bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and analysis for driving circuit for DC–DC converter employing current transformer and auxiliary switching transistor
Authors: Osabe Ryoji , Matsuo Hirofumi
Published: April 2004

When bipolar transistors are used in the main circuit for a DC–DC converter, a driving circuit using a current transformer is widely used due to its driving efficiency. However, there are limitations for reducing the turn‐on and turn‐off times of the bipolar transistors if only the current transformer is used. In the present paper, a bipolar transistor as an auxiliary switch with a high‐speed capability and a small capacitance is connected in parallel to the bipolar transistor as the main switch. The auxiliary switch is operated only when a trigger pulse for turn‐on is applied. In the newly proposed driving circuit, a high‐speed operation is realized by applying the emitter current of the auxiliary switch transistor as the base current of the main switch. An analysis and a design method for the new circuit are presented. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 36–44, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10187
Determination of the magnetic complex antenna factor of a double‐gapped shielded loop antenna
Authors: Fujii Katsumi , Takashima Makoto , Iwasaki Takashi , Matsumoto Yasushi , Sugiura Akira
Published: April 2004

To determine the magnetic complex antenna factor of a shielded loop antenna with double feed sections for high‐frequency magnetic field measurement, two methods that combine the characteristics of a 180° hybrid obtained by measurement with numerical calculations of the element section are studied. The magnetic complex antenna factors obtained by the proposed methods are compared with that obtained from measurement by the three‐antenna method. It is shown that the computation methods proposed in this paper are useful if the characteristics of the 180° hybrid can be expressed in terms of Z parameters or Y parameters. It is demonstrated that the uncertainty of the phase appearing, as a problem in the three‐antenna method, can be resolved. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 10–17, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10192
What your firm should know about identity theft
Authors: Gerard Gregory , Hillison William , Pacini Carl
Published: April 2004

Identity theft is the fastest‐growing crime in the United States. Many articles discuss steps individuals can take to minimize the risk of identity theft, but few realize the devastating effects this crime can have on businesses. Many firms may not even recognize the huge liability of not controlling information risks. The authors provide detailed advice on how to recognize, manage, and control those risks—so your firm doesn't become another victim. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Information security: Is your auditing up to the task?
Authors: Smith Gordon E.
Published: April 2004

Perfect IT security is an elusive goal. But there's a lot you can do to protect your IT environment, critical software, and important data. The author, a high‐tech auditing specialist, reveals some insider tips on reaching your security goals. © 2004 Canaudit, Inc.
Internal controls: Take seven key actions before you certify!
Authors: Green Scott
Published: April 2004

Beginning in August, CEOs will certify that their internal controls reasonably assure the reliability of their company's financial reporting. Most companies have been preparing for this by hiring consultants, convening project teams, and other activities. But what happens after the consultants leave and the teams disband? Other priorities will take over. But the CEO's career is still on the line every time he or she certifies the system of internal control! The author presents seven key actions a CEO should take before taking the leap of certification. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Rebates: Do the big four need an ethics audit?
Authors: Bean LuAnn
Published: April 2004

The rebate behavior of some of the Big Four accounting firms would not pass a best‐practice self‐audit checklist, charges the author. It's the latest headache for big accounting firms struggling with questions about their business ethics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transversals and multicolored matchings
Authors: Akbari Saieed , Alipour Alireza
Published: April 2004

Ryser conjectured that the number of transversals of a latin square of order n is congruent to n modulo 2. Balasubramanian has shown that the number of transversals of a latin square of even order is even. A 1‐factor of a latin square of order n is a set of n cells no two from the same row or the same column. We prove that for any latin square of order n, the number of 1‐factors with exactly n − 1 distinct symbols is even. Also we prove that if the complete graph K2n, n ≥ 8, is edge colored such that each color appears on at most ${{n - 2} \over {2e}}$ edges, then there exists a multicolored perfect matching. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Stochastic perturbation approach to the wavelet‐based analysis
Authors: Kamiński M.
Published: April 2004

The wavelet‐based decomposition of random variables and fields is proposed here in the context of application of the stochastic second order perturbation technique. A general methodology is employed for the first two probabilistic moments of a linear algebraic equations system solution, which are obtained instead of a single solution projection in the deterministic case. The perturbation approach application allows determination of the closed formulas for a wavelet decomposition of random fields. Next, these formulas are tested by symbolic projection of some elementary random field. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Controlled synthesis of amphiphilic biodegradable polylactide‐grafted dextran copolymers
Authors: Nouvel Cécile , Dubois Philippe , Dellacherie Edith , Six Jean‐Luc
Published: April 2004

