bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Transcriptional Response to Raf Activation Is Almost Completely Dependent on Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Kinase Activity and Shows a Major Autocrine Component
Authors: Schulze Almut , Nicke Barbara , Warne Patricia H. , Tomlinson Simon , Downward Julian
Published: April 2004

The Raf protein kinases are major effectors of Ras GTPases and key components of the transcriptional response to serum factors, acting at least in part through the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. It has recently been suggested that Raf also may trigger other as yet uncharacterized signaling pathways. Here, we have used cDNA microarrays to dissect changes in gene expression induced by activation of inducible c-Raf-1 constructs in human mammary epithelial and ovarian epithelial cells. The majority of Raf-induced transcriptional responses are shown to be blocked by pharmacological inhibition of the Raf substrate mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase, indicating that potential mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase-independent Raf signaling pathways have no significant influence on gene expression. In addition, we used epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitory drugs to address the contribution of autocrine signaling by Raf-induced EGF family proteins to the Raf transcriptional response. At least one-half of the transcription induced by Raf activation requires epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor function The EGF receptor-independent component of the Raf transcriptional response is entirely up-regulation of gene expression, whereas the EGF receptor-dependent component is an equal mixture of up- and down-regulation. The use of transcriptional profiling in this way allows detailed analysis of the architecture of signaling pathways to be undertaken.
Low‐Dose Stimulatory Effects of Ethanol During Adolescence in Rat Lines Selectively Bred for High Alcohol Intake
Authors: Rodd Z. A. , Bell R. L. , McKinzie D. L. , Webster A. A. , Murphy J. M. , Lumeng L. , Li T.‐K. , McBride W. J.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: The low‐dose stimulatory effect of ethanol (EtOH) in rats has been hypothesized to reflect its hedonic effects and to be associated with a genetic predisposition toward high alcohol preference. To test the hypothesis that phenotypes associated with high alcohol preference in adulthood are also present in adolescent rats at the time of onset of alcohol drinking, the current study examined the effects of EtOH on locomotor activity (LMA) during adolescence in lines of rats selectively bred for divergent alcohol intakes.

Methods: Subjects were adolescent (31–40 days of age) rats from the alcohol‐preferring (P) and ‐nonpreferring (NP) lines and from the high–alcohol‐drinking (HAD) and low–alcohol‐drinking (LAD) replicate lines. On day 1, all subjects (n= 8–10/line/gender/dose) received intraperitoneal saline injections and were placed in the activity monitor for 30 min. On day 2, subjects received intraperitoneal saline or 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.0, or 1.5 g EtOH/kg.

Results: The LMA of male and female P rats was increased with low doses (0.25–0.75 g/kg) and decreased at the highest dose (1.5 g/kg) of EtOH. Similar effects were observed with low doses of EtOH on the LMA of HAD‐1 and HAD‐2 rats. None of the EtOH doses stimulated LMA in the NP, LAD‐1, or LAD‐2 rats, although all of the low–alcohol‐intake lines of rats showed decreased LMA at the highest dose of EtOH. Only the P rats among the high–alcohol‐consuming lines of rats showed decreased LMA at the highest dose of EtOH.

Conclusion: Selective breeding for high alcohol consumption seems to be associated with increased sensitivity to the low‐dose stimulating effects of EtOH and reduced sensitivity to the high‐dose motor‐impairing effects of ethanol. The expression of these phenotypes emerges during adolescence by the age of onset of alcohol‐drinking behavior.
Alcohol‐Related Olfactory Cues Activate the Nucleus Accumbens and Ventral Tegmental Area in High‐Risk Drinkers: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Kareken David A. , Claus Eric D. , Sabri Merav , Dzemidzic Mario , Kosobud Ann E. K. , Radnovich Alexander J. , Hector Dwight , Ramchandani Vijay A. , O'Connor Sean J. , Lowe Mark , Li Ting‐Kai
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: The mesocorticolimbic dopamine system is implicated in motivation and reward and may be involved in the development of alcoholism.

Methods: We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to study the blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) response to alcohol‐related olfactory stimuli (AROS; odors of beer and whiskey) and non‐alcohol‐related olfactory stimuli (NAROS; odors of grass and leather) in 10 high‐risk (HR) drinkers (average drinks per week, 19.99; SD, 6.99; all with ≥2 first‐ or second‐degree alcoholic relatives) and 5 low‐risk (LR) social drinking controls (drinks per week, 2.82; SD, 2.87; 1 subject had 1 second‐degree alcoholic relative). Data were analyzed with SPM99 and random effects analysis by using regions of interest and corrected cluster statistics (p < 0.05) to focus on the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral tegmental area (VTA).

Results: In HR subjects, there was a greater BOLD signal increase in the NAc during AROS than during clean air. BOLD signal increases during AROS were also greater in the NAc than the signal increases induced by NAROS. The AROS signal was significantly greater than the NAROS signal in a small number of voxels in the VTA. Finally, the AROS/NAROS difference signal was larger in HR drinkers in both the NAc and VTA.

