bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and adsorption properties of gold nanoparticles within pores of surface‐functional porous polymer microspheres
Authors: Kim Yong‐Jin , Kim Jin‐Woong , Lee Jung‐Eun , Ryu Jee‐Hyun , Kim Junoh , Chang Ih‐Seop , Suh Kyung‐Do
Published: October 2004

Mesoporous polymer microspheres with gold (Au) nanoparticles inside their pores were prepared considering their surface functionality and porosity. The Au/polymer composite microspheres prepared were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) techniques. The results showed that the adsorption of Au nanoparticles could be increased by imparting the pore structure and surface‐functional groups into the supporting polymer microspheres (in this study, poly (ethylene glycol dimethacrylate‐co‐acrylonitrile) and poly (EGDMA‐co‐AN) system). Above all, from this study, it was established that the porosity of the polymer microspheres is the most important factor that determines the distribution and adsorption amount of face‐centered cubic (fcc) Au nanoparticles in the final products. Our study showed that the continuous adsorption of Au nanoparticles with the aid of the large surface area and surface interaction sites formed more favorably the Au/polymer composite microspheres. The BET measurements of Au/poly(EGDMA‐co‐AN) composite microspheres reveals that the adsorption of Au nanoparticles into the pores kept the pore structure intact and made it more porous. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5627–5635, 2004
Synthesis of polyethylene with bimodal molecular weight distribution by supported iron‐based catalyst
Authors: Li Lidong , Wang Qi
Published: October 2004

Through immobilization of two iron‐based complexes, [((2,6‐MePh)N = C(Me))2C5H3N]FeCl2 (1) and [((2,6‐iPrPh)N = C(Me))2C5H3N]FeCl2 (2), on SiO2 pretreated with tetraethylaluminoxane (TEAO), two supported iron‐based catalysts, 1/TEAO/SiO2 (3) and 2/TEAO/SiO2 (4), were prepared. These two supported catalysts 3 and 4 could be used to catalyze ethylene polymerization with moderate polymerization activity and prepare linear high‐density polyethylene with bimodal molecular weight distribution (MWD). It was demonstrated that immobilization of catalyst could significantly improve molecular weight (MW) of high‐MW fraction of the resultant polyethylene, as well as maintain bimodal MWD of polyethylene produced by the corresponding homogeneous catalysts. Such bimodal MWD of polyethylene produced by supported iron‐based catalysts could be well tailored by varying polymerization conditions, such as ethylene pressure and molar ratio of Al to Fe. It has been proven that TEAO is an efficient activator for both homogeneous and heterogeneous iron‐based catalysts for producing polyethylene with bimodal MWD. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 5662–5669, 2004
Transitional flow behavior of entangled polyisoprene solutions
Authors: Philips Amy , Wang Shi‐Qing
Published: October 2004

A contradiction has recently appeared between the current understanding of entangled polymers in nonlinear shear flow and new experimental observations based on highly entangled monodisperse 1,4‐polybutadiene solutions. Using entangled polydisperse solutions, we have examined the universality of the new revelation that any sufficiently entangled and relatively monodisperse polymeric fluids undergo a flow transition in simple shear when the applied stress is comparable to the plateau modulus. Indeed, a similar flow transition, marking the onset of bulk chain disentanglement, as previously observed for polybutadiene solutions in controlled‐stress experiments, can also be observed in less entangled and more polydisperse polyisoprene solutions, whereas controlled‐rate experiments do not reveal any transitional behavior. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4132–4138, 2004
Combined effects of clay modifications and compatibilizers on the formation and physical properties of melt‐mixed polypropylene/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Chiu Fang‐Chyou , Lai Sun‐Mou , Chen Jong‐Wu , Chu Pei‐Hsien
Published: October 2004

The melt mixing technique was used to prepare various polypropylene (PP)‐based (nano)composites. Two commercial organoclays (denoted 20A and 30B) served as the fillers for the PP matrix, and two different maleated (so‐called) compatibilizers (denoted PP‐MA and SMA) were employed as the third component. The results from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) experiments revealed that 190 °C was an adequate temperature for preparing the nanocomposites. Nanocomposites were achieved only if specific pairs of organoclay and compatibilizer were simultaneously incorporated in the PP matrix. For example, PP/20A(5 wt %)/PP‐MA(10 wt %) and PP/30B(5 wt %)/SMA(5 wt %) composites exhibited nanoscaled dispersion of 20A or 30B in the PP matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results indicated that the organoclays served as nucleation agents for the PP matrix. Generally, their nucleation effectiveness increased with the addition of compatibilizers. The thermal stability enhancement of PP after adding 20A was confirmed with thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The enhancement became more evident as a suitable compatibilizer was further added. However, for the 30B‐included composites, thermal stability enhancement was not evident. The dynamic mechanical properties (i.e., storage modulus and loss modulus) of PP increased as the nanocomposites were formed; the properties increment corresponded to the organoclay dispersion status in the matrix. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4139–4150, 2004
Time‐resolved wide‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements during the isothermal crystallization and ferroelectric phase‐transition processes of a vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene copolymer
Authors: Tashiro Kohji , Sasaki Sono , Saragai Seishi
Published: October 2004

