bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Whether to Integrate R&D and Marketing: The Effect of Firm Competence
Authors: Rubera Gaia , Ordanini Andrea , Calantone Roger
Published: May 2012

Integration of research and development (R&D) with marketing remains a frequent topic in the new product development (NPD) literature, largely because it represents a critical antecedent of new product performance (NPP). Two divergent opinions about this integration exist, such that those who contend that firms should pursue high levels of integration in every case provoke criticisms from those who propose that various NPD processes require different levels of integration. This paper proposes that the two perspectives can be reconciled by taking into account the fact that R&D and marketing are integrated mainly to combine critical knowledge (technological and market) that otherwise would be separate to achieve market success. Following Danneels's approach, we investigate how the effect of R&D–marketing integration on performance change across four types of NPD processes: pure exploitation, pure exploration, technological competence exploitation, and market competence exploitation.

Data derived from a deep study of 11 NPD projects by five firms, analyzed through qualitative methods, highlight the necessity to vary the level of integration according to the type of competence to be developed during the NPD process. Our analysis suggests two main conclusions. First, the effect of integration depends strictly on the type of competence that the firm uses to develop and launch a new product. Second, integration does not have a unique effect on performance, but it is necessary to distinguish between market performance (e.g., sales and market share) and process performance (e.g., meeting the planned budget and time to market). In some projects, the effect of integration on the two types of performance is diametrically opposite. In particular, we propose that (1) higher performance will be associated with lower integration in pure exploitative projects; (2) in projects that exploit existing market knowledge, higher market performance will be associated with a higher integration, although these projects tend to offer poor process performance regardless of integration level; (3) in projects that exploit technical knowledge, higher performance will be associated with higher integration; and (4) higher integration will be associated with higher market performance but poorer process performance in pure explorative projects.
Economic Development, Violent Leader Removal, and Democratization
Authors: Miller Michael K.
Published: May 2012

This article argues that autocratic regime strength plays a critical mediating role in the link between economic development and democracy. Looking at 167 countries from 1875 to 2004, I find that development strengthens autocratic regimes, as indicated by a reduced likelihood of violent leader removal. Simultaneously, greater development predicts democratization, but only if a violent turnover has occurred in the recent past. Hence, development can cause democratization, but only in distinctive periods of regime vulnerability. Although development’s stabilizing and democratizing forces roughly balance out within autocracies, they reinforce each other within democracies, resolving the puzzle of why economic development has a stronger effect on democratic stability than on democratization. Further, the theory extends to any variable that predicts violent leader removal and democracy following such violence, pointing to broad unexplored patterns of democratic development.
Putting the “Fun” in Fundamentalism: Religious Nationalism and the Split Self at Hindutva Summer Camps in the United States
Authors: Falcone Jessica Marie
Published: May 2012

Some Hindu immigrants to America – those who subscribe to Hindutva values – desire full rights and recognition in their adopted homeland even as they simultaneously demand that so‐called “migrants” to India (that is, Muslims and Christians whose communities have flourished in India for hundreds of years) acquiesce to their vision of India as a “Hindu state.” In an American racial landscape that structurally privileges whites, I argue that the cultural categorization of Hindu immigrants into a “lesser‐than‐whites” minority has only served to fuel the growth of Hindu supremacist groups in the United States. In this article, I draw on fieldwork with two Hindu American summer camps in order to show that some Hindu immigrants misrecognize and repress their own current alienation in a manner that has subsequently aggravated latent antipathies towards Muslim and Christian communities in India. [religion, alienation, ethnicity, Hinduism, diaspora, nationalism]
Shifting in the Zone: Latina/o Child Language Brokers and the Co‐construction of Knowledge
Authors: Eksner H. Julia , Orellana Marjorie Faulstich
Published: May 2012