The whole controlled synthesis of novel amphiphilic polylactide (PLA)‐grafted dextran copolymers was achieved. The control of the architecture of such biodegradable and potentially biocompatible copolymers has required a three‐step synthesis based on the “grafting from” concept. The first step consisted of the partial silylation of the dextran hydroxyl groups. This protection step was followed by the ring‐opening polymerization of D,L‐lactide initiated from the remaining OH functions of the partially silylated polysaccharide. The third step involved the silylether group deprotection under very mild conditions. Based on previous studies, in which the control of the first step was achieved, this study is focused on the last two steps. Experimental conditions were investigated to ensure a controlled polymerization of D,L‐lactide, in terms of grafting efficiency, graft length, and transesterification limitation. After polymerization, the final step was studied in order to avoid degradation of both polysaccharide backbone and polyester grafts. The chemical stability of dextran backbone was checked throughout each step of the synthesis. PLA‐grafted dextrans and PLA‐grafted (silylated dextrans) were proved to adopt a core‐shell conformation in various solvents. Furthermore, preliminary experiments on the potential use of these amphiphilic grafted copolymers as liquid/liquid interface stabilizers were performed. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 2577–2588, 2004
Ballistic Study of the SAPL GC27 Gun: Is It Really “Nonlethal”?
Authors: Voiglio Eric J. , Frattini Benoît , Dörrzapf Jean‐Jacques , Breteau Jacques , Miras Alain , Caillot Jean‐Louis
Published: April 2004

To evaluate the potential dangers of the “nonlethal” 12‐gauge single‐shot handgun SAPL GC27 with Fun‐Tir (FT) and mini‐Gomm‐Cogne (mGC) ammunition, a ballistic study was performed with both types of ammunition. Nine unembalmed human corpses covered with a cloth sheet were shot through the right and left pectoral regions. With the mGC ammunition, rib fractures were observed when the firing range was less than 2 meters, skin perforation when the range was less than 1.5 meters, with lung injuries at less than 0.2 meter; the heart and the aorta were lacerated at contact range (0 meter). No skin perforation was observed with the FT ammunition, but rib fractures were observed when it was fired at up to 2 meters. Our study shows that the mGC ammunition, shot by the CG27 firearm, can be lethal at contact range and that pellets penetrate the skin at ranges of less than 1 meter. These results led us to conclude that this weapon is too dangerous to be marketed as a “nonlethal” weapon. The term “reduced wounding power weapon” is preferable.
Southwest African climate independent of Atlantic sea surface temperatures during the Younger Dryas
Authors: Dupont Lydie M. , Kim Jung-Hyun , Schneider Ralph R. , Shi Ning
Published: April 2004

To investigate land–sea interactions during deglaciation, we compared proxies for continental (pollen percentages and accumulation rates) and marine conditions (dinoflagellate cyst percentages and alkenone-derived sea surface temperatures). The proxies were from published data from an AMS-radiocarbon-dated sedimentary record of core GeoB 1023-5 encompassing the past 21,000 years. The site is located at ca. 2000 m water depth just north of the Walvis Ridge and in the vicinity of the Cunene River mouth. We infer that the parallelism between increasing sea surface temperatures and a southward shift of the savanna occurred only during the earliest part of the deglaciation. After the Antarctic Cold Reversal, southeast Atlantic sea surface temperatures no longer influenced the vegetation development in the Kalahari. Stronger trade winds during the Antarctic Cold Reversal and the Younger Dryas period probably caused increased upwelling off the coast of Angola. A southward shift of the Atlantic anti-cyclone could have resulted in both stronger trade winds and reduced impact of the Westerlies on the climate of southwestern Africa.
CXCL12 Mediates CCR7-independent Homing of Central Memory Cells, But Not Naive T Cells, in Peripheral Lymph Nodes
Authors: Scimone M. Lucila , Felbinger Thomas W. , Mazo Irina B. , Stein Jens V. , von Andrian Ulrich H. , Weninger Wolfgang
Published: April 2004

Central memory CD8+ T cells (TCM) confer superior protective immunity against infections compared with other T cell subsets. TCM recirculate mainly through secondary lymphoid organs, including peripheral lymph nodes (PLNs). Here, we report that TCM, unlike naive T cells, can home to PLNs in both a CCR7-dependent and -independent manner. Homing experiments in paucity of lymph node T cells (plt/plt) mice, which do not express CCR7 ligands in secondary lymphoid organs, revealed that TCM migrate to PLNs at ∼20% of wild-type (WT) levels, whereas homing of naive T cells was reduced by 95%. Accordingly, a large fraction of endogenous CD8+ T cells in plt/plt PLNs displayed a TCM phenotype. Intravital microscopy of plt/plt subiliac lymph nodes showed that TCM rolled and firmly adhered (sticking) in high endothelial venules (HEVs), whereas naive T cells were incapable of sticking. Sticking of TCM in plt/plt HEVs was pertussis toxin sensitive and was blocked by anti-CXCL12 (SDF-1α). Anti-CXCL12 also reduced homing of TCM to PLNs in WT animals by 20%, indicating a nonredundant role for this chemokine in the presence of physiologic CCR7 agonists. Together, these data distinguish naive T cells from TCM, whereby only the latter display greater migratory flexibility by virtue of their increased responsiveness to both CCR7 ligands and CXCL12 during homing to PLN.
Effects of Raclopride in the Core of the Nucleus Accumbens on Ethanol Seeking and Consumption: The Use of Extinction Trials to Measure Seeking
Authors: Samson Herman H. , Chappell Ann M.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: A previous study using a sipper procedure of ethanol self‐administration found that blockade of the D2 dopamine (DA) receptors in the nucleus accumbens resulted in a reduction in ethanol‐seeking behavior with only slight effects on ethanol drinking. However, because of procedural matters in that study, it was unclear as to the extent of the reduction in seeking behavior that occurred. This study expanded that study to examine in more depth the role of DA transmission in the nucleus accumbens in ethanol‐seeking and consummatory behaviors.

