bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring insecticide resistance in house flies (Diptera: Muscidae) from New York dairies
Authors: Kaufman Phillip E , Scott Jeffrey G , Rutz Donald A
Published: August 2002

House flies were collected from dairies across New York state and the levels of resistance to seven insecticides were measured using standard laboratory assays with three to five diagnostic concentrations. The highest levels of resistance were found for tetrachlorvinphos, permethrin and cyfluthrin. Although levels of resistance to methomyl were somewhat lower, they were among the highest ever reported for field‐collected house flies. Resistance to pyrethrins was limited primarily to the lowest diagnostic concentration. House flies were susceptible to fipronil at all dairies, suggesting that this material would be highly effective for fly control. The levels of resistance were similar at all the dairies, irrespective of their insecticide use, suggesting substantial movement of flies between facilities. Relative to resistance levels found at New York dairies in 1987, resistance levels had increased for permethrin, were unchanged for tetrachlorvinphos and had decreased for dimethoate. To identify a single diagnostic concentration that could be used in the laboratory assays to assess accurately resistance levels in future studies, we carried out a ‘simulated’ field bioassay using formulated materials. A diagnostic concentration for each insecticide is proposed on the basis of a comparison of our bioassays.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Sensitivity of mitochondrial respiration to different inhibitors in Venturia inaequalis
Authors: Steinfeld Ute , Sierotzki Helge , Parisi Sandro , Poirey Sylvie , Gisi Ulrich
Published: August 2002

The sensitivity of Venturia inaequalis field isolates to inhibitors of the cytochrome bc1 complex at the Qo site (QoIs) was characterised at the molecular, biochemical and physiological level, and compared to other respiration inhibitors. Comparison of a sensitive and a QoI‐resistant isolate revealed very high resistance factors both in mycelium growth and spore germination assays. Cross‐resistance was observed among QoIs such as trifloxystrobin, azoxystrobin, famoxadone, strobilurin B and myxothiazol. In the mycelium growth assay, antimycin A, an inhibitor of the cytochrome bc1 complex at the Qi site, was less active against the QoI‐resistant than against the sensitive isolate. The mixture of QoIs with salicylhydroxamic acid (SHAM), an inhibitor of the alternative oxidase, exerted synergistic effects in the spore germination but not in the mycelium growth assay. Thus, the cytochrome and the alternative respiration pathways are assumed to play different roles, depending on the developmental stage of the fungus. Induction of alternative oxidase (AOX) by trifloxystrobin was observed in mycelium cells at the molecular level for the sensitive but not the resistant isolate. Following QoI treatment, respiration parameters such as oxygen consumption, ATP level, membrane potential and succinate dehydrogenase activity were only slightly reduced in Qo‐resistant mycelium cells, and remained at much higher levels than in sensitive cells. In contrast, no difference was observed between sensitive and resistant isolates when NADH consumption was measured. Comparison of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene of the sensitive and resistant isolates did not reveal any point mutations as is known to occur in resistant isolates of other plant pathogens. It is assumed that QoI resistance in V inaequalis may be based on a compensation of the energy deficiency following QoI application upstream of the NADH dehydrogenase of the respiratory chain.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Photodegradation of diafenthiuron in water
Authors: Keum Young‐Soo , Kim Jeong‐Han , Kim Yong‐Whan , Kim Kyun , Li Qing X
Published: August 2002

Diafenthiuron, 1‐tert‐butyl‐3‐(2,6‐di‐isopropyl‐4‐phenoxyphenyl)thiourea, is an effective insecticide and acaricide. Sunlight degradation of diafenthiuron in various aqueous solutions and pure hexane yielded two major identified products: 1‐tert‐butyl‐3‐(2,6‐di‐isopropyl‐4‐phenoxyphenyl)carbodiimide (CGA‐140 408) and 1‐tert‐butyl‐3‐(2,6‐di‐isopropyl‐4‐phenoxy‐phenyl)urea (CGA‐177 960). CGA‐140 408 was further photo‐transformed into CGA‐177 960 by sunlight. Direct photolysis appeared to be a major photolysis pathway of diafenthiuron in the environment. Photodegradation of CGA‐140 408 and CGA‐177 960 was enhanced in humic acid water, paddy water and aqueous acetone solutions, and followed first‐order kinetics. Isopropanol (a radical quencher) and de‐aeration strongly inhibited the photolysis of these chemicals, which suggested oxygen radical‐mediated reactions.

