bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Loss of reflex inhibition following muscle tendon stimulation in essential tremor
Authors: Burne John A. , Blanche Timothy , Morris John G.L.
Published: September 2002

Electrical stimulation of human upper limb muscle tendons produces a reflex inhibition (I1) in the same muscles. This inhibition is reduced in Parkinson's disease (PD), prompting a similar study of essential tremor (ET). In essential tremor, two of eight subjects had no discernible inhibition, even following supramaximal stimulation (< 80 mA) of the tendons from extensor digitorum communis and extensor pollicis brevis. In the remaining six subjects, the mean thresholds for I1 in these muscles were increased by 270 and 320%, respectively, relative to controls. The maximal amplitude of the inhibition was significantly reduced in the ET group, as was the following excitation (E1). The latency and duration of I1 were not different in ET subjects and controls. The maximal duration of I1 was correlated with tremor frequency in individuals, and tendon stimulation was effective in initiating ongoing tremor cycles. These results disclose a peripheral reflex abnormality in ET that is mediated by tendon afferents and can be linked to the coexistent tremor. The response in ET was distinguished from that in PD by its different time‐course and by failure of the response to appear in the antagonist muscle. The abnormality may prove a useful marker for ET, which currently lacks a definitive pathological or neurophysiological marker to support objective clinical diagnosis. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 25: 58–64, 2002
Development of song responses in the zebra finch caudomedial neostriatum: Role of genomic and electrophysiological activities
Authors: Stripling Roy , Kruse Amy A. , Clayton David F.
Published: September 2002

Zebra finches first form demonstrable memories of specific songs between 25 and 35 days of age—several days after fledging from the nest. What accounts for the late onset of specific song memory formation? Here we investigated physiological development of the caudomedial neostriatum (NCM), part of the avian analogue of auditory cortex and a probable component of the system involved in song perception. Two types of physiological responses were characterized: electrophysiological (single‐unit spike rate) and genomic (induction of the immediate early gene zenk, also known as zif‐268, egr‐1, ngfi‐a, krox‐24). We found that by day 20, zebra finches already have robust electrophysiological responses in NCM to song stimulation. Spike activity was greater in response to conspecific songs compared to heterospecific songs, white noise, or tones, and ≈10% of the units showed selective responses to forward versus reversed songs. In contrast, at this age the zenk gene is expressed at a constitutively high level and undergoes no further induction in response to song presentation. At day 30, electrophysiological responses remained similar, but the zenk gene began to shift from a constitutive to an inducible pattern of expression. These results are consistent with a general role for NCM in the representation of song auditory patterns, and with a role for zenk gene expression in governing the efficiency of specific song memory storage at different ages. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Neurobiol 48: 163–180, 2001
Proconvulsant effects of central and peripheral administration of L‐name on penicillin‐induced epilepsy in rats
Authors: Bağirici Faruk , Marangoz Cafer
Published: September 2002

The effect of Nϖ‐nitro L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) on penicillin‐induced epileptiform activity was investigated in anaesthetized Wistar rats. Approximately 39.1 ± 5.7 min after penicillin G (3 million U/kg, i.p.) administration, large amplitude intermittent sharp waves appeared in the electrocorticogram. L‐NAME (60 mg/kg, i.p.) injection 30 min before penicillin G adminstration significantly reduced the latency of epileptiform activity (12.9 ± 3.2). In other groups, when the epileptiform activity reached maximum levels, administration of L‐NAME (300 μg/2 μl, i.c.v.) significantly increased the frequency of epileptic spikes, while saline and D‐NAME (Nϖ‐nitro D‐arginine methyl ester, 300 μg i.c.v.) were completely ineffective.

These results suggest that L‐NAME has proconvulsant effects and NO may be an endogenous anticonvulsant substance.
Acute effects of fluoxetine on inhibitory avoidance consolidation in male and female OF1 mice
Authors: Monleón Santiago , Casino Ana , Vinader‐Caerols Concepción , Arenas M. Carmen
Published: September 2002

The effects of acute administration of fluoxetine on memory consolidation using an inhibitory avoidance task were investigated in male and female OF1 mice. Several doses of this antidepressant (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally administered immediately after the training session. The test session was carried out four days later and response latencies were measured in both sessions. The results showed that the highest dose of fluoxetine significantly increased response latencies of inhibitory avoidance compared with the lowest dose and the control group. Sex differences in this task were observed, females showing a better performance. But the drug's effects were not sexually dimorphic: These sex differences were present in control animals, and they remained at every dose of fluoxetine. It is concluded that acute administration of fluoxetine did not impair inhibitory avoidance learning and it could be a better choice in depression and other disorders associated with memory deficits.
Abstracts section
Authors: Allcock Sheila
Published: September 2002

The theme of poverty eradication is now again at the top of the development policy agenda. In November 2000 the UK Department for International Development (DfID) published an important White Paper on International Development with the title Eliminating world poverty: a challenge for the 21st century. The World Bank World Development Report for 2000/2001 also takes poverty as its theme with the title Attacking poverty. It is interesting to note that the World Bank has bracketed the decade of the 1990s with the 1990 World Development Report simply entitled Poverty.

