bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“Professionals at work” – transition in a small service firm
Authors: Ram Monder
Published: April 2004

Small professional service firms constitute an important segment of the small business population. Explanations of the emergence, employment potential and economic contribution of such firms have been much debated. Yet, comparatively little is known of the “people dimension” in such enterprises, particularly in firms undergoing some form of organisational transition. This paper aims to examine the interplay of work relations and “growth” in the particular case of WhitCo (an organisation that was attempting the transition from its entrepreneurial beginnings to a more formally configured set‐up). The study, which is based on an ethnographic investigation in the case firm over a year‐long period, addresses three issues: the motivations for growth in the small professional service firm; the manner in which attempts at organisational transition impinge upon “collegial” patterns of work relations typical in these firms; and the importance of interpersonal relations to “growth”. The study provides a rare insight into the management of social relations within a firm typical of many in the business services sector. It highlights the critical role of “people management” to shaping the trajectory of small firm growth.
Small and medium enterprise development: borrowing from elsewhere? a research and development agenda
Authors: Gibb Allan
Published: April 2004

The paper focuses upon the issue of the transfer of ideas between countries and cultures in the field of small and medium enterprise (SME) development. It argues that there has been a neglect of such work in academe. Yet there has been a growing import into the UK of ideas from abroad (mainly from the US). There has also been an extensive export particularly to Transition economies. The results in both respects have been less than satisfactory. There is also greater opportunity for ideas transfer via the new communication technologies. The European Commission is particularly active in the field of transfer. There is therefore a strong case for greater academic interest. The paper explores the concept of transfer by posing four questions: (1) What does the notion of transfer mean? (2) Where are the academic challenges in such processes? (3) Where might there be opportunities for transfer in the future of relevance to UK SME development? (4)How and where might we begin to address the issue? In addressing question one, six key areas are identified: ideology transfer; concept/paradigm transfer; benchmarking; institutional development; programme transfer; and transfer of process insights. The second question looks at the academic challenge through the lens of a number of problems, including those of ideology, culture, language, concept, context, agency, reasoning and rationality, agenda, field of production, and customer. Each of these areas is defined, and examples are given of the kinds of problems that arise and their impact. The third question is addressed by a short and speculative review of possibilities for transfer of ideas to the UK relating to the broad areas of policy, institution development and assistance to SME development. The final question is approached by a brief review of the potential for action by journal editors, academic groups and policy makers.
Networking and ethnic minority enterprise development: insights from a North London study
Authors: Fadahunsi Akin , Smallbone David , Supri Salinder
Published: April 2004

This paper is concerned with the role of networking in the development of ethnic minority enterprises, using empirical data drawn from a wider study of 82 ethnic minority businesses in North London. The paper uses a broadly based definition of networks that focuses on the exploitation of both formal and informal relationships for business development purposes, which includes social networks as well as voluntary and necessary business‐based linkages. More specifically, the paper considers the role of networking in raising capital, recruiting labour, identifying and finding customers, as well as accessing business support. The results show that personal and community‐based networks are used both to mobilise resources and to generate sales by business owners in all groups, although the nature and extent of the activity varies at different stages of business development. As other studies have shown, there is a very low level of take‐up of business advice and support from mainstream support agencies by these ethnic minority enterprises, not because of a lack of awareness but because of a range of negative attitudes towards them.
Seven ages of entrepreneurship
Authors: Irwin David
Published: April 2004

Current government policy is to encourage more businesses to grow. Access to resources – financial, human and physical – are often cited as the principal barriers to the growth of small firms. The attitudes of owner‐managers, however, are equally important, with many owner‐managers deliberately avoiding growing their businesses beyond their capacity personally to manage the business. Attitudes change as businesses develop; a skilled consultant can act as catalyst to overcome cultural barriers and, consequently, to the growth of businesses. This paper examines the cultural barriers which might inhibit the growth and development of a new enterprise and offers a model to show how those barriers separate seven stages of entrepreneurial development. It highlights the role of the consultant in moving through the stages.
In search of the source of the stream: the process of formation of manufacturing strategy in small and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Barnes David
Published: April 2004

This paper reports on research investigating the process of formation of manufacturing strategy in six UK manufacturing small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Realised manufacturing strategy can be considered to be the pattern formed in the stream of actions taken within a firm’s manufacturing function. The research aims to locate the source of that stream by identifying the causal origins of strategic manufacturing actions using a strategy charting method. The findings indicate that, for these companies, realised manufacturing strategy is predominantly formed through a bottom‐up emergent process, arising from the preferences of personnel within the manufacturing function. For most strategic manufacturing actions, there is no demonstrable link to business strategy. As such, these firms are not following best‐practice manufacturing strategy literature, which advises that manufacturing strategy be derived from business strategy in a top‐down deliberate process. This is the case despite differences in the size, products, customers, ownership structures and histories of the companies. The paper speculates that, in UK SMEs, more widely, manufacturing strategy may similarly not arise from the pursuit of business objectives. This may be because the concept of manufacturing as a potential strategic weapon is absent in the SME community, or because the formalised top‐down deliberate process of developing manufacturing strategy associated with this concept is inappropriate in the dynamic environments in which most SMEs operate.
Corporate rescue: empirical evidence on company voluntary arrangements and small firms
Authors: Pandit Naresh R. , Cook Gary A.S. , Milman David , Chittenden Francis C.
Published: April 2004

