bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in the genetic regulation of the shape of simple leaves
Authors: Kim Gyung‐Tae , Cho Kiu‐Hyung
Published: February 2006

Leaves are major photosynthetic organs, and their diverse shapes and sizes allow adaptation to the natural environment. The early control of leaf shape and size depends on the control of the rate and plane of cell division at the shoot apical meristem and the polarity‐dependent cell differentiation in the leaf primordium. In this review, we first summarize knowledge regarding several genes that control the initial stages of leaf formation and leaf polarity (e.g. adaxial–abaxial polarity, symmetry, and flat morphology). Formation of the lateral leaf morphology involves co‐ordination of the rates of division and enlargement of leaf cells. Thus, we also summarize information on a number of genes that control these stages of two‐dimensional lateral leaf growth (e.g. polarized cell expansion, specific control of cell proliferation, and integration of cell proliferation and expansion). In addition, we discuss several recently identified microRNAs, which are important factors affecting the development of leaf shape via control of spatial and temporal expression of target gene families. We focus on the genetic regulation of leaf shape in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana from the perspective of spatial and temporal balance among cell proliferation, enlargement, and differentiation, with special emphasis on the results of our own studies.
Progress in the genetic understanding of plant iron and zinc nutrition
Authors: Ghandilyan Artak , Vreugdenhil Dick , Aarts Mark G. M.
Published: February 2006

In this review, we describe the need and progress to improve the iron and zinc contents in crop plants by genetic means. To achieve this goal either by transgenic approaches or classical breeding, knowledge about the physiological and molecular mechanisms of mineral uptake and mineral homeostasis will be very helpful. The progress in our understanding of the molecular processes and genes is described, and the use of the identified genes by transgenic approaches is illustrated. Genetic mapping of the existing variation will allow marker‐assisted breeding to exploit the available natural variation in crop plants. For this application, ultimately the knowledge of the genes underlying this quantitative variation, called quantitative trait loci (QTL), will be required. It is expected that research in this field in the model species Arabidopsis thaliana, where the molecular tools are available, might help in the identification of the allelic variation at QTL.
CDX‐2 homeobox gene expression in human gastric carcinoma and precursor lesions
Authors: KIM HYUNG‐SEOK , LEE JI‐SHIN , FREUND JEAN‐NOEL , MIN KYUNG‐WHAN , LEE JEONG‐SOO , KIM WAN , JUHNG SANG‐WOO , PARK CHANG‐SOO
Published: February 2006

Background:  Recent studies have demonstrated that CDX‐2 is expressed in the intestinal metaplasia of the stomach and intestinal‐type gastric cancer. To address the role of CDX‐2 in carcinogenesis of gastric carcinomas of intestinal type, the expression of CDX‐2 in gastric carcinoma and precursor lesions were examined using immunohistochemistry.

Methods:  A total of 160 specimens diagnosed as gastric carcinomas or non‐invasive neoplasia from 158 patients were analyzed for CDX‐2 expression by immunochemical methods. Patients were classified into histopathologic subgroups according to the Padova international classification: 60 cases of low‐grade non‐invasive neoplasia, 55 cases of high grade, and 45 cases of invasive intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma. The CDX‐2 expression in non‐neoplastic gastric mucosa including intestinal metaplasia was also evaluated in the areas included in the histologic sections.

Results:  The CDX‐2 expression was localized in the epithelial cell nuclei in the area of intestinal metaplasia with or without dysplasia and carcinoma, consistent with its role as a transcriptional regulator. No CDX‐2 reactivity was noted in the normal mucosa in all cases. The CDX‐2 expression was detected in 73.3% of low‐grade cases, 85.5% of high‐grade cases and 91.1% of intestinal‐type adenocarcinoma cases. In the gastric mucosa with intestinal metaplasia, 89.7% of the samples were positive. The CDX‐2‐expressing cells in intestinal metaplasia were more prevalent than in dysplasia and carcinoma. Expression of CDX‐2 showed a statistically significant positive correlation with increasing grade of dysplasia and carcinoma.

Conclusions:  These findings suggest that CDX‐2 expression in stomach cancer may be a marker of the progression of gastric carcinogenesis, and that its activation may represent an early event.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Serum levels of transforming growth factor β1 are significantly correlated with venous invasion in patients with gastric cancer†
Authors: LIN YINGSONG , KIKUCHI SHOGO , OBATA YUKI , YAGYU KIYOKO ,   THE TOKYO RESEARCH GROUP ON PREVENTION OF GASTRIC CANCER
Published: February 2006

Background and Aim:  The significance of serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 in the development of gastric cancer is unclear. The purpose of this study is to determine whether serum TGF‐β1 correlated with the clinicopathological findings of patients with gastric cancer.

Methods:  Transforming growth factor‐β1 levels in the serum of 275 gastric cancer patients and 275 gender‐ and age‐matched healthy controls were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercially available kit.