Methods: Male Long‐Evans rats were initiated to self‐administer 10% ethanol with a sipper‐tube procedure. Once initiated, in a once‐a‐day session, pressing a lever 30 times resulted in a sipper tube containing the ethanol solution being made available for 20 min. By using extinction trials in which no sipper was presented and responses were recorded for 20 min, a measure of ethanol seeking, with no effects of consumption, could be obtained. Bilateral microinjections of 1.0, 3.0, and 10.0 μg of raclopride into the nucleus accumbens were tested on both consummatory and extinction trials.

Results: There were significant decreases in ethanol‐seeking responses at both the 3.0‐ and 10.0‐μg doses of raclopride, whereas no effects of those doses on consumption were observed. The effects on extinction responding were the same for the first run of responses as for total responding, without effecting rates of responding.

Conclusions: These findings replicate and expand the initial study with this model of ethanol self‐administration and indicate that DA transmission at the D2 receptor in the nucleus accumbens is important for processing information related to stimulus control and goal‐directed behavior. The results also suggest that DA has at most a minor role in controlling ethanol consumption once a drinking bout has begun.
Ethanol Can Modify the Effects of Certain Free Radical‐Generating Systems on Astrocytes
Authors: Gonthier B. , Signorini‐Allibe N. , Soubeyran A. , Eysseric H. , Lamarche F. , Barret L.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: The central nervous system is vulnerable to oxidative stress, especially when a toxicant can modify the physiological balance between anti‐ and pro‐oxidant mechanisms. Among brain cells, astrocytes seem less vulnerable than neurons, but their impairment can dramatically affect neurons because of their protective role toward neurons. Ethanol is able to stimulate the formation of reactive oxygen species and modify the activity of most of the antioxidant agents. However, ethanol can react with the OH· radical to form the α‐hydroxyethyl radical, which is considered to be less toxic. Ethanol also can stimulate H2O2 degradation through catalase activation.This study, therefore, sought to determine whether ethanol affected the sensitivity of astrocytes exposed to various free radical‐generating systems. The cellular impact of such exposure was assessed by assays exploring cytotoxicity (i.e., NR (neutral red) and MMT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetiazolium bromide) reduction assays) and genotoxicity (comet assay) induced by these treatments. DNA alterations were evaluated by single‐cell gel electrophoresis (comet assay), considered a precocious biomarker of intracellular alterations.After concomitant exposure to H2O2 and ethanol, the viability of astrocytes decreased significantly whereas the mean percentage of DNA in the tail increased, reflecting DNA damage (H2O2 was either directly added to the culture medium or endogenously produced from menadione). Ethanol also reduced the loss of viability and DNA alterations after exposure to OH· radicals produced by a Fenton system. The exposure to a xanthine/xanthine oxidase system had the same effect.
A study of the xenoantigenicity of adult pig islets cells
Authors: Komoda Hiroshi , Miyagawa Shuji , Kubo Tomoko , Kitano Etsuko , Kitamura Hajime , Omori Takeshi , Ito Toshinori , Matsuda Hikaru , Shirakura Ryota
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Background:  The pig pancreas is considered to be the most suitable source of islets for xenotransplantation into patients with type I diabetes. The purpose of this study was to assess the antigenicity of pig islets, including the Galα1‐3Galβ1‐4GlcNAc‐R (the α‐Gal) and Hanganutziu‐Deicher (H‐D) antigens, and the pathway involved in human complement activation.

Methods: 
The expression of α‐Gal on islets from adult pigs was investigated by immunohistochemical staining and flowcytometric analysis. The α1,3 galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) activity of islets was determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Antigenicity to human natural antibodies, including the H‐D antigen of pig islets was next examined by treatment of pig islets with tunicamycin, D‐threo‐1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol (PDMP) and/or neuraminidase. In addition, complement‐mediated islets lysis was examined using factor D‐deficient and C1‐deficient sera.

Results:  Adult pig islets expressed negligible amounts of α‐Gal epitope, and α1,3GT activity was also undetectable. However, human natural antibodies, immunoglobulin G and M, and the anti H‐D antibody react to the adult islet. Treatment of pig islets with tunicamycin, but not PDMP, led to a drastic reduction in antigenicity to human serum, indicating the importance of N‐linked sugars on the islets. Neuraminidase treatment indicated the presence of, not only the H‐D antigen, but also other sialic acid antigens that reacted with the human natural antibody. The complement deposition of C4, C3 and factor B on islets was demonstrated. The alternative pathway‐mediated pig islet killing accounted for approximately 30% of that by the total complement pathway.

