bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Broadband rotational resonance in solid state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Chan Jerry C. C. , Tycko Robert
Published: April 2004

A new technique for restoring nuclear magnetic dipole-dipole couplings under magic-angle spinning (MAS) in solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is described and demonstrated. In this technique, called broadband rotational resonance (BroBaRR), the coupling between a pair of nuclear spins with NMR frequency difference close (but not necessarily equal) to the MAS frequency is restored by the application of a train of weak radio-frequency pulses at a carrier frequency close to the average of the two NMR frequencies. Phase or amplitude modulation of the pulse train at half the MAS frequency splits the carrier into sidebands close to the two NMR frequencies. The pulse train then removes offsets from the exact rotational resonance condition, leading to dipolar recoupling over a bandwidth controlled by the amplitude of the pulse train. C13 NMR experiments on uniformly N15, C13-labeled L-valine⋅HCl⋅H2O powder validate the theoretical analysis. BroBaRR will be useful in studies of molecular structures by solid state NMR, for example in the detection of long-range couplings between carbons in uniformly labeled organic and biological materials.
Genetic vs. morphological differentiation of Old World buzzards (genus Buteo, Accipitridae)
Authors: Kruckenhauser Luise , Haring Elisabeth , Pinsker Wilhelm , Riesing Martin J. , Winkler Hans , Wink Michael , Gamauf Anita
Published: April 2004

Kruckenhauser, L., Haring, E., Pinsker, W., Riesing, M. J., Winkler, H., Wink, M. & Gamauf, A. (2004). Genetic vs. morphological differentiation of Old World buzzards (genus Buteo, Accipitridae). — Zoologica Scripta, 33, 197–211.

Here, a comprehensive phylogenetic investigation of Old World buzzards of the buteo–vulpinus complex and related taxa using morphological and genetic markers is presented. The morphometric analysis proved useful to discriminate taxa. Nevertheless, phylogenetic relationships cannot be resolved with these characters. Sequence comparisons between the control region and the pseudo‐control region revealed that the latter is the most variable section of the mitochondrial genome. Consequently it was used as a marker sequence. In the genetic analysis, almost no sequence variability was found among taxa comprising the buteo–vulpinus complex as well as Buteo rufinus and Buteo oreophilus, suggesting gene flow and/or incomplete lineage sorting. Thus, rapid morphological differentiation in adaptation to different environments was not accompanied by genetic differentiation of the mitochondrial genomes of these taxa. In contrast, the East Palearctic taxa are well differentiated genetically. The ‘superspecies’ concept and taxonomic consequences of our results are discussed.
Molecular and morphological evidence for multiple species within Paranoplocephala omphalodes (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) in Microtus voles (Arvicolinae)
Authors: Haukisalmi V. , Wickström Lotta M. , Henttonen H. , Hantula J. , Gubányi A.
Published: April 2004

Haukisalmi, V., Wickström, L. M., Henttonen, H., Hantula, J. & Gubányi, A. (2004). Molecular and morphological evidence for multiple species within Paranoplocephala omphalodes (Cestoda, Anoplocephalidae) in Microtus voles (Arvicolinae). —Zoologica Scripta, 33, 277–290.

The present study was designed to test the hypothesis that the anoplocephalid cestode Paranoplocephala omphalodes (Hermann, 1783), a Holarctic parasite of Microtus voles, is a complex of host‐specific species, rather than a single host‐generalist species, using uni‐ and multivariate morphometrics and DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene. The phylogenetic methods applied to the mtDNA sequence data showed consistently that the cestodes morphologically recognizable as P. omphalodes include four well‐supported monophyletic groups, representing at least three distinct, largely host‐specific species. Multivariate morphometrics (discriminant analysis) successfully distinguished the four main mtDNA clades of P. omphalodes‐like cestodes. The true P. omphalodes is shown to be a parasite of Microtus arvalis, M. agrestis and Clethrionomys glareolus in Europe. Microtus oeconomus harbours two host‐specific, allopatric and possibly conspecific clades, one with a Holarctic and another with an (eastern) Beringian (Alaskan) distribution. The eastern Beringian endemic M. miurus is also parasitized with a host‐specific, morphologically divergent species of Paranoplocephala. The cestode clades recognized in M. oeconomus and M. miurus represent 2–3 undescribed species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of the ‘northern clade’ of Paranoplocephala spp., an assemblage including P. kalelai from Clethrionomys spp., P. macrocephala from Microtus spp. and all clades of P. omphalodes‐like cestodes except those representing the true P. omphalodes from Europe. The intra‐ and interspecific phylogeny within the northern clade is compared tentatively with the known evolutionary history of the hosts.
Are N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (Hanganutziu–Deicher) antigens important in pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation?
Authors: Miwa Yuko , Kobayashi Takaaki , Nagasaka Takaharu , Liu DaGe , Yu Ma , Yokoyama Itsuo , Suzuki Akemi , Nakao Akimasa
Published: April 2004

Abstract:  Background:  N‐glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) epitopes, so called Hanganutziu–Deicher (HD) antigens, which are widely expressed on endothelial cells of all mammals except humans, are considered to be potential targets for natural and elicited anti‐nonGalα1‐3 Gal (Gal) antibodies in humans. We previously reported that anti‐NeuGc antibodies were not detected in healthy humans by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using NeuGc‐GM3‐coated plates, and no antibody production was observed in patients with a history of exposure to pig cells. However, a recent paper has revealed that (i) anti‐NeuGc antibodies to porcine red blood cells (PRBC) are detectable in most healthy humans, and (ii) the majority of anti‐nonGal antibodies are specific for NeuGc epitopes. The purpose of this study was to reassess whether NeuGc is important as an immunogenic nonGal epitope.