Results:  The mean level of serum TGF‐β1 of gastric cancer patients (15.9 ± 5.9 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that (13.9 ± 7.4 ng/mL) of healthy controls (P < 0.01). The odds ratio for the subjects in the highest quartile (16.7 ng/mL or more) was 4.03 (95% confidence interval, 2.14–7.58), as compared with that for the subjects in the lowest quartile (0–9.5 ng/mL). Patients with venous invasion compared to those without venous invasion had significantly elevated serum TGF‐β1 (17.3 ± 7.2 vs 15.0 ± 5.1 ng/mL; P = 0.04). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups categorized by histological type, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis. Logistical regression analysis showed that venous invasion was significantly correlated with elevated serum TGF‐β1 levels (P = 0.02).

Conclusions:  The present study showed that an elevated serum TGF‐β1 level may be significantly correlated with venous invasion in gastric cancer patients.

© 2005 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Analysis of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 gene polymorphisms in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: LANKARANI KAMRAN B , KARBASI ASHRAF , KALANTARI TAHEREH , YARMOHAMMADI HOOMAN , SABERI‐FIROOZI MEHDI , ALIZADEH‐NAEENI MAHVASH , TAGHAVI ALI R , FATTAHI MAHAMMAD R , GHADERI ABBAS
Published: February 2006

Background and Aim:  Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a multifactorial disease associated with dysregulated immunity. Recently, cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA‐4) gene polymorphisms have been reported in association with several autoimmune diseases in several populations. In the present study, the possible implication of the CTLA‐4 gene as a risk factor for UC in the Iranian population was investigated.

Methods:  One hundred UC patients and 100 healthy subjects were studied. CTLA‐4 exon 1 position 49 (A/G: codon 17: Thr/Ala) polymorphisms were investigated by polymerase chain reaction single strand confirmation polymorphism method. Four of the patients and one of the healthy controls were excluded from the study because of incomplete DNA extraction.

Results:  The allele frequencies of A and G in 96 patients (A: 66.1%; G: 33.9%) were not significantly different from the 99 control subjects (A: 63.1%; G: 36.9%, P > 0.05). No significant differences in the distribution of genotype frequencies were observed between A + 49G gene polymorphisms and UC in the Iranian population (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:  CTLA‐4 polymorphism is not associated with UC in the Iranian population.
Discordant influence of amphotericin B on epirubicin cytotoxicity in primary hepatic malignant cells collected by a new primary culture technique
Authors: LIN ZU‐YAU , CHUANG WAN‐LONG , CHUANG YEN‐HWANG , YU MING‐LUNG , HSIEH MING‐YUH , WANG LIANG‐YEN , TSAI JUNG‐FA
Published: February 2006

Background: The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate whether amphotericin B (AmB) had any potential role in the systemic chemotherapy of primary hepatic malignancy using cancer cells collected by the authors’ method of primary culture.

Methods: The specimens obtained by ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (22 G) from 15 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and one with cholangiocarcinoma were plated into culture flask without disaggregation by trypsin‐ethylenediamine tetra‐acetic acid solution. Six patients with HCC and one patient with cholangiocarcinoma (7/16, 44%) had successful culture and the cancer cells at the 4th passage were continuously exposed to therapeutic ranges of epirubicin (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 µg/mL) with or without the combination of 2.5 µg/mL AmB for 24 h. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to evaluate the effects of the drugs. A human HCC cell line (HA 22T/VGH) was studied for comparison.

Results: Addition of AmB showed no influence on epirubicin cytotoxicity in two patients (one partial resistant HCC and one epirubicin‐sensitive cholangiocarcinoma; 25%), augmentation of the epirubicin cytotoxicity in two patients (one total resistant HCC, partial resistant HA 22T/VGH cell line and one epirubicin‐sensitive HCC; 37.5%), and decrease of epirubicin cytotoxicity in the remaining three (one partial resistant and two epirubicin‐sensitive HCC; 37.5%).

Conclusions: Amphotericin B has a discordant influence on epirubicin cytotoxicity in primary cultured hepatic malignant cells. Application of AmB in the systemic chemotherapy of primary hepatic malignancy should be limited to patients with positive AmB effect evaluated by anin vitrosensitivity test such as the present method.
Gender‐related differences in visceral perception in health and irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: KIM HYUN SEO , RHEE POONG‐LYUL , PARK JUNGHO , LEE JUN HAENG , KIM YOUNG‐HO , KIM JAE JUN , RHEE JONG CHUL
Published: February 2006

Background:  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is more common in female subjects, and IBS patients generally exhibit reduced pain thresholds to rectal distension. The aim of the present paper was to determine gender‐related differences in rectal perception in both healthy controls and IBS patients.

Methods:  Fifty‐nine IBS patients (age 20–65 years; mean, 39.2 years; 31 women, 28 men) with symptoms that fulfilled Rome‐II criteria and 21 healthy controls (age 25–58 years; mean, 37.8 years; 11 women, 10 men) were recruited. Participants completed a questionnaire regarding bowel symptoms and psychological distress, and maximal tolerable pressures were evaluated via barostat tests.