Conclusion:  The origin of antigenicity of pig islets is mainly N‐linked sugars including sialic acid antigens, but not the α‐Gal, and pig islets can be injured by both the classical and the alternative complement pathway in human serum.
Multimeric tyrosine sulfate acts as an endothelial cell protectant and prevents complement activation in xenotransplantation models
Authors: Laumonier Thomas , Walpen Alexander J. , Matozan Katja M. , Korchagina Elena Y. , Bovin Nicolai V. , Haeberli André , Mohacsi Paul J. , Rieben Robert
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Background:  Activation of endothelial cells (EC) in xenotransplantation is mostly induced through binding of antibodies (Ab) and activation of the complement system. Activated EC lose their heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) layer and exhibit a procoagulant and pro‐inflammatory cell surface. We have recently shown that the semi‐synthetic proteoglycan analog dextran sulfate (DXS, MW 5000) blocks activation of the complement cascade and acts as an EC‐protectant both in vitro and in vivo. However, DXS is a strong anticoagulant and systemic use of this substance in a clinical setting might therefore be compromised. It was the aim of this study to investigate a novel, fully synthetic EC‐protectant with reduced inhibition of the coagulation system.

Method:  By screening with standard complement (CH50) and coagulation assays (activated partial thromboplastin time, aPTT), a conjugate of tyrosine sulfate to a polymer‐backbone (sTyr‐PAA) was identified as a candidate EC‐protectant. The pathway‐specificity of complement inhibition by sTyr‐PAA was tested in hemolytic assays. To further characterize the substance, the effects of sTyr‐PAA and DXS on complement deposition on pig cells were compared by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays. Using fluorescein‐labeled sTyr‐PAA (sTyr‐PAA‐Fluo), the binding of sTyr‐PAA to cell surfaces was also investigated.

Results:  Of all tested compounds, sTyr‐PAA was the most effective substance in inhibiting all three pathways of complement activation. Its capacity to inhibit the coagulation cascade was significantly reduced as compared with DXS. sTyr‐PAA also dose‐dependently inhibited deposition of human complement on pig cells and this inhibition correlated with the binding of sTyr‐PAA to the cells. Moreover, we were able to demonstrate that sTyr‐PAA binds preferentially and dose‐dependently to damaged EC.

Conclusions:  We could show that sTyr‐PAA acts as an EC‐protectant by binding to the cells and protecting them from complement‐mediated damage. It has less effect on the coagulation system than DXS and may therefore have potential for in vivo application.
External cephalic version induced fetal cerebral and umbilical blood flow changes are related to the amount of pressure exerted
Authors: Leung Tak Yeung , Sahota Daljit Singh , Fok Wing Yee , Chan Lin Wai , Lau Tze Kin
Published: April 2004

Objective  To correlate the applied pressure during external cephalic version with the changes in fetal middle cerebral arterial and umbilical arterial flow before and after the procedure.

Design  A prospective observational study over a two‐year period.

Setting  External cephalic version was performed in a university hospital.

Population  Sixty‐nine women with singleton breech‐presenting pregnancy at or above 36 weeks of gestation undergoing external cephalic version.

Methods  During external cephalic version, the operator wore a pair of pressure‐sensing gloves which had thin piezo‐resistive sensors positioned on the palmar surface. During each version procedure, real‐time pressure readings were recorded from all sensors, and then analysed with a computer program. The amount of pressure applied over time was presented by pressure–time integral. The pulsatility indices of both fetal middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery before and after external cephalic version were measured. The changes of pulsatility indices of both middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery were presented as a ratio of the post‐external cephalic version pulsatility indices to pre‐external cephalic version pulsatility indices, denoted by middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio and umbilical artery pulsatility index ratio, respectively. The statistical correlation between pressure–time integral and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio and umbilical artery pulsatility index ratio are analysed using Pearson's correlation test.

Main outcome measures Changes in pulsatility indices of fetal middle cerebral and umbilical arteries and fetal heart rate after external cephalic version.

Results  The overall success rate of external cephalic version was 77%. There was a significant negative correlation between pressure–time integral and both middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio (P= 0.001) and umbilical artery pulsatility index ratio (P= 0.012). When women were categorised according to placental site, pressure–time integral was negatively correlated with middle cerebral artery pulsatility index ratio only when the placenta was posteriorly located (P= 0.003), and with umbilical artery pulsatility index ratio only when the placenta was laterally located (P= 0.03).

Conclusions  The greater the force applied during external cephalic version, the greater the reduction in pulsatility indices of middle cerebral artery and umbilical artery, indicating an increase in blood flow through these arteries. The increase in cerebral blood flow after external cephalic version is more prominent when the placenta is lying posteriorly, while the increase in umbilical flow is more prominent when the placenta is lying laterally. These findings suggest that the vascular changes probably represent a direct effect of force exerted on the fetal head and the placenta.
A Legal Perspective on Shareholder Relationships in Family Businesses: The Scope of Fiduciary Duties
Authors: Murdoch Moni , Murdoch Charles W.
Published: April 2004

When the employment of a shareholder in a family business is terminated or when dividends are not paid to inactive members, disputes often arise that can lead to litigation. In the past, minority shareholders have not had much leverage in these situations. However, developments of the past decade have substantially enhanced the position of minority shareholders. Recognizing this, professionals in the family business area may be able to mediate disputes before the polarization that leads to litigation occurs.
Organizational Stories in a Family-Owned Business
Authors: McCollom Marion
Published: April 2004

