bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli) Control and Rice Density Effects on Rice Yield Components
Authors: Ottis Brian V. , Talbert Ronald E.
Published: March 2007

The response of new, high-yielding rice cultivars to varying barnyardgrass control levels and rice plant densities is not well understood. Studies were conducted in 2002 through 2004 at the Rice Research and Extension Center near Stuttgart, AR, to evaluate three new rice cultivars at plant densities ranging from 79 to 392 plants/m2grown in competition with barnyardgrass. Representatives from each of the three classes of long-grain rice produced in the United States were selected. ‘Wells’ represented conventional, long-grain rice, ‘CL161’ represented semidwarf, imidazolinone-tolerant, long-grain rice, and ‘XL8’ represented hybrid, long-grain rice. Rice density and barnyardgrass control affected rice total aboveground biomass production, panicle weight, and harvest index. As rice density decreased or barnyardgrass control increased, total aboveground biomass production and harvest index increased. Rice density had no effect on panicle density or yield. Panicle density increased 14 panicles/m2for every 10% increase in barnyardgrass control. Cultivar yields were affected similarly by barnyardgrass control, and increased 750 kg/ha for each 10% increase in barnyardgrass control. XL8 and Wells produced the highest average yields, with CL161 producing the lowest over the three-year experiment. XL8 yield components fluctuated more than CL161 or Wells over the range of rice densities and barnyardgrass control levels, indicating that XL8 is highly sensitive to intra- and interspecific competition at high plant populations.
Characterizing Weed Communities Among Various Rotations in Central South Dakota
Authors: Anderson Randy L. , Beck Dwayne L.
Published: March 2007

Producers in the Great Plains are exploring alternative crop rotations with the goal of reducing the use of fallow. In 1990, a study was established with no-till practices to compare eight rotations comprising various combinations of winter wheat (W), spring wheat (SW), corn (C), chickpea (CP), dry pea (Pea), soybean (SB), or fallow (F). After 12 yr, we characterized weed communities by recording seedling emergence in each rotation. Downy brome, cheat, redroot pigweed, and green foxtail were the most common weeds observed. Weed community density was highest for W–CP, being 13-fold greater than with Pea–W–C–SB. Downy brome and cheat were rarely observed in rotations where winter wheat was grown only once every 3 or 4 yr; in contrast, density of the brome species was 75-fold greater in W–CP. Warm-season weeds were also affected by rotation design; density of redroot pigweed and green foxtail was sixfold greater in W–C–CP compared with Pea–W–C–SB or W–F. One rotation design that was especially favorable for low weed density was arranging crops in a cycle of four, with two cool-season crops followed by two warm-season crops.
Effects of Temperature and Exposure Period to Heat on Cogongrass (Imperata Cylindrica) Viability
Authors: Bryson Charles T. , Koger Clifford H. , Byrd John D.
Published: March 2007

Cogongrass, a rhizomatous perennial, is among the world's most troublesome weeds. Research was conducted at the Southern Weed Science Research Unit, Stoneville, MS, to determine cogongrass rhizome mortality with increasing temperature and duration of exposure to heat and to determine if 2,3,5 triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) could be used to evaluate cogongrass rhizome mortality following heat treatment. Cogongrass rhizome mortality was 100% at 65, 79, 93, 107, 121, 149, 177, and 187 C at time periods greater than or equal to 25, 5, 2.5, 2.5, 2.5, 2, 2 and 1 min, respectively. The duration of heat required for cogongrass mortality decreases as temperature increased. The standard greenhouse bioassay was more effective than tetrazolium chloride in predicting viability of cogongrass rhizomes following heat treatments.
Tolerance of Direct-Seeded Green Onions to Herbicides Applied Before or After Crop Emergence
Authors: Norsworthy Jason K. , Smith John P. , Meister Charles
Published: March 2007

Field experiments were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the tolerance of direct-seeded green onion to selected herbicides applied before or after green onion emergence. Preemergence herbicides included S-metolachlor, pendimethalin, dimethenamid, quinclorac, pronamide, ethofumesate, and DCPA, a registered standard. Herbicide applied to two- to three-leaf green onion included glyphosate, trifloxysulfuron, flumioxazin, phenmedipham, ethalfluralin, pendimethalin, S-metolachlor, and oxyfluorfen. Plots were cultivated and hand weeded to minimize negative effects of weed interference on the crop. All herbicides applied at seeding, excluding DCPA, caused excessive injury (>25%) to green onion in at least 1 of 2 years. Oxyfluorfen, ethalfluralin, or S-metolachlor applied after crop emergence caused less than 10% injury in both years to green onion. Green onion yields following treatment with oxyfluorfen, ethalfluralin, or S-metolachlor were equivalent to the nontreated control. All other herbicides applied after crop emergence resulted in height, density, or yield reductions relative to a nontreated control in at least 1 of 2 years.
Timing and Dose of Metolachlor Affect Rigid Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) Control in Wheat
Authors: Chauhan Bhagirath S. , Gill Gurjeet S. , Preston Christopher
Published: March 2007