This paper focuses on the British company voluntary arrangement (CVA) which is a relatively new debtor rehabilitation process particularly intended to help financially troubled small firms resolve their difficulties. Based on a survey that is the largest and most comprehensive on the subject of British CVAs, this paper has three principal objectives: (i) to outline the characteristics of CVAs; (ii) to examine the relationships between CVA success and context; and (iii) to provide managerial and policy recommendations based on these findings. Among other things, the study finds that the overwhelming majority of CVAs are employed by small firms and that they can be particularly successful as a means of recovery when the economic fundamentals of the business are sound, regardless of the line of activity of the firm. Higher levels of success might be achieved, however, if the fixed costs of CVAs were subsidised in the case of very small firms and if more time were allowed during the process.
Explanations of the decision to franchise in a non‐traditional franchise sector: the case of the UK construction industry
Authors: Watson Anna , Kirby David A.
Published: April 2004

This paper is part of on‐going research examining the growth of small and medium‐sized enterprises through franchising. It reports the findings of an exploratory investigation that examines why franchising is selected less frequently as a growth strategy in some industrial sectors than it is in others. The applicability of the main theories used to explain the decision to franchise are tested through a study which focuses on the UK construction industry, a sector containing relatively few franchised operations. It reveals that the high human capital requirement of this industry (as proxied by average wages) may make it unsuitable for franchising. Interviews with franchisors operating in the construction industry indicate that, although few operational difficulties are encountered, the franchisors had experienced severe difficulties in recruiting suitable franchisees, possibly reflecting the high human capital requirement of the sector. It is concluded that further research is needed to compare these findings with those from industry sectors in which the level of franchise representation is high, to determine whether some industries are, in fact, more suited to franchising than others.
Immiserizing Growth in a Closed Economy
Authors: Krishna Kala , Yavas Cemile
Published: April 2004

We develop a model with three key features: a factor market distortion, monopoly power in the product market and indivisibilities in consumption. In this setting, multiple equilibria arise, one with high and the other with low equilibrium wages, incomes and output. It is also shown that even in a closed economy, growth may be immiserizing and, finally, that redistribution could be a “rich man's game”.
Labour Tax Reform, the Good Jobs and the Bad Jobs
Authors: Kleven Henrik Jacobsen , Sørensen Peter Birch
Published: April 2004

We analyse recent proposals to shift the tax burden away from low‐paid labour, assuming a dual labour market where the “good” high‐paying jobs are rationed. A shift in the tax burden from low‐paid to high‐paid workers has an ambiguous effect on the level of aggregate employment while the allocation of aggregate employment is further distorted. Even if the tax reform raises total employment, economic efficiency may be reduced because labour is reallocated from high‐productive to low‐productive jobs. We also find that opportunities for on‐the‐job search have important implications for the policy effects.
Are We Better Off if Our Politicians Have More Information?
Authors: Lagerlöf Johan
Published: April 2004

The model of public policy studied in this paper has heterogeneous citizens/voters and two public goods: one (roads) chosen directly by an elected policy‐maker, and the other (pollution) stochastically dependent on the amount of roads. Both a one‐country and a two‐country version of the model are analyzed; the latter displays externalities across the countries which create incentives for free riding and strategic delegation. The welfare effects of providing the policy‐maker with information about the relationship between roads and pollution are investigated, and it is shown that more information hurts some—sometimes even all—citizens. In particular, the opportunity not to create an institution for information gathering can serve as a commitment device for a country, although with the unfortunate effect of making the overall outcome even worse. Implications for the welfare effects of “informational lobbying” are also discussed.
Abnormal fronto‐parietal coupling of brain rhythms in mild Alzheimer's disease: a multicentric EEG study
Authors: Babiloni Claudio , Ferri Raffaele , Moretti Davide V. , Strambi Andrea , Binetti Giuliano , Dal Forno Gloria , Ferreri Florinda , Lanuzza Bartolo , Bonato Claudio , Nobili Flavio , Rodriguez Guido , Salinari Serenella , Passero Stefano , Rocchi Raffaele , Stam C. J. , Rossini Paolo M.
Published: April 2004