This article explores the relationship of the family and business systems in a family-owned retail business. A group of 565 organizational stories collected in in-depth fieldwork is analyzed to reveal how family and nonfamily employees experience membership in a family business system. The argument is made that the stories reflect, in the events they describe and in the interpretations they offer, the day-to-day processes by which relations between the family and business systems are created and sustained. At Esteys, organizational stories help to construct a system dynamic that reinforces the family's influence over the business.
Practice Note: Questions and Answers Regarding ESOPs for Family Businesses
Authors: Hoffmire John S. , Willis James H. , Gilbert Ronald J.
Published: April 2004

Assessing the applicability of employee stock ownership plans for a family firm requires a basic understanding of their characteristics, followed by a careful analysis of the costs and benefits in the specific case. This note provides general information and offers guides for the critical, specific questions an adviser or owner should ask.
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover: A Reconsideration of Eight Assumptions About Jewish Family Businesses
Authors: Rothstein Jeff
Published: April 2004

This article presents data from a study of the family and educational backgrounds of forty-five Jewish sons in family-owned businesses in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. It begins by considering the sources of stereotypes about sons in Jewish business families. The article then explores the process the author followed in confronting his own stereotypes formed in childhood and in changing those stereotypes on the basis of new information. Each assumption is compared with data from the interview study, and the discrepancies are discussed.
Family Business Centers: An Interview with Paul I. Karofsky
Authors: Mills Bonnie
Published: April 2004

Across the United States, more than forty family business centers have been founded. Today, new family business centers are being established every year through the concerted efforts of educators and service providers in the family business arena. This interview is an attempt to provide a cross-sectional view of the establishment and operations of a family business center. The Northeastern University Center for Family Business is directed by Paul I. Karofsky and was founded in 1991.
Themes and Issues in the Recognition of Family Businesses in the United Kingdom
Authors: Dunn Barbara , Hughes Martin
Published: April 2004

This article identifies the core themes and issues associated with ownership preferences in United Kingdom family firms. These themes and issues are then tested against the evidence from a variety of data collection methods used to assess the responsiveness of family enterprises to the new United Kingdom public equity market, the Alternative Investment Market, or AIM. Evidence suggests that a recognition process is emerging of family firms as a potential market segment in the United Kingdom. The introduction of AIM, as an example of this recognition process, demonstrated the need for a strong local presence on the part of service providers, and the willingness to invest time to thoroughly understand this new type of client.
Source bearing determination from a tri-axial seismometer using Rayleigh wave propagation
Authors: Stotts S. A. , Gramann R. A. , Bennett M. S.
Published: April 2004

Bearing determinations for ground vehicles have been made, using a single buried three-axis seismometer. The method, based on Rayleigh wave detection, exploits the phase difference between measured wave components to obtain vehicle bearing estimates. It is referred to as a Rayleigh wave retention method and uses both prograde and retrograde motion. Determination of the propagation direction is based upon analysis of maximum correlation values obtained by cross-correlating the vertical wave components with horizontal beam components. Theoretical simulations demonstrate the technique. Methods for obtaining direction of travel and vehicle speed estimates are also discussed. Applications of the method to real data obtained from several vehicles at different test sites are presented.
Tolerance by ringed seals (Phoca hispida) to impact pipe-driving and construction sounds at an oil production island
Authors: Blackwell Susanna B. , Lawson John W. , Williams Michael T.
Published: April 2004

During June and July 2000, impact pipe-driving sounds at Northstar Island (Prudhoe Bay, Alaska) were recorded underwater and in air at distances 63–3000 m from the source. Simultaneously, reactions of nearby ringed seals (in water or on ice) were documented. Pipe-driving pulses were analyzed to determine unweighted peak and rms sound-pressure levels (SPLs) and sound-exposure levels (SELs). Underwater, mean levels for these parameters reached 157 and 151 dB re: 1 μPa and 145 dB re: 1 μPa2⋅s, respectively, at 63 m. The corresponding values in air were 112 and 96 dB re: 20 μPa and 90 dB re: (20 μPa)2⋅s, respectively. Underwater SPLs were <180 dB re: 1 μPa at all distances. During 55 h of observation, 23 observed seals exhibited little or no reaction to any industrial noise except approaching Bell 212 helicopters. Ringed seals swam in open water near the island throughout construction activities and as close as 46 m from the pipe-driving operation. Based on current audiometric data for seals, these sounds are expected to be audible to less than 3 km underwater and at least 0.5 km in air. Most likely the seals around Northstar Island were habituated to industrial sounds.
Acoustic scattering from rigid bodies of arbitrary shape—Double layer formulation
Authors: Chandrasekhar B. , Rao Sadasiva M.
Published: April 2004