© 2002 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical synthesis and biological activity of rat INSL3
Authors: Smith Kathryn J. , Wade John D. , Claasz Antonia A. , Otvos Laszlo , Temelcos Catherine , Kubota Yoshihiro , Hutson John M. , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Bathgate Ross A.
Published: August 2002

The recently identified protein, insulin 3 (INSL3), has structural features that make it a bona fide member of the insulin superfamily. Its predicted amino acid sequence contains the classic two‐peptide chain (A‐ and B‐) structure with conserved cysteine residues that results in a disulphide bond disposition identical to that of insulin. Recently, the generation of insl3 knockout mice has demonstrated that testicular descent is blocked due to the failure of a specific ligament, the gubernaculum, to develop. The mechanism by which INSL3 exerts its action on the gubernaculum is currently unknown. The purpose of this study was to, for the first time, synthesize rat INSL3 and test its action on organ cultures of foetal rat gubernaculum. INSL3 also contains a cassette of residues Arg‐X‐X‐X‐Arg within the B‐chain, a motif that is essential for characteristic activity of another related member of the superfamily, relaxin. Hence, the relaxin activity of rat INSL3 was also tested in two different relaxin bioassays. The primary structure of rat INSL3 was determined by deduction from its cDNA sequence and successfully prepared by solid phase peptide synthesis of the two constituent chains followed by their combination in solution. Following confirmation of its chemical integrity by a variety of analytical techniques, circular dichroism spectroscopy confirmed the presence of high β‐turn and α‐helical content, with a remarkable spectral similarity to the synthetic ovine INSL3 peptide and to synthetic rat relaxin. The synthetic rat INSL3 bound with very low affinity to rat relaxin receptors and had no activity in a relaxin bioassay. Furthermore, it did not augment or antagonize relaxin activity. The rat INSL3 did however induce growth of foetal rat gubernaculum in whole organ cultures demonstrating that INSL3 has a direct action on this structure. Copyright © 2001 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of methanol extract from flower petals of Tagetes patula L. on acute and chronic inflammation model
Authors: Kasahara Yoshimasa , Yasukawa Ken , Kitanaka Susumu , Khan M. Taufiq , Evans Fred J.
Published: August 2002

The methanol extract of the florets of Tagetes patula (MEFTP) inhibited acute and chronic inflammation in mice and rats. MEFTP significantly suppressed hind‐paw oedema induced by γ‐carrageenin in mice. Furthermore, MEFTP not only inhibited the hind‐paw oedema induced by various acute phlogogens, such as histamine, serotonin, bradykinin and prostaglandin E1, but also suppressed the increase of vascular permeability by acetic acid, indicating that it primarily acts at the exudative stage of inflammation. In the chronic inflammation, MEFTP did not inhibit the proliferation of granulation tissue when tested by the cotton pellet method, however, it was effective on the development of adjuvant arthritis in rats. Oral MEFTP inhibited acute and chronic inflammation in mice and rats. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibitory effects of sanguinarine on monoamine oxidase activity in mouse brain
Authors: Lee Sang Sun , Kai Masaaki , Lee Myung Koo
Published: August 2002

The effects of benzophenanthridine alkaloids, such as sanguinarine and chelidonine, on monoamine ­oxidase (MAO) activity in mouse brain were investigated. Sanguinarine showed an inhibitory effect on MAO activity in a concentration dependent manner (53.4% inhibition at 25 µM). However, chelidonine did not inhibit MAO activity. The IC50 value of sanguinarine was 24.5 µM. Sanguinarine inhibited non‐competitively MAO activity using kynuramine as a substrate. The Ki value for sanguinarine was 22.1 µM. These results suggest that sanguinarine partially contributes to the regulation of catecholamine content. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on psychopharmacological activity ofAndrographis paniculata extract
Authors: Mandal Subhash C. , Dhara A. K. , Maiti B. C.
Published: August 2002

Psychopharmacological studies were conducted on an extract of Andrographis paniculata herbs. The extract exhibited a significant alteration in behaviour pattern and a reduction in spontaneous motility. The extract also produced a prolongation of the pentobarbitone‐induced sleeping time and lowered the body temperature in different experimental animal models. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the antidiarrhoeal effect of dragon's blood from Croton urucurana
Authors: Gurgel Luilma A. , Silva Regilane M. , Santos Flavia A. , Martins Domingos T. O. , Mattos Paulo O. , Rao Vietla S. N.
Published: August 2002

The red sap obtained by slashing the bark of Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae), also known as dragon's blood, was screened for a possible antidiarrhoeal activity on castor oil‐induced diarrhoea in rats, cholera toxin‐induced intestinal secretion in mice and on small intestinal transit in mice. Dragon's blood at an oral dose of 600 mg/kg caused in marked inhibition of the diarrhoeal response following castor oil administration as well as the intestinal fluid accumulation promoted by cholera toxin. At a similar dose the red sap significantly inhibited the small intestinal transit which was, however, found to be independent of the opioid mechanism. These results suggest a potential usefulness of the red sap from Croton urucurana Baill. in the control of secretory diarrhoea associated pathologies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potential immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory activities of Malaysian medicinal plants characterized by reduced cell surface expression of cell adhesion molecules
Authors: Tanaka Shigeo , Yoichi Sakata , Ao Lixi , Matumoto Mariko , Morimoto Katsushi , Akimoto Naoshige , Honda Gisho , Tabata Mamoru , Oshima Tikashi , Masuda Toru , Zaini bin Asmawi Mohd , Ismail Zhari , Yusof Sharom Mohd , Din Laily B. , Said Ikram M.
Published: August 2002

