bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Moderate Alcohol Consumption on Parameters of Reverse Cholesterol Transport in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Sierksma Aafje , Vermunt Susanne H. F. , Lankhuizen Inge M. , van der Gaag Martijn S. , Scheek Leo M. , Grobbee Diederick E. , van Tol Arie , Hendriks Henk F. J.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Alcohol consumption is associated with increased high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. One of the main antiatherogenic functions of HDL is reverse cholesterol transport. Three early steps of reverse cholesterol transport are (1) cellular cholesterol efflux, (2) plasma cholesterol esterification (EST), and (3) cholesteryl ester transfer (CET) to apolipoprotein B–containing lipoproteins. Our previous study in healthy middle‐aged men showed that moderate alcohol consumption increases cellular cholesterol efflux and EST. This study investigated the effect of moderate alcohol consumption on three early steps of reverse cholesterol transport in postmenopausal women.

Methods: In a randomized crossover study, 18 postmenopausal women—all apparently healthy, non‐smoking, and moderate alcohol drinkers—consumed white wine or white grape juice with evening dinner during 2 successive periods of 3 weeks. During the white wine period, alcohol intake equaled 24 g/day. At the end of each of the two experimental periods, blood samples were collected.

Results: Three weeks of alcohol consumption increased serum HDL cholesterol levels (5.0%; p < 0.05), serum HDL phospholipid levels (5.8%; p < 0.05), and the ex vivo cellular cholesterol efflux capacity of plasma, measured with Fu5AH cells (3.4%; p < 0.05). Plasma EST and CET did not change.

Conclusions: Moderate alcohol intake increases serum HDL cholesterol level and stimulates cellular cholesterol efflux in postmenopausal women. Moderate alcohol consumption does not seem to affect two other early steps of reverse cholesterol transport at this level of alcohol intake. Our data suggest that the relative protection of moderate alcohol consumption against cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women may involve the stimulation of reverse cholesterol transport through increased HDL.
Canine model for investigating the impact of oral enrofloxacin on commensal coliforms and colonization with multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli
Authors: Trott Darren J. , Filippich Lucio J. , Bensink John C. , Downs Mary T. , McKenzie Suzanne E. , Townsend Kirsty M. , Moss Susan M. , Chin James J.-C.
Published: April 2004

A model was developed in dogs to determine the impact of oral enrofloxacin administration on the indigenous coliform population in the gastrointestinal tract and subsequent disposition to colonization by a strain of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli (MDREC). Dogs given a daily oral dose of 5 mg enrofloxacin kg−1 for 21 consecutive days showed a significant decline in faecal coliforms to levels below detectable limits by 72 h of administration. Subsequently, faecal coliforms remained suppressed throughout the period of enrofloxacin dosing. Upon termination of antibiotic administration, the number of excreted faecal coliforms slowly returned over an 8-day period, to levels comparable to those seen prior to antibiotic treatment. Enrofloxacin-treated dogs were more effectively colonized by MDREC, evidenced by a significantly increased count of MDREC in the faeces (7.1 ± 1.5 log10 g−1) compared with non-antibiotic-treated dogs (5.2 ± 1.2; P = 0.003). Furthermore, antibiotic treatment also sustained a significantly longer period of MDREC excretion in the faeces (26.8 ± 10.5 days) compared with animals not treated with enrofloxacin (8.5 ± 5.4 days; P = 0.0215). These results confirm the importance of sustained delivery of an antimicrobial agent to maintain and expand the colonization potential of drug-resistant bacteria in vivo, achieved in part by reducing the competing commensal coliforms in the gastrointestinal tract to below detectable levels in the faeces. Without in vivo antimicrobial selection pressure, commensal coliforms dominated the gastrointestinal tract at the expense of the MDREC population. Conceivably, the model developed could be used to test the efficacy of novel non-antibiotic strategies aimed at monitoring and controlling gastrointestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant members of the Enterobacteriaceae that cause nosocomial infections.
Sequence variation and conservation in virulence-related genes of Bordetella pertussis isolates from the UK
Authors: Packard Erica R. , Parton Roger , Coote John G. , Fry Norman K.
Published: April 2004

