibited on a particular multiply-connected manifold (e.g. a superconductor with vortices) can be successfully performed on the universal covering space associated with that manifold.
THE QUANTUM WIGNER FUNCTION IN A MAGNETIC FIELD
Authors: MATERDEY TOMAS B. , SEYLER CHARLES E.
Published: October 2003

The Wigner function is shown related to the quantum dielectric function derived from the quantum Vlasov equation (QVE), with and without a magnetic field, using a standard method in plasma physics with linear perturbations and a self-consistent mean field interaction via Poisson's equation. A finite-limit-of-integration Wigner function, with oscillatory behavior and negative values for free particles, is proposed. In the classical regimes, where the problem size is huge compared to the particle wavelength, these limits go to infinity, and for free particles, the Wigner function becomes a positive delta function as expected. For the harmonic oscillator potential, there is no distinction between finite and infinite limits of integration when these are larger than the eigenfunction localization length.
THEORY OF THE FERMIONIC QUANTUM HALL EFFECT
Authors: FUJITA S. , OKAMURA Y. , HAJDU J.
Published: October 2003

At the even-denominator filling factor ν=P/Q, even Q, a fermionic Quantum Hall (QH) state is shown to be developed at the lowest temperatures. In this state, formed by the composite (c-) fermions, each with an electron and the even number Q of flux quanta (fluxons), the conductivity σ≡J/E(J= current density , E= applied field ) becomes a universal constant (e2/h)Q-2 as the temperature T approaches zero while the Hall conductivity σH≡J/EH(EH= Hall field ) becomes approximately equal to (e2/h)(P/Q).
RELATIVISTIC QUANTUM FIELD THEORY FOR CONDENSED SYSTEMS-(I): (GENERAL FORMALISM)
Authors: MATSUURA HIROYUKI
Published: October 2003

We proposed Atomic Schwinger–Dyson method (ASD method) in this paper, which was the nonperturbative and finite relativistic quantum field theory, and we treat many electron system and electronic matter. The ASD formalism consists of coupled Dyson equations of electrons and photons. Since, it includes self-energies in a nonperturbative way, higher-order correlations beyond Hartee–Fock approximation are taken into account. Some important differences between the ASD formalism for the system of finite electron density and SD formalism of zero electron density are shown. The main difference is due to the existence of condensed photon field, symmetry breaking, and what we call, Coulomb's potential. By paying special attention to the treatment of the condensed photon fields, the coupled Dyson equations of electron and photon are derived based on functional propagator method. It is shown that this treatment of the condensed fields naturally leads to tadpole energy, which cancels the Hartree energy. By using these photon propagators, explicit expression of ASD coupled equations and the energy density of matters are derived for numerical calculations in a subsequent paper. Similarities and differences between ASD and traditional methods such as the mean field theory or the Hartree–Fock method are discussed; it is shown that these traditional methods were included in our ASD formalism.
Testing the Helix Model for Protein Folding on Four Simple Proteins
Authors: Bruscolini Pierpaolo
Published: October 2003

We test a simplified, local version of the helix model1 on two synthetic and two natural proteins, to study its efficiency in predicting the native secondary structure. The results we obtain are very good for the synthetic sequences, poorer for the two natural ones. This suggests that nonlocal terms play a fundamental role in determining the secondary structure, even if in some cases local terms alone may be sufficient.
Estimate of Coulomb Energies in the Nonlinear Theory of Magnetic Multilayers
Authors: Baltensperger W. , Helman J. S.
Published: October 2003

A magnetic plane, exchange coupled to an electron gas, generates a spin polarization and in the nonlinear theory also a charge distribution. The corresponding electrostatic energy per unit surface is evaluated. For an electron gas at metallic densities this turns out to be negligible, while it must be taken into account in dilute degenerate semiconductors.
Fine Scale Structure of the Local Lyapunov Exponent
Authors: Yao Demin
Published: October 2003

