bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnosis and treatment of the idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Gazeley David J. , Cronin Mary E.
Published: September 2011

The idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs) are rare disorders with the unifying feature of proximal muscle weakness. These diseases include polymyositis(PM), dermatomyositis (DM) and inclusion body myositis (IBM) as the most common. The diagnosis is based on the finding of weakness on exam, elevated muscles enzymes, characteristic histopathology of muscle biopsies, electromyography abnormalities and rash in DM. Myositis-specific antibodies have been helpful in defining subsets of patients with different responses to treatment and prognosis. The cornerstone of therapy is corticosteroids with the addition of other immunosuppressives in severe or refractory disease or patients with intolerable side effects. IBM is particularly difficult to treat but is more slowly progressive as compared with PM or DM. There is still a great need to find more effective and less-toxic therapies.
Re-Naming Texas: Competing Mexican and Anglo Placenaming in Texas, 1821–1836
Authors: Tucker Gene Rhea
Published: September 2011

AbstractWhen Mexico gained its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821, numerous placenames across the country changed to become uniquely “Mexican.” This “national project” of Mexicanization attempted to foster a nation-wide sense of mexicanidad, highlighting the country's Amerindian past and commemorating its patriotic heroes. Communities and provinces of the former New Spain chose new toponyms to emphasize their newfound Mexican identity. This process extended to the northern province of Texas, as officials and settlers tried to utilize typically Mexican placenames in an attempt to Mexicanize the province. The toponyms used by settlers in Texas, however, reflected the stresses between its Mexican and Anglo inhabitants. Though some settlers tried to prove their loyalty to Mexico, most immigrants from the United States, with little respect for their new homeland, clung tenaciously to their culture and refused to assimilate. This included their use of the English language and typically American placenames. Mexico lost the power to name Texas, and it eventually lost power in Texas.
Sense and Serendipity: Some Ways Fiction Writers Choose Character Names
Authors: Wilcox Sharon Blackand Brad
Published: September 2011

AbstractIn order to find out how and why authors choose names for characters, published sources were reviewed and semi-structured interviews were conducted with four authors of fictional works for children and adolescents: Shannon Hale, Brandon Mull, Michael O. Tunnell, and Chris Crowe. From analysis of interview transcripts, analytic works, and articles by other contemporary authors, five themes emerged: (1) These authors recognized the importance of character names, and they made conscious and deliberate choices. (2) They wanted names to be easily accessible to their readers. (3) They were concerned that names fit the characters' personalities, backgrounds, and actions. (4) They went to a variety of sources for accurate, appropriate, and interesting names beyond their own background, imagination, and energy. (5) They chose names that had personal significance for them, some related to personal acquaintances and some conveying personal humor. Rather than examining each theme in depth, this article presents an overview of these five aspects of choice.
The CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor corrects panleukopenia in patients with WHIM syndrome
Authors: McDermott David H. , Liu Qian , Ulrick Jean , Kwatemaa Nana , Anaya-O'Brien Sandra , Penzak Scott R. , Filho Joao Oliveira , Priel Debra A. Long , Kelly Corin , Garofalo Mary , Littel Patricia , Marquesen Martha M. , Hilligoss Diane , DeCastro Rosamma , Fleisher Thomas A. , Kuhns Douglas B. , Malech Harry L. , Murphy Philip M.
Published: September 2011

WHIM syndrome is a rare congenital immunodeficiency disorder characterized by warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis (neutropenia because of impaired egress from the BM); most patients also have severe panleukopenia. Because WHIM syndrome is caused by mutations in the chemokine receptor CXCR4 that result in increased agonist-dependent signaling, we hypothesized that the CXCR4 antagonist plerixafor (Mozobil [Genyzme Corporation], AMD3100), might be an effective treatment. To test this, we enrolled 3 unrelated adult patients with the most common WHIM mutation, CXCR4R334X, in a phase 1 dose-escalation study. Plerixafor increased absolute lymphocyte, monocyte, and neutrophil counts in blood to normal without significant side effects in all 3 patients. Peak responses occurred at 3-12 hours after injection and waned by 24 hours after injection which tracked the drug's pharmacokinetics. All 3 cell types increased in a dose-dependent manner with the rank order of responsiveness absolute lymphocyte > monocyte > neutrophil. These data provide the first pharmacologic evidence that panleukopenia in WHIM syndrome is caused by CXCL12-CXCR4 signaling-dependent leukocyte sequestration, and support continued study of plerixafor as mechanism-based therapy in this disease. This study is registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00967785.
Comparison between observed children's tooth brushing habits and those reported by mothers
Authors: Martins Carolina C , Oliveira Maria J , Pordeus Isabela A , Paiva Saul M
Published: September 2011

Background

Information bias can occur in epidemiological studies and compromise scientific outcomes, especially when evaluating information given by a patient regarding their own health. The oral habits of children reported by their mothers are commonly used to evaluate tooth brushing practices and to estimate fluoride intake by children. The aim of the present study was to compare observed tooth-brushing habits of young children using fluoridated toothpaste with those reported by mothers.