Methods: The binding of antibodies to PRBC and porcine aortic endothelial cells (PAEC) was compared. Cells were treated with (i) α‐galactosidase, and then (ii) neuraminidase, which digests sialic acids, including NeuGc epitopes. Cells were incubated with human pooled sera, and applied to flow cytometric analysis. After enzyme digestion, almost complete reduction of Gal and NeuGc expression was confirmed by GS‐IB4 and HU/Ch2‐7 (a chicken monoclonal antibody against HD antigens), respectively. Trypsin, which removes membrane glycoproteins, and endoglycoceramidase which cleaves glycolipids, were used for differentiating between NeuGc‐containing glycoproteins and glycolipids.

Results:  Neuraminidase‐treatment reduced the binding of immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to PRBC; about half of the anti‐nonGal IgG antibodies to PRBC were directed to NeuGc. In contrast, anti‐nonGal antibodies to PAEC were not directed to NeuGc. Trypsin‐treatment markedly reduced the expression of NeuGc only on PRBC. Endoglycoceramidase‐treatment was followed by a greater reduction in NeuGc epitopes on PAEC than on PRBC. Most NeuGc on PRBC appeared to be linked to proteins, but most NeuGc on PAEC was expressed on glycolipids.

Conclusions:  Carbohydrate structures on PRBC are different from those on PAEC. Healthy human sera contain anti‐nonGal IgG antibodies to NeuGc expressed on PRBC, but not on PAEC. We speculate that anti‐nonGal IgG antibodies to PRBC can recognize both NeuGc and protein, and this may be the reason why such antibodies have not been detected by ELISA. A definite conclusion about the immunogenicity of NeuGc has not been obtained. More sera from patients (not from non‐human primates) sensitized with porcine cells or organs need to be studied.
NMR solution structure of the precursor for carnobacteriocin B2, an antimicrobial peptide from Carnobacterium piscicola
Authors: Sprules Tara , Kawulka Karen E. , Gibbs Alan C. , Wishart David S. , Vederas John C.
Published: April 2004

Type IIa bacteriocins, which are isolated from lactic acid bacteria that are useful for food preservation, are potent antimicrobial peptides with considerable potential as therapeutic agents for gastrointestinal infections in mammals. They are ribosomally synthesized as precursors with an N‐terminal leader, typically 18–24 amino acid residues in length, which is cleaved during export from the producing cell. We have chemically synthesized the full precursor of carnobacteriocin B2, precarnobacteriocin (preCbnB2), which has a C‐terminal amide rather than a carboxyl, and also produced preCbnB2(1–64), which is missing two amino acid residues at the C‐terminus (Arg65 and Pro66), via expression in Escherichia coli as a maltose‐binding protein fusion that is then cut with Factor Xa. PreCbnB2(1–64) is readily labeled with 15N and 13C for NMR studies using the latter approach. Multidimensional NMR analysis of preCbnB2(1–64) shows that, like the parent bacteriocin, it exists as a random coil in water but assumes a defined conformation in water/trifluoroethanol mixtures. In 70 : 30 trifluoroethanol/water, the 3D structure of the preCbnB2 section corresponding to the mature bacteriocin is essentially the same as reported previously by us for carnobacteriocin B2 (CbnB2). This structure maintains the highly conserved α‐helix corresponding to residues 20–38 of CbnB2 that is believed to be responsible for interaction with a target receptor in sensitive cells, including Listeria monocytogenes. PreCbnB2 also has a second α‐helix from residues 3–13 (i.e. −15 to −5 relative to CbnB2) in the leader section of the peptide. This helix appears to be conserved in related type IIa bacteriocin precursors based on sequence analysis. It is likely to be a key recognition element for export and processing, and is probably responsible for the considerably reduced antimicrobial activity of preCbnB2. The latter effect may assist the producing cell in avoiding the toxic effects of the bacteriocin. This is the first 3D structure determined for a prebacteriocin from lactic acid bacteria.
Adaptation, Survival, and Growth of the Family Business: An Integrated Systems Perspective
Authors: Davis Peter , Stern Douglas
Published: April 2004

Family ownership and control are still significant in the majority of business enterprises in the United States. A high percentage of these companies face special problems particularly related to corporate development and transition from an entrepreneurial to a professional management structure. In this paper, we describe a set of processes and mechanisms that define and regulate the interaction between the business and family system.
A Business Owner's Perspective on Outside Boards
Authors: Mathile Clayton L.
Published: April 2004

