bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INNOVATION IN SMEs: A RACE WITH NO FINISH LINE
Authors: VAN ES ROB , VAN DER WAL HENK 
Published: November 2012

This article describes the results of our long-term study into the innovative behavior of fifteen Dutch small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) that were considered promising in 1985. We asked ourselves the following two questions: (i) How did these companies develop while aiming for their innovation domain? (ii) What do the entrepreneurs perceive as the defining moments in this development? As a general answer to the first question, we concluded that the innovative behavior of the companies essentially consisted of: technical and business process optimization, new types of collaboration, and renewing competencies and developing a fitting strategy. In short, we found that the non-technical innovation domains had greatly gained in importance. The answers to the second question showed us that corporate development was strongly affected by tensions related to growth, shifts in control over the company, and management. In most cases, such tensions negatively affected innovation.
Distinct Epigenetic Mechanisms DistinguishTMPRSS2–ERG Fusion-Positive and -Negative Prostate Cancers
Authors: Alumkal Joshi J. , Herman James G. 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Summary: This issue of Cancer Discovery features an article that describes distinct epigenetic mechanisms that operate in TMPRSS2–ERG fusion-negative prostate cancers. This finding clarifies molecular features of these TMPRSS2–ERG fusion-negative tumors and may have implications for how to treat this prostate cancer subtype. Cancer Discov; 2(11); 979–81. ©2012 AACR.
Commentary on Börno et al., p. 1024.
Accuracy of emergency physician–performed ultrasonography in the diagnosis of deep-vein thrombosis
Authors: Pomero Fulvio , Borretta Valentina , Bonzini Matteo , Melchio Remo , Douketis James D. , Fenoglio Luigi Maria , Dentali Francesco 
Published: November 2012

SummaryDuplex ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic test for detecting lower limb deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) but it is time consuming, requires patient transport, and cannot be interpreted by most physicians. The accuracy of emergency physician–performed ultrasound (EPPU) for the diagnosis of DVT, when performed at the bedside, is unclear. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, aiming to provide reliable data on the accuracy of EPPU in the diagnosis of DVT. The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases (up to August 2012) were systematically searched for studies evaluating the accuracy of EPPU compared to either colour-flow duplex ultrasound performed by a radiology department or vascular laboratory, or to angiography, in the diagnosis of DVT. Weighted mean sensitivity and specificity and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a bivariate random-effects regression approach. There were 16 studies included, with 2,379 patients. The pooled prevalence of DVT was 23.1% (498 in 2,379 patients), ranging from 7.4% to 47.3%. Using the bivariate approach, the weighted mean sensitivity of EPPU compared to the reference imaging test was 96.1% (95%CI 90.6–98.5%), and with a weighted mean specificity of 96.8% (95%CI:94.6–98.1%). Our findings suggest that EPPU may be useful in the management of patients with suspected DVT. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Evolutionary study of duplications of the miRNA machinery in aphids associated with striking rate acceleration and changes in expression profiles
Authors: Ortiz-Rivas Benjamín , Jaubert-Possamai Stéphanie , Tanguy Sylvie , Gauthier Jean-Pierre , Tagu Denis , Claude Rispe 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The sequencing of the genome of the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum revealed an unusual expansion of the miRNA machinery, with two argonaute-1, two dicer-1 and four pasha gene copies. In this report, we have undertaken a deeper evolutionary analysis of the phylogenetic timing of these gene duplications and of the associated selective pressures by sequencing the two copies of ago-1 and dcr-1 in different aphid species of the subfamily Aphidinae. We have also carried out an analysis of the expression of both copies of ago-1 and dcr-1 by semi-quantitative PCR in different morphs of the pea aphid life cycle.

Results
The analysis has shown that the duplication of ago-1 occurred in an ancestor of the subfamily Aphidinae while the duplication of dcr-1 appears to be more recent. Besides, it has confirmed a pattern of one conserved copy and one accelerated copy for both genes, and has revealed the action of positive selection on several regions of the fast-evolving ago-1b. On the other hand, the semi-quantitative PCR experiments have revealed a differential expression of these genes between the morphs of the parthenogenetic and the sexual phases of Acyrthosiphon pisum.