After many conflicting theories of economic development, the basic problem of poverty in developing countries is now being addressed in a much more holistic way, as is exemplified in the following articles. It should be noted that two of these act as introductory articles to a special issue of a journal on this topic. The article by Lustig and Stern introduces the December 2000 issue of Finance and Development whose overall title is ‘How we can help the poor’ and the article by Baulch and Hoddinott introduces the August 2000 issue of the Journal of Development Studies entitled ‘Economic mobility and poverty dynamics in developing countries’. These special issues contain articles on poverty in addition to the ones abstracted here. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Water policy and environmental sustainability: the case of post‐colonial Namibia
Authors: Forrest Joshua B.
Published: September 2002

In semi‐arid countries, particularly in Africa, governments have evolved water policies oriented toward ‘techno‐giantist,’ grand‐scale schemes that have generally accelerated the depletion of national water tables. In Namibia, such a techno‐giantist water management strategy was utilized to reinforce the privileges of white minority farmers prior to independence, and was subsequently expanded to provide modern water facilities to the black African majority in the post‐independence period. The government has pursued not only the construction of a massive new system of pipelines and boreholes, but also the development of giant dam‐building and river canal schemes that are likely to result in watershed depletion over the long term. This reflects state leaders' belief in the imagery of political potency projected by the government's ability to build macro‐scale water systems. However, a water supply approach focused on more micro‐level extraction techniques through which aquifer recharge is prioritized is more likely to assure both local‐level water access and water table sustainability. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of donors: how to combine sector programme support with devolution? A comment from a practitioner to James Wunsch: ‘decentralization, local governance and “recentralization” in Africa’
Authors: Nielsen Henrik A.
Published: September 2002

An Erratum has been published for this article in Public Administration and Development 22(1) 2002, 95.

In commenting on ‘Decentralization, Local Governance and ‘Recentralization’ in Africa’ (Wunsch, 2001), this article concurs with the general thesis of Wunsch that the actual implementation as distinct from the rhetoric of decentralization in Africa has featured lingering central retention of power and resources and that genuine local control over important services and investments remains elusive. However, there is evidence that this is not invariably the case and that donors may have decisive roles to play in encouraging local assertiveness in the medium term in providing leverage for change through budget support and technical assistance to civic education, training local councillors, monitoring local government elections and encouraging local government associations to put to the test the national commitment to genuine local governance. These roles include helping to ensure the transparency of central transfers and, as in Uganda and Malawi for example, assisting with the development of intermediary fiscal mechanisms in this regard. Learning from such promising experiences will be vital in nurturing the longer term optimism heralded by Wunsch. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Are Whites Still Fleeing? Racial Patterns and Enrollment Shifts in Urban Public Schools, 1987–1996
Authors: Clotfelter Charles T.
Published: September 2002

The effect of interracial contact in public schools on the enrollment of whites has been an important concern in assessments of desegregation since the 1970s. It has been feared that “white flight”—meaning exit from or avoidance of racially mixed public schools—could undermine the racial contact that desegregation policy seeks to enhance. This study examines this question using recent data. It also expands coverage from large urban districts to entire metropolitan areas, paying attention to the spatial context within which enrollment decisions are made. To do so, it examines data for 1987 and 1996 on racial composition and enrollment in all schools and school districts in 238 metropolitan areas. The study finds that white losses appear to be spurred both by interracial contact in districts where their children attend school and by the opportunities available in metropolitan areas for reducing that contact. These findings apply with remarkable consistency to large and small districts in both large and small metropolitan areas. Implications for metropolitan segregation are examined. © 2001 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Structural studies of 1‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐bromophenyl)‐4‐methyl‐4‐imidazolin‐2‐ones
Authors: Cyrański Michal K. , Wawer Iwona , Zielińska Agnieszka , Mrozek Agnieszka , Koleva Vera , Lozanova Christina
Published: September 2002

The crystal structure of 1‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐bromophenyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐methyl‐4‐imidazolin‐2‐one was determined by x‐ray diffraction. The structure is stabilized by intermolecular hydrogen bonds formed between the 2‐hydroxy and central groups. Molecular modelling including ab initio calculations at the HF/6–31+G** level revealed that in the gas phase the molecule is stabilized by an intramolecular hydrogen bond. The derivatives with 3‐alkyl, benzyl and phenyl substituents were studied by 13C NMR including solid‐state 13C CP/MAS NMR [for 1‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐bromophenyl)‐3‐methyl‐4‐methyl‐4‐imidazolin‐2‐one] and FT‐IR methods. The differences in chemical shifts Δ = δliquid − δsolid are significant for aromatic carbons C(3) (−2.9 ppm), C(4) (3.6 ppm) and C(5) (−3.9 ppm) and, on the other side of the imidazoline ring, of C(7) (−1.5 ppm). These carbons are adjacent to N(1)—C(4), and are subject to the largest changes of the environment during reorientation of the imidazolin‐2‐one moiety. Copyright ­© 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of novel phosphinic acid‐containing polymers
Authors: Miyatake Kenji , Hay Allan S.
Published: September 2002