In the search for agents effective against immune‐mediated disorders and inflammation, we have screened Malaysian medicinal plants for the ability to inhibit the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1) on the surface of murine endothelial cells (F‐2), and mouse myeloid leukaemia cells (M1), respectively. Of 41 kinds (29 species, 24 genera, 16 families) of Malaysian plants tested, 10 and 19 plant samples significantly downregulated the expression of ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1, respectively. Bioassay‐directed fractionation of an extract prepared from the bark of Goniothalamus andersonii showed that its ingredients, goniothalamin (1) and goniodiol (2) inhibited the cell surface expression of both ICAM‐1 and VCAM‐1 . The present results suggest that Malaysian medicinal plants may be abundant natural resources for immunosuppressive and antiinflammatory substances. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation into the toxicological effects of Catha edulis leaves: a short term study in animals
Authors: Al‐Mamary M. , Al‐Habori M. , Al‐Aghbari A. M. , Baker M. M.
Published: August 2002

In this study the short term (3 months) toxicological effects of varying levels of Catha edulis leaves were examined on the plasma concentration of liver enzymes and the histopathology of tissue sections of various organs including the liver, kidneys, spleen and testis. Both the biochemical and histopathological data demonstrated, initial signs of Catha edulis toxicity. Our results show a significant increase in plasma levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with all levels of Catha edulis leaves tested and throughout the treatment period. The increase of ALP was more prominent than that of ALT. The plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were only moderately increased at the higher dose (30%) in the later stages of treatment. In addition, a time‐dependent gradual increase in indirect bilirubin with a concomitant decrease in direct bilirubin levels was observed with the 30% Catha edulis with no signs of haemolysis. The histopathology of tissue sections of the liver displayed evidence of congestion of the central liver veins as well as acute hepatocellular degenerative and regenerative activities in the tissue sections obtained from animals treated with both 20% and 30% Catha edulis. Similarly, histopathological examination of the tissue sections of the kidneys showed some lesions, and the degree of the lesion increased as the dose of Catha edulis leaves increased including: the presence of fat droplets particularly seen in the upper cortical tubules; acute cellular swelling; hyaline tubules; and acute tubular nephrosis. In contrast, Catha edulis treatment did not affect the spleen and increased the rate of spermatogenesis in male rabbits with the spermatozoa being quite evident, the Leydig cells were in good condition and were not affected by the doses given. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A frequency domain technique for maintaining resonance condition during sine dwell vibration testing of packages
Authors: Rouillard Vincent , Sek Michael A.
Published: August 2002

When a package undergoes progressive damage during a sine dwell vertical vibration test, its dynamic characteristics, such as stiffness and damping, will change. This will result in variation of its resonance frequency during a test. This paper demonstrates that tracking the resonance by feedback control of the excitation frequency during resonance dwell tests is essential. Furthermore, this paper shows the differences in the results obtained from dwell tests with uncontrolled and controlled excitation frequencies. A computer‐based resonance tracking system was developed and used together with a commercial vibration table to experimentally verify the benefits of such a technique. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An ab initio study of the structures and energetics of the planar ground and 90°‐twisted excited states of substituted ethylenes
Authors: El‐Taher S. , Hilal R. H. , Albright T. A.
Published: August 2002

Ab initio molecular orbital calculations are performed on the planar ground states (S0), the 90°‐twisted triplet (T1), and pyramidalized singlet (S1) excited states of ethylene, methaniminium cation (MC), monocyano‐ (MCE), 1,1‐dicyano‐ (DCE), 1,1‐dihydroxy‐ (DHE), and 1,1‐dicyano‐2,2‐dihydroxy (DCHE) ethylenes. Equilibrium geometries are optimized at the Hartree–Fock (HF) level with the 6‐31G* basis set. Electron correlation corrections are estimated by optimizing the HF/6‐31G* geometries at the (U)MP2/6‐31G* level and then by carrying out single‐point calculations at the fourth‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory ((U)MP4/6‐311G**//MP2/6‐31G*). The effects of various types of perturbations on the structures, energetics, dipole moments, and state ordering of S0, S1, and T1 are carefully investigated. “Positive” S1–T1 splittings are estimated at the HF level for all studied molecules, while “negative” S1–T1 splittings are obtained at the MP2 level for MC, DHE, and DCHE. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 82: 242–254, 2001
Resonance states of atomic anions
Authors: Sergeev Alexei V. , Kais Sabre
Published: August 2002

We study destabilization of an atom in its ground state with decrease of its nuclear charge. By analytic continuation from bound to resonance states, we obtain complex energies of unstable atomic anions with nuclear charge that is less than the minimum “critical” charge necessary to bind N electrons. We use an extrapolating scheme with a simple model potential for the electron, which is loosely bound outside the atomic core. Results for O2− and S2− are in good agreement with earlier estimates. Alternatively, we use the Hylleraas basis variational technique with three complex nonlinear parameters to find accurately the energy of two‐electron atoms as the nuclear charge decreases. Results are used to check the less accurate one‐electron model. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 82: 255–261, 2001
Detection of bacteria from biological mixtures using immunomagnetic separation combined with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Madonna Angelo J. , Basile Franco , Furlong Ed , Voorhees Kent J.
Published: August 2002