Conclusions
The discovery of these gene duplications in the miRNA machinery of aphids opens new perspectives of research about the regulation of gene expression in these insects. Accelerated evolution, positive selection and differential expression affecting some of the copies of these genes suggests the possibility of a neofunctionalization of these duplicates, which might play a role in the display of the striking phenotypic plasticity of aphids.
An ancient history of gene duplications, fusions and losses in the evolution of APOBEC3 mutators in mammals
Authors: Münk Carsten , Willemsen Anouk , Bravo Ignacio G 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
The APOBEC3 (A3) genes play a key role in innate antiviral defense in mammals by introducing directed mutations in the DNA. The human genome encodes for seven A3 genes, with multiple splice alternatives. Different A3 proteins display different substrate specificity, but the very basic question on how discerning self from non-self still remains unresolved. Further, the expression of A3 activity/ies shapes the way both viral and host genomes evolve.

Results
We present here a detailed temporal analysis of the origin and expansion of the A3 repertoire in mammals. Our data support an evolutionary scenario where the genome of the mammalian ancestor encoded for at least one ancestral A3 gene, and where the genome of the ancestor of placental mammals (and possibly of the ancestor of all mammals) already encoded for an A3Z1-A3Z2-A3Z3 arrangement. Duplication events of the A3 genes have occurred independently in different lineages: humans, cats and horses. In all of them, gene duplication has resulted in changes in enzyme activity and/or substrate specificity, in a paradigmatic example of convergent adaptive evolution at the genomic level. Finally, our results show that evolutionary rates for the three A3Z1, A3Z2 and A3Z3 motifs have significantly decreased in the last 100 Mya. The analysis constitutes a textbook example of the evolution of a gene locus by duplication and sub/neofunctionalization in the context of virus-host arms race.

Conclusions
Our results provide a time framework for identifying ancestral and derived genomic arrangements in the APOBEC loci, and to date the expansion of this gene family for different lineages through time, as a response to changes in viral/retroviral/retrotransposon pressure.
Traffic steering by self-tuning controllers in enterprise LTE femtocells
Authors: Ruiz-Avilés Jose Maria , Luna-Ramírez Salvador , Toril Matias , Ruiz Fernando 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Femtocells have been suggested as a promising solution for the provision of indoor coverage and capacity. This article investigates the problem of re-distributing traffic demand between long-term evolution (LTE) femtocells with open access in an enterprise scenario. Several traffic sharing algorithms based on automatic tuning of femtocell parameters are considered. The proposed algorithms are implemented by fuzzy logic controllers. Performance assessment is carried out in a dynamic system-level simulator. Results show that localized congestion problems in these scenarios can be solved without impairing connection quality by jointly tuning handover margins and cell transmit power.
A phenyl-thiadiazolylidene-amine derivative ejects zinc from retroviral nucleocapsid zinc fingers and inactivates HIV virions
Authors: Vercruysse Thomas , Basta Beata , Dehaen Wim , Humbert Nicolas , Balzarini Jan , Debaene François , Sanglier-Cianférani Sarah , Pannecouque Christophe , Mély Yves , Daelemans Dirk 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Sexual acquisition of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through mucosal transmission may be prevented by using topically applied agents that block HIV transmission from one individual to another. Therefore, virucidal agents that inactivate HIV virions may be used as a component in topical microbicides.