Methods

A sample of 201 mothers and their children (aged 24-48 months) from Montes Claros, Brazil, took part in a cross-sectional study. At day-care centres, the mothers answered a self-administered questionnaire on their child's tooth-brushing habits. The structured questionnaire had six items with two to three possible answers. An appointment was then made with each mother/child pair at day-care centres. The participants were asked to demonstrate the tooth-brushing practice as usually performed at home. A trained examiner observed and documented the procedure. Observed tooth brushing and that reported by mothers were compared for overall agreement using Cohen's Kappa coefficient and the McNemar test.

Results

Cohen's Kappa values comparing mothers' reports and tooth brushing observed by the examiner ranged from poor-to-good (0.00-0.75). There were statistically significant differences between observed tooth brushing habits and those reported by mothers (p < 0.001). When observed by the examiner, the frequencies of dentifrice dispersed on all bristles (35.9%), children who brushed their teeth alone (33.8%) and those who did not rinse their mouths during brushing (42.0%) were higher than those reported by the mothers (12.1%, 18.9% and 6.5%, respectively; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In general, there was low agreement between observed tooth brushing and mothers' reports. Moreover, the different methods of estimation resulted in differences in the frequencies of tooth brushing habits, indicative of reporting bias. Data regarding children's tooth-brushing habits as reported by mothers should be considered with caution in epidemiological surveys on fluoridated dentifrice use and the risk of dental fluorosis.
Differential expression of proteins and phosphoproteins during larval metamorphosis of the polychaete Capitella sp. I
Authors: Chandramouli Kondethimmanahalli H , Soo Lisa , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: September 2011

Background

The spontaneous metamorphosis of the polychaete Capitella sp. I larvae into juveniles requires minor morphological changes, including segment formation, body elongation, and loss of cilia. In this study, we investigated changes in the expression patterns of both proteins and phosphoproteins during the transition from larvae to juveniles in this species. We used two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) followed by multiplex fluorescent staining and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry analysis to identify the differentially expressed proteins as well as the protein and phosphoprotein profiles of both competent larvae and juveniles.

Results

Twenty-three differentially expressed proteins were identified in the two developmental stages. Expression patterns of two of those proteins were examined at the protein level by Western blot analysis while seven were further studied at the mRNA level by real-time PCR. Results showed that proteins related to cell division, cell migration, energy storage and oxidative stress were plentifully expressed in the competent larvae; in contrast, proteins involved in oxidative metabolism and transcriptional regulation were abundantly expressed in the juveniles.

Conclusion

It is likely that these differentially expressed proteins are involved in regulating the larval metamorphosis process and can be used as protein markers for studying molecular mechanisms associated with larval metamorphosis in polychaetes.
Prevalence of Dysglycemia Among Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Patients with No Previous Diabetic History
Authors: McGinn Joseph T , Shariff Masood A , Bhat Tariq M , Azab Basem , Molloy William J , Quattrocchi Elaena , Farid Mina , Eichorn Ann M , Dlugacz Yosef D , Silverman Robert A
Published: September 2011

Background

Dysglycemia is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. In many patient populations dysglycemia is under-diagnosed. Patients with severe coronary artery disease commonly have dysglycemia and there is growing evidence that dysglycemia, irrespective of underlying history of diabetes, is associated with adverse outcome in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery patients, including longer hospital stay, wound infections, and higher mortality. As HbA1c is an easy and reliable way of checking for dysglycemia we routinely screen all patients undergoing CABG for elevations in HbA1c. Our hypothesis was that a substantial number of patients with dysglycemia that could be identified at the time of cardiothoracic surgery despite having no apparent history of diabetes.

Methods

1045 consecutive patients undergoing CABG between 2007 and 2009 had HbA1c measured pre-operatively. The 2010 American Diabetes Association (ADA) diagnostic guidelines were used to categorize patients with no known history of diabetes as having diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 6.5%) or increased risk for diabetes (HbA1c 5.7-6.4%).

Results

Of the 1045 patients with pre-operative HbA1c measurements, 40% (n = 415) had a known history of diabetes and 60% (n = 630) had no known history of diabetes. For the 630 patients with no known diabetic history: 207 (32.9%) had a normal HbA1c (< 5.7%); 356 (56.5%) had an HbA1c falling in the increased risk for diabetes range (5.7-6.4%); and 67 (10.6%) had an HbA1c in the diabetes range (6.5% or higher). In this study the only conventional risk factor that was predictive of high HbA1c was BMI. We also found a high HbA1c irrespective of history of DM was associated with severe coronary artery disease as indicated by the number of vessels revascularized.

