bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
K-Ras
V14I
recapitulates Noonan syndrome in mice
Authors: Hernández-Porras Isabel , Fabbiano Salvatore , Schuhmacher Alberto J. , Aicher Alexandra , Cañamero Marta , Cámara Juan Antonio , Cussó Lorena , Desco Manuel , Heeschen Christopher , Mulero Francisca , Bustelo Xosé R. , Guerra Carmen , Barbacid Mariano
Published: October 2014

Significance

Noonan syndrome (NS) is a developmental disorder caused by germ-line mutations in various components of the RAS signaling pathway. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations in NS patients and the basis for the observed phenotypic variability are poorly understood. To date, mouse models carrying mutations in Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Non-Receptor type 11 (
Ptpn11
), Son of Sevenless homolog 1 (
Sos1
), and
Raf1
loci have been described. The new model described here, induced by K-
Ras
V14I
expression, recapitulates most of the NS features including small size, craniofacial dysmorphism, cardiac defects, and myeloproliferative disorders, highly reminiscent of juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. These mice should help us understand better the phenotypic variations of NS and serve as a preclinical tool to test forthcoming therapies based on the design of novel inhibitors of the RAS pathway.
The contribution of the Basel model to the description of polyfunctional discourse markers
Authors: De Cesare Greenwald Anna-Maria , Borreguero Zuloaga Margarita
Published: October 2014

The goal of the present study is to illustrate the benefits of using a model of discourse units in describing and explaining the use of polyfunctional discourse markers. Specifically, the aim is to show that the so-called “Basel Model” of paragraph segmentation is a powerful tool in describing and explaining the use of Italian anche, French aussi, and Spanish también. The main hypothesis of the Basel Model is that the information level called hierarchical works as an interface between the instructions given at the most basic level of linguistic organization (grammar and the lexicon) and the level of discourse organization. Thus, the central claim of this study is that the semantic and pragmatic manifestations of Italian anche, French aussi, and Spanish también can be accounted for — and to a certain extent even predicted — on the basis of the information status of these items.
On the delimitation of discursive units in colloquial Spanish
Authors: Cabedo Nebot Adrián
Published: October 2014

This paper outlines the theoretical framework of the Val.Es.Co Research Group, dealing with the description and delimitation of discourse units; more concretely, minor discourse units will be dealt with. To set the limits of discourse units, this system combines both prosodic and semantic/pragmatic features, being their combination not hierarchical but complementary. In other words, either prosodic, semantic or pragmatic features can become determining when identifying conversational units in specific contexts. Finally, two cases of colloquial Spanish are analysed in which delimiting discourse units becomes a problematic task, namely the Spanish discourse marker bueno (‘well’) and suspended utterances. In the first case, prosody is not as relevant as semantics, whereas in the second one the contrary holds. In both cases, the Val.Es.Co system provides a solution to help delimit this units.
Cultural-historical psychology and the cognitive view of metonymy and metaphor
Authors: Glebkin Vladimir
Published: October 2014

Metonymy and metaphor are commonly taken as cognitive phenomena in modern cognitive linguistics rather than as mere figures of speech. However, the correct cognitive demarcation between metonymy and metaphor is the subject of intense debate; there are also different attitudes to the cognitive basis of metonymy. The main contribution of this paper is to identify the cognitive mechanism called complex thinking, which is well-known in psychology but hardly applied in linguistics, as the cognitive basis for metonymy; the difference between complex and conceptual thinking is also highlighted in order to distinguish between conceptual metonymy and conceptual metaphor. Using a cultural-historical approach, we can conjecture that metonymy dominates in pre-theoretical cultures, whereas metaphor emerges in theoretical cultures alongside abstract conceptual domains. In order to illustrate these points with a brief case study, the semantic evolution of the ancient Greek word Ûlh (matter) is considered.
The two-Mover hypothesis and the significance of “direction of motion” in temporal metaphors
Authors: Moore Kevin Ezra
Published: October 2014

It is claimed that expressions that instantiate sequence is relative position on a path (e.g. Spring follows winter) are the only type of temporal expression in English in which two distinct entities metaphorically move. A possible motivation for why we do not find two Times-as-Movers going the opposite “direction” may be that people are not disposed to tracking two “nows”. It is further hypothesized that this could be a crosslinguistically common or universal tendency, and data relevant to the constraint are discussed for Japanese and Wolof (West Africa). This exercise documents and categorizes certain semantic relations (such as ahead/behind) that are relevant to the study of direction of motion in metaphors of time.
Apenas
Authors: Maldonado Ricardo , Guzmán Rocío
Published: October 2014