The efficacy of metolachlor on rigid ryegrass was determined under a no-till seeding system in an experiment conducted in 2004 and 2005 in South Australia. Metolachlor at a rate of 0.48 and 0.96 kg ai/ha was applied at 40 or 46 d (very early preplant, VEPP) and 20 or 23 d before crop sowing (early preplant, EPP), and at sowing (preplant, PP) in 2004 and 2005; the herbicide was incorporated by sowing. The control of rigid ryegrass was greater than 80% when metolachlor was applied PP; however, that application resulted in phytotoxic effects on emergence and yield of wheat; metolachlor was more phytotoxic when applied at 0.96 kg/ha than at 0.48 kg/ha. Metolachlor applied EPP provided 71 to 83% rigid ryegrass control, whereas VEPP application provided only 33 to 49% control. Reduction in wheat grain yield was not observed at these application times. This study indicates that metolachlor at 0.48 kg/ha could be safely applied around 20 d before crop sowing to selectively control rigid ryegrass in wheat.
Evaluating Montana's Dyer's Woad (Isatis tinctoria) Cooperative Eradication Project
Authors: Pokorny Monica L. , Krueger-Mangold Jane M.
Published: March 2007

Eradication is often stated as an essential element of weed management. Assessing the costs and benefits of eradication programs is often difficult because doing so requires speculation about the impacts and spread of weeds if eradication measures were not undertaken. The objective of this article is to describe and assess the Montana Dyer's Woad Cooperative Project, a program aimed at eradicating dyer's woad from Montana. The Project comprises four key components: early detection, treatment technologies, repeated site visits with monitoring, and education. To evaluate the success of the Montana Dyer's Woad Cooperative Project, we used monitoring data to observe the change in the number of counties where dyer's woad is present, plotted the trend in population size over time, and evaluated change in infestation size. We also predicted population spread based on the 1999 population size and demographic characteristics of dyer's woad. Dyer's woad has been eradicated from 9 of 13 infested counties in Montana, and infestation sizes have decreased in the remaining infested counties. In some counties, a containment effort was needed in conjunction with repeated inventories and treatment applications to prevent spread while depleting the seedbank to the point where eradication is possible. If not for the Project, our analysis suggests that some dyer's woad populations might consist of millions of plants, potentially covering 39,021 ha in Montana and costing $1.9 million/yr to manage. In comparison, the Project has reduced the total area infested in Montana to 2.6 ha and cost the state only $142,000 for the past 7 yr of management. In Montana, dyer's woad eradication from individual counties has been successful because of persistence and ongoing cooperative efforts.
Economic Assessment of Weed Management Systems in Glufosinate-Resistant, Glyphosate-Resistant, Imidazolinone-Tolerant, and Nontransgenic Corn
Authors: Thomas Walter E. , Everman Wesley J. , Allen Jayla , Collins Jim , Wilcut John W.
Published: March 2007

Four field studies were conducted in 2004 to evaluate corn tolerance, weed control, grain yield, and net returns in glufosinate-resistant (GUR), glyphosate-resistant (GYR), imidazolinone-tolerant (IT), and nontransgenic (NT) corn with various herbicide systems. No significant differences between hybrid systems were observed for weed control. Limited corn injury (< 5%) was observed for all herbicide treatments. A single early POST (EPOST) system withoutS-metolachlor and sequential POST over the top (POT) herbicide systems, averaged over corn hybrids and PRE and late POST-directed (LAYBY) herbicide options, provide 93 and 99% control of goosegrass, respectively, and at least 83 and 97% control of Texas panicum, respectively. A single EPOST system withoutS-metolachlor, averaged over corn hybrids and LAYBY treatment options, provided at least 88% control of large crabgrass. When averaged over corn hybrid and PRE herbicide options, a sequential POT herbicide system alone provided at least 98, 99, 98, and 100 control of large crabgrass, morningglory species, Palmer amaranth, and common lambsquarters, respectively. The addition of ametryn at LAYBY to a single EPOST system withoutS-metolachlor was beneficial for improving control of morningglory species, common lambsquarters, and Palmer amaranth, depending on location. However, the observed increases (7 percentage points or less) are likely of limited biological significance. Grain yield was variable between hybrids and locations because of environmental differences. Consequently, net returns for each hybrid system within a location were also variable. Any POT system with or without ametryn at LAYBY, averaged over corn hybrid and PRE herbicide options, provided at least 101, 97, 92, and 92% yield protection at Clayton, Kinston, Lewiston, and Rocky Mount, NC, respectively. Net returns were maximized with treatments that provided excellent weed control with minimal inputs.
Effect of Two Polysaccharide Adjuvants on Glyphosate Spray Droplet Size and Efficacy
Authors: Jones Elizabeth J. , Hanks James E. , Wills Gene D. , Mack Robert E.
Published: March 2007

Laboratory and field studies were conducted to determine the effect of the drift control adjuvants HM 2005B and HM 9752 on the droplet spectra and efficacy of spray mixtures of a potassium salt formulation of glyphosate. Droplet spectra were examined using a laser spray droplet analyzer. The addition of each adjuvant decreased the percentage of the spray volume in small diam spray droplets (<141μm) and either had no effect or increased glyphosate efficacy. These adjuvants could prove useful for providing management in potential drift situations.
Wild Oat (Avena fatua) vs. Redstem Filaree (Erodium cicutarium) Interference in Dry Pea
Authors: Harker K. Neil , Blackshaw Robert E. , Clayton George W.
Published: March 2007