Conclusion

Among individuals undergoing CABG with no known history of diabetes, there is a substantial amount of undiagnosed dysglycemia. Even though labeling these patients as "diabetic" or "increased risk for diabetes" remains controversial in terms of perioperative management, pre-operative screening could lead to appropriate post-operative follow up to mitigate short-term adverse outcome and provide high priority medical referrals of this at risk population.
Synthesis and Properties of Polymer Having Electronegative Terthiophene Pendants Based on Cyclopenta[c]thiophene
Authors: Ie Yutaka , Yoshimura Atsuki , Takeuchi Daisuke , Osakada Kohtaro , Aso Yoshio
Published: September 2011

We have designed a new pendant-type polymer having an electronegative terthiophene at pendant positions. This polymer was successfully synthesized by the combination of Stille coupling reaction and palladium-catalyzed cyclopolymerization. To investigate the properties of the polymer, electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra as well as cyclic voltammogram were measured.
Mechanistic Insight into the Anomalous syn-Selectivity Observed during the Addition of Allenylboronates to Aromatic Aldehydes
Authors: Sasaki Yusuke , Sawamura Masaya , Ito Hajime
Published: September 2011

The reaction of enantioenriched allenylboronate 3a (98% ee) with benzaldehyde gave homopropargylic alcohol syn- and anti-4b with anomalous syn addition selectivity (anti:syn = 29:71) and high ee (98% and 97%, respectively). The stereochemical outcome in terms of the absolute configuration shows that this reaction proceeds through a cyclic transition state. Density functional theoretical (DFT) calculations were carried out to elucidate the mechanism of this anomalous syn-selectivity.
Kumada–Tamao–Corriu Coupling Using N-Heterocyclic Carbene Ligands Bearing Pyridyl and Ethylenedioxyl Moieties
Authors: Mitsudo Koichi , Doi Yuta , Sakamoto Syunsuke , Murakami Hiroki , Mandai Hiroki , Suga Seiji
Published: September 2011

Carbene ligands bearing a pyridyl group and an ethylenedioxyl moiety were developed, and utilized as efficient ligands for the nickel-catalyzed Kumada–Tamao–Corriu coupling. A wide variety of aryl chlorides could be used for the cross-coupling reaction with aryl Grignard reagents to afford the corresponding products in high yields in short time.
Direct Sequential C3 and C1 Arylation Reaction of Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine Catalyzed by a 1,10-Phenanthroline–Palladium Complex
Authors: Yamaguchi Eiji , Shibahara Fumitoshi , Murai Toshiaki
Published: September 2011

The direct sequential arylation reaction at the C3 and C1 positions of imidazo[1,5-a]pyridines with a variety of aryl iodides catalyzed by [Pd(phen)2](PF6)2 is described. The reaction of unsubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine with various aryl iodides proceeded selectively at the C3 position to exclusively give the corresponding C3-arylated products. The one-pot double-arylation reaction at the C3 and C1 positions of unsubstituted imidazo[1,5-a]pyridine with different aryl groups was also achieved.
2,7-Diborylanthracene as a Useful Building Block for Extended π-Conjugated Aromatics
Authors: Ozawa Ryota , Yoza Kenji , Kobayashi Kenji
Published: September 2011

Ir-catalyzed direct diborylation of anthracene produced a 1:1 mixture of 2,6- and 2,7-diborylanthracenes, which could be separated by recrystallization. The Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling using 2,7-diborylanthracene gave extended π-conjugated 2,7-disubstituted anthracene derivatives as building blocks for macrocycles. A 1:1 mixture of 2,7-di(4-pyridyl)anthracene and [Pd(dppp)(OTf)2] self-assembled into a [3 + 3] macrocycle.
Palladium-catalyzed Borylation of Aryl Arenesulfonates with Dialkoxyboranes
Authors: Murata Miki , Oda Takeshi , Sogabe Yosuke , Tone Hirofumi , Namikoshi Takeshi , Watanabe Shinji
Published: September 2011

The cross-coupling of aryl arenesulfonates with dialkoxyboranes proceeded in the presence of Bu4NI and a catalytic amount of [Pd(dba)2]/1,1′-bis(di-tert-butylphosphano)ferrocene, giving good yields of the corresponding arylboronates. The protocols tolerate a wide range of functional groups, including ester, nitrile, and ketone.
1,4-Diaryl-7,10-dimethoxyquinoxalino[2,3-b]quinoxalines and Their Dihydro Derivatives: Redox Switching of NIR Absorption and Fluorescence
Authors: Miura Youhei , Kawai Hidetoshi , Fujiwara Kenshu , Suzuki Takanori
Published: September 2011

Due to the high-lying HOMO of the substituents and the low-lying LUMO inherited by the heterocyclic skeleton, the title quinoxalinoquinoxalines 1 exhibit absorption bands which extend to the NIR region, whereas the dihydro derivatives 2 are less colored but emit strong green fluorescence. Thus, the present pairs can serve as novel redox dyes for drastic spectral changes.
Palladium-catalyzed Carbon–Sulfur Cross-coupling Reactions of Aryl Chlorides with Indium Tris(organothiolates)
Authors: Mo Juntae , Eom Dahan , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Phil Ho
Published: September 2011