In this work, a numerical method is presented, based on the well-known method of moments (MoM), to calculate the acoustic fields scattered by a three-dimensional, arbitrarily shaped, acoustically rigid body subjected to a plane wave incidence. The mathematical formulation is based on the potential theory and, in this work, the numerical method is applicable to the so-called double layer formulation (DLF). The scattering body is approximated by planar triangular patches. For the MoM solution using triangular patch modeling, edge-based basis functions are utilized to approximate the source distribution efficiently. These basis functions along with an appropriate testing procedure generates a simple numerical algorithm that is versatile enough to be applicable to closed, as well as open bodies. Finally, the present solution method is validated with several representative examples.
LINEAR COLLIDER OPTIONS: STATUS OF THE R&D AND PLANS FOR TECHNOLOGY SELECTION
Authors: TIGNER M.
Published: April 2004

R&D for the linear collider, LC, is well along towards the point where a technology selection can be made. The status of the R&D is described briefly and the evolving procedure for making a selection is presented together with the current ideas on how to proceed.
OUTLOOK: THE NEXT TWENTY YEARS
Authors: MURAYAMA H.
Published: April 2004

I present an outlook for the next twenty years in particle physics. I start with the big questions in our field, broken down into four categories: horizontal, vertical, heaven, and hell. Then I discuss how we attack the big questions in each category during the next twenty years. I argue for a synergy between many different approaches taken in our field.
Real-time imaging of renin release in vitro
Authors: Peti-Peterdi János , Fintha Attila , Fuson Amanda L. , Tousson Albert , Chow Robert H.
Published: April 2004

Renin release from juxtaglomerular granular cells is considered the rate-limiting step in activation of the renin-angiotensin system that helps to maintain body salt and water balance. Available assays to measure renin release are complex, indirect, and work with significant internal errors. To directly visualize and study the dynamics of both the release and tissue activity of renin, we isolated and perfused afferent arterioles with attached glomeruli dissected from rabbit kidneys and used multiphoton fluorescence imaging. Acidotropic fluorophores, such as quinacrine and LysoTrackers, clearly and selectively labeled renin granules. Immunohistochemistry of mouse kidney with a specific renin antibody and quinacrine staining colocalized renin granules and quinacrine fluorescence. A low-salt diet for 1 wk caused an approximately fivefold increase in the number of both individual granules and renin-positive granular cells. Time-lapse imaging showed no signs of granule trafficking or any movement, only the dimming and disappearance of fluorescence from individual renin granules within 1 s in response to 100 μM isoproterenol. There appeared to be a quantal release of the granular contents; i.e., an all-or-none phenomenon. Using As4.1 cells, a granular cell line, we observed further classic signs of granule exocytosis, the emptying of granule content associated with a flash of quinacrine fluorescence. Using a fluorescence resonance energy transfer-based, 5-(2-aminoethylamino)naphthalene-1-sulfonic acid (EDANS)-conjugated renin substrate in the bath, an increase in EDANS fluorescence (renin activity) was observed around granular cells in response to isoproterenol. Fluorescence microscopy is an excellent tool for the further study of the mechanism, regulation, and dynamics of renin release.
Fast Inducing Synthesis of Spherical Superparamagnetic β-FeOOH Nanoparticles without Aggregation
Authors: Fan Honglei , Song Baozhen , Yang Zhenqiu , Li Qiaoxia
Published: April 2004

Spherical nanoparticles of superparamagnetic akaganeite (β-FeOOH) without aggregation are prepared by the inducing role of ethyl acetate under 373 K during 10 min. The X-ray diffraction and IR spectra displayed the crystalline nature of β-FeOOH structures. Transmission electron micrograph of the samples revealed that the average diameter of nanoparticles with good dispersity is 14.7 nm. The measurements by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry showed that the samples is the superparamagnetic above the blocking temperature of 18 K under field cooling.
A Square Cyclic Porphyrin Dodecamer: Synthesis and Single-Molecule Characterization
Authors: Kato Aiko , Sugiura Ken-ichi , Miyasaka Hitoshi , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Kawai Tomoji , Sugimoto Manabu , Yamashita Masahiro
Published: April 2004

We prepared a square cyclic porphyrin dodecamer via the tetramerization of a trimer shaped like a right angle. The molecule was visualized by scanning tunneling microscopy to be square.
Aqueous Photo-Dimerization Using 2-Pyridylsilyl Group as a Removable Hydrophilic Group
Authors: Nokami Toshiki , Itami Kenichiro , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: April 2004

The [2+2] photo-dimerization of 2-pyridylsilyl-substituted stilbene derivatives was investigated and exclusive dimer production was observed in aqueous dilute solution. This result is explained in terms of the local concentration effect of substrates in water. The transformation of obtained photo-dimer was also investigated.
Correct interpretation of heme protein spectra allows distinguishing between the heme and the protein dynamics
Authors: Stavrov Solomon S.
Published: April 2004