Experience in selecting and working with outside directors is not yet common among family business executives. This firsthand account from the president of a family firm describes how he chose his board and how he works with his directors.
Differential Directorship: Special Sensitivities and Roles for Serving the Family Business Board.
Authors: Mueller Robert K.
Published: April 2004

An expert on corporate governance discusses the special sensitivities that outside directors need and how they use these characteristics in the roles that they play on the family board.
Boards of Privately Held Companies: Their Responsibilities and Structure
Authors: Nash John M.
Published: April 2004

The president of the National Association of Corporate Directors outlines the formal requirements of directors and how boards function.
How Business Families Manage the Transition from Owner to Professional Management
Authors: Berenbeim Ronald E.
Published: April 2004

This article summarizes the findings of a qualitative study of twenty large family businesses (above $100 million) from the United States, Europe, and Latin America. The study focuses on family businesses that have successfully completed the transition from founder to professional management, and it identifies many of the emotional and managerial dilemmas that arise as companies move from one generation to the next. The author outlines the specific steps these companies have taken in order to constructively manage succession and continuity.
Women in Family Businesses: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Salganicoff Matilde
Published: April 2004

Women have particular qualities that can be vital to the survival and success of a family business. Those who work in and for family businesses need to be aware, however, of the dilemmas and conflicts that affect women. The author advocates the opening of more opportunities for women in family business for the benefit of both the woman and the business.
Law in the Development of Dynastic Families Among American Business Elites: The Domestication of Capital and the Capitalization of Family
Authors: Marcus George E.
Published: April 2004

American dynastic business families as descent groups constitute a category of social organization with which anthropologists have been traditionally familiar, but in the unlikely setting of a complex, bureaucratized society. This paper examines aspects of such groups and argues that law has been a critical organizational resource in their development. Law does not merely impinge at times on family concerns, but becomes an integral dimension of extended family relations in the arrangements for perpetuating collective wealth as business capital, and in distributing individual entitlements to that wealth among descendants. A general model of family/ business formations is presented, supported by a comparative discussion of two dynastic families of Galveston, Texas.
Is Strategy Different for the Family-Owned Business?
Authors: Harris Dawn , Martinez Jon I. , Ward John L.
Published: April 2004

Little research has been conducted on family business strategy, even though a significant portion of the nation's largest companies are family controlled. This article provides a framework for addressing strategy and proposes topics for research on family business strategy. Topics include mission, industry and situation analyses, global strategy, and strategy implementation.
Capital Structure Decision Making in Privately Held Firms: Beyond the Finance Paradigm
Authors: Matthews Charles H. , Vasudevan Damayanti P. , Barton Sidney L. , Apana Rati
Published: April 2004

Capital structure theories grounded in the finance paradigm (agency theory, transaction cost theory) have contributed to our understanding of capital structure decision making. However, they do not address the intricacies of capital structure decision making from a managerial choice perspective, especially in privately held firms. This article brings together research from strategic management, decision sciences, and social psychology to develop a conceptual model for understanding capital structure decision making in privately held firms. In general, it is posited that capital structure decisions are influenced by the firm owner's attitude toward debt as moderated by external environmental conditions. Attitude toward debt is a function of one's belief about debt as influenced by the individual's need for control, risk propensity, experience, social norms, and personal net worth. The integration of theoretical perspectives yields eight propositions for understanding the determinants of privately held firm capital structure.
Life After Succession in the Family Business: Is It Really the End of Problems?
Authors: Harvey Michael , Evans Rodney
Published: April 2004

The succession processes in family business are well chronicled in the business literature. Most of the research focuses on the process of transferring power within the business-family. What has not been as closely examined is the after-succession environment that exists when the management and leadership of the family business are passed on to the next generation. This article addresses that organizational climate and the potential for additional problems in the business-family if post-succession issues are not identified and addressed and suggests some steps that will be helpful in producing complete succession success.
Success Themes in Scottish Family Enterprises: Philosophies and Practices Through the Generations
Authors: Dunn Barbara
Published: April 2004

A series of workshops were held in Scotland to help family business managers identify and overcome obstacles to success. Core themes that emerged were family values, responsiveness to change, and family dynamics. The findings suggest that family enterprises have unique developmental characteristics with implications for economic and business development frameworks such as those in Scotland, which do not differentiate family businesses. A model is presented to analyze and categorize family enterprises in order to illustrate the issues facing family enterprises. The model provides insights into the source and effect of family values and family dynamics on the business and fosters business growth and development.
The Seal System in Aerostatic Journal Bearings for High Vacuum Chambers
Authors: Yoshimoto S. , Yoshida Y. , Yagi K.
Published: April 2004