Results
Here, we have identified 2-methyl-3-phenyl-2H-[1,2,4]thiadiazol-5-ylideneamine (WDO-217) as a low-molecular-weight molecule that inactivates HIV particles. Both HIV-1 and HIV-2 virions pretreated with this compound were unable to infect permissive cells. Moreover, WDO-217 was able to inhibit infections of a wide spectrum of wild-type and drug-resistant HIV-1, including clinical isolates, HIV-2 and SIV strains. Whereas the capture of virus by DC-SIGN was unaffected by the compound, it efficiently prevented the transmission of DC-SIGN-captured virus to CD4+ T-lymphocytes. Interestingly, exposure of virions to WDO-217 reduced the amount of virion-associated genomic RNA as measured by real-time RT-qPCR. Further mechanism-of-action studies demonstrated that WDO-217 efficiently ejects zinc from the zinc fingers of the retroviral nucleocapsid protein NCp7 and inhibits the cTAR destabilization properties of this protein. Importantly, WDO-217 was able to eject zinc from both zinc fingers, even when NCp7 was bound to oligonucleotides, while no covalent interaction between NCp7 and WDO-217 could be observed.

Conclusion
This compound is a new lead structure that can be used for the development of a new series of NCp7 zinc ejectors as candidate topical microbicide agents.
Mechanical factors play an important role in pectus excavatum with thoracic scoliosis
Authors: Wang Yuncang , Chen Gang , Xie Liang , Tang Jiming , Ben Xiaosong , Zhang Dongkun , Xiao Pu , Zhou Haiyu , Zhou Zihao , Ye Xiong 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the incidence, imaging characteristics and mechanical factors in scoliotic patients with pectus excavatum.MethodsA total of 142 scoliostic patients with pectus excavatum were evaluated prior to operation. The evaluation included a complete physical exam, phenotype and severity of the pectus excavatum, incidence and severity of scoliosis, and analysis of radiological images, including calculation of the Haller index.ResultsTwenty five out of 142 patients (17.61%) with pectus excavatum had scoliosis with a Cobb angle >10 degrees, and in 80.00% of the cases the spinal column was bent to the right. Seventeen patients had bent-to-the-right spines that involved the 6th to 10 th thoracic vertebrae. We found that 23 out of 25 patients with a Cobb angle more than 10° were teenagers and adults. The incidence of scoliosis was only 6.06% in the children under 11 years whereas it was 21.79% in the teenage group.ConclusionsMechanical forces appear to play a role in the coexistence of pectus excavatum and scoliosis. There is a relationship between age, severity (Haller index), asymmetry and scoliosis. The heart and mediastinum play a role in providing an outward force to the left of the sternum which may be an important reason for the coexistence of pectus excavatum and scoliosis, but the correlation needs further proof.
Relaxation Exchange in Nanoporous Silica by Low-Field NMR
Authors: Paciok Eva , Haber Agnes , Van Landeghem Maxime , Blümich Bernhard 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Investigating the 2D-T
2-T
2-relaxation exchange of inter-stitial water in a packing of sedimented Stöber-silicate spheres, we come the conclusion that contrary to its behaviour in macro-pores, water confined in nano-pores of silica exhibits enhanced diffusivity. The 2D-experiments, performed at different temperatures, reveal a temperature-dependent bimodal relaxation distribution and two-site relaxation exchange. Our recently introduced kinetic multi-site exchange model is applied to derive the according exchange rates. The resulting Arrhenius plot produces an exchange activation energy of 7 kJ/mol, which is well below the hydrogen bond energy or the activation energy for self-diffusion of water in the bulk. A possible hopping-mechanism as the source of enhanced proton-diffusion in nanoporous silica is discussed, as well as its significance to mass transfer in porous media.
Duloxetine in Affective Disorders: a Naturalistic Study on Psychiatric and Medical Comorbidity, Use in Association and Tolerability Across Different Age Groups
Authors: Dell’Osso Bernardo , Camuri Giulia , Dobrea Cristina , Buoli Massimiliano , Serati Marta , Carlo Altamura A 
Published: November 2012