Direct numerial calculations reveal the fine-scale structures of the local Lyapunov exponent as a spatial function in the chaotic region of a three-dimensional volume-preserving flow.
Directed Motion Induced by a Cyclic Stochastic Process
Authors: Li Yu-Xiao
Published: October 2003

The motion of Brownian particles in a spatial symmetric periodic potential is considered. In the absence of any external driving forces, when the potential profile fluctuates cyclically between three states, directed motion can be induced. For a cosine potential, the finite probability current is evaluated.
Impurity Scattering in a d-Wave Superconductor
Authors: Park Mi-Ae , Lee M. H. , Kim Yong-Jihn
Published: October 2003

The influence of (non-magnetic and magnetic) impurities on the transition temperature of a d-wave superconductor is studied anew within the framework of BCS theory. Pairing interaction decreases linearly with the impurity concentration. Accordingly T c suppression is proportional to the (potential or exchange) scattering rate, 1/τ, due to impurities. The initial slope versus 1/τ is found to depend on the superconductor contrary to Abrikosov–Gor'kov type theory. Near the critical impurity concentration T c drops abruptly to zero. Because the potential scattering rate is generally much larger than the exchange scattering rate, magnetic impurities will also act as non-magnetic impurities as far as the T c decrease is concerned. The implication for the impurity doping effect in high T c superconductors is also discussed.
High Dielectric Constant and Variable Range Hopping in Bi2Sr2YCu2Oy
Authors: Sekhar M. Chandra , Krishna B. Gopala , Maheshkumar M. , Suryanarayana S. V.
Published: October 2003

The sample Bi2Sr2YCu2O y prepared by solid state reaction method showed a single phase Bi-2212. DC resistivity measured in the temperature range 77.5–300 K showed M–I like transition. AC conductivity measurements were performed in the temperature range 80–473 K at different frequencies. The conduction is by Mott's Variable Range Hopping. Various parameters pertaining to the conduction process are evaluated. The value of dielectric constant ε increases with temperature and shows a very high value. For a given temperature the value is found to decrease with increase in frequency.
Magnetic High Tc Superconducting like Behavior of β-, β″- and γ-Alumina
Authors: Pop Iuliu , Bolla Csaba , Pop Olivia , Burda Ioan , Andrecut Mircea
Published: October 2003

β, β″ and γ- Al2O3 samples were synthesized. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility has anomalous diamagnetic-paramagnetic transitions, like Meissner effect, around 80 K, and consequently high T c superconducting like magnetic behavior.
X-Ray Absorption Fine Structure Study in FeTiO3
Authors: Hsu Rebekah Min-Fang , Lin Kai-Jan , Tien Cheng , Jang Lin-Yan
Published: October 2003

X-ray absorption fine structure XAFS spectroscopy has been used to determine the valence system for the Fe atom in ilmenite, FeTiO3 . This is the first XAFS data in FeTiO3 to our knowledge. The α- Fe2O3 data served as the standard in determining the ionization of the Fe atom in FeTiO3 . Observation of intensity and k-space are consistent. There was no evidence of mixed valence on comparing the FeTiO3 near edge X-ray absorption spectrum with α- Fe2O3 data. The absorption spectra suggest that iron is in the trivalent state in ilmenite.
Micro-Hardness and Adhesion of Boron Carbon Nitride Coatings
Authors: Qingrun Hou , Gao J.
Published: October 2003

Boron carbon nitride coatings have been synthesized by the pulsed laser deposition method. Vickers micro-hardness and adhesion of the coatings were studied. A new model was applied to determine the hardness of the coatings which were too thin to be directly measured by the Vickers micro-hardness test. An intermediate layer of silicon was used to enhance the adhesion of the coatings on stainless steel, glass, and quartz substrates.
Micro-Hardness and Adhesion of Diamond-Like Carbon Films
Authors: Qingrun Hou , Gao J.
Published: October 2003

