bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The temporal effect with notched-noise maskers: Analysis in terms of input–output functions
Authors: Strickland Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2004

This study examines whether a temporal masking effect may be consistent with a decrease in gain at the masker frequency during the course of the masker. Threshold level of a long-duration notched-noise masker needed to mask a 1- or 4-kHz signal was measured for three conditions: a short-duration signal with a short delay or a long delay from masker onset, and a long-duration signal. The difference between threshold for the long-delay signal and the short-delay signal was defined as the temporal effect. The size of the temporal effect depended on signal frequency, signal level, and masker notch width. Filters estimated from the data had narrower bandwidths for the long-delay condition than for the short-delay condition or the long-duration condition, which seems inconsistent with the hypothesis of a decrease in gain. However, modeling of the data in terms of basilar-membrane input–output functions is consistent with a decrease in gain in the masker frequency region during the course of the masker. For a notch width of 0.0 the results are consistent with a decrease in gain at the signal frequency. For a relative notch width of 0.4, the decrease in gain at the masker frequency may cause a decrease in the suppression of the signal. This decrease in suppression could explain the decrease in filter bandwidth with signal delay.
Guided circumferential shear horizontal waves in an isotropic hollow cylinder
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Rose Joseph L.
Published: April 2004

Guided time-harmonic shear horizontal (SH) waves propagating in the circumferential direction of an isotropic hollow cylinder are studied. The dispersion equation as well as the displacement and stress field across the wall thickness is derived analytically. Compared with the SH waves in a plate, a quantitative guideline of how well a plate model can approximate a pipe in the circumferential direction is given for defect characterization purpose. The work is also crucial for initiating work efforts on three-dimensional wave scattering for pipeline inspection.
DISPERSION-MANAGED SOLITONS IN MULTIPLE CHANNELS
Authors: BISWAS ANJAN
Published: April 2004

The dynamics of optical solitons, with dispersion management, propagating through a dense wavelength-division-multiplexed system with damping and amplification is studied. The adiabatic parameter dynamics of the solitons in the presence of perturbation terms have been obtained by virtue of the variational principle. In particular, the Gaussian and super-Gaussian pulses have been considered.
Appraisal and coping strategy use in victims of school bullying
Authors: Hunter Simon C. , Boyle James M.E.
Published: April 2004

Background: Transactional models of coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984) can contribute to our understanding of why some children cope effectively with bullying while others suffer negative outcomes. However, previous research has relied on coping measures that are not comparable with adult measures, restricting investigation of developmental trends. Additionally, previous research has not included appraisals when measuring coping using an established coping measure.

Aims: To examine the factor structure of a coping measure that is directly comparable with the adult literature; to examine the content of pupils' threat and challenge appraisals concerning bullying; and to examine the relationships between appraisals and coping strategy use within the victims of school bullying.

Sample: Participants were 459 children aged 9 — 14 years.

Method: A self‐report bullying questionnaire, incorporating Halstead et al.'s (1993) adolescent version of the Ways of Coping Checklist, was completed by participants. Also included were control, threat and challenge appraisal items.

Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that Halstead et al.'s four‐factor model of coping is valid for a population of school bullying victims. Content validity of items used to measure threat and challenge appraisal was demonstrated. Ambiguity of challenge appraisal influenced the use of Wishful Thinking, Seeks Social Support and Problem Focused coping. Wishful Thinking was also influenced by control appraisal. Avoidance coping was not influenced by the appraisals measured.

Conclusion: Halstead et al.'s Revised Ways of Coping Checklist can be used to measure coping amongst child and adolescent victims of bullying. Furthermore, including appraisal variables improves our understanding of individual differences between victims' coping strategy choices.
Market Valuation of Research and Development Spending under Canadian GAAP*
Authors: CALLIMACI ANTONELLO , LANDRY SUZANNE
Published: April 2004

Section 3450 of the Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (CICA) Handbook requires Canadian firms to capitalize development costs that meet certain criteria and to expense those that relate to research. International Accounting Standard (IAS) No. 38 favours a similar approach. In the United States, Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 2 recommends the immediate expensing of all research and development (R&D) spending. The only exception is SFAS No. 86, which requires software development costs to be capitalized when a product successfully passes a technological feasibility test. Consequently, the Canadian financial disclosure regime provides a rich setting for testing the market valuation of capitalized R&D.

Our primary research question asks whether capitalized R&D provides useful information to market participants investing in Canadian firms. We use price‐level and return models to assess the value relevance of capitalized R&D disclosed in the financial statements under Canadian GAAP. In line with expectations, using a price‐level model, we find that capitalized R&D and R&D expense as disclosed in the financial statements provide information that is value relevant to market participants. However, we find that R&D capitalized during the year helps explain returns while R&D expense does not. Thus we conclude that the application of section 3450 of the CICA Handbook produces value‐relevant information.
Social and Environmental Influences on Endangered Species: A Cross-National Study
Authors: Hoffmann John P.
Published: April 2004