In this article we offer a new look at the dynamic nature of teaching and learning as we investigate everyday language‐brokering events in immigrant families. We consider how children and adult interlocutors collaborate in the construction of knowledge and examine language‐brokering activities as socially situated learning tasks that take place in dynamic zones of proximal development in which knowledge and authority are dynamically reassigned among participants. We present a mixed‐method analysis of everyday cognition entailed in language brokering engaged in by three children from Mexican families living in the Midwestern United States. [Zone of Proximal Development, language brokering, bilingualism, childhood]
A Case of Sudden Infant Death Due to a Primary Cardiac Sarcoma
Authors: Cascini Fidelia , Longo Francesca , Parenti Dante , Capelli Arnaldo
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  The case reported herein concerns the unexpected death of a 3‐month‐old female newborn who suddenly collapsed in her mother’s arms and was dead on arrival at the hospital. The clinical histories of the baby and her parents were negative for symptoms or signs of illness, even those of cardiovascular origin. Furthermore, no clinical appearance of a pathologic status was noted by pediatricians after the birth until the last emergency recovery. The autopsy excluded external and internal signs of violence but revealed a large primary cardiac tumor arising from the free wall of the left ventricle, which had totally invaded the heart causing mitral valve deformation. Histological examination showed a low‐grade sarcoma that completely infiltrated the myocardial tissue. The pathogenesis of this sudden infant death was postulated as being owing to a fatal ventricular fibrillation combined with a tumor‐related restrictive cardiomyopathy obstructing left ventricular filling.
Specificity, Sensitivity, and Operability of RSID™‐Urine for Forensic Identification of Urine: Comparison with ELISA for Tamm‐Horsfall Protein
Authors: Akutsu Tomoko , Watanabe Ken , Sakurada Koichi
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  In this study, the specificity, sensitivity, and operability of RSID™‐Urine, a new immunochromatographic test for urine identification, was evaluated and compared with ELISA detection of Tamm‐Horsfall protein (THP). Urine was successfully identified among other body fluids using RSID™‐Urine and ELISA detection of THP. The detection limit of RSID™‐Urine equated to 0.5 μL of urine; although the sensitivity of RSID™‐Urine may be lower than that of ELISA detection of THP, it is thought to be sufficient for application to casework samples. However, results from RSID™‐Urine must be interpreted with caution when the sample may have been contaminated with blood or vaginal fluid, because this might inhibit urine detection. The RSID™‐Urine assay can be performed in just 15 min by dropping the extracted sample onto the test cassette. Therefore, RSID™‐Urine should be an effective tool for the forensic identification of urine, in addition to ELISA detection of THP.
Identification Using Frontal Sinus by Three‐Dimensional Reconstruction from Computed Tomography*
Authors: Kim Deog‐Im , Lee U‐Young , Park Sang‐Ouk , Kwak Dae‐Soon , Han Seung‐Ho
Published: May 2012

Abstract:  Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) images have been increasingly applied and accepted in forensic sciences. Along with radiographs and CT images, the frontal sinus is often used for the individual identification because of its unique and unchangeable characteristics. The purpose of this study is to define the usefulness of three‐dimensional (3‐D) images of the frontal sinus for identification. CT images from 119 Korean cadavers were built up for 3‐D reconstruction and surveyed with 15 measurements. The total volume of the sinus, some nonmetric characteristics, and the bilateral asymmetry index in men differed significantly from those in women (p < 0.05). The digit codes, six sections and 10‐digit number, were almost able to accurately identify individuals (98%). This study showed a statistical difference between the sexes and classified the fused and prominent middle sinuses for the first time. This proposed method for identification is more accurate than those used in other studies.
Upper margin of para‐aortic lymphadenectomy in cervical cancer
Authors: OULDAMER LOBNA , FICHET‐DJAVADIAN SARA , MARRET HENRI , BARILLOT ISABELLE , BODY GILLES
Published: May 2012

Patients with early stage cervical cancer routinely undergo pelvic lymphadenectomy. A para‐aortic lymphadenectomy is only performed in the setting of grossly enlarged lymph nodes. In patients with locally advanced disease, a para‐aortic lymphadenectomy is indicated particularly when pelvic nodes are suspicious for disease on preoperative imaging. There is no consensus about the extent of para‐aortic lymph node dissection in these patients. We reviewed relevant literature to determine the extension of para‐aortic lymphadenectomy in patients with cervical cancer in order to establish whether lymph node dissection up to the inferior mesenteric artery or higher to the level of renal vessels should be performed. We performed a systematic search (PubMed; up to June 2011) to review systematic complete para‐aortic lymphadenectomy. According to our search, eight women (1.09%) had isolated para‐aortic node metastases, of which two had only lymph node metastases above the inferior mesenteric artery.
Influence of dental education in motivational interviewing on the efficacy of interventions for smoking cessation
Authors: Schoonheim‐Klein M. , Gresnigt C. , van der Velden U.
Published: May 2012

Aim

To test whether education of dental students in motivational interviewing (MI) for smoking cessation counselling will increase the number of patients and students who quit smoking and will improve knowledge and attitudes of dental students towards tobacco cessation counselling.

Methods

Over 2 years, during four successive undergraduate periodontal courses, student groups received either no education in MI or MI with increasing quality and extent of the education. Smoking habits were assessed before, and 1, 6 and 12 months after periodontal treatment by means of a questionnaire. In the same way, attitudes and knowledge related to tobacco cessation and the perceived quality of the education in MI of the students were evaluated.

Results

A significant reduction in smokers was achieved only in the group of students receiving the most extensive MI education followed by a formative assessment: 20% quit rate after 1 year for patients and 39% for students. Owing to MI education, the knowledge of the students on the relationship between smoking and periodontitis increased from 33% without MI to over 96% in the groups with MI.