Pd-Catalyzed carbon–sulfur cross-coupling reactions of aryl chlorides with indium tris(organothiolates) were developed. Aryl chlorides reacted with indium tris(organothiolates) (0.35 equiv) in the presence of 4 mol % of Pd(OAc)2, 4.2 mol % of Xantphos, and Cs2CO3 as an additive, producing aryl–aryl and aryl–alkyl sulfides in good to excellent yields.
Facile Synthesis of β,β-Difluorostyrenes via the Negishi Coupling of Thermally Stable 2,2-Difluorovinyl Zinc–TMEDA Complex
Authors: Fujita Takeshi , Ichitsuka Tomohiro , Fuchibe Kohei , Ichikawa Junji
Published: September 2011

2,2-Difluorovinylzinc chloride–TMEDA complex, readily prepared from 1,1-difluoroethylene, undergoes the palladium-catalyzed coupling reaction with aryl halides to afford β,β-difluorostyrenes in high yield. This reaction not only proceeds smoothly with sterically hindered triflates and halides including chlorides, but also exhibits excellent chemoselectivities for multi-halogenated substrates. The intermediary TMEDA complex was found to be thermally stable and storable.
Gastric cancer with pregnancy: two case reports
Authors: Mohamed Sahar , Chakravarti Seema
Published: September 2011

Gastric cancer with pregnancy is quite rare, and is often diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis. This highlights the need to improve diagnosis by means of early endoscopy. We herein report two cases of advanced gastric cancer during pregnancy who sadly died within five weeks of diagnosis, to alert clinicians to this rare disease.
The views of patients and the general public about expensive anti-cancer drugs in the NHS: a questionnaire-based study
Authors: Jenkins Valerie A , Trapala Ivonne Solis , Parlour Louise , Langridge Carolyn I , Fallowfield Lesley J
Published: September 2011

Objectives

To determine the views of patients and members of the public about who should pay for expensive new cancer drugs not recommended by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Design

A study-specific questionnaire was used to elicit the views of patients and the general public between April and June 2010. It examined whether participants thought patients should be told about all possible cancer treatments, if the NHS should always fund non-NICE recommended drugs and attitudes towards self-funding/co-payments. The influence of sociodemographic factors on responses was also examined.

Setting

Oncology clinics in Sussex and various locations including old persons’ lunch clubs, parks, sports venues and support groups.

Participants

Two hundred and 10 patients with common solid tumours, and 416 members of the general public

Main outcome measures

Frequencies of responses to items regarding payments for expensive anti-cancer drugs stratified by sociodemographic factors and comparison of responses between patients and members of the public.

Results

Most respondents (70% [147/210] of patients and 64% [266/ 416] of the general public) had heard of NICE. Both groups believed that doctors should tell patients about all available cancer treatments even if the NHS cannot pay (94%, 196/208; 93%, 388/415). However, only 49% (101/207) of patients and 36% (146/409) of the public believed that the NHS should always fund all new cancer drugs that have failed health technology assessments. Strong predictors of willingness to purchase expensive new cancer drugs included younger age (<45 years), sex (female) and higher educational level.

Conclusion

The general population appear realistic about the difficulties of providing funding for expensive new drugs. A communication skills training course has been developed to help clinicians with these difficult consultations.
Re‐engineering Workflows: Changing the Life Cycle of an Electronic Health Record System
Authors: Brokel Jane M. , Ochylski Sheila , Kramer J. Michael
Published: September 2011

An existing electronic health record (EHR) system was re‐engineered with cross‐functional workflows to enhance the efficiency and clinical utility of health information technology. The new designs were guided by a systematic review of clinicians′ requests, which were garnered by direct interviews. To design cross‐functional, patient‐centered workflows, several multi‐disciplinary teams from the health system of hospitals, clinics, and other services participated. We identified gaps and inconsistencies with current care processes and implemented changes that improved workflow for patients and clinicians. Our findings emphasize that, to coordinate care between many providers, process workflow must be standardized within and across settings and focus on patient care processes, not the technology. These new, comprehensive, admission‐to‐discharge workflows replaced the older, functional‐ and departmental‐process flow charts that had fallen short. Our experience led to integrated redesign of the workflows, review prior to implementation and ongoing maintenance of this process knowledge across 37 hospital facilities.
3DLC: A Comprehensive Model for Personal Health Records Supporting New Types of Medical Applications
Authors: Helmer Axel , Lipprandt Myriam , Frenken Thomas , Eichelberg Marco , Hein Andreas
Published: September 2011