Three arylene difluoride monomers containing phosphine oxide (1), phosphinic acid (2), or phosphinate ester (3) groups were prepared and polymerized with bisphenol A to give novel poly‐(arylene ether)s (4, 5, and 6). The polymers obtained had moderate molecular weights (ηinh: 0.14–0.30 dL g−1 in N‐methylpyrrolidinone) and glass‐transition temperatures (Tg: 102–200 °C), depending on the phosphine group in the main chain. Using bis(4‐fluorophenyl)sulfone as a comonomer improved the polymerization to give copolymers with higher solution viscosities. The stoichiometric investigation revealed that 7 mol % excess of fluoride monomer gave the highest molecular weight copolymer 8 with ηinh of 0.78 dL g−1, which had a Tg of 176 °C, a T of 432 °C, and formed a hard film by casting from solution. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1854–1859, 2001
The mechanics of contact and adhesion of periodically rough surfaces
Authors: Hui C. Y. , Lin Y. Y. , Baney J. M. , Kramer E. J.
Published: September 2002

An analytical model based on the Johnson–Kendall–Roberts (JKR) theory of adhesion was used to study the contact mechanics and adhesion of periodically rough surfaces. The relation of the applied load to the contact area and the work of adhesion W was found in closed form for arbitrary surface profiles. Our analysis showed that when the parameter [where α* is a numerical constant of order one, β is the aspect ratio of a typical surface profile (or asperity), and ρ is the number of asperities per unit length], the surfaces will jump into contact with each other with no applied load, and the contact area will continue to expand until the two surfaces are in full contact. The theory was then extended to the non‐JKR regime in which the region where the surface forces act is no longer confined to a small region near the contact zone. Exact solution was also obtained for this case. An exact analysis of the effect of entrapped air on the mechanics of adhesion and contact was also enacted. The results showed that interaction between asperities should be taken into consideration in contact‐mechanics models of adhesion or friction. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 39: 1195–1214, 2001
Health care professionals' grief: a model based on occupational style and coping
Authors: Redinbaugh Ellen M. , Schuerger James M. , Weiss L. Leonard , Brufsky Adam , Arnold Robert
Published: September 2002

Many publications address grief in terminally ill patients and their loved ones. In contrast, this paper proposes a hypothetical model for grief reactions in health care professionals (HCPs) working with terminally ill patients. The model integrates three literatures: burnout, coping and personality/occupational interests. Grief‐related job stress can culminate in burnout that affects over 50% of physicians treating the terminally and critically ill. Coping behaviors that attenuate burnout differ among HCPs, suggesting that nurses prefer different coping strategies when compared with physicians. The personality and occupational interests literatures provide a rationale for coping differences in HCPs. Personality characteristics associated with occupational preferences provide insight into HCPs' natural propensities for coping with stress. The model addresses personality/occupational differences among health care disciplines, thus providing a plausible explanation for coping differences among HCPs, as well as potential interventions that facilitate HCPs' adjustment to the deaths of their patients. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vitamin D3 analogue inhibits keratinocyte growth factor signaling and induces apoptosis in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Crescioli Clara , Maggi Mario , Luconi Michaela , Vannelli Gabriella Barbara , Salerno Roberto , Sinisi Antonio A. , Bonaccorsi Lorella , Ferruzzi Pietro , Barni Tullio , Forti Gianni , Serio Mario
Published: September 2002

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer is a worldwide significant health care problem, due to its high incidence and mortality. In particular, androgen‐independent tumors have the worst prognosis, because they are refractory to almost all kinds of available therapy. Hence, there is the need of new treatment opportunities targeting androgen‐independent, growth factor‐mediated, tumor signaling. One of these new promising opportunities is vitamin D3 and its related analogues.

METHODS

We investigated the effect of a vitamin D3 analogue, analogue (V), on proliferation of several human prostate cancer cells in basal condition and after treatment with KGF, one of the intraprostatic growth factors that might participate in the progression of prostate cancer. In addition, in the androgen‐independent cell line DU 145, we also studied the effect of analogue (V), KGF, and their mutual interaction on protein tyrosine phosphorylation, bcl‐2 expression and apoptosis.

RESULTS

Overall, we found that analogue (V) dose‐dependently decreased basal and KGF‐induced prostate cancer cell growth, although to a different extent. Maximal effect was obtained in DU 145 cells. In these cells, KGF stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of a protein corresponding to its receptor, induced bcl‐2 expression, and prolonged cell survival. Analogue (V) not only counteracted all these KGF‐mediated events, but also decreased basal bcl‐2 expression, therefore, allowing DU 145 cells to undergo an apoptotic program.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that in prostate cancer cells analogue (V) decreased basal and KGF‐induced cell proliferation. This effect, at least in DU 145 cells, is in part mediated by negative interactions with cell survival and KGF signaling. Prostate 50: 15–26, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of galectin‐3 expression on growth and tumorigenicity of the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP
Authors: Ellerhorst Julie A. , Stephens L. Clifton , Nguyen Thuy , Xu Xiao‐Chun
Published: September 2002

BACKGROUND

Galectin‐3 is a β‐galactoside‐binding vertebrate lectin. In human prostate cancer, galectin‐3 expression has been shown to decrease with progression of disease. In the present study, we further investigated the role of galectin‐3 in this malignancy by examining the phenotype of galectin‐3‐transfected prostate cancer cells.