Conclusion

Engaging dental students in smoking cessation with MI has promise when incorporated in the periodontal education.
A method for the geometric standardization of intraoral radiographs for long‐term follow up of replanted teeth: a case report
Authors: Hamanaka Elizane Ferreira , Poi Wilson Roberto , Salzedas Leda Maria Pescinini , Alves Lucieni Campoli , Panzarini Sônia Regina , Sonoda Celso Koogi , Martins Christine Men
Published: May 2012

The interpretation of the set of radiographs taken during the follow‐up period after tooth replantation might pose several difficulties, especially the inability to adequately reproduce the projection geometry of the exposures. This article describes a method for the geometric standardization of intraoral radiographs using a custom‐made apparatus comprising a film‐holder attached to an occlusal splint for the long‐term follow up of dentoalveolar trauma. The method was applied in a patient who suffered an avulsion of the maxillary central incisors and had the teeth replanted after 4 h in saline storage. Endodontic treatment started 7 days after the trauma with changes of a calcium hydroxide intracanal medication every 15 days in the first 2 months and thereafter at 30‐day intervals for 8 months. Root canal filling was carried out after this period. The radiographic exposures taken at the follow‐up visits were standardized to identify the possible alterations during the repair process, such as root resorptions. A maxillary arch impression was made with alginate, and the model was cast in stone for fabrication of an acetate occlusal splint. The custom‐made apparatus used for standardization of the radiographic exposures was fabricated by fixing a Rinn X‐C‐P film‐holder and a 5‐mm‐long piece of 0.7‐mm orthodontic wire to the occlusal splint with autopolymerized acrylic resin. Radiographs were taken at 4‐month intervals, starting 10 months after replantation up to 76 months. The images were digitized and analysed using the Digora system. The length of the central incisors was determined to verify the reproduction of the projection geometry of the exposures and the orthodontic wire served to assess accuracy during length estimations in the radiographs. The method described in this article for geometric standardization of intraoral radiographs provided a consistent reproduction of the geometric exposure parameters, being indicated for use in the radiographic follow up of cases of dentoalveolar trauma.
REVISITING THE FILE DRAWER PROBLEM IN META‐ANALYSIS: AN ASSESSMENT OF PUBLISHED AND NONPUBLISHED CORRELATION MATRICES
Authors: DALTON DAN R. , AGUINIS HERMAN , DALTON CATHERINE M. , BOSCO FRANK A. , PIERCE CHARLES A.
Published: May 2012

The file drawer problem rests on the assumption that statistically non‐significant results are less likely to be published in primary‐level studies and less likely to be included in meta‐analytic reviews, thereby resulting in upwardly biased meta‐analytically derived effect sizes. We conducted 5 studies to assess the extent of the file drawer problem in nonexperimental research. In Study 1, we examined 37,970 correlations included in 403 matrices published inAcademy of Management Journal(AMJ),Journal of Applied Psychology(JAP), andPersonnel Psychology(PPsych) between 1985 and 2009 and found that 46.81% of those correlations are not statistically significant. In Study 2, we examined 6,935 correlations used as input in 51 meta‐analyses published inAMJ, JAP,PPsych, and elsewhere between 1982 and 2009 and found that 44.31% of those correlations are not statistically significant. In Study 3, we examined 13,943 correlations reported in 167 matrices in nonpublished manuscripts and found that 45.45% of those correlations are not statistically significant. In Study 4, we examined 20,860 correlations reported in 217 matrices in doctoral dissertations and found that 50.78% of those correlations are not statistically significant. In Study 5, we compared the average magnitude of a sample of 1,002 correlations from Study 1 (published articles) versus 1,224 from Study 4 (dissertations) and found that they were virtually identical (i.e., .2270 and .2279, respectively). In sum, our 5 studies provide consistent empirical evidence that the file drawer problem does not produce an inflation bias and does not pose a serious threat to the validity of meta‐analytically derived conclusions as is currently believed.
UNLOCKING THE KEY TO BIODATA SCORING: A COMPARISON OF EMPIRICAL, RATIONAL, AND HYBRID APPROACHES AT DIFFERENT SAMPLE SIZES
Authors: CUCINA JEFFREY M. , CAPUTO PAT M. , THIBODEAUX HENRY F. , MACLANE CHARLES N.
Published: May 2012

The criterion‐related validities of empirical, rational, and hybrid keying procedures for a biodata inventory were compared at different sample sizes. Rational keying yielded the lowest validities. Hybrid keying performed best at the smallest sample sizes studied, followed by empirical keying at moderate sizes, and stepwise regression weighting of items at the largest sample sizes.
TELL ME SOME MORE: EXPLORING HOW VERBAL ABILITY AND ITEM VERIFIABILITY INFLUENCE RESPONSES TO BIODATA QUESTIONS IN A HIGH‐STAKES SELECTION CONTEXT
Authors: LEVASHINA JULIA , MORGESON FREDERICK P. , CAMPION MICHAEL A.
Published: May 2012

Although self‐rated or self‐scored selection measures are commonly used in selection contexts, they are potentially susceptible to applicant response distortion or faking. The response elaboration technique (RET), which requires job applicants to provide supporting information to justify their responses, has been identified as a potential way to minimize applicant response distortion. In a large‐scale, high‐stakes selection context (N= 16,304), we investigate the extent to which RET affects responding on a biodata test as well as the underlying reasons for any potential effect. We find that asking job applicants to elaborate their responses leads to overall lower scores on a biodata test. Item verifiability affects the extent to which RET decreases faking, which we suggest is due to increased accountability. In addition, verbal ability was more strongly related to biodata item scores when items require elaboration, although the effect of verbal ability was small. The implications of these findings for reducing faking in personnel selection are delineated.
APPLYING UNCERTAINTY MANAGEMENT THEORY TO EMPLOYEE VOICE BEHAVIOR: AN INTEGRATIVE INVESTIGATION
Authors: TAKEUCHI RIKI , CHEN ZHIJUN , CHEUNG SIU YIN
Published: May 2012