Cholinergic deafferentation/recovery in rats mainly impinges on the fronto‐parietal coupling of brain rhythms [D. P. Holschneider et al. (1999) Exp. Brain Res., 126, 270–280]. Is this reflected by the functional coupling of fronto‐parietal cortical rhythms at an early stage of Alzheimer's disease (mild AD)? Resting electroencephalographic (EEG) rhythms were studied in 82 patients with mild AD and in control subjects, such as 41 normal elderly (Nold) subjects and 25 patients with vascular dementia (VaD). Patients with AD and VaD had similar mini‐mental state evaluation scores of 17–24. The functional coupling was estimated by means of the synchronization likelihood (SL) of the EEG data at electrode pairs, accounting for linear and non‐linear components of that coupling. Cortical rhythms of interest were delta (2–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (1 8–10.5 Hz), alpha 2 (10.5–13 Hz), beta 1 (13–20 Hz), beta 2 (20–30 Hz) and gamma (30–40 Hz). A preliminary data analysis (Nold) showed that surface Laplacian transformation of the EEG data reduced the values of SL, possibly because of the reduction of influences due to head volume conduction. Therefore, the final analysis was performed on Laplacian‐transformed EEG data. The SL was dominant at alpha 1 band in all groups. Compared with the Nold subjects, patients with VaD and mild AD presented a marked reduction of SL at both fronto‐parietal (delta–alpha) and inter‐hemispherical (delta–beta) electrode pairs. The feature distinguishing the patients with mild AD with respect to patients with VaD groups was a more prominent reduction of fronto‐parietal alpha 1 SL. These results suggest that mild AD is characterized by an abnormal fronto‐parietal coupling of the dominant human cortical rhythm at 8–10.5 Hz.
Organization of GABAA receptor α‐subunit clustering in the developing rat neocortex and hippocampus
Authors: Hutcheon B. , Fritschy J.M. , Poulter M.O.
Published: April 2004

We compared the expression and co‐expression of α1, α2, α3, and α5‐subunit protein clusters of the γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)A receptor in the neocortex and hippocampus of rat at postnatal days (PND) 5–10 and 30–40 in order to understand how inhibitory receptors reorganize during brain maturation. The size, intensity, density and pattern of co‐localization of fluorescently tagged subunit clusters were determined in deconvolved digital images using a novel 2D cross‐correlational analysis. The cross‐correlation analysis allowed an unbiased identification of GABAA receptor subunit clusters based on staining intensity. Cluster size increased through development; only the α2 clusters in dentate gyrus (DG) decreased in size. α5‐subunit cluster density either increased or decreased with maturation depending on the brain region. For the other subunits, the cluster density remained rather constant, with noted exceptions (increase in α2 clusters in cortical layer 5 but a decrease of α3 clusters in hilus). The co‐localization of α1‐subunit with the others was unique and not correlated to overall changes in subunit abundance between developmental époques. So, although α2‐subunit expression went up in the DG, the clusters became less co‐localized with α1. In contrast, α5‐subunit clusters became more co‐localized with α1 as the α5‐subunit expression declined in cortex and CA1. The co‐localization of α3 with α1 also became greater in layer 6. In the adult brain not all clustering was associated with synapses, as many α‐subunit clusters did not co‐localize with synaptophysin. Overall, these data indicate that the regulation of GABAA receptor clustering is both synaptic and extrasynaptic, presumably reflecting complex cellular trafficking mechanisms.
Selective functional deficit in dendritic cell – T cell interaction is a crucial mechanism in chronic hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Zheng B. J. , Zhou J. , Qu D. , Siu K. L. , Lam T. W. , Lo H. Y. , Lee S. S. , Wen Y. M.
Published: April 2004

Summary.  A defect in specific T cell immunity has long been assumed to be the central mechanism of persistent Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Recent studies on HBV transgenic mice have suggested, however, that functional deficit of dendritic cells (DC) was an underlying cause for the T cell dysfunction. The functions of monocyte‐derived DC were determined by studying 75 subjects that included chronic hepatitis B patients with low or high HBV load; antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti‐HBs) positive individuals who had recovered completely from previous acute HBV infection; healthy donors who had received hepatitis B vaccination and were anti‐HBs positive; and immunologically naïve to HBV or the vaccine individual. Impaired interactions between monocyte‐derived DC and T cells were shown in chronic HBV infection patients, especially in those with active virus replication. The dysfunctions included: (i) failure of DC to increase human leukocyte antigen (HLA‐II), B7 expression and interleukin‐12 secretion in responses to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), (ii) defective induction of T cell proliferative response to HBsAg, (iii) failure to activate T cells to produce cytokines and (iv) deficit in the induction of antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). In vitro treatment of DC with tumour necrosis factor‐α improved HLA‐II and B7 expression, as well as Th cell and CTL responses. It is concluded that defective DC‐T cell interactions may account for the specific T cell immune defects in chronic HBV infection. Immunotherapy that aims at restoring DC functions could offer a new opportunity for effectively managing persistent HBV infections.
High prevalence of ectopic kidney in Coast Province, Kenya
Authors: Magak Philip , King Charles H. , Ireri Edmund , Kadzo Hilda , Ouma John H. , Muchiri Eric M.
Published: April 2004

Objective  To establish the prevalence of congenital urinary tract abnormalities in a full population‐based ultrasound survey of an area of coastal Kenya.

Methods  Ultrasound examination of 3118 residents of 912 households, including allavailable subjects over 2 years of age, residing in five contiguous rural villages 50 km south of Mombasa.

Results  Survey findings indicated simple renal ectopia in 11 of 3118 subjects (0.35%) and renal agenesis in three (0.096%). No cases of horseshoe kidney or complex urinary anomaly were detected, and no cases of multiple congenital anomaly were found. Ectopia cases were evenly distributed between men and women, and across the five study villages. None of the individuals affected by renal ectopia were closely related (i.e. <5th‐degree relations).