Conclusions: Alcoholic olfactory cues may invoke the dopaminergic mesocorticolimbic system to a greater degree than nonalcoholic odors and could be effective tools in exploring the role of the dopamine system in susceptibility to alcoholism.
Excess Alcohol Consumption Is Common in Patients With Cytopenia: Studies in Blood and Bone Marrow Cells
Authors: Latvala Jaana , Parkkila Seppo , Niemelä Onni
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Although alcohol abuse is known to create a variety of adverse effects on hematopoiesis, the associations between ethanol consumption and hematological abnormalities have not been fully established.

Methods: We studied 144 consecutive adult patients who underwent clinical and bone marrow examinations due to abnormal findings in peripheral blood cell counts or red blood cell indices without previously established diagnoses of specific hematological diseases, malignancies, or infections. Assessment included the amount of alcohol consumption, complete blood cell counts, morphological review of peripheral blood and bone marrow, markers of liver status, and erythrocyte folate and serum vitamin B12 levels.

Results: There were 57 (40%) patients who showed a history of hazardous drinking and 87 patients who were either nondrinkers or social drinkers. The incidence of anemia was 51% in the alcohol abusers, as compared with 69% of the nonalcoholics (p < 0.05). A diverse pattern of hematological effects was observed in the alcohol abusers. Abnormal platelet and leukocyte levels were common, especially in the anemic alcoholics. Both increased mean cell volume of erythrocytes (macrocytosis; 67 vs. 18%; p < 0.0001) and mean cell hemoglobin (63 vs. 22%; p < 0.0001) were more frequent in the alcoholics than in the nonalcoholics. Reticulocytosis (37%), thrombocytopenia (41%), and combined cytopenias (34–38%) were also common findings in the alcoholic patients. The blood smears from such patients typically showed round macrocytes, stomatocytes, and knizocytes. Bone marrow aspirates revealed vacuolization of pronormoblasts in 24% of the alcoholic patients. Interestingly, megakaryocytes in the cell periphery were also vacuolized in 20% of the alcohol abusers, especially in those with recent intoxication.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that alcohol abuse results in diverse patterns of hematological effects and affects several cell lines. Therefore, in patients undergoing bone marrow examinations due to cytopenias, the probabilities for likely findings seem to be different between alcoholics and nonalcoholics. Information on ethanol consumption should be systematically included in the clinical assessment of such patients.
Comparing Sunspot Equilibrium And Lottery Equilibrium Allocations: The Finite Case*
Authors: Garratt Rod , Keister Todd , Shell Karl
Published: April 2004

Sunspot equilibrium and lottery equilibrium are two stochastic solution concepts for nonstochastic economies. We compare these concepts in a class of completely finite, (possibly) nonconvex exchange economies with perfect markets, which requires extending the lottery model to the finite case. Every equilibrium allocation of our lottery model is also a sunspot equilibrium allocation. The converse is almost always true. There are exceptions, however: For some economies, there exist sunspot equilibrium allocations with no lottery equilibrium counterpart.
Family Business Mediation: A Conflict Resolution Model
Authors: Prince Russ Alan
Published: April 2004

Mediation is finding greater use as an alternative to litigation or arbitration in the resolution of conflict within family businesses. This article describes the philosophy of mediation, the functions of the mediator, and the stages through which mediation typically proceeds. Case studies are used to illustrate the mediation process.
Beyond Success: The Continuing Contribution of the Family Foundation
Authors: Danco Leon A. , Ward John L.
Published: April 2004

Many entrepreneurs stay too long in the role of owner-manager of their family business because of confusion about alternatives, the desire to continue achieving, and fear of losing control of hard-earned wealth and authority. This article suggests that setting up a family foundation affords the aging business owner a new, challenging career. Arguments in favor of philanthropy are presented, including social responsibility and resource utilization. The article concludes with an outline of the basic steps in establishing a foundation.
Financial and Efficiency Differences in Family-Owned and Non-Family-Owned Nursing Homes: An Oregon Study
Authors: Kleinsorge Ilene K.
Published: April 2004

There has been little empirical research investigating the performance differences between family-owned and non-family-owned businesses. This study investigated differences in efficiency between family-owned and non-family-owned nursing homes in the State of Oregon, as defined and identified by data envelopment analysis (DBA) and by selected traditional financial measures. More family-owned nursing homes than non-family-owned homes were identified as inefficient, and family-owned nursing homes were found to have significantly fewer assets and more liabilities than non-family-owned homes. Suggested reasons for the results are discussed.
The Impact of Timing and Mode of Entry on Successor Development and Successful Succession
Authors: Harvey Michael , Evans Rodney E.
Published: April 2004

Family businesses frequently are disrupted by the process of succession of leadership and ownership. This article focuses on causes of conflict and how to manage success after siblings have entered the business.
Transferring Power in the Family Business
Authors: Barnes Louis B. , Hershon Simon A.
Published: April 2004