Drawing on uncertainty management theory, this study integrates justice research with the elaboration likelihood model and considers employee voice behavior as a function of 3 (interpersonal, procedural, and distributive) facets of justice perceptions in combination. Specifically, a positive relationship is hypothesized between interpersonal justice and employee voice behavior, which is buffered by high procedural justice. This 2‐way interaction effect is also examined to determine whether it would be mitigated by low distributive justice. Results from a sample of 395 manager–employee dyads provide support for these predictions. Furthermore, results from a supplementary analysis show that the 3‐way interaction effect on employee voice behavior was more pronounced for those who had a high feeling of uncertainty (i.e., those with a shorter job tenure or occupational tenure). Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Putting medications where they belong: Practical advice for managing type 2 diabetes in clinical practice
Authors: Unger Jeff , Hinnen Debbie , Schreiner Barbara , Parkin Chris
Published: May 2012

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex metabolic disorder that affects almost 24 million Americans. Healthcare providers often do not initiate and/or intensify therapy appropriately during patient visits, which may be due, in part, to a lack of understanding of the new diabetes medications. This review focuses on means by which primary care nurse practitioners (NPs) might evaluate the utility of pharmacologic agents based upon their relation to the pathogenesis of T2DM.

Data sources

The evidence used in developing this review included evidence‐based reviews, clinical trials, cohort studies, position statements, and guidelines. The authors obtained relevant reports through a computerized search of the literature using PubMed, MEDLINE, and other search engines and scanning syllabi from national and international meetings on the subject of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusions

Medications used to manage T2DM utilize different pharmacologic approaches. These include stimulating insulin production, reducing hepatic gluconeogenesis, slowing polysaccharide digestion, and increasing insulin sensitivity in muscle, liver, and fat to achieve euglycemia.

Implications for practice

Patients with T2DM should be treated to their lowest targeted glycemic goals as soon as they are diagnosed as safely and as rationally as possible. NPs in primary care practice can facilitate more effective diabetes management.
Effect of receptor specificity of A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) influenza virus variants on replication and transmission in pigs
Authors: Van Poucke Sjouke , Uhlendorff Jennifer , Wang Zhongfang , Billiau Veerle , Nicholls John , Matrosovich Mikhail , Van Reeth Kristien
Published: May 2012

Please cite this paper as: Van Poucke et al. (2013) Effect of receptor specificity of A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2) influenza virus variants on replication and transmission in pigs. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 7(2) 151–159.

Background  Several arguments plead for an important role of pigs in human influenza ecology, including the similar receptor expression pattern in the respiratory tract of both species. How virus receptor binding specificity affects transmission in pigs, on the other hand, has not been studied so far.

Objectives  Using recombinant viruses R1‐HK, which harbored all genes from the original pandemic virus A/Hong Kong/1/68 (H3N2), and R2‐HK, which differed by L226Q and S228G mutations in the hemagglutinin and conversion to an avian‐virus‐like receptor specificity, we assessed the role of receptor specificity on (i) replication in porcine respiratory explants, (ii) pig‐to‐pig transmission, and (iii) replication and organ tropism in pigs.

Results  In nasal, tracheal, and bronchial explants, we noticed a 10‐ to 100‐fold lower replication of R2‐HK compared with R1‐HK. In the lung explants, the viruses replicated with comparable efficiency. These observations correlated with the known expression level of Siaα2,3‐galactose in these tissues. In the pathogenesis study, virus titers in the respiratory part of the nasal mucosa, the trachea, and the bronchus were in line with the ex vivo results. R2‐HK replicated less efficiently in the lungs of pigs than R1‐HK, which contrasted with the explants results. R2‐HK also showed a pronounced tropism for the olfactory part of the nasal mucosa. Transmissibility experiments revealed that pig‐to‐pig transmission was abrogated when the virus obtained Siaα2,3‐galactose binding preference.

Conclusions  Our data suggest that Siaα2,6‐galactose binding is required for efficient transmission in pigs.
Effect of an annual benefit limit on adult dental expenditure and utilization: a cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Morrison Gwendolyn C. , Hendrix Kristin S. , Arling Greg , Hancock Emily , Hus Anna M. , Rosenman Marc B. , Swigonski Nancy L.
Published: May 2012

Objectives: Despite widespread use of dental benefit limits in terms of the types of services provided, an annual maximum on claims, or both, there is a dearth of literature examining their impact on either cost to the insurer or health outcomes. This study uses a natural experiment to examine dental care utilization and expenditure changes following Indiana Medicaid's introduction of a $600 individual annual limit on adult dental expenditure in 2003.

Methods: In a before and after comparison, we use two separate cross‐sections of paid claims for 96+ percent of the Medicaid adult population. Paid claims were available as a per‐member‐per‐year (PMPY) figure.