Objective:Duloxetine, a selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), is currently approved in many countries for the treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). The present naturalistic study was aimed to investigate tolerability of Duloxetine in a sample of patients with affective disorders and psychiatric/medical comorbidity, comparing tolerability in monotherapy versus polytherapy and across different age groups.Methods:The sample included 165 patients, affected by anxiety and/or mood disorders with or without comorbidity, who had been taken Duloxetine for at least 1 month. Sample variables were collected through a retrospective chart review.Results:Most common primary diagnoses were MDD (49.1 %), Bipolar Disorder (BD) (15.7 %) and GAD (5.5%). The 40 % of the sample had psychiatric comorbidity: in particular, anxiety disorders (15.8 %) (GAD 7.9%, Panic Disorder –PD- 7.3%) and personality disorders (9.1%) as the most frequent ones. With respect to medical comorbidities (68% of the sample), hypertension (12.1%) and diabetes (7.3%) were the most common ones. Mean duration of treatment and dosage of Duloxetine were, respectively, 11 months (± 9.1) and 70 mg/day (± 28.6). The 68 % of the sample received Duloxetine in association with other drugs. Minor side-effects, in particular drowsiness and gastrointestinal problems, were reported by 15 % of the sample. No difference in terms of tolerability across distinct groups, divided on the basis of mono- vs polytherapy as well as of different age, was found.Conclusion:Duloxetine, mostly administered in patients with affective disorders with psychiatric/ medical comorbidity and in association with other drugs, appeared to be well tolerated, showing limited rates of side effects of mild intensity. Further naturalistic studies are warranted to confirm present results.
Objective Measures of Behavior Manifestations in Adult ADHD and Differentiation from Participants with Bipolar II Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Participants with Disconfirmed ADHD as Well as Normative Participants
Authors: Edebol Hanna , Helldin Lars , Norlander Torsten 
Published: November 2012

Background:
The present study evaluated two psychometric instruments derived from the objective measurement of adult ADHD using the Quantified Behavior Test Plus. The instruments were examined in ADHD versus a clinical group with overlapping symptoms including borderline personality disorder and bipolar II disorder, and another clinical group with participants assessed for but disconfirmed a diagnosis of ADHD as well as adult normative participants.

Methods:
The Quantified Behavior Test Plus includes Continuous Performance Testing and a Motion Tracking System with parameters related to attention and activity operationalized as the cardinal symptoms of ADHD and then summarized into a Weighed Core Symptoms scale with ten cut-points ranging from 0 to 100. A categorical predictor variable called Prediction of ADHD was used to examine the levels of sensitivity and specificity for the Quantified Behavior Test Plus with regard to ADHD.

Results:
The Weighed Core Symptoms scale separated ADHD and normative participants from each other as well as from the two clinical reference groups. The scale reported highest levels of core symptoms in the ADHD group and the lowest level of core symptoms in the normative group. Analyses with Prediction of ADHD yielded 85 % specificity for the normative group, 87 % sensitivity for the ADHD group, 36 % sensitivity for the bipolar II and borderline group and 41 % sensitivity for the group with a disconfirmed diagnosis of ADHD.

Conclusions:
The Weighed Core Symptoms scale facilitated objective assessment of adult ADHD insofar that the ADHD group presented more core symptoms than the other two clinical groups and the normative group. Sensitivity for the Quantified Behavior Test Plus was lower in complex clinical groups with Bipolar II disorder, Borderline disorder and in patients with a disconfirmed diagnosis of ADHD. The psychometric instruments may be further evaluated with regard to well-documented and effective treatment programs for ADHD core symptoms.
Determining Bone Bruises of the Knee with Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Uçar Bekir Yavuz , Necmioğlu Serdar , Bulut Mehmet , Azboy İbrahim , Demirtaş Abdullah , Gümüş Hatice 
Published: November 2012

Introduction
Injuries that develop secondary to minor traumas and cannot be detected via direct examination methods, but are detected via advanced imaging methods, such as magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, are called occult bone injuries or bone bruises. In such injuries, diagnostic arthroscopy usually does not reveal any pathology. MR imaging methods are quite beneficial for the diagnosis of such clinical conditions, which cause acute pain and restriction of motion. The present study aimed to assess occult bone injuries via MR imaging in patients who presented with minor knee trauma.