This paper investigates the performance of a seal system for an aerostatic journal bearing used in a high vacuum chamber. The seal system consists of axially spaced viscous seals and annular exhaust grooves that are located between the viscous seals. Each exhaust groove is coupled to a separate vacuum pump in order to achieve a vacuum chamber pressure of less than 10−3 Pa. The vacuum chamber pressure is affected by design parameters such as the number of viscous seal stages, seal length, seal gap, and exhaust tube conductance. The influence of these design parameters on the pressure distribution across seal regions and the vacuum chamber pressure are discussed theoretically. It is subsequently shown that an aerostatic journal bearing with three-stage seal system installed can obtain a reduction in the vacuum chamber pressure almost to the ultimate pressure of a vacuum pump, providing there is no leak or outgassing from materials.
Analysis of Rolling Bearings With Reduced Numbers of Balls or Rollers
Authors: Rumbarger John H.
Published: April 2004

A method is presented to allow the computer analysis of rolling bearings with reduced numbers of balls or rollers with no loss of accuracy. There are three advantages with the ability to model the bearings with less than the actual numbers of balls or rollers: (1) The method allows for the analysis of bearings which have more balls or rollers than allowed by the dimensioning of the computer software; (2) The method allows for the selection of a model number of nodes or rolling elements which are equally spaced and correspond to the number of nodes of a finite element analysis of the bearing rings and mounting structure; and (3) The method can reduce the computer printout for the bearing analysis.
Three-dimensional simulations of ultrasonic axial transmission velocity measurement on cortical bone models
Authors: Bossy Emmanuel , Talmant Maryline , Laugier Pascal
Published: April 2004

The ultrasonic axial transmission technique, used to assess cortical shells of long bones, is investigated using numerical simulations based on a three-dimensional (3D) finite difference code. We focus our interest on the effects of 3D cortical bone geometry (curvature, cortical thickness), anisotropy, and microporosity on speed of sound (SOS) measurements for different frequencies in the MHz range. We first show that SOS values measured on tubular cortical shells are identical to those measured on cortical plates of equal thickness. Anisotropy of cortical bone is then shown to have a major impact on SOS measurement as a function of cortical thickness. The range of SOS values measured on anisotropic bone is half the range found when bone is considered isotropic. Dependence of thickness occurs for cortical shell thinner than 0.5×λbone in anisotropic bone (λbone: wavelength in bone), whereas it occurs for cortical shell thinner than λbone when anisotropy is neglected. Sensitivity of SOS along the bone axis to intracortical microporosity is shown to be approximately −20 m s−1 per percent of porosity. Using homogenized porous bone, we finally show that the cortical depth that contributes to lateral wave SOS measurement is approximately 1–1.5 mm for frequencies ranging from 500 kHz to 2 MHz under classical in vivo measurement conditions.
Noise-induced hair-cell loss and total exposure energy: Analysis of a large data set
Authors: Harding Gary W. , Bohne Barbara A.
Published: April 2004

The relation between total noise-exposure energy, recovery time, or rest during the exposure and amount of hair-cell loss was examined in 416 chinchillas. The exposures were octave bands of noise (OBN) with a center frequency of either 4 kHz at 47–108 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 0.5 h to 36 d, or 0.5 kHz at 65–128 dB SPL for 3.5 h to 432 d. Recovery times varied from 0 to 365 d. With both OBNs, some animals were exposed on interrupted schedules. Hair-cell loss as a function of age in nonexposed animals (N=117) was used to correct for sensory-cell loss due to aging. For both OBNs, the ears (N=607) were separated into three subsets to characterize the primary hair-cell loss from noise and the secondary post-exposure loss and to determine if rest during the exposure decreased loss. Cluster and regression analyses were performed on data from the basal and apical halves of the cochlea to determine the specific rates for these three factors. It was found that: (1) when the OBN was above a critical level, there was no relation between total energy and hair-cell loss; (2) below a critical level, there were highly significant log–linear relations between total energy and hair-cell loss, but not at rates predicted by the equal-energy hypothesis; (3) rest periods during either OBN exposure reduced hair-cell loss; more so for the 4 kHz OBN than the 0.5 kHz OBN; (4) except for the highest exposure levels, the majority of outer hair cell loss from the 4 kHz OBN occurred after the exposure had terminated, while that from the 0.5 kHz OBN occurred during the exposure; and (5) a majority of the inner hair cell loss from both OBNs occurred post-exposure.
Echolocation signals of dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Authors: Au Whitlow W. L. , Würsig Bernd
Published: April 2004

An array of four hydrophones arranged in a symmetrical star configuration was used to measure the echolocation signals of the dusky dolphin (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) near the Kaikoura Peninsula, New Zealand. Most of the echolocation signals had bi-modal frequency spectra with a low-frequency peak between 40 and 50 kHz and a high-frequency peak between 80 and 110 kHz. The low-frequency peak was dominant when the source level was low and the high frequency peak dominated when the source level was high. The center frequencies in the dusky broadband echolocation signals are among the highest of dolphins measured in the field. Peak-to-peak source levels as high as 210 dB re 1 μPa were measured, although the average was much lower in value. The levels of the echolocation signals are about 9–12 dB lower than for the larger white-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) which belongs to the same genus but is over twice as heavy as the dusky dolphins. The source level varied in amplitude approximately as a function of the one-way transmission loss for signals traveling from the animals to the array. The wave form and spectrum of the echolocation signals were similar to those of other dolphins measured in the field.
Ultrasonic delineation of aortic microstructure: The relative contribution of elastin and collagen to aortic elasticity
Authors: Marsh Jon N. , Takiuchi Shin , Lin Shiow Jiuan , Lanza Gregory M. , Wickline Samuel A.
Published: April 2004