A rapid method for identifying specific bacteria from complex biological mixtures using immunomagnetic separation coupled to matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry has been developed. The technique employs commercially available magnetic beads coated with polycolonal antibodies raised against specific bacteria and whole cell analysis by MALDI‐MS. A suspension of a bacterial mixture is mixed with the immunomagnetic beads specific for the target microorganism. After a short incubation period (20 mins) the bacteria captured by the beads are washed, resuspended in deionized H2O and directly applied onto a MALDI probe. Liquid suspensions containing bacterial mixtures can be screened within 1 h total analysis time. Positive tests result in the production of a fingerprint mass spectrum primarily consisting of protein biomarkers characteristic of the targeted microorganism. Using this procedure, Salmonella choleraesuis was isolated and detected from standard bacterial mixtures and spiked samples of river water, human urine, and chicken blood. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and characterisation of five polar herbicides using countercurrent chromatography with detection by negative ion electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry
Authors: Kidwell Huw , Jones Jonathan J. , Games David E.
Published: August 2002

Five polar herbicides were separated and characterised using high‐speed analytical countercurrent chromatography (HSACCC) in conjunction with online electrospray mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS). The countercurrent chromatography used a standard isocratic biphasic solvent system of hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water in reverse phase to effect the separation of these five environmentally important compounds. The chromatograph was coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer via a standard electrospray liquid chromatography interface that was able to give mass spectra in negative ion mode of each compound. Limits of detection are reported for this series of compounds along with representative negative ion ESI‐MS data and calibrations for the separation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospray ionisation and ion‐trap fragmentation of substituted 3,4‐dihydro‐2(1H)‐pyridin‐2‐ones
Authors: Suárez M. , Martínez‐Alvarez R. , Martín N. , Verdecia Y. , Ochoa E. , Alba L. , Seoane C. , Kayali N.
Published: August 2002

A variety of 5‐alkoxycarbonyl‐4‐aryl‐6‐methyl‐3,4‐dihydro‐2(1H)‐pyridones and hexahydrofuro[3,4‐b]‐2(1H)‐pyridones have been investigated by electron impact (EI) and electrospray ionisation (ESI) techniques. Sequential product ion fragmentation (MSn) was performed to elucidate the degradation pathways for these compounds. Comparisons are made between positive and negative even‐electron ions from ESI spectra and the molecular radical cations obtained under EI conditions. The data collected in this paper provide information on the strong impact that different substituents have on the ion fragmentation process. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sequencing wasp venom peptides by endopeptidase digestion and nested collision‐induced dissociation/post‐source decay methods
Authors: Hisada Miki , Konno Katsuhiro , Itagaki Yasuhiro , Naoki Hideo , Nakajima Terumi
Published: August 2002

A method incorporating nested collision‐induced dissociation/post‐source decay (CID/PSD) combined with endopeptidase digestion is described as an approach to determine the sequence of N‐terminally modified peptides. The information from immonium and related ions observed in the CID/PSD spectrum was used for the selection of a suitable endopeptidase for the digestion of peptides. Rapid and reliable assignment of peptide sequence was performed by the comparison of CID/PSD spectra of both intact and endopeptidese‐digested peptide fragments, since the assignments of the observed fragment ions to either N‐ or C‐terminal ions can thus be carried out unambiguously. This nested CID/PSD method was applied to the sequence determination of two peptides from the solitary wasps Anoplius samariensis and Batozonellus maculifrons (pompilid wasps), which could not be sequenced by the Edman method due to N‐terminal modification. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
One‐dimensional sediment transport modeling of pool recovery along a mountain channel after a reservoir sediment release
Authors: Rathburn Sara L. , Wohl Ellen E.
Published: August 2002

A reservoir sediment release along the North Fork Cache la Poudre River (North Fork) in northern Colorado resulted in a massive fish kill and channel sedimentation that filled pools critical to fish as overwinter habitat. Recognition of the hazards associated with a large influx of sediment into a riverine ecosystem is critical for a greater understanding of the effects of sediment releases, and hence, future management of sediment within reservoirs. Two one‐dimensional sediment transport models, HEC‐6 and GSTARS 2.0, were evaluated for applicability to predict sediment removal along the steep gradient, bedrock‐controlled pool‐riffle North Fork. The ability of both models to identify flushing discharges that assist channel recovery was also evaluated. Two modeling scenarios representing a low and high flushing discharge were modeled. Within each scenario, two levels of simulations were conducted to represent conditions of data availability, a default simulation for limited data input, and a robust simulation that utilized the entire set of field data, collected over a 1‐year period. The models were calibrated against quantitative measurements of pool bed elevation obtained during field resurveys. Preliminary analyses were conducted to identify the appropriate sediment transport equations. HEC‐6 results indicate that long‐term, robust simulations yield the closest agreement between predicted and measured pool bed elevation change. More than 50% of the actual scour and deposition within three pools was modeled using HEC‐6. Modeling accuracy using GSTARS 2.0 was considerably lower, and it appears that the present construct of the model does not reflect the physical processes operating along the North Fork. Computer models are useful tools in the sediment management decision process, provided adequate data collection and calibration are conducted. In situations where restrictions exist on available flushing discharges, sediment transport modeling can assist management decisions, and modeling is always preferable to uncalibrated estimates. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Training in metacognition and comprehension of physics texts
Authors: Koch Adina
Published: August 2002