Although there have been general social, economic, and environmental hypotheses developed to explain the distribution of endangered species across the globe, there is a paucity of social science literature designed to specify these hypotheses in more detail or test them with comparative, national-level data. This study draws on several models from environmental sociology to specify conceptually the relationship between social and economic factors and rates of endangered mammals and birds. Specifically, I developed hypotheses based on neo-Malthusian, ecological modernization, treadmill of production, and world-systems theory and analyzed data on endangered species, population, land use, economic size and growth, energy use, and industrial pollutants from one hundred twenty nations. The results support ecological modernization's position that there is an inverted U-shaped relationship between GDP per capita and endangerment rates, but they also indicate that GDP growth is associated with a monotonic increase in these rates, thus supporting a treadmill of production argument. Yet these relationships vary by world-systems position. Endangerment rates in peripheral nations are affected more by GDP growth, whereas rates in semiperipheral nations are affected more by deforestation, GDP per capita, and growth in energy use per capita.
Template‐Assisted Synthesis of Mesoporous Magnetic Nanocomposite Particles
Authors: Wu P. , Zhu J. , Xu Z.
Published: April 2004

A new concept is proposed to synthesize mesoporous magnetic nanocomposite particles of great scientific and technological importance. Mesoporous silica coatings were created on micrometer‐sized magnetite (Fe3O4) particles using cetyltrimethylammonium chloride micelles as molecular templates. The characterization by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nitrogen adsorption–desorption, diffuse‐reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and zeta‐potential measurements confirmed the deposition of mesoporous silica thin layers on the magnetite particles. The synthesized particles showed a drastic increase in specific surface area with an average pore size of 2.5 nm. The coating material showed a negligible effect on the saturation magnetization of the original particles that were fully protected by silica coatings. The synthesized mesoporous magnetic nanocomposite particles have a wide range of applications in toxin removal, waste remediation, catalysis, reactive sorbents, and biological cell separations.
Comparison of Linear, Nonlinear and Semiparametric Mixed‐effects Models for Estimating HIV Dynamic Parameters
Authors: Wu Hulin , Zhao Caixia , Liang Hua
Published: April 2004

The potency of antiretroviral agents in AIDS clinical trials can be assessed on the basis of an early viral response such as viral decay rate or change in viral load (number of copies of HIV RNA) of the plasma. Linear, parametric nonlinear, and semiparametric nonlinear mixed‐effects models have been proposed to estimate viral decay rates in viral dynamic models. However, before applying these models to clinical data, a critical question that remains to be addressed is whether these models produce coherent estimates of viral decay rates, and if not, which model is appropriate and should be used in practice. In this paper, we applied these models to data from an AIDS clinical trial of potent antiviral treatments and found significant incongruity in the estimated rates of reduction in viral load. Simulation studies indicated that reliable estimates of viral decay rate were obtained by using the parametric and semiparametric nonlinear mixed‐effects models. Our analysis also indicated that the decay rates estimated by using linear mixed‐effects models should be interpreted differently from those estimated by using nonlinear mixed‐effects models. The semiparametric nonlinear mixed‐effects model is preferred to other models because arbitrary data truncation is not needed. Based on real data analysis and simulation studies, we provide guidelines for estimating viral decay rates from clinical data. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On Estimating a Population Proportion via Ranked Set Sampling
Authors: Terpstra J. T.
Published: April 2004

This paper explores the use of the rank set sampling (RSS) protocol as it pertains to the estimation of a population proportion. The maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the sample proportion, both based on the RSS data, are discussed and their corresponding asymptotic distributions are derived. Based on these results the MLE is found to be uniformly more efficient than the sample proportion. Nevertheless, both estimators are more efficient than the simple random sample proportion. The greatest gains in efficiency are obtained at the center of the parameter space. Finally, these results remain valid in the presence of judgment error. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Granulin‐epithelin precursor is a novel prognostic marker in epithelial ovarian carcinoma
Authors: Davidson Ben , Alejandro Emilyn , Flørenes Vivi Ann , Goderstad Jeanne‐Mette , Risberg Björn , Kristensen Gunnar B. , Trope Claes G. , Kohn Elise C.
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

The granulin‐epithelin precursor (GEP) was preferentially expressed in invasive ovarian tumor epithelium specimens compared with specimens of borderline ovarian tumors. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the anatomic site‐related and cellular expression of GEP and its association with clinicopathologic parameters and survival in patients with advanced‐stage ovarian carcinoma.

METHODS

Effusions (n = 190), corresponding primary tumor specimens (n = 64), and specimens of metastatic lesions (n = 125) were analyzed using immunohistochemistry with a specific polyclonal antipeptide antibody. In addition, 36 effusions were analyzed using immunoblotting.

RESULTS

GEP was detected in tumor cells in 171 of 190 (90%) effusions and demonstrated both focal membrane and cytoplasmic localization. Mesothelial cells were often GEP positive (81%). GEP was found in carcinoma cells in 180 of 189 (95%) tumor biopsy specimens, with stromal and endothelial cell expression in 93 of 180 (52%) and 124 of 185 (67%) specimens, respectively. Lower GEP expression in stromal cells was observed in metastases sampled during or after chemotherapy (P = 0.034). The presence of GEP‐positive stromal cells in untreated primary tumor specimens correlated with worse overall survival (P = 0.014). Significantly more frequent GEP expression was observed in tumor cells of both primary (P = 0.002) and metastatic (P < 0.001) tissue specimens compared with malignant effusions.