Patients and Methods
Twelve patients who presented with minor knee trauma were included in the study. Etiological factors in these patients included walking a long distance, falls, and minor trauma. All patients underwent physical examinations, direct radiological imaging, MR imaging, and diagnostic arthroscopy.

Results
Direct radiographs of the patients showed no pathological fracture. Bone marrow changes detected on the MR images were classified according to Lynch’s classification as Type I lesions in nine patients and Type II lesions in three patients.

Conclusion
We suggest that MR imaging methods should be the gold standard for the diagnosis of minor traumatic bruise injuries of the knee.
Two-point boundary value problems for the generalized Bagley-Torvik fractional differential equation
Authors: Staněk Svatoslav 
Published: November 2012

AbstractWe investigate the fractional differential equation u″ + A c D α u = f(t, u, c D μ u, u′) subject to the boundary conditions u′(0) = 0, u(T)+au′(T) = 0. Here α ∈ (1, 2), µ ∈ (0, 1), f is a Carathéodory function and c D is the Caputo fractional derivative. Existence and uniqueness results for the problem are given. The existence results are proved by the nonlinear Leray-Schauder alternative. We discuss the existence of positive and negative solutions to the problem and properties of their derivatives.
Salient stakeholder voices: Family business and green innovation adoption
Authors: Huang Yi-Chun , Ding Hung-Bin , Kao Ming-Rea 
Published: November 2012

AbstractOne striking finding from recent natural environmental management research is that family firms are more likely to engage in environmentally friendly practices. However, the source of such difference is less clear. The primary objective of our research is to investigate if family firms react to stakeholder pressures differently when making natural environmental management decisions. We survey 235 manufacturing firms from the chemical, and the electronic and information technology industries in Taiwan to test our hypotheses. The results of regression analysis show that family firms pay much more attention to their internal stakeholders than non-family firms. This finding complements the current discussions on family business uniqueness. It also contributes to provide a more comprehensive framework of stakeholder salience.
Do families shape corporate governance structures?
Authors: Navarro María Sacristán , Ansón Silvia Gómez 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThis paper provides empirical evidence of family firm corporate governance structures, by examining a set of corporate governance characteristics of 132 non-financial Spanish listed firms. Results show that family firm boards present differential characteristics and that different patterns of family ownership configurations do not affect family firm corporate governance structures. We find that Spanish family firm boards are smaller than those in non-family firms. Family firm directors own a larger fraction of firm shares and have longer Chairman tenure than non-family firms, and family firms use fewer voluntary board committees – such as nomination and remuneration committees and executive committees. Besides, family firm boards and committees are biased towards insiders. Whether these differential characteristics affect other minority non-family shareholders negatively remains an open question.
Attitudes and expectations of shareholders: The case of the multi-generation family business
Authors: Thomas Jill 
Published: November 2012

AbstractAs family shareholder support is essential for the ongoing viability of the business as a family business, multi-generation family businesses which allow ‘the ownership tree’ to grow need to monitor the attitudes and expectations of the expanding number of family member shareholders. This paper reports on a case study of a multi-generation family business where the shareholder group had grown to 50 individual shareholders. The study explored the shareholders' views about the business and particularly their attitudes to stewardship and whether and under what circumstances, they would hold their shareholdings, pass them to the next generation of family or possibly consider relinquishing their holdings. Data was obtained from a semi-structured questionnaire and follow-up interviews. While respondents indicated that they had immense pride in being a shareholder of the family business, they admitted that their knowledge of that business was less than optimal. Financial returns were viewed as important, but the intangible rewards relating to the heritage of forebears were more so. While they were keen to pass on their shares to their children, they were uncertain about the level of commitment the next generation members would have. Lessons from this case study are discussed for other multi-generation family businesses focusing on shareholders' responsibilities as owners and the board's need to ensure timely transfer of knowledge to the wider shareholder group.