The time‐resolved measurement of wide‐angle X‐ray scattering was performed with a synchrotron radiation source during the processes of the isothermal crystallization and ferroelectric phase transition of a vinylidene fluoride/trifluoroethylene copolymer with 73 mol % vinylidene fluoride. When the sample was cooled rapidly from the melt to the temperature region of the paraelectric high‐temperature phase, the peak position of the 200/110 reflection shifted toward the higher angle side and the half‐width became narrower. This indicated an increase in the crystallite size with a more compact chain‐packing mode. Even when the temperature jump was made from the melt into the region of the ferroelectric or low‐temperature phase, the crystallization of the high‐temperature phase was first observed before the appearance of the low‐temperature phase. This was consistent with a prediction based on the so‐called Ostwald state rule: the thermodynamically unstable but kinetically preferable high‐temperature phase can appear first even when the thermodynamically more stable low‐temperature phase should be created. The time‐dependent intensity changes were analyzed with the Avrami kinetic equation. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4175–4181, 2004
Nonisothermal cold‐crystallization kinetics of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Supaphol Pitt , Apiwanthanakorn Nattapol
Published: October 2004

The nonisothermal cold‐crystallization kinetics and subsequent melting behavior of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were investigated with differential scanning calorimetry. The Avrami, Tobin, and Ozawa equations were applied to describe the kinetics of the crystallization process. Both the Avrami and Tobin crystallization rate parameters increased with the heating rate. The Ozawa crystallization rate increased with the temperature. The ability of PTT to crystallize from the glassy state at a unit heating rate was determined with Ziabicki's kinetic crystallizability index, which was found to be about 0.89. The effective energy barrier describing the nonisothermal cold‐crystallization process of PTT was estimated by the differential isoconversional method of Friedman and was found to range between about 114.5 and 158.8 kJ mol−1. In its subsequent melting, PTT exhibited double‐melting behavior for heating rates lower than or equal to 10 °C min−1 and single‐melting behavior for heating rates greater than or equal to 12.5 °C min−1. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 42: 4151–4163, 2004
Criteria for the entanglement of composite systems with identical particles
Authors: Ghirardi G.C. , Marinatto L.
Published: October 2004

We identify a general criterion for detecting entanglement of pure bipartite quantum states describing a system of two identical particles. Such a criterion is basedbothon the consideration of the Slater‐Schmidt number of the fermionic and bosonic analog of the Schmidt decompositionandon the evaluation of the von Neumann entropy of the one‐particle reduced statistical operators.
Quantum information and general relativity
Authors: Peres A.
Published: October 2004

The Einstein‐Podolsky‐Rosen paradox (1935) is reexamined in the light of Shannon's information theory (1948). The EPR argument did not take into account that the observers' information was localized, like any other physical object. General relativity introduces new problems: there are horizons which act as on‐way membranes for the propagation of quantum information, in particular black holes which act like sinks.
Probabilistic programmable quantum processors
Authors: Bužek V. , Ziman M. , Hillery M.
Published: October 2004

We analyze how to improve performance of probabilistic programmable quantum processors. We show how the probability of success of the probabilistic processor can be enhanced by using the processor in loops. In addition, we show that an arbitrary SU(2) transformations of qubits can be encoded in program state of a universal programmable probabilistic quantum processor. The probability of success of this processor can be enhanced by a systematic correction of errors via conditional loops. Finally, we show that all our results can be generalized also for qudits.
Experimental realization of a single qubits purification protocol
Authors: Masullo L. , Ricci M. , De Martini F.
Published: October 2004

We report on the first experimental realization of the single qubits purification protocol [J. I. Cirac, A. K. Ekert, and C. Macchiavello, Phys. Rev. Lett. 82, 4344 (1999)] for two copies of a qubit sent through a depolarizing channel. The purification of the polarization‐encoded photonic qubits is achieved with passive linear optical elements. Our experimental results suggest that the present approach may represent a viable alternative to quantum error correction or entanglement distillation.
Optimal quantum machines by linear and non‐linear optics
Authors: Sciarrino F. , De Martini F.
Published: October 2004

Since manipulations of qubits are constrained by the quantum mechanical rules, several classical information tasks can not be perfectly extended to the quantum world. The more relevant limitations in quantum information processing are the impossibility to perfectly clone any unknown qubit and to map it in its orthogonal state. Even if these two processes are unrealizable in their exact forms, they can be optimally approximated by the so‐called universal quantum machines: the optimal quantum cloning machine (UOQCM) and the universal‐NOT (U‐NOT) gate. Investigation of these optimal transformations is important since it reveals bounds on optimal manipulations of information with quantum systems. The 1−>1 U‐NOT gate and the 1−>2 UOQCM have been experimentally demonstrated by adopting the process of stimulated emission into an optical parametric amplifier and by slightly modifying the quantum state teleportation protocol.
Correlated imaging with macroscopic fields
Authors: Brambilla E. , Gatti A. , Bache M. , Lugiato L.A.
Published: October 2004

We demonstrate analytically that correlated imaging in the regime of large photon number can be implemented using both a classical and an entangled source. The classically correlated beams are obtained by dividing thermal radiation by a beam splitter while entangled beams are obtained through parametric down‐conversion. By treating the two system in parallel, a formal analogy is outlined between the two cases showing that classical beams can mimic qualitatively all the imaging features of the entangled beams. We also propose a method to improve substantially the imaging performances of correlated imaging which is based on homodyne detection combined with spatial averages.
Quantum entanglement and the uncertainty relations
Authors: Shih Y.
Published: October 2004