Results: Between 2002 and 2007, the eligible population decreased 3 percent (from 323,209 to 313,623), yet the number of people receiving any dental services increased 60 percent and total Medicaid dental claims increased 18 percent (from $34.1 million to $40.1 million). In both years, those Dually (Medicare/Medicaid) Eligible had the largest percentage of members receiving services, about 75 percent, and the Disabled Adult group had the lowest percentage (5‐8 percent), yet both populations are likely to have high dental need due to effects of chronic conditions and medications.

Conclusions: The increase in the number and percentage of people receiving Diagnostic and Restorative care suggests that the expenditure limit's introduction did not impose a barrier to accessing basic dental services. However, among those receiving any service, PMPY claims fell by 37 percent and 31 percent among the Dually Eligible and Disabled Adults categories, respectively, suggesting that the benefit limit affected these generally high need populations most.
A citation analysis of systematic review and meta‐analysis published in Chinese journals
Authors: Du Liang , Chen Yaolong , Huang Jin , Li Youping
Published: May 2012

Background The numbers of systematic reviews (SRs) and meta‐analyses (MAs) published in China have dramatically increased in recent years. Comprehensive analysis of their citation status may prove beneficial to the production and integration of high quality research, thereby increasing the quality of medical policy‐making, research, and clinical practice.

Methods and Finds The Chinese Medical Citation Index (up to February 2010) was searched to identify SRs/MAs. Data were inputted using Microsoft Excel 2007 and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 15.0 software. A total of 2224 SRs/MAs were included. Among the 591 different publications distributed from 1994 to 2009, the median publication count per publication was two (1–270). The total citation count was 2796, with an average of 1.26 citations per publication (0–57 citation). SRs/MAs that were never cited amounted to 1380 papers (62.1%), distributed in 272 journals (46.0%). MAs were easier to find than SRs. The major conditions affecting citation were whether or not the report was published in a Western field (r = 0.287, P = 0.000); whether or not the report was published in an “evidence‐based” titled journal (r =−0.480, P = 0.002); and the length of time since publication (r = 0.455, P = 0.000). Since 2004, publication of SRs/MAs has exhibited a downward trend, forming a negative correlation with publication count.

Conclusions Over half of the SRs/MAs included had never been cited by the time research had concluded. In many other cases these reports exhibited extremely low citation rates. Citation of traditional Chinese medicine SRs/MAs exceeded that of Western medicine studies. This indirectly suggests that the quality of SRs/MAs usage is relatively low in China. This may be a result of various reasons and suggests that emphasis should be placed on raising the quality of SRs/MAs and significance of practical application.
Lessons learned from the Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Shen Ji , Kang Junxing , Shi Yingkang , Li Youping , Li Yuanfeng , Su Lin , Wu Jianlin , Zheng Shangwei , Jiang Jie , Hu Weijian , Yang Yong , Tang Xuefeng , Wen Jin , Li Ling , Shen Jiantong , Zhong Dake
Published: May 2012

Objectives: To conclude experience and lessons from emergency medical rescue after Wenchuan Earthquake from national and overall review for consideration on worldwide catastrophe rescue in the future.

Methods: To systematically collect huge amount of primary data, and to make analysis, draw conclusions and lessons in terms of five aspects respectively as quake‐damage conditions, command system, emergency medical rescue, prevention and control over infectious diseases as well as pairing‐assistance for medical system and service reconstruction.

Results: 1. Numbers as of the death, injured and migrants made Wenchuan Earthquake ranked one of the top 9 catastrophes around the world during the past two decades. 2. Countermeasures such as four‐level linkage by nation‐province‐city‐county model, mutual assistance between military force and local forces, frontline commanding did effectively ensure the dispatch and cooperation among rescue forces. 3. Three‐leveled medical transfers, “four concentrations” prevention and treatment besides whole‐course rehabilitation at early stage managed to lower mortality and disability rate to minimum levels respectively. 4. “Four‐keynote infectious disease control” under whole coverage and “five measures and four reinforcement measures” in settlements made rates as for those infectious diseases under the average level as those in the 3 pre‐quake years. 5. Pairing‐assistance in terms of talents, finance, materials as well as capacity building between other 18 provinces/municipalities and those 18 extremely‐stricken/severely‐stricken areas in Sichuan Province guaranteed efficient post‐quake reconstruction, system reconstruction and long‐term mechanism construction.

Conclusions: Successful experience from Wenchuan Earthquake could be summarized as: one goal as people‐oriented life‐rescuing. Two tasks as medical rescue for diseases of those injured and healthcare & anti‐epidemic for safe and sound of those lives. Three strategies respectively as medical transfers after on‐site triage, treatment for severe diseases in quake‐hit areas and rehabilitation in non quake‐hit areas for medical rescue, and quick post‐quake evaluation, quick promotion for whole coverage and scientific regulation in long term for healthcare & anti‐epidemic. Four measures as concentration for patients, experts, resources and treatment respectively for medical rescue, and key regions, key groups, key infectious diseases and key steps for healthcare & anti‐epidemic. Five links as overall commanding, medical rescue, healthcare and anti‐epidemic, physical/mental rehabilitation and post‐quake reconstruction. And whole course surveillance as information guidance, policy guarantee, data collection, evidence producing, effectiveness evaluation, and academic communication.
Subject, function, and trend in medical ethics research: a comparative study of Chinese and non‐Chinese literature using bibliometrics
Authors: Jiang Lanhui , Shen Jiantong , Li Youping , Deng Shaolin , Wu Taixiang , Chen Baoqing , Xie Zhiyi , Qin Chaoyi , Yu Zhiyuan , Qin Chuan , Huang Jin , Liu Xuemei , Li Yan , Jiang Jie
Published: May 2012

Objective: To perform a comparative quantitative and qualitative analysis of Chinese and non‐Chinese medical ethics literature using systematic research and literature analysis in order to discern research trends in the area and provide baseline data as a reference for relevant decision making and further study.

