bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of the herbicide glyphosate on non‐target spiders: Part II. Indirect effects on Lepthyphantes tenuis in field margins
Authors: Haughton Alison J , Bell James R , Boatman Nigel D , Wilcox Andrew 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe have examined the indirect effect of the herbicide glyphosate on the spider Lepthyphantes tenuis in field margins. Glyphosate was applied to a randomised block design field experiment comprising 360, 720 and 1440 g glyphosate AE ha−1 treatments and an unsprayed control. Spiders were sampled in each month from June to October 1998. Spider abundance was significantly lower in all the treatments than in the unsprayed control. Abundance was also significantly lower in the 720 and 1440 g treatments than in the 360 g treatment. No significant difference could be detected between the 720 and 1440 g treatments. Poisson regression models showed that patterns of decline in L tenuis were related to increasing dead vegetation and decreasing vegetation height. Glyphosate applications only had a within‐season indirect habitat effect on L tenuis as field margins sprayed 16 months after an application of 360 g glyphosate ha−1 showed no detrimental effect.© 2001 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and antigenic properties of reduced peptide bond analogues of an immunodominant epitope of the melanoma MART‐1 protein
Authors: Quesnel Anne , Zerbib Anne , Connan Francine , Guillet Jean‐Gérard , Briand Jean‐Paul , Choppin Jeannine 
Published: August 2002

AbstractBackbone modifications have been introduced into the melanoma derived peptide MART‐1(27‐35) to increase its binding to class I major histocompatibility complex HLA‐A2 molecule, and ultimately to enhance its immunogenicity. Each analogue was obtained by replacing one peptide bond at a time in the natural epitope by the aminomethylene (CH2‐NH) surrogate. All analogues displayed an increased resistance to proteolysis. Interestingly, the comparative results showed that five analogues bound more efficiently to HLA‐A2 than the parent peptide. On the other hand, two pseudopeptide/HLA‐A2 complexes were recognized by one melanoma‐specific T cell clone. Close examination of the impact of such modifications at the molecular level provides useful supports for the rational design of stable compounds with applications in anti‐tumour specific immunotherapy and in vaccine development. Copyright © 2001 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Central nervous system stimulatory action from the root extract of Plumbago zeylanica in rats
Authors: Bopaiah C. P. , Pradhan N. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe effects of a 50% ethanol extract of the root of Plumbago zeylanica (P. zeylanica) were investigated on locomotor behaviour and central dopaminergic activity in rats. The effects on the ambulatory behaviour were assessed along with the levels of dopamine (DA) and its metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in the striatum after a single oral dose (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight) of the extract. The extract significantly increased the spontaneous motility in animals. The ambulatory and rotatory behaviour in the treated groups were higher than in the control group (p < 0.05). There were marked differences in the ambulatory behaviour between 100 and 300 mg/kg, indicating that the responses were stimulatory and dose‐dependent. The stereotypic behaviour which is characteristic of a dopamine agonist showed biphasic effects. However, there was no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.05). The results showed that the extract of the root of P. zeylanica specifically enhanced the spontaneous ambulatory activity without inducing stereotypic behaviour. The neurochemical estimations revealed elevated levels of DA and HVA in striatum compared with the control rats (p < 0.01). The levels were higher for the 100 mg/kg treated group than the other groups. The levels declined by increasing the dosage of the extract to 200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, however, these levels remained higher than the control group. The relationship between motor activity and levels of dopamine are not parallel. These behavioural and biochemical results indicated stimulatory properties of the extract of the root of P. zeylanica, which may be mediated by dopaminergic mechanisms in the rat brain. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trigonella foenum graecum (fenugreek) seed extract as an antineoplastic agent
Authors: Sur P. , Das M. , Gomes A. , Vedasiromoni J. R. , Sahu N. P. , Banerjee S. , Sharma R. M. , Ganguly D. K. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe antineoplastic effect of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract has been evaluated in the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) model in Balb‐C mice. Intra‐peritoneal administration of the alcohol extract of the seed both before and after inoculation of EAC cell in mice produced more than 70% inhibition of tumour cell growth with respect to the control. Treatment with the extract was found to enhance both the peritoneal exudate cell and macrophage cell counts. The extract also produced a significant antiinflammatory effect. We report here the antiinflammatory and antineoplastic effects, of Trigonella foenum graecum seed extract. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of Acorus calamus against acrylamide induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Shukla Pradeep K. , Khanna Vinay K. , Ali M. M. , Maurya R. R. , Handa S. S. , Srimal R. C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractExposure of rats to acrylamide (ACR) caused hind limb paralysis in 58% of the animals on day 10 and decreased behavioural parameters, namely distance travelled, ambulatory time, stereotypic time and basal stereotypic movements compared with the control group. These rats also had a decrease in the reduced glutathione (GSH) content and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity in the corpus striatum and an increase in striatal dopamine receptors, as evident by an increase in the binding of 3H‐spiperone to striatal membranes. Treatment with the ethanol:water (1:1) extract of the rhizomes of Acorus calamus (AC‐002) increased the GSH content and GST activity in the corpus striatum while insignificant changes were observed in other parameters. Rats treated with ACR and AC‐002 in combination had a lower incidence of paralysis (18%) compared with those treated with ACR alone on day 10 of the experiment. The rats also showed a partial recovery in other behavioural parameters. The levels of GSH content and GST activity increased in the corpus striatum, while the dopamine receptors decreased compared with the ACR treated rats. The results suggest that the neurobehavioural changes produced by ACR may be prevented following treatment with Acorus calamus rhizomes. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening of Chinese and Mongolian herbal drugs for anti‐human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) activity
Authors: Ma Chao‐mei , Nakamura Norio , Miyashiro Hirotsugu , Hattori Masao , Komatsu Katsuko , Kawahata Takuya , Otake Toru 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWater and methanol extracts of 30 Chinese and Mongolian medicinal plants were tested for their human immunodeficiency virus type‐1 (HIV‐1) inhibitory activity. Of the 60 extracts, 23 showed anti‐HIV ac‐tivity. Bioassay‐guided fractionation of one of the most active extracts, the methanol extract of the root tuber of Stephania cepharantha, led to the isolation of two alkaloids, aromoline and FK‐3000 as potent inhibitory substances. They completely inhibited the cytopathic effects of HIV‐1 on MT‐4 cells at 31.3 and 7.8 μg/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Möbius aromaticity in small [n] trans‐annulenes?
Authors: Havenith Remco W. A. , van Lenthe Joop H. , Jenneskens Leonardus W. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIt is shown that the approximations for the derivation of the Hückel–Möbius rules used in (semi‐)empirical studies cannot be maintained at the ab initio level of theory. As the orbital degeneracy, obtained using the Hückel approximations, is not maintained at the ab initio level, the [4n+2] and [4n] Hückel–Möbius rules do not apply exactly. The existence of possible Möbius character for cis, cis, trans‐cyclohexatriene (trans‐benzene, 2) and cis, cis, cis, trans‐cyclooctatetraene (trans‐4) is investigated; their structural and magnetic properties show that both compounds possess neither antiaromatic nor aromatic properties, respectively. The lack of cyclic π‐electron conjugation is due to the reduced overlap between the pπ‐orbitals. This is demonstrated for trans‐4 in which the trans double bond is forced into the geometry of that of the cyclononatetraenyl cation (6). In that case, trans‐4 possesses aromatic properties (NICS −12.9 ppm). © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem 85: 52–60, 2001
Structural elucidation of disinfection by‐products in treated drinking water
Authors: Taguchi Vince Y. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractTwo unusual disinfection by‐products have been detected periodically in the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) characterization analyses of semi‐volatile organics in treated drinking water. The electron ionization (EI) mass spectra contained mono‐chlorinated and mono‐brominated ions at m/z 107/109 and 151/153, respectively. Library searching techniques suggested mono‐halogenated butanol structures but no matches could be found. Positive ion chemical ionization (CI) spectra contained mono‐chlorinated and mono‐brominated ions at m/z 105/107 and 149/151, respectively. No [M + H]+ ions were initially observed. Accurate mass measurements confirmed the empirical formulae for the significant ions in the EI spectra and the mono‐halogenated butanol structures. Further CI experiments with other reagent gases and instruments revealed possible molecular weights of 139 and 183 Da, respectively. Tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) experiments in EI and CI were used to elucidate the fragmentation schemes. The two compounds have been tentatively identified as 1‐aminoxy‐1‐chlorobutan‐2‐ol and 1‐aminoxy‐1‐bromobutan‐2‐ol, respectively. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The pathogenesis of influenza in humans
Authors: Zambon Maria C. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe rapid evolution of influenza A and B viruses contributes to annual influenza epidemics in humans. In addition, pandemics of influenza are also caused by influenza A viruses, whereas influenza B does not have the potential to cause pandemics because there is no animal reservoir of the virus. Study of the genetic differences between influenza A and influenza B viruses, which are restricted to humans, may be informative in understanding the factors that govern mammalian adaptation of influenza A viruses.Aquatic birds provide the natural reservoir for influenza A viruses, but in general, avian influenza is asymptomatic in feral birds. Occasionally, however, highly pathogenic strains of influenza cause serious systemic infections in domestic poultry. The pathogenicity of these strains is related to the presence of a polybasic cleavage sequence in the precursor of the surface glycoprotein haemagglutinin, which makes the glycoprotein susceptible to activation by ubiquitous proteases such as furin and PC6.However, the mechanism of pathogenicity may differ in highly pathogenic strains of human influenza, such as the H1N1 pandemic strain of 1918 and the H5N1 strain involved in the outbreak in Hong Kong in 1997. Binding of host proteases by the viral neuraminidase to assist activation of the haemagglutinin, shortening of the neuraminidase and substitutions in the polymerase gene, PB2, have all been suggested as alternative molecular correlates of pathogenicity of human influenza viruses. Additionally, systemic spread in humans of pathogenic subtypes has not been demonstrated and host factors such as interferons may be crucial in preventing the spread of the virus outside the respiratory tract. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Taiwan's environment, resource sustainability and green consumerism: perceptions of university students