Aortic elasticity is an important factor in hemodynamic health, and compromised aortic compliance affects not only arterial dynamics but also myocardial function. A variety of pathologic processes (e.g., diabetes, Marfan’s syndrome, hypertension) can affect aortic elasticity by altering the microstructure and composition of the elastin and collagen fiber networks within the tunica media. Ultrasound tissue characterization techniques can be used to obtain direct measurements of the stiffness coefficients of aorta by measurement of the speed of sound in specific directions. In this study we sought to define the contributions of elastin and collagen to the mechanical properties of aortic media by measuring the magnitude and directional dependence of the speed of sound before and after selective isolation of either the collagen or elastin fiber matrix. Formalin-fixed porcine aortas were sectioned for insonification in the circumferential, longitudinal, or radial direction and examined using high-frequency (50 MHz) ultrasound microscopy. Isolation of the collagen or elastin fiber matrices was accomplished through treatment with NaOH or formic acid, respectively. The results suggest that elastin is the primary contributor to aortic medial stiffness in the unloaded state, and that there is relatively little anisotropy in the speed of sound or stiffness in the aortic wall.
ELECTROWEAK MEASUREMENTS FROM RUN II AT THE TEVATRON
Authors: WYATT T. R.
Published: April 2004

The CDF and DØ detectors were fully commissioned for physics running in Run II at the Tevatron [Formula: see text] collider in early 2002. Since then both experiments have collected data samples corresponding to an integrated luminosity of around ∫L=200 pb -1 at a [Formula: see text] centre-of-mass energy of [Formula: see text]. Datasets corresponding ∫L=120 pb-1 have been analyzed for physics so far. Recent electroweak measurements from Run II are reviewed. Cross section times branching ratio measurements (σ· Br ) are presented for the intermediate vector bosons (IVB's) in their leptonic decay modes: W→ℓν and Z→ℓ+ℓ-. For the first time, a combination of the σ· Br results from the CDF and DØ experiments is made; this includes using a consistent choice of the total inelastic [Formula: see text] cross section for the luminosity determinations of the two experiments. Quantities derived from these σ· Br values are also updated. These include: R ℓ the ratio of the σ· Br values for W and Z; Br (W→ℓν), the leptonic branching ratio of the W; and Γw, the total decay width of the W. Other measurements using events containing W and Z leptonic decays are presented, including studies that probe the QCD phenomenology of W/Z production and searches for events containing two intermediate vector bosons.
THEORETICAL PREDICTIONS FOR COLLIDER SEARCHES
Authors: GIUDICE G. F.
Published: April 2004

I review recent developments in extensions of the Standard Model that address the question of electroweak symmetry breaking and discuss how these theories can be tested at future colliders.
BEYOND THE STANDARD MODEL WITH B AND K PHYSICS
Authors: GROSSMAN Y.
Published: April 2004

In the first part of the talk the flavor physics input to models beyond the Standard Model is described. One specific example of such a new physics model is given: a model with bulk fermions in one non-factorizable extra dimension. In the second part of the talk we discuss several observables that are sensitive to new physics. We explain what type of new physics can produce deviations from the Standard Model predictions in each of these observables.
DETECTOR R&D
Authors: BEHNKE T.
Published: April 2004

The next big project in high energy physics should be a high energy e+e- linear collider, operating at energies up to around 1 TeV. A vigorous R&D program has started to prepare the grounds for a detector at such a machine. The amounts of precision data expected at this machine make a novel approach to the reconstruction of events necessary; the particle flow ansatz. This in turn influences significantly the design of a detector for such an experiment. Apart from work ongoing for the linear collider detector, preparations are under way for an update of the LHC. This requires extremely radiation hard detectors. In this paper the state of the different detector development projects is reviewed.
The Life and Death of the Canadian Contingent Gains and Losses Accounting Standards Project*
Authors: DYKEMAN BROCK , ENTWISTLE GARY
Published: April 2004

In April 1994, the Canadian Accounting Standards Board formally approved a new accounting standard for contingent gains and losses. The new standard would have increased the frequency of recording contingent losses, enabled the accrual of some contingent gains, and enhanced disclosures for all contingencies. The changes would primarily have been achieved by requiring management, and their legal advisers, to make predictions, estimates, and disclosures that the existing accounting standard enabled them to avoid. Over two years later, and following numerous changes to the implementation date, the board ultimately decided not to release the new standard, and in July 1999, formally abandoned the contingencies project. This study provides a telling of the standard's genesis, development, and ultimate demise, which should prove instructive to those parties with an interest and a stake in accounting standard setting.
Cyanocarbazole Derivatives for High‐Performance Electroluminescent Devices
Authors: Justin Thomas K. R. , Velusamy M. , Lin J. T. , Tao Y.‐T. , Chuen C.‐H.
Published: April 2004