To determine the value of gene markers for surveillance and to assess the genetic stability of potential acellular pertussis vaccine components, the sequence variation in ten virulence-related genes of Bordetella pertussis was investigated in strains isolated in the UK between 1920 and 2002. These genes encode: pertactin (prnA); pertussis toxin subunits S1 (ptxA) and S3 (ptxC); tracheal colonization factor (tcfA); bordetella autotransporter protein C (bapC); bordetella resistance to killing protein (brkA); fimbrial antigen 2 (fim2); outer-membrane protein Q (ompQ); virulence-activated gene 8 (vag8) and adenylate cyclase toxin (cyaA). The encoded proteins are either components of current acellular vaccines (ACVs), or potential virulence markers for B. pertussis. Three strains used in the pertussis UK whole-cell vaccine (WCV), strain Tohama-I used for production of ACV components and the type strain of B. pertussis (18323T) were also analysed. Several novel alleles were found. The UK isolates were assigned multi-locus sequence types (MLSTs) according to a previously described scheme for B. pertussis based on three of these genes (ptxA, ptxC and tcfA). Compared with isolates from other countries, the UK clinical strains showed a distinct distribution of MLSTs. Apart from one strain that was MLST-3, all other recent isolates (2000–2002) were identified as MLST-5. These isolates differed from the three WCV strains, which were MLST-2 or MLST-3, the Tohama-I strain (MLST-2) and the type strain of B. pertussis (MLST-9). MLST-3 and MLST-5 differ only by a single synonymous mutation, but this method does indicate that currently circulating strains of B. pertussis are not identical to the vaccine types, and they may differ in other important characteristics. Two new MLSTs were identified amongst historical UK isolates. Sequence-based typing offers a convenient method of analysing and comparing populations of B. pertussis from different time periods and from different countries. The variation exhibited by prnA and fim2 suggests that they could be useful, additional epidemiological markers in such a typing scheme.
The oxidation process of Antarctic fish hemoglobins
Authors: Vitagliano Luigi , Bonomi Giovanna , Riccio Antonio , di Prisco Guido , Smulevich Giulietta , Mazzarella Lelio
Published: April 2004

Analysis of the molecular properties of proteins extracted from organisms living under extreme conditions often highlights peculiar features. We investigated by UV‐visible spectroscopy and X‐ray crystallography the oxidation process, promoted by air or ferricyanide, of five hemoglobins extracted from Antarctic fishes (Notothenioidei). Spectroscopic analysis revealed that these hemoglobins share a common oxidation pathway, which shows striking differences from the oxidation processes of hemoglobins from other vertebrates. Indeed, simple exposure of these hemoglobins to air leads to the formation of a significant amount of the low‐spin hexacoordinated form, denoted hemichrome. This hemichrome form, which is detected under a variety of experimental conditions, can be reversibly transformed to either carbomonoxy or deoxygenated forms with reducing agents. Interestingly, the spectra of the fully oxidized species, obtained by treating the protein with ferricyanide, show the simultaneous presence of peaks corresponding to different hexacoordinated states, the aquomet and the hemichrome. In order to assign the heme region state of the α and β chains, the air‐oxidized and ferricyanide‐oxidized forms of Trematomus bernacchii hemoglobin were crystallized. Crystallographic analysis revealed that these forms correspond to an α(aquomet)‐β(bishistidyl‐hemichrome) state. This demonstrates that the α and β chains of Antarctic fish hemoglobins follow very different oxidation pathways. As found for Trematomus newnesi hemoglobin in a partial hemichrome state [Riccio, A., Vitagliano, L., di Prisco, G., Zagari, A. & Mazzarella, L. (2002) Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA99, 9801–9806], the quaternary structures of these α(aquomet)‐β(bishistidyl‐hemichrome) forms are intermediate between the physiological R and T hemoglobin states. Together, these structures provide information on the general features of this intermediate state.
Diversity of metallothioneins in the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica, revealed by transcriptomic and proteomic approaches
Authors: Jenny Matthew J. , Ringwood Amy H. , Schey Kevin , Warr Gregory W. , Chapman Robert W.
Published: April 2004

Metallothioneins are typically low relative molecular mass (6000–7000), sulfhydryl‐rich metal‐binding proteins with characteristic repeating cysteine motifs (Cys‐X‐Cys or Cys‐Xn‐Cys) and a prolate ellipsoid shape containing single α‐ and β‐domains. While functionally diverse, they play important roles in the homeostasis, detoxification and stress response of metals. The originally reported metallothionein of the American oyster, Crassostrea virginica showed the canonical molluscan αβ‐domain structure. Oyster metallothioneins have been characterized as cDNA and as expressed proteins, and here it is shown that the previously reported metallothionein is a prototypical member of a subfamily (designated as CvMT‐I) of αβ‐domain metallothioneins. A second extensive subfamily of oyster metallothioneins (designated as CvMT‐II) has apparently arisen from (a) a stop mutation that truncates the protein after the α‐domain, and (b) a subsequent series of duplication and recombination events that have led to the development of metallothionein isoforms containing one to four α‐domains and that lack a β‐domain. Analysis of metallothioneins revealed that certain CvMT‐I isoforms showed preferential association either with cadmium or with copper and zinc, even after exposure to cadmium. These data extend our knowledge of the evolutionary diversification of metallothioneins, and indicate differences in metal‐binding preferences between isoforms within the same family.
Unfolding of human proinsulin
Authors: Min Cheng‐Yin , Qiao Zhi‐Song , Feng You‐Min
Published: April 2004