CONCLUSIONS

GEP expression was observed in primary and metastatic epithelial ovarian carcinoma specimens, with down‐regulated expression in tumor cells of malignant effusions. The poor outcome associated with stromal GEP expression suggests a prognostic role for this growth factor in ovarian carcinoma. Cancer 2004. Published 2004 American Cancer Society.
A distributed dynamic channel assignment method with packet‐data transmission during the silent periods of circuit‐switched‐voice communications for cellular systems
Authors: Fujii Hiroyuki , Ishida Jun , Akaiwa Yoshihiko
Published: April 2004

Channel efficiency can be improved by transmission that integrates voice and the data. When this idea is applied to multicellular systems, channels must be assigned so that the intercellular interference power is minimized. Furthermore, channels must be provided with priority for voice calls, since real‐time transmission is required. As a system that considers these requirements, this paper investigates a method of reducing intercellular interference in a circuit‐switching system with channel segregation in which data are transmitted with priority, using the silent period of voice calls. It is shown by computer simulation that the proposed method can improve performance characteristics such as the interference rate, blocking rate, forced termination rate, and hand‐off rate. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 93–101, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10148
Enhancing the selenium content of bovine milk through alteration of the form and concentration of selenium in the diet of the dairy cow
Authors: Givens D Ian , Allison Richard , Cottrill Bruce , Blake Jonathon S
Published: April 2004

Since estimated dietary selenium intake in the UK has declined steadily from around 60 µg day−1 in 1975 to 34 µg day−1 in 1997, there is a need to increase selenium intake from staple foods such as milk and milk products. An experiment was therefore done to investigate the relationship between dietary source and concentration of selenium and the selenium content of bovine milk. In a 3 × 3 factorial design, 90 mid‐lactation Holstein dairy cows were supplemented over 8 weeks with either sodium selenite (S), a chelated selenium product (Selenium Metasolate™) (C) or a selenium yeast (Sel‐Plex™) (Y) at three different dietary inclusion levels of 0.38 (L), 0.76 (M) and 1.14 (H) mg kg−1 dry matter (DM). Significant increases in milk selenium concentration were observed for all three sources with increasing inclusion level in the diet, but Y gave a much greater response (up to +65 µg l−1) than the other two sources of selenium (S and C up to +4 and +6 µg l−1 respectively). The Y source also resulted in a substantially higher apparent efficiency of transfer of selenium from diet to milk than S or C. Feeding Y at the lowest dietary concentration, and thus within the maximum level permitted under EU regulations, resulted in milk with a selenium concentration of 28 µg l−1. If the selenium concentration of milk in the UK was increased to this value, it would, at current consumption rates, provide an extra 8.7 µg selenium day−1, or 11 and 14% of daily recommended national intake for men and women respectively. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing insecticide resistance and aversion to methomyl‐treated toxic baits in Musca domestica L (Diptera: Muscidae) populations in southern California
Authors: Darbro Jonathan M , Mullens Bradley A
Published: April 2004

Progeny of house flies (Musca domestica L) from ten California poultry operations, three dairies and one horse‐riding facility were tested for methomyl‐ and muscalure‐treated bait resistance using up to three different assays: a topical assay, a no‐choice feeding assay and a choice feeding assay. LD50 resistance factors from the topical assay, compared with a locally‐derived susceptible colony, ranged between 1 and 4. LC50 resistance factors from the no‐choice feeding assay ranged mostly between 2 and 5, with one value of 18. Measurable LT50 resistance ratios for female flies in the choice feeding assay ranged from 43 to 159; two populations had <10% mortality at 48 h and could not be measured. LT50 resistance ratios for male flies in the choice feeding assay ranged from 26 to 96, and one population was too resistant to measure. A behavioral assay tested the feeding preference of male and female flies provided a dish of sugar and a dish of methomyl‐ and muscalure‐treated bait. Of eight strains tested, females from seven strains and males from six strains showed significant preference for sugar over bait. Behavioral factors appear to be important in the severe resistance of house flies to baits in California. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Black cumin seed essential oil, as a potent analgesic and antiinﬂammatory drug
Authors: Hajhashemi Valiollah , Ghannadi Alireza , Jafarabadi Hadi
Published: April 2004