Authors: Wong Koon Kwai 
Published: August 2002

AbstractIt is argued that university students are the future elite members and decision‐makers of a society, therefore the attitudes and behaviour of Taiwanese students will have a significant effect upon the future course of development of Taiwan. This article discusses university students' perceptions of the environment, resource sustainability, and green consumerism in Taiwan. A total of 345 students studying at the National Taiwan University completed the survey questionnaire in October 1996. It is encouraging to find that most students appear to be concerned with, and aware of, the environmental and resource sustainability issues of Taiwan. Furthermore, the paper reveals students' attitude toward priority of development options, their consumption patterns and their participation in environmental protection campaigns. Students advocate a fundamental change of the prevalent wasteful lifestyle to achieve the long‐term sustainability of Taiwan. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Electron inelastic mean free path for Ti, TiC, TiN and TiO2 as determined by quantitative reflection electron energy‐loss spectroscopy
Authors: Fuentes G. G. , Elizalde E. , Yubero F. , Sanz J. M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractElectron inelastic mean free paths (IMFP) have been estimated for Ti, TiC, TiN and TiO2 for energies between 250 and 2000 eV. The IMFP values have been derived from the respective energy‐loss function (i.e. Im{−1/ϵ}) on the basis of the model developed by Yubero and Tougaard for quantitative analysis using reflection electron energy‐loss spectra (REELS). The IMFPs have been analysed in terms of the Bethe equation for inelastic scattering and compared with the values predicted by the TPP‐2M equation. We have distinguished between λREELS(E0) and λ∞(E0), whereby the first takes into account surface effects as they appear in REELS experiments and λ∞(E0) is the value that is approached when the surface is ignored. The IMFPs determined here are observed to decrease in the order Ti > TiN ∼ TiC > TiO2 as the density of valence electrons contributing to inelastic scattering processes increases. Furthermore, we observe a general good agreement with those values predicted by the TPP‐2M formulae, except for TiO2 for which differences of up to 30–40% have been observed. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the safety of medicines, with particular reference to contraception
Authors: Skegg David C. G. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractToxicological studies and clinical trials cannot be expected to predict all important adverse effects of medicines and contraceptives. Post‐marketing surveillance is essentially an epidemiological task that involves detecting associations between drugs and events. The first alerts about drug safety problems have often come from case reports, but epidemiological studies are needed to confirm adverse (or beneficial) effects and to provide quantitative information. This article illustrates methodological principles by considering three examples from the field of contraceptive safety: oral contraceptives and breast cancer, intrauterine contraception and pelvic inflammatory disease, and newer oral contraceptives and venous thromboembolism. Key issues that emerge include bias and confounding, the place of subgroup analyses, random error, and the use of computerized databases. In research on contraceptive and drug safety, conclusions usually need to be based on careful assessment of multiple observational studies. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zero‐inflated models for regression analysis of count data: a study of growth and development
Authors: Cheung Yin Bin 
Published: August 2002

AbstractPoisson regression is widely used in medical studies, and can be extended to negative binomial regression to allow for heterogeneity. When there is an excess number of zero counts, a useful approach is to used a mixture model with a proportion P of subjects not at risk, and a proportion of 1‐P at‐risk subjects who take on outcome values following a Poisson or negative binomial distribution. Covariate effects can be incorporated into both components of the models. In child assessment, fine motor development is often measured by test items that involve a process of imitation and a process of fine motor exercise. One such developmental milestone is ‘building a tower of cubes’. This study analyses the impact of foetal growth and postnatal somatic growth on this milestone, operationalized as the number of cubes and measured around the age of 22 months. It is shown that the two aspects of early growth may have different implications for imitation and fine motor dexterity. The usual approach of recording and analysing the milestone as a binary outcome, such as whether the child can build a tower of three cubes, may leave out important information. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collection of standardized information on infant feeding in the context of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV
Authors: Gaillard Philippe , Piwoz Ellen , Farley Tim M. M. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractComplete avoidance of breast‐feeding is the surest way to avoid mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV through breast‐feeding, but replacement feeding exposes infants, especially those born in developing countries, to the risk of other infectious diseases with consequent increase in morbidity and mortality. One study has suggested that exclusive breast‐feeding during the first months of life carries a lower risk of HIV transmission than when other foods are given in addition to breast milk. Other studies have provided limited data on the risks of HIV transmission according to different patterns of breast‐feeding, but studies have used different definitions of breast‐feeding patterns and have analysed their data with adjustment on different risk factors. This hampers our ability to understand the mechanisms underlying HIV transmission through breast milk and the risks associated with different infant feeding practices. Consequently it is difficult to determine the best interventions to reduce the risk of transmission and the development of optimal policies. In collaboration with research teams involved with infant feeding research, the World Health Organization has developed a tool to assist studies on MTCTto collect information in a standardized manner, using common definitions and terms. The purpose is to facilitate comparisons between studies and the quantification of the risks of transmission according to various feeding patterns, after adjusting for potential confounding variables. The tool includes a core questionnaire to record infant feeding practices and other key information on the mother's and the infant's health. It also provides guidance on methods of analysis and presentation of the complex data on infant feeding. The tool can be used in prospective research studies on MTCT prevention, as well as providing the framework to assess infant feeding patterns in intervention programmes, such as those providing intensive counselling to mothers on infant feeding. The tool will facilitate the compilation of information from these studies which will ultimately provide scientific basis for updating guidelines and policies on infant feeding by mothers infected with HIV. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Current and future challenges in the design and analysis of cluster randomization trials
Authors: Klar Neil , Donner Allan 
Published: August 2002

AbstractRandomized trials in which the unit of randomization is a community, worksite, school or family are becoming widely used in the evaluation of life‐style interventions for the prevention of disease. The increasing interest in adopting a cluster randomization design is being matched by rapid methodological developments. In this paper we describe several of these developments. Brief mention is also made of issues related to economic analysis and to the planning and conduct of meta‐analyses for cluster randomization trials. Recommendations for reporting are also discussed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Independent data monitoring committees: rationale, operations and controversies
Authors: Ellenberg Susan S. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractData monitoring committees (DMCs) have become an increasingly common component of randomized clinical trials in recent years. As experience has accumulated, and more individuals and organizations have become involved in such activities, a variety of approaches to the operation of such committees has inevitably arisen. Because these committees play such a critical role in the process of new drug development, it is important to consider the implications of the different approaches that are being used. It is also timely to consider the present and possible future regulatory status of data monitoring committees. Published in 2001 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Paradigm shifts in clinical trials enabled by information technology
Authors: Marks Ronald G. , Conlon Michael , Ruberg Stephen J. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe use of the world wide web for clinical trials changes the processes of performing clinical research in several fundamental ways. Greatly improved security, monitoring capability, and accuracy and timeliness of study conduct can be achieved while lowering cost. Data quality is enhanced while co‐ordinating centre effort is reduced. The web provides a natural environment for linking the various components of clinical research, leading to new levels of simplicity and efficiency. It also enhances opportunities for recruitment of study investigators and patients. Other information technology tools and databases can be used to assist in this regard as well. Web‐based trials change the relationship of the investigator site to the study and the site to the co‐ordinating centre. Different roles and responsibilities lead to simplified processes and more and higher quality data. Many standard co‐ordinating centre activities, such as randomization, protocol implementation and amending, document tracking, adverse event reporting, site monitoring, report generation and data analysis are all fundamentally changed in a web‐based trial. Opportunities are enhanced to identify potential investigators and support their successful study conduct. As the role of investigator sites is changed in web‐based research, more primary care medical providers can be attracted to research, providing more typical patients to studies than those sometimes available through more traditional research sites, especially those at academic study sites. Other activities can now be co‐ordinated electronically with the advent of the web. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) can use online tools to control investigator participation, resulting in improved study efficiency and patient safety. A web‐based research pharmacy provides tremendous efficiencies in managing and distributing study medications. Financial payments to the sites can be performed and recorded electronically, or even administered based on timeliness and quality of the data. Our early experience with web‐based trials indicates that there can be tremendous gains in study efficiency and accuracy by restructuring processes, roles and responsibilities through a comprehensive centralized, web‐based trial. The future appears bright for web‐based clinical trials. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.