We have investigated the in vitro refolding process of human proinsulin (HPI) and an artificial mini‐C derivative of HPI (porcine insulin precursor, PIP), and found that they have significantly different disulfide‐formation pathways. HPI and PIP differ in their amino acid sequences due to the presence of the C‐peptide linker found in HPI, therefore suggesting that the C‐peptide linker may be responsible for the observed difference in folding behaviour. However, the manner in which the C‐peptide contributes to this difference is still unknown. We have used both the disulfide scrambling method and a redox‐equilibrium assay to assess the stability of the disulfide bridges. The results show that disulfide reshuffling is easier to induce in HPI than in PIP by the addition of thiol reagent. Thus, the C‐peptide may affect the unique folding pathway of HPI by allowing the disulfide bonds of HPI to be easily accessible. The detailed processes of HPI unfolding by reduction of its disulfide bonds and by disulfide scrambling methods were also investigated. In the reductive unfolding process no accumulation of intermediates was detected. In the process of unfolding by disulfide scrambling, HPI gradually rearranged its disulfide bonds to form three major isomers G1, G2 and G3. The most abundant isomer, G1, contains the B7‐B19 disulfide bridge. Based on far‐UV CD spectra, native gel analysis and cleavage by endoproteinase V8, the G1 isomer has been shown to resemble the intermediate P4 found in the refolding process of HPI. Finally, the major isomer G1 is allowed to refold to native protein HPI by disulfide rearrangement, which indicates that a similar molecular mechanism may exist for the unfolding and refolding process of HPI.
Broadcasting Opinions with an Overconfident Sender*
Authors: Admati Anat R. , Pfleiderer Paul
Published: April 2004

We analyze a model where an altruistic, but possibly overconfident sender broadcasts one of a finite set of messages to rational receivers. If broadcasting is costless and the sender is rational, there is an informationally efficient equilibrium, but multiple equilibria may arise, and asymmetric equilibria might be more informative than the symmetric equilibrium even if the prior is symmetric. Although overconfidence on the part of the sender reduces informativeness in some cases, it may also eliminate less informative equilibria and lead to better information transmission. Overconfidence can also improve the informativeness of the message when broadcasting is costly.
On The Distributional Effects Of Reducing Capital Taxes*
Authors: Domeij David , Heathcote Jonathan
Published: April 2004

This article asks whether household heterogeneity and market incompleteness have quantitatively important implications for the welfare effects of tax changes. We compare a representative‐agent economy to an economy in which households face idiosyncratic uninsurable income risk. The income process is consistent with empirical estimates and implies a realistic wealth distribution. We find that capital tax cuts imply large welfare gains in the representative‐agent economy. However, when households are heterogeneous, substantial redistribution during transition means that only a minority will support capital tax cuts, whereas most households can expect large welfare losses.
Strategic Second Sourcing by Multinationals*
Authors: Choi Jay Pil , Davidson Carl
Published: April 2004

Multinationals often serve foreign markets by exporting as well as by investing directly in foreign production facilities. We argue that if the multinational competes in an oligopolistic market characterized by strategic complements then there are strategic reasons to use two production facilities—committing to a second source allows the firm to keep average cost low while increasing its marginal cost. The increase in marginal cost softens product market competition resulting in higher profits. We argue that this theory also has implications for the “make or buy” literature in production management and the literature on second sourcing in industrial organization.
Is physical activity influenced by urinary incontinence?
Authors: Stach‐Lempinen Beata , Nygård Clas‐Håkan , Laippala Pekka , Metsänoja Riina , Kujansuu Erkki
Published: April 2004

Objective  To evaluate physical activity among urinary incontinent women seeking treatment and to assess the change of physical activity after treatment.

Design  Part of a prospective observational intervention study to examine the factors influencing the severity of urinary incontinence.

Setting  Tampere University Hospital—referral unit.

Population  Eighty‐two urinary incontinent women were evaluated in the baseline and 69 (84%) one year (mean 13 months, range 6–21) after treatment.

Methods  Physical activity was measured by self‐report questionnaire and electronic motion sensor: Caltrac accelerometer worn by women for one week. The diagnosis and severity of urinary incontinence was estimated on the basis of urodynamics, pad test, diary and incontinence‐specific quality of life measures. Treatment outcome was assessed according to objective parameters and patients satisfaction.

Main outcome measures  Physical activity at work, leisure and sport expressed in MET (metabolic unit) and kilocalories, change in physical activity after treatment.

Results  Twenty‐one (25.6%) of all women reported exercise of more than three times per week. Incontinent women with the highest leisure time activity ≥6 MET (n= 23, above 75th centile) were younger; they had less body mass index and greater urine leakage than others. One year after treatment, there was no change in any parameters of physical activities. Also exercise habits among women who were completely dry (n= 37) after treatment were not changed.

Conclusion  Urinary incontinent women who seek treatment are as physically active as the normal population. Even after successful incontinence treatment, exercise habits do not change.
Parenting the Premature Infant: Potential Iatrogenesis from the Neonatal Intensive Care Experience
Authors: Rikli Joan M.
Published: April 2004

(1) Developmental outcomes of premature infants are associated with the quality of the home environment and the level of parenting skills the family possesses. Successful development of the parenting role may be negatively influenced by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment and nursing practices. Identification of interventions that promote the development of parenting skills in the NICU can potentially improve developmental outcomes for premature infants.
Assessment of Postpartum Depression: A Review of the Research
Authors: Ugarriza Doris N. , Robinson Mary K.
Published: April 2004