Reading comprehension of physics texts is a neglected area in physics curricula. This paper describes the development, application, and evaluation of a metacognitive technique for improving student reading comprehension of physics texts. The metacognitive technique requires students to self‐assess their reading comprehension and then to rank their abilities and disabilities hierarchically. The technique is evaluated by comparing performance on a reading‐comprehension test of an experimental group with the performance of a control group before and after the experimental manipulation. Both groups underwent reading‐comprehension exercises, using the Koch–Eckstein technique (Koch & Eckstein, 1995), with the metacognitive tasks added only to the experimental group. Results showed the posttest scores of the experimental group to be significantly higher than those of the control group. Based on these results, it is strongly recommended that the metacognitive technique be developed and applied in teaching reading comprehension of physics texts as an effective self‐monitoring device. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Sci Ed 85:758–768, 2001.
Steps to natural capitalism
Authors: Birkin Frank
Published: August 2002

The impact of concerns about environmental degradation has prompted many initiatives to improve the environmental efficiency of businesses, such as environmental management systems and industrial ecology as well as recycling, waste reduction and energy reduction programmes. Hawken et al. (1999) argue that these kinds of change are part of processes so profound that humankind is actually participating in another industrial revolution, a revolution to Natural Capitalism. These three authors outline basic changes to the capitalist system that necessitate different mind‐sets and sets of values that ultimately lead to profound differences in the ways in which businesses are managed.

This paper considers the possibility that we are on the verge of an industrial revolution that will implement a new form of capitalism that will facilitate an easier transition to sustainable industrial development. This paper proceeds by first identifying key approaches to the management of the environment and then identifying six steps that will have to be taken if the putative revolution is to be realized. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Valence‐band x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of manganese and its oxides interpreted by cluster and band structure calculations
Authors: Audi Ahmad Ali , Sherwood Peter M. A.
Published: August 2002

Valence‐band and core‐level x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of manganese and its oxides is reported and the valence‐band spectra are interpreted by various calculation models. The focus of this paper is on the valence band, which shows significant differences between the oxides of manganese in the formal oxidation states II, II/III, III, IV, VI and VII. The study reports the valence band for the metal and the following oxidized forms of the metal: MnO, Mn3O4, Mn2O3, MnO2, K2MnO4 and KMnO4. The difference seen in the valence‐band region makes this region appropriate for the surface analysis of manganese compounds and complements the core region, which is often complicated by broad peaks with satellite features. The valence‐band region is interpreted by band structure and cluster calculations. It is shown that the differences between the observed spectra and band structure calculations for Mn3O4, Mn2O3 and MnO2 may be a result of the calculation method and not of the highly intense satellites. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
XPS, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, specular X‐ray reflectivity, transmission electron microscopy and elastic recoil detection analysis of emissive carbon film characterization
Authors: Ermolieff A. , Chabli A. , Pierre F. , Rolland G. , Rouchon D. , Vannuffel C. , Vergnaud C. , Baylet J. , Séméria M. N.
Published: August 2002

For a better understanding of the physical and electronic properties of emissive carbon films, one of the best ways is to compare the results obtained with several surface and structural analysis techniques. In this article, different types of carbon film depositions for developing large flat panel displays by field emission displays are analysed and the results are correlated with their emissivity. Pulse laser ablation films, high‐temperature plasma‐enhanced chemical vapour deposition (PECVD) films and low‐temperature PECVD films are characterized by XPS, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), specular X‐ray reflectivity, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA). The analyses lead us to conclude that the sp2/sp3 ratio is not a crucial parameter for carbon film emissivity. Crystalline structure seems more important. The presence of graphite grains is essential for good and uniform emission. Combination of XPS, TEM, XRD, Raman spectroscopy and ERDA is necessary for the study of carbon film emission. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Extended x‐ray emission fine structure and high‐energy satellite lines state measured by electron probe microanalysis
Authors: Takahashi Hideyuki , Harrowfield Ian , MacRae Colin , Wilson Nick , Tsutsumi Kenichi
Published: August 2002

The Kα satellite or shake‐off lines can be observed by wavelength‐dispersive spectrometry on the high‐energy side of the main Kα peak. Occasionally, chemical state analysis of an emitting atom has been attempted using the shape and position of these lines. Recent extensive theory and experiment have shown that it is fruitful to take a similar approach using extended x‐ray emission fine structure (EXEFS) arising from the radiative Auger effect (RAE). This fine structure is found in a low‐intensity spectrum on the low‐energy side of the Kα peak.