METHODS

Stably transfected galectin‐3‐expressing cell lines were developed from the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP, which does not constitutively express this molecule. Transfected cells lines were analyzed for alterations in morphology and growth rates, and for ability to form tumors in nude mice.

RESULTS

Morphologically, when compared to the parental LNCaP cells, the galectin‐3 transfectants had broader, flatter cell bodies, shorter and less finely branched dendritic processes, and large nuclei with pronounced and often multiple nucleoli. The galectin‐3 lines were found to proliferate at a slower rate in vitro than either the vector control‐transfected lines or parental LNCaP. When injected subcutaneously in nude mice, four of six galectin‐3 lines formed tumors at a slower rate than control lines. Twenty‐four tumors that formed from the transfected cell lines were examined by immunohistochemistry for galectin‐3 expression. Only one tumor was found to express galectin‐3, suggesting that the transfected cells which formed tumors were those which successfully down‐regulated galectin‐3 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to an apparent stimulatory role in some tumor types, galectin‐3 is an inhibitory molecule for prostate cancer. Prostate 50: 64–70, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Changes of phenotypic expression of prostatic antigen in secondary transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate: Evidence for induction phenomenon as a mechanism for acquisition of prostatic antigens in prostatic transitional cell carcinoma
Authors: Mai Kien T. , Yazdi Hossein M. , Farmer James
Published: September 2002

BACKGROUND

In vitro and experimental studies of mesenchymal‐epithelial interaction for the prostatic stroma have demonstrated that the prostatic stroma is capable of inducing the nonprostatic epithelium to acquire many features of prostatic epithelium. We investigated whether this phenomenon could be observed in vivo in human prostatic stroma.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder: (a) 20 with glandular lumen; (b) 20 without glandular lumen: (c) 10 mixed TCC‐adenocarcinoma (ACA); and (d) 10 with synchronous or metachronous TCC of the prostate; and three primary TCC of the prostate were examined and submitted for immunostaining for prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostatic specific antigen (PSA).

RESULTS

There was a spectrum of immunostaining for PSA ranging from negative reactivity in TCC without glandular lumen of the urinary bladder, to focal and weak reactivity in single cells with varying degrees of nonmucinous glandular differentiation and to strong reactivity in groups of cells in primary and synchronous or metachronous TCC in the prostate. The areas of carcinoma geographically closest to the prostate and with the most extensive nonmucinous glandular differentiation displayed the most frequent and strongest immunoreactivity for PSA. The immunoreactivity for PAP was usually stronger than for PSA. Four cases of TCC and mixed TCC‐ACA were immunoreactive only for PAP. Furthermore, there was a change in the phenotype of TCC in the urinary bladder as it spread into the prostate. For 10 TCC in the urinary bladder with synchronous or metachronous tumor in the prostate, all TCC in the urinary bladder were negative for PAP and PSA, whereas six TCC in the prostate were focally positive.

CONCLUSIONS

The spectrum of immunoreactivity for PAP and PSA and the change in immunoreactivity of TCC of the urinary bladder as it spreads into the prostate are likely induced by the prostatic stroma through the mechanism of mesenchymal‐epithelial interaction. Prostate 47:172–182, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of the somatostatin analog lanreotide on the circulating levels of chromogranin‐A, prostate‐specific antigen, and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 in advanced prostate cancer patients
Authors: Berruti Alfredo , Dogliotti Luigi , Mosca Alessandra , Tarabuzzi Roberto , Torta Mirella , Mari Mauro , Gorzegno Gabriella , Fontana Dario , Angeli Alberto
Published: September 2002

BACKGROUND

The concept that neuroendocrine cells detected within prostate adenocarcinoma produce paracrine factors, that may exert a proliferative effect on exocrine prostate tumor cells, provides a rationale for the use of somatostatin analogs with the aim to counteract or delay the tumor progression. This study was designed to provide preliminary information on the effect of the administration of a long‐acting somatostatin analog, lanreotide, on plasma levels of chromogranin A (CgA). Secondary aims were the evaluation of changes in circulating prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1).

METHODS

Lanreotide (Ipstyl 30 mg; Ipsen, Milan, Italy) was administered intramuscularly every 14 days for 2 months to nine heavily pretreated prostate cancer patients with hormone refractory disease. All patients had, at baseline conditions, CgA values above the normal range. Androgen deprivation was maintained during the study period, while other concomitant antineoplastic treatments were not allowed. Serum PSA levels and plasma CgA and IGF‐1 values were measured every week.