Motivated by the demographic change, many new medical applications are installed in the user′s home environment. These applications make use of ambient sensors, enabling new forms of medical care. Personal Health Records (PHRs) are an instrument for the storage, presentation and communication of health related data provided by these applications. But there are still open issues regarding the cooperation between PHRs and the new applications. On the basis of two medical application scenarios, we developed a new model which defines the appropriate level of abstraction of data generated by medical applications to be stored inside the PHR. The model also determines which part of these data is relevant for the clinical decision making process, and how these data should be communicated to physicians. This paper describes the 3DLC model, which uses three dimensions (clinical decision, frequency and context dependence) to determine the type of the data. We further introduce a prototype PHR system that is able to fulfil the requirements of our scenarios.
Quality of Electronic Health Records ‐ Coverage of Potential Information Weaknesses by Major EHR Quality Seals
Authors: Saboor Samrend , Hoerbst Alexander , Ammenwerth Elske
Published: September 2011

Objectives: The Certification Commission for Healthcare Information Technology (CCHIT) and EuroRec offer the most prominent functional approaches to Electronic Health Record quality certification in the US and Europe. The current study aims at the analysis of these approaches from the perspective of weaknesses in information exchange. Furthermore, the implicit coverage of the information dimension within their functional requirements is analyzed. Methods: The quality frameworks from the CCHIT and EuroRec were compared to a comprehensive and universal categorization of communication errors in order to determine the communication problems anticipated by these two approaches. Results: The approaches of the CCHIT and EuroRec anticipate nearly the same communication errors but their number with regard to the error categorization is rather low. The two approaches include problem classes, such as authorization problems, wrong details in data, data loss, and poor quality content. Areas that are not covered include application errors, errors with regard to information transcription, etc. Conclusion: The current study points out that the approaches of the CCHIT and EuroRec only cover a small part of the possible communication errors with their functional requirements. Therefore, an integration of the identified, missing errors in the requirements proposed by CCHIT and EuroRec should be closely considered.
The Circulation of Ideas in Firms and Markets
Authors: Hellmann Thomas , Perotti Enrico
Published: September 2011

This paper models the generation, circulation, and completion of new ideas, showing how markets and innovative firms complement each other in a symbiotic relationship. Novel ideas are initially incomplete and require further insight before yielding a valuable innovation. Finding the complementary piece requires ideas to circulate, which creates appropriation risks. Circulation of ideas in markets ensures efficient completion, but because ideas can be appropriated, market entrepreneurs underinvest in idea generation. Firms can establish boundaries that guarantee safe circulation of internal ideas, but because firms need to limit idea circulation, they may fail to achieve completion. Spin-offs allow firms to benefit from the market's strength at idea completion, whereas markets benefit from firms' strength at generating new ideas. The model predicts diverse organizational forms (internal ventures, spin-offs, and start-ups) coexisting and mutually reinforcing each other. The analysis provides new insights into the structure of innovation-driven clusters such as Silicon Valley.

This paper was accepted by Bruno Cassiman, business strategy.
Cooperation Without Enforcement? A Comparative Analysis of Litigation and Online Reputation as Quality Assurance Mechanisms
Authors: Bakos Yannis , Dellarocas Chrysanthos
Published: September 2011

Commerce depends on buyers and sellers fulfilling their contractual obligations; mechanisms inducing such performance are essential to well-functioning markets. Internet-enabled reputation mechanisms that collect and disseminate consumer feedback have emerged as prominent means for inducing seller performance in online and offline markets. This paper compares the ability of reputation and more traditional litigation-like mechanisms for dispute resolution to induce efficient economic outcomes. We use a game-theoretic formulation and derive results for their relative efficiency and effectiveness individually or as complements. We find that the popular view of reputation as an efficient and relatively costless way to induce seller effort under all circumstances is incorrect; reputation is less efficient than litigation in inducing any given level of effort. Thus, reputation improves efficiency only in settings where the high cost of litigation, insufficient damage levels, or low court accuracy induce suboptimal effort or cause market failure. When adverse selection is important, reputation helps reveal the true types of market participants, which may offset its higher cost of inducing effort. Finally, adding reputation to existing litigation mechanisms increases seller effort and may require adjusting damage awards to avoid inducing excessive effort that reduces economic efficiency.

This paper was accepted by Lorin Hitt, information systems.
Extracting Business Value from IT: A Sensemaking Perspective of Post-Adoptive Use
Authors: Hsieh J. J. Po-An , Rai Arun , Xu Sean Xin
Published: September 2011

How can firms extract value from already-implemented information technologies (IT) that support the work processes of employees? One approach is to stimulate employees to engage in post-adoptive extended use, i.e., to learn and apply more of the available functions of the implemented technologies to support their work. Such learning behavior of extending functions in use is ingrained in a process by which users make sense of the technologies in the context of their work system. This study draws on sensemaking theory to develop a model to understand the antecedents, contingencies, and consequences of customer service employees' extended use of customer relationship management (CRM) technologies. The model is tested using multisource longitudinal data collected through a field study of one of the world's largest telecommunications service providers. Our results suggest that employees engage in post-adoptive sensemaking at two levels: technology and work system. We found that sensemaking at both of these levels impacts the extended use of CRM technologies. Employees' sensemaking at the technology level is influenced by employees' assessment of technology quality, whereas employees' sensemaking at the work system level is influenced by customers' assessment of service quality. Moreover, in the case of low technology quality and low service quality, specific mechanisms for employee feedback should be conceptualized and aligned at two levels: through employee participation at the technology level and through work system coordination at the work system level. Such alignment can mitigate the undesirable effect of low technology quality and low service quality, thereby facilitating extended use. Importantly, we found that extended use amplifies employees' service capacity, leading to better objective performance. Put together, our findings highlight the critical role of employees' sensemaking about the implemented technologies in promoting their extended use of IT and improving their work performance.

