Independent components of magnetoencephalography: localization

We applied second-order blind identification (SOBI), an independent component analysis method, to MEG data collected during cognitive tasks. We explored SOBI's ability to help isolate underlying neuronal sources with relatively poor signal-to-noise ratios, allowing their identification and localization. We compare localization of the SOBI-separated components to localization from unprocessed sensor signals, using an equivalent current dipole modeling method. For visual and somatosensory modalities, SOBI preprocessing resulted in components that can be localized to physiologically and anatomically meaningful locations. Furthermore, this preprocessing allowed the detection of neuronal source activations that were otherwise undetectable. This increased probability of neuronal source detection and localization can be particularly beneficial for MEG studies of higher-level cognitive functions, which often have greater signal variability and degraded signal-to-noise ratios than sensory activation tasks.     

Incorporation of organic liquids into geopolymer materials - A review of processing,properties and applications

Geopolymers, composed of an amorphous three-dimensional inorganic network and synthesized by the activation of a solid alumino-silicate precursor with an alkaline activating solution, have attracted increasing attention because of their environmental benefits and favorable characteristics. This review deals with the development of organic/inorganic composite materials made by adding organic liquids into inorganic geopolymer matrices. Firstly, the incorporation processing approaches are presented and are divided into three categories: (i) Direct incorporation, (ii) Pre-emulsification (iii) Solid impregnation. Their main advantages and drawbacks are discussed in relation to the aimed properties. Secondly, this review highlights that geopolymers are low-cost candidates allowing technologically significant applications, through the incorporation of various organic liquids. Aside from the well-studied immobilization of industrial waste streams commonly known as stabilization/solidification (S/S), the development of highly porous geopolymer foams and the design of reinforced organic/inorganic composite matrices are being notably investigated. This review aims at summarizing the main published results, and fostering further investigations into innovative uses of organic liquids incorporated into geopolymers for a wide range of applications.     

Likelihood of malignancy in a solitary pulmonary nodule: comparison of Bayesian analysis and results of FDG-PET scan

OBJECTIVE: To compare the probability of cancer in a solitary pulmonary nodule using standard criteria with Bayesian analysis and result of 2-[F-18] fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomographic (FDG-PET) scan. SETTING: A university hospital and a teaching Veteran Affairs Medical Center. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 52 patients who had undergone both CT scan of the chest and a FDG-PET scan for evaluation of a solitary pulmonary nodule. FDG-PET scan was classified as abnormal or normal. Utilizing Bayesian analysis, the probability of cancer using "standard criteria" available in the literature, based on patient's age, history of previous malignancy, smoking history, size and edge of nodule, and presence or absence of calcification were calculated and compared to the probability of cancer based on an abnormal or normal FDG-PET scan. Histologic study of the nodules was the gold standard. RESULTS: The likelihood ratios for malignancy in a solitary pulmonary nodule with an abnormal FDG-PET scan was 7.11 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.36 to 7.96), suggesting a high probability for malignancy, and 0.06 (95% CI, 0.05 to 0.07) when the PET scan was normal, suggesting a high probability for benign nodule. FDG-PET scan as a single test alone was more accurate than the standard criteria and standard criteria plus PET scan in correctly classifying nodules as malignant or benign. CONCLUSION: FDG-PET scan as a single test was a better predictor of malignancy in solitary pulmonary nodules than the standard criteria using Bayesian analysis. FDG-PET scan can be a useful adjunct test in the evaluation of solitary pulmonary nodules.     

Photocrosslinkable paints for crack-bridging applications and anti-soiling properties (renovation of building facades)

Anti-soiling coatings (ASC) for facades must ensure two major functions: substrate protection and decoration. They were investigated within the scope of polymer photochemistry in order to achieve surface crosslinking of the coating on illumination with artificial or natural light. This surface crosslinking, which is induced through admixture of a photosensitive system, permits ruling out the soiling of the coating, while remaining flexible enough to respond to the deformations of the substrates. The development of highly reactive photosensitive systems capable of crosslinking dicyclopentadienyl acrylate (DCPA)-based acrylic polymer matrices (dissolved copolymers or latexes) led to test these systems on ASC formulations (dispersion paints). The various formulations were subjected to accelerated testing of the resistance to soiling, in order to investigate the efficiency of the different photosensitive systems.     

Use of a Delphi technique to prioritize clinical nursing research needs

School of nursing faculty and nursing service personnel at an academic medical center in the South, collaboratively using a Delphi method, were able to prioritize the top three unit based clinical nursing research needs. The benefits were evident as research conducted at the staff level linked the research efforts with the quality improvement efforts on the Labor, Delivery and OB Receiving Units. The Delphi method, a consensus building technique, offered a clear, concise, accurate and non-threatening approach for staff nurses to participate in research.     

Editorial

This article presents a systematic review of the current practices of creating, maintaining, using, and evaluating East Asian studies guides across North America. We examined 137 East Asian studies subject guides published by 44 major East Asian libraries and surveyed the East Asian librarian community. In this article, we discuss the common issues and unique challenges faced by East Asian studies librarians and propose recommendations. Our aim is to provide insight for East Asian studies librarians in order to help them better manage their subject guides and serve the evolving needs of users in this digital age.     

The unique effect of paternal depressive symptoms on adolescent functioning: Associations with gender and father–adolescent relationship closeness.

Prospective, longitudinal data from a community sample of 451 families were used to assess the unique contribution of paternal depressive symptoms to adolescent functioning. Results indicated that paternal depressive symptoms were significantly related to subsequent depressive symptoms in adolescent offspring; this association remained significant after controlling for previous adolescent depressive symptoms, maternal depressive symptoms, gender, and family demographic variables. Adolescent gender and perception of father–adolescent relationship closeness moderated this association such that paternal depressive symptoms were positively associated with adolescent depressive symptoms for girls whose relations with fathers lacked closeness. These findings add to a growing literature on the interpersonal mechanisms through which depression runs in families, highlighting the need for future investigation of paternal mental health, adolescent gender, and intrafamily relationship quality in relation to adolescent development. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The blockbuster hypothesis: influencing the boundaries of knowledge

We argue that the creation of new knowledge is both difficult and rare. More specifically, we posit that the creation of new knowledge is dominated by a few key insights that challenge the way people think about an idea; generating high interest and use. We label this the blockbuster hypothesis. Using two large samples of published management studies over the period 1998–2007 we find support for the blockbuster hypothesis. We also find that numerous studies in the leading management journals are flops, having little impact on the profession as measured using citation data. Additional tests indicate that journal “quality” is related to the ratio of blockbusters to flops a journal publishes and that journal rankings are a poor proxy for study influence. Consistent with the notion that editorial boards are able to identify new knowledge, we find that research notes significantly under-perform articles in both the same journal and articles published in lower ranked journals. Taken together, the results imply that only a few scientific studies, out of the thousands published in a given area, change or influence the boundaries of knowledge, with many appearing to have little impact on the frontiers of knowledge. Overall, this analysis indicates that the development of new knowledge is rare even though it appears to be recognizable to knowledge gatekeepers like journal editors.