bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Introducing the Multivariate Dale Model in Population‐Based Genetic Association Studies
Authors: Van Steen Kristel , Tahri Nadia , Molenberghs Geert
Published: April 2004

Until recently, the most common parametric approaches to study the combined effects of several genetic polymorphisms located within a gene or in a small genomic region are, at the genotype level, logistic regressions and at the haplotype level, haplotype analyses. An alternative modeling approach, based on the case/control principle, is to regard exposures (e.g., genetic data such as derived from Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms – SNPs) as random and disease status as fixed and to use a marginal multivariate model that accounts for inter‐relationships between exposures. One such model is the multivariate Dale model. This model is based on multiple logistic regressions. That is why the model, applied in a case/control setting, leads to straightforward interpretations that are similar to those drawn in a classical logistic modeling framework. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Partition of unity‐based discontinuous elements for interface phenomena: computational issues
Authors: Simone A.
Published: April 2004

The performance of partition of unity‐based discontinuous elements was studied by means of a numerical study. In particular, it was shown that conventional interface elements and partition of unity‐based discontinuous elements share the same structure of the stiffness matrix governing interface behaviour and, under specific circumstances, the same shortcomings (i.e. oscillations in the traction profile). The effect of various integration schemes on the interface contribution was studied through the analysis of a linear‐elastic notched beam. Further, an eigenvalue analysis of the partition of unity‐based discontinuous element was conducted to gain more insight into its mechanical behaviour. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of multichannel communication system of the MPEG video data streams using adaptive QoS control
Authors: Ogawa Kentaro , Kobayashi Aki , Yamaoka Katsunori , Sakai Yoshinori
Published: April 2004

This paper considers the stored MPEG video multi‐channel transmission, and discusses the design of dynamic band assignment scheme considering the picture quality, together with the result of implementation. In the proposed scheme, the parameter representing the picture degradation characteristic of each video picture is used in numerical form, in the assignment of the band to the streams. By preparing the transmission schedule beforehand, which indicates the band assignment to the streams along the time‐axis direction, the change of the picture degradation characteristic due to the scene changes in each stream is handled. There arises, however, the following problem. Since GOP (group of pictures) of the stream is not synchronized, the transmission following the schedule may become impossible, if the scene changes occur very frequently, due to the increase of the streams. From such a viewpoint, this paper proposes a scheme where the whole streams are partitioned into groups, and each group executes the independent transmission process. Furthermore, a method to estimate the optimal number of groups is proposed, which minimizes the picture degradation, based on the parameters, such as the average scene length and GOP length. Those control schemes are implemented on LAN and the transmission experiment is run on the stored MPEG video, and the effectiveness of the proposed band assignment method in the multichannel transmission is demonstrated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 81–92, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10155
Investigation on an electrical patching method of a gap between apertures by loading parasitic elements
Authors: Sugawara Akira , Takano Tadashi , Hanayama Eiji , Kami Yoshio
Published: April 2004

In the future, an ultralarge space antenna with a diameter of 1 km will be needed. If medium‐size aperture antennas are used as the array elements, physical areas without electromagnetic fields are generated between the elements. Therefore, antenna gain deterioration, generation of grating lobes, and other degradations of the radiation characteristics occur. In this paper, in order to resolve these problems, a method is proposed to load parasitic elements between the elements. Experimental and theoretical studies of a model are carried out. In the experiment, it is demonstrated that the gain is improved by 0.9 dB (a 10% improvement in aperture efficiency) at the maximum by loading 10 parasitic elements at appropriate locations. With regard to the radiation pattern, it is found that the side lobe levels are decreased. In the theoretical analysis, the scattered field from parasitic elements placed near the horn is derived based on the nearby radiated field including the diffraction effect. The validity of the experimental results and the effectiveness of the proposed analysis model and analysis technique are demonstrated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 58–66, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10170
A study of optical wireless mobile communications with movable cells employing cycle emissions
Authors: Takano Hiroshi , Shimamoto Shigeru
Published: April 2004

This paper considers the application of optical wireless communications to mobile communications. We consider an optical mobile communications system using cycle emission cells and allowing a reduction of the shadowing effect, which is a problem in optical wireless communications. The proposed system uses multiple transmitters with cycle emissions (DTCE). By varying the number of transmitters, the error rate performance is compared via computer simulation. It is anticipated in particular that when the proposed method is applied to mobile communications, multiple transmitters will be placed in the service area, and the distance between the transmitters and the synchronization among the transmitters will greatly affect the error rate performance. The performance is calculated by varying these parameters via computer simulation, and the results are evaluated. Furthermore, the result is compared to other models which have been proposed in order to reduce the shadowing effect, and the effectiveness of the DTCE system regarding optical wireless mobile communications is demonstrated. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 45–57, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10172
Input current wave‐shaping technique using inductor voltage sensing for high‐power‐factor flyback rectifier
Authors: Tanitteerapan Tanes , Mori Shinsaku
Published: April 2004