Dry peas (pea) usually require early and effective weed management for optimum yields. However, it is not always possible to control all weeds with a single herbicide application. In experiments at Lacombe and Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, we determined the relative importance of controlling redstem filaree or wild oat, or both species. Bentazon, sethoxydim, or a imazethapyr/imazamox mixture was applied to control redstem filaree, wild oat, or both weeds, respectively. None of the herbicides caused visually detectable crop injury. Time of weed removal effects on pea yield were inconsistent. In addition, applying half or full herbicide rates did not usually influence weed biomass, pea yield, or pea seed weight. Averaged across all variables except herbicide, pea yield losses due to competition from redstem filaree, wild oat, or both species averaged 31, 47, or 53%, respectively. When redstem filaree and wild oat were controlled with imazethapyr/imazamox, pea yields were the same as weed-free check plots in three of four location-years (89% of weed-free yields for all four location-years). Optimal pea yields in weed communities with redstem filaree and wild oat as dominant species were more dependent upon selecting an herbicide that controlled both species than a specific time of weed removal or herbicide rate.
Safety of Herbicides on ‘zenith’ Zoysiagrass Seedlings
Authors: Patton Aaron J. , Weisenberger Daniel V. , Hardebeck Glenn A. , Reicher Zachary J.
Published: March 2007

Improved cultivars of zoysiagrass established by seed are now available, but little is known about the safety of herbicides on zoysiagrass seedlings. Our objective was to determine the turf safety of various herbicides when applied from emergence to 4 wk after emergence (WAE) of ‘Zenith’ zoysiagrass. Oxadiazon (3.4 kg ai/ha), MSMA (2.3 kg ai/ha), and pronamide (1.1 kg ai/ha) did not reduce coverage 7 WAE when applied at emergence or later and caused only temporary discoloration of seedlings. Foramsulfuron (0.03 kg ai/ha) injured seedling zoysiagrass both years of testing and reduced cover in the final year. Fluazifop (0.07 kg ai/ha) caused significant injury in all 3 yr of the study and reduced coverage in the final year. Fenoxaprop (0.14 kg ai/ha) caused visible injury and reduction in zoysiagrass coverage in all 3 yr of the study. Our studies indicate pronamide, MSMA, or oxadiazon are the safest herbicides to use over Zenith zoysiagrass seedlings, and selection among these three depends on the primary weed species present.
Influence of Stem-boring Insects on Common Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) Control in Soybean with Glyphosate
Authors: Harder Dana B. , Sprague Christy L. , Difonzo Christina D. , Renner Karen A. , Ott Eric J. , Johnson William G.
Published: March 2007

Control of common lambsquarters with glyphosate in Michigan soybean fields has been inconsistent. Stem-boring insects and evidence of insect tunneling were found inside the stems of common lambsquarters plants not controlled with glyphosate. In 2004 and 2005, field surveys and studies were conducted to identify and evaluate the prevalence of stem-boring insects in common lambsquarters in Michigan and Indiana soybean fields to determine whether tunneling by insects occurred before or following POST glyphosate applications and to evaluate the effect of glyphosate rate, application timing, and insect tunneling on the control of common lambsquarters with glyphosate. Two insect species, the beet petiole borer (Cosmobaris americana) from the Curculionidae family and an unidentified leafminer fly larvae from the Agromyzidae family were found inside common lambsquarters stems. Leafminer larvae were present in Michigan soybean fields in mid- to late-June, when most POST glyphosate applications are made in Michigan and Indiana; however, beet petiole borer larvae were not found in common lambsquarters stems until mid-July and would only be present in common lambsquarters plants if glyphosate applications occurred at that time. Results from three field experiments in East Lansing, MI, demonstrated the variability in common lambsquarters control. Control ranged from 79 to 98%, 75 to 99%, and 49 to 97% from glyphosate applied at 0.84 kgae/ha to 10-, 25-, and 46-cm common lambsquarters, respectively. In general, applying glyphosate to common lambsquarters plants 10 cm or less, or increasing the glyphosate rate beyond 0.84 kgae/ha, improved common lambsquarters control. Insect tunneling by leafminer and beet petiole borer larvae did not contribute to reduced common lambsquarters control with glyphosate applied to 10- and 25-cm common lambsquarters.
Collagen IV Induces Trophoectoderm Differentiation of Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells
Authors: Schenke-Layland Katja , Angelis Ekaterini , Rhodes Katrin E. , Heydarkhan-Hagvall Sepideh , Mikkola Hanna K. , MacLellan W. Robb
Published: March 2007