Should a family business stay in the family? The question is really academic, since families appear to be in business to stay. But, when the management moves from one generation to the next, the transition is often far from orderly. In addition, as the company develops, there is a need for a management style that goes beyond survival thinking, and entrepreneurs tend not to be reorganizes. In fact, while a sometimes bitter power struggle is peaking, the fortunes of the company may be sliding downhill. In other cases, power struggles are part of a healthy transition. According to these authors, family and company transitions will be more productive when they are simultaneous. The eternal problem involves the older generation's making use of the flexibility and new ideas of the succeeding generation. Third party involvement may help to prevent irreparable family rifts and company stagnation. Dialogues between all the parties–family managers, relatives, employees, and outsiders–can also help.
Organizational Buyer Behavior of the Family Firm: A Review of the Literature and Set of Propositions
Authors: File Karen Maru
Published: April 2004

The aggregate volume of purchasing by family firms may account for half of the industrial purchasing in the United States. However, whether the buying processes of family firms are significantly different from those of nonfamily firms is unknown. Selected frameworks of organizational buyer behavior are imposed on family business literature in order to address this issue. There is ample evidence that the buyer behavior of family firms should be differentiated in five areas: patterns of influence in the buying center, organizational climate, organizational buying processes, buyer motivations, and formulation of marketing strategies.
A Promising Workshop Model
Authors: Silverzweig Stan , D'Agostino Nicholas
Published: April 2004

Family business workshops are given at many universities, family business forums, and consultant practices. This article discusses the practice of one family-business workshop program. This workshop program has been carried out for seven years. An intervention model is laid out and the results of the model and the workshop are analyzed on the basis of participant responses and behaviors.
Ethics in Family and Non-Family Owned Firms: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Adams Janet S. , Taschian Armen , Shore Ted H.
Published: April 2004

Limited research on ethics in family business leads to competing arguments regarding whether family firms are more, less or equally as ethical as non-family controlled firms. Comparing structured interview data from 214 respondents in family firms with a proportionally matched sample of 230 respondents in non-family-owned firms, we found few—but important—differences in ethics-related attitudes, behavior and experiences. Fewer family-owned businesses had formal codes of ethics. They were more likely to employ informal methods to promote ethical behavior, with role modeling of expected behaviors regarded as more important than in non-family firms.
Attributions for Family Business Failure: The Heir's Perspective
Authors: File Karen Maru , Prince Russ Alan
Published: April 2004

Family business studies have focused on succession because of the incidence of family business failure and the importance of family businesses within the US economy. This study furthers the understanding of family business failure by making the distinction between succession planning (the management task of transitioning leadership) and estate planning (the task of transitioning financial assets and managing federal estate tax obligations) and using this distinction to better understand family business discontinuance. This study of 749 heirs of failed family businesses demonstrates that inadequate estate planning is more often associated with family business failure than is poor succession planning.
A Multi-Station Rolling/Sliding Tribotester for Knee Bearing Materials
Authors: Van Citters Douglas W. , Kennedy Francis E. , Currier John H. , Collier John P. , Nichols Thomas D.
Published: April 2004

Total joint replacements traditionally employ ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) as a bearing material due to its desirable material properties and biocompatibility. Failure of these polyethylene bearings can lead to expensive and risky revision surgery, necessitating a better understanding of UHMWPE’s tribological properties. A six-station rolling/sliding machine was developed to study the behavior of accelerated-aged UHMWPE in cylinder-on-cylinder contact. The normal load and sliding/rolling ratio in the oscillatory contacts can be controlled separately for each test station, as can the liquid test environment. Fatigue tests were run on the machine with UHMWPE versus cobalt-chrome cylinders in a distilled water environment at normal contact pressures of approximately 20 MPa. All specimens failed by subsurface cracking during tribotesting on the machine, and the failures were similar to those that occur in-vivo. The fatigue behavior of the polymer was analyzed to determine its relationship to oxidation and stress state in the rolling/sliding cylinder. At the 20 MPa test load, the number of cycles to fatigue failure by subsurface cracking was inversely proportional to the oxidation level. Analysis of the stress levels through the bulk of the polyethylene specimens and their relationship to the material properties provide insight as to why cracks initiate and propagate subsurface.
Normal vibration frequencies of the vocal ligament
Authors: Titze Ingo R. , Hunter Eric J.
Published: April 2004

The vocal ligament is the tension-bearing element in the vocal folds at high pitches. It has traditionally been treated as a vibrating string, with only length and longitudinal stress governing its normal mode frequencies. Results of this investigation show that, when bending stiffness and variable cross section are included, the lowest normal mode frequency can more than double, depending on the strain of the ligament. This suggests that much higher phonation frequencies may be achievable than heretofore thought for a given vocal fold length (e.g., nearly 1000 Hz at 50% elongation over cadaveric resting length). It also brings back into the discussion the concept of “damping,” an old misnomer for a reduction of the effective length of vibration of the vocal folds by relatively stiff boundary segments known as macula flavae. A formula is given for correcting the ideal string equation for the lowest mode frequency to include bending stiffness and macula flavae effects.
REACTOR NEUTRINO EXPERIMENTS
Authors: INOUE K.
Published: April 2004