(1) The postpartum period is a time when many women are vulnerable for the development of a variety of emotional syndromes. One of the problems with treating the emotional problems is the difficulty in differentiating them. For example, there are at least three distinct postpartum depression disorders: postpartum blues, postpartum psychosis, and postpartum depression. Each of these syndromes is discussed. A review of the instruments used to test for risk factors for the development of postpartum affective disorders indicates that conceptual muddiness still exists in differentiating the three disorders. The notion of whether postpartum depression is a reactive depression to stress or a distinct syndrome is examined. A suggestion is made to more closely examine the role of culture in the development of affective disorders in the puerperium.
Family-Owned Businesses: An Emerging Field of Inquiry
Authors: Hollander Barbara S. , Elman Nancy S.
Published: April 2004

This paper reviews the development of thinking about the family firm in four major areas of focus, and discusses the contributions and limitations of each approach.
A Dialogue with Earl Graves and Earl G. Graves, Jr.
Authors: Herbert James I. , Astrachan Joseph H.
Published: April 2004

A dialogue with the founder of Black Enterprise magazine and his son illustrates some traditional concerns for family businesses and underscores the significance of race for all family firms.
Approaches to Succession in East Asian Business Organizations
Authors: Chau Theodora Ting
Published: April 2004

By concentrating on the approaches to succession in Japanese and overseas Chinese family businesses, this article attempts to come to terms with the question of why Japanese firms enjoy corporate longevity while overseas Chinese firms do not. Succession in the overseas Chinese family (coparcenary) is different from succession in Japanese families (primogeniture) at every relevant point, and these differences have important consequences for overseas Chinese family business. The article also discusses economic, historical, and social functions of the two inheritance systems.
Family Enterprises in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Spain: A Transnational Comparison
Authors: Welsch Johannes
Published: April 2004

This article analyzes, compares, and aggregates empirical findings of three individual investigations of family firms in the United Kingdom, the Federal Republic of Germany, and Spain. The purpose is not only to identify differences and commonalities between family firms and nonfamily firms in these three countries, but also to generate a European family firm research agenda for the 1990s.
On the Goals of Successful Family Companies
Authors: Tagiuri Renato , Davis John A.
Published: April 2004

Providing clear goals for a company and communicating them are among the most powerful means for guiding the behavior of the people in an organization. In this article, we explore the range of objectives or goals of family-owned and -managed companies and identify those most commonly regarded as important by owner-managers. Further, we describe six major empirical dimensions of goals that we derived by factor-analytic procedures. Finally, we suggest how researchers, managers, and consultants can use our work to help owner-managers clarify and communicate their goals.
An Empirical Examination of Ownership Structure in Family and Professionally Managed Firms
Authors: Daily Catherine M. , Dollinger Marc J.
Published: April 2004

The literature applying agency theory to management has focused on the performance advantages to be gained when ownership and control of the firm are aligned. This article investigates that premise by comparing family-owned and -managed and professionally managed firms. The article presents the results of a field survey that examined the extent to which family-owned and -managed firms differ across structural, process, and performance dimensions from their professionally managed counterparts. Significant differences exist between these two groups on both structural and process dimensions, and there is evidence that family-owned and -managed firms exhibit performance advantages as a result of the unification of ownership and control.
The Succession Experience of the Next Generation
Authors: Handler Wendy C.
Published: April 2004

Literature indicates that succession is critical to the future of a family firm. However, little is known about how the next generation actually experiences the process of succession. An in-depth biographical study of thirty-two next-generation family members indicates specific factors critical to succession. The findings are delineated in a framework that portrays these influences, their relationships, and the effect they have on the succession experience of next-generation family members.
The Family Business: Toward Definitional Clarity
Authors: Litz Reginald A.
Published: April 2004

There is considerable definitional confusion concerning the term family business. This chapter addresses this issue through two complementary approaches: a structure-based approach, which considers family involvement infirm ownership and management, and an intention-based approach, which focuses on the realized and unrealized value preferences of the organization's upper echelons.
The Role of Family Business and Its Distinctive Characteristic Behavior in Industrial Activity
Authors: Gallo Miguel Angel
Published: April 2004

This article presents the findings of a research study conducted in the Spanish food and beverage industry. The objective of the research was to expand upon and clarify the knowledge available on the role family businesses play in the economy and to understand the possible behavioral differences when we compare them to non-family businesses. The results show that the family business has more difficulty in reaching the same size as a non-family business within a similar time span. Reduced risk levels, high equity control, and a tendency to be closed to outsiders are possible causes of the difficulties family businesses experience in maintaining faster growth rates.
Global Competition and the Family-Owned Business in Latin America
Authors: Poza Ernesto J.
Published: April 2004

Challenges and adaptations are discussed in a practice context for Latin-American family-owned businesses. These strategies include family-owned conglomerates, monarchical families, financial obscurity, concentrated ownership, and succession. These Latin American strategies are compared to those in the United States.
TQM Adoption Practices in the Family-Owned Business
Authors: Ellington Edward P. , Jones Robert T. , Deane Richard
Published: April 2004

