bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Silica nanoparticle addition to control the calcium‐leaching in cement‐based materials
Authors: Gaitero J. J. , Sáez de Ibarra Y. , Erkizia E. , Campillo I. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe calcium leaching of the cement hydrated matrix is of vital importance for constructions like water containers, dams, bridges, etc which have to be in contact with water during their lifetime. The aim of this work is the study of the reduction of such a negative phenomenon by the addition of silica nanoparticles. Several characterisation techniques such as 29Si MAS NMR, X‐ray diffraction, mercury intrusion porosimetry and EDX‐microanalysis have been used to evaluate the effect of the nanoparticles in the cement matrix nanostructure and in their impact on the evolution of the Ca leaching throughout time. Subsequent analysis of the results indicates that silica nanoparticles can reduce the Ca‐leaching both decreasing the amount of portlandite in the matrix and controlling the degradation rate of the C–S–H gel. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis and characterization of perylene nanoparticles
Authors: Latterini L. , Roscini C. , Carlotti B. , Aloisi G. G. , Elisei F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractNanoparticles were prepared in different experimental conditions by a re‐precipitation method by use of perylene and polyvinylalcohol as active material and stabilizer, respectively. The excitation and emission spectral properties of dispersions in aqueous solutions of the various samples were recorded together with the fluorescence quantum yields and lifetimes (where detectable). The experimental results are consistent with the formation of excimer‐like states, responsible of the emission properties, in the nanoparticles. Confocal fluorescence and atomic force (AFM) microscopies were able to give information on the fluorescence properties and size distribution (most probable size of 3–5 nm) of the nanoparticles. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Composition and antibacterial activity of Abies balsamea essential oil
Authors: Pichette André , Larouche Pierre‐Luc , Lebrun Maxime , Legault Jean 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe antibacterial activity of the essential oil of Abies balsamea (balsam fir) was evaluated against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The essential oil of A. balsamea was found to be inactive against E. coli (>100 µg/mL) and active against S. aureus, with an MIC of 56 µg/mL. The oil composition was analysed by GC‐MS and the antibacterial activity of each oil constituent was determined. The essential oil of A. balsamea is essentially constituted of monoterpenes (>96%) and some sesquiterpenes. β‐pinene (29.9%), δ‐3‐carene (19.6%) and α‐pinene (14.6%) were the major components. β‐pinene and δ‐3‐carene were found inactive against both bacteria strains. However, three constituents of the essential oil were active against S. aureus: α‐pinene, β‐caryophyllene (0.4%) and α‐humulene (0.2%) with MIC values of 13.6 µg/mL, 5.1 µg/mL and 2.6 µg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plants and animals utilized as medicines in the Jaú National Park (JNP), Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis article examines the therapeutic practices of the inhabitants of Jaú National Park (JNP), state of Amazonas, the most important feature of this region being its rich biodiversity associated with isolation in regard to conventional medical services. Seven months of field work were guided by methods of anthropology and botany. A total of 120 plants and 29 animals were utilized in 519 recorded uses comprising 81 therapeutic purposes. These were grouped under 15 categories of use, including: gastrointestinal disturbances, inflammatory processes, genitourinary disturbances, fever, mishaps with animals, dermatological problems, pain, osteomuscular problems and tropical diseases. Those who administer these medicines are local residents specializing in household remedies and other groups of healers such as rezadores – prayer‐maker; curadores – healers; parteiras – midwives; desmintidores – masseurs and médiuns – mediums. At least 10 of the 120 plants species cited in this study are also utilized by other inhabitants of the Amazon region and for the same uses; some of these plants had already been studied from a pharmacological point of view. Furthermore, another six plants cited by the JNP caboclos belonging to the categories pain and inflammatory processes, are under investigation by groups of researchers in two Brazilian federal universities. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Vivo radioprotective effect of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer and identification of active ginsenosides
Authors: Lee Hae June , Kim Se Ra , Kim Jong Choon , Kang Chang Mo , Lee Yun Sil , Jo Sung Kee , Kim Tae Hwan , Jang Jong Sik , Nah Seung Yeol , Kim Sung Ho 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study evaluated the effect of water extracts of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (PG), panaxadiol (PD), panaxatriol (PT), ginsenoside Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re and Rg1 on jejunal crypt survival, endogenous spleen colony formation and apoptosis in jejunal crypt cells in gamma‐irradiated mice. Jejunal crypts were protected by pretreatment with PG, Rc and Rd. Administration of PG, PD, Rd and Re prior to irradiation resulted in an increase in the formation of endogenous spleen colonies. The frequency of radiation‐induced apoptosis in intestinal crypt cells was also reduced by pretreatment with PG, PD, Rb2, Rc, Rd, Re and Rg1. In experiments on the effects of the individual ginsenosides, the rank order of activity was Rc > Rd > Rg1 > Rb2 > Re > Rb1 on intestinal crypt survival assay, Re > Rb2 > Rd > Rg1 > Rb1 > Rc on the spleen colony formation assay, and Rg1 > Re > Rd > Rc > Rb2 > Rb1 on inhibiting the death of cells caused by apoptosis. The results indicated that Rc, Rd and Re may have a major radioprotective effect in mice irradiated with high and low doses of radiation. When the same experiments were performed using PD and PT, it was observed that most of the inhibitory effects came from PD rather than PT. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial activity of saponins from Medicago sp.: structure‐activity relationship