Conclusion  There is an unusually high prevalence of ectopia among unrelated subjects in this area. In this setting, the findings suggest either a common exposure to teratogenetic factors, or a hereditary condition with variable penetrance, where more severely affected individuals are not observed because of foetal/infant mortality.
Genetic heterogeneity of the dengue vector Aedes aegypti in Martinique
Authors: Yébakima André , Charles Céline , Mousson Laurence , Vazeille Marie , Yp‐Tcha Marie‐Michelle , Failloux A.‐B.
Published: April 2004

In Martinique, Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue viruses has been the target of insecticide control for more than 35 years. Despite significant control efforts, dengue has become a major disease of public health concern. We conducted a population genetic analysis based on isoenzyme variations combined with an estimation of infection rate to a dengue virus among 26 Ae. aegypti samples. Aedes aegypti samples could be differentiated for their susceptibility to dengue infection (infection rates ranging from 42.8% to 98.6%) and showed important genetic variation (significant FST values).
Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita associated with vitiligo, Graves’ disease and nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Bakar Özgür , Demirçay Zeynep , Ergun Tulin
Published: April 2004

Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita is a rare autoimmune disease which may be associated with various autoimmune diseases. Presented is an unusual case of a patient with vitiligo, Graves’ disease, nephrotic syndrome and epidermolysis bullosa acquisita with a benign course.
Double‐blind, randomized, vehicle‐controlled clinical trial of once‐daily benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin topical gel in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe rosacea
Authors: Breneman Debra , Savin Ronald , VandePol Christine , Vamvakias George , Levy Sharon , Leyden James
Published: April 2004

Background  Systemic antibiotics such as tetracycline are well accepted as effective in treating the inflammatory papular/pustular phase of rosacea but may be associated with systemic side‐effects. Few controlled data on the use of topical antibiotics in rosacea are available.

Objective  We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of a fixed combination of 5% benzoyl peroxide and 1% clindamycin in a topical gel for the treatment of rosacea.

Methods  This was a 12‐week, double‐blind, vehicle‐controlled, randomized, prospective, parallel‐group study in 53 patients with moderate to severe rosacea.

Results  The mean percentage reduction in papules and pustules from baseline to the end of treatment was 71.3% in the benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin group (n = 26) and 19.3% in the vehicle group (n = 26; P = 0.0056). A significant (P = 0.0141) difference in favor of benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin was evident by the third week of treatment. Severity scores for erythema, papules/pustules, and flushing/blushing decreased more with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin than with vehicle. Overall rosacea severity, Physician Global Assessment, and Patient's Global Assessment at the end of treatment were all significantly improved with benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin compared with vehicle (P = 0.0101, 0.0026, and 0.0002, respectively). Application site reactions were reported in four patients (14.8%) in the benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin group.

Conclusion  A once‐daily topical application of a combination of 5% benzoyl peroxide and 1% clindamycin is effective and well tolerated in patients with moderate to severe rosacea.
A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of cortical asymmetry in bipolar disorder
Authors: Caligiuri Michael P , Brown Gregory G , Meloy MJ , Eyler Lisa T , Kindermann Sandra S , Eberson Sonja , Frank Lawrence R , Lohr James B
Published: April 2004

Objectives:  Individuals with bipolar disorder (BPD) exhibit motor, perceptual, and cognitive disturbances involving predominantly right hemisphere dysfunction. This asymmetry has been used to advance the hypothesis that the pathogenesis of bipolar disorder may be related to disturbances of the right cerebral hemisphere. We employed functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine hemispheric asymmetries in manic and depressed BPD. A secondary goal of the study was to examine effects of psychotropic medications on blood volume changes in the motor cortices.

Methods:  We studied 18 right‐handed BPD and 13 right‐handed normal healthy comparison subjects. Blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) responses in the primary motor area (M1) and supplementary motor area (SMA) of both hemispheres were elicited during reaction time (RT) tasks.

Results:  Healthy subjects activated the SMA in a reciprocal fashion with significantly greater activity in the left SMA for right hand trials and the right SMA for left hand trials. Depressed BPD subjects failed to show this normal reciprocity indicating a failure to suppress unwanted activity in the ipsilateral right SMA, whereas manic BPD subjects failed to suppress unwanted ipsilateral SMA activity in both hemispheres. Manic and depressed BPD subjects exhibited greater activity in the left primary motor area suggesting increased cortical excitability. BPD subjects treated with antipsychotics or mood‐stabilizing medications exhibited longer RTs, lower BOLD responses in M1 and SMA, and a loss of normal hemispheric asymmetry in the SMA than untreated subjects.