Entangled EPR two‐particle system is characterized by Δ(p1+p2) = 0 and Δ (x1‐ x2) = 0, simultaneous. Even the momentum and position of each individual particle are completely undefined: Δ pj ∼ ∞, Δ xj ∼∞. This remarkable feature does not violate the uncertainty principle of quantum theory. It is the result of the surprising two‐particle quantum coherent superposition. Although questions regarding fundamental issues of quantum theory still exist, quantum entanglement has brought about a novel concept in nonlocal timing and positioning measurements with ultra‐high accuracy, even beyond the classical limit.
Generation of (2 × 2) and (4 × 4) two‐photon states with tunable degree of entanglement and mixedness
Authors: Barbieri M. , Cinelli C. , De Martini F. , Mataloni P.
Published: October 2004

A parametric source of polarization entangled photon pairs with peculiar spatial characteristics allows to generate any kind of bi‐partite entangled states with tunable dgree of entanglement and mixedness. In particular, maximally entangled mixed states (MEMS) have been created in a reliable way by a “patchwork” technique and investigated by quantum tomography. By the same source, momentum‐polarization hyper‐entangled two‐photon states have been synthesized. The quality of the entanglement in the two degrees of freedom has been tested by multimode Hong‐Ou‐Mandel interferometry.
Entanglement assisted weak force detection
Authors: Fermani R. , Mancini S. , Tombesi P.
Published: October 2004

We study the role of entanglement in weak force detection. We consider massive probes, experiencing a weak force, monitored through optical meters which may be entangled. We reduce the problem of force detection to quantum binary decision. Entanglement is shown to be useful in such a kind of detection. The sensitivity limits are then discussed.
Interference acceleration of a free particle
Authors: Dahl J.P. , Wolf A. , Schleich W.P.
Published: October 2004

We compare and contrast classical and quantum dynamics of a free particle initially prepared in an s‐wave. Due to the wave nature of quantum theory the particle experiences an acceleration which depends on the number of space dimensions.
Radiation pressure and momentum in dielectrics
Authors: Loudon R.
Published: October 2004

The persistent conflicts in radiation pressure theory, concerning the signs of the surface forces on dielectrics and the momenta carried by single‐photon wavepackets in bulk media, are outlined. Measurements of the relevant quantities are reviewed and previous calculations are summarized and extended. Resolutions of the conflicts are proposed on the bases of the differing geometries of light beams and dielectric samples, and the partition of the momentum transfers between the components of coupled systems that separately carry the real and imaginary parts of the refractive index.
Photon orbital angular momentum: problems and perspectives
Authors: Santamato E.
Published: October 2004

The availability of laser beams carrying orbital angular momentum in addition to spin angular momentum paved the way to the observation of novel effects in quantum and classical optics. These effects are reviewed in this paper with emphasis on future perspectives.
Quantum optics of single atoms
Authors: Walther H.
Published: October 2004

The widely discussed applications in quantum information and quantum cryptography require radiation sources capable of producing a fixed number of photons. This paper reviews the work performed in our laboratory using the one‐atom maser or micromaser to produce these fields on demand. In order to achieve this goal the maser is operating under the condition of the so‐called trapping states. In this situation the field of the micromaser stabilises to a photon number state. In the second part of the paper a single photon source on the basis of a trapped ion will be described. The strong localization and position control available when an ion trap is combined with an optical cavity is a big step forward in producing a deterministic atom‐field coupling necessary for quantum information processing.
Bose‐Einstein condensates as incubators of nonlinear and quantum optics
Authors: Arimondo E.
Published: October 2004

The equivalence between bosonic atoms and photons, and the large freedom in the manipulation of the atomic waves, has produced a large interest into the generation of atomic configurations with properties similar to those of the photon waves generated through nonlinear or quantum optics. Experiments performed on a rubidium Bose‐Einstein condensate within an optical lattice are analyzed within the framework of the connection between optics of photon and atom waves.
Atom interferometry in a vertical optical lattice
Authors: Modugno G. , de Mirandes E. , Ferlaino F. , Ott H. , Roati G. , Inguscio M.
Published: October 2004

We have studied the interference of degenerate quantum gases in a vertical optical lattice. The coherence of the atoms leads to an interference pattern when the atoms are released from the lattice. This has been shown for a Bose‐Einstein condensate in early experiments. Here we demonstrate that also for fermions an interference pattern can be observed provided that the momentum distribution is smaller than the recoil momentum of the lattice. Special attention is given to the role of interactions which wash out the interference pattern for a condensate trapped in the lattice but do not affect a spin polarized Fermi gas, where collisions at ultra cold temperatures are forbidden. Comparing the interference of the two quantum gases we find a clear superiority of fermions for trapped atom interferometry.
Generation of single photons and correlated photon pairs using InAs quantum dots
Authors: Santori C. , Fattal D. , Vuckovic J. , Solomon G.S. , Yamamoto Y.
Published: October 2004