We have studied the RAE spectra of the Kα lines of the elements F through to Ca by EPMA. The RAE peaks have energies close to the KLL energies of Auger transitions. In the lighter elements in this series, it was found that the difference between Kα and the RAE peak energies becomes quite small. For elements lighter than fluorine, it is difficult to observe the RAE peaks because they are overlapped by the main Kα line. At the higher energy end of the series, the intensity of the RAE lines becomes very small. The utility of the RAE lines for state analysis is limited, in practice, to the elements F through to Ca. The extended x‐ray emission fine structure (EXEFS) of the RAE spectra has been used to calculate local bonding parameters.

Both shake‐off and RAE spectra associated with the F Kα line have been studied experimentally in the rare earth fluorides. The KLL RAE moves to lower energy as the atomic number of the rare earth cation increases. This has been confirmed theoretically by calculating electron energies using discrete variational Xα molecular orbital theory. The shake‐off peaks increase in intensity relative to the main Kα peak because atomic number increases, contrary to expectation. It is considered that this could be due to temporary covalency. The EXEFS of the RAE spectra has been used to calculate local bonding parameters. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approaches to heterogeneity in meta‐analysis
Authors: Petitti Diana B.
Published: August 2002

This paper reviews publications from January 1999 to March 2001 on reproductive health topics that were self‐identified as meta‐analysis or were indexed as meta‐analysis in MEDLINE. It sought to assess whether tests of statistical heterogeneity were done, whether the results were reported, and how a finding of significance for a test of statistical heterogeneity was handled and the results interpreted. The review identified some concerns. Tests of statistical heterogeneity were not done universally even though virtually all writers on the topic emphasize their importance. Even when done, results of these tests were not universally reported. Although the consensus appears to be that heterogeneity tests are conservative for meta‐analysis of studies and a probability value of 0.10 is preferred, many meta‐analyses used the conventional value of 0.05 without providing a reason. The rationale for the choice of a random or fixed effects model was not generally evident. The review also provided some positive models and some recommendations for assessing, reporting and exploring heterogeneity are made considering these models and the published recommendations of experts. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
What can go wrong when you assume that correlated data are independent: an illustration from the evaluation of a childhood health intervention in Brazil
Authors: Cannon Michael J. , Warner Lee , Taddei J. Augusto , Kleinbaum David G.
Published: August 2002

The key analytical challenge presented by longitudinal data is that observations from one individual tend to be correlated. Although longitudinal data commonly occur in medicine and public health, the issue of correlation is sometimes ignored or avoided in the analysis. If longitudinal data are modelled using regression techniques that ignore correlation, biased estimates of regression parameter variances can occur. This bias can lead to invalid inferences regarding measures of effect such as odds ratios (OR) or risk ratios (RR). Using the example of a childhood health intervention in Brazil, we illustrate how ignoring correlation leads to incorrect conclusions about the effectiveness of the intervention. Copyright 2001 © John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient specific dosing in a cancer phase I clinical trial
Authors: Babb James S. , Rogatko André
Published: August 2002

Recent improvements in our understanding of drug metabolism have led to the development of anticancer therapies that accommodate patient differences in drug tolerance. Such methods adjust the dose level according to measurable patient characteristics in order to obtain a target drug exposure. This paper describes the utilization of a patient specific dosing scheme in the statistical design of a phase I clinical trial involving patients with advanced adenocarcinomas of gastrointestinal origin. During the trial, dose levels were adjusted according to each patient's pretreatment concentration of an antibody that was shown in preclinical testing to moderate the effect of the agent under investigation. The design of the trial permitted a continual adjustment of the model used to tailor the dose to each patient's individual needs. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of robust estimating equations to the analysis of quantitative longitudinal data
Authors: Hu Mingxiu , Lachin John M.
Published: August 2002

A model fit by general estimating equations (GEE) has been used extensively for the analysis of longitudinal data in medical studies. To some extent, GEE tries to minimize a quadratic form of the residuals, and therefore is not robust in the sense that it, like least squares estimates, is sensitive to heavy‐tailed distributions, contaminated distributions and extreme values. This paper describes the family of truncated robust estimating equations and its properties for the analysis of quantitative longitudinal data. Like GEE, the robust estimating equations aim to assess the covariate effects in the generalized linear model in the complete population of observations, but in a manner that is more robust to the influence of aberrant observations. A simulation study has been conducted to compare the finite‐sample performance of GEE and the robust estimating equations under a variety of error distributions and data structures. It shows that the parameter estimates based on GEE and the robust estimating equations are approximately unbiased and the type I errors of Wald tests do not tend to be inflated. GEE is slightly more efficient with pure normal data, but the efficiency of GEE declines much more quickly than the robust estimating equations when the data become contaminated or have heavy tails, which makes the robust estimating equations advantageous with non‐normal data. Both GEE and the robust estimating equations are applied to a longitudinal analysis of renal function in the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT). For this application, GEE seems to be sensitive to the working correlation specification in that different working correlation structures may lead to different conclusions about the effect of intensive diabetes treatment. On the other hand, the robust estimating equations consistently conclude that the treatment effect is highly significant no matter which working correlation structure is used. The DCCT Research Group also demonstrated a significant effect using a mixed‐effects longitudinal model. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Congruence between technology and compensation systems: implications for strategy implementation
Authors: Shaw Jason D. , Gupta Nina , Delery John E.
Published: August 2002