The earliest segregation of lineages in the developing embryo is the commitment of cells to the inner cell mass or the trophoectoderm in preimplantation blastocysts. The exogenous signals that control commitment to a particular cell lineage are poorly understood; however, it has been suggested that extracellular “niche” and extracellular matrix, in particular, play an important role in determining the developmental fate of stem cells. Collagen IV (ColIV) has been reported to direct embryonic stem (ES) cell differentiation to mesodermal lineages in both mouse and human ES cells. To define the effects of ColIV on ES cell differentiation and to identify the resulting heterogeneous cell types, we performed microarray analyses and determined global gene expression. We observed that ColIV induced the expression of mesodermal genes specific to hematopoietic, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells and, surprisingly, also a panel of trophoectoderm-restricted markers. This effect was specific to collagen IV, as no trophoblast differentiation was seen on collagen I, laminin, or fibronectin. Stimulation with basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) or FGF4 increased the number of trophoectodermal cells. These cells were isolated under clonal conditions and successfully differentiated into a variety of trophoblast derivatives. Interestingly, differentiation of ES cells to trophoblastic lineages was only seen in ES cell lines maintained on embryonic feeder layers and was caudal-type homeobox protein 2 (Cdx2)-dependent, consistent with Cdx2's postulated role in trophoectoderm commitment. Our data suggest that, given the appropriate extracellular stimuli, mouse embryonic stem cells can differentiate into trophoectoderm.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Murine but Not Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Generate Osteosarcoma-Like Lesions in the Lung
Authors: Aguilar Susana , Nye Emma , Chan Jerry , Loebinger Michael , Spencer-Dene Bradley , Fisk Nick , Stamp Gordon , Bonnet Dominique , Janes Sam M.
Published: March 2007

Murine mesenchymal stem cells are capable of differentiation into multiple cell types both in vitro and in vivo and may be good candidates to use as cell therapy for diseased or damaged organs. We have previously reported a method of enriching a population of murine MSCs that demonstrated a diverse differentiation potential both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we show that this enriched population of murine mesenchymal stem cells embolize within lung capillaries following systemic injection and then rapidly expand within, and invade into, the lung parenchyma, forming tumor nodules. These lesions rarely contain cells bearing the immunohistochemical characteristics of lung epithelium, but they do show the characteristics of immature bone and cartilage that resembles exuberant fracture callus or well-differentiated osteosarcoma. Our findings indicate that murine mesenchymal stem cells can behave in a manner similar to tumor cells, with dysregulated growth and aberrant differentiation within the alveolar microenvironment after four passages. We demonstrate that unlike human MSCs, MSCs from different mouse strains can acquire chromosomal abnormalities after only a few in vitro passages. Moreover, other parameters, such as mouse strain used, might also play a role in the induction of these tumors. These findings might be clinically relevant for future stem cell therapy studies.

Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
A Multimethod Approach to Evaluate Chemical Dot Thermometers for Oral Temperature Measurement
Authors: Fallis Wendy M. , Hamelin Kathy , Wang Xikui , Symonds Jackie
Published: March 2007

Limited research has explored the accuracy of chemical dot thermometers for oral temperature measurement in adults. This study was undertaken to assess the agreement between oral temperatures taken with an electronic thermometer and single-use chemical dot thermometers in healthy women undergoing surgical delivery. During operative delivery, oral temperatures taken every 15 minutes with both the reference electronic thermometer (ETT) and a Tempa. DOT (TDT) chemical dot thermometer were compared. Data were analyzed using paired t tests, the Bland and Altman plot, and the concordance correlation coefficient. The total number of paired observations for the 62 subjects was 212. The mean difference between the two measurements was 0.35 ± 0.32 °C (p < .0001, 95% CI 0.31, 0.40). Additional analysis indicated a serious undermeasurement by TDT of ETT temperatures. Data from multiple methods of analysis indicate that the Tempa. DOT chemical dot thermometer significantly undermeasures ETT and is not a reliable indicator of oral temperature.
Psychometric Properties of Spanish Versions of the FACES II and Dyadic Adjustment Scale
Authors: Youngblut JoAnne M. , Brooten Dorothy , Menzies Victoria
Published: March 2007

Although Hispanic Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic populations in the United States, use and psychometric testing of Spanish versions of two instruments commonly used to measure quality of the couple’s relationship and family functioning, the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) and the FACES II, have not been reported. The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the newly translated Spanish version of these two instruments. In this bilingual sample of 78 adults, internal consistencies were acceptable (.72 to .77 for the FACES II; .67 to .93 for the DAS) and test-retest correlations were high (.80 to .88 FACES II; .79 to .87 DAS). Correlations between the Spanish and English versions were also high (.87 to .94 FACES II; .91 to .99 DAS). Psychometric findings support the reliability and validity of the Spanish versions of these newly translated measures.
Development and Validation of the Health Care Satisfaction Questionnaire (HCSQ) in Elders
Authors: Gagnon Maxime , Hébert Réjean , Dubé Micheline , Dubois Marie-France
Published: March 2007

The Health Care Satisfaction Questionnaire (HCSQ) was designed for the evaluation of health care and services in a manner that controls acquiescence bias yet is characterized by a simple structure. The HCSQ was developed and validated within the context of the Program of Research to Integrate Services for the Maintenance of Autonomy (PRISMA) in the Sherbrooke and Quebec City areas of Quebec, Canada. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were done with 873 subjects and confirmed the multidimensional nature of the concept of satisfaction. Three factors explained more than 52% of the total variance. The analysis of internal consistency produced Cronbach alpha coefficients of .93, .74, and .78 for Factors 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The alpha of the overall scale was .92. The intraclass correlation coefficient (test-retest) for the entire scale was .72 (95% CI: .52–.84). In light of these findings, the characteristics and multidimensional perspective of the HCSQ appear to be useful for measuring and advancing knowledge about health care and services satisfaction.
Increasing Social Communication in Persons With Dementia
Authors: Acton Gayle J. , Yauk Sheryl , Hopkins Barbara A. , Mayhew Patricia A.
Published: March 2007