The steam‐distilled essential oil of Iranian black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) was investigated for its composition and analgesic and antiinﬂammatory properties. After oil analysis by GC/MS, 20 compounds were identiﬁed in the oil, obtained in 0.4% (v/w) yield. Among them, para‐cymene (37.3%) and thymoquinone (13.7%) were the major components. Acetic acid‐induced writhing, formalin and light tail ﬂick tests were used for assessment of analgesic activity. Antiinﬂammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan‐induced paw oedema in rats and croton oil‐induced ear oedema in mice. Black cumin seed essential oil (BCSEO) was found to produce a signiﬁcant analgesic effect in acetic acid‐induced writhing, formalin and light tail ﬂick tests. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, could not reverse the analgesic effect observed in the formalin test. Although oral administration of BCSEO at doses of 100, 200 and 400 µL/kg did not exert a signiﬁcant antiinﬂammatory effect in the carrageenan test, i.p. injection of the same doses signiﬁcantly (p < 0.001) inhibited carrageenan‐induced paw oedema. BCSEO at doses of 10 and 20 µL/ear could also reduce croton oil‐induced oedema. It seems that mechanism(s) other than opioid receptors is (are) involved in the analgesic effect of BCSEO since naloxone could not reverse this effect. Both systemic and local administration of BCSEO showed antiinﬂammatory activity. Thymoquinone, as one of the major components of BCSEO, probably has an important role in these pharmacological effects. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Paeonia lactiﬂora root extracts on the secretions of monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 and ‐3 in human nasal fibroblasts
Authors: Leem K. , Kim H. , Boo Y. , Lee H. S. , Kim J. S. , Yoo Y. C. , Ahn H. J. , Park H. J. , Seo J. C. , Kim H. K. , Jin S. Y. , Park H. K. , Chung J. H. , Cho J. J.
Published: April 2004

In the ﬁeld of Oriental medicine, the root of Paeonia lactiﬂora (Paeoniae Radix) has been prescribed usually to treat the common cold, and it was thought to alleviate upper respiratory infection or nasal inﬂammation. Monocyte chemotactic proteins (MCP)‐1 and MCP‐3 are known as the most potent chemokines to mediate allergic inﬂammation. The object of the study was to investigate the effect of Paeoniae Radix on the release of the chemokines such as MCP‐1 and MCP‐3. To detect the secretion of MCPs, an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was performed for human nasal mucosal ﬁbroblasts after stimulation with several cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β). The secretion of MCP‐1 was increased after stimulation with TNF‐α or IL‐1β treatment. Co‐treatment of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ, or IL‐1β and IFN‐γ increased the secretion of MCP‐1 and MCP‐3. Paeoniae Radix was tested with inﬂammatory cytokines, and the results showed that the Paeoniae Radix signiﬁcantly decreased the secretion of MCP‐1 and MCP‐3. In our study, Paeoniae Radix may play an important role in nasal inﬂammation with a modulation of MCP‐1 and MCP‐3. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antidepressant evaluation of polysaccharides from a Chinese herbal medicine Banxia‐houpu decoction
Authors: Guo Yusong , Kong Lingdong , Wang Yemin , Huang Zhiqi
Published: April 2004

Banxia‐houpu decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine has been used in the treatment of depression. The present study conﬁrmed that oral administration of polysaccharides from Banxia‐houpu decoction, exhibited a reduction in the immobility time in the tail suspension and in the forced swimming tests in mice in a time‐dependent manner. This effect at a dose of 320 mg/kg was more potent than that at a dose of 640 mg/kg. The polysaccharides from Banxia‐houpu decoction were active in animal models of depression with comparable effects to known antidepressants. The oral administration of the polysaccharides at a low dose for 4 weeks resulted in a signiﬁcant increase in the monoamine neurotransmitter 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) and dopamine (DA) levels in whole mouse brain, but produced no signiﬁcant increase in 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA) and norepinephrine (NE) concentrations. The effect of polysaccharides on the brain neurotransmitter levels appeared to be quite different from the effect of ﬂuoxetine, a serotonin speciﬁc reuptake inhibitor. The results indicate that the mode of action of polysaccharides from Banxia‐houpu decoction in depression might be related to both 5‐HT and DA systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trauma Management in Ancient Greece: Value of Surgical Principles through the Years
Authors: Pikoulis Emmanouil A. , Petropoulos John C.B. , Tsigris Christos , Pikoulis Nikolaos , Leppäniemi Ari K. , Pavlakis Emmanouil , Gavrielatou Evgenia , Burris David , Bastounis Elias , Rich Norman M.
Published: April 2004

This article surveys in an interdisciplinary fashion the evolution of ancient Greek medicine and traumatology in particular. In sounding out the key methods and themes of Greek medicine, we cite a range of medical treatises and correlate them to the rich evidence of ancient Greek art (iconography), which often is explicit in its depiction of the management of disease and of trauma in particular. The article begins its survey from Homer, our first source of medical information, and highlights the pioneering work of Hippocrates and the secularized professional guild of the ”sons of Aesclepius.”
Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap Preventing Frey Syndrome following Parotidectomy
Authors: Filho Wail Queiroz , Dedivitis Rogério A. , Rapoport Abrão , Guimarães André V.
Published: April 2004