It is shown by using the vibronic approach that the iron displacement out of the porphyrin plane in deoxyheme proteins intermixes the porphyrin π and axial iron–histidine σ electronic subsystems. This intermixing explains the substantial coupling of the iron–histidine vibration to the heme Soret excitation, the appearance of the iron–histidine band in the corresponding resonance Raman spectra, and a number of other experimental data, including the dependence of the iron–histidine vibrational frequency on the extent of the iron displacement out of the porphyrin plane. This dependence implies that there is an anharmonic coupling between the corresponding vibrations, which is shown to be the cause of the specific temperature dependence of the iron–histidine band. The anharmonic coupling and the dependence of the dipole transition moment of the charge transfer optical absorption band III on the iron–porphyrin distance cause the anomalous temperature and pressure dependencies of this band. It is shown that the change in both the magnitude and the distribution of the iron–porphyrin distance is expected to affect the band III intensity. Consequently, the stationarity of the band III intensity can be considered as a signature of the stationarity of the iron–porphyrin distance and its distribution in deoxyheme proteins, whereas the band III position and width could be also affected by the change in the protein electric field, caused by the protein globule dynamics. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers, 2004
Implications of articulatory awareness in learning literacy in english as a second language
Authors: Yamada Jun
Published: April 2004

The articulatory awareness task, which was found by Griffiths and Frith (2002) to discriminate ex‐dyslexic from non‐dyslexic adults, was given to three groups of Japanese college students with different English reading abilities. Two unexpected results emerged: (1) Articulatory awareness performance was generally poor across the groups, thereby suggesting that poor articulatory awareness is not unique to dyslexia but rather to reading difficulty in general, and (2) There was a weak but significant positive correlation between articulatory awareness and English reading ability. Implications are that while articulatory awareness may not function only in dyslexia, it is embedded in a complex information‐processing network involving reading acquisition. Specifically, a revised Articulatory Awareness Deficit Hypothesis is formulated, which states that poor articulatory awareness is part of articulation difficulty associated with poor phonological awareness that in turn tends to underlie dyslexia and reading difficulty. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Promise and peril in implementing pay‐for‐performance
Authors: Beer Michael , Cannon Mark D. , Baron James N. , Dailey Patrick R. , Gerhart Barry , Heneman Herbert G. , Kochan Thomas , Ledford Gerald E. , Locke Edwin A.
Published: April 2004

Why would managers abandon pay‐for‐performance plans they initiated with great hopes? Why
would employees celebrate this decision? This article explores why managers made their decisions in 12 of
13 pay‐for‐performance “experiments” at Hewlett‐Packard in the mid‐1990s.
We find that managers thought the costs of these programs to be higher than the benefits. Alternative managerial
practices such as effective leadership, clear objectives, coaching, or training were thought a better investment.
Despite the undisputed instrumentality of pay‐for‐performance to motivate, little attention has
been given to whether the benefits outweigh the costs or the “fit” of these programs with
high‐commitment cultures like Hewlett‐Packard was at the time. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals,
Inc.
Protective effect of Astragalus corniculatus saponins against myeloid grafﬁ tumour in hamsters
Authors: Krasteva I. N. , Toshkova R. A. , Nikolov S. D.
Published: April 2004

A puriﬁed mixture containing mostly saponins (PMS) from Astragalus corniculatus Bieb. was used in an in vivo model to demonstrate its protective effect against myeloid Grafﬁ tumour in hamsters. Survivability, tumour growth and tumour transplantability were followed. Comparative studies revealed that the intraperitoneal administration of PMS: (i) decreased the tumour transplantability; (ii) inhibited tumour growth in the early stages of tumour progression; (iii) increased the mean survival time; (iv) reduced the percentage mortality. These results suggest that appropriate use of PMS could outline a promising strategy for the treatment of myeloid Grafﬁ tumour. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suppressive effects of Stephania tetrandra on the neutrophil function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Sekiya Nobuyasu , Shimada Yutaka , Niizawa Atsushi , Kogure Toshiaki , Mantani Naoki , Sakai Shinya , Hikiami Hiroaki , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: April 2004

Crude preparations of Stephania tetrandra (ST), a traditional herbal medicine, have been used safely for arthritis and silicosis in China. The concentration of granulocyte elastase – alpha 1 protease inhibitor complex in plasma is enhanced in inﬂammatory processes, e.g. in septicaemia and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), being an expression of granulocyte activation during inﬂammatory response.

It has previously been reported that ST showed beneﬁcial and immunomodulatory effects in the treatment of relatively mild RA. After the administration of ST for 12 weeks, the proportion of granulocytes and the granulocyte count in peripheral blood decreased signiﬁcantly. The lipid peroxide and human granulocyte elastase levels of stored plasma declined signiﬁcantly. Furthermore, both the leukocyte/elastase ratio and granulocyte/elastase ratio increased signiﬁcantly.