In this paper, a simple input current waveform shaping method for a rectifier with a high power factor using the induced voltage of a flyback transformer is proposed. The duty ratio of the present shaping circuit is obtained by comparison of the integration signal of the rectified induced voltage and the ramp carrier waveform with a negative slope. By means of the proposed method, the input voltage sensor, current control loop, multiplier, and inductance current sensor can be eliminated, simplifying the control circuit. In order to confirm the proposed method, a flyback rectifier circuit for 100 W is fabricated for an experimental investigation. The results confirm that the input current waveform of the rectifier becomes closer to a sinusoidal shape and harmonic components become smaller by the use of the present shaping method. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 26–35, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10188
Noise filter using a transmission line formed in lossy ferrite medium
Authors: Yamamoto Hidetoshi , Uchida Katsuyuki , Kaneko Toshimi , Kami Yoshio
Published: April 2004

A noise filter used for suppression of electromagnetic noise in electronic devices is formed by means of the transmission loss of a transmission line implemented in ferrite. By using this method, the electromagnetic noise can be absorbed within the component itself so that there is a possibility of developing a noise filter with a small reflection coefficient in the attenuation region. Hence, application to digital circuits, in which the distortion of the signal waveform due to reflection is a problem, is desirable. First, the transmission characteristics of a transmission line formed in ferrite are calculated. Based on the characteristics, the material properties of ferrites suitable for a noise filter are discussed. Subsequently, a prototype is fabricated. It is confirmed that formation of a noise filter within a small chip component several millimeters square is possible. The difference between the measured and theoretical values is less than 3 dB in the frequency range from 10 MHz to 1 GHz. Although the properties of noise absorption within the component are confirmed, further improvement is necessary. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Electron Comm Jpn Pt 1, 87(10): 1–9, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/ecja.10194
Solid‐phase aroma concentrate extraction (SPACE™ ): a new headspace technique for more sensitive analysis of volatiles
Authors: Ishikawa Masashi , Ito Osamu , Ishizaki Susumu , Kurobayashi Yoshiko , Fujita Akira
Published: April 2004

The SPACE™ (solid‐phase aroma concentrate extraction) method is a modiﬁed version of the SPME (solid‐phase micro extraction) technique for headspace analysis, with increased area of the adsorbent to enable more sensitive analysis of volatiles. The SPACE™ rod used in the technique is fabricated from stainless steel coated with an adsorbent mixture, consisting mainly of a graphite carbon. Initially, the SPACE™ rod is ﬁxed in the head of a closed ﬂask, where it adsorbs the aroma. Next, the rod is thermally desorbed on‐line with a high‐resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometer (HRGC–MS). In the present experiments, SPACE™ sampling reproducibility was determined by analysing a standard mixture and roasted coffee beans. The SPACE™ rod collected the analytes with good reproducibility, with the exception of high polar compounds. Similar analyses of coffee powder were performed by SPME and other methods for comparison with the SPACE™ method. The SPACE™ method proved to have superior capabilities with high concentrations, and it produced a well‐balanced chromatogram. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A virtual boundary method with improved computational efficiency using a multi‐grid method
Authors: Revstedt Johan
Published: April 2004

The flow around spherical, solid objects is considered. The boundary conditions on the solid boundaries have been applied by replacing the boundary with a surface force distribution on the surface, such that the required boundary conditions are satisfied. The velocity on the boundary is determined by extrapolation from the flow field. The source terms are determined iteratively, as part of the solution. They are then averaged and are smoothed out to nearby computational grid points. A multi‐grid scheme has been used to enhance the computational efficiency of the solution of the force equations. The method has been evaluated for flow around both moving and stationary spherical objects at very low and intermediate Reynolds numbers. The results shows a second order accuracy of the method both at creeping flow and at Re=100. The multi‐grid scheme is shown to enhance the convergence rate up to a factor 10 as compared to single grid approach. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of organizational climate and strategic fit on firm performance
Authors: Burton Richard M. , Lauridsen Jørgen , Obel Børge
Published: April 2004

A firm's organizational climate—its degree of trust, morale, conflict, rewards equity, leader credibility, resistance to change, and scapegoating—helps determine its success. Likewise, organizational strategy—the firm's commitment to capital investment, innovation, quality, and the like—has also been found to be an important determinant of firm performance. However, prior work has most often explored the impact of climate and strategy separately, and not in tandem. In our study, we develop a measure of organizational climate comprised of tension, resistance to change, and conflict, and go on to show that at least for some pairings of a firm's climate and its strategy, there is a negative effect on return on assets (ROA). © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Managing internal auditing in a post‐SOA world
Authors: Moeller Robert
Published: April 2004

Internal auditing is a necessary but often misunderstood function in today's corporation—especially since the sweeping Sarbanes‐Oxley Act (SOA) was passed. How was the role of internal auditing changed by the SOA? And how should you manage internal auditing in this tougher, new environment? © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of commercial lecithin by 31P NMR in a ternary CUBO solvent
Authors: Cremonini Mauro A , Laghi Luca , Placucci Giuseppe
Published: April 2004