Method: We retrieved articles using MeSH terms and keywords related to medical ethics in PubMed and CNKI, and then constructed a set of charts by applying word co‐occurrence, The Pathfinder Networks algorithms, an included subject chart, a research field relationship chart, and strategy coordination charts.

Result: The total of number of papers retrieved from PubMed was six times that retrieved from CNKI. Outside China, medical ethics has been studied in eight fully shaped subject fields, including morals, ethical review, physician–patient relationships, clinical trials, euthanasia, ethics education, clinical ethics, and health policy. In contrast, medical ethics research in China is still confined to five subject fields: morals, physician–patient relations, medical ethics education, ethical review, and medical research.

Conclusion: Medical ethics research outside China emphasizes the application of medical ethics to solve emerging problems in clinical and medical research. It is mainly centered on morals, ethical review, and physician–patient relations. By comparison, medical ethics research in China places greater emphasis on morals and medical education. In order to narrow this gap between China and other countries, we should broaden the research scope of medical ethics and add more applied research, such as ethical review and medical education.
Effects of soil moisture and floral herbivory on sexual expression in a gynodioecious orchid
Authors: LU Yang , LUO Yi‐Bo , HUANG Shuang‐Quan
Published: May 2012

Abstract Compared to pollinator limitation and inbreeding avoidance, the role of ecological factors in sexual differentiation has received less attention in sexual dimorphic plants. The effect of soil moisture and florivory on two sexual morphs in a gynodioecious orchid,Satyrium ciliatum,was investigated in seven gynodioecious (with both female and hermaphrodite individuals) and 15 hermaphroditic (with only hermaphrodite individuals) populations. Our result showed that, compared to hermaphrodites, females tended to occur in drier sites in which soil water content was consistently lower than that of hermaphrodites in all gynodioecious populations. The soil water content where hermaphrodites grew was not significantly different between gynodioecious and hermaphroditic populations. We observed that females experienced less attack by insect florivores than hermaphrodites in gynodioecious populations, and hermaphroditic populations had higher insect attack than gynodioecious populations. Our results provide evidence for females being favored in stressful sites. However, the soil moisture and degree of florivory were not correlated to female frequency among populations, suggesting that the two ecological factors have not induced strong effects or other factors that may also influence the sex ratio in the facultative apomictic orchid.
Colloidal nanocrystal quantum dot assemblies as artificial solids
Authors: Hanrath Tobias
Published: May 2012

The prospect of designing novel materials with electrical, optical, and magnetic properties by design has intrigued scientists and engineers for years. Building blocks for such “artificial solids” have emerged from recent advances in nanomaterial synthesis, characterization, and emerging understanding of their size-dependent properties. Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) stand out as an intellectually intriguing and experimentally advantageous system for the fundamental study of artificial solids and their technological development. The authors review the rapid evolution of artificial solids from an early theoretical concept towards the refined control of metamaterials with programmable electronic structure and their potential commercial applications, in particular, in next-generation energy technologies. The review is organized around the three independently adjustable parameters of artificial solids: (i) the electronic structure of NQD as artificial atom by tailoring the quantum confinement of the wave function, (ii) the interdot coupling as an artificial bond, and (iii) the self-assembly of NQDs into ordered superstructures as artificial crystals. The authors review elementary aspects of colloidal NQD synthesis as well as pertinent advances which have led to refined control over the NQD size, shape, and composition. Coupling between NQDs is reviewed in the context of an artificial bond; we summarize chemical and physical approaches to address the seemingly contradictory requirements of coupling nanostructures while preserving the effects of quantum-confinement. The authors review the self-assembly of NQDs into ordered superstructures in analogy to atomic crystal growth and discuss fundamental interactions between NQD and how they can be modulated to direct the growth of superlattices with predefined structures. Collectively, the experimental control over the properties of the artificial atom, bond, and crystal enable the systematic exploration of the electronic phase diagram of NQD solids. From an applied perspective, these advances have created an immensely fertile opportunity space technological applications of artificial solids in optoelectronic devices. The authors conclude with a perspective on three specific unresolved challenges ahead: (i) knowledge gaps concerning the detailed physiochemical nature of the NQD surface, (ii) limitations posed by the inherent inhomogeneity within the ensemble of NQDs, (iii) the true electronic structure of NQD solids, and (iv) the connection between NQD model systems in the laboratory and commercially deployable NQD technologies.
Transfer-free fabrication of graphene transistors
Authors: Wessely Pia Juliane , Wessely Frank , Birinci Emrah , Schwalke Udo , Riedinger Bernadette
Published: May 2012