3‐Cyano‐9‐diarylamino carbazoles have been synthesized. These new compounds emit in the blue to green region. Double‐layer electroluminescent devices using these compounds as the hole‐transport/emitting materials are highly efficient. Two of the compounds can be fabricated into single‐layer devices with good performance. Green‐ and blue‐emitting devices with good performance were also fabricated using one of the compounds as the hole‐injection layer.
Acoustic eigenanalysis for multiply‐connected problems using dual BEM
Authors: Chen J. T. , Liu L. W. , Chyuan S. W.
Published: April 2004

In this paper, the eigenanalysis for the multiply‐connected domain problem is studied by using the dual boundary element method. The occurrence and treatment of the spurious eigenvalues for multiply‐connected domain problem are reviewed when the complex‐valued BEM in used. Three approaches, Burton and Miller method, CHIEF concept and SVD updating techniques, are adopted to suppress the occurrence of spurious eigensolutions. Instead of using the singular and hypersingular formulations, the singularity‐free methods, the null‐field equation approach and the fictitious BEM, are also utilized to deal with the eigenproblem. Both the eigenvalues and eigenmodes are compared with the analytical solutions and those of FEM for the illustrative examples. Good agreement is made. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental analysis of Mn segregation in Bridgman‐grown gallium antimonide: Dependency on the ampoule radius
Authors: Plaza J. L. , Diéguez E.
Published: April 2004

This work considered the segregation of manganese in vertical Bridgman‐grown GaSb crystals for different ampoule diameters. Experimental data of the impurity distribution were obtained from atomic absorption spectrometry and also Hall measurements. It was demonstrated that the radial segregation is more pronounced in the case of thick ampoule diameters. Furthermore the manganese effective segregation coefficient, resistivity, carrier mobility and density were obtained in each case. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Geometrical aspects of solid solution separation by evaporation‐condensation driven in a closed system by a small temperature difference
Authors: Szczerbakow A.
Published: April 2004

Evaporation‐condensation driven in a closed system by a small temperature difference has demonstrated its ability to deliver semiconducting IV‐VI and II‐VI solid solution crystals of highest compositional uniformity. Geometrical aspects of solution component distribution emerging in the crystals grown in the near equilibrium evaporation/condensation systems are considered in this paper. The conclusion is drawn that no increase in the range of compositional variations with increase in the crystal size is to be anticipated. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structural analysis of bis{(N,N′–dimethylformamide) (μ‐formato)[μ‐bis(salicylidene)–1,3‐propanediaminato] nickel(II)} copper(II) and zinc(II) monohydrate hetero‐trinuclear complexes
Authors: Ercan F. , Ateş M. B. , Ercan Ý. , Durmuş S. , Atakol O.
Published: April 2004

The two linear hetero‐trinuclear metallic complexes with Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ ions, [CuNi2 {(CHO2)(SALPD)[(CH3)2NCHO]}2],(I) and [ZnNi2{(CHO2)(SALPD)[(CH3)2NCHO]}2],(II), form crystals which belong to the monoclinic system, space group P21/c, with unit cell dimensions a=10.537(4), b=16.612(5), c=13.837(3) Å, β=111.09(5)°, V=2259.8(12) Å3 in (I) and a=10.525(4), b=16.658(5), c=13.826(3) Å, β=111.11(5) °, V=2261.4(8) Å3 in (II), respectively. The coordinations around the M (Ni2+, Cu2+, Zn2+) ions in the title complexes are distorted octahedrals. The stereochemistries of the bridge ligands, linking to the metal ions each other, are changed between Ni…M (Cu2+, Zn2+) distances. The Ni…M (Cu2+, Zn2+) distances are 3.0469(13) and 3.0645(14), respectively. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Visual encoding mechanisms and their relationship to text presentation preference
Authors: Pammer Kristen , Lavis Ruth , Cornelissen Piers
Published: April 2004

This study was designed to investigate the importance of spatial encoding in reading, with particular emphasis on visuo‐spatial encoding mechanisms. Thirty one school children participated in the first study in which they were measured on their ability to solve a centrally presented spatial encoding task, as well as their sensitivity to the frequency doubling illusion across the retina. We found that both spatial frequency doubling sensitivity and performance in the spatial encoding task were correlated with reading, however these tasks were unrelated to each other. Furthermore, frequency doubling sensitivity was correlated with contextual reading, but not single‐word reading, while the central spatial encoding task was correlated with both reading tasks. These findings may have functional implications for text presentation preference. Accordingly, in Experiment 2 we demonstrated that children with poor FDT sensitivity read more accurately when words were presented singularly rather than in a whole‐text format. In conclusion, we suggest that contextual reading may depend upon two separate and functionally distinct visual encoding mechanisms—one central, important for the spatial discrimination of letters within words, and the other, a spotlighting mechanism important for spatial localization within a body of text. While both mechanisms may constrain reading efficiency, neither mechanism enforces an absolute limit on reading ability. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bringing understanding in societal decision making: explaining and communicating analyses?
Authors: Niculae Carmen , French Simon
Published: April 2004