Many different ways have been devised over the years for analysing phospholipids in solution by 31P NMR. One promising method entails the use of the so‐called CUBO solvent, a ternary mixture of dimethylformamide, triethylamine and guanidinium hydrochloride. As this interesting system seems to have been overlooked in the literature, we present here a study on the quantification of phospholipids and lysophospholipids contained in 10 samples of commercial lecithin using the CUBO/31P NMR method. Cluster analysis and principal component analysis of the NMR data showed clear differences among the samples according to the actual lecithin producer. Multivariate analysis of the chemical and physical parameters of the samples confirmed these differences. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Quality of mango fruits during storage: effect of synthetic and eco‐friendly films
Authors: Srinivasa Ponnachanna C , Susheelamma Nuggenahalli S , Ravi R , Tharanathan Rudrapatnam N
Published: April 2004

Mango (Mangifera indica) cv ‘Alphonso’ fruits, harvested 40–50 days after flowering, were stored at 27 ± 1 °C and 65% RH under three conditions of packaging: (1) perforated plastic boxes, (2) wax lined cartons sealed with low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) film, and (3) wax lined cartons sealed with chitosan films. The weight loss, firmness, Hunter colour values and acidity were determined periodically during storage. Sensory analysis was carried out to determine colour, firmness, flavour qualities and also defective spots. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the results indicated that fruits stored in perforated plastic boxes and LDPE film‐sealed cartons differed significantly with respect to mango flavour, firmness and development of defective spots, while those in chitosan film sealed cartons retained the desirable qualities for a longer period (up to 20 days) without developing defective spots. The higher level of carbon dioxide and lower level of oxygen, or lower rate of oxygen transmission, associated with chitosan films delay ripening, and the higher water vapour transmission rate minimizes the rate of transpiration and prevents condensation of water droplets on the film. This helps in establishing equilibrium moisture content of mangoes in the cartons, which, in turn, extends the shelf life of fruits for a longer period. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
e‐democracy: in search of tools and methods for effective participation
Authors: Grönlund Åke
Published: April 2004

The field of e‐democracy has approached the problem of improving democratic decision making by emphasizing encouraging broad participation. This is due to a perceived lack of credibility on part of politicians, indicated by decline in both turnout in elections and recruitment to political parties. Experiences so far show that while in local contexts use of electronic tools in combination with redesigned democratic processes have indeed affected participation positively, both scaling and quality requires more sophisticated technical tools of at least two kinds. One kind, recognized by the e‐democracy community, are tools supporting cooperative work for facilitating communication among humans. Another kind, this paper argues, is tools for more formal problem modelling. The e‐democracy field has so far almost exclusively been concerned with encouraging and—at best—modelling, moderating, and reviewing discussions. Experiences from e.g. citizen juries point to the importance of expert participation. Decision Support Systems could provide—mediated—expert participation in virtual groups and in communication with the public. To achieve this, there is a need to carefully consider both the usability of Decision Support Systems and their role in the overall democratic system. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabric evolution during hydromechanical loading of a compacted silt
Authors: Cuisinier Olivier , Laloui Lyesse
Published: April 2004

A study was undertaken on a compacted silt to determine fabric modifications induced by suction and/or stress variations. The link between fabric and hydromechanical behaviour was also investigated. A suction‐controlled oedometer, using air overpressure, was developed for this purpose and mercury intrusion porosimetry was employed to determine sample fabric. The initial samples fabric was made of macro and micropores. It was shown that suction increase produced a strong decrease in the macroporosity associated with an increase in microporosity. However, some macropores were not significantly affected by the suction increase; this phenomenon might be related to the initial fabric of the samples. Second, it appears that loading under saturated conditions also produces strong fabric modification: the higher the applied stress, the lower the macroporosity. Soil fabric depends on the maximum stress experienced by the soil. Finally, some tests have shown the influence of suction, as well as the role of the degree of saturation, on the deformation process and the mechanical behaviour. The test results show that in the case of unsaturated mechanical loading, all macropores are not destroyed by the mechanical loading. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental study of stick‐slip behaviour
Authors: Adjemian Florence , Evesque Pierre
Published: April 2004

Simple axi‐symmetric uni‐axial compression tests have been realized on dry loose samples of glass beads (diameters d: d=0.2 ± 0.05 mm, 0.75 ± 0.1 mm, or 3 mm) and on Hostun sand under small lateral confinement, σ3<60 kPa, using different sample sizes. The experiments with the two smallest spheres (d=0.2 and 0.75 mm) exhibit stick‐slips, which are characterized by (i) a rapid release Δq of the deviatoric stress q and by (ii) the strain Δε1 separating two events. The samples which exhibit stick‐slip also present a weakening of strength q(ε1) as the rate of deformation dε1/dt is increased. No stick‐slip is generated during the first part of the q−ε1 curve, i.e. when q grows fast with ε1. Four different parameters helped us determine the statistics of Δq and Δε: the lateral pressure σ3′, the rate of deformation dε1/dt, the sample height H, and the diameter D. The statistics do not depend on rate history. They look like exponentials in small samples and/or in (large sample+fast dε1/dt), and they look like Poissonian or Gaussian in (Large sample+small dε1/dt). This change in statistics is attributed to a varying of triggering process starting from a single random event in small samples to multiple random events. We have interpreted this change of statistics as due to some finite size effect so that the representative elementary volume shall contain at least (200)3 grains. Localization of deformation is visible at the end of compression but cannot be detected from stick‐slip statistics nor from q vs ε curve. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrons and bursting waterworks
Authors: van der Marel Dirk
Published: April 2004