This article reviews recent work on non‐classical light generation using semiconductor quantum dots. Experimental results for single‐photon generation are presented, including suppression of the two‐photon probability, coherence properties and two‐photon interference. An experiment demonstrating generation of polarization‐correlated photon pairs from biexciton recombination is also reviewed.
Automatic domain decomposition of proteins by a Gaussian Network Model
Authors: Kundu Sibsankar , Sorensen Dan C. , Phillips, George N.
Published: October 2004

Proteins are often comprised of domains of apparently independent folding units. These domains can be defined in various ways, but one useful definition divides the protein into substructures that seem to move more or less independently. The same methods that allow fairly accurate calculation of motion can be used to help classify these substructures. We show how the Gaussian Network Model (GNM), commonly used for determining motion, can also be adapted to automatically classify domains in proteins. Parallels between this physical network model and graph theory implementation are apparent. The method is applied to a nonredundant set of 55 proteins, and the results are compared to the visual assignments by crystallographers. Apart from decomposing proteins into structural domains, the algorithm can generally be applied to any large macromolecular system to decompose it into motionally decoupled sub‐systems. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Potential determination of aminated pesticides and metabolites by cyclodextrin capillary electrophoresis–laser‐induced fluorescence using FITC as labelling
Authors: Navarrete‐Casas Miguel , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Cruces‐Blanco Carmen , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto
Published: October 2004

We describe a detailed study on the possibility of analyzing aminated pesticides and metabolites using pre‐column derivatization with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and their subsequent separation and detection by cyclodextrin capillary electrophoresis–laser‐induced fluorescence (CE‐LIF) detection. Different variables affecting the derivatization reaction (pH, FITC concentration, reaction time and temperature) and those related with the separation itself (buffer concentration, addition of various organic modifiers, pH, applied voltage and injection time) were studied. The limit of detection obtained was between 0.45 and 3.48 µg litre−1 showing a relative standard deviation between 0.26 and 2.08% at a concentration level of 50 µg litre−1. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification of a chitinase‐producing bacterium C4 and histopathologic study on locusts
Authors: Tao Yong , Long Zhangfu , Xie Jing , Jin Hong , Ran Hongyan , Tao Ke , Ge Shaorong , Liu Kun , Liu Shigui
Published: October 2004

In order to develop the potential of chitinase‐producing micro‐organisms as biocontrol agents for insect pests, five chitinase‐producing bacterial strains (C1, C2, C3, C4 and C5) previously isolated from soil samples were chosen to infect grassland locusts. The data showed that the mortality rate of locusts fed with strain C4 was significantly higher than that of other groups, and its pathogenicity was confirmed by Koch's law. Midgut tissues of locusts infected with C4 were examined with a light microscope. Apparent histopathologic changes in midgut cells partly explained the pathogenesis of locusts. Therefore, strain C4 was considered to be a potential biocontrol agent. To determine the taxonomic position of C4, physiological and biochemical characteristics were determined and molecular identification was performed. The 16S rDNA gene of C4 was amplified, cloned and sequenced. Comparative sequence analysis demonstrated that C4 corresponded to the genera Sanguibacter, Oerskovia and Cellulomonas. On the basis of phenotypic characterization and sequence similarity analysis, strain C4 was more closely related to the genus Sanguibacter. This chitinase‐producing strain C4, which closely corresponds to the species of the genus Sanguibacter and is pathogenic to locusts, is here reported for the first time. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessment of acetolactate synthase (ALS) tolerance to imazethapyr in red rice ecotypes (Oryza spp) and imidazolinone tolerant/ resistant rice (Oryza sativa) varieties
Authors: Avila Luis A , Lee Do‐Jin , Senseman Scott A , McCauley Garry N , Chandler James M , Cothren J Tom
Published: October 2004

Three red rice ecotypes (Oryza spp), including LA 5, MS 5 and TX 4, were evaluated for acetolactate synthase resistance/tolerance to imazethapyr. The red rice ecotypes were compared with a tolerant line (CL‐121), a resistant line (CL‐161) and a conventional rice variety (Cypress). Based on enzymatic activity, the mean I50 values were 1.5, 1.1, 1.5, 1.6, 20.8 and 590.6 µM imazethapyr, respectively, for LA 5, MS 5, TX 4, Cypress, CL‐121 and CL‐161. CL‐161 was 32 times more resistant than CL‐121 and at least 420 times more resistant than the average of the red rice ecotypes and Cypress. Results from the acetolactate synthase (ALS) assay showed that red rice ecotypes and Cypress had high susceptibility to imazethapyr when compared with the tolerant CL‐121 and the resistant CL‐161. Measurable enzymatic tolerance to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides has not yet developed in these red rice ecotypes. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Mobility of four triazole fungicides in two Indian soils
Authors: Singh Neera
Published: October 2004

The sorption and downward mobility of four triazole fungicides, triadimefon, hexaconazole, penconazole and propiconazole, were studied in two Indian soils (New Delhi and Punjab). Punjab soil (organic carbon 0.4%) showed greater sorption capability for triazole fungicides than New Delhi soil (organic carbon 0.5%) and the order of sorption of triazoles in both soils was: penconazole > hexaconazole > propiconazole > triadimefon. Fungicides were more mobile in New Delhi soil columns than Punjab soil columns, and increasing the total water flux from 1 pore volume to 3 pore volumes further increased the transport to lower down in the column. Triadimefon showed maximum mobility while penconazole was the least mobile triazole fungicide. After percolating 3 pore volumes of water, triadimefon leached down to 25–30 cm depth in New Delhi soil and 15–20 cm in Punjab soil columns. Downward mobility of triazole fungicides was in order of their sorption results. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
The use of essential oils to treat snoring
Authors: Prichard Andrew J. N.
Published: October 2004