In recent years, there have been growing demands for a more participative approach to societal decision making and a higher level of accountability on the part of politicians and decision makers. Concurrently, the development of the Internet has provided an infrastructure to achieve these ends through substantive e‐democracy. e‐Democracy systems have the potential to draw on developments in decision support systems (DSS), involving stakeholders and the public in societal decisions. We argue that the key need in developing DSS for e‐democracy contexts is to provide interfaces which explain the decision analytic techniques to users with a wide range of abilities, skills and cultures, using as an example an early application of automated explanations within a nuclear emergency management DSS. By building natural language context specific, sometimes graphical explanations, to explain and document the judgements needed in the process, this seeks to make the information from the application's domain knowledge broadly available and understandable. While recognizing that this application is limited, we believe that more sophisticated automated explanation facilities will be essential in e‐democracy systems and we discuss the issues to be faced in developing these. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Supporting societal decision making: a process perspective
Authors: Papamichail K. N. , Robertson I.
Published: April 2004

Opaque processes serve to mask the connection between cause and effect. When embedded in the political system, they contribute to the alienation of voters from that system. This article describes an approach to improve transparency of one such process, that of public decision making, in order to better engage with the electorate. The authors propose the adoption of a web‐based process support system in which to construct the decision‐making process such that the elements of the decision model are available at all times for public scrutiny. Two case studies are presented that emphasise the need for openness, transparency, reporting and the exploring of public values in societal decision making. The article outlines the findings of the case studies and discusses how the proposed web‐based system can be used to support participative and democratic decision processes. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Climate change in southern Illinois, USA, based on the age and δ13C of organic matter in cave sediments
Authors: Panno Samuel V. , Curry B. Brandon , Wang Hong , Hackley Keith C. , Liu Chao-Li , Lundstrom Craig , Zhou Juanzuo
Published: April 2004

Matrix-supported diamicton and uniform to laminated, silty, fine-grained sediment deposited from about 42,500 to 27,600 cal yr B.P. under slackwater conditions nearly filled two caves in southwestern Illinois. At some point, most of the sediment was flushed from the caves and from about 22,700 to 4000 cal yr B.P. floods deposited a drape of sandy and silty sediment on remnant slackwater successions, cobbly alluvium, and bedrock (especially from 7700 to 4000 cal yr B.P.). Clay mineral analyses of the slackwater cave sediment reveal a provenance of chiefly Petersburg Silt, a smectite- and illite-rich proglacial lacustrine unit present in the overlying Illinois Episode glacial succession. Today, remnants of the ancient subterranean slackwater deposits nearly fill several secondary passages and in at least two locations, cover a cobble-mantled strath terrace 1.3 to 1.5 m above active stream channels. Slumping and sinkhole formation appear to have been important mechanisms for deposition of the ancient subterranean deposits. Slumping of these surficial deposits and associated vegetation can occur along the flanks of sinkholes (in addition to sinkhole formation) and enter caves; however, the finer organics, some of them comminuted during transport into the caves, become part of the cave alluvium. This finer organic fraction is the modern analog of the humified organic matter disseminated in slackwater sediment dated in this investigation by radiocarbon methods. Twenty-four 14C ages on humified organic matter provide chronologic control. The δ13C values of the organic matter reflect the proportion of C4-type to C3-type vegetation growing in and around swallets and sinkholes at the time of redeposition. Drought-tolerant C4-type vegetation was more prevalent relative to C3-type vegetation from 42,500 to 31,200 cal yr B.P. compared to conditions from 28,800 cal yr B.P. to the present. The δ13C values are consistent with the results from other investigations of speleothems and organic matter from loessial paleosols.
Internal stochastic resonance under two-parameter modulation in intercellular calcium ion oscillations
Authors: Li Ya Ping , Li Qian Shu
Published: April 2004

Internal stochastic resonance (ISR) in a model of intercellular calcium ion oscillations is investigated under the modulation of two parameters, viz., degree of extracellular stimulation (β) and leak rate (kf). ISR can occur when either β or kf is subjected to a noise. Internal stochastic biresonance (ISBR) can occur when noise is added to the two parameters simultaneously. The distance to the bifurcation point is found to be able to enhance or suppress the ISBR, and to affect the number of peaks of ISR.
The spin-unrestricted molecular Kohn–Sham solution and the analogue of Koopmans’s theorem for open-shell molecules
Authors: Gritsenko O. V. , Baerends E. J.
Published: April 2004