Communication difficulties between caregivers and persons with dementia (PWDs) may increase stress, resulting in behavior problems. Kitwood’s theory of dementia care suggests that successful collaborative communication increases well-being and quality of life in PWDs. This study aimed to determine if individualized communication prescriptions (ways interviewers might facilitate collaborative communication) are effective for doing so. Ten PWDs were interviewed; individualized communication prescriptions developed then implemented in a second interview. No increase in number of words used by PWDs occurred in interview 2; however, PWDs’ words per topic significantly increased and number of topics needed to sustain a 15-minute conversation significantly decreased in the second interview. Systematic, individualized communication strategies may encourage PWDs to express their needs, preferences, and ideas.
Advancing the Theory and Measurement of Collective Empowerment: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Reininger Belinda , Martin David W. , Ross Michael , Sinicrope Pamela Smith , Dinh-Zarr Tho
Published: March 2007

Grounded Theory, a qualitative research method, was used to fully describe the construct of empowerment and its measurement in racially and ethnically diverse urban and rural neighborhoods. Forty-nine grass roots experts, primarily from six communities in Texas, participated via semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Observational data were also collected. Results revealed that the framework of collective empowerment has two main dimensions: ten processes necessary for developing greater empowerment and eight long-term outcomes that result from the process strategies. The two main dimensions of collective empowerment are cyclically, rather than linearly, related. While the results are unique to the communities studied because of the nature of the analysis, the process by which they were elucidated can be replicated in any setting. These findings suggest that the construct of collective empowerment can be both operationalized and evaluated at the community level.
Values, Body Weight, and Well Being: The Influence of the Protestant Ethic and Consumerism on Physical Activity, Eating, and Body Image
Authors: Heede Fred Vanden , Pelican Suzanne , Holmes Betty , Moore Sylvia A. , Buchanan David
Published: March 2007

This article explores how people's values shape their experiences and emotions with respect to physical activity, eating, and body image. It describes the results of a grounded theory analysis of individual and focus group interviews conducted as part of a community-based health improvement project, Wellness IN the Rockies (WIN the Rockies). The analysis links core theoretical constructs, including habitus, sedimentation, and natural attitude, to larger socio-cultural and historical trends embodied in the Protestant ethic and the rise of consumerism, illuminating how these values shape people's everyday understanding of their experiences. Key analytic frameworks focus on the socialization processes involved in inculcating values, identity formation, and moralization as they relate to health attitudes and behaviors. Major implications of the results are discussed, especially the need to enhance self-understanding about social values in health education.
How Ready are Colleges for an Environmental Approach That Utilizes Campus/Community Coalitions?
Authors: O'Brien Mary Claire , Champion Heather , D'Agostino Ralph B. , Martin Barbara Alvarez , McCoy Thomas P. , Wolfson Mark , Durant Robert H.
Published: March 2007

While there is optimism about an environmental management approach that utilizes campus-community coalitions to reduce levels of high-risk drinking, the readiness of schools to implement such an approach is unknown. We surveyed 100 colleges regarding their readiness based on eight factors: existence of a task force to address alcohol use on campus; the inclusion of the college/university President; inclusion of a community representative; frequent meetings; external funding to address alcohol use; previous environmental training; changes implemented as a result of environmental training; and a plan to institute environmental training in the future. Having an alcohol task force or coalition (57%) was associated with participation by the president and/or community representative on the task force, having extramural funding to address high-risk drinking, training in environmental management, implementation of changes after the training, plans for future training, school size, Greek organizations on campus, and being a state university.
The Impact of the Tobacco Market Opening on Smoking Status in Taiwan: Findings from a Secular Smoking Rates Analysis
Authors: Hsu Chih-Cheng , Lord Asta Y. Z. , Tseng Tung-Sung , Chen Ted
Published: March 2007

The forced opening of Taiwan's tobacco market in 1987 has changed the smoking environment. This study analyzes the effects this market opening had on Taiwan's secular smoking rates over 15 years. The data sources used were consumer surveys conducted by the Taiwan Tobacco & Wine Monopoly Bureau 1964–1996, the 2001 National Health Interview Survey, and a series of annual per capita gross national product (GNP) data reported by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting & Statistics. After Taiwan's tobacco market was forced open in 1987 by the U.S. government in trade negotiations, smoking rates rose (7%-10% for males and 39%-75% for females) for the first three years. After the initial 3-year surge, smoking rates gradually declined to 1986 baseline rates or even lower for all groups except females aged 30 and younger, who have shown a small but steady increase in cigarette consumption. Results of multiple regression analysis showed per capita GNP and age to be the two major factors affecting smoking rate change after the Taiwan market opening. National tobacco control policies and campaigns seem to have an impact on tempering the effect of foreign tobacco imports in all groups, except young females, whose rise in smoking rate is significant and alarming.
The Feminization of Public Space: Women’s Activism, the Family Law, and Social Change in Morocco
Authors: Sadiqi Fatima , Ennaji Moha
Published: March 2007