Results:  Although healthy women appear to have lower perception thresholds than men, significant gender differences in pain sensitivity were not detected (P > 0.05). In addition, female patients with IBS also exhibited no enhanced colorectal perception, as compared with male IBS patients (P > 0.05).

Conclusions:  No gender differences in visceral perception were determined to exist between the healthy controls and the IBS patients. Therefore, the increased prevalence of IBS in women may be related to another set of pathophysiological factors, and not to gender‐related differences in visceroperception.
Antitumor effects of all‐trans‐retinoic acid on cultured human pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Guo Junming , Xiao Bingxiu , Lou Yanru , Yan Chunhong , Zhan Li , Wang Donghui , Zhao Weihong
Published: February 2006

Background and Aim:  Although it is uncommon, pancreatic cancer is known to have a poor prognosis. The aim of the present study was to determine the inhibitory effects of all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) on cell growth, cell cycle and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the human pancreatic cancer cell line PANC‐1 in vitro.

Methods:  Human pancreatic cancer PANC‐1 cells were treated by various concentrations of ATRA, and then the cell growth was determined by MTT viability assay. Cell cycle distribution and ALP activity were analyzed by flow cytometry and chemical analyzer, respectively.

Results:  ATRA inhibited the growth of PANC‐1 cells grown in culture; a dose‐dependent inhibitory influence was found. ATRA arrested PANC‐1 cells at G2/M phase. The ALP activity of PANC‐1 cells was significantly increased by 1–50 µmol/L ATRA.

Conclusions:  The antitumor effects of ATRA on human pancreatic cancer cells are associated with G2/M phase arrest and increased ALP activity.
Fetal surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia
Authors: Grethel Erich J , Nobuhara Kerilyn K
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) continues to account for significant mortality in neonates. Advances in postnatal therapies have reduced mortality rates in the less severely affected infants, though surviving infants continue to display significant comorbid conditions. The history of fetal treatment for CDH is a microcosm for the development of fetal therapy in general. This paper traces this history from early clinical observations and imaging advances to experimental animal studies and finally to safe human application and development of clinical trails. Encouraging recent results and improved outcomes lend credence to the idea than prenatal interventions may give clinicians and families more hope.
Determinants of good outcome in pyloric stenosis
Authors: Allan Chirsty
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Good outcome following pyloromyotomy for pyloric stenosis is dependent on the training of the surgeon, availability of a specialist paediatric anaesthetist, and the quality of preoperative correction of fluid and electrolyte abnormalities. Complications (including death, inadvertent duodenal perforation, incomplete pyloromyotomy, wound dehiscence and infection), higher hospital costs and increased length of hospital stay are all more likely to occur when the pyloromyotomy is performed by a surgeon who has had no speciailist paediatric surgical training.
Kikuchi disease in Asian children
Authors: Chen Ching K , Low Yee , Akhilesh Meenakshi , Jacobsen Anette S
Published: February 2006

Objectives: Kikuchi disease is a benign, self‐limiting condition of unknown aetiology, often manifesting as cervical lymphadenopathy and fever. The disease usually manifests itself in adulthood and paediatric reports are uncommon. The aims of this study are to report the features of Kikuchi disease in the local paediatric population, and to raise the awareness of this entity among clinicians involved in treating these children.

Methods: This is a retrospective series of nine paediatric cases of Kikuchi disease treated in KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore. The clinical presentation, subsequent clinical course and laboratory findings of these patients were reviewed.

Results: The patients ranged in age from 7 to 16 years, and included six males and three females. All nine patients presented with fever and cervical lymphadenopathy. Hepatosplenomegaly was present in one child. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was raised to variable extents, but there was no other significant haematological, serological or microbiological abnormality. In all cases the diagnosis was made on the basis of histological findings.

Conclusions: Kikuchi disease in the paediatric population is not as uncommon as previously thought, and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any child with fever of unknown origin or cervical lymphadenopathy. Early recognition will minimize unnecessary investigations and prolonged empirical treatments.
Mini‐dose glucagon rescue for mild hypoglycaemia in children with type 1 diabetes: The Brisbane experience
Authors: Hartley Mary , Thomsett Michael J , Cotterill Andrew M
Published: February 2006

Objectives: To evaluate the use of small doses of glucagon using an insulin syringe in mild or impending hypoglycaemia in children with type 1 diabetes.

Methods: Data were collected from patients attending the Paediatric Diabetes Clinic at the Queensland Diabetes Centre at the Mater Hospital, Brisbane in 2002–2004 following the institution of a new protocol for home management of mild or impending hypoglycaemia associated with inability or refusal to take oral carbohydrate. The protocol recommended the use of subcutaneous injections of glucagon using insulin syringes at a dose of two ‘units’ (20 μg) in children 2 years of age or younger, and for older children one unit per year of age up to a maximum of 15 units (150 μg), with an additional doubled dose given if the blood glucose had not increased in 20 min.