The Expert Opinion is written by a distinguished scientist and presents his/her personal view on important and relevant new results of research, highlighting their significance and putting the work into perspective for a broader audience. Please send comments to pss@wiley‐vch.de or to the author.

The text by Dirk van der Marel refers to the Rapid Research Note by M. Matlak et al., Chemical potential induced phase transitions, published in this issue of phys. stat. sol. (b) 241, R23 (2004). (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Biological activity of barbados cherry (acerola fruits, fruit of Malpighia emarginata DC) extracts and fractions
Authors: Motohashi Noboru , Wakabayashi Hidetsugu , Kurihara Teruo , Fukushima Hidetaka , Yamada Tomoko , Kawase Masami , Sohara Yoshitaka , Tani Satoru , Shirataki Yoshiaki , Sakagami Hiroshi , Satoh Kazue , Nakashima Hideki , Molnár Annamária , Spengler Gabriella , Gyémánt Nóra , Ugocsai Katalin , Molnár Joseph
Published: April 2004

Fractionation of barbados cherry (acerola fruit, a fruit of Malpighia emarginata DC.) extracts were performed by organic solvent extractions and column chromatographies, using two extraction methods. Higher cytotoxic activity was concentrated in fractions A4 and A6 (acetone extract), and H3 and HE3 (hexane extract). These four fractions showed higher cytotoxic activity against tumor cell lines such as human oral squamous cell carcinoma (HSC‐2) and human submandibular gland carcinoma (HSG), when compared with that against normal cells such as human periodontal ligament ﬁbroblasts (HPLF) and human gingival ﬁbroblasts (HGF). HE2 (hexane extract), AE2 (ethyl acetate extract), AE3, AE4, AE5, A8, A9 and A10 showed some relatively higher anti‐bacterial activity on the Gram‐positive Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 1228 but were ineffective on the representative Gram‐negative species E. coli and Ps. aeruginosa. The fractions were inactive against Helicobacter pylori, two representative Candida species, and human immunodeﬁciency virus (HIV). H3, H4 and HE3, which displayed higher tumor‐speciﬁc cytotoxicity also showed higher multidrug resistance (MDR) reversal activity, than (±)‐verapamil as positive control. ESR spectroscopy shows that the radical‐mediated oxidation is not involved in the induction of tumor‐speciﬁc cytotoxic activity. The tumor speciﬁc cytotoxic activity and MDR reversal activity of barbados cherry may suggest its possible application for cancer therapy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Life Associated with Surgery for Esophageal Cancer: Differences between Collar and Intrathoracic Anastomoses
Authors: Schmidt Christian E. , Bestmann Beate , Küchler Thomas , Schmid Andreas , Kremer Bernd
Published: April 2004

Postoperative survival and complication rates have traditionally been the standard parameters of outcome after oncologic surgery. In tumors with poor patient survival, such as esophageal cancer, studies about quality of life are rare. The objectives of this study were to assess outcomes in terms of quality of life in patients with esophageal cancer when investigating differences between two surgical reconstructive procedures: intrathoracic anastomosis and collar anastomosis. A total of 108 patients with esophageal cancer had undergone surgery for esophageal cancer in our department from 1992 to 2000. Median survival was 36 months with no significant differences between patients undergoing collar or intrathoracic anastomosis. After determining the survival status, questionnaires on quality of life were sent to all patients 1 to 2 years after surgery. We received data from 46 patients. The responders were divided into groups of intrathoracic anastomosis (n = 24) and collar anastomosis (n = 22). Patients with the collar anastomosis showed significantly better physical and social functioning and global health status. From the viewpoint of postoperative quality of life, reflux‐related symptoms were the major problem for patients with an intrathoracic anastomosis. These symptoms cause significant insomnia and impair social and physical function. The study showed that assessing quality of life with specific and general instruments is helpful for determining the differences between surgical procedures where standard parameters such as survival have their limitations.
Electrolyte-induced collapse of a polyelectrolyte brush
Authors: Biesalski M. , Johannsmann D. , Rühe J.
Published: April 2004