The Moroccan feminist movement has greatly feminized and democratized the public sphere in this country. An example of such a feminization is the recent 2004 Family Law reforms, which constitute the culmination of a long trajectory during which decisionmakers, political parties, and other public actors made important contributions that led to the reforms. Admittedly, the feminist movement is not the sole actor behind the new and spectacular legal reforms, but this movement acted as the major pooling force behind it. This force is attested in triggering unprecedented public debates that preceded, accompanied, and followed the new Family Law; these debates involved practically all public actors ranging from social, to economic, religious, and political actors and, along with the Family Law, shows that women’s feminist ideas and associations were inserting themselves in the public sphere, changing the terms of participation in this sphere, and making women and gender issues a matter of national dialogue and contention for the first time in Morocco’s history.
Educated, Professional Women in Morocco and Women of Moroccan Origin in France: Asserting a New Public and Private Identity
Authors: Gray Doris H.
Published: March 2007

Women in Morocco and second-generation women of Moroccan origin in France share significant similarities concerning major life issues such as their conception of Islam, legal changes affecting women on both sides of the Mediterranean, and personal and professional issues. A hard demarcation line is oft en drawn between the Arab/Muslim world and secular Western societies and is drawn into question when minority populations are taken into consideration.

This is a comparative, qualitative study examining attitudinal changes and discerning cultural trends based on in-depth interviews with samples of young, educated, and professional women in Morocco and in France. The purpose of the comparison was to determine the extent of similarities and differences in attitudes among the samples. The interview schedule focused on three themes: conceptions of Islam, legal Changes in Morocco and in France that impact Muslim women, i.e., the Personal Status Code (moudawana) reform in Morocco, the ban on wearing “overt” religious insignia in public schools in France, and personal and professional goals and challenges. The data analysis shows that the greatest similarities occur among samples and the greatest differences appear within each sample. Overall, conceptions of Islam are marked by a desire for personal interpretation, individual application, and a reading of the Qur’an that emphasizes equality between men and women. The similarities in attitudes can be attributed in large parts to high levels of education in both samples and exposure to global trends.
Stimulants
Authors: Craig Charles R.
Published: March 2007

This article is concerned with a diverse group of chemical agents that have the ability to stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). In many instances, CNS stimulation is not therapeutically sought and the CNS stimulation observed is considered to be an adverse effect or even, a manifestation of toxicity; seizures (or convulsions) are often the primary event noted. However, a modest degree of CNS stimulation is increasingly considered a beneficial effect for the treatment of such disorders as Alzheimer's disease, attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and clinical depression. Currently, there is an active search for compounds that have selective stimulatory properties. There has always been a need, or at least a desire, for compounds with the ability to delay fatigue and increase awareness. Some CNS stimulants are used for these purposes. Some CNS stimulants with sympathomimetic properties also have the ability to decrease appetite and have been used as components in some weight‐loss regimens.
Tea
Authors: Balentine Douglas A. ,   Updated by Staff
Published: March 2007

Tea, manufactured from the leaves of
Camellia sinensis
, is an important commercial product worldwide. Tea contains polyphenolic and volatile constituents, which provide characteristic color and flavor. The respective chemistries of these compounds are reviewed, with emphasis on tea manufacturing and enzymology. The difference in composition between green and black teas is described. The technologies used for preparation of these and instant and decaffeinated teas are reviewed. The physiological effects of tea polyphenols as antioxidants and their possible role in reduction of chronic disease risk are also discussed.
F
isher Information: Nonstandard Situations
Authors: Zheng Gang , Balakrishnan N.
Published: March 2007

Fisher's measure of information is a fundamental concept in statistical science. It plays an important role in statistical theory of inference. The definition and applications of Fisher information in standard inference based on random samples have been discussed extensively in the literature. The Fisher information in nonstandard situations involving ordered data has recently attracted considerable attention with discussions focusing on Fisher information in order statistics, percentiles, randomly censored data, concomitants, progressively censored data, and record values, with numerous applications including optimal linear estimates, characterizations, ranked set sampling, and genetic studies. Direct calculation of Fisher information in these nonstandard situations is tedious and computationally difficult. Main techniques to simplify the calculation are discussed here with many examples. Finally, some applications of Fisher information in ordered data are also highlighted.
‘Activating Nature’: The Magic Realism of Contemporary Landscape Architecture in Europe
Authors: Bullivant Lucy
Published: March 2007

The redefinition of European cities has created new opportunities for the greening of public urban spaces. Lucy Bullivant describes how three young practices in particular – West 8, Gross.Max and Mosbach Paysagistes – are leading the way with their highly dynamic and inventive narrative approaches to history, culture and the emergent city. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Louise T Blouin Institute, West London
Authors: Melvin Jeremy
Published: March 2007

The borderlands of Notting Hill and Shepherd's Bush – at the very fringes of the Westway – have become the site of London's largest new privately owned artspace. A nonprofit foundation funded by Louise T Blouin MacBain, the Canadian CEO of a global media business and an arts philanthropist, the institute has been designed both as a home for the Blouin Foundation and as an effective showcase for the work of newly emerging and established artists. Jeremy Melvin describes how architects Borgos Dance have used the ‘intriguing’ exterior of an old coachbuilder's workshop to their advantage, in hewing out a ‘compelling’ new interior. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Film formation from polymer solution using inkjet printing method
Authors: Kaneda Masayuki , Ishizuka Hirotaka , Sakai Yousuke , Fukai Jun , Yasutake Shigekazu , Takahara Atsushi
Published: March 2007