Conclusions:  The presence of a right hemisphere disturbance in BPD is consistent with the hypothesis that the right hemisphere may be dominant in mood regulation. The presence of both left and right hemisphere disturbances in mania may explain the coexisting psychotic and affective symptoms observed in this condition.
Auditor Independence, Non‐Audit Services, and Restatements: Was the U.S. Government Right?*
Authors: Kinney William R. , Palmrose Zoe‐Vonna , Scholz Susan
Published: April 2004

Do fees for non‐audit services compromise auditor's independence and result in reduced quality of financial reporting? The Sarbanes‐Oxley Act of 2002 presumes that some fees do and bans these services for audit clients. Also, some registrants voluntarily restrict their audit firms from providing legally permitted non‐audit services. Assuming that restatements of previously issued financial statements reflect low‐quality financial reporting, we investigate detailed fees for restating registrants for 1995 to 2000 and for similar nonrestating registrants. We do not find a statistically significant positive association between fees for either financial information systems design and implementation or internal audit services and restatements, but we do find some such association for unspecified non‐audit services and restatements. We find a significant negative association between tax services fees and restatements, consistent with net benefits from acquiring tax services from a registrant's audit firm. The significant associations are driven primarily by larger registrants.
Effects of Ketamine on the Equine Electroencephalogram During Anesthesia With Halothane in Oxygen
Authors: Johnson C.B. , Bloomfield M. , Taylor P.M.
Published: April 2004

Objective To investigate the effects of ketamine on the electroencephalogram (EEG) of the horse.

Study Design Prospective experimental study.

Animals Eight Welsh mountain pony geldings weighing between 280 and 330 kg, 5 to 9 years old.

Methods During halothane anesthesia at an end‐tidal halothane concentration between 0.75 and 0.85%, the EEG frequency power spectrum and the auditory evoked potential were recorded while an infusion of ketamine was given. Ketamine 200 mg was infused over 5 minutes in 8 ponies. The effects of ketamine on the EEG were recorded continuously during the infusion and for a further 55 minutes.

Results The ketamine infusion produced a plasma ketamine concentration that was significantly greater than the baseline until 7 minutes after the start of the infusion. The highest recorded ketamine concentration was 4.2 ± 1.1 μg/ml recorded at 5 minutes after the start of the infusion. The spectral edge and median frequency of the EEG and the midlatency of the auditory evoked potential were compared with those recorded before the start of the infusion. The spectral edge, median frequencies and mid‐latency of the auditory evoked potential were reduced by 21 ± 13%, 31 ± 20% and 19 ± 36% respectively (mean ± SD). Only the reduction in spectral edge frequency reached statistical significance.

Conclusions These results compared with those from other anesthetic and sedative agents suggest that the spectral edge frequency is an indicator of general central nervous system depression whereas the median frequency may be an indicator of antinociception.

Clinical Relevance Ketamine may be useful in combination with halothane as the antinociceptive component of a balanced anesthetic protocol.
Reoperative Neurosurgery in Dogs With Thoracolumbar Disc Disease
Authors: Dhupa Sarit , Glickman Nita , Waters David J.
Published: April 2004

Objective To characterize the subset of dogs in our neurosurgical practice that underwent spinal surgery for thoracolumbar (TL) disc herniation and subsequently underwent additional decompressive TL surgery.

Study Design A retrospective case series.

Sample Population Thirty dogs that underwent reoperation for TL disc herniation. A comparison group of Dachshunds that underwent only one decompressive TL disc surgery was also studied.

Methods Dogs that underwent reoperation were divided into two groups based on the interval between their first and second surgery. The early reoperation group included those dogs having a second surgery less than 4 weeks after the initial operation. The late reoperation group included those dogs having a second surgery more than 4 weeks after the initial operation. For each Dachshund in the late reoperation group, two Dachshunds that underwent only one decompressive TL disc surgery were selected and formed the comparison group. Dogs in the comparison group were matched with reoperated cases based on the severity of preoperative neurologic deficit and site of disc herniation. These two groups were compared to determine: (1) if age and body weight were risk factors for reoperation, and (2) if dogs had a poorer functional outcome after their second decompressive surgery than did those in the comparison group after their first (and only) decompressive surgery.

Results A total of 30 of 467 (6.4%) dogs that underwent decompressive TL disc surgery were reoperated. In the early reoperative cases (n = 5 dogs), the inciting cause in all cases was residual compression from disc material at the site of the initial surgery. In the late reoperation group, 22 of 25 (88%) cases had a second disc herniation at a site distinct from the initial lesion. Dachshunds had a significantly higher risk for late reoperation (odds ratio and 95% CI = 3.67, 1.46 to 10.03); other small and medium‐sized breeds (<20 kg) were underrepresented. Age and body weight were not significant predictors for reoperation. A total of 21 of 23 (91%) dogs had functional recovery after late reoperation. Complete sensorimotor loss was a significant negative predictor of functional recovery in the late reoperative cases (P = .01). Likelihood of functional recovery in dogs after their second decompressive surgery was identical to the functional recovery of dogs in the comparison group.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Our results show that a second disc herniation occurring at a site distinct from the initial lesion is the most common cause for reoperation and that Dachshunds have a significantly greater risk than other breeds.
Vertebrectomy, Bone Allograft Fusion, and Antitumor Vaccination for the Treatment of Vertebral Fibrosarcoma in a Dog
Authors: Chauvet Anne E. , Hogge Gary S. , Sandin John A. , Lipsitz David
Published: April 2004

Objective To describe the surgical technique of vertebrectomy with bone allograft fusion and the use of antitumor vaccine for the treatment of a primary vertebral neoplasm in a dog.