Previous searches for neutrino oscillations with reactor neutrinos have been done only with baselines less than 1 km. The observed neutrino flux was consistent with the expectation and only excluded regions were drawn on the neutrino-oscillation-parameter space. Thus, those experiments played important roles in understanding neutrinos from fission reactors. Based on the knowledge from those experiments, an experiment with about a 180 km baseline became possible. Results obtained from this baseline experiment showed evidence for reactor neutrino disappearance and finally provide a resolution for the long standing solar neutrino problem when combined with results from the solar neutrino experiments. Several possibilities to explore the last unmeasured mixing angle θ13 with reactor neutrinos have recently been proposed. They will provide complementary information to long baseline accelerator experiments when one tries to solve the degeneracy of oscillation parameters. Reactor neutrinos are also useful to study the neutrino magnetic moment and the most stringent limits from terrestrial experiments are obtained by measuring the elastic scattering cross section of reactor neutrinos.
The effect of practice on low‐level auditory discrimination, phonological skills, and spelling in dyslexia
Authors: Schäffler Tina , Sonntag Juliane , Hartnegg Klaus , Fischer Burkhart
Published: April 2004

Phonological awareness is believed to play a major role in the auditory contribution to spelling skills. The previous paper reports low‐level auditory deficits in five different subdomains in 33–70% of the dyslexics. The first study of this paper reports the results of an attempt to improve low‐level auditory skills by systematic daily practice of those tasks that had not been passed in previous diagnostic sessions. The data of 140 dyslexics indicate that the average number of unsolved tasks can be reduced from 3 of 5 to 1 of 5. The success rates have values of 70–80% for intensity and frequency discrimination and for gap detection, but reach only 36% for time‐order judgement and 6% for side‐order judgement. The second study reports that successful low‐level auditory training transfers completely to language‐related phonological skills and also to spelling with the largest profit in spelling errors due to poor auditory analysis. Control groups (waiting and placebo) did not exhibit significant improvements. It is concluded that low‐level auditory deficits should be considered and improved by practice in order to give the dyslexics more phonological help when trying to transfer what they hear to spelling. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Baeckea frutescens leaf oil from Vietnam: composition and chemical variability
Authors: Tam N'Guyen Thi , Thuam Duong Thi , Bighelli Ange , Castola Vincent , Muselli Alain , Richomme Pascal , Casanova Joseph
Published: April 2004

Four essential oils obtained from the aerial parts of Baeckea frutescens harvested in three provinces of Vietnam were analysed using GC, GC–MS and NMR spectroscopy. Forty‐seven components, which represented 90–97% of the global composition, were identiﬁed. Two samples were characterized by the pre‐eminence of tasmanone, a non‐terpenic triketone, which accounted for 22.9% and 24.3%, respectively, of the chemical com‐position and which was fully characterized using two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The two remaining samples were respectively characterized by high contents of p‐cymene, α‐thujene and 1,8‐cineole for one sample and β‐pinene, 1,8‐cineole and α‐pinene for the second sample. From these results and the literature data, it appears that B. frutescens essential oil exhibits high chemical variability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A normative probabilistic design of a fair government decision strategy
Authors: Kárný Miroslav , Kracík Jan
Published: April 2004

A government (a global decision maker) is supposed to search for a fair strategy generating its decisions influencing a population of citizens (local decision makers). The strategy should respect the fact that each citizen has their personal preferences as well as observation and decision spaces. A non‐standard problem formulation and its solution are proposed.

Specifically, each citizen (male, female, possibly child) is supposed to express his wishes and restrictions in the way that can be translated into an ideal distribution of data he observes and influences. He is recommended to select his decision strategy so that the real distribution of these data is close to his ideal distribution. This approach is called fully probabilistic design. The government is assumed to be able to influence a few data entries that have an impact on each citizen. The government optimal decision strategy is also formulated in the fully probabilistic sense with its ideal defined as a mixture of the ideal distributions of citizens. Portions of different types of citizens are taken as weights of components forming the mixture.

The paper characterizes individual problem elements and information flow, provides an approximate feasible solution and specializes it to normal government model and normal ideal distributions of citizens. Qualitative consequences with respect to rational governing are drawn. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and characterization of novel low‐dielectric cyanate esters
Authors: Shieh Jeng‐Yueh , Yang Shih‐Peng , Wu Mei‐Feng , Wang Chun‐Shan
Published: April 2004

For the purpose of increasing the mobility of residual bisphenol A dicyanate ester (BADCY) during the final stage of curing and achieving a complete reaction of cyanate groups, a small quantity of monofunctional phenol was added to BADCY to form an imidocarbonate, or a small quantity of monofunctional cyanate esters was added to form cyanate ester copolymers. The proposed structures were confirmed with Fourier transform infrared, elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. The thermal properties of the cured cyanate esters were measured with dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and dielectric analysis. These data were compared with those for the cured BADCY resin. The cured modified cyanate esters exhibited a lower dielectric constant, a lower dissipation factor, and lower moisture absorption than the cured BADCY system. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2589–2600, 2004
Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumors: Factors that Predict Outcome
Authors: Van Gompel Jamie J. , Sippel Rebecca S. , Warner Tom F. , Chen Herbert
Published: April 2004