Diamond-like carbon films have been synthesized by the pulsed laser deposition under a magnetic field. The hardness of the films was increased considerably. However, due to the large compressive stress in the films, adhesion of the films became a serious problem. Two methods, i.e. laser irradiation of the silicon substrate surface and growing a composition-graded intermediate layer, were used to increase the adhesion. With the variations of the interface conditions, the change of the stress type from compressive stress to tensile stress was observed. By careful choosing the composition change of the intermediate layer, adherent diamond-like carbon films with a thickness of 1145 nm were successfully grown on silicon substrates at 80°C.
Equation of State and Virial Coefficients of An Ideal Gas with Fractional Exclusion Statistics in Arbitrary Dimensions
Authors: Iguchi Kazumoto
Published: October 2003

Equation of state and virial coefficients of an ideal gas with fractional exclusion (i.e. Haldane–Wu) statistics in arbitrary dimensions are derived herein, using the quantum statistical mechanics formulation for pressure and density of the system in terms of the D-dimensional momentum representation. The relationship between the convergence of the virial expansion and the existence of condensation is shown for this system.
Explicit Polynomial Solutions to the q- Difference Form of the Harper-Equation
Authors: Micu C. , Papp E.
Published: October 2003

This paper deals with the derivation of concrete polynomial solutions to the q-difference form of the Harper equation proposed recently [P. B. Wiegmann and A. V. Zabrodin, Phys. Rev. Lett.72, 1890 (1994)], now by using the q-calculus in conjunction with quite directly solvable recurrence relations. Regularity patterns and the onset of level-structures with increasing complexity are discussed.
The Equivalence of CPA and Hubbard-III-I Approximation in the Two-Band Hubbard Model
Authors: Tuan Hoang Anh
Published: October 2003

We study a two-band Hubbard model using the Coherent Potential Approximation (CPA) and equation of motion decoupling scheme with scattering correction (Hubbard-III-I approximation). We show that above two approximations are completely equivalent to each other for the Periodic Anderson Model (PAM) as well as for the Self-doped Mott System (SMS).
Thermodynamics Properties of One-Dimensional Z3 Quantum Potts Chain
Authors: Fouladvand M. E. , Khorashad A. S.
Published: October 2003

The method of Discretized Path Integral Representation (DPIR) is used to convert the one-dimensional quantum Z3 Potts chain into a two-dimensional classical Interaction-Round a Face (IRF) model. Then we use the Double-Chain approximation to obtain the free energy and thermodynamic properties of the model.
Substitutional Sequences for Patterns with Nine-Fold Symmetry
Authors: García-Escudero Juan
Published: October 2003

Two classes of self-similar planar patterns with nine-fold symmetry are studied. They can be derived with the help of a construction due to Nischke and Danzer. One of them has Bragg spectrum and therefore it is of interest in quasicrystal theory. An interpretation in terms of substitutional sequences is proposed.
SWKB for the Angular Momentum
Authors: Salasnich Luca , Sattin Fabio
Published: October 2003

It has been recently shown [M. Robnik and L. Salasnich, J. Phys. A: Math. Gen.30, 1719 (1997)] that the WKB series for the quantization of angular momentum L converges to the exact value L2=ℏ2l(l+1), if summed over all orders, and gives the Langer formula L2=ℏ2(l+1/2)2 at the leading order. In this work we solve the eigenvalue problem of the angular momentum operator by using the supersymmetric semiclassical quantum mechanics (SWKB), and show that it gives the correct quantization already at the leading order.
Dissipative Zener Tunneling in Silicon Semiconductors
Authors: Baskoutas S. , Athanasiou N. S.
Published: October 2003