We have investigated the electrolyte-induced collapse of a polyelectrolyte brush covalently attached to a planar solid surface. Positively charged poly-4-vinyl [N-methyl-pyridinium] (MePVP) brushes were prepared in situ at the surface by free radical chain polymerization using a surface-immobilized initiator monolayer (“grafting from” technique) and 4-vinylpyridine as the monomer, followed by a polymer-analogous quaternization reaction. The height of the brushes was measured as a function of the external salt concentration via multiple-angle null ellipsometry. As predicted by mean-field theory, the height of the MePVP brushes remains unaffected by the addition of low amounts of external salt. At higher salt concentrations the brush height decreases. The extent to which the brush shrinks strongly depends on the nature of the salt present in the environment. MePVP brushes collapse to almost the dry layer thickness upon the addition of potassium iodide to a contacting aqueous medium. In contrast, the collapse of MePVP brushes having bromide or chloride counterions is much less pronounced. These brushes remain in a highly swollen state even after large amounts of salt have been added to the solution.
Potentiation of C1 Esterase Inhibitor by StcE, a Metalloprotease Secreted by Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Lathem Wyndham W. , Bergsbaken Tessa , Welch Rodney A.
Published: April 2004

The complement system is an essential component of host defense against pathogens. Previous research in our laboratory identified StcE, a metalloprotease secreted by Escherichia coli O157:H7 that cleaves the serpin C1 esterase inhibitor (C1-INH), a major regulator of the classical complement cascade. Analyses of StcE-treated C1-INH activity revealed that surprisingly, StcE enhanced the ability of C1-INH to inhibit the classical complement-mediated lysis of sheep erythrocytes. StcE directly interacts with both cells and C1-INH, thereby binding C1-INH to the cell surface. This suggests that the augmented activity of StcE-treated C1-INH is due to the increased concentration of C1-INH at the sites of potential lytic complex formation. Indeed, removal of StcE abolishes the ability of C1-INH to bind erythrocyte surfaces, whereas the proteolysis of C1-INH is unnecessary to potentiate its inhibitory activity. Physical analyses showed that StcE interacts with C1-INH within its aminoterminal domain, allowing the unaffected serpin domain to interact with its targets. In addition, StcE-treated C1-INH provides significantly increased serum resistance to E. coli K-12 over native C1-INH. These data suggest that by recruiting C1-INH to cell surfaces, StcE may protect both E. coli O157:H7 and the host cells to which the bacterium adheres from complement-mediated lysis and potentially damaging inflammatory events.
T-bet Controls Autoaggressive CD8 Lymphocyte Responses in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Juedes Amy E. , Rodrigo Evelyn , Togher Lisa , Glimcher Laurie H. , von Herrath Matthias G.
Published: April 2004

The T-box transcription factor T-bet is known to control lineage commitment and interferon-γ production by T helper 1 (Th1) CD4 lymphocytes. We report here that T-bet is essential for development of CD8 lymphocyte-dependent autoimmune diabetes (type 1 diabetes [T1D]) in the rat insulin promoter–lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) transgenic model for virally induced T1D. In the absence of T-bet, autoaggressive (anti-LCMV) CD8 lymphocytes were reduced in number and produced less IFN-γ, but increased IL-2 compared with controls. Further analysis showed that T-bet intrinsically controls the generation, but not apoptosis, maintenance, or secondary expansion of antiviral effector/memory CD8 lymphocytes. This observation points toward a therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of T1D and other autoimmune disorders.
Acute Alcohol Intoxication During Hemorrhagic Shock: Impact on Host Defense From Infection
Authors: Zambell K. L. , Phelan H. , Stouwe C. Vande , Zhang P. , Shellito J. E. , Molina P. E.
Published: April 2004

Abstract: Background: Acute alcohol intoxication is a frequent underlying condition associated with traumatic injury. Our studies have demonstrated that acute alcohol intoxication significantly impairs the immediate hemodynamic, metabolic, and inflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock. This study investigated whether acute alcohol intoxication during hemorrhagic shock would alter the outcome from an infectious challenge during the initial 24 hr recovery period.

Methods: Chronically catheterized male Sprague Dawley® rats were randomized to acute alcohol intoxication (EtOH; 1.75 g/kg bolus followed by a constant 15 hr infusion at 250–300 mg/kg/hr) or isocaloric isovolemic dextrose infusion (dex; 3 ml + 0.375 ml/hr). EtOH and dex were assigned to either fixed‐volume (50%) hemorrhagic shock followed by fluid resuscitation with Ringer's lactate (EtOH/hem, dex/hem) or sham hemorrhagic shock (EtOH/sham, dex/sham). Indexes of circulating neutrophil function (apoptosis, phagocytosis, oxidative burst) were obtained at baseline, at completion of hemorrhagic shock, and at the end of fluid resuscitation. Bacterial clearance, lung cytokine expression, and myeloperoxidase activity were determined at 6 and 18 hr after an intratracheal challenge with Klebsiella pneumoniae (107 colony‐forming units).