Gastrointestinal (GI) carcinoids are neuroendocrine tumors originating in multiple locations throughout the GI tract. The prognosis for patients with GI carcinoid tumors is diverse. To determine the factors that significantly affect prognosis, we reviewed our experience. Between 1992 and 2000 a total of 70 patients with GI carcinoid tumors underwent surgical resection at our institution. The patients were grouped into three categories based on the origin of the carcinoid tumor: foregut, midgut, hindgut. The mean age of the patients was 56 ± 2 years. All patients with foregut carcinoids had symptoms upon presentation, whereas 61% of those with midgut carcinoids and only 37% of those with hindgut carcinoids had symptoms (p < 0.001). The factors that most strongly affected survival on univariate analysis were a symptomatic presentation and the site of origin. Patients with foregut or midgut lesions had lower 5‐year disease‐free survivals than those with hindgut tumors. Moreover, the size of the primary tumor and the presence of liver metastases were not independent predictors of survival. Despite the larger tumor size and the higher incidence of liver metastases, patients with foregut carcinoids appear to have the same prognosis as those with midgut carcinoids. These data therefore suggest that the outcomes of patients with carcinoid tumors are highly dependent on the presence of symptoms and the site of origin.
High‐Energy Laser Therapy of Barrett’s Esophagus: Preliminary Results
Authors: Norberto Lorenzo , Polese Lino , Angriman Imerio , Erroi Francesca , Cecchetto Attilio , D’Amico Davide F.
Published: April 2004

We present the preliminary results obtained by our research group utilizing Nd:YAG and diode lasers to treat Barrett’s esophagus (BE). A total of 15 patients with BE (mean age 58 years) underwent endoscopic laser therapy: 11 with intestinal metaplasia, 2 with low‐grade dysplasia, and 2 with high‐grade dysplasia. The mean length of BE was 4 cm (range 1–12 cm). Six of these patients also underwent antireflux surgery, and nine were prescribed acid‐suppressive medication. Endoscopic Nd:YAG laser treatment was carried out from 1997 to 1999; thereafter, diode laser was employed. The mean follow‐up of these patients after the first laser session was 28 months. Patients underwent a mean of 6.5 laser sessions (range 3–17 sessions), with no apparent complications. The mean energy per session was 1705 JJ. Only six of these patients (40%) showed complete endoscopic and histologic remission, but a mean of 77% (SD 23.8%) of the total metaplastic tissue in all these patients was ablated. The percentage of healed mucosa was higher in patients with short‐segment BE (92%) (p < 0.05) and in subjects treated by two or more laser sessions per centimeter of BE length (89%) (p < 0.05). All four patients with dysplasia showed histologic regression to nondysplastic BE or to squamous epithelium, without recurrence during a mean follow‐up of 30 months. The patients who underwent antireflux surgery and those prescribed pharmacologic treatment had similar results. Nd:YAG and diode laser treatment of BE is a safe, effective procedure; it required two sessions per centimeter of metaplasia; and it achieved complete regression of the dysplasia. Further studies are necessary to quantify its effect on cancer incidence.
Thermal conductivity of molten alkali halides from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Galamba N. , Nieto de Castro C. A. , Ely J. F.
Published: April 2004

The thermal conductivity of molten sodium chloride and potassium chloride has been computed through equilibrium molecular dynamics Green–Kubo simulations in the microcanonical ensemble (N,V,E). In order to access the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity coefficient of these materials, the simulations were performed at five different state points. The form of the microscopic energy flux for ionic systems whose Coulombic interactions are calculated through the Ewald method is discussed in detail and an efficient formula is used by analogy with the methods used to evaluate the stress tensor in Coulombic systems. The results show that the Born–Mayer–Huggins–Tosi–Fumi potential predicts a weak negative temperature dependence for the thermal conductivity of NaCl and KCl. The simulation results are in agreement with part of the experimental data available in the literature with simulation values generally overpredicting the thermal conductivity by 10%–20%.
Assessment of Nonresponse Bias in an Internet Survey of Alcohol Use
Authors: Kypri Kypros , Stephenson Shaun , Langley John
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Decreasing survey response rates are a growing concern in epidemiological research, principally because prevalence estimates may be biased by selective nonresponse. Internet‐based methods have the potential to yield higher‐quality data with lower nonresponse rates and at a lower cost than traditional methods. Little research exists on nonresponse bias in Internet surveys of alcohol use. This investigation draws on a study of the implementation of an Internet‐based alcohol survey involving a random sample of 1910 university students with a response rate of 82% (n= 1564). Our aim was to identify nonresponse bias and to quantify its effects on estimates of alcohol consumption, the incidence of alcohol‐related problems, and the prevalence of hazardous drinking.

Methods: Survey nonresponse has been characterized in terms of a continuum of resistance model, in which the propensity of individuals to respond is inferred from the level of effort required to elicit a response. Two methods were used to test this model: comparison of the demographic characteristics of the target sample with those of the respondents and comparison of alcohol variables for those who responded late with those who responded early.