This paper reports the results of a study of total quality management (TQM) adoption practices in family-owned manufacturing firms. Family-owned firms were found more often than other firms to be total “non adopters” of TQM. The study clearly demonstrates that highest family owned firm performance levels are associated with a more holistic and complete TQM adoption pattern.
Stability Characteristics of Herringbone Grooved Journal Bearings Incorporating Cavitation Effects
Authors: Rao T. V. V. L. N. , Sawicki Jerzy T.
Published: April 2004

Stability characteristics of the herringbone grooved journal bearings (HGJBs) are analyzed taking into account cavitation of the fluid flow. The perturbed values of pressure and film thickness from a given equilibrium position are substituted into the Elrod’s universal equation, which considers mass conservation in the complete bearing geometry. In order to analyze the herringbone groove configuration, the governing equations under steady and perturbed states are transformed to a rectangular domain using the grid transformation techniques. It is assumed that under perturbed conditions, the cavitation extent in the bearing remains unchanged and the pressure gradients are computed in the full film region. The linearized stiffness and damping coefficients are evaluated in the complete bearing geometry from the predicted values of pressure gradients. The threshold speed parameter and whirl frequency ratio are computed using the linearized stability analysis. Results are generated for various eccentricity ratios and groove angles. The results of this study validate the use of HGJBs at the very higher operating speeds (at concentric journal operation) in rotating machinery.
Localization of aerial broadband noise by pinnipeds
Authors: Holt Marla M. , Schusterman Ronald J. , Southall Brandon L. , Kastak David
Published: April 2004

Although many pinnipeds (seals, sea lions, and walruses) emit broadband calls on land as part of their communication system, few studies have addressed these animals’ ability to localize aerial broadband sounds. In this study, the aerial sound localization acuities of a female northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), a male harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), and a female California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) were measured in the horizontal plane. The stimulus was broadband white noise that was band pass filtered between 1.2 and 15 kHz. Testing was conducted in a hemi-anechoic chamber using a left/right forced choice procedure to measure the minimum audible angle (MAA) for each subject. MAAs were defined as half the angular separation of two sound sources bisected by a subject’s midline that corresponded to 75% correct discrimination. MAAs were 4.7°, 3.6°, and 4.2° for the northern elephant seal, harbor seal, and California sea lion, respectively. These results demonstrate that individuals of these pinniped species have sound localization abilities comparable to the domestic cat and rhesus macaque. The acuity differences between our subjects were small and not predicted by head size. These results likely reflect the relatively acute general abilities of pinnipeds to localize aerial broadband signals.
Effects of pulse rate on threshold and dynamic range in Clarion cochlear-implant users (L)
Authors: Kreft Heather A. , Donaldson Gail S. , Nelson David A.
Published: April 2004

The effects of pulse rate on absolute threshold (THS), maximum acceptable loudness (MAL), and dynamic range (DR) were evaluated in 15 Clarion cochlear implant users. A wider range of pulse rates was assessed than in previous studies, and subjects with both standard and perimodiolar electrode arrays were tested. THS and MAL decreased with pulse rate, and DR increased with pulse rate, for pulse rates between 200 and 6500 pulses per second (pps). However, slopes of THS-vs-pulse rate and MAL-vs-pulse rate functions became shallower above 3250 pps. Subjects with standard electrode arrays had similar THSs as subjects with perimodiolar electrode arrays at all pulse rates. In contrast, subjects with standard arrays had significantly higher MALs and larger DRs than subjects with perimodiolar arrays, and these differences became larger with increasing pulse rate.
Experimental validation of regularized array element localization
Authors: Dosso Stan E. , Collison Nicole E. B. , Heard Garry J. , Verrall Ronald I.
Published: April 2004

This paper examines and validates regularized inversion for array element localization (AEL) by quantitative comparison of inversion results to direct measurements of receiver positions for a full-scale AEL survey. Regularized AEL treats both receiver and source positions as unknown parameters in a ray-based inversion; prior information on source/receiver positions, inter-receiver spacing in depth, and/or a smooth array shape can be included, subject to statistically fitting the acoustic data. Uncertainties in the recovered receiver positions are estimated via Monte Carlo appraisal. To study this approach, a specially stabilized, two-dimensional receiver array and a series of impulsive sources (imploding glass light bulbs) were deployed from shore-fast (motionless) Arctic sea ice. Sources and recordings were not synchronized in time, so AEL inversions are based on relative arrival times. Receiver positions were measured to an uncertainty of ∼5 cm in each dimension [9 cm in three dimensions (3D)] using nonacoustic (optical) methods. Average AEL errors (difference between measured receiver positions and inversion results) of 13 cm in depth, 27 cm in the horizontal, and 30 cm in 3D, as well as good agreement between the measured errors and estimated AEL uncertainties validate the regularized approach and provide benchmarks for acoustic AEL. Receiver-position errors are quantitatively investigated as a function of the number of sources, source-position errors, and different regularizations.
Interactions between a spherical elastic shell and acoustic waves from a water-entry moving source
Authors: Lee M.
Published: April 2004