The authors invented a method to fabricate graphene transistors on oxidized silicon wafers without the need to transfer graphene layers. To stimulate the growth of graphene layers on oxidized silicon, a catalyst system of nanometer thin aluminum/nickel double layer is used. This catalyst system is structured via liftoff before the wafer enters the catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD) chamber. In the subsequent methane-based growth process, monolayer graphene field-effect transistors and bilayer graphene field-effect transistors are realized directly on oxidized silicon substrate, whereby the number of stacked graphene layers is determined by the selected CCVD process parameters, e.g., temperature and gas mixture. Subsequently, Raman spectroscopy is performed within the channel region in between the catalytic areas and the Raman spectra of five-layer, bilayer, and monolayer graphene confirm the existence of graphene grown by this silicon-compatible, transfer-free and in situ fabrication approach. These graphene FETs will allow a simple and low-cost integration of graphene devices for nanoelectronic applications in a hybrid silicon CMOS environment.
Radiopharmaceuticals: Introduction to Drug Evaluation and Dose Estimation.
Authors: Zanzonico Pat
Published: May 2012

Radiopharmaceuticals: Introduction to Drug Evaluation and Dose Estimation. Lawrence E. Williams, CRC, Boca Raton, FL, 2010. Hardcover, 324 pp. Price: $129.95. ISBN: 978‐14398‐1067‐5.
X‐ray scatter correction method for dedicated breast computed tomography
Authors: Sechopoulos Ioannis
Published: May 2012

Purpose:

To improve image quality and accuracy in dedicated breast computed tomography (BCT) by removing the x‐ray scatter signal included in the BCT projections.

Methods:

The previously characterized magnitude and distribution of x‐ray scatter in BCT results in both cupping artifacts and reduction of contrast and accuracy in the reconstructions. In this study, an image processing method is proposed that estimates and subtracts the low‐frequency x‐ray scatter signal included in each BCT projection postacquisition and prereconstruction. The estimation of this signal is performed using simple additional hardware, one additional BCT projection acquisition with negligible radiation dose, and simple image processing software algorithms. The high frequency quantum noise due to the scatter signal is reduced using a noise filter postreconstruction. The dosimetric consequences and validity of the assumptions of this algorithm were determined using Monte Carlo simulations. The feasibility of this method was determined by imaging a breast phantom on a BCT clinical prototype and comparing the corrected reconstructions to the unprocessed reconstructions and to reconstructions obtained from fan‐beam acquisitions as a reference standard. One‐dimensional profiles of the reconstructions and objective image quality metrics were used to determine the impact of the algorithm.

Results:

The proposed additional acquisition results in negligible additional radiation dose to the imaged breast (∼0.4% of the standard BCT acquisition). The processed phantom reconstruction showed substantially reduced cupping artifacts, increased contrast between adipose and glandular tissue equivalents, higher voxel value accuracy, and no discernible blurring of high frequency features.

Conclusions:

The proposed scatter correction method for dedicated breast CT is feasible and can result in highly improved image quality. Further optimization and testing, especially with patient images, is necessary to characterize its impact on clinical performance.
Field transformational approach to three-dimensional scattering from two-dimensional rough surfaces
Authors: Smith Kevin B.
Published: May 2012

In 1985, Tappert and Nghiem-Phu introduced a field-transformation technique for computing rough surface scattering from a parabolic equation model utilizing a split-step Fourier marching algorithm. The approach was based on a two-dimensional parabolic equation with a standard operator approximation that was capable of computing scattering from a one-dimensional rough surface. Although this approach has been used extensively and effectively, extensions of this approach to higher order approximations or three-dimensional propagation have only recently been investigated. In this work, the expressions that incorporate higher-order approximations and three-dimensional scattering from two-dimensional rough surfaces are presented. The implications of some computationally necessary approximations are also provided.
Awake Hippocampal Sharp-Wave Ripples Support Spatial Memory
Authors: Jadhav Shantanu P. , Kemere Caleb , German P. Walter , Frank Loren M.
Published: May 2012

Spatial Memory Perturbation

The hippocampus is important for learning and memory. However, it is not clear which patterns of neural activity in the hippocampus support specific mnemonic functions.

Jadhav
et al.

(p.
1454
, published online 3 May) developed a real-time analysis system to detect and selectively interrupt a certain type of hippocampal neuronal network event—sharp-wave ripples—during learning. In awake animals, loss of sharp-wave ripples and associated memory replay activity caused a learning deficit specific to spatial working memory but had no effect on reference memory. This learning deficit was present despite the preservation of place-field representations and replay activity during rest.
Interglacial Hydroclimate in the Tropical West Pacific Through the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Meckler A. N. , Clarkson M. O. , Cobb K. M. , Sodemann H. , Adkins J. F.
Published: May 2012

The Rains of Change

Approximately 500 to 400 thousand years ago, a fundamental change in the nature of glacial cycles occurred, including a shift to larger amplitude variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations and global temperatures.