This paper was accepted by Sandra Slaughter, information systems.
Stars and Misfits: Self-Employment and Labor Market Frictions
Authors: Åstebro Thomas , Chen Jing , Thompson Peter
Published: September 2011

Recent evidence has shown that entrants into self-employment are disproportionately drawn from the tails of the earnings and ability distributions. This observation is explained by a multitask model of occupational choice in which frictions in the labor market induce mismatches between firms and workers, and misassignment of workers to tasks. The model also yields distinctive predictions relating prior work histories to earnings and to the probability of entry into self-employment. These predictions are tested with the Korean Labor and Income Panel Study, from which we find considerable support for the model.

This paper was accepted by Lee Fleming, entrepreneurship and innovation.
An Econometric Analysis of Patient Flows in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Authors: KC Diwas Singh , Terwiesch Christian
Published: September 2011

This paper explores the rationing of bed capacity in a cardiac intensive care unit (ICU). We find that the length of stay for patients admitted to the ICU is influenced by the occupancy level of the ICU. In particular, a patient is likely to be discharged early when the occupancy in the ICU is high. This in turn leads to an increased likelihood of the patient having to be readmitted to the ICU at a later time. Such “bounce-backs” have implications for the overall ICU effective capacity—an early discharge immediately frees up capacity, but at the risk of a (potentially much higher) capacity requirement when the patient needs to be readmitted. We analyze these capacity implications, shedding light on the question of whether an ICU should apply an aggressive discharge strategy or if it should follow the old quality slogan and “do it right the first time.” By comparing the total capacity usage for patients who were discharged early versus those who were not, we show that an aggressive discharge policy applied to patients with lower clinical severity levels frees up capacity in the ICU. However, we find that an increased number of readmissions of patients with high clinical severity levels occur when the ICU is capacity constrained, thereby effectively reducing peak bed capacity.
How Much Is a Reduction of Your Customers' Wait Worth? An Empirical Study of the Fast-Food Drive-Thru Industry Based on Structural Estimation Methods
Authors: Allon Gad , Federgruen Awi , Pierson Margaret
Published: September 2011

In many service industries, companies compete with each other on the basis of the waiting time their customers experience, along with other strategic instruments such as the price they charge for their service. The objective of this paper is to conduct an empirical study of an important industry to measure to what extent waiting time performance impacts different firms' market shares and price decisions. We report on a large-scale empirical industrial organization study in which the demand equations for fast-food drive-thru restaurants in Cook County are estimated based on so-called structural estimation methods. Our results confirm the belief expressed by industry experts, that in the fast-food drive-thru industry customers trade off price and waiting time. More interestingly, our estimates indicate that consumers attribute a very high cost to the time they spend waiting.
Efficient Funding: Auditing in the Nonprofit Sector
Authors: Privett Natalie , Erhun Feryal
Published: September 2011

Nonprofit organizations are a critical part of society as well as a growing sector of the economy. For funders there is an increasing and pressing need to ensure that society reaps the most social benefit for their money while also developing the nonprofit sector as a whole. By routinely scrutinizing nonprofit reports in an effort to deduce whether a nonprofit organization is efficient, funders may believe that they are, in fact, giving responsibly. However, we find that these nonprofit reports are unreliable, supporting a myriad of empirical research and revealing that report-based funding methods do not facilitate efficient allocation of funds. In response, we develop audit contracts that put funders in a position to enact change. Auditing, perhaps obviously, supports funders; however, we find that it also benefits the population of nonprofits. Moreover, auditing results in improved efficiency for the nonprofit sector overall. Indeed, our conclusions indicate that nonprofits may want to work with funders to increase the use of auditing, consequently increasing efficiency for the sector overall and impacting society as a whole.
Another fusion taking place: Blending and interpretation
Authors: Caracciolo Marco
Published: September 2011