Snoring is a very common social inconvenience. This double‐blind study suggests a signiﬁcant reduction in snoring reported by bed partners in a group of snoring volunteers using either an essential oil spray or gargle formulation. Possible modes of action of the essential oils are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of ganoderma lucidum on apoptotic and anti‐inﬂammatory function in HT‐29 human colonic carcinoma cells
Authors: Hong Kee‐jong , Dunn Dale M. , Shen Chwan‐Li , Pence Barbara C.
Published: October 2004

Ling Zhi extract (LZE) is a herbal mushroom preparation which been used world wide for the prevention and treatment of various cancers. The current study was designed to evaluate these claims in human colon cancer cells in terms of cancer preventive mechanisms. Results have demonstrated induction of apoptosis, anti‐inﬂammatory action and differential cytokine expression during induced inﬂammation in the human colonic carcinoma cell line, HT‐29. LZE caused no cytotoxicity in HT‐29 cells at doses less than 10 000 µg/ml. Increasing concentrations of LZE reduced prostaglandin E2 production, but increased nitric oxide production. LZE treatment induced apoptosis by increasing the activity of caspase‐3. RT‐PCR showed that LZE at a concentration of 5000 µg/ml decreased the expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA. Among 42 cytokines tested by protein array in this study, supplementation of LZE at doses of 500 and 5000 µg/ml to HT‐29 cells reduced the expression of interleukin‐8, macrophage inﬂammatory protein 1‐delta, vascular epithelial growth factor, and platelet‐derived growth factor. These results suggest that LZE has pro‐apoptotic and anti‐inﬂammatory functions, as well as inhibitory effects on cytokine expression during early inﬂammation in colonic carcinoma cells, which may be of signiﬁcance in the use of Chinese herbal alternative medicines for cancer prevention. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Herbal treatment following post‐seizure induction in rat by lithium pilocarpine: Scutellaria lateriﬂora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) may prevent development of spontaneous seizures
Authors: Peredery Oksana , Persinger Michael A.
Published: October 2004

About 1 week after the induction of status epilepticus in male rats by a single systemic injection of lithium (3 mEq/kg) and pilocarpine (30 g/kg), rats were continuously administered one of three herbal treatments through the water supply for 30 days. A fourth group received colloidal minerals and diluted food grade hydrogen peroxide in tap water, while a ﬁfth group of rats received only tap water (control). Herbal treatments were selected for their historical antiseizure activities and sedative actions on the nervous system. The numbers of spontaneous seizures per day during a 15 min observation interval were recorded for each rat during the treatment period and during an additional 30 days when only tap water was given. Rats that received a weak solution of the three herbal ﬂuid extracts of Scutellaria lateriﬂora (Skullcap), Gelsemium sempervirens (Gelsemium) and Datura stramonium (Jimson Weed) displayed no seizures during treatment while all the other groups were not seizure‐free. However, when this treatment was removed, the rats in this group displayed numbers of spontaneous seizures comparable to the controls. Although there is no proof that herbal remedies can control limbic or temporal lobe epilepsy, the results of this experiment strongly suggest that the appropriate combination of herbal compounds may be helpful as adjunctive interventions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective effects of the antiparkinson drug Mucuna pruriens
Authors: Manyam Bala V. , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Hare Theodore A.
Published: October 2004

Mucuna pruriens possesses signiﬁcantly higher antiparkinson activity compared with levodopa in the 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) lesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease. The present study evaluated the neurorestorative effect of Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder on the nigrostriatal tract of 6‐OHDA lesioned rats. Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder signiﬁcantly increased the brain mitochondrial complex‐I activity but did not affect the total monoamine oxidase activity (in vitro). Unlike synthetic levodopa treatment, Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder treatment signiﬁcantly restored the endogenous levodopa, dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin content in the substantia nigra. Nicotine adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and coenzyme Q‐10, that are shown to have a therapeutic beneﬁt in Parkinson's disease, were present in the Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder. Earlier studies showed that Mucuna pruriens treatment controls the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This additional ﬁnding of a neurorestorative beneﬁt by Mucuna pruriens cotyledon powder on the degenerating dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra may be due to increased complex‐I activity and the presence of NADH and coenzyme Q‐10. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The chemical composition of some Lauraceae essential oils and their antifungal activities
Authors: Simić A. , Soković M. D. , Ristić M. , Grujić‐Jovanović S. , Vukojević J. , Marin P. D.
Published: October 2004