Frey syndrome is one of the potential sequelae of parotidectomy. Various medical and surgical treatments have been used in an attempt to avoid this embarrassing condition. Recently, interposing barriers between the overlying skin flap and the parotid bed, such as the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap, have been used to prevent this condition. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of using this flap on Frey syndrome. A series of 138 patients who underwent subtotal or total parotidectomy from January 1995 to December 2001 were divided into two groups. One group had an SCM flap reconstruction (n = 24), and the other group did not (n = 19). A subjective clinical questionnaire and the objective Minor’s starch iodine test were used to evaluate the incidence of this syndrome. The postoperative period varied from 12 to 90 months. The frequency exact test of Fisher and the nonparametric test of Mann‐Whitney were applied. The association with the absence of sweating and the presence of the SCM flap was significant (p = 0.0002). There was no association with flushing or pain and the flap. There was a significant association with the starch iodine test and the presence of the flap (p = 0.0016). The only significant association of the epidemiologic and clinical characterization of the patients with a negative or positive Minor’s test was between sweating and a positive Minor’s test (p = 0.0001). The only significant aspect in the diagnosis of Frey syndrome is gustatory sweating. There is a significant association with a negative Minor’s test and the presence of the SCM flap and with sweating and a positive Minor’s test. The SCM flap is an efficient method for preventing Frey syndrome following parotidectomy.
Reactivity of Al3O3− cluster toward H2O studied by density functional theory
Authors: Akin F. Ahu , Jarrold Caroline Chick
Published: April 2004

Density functional theory calculations (Becke’s three parameter hybrid functional) have been done on a wide range of possible structures for the complexes formed in the reaction between Al3O3− and one or two water molecules. Both energetically competitive structural isomers of Al3O3− (kitelike and distorted rectangle) were considered. The structures of neutral complexes accessed from detachment of the stable anion structures were also optimized. The calculations predict that hydroxide complexes are energetically favored over Lewis acid-base and charge–dipole complexes. For Al3O3−/H2O complexes, the kite-based hydroxide and rectangle-based hydroxide are predicted to be nearly isoenergetic, while for Al3O3−/(H2O)2, the rectangle-based dihydroxide emerges as being 0.5 eV more stable than the lowest energy kite-based dihydroxide. The structures of these and their neutrals are used to analyze anion PE spectra of Al3O4H2− and Al3O5H4− obtained previously [F. A. Akin and C. C. Jarrold, J. Chem. Phys. 118, 5841 (2003)].
Inelastic electron interaction (attachment/ionization) with deoxyribose
Authors: Ptasińska S. , Denifl S. , Scheier P. , Märk T. D.
Published: April 2004

We have investigated experimentally the formation of anions and cations of deoxyribose sugar (C5H10O4) via inelastic electron interaction (attachment/ionization) using a monochromatic electron beam in combination with a quadrupole mass spectrometer. The ion yields were measured as a function of the incident electron energy between about 0 and 20 eV. As in the case of other biomolecules (nucleobases and amino acids), low energy electron attachment leads to destruction of the molecule via dissociative electron attachment reactions. In contrast to the previously investigated biomolecules dehydrogenation is not the predominant reaction channel for deoxyribose; the anion with the highest dissociative electron attachment (DEA) cross section of deoxyribose is formed by the release of neutral particles equal to two water molecules. Moreover, several of the DEA reactions proceed already with “zero energy” incident electrons. In addition, the fragmentation pattern of positively charged ions of deoxyribose also indicates strong decomposition of the molecule by incident electrons. For sugar the relative amount of fragment ions compared to that of the parent cation is about an order of magnitude larger than in the case of nucleobases. We determined an ionization energy value for C5H10O4+ of 10.51±0.11 eV, which is in good agreement with ab initio calculations. For the fragment ion C5H6O2+ we obtained a threshold energy lower than the ionization energy of the parent molecular ion. All of these results have important bearing for the question of what happens in exposure of living tissue to ionizing radiation. Energy deposition into irradiated cells produces electrons as the dominant secondary species. At an early time after irradiation these electrons exist as ballistic electrons with an initial energy distribution up to several tens of electron volts. It is just this energy regime for which we find in the present study rather characteristic differences in the outcome of electron interaction with the deoxyribose molecule compared to other nucleobases (studied earlier). Therefore, damage induced by these electrons to the DNA or RNA strands may start preferentially at the ribose backbone. In turn, damaged deoxyribose is known as a key intermediate in producing strand breaks, which are the most severe form of lesion in radiation damage to DNA and lead subsequently to cell death.
The vibrational Stokes shift of water (HOD in D2O)
Authors: Wang Zhaohui , Pang Yoonsoo , Dlott Dana D.
Published: April 2004

The vibrational Stokes shift of the OH stretching transition νOH of water is the shift between the ground-state absorption and the excited-state (v=1) emission. A recent measurement on HOD in D2O solvent [S. Woutersen and H. J. Bakker, Phys. Rev. Lett. 83, 2077 (1999)] of a 70 cm−1 redshift, and a subsequent calculation of a 57 cm−1 redshift using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations [C. P. Lawrence and J. L. Skinner, J. Chem. Phys. 117, 8847 (2002)] were in good agreement. We now report extensive measurements of the vibrational Stokes shift in HOD/D2O using an ultrafast IR pump, Raman probe method. The vibrational Stokes shift is seen to depend on the pump pulse frequency and on time delay; by varying these parameters it can be made to range from 112 to −32 cm−1 (negative values indicate a blueshift in the excited state). The equilibrium vibrational Stokes shift is actually a negative rather than a positive quantity. Possible reasons for the disagreement between experiment and theory are briefly discussed.
Minor Histocompatibility Antigen DBY Elicits a Coordinated B and T Cell Response after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Authors: Zorn Emmanuel , Miklos David B. , Floyd Blair H. , Mattes-Ritz Alex , Guo Luxuan , Soiffer Robert J. , Antin Joseph H. , Ritz Jerome
Published: April 2004