Results: The results attained with method 1 showed that bias varied as a function of gender, age, ethnicity, and living arrangement. The results attained with method 2 showed that the incidence of alcohol‐related problems and hazardous drinking prevalence varied as a function of response latency. If only the early and intermediate respondents had participated, the incidence of alcohol‐related problems and the prevalence of hazardous drinking would each have been underestimated by 3%.

Conclusions: The findings reported here are consistent with the continuum of resistance model but show that the bias resulting from nonresponse is arguably too small to be of concern with respect to estimating consumption levels, the incidence of alcohol‐related problems, and the prevalence of hazardous drinking.
Efficacy of Brief Interventions for Hazardous Drinkers in Primary Care: Systematic Review and Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Ballesteros Javier , Duffy John C. , Querejeta Imanol , Ariño Julen , González‐Pinto Asunción
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Because recent research in primary care has challenged the findings of previous reviews on the efficacy of brief interventions (BIs) on hazardous drinkers, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to update the evidence of BIs as applied in the primary care setting.

Methods: We obtained source material by searching electronic databases and reference lists and hand‐searching journals. We selected randomized trials providing frequency data that allowed assessment of the efficacy of BIs on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Results were summarized by the odds ratio (OR) of response. When appropriate, risk difference (RD) and its inverse (number needed to treat [NNT] to achieve a positive result) were also computed. Fixed and/or random effect models were fitted according to heterogeneity estimates.

Results: Thirteen studies provided data for a dose‐effect analysis, 12 for comparison of BIs with reference categories. No clear evidence of a dose‐effect relationship was found. BIs outperformed minimal interventions and usual care (random effects model OR = 1.55, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.27–1.90; RD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.06–0.16; NNT = 10, 95% CI = 7–17). Similar results were obtained when two influential studies were removed (fixed effect model OR = 1.57, 95% CI = 1.32–1.87; RD = 0.11, 95% CI = 0.07–0.15; NNT = 9, 95% CI = 7–15). The heterogeneity between individual estimates was accounted for by the type of hazardous drinkers (heavy versus moderate) and by the characteristics of the included individuals (treatment seekers versus nontreatment seekers). The funnel plot did not show evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion: Our results, although indicating smaller effect sizes than previous meta‐analyses, do support the moderate efficacy of BIs. Further research is outlined.
New genomospecies related to Borrelia valaisiana, isolated from mammals in Okinawa archipelago, Japan
Authors: Masuzawa Toshiyuki , Hashimoto Naoya , Kudeken Midori , Kadosaka Teruki , Nakamura Masaji , Kawabata Hiroki , Koizumi Nobuo , Imai Yasuyuki
Published: April 2004

In 2000 and 2001, a survey was conducted of Borrelia isolated from various mammals in the southernmost islands of Japan, including Okinawa (main island), Izena, Iriomote and Ishigaki. Isolates obtained from the ear tissues of Suncus murinus (10 isolates), Mus calori (four isolates), Rattus norvegicus (one isolate) and Crocidura watasei (one isolate), were characterized by RFLP of the 5S–23S rDNA intergenic spacer and sequence analysis of the intergenic spacer, 16S rDNA and flagellin gene. While these isolates showed identical RFLPs to Borrelia valaisiana found in Korea, Taiwan and the southern and central parts of China, their RFLP patterns differed from those of B. valaisiana found in European countries, and strain Am501 isolated from Ixodes columnae in Japan. It was found that these isolates clustered with each other on a phylogenetic tree based on flagellin gene and 16S rDNA sequences, but were relatively divergent from the European B. valaisiana and strain Am501. These findings suggest that these isolates found in East Asia should be classified as a new genomospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato.
Evidence that tilapia islets do not express α‐(1,3)gal: implications for islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Leventhal Joseph R. , Sun JingDong , Zhang Jenny , Galili Uri , Chong Anita , Baker Marshall , Kaufman Dixon B. , Wright James R.
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Cell therapy for diabetes using teleost fish islet tissue has emerged as an intriguing alternative to the use of islet tissue from mammalian pancreases. The islet tissue, called Brockman bodies (BBs), is anatomically distinct from the pancreatic exocrine tissue and can be easily identified and isolated. Islets harvested from Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), when transplanted into streptozotocin‐diabetic nude mice, produce long‐term normoglycemia and achieve mammalian‐like glucose tolerance profiles. We asked whether tilapia express the α‐(1,3)gal epitope, the immunodominant target of human xenogeneic responses.

Methods and Results:  Immunostaining with the α‐(1,3)gal‐specific IB4 lectin on tilapia BB, liver, heart, spleen, and head kidney was negative, as was staining with murine anti‐α‐gal‐specific monoclonal antibodies. Absence of α‐gal‐specific binding of IB4 or murine anti‐gal mAbs to dispersed BBs was confirmed by fluorescent‐activated cell sorter analysis. Tilapia BB cell membranes failed to reduce binding of anti‐α‐(1,3)gal‐specific mAb in an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) inhibition assay, while porcine and murine tissue lysates did. Tilapia BB cell lysates were shown to be devoid of α‐1,3 galactosyltransferase activity by ELISA. Transplantation of tilapia BBs into diabetic α‐gal knockout (gal KO) mice was not associated with accelerated xenograft rejection when compared with wild type control recipients (mean survival time 6.5 days vs. 7.2 days). Tilapia BBs failed to induce a rise in anti‐gal IgG and IgM titers in gal KO mice, while the transplant of wild type mouse islets into gal KO mice caused a significant rise in anti‐gal IgG and IgM antibodies.