RESULTS

Lanreotide treatment was very well tolerated and no patient experienced major toxicity. Plasma CgA values at baseline: mean 109 U/liter, standard deviation ± 85 decreased significantly after treatment as follows: 42 U/liter, ± 17.8; 27.2 U/liter ± 13.6; 31.4 U/liter, ± 17.8 and 27.6 U/liter, ± 17.0; after 7, 14, 21, and 28 days, respectively (P < 0.01, Friedman ANOVA). Serum PSA did not change. Baseline IGF‐1 was found to be above the detection limit in four cases, all of them showing a decrease after lanreotide.

CONCLUSIONS

Lanreotide administration to prostate cancer patients induces a decrease in plasma CgA and IGF‐1 levels, without any influence on serum PSA values. Prostate 47:205–211, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Naturally occurring prostate cancer antigen‐specific T cell responses of a Th1 Phenotype can be detected in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: McNeel Douglas G. , Nguyen Lan D. , Ellis William J. , Higano Celestia S. , Lange Paul H. , Disis Mary L.
Published: September 2002

BACKGROUND

Cytotoxic T cells (CTL) are considered one of the primary effector cell populations in antitumor immunity. Recent studies, however, have demonstrated the critical importance of helper T cells (Th), specifically interferon γ (IFNγ)‐secreting Th1 cells, either by supporting an appropriate CTL environment or by recruiting other effector cells. We evaluated whether patients with prostate cancer have naturally occurring Th‐cell responses specific for two prostate cancer‐associated antigens, prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) and prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP), and whether Th1‐type responses to these antigens could be detected.

METHODS

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were collected from 80 patients with prostate cancer and 20 male controls without prostate disease. Th‐cell responses were evaluated by measuring antigen‐specific proliferation. IFNγ and IL‐5 secretion in response to antigen stimulation was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

T cell proliferative responses specific for PSA and PAP could be detected in patients with prostate cancer. Six percent (5/80) of patients had T cell responses specific for PSA and 11% (9/80) for PAP. T cell responses specific for PSA were more prevalent in patients with metastatic disease (P = 0.02), whereas responses specific for PAP could be detected in patients irrespective of disease stage. IFNγ‐producing Th cells, specific for both PSA and PAP, could be identified in patients with prostate cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with prostate cancer can have detectable Th‐cell responses specific for the prostate cancer‐associated proteins PSA and PAP. The presence of antigen‐specific Th1 immune responses in prostate cancer patients suggests that an immune environment capable of supporting antigen‐specific CTL may exist in vivo. Prostate 47:222–229, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Metabolism of flupyrazofos in the isolated perfused rat liver
Authors: Jeong Chang Kyun , Lee Hee‐Yong , Kim Sang Beom , Choi Seong Jin , Kim Jeong‐Han , Kim Kyun , Han Sang Seop , Lee Hye Suk
Published: September 2002

To investigate the hepatic metabolism of the new insecticide flupyrazofos [O,O‐diethyl O‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐trifluoromethylpyrazol‐5‐yl) phosphorothioate], isolated rat liver was perfused with flupyrazofos under single‐pass conditions. In outflow perfusate and bile, 1‐phenyl‐3‐trifluoromethyl‐5‐hydroxypyrazole (PTMHP), PTMHP–sulfate and PTMHP–glucuronide conjugates were identified as the metabolites of flupyrazofos. However, O,O‐diethyl O‐(1‐phenyl‐3‐trifluoromethylpyrazol‐5‐yl) phosphate (flupyrazofos oxon) was not detected. A HPLC method with UV detection was used to investigate the hepatic disposition of flupyrazofos and its metabolite PTMHP. The concentrations of flupyrazofos, PTMHP and PTMHP conjugates in outflow perfusate reached steady‐state levels within 20 min after commencing perfusion of 7.3 µM flupyrazofos. At steady state, the mean extraction ratio of flupyrazofos was 0.93 (±0.01) and clearance was 26.1 (±0.2) ml min−1 which nearly approached perfusate flow rate (28 ml min−1). PTMHP accounted for 55.7 (±5.8)% of eliminated flupyrazofos and was recovered as unchanged PTMHP, PTMHP–sulfate and PTMHP–glucuronide in the bile as well as the outflow perfusate.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced efficiency of electrostatically charged insecticide aerosols
Authors: Whitmore Lindsey F , Hughes John F , Harrison Neale , Abela Mario , O'Rourke Patrick
Published: September 2002

The bioefficacy of a standard domestic aerosol insecticide has been compared with that of a similar spray in which the droplets were electrostatically charged. The aerosol was charged without the need for an external power supply, by enhancing natural charge separation processes that occur during atomisation. The charge‐to‐mass ratio achieved was 1.1 × 10−4 C kg−1, compared with 2.2 × 10−5 C kg−1 for the standard aerosol. Efficiency was assessed for insects in free flight. A direct space‐spray application method was used to study the bioefficacy of these aerosols on houseflies, Musca domestica, and an indirect space‐spray method on houseflies and mosquitoes, Culex quinquefasciatus. Two levels of concentration of active ingredients were compared. At low concentrations of 1.57 g kg−1 of bioallethrin and 0.29 g kg−1 of bioresmethrin, the charged aerosol achieved a significant reduction in KDT50 (time at which 50% of the flies were knocked down), compared with the standard aerosol. In the direct spray application to houseflies, the KDT50 was reduced by 50%, while in the indirect spray the KDT50 was reduced by 40%. In the indirect spray of mosquitoes, the KDT50 was reduced by 22%. With higher active ingredient concentrations of 2.09 g kg−1 for bioallethrin and 0.39 g kg−1 for bioresmethrin, the charged aerosol also demonstrated faster knockdown than the standard, but the improvement was less marked. In the direct spray application to houseflies, the KDT50 was reduced by 21% compared with the standard aerosol, while in the indirect spray the KDT50 was reduced by 16%. In the indirect spray of mosquitoes, the KDT50 was reduced by 24%. The percentage mortality after 24 h was also increased with the charged aerosol. Charge carried by the droplets results in increased interception of the insecticide, as the droplets are attracted to the insects in flight and space charge effects within the aerosol cloud cause improved dispersion in the test chamber.

© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Trends in design and construction of steel highway bridges in the United States
Authors: Mertz Dennis R
Published: September 2002

After a less than exciting close to the twentieth century, US steel bridge design and construction is entering the new century rejuvenated. An effort spearheaded by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) during the 1990s, educated practicing bridge designers in the most up‐to‐date and cost‐effective steel bridge design and construction practices and details. Recent significant trends in the design and construction of steel highway bridges in the United States which are having an impact on the culture of bridge design and construction are the result of research into three aspects of bridge engineering: design methodologies, high‐performance materials and innovative design concepts. Herein, the development and adoption of the new reliability‐based bridge design specifications, the research effort sponsored jointly by the AISI, FHWA and the US Navy introducing high‐performance steel (HPS), and two studies of innovative steel bridge design concepts conceived to take advantage of the higher strength, increased toughness and simpler fabrication of the newly developed high‐performance steels are reviewed.
Treatment of vascular retinopathies with Pycnogenol®
Authors: Spadea L. , Balestrazzi E.
Published: September 2002

The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of Pycnogenol® on the progression of diabetic retinopathy and other vascular retinal disorders.

The study consisted of a double‐blind phase in which 20 patients were recruited and randomly treated with placebo or Pycnogenol® (50 mg × 3/day for 2 months) and an open phase in which another 20 patients were treated with Pycnogenol® at the same dose schedule. In total, 40 patients with diabetes, atherosclerosis and other vascular diseases involving the retina were enrolled; 30 of them were treated with Pycnogenol® and 10 with placebo.

The results demonstrated a beneficial effect of Pycnogenol® on the progression of retinopathy. Without any treatment (placebo) the retinopathy progressively worsened during the trial and the visual acuity significantly decreased; on the contrary, the Pycnogenol®‐treated patients showed no deterioration of retinal function and a significant recovery of visual acuity was also obtained. The fluorangiography showed an improvement of retinal vascularization and a reduced endothelial permeability and leakage in the Pycnogenol®, but not in the placebo‐treated, patients. The ophthalmoscopy and the electroretinogram (ERG) also confirmed the beneficial effects of Pycnogenol®.

The mechanism of action of Pycnogenol® may be related to its free radical (FR) scavenging, anti‐inflammatory and capillary protective activities. It has been suggested that Pycnogenol® may bind to the blood vessel wall proteins and mucopolysaccharides and produce a capillary ‘sealing’ effect, leading to a reduced capillary permeability and oedema formation. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gas phase attachment of water and methanol to Ag(I) complexes with α‐amino acids in an ion trap mass spectrometer
Authors: Perera B. A. , Ince M. P. , Talaty E. R. , Stipdonk M. J. Van
Published: September 2002

Electrospray ionization was used to generate gas phase complexes of Ag+ with selected α‐amino acids. Following storage (isolation without collisional activation) in an ion trap mass spectrometer, the mass spectra produced from the complexes of Ag+ with α‐amino acids such as alanine, valine and tert‐leucine contained peaks consistent with the formation of water or methanol molecule adduct ions. The same adduct ions were not present, however, in the mass spectra generated from the Ag+ complexes with phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan following isolation and storage under similar conditions. For those complexes that showed reactivity, the uptake of water and methanol increased with longer storage times in the ion trap. A preliminary molecular modeling study using phenylalanine demonstrated that the aromatic ring coordinates the Ag+ ion, and the interaction between the metal ion and π‐system, in part, is assumed to prohibit the binding of water or methanol during isolation in the gas phase. This conclusion is supported by a comparison of the adduct formation by the Ag+ complexes with phenylalanine, 4‐fluorophenylalanine and α‐aminocyclohexanepropionic acid. In addition, collision induced dissociation experiments involving the Ag+ complexes of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan suggest that limiting the coordination of the Ag ion by the complexing molecule (i.e. by loss of a coordinating functional group and/or change in structure due to dissociation) results in the binding of a water or methanol molecule during storage in the ion trap. Surprisingly, the bare Ag+ ion, when trapped and stored under identical experimental conditions, formed neither adduct species, suggesting that the attachment of water or methanol may be due to interactions with a molecular orbital within the Ag+/molecule complex. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Shell, Nigeria and the Ogoni. A study in unsustainable development: I. The story of Shell, Nigeria and the Ogoni people – environment, economy, relationships: conflict and prospects for resolution1
Authors: Boele Richard , Fabig Heike , Wheeler David
Published: September 2002

The Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) and its joint‐venture partners – particularly the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation – have earned billions of dollars from the oil extracted from the land of the Ogoni in the Niger Delta. The Ogoni however complain that they have not seen adequate benefits; rather the oil has cost them dearly in terms of a deteriorating environment and underdevelopment and mobilized a successful national and international campaign against the Nigerian government and Shell. Despite the avowed non‐violent nature of the campaign, military repression resulted in thousands of Ogoni killed, raped, beaten, detained and exiled and the main leaders executed. Under pressure from the Ogoni, Shell was forced to pull out from Ogoniland in 1993. Since then, Shell International has re‐invented its corporate strategy in line with principles of sustainable development and it has committed itself to a level of stakeholder engagement on its environmental and social performance which would have been unthinkable in 1995. So for Shell, a return to Ogoni would be a powerful symbol that their corporate commitment to being a socially responsible company is being translated into action on the ground. However, there is still little trust between the company and the Ogoni people and their representative organization, the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP). Many of the issues raised by the Ogoni (such as the need for locally sustainable development, distribution of oil wealth, community projects and environmental issues) have yet to be addressed. This paper is the first of a trilogy examining the issues, relationships, management and strategic implications of the case. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Atomic force microscopy reveals the local ordering characteristics of nucleosomal chain from cell
Authors: Wang Zhigang , Wang Chen , Wei Zhongqing , Zhou Chunqing , Liu Dage , Bai Chunli , Cao Enhua , Qin Jingfen
Published: September 2002

Atomic force microscopy was used to investigate the local ordering characteristics of hypotonic spread HeLa nucleosomal chains. Nucleosomal chains were diluted in tridistilled water and dropped on freshly cleaved mica, rinsed with ultrapure water and air dried. We have found that nucleosomal chains show varied structures in vitro: beads‐on‐ a‐string, irregular arrangement, open rings, closed rings. Neither the hydrolysation of trypsin nor the digestion of micrococcal nuclease or nuclease is necessary for observation of ‘beads‐on‐a‐string’. The closed rings formed by a nucleosomal chain have a close relevance to the two marked characteristics of the mild method developed in this work for preparing H1‐depleted chromatin. The described method may provide a new reliable way to study the behaviour of the extended chromatin fibre at low ionic strength. These observations may provide a useful clue to elucidate how the structure of the extended chromatin fibre affects DNA transcription, replication and repair. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on the interaction between Ag and tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum using x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Song Weijie , So S. K. , Moulder John , Qiu Yong , Zhu Yongfa , Cao Lili
Published: September 2002

In the present study, model organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with a structure of Ag/tris(8‐hydroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3)/indium tin oxide (ITO) were fabricated using vacuum evaporation and analyzed using an x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) depth profile technique. Diffusion of Ag into the Alq3 layer was clearly observed. Applying a positive electron field enhanced the diffusion. Compared with pure Ag, the binding energy of diffused Ag 3d5/2 at the interface increased slightly, and the contribution of Ag to the valence‐band spectra also was changed across the depth, implying a weak interaction between diffused Ag and the hydroxyquinoline ligands. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of the interface action between LaCoO3 layer and Al2O3 substrate
Authors: Zhu Yongfa , Tan Ruiqin , Cao Lili
Published: September 2002

Thin‐film model catalysts of LaCoO3/Al2O3/Si were prepared successfully by using spin‐coating technique. The model catalysts were heated at various temperatures for various times to promote interaction between the active component of LaCoO3 and the substrate of Al2O3. The interface action was investigated by using AES and angle‐dependent x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ADXPS) techniques. The AES depth profile analysis showed that interface diffusion took place during the thermal treatment and an interlayer was formed. Linear least‐squares fitting of AES depth profile analysis and the AES line shape analysis indicated that the LaAlO3 species was formed on the interface after the model catalyst was treated at 550 °C for 5 h. The interaction between the LaCoO3 layer and the substrate was more serious when the heat treatment temperature was increased to 850 °C. The heating time also could intensify the interface diffusion and reaction. The results of ADXPS confirmed that Al diffused seriously into the active component layer and reacted with LaCoO3 to form lanthanum aluminate species and CoO species after the sample was treated at a high temperature for 5 h. These results also indicated that AES was a useful tool to study interface species. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface modification of the Ti–Al alloys at 1000–1200 K
Authors: Thongtem Somchai , Thongtem Titipun , McNallan Michael
Published: September 2002