Results: Over a 2‐year period, 25 children were treated with mini‐dose glucagon on a total of 38 occasions. Additional doses were required for recurring hypoglycaemia on 20 (53%) occasions. The child could be managed at home on 32 (84%) of these 38 occasions, with only 6 (16%) children needing hospital treatment.

Conclusions: Our study confirmed that small doses of glucagon given subcutaneously with an insulin syringe is a simple, practical and effective home treatment of mild or impending hypoglycaemia due to gastroenteritis or food refusal in children with type 1 diabetes.
Clinical predictors of pathological gastro‐oesophageal reflux in infants with persistent distress
Authors: Heine Ralf G , Jordan Brigid , Lubitz Lionel , Meehan Michele , Catto‐Smith Anthony G
Published: February 2006

Background: Gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in infants with persistent crying. Empirical treatment with antireflux medications is common practice, although on clinical grounds it may be difficult to determine whether GOR is abnormal.

Aims: To examine the diagnostic accuracy of clinical predictors of pathological GOR in infants with persistent crying.

Methods: One hundred and fifty‐one infants (82 male; median age 2.5 months, range 0.5–8.2  months) with persistent crying were prospectively studied. Crying and fussing were charted for 24 h, and parents completed a validated questionnaire on reflux symptoms. All infants underwent oesophageal 24‐h pH monitoring.

Results: Twenty‐seven (17.9%) infants had pathological GOR with a fractional reflux time (FRT) >10%. There was no significant association between total crying duration per 24  and FRT (P = 0.84) or the number of reflux episodes (P = 0.68). Pathological GOR was more common in infants under 3 months, compared to older infants (P = 0.04). Feeding difficulties were significantly associated with pathological GOR (P = 0.02). Backarching was not increased in infants with GOR (P = 0.30). Pathological GOR was significantly associated with the frequency of regurgitation (P = 0.04), but not with vomitus volume (P = 0.62). Regurgitation more than 5 times daily was the most specific reflux symptom (specificity 70.9%), but was a poor predictor of pathological GOR (positive predictive value 22.2%). In the absence of frequent regurgitation or feeding difficulties, pathological GOR was unlikely (negative predictive value 87–90%).

Conclusions: Investigation and treatment of GOR in infants with persistent crying should be primarily directed at infants presenting with frequent regurgitation or feeding difficulties.
Does measuring respiratory function improve neonatal ventilation?
Authors: Klimek Jan , Morley Colin John , Lau Rosalind , Davis Peter Graham
Published: February 2006

Aims: To determine whether using a respiratory function monitor alters clinicians' choice of ventilator settings, tidal volumes or blood gases in the first 48 h of ventilation.

Methods: Clinicians were trained to use a respiratory function monitor to optimize neonatal ventilation. Thirty‐five infants, weighing < 2 kg, treated with the Infant Star ventilator were randomized to have a respiratory function monitor display visible or concealed. All reasons for altering ventilator settings were noted. Data on ventilator parameters and clinical care were collected hourly. The primary outcome was the mean peak pressure used during the first 48 h.

Results: There were no statistically significant differences in peak pressures, tidal volumes or arterial carbon dioxide levels between the two groups.

Conclusions: Using the Florian respiratory function monitor in the first 48 h of ventilation with the Infant Star ventilator did not alter the choice of ventilator settings, tidal or minute volumes or arterial blood gases. Possible explanations for this result include lack of power due to the small numbers recruited and bias due to the unblinded nature of the trial.
Candida peritonitis: A rare complication following early dislodgement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube
Authors: Sridhar Arani V , Nichani Sanjiv , Luyt David , Nour Shawqui
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Candida peritonitis is a rare but potentially fatal complication of early dislodgement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) feeding tube. We report the case of 12‐year‐old boy who developed Candida peritonitis subsequent to early dislodgement of PEG tube. PEG tubes may be prone to accidental dislodgement or removal by patients or carers. This complication has to be recognized early in order to avoid the risk of peritonitis. In our case the patient initially developed coliform peritonitis followed by peritoneal and systemic candidiasis. The patient needed ventilatory support, inotropic support, broad‐spectrum antibiotics, total parenteral nutrition and antifungal agents liposomal amphotericin and flucytosine.

Conclusion: Early dislodged PEG tubes should be recognized early in order to avoid the risk of peritonitis and managed by endoscopic or surgical replacement rather than blind replacement by the appropriately skilled personnel.
Pathological evaluation of orbital tumours in Japan: analysis of a large case series and 1379 cases reported in the Japanese literature
Authors: Shikishima Keigo , Kawai Kazushige , Kitahara Kenji
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Purpose:  To review epidemiological features of orbital tumours in Japan.

Methods:  Retrospective, observational case series and systematic review. A total of 104 patients with orbital tumours collected at the authors’ institution during 1983–2002 were assessed. In addition, 1379 cases from a large series of orbital tumours diagnosed by histopathological analysis that were previously published in Japanese ophthalmological journals from 1980 to 2004 were analysed.