This paper examines the interactive relationship between the use of integrated manufacturing and compensation practices in predicting several aspects of plant performance in the concrete pipe industry. We predicted that compensation practices reinforcing collective effort, teamwork, and flexibility (team incentives and skill‐based pay) enhance the effectiveness of integrated manufacturing systems (total quality management and advanced manufacturing technology), while practices inhibiting cooperation and teamwork among employees (individual incentives and seniority‐based pay) impede it. Results provide moderate support for the congruence model across several measures of plant effectiveness (labor hours per ton, lost‐time accidents, perceptual performance, and customer satisfaction). Implications of the research are addressed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Absorptive capacity, learning, and performance in international joint ventures
Authors: Lane Peter J. , Salk Jane E. , Lyles Marjorie A.
Published: August 2002

This paper proposes and tests a model of IJV learning and performance that segments absorptive capacity into the three components originally proposed by Cohen and Levinthal (1990). First, trust between an IJV's parents and the IJV's relative absorptive capacity with its foreign parent are suggested to influence its ability to understand new knowledge held by foreign parents. Second, an IJV's learning structures and processes are proposed to influence its ability to assimilate new knowledge from those parents. Third, the IJV's strategy and training competence are suggested to shape its ability to apply the assimilated knowledge. Revisiting the Hungarian IJVs studied by Lyles and Salk (1996) 3 years later, we find support for the knowledge understanding and application predictions, and partial support for the knowledge assimilation prediction. Unexpectedly, our results suggest that trust and management support from foreign parents are associated with IJV performance but not learning. Our model and results offer a new perspective on IJV learning and performance as well as initial insights into how those relationships change over time. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Knowledge spillover in corporate financing networks: embeddedness and the firm's debt performance
Authors: Uzzi Brian , Gillespie James J.
Published: August 2002

Building on social embeddedness theory, we examine how the competencies and resources of one corporate actor in a network are transferred to another actor that uses them to enhance transactions with a third actor—a strategic process we dub ‘network transitivity.’ Focusing on the properties of network transitivity in the context of small‐firm corporate finance, we consider how embedded relations between a firm and its banks facilitate the firm's access to distinctive capabilities that enable it to strategically manage its trade‐credit financing relationships. We apply theory and original case‐study fieldwork to explore the types of resources and competencies available through bank–firm relationships and to derive hypotheses about how embedded bank–firm relationships affect the strategy of small‐ to medium‐sized firms. Using a separate large‐scale data set, we then test the generalizability of our hypotheses. Our qualitative analyses show that embedded bank–firm ties provide special governance arrangements that facilitate the firm's access to bank‐centered informational and capital resources, which uniquely enhance the firm's ability to manage trade credit. Consistent with our arguments, our statistical analyses show that small‐ to medium‐sized firms with embedded ties to their bankers were more likely to take lucrative early‐payment trade discounts and avoid costly late‐payment penalties than were similar firms that lacked embedded ties—suggesting that social embeddedness beneficially affects the financial performance of the firm. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are organizations autopoietic? A call for new debate
Authors: Kay Robert
Published: August 2002

Discussion and debate over the application of autopoiesis to social systems has been enthusiastic since Maturana and Varela's (1980) theory was translated from Spanish into English in the early 1980s. In this paper I will examine the debate so far, in order to propose a new ‘frame’ for discussion based upon the establishment of a working ontology for organizations. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Age differences in phosphodiesterase type‐IV and its functional response to dopamine D1 receptor modulation in the living brain: A PET study in conscious monkeys
Authors: Harada Norihiro , Nishiyama Shingo , Ohba Hiroyuki , Sato Kengo , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Tsukada Hideo
Published: August 2002

The present study demonstrated the age‐related changes in the striatal dopamine D1 receptor binding and its related cAMP second‐messenger system in the living brains of conscious young (6.4 ± 1.8 years old) and aged (19.5 ± 3.3 years old) monkeys (Macaca mulatta) using positron emission tomography (PET). For quantitative analysis of D1 receptors, [11C]SCH23390 was used and phosphodiesterase type‐IV (PDE‐IV) activity, as an index of cAMP system, was estimated by two scans with R‐ and S‐[11C]rolipram. Significant age‐related decreases in D1 receptor binding were observed in the striatum and frontal cortex. Analysis of uptake of R‐ and S‐[11C]rolipram indicated age‐related decreases in PDE‐IV activity showing 22.0 and 25.2% decreases in the striatum and frontal cortex, respectively, while no significant changes were observed in the cerebellum. With systemic preadministration of the dopamine D1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 (0.2, 0.6, and 2 mg/kg), the PDE‐IV activities in the striatum and frontal cortex were dose‐dependently suppressed in both age groups. However, the degree of suppression by SCH23390 was more marked in young than in aged monkeys. These results demonstrate that the striatal cAMP second‐messenger system activity as well as its functional response to dopamine D1 antagonist showed age‐related impairment in the brain. Synapse 44:139–145, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do infants with major congenital anomalies have an excess of macrosomia?
Authors: Waller D.K. , Keddie A.M. , Canfield M.A. , Scheuerle A.E.
Published: August 2002