We examined the immune response to DBY, a model H-Y minor histocompatibility antigen (mHA) in a male patient with chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant from a human histocompatibility leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical female sibling. Patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells were screened for reactivity against a panel of 93 peptides representing the entire amino acid sequence of DBY. This epitope screen revealed a high frequency CD4+ T cell response to a single DBY peptide that persisted from 8 to 21 mo after transplant. A CD4+ T cell clone displaying the same reactivity was established from posttransplant patient cells and used to characterize the T cell epitope as a 19-mer peptide starting at position 30 in the DBY sequence and restricted by HLA-DRB1*1501. Remarkably, the corresponding X homologue peptide was also recognized by donor T cells. Moreover, the T cell clone responded equally to mature HLA-DRB1*1501 male and female dendritic cells, indicating that both DBY and DBX peptides were endogenously processed. After transplant, the patient also developed antibodies that were specific for recombinant DBY protein and did not react with DBX. This antibody response was mapped to two DBY peptides beginning at positions 118 and 536. Corresponding DBX peptides were not recognized. These studies provide the first demonstration of a coordinated B and T cell immune response to an H-Y antigen after allogeneic transplant. The specificity for recipient male cells was mediated by the B cell response and not by donor T cells. This dual DBX/DBY antigen is the first mHA to be identified in the context of chronic GVHD.
Fast, but Error‐Prone, Responses During Acute Alcohol Intoxication: Effects of Stimulus‐Response Mapping Complexity
Authors: Schweizer Tom A. , Jolicœur Pierre , Vogel‐Sprott M. , Dixon Mike J.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Although moderate doses of alcohol can impair performance on tasks that require information processing, little is known about the locus of the alcohol effects within the processing stream. This study used a psychological refractory period paradigm to investigate the effect of alcohol on the central, cognitive stage of information processing when task complexity is manipulated by altering stimulus‐response compatibility.

Methods: Thirty‐four healthy male social drinkers were assigned to one of two groups (n= 17) that performed two tasks. Each trial consisted of a task 1 stimulus (tone) followed by a task 2 stimulus (letter) that was presented after one of four stimulus onset asynchronies (50, 200, 500, or 1100 msec). A baseline test of performance was obtained before the groups received a beverage containing either 0.0 g/kg (placebo) or 0.65 g/kg alcohol. Both groups were retested when blood alcohol concentration (BAC) was increasing and was decreasing.

Results: The alcohol group made significantly more errors in task 1 compared with their drug‐free baseline measure during the ascending phase of the BAC curve, and error rates increased to a greater extent for the more complex arbitrary stimulus‐response mapping condition. Moreover, this increase in errors continued unabated during the descending phase of the BAC curve. Increasing BACs also slowed performance (longer reaction time), but unlike errors, reaction time returned to drug‐free baseline levels when BAC was decreasing.

Conclusions: The results provide evidence that an acute dose of alcohol can impair one aspect of the central, cognitive stages of information processing. The possibility that errors in information processing remain during decreasing BACs even after processing speed has returned to drug‐free levels has important practical implications relating to the detrimental consequences of acute alcohol intoxication.
Alcohol Consumption and Antiretroviral Adherence Among HIV‐Infected Persons With Alcohol Problems
Authors: Samet Jeffrey H. , Horton Nicholas J. , Meli Seville , Freedberg Kenneth A. , Palepu Anita
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Alcohol abuse has been associated with poor adherence to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We examined the relative importance of varying levels of alcohol consumption on adherence in HIV‐infected patients with a history of alcohol problems.

Methods: We surveyed 349 HIV‐infected persons with a history of alcohol problems at 6‐month intervals. Of these subjects, 267 were taking HAART at one or more time periods during the 30‐month follow‐up period. Interviews assessed recent adherence to HAART and past month alcohol consumption, defined as “none”, “moderate”, and “at risk”. We investigated the relationship between adherence to HAART and alcohol consumption at baseline and at each subsequent 6‐month follow‐up interval using multivariable longitudinal regression models, while controlling for potential confounders.

Results: Among the 267 HIV‐infected persons with a history of alcohol problems who were receiving HAART, alcohol consumption was the most significant predictor of adherence (p < 0.0001), with better adherence being associated with recent abstinence from alcohol, compared with at‐risk level usage (odds ratio = 3.6, 95% confidence interval = 2.1–6.2) or compared with moderate usage (odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval = 2.0–4.5).