This article offers an allegorical reading of the conclusion of Don DeLillo's sprawling novel, Underworld. In my view, this passage blends together Internet browsing and the reader's making sense of the novel itself. I use Fauconnier and Turner's blending theory to tease out the complex conceptual operations that readers are asked to perform while reading this passage, which maps a character's interaction with the links and nodes of the World Wide Web onto interpretation. On a more theoretical note, DeLillo's allegory seems to suggest that the spatial framework adopted by cognitive linguists and poeticians could be extended to interpretation – defined, along the lines of Peter Lamarque's philosophy of literature, as the extraction of the relevance or “human interest” of a work. The metaphor of the “interpretive space,” I conclude, captures neatly the way interpretation mediates between a text and the reader's worldview, providing a backdrop for constructs such as mental spaces and blends.
Pervasive Recombination and Sympatric Genome Diversification Driven by Frequency-Dependent Selection in Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme Disease Bacterium
Authors: Haven James , Vargas Levy C , Mongodin Emmanuel F , Xue Vincent , Hernandez Yozen , Pagan Pedro , Fraser-Liggett Claire M , Schutzer Steven E , Luft Benjamin J , Casjens Sherwood R , Qiu Wei-Gang
Published: September 2011

How genomic diversity within bacterial populations originates and is maintained in the presence of frequent recombination is a central problem in understanding bacterial evolution. Natural populations of Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, consist of diverse genomic groups co-infecting single individual vertebrate hosts and tick vectors. To understand mechanisms of sympatric genome differentiation in B. burgdorferi, we sequenced and compared 23 genomes representing major genomic groups in North America and Europe. Linkage analysis of >13,500 single-nucleotide polymorphisms revealed pervasive horizontal DNA exchanges. Although three times more frequent than point mutation, recombination is localized and weakly affects genome-wide linkage disequilibrium. We show by computer simulations that, while enhancing population fitness, recombination constrains neutral and adaptive divergence among sympatric genomes through periodic selective sweeps. In contrast, simulations of frequency-dependent selection with recombination produced the observed pattern of a large number of sympatric genomic groups associated with major sequence variations at the selected locus. We conclude that negative frequency-dependent selection targeting a small number of surface-antigen loci (ospC in particular) sufficiently explains the maintenance of sympatric genome diversity in B. burgdorferi without adaptive divergence. We suggest that pervasive recombination makes it less likely for local B. burgdorferi genomic groups to achieve host specialization. B. burgdorferi genomic groups in the northeastern United States are thus best viewed as constituting a single bacterial species, whose generalist nature is a key to its rapid spread and human virulence.
Cardiomyopathy Is Associated with Ribosomal Protein Gene Haplo-Insufficiency inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: Casad Michelle E , Abraham Dennis , Kim Il-Man , Frangakis Stephan , Dong Brian , Lin Na , Wolf Matthew J , Rockman Howard A
Published: September 2011

The Minute syndrome in Drosophila melanogaster is characterized by delayed development, poor fertility, and short slender bristles. Many Minute loci correspond to disruptions of genes for cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins, and therefore the phenotype has been attributed to alterations in translational processes. Although protein translation is crucial for all cells in an organism, it is unclear why Minute mutations cause effects in specific tissues. To determine whether the heart is sensitive to haplo-insufficiency of genes encoding ribosomal proteins, we measured heart function of Minute mutants using optical coherence tomography. We found that cardiomyopathy is associated with the Minute syndrome caused by haplo-insufficiency of genes encoding cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins. While mutations of genes encoding non-Minute cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins are homozygous lethal, heterozygous deficiencies spanning these non-Minute genes did not cause a change in cardiac function. Deficiencies of genes for non-Minute mitochondrial ribosomal proteins also did not show abnormal cardiac function, with the exception of a heterozygous disruption of mRpS33. We demonstrate that cardiomyopathy is a common trait of the Minute syndrome caused by haplo-insufficiency of genes encoding cytoplasmic ribosomal proteins. In contrast, most cases of heterozygous deficiencies of genes encoding non-Minute ribosomal proteins have normal heart function in adult Drosophila.
Role of Testis-Specific Gene Expression in Sex-Chromosome Evolution of Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Baker Dean A , Russell Steven
Published: September 2011

Gene expression in Anopheles gambiae shows a deficiency of testis-expressed genes on the X chromosome associated with an excessive movement of retrogene duplication. We suggest that the degeneration of sex chromosomes in this monandrous species is likely the result of pressures from X inactivation, dosage compensation, and sexual antagonism.
Effect on Behavior Problems of Teen Online Problem-Solving for Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Wade Shari L. , Walz Nicolay C. , Carey JoAnne , McMullen Kendra M. , Cass Jennifer , Mark Erin , Yeates Keith Owen
Published: September 2011

PURPOSE:

To report the results of a randomized clinical trial of teen online problem-solving (TOPS) meant to improve behavioral outcomes of adolescents with traumatic brain injury (TBI).

METHODS:

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to compare the efficacy of TOPS with access to Internet resources in teenagers with TBI in improving parent and self-reported behavior problems and parent-teen conflicts. Participants included 41 adolescents aged 11 to 18 years (range: 11.47–17.90 years) who had sustained a moderate-to-severe TBI between 3 and 19 months earlier. Teens in the TOPS group received 10 to 14 online sessions that provided training in problem-solving, communication skills, and self-regulation. Outcomes were assessed before treatment and at a follow-up assessment an average of 8 months later. Groups were compared on follow-up scores after we controlled for pretreatment levels. Injury severity and socioeconomic status were examined as potential moderators of treatment efficacy.