A possible interaction between the acoustic waves, which are generated from a water-entry body (moving source), and a submerged elastic shell is investigated theoretically within the scope of linear theory. The incident wave is defined from the ballistic wave model. The transient interaction is solved through extension of a method formulated for the excitation from a stationary source in an infinite domain. Numerical examples for the incident wave forms and corresponding shell responses are given to illustrate the effect of a moving source on the structure response.
Measurements of the resistance of parallel-plate heat exchangers to oscillating flow at high amplitudes
Authors: Wakeland Ray Scott , Keolian Robert M.
Published: April 2004

Measurements of the acoustic resistance of parallel-plate heat exchangers are reported. The resistance is measured for two identical exchangers separated by a small gap, and also by a large gap. High amplitude deviations from linear theory are analyzed in terms of a minor loss coefficient. Results are compared to theoretical predictions made in a previous article.
MULTI-BLACK HOLES SOLUTION WITH COSMIC STRINGS
Authors: ÖZDEMIR F. , ÖZDEMIR N. , KAYNAK B. T.
Published: April 2004

Some black hole-cosmic string models such as Reissner–Nordström, RN–de Sitter, Kerr–Newman and multi-black holes with cosmic string are given. Energy and angular momentum of a timelike particle in circular orbits in multi-black hole space–time are calculated. The geodesic equations for the timelike particles for the far region of the multi-black hole sources are calculated and small oscillations around the circular orbit obtained. It is seen that the particle's orbit precesses like the Lens–Thirring effect.
STABLE AND QUASISTABLE SPATIO-TEMPORAL SOLITONS IN CUBIC QUINTIC NONLINEAR MEDIA
Authors: JANA SOUMENDU , KONAR S.
Published: April 2004

The propagation and stability of spatio-temporal solitons (STSs) under the combined influence of dispersion, diffraction, self-focusing and self-phase modulation in a medium possessing cubic quictic nonlinearity is investigated. Using variational formalism, it has been shown that a pair of soliton state exists, of which, one is stable, while the other quasistable. It has been established that while the stable one is possible only in cubic quintic nonlinear (CQNL) media, the quasistable one is well known in Kerr media. Existence of these solitons is also verified by means of numerical experiment. Moreover, it is also shown that unlike bistable temporal solitons, no spatio-temporal bistable soliton exists in CQNL media. Dynamic behavior of solitons spatial and temporal widths which are different from that of the stationary soliton state is also investigated. Bound oscillatory and unbound regions are identified.
SYNTHESIS OF A NOVEL POLYURETHANE NLO POLYMER AND CHARACTERIZATION IN OPTICAL NONLINEARITY OF ITS DAS-TCF CHROMOPHORE
Authors: SHEN YUQUAN , HAO JUMING , QIU LING , CAO ZHUANGQI , YANG YANFANG , SHEN QISHUN , CLAYS KOEN , ZHAO YUXIA , PERSOONS ANDRE
Published: April 2004

We have synthesized a polyurethane NLO polymer with 2-dicyanomethylene-3-cyano-5, 5-dimethyl-4-p-N, N-diethanol-aminostyrene-2, 5-dihydrofuran (DAS-TCF) chromophore. Micro- and macroscopic optical nonlinearities including the molecular hyperpolarizability of the chromophore and electro-optic coefficient of its polyurethane film at various wavelengths have been measured by typical optical methods (HRS and ATR techniques), and also by a modified solvatochromism method.
Acoustic evidence of airway opening during recruitment in excised dog lungs
Authors: Hantos Z. , Tolnai J. , Asztalos T. , Peták F. , Adamicza Á. , Alencar A. M. , Majumdar A. , Suki B.
Published: April 2004

The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the mechanism of recruitment and the lower knee of the pressure-volume curve in the normal lung are primarily determined by airway reopenings via avalanches rather than simple alveolar recruitments. In isolated dog lung lobes, the pressure-volume loops were measured, and crackle sounds were recorded intrabronchially during both the first inflation from the collapsed state to total lobe capacity and a second inflation without prior degassing. The inflation flow contained transients that were accompanied by a series of crackles. Discrete volume increments were estimated from the flow transients, and the energy levels of the corresponding crackles were calculated from the sound recordings. Crackles were concentrated in the early phase of inflation, with the cumulative energy exceeding 90% of its final value by the lower knee of the pressure-volume curve. The values of volume increments were correlated with crackle energy during the flow transient for both the first and the second inflations ( r2 = 0.29–0.73 and 0.68–0.82, respectively). Because the distribution of volume increments followed a power law, the correlation between crackle energy and discrete volume increments suggests that an avalanche-like airway opening process governs the recruitment of collapsed normal lungs.
Large-scale Synthesis of Crystalline Tellurium Nanowires with Controlled-Diameters via a Hydrothermal-reduction Process
Authors: Xu Liqiang , Ding Yanwei , Xi Guangcheng , Zhang Wanqun , Peng Yiya , Yu Weichao , Qian Yitai
Published: April 2004

Single crystalline Te nanowires with diameters ranging from a few nanometers to ≈30 nm and lengths ranging from hundreds of nanometers to several micrometers were produced with a yield of ≈95% via a hydrothermal-reduction process using Na2TeO3 and glucose as reactants and sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS) as surfactant at 180 °C.
CAP Forum on Enron: Professional Insecurity and the Erosion of Accountancy's Jurisdictional Boundaries*
Authors: GENDRON YVES , SUDDABY ROY
Published: April 2004