Study Design Case Report.

Animals or Sample Population A 3 year old 32 kg female spayed mixed breed dog with progressive paraplegia.

Methods Myelography was performed to identify an L5 lytic lesion with spinal cord compression. A dorsal laminectomy was performed to decompress the spinal cord and obtain biopsies. Pathologic fracture of the vertebral body two days later was treated with L5 vertebrectomy, cortical allograft implantation, and bilateral plating from L4 to L6. Tumor samples were used to create an autologous cytokine‐gene‐engineered tumor cell vaccine. Recheck radiographs and neurologic examinations were obtained 1, 2, 7, and 13 months after surgery.

Results The histopathologic diagnosis was fibrosarcoma. Although slight osteopenia of the allograft was noted thirteen months after surgery, the allograft and plate fixation remained stable. The patient tolerated the antitumor vaccination protocol well. Two years after the procedures the dog was able to ambulate normally but remained urinary and fecal incontinent.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance Vertebrectomy and cortical allograft implantation with plating permitted this patient to return to a functional lifestyle with its owners.
Inhaled Carbon Monoxide Concentration During Halothane or Isoflurane Anesthesia in Horses
Authors: Dodam John R. , Branson Keith R. , Gross Marjorie E. , Petroski Gregory F.
Published: April 2004

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess carbon monoxide (CO) exposure during equine anesthesia with either halothane (H) or isoflurane (I) delivered in a circle rebreathing system.

Study Design Prospective clinical investigation.

Animals Fifty client‐owned horses.

Methods Horses were randomly assigned for anesthetic maintenance with H (n = 26) or I (n = 24). Two large animal anesthetic machines were used and assigned to a single agent for 2–4 weeks at a time. Machines were disassembled and soda lime changed prior to switching anesthetic agents. Inhalant anesthetic concentration and CO concentration were measured in gas samples obtained from the inspiratory limb of the anesthetic circuit. Values were recorded at 15 minute intervals for 90 minutes. Soda lime status (new or used) and mode of ventilation (spontaneous or mechanical) were also recorded. Data were analyzed using a five‐factor ANCOVA with repeated measures.

Results Inspired CO concentration for H and I increased from 1 ± 3 and 6 ± 11 ppm at baseline to 54 ± 33 and 21 ± 18 ppm at 90 min, respectively (mean ± sd). H was associated with significantly greater CO concentrations than I at 30 to 90 min, although baseline CO was significantly greater in the I group than the H group. Oxygen flow rates were 9.9 ± 0.5 L/min at baseline for H and I, and 5.0 ± 0.4 and 5.0 ± 0.7 L/min at 90 min for H and I, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups for O2 flow at any time point. Neither mechanical ventilation nor new versus used soda lime affected CO concentration.

Conclusions Significantly higher concentrations of CO were recorded during the administration of H than I.

Clinical Relevance Levels of CO observed during the administration of either H or I for 90 minutes to horses were not clinically significant.
STUDY OF STRUCTURAL, ELECTRICAL TRANSPORT AND MAGNETIC PROPERTIES IN La1-xAgxMnO3 COMPOUNDS
Authors: KAR MANORANJAN , RAVI S.
Published: April 2004

X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity and ac susceptibility measurements have been carried out on La 1-x Ag x MnO 3 compounds for x=0.05 to 0.30. These samples are found to be in single phase form with [Formula: see text] space group and with typical lattice parameters a=b=5.524Å and c=13.349Å for x=0.05 sample. The Mn–O–Mn bond angles and variance, σ2 are found to increase with doping. Metal-insulator transitions in the temperature range 254 to 259 K have been observed. These materials exhibit paramagnetic to ferromagnetic transitions in the vicinity of metal-insulator transition temperatures. The paramagnetic susceptibility could be analyzed using Curie–Weiss law. All the above samples exhibit colossal magneto-resistivity and its maximum value is found to be 73% for x=0.15 sample at 50 kOe magnetic field.
DESIGN LEVEL HYPOTHESIS TESTING THROUGH REVERSE ENGINEERING OF OBJECT-ORIENTED SOFTWARE
Authors: COUNSELL STEVE , NEWSON PETE , MENDES EMILIA
Published: April 2004

Comprehension of an object-oriented (OO) system, its design and use of OO features such as aggregation, generalisation and other forms of association is a difficult task to undertake without the original design documentation for reference. In this paper, we describe the collection of high-level class metrics from the UML design documentation of five industrial-sized C++ systems. Two of the systems studied were libraries of reusable classes. Three hypotheses were tested between these high-level features and the low-level class features of a number of class methods and attributes in each of the five systems. A further two conjectures were then investigated to determine features of key classes in a system and to investigate any differences between library-based systems and the other systems studied in terms of coupling.