Conclusions: Any alcohol use among HIV‐infected persons with a history of alcohol problems is associated with worse HAART adherence. Addressing alcohol use in HIV‐infected persons may improve antiretroviral adherence and ultimately clinical outcomes.
Micro-broth dilution method with air-dried microplate for determining MICs of clarithromycin and amoxycillin for Helicobacter pylori isolates
Authors: Kobayashi Intetsu , Muraoka Hiroe , Saika Takeshi , Nishida Minoru , Fujioka Toshio , Nasu Masaru
Published: April 2004

MICs of clarithromycin and amoxycillin for 253 isolates of Helicobacter pylori were measured by an air-dried microplate method and compared with the results obtained by the agar plate dilution method. The air-dried microplate method is performed by coating each well of a 96-well microplate with the test antibiotic and air-drying it. There were no marked differences between the air-dried microplate method and agar plate dilution methods in the MIC50 and MIC90 values or MIC ranges of clarithromycin obtained for the 253 isolates of H. pylori. More specifically, the MICs of clarithromycin for 114 (45.1 %) of the 253 isolates were the same by the air-dried microplate method as the agar plate dilution method, and the differences in the MICs of clarithromycin for a further 114 isolates (45.1 %) varied within one twofold dilution. The MICs of amoxycillin by the former method were in close agreement with the MICs obtained by the latter method: MICs of amoxycillin for 199 (78.7 %) of the 253 isolates were the same by both methods, and the differences in the MICs of amoxycillin for 42 isolates (16.6 %) varied within one twofold dilution. These results indicate that the air-dried microplate method is a useful method for determination of MICs, because the results obtained were in close agreement with those obtained by the standard agar plate dilution method. The air-dried microplate method is, therefore, a convenient and reliable method for determining the MICs of clarithromycin and amoxycillin for H. pylori isolates.
Effect of bovine lactoferricin on enteropathogenic Yersinia adhesion and invasion in HEp-2 cells
Authors: Di Biase Assunta Maria , Tinari Antonella , Pietrantoni Agostina , Antonini Giovanni , Valenti Piera , Conte Maria Pia , Superti Fabiana
Published: April 2004

Bovine lactoferricin, a pepsin-generated antimicrobial peptide from bovine lactoferrin active against a wide range of bacteria, was tested for its ability to influence the adhesion and invasion ofYersinia enterocoliticaandYersinia pseudotuberculosisin HEp-2 cells. The addition of non-cytotoxic and non-bactericidal concentrations of lactoferricin to cell monolayers before infection, under different bacterial growth experimental conditions, was ineffective or resulted in about a 10-fold increase in bacterial adhesion, whereas, in bacteria grown in conditions allowing maximalinvgene expression, a 10-fold inhibition of cell invasion by lactoferricin was observed. To confirm that the anti-invasive activity of lactoferricin was exerted against invasin-mediated bacterial entry, experiments were also performed utilizingEscherichia colistrain HB101 (pRI203), harbouring theinvgene fromY. pseudotuberculosis, which allows penetration of mammalian cells. Under these experimental conditions, lactoferricin was able to inhibit bacterial entry into epithelial cells, demonstrating that this peptide acts oninv-mediatedYersiniaspecies invasion. As theinvgene product is the most important virulence factor in enteropathogenicYersinia, being responsible for bacterial adherence and penetration within epithelial cells of the intestinal lumen and for the subsequent colonization of regional lymph nodes, these data provide additional information on the protective role of lactoferricin against bacterial infection.
Role of the Helicobacter pylori outer-membrane proteins AlpA and AlpB in colonization of the guinea pig stomach
Authors: de Jonge Ramon , Durrani Zarmina , Rijpkema Sjoerd G. , Kuipers Ernst J. , van Vliet Arnoud H.M. , Kusters Johannes G.
Published: April 2004

The human gastric pathogen Helicobacter pylori expresses several putative outer-membrane proteins (OMPs), but the role of individual OMPs in colonization of the stomach by H. pylori is still poorly understood. The role of four such OMPs (AlpA, AlpB, OipA and HopZ) in a guinea pig model of H. pylori infection has been investigated. Single alpA, alpB, hopZ and oipA isogenic mutants were constructed in the guinea pig-adapted, wild-type H. pylori strain GP15. Guinea pigs were inoculated intragastrically with the wild-type strain, single mutants or a mixture of the wild-type and a single mutant in a 1 : 1 ratio. Three weeks after infection, H. pylori could be isolated from stomach sections of all animals that were infected with the wild-type, the hopZ mutant or the oipA mutant, but from only five of nine (P = 0.18) and one of seven (P = 0.02) animals that were infected with the alpA or alpB mutants, respectively. The hopZ and oipA mutants colonized the majority of animals that were inoculated with the strain mixture, whereas alpA and alpB mutants could not be isolated from animals that were infected with the strain mixture (P < 0.01). Specific IgG antibody responses were observed in all animals that were infected with either the wild-type or a mutant, but IgG levels were lower in animals that were infected with either the alpA or the alpB mutants, compared to the wild-type strain (P < 0.05). In conclusion, absence of AlpA or AlpB is a serious disadvantage for colonization of the stomach by H. pylori.
One Measure of Segregation*
Authors: Hutchens Robert
Published: April 2004

This article considers the problem of deriving a numerical measure of segregation, i.e., a measure of inequality in the distribution of people across groups. It proposes a list of eight desirable properties for a good numerical measure of segregation. These properties yield a class of segregation indexes that are related to generalized entropy indexes of income inequality. Moreover, one and only one index—termed the square root index—satisfies seven of the properties.
Selecting Outside Directors
Authors: Heidrick Gardner W.
Published: April 2004