This study examines attitudes about professionalism in accounting shortly before the debacles of Enron and Andersen. Interviews with experienced Canadian chartered accountants (CAs) conducted mostly in late 2000 and early 2001 indicate significant doubts about the notion of auditor independence and a relatively high degree of uncertainty about the future of the profession. Accountants also expressed significant difficulties in describing the basic features of what it means to be a professional accountant. On the basis of these observations, we introduce and detail the construct of “professional insecurity". Relying on Giddens's theoretical developments on the role of trust and systems of expertise in today's society, we reflect on the significance and implications of the professional insecurity of CAs, particularly its impact on accountancy's ability to hold on to its jurisdictional boundaries. Our thesis is that the difficulties that accountants experienced in their day‐today lives in sustaining a coherent sense of self‐identity were particularly stressful to them given people's fundamental need for coherence, and this significantly affected the capacity of their profession to hold jurisdiction.
The Behavioral Consequences of HIV Testing: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Sen Sankar
Published: April 2004

This research examines the behavioral consequences of HIV testing by focusing on whether and how members of a large, increasingly at-risk group (heterosexual young adults) alter their willingness to engage in risky sexual behavior on the basis of their awareness of their own and their potential partners’ HIV risk status. In particular, this research draws on an expected-utility model of risky sexual behavior to test its basic prediction that in certain conditions, changes in risk perceptions induced by HIV testing can result in an increase in risky sexual behavior. The results of two experimental studies using projective scenarios provide general support for the predictions that stem from the expected-utility model, particularly in conditions of low infection likelihood. Moreover, accounting for decision makers’ altruistic impulses in the risky-sex context enhances the descriptive validity of the economic model of risky sexual behavior.
The Moderating Role of Perceived Behavior–Outcome Covariation on Consumer Estimates of Health Risk
Authors: Loroz Peggy Sue , Lichtenstein Donald R.
Published: April 2004

The authors examine consumer perceptions of health risk in the context of two health-related domains in which they investigate the influence of reference standard and perceived level of covariation between risky behavior and a negative health outcome across a population. The results of two studies show that the perceived level of behavior–outcome covariation moderates the effect of the reference standard that consumers use to assess health risk. Specifically, the research shows that when the perceived level of behavior–outcome covariation is high/low, consumers’ estimates of health risks are higher when their current level of risky behavior is compared with the range/mean of their previous risky behavior.
Graphical Chain Models and Mental Disorders: An Application to Pathological Gambling
Authors: Clelia Di Serio , Biffi Sara
Published: April 2004

This paper demonstrates that graphical chain models are a suitable statistical tool for investigating the complex structure of a psychiatric disease. The article is motivated by a crucial question arising in psychometric studies on pathological gambling: how are depression and anxiety associated and how do they determine the personality of a pathological gambler? Starting from an initial recursive structure that reduces the complexity of the data, graphical chain models investigate both direct associations and indirect dependencies among the psychometric scales measuring the personality traits. A “behavioral chain” acting in pathological gambling is suggested by the final chain resulted from the Cox and Wermuth variables selection strategy (Cox and Wermuth, 1996). (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Better prediction of prognosis for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma using primary tumor volume
Authors: Chen Mu‐Kuan , Chen Tony Hsiu‐Hsi , Liu Jen‐Pei , Chang Cheng‐Chuan , Chie Wei‐Chu
Published: April 2004

BACKGROUND

Heterogeneity of primary tumor volume within tumors of the same classification indicates a need to elucidate the effects of primary tumor volume on treatment outcomes in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

METHODS

From 1994 through 1996, 129 patients with newly diagnosed NPC who were treated with high‐dose radiotherapy were enrolled in the study. Computed tomography‐derived primary tumor volume was measured using the summation‐of‐area technique. Correlations between American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) disease stage, primary tumor volume, and disease‐specific survival were assessed using a Cox regression model. Cross‐validation based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve also was examined.

RESULTS

Compared with the AJCC staging system and the TNM classification system, primary tumor volume was better at determining cumulative survival for patients with NPC. Hazard ratios increased with tumor volume, ranging from 6.68 (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.89–23.67) for tumor volumes between 20–40 mL, 18.03 (95% CI, 4.80–67.75) for tumor volumes between 40–60 mL, and 26.06 (95% CI, 7.70–88.20) for tumor volumes > 60 mL. With both tumor volume and T classification in the same Cox regression model, only tumor volume remained statistically significant in the prognosis of NPC. The validation results with ROC curves also revealed that, in predicting patient outcome, primary tumor volume (area under the ROC = 83.33%) was superior to disease stage (area under the ROC = 66.53%) and TNM classification (area under the ROC = 58.61%).