Authors: Avato Pinarosa , Bucci Rossella , Tava Aldo , Vitali Cesare , Rosato Antonio , Bialy Zbigniew , Jurzysta Marian 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe antimicrobial activity of saponins from Medicago sativa, M. arborea and M. arabica against a selection of medically important yeasts, Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria was investigated. Structure‐activity growth inhibitory effects of related prosapogenins and sapogenins are also described. Increasing antibiotic activity was observed going from the saponin extracts to the sapogenin samples, suggesting that the sugar moiety is not important for the antimicrobial efficacy. Activity was especially high against Gram‐positive bacteria (Bacillus cereus, B. subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) with M. arabica being the species showing a broader spectrum of action. Discrete antifungal activity was also observed, mainly against Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The observed antimicrobial properties of M. sativa and M. arborea were related to the content of medicagenic acid, while hederagenin seems to contribute to the bioactivity of M. arabica total sapogenins. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium antagonist activities of the aqueous‐methanol extract of Achillea millefolium
Authors: Yaeesh Sheikh , Jamal Qamar , Khan Arif‐ullah , Gilani Anwarul Hassan 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe crude extract of Achillea millefolium (Am.Cr) was studied for its possible hepatoprotective effect against d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect in isolated gut preparations to rationalize some of the folklore uses. Co‐administration of d‐GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (25 µg/kg) produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre‐treatment of animals with Am.Cr (300 mg/kg) reduced the mortality to 40%. Co‐administration of d‐GalN (700 mg/kg) and LPS (1 µg/kg) significantly raised the plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels compared with values in the control group (p < 0.05). Pre‐treatment of mice with Am.Cr (150–600 mg/kg) significantly prevented the toxins induced rise in plasma ALT and AST (p < 0.05). The hepatoprotective effect of Am.Cr was further verified by histopathology of the liver, which showed improved architecture, absence of parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic cells, compared with the toxin group of animals. In isolated rabbit jejunum preparations, Am.Cr caused a concentration‐dependent (0.3–10 mg/mL) relaxation of both spontaneous and K+‐induced contractions as well as shifting the Ca++ concentration‐response curves (CRCs) to the right, similar to that caused by verapamil. These results indicate that the crude extract of Achillea millefolium exhibits a hepatoprotective effect, which may be partly attributed to its observed calcium channel blocking activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tumor cell‐selective antiproliferative effect of the extract from Morinda citrifolia fruits
Authors: Arpornsuwan Teerakul , Punjanon Tadsanee 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe methanol extract from Morinda citrifolia fruits was tested for cytotoxicity activity on the MTT assay. The appearance of cytotoxic changes after exposure to the extract was in a concentration dependent manner. The median lethal concentrations (LC50) of the extract in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, African green monkey kidney (Vero) cells and human laryngeal carcinoma (Hep2) cells were found to be 2.5, 3 and 5 mg/mL, respectively. A concentration of 0.1 mg/mL of crude extract exhibited cytotoxic activity against breast cancer (MCF7) and neuroblastoma (LAN5) cell lines at 29% and 36%, respectively. The same concentration of extract showed no toxicity to Vero and very little toxicity to BHK (6%) and Hep2 (13%) cells. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulatory effects of methoxylated flavonoids from two Chromolaena species: structure‐activity relationships
Authors: Taleb‐Contini S. H. , Kanashiro A. , Kabeya L. M. , Polizello A. C. M. , Lucisano‐Valim Y. M. , Oliveira D. C. R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractExcessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) is involved in the pathology of many inflammatory diseases. Compounds isolated from natural sources with antioxidant activity can be helpful to inhibit and/or modulate the oxidative damage associated with PMNL‐derived ROS. The present study investigated the relationship between the chemical structure of five methoxylated flavonoids, isolated from Chromolaena hirsuta and Chromolaena squalida, and their inhibitory activity on ROS generation by opsonized zymosan‐stimulated PMNL. The antioxidant efficacy of the studied flavonoids, assessed by luminol‐dependent chemiluminescence, was dependent on the position and number of methoxy and hydroxy groups. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant activity of wild plants collected in valsesia, an alpine region of Northern Italy