The antifungal activity of Aniba rosaeodora, Laurus nobilis, Sassafras albidum and Cinnamomum zeylanicum essential oils were investigated against 17 micromycetes. Among the tested fungal species were food poisoning, spoilage fungi, plant and animal pathogens. In order to determine fungistatic and fungicidal concentrations (MIC and MFC) macrodilution and microdilution tests were used. Linalool was the main component in the essential oil of A. rosaeodora, while 1.8‐cineole was dominant in L. nobilis. In sassafras essential oil safrole was the major component and in the oil of C. zeylanicum the main component was trans‐cinnamaldehyde. The essential oil of cinnamon showed the strongest antifungal activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral activities of medicinal herbs traditionally used in southern mainland China
Authors: Li Yaolan , Ooi Linda S. M. , Wang Hua , But Paul P. H. , Ooi Vincent E. C.
Published: October 2004

The aqueous extracts from 21 medicinal herbs traditionally used in southern mainland China were screened for antiviral activities against human herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) using a cytopathic effect (CPE) reduction assay. Three extracts from Agrimonia pilosa, Pithecellobium clypearia and Punica granatum, respectively, showed anti‐HSV‐1 activity, which was possibly contributed by the polyphenolic compounds in the herbal extracts. Six of the extracts, from Blumea laciniata, Elephantopus scaber, Laggera pterodonta, Mussaenda pubescens, Schefﬂera octophylla and Scutellaria indica, respectively, exhibited anti‐RSV activity with 50% inhibition (IC50) concentrations ranging from 12.5 to 32 µg/mL, and selective indices (SI) ranging from 11.2 to 40. In addition to polyphenolic compounds, other constituents present in these extracts may also contribute to their anti‐RSV activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reversal of LPS‐induced immobility in mice by green tea polyphenols: possible COX‐2 mechanism
Authors: Singal Anjali , Tirkey Naveen , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: October 2004

An endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) is known to activate the hypothalamo–pituitary adrenocortical axis, as well as norepinephrine and indolamine metabolism. Systemically administered LPS produces depression in the forced swimming‐induced despair behaviour model in mice. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on LPS‐induced despair behaviour and to explore the mechanism involved in modulation of LPS‐induced immobility by GTE. GTE (10–100 mg/kg) pretreatment reversed LPS‐induced immobility in a dose‐dependent manner. Rofecoxib (2 mg/kg) and nimesulide (2 mg/kg), COX‐2 inhibitors, also reversed the LPS‐induced immobility, which was signiﬁcantly potentiated by concomitant administration of GTE. On the other hand, GTE did not show any potentiating effect on immobility with naproxen (10 mg/kg), which is a nonselective COX blocker. Interestingly the antioxidant, carvedilol (2 mg/kg) did not produce any effect on immobility either in normal or in LPS treated mice. The results of the study implicate the role of COX‐2 inhibition by GTE in the reversal of LPS‐induced immobility. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of bioactive saponins and triterpenoidal aglycons for their binding properties on human endothelin ETA and angiotensin AT1 receptors
Authors: Caballero‐George C. , Vanderheyden P. M. L. , Okamoto Y. , Masaki T. , Mbwambo Z. , Apers S. , Gupta M. P. , Pieters L. , Vauquelin G. , Vlietinck A.
Published: October 2004

Different types of triterpenes including saponins and aglycons were evaluated for their ability to inhibit [3H] BQ‐123 and [3H] angiotensin II binding to the human endothelin 1 ETA and angiotensin II AT1 receptors, respectively. Selectivity for only one of the two receptors was exhibited by asiatic acid and its saponins (ETA) and oleanolic acid (AT1). To a lesser extent betulinic acid, β‐amyrin and friedelin also showed selectivity for the ETA receptor. To address the question whether the effect of saponins on cell membranes might interfere with the normal binding of speciﬁc radioligands to their receptors, the activity of saponins with different haemolytic properties were compared. Highly haemolytic saponins such as α‐hederin and β‐escine showed partial (60%) inhibition of radioligand‐binding to the ETA receptor and complete inhibition (100%) to the AT1 receptor. Moreover, the haemolytically inactive kryptoescine, at the same concentration, caused complete inhibiton of radioligand‐binding to both receptors, indicating that inhibition of receptor binding was not related to the membrane‐interacting properties of saponins. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identiﬁcation of antioxidant compound from Asparagus racemosus
Authors: Wiboonpun Nathathai , Phuwapraisirisan Preecha , Tip‐pyang Santi
Published: October 2004

Roots of Asparagus racemosus were found to possess antioxidant property. DPPH autography‐directed separation resulted in the identiﬁcation of a new antioxidant compound named racemofuran (3) along with two known compounds asparagamine A (1) and racemosol (2). The structure of 3 was fully characterized by spectroscopic data (UV, MS, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and 2D NMR). Racemofuran revealed antioxidant property against DPPH with IC50 value of 130 µM. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antimycobacterial components of hops (Humulus lupulus) and their dereplication
Authors: Stavri Michael , Schneider Ruth , O'Donnell Gemma , Lechner Doris , Bucar Franz , Gibbons Simon
Published: October 2004