Conclusions:  We conclude that tilapia BBs are devoid of α‐gal expression, and may offer an alternative to swine as a donor species for islet xenotransplantation.
Comparative analysis of high‐affinity ligand binding and G protein coupling of the human CXCR1 chemokine receptor and of a CXCR1–Gi2α fusion protein after heterologous production in baculovirus‐infected insect cells
Authors: Maeda Yoshitake , Kuroki Ryota , Haase Winfried , Michel Hartmut , Reiländer Helmut
Published: April 2004

In order to perform biochemical and pharmacological characterization of CXCR1, we designed several CXCR1 constructs. All constructs, including a CXCR1–Gi2α fusion protein, were produced in insect cells after infection with recombinant baculovirus. The recombinant receptors exhibited specific high‐affinity binding of 125I‐labelled interleukin‐8, and Scatchard transformation of the binding data indicated the presence of a population of single homogenous binding sites. Furthermore, the pharmacological profiles for the different CXCR1 constructs produced in the baculovirus‐infected insect cells were almost identical to those reported for CXCR1 on human neutrophils. Interestingly, when the CXCR1 constructs were coproduced with Gi2 protein as a result of coinfection with baculoviruses encoding the Gi2α‐, the β‐ and the γ‐ subunits, the Bmax values were significantly increased. Hence, the level of FlagCXCR1Bio, after coproduction with Gi2 protein, was found to be almost 10 times higher than that of the FlagCXCR1Bio alone. However, no differences in the Ki values were observed of the receptor constructs produced either after single infection or coinfection of insect cells. The addition of guanyl‐5′‐yl imidodiphosphate resulted in a dramatic reduction of the number of binding sites; however, the Ki values remained unchanged, indicating coupling of the receptor to the guanine nucleotide‐binding protein.
Effects of homocysteine on apoptosis‐related proteins and anti‐oxidant systems in isolated human lymphocytes
Authors: Mangiagalli Anna , Samuele Alberta , Armentero Marie‐Thérèse , Bazzini Eleonora , Nappi Giuseppe , Blandini Fabio
Published: April 2004

Homocysteine (Hcy) is a nonprotein‐forming sulphur amino acid that plays an important role in remethylation and trans‐sulphuration processes. In recent years, it has been suggested that increased levels of plasma Hcy may play a role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, particularly at the cardiovascular level. The pathogenic mechanism of hyperhomocysteinemia, however, has not been clarified. Because oxygen radicals can be generated by the auto‐oxidation of this amino acid, it has been suggested that Hcy may cause cellular damage through oxidative mechanisms, ultimately leading to apoptotic cell death. In this study, we sought to investigate the effects of Hcy on oxidative damage and antioxidant agent levels, as well as on apoptosis‐related proteins and apoptosis occurrence in human cells. For this purpose, we measured levels of Bcl‐2, caspase‐3 and caspase‐9 activity, Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation [malondialdehyde and 4‐hydroxy‐2 (E)‐nonenal concentrations], apoptotic single‐stranded DNA and nuclear changes in human isolated lymphocytes exposed to increasing concentrations of Hcy. Incubation with Hcy did not induce significant changes in any of these biomarkers. Therefore, our results do not support the existence of a direct link between increased levels of Hcy and the occurrence of a pro‐apoptotic state mediated by enhanced oxidative stress.
Multiple‐probe analysis of folding and unfolding pathways of human serum albumin
Authors: Santra Manas Kumar , Banerjee Abhijit , Krishnakumar Shyam Sundar , Rahaman Obaidur , Panda Dulal
Published: April 2004

The changes in the far‐UV CD signal, intrinsic tryptophan fluorescence and bilirubin absorbance showed that the guanidine hydrochloride (GdnHCl)‐induced unfolding of a multidomain protein, human serum albumin (HSA), followed a two‐state process. However, using environment sensitive Nile red fluorescence, the unfolding and folding pathways of HSA were found to follow a three‐state process and an intermediate was detected in the range 0.25–1.5 m GdnHCl. The intermediate state displayed 45% higher fluorescence intensity than that of the native state. The increase in the Nile red fluorescence was found to be due to an increase in the quantum yield of the HSA‐bound Nile red. Low concentrations of GdnHCl neither altered the binding affinity of Nile red to HSA nor induced the aggregation of HSA. In addition, the secondary structure of HSA was not perturbed during the first unfolding transition (<1.5 m GdnHCl); however, the secondary structure was completely lost during the second transition. The data together showed that the half maximal loss of the tertiary structure occurred at a lower GdnHCl concentration than the loss of the secondary structure. Further kinetic studies of the refolding process of HSA using multiple spectroscopic techniques showed that the folding occurred in two phases, a burst phase followed by a slow phase. An intermediate with native‐like secondary structure but only a partial tertiary structure was found to form in the burst phase of refolding. Then, the intermediate slowly folded into the native state. An analysis of the refolding data suggested that the folding of HSA could be best explained by the framework model.
Comparative Learning Dynamics*
Authors: Bergin James , Bernhardt Dan
Published: April 2004