The ﬁndings of this study suggest that the suppressive effect of ST administration on excessive granulocyte activation resulted in the improvement of inﬂammation with rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobial effects of Quercus ilex L. extract
Authors: Güllüce M. , Adıgüzel A. , Öğütçü H. , Şengül M. , Karaman İ. , Şahin F.
Published: April 2004

The antimicrobial activities of the methanol extract of Quercus ilex L. (Pırnal oak) leaves were tested in vitro against a wide range of human and plant‐associated microorganisms. A total of 132 microbial organisms belonging to 55 bacteria and ﬁve fungi and yeast species were studied using a disc‐diffusion method and microdilution assays. The results were evaluated as inhibition zones around the disc impregnated with Q. ilex extract at a concentration of 300 µL/mL. The results showed that Q. ilex did not have any antifungal activities against Alterneria alternata, Aspergillus ﬂavus, Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillum spp., whereas there were inhibition effects on the growth of all Candida albicans isolates. In total 97 bacterial strains (74%) were found to be resistant to Q. ilex extract. The remaining 35 (27%) strains of seven different bacteria genera including Brucella, Bacillus, Enterobacter, Neisseria, Pseudomonas and Escherichia were susceptible to the extract tested. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extract ranged from 125 to 500 µL/mL. These results suggest that Q. ilex possesses compounds with antibacterial and anticandidal properties. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Links between systems thinking and complex decision making
Authors: Maani Kambiz E. , Maharaj Vandana
Published: April 2004

There is a widely held belief that systems thinking is an answer to the increasing complexity of the world as well as the workplace. Despite strong interest and assertions, however, the relationship between systems thinking and complex decision making has received scant attention in the literature. Using Richmond's (1997) classiﬁcation scheme as the theoretical base, this paper investigates the link between systems thinking and complex decision making using Verbal Protocol Analysis (VPA) methodology. The ﬁndings of the study indicate that while the degree of systems thinking does matter, certain types of systemic thinking would be more relevant to performance. Further, evidence shows that the subject's approach to the problem is also a highly pertinent factor in task performance, in that better performers displayed a distinctive pattern of thought that differed from that of the poor performers. Better performing subjects attempted to gain an understanding of the system structure before they proceeded to develop strategies and take action. The ﬁndings revealed a cyclical thought pattern that was consistently followed by better performing participants. This pattern, termed the CPA cycle, consists of three distinct phases of conception, planning, and action. This research contributes to the ﬁelds of systems thinking and complex decision making by integrating knowledge and methodology from several disciplines including psychology, management and IT. Speciﬁc contributions include a novel research methodology and, in particular, operationalization of the systems thinking paradigm, as well as identiﬁcation of disaggregated factors affecting complex decision making. The managerial and organizational implications of the research are compelling and invite further research in this nascent ﬁeld. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Gastric Partitioning Gastrojejunostomy in Unresectable Distal Gastric Cancer Patients
Authors: Kwon Sung Joon , Lee Ha Gyoon
Published: April 2004

The main purpose of bypass surgery in patients with unresectable distal gastric cancer is to improve their quality of life (QoL). However, the result of conventional gastroenterostomy is dismal including continuous bleeding due to the contact of food material on the tumor surface and early obstruction of the stoma by tumor growth. Developing more effective surgery is warranted to improve the QoL of these patients. Among the 1158 patients with gastric cancer who underwent surgery from March 1993 to July 2002 at Hanyang University Medical Center, 54 (4.7%) had unresectable cancers. Various types of gastrojejunostomy (G‐Jstomy), including conventional G‐Jstomy (CGJ) (n = 18), antral exclusion G‐Jstomy (n = 7), and gastric partitioning G‐Jstomy (GPGJ) (n = 17), as well as exploratory laparotomy only (n = 12) were performed in these unresectable cases. In this study, survival and postoperative QoL were compared for the CGJ and GPGJ groups. The median survivals were 120 and 209 days for the CGJ and GPGJ groups, respectively (p = 0.046). The rates of postoperative body weight loss compared to the preoperative weight were 9.3% and 3.1% in the CGJ and GPGJ groups, respectively; the difference showed borderline significance (p = 0.067). The volume of blood transfusion was much less during the postoperative period than during the preoperative period in the GPGJ group but not in the CGJ group. The GPGJ procedure minimized food contact on the tumor surface, which was confirmed by an upper gastrointestinal barium meal series. GPGJ can be recommended as the procedure of choice for bypass surgery in patients with unresectable distal gastric cancer considering their improved survival and postoperative QoL compared to those who underwent CGJ.
Fishing Line Suture: Cost‐saving Alternative for Atraumatic Intracutaneous Skin Closure—Randomized Clinical Trial in Rwanda
Authors: Freudenberg Sebastian , Nyonde Martin , Mkony Charles , Bay Fatma , Wilhelm Torsten , Post Stefan
Published: April 2004

Experience with the use of nylon fishing line for surgical sutures has been reported from several African countries. A recent publication suggested that fishing line and an injection needle may provide an atraumatic suture that is especially suitable for intracutaneous skin closures. This article provides further empirical support for such alternative technology. We describe a randomized, blinded clinical trial conducted in Butare (Rwanda) with 220 cutaneous wounds closed by intracutaneous sutures, with either the homemade suture or a commercial nylon thread (Ethilon). We compared the clinical outcomes as well as the costs of those two materials. There are no significant differences between the two sutures in terms of clinical findings or in the reported ease of use by the surgeons. The cost of a homemade atraumatic suture is US $0.07, which is less than one‐thirtieth the cost of the commercial thread. The advantage of the commercial thread is the assurance of quality. We consider whether this quality assurance justifies the large price difference, and if the homemade suture should be recommended to surgeons in countries where the costs of surgical material often remain an obstacle for life‐saving operations.