RESULTS:

Forty-one participants provided consent and completed baseline assessments, and follow-up assessments were completed for 35 participants (16 TOPS, 19 Internet resource comparison). The TOPS group reported significantly less parent-teen conflict at follow-up than did the Internet-resource-comparison group. Improvements in teen behavior after TOPS were moderated by injury severity; there were greater improvements in the teens' internalizing symptoms after TOPS among adolescents with severe TBI. Family socioeconomic status also moderated the efficacy of TOPS in improving behavior problems reported by both parents and teens, although the nature of the moderation effects varied.

CONCLUSION:

Our findings suggest that TOPS contributes to improvements in parent-teen conflict generally and parent and self-reported teen behavior problems for certain subsets of participants.
Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants Employed by General and Subspecialty Pediatricians
Authors: Freed Gary L. , Dunham Kelly M. , Loveland-Cherry Carol , Martyn Kristy K. , Moote Marc J. ,   the American Board of Pediatrics Research Advisory Committee
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:

There is little nationally representative information describing the current manner in which nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) work in pediatric practices and their professional activities. To understand better the current NP and PA workforce in pediatric primary and subspecialty care, we conducted a national survey of pediatricians.

METHODS:

A survey study of a random national sample of 498 pediatric generalists and 1696 subspecialists in the United States was performed by using a structured questionnaire administered by mail. The survey focused on practice settings, employment, and scope of work of NPs and PAs.

RESULTS:

Response rates were 72% for generalists and 77% for subspecialists. More than one-half (55%) of generalists reported that they do not currently work with NPs or PAs, compared with only one-third of subspecialists who do not. Many generalists and subspecialists intend to increase the number of NPs and PAs in their practices in the next 5 years. More generalist and subspecialty practices work with NPs than with PAs. There was great variability between generalists and subspecialists and among different subspecialties in the proportions that worked with NPs and PAs. The scope of work of NPs and PAs also varied between generalists and subspecialists.

CONCLUSIONS:

Planned increases in the number of NPs hired and expansion of their scope of work might put subspecialists and general pediatricians in competition with regard to recruitment and hiring of a limited pool of new pediatric NPs. Similar issues might arise with PAs.
A Brief Sleep Intervention Improves Outcomes in the School Entry Year: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Quach Jon , Hiscock Harriet , Ukoumunne Obioha Chukwunyere , Wake Melissa
Published: September 2011

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the feasibility of screening for child sleep problems and the efficacy of a behavioral sleep intervention in improving child and parent outcomes in the first year of schooling.

METHODS:

A randomized controlled trial was nested in a population survey performed at 22 elementary schools in Melbourne, Australia. Intervention involved 2 to 3 consultations that covered behavioral sleep strategies for children whose screening results were positive for a moderate/severe sleep problem. Outcomes were parent-reported child sleep problem (primary outcome), sleep habits, psychosocial health-related quality of life, behavior, and parent mental health (all at 3, 6, and 12 months) and blinded, face-to-face learning assessment (at 6 months).

RESULTS:

The screening survey was completed by 1512 parents; 161 (10.8%) reported a moderate/severe child sleep problem, and 108 of 136 (79.2% of those eligible) entered the trial. Sleep problems tended to resolve more rapidly in intervention children. Sleep problems affected 33% of 54 intervention children versus 43% of 54 control children at 3 months (P = .3), 25.5% vs 46.8% at 6 months (P = .03), and 32% vs 33% at 12 months (P = .8). Sustained sleep-habit improvements were evident at 3, 6, and 12 months (effect sizes: 0.33 [P = .03]; 0.51 [P = .003]; and 0.40 [P = .02]; respectively), and there were initial marked improvements in psychosocial scores that diminished over time (effect sizes: 0.47 [P = .02]; 0.41 [P = .09]; and 0.26 [P = .3]; respectively). Better prosocial behavior was evident at 12 months (effect size: 0.35; P = .03), and learning and parent outcomes were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

School-based screening for sleep problems followed by a targeted, brief behavioral sleep intervention is feasible and has benefits relevant to school transition.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2011–2012
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: September 2011

The purpose of this statement is to update recommendations for routine use of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. The key points for the upcoming 2011–2012 season are that (1) the influenza vaccine composition for the 2011–2012 season is unchanged from the 2010–2011 season, (2) annual universal influenza immunization is indicated, (3) a simplified dosing algorithm for administration of influenza vaccine to children 6 months through 8 years of age has been created, (4) most children presumed to have egg allergy can safely receive influenza vaccine in the office without need for an allergy consultation, and (5) an intradermal trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine has been licensed for the 2011–2012 season for use in people 18 through 64 years of age. Pediatricians, nurses, and all health care personnel have leadership roles in the prevention of influenza through vaccine use and public education. In addition, pediatricians should promptly identify influenza infections to enable rapid treatment, when indicated, to reduce childhood morbidity and mortality.