Results indicated that, for the three application-based systems, no clear patterns emerged for hypotheses relating to generalisation. There was, however, a clear (positive) statistical significance for all three systems studied between aggregation, other types of association and the number of methods and attributes in a class. Key classes in the three application-based systems tended to contain large numbers of methods, attributes, and associations, significant amounts of aggregation but little inheritance. No consistent, identifiable key features could be found in the two library-based systems; both showed a distinct lack of any form of coupling (including inheritance) other than through the C++ friend facility.
BIOSYNTHESIS AND ACCUMULATION OF STEROLS
Authors: Benveniste Pierre
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  In recent years, the impressive development of molecular genetics tools, the sequencing of the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, the availability of DNA or transposon tagged mutants, and the multiple possibilities offered by stable transformation with DNA in sense and antisense orientation have enabled the application of a strategy of gain or loss of function to study the sterol biosynthesis pathway. Here we describe the results obtained with these techniques. The results essentially confirm data obtained previously with sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (SBIs) and enable the precise dissection of biosynthetic pathways. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of molecular genetics techniques as applied to sterol metabolism. The greater selectivity of these techniques constitutes an invaluable advantage and has led to the discovery of a role for sterols in plant development.
SYMBIOSES OF GRASSES WITH SEEDBORNE FUNGAL ENDOPHYTES
Authors: Schardl Christopher L. , Leuchtmann Adrian , Spiering Martin J.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Grasses (family Poaceae) and fungi of the family Clavicipitaceae have a long history of symbiosis ranging in a continuum from mutualisms to antagonisms. This continuum is particularly evident among symbioses involving the fungal genus Epichloë (asexual forms = Neotyphodium spp.). In the more mutualistic symbiota, the epichloë endophytes are vertically transmitted via host seeds, and in the more antagonistic symbiota they spread contagiously and suppress host seed set. The endophytes gain shelter, nutrition, and dissemination via host propagules, and can contribute an array of host fitness enhancements including protection against insect and vertebrate herbivores and root nematodes, enhancements of drought tolerance and nutrient status, and improved growth particularly of the root. In some systems, such as the tall fescue N. coenophialum symbioses, the plant may depend on the endophyte under many natural conditions. Recent advances in endophyte molecular biology promise to shed light on the mechanisms of the symbioses and host benefits.
NEUTRON REFLECTION FROM LIQUID INTERFACES
Authors: Thomas R.K.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Recent applications of neutron reflectometry to the study of wet interfaces are described. An outline is given of the basic principles that allow the techniques to determine composition and structure in a variety of situations. These are the adsorption of surfactant molecules at air/liquid and solid/liquid interfaces, the shape of the segment-density profiles of different types of polymer, including block copolymers and polyelectrolytes, adsorption in mixed surfactant and polymer/surfactant systems, and interfacial systems of biophysical interest.
MOLECULAR BEAM STUDIES OF GAS-LIQUID INTERFACES
Authors: Nathanson Gilbert M.
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Molecular beam scattering experiments provide a way to disentangle the elementary steps involved in energy transfer and chemical reactions between gases and liquids. After surveying the history and recent progress in this field, we review studies of the kinematics of gas-liquid collisions and proton exchange of HCl, DCl, and HBr with supercooled sulfuric acid and liquid glycerol. These experiments help to clarify the role of the surface region in controlling trapping and interfacial- and bulk-phase reactions.
SEMICLASSICAL DESCRIPTION OF MOLECULAR DYNAMICS BASED ON INITIAL-VALUE REPRESENTATION METHODS
Authors: Thoss Michael , Wang Haobin
Published: April 2004

▪ Abstract  Recent progress in the development of semiclassical methods to describe quantum effects in molecular dynamics is reviewed. Focusing on rigorous semiclassical methods that are based on the initial-value representation of the semiclassical propagator, we discuss several promising schemes that have been developed in the past few years to extend the applicability of semiclassical approaches to complex molecular systems. In particular, integral-filtering techniques and forward-backward methods are surveyed. Furthermore, recently proposed approaches that allow the semiclassical description of nonadiabatic molecular dynamics are discussed. The potential and efficiency of these methods is illustrated by selected applications.
Wanting, Having, and Getting: A Note on Fodor and Lepore 1998
Authors: Harley Heidi
Published: April 2004

This article takes up Fodor and Lepore's (1998) account of the meaning of [want DP]structures, according to which the verb to have is introduced at interpretation. With certain DP complements a want to have DP paraphrase of want DP is ill formed; the correct paraphrase uses get or give. To allow for this, F&L would have to vary the introduced verb depending on the meaning of the DP, but this would make their proposal “co-compositional,” defeating its original purpose. If have, get, and give all contain the abstract preposition PHAVE (Harley 1995, Richards 2001), however, F&L's treatment may be appropriately revised: the element introduced by want is not have but PHAVE. F&L can avoid co-compositionality at the price of allowing lexical decomposition.
French Bare Arguments Are Not Extinct: The Case of Coordinated Bare Nouns
Authors: Roodenburg Jasper
Published: April 2004

The study of bare arguments mainly concentrates on the distribution of bare plurals (BPs) while little attention is paid to coordinated bare nouns (CBNs). The contribution of Heycock and Zamparelli (2003) is a serious attempt to fill this gap, but the details of their analysis lead to predictions that are not correct for French. I show that CBNs exhibit surprisingly uniform behavior across languages, unlike BPs, which are subject to crosslinguistic variation, as sketched by Longobardi (2001). To account for these facts, I propose a modification of Heycock and Zamparelli's analysis of CBNs.
Mobilizing Europe's Stateless: America's Plan for a Cold War Army
Authors: Carafano James Jay
Published: April 2004