Background

Infants that develop congenital anomalies may also have an excess prevalence of macrosomia (birth weight ≥4,000 g). This may indicate that abnormalities of glycemic control play a role in the etiology of birth defects. This study was undertaken to determine whether all infants with congenital anomalies have an excess of macrosomia and whether it is confined to specific types of anomalies.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted, comparing the birth weights of 8,226 infants with congenital anomalies ascertained by the Texas Birth Defects Monitoring Division with those of 965,965 infants without birth defects. Odds ratios were calculated to determine the association between birth weight and congenital anomalies, for 45 specific defects, and for all these defects combined.

Results

For all 45 defects combined, a significant association occurred only in the highest birth weight category. Infants with congenital anomalies were more likely than infants without birth defects to have a birth weight ≥4,500 g (OR = 1.65; 95% CI = 1.39–1.96). Infants born with ventricular septal defects, atrial septal defects, ventricular hypertrophy, or anomalies of the great vessels were 1.5–2.5 times more likely to weigh ≥4,000 g than were infants without birth defects. Based on small numbers, a stronger excess of macrosomia was observed for infants with encephalocele, holoprosencephaly, anomalies of the corpus callosum, preaxial polydactyly, and omphalocele.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that infants with specific congenital anomalies are more likely to be macrosomic than are infants without an anomaly. If these findings are confirmed, associations between macrosomia and specific types of birth defects may help to identify birth defects that are caused by alterations in glycemic control. Teratology 64:311–317, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of the ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) assay to mixtures of halogenated aromatic compounds
Authors: Petrulis John R. , Chen Guosheng , Benn Sally , LaMarre Jon , Bunce Nigel J.
Published: August 2002

The ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase (EROD) assay monitors the induction of the xenobiotic‐metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P‐450 (CYP) 1A1 and is a widely used biomarker for exposure of wildlife to substances that bind the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor. In this work the induction of EROD activity by single compounds and binary mixtures in primary rat hepatocytes was compared with the predictions of a kinetic model involving mixtures of inducers. The inducing agents were also examined for their ability to activate the Ah receptor to its DNA‐binding form and for their ability to act as competitive inhibitors for CYP 1A1. Xenobiotics that failed to activate the Ah receptor did not induce EROD activity. Competitive inhibition for CYP 1A1 between the xenobiotic and 7‐ethoxyresorufin caused EROD activity to fall at high xenobiotic concentrations. Competition for a limited number of Ah receptor sites depressed the EROD activity of a strong inducer such as 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin at high concentrations of a weak inducer. Application of the kinetic model to the example of a mixture of low concentrations of dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and much higher concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls indicated that EROD assays often seriously underestimate the true potency of an environmental sample. Hence the EROD assay cannot be used for determining dioxin equivalent concentrations using the toxic equivalence factor approach. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 177–184, 2001
Tests for the toxicity assessment of cyanobacterial bloom samples
Authors: Tarczynska Małgorzata , Nalecz‐Jawecki Grzegorz , Romanowska‐Duda Zdzislawa , Sawicki Jozef , Beattie Keneth , Codd Geoff , Zalewski Maciej
Published: August 2002

Cyanobacterial (blue–green algal) blooms are one of the common consequences of the increasing eutrophication of surface waters. The production of cyanobacterial toxins and their presence in drinking and recreational waters represents a growing danger to human and animal health. Due to a lack of toxin standards and to resource limitations on the wide‐scale use of analytical methods (e.g., high‐performance liquid chromatography, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)) in cyanobacterial toxin monitoring, it is necessary to assess and to develop additional methods for their detection and estimation. Microbiotests using invertebrates offer a possible approach for the inexpensive and straightforward detection and assessment of cyanobacterial bloom toxicity. Three microbiotests with: Thamnocephalus platyurus, Daphnia magna, and Spirostomum ambiguum were examined with bloom samples containing hepatotoxic microcystin‐LR and up to five additional microcystin variants. Two kinds of cyanobacterial bloom sample preparations were tested: crude extracts (CE) and purified extracts (PE). The highest toxicity was found when CE was used for microbiotests. The sensitivity of microorganisms decreased from S. ambiguum to T. platyurus and to D. magna. A statistically significant correlation was found between microcystin concentration and T. platyurus biotest, and between mouse bioassay and S. ambiguum results. Addition of Me2SO (1%, v/v) is a possible method to increase the sensitivity of the microorganisms for microcystin‐LR. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 16: 383–390, 2001
Electronic Trends in Environmental Reporting and Recordkeeping
Authors: Glynn Bridget A.
Published: August 2002

EPA is developing a Cross‐Media Electronic Reporting and Record‐Keeping Rule. © 2001 John
Wiley & Sons, Inc.