Results:  After combining the current data with the previously published cases, there were a total of 1483 lesions with 47% classified as primary, 30% as secondary and 22% as inflammatory. The most common primary tumour was malignant lymphoma (12%) followed by pleomorphic adenoma (7%). Carcinomas from the lung, breast and thyroid were found to predominate among orbital metastases. Inflammatory pseudotumour had the highest lesion frequency (18%).

Conclusions:  Malignant lymphoma by far was found to have the most dramatic increases within the recent reported series. Pleomorphic adenomas in Japan were found to be much more common compared with that reported for American and European studies.
Glaucoma management trends in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Gaskin Brent J , Carroll Stuart C , Gamble Greg , Goldberg Ivan , Danesh‐Meyer Helen V
Published: February 2006

Abstract

Background:  To describe self‐reported patterns of care for glaucoma of ophthalmologists in Australia and New Zealand and summarize current practice styles and patterns associated with glaucoma management.

Methods:  A questionnaire of glaucoma management practices was mailed to all ophthalmologists registered with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists in June 2003. The questionnaire assessed practice preferences for medical management, examination techniques and indications for surgery. The results were cross‐tabulated by age, country and subspecialty training in glaucoma.

Results:  Fifty‐one per cent of 761 surveys were returned, 14% being from glaucoma specialists. New Zealand ophthalmologists proceeded to surgical management of glaucoma earlier than did their Australian colleagues. Australian ophthalmologists tended to use argon laser trabeculoplasty more frequently. Ninety‐six per cent of ophthalmologists routinely use gonioscopy in diagnosing glaucoma. Disc drawings and recording cup:disc ratios were the most commonly used methods of documenting disc morphology; glaucoma specialists were more likely to use imaging technologies. SITA‐Standard 24‐2 was the most commonly used modality of perimetry, and was favoured by glaucoma specialists.

Conclusions:  This survey represents the first Australian and New Zealand effort to identify glaucoma management practices. Although a substantial consensus was found in most areas of treatment, a few areas showed diversity. The information gathered will enable ophthalmologists to compare their own practices with those of their colleagues. In addition, this survey provides a baseline allowing future trends in management to be determined.
2005 Gregg Lecture: Congenital cataract – from rubella to genetics
Authors: Mackey David A
Published: February 2006

Abstract

On the 65th anniversary of Gregg's observation ‘Congenital cataract following German measles in the mother’, rubella has retired as the leading cause of congenital cataract, from 87% of Gregg's cohort to less than 3% over the last 25 years and almost zero now in Australia and other developed countries. However, people must keep vigilance in maintaining immunization rates and encourage immunization in developing countries. At least one‐fifth of congenital cataract is familial. Understanding the genetics of familial cataract will lead to better treatment of congenital as well as age‐related cataract.
Unsettling the State — How ‘Demand’ Challenges the Education System in the US
Authors: PLANK DAVID
Published: February 2006

‘Demand’ in the education system has traditionally been articulated almost entirely in terms of access to more, better, and higher‐status opportunities within the traditional public school system, rather than for alternatives to the standardised, highly‐regulated opportunities provided by the state. This is changing, in the U.S. and elsewhere, as households and groups increasingly articulate demands that cannot easily be accommodated by the existing system. These new demands include calls for schooling that more fully reflects the linguistic, religious, or cultural preferences of specific communities. They represent a fundamental challenge to the assumption of collective interests pursued through public institutions that underlie contemporary public school systems. This article explores the character of this challenge and presents an assessment of the ways in which the U.S. education system is changing in its response.
Software innovativeness: outcomes on project performance, knowledge enhancement, and external linkages
Authors: Jordan Gary , Segelod Esbjörn
Published: February 2006

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between product innovativeness and groups of outcomes flowing from the computer software product development process and the associated knowledge acquisition process. Data from interviews of managers in 94 software projects are analysed, and three groups of outcomes are measured: project performance, knowledge enhancement, and the strengthening of linkages to external actors/sources. The high innovative products show higher project performance for all measures of project performance compared with low innovative products. Similar results were found for all measures of personnel knowledge enhancement outcomes. Changes in the importance of linkages to nine different external sources of knowledge used by the firms during the knowledge acquisition process, also show some positive outcomes with respect to rising innovativeness levels. Strengthening of external linkages is found for 66% of the investigated linkages between one or two innovativeness levels. Of these, the linkages to hardware manufacturers, co‐operation partners, and universities and other research institutions show strengthening when high innovativeness products are compared with low‐level products. As the project performance and knowledge enhancement outcomes are due, in part, to knowledge gained within linkages to external actors/sources, managers could consider whether giving special attention to managing these linkages would be a winning innovation strategy for their particular firm.
Singapore's transition to innovation‐based economic growth: infrastructure, institutions and government's role
Authors: Koh Winston T. H.
Published: February 2006