Results: Mean arterial blood pressure was significantly lower in acute alcohol intoxication‐hemorrhagic shock animals throughout the hemorrhagic shock. In sham animals, acute alcohol intoxication alone did not produce significant changes in neutrophil apoptosis or phagocytic activity but significantly suppressed phorbol myristic acid (PMA)‐stimulated oxidative burst. Hemorrhagic shock produced a modest increase in neutrophil apoptosis and suppression of neutrophil phagocytic capacity but significantly suppressed PMA‐stimulated oxidative burst. Acute alcohol intoxication exacerbated the hemorrhagic shock‐induced neutrophil apoptosis and the hemorrhagic shock‐induced suppression of phagocytosis without further affecting PMA‐stimulated oxidative burst. Fluid resuscitation did not restore neutrophil phagocytosis or oxidative burst. Acute alcohol intoxication decreased (−40%) 3‐day survival from K. pneumoniae in hemorrhagic shock animals, impaired bacterial clearance during the first 18 hr postinfection, and prolonged lung proinflammatory cytokine expression.

Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the early alterations in metabolic and inflammatory responses to hemorrhagic shock produced by acute alcohol intoxication are associated with neutrophil dysfunction and impaired host response to a secondary infectious challenge leading to increased morbidity and mortality.
Molecular characterization of imipenem-resistant, cfiA-positive Bacteroides fragilis isolates from the USA, Hungary and Kuwait
Authors: Sóki József , Fodor Eleonóra , Hecht David W. , Edwards Richard , Rotimi Vincent O. , Kerekes Irén , Urbán Edit , Nagy Elisabeth
Published: April 2004

FifteenBacteroides fragilisisolates from the USA, Hungary and Kuwait were examined for carbapenem resistance, for carbapenemase activity and, with the use of various PCR-based methods and nucleotide sequencing, forcfiAgenes and activating insertion sequence (IS) elements. All theB. fragilisisolates werecfiA-positive, 10 of thecfiAgenes being upregulated by IS elements that are already known. Of these 10, one was of a novel type (designated IS943) and two further ones (IS614B and IS614C) were suspected hybrids of IS612, IS614and IS942. There were fivecfiA-positive imipenem-resistantB. fragilisisolates with elevated imipenem MICs (minimal inhibitory concentration) that harboured no IS insertion upstream of thecfiAgene, but produced carbapenemase; these isolates might possess a novel activation mechanism. On the basis of the available phenotypic and genotypic evidence, the present data suggest that there are at least twocfiAactivation mechanisms amongB. fragilisisolates.
Data incongruence and the problem of avian louse phylogeny
Authors: Smith Vincent S. , Page Roderic D. M. , Johnson Kevin P.
Published: April 2004

Smith, V. S., Page, R. D. M. & Johnson, K. P. (2004). Data incongruence and the problem of avian louse phylogeny. —Zoologica Scripta, 33, 239 –259.

Recent studies based on different types of data (i.e. morphological and molecular) have supported conflicting phylogenies for the genera of avian feather lice (Ischnocera: Phthiraptera). We analyse new and published data from morphology and from mitochondrial (12S rRNA and COI) and nuclear (EF1‐α) genes to explore the sources of this incongruence and explain these conflicts. Character convergence, multiple substitutions at high divergences, and ancient radiation over a short period of time have contributed to the problem of resolving louse phylogeny with the data currently available. We show that apparent incongruence between the molecular datasets is largely attributable to rate variation and nonstationarity of base composition. In contrast, highly significant character incongruence leads to topological incongruence between the molecular and morphological data. We consider ways in which biases in the sequence data could be misleading, using several maximum likelihood models and LogDet corrections. The hierarchical structure of the data is explored using likelihood mapping and SplitsTree methods. Ultimately, we concede there is strong discordance between the molecular and morphological data and apply the conditional combination approach in this case. We conclude that higher level phylogenetic relationships within avian Ischnocera remain extremely problematic. However, consensus between datasets is beginning to converge on a stable phylogeny for avian lice, at and below the familial rank.
Programmed cell deaths
Authors: Assunção Guimarães Cinthya , Linden Rafael
Published: April 2004

Programmed cell death is a major component of both normal development and disease. The roles of cell death during either embryogenesis or pathogenesis, the signals that modulate this event, and the mechanisms of cell demise are the major subjects that drive research in this field. Increasing evidence obtained both in vitro and in vivo supports the hypothesis that a variety of cell death programs may be triggered in distinct circumstances. Contrary to the view that caspase‐mediated apoptosis represents the standard programmed cell death, recent studies indicate that an apoptotic morphology can be produced independent of caspases, that autophagic execution pathways of cell death may be engaged without either the involvement of caspases or morphological signs of apoptosis, and that even the necrotic morphology of cell death may be consistently produced in some cases, including certain plants. Alternative cell death programs may imply novel therapeutic targets, with important consequences for attempts to treat diseases associated with disregulated programmed cell death.
Successful reduction of massive postpartum haemorrhage by use of guidelines and staff education
Authors: Rizvi Fauzia , Mackey Rachel , Barrett Tom , McKenna Peter , Geary Michael
Published: April 2004