Bioassay‐guided fractionation of a hexane extract of strobile hops (Humulus lupulus) was undertaken to isolate and characterize the antimycobacterial constituents using the fast‐growing mycobacterial species Mycobacterium fortuitum. Activity was associated with a low polarity fraction and 1H NMR spectra indicated the presence of a fatty acid mixture with unsaturated components. GC‐MS of the derivatives indicated the presence of palmitic, stearic and oleic acids with small quantities of lignoceric, arachidic, behenic and linoleic acids. These compounds were assessed against M. fortuitum and all saturated fatty acids were inactive at concentrations greater than 256 µg/ml, whereas the unsaturated fats oleic and linoleic acids displayed minimum inhibitory concentrations of between 4 and 16 µg/ml against the fast‐growing species tested. The widespread occurrence of these components could render screening for antimycobacterials from natural sources highly problematic without adequate dereplication. We propose that GC‐MS of derivatised components of lipophilic extracts be a ﬁrst step before any antimycobacterial bioassay‐guided study, as this technique is the method of choice for dereplication of fatty acids. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytoprotective effect on oxidative stress and inhibitory effect on cellular aging of Terminalia chebula fruit
Authors: Na MinKyun , Bae KiHwan , Sik Kang Sam , Sun Min Byung , Kuk Yoo Jae , Kamiryo Yuko , Senoo Yu‐ichiro , Yokoo Seiichi , Miwa Nobuhiko
Published: October 2004

The ethanol extract from the fruit of Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) exhibited signiﬁcant inhibitory activity on oxidative stress and the age‐dependent shortening of the telomeric DNA length. In the peroxidation model using t‐BuOOH, the T. chebula extract showed a notable cytoprotective effect on the HEK‐N/F cells with 60.5 ± 3.8% at a concentration of 50 µg/ml. In addition, the T. chebula extract exhibited a signiﬁcant cytoprotective effect against UVB‐induced oxidative damage. The life‐span of the HEK‐N/F cells was elongated by 40% as a result of the continuous administration of 3 µg/ml of the T. chebula extract compared to that of the control. These observations were attributed to the inhibitory effect of the T. chebula extract on the age‐dependent shortening of the telomere, length as shown by the Southern blots of the terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) of DNA extracted from subculture passages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological activities of some Argyranthemum species growing in the Canary Islands
Authors: Badisa R. B. , Couladis M. , Tsortanidou V. , Chaudhuri S. K. , Walker L. , Pilarinou E. , Santos‐Guerra A. , Francisco‐Ortega J.
Published: October 2004

Methanolic extracts of eight subspecies of genus Argyranthemum were evaluated against brine shrimps, human cancer cell lines, malarial parasites and microorganisms under in vitro conditions. In the shrimp assay, samples of A. adauctum ssp. adauctum, A. adauctum ssp. erythrocarpon and A. frutetescens ssp. succulentum were active with ED50 values in the range of around 300 to 360 µg/ml. In the Caco‐2, HepG2 and MCF‐7 cell lines, the samples A. adauctum ssp. jacobaeifolium and A. adauctum ssp. palmensis were active with LC50 values ranging between 80–90 µg/ml. The secondary assay results of antimalarial activity of samples, A. adauctum ssp. adauctum, A. adauctum ssp. dugourii, A. adauctum ssp. erythrocarpon and A. adauctum ssp. jacobaeifolium have IC50 values <50 µg/ml. The samples demonstrated broad speciﬁc antimicrobial activity against ﬁve different microorganisms. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening extracts of Madagascan plants in search of antiplasmodial compounds
Authors: Rasoanaivo Philippe , Ramanitrahasimbola David , Rafatro Herintsoa , Rakotondramanana Dina , Robijaona Baholy , Rakotozafy Armand , Ratsimamanga‐Urverg Suzanne , Labaïed Mehdi , Grellier Philippe , Allorge Lucile , Mambu Lengo , Frappier François
Published: October 2004

One hundred and ninety plants, of which 51 are used to treat malaria in traditional medicine, were collected in ﬁve different ecosystems of Madagascar for a screening programme devoted to the search of naturally‐occurring antimalarial compounds. Thirty‐nine plants, of which 12 are used as herbal antimalarials, were found to display in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum with a median inhibitory concentration (IC50) lower than 5 µg/ml while 9 had an IC50 ranging from 5 to 7.5 µg/ml. Seventeen of them exhibited cytotoxic effects on murine P388 leukemia cells with an IC50 < 10 µg/ml. The biological activities were mostly located in the ethyl acetate fractions. Bioassay‐directed fractionation is underway to isolate the active constituents. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plants used by a Quilombola group in Brazil with potential central nervous system effects
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Carlini E. A.
Published: October 2004

This study focused on an ethnopharmacological survey among a group of Brazilian Quilombolas (descended from runaway slaves living in hideouts up‐country) whose therapeutic practices involve a combination of healing ceremonies and prescription of medicinal plants consisting of the use of, at least, 48 plants with possible effect on the central nervous system (CNS), cited in 53 formulas prescribed for 17 therapeutic indications, the main ones being: to fortify the brain, for insomnia, as a sedative, for insanity, weight loss, and rejuvenation. The formulas consist of one to ten plants, and each plant may be recommended for up to seven different therapeutic indications, with evidence of non‐speciﬁcity in the use of plants in this culture. Of these 48 plants, only 31 could be identiﬁed to the species level as belonging to 20 taxonomic families, with the Asteraceae, Malpighiaceae, Cyperaceae, and Myrtaceae as the most important families. Only eleven of these species have been previously studied and appear in scientiﬁc literature. Some of these plants are at present under study in the Department of Psychobiology of the Federal University of São Paulo. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial activity of volatile component and various extracts of Spirulina platensis
Authors: Ozdemir Guven , Ulku Karabay N. , Dalay Meltem Conk , Pazarbasi Baris
Published: October 2004