What characteristics are needed in outside directors, and where should the family look for such individuals? A recognized authority on director search shares his opinions in these areas and outlines the selection process.
Life in the Family Circle
Authors: Lyman Amy R.
Published: April 2004

Family business women's interactions with family members dominate their personal and professional lives, significantly influencing the depth and breadth of activities in which they engage.
Integration in the Family Firm: When the Family System Replaces Controls and Culture
Authors: McCollom Marion E.
Published: April 2004

A family system, rather than management systems or corporate culture, can be the key integration mechanism of a family company.
Facing Up to Moving Forward: A Third-Generation Successor's Reflections
Authors: Correll Roderick W.
Published: April 2004

The author describes his experience as the successor in a family business in a personal statement describing his struggle to differentiate from his family and define his own dream within the business. The impact of his developmental journey on decisions made in the business, and vice versa, is depicted in detail.
The Influence of Life Stage on Father-Son Work Relationships in Family Companies
Authors: Davis John A. , Tagiuri Renato
Published: April 2004

The authors examine the relationship between the life cycles of fathers and sons who work together, concluding that the quality of the work relationship varies as a function of their respective life stages. The intersection of their individual developmental paths can have positive or negative effects on the nature of the work relationship, on the resolution of such problem issues as succession, and on productivity.
Outside Review in a Wider Context: An Alternative to the Classic Board
Authors: Jonovic Donald J.
Published: April 2004

Family businesses have special and urgent needs for outside review. The most common model suggested for achieving this review is the working board of outside directors. While such boards can be effective, there are reasons why they may be inadequate to the task in family companies. An alternative to the classic board model, a review council, with broader membership and mandate, may solve the outside review problem for the majority of family companies.
The New Anti-Freeze Law: A Meltdown for the Family Firm?
Authors: Pettker John D. , Cross Alexander D.
Published: April 2004

A new Section 2036(c), the antifreeze law, has been added to the Internal Revenue Code. This new law dramatically changes the tax consequences of many transactions intended to pass all or a portion of a family business on to the next generation. This article explores the mine field laid out by the anti-freeze law and charts a variety of safe passages.
Rough Family Justice: Equity in Family Business Succession Planning
Authors: Ayres Glenn R.
Published: April 2004

For the family business facing succession issues, the approach of rough family justice may serve as an effective guide for preserving relationships among family members by promoting the best interests of the business.
Women, Family Culture, and Family Business
Authors: Hollander Barbara S. , Bukowitz Wendi R.
Published: April 2004

Family businesses have the potential to be especially productive environments for women. However, as carriers of family culture and processes that may contain gender bias, they can also be the last bastion of resistance to cultural change.
The Power of Invisible Women in the Family Business
Authors: Gillis-Donovan Joanne , Moynihan-Bradt Carolyn
Published: April 2004

Unacknowledged power and influence in the family business is often held by women family members who do not have formal roles or titles in the business. By clarifying the role of the “invisible woman,” consultants can provide a comprehensive picture of the multiple interacting emotional forces that influence both the family and the business.
Are Family Businesses Really Different? European Experiences from STRATOS
Authors: Donckels Rik , Fröhlich Erwin
Published: April 2004

Using observations of 1,132 small- and medium-sized enterprises in eight European countries, a comparison is made of family and nonfamily businesses. The variables compared concern values and attitudes, objectives, and strategic behavior. The data reveal that family businesses are inwardly directed or closed family-related systems. Among their managers are fewer pioneers than “all-rounders” and organizers; as a consequence, their strategic behavior is rather conservative. Therefore, family businesses should be viewed as stable rather than progressive or dynamic factors of the economy.
Assessing the Successor Generation in Family Businesses
Authors: Swagger Glenn
Published: April 2004

When considering the succession process in family businesses, it is often useful to inquire into the relationships among all members of the successor generation: sons, daughters, and their spouses. Do members of the successor generation show evidence of autonomy and individuation, healthy sibling bonds, and acceptance of talent and leadership from within their generation? Do unresolved rivalries and dependency on parents paralyze their ability to cooperate? Using a Bowenian family systems approach, three important dimensions of differentiation in the successor generation are discussed. Several case vignettes illustrate the value of an assessment intervention.
The Family and the Firm: A Coevolutionary Perspective
Authors: Kepner Elaine
Published: April 2004

In a family firm, the strands of the family system are so tightly interwoven with those of the business system that they cannot be disentangled without seriously disrupting one or both systems.
The Kid Brother
Authors: Kaye Kenneth
Published: April 2004

Structural family dynamics that place one sibling in an outsider role can have powerful repercussions in the family business. This article draws on case examples to illustrate a process. The author discusses approaches to preventing such a pattern.
Unraveling Communications Among Family Members
Authors: Lundberg Craig C.
Published: April 2004

A role-based perspective is developed, including roles occurring in reciprocal pairs such as father-daughter, manager-subordinate, spouse-spouse, stockholder-employee. A conceptual model of role-to-role communications is outlined and the communication process among family members as role performers is discussed. Suggestions for enhancing family communications are noted.