We reviewed all cases of massive primary postpartum haemorrhage greater than 1000 mL over a six month period in 1999 to establish the incidence, identify aetiological factors and implement change. Fifty‐four cases (1.7%) were identified. We classified four as ‘near‐miss’ maternal mortality. Over 60% were delivered by caesarean section. Seventy‐six percent were due to uterine atony, 9% due to genital tract trauma and 15% were associated with significant antepartum haemorrhage from placenta praevia or abruption. No obvious labour or delivery risk factors were identified but deviation from hospital guidelines was common. Following revision of the guidelines, dissemination to staff and use of practice drills, we repeated the study on a prospective basis over the same time period in 2002. There was a significant reduction in the incidence of massive postpartum haemorrhage to 0.45%, and 100% adherence to the guidelines which resulted in a significant reduction in maternal morbidity. We believe that this approach can be replicated in other units.
Prevalence of domestic violence when midwives routinely enquire in pregnancy
Authors: Bacchus Loraine , Mezey Gill , Bewley Susan , Haworth Alison
Published: April 2004

Objective  To assess the prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy when midwives are trained to enquire about it routinely.

Design  A cross sectional study during a period after midwives had been trained to routinely enquire about it and a retrospective case note survey at an earlier period.

Setting  The maternity services of Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Hospital Trust in South London.

Sample  Women aged 16 and over booking for maternity care between 14th September 1998 and 21st January 1999.

Methods  Midwives were required to routinely enquire about domestic violence at booking, 34 weeks of gestation and postpartum (within 10 days) using a series of structured questions.

Main outcome measures  The lifetime and annual rates of domestic violence. The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy.

Results  The prevalence of domestic violence in pregnancy was 1.8% at booking, 5.8% at 34 weeks of gestation and 5.0% at 10 days postpartum. Eight hundred and ninety‐two women were asked about domestic violence on at least one occasion, of whom 22 (2.5%) reported domestic violence in pregnancy. Two hundred and sixty‐five maternity notes were reviewed for the retrospective case note survey and one (0.37%) case of domestic violence in pregnancy was identified. Routine questioning increased the rate of detection of domestic violence by 2.1% (95% CI = 0.1–3.4%; P= 0.03). The lifetime prevalence of domestic violence was 13%, and 6.4% in the previous 12 months.

Conclusions  Routine enquiry for domestic violence can increase the rate of detection in maternity settings, thereby providing an opportunity for women to access help early.
The Special Role of Strategic Planning for Family Businesses
Authors: Ward John L.
Published: April 2004

Most family-owned businesses struggle to survive beyond a single generation. Strategic planning—for both business and family—can help to strengthen the family enterprise and extend its lifespan.
The Succession Conspiracy
Authors: Lansberg Ivan
Published: April 2004

The lack of succession planning has been identified as one of the most important reasons why many first-generation family firms do not survive their founders. This paper explores some of the factors that interfere with succession planning and suggests ways in which these barriers can be constructively managed.
Financing Family Business: Alternatives to Selling Out or Going Public
Authors: Dreux Dirk R.
Published: April 2004

Family businesses, whether private or public, constitute a major segment of the American economic system. A conceptual framework, from a financial practitioner's perspective, is presented for simplifying the conflicting objectives of the business and its shareholders with respect to the fundamental issues of control, liquidity, and capital. The investment objectives and criteria of capital markets participants are profiled, as well as various financial alternatives available to the family business, in particular, strategies that favor family control. The investment banker's role as both a capital markets intermediary and financial adviser is also discussed.
Is Kohler Company Bathing in Paternalism?
Authors: Buchholz Barbara B. , Crane Margaret
Published: April 2004

Third-generation head Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., contends the company is a facilitator: it offers opportunities and amenities to attract and keep employees, but it does so for a price rather than for free, which makes for smarter business and a surer way for employees to appreciate benefits.
A Relationship Perspective on the Couple-Owned Business
Authors: Kadis Leslie B. , McClendon Ruth
Published: April 2004

Understanding the couple relationship is essential to helping the couple-owned business survive and be successful. In this article we discuss the couple relationship from a developmental perspective and describe how facilitating interdependence can ensure a healthy relationship, which in turn supports the business.
A Classroom Discussion with James R. Cargill
Authors: Carlock Randel S.
Published: April 2004

This interview with James R. Cargill was compiled from question-and-answer sessions during undergraduate and MBA-level family business management courses taught at the University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, Minnesota. He offers a down-to-earth perspective on family enterprise that resonates with family business students and parents. Mr. Cargill is a director, major shareholder, and retired senior vice president of Cargill, Inc., America's largest family enterprise.
Patterns of Development of Family Businesses in Italy
Authors: Corbetta Guido
Published: April 2004

Italy is characterized by a considerable presence of small-, medium-, and even large-sized family businesses. After identifying four types of family businesses, this article analyzes three patterns of development: managerialization, the rise in the number of family partners, and the opening of the capital to nonfamily partners. The article, based on empirical research involving almost seventy Italian enterprises of various sizes, aims at informing an international audience of the state of the art of family businesses in Italy.
Why Fish Must Learn to See the Water They Swim In
Authors: Vago Maria
Published: April 2004