In the present work studying the dissipative Zener tunneling, we assume the existence of an electric field (acting for finite time intervals) perpendicular to the surface of a parabolic quantum well, and the potential energy of a valence band electron in the well to be that of the usual harmonic oscillator coupled to a phonon bath (ignoring the Brownian motion). As it has been proved for the case of silicon (Si) semiconductor the current density increases with an increase of the electric field strength, and the amount of the increase depends on the effective valence band electron mass as well as on the dissipation parameter γ. Actually, heavy effective valence band electron mass gives lower current density in comparison with light effective valence band electron mass. Furthermore, an increase of the dissipation parameter γ increases the localization of the electron and the current density.
Two-Well System Under Large Amplitude Periodic Forcing: Stochastic Synchronization, Stochastic Resonance and Stability
Authors: Mahato Mangal C. , Jayannavar A. M.
Published: October 2003

We study the residence time distributions and explore the possibility of observing stochastic resonance and synchronization of passages in a two-well system driven by a periodic forcing of amplitude larger than a marginal value beyond which one of the two wells become unstable and disappear. We define and calculate hysteresis loop in the system, the area of which measures the degree of synchronization between the residence time statistics and the input signal, as a function of input noise strength. We analyse the noise induced stability obtained in such a deterministically overall unstable system and within this context discuss the above two phenomena.
Interchain Interaction in Quasi-One-Dimension Organic Polymer Ferromagnets
Authors: Li Hong-Tao
Published: October 2003

A theoretical model is developed to describe quasi-one-dimensional organic ferromagnets after considering the interchain interaction as an interchain electron-transfer. By employing the mean-field approximation, four energy bands which exhibit three-dimensional anisotropic aspect are obtained. When the interchain coupling increases, the energy gap decreases. In the case of small dimerization order parameter, due to the interchain coupling, the band gap may disappear and the conjugated π-electrons in the main chain show ferromagnetic order in the ground state.
Wettability and Interfacial Interactions of Amorphous Titanium Treated by Ion Implantation
Authors: Athanasiou N. S.
Published: October 2003

This work concerns with an investigation of the wettability properties of C +, O + and Cr + implanted titanium (grade 2) plates using multienergetically implantation with a resulting dose of 1 × 1017 ions/cm 2 and energies in the order of 50 to 180 keV. Dynamic contact angles were investigated using the Wilhelmy technique with the standard stage speed 20×10-6 m/s in distilled water at T = 293 ± 1 K, performed by the Cahn Dynamic Angle Analyzer (DCAA). For each measurement three samples with the same geometrical and implantation parameters were used. For each sample three tests were performed. We found, that the average receding contact angles lie in the range of 49.45 to 61.67 degrees. Using the results of the interaction energy calculations in receding cycle, we found that the work of adhesion is almost similar in the case of titanium (117.2 mJ/m2) and C + implanted titanium (119.6 mJ/m2). Smaller values (approx. 107 mJ/m2) were obtained in the case of O + and Cr + implanted titanium. On the other hand, comparison with results obtained on unimplanted and N +, O + and Cr + implanted titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V) prepared at the same conditions, shows that the corresponding work of adhesion (ranged from 135 to 145 mJ/m2) is relatively higher than those of unmodified and modified titanium. Additionally, the resulting dispersive surface energy (ranged from 75 to 87.20 mJ/m2) based on advancing contact angle measurements on unimplanted and implanted titanium, is in good agreement with experimental data obtained in Mn, Fe or Ag metals.
Formation and Superconductive Properties of Amorphous and Metastable Zr-Mo-Ru AND Zr-Mo-Pd Alloys
Authors: Athanasiou N. S. , Thompson J. R.
Published: October 2003

This study concerns with experimental investigations performed on the formation of a number of binary and ternary alloys based on Zr-Mo. Rapid solidification (splat cooling) of binary Zr-Mo resulted in metastable bcc structure materials while amorphicity was found in a restricted region of Zr-Mo-Pd and Zr-Mo-Ru ternary alloys. In the binary Zr-Mo materials investigated, superconductive transition temperatures near 4.7 K were observed; T c values for the amorphous ternary alloys are reported as well. Processing of Zr-Mo metallic powders by mechanical alloying resulting in the formation of supersaturated, Mo-rich bcc solutions.