Technological progress and innovation plays a central role in a country's economic progress. As an economy advances to the global technological frontier and narrows the technological gap, an innovation‐based growth strategy that focuses on investments in R&D and technology creation offers the greatest potential for economic growth. In this paper, we discuss the requirements for a successful transition, in terms of changes to the technology infrastructure, economic institutions and the incentives' structure. This paper outlines the efforts made by Singapore to re‐make itself as an innovation‐based economy, and the challenges faced by the government in transforming the nation's infrastructure and institutions to develop innovation capabilities and encourage entrepreneurship.
Factors for improving the level of knowledge generation in new product development
Authors: Song Michael , van der Bij Hans , Weggeman Mathieu
Published: February 2006

Globalization and other rapid changes in markets and technologies increasingly require companies to generate new knowledge in order to remain competitive. In order to innovate successfully, firms must generate knowledge faster than their rivals. This study develops and tests a conceptual model that focuses on how managerial controllable variables influence the level of knowledge generation in new product development. Based on literature and ‘theory‐in‐use’ field research in seven knowledge‐intensive organizations, the authors developed research hypotheses and tested the hypotheses using data collected from 277 firms in high technology industries. The findings suggest that information technologies, organizational crisis, individual commitment, the R&D budget, and job rotation increase levels of knowledge generation, whereas lead user and supplier networks are negatively associated with the level of knowledge generation in new product development, and the influence of co‐location of R&D staff is not significant.
Technological knowledge assets in industrial firms
Authors: Díaz‐Díaz Nieves Lidia , Aguiar‐Díaz Inmaculada , De Saá‐Pérez Petra
Published: February 2006

This research focuses on identifying and measuring the technological knowledge assets that constitute the basis of the knowledge management process and on the study of contextual factors that determine their use. To that end, a longitudinal study of 1,444 Spanish industrial firms between 1998 and 2000 was conducted using information gathered by the Survey of Business Strategies. The results enable us to identify technological knowledge assets with different levels of codification and to have a general view of how age, size and sector affect the use of those assets by Spanish industrial firms.
Disseminating research in management of technology: journals and authors
Authors: Ball Derrick F. , Rigby John
Published: February 2006

This paper describes part of a study into the emergence and evolution of the management of research and development (R&D), innovation and technology as a subject in its own right. It deals with communicating research in this area via the relevant journals. The first part of this paper describes the history and development of the bulk of the relevant journals. The second part focuses on the extent and frequency of author participation and the author affiliation in the journals described in the first part of the paper. Computing the number of author entries in these journals for the years 1954–2003 demonstrates the substantial increase in publication over this period. The analysis also examines the affiliation of authors by dividing the sample into academic and non‐academic. Finally, the study then sets out to identify those who make up the ‘community’ on the basis of publication in these journals over the period 1954–2003. The importance of the study is not only as an historical record but also to act as a guide to practicing R&D managers on which journals would best meet their needs.
NATURALISM AND THE PARADOX OF REVISABILITY
Authors: COLYVAN MARK
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  This paper examines the paradox of revisability. This paradox was proposed by Jerrold Katz as a problem for Quinean naturalised epistemology. Katz employs diagonalisation to demonstrate what he takes to be an inconsistency in the constitutive principles of Quine's epistemology. Specifically, the problem seems to rest with the principle of universal revisability which states that no statement is immune to revision. In this paper it is argued that although there is something odd about employing universal revisability to revise itself, there is nothing paradoxical about this. At least, there is no paradox along the lines suggested by Katz.
SCHIFFER ON VAGUENESS
Authors: EKLUND MATTI
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  I go through, and criticize, Stephen Schiffer's account of vagueness and the sorites paradox. I discuss his notion of a happy‐face solution to a paradox, his appeal to vagueness‐related partial belief, his claim that indeterminacy is a psychological notion, and his view that the sorites premise and the inference rule of modus ponens are indeterminate.
IS METAETHICS MORALLY NEUTRAL?
Authors: FANTL JEREMY
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  I argue, contra Dreier, Blackburn, and others, that there are no morally neutral metaethical positions. Every metaethical position commits you to the denial of some moral statement. So, for example, the metaethical position that there are no moral properties commits you to the denial of the (quite plausible) moral conjunction of 1) it is right to interfere violently when someone is wrongly causing massive suffering and 2) it is wrong to interfere violently when only non‐moral properties are at stake. The argument generalizes to all metaethical positions.
CONTROLLING ATTITUDES
Authors: HIERONYMI PAMELA
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  I hope to show that, although belief is subject to two quite robust forms of agency, “believing at will” is impossible; one cannot believe in the way one ordinarily acts. Further, the same is true of intention: although intention is subject to two quite robust forms of agency, the features of belief that render believing less than voluntary are present for intention, as well. It turns out, perhaps surprisingly, that you can no more intend at will than believe at will.
HOW TO ARGUE FOR THE VALUE OF HUMANITY
Authors: MARTIN ADRIENNE M.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Significant effort has been devoted to locating a good argument for Kant's Formula of Humanity. In this paper, I contrast two arguments, based on Kant's text, for the Formula of Humanity. The first, which I call the ‘Valued Ends’ argument, is an influential and appealing argument developed most notably by Christine Korsgaard and Allen Wood. Notwithstanding the appeal and influence of this argument, it ultimately fails on several counts. I therefore present as an alternative the ‘Autonomy’ argument, which is largely inspired by the failings of the Valued Ends argument.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite DNA markers in the Pacific abalone, Haliotis discus hannai
Authors: AN H. S. , HAN S. J.
Published: February 2006