We study economic environments in which agents make choices on the basis of relative performance criteria and call the associated class of dynamic adjustment rules comparative dynamics. We distinguish two classes of learning behavior: learning from the population experience (imitative dynamics) and learning only from one's own experience (introspective dynamics). Paradoxically, for a broad class of models, comparing stochastically stable states across dynamics, agent payoffs are lower for imitative than introspective dynamics—mimicking best practice in the population is counterproductive.
Priors from General Equilibrium Models for VARS*
Authors: Del Negro Marco , Schorfheide Frank
Published: April 2004

This article uses a simple New Keynesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model as a prior for a vector autoregression, and shows that the resulting model is competitive with standard benchmarks in terms of forecasting, and can be used for policy analysis.
Incorporating Systematic Reviews into Nursing Education
Authors: Stevens Kathleen R. , Long JoAnn D.
Published: April 2004

(1) Systematic reviews of research are important to the quality of nursing care. A number of sources of systematic reviews of nursing research are available. Nursing education programs should introduce students to these as crucial resources for utilizing research in practice. This article describes sources of systematic reviews and proposes teaching strategies for incorporating the use of systematic reviews into undergraduate and graduate programs. Nurse educators are invited to contribute to this ongoing column their accounts of successful teaching strategies.
Culture and Continuity in Family Firms
Authors: Dyer W. Gibb
Published: April 2004

The culture of the family firm plays an important role in determining the success of the business beyond the first generation.
Legal Liability: The Board of Directors
Authors: Schipani Cindy A. , Siedel George J.
Published: April 2004

As director liability problems increase, it becomes increasingly important for directors to understand their legal responsibilities.
A Survey of Board Practices
Authors: Ward John L. , Handy James L.
Published: April 2004

The survey reported in this article begins to examine how boards of various firms are structured. It may serve as a road map for those evaluating or establishing boards.
The Role of the Board in the Threshold Firm
Authors: Whisler Thomas L.
Published: April 2004

Family companies changing from closely held to publicly held face critical difficulties. This article–adapted in part from the author's forthcoming book, Corporate Governance in America–discusses how outside directors can help companies to cross the threshold.
Succession in Family Firms: The Problem of Resistance
Authors: Handler Wendy C. , Kram Kathy E.
Published: April 2004

Succession is problematic for a majority of family firms. This paper argues that resistance to succession exists across many levels in these organizations and proposes a model that highlights the multiple contributing factors.
Problems and Prospects in Clinical Research on Family Firms
Authors: McCollom Marion E.
Published: April 2004

The qualitative field research technology known as clinical methods offers distinct advantages for research on family firms. This article describes clinical methods and shows how the technique matches the unique properties of family businesses. Some disadvantages of clinical methods are also discussed. Use of the methodology is illustrated in examples from clinical field research in a family-owned and -managed retail concern.
Who Are the Family Foundations' Findings from the Foundation Management Survey
Authors: Brody Deborah , Strauch Carol
Published: April 2004

The Council on Foundations surveys American foundations biennially about their staff, policies, and operations. This report presents the data from the 1990 survey, focusing on the 39 percent of the sample that have been defined as family foundations. The analysis finds that family foundations differ from the general population of foundations in average size, board composition, limits on board service, and work demands on staff and trustees. The authors suggest questions for further research.
The Interplay of Family System and Business System in Family Farms During Economic Recession
Authors: Rosenblatt Paul C.
Published: April 2004

The pursuit of family goals in intergenerational transfer may have increased the vulnerability of family farms to economic recession in the mid 1980s.
On Retirement: A Conversation with Daniel Levinson
Authors: Lansberg Ivan
Published: April 2004

Daniel Levinson discusses developmental dilemmas facing men and women in late adulthood and explores their implications for retirement and leadership succession in family firms.
Introducing the Family Business Network
Authors: Lank Alden G. , Thomassen Albert J.
Published: April 2004

The Family Business Network (FBN) was founded in Europe in 1990. It is designed to serve the needs of owner-managers, their families, professionals, consultants, academics, and all those with a stake in ensuring the healthy development of family enterprises. This article traces the origins of FBN, describes its first year of operation, and highlights the services it offers to members.
The Problem of the Plateaued Owner-Manager
Authors: Malone Stewart C. , Jenster Per V.
Published: April 2004

This article discusses the phenomenon of plateaued, or suboptimizing behavior, by owner-managers of smaller companies. While it may appear that owner-managers have every reason to enjoy their professions and maximize the value of their businesses, we assert that many owner-managers devote their energies to activities outside the business. The article examines not only symptoms and possible causes of this type of behavior but also offers some alternatives for overcoming this problem.