Alloys of Ti–40wt.%Al, Ti–43wt.%Al, Ti–48wt.%Al, Ti–47wt.%Al–2wt.%Nb–2wt.%Cr and Ti–47wt.%Al–2wt.%Nb–2wt.%Mn–0.8wt.%TiB2 were nitrided in ammonia at atmospheric pressure and at 1000–1200 K for 3.6 × 105 s. The hardness and thickness of the nitride layers on the alloys were measured. It was found that the hardness values increased with increasing nitridation temperature and aluminum concentration in the alloys. The depth of nitridation and the mass gain of the nitrided specimens could be represented by an Arrhenius‐type equation and the activation energies were calculated. The x‐ray diffraction results were explained and are in agreement with the improvement of the hardness. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interface diffusion and reaction between TiO2film photocatalyst and aluminium alloy substrate
Authors: Zhu Yongfa , Zhang Li , Wang Li , Tan Ruiqin , Cao Lili
Published: September 2002

A compact TiO2film of thickness ∼300 nm was deposited on aluminium alloy substrates by using the sol–gel method with Ti(OBu)4as a precursor. It was found that Al in the alloy substrate not only diffused into the TiO2layer but also reacted with O2that diffused from the air to form an interface layer of Al2O3species on the interface between the TiO2layer and the aluminium alloy substrate during the annealing treatment. With annealing temperature and time increasing, the diffusion of Al was promoted significantly. Although Al diffused into the TiO2layer and existed as a metallic in the layer, it did not interact chemically with the TiO2layer. Because it was only a physical mixture of metallic Al and TiO2species in the layer, Al did not enter the lattice of TiO2. The interface diffusion only influenced the ultraviolet absorbency of the TiO2film photocatalyst and had no influence on the peak position. The diffusion and existence of metallic Al in the TiO2layer did not influence the formation of a TiO2layer with the anatase structure. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HRTEM surface characterization of nanoscale solid‐state materials
Authors: Zhou W. , Ma X. C. , Yuan Z. Y. , Wang E. G.
Published: September 2002

Surface structures of various nanoscale materials were studied in profile by high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. These materials include carbon nanofibres containing polymerized carbon nanobells, boron carbonitride nanofibres with a cactus‐like surface structure, carbon nanotubes with polymer coating, mesoporous molecular sieves with a paintbrush‐like surface and some nanoparticle specimens with interesting surfaces. The formation mechanisms of the surface structures and the surface‐related properties of the materials also are discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topography investigation of water layer and self‐assembled monolayer with OTS‐modified AFM tips
Authors: Wei Zhongqing , Wang Chen , Wang Zhigang , Liu Dage , Bai Chunli
Published: September 2002

The imaging process with atomic force microscopy (AFM) in air is influenced by many factors, such as tip size and geometry, scan speed, ambient humidity, etc. In an ambient environment the imaging can be affected greatly by the humidity of the atmosphere because of the formation of the meniscus along the tip‐sample interface. The capillary force between the tip and the sample is generally large enough to make it difficult to obtain a high‐resolution image, therefore it is necessary to eliminate this capillary in order to obtain improved images. To this end, we modified tips with CH3‐terminated organosilane to make them hydrophobic. With such tips we obtained (in AFM/LFM mode) improved images of soft materials such as the water layer and the self‐assembled monolayer (SAM). For octadecantrichlorosilane (OTS) SAM chemisorbed on mica, high‐resolution lattice‐resolved images also were collected. The results demonstrated that these hydrophobic tips were suitable for obtaining improved images. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on surface structure and composition of the smaller size organic nanotube and its supermolecule thin films using AFM/force curve method
Authors: Zhu C. F. , Xu Q. M. , Zhou C. Q. , Yin S. X. , Shang G. Y. , Wang C. , Liu C. Q. , Zhang R. B.
Published: September 2002

The surface microstructures of three kinds of polymer thin films (ladderlike polypropyl‐silsesquioxane, organic nanotube and its supermolecule) are studied by atomic force microscopy (AFM) at room temperature in air. The new information then is used for investigation of the microstructure of the polymer from the statistics data of distribution of the adhesion force on the thin films. The statistics of adhesion force distribution agree well with the morphology of AFM. There is good agreement between the experimental results, the configuration models from molecular mechanics calculation and the designed molecular models. We have successfully prepared the organic nanotube and its supermolecular thin film. The liquid crystal molecule has been inserted into the nanotube to form a supermolecule. The statistics results of distribution of the adhesion force would provide interesting data for correctly defining the microstructure of the polymer thin films. We demonstrate that AFM together with molecular mechanics calculation and statistics of the adhesion force distribution would be a good method for studying the microstructure and properties of new functional materials. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures of surface‐ and bulk‐dispersion phases of NiO/Al2O3
Authors: Cai Xiaohai , Ren Zhiguo , Hu Tiandou , Xie Youchang
Published: September 2002

The structural features of surface‐dispersion and bulk‐dispersion states of NiO on /in γ‐Al2O3have been studied by x‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) in combination with x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and XPS. The results obtained from XRD and XAFS show that surface and bulk dispersions of Ni2+ions need different conditions and have different diffraction features and different coordination structures. In both the surface‐dispersion phase and the solid solution, Ni2+ions seem to prefer to keep the coordination mode in NiO, which is quite different from that in the stoichiometric spinel. The Ni/Al intensity ratios of XPS at different etching depths of samples have a maximum and the distribution of Ni2+ions in the solid solution is not homogeneous. Both it and the coordination features provide evidence of the transition process of dispersing from surface to bulk. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.