We developed 17 new microsatellite markers in Haliotis discus hannai. All loci were found to be polymorphic with an average of 13.1 alleles per locus (range 3–28). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.77 (range 0.17–1.00) and 0.79 (range 0.42–0.96), respectively. Six loci deviated significantly from Hardy–Weinberg proportions, and thus should be used with caution. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci should provide useful markers for studies of trait mapping, kinship and population genetics.
Microsatellite DNA loci in the rock bream Oplegnathus fasciatus
Authors: AN H. S. , KIM J. W. , PARK J. Y.
Published: February 2006

Nine novel microsatellite loci were isolated from Oplegnathus fasciatus by screening an enriched genomic library using nonradioactive PCR (polymerase chain reaction) techniques. All loci were found to be polymorphic with an average of 8.1 alleles per locus (range 3–15). The mean observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.71 (range 0.40–1.00) and 0.74 (range 0.50–0.90), respectively. Two loci showed significant Hardy–Weinberg disequilibrium at the P < 0.05 level. The high variabilities revealed in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci should provide useful markers for genetic variation monitoring of O. fasciatus.
Characterization of six polymorphic microsatellite loci isolated from Hymenocallis coronaria (J. LeConte) Kunth (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: MARKWITH S. H. , SCANLON M. J.
Published: February 2006

Microsatellite loci were isolated from the allotetraploid aquatic plant Hymenocallis coronaria. A repeat‐enriched genomic library was constructed and primer pairs designed, resulting in six polymorphic loci. A total of 230 individuals were genotyped, and allelic richness per locus ranged from three to 11, while observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.017 to 0.570. Some amplified products were excised from agarose gel and sequenced to confirm primer specificity and mutation model. These are the first microsatellite markers developed for any member of this genus, and cross‐amplification was successful with the only other member of the genus tested and with a member of the related genus Zephyranthes.
Microsatellite loci for studies on population differentiation and connectivity of the red‐bellied yellow tail fusilier, Caesio cuning (Caesionidae)
Authors: ABLAN MA. CARMEN A.
Published: February 2006

Ten polymorphic microsatellites were isolated from the red‐bellied yellow tail fusilier Caesio cuning, a reef‐associated fish which occurs widely in the Indo‐Pacific region. The species is exploited by both small‐scale and commercial fisheries. Fifty individuals from six populations were genotyped using primers that reliably amplified 10 polymorphic loci. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to 11. Observed heterozygosity (HO) and expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged between 0.400 to 0.880 and 0.337 to 0.843, respectively. These microsatellite loci may be used to study population structure, genetic diversity and connectivity of C. cuning in the range of its distribution.
Development and use of anchored‐SSRs to study DNA polymorphism in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: SINGH RAVINDER , KUMAR NEERAJ , BANDOPADHYAY RAJIB , RUSTGI SACHIN , SHARMA SHAILENDRA , BALYAN HARINDRA SINGH , GUPTA PUSHPENDRA KUMAR
Published: February 2006

In bread wheat, 21 anchored simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs detecting SSR length polymorphism and 42 anchored SSR primers detecting microsatellite‐anchored fragment length polymorphisms (MFLPs) are reported. Eight bread wheat genotypes were used for detecting polymorphism. The number of alleles in SSR analysis ranged from two to six, with a mean of 2.9 alleles per SSR. The number of polymorphic bands in MFLP ranged from two to 40, with a mean of 12.74 polymorphic bands/primer combination, the SSRs with CT/GA motifs giving the highest level of polymorphism (a mean of 18.37 bands). The average value of polymorphic information content (PIC) was 0.473 for SSRs and 0.061 for MFLP.
Microsatellite DNA markers for the rainbow darter, Etheostoma caeruleum (Percidae), and their potential utility for other darter species
Authors: TONNIS BRANDON D.
Published: February 2006

The rainbow darter Etheostoma caeruleum is a small fish in the perch family (Percidae) that is adapted to fast‐flowing streams in eastern North America. It is relatively sensitive to habitat degradation and is widely used as a sentinel of stream condition. To provide a complementary tool for assessing the integrity of stream ecosystems, 16 highly polymorphic tetranucleotide microsatellite markers were identified for these darters. Between four and 16 loci were found to be useful in five congeneric species. These markers will be useful for characterizing population genetic structure and diversity of rainbow darters and related fishes.
A set of polymorphic EST‐derived markers for Picea species
Authors: LAMOTHE MANUEL , MEIRMANS PATRICK , ISABEL NATHALIE
Published: February 2006