Authors: Vitalini S. , Grande S. , Visioli F. , Agradi E. , Fico G. , Tome F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA selection of wild plants collected in Valsesia (Northwest Italy) was screened for their in vitro antioxidant activity. Aerial parts of selected plants were dried at room temperature and powdered. Then, four sequential extractions were performed with increasing polarity solvents, i.e. n‐hexane, chloroform, chloroform–methanol (9:1, v/v) and methanol. By employing different assays, it was shown that all the methanol extracts of the samples collected were endowed with antioxidant activity, though, as expected, their potency varied according to the different tests. In particular, plants of the Thymus and Achillea genus displayed the highest activity. Given that a diet rich in wild plants is associated with a reduced incidence of degenerative diseases, such as atherosclerosis and cancer, this study suggests that some Valsesia plants could be pharmaceutically exploited. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial distributions and clutch sizes of Drosophila species ovipositing on cherry fruits of different stages
Authors: Mitsui Hideyuki , Takahashi Kazuo H. , Kimura Masahito T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIn the aggregation theory, aggregation of eggs is one of important conditions for the coexistence of species. However, aggregation of eggs by clutch laying does not always promote coexistence, whereas aggregation of eggs by aggregated distributions of ovipositing females always has a significant contribution to the coexistence. In this study, spatial distributions of three Drosophila species across naturally occurring cherry fruits were studied with relation to their clutch sizes. Drosophila suzukii oviposited eggs mainly on fresh fruits on trees, and its eggs were randomly distributed across cherry fruits. The emergence data also indicated random spatial distributions of this species. Random egg distributions of this species are explained by random visits of females to fruits and the production of clutches of mostly single eggs. On the other hand, D. lutescens and D. rufa oviposited on fallen fruits, showed aggregated distributions in the emergence data, and frequently produced clutches of a few eggs. In these species, the degree of aggregation was usually significantly lower than the expectation based on random visits of females to fruits and their clutch sizes observed in the present experiments, indicating that their aggregation is unlikely to arise from aggregated distributions of ovipositing females. Thus, the spatial aggregation of these species does not necessarily lead to their coexistence.
Shell growth of sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) in the southern and northern Great South Channel, USA
Authors: Harris Bradley P. , Stokesbury Kevin D.E. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Shell growth of sea scallops in two commercially productive regions of the Great South Channel (GSC) (41°4′N 69°16′W) was studied using tag–recapture experiments. Commercial fishers captured and returned 9.7% of the 11 704 sea scallops tagged in the southern GSC study area, and 7.9% of the 18 274 sea scallops tagged in the northern GSC study area. Scallop density and shell height distribution were sampled with underwater video in the two study areas. In the southern GSC tagged scallops grew faster, reached larger asymptotic size, and had higher growth performance (Φ′) than in the northern GSC study area. Mean sea scallop density in the southern GSC was 0.117 scallops m−2 (s.e. = 0.01), and 2.601 scallops m−2 (s.e. = 0.28) in the northern GSC. Environmental factors, fishing pressure, and sea scallop density all influence shell growth on a fine geographic scale (1–100 km2) and should be considered in area-specific management strategies, such as that currently used in the USA sea scallop fishery.
Ageing changes in cat brains demonstrated by β-amyloid and AT8-immunoreactive phosphorylated tau deposits
Authors: Gunn-Moore Danièlle A. , McVee Jill , Bradshaw Janet M. , Pearson Geoffrey R. , Head Elizabeth , Gunn-Moore Francis J. 
Published: April 2006

The life expectancy of domestic pet cats is increasing, along with the occurrence of geriatric-onset behavioural problems, such as cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). While the cause of CDS is unclear, it has been suggested that it may result from age-related neurodegeneration. In aged and in particular senile human beings, histopathological changes may include the extracellular accumulation of plaque-like deposits of β-amyloid (Aβ) protein and the intracellular accumulation of an abnormally hyperphosphorylated form of the microtubule-associated protein, tau. In severe cases, the latter may form into neurofibrillary tangles. Brain material was assessed from 19 cats, aged from 16 weeks to 14 years; 17 of which had clinical signs of neurological dysfunction. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect Aβ and its intracellular precursor protein (amyloid precursor protein (APP)) and hyperphosphorylated-tau. APP was constitutively expressed, with diffuse staining of neurons and blood vessels being detected in all cats. More intense staining and diffuse extracellular Aβ staining deposits were found within the deep cortical areas of the anterior- and occasionally mid-cerebrum of seven cats, all of which were over 10 years of age. Neurons staining intensely positive for AT8-immunoreactivity were seen in two cats, aged 11 and 13 years. However, no mature neurofibrillary tangles were detected. This study demonstrated that extracellular Aβ accumulation and AT8-immunoreactivity within neurons are age-related phenomena in cats, and that they can occur concurrently. There are similarities between these changes and those observed in the brains of aged people and other old mammals.