The factors determining the thin‐film shape from an evaporating polymer solution droplet are experimentally studied. The polystyrene/xylene droplets, whose diameter is controlled in the range of 30–100 μm with the mass fraction of 0.5–3.0 wt % are ejected onto a lyophobic substrate. The droplet on the substrate results in an axisymmetric or nonaxisymmetric ring‐like/dot‐like film. The film configuration is dominated by the evaporation rate and the film symmetry is governed by the local pinning time at the periphery. Various relationships are also found among the evaporation rate, pinning time, wetting diameter, and average solute concentration of which the nondimensionalization pronounces explicit relationships and similarity. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Equilibrium unfolding of the poly(glutamic acid)20 helix
Authors: Finke John M. , Jennings Patricia A. , Lee Jennifer C. , Onuchic José N. , Winkler Jay R.
Published: March 2007

The equilibrium structural ensemble of a 20‐residue polyglutamic acid peptide (E20) was studied with FRET, circular dichroism, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. A FRET donor, o‐aminobenzamide, and acceptor, 3‐nitrotyrosine, were introduced at the N‐ and C‐termini, respectively. Circular dichroism, steady state FRET, and time‐resolved FRET measurements were employed to characterize the fraction helix and end‐to‐end distance under different pH conditions: pH 4 (60% α‐helix), pH 6 (0% α‐helix), and pH 9 (0% α‐helix). At pH 4, the end‐to‐end distance was measured at 24 Å and determined to be considerably less than the 31 Å predicted for an α‐helix of the same length. At pH 6 and 9, the end‐to‐end distance was measured at > 31 and 39 Å respectively, both which are determined to be considerably greater than the 27 Å predicted for a freely jointed random coil of the same length. To better understand the physical forces underlying the unusual helix‐coil transition in this peptide, three theoretical MD models of E20 were constructed: (1) a pure α‐helix, (2) an α‐helix with equivalent attractive intramolecular contacts, and (3) a weak α‐helix with termini‐weighted intramolecular contacts (“sticky ends”). Using MD simulations, the bent helix structure calculated from Model 3 was found to be the closest in agreement with the experimental data. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 86: 193–211, 2007.

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A rapid method for isolation and purification of an anticoagulant from Whitmania pigra
Authors: Zhong Shan , Cui Zheng , Sakura Naoki , Wang Dong , Li Jianlin , Zhai Yan
Published: March 2007

Whitmania pigra is common in China and has been used as a traditional Chinese anticoagulant medicine for years, but its effective components are unknown to scientists. In this article we report a rapid method for isolation and purification of an anticoagulant from W. pigra for the first time. An acetone–water extract of W. pigra was subjected to anion‐exchange chromatography on a Sephadex DEAE A‐50 column, and gel permeation chromatography on Sephadex G‐25 and Sephadex LH‐20 columns successively, which afforded a fraction with potent anticoagulant activity. An anticoagulant was isolated and purified from this fraction by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). It was identified as a single pure substance by RP‐HPLC and sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE). This component was named whitmanin and its molecular weight was determined as 8608 Da by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel validated LC method for quantitation of lopinavir in bulk drug and pharmaceutical formulation in the presence of its potential impurities and degradation products
Authors: Seshachalam U. , Haribabu B. , Chandrasekhar KB
Published: March 2007

A simple isocratic liquid chromatographic method was developed for determination of lopinavir from its related impurities and assay for the first time. This method involves the use of a C8 (Symmetry Shield RP8, 150 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) column. The method was validated over the range of limit of quantitation (LOQ) to 120% of impurity specification limit and LOQ to 150% of working concentration for assay. The mobile phase consisted of a mixture of 50 mm of potassium phosphate buffer, acetonitrile and methanol in the ratio of 40:50:10. The flow rate was set at 1.0 mL/min with UV detection monitored at 210 nm. The drug was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation. The developed method was validated for linearity, range, precision, accuracy and specificity. This method was successfully applied for content determination of lopinavir in pharmaceutical formulations. The method can be conveniently used in a quality control laboratory for routine analysis for assay and related substances as well for the evaluation of stability samples of bulk drugs and pharmaceutical formulations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactions of {4‐[Bis(2‐chloroethyl)amino]phenyl}acetic Acid (Phenylacetic Acid Mustard) with 2′‐Deoxyribonucleosides
Authors: Florea‐Wang Diana , Ijäs Inna , Hakala Kristo , Mattinen Jorma , Vilpo Juhani , Hovinen Jari
Published: March 2007

Phenylacetic acid mustard (PAM; 2), a major metabolite of the anticancer agent chlorambucil (CLB; 1), was allowed to react with 2′‐deoxyadenosine (dA), 2′‐deoxyguanosine (dG), 2′‐deoxycytidine (dC), 2′‐deoxy‐5‐methylcytidine (dMeC), and thymidine (T) at physiological pH (cacodylic acid, 50% base). The reactions were followed by HPLC and analyzed by HPLC/MS and/or 1H‐NMR techniques. Although the predominant reaction observed was hydrolysis of PAM, 2 also reacted with various heteroatoms of the nucleosides to give a series of products: compounds 5–31. PAM (2) was found to be hydrolytically slightly more stable than CLB (1). The principal reaction sites of 2 with dA, dG, and with all pyrimidine nucleosides were N(1), N(7), and N(3), resp. Also, several other adducts were detected and characterized. There was no significant difference in the reactivity of 1 and 2 with dG, dA or T, but the N(3) dC–PAM adduct was deaminated easier than the corresponding CLB derivative. The role of PAM–2′‐deoxyribonucleoside adducts on the cytotoxic and mutagenic properties of CLB (1) is discussed.
Cytotoxic Withanolides from Physalis angulata L.
Authors: He Qing‐Ping , Ma Lei , Luo Jie‐Ying , He Fu‐Yuan , Lou Li‐Guang , Hu Li‐Hong
Published: March 2007