The methanol, dichloromethane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate extracts and volatile components of Spirulina platensis were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial activity (four Gram‐positive, six Gram‐negative bacteria and Candida albicans ATCC 10239). GC‐MS analysis of the volatile components of S. platensis resulted in the identiﬁcation of 15 compounds which constituted 96.45% of the total compounds. The volatile components of S. platensis consisted of heptadecane (39.70%) and tetradecane (34.61%) as major components. The methanol extract showed more potent antimicrobial activity than dichloromethane, petroleum ether, ethyl acetate extracts and volatile components. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of wood damaging fungi and macrofungi for inhibitors of pancreatic lipase
Authors: Slanc Petra , Doljak Bojan , Mlinarič Aleš , Štrukelj Borut
Published: October 2004

A total of 120 methanol and dichloromethane extracts, from 60 species of wood‐damaging fungi and 50 methanol/water extracts from macrofungi were screened for inhibition of pancreatic lipase using the chromogenic substrate p‐nitrophenylpalmitate. Of the extracts screened, those from Laetiporus sulphureus, Tylopilus felleus and Hygrocybe conica exhibited the highest lipase inhibitory activities of 83% ± 5%, 96% ± 3% and 97% ± 5%, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio vulgaris L.
Authors: Loizzo Monica Rosa , Statti Giancarlo A. , Tundis Rosa , Conforti Filomena , Bonesi Marco , Autelitano Giovanni , Houghton Peter J. , Miljkovic‐Brake Ana , Menichini Francesco
Published: October 2004

The antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extract, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, n‐hexane, n‐butanol and chloroform fractions of Senecio inaequidens DC. and Senecio vulgaris L. were assayed. The hexane extract of Senecio vulgaris L. (MIC 0.031 mg/ml) showed signiﬁcant activity against Trichophyton tonsurans. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of tiger's betel (Piper porphyrophyllum N.E. Br., Piperaceae)
Authors: Wiart C. , Hannah N. A. , Yassim M. , Hamimah H. , Sulaiman M.
Published: October 2004

The ethanol extract of leaves of Piper porphyrophyllum N.E. Br. showed a broad spectrum of antibacterial activity. The activity was increased on fractionation (hexane, dichloromethane and aqueous), particularly in the aqueous fraction. No activity was shown against tested Candida albicans. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Restoration of antioxidant defence by ethanolic Tinospora cordifolia root extract in alloxan‐induced diabetic liver and kidney
Authors: Mainzen Prince P. Stanely , Padmanabhan M. , Menon Venugopal P.
Published: October 2004

The present study investigates the effect of oral administration of an alcoholic extract of Tinospora cordifolia roots on antioxidant defence in alloxan‐induced diabetes in rats. A signiﬁcant increase in the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in liver and kidney was observed in diabetic rats. Decreased concentration of glutathione (GSH) and decreased activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase in liver and kidney of diabetic rats were also noted. Alcoholic Tinospora cordifolia root extract (TCREt) administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight to diabetic rats orally for six weeks normalized the antioxidant status of liver and kidney. The effect of Tinospora cordifolia root extract was more potent than glibenclamide (600 µg/kg body weight). Insulin (6 units/kg) restored all the parameters to normal status. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of antitussive activity of Lagerstroemia parviﬂora leaf extract
Authors: Mazumder Avijit , Saha B. P. , Basu S. P. , Mazumder Rupa , Boominathan R. , Devi B. Parimala , Mandal S. C.
Published: October 2004

The methanol extract of the leaves of Lagerstroemia parviﬂora Roxb was investigated for its effect on a cough model induced by sulfur dioxide gas in mice. It exhibited signiﬁcant antitussive activity when compared with the control in a dose‐dependent manner. The L. parviﬂora extract (100, 200, 300 mg/kg) showed maximum inhibition of cough reﬂex at 90 min after drug administration and the antitussive activity was comparable to that of codeine phosphate, a standard antitussive agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zinopin® – the rationale for its use as a food supplement in traveller's thrombosis and motion sickness
Authors: Scurr J. H. , Gulati O. P.
Published: October 2004

Venous thrombo‐embolism (VTE) has been associated with periods of prolonged immobility during air, sea and road travel. Motion sickness (MS) has also been reported during both long and short journeys. Current prophylactic therapies for both these indications are generally associated with side effects.

Physiological proﬁles of Pycnogenol® and Standardized Ginger Root Extract (SGRE) representing active constituents of Zinopin® have been described and reviewed in relation to their activities involved in the patho‐physiology of VTE (Traveller's Sickness) and MS and their safe use as food supplement, in traveller's thrombosis and motion sickness. The patho‐physiology of VTE and MS is discussed in light of epidemiological data and risk factors associated with these conditions.

Rationale of development of Zinopin® and its mechanism of action are discussed based on physiological synergy of Pycnogenol® and SGRE. Conclusions are made in light of preliminary clinical ﬁndings obtained in an open controlled clinical trial. Further clinical study on Zinopin® on these lines is suggested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.