Meckler
et al.

(p.
1301
, published online 3 May; see the Perspective by

Kurita

) present a stalagmite record from Borneo which provides a record of precipitation from 550,000 to 200,000 years ago. The amount of regional precipitation was similar during all four of the interglacials during that interval, and drying events during glacial terminations corresponded with cooling events in high northern latitudes.
MORC Family ATPases Required for Heterochromatin Condensation and Gene Silencing
Authors: Moissiard Guillaume , Cokus Shawn J. , Cary Joshua , Feng Suhua , Billi Allison C. , Stroud Hume , Husmann Dylan , Zhan Ye , Lajoie Bryan R. , McCord Rachel Patton , Hale Christopher J. , Feng Wei , Michaels Scott D. , Frand Alison R. , Pellegrini Matteo , Dekker Job , Kim John K. , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: May 2012

To Silence or Not to Silence

Repressed genes commonly have methylated DNA, and/or covalent histone modifications associated with silent chromatin, and/or associated small interfering (si)RNAs. All three features are components of gene-silencing systems (see the Perspective byJacob and Martienssen). In a screen for components of DNA methylation gene-silencing systems in the flowering plant,Moissiardet al.(p.1448, published online 3 May) identified the genesAtMoRC1andAtMORC6, which are homologs of the mouseMicrorchidia1gene. AtMORC1 and AtMORC6 are involved in silencing transposable elements and genes corresponding to DNA-methylated loci, and yet neither gene is required for maintenance of DNA methylation. Instead,AtMoRC1andAtMORC6are related to proteins that remodel chromatin superstructure, and they seem to control gene-silencing through the higher-order compaction of methylated and silent chromatin.Qianet al.(p.1445) identified anArabidopsisgene, IDM1 (increased DNA methylation 1), that is involved in regulating DNA methylation at loci enriched for repeats and multigene families containing highly homologous genes. IDM1 protects target genes from DNA silencing and recognizes both histone H3 and methylated DNA at target loci and is able to acetylate histone H3.
Double-blind, randomised clinical assay to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in preterm newborns weighing less than 1500 g in the prevention of necrotising enterocolitis
Authors: Fernández-Carrocera Luis Alberto , Solis-Herrera Aide , Cabanillas-Ayón Marisol , Gallardo-Sarmiento Rocío Beatriz , García-Pérez Carmina Sarisol , Montaño-Rodríguez Rosalba , Echániz-Aviles Maria Olga Leticia
Published: May 2012

Background

A randomised, double-blind clinical trial was undertaken in order to assess the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns weighing <1500 g.

Methods

We studied a group of 150 patients who were randomised in two groups after parental consent was obtained, to receive either a daily feeding supplementation with a multispecies probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacteruim infantis, Streptococcus thermophillus) 1 g per day plus their regular feedings or to receive their regular feedings with nothing added (control group), over the period of January 2007 through June 2010. Clinicians in care of the infants were blinded to the group assignment.

Results

The primary outcome was the development of NEC. Both groups were comparable, with no differences during hospitalisation, including the type of nutrition received. Blood cultures obtained from cases that developed sepsis did not reveal lactobacillus or Bifidobacteria growth. No differences were detected in terms of NEC risk reduction (RR: 0.54, 95% CI 0.21 to 1.39) although we did observe a clear trend in the reduction of NEC frequency in the studied cases: 6 (8%) versus 12 (16%) in the control group. When the combined risk of NEC or death was calculated as a post hoc analysis, we found a significantly lower risk (RR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.87) for the study group.

Conclusions

Probiotics may offer potential benefits for premature infants and are a promising strategy in the reduction of the risk of NEC in preterm newborns.
Older veterans and emergency department discharge information
Authors: Hastings Susan , Stechuchak Karen , Oddone Eugene , Weinberger Morris , Tucker Dana , Knaack William , Schmader Kenneth
Published: May 2012

Background

Study goals were to assess older veterans' understanding of their emergency department (ED) discharge information and to determine the association between understanding discharge information and patient assessment of overall quality of care.

Methods

Telephone interviews were conducted with 305 patients aged 65 or older (or their proxies) within 48 h of discharge from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center ED. Patients were asked about their perceived understanding (at the time of ED discharge) of information about their ED diagnosis, expected course of illness, contingency plan (ie, return precautions, who to call if it got worse, potential medication side effects) and follow-up care. Overall quality of ED care was rated on a four-point scale of poor, fair, good or excellent.

Results

Patients or their proxies reported not understanding information about their ED diagnosis (21%), expected course of illness (50%), contingency plan (43%), and how soon they needed to follow-up with their primary care provider (25%). In models adjusted for age and race, a positive association was observed between perceived understanding of the cause of the problem (OR 2.3; 95% CI 1.3 to 4.0), expected duration of symptoms (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.5) and the contingency plan (OR 2.2; CI 1.3 to 3.4), and rating overall ED care as excellent.

Conclusions

Older veterans may not understand key items of information at the time ED discharge, and this may have an impact on how they view the quality of ED care. Strategies are needed to improve communication of ED discharge information to older veterans and their families.