When World War II ended, millions of refugees were left in Europe, unable or unwilling to return to their former homes. A number of leading U.S. officials wanted to form an armed Volunteer Freedom Corps out of these displaced groups. The corps would have supplemented—and perhaps eventually replaced—U.S. troops stationed in Europe. American officials favored the plan because they believed it would reduce the U.S. military burden, alleviate the refugee crisis, and provide a bulwark against Soviet expansion. The proposal was never implemented, however, because of objections from West European governments. The recurring episode illustrated the tensions within NATO during the Cold War.
Agonistic Behaviour in Crayfish: The Importance of Sensory Inputs
Authors:   Delgado-Morales,   Ramón,   Hernández-Falcón
Published: April 2004

Crayfish have well developed sense organs, but clear-cut relationships with their behavioural use have hardly been established. We studied the possible use of vision, olfaction, and touch during agonistic behaviour, assuming that the outcome of agonistic interactions primarily depends on the input from one of these sensory organs. Agonistic encounters were studied in triads of crayfish, intact and with reversible blockage of vision, olfaction, or touch. Tension actions (threat, strike, fight, or avoidance) categorized as positive or negative depending on the crayfish initiating them, allowed us to identify the dominant and submissive animals. The contribution of sense organs to the outcome of interactions was tested during agonistic behaviour by blocking them (one at a time) after the establishment of a hierarchy (after-experiments) of before it (before-experiments). Under control conditions, a large number of contacts allowed animals to establish a dominance order on the first day of agonistic interactions, and the number of positive contacts between animals diminished in subsequent days. Visual or chemical blockage in after-experiments did not change the dominance order, but positive contacts decreased or increased, respectively. Blinded-before animals established a dominance order in the first 3 days of agonistic interactions showing an elevated number of positive contacts during the observation period. A similar result occurred in anosmic-before animals. Results from crayfish in which antennae were immobilized were similar to those from controls. Results suggest that at least two sensory modalities are necessary to gather information about conspecifics. Once the order is established (learned) any one of the senses is sufficient to maintain it. We speculate that if a chemical compound is involved in the maintenance of the dominance order, it is released after localization of a conspecific by vision or touch, a manoeuvre that could minimize expenditure of a costly resource.
Postembryonic Development of Pseudocyclops Umbraticus Giesbrecht, 1893 (copepoda, Calanoida) from Coastal Waters of Sicily
Authors: Costanzo Giuseppe , Crescenti Nunzio , Zagami Giacomo
Published: April 2004

The authors describe the six naupliar and five copepodid stages of Pseudocyclops umbraticus raised in the laboratory. These are the first data on the ontogenetic stages of a species of the genus Pseudocyclops. On the basis of these results and the adult morphology (Giesbrecht, 1893), the authors place P. umbraticus in an intermediate position between the lepidotus-kulai and crassiremismagnus groups of Ohtsuka et al. (1999).
ABRAHAM AS CHALDEAN SCIENTIST AND FATHER OF THE JEWS: JOSEPHUS, ANT. 1.154-168, AND THE GRECO-ROMAN DISCOURSE ABOUT ASTRONOMY/ASTROLOGY
Authors: Reed Annette Yoshiko
Published: April 2004

This article analyzes Josephus' approach to Abraham and astronomy/astrology in Ant. 1.154-168. This retelling of Genesis 12 describes Abraham as inferring the one-ness of God from the irregularity of the stars, thereby implying his rejection of "the Chaldean science" for Jewish monotheism. Soon after, however, Josephus posits that the patriarch transmitted astronomy/astrology to Egypt, appealing to the positive connotations of this art for apologetic aims. Towards explaining the tension between these two traditions, I first map the range of early Jewish traditions about Abraham and the stars, and then consider the Hellenistic discourse about astral wisdom as the domain of ancient "barbarian" nations, as it shaped Hellenistic Jewish traditions that celebrate Abraham's astronomical/astrological skill. I conclude with Josephus' own cultural context, proposing that the attitudes towards astronomy/astrology among his Roman contemporaries may help to account for the ambivalence in his characterization of Abraham as both Chaldean scientist and father of the Jews.
DOES πρoσευχας πoιεισαι, IN JOSEPHUS' ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS 14.257-58, MEAN 'BUILD PLACES OF PRAYER'?
Authors: Catto Stephen
Published: April 2004

In Antiquities of the Jews 14.257-58, Josephus records a decree by the people of Halicarnassus in which the Jews are, according to the Loeb translation by Marcus, allowed to "build places of prayer." However, this could also be translated as "offer prayers." In this article I first assess the arguments made by scholars who propose translating it in either of these ways, arguing that the solutions offered are inadequate. I then discuss Josephus' use of πoιεω in the middle voice pointing out that he never uses it to describe the construction of a whole building, only parts of a building. A comparison with the use of πoιεω in the New Testament, Philo and other sources confirms that in this decree "offer prayers" is the translation that should be adopted.