Four new withanolides, physagulins L–O (1–4), were isolated from the MeOH extract of the aerial parts of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae), together with seven known withanolides, compounds 5–11. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic techniques, including 1H‐, 13C‐NMR (DEPT), and 2D‐NMR (HMBC, HMQC, 1H,1H‐COSY, NOESY) experiments, as well as by HR‐MS. All eleven compounds were tested for their antiproliferative activities towards human colorectal‐carcinoma (HCT‐116) and human non‐small‐cell lung‐cancer (NCI‐H460) cells. Compound 5 exhibited the highest anticancer activity against the HCT‐116 cell line, with an IC50 value of 1.64±0.06 μM. Compound 9 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity towards the NCI‐H460 cell line, with an IC50 value of 0.43±0.02 μM (Table 3).
A New Cytotoxic Lanostane‐Type Triterpene Glycoside from the Sea Cucumber Holothuria impatiens
Authors: Sun Peng , Liu Bao‐Shu , Yi Yang‐Hua , Li Ling , Gui Min , Tang Hai‐Feng , Zhang Da‐Zhi , Zhang Shi‐Long
Published: March 2007

A new lanostane‐type triterpene glycoside, impatienside A (1), was isolated from the sea cucumber Holothuria impatiens, together with a structurally related, known compound, bivittoside D (2). Their structures were elucidated by in‐depth spectroscopic and mass‐spectrometric methods, including 1H‐, 13C‐, and 2D‐NMR, ESI‐MS, and HR‐ESI‐MS experiments, as well as by chemical evidence. Compounds 1 and 2 possess the same hexasaccharide moieties, but differ slightly in their holostane‐type triterpene aglycone. The two glycosides were found to exhibit in vitro cytotoxicities similar to or better than those of the potent anticancer drug etoposide (V‐16) against seven different human tumor cells, with IC50 values of 0.37–2.75 μg/ml.
Synthesis and Analgesic Activities of Endomorphin‐2 and Its Analogues
Authors: Shi Zhi‐Hao , Wei Yun‐Yang , Wang Chuan‐Jin , Yu Li
Published: March 2007

Endomorphin‐2 (1; H‐Tyr‐Pro‐Phe‐Phe‐NH2; EM2) and its novel cyclic asparagine (cycloAsn) analogues, H‐Tyr‐cAsn(CHPh)‐Phe‐Phe‐NH2 (2) and H‐Tyr‐cAsn(CHMe2)‐Phe‐Phe‐NH2 (3), were synthesized via liquid‐phase synthesis. The structures of the products and intermediates were characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, MS, and HR‐MS analyses. The antinociceptive activity of EM2 and its cyclic asparagine analogues were assessed in AcOH‐induced abdominal constriction tests in mice with i.p. injection. The results show that the antinociceptive activities of EM2 and its cyclic asparagine analogue 2 were higher than those of aspirine and meperidine. Analogue 2 was observed to be a stronger analgesic with dose‐dependence than EM2. The test mice did not show any tendency to be addicted while administrated of analogue 2 repeatedly and regularly.
Chemical and Genetic Differentiation of Ligularia tsangchanensis in Yunnan and Sichuan Provinces of China
Authors: Torihata Atsushi , Hanai Ryo , Gong Xun , Shen Yuemao , Kuroda Chiaki
Published: March 2007

The intraspecific diversity in L. tsangchanensis collected in the Chinese Provinces Yunnan and southwestern Sichuan was studied by chemical and genetic approaches. The samples collected in Yunnan were found to contain cacalol (1) as the sole major component, while samples from Sichuan contained 7α‐ and 7β‐eremophila‐9,11‐dien‐8‐one (5 and 6) as well as the 3α‐angeloyloxy derivative 7 as major components. In addition, the sequences of the internal transcribed spacers (ITSs) of the ribosomal RNA gene indicated that the Yunnan and the Sichuan samples constitute separate clades. These results demonstrate that L. tsangchanensis in Yunnan and Sichuan are distinct.
Novel Alkaloids from the Roots of Stemona sessilifolia
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Ai‐Lin , An Zheng , Li Zhi‐Hong , Du Guan‐Hua , Qin Hai‐Lin
Published: March 2007

Four new Stemona alkaloids, sessilistemonamines A–C (1–3, resp.) and dihydrostemoninine (4), were isolated from the roots of Stemona sessilifolia. Their structures and relative configurations were elucidated by means of in‐depth 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR‐spectroscopic as well as mass‐spectrometric experiments; and the structure of 4 was solved by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction. The stereoisomeric compounds 1–3 share an unprecedented tetracyclic decahydro‐1H‐furo[2′,3′:4,5]cyclopenta[1,2‐b]pyrrolo[1,2‐a]azepine nucleus. Compounds 1 and 2 were found to be moderately active in terms of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) inhibition, with IC50 values of 68.8±9.5 and 17.1±2.5 μM, resp.