Spin-unrestricted Kohn–Sham (KS) solutions are constructed from accurate ab initio spin densities for the prototype doublet molecules NO2, ClO2, and NF2 with the iterative local updating procedure of van Leeuwen and Baerends (LB). A qualitative justification of the LB procedure is given with a “strong” form of the Hohenberg–Kohn theorem. The calculated energies εiσ of the occupied KS spin orbitals provide numerical support to the analogue of Koopmans’ theorem in spin-density functional theory. In particular, the energies −εiβ of the minor spin (β) valence orbitals of the considered doublet molecules correspond fairly well to the experimental vertical ionization potentials (VIPs) Ii1 to the triplet cationic states. The energy −εHα of the highest occupied (spin-unpaired) α orbital is equal to the first VIP IH0 to the singlet cationic state. In turn, the energies −εiα of the major spin (α) valence orbitals of the closed subshells correspond to a fifty-fifty average of the experimental VIPs Ii1 and Ii0 to the triplet and singlet states. For the Li atom we find that the exact spin densities are represented by a spin-polarized Kohn–Sham system which is not in its ground state, i.e., the orbital energy of the lowest unoccupied β spin orbital is lower than that of the highest occupied α spin orbital (“a hole below the Fermi level”). The addition of a magnetic field in the −z direction will shift the β levels up so as to restore the Aufbau principle. This is an example of the nonuniqueness of the mapping of the spin density on the KS spin-dependent potentials discussed recently in the literature. The KS potentials may no longer go to zero at infinity, and it is in general the differences νsσ(∞)−εiσ that can be interpreted as (averages of) ionization energies. In total, the present results suggest the spin-unrestricted KS theory as a natural one-electron independent-particle model for interpretation and assignment of the experimental photoelectron spectra of open-shell molecules.
Restoration of Protein Synthesis in Heart and Skeletal Muscle After Withdrawal of Alcohol
Authors: Vary Thomas C. , Nairn Angus C. , Lang Charles H.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: The rate of protein synthesis is diminished after chronic alcohol consumption through changes in both mRNA translation initiation and elongation. It remains unknown how long adverse effects of alcohol on protein synthesis persist after withdrawal from ethanol.

Methods: We examined the effect of removal of alcohol from the diet of rats for 72 hr after chronic alcohol exposure (16 weeks) on rates of protein synthesis and potential mechanisms for controlling mRNA translation in heart, skeletal muscle, and liver. Rates of protein synthesis were measured after intravenous infusion of [3H]‐l‐phenylalanine. The formation of active eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4E·eIF4G complex, the cellular content of eukaryotic elongation factor (eEF)1A and eEF2, and the phosphorylation state of eEF2 and S6K1 were measured in each tissue.

Results: Withdrawal of alcohol from the diet restored protein synthesis in heart and skeletal muscle to values obtained in pair‐fed control rats not exposed to alcohol. However, the organ weight and protein content per muscle was not affected by withdrawal of alcohol from the diet. In both heart and skeletal muscle, the restoration of protein synthesis correlated with reversal of defects in the formation of active eIF4E·eIF4G complex and eEF1A content. Myocardial eEF2 content was also restored to control values after withdrawal of alcohol from the diet. In the gastrocnemius, there was a decrease in the cellular content of eEF2. The lower eIF2 content may have been counterbalanced by an increased activity of eEF2 through a reduction in the phosphorylation state of eEF2 allowing protein synthesis to proceed unimpeded.

Conclusions: These studies indicate that changes in protein metabolism observed during chronic alcohol intake are reversible and do not, at this stage, represent an irreversible change in cardiac or skeletal muscle.
Noncontingent and Response‐Contingent Intravenous Ethanol Attenuates the Effect of Naltrexone on Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Activity in Rhesus Monkeys
Authors: Williams Keith L. , Broadbear Jillian H. , Woods James H.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: The mechanism by which the opioid antagonist naltrexone suppresses overconsumption of ethanol is unclear. Oral ethanol consumption in humans increases hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) activity, and recent studies suggest that naltrexone may reduce ethanol consumption by modifying the HPA‐stimulating effects of ethanol. The purpose of this study was to measure in rhesus monkeys the effects of ethanol and naltrexone, alone and in combination, on plasma levels of adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH).

Methods: Nine adult male and female rhesus monkeys with chronic, indwelling intravenous catheters were maintained on tethers that allowed ethanol delivery and blood sampling. In one study, the monkeys received intramuscular injections of saline or 0.32 mg/kg naltrexone followed by noncontingent intravenous bolus infusions of saline or 0.3 to 1.8 g/kg ethanol. In a second study, other monkeys were given intramuscular injections of saline or 0.01 to 0.3 mg/kg naltrexone and subsequently responded on levers to receive intravenous saline or ethanol 0.03 g/kg per injection.

Results: Ethanol, delivered either response contingently or noncontingently, did not produce systematic changes in ACTH plasma levels. Naltrexone alone produced increases in plasma ACTH that were attenuated by the subsequent administration of noncontingent or response‐contingent ethanol. Naltrexone also produced dose‐dependent reductions in intravenous ethanol self‐administration. Linear regression analysis indicated that ethanol intake was negatively correlated with the plasma levels of ACTH over time.

Conclusions: The route of administration may modulate ethanol's effects on HPA activity. Ethanol may attenuate naltrexone's effect on the HPA axis by impairing HPA axis sensitivity to other stimuli. The negative correlation between ethanol intake and ACTH levels supports the notion that naltrexone's effect of increasing HPA axis activity may be related to its ability to suppress ethanol consumption.