The internationalizing of family business is addressed from a consultant's point of view. A template for conceptualizing, addressing, and tracking culture-based variables that impact the consulting engagement is suggested. Examples of cross-cultural variables in perception, attitude, judgment, and behavior are described. Issues especially relevant to family business consultants are delineated.
On the Mechanics of Crack Initiation and Propagation in Elasto-Plastic Materials in Impact Fretting Wear
Authors: Gessesse Y. B. , Attia M. H.
Published: April 2004

Normal and oblique impact wear processes are characterized by unique features, which include the development of some residual stress components that vanish in unidirectional sliding. Parametric finite element analyses were conducted to estimate the likelihood locations for crack initiation, and the subsequent direction and rate of crack propagation in an elasto-plastic material with bi-linear isotropic hardening properties. The results showed that the increase in contact pressure can cause a significant increase in the size of the plastically deformed crack initiation zone and allows it to reach the surface. Such behavior is not predicted under continuous sliding conditions. The presence of surface friction forces in oblique impact, can also result in the development of a secondary region of high tensile stresses at the contact area. Using the crack tip slip displacement CTSD method, the rate of crack growth was found to be linearly proportional to the crack length, and significantly dependent on the contact pressure and the coefficient of friction at the crack surface. The small effect of the coefficient of friction at the micro-contact area on wear suggests that the effect of shear traction is mainly due to the increase in the depth of the crack nucleation zone. As expected, the increase of the material flow stress with strain-hardening has a wear reducing effect.
Waviness Deformation in Starved EHL Circular Contacts
Authors: Venner C. H. , Berger G. , Lugt P. M.
Published: April 2004

By means of numerical simulations the deformation of transverse and isotropic harmonic waviness in EHL circular contacts under pure rolling has been studied in relation to the lubricant supply to the contact. In earlier work the deformation of waviness under pure rolling in a fully flooded contact was shown to depend on a single non-dimensional wavelength parameter. In terms of this parameter short wavelengths deform very little. In this paper the effect of starvation on this behavior is shown. First, the steady state smooth surface problem is discussed as an introduction and as a reference problem. It is illustrated in detail how the entire film thickness level decreases with decreasing lubricant supply. Subsequently, results are presented for the time dependent problem with waviness moving through the contact under pure rolling. The relative deformed amplitude of the waviness inside the contact is shown to depend on the same non-dimensional wavelength parameter as before, but also on the degree of starvation. A smaller lubricant supply leads to a larger reduction of the waviness amplitude inside the contact. Finally, it is shown that to an acceptable accuracy the relative deformed amplitude of the starved problem can be predicted by the formula for the fully flooded problem if the generalized wavelength parameter is modified using the reduction factor of the central film thickness for the starved steady state smooth contact. For this reduction factor an accurate formula is available and as a result also for starved contacts by means of a component wise approach a crude estimate of the deformed surface micro-geometry (roughness) inside a contact can be obtained quite easily now.
Nanoscale Effect on Ultrathin Gas Film Lubrication in Hard Disk Drive
Authors: Peng Yongqing , Lu Xinchun , Luo Jianbin
Published: April 2004

Since the current thickness of the gas film between the slider and the disk in Hard Disk Drive is already only one order of magnitude larger than the diameter of gas molecules, the nanoscale effect cannot be neglected any longer. In this paper a nanoscale effect function, Np is proposed by investigating the unidirectional flow of the rarefied gas between two parallel plates, and four kinds of formerly and currently employed lubrication models are modified. The calculated results using the modified Reynolds equations indicate that the nanoscale effect weaken the rarefaction effect to some extent for ultra-thin gas film lubrication.
Cochlear hysteresis: Observation with low-frequency modulated distortion product otoacoustic emissions
Authors: Bian Lin , Linhardt Erin E. , Chertoff Mark E.
Published: April 2004

Low-frequency modulation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) can be used to estimate a nonlinear transducer function (fTr) of the cochlea. From gerbils, DPOAEs were measured while presenting a high-level bias tone. Within one period of the bias tone, the magnitudes of the cubic difference tone (CDT, 2f1−f2) demonstrated two similar modulation patterns (MPs) each resembled the absolute value of the third derivative of the fTr. The center peaks of the MPs occurred at positive sound pressures for rising in bias pressure or loading of the cochlear transducer, and more negative pressures while decreasing bias amplitude or unloading. The corresponding fTr revealed a sigmoid-shaped hysteresis loop with counterclockwise traversal. Physiologic indices that characterized the double MP varied with primary level. A Boltzmann-function-based model with negative damping as a feedback component was proposed. The model was able to replicate the experimental results. Model parameters that fit to the CDT data indicated higher transducer gain and more prominent feedback role at lower primary levels. Both physiologic indices and model parameters suggest that the cochlear transducer dynamically changes its gain with input signal level and the nonlinear mechanism is a time-dependent feedback process.