CONCLUSIONS

The incorporation of primary tumor volume may lead to a further refinement of the current AJCC staging system, particularly for patients with large primary tumor volumes (> 60 mL), who require more aggressive treatment. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Identification of crystal symmetry in Kramers and non‐Kramers ions by optical absorption: Divalent copper and nickel ions in diamagnetic lattices
Authors: Velavan K. , Ravikumar R. V. S. S. N. , Venkatesan R. , Sambasiva Rao P.
Published: April 2004

The optical absorption spectra of Ni(II) doped hexaimidazole zinc(II) dichloride tetrahydrate (HZDT) and Cu(II) doped magnesium potassium phosphate hexahydrate (MPPH) have been studied at room temperature. Ni(II)/HZDT spectrum consists of three strong and one weak band. The calculated value of Dq is 1051 cm‐1and the interelectron repulsion parameters B and C are 854 and 3626 cm‐1respectively. The correlation of optical work with EPR has yielded the spin‐orbit interaction parameters λ and ξ as –225 and –450 cm‐1respectively. The symmetry around the Ni(II) ion is distorted octahedral, as suggested by EPR results. The estimated percentage covalency of the nickel‐nitrogen bond is around 30%. The optical absorption studies of Cu(II)/MPPH show three bands, which are identified as2B1g→2A1g,2B1g→2B2gand2B1g→2Egtransitions. The octahedral field parameter Dq and the tetragonal field parameters have been evaluated from the observed adsorption bands. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The making of twenty‐first‐century HR: An analysis of the convergence of HRM, HRD, and OD
Authors: Ruona Wendy E. A. , Gibson Sharon K.
Published: April 2004

Twenty‐first‐century HR is emerging to uniquely combine activities and processes of human resource management (HRM), human resource development (HRD), and organization development (OD)—three fields that “grew up” distinct from each other. Contributing strategically to organizations demands that HRM, HRD, and OD coordinate, partner, and think innovatively about how they relate and how what they do impacts people and organizations. An analysis of the evolutions of these fields helps to explain why the distinctions between them continue to blur and how the similarities among them provide the necessary synergy for HR to be a truly valued organizational partner.©2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential use of e ‐democracy in MCDA processes. Analysis on the basis of a Swiss case
Authors: Bollinger Dominique , Pictet Jacques
Published: April 2004

In this paper, we compare the ‘vision’ of e‐democracy presented by the European Scientific Foundation programme Towards e‐democracy (TED) with our practice of MCDA. On the basis of a recent real‐world case, we try to analyse the potential for electronic tools.

In our opinion, the first steps towards e‐democracy are to be made in the direction of the external legitimization (exchange of information with actors not involved directly in the decision process). The relationship with the external actors could be dramatically improved if an Extranet site was used to gather and publish relevant information about the project.

It remains to be seen if the introduction of e‐democracy at the heart of the decision process—done at face‐to‐face meetings for the time being—is possible and useful. There are many issues to address, dealing for instance with the balance of legitimacy and power and the changing role of the actors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stakeholder compensation model based on decision analysis
Authors: Rosqvist Tony
Published: April 2004

A prescriptive decision model of stakeholder compensation is presented. The supra decision‐maker (regulator) may derive the optimal compensation for redefining decision options in a decision context with unevenly distributed, uncertain, consequences in a way that reflects fairness among stakeholders with different representational weight and risk‐attitude. The derived compensation is used by the supra decision‐maker as a bargaining factor for committing stakeholders in a decision‐making process. Expert judgement is utilized for specifying the probability distributions related to the uncertain consequences. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening extracts of Achyranthes japonica and Rumex crispus for activity against various plant pathogenic fungi and control of powdery mildew
Authors: Kim Jin‐Cheol , Choi Gyung Ja , Lee Seon‐Woo , Kim Jin‐Seog , Chung Kyu Young , Cho Kwang Yun
Published: April 2004

Methanol extracts of fresh materials of 183 plants were screened for in vivo antifungal activity against Magnaporthe grisea, Corticium sasaki, Botrytis cinerea, Phytophthora infestans, Puccinia recondita and Erysiphe graminis f sp hordei. Among them, 33 plant extracts showed disease‐control efficacy of more than 90% against at least one of six plant diseases. The methanol extracts of Achyranthes japonica (whole plant) and Rumex crispus (roots) at concentrations greater than 11 g fresh weight of plant tissue per litre of aqueous Tween 20 solution effectively controlled the development of barley powdery mildew caused by E graminis f sp hordei in an in vivo assay using plant seedlings. At a concentration of 300 g fresh weight of plant tissue per litre of Tween 20 solution, the two extracts were as efficient as the fungicide fenarimol (30 mg litre−1) and more active than the fungicide polyoxin B (100 and 33 mg litre−1) against Sphaerotheca fuliginea on cucumber plants in glasshouse trials. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Molecular exchange through vesicle membranes: A pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance study
Authors: Rumplecker Anja , Förster Stephan , Zähres Manfred , Mayer Christian
Published: April 2004

The permeability of block copolymer vesicles is studied using pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy together with a numerical data analysis procedure. Polyethylene oxide molecules of various molecular masses are used to sample the permeability of the vesicle membrane by observing the trans-membrane exchange process under equilibrium conditions. For shorter polyethylene oxide chains, the analysis yields a nearly linear dependence of the logarithmic trans-membrane exchange rate on the hydrodynamic radius of the sample molecules.