A pooled DNA method was used to produce fully informative EST (expressed sequence tag)‐derived markers for the Picea genus. Nine markers were produced from 10 cDNA identified as candidates for cold tolerance or embryogenesis. Indels and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were characterized from sequences obtained from pools of 10 individuals for each of the three species: Picea glauca (white spruce), Picea mariana (black spruce) and Picea abies (Norway spruce). Indels were present in 28% of the sequences and SNPs with a frequency greater than 10% were present on average in 1.2% of the positions.
Microsatellite markers for the palaeotropic pioneer tree genus Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae) and their cross‐species transferability
Authors: GUICKING DANIELA , RANA TIKAM S. , BLATTNER FRANK R. , WEISING KURT
Published: February 2006

We developed primer sequences for five polymorphic microsatellite loci in the tropical ant‐plant genus Macaranga (Euphorbiaceae). Population genetic parameters were determined on the basis of 30 individuals from each of two Macaranga species in Borneo. Allele numbers per locus ranged from three to 13. Expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.160 to 0.850 and from 0.130 to 0.700, respectively. Four of the five primer pairs cross‐amplify polymorphic PCR products in a wide range of Macaranga species.
Digitising History From Below: The Old Bailey Proceedings Online, 1674–1834
Authors: Hitchcock Tim , Shoemaker Robert
Published: February 2006

The Old Bailey Proceedings Online has made available in a fully searchable online edition the largest body of texts detailing the lives of non‐elite people ever published. This article explains the origins, methodologies and outcomes of this project, and assesses how the website has been used in academic teaching and research since its launch in 2003. The limitations as well as the benefits of providing access to primary research materials in this medium are considered. It concludes with an outline of current plans for the digitisation, and integration into the current website, of further substantial bodies of digitised sources on related topics.
Ethnogenesis: A Contested Model of Early Medieval Europe
Authors: Gillett Andrew
Published: February 2006

Recent research in late antique and early medieval history has paid much attention to ‘Ethnogenesis’. The historical model associated with this term explains the change from the classical world to medieval conditions as the effect of ethnic identification supplanting Hellenistic forms of public discourse. Culturally specific dynamics of ethnicity, arising from proto‐historical northern Europe, are seen as the engines of change. Recent critiques of the approach, however, see both its methodology and historiographic assumptions as problematic. This article seeks to clarify the current debate, to set out the questions of evidence and interpretation for interested Medievalists, and to draw the attention of non‐Medievalists to this historiographic debate over interpretative models for one of the major revolutions in western history.

History Compass’ first PODCAST is now available

The podcast is a discussion between Professor Felice Lifshitz, History Compass’ medieval Europe editor, and Dr Andrew Gillett, a published History Compass author. They examine Dr Gillet's published essay, ‘Ethnogenesis: A Contested Model of Early Medieval Europe’ and ask: What is ethnogenesis? What are the questions of evidence and interpretation for interested Medievalists? How do we draw the attention of non‐Medievalists to the historiographic debate over interpretative models for one of the major revolutions in western history? Click here to launch the podcast: http://wiley.cdn.palmerhargreaves.com/podcast/hic3/hic3‐01.mp3 (mp3 file, 14.4 MB, 20 minutes 33 seconds).
The Origins of English Puritanism
Authors: Gunther Karl
Published: February 2006

The history of English Puritanism has changed dramatically over the past forty years, but our understanding of the origins of Puritanism has remained relatively unchanged. This article examines some accounts of the origins of Puritanism, evaluates them in the light of recent historiographical developments, and suggests an alternate approach to the question.
Modeling Species' Distributions to Improve Conservation in Semiurban Landscapes: Koala Case Study
Authors: RHODES JONATHAN R. , WIEGAND THORSTEN , MCALPINE CLIVE A. , CALLAGHAN JOHN , LUNNEY DANIEL , BOWEN MICHIALA , POSSINGHAM HUGH P.
Published: February 2006

Abstract:  Models of species' distributions are commonly used to inform landscape and conservation planning. In urban and semiurban landscapes, the distributions of species are determined by a combination of natural habitat and anthropogenic impacts. Understanding the spatial influence of these two processes is crucial for making spatially explicit decisions about conservation actions. We present a logistic regression model for the distribution of koalas ( Phascolarctos cinereus) in a semiurban landscape in eastern Australia that explicitly separates the effect of natural habitat quality and anthropogenic impacts on koala distributions. We achieved this by comparing the predicted distributions from the model with what the predicted distributions would have been if anthropogenic variables were at their mean values. Similar approaches have relied on making predictions assuming anthropogenic variables are zero, which will be unreliable if the training data set does not include anthropogenic variables close to zero. Our approach is novel because it can be applied to landscapes where anthropogenic variables are never close to zero. Our model showed that, averaged across the study area, natural habitat was the main determinant of koala presence. At a local scale, however, anthropogenic impacts could be more important, with consequent implications for conservation planning. We demonstrated that this modeling approach, combined with the visual presentation of predictions as a map, provides important information for making decisions on how different conservation actions should be spatially allocated. This method is particularly useful for areas where wildlife and human populations exist in close proximity.