Literate Language Features in Spoken Narratives of Children With Typical Language and Children With Language Impairments
Authors: Greenhalgh Kellie S. , Strong Carol J. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose:This study focused on literate language features in spoken narratives of school-age children with typical language development and school-age children with language impairments (LI).Method:The spoken narrative retellings from male and female children aged 7 to 10 years were analyzed. The samples yielded scores for the literate language features of conjunctions, elaborated noun phrases, mental and linguistic verbs, and adverbs. A general language performance measure (number of different words) also was studied.Results:Group membership main effects were statistically significant for conjunctions and elaborated noun phrases, with effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. No statistically significant differences were obtained for age level or gender. Correlations between scores for number of different words and scores for the literate language features were low to moderate.Clinical Implications:The measures of conjunctions and elaborated noun phrases differentiated children with LI from those with typical language. When the number of different words was normalized for sample length, support for its use as a general language performance measure was not obtained.
Home Literacy Experiences and Their Relationship to Bilingual Preschoolers’ Developing English Literacy Abilities
Authors: Hammer Carol Scheffner , Miccio Adele W. , Wagstaff David A. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose:This study investigated the relationship between home literacy experiences and bilingual preschoolers’ early literacy outcomes.Method:Forty-three Puerto Rican mother-child dyads recruited from Head Start programs in central Pennsylvania participated in this study of home literacy experiences and emerging English literacy abilities. The dyads were grouped according to whether the children had learned Spanish and English from birth (simultaneously;n= 28) or Spanish from birth and English in Head Start (sequentially;n= 15). Mothers of simultaneous and sequential learners were compared on the value they placed on literacy, press for achievement, the number of reading materials that were available in the home, and how often they read to their child. The children were compared on their scores on the Test of Early Reading Ability-2 (Reid, Hresko, & Hammill, 1991), which was given during the first and second years of their Head Start program.Results:Mothers of simultaneous and sequential learners differed with regard to mothers’ press for achievement. No differences were found between the two groups with respect to the other measures. When the early literacy abilities of the two groups of children were assessed, all learners had comparable mean emergent reading scores. The mean literacy scores of the entire group of children were significantly lower at Year 2 as compared to Year 1.Clinical Implications:Although the children experienced literacy activities at home and in Head Start, it appears that children’s literacy development would benefit from increased exposure to literacy materials and literacy events during the preschool years.
A New Look at Performance on Theory-of-Mind Tasks by Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Silliman Elaine R. , Diehl Sylvia F. , Bahr Ruth Huntley , Hnath-Chisolm Theresa , Zenko Catherine Bouchard , Friedman Stephanie A. 
Published: April 2006

Purpose:A hallmark of autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is disruption in theory-of-mind development, including the understanding of false beliefs. Previous studies have typically assessed the development of first- and second-order false belief concepts in ASD, with tasks primarily emphasizing physical causality and logical inferencing. The present study investigated how preadolescents and adolescents with ASD performed on false belief tasks that included social inferencing of psychological states as well as logical inferencing of physical states.Method:Two categories of tasks were administered: four traditional logical inferencing tasks and four social inferencing tasks specifically developed for this study. In addition, a prompt hierarchy was included to ascertain if performance on both task types improved. Participants were 45 children and adolescents primarily selected from three urban school districts: 15 adolescents with a previous diagnosis of ASD (ASD group); 15 typically developing children matched for age, gender, and ethnicity (CA group); and 15 typically developing children matched for language age, gender, and ethnicity (LA group).Results:Three findings were pertinent. First, the CA group performed at higher levels than did the LA group and the ASD group on both task sets. Second, although the CA and the LA groups performed equally well on both the logical and the social inferencing tasks, the ASD group performed better on the social inferencing tasks. Finally, the prompt hierarchy significantly improved overall task performance for the ASD and LA groups.Clinical Implications:These findings indicate that task type, variations in vocabulary ability, and the provision of support influenced performance on the false belief tasks.