This paper explores both the polysemy and the development of the adverb apenas ‘barely hardly’ into a discourse marker of temporal proximity ‘just/recently’. In contrast to well-known expected tendencies in grammaticalization, apenas runs against the cannon. The subjective adverb apenas, that designates events carried out “with effort/difficulty”, changed into an objective connector signaling immediacy among events or proximity to the time of speech. The polysemy of apenas is accounted for both synchronically and diachronically, as the interaction between the force-dynamics configuration of the marker (Talmy, 1985, 1988) and the aspectual configuration of the verb. It is proposed that aspect determines the degree of subjectivity of the event where telicity triggers objective representations and these, in turn, led the way for the emergence of a discourse marker of temporal proximity.
Hunting for a linguistic phantom
Authors: Schumann Anne-Kathrin
Published: October 2014

The importance of semantic descriptions of concepts by means of defining statements is a commonplace tenet of scientific and practical approaches to terminology. While the current understanding of defining statements remains bound to classical concepts of defining, there is limited knowledge about the types of conceptual information that may ease the transfer of knowledge. Furthermore, there is little insight into how defining statements differ epistemologically from non-defining (generic) statements; on the linguistic side, the same can be said about linguistic differences between defining and generic statements. Last but not least, it remains unclear how practical terminology work can benefit from corpus-based research on the description of defining statements. This paper aims to shed light on some of these questions by describing a corpus-linguistic study of knowledge-rich contexts in German and Russian web corpora. Hypotheses about linguistic features of knowledge-rich contexts are derived in a theory-driven manner and researched by means of corpus-linguistic methods. Significant features are then investigated further for the German data, using a multivariate method.
Clustering for semantic purposes
Authors: Bertels Ann , Speelman Dirk
Published: October 2014

This paper presents an innovative approach, within the framework of distributional semantics, for the exploration of semantic similarity in a technical corpus. In complement to a previous quantitative semantic analysis conducted in the same domain of machining terminology, this paper sets out to discover fine-grained semantic distinctions in an attempt to explore the semantic heterogeneity of a number of technical items. Multidimensional scaling analysis (MDS) was carried out in order to cluster first-order co-occurrences of a technical node with respect to shared second-order and third-order co-occurrences. By taking into account the association values between relevant first and second-order co-occurrences, semantic similarities and dissimilarities between first-order co-occurrences could be determined, as well as proximities and distances on a graph. In our discussion of the methodology and results of statistical clustering techniques for semantic purposes, we pay special attention to the linguistic and terminological interpretation.
Reducing Bias and Filling in Spatial Gaps in Fishery-Dependent Catch-per-Unit-Effort Data by Geostatistical Prediction, I. Methodology and Simulation
Authors: Walter John F. , Hoenig John M. , Christman Mary C.
Published: October 2014

Geostatistical prediction can address two difficult issues in interpreting fishery-dependent catch per unit effort (CPUE): the lack of a sampling design and the need to fill spatial gaps. In this paper we demonstrate the spatial weighting properties of geostatistics for treating data collected without a sampling design or with a selection bias, two basic traits of fishery-dependent data. We then examine the bias and precision of geostatistical prediction of CPUE based on fishery-dependent data through simulation. We create data sets with known variograms, sample them with a preference for sites with high abundance, and then estimate variograms and CPUE as the geostatistical mean relative abundance. The variograms obtained from the simulated fishery samples correctly estimated the range but underestimated the sill, and the geostatistical mean substantially improved the estimation of CPUE over the arithmetic mean. Though the geostatistical mean still overestimated the true value, the error was primarily due to prediction into unsampled locations, where predictions revert toward the arithmetic mean. The geostatistical variance at a point, which is a function of spatial autocorrelation and the location of adjacent samples, provides a measure of uncertainty. This variance measures the degree to which predictions are derived from nearby data versus distant observations, which translates the spatial extent of extrapolation into probabilistic terms. In conjunction with conventional standardization methods that account for factors affecting catchability, geostatistical prediction provides an additional tool that reduces but does not eliminate biases inherent in fishery-dependent data and supports the need to predict CPUE in unsampled areas.

Received July 26, 2013; accepted June 2, 2014
Using Hard-Part Microchemistry to Advance Conservation and Management of North American Freshwater Fishes
Authors: Pracheil Brenda M , Hogan J Derek , Lyons John , McIntyre Peter B
Published: October 2014

Hard-part microchemistry offers a powerful tool for inferring the environmental history and stock assignment of individual fishes. However, despite the applicability of this technique to a wide range of fisheries conservation and management issues, its use has been restricted to only a small fraction of North American species and inland waters. In this article, we provide freshwater fisheries professionals with an accessible review of methods and applications of hard-part microchemistry techniques. Our objectives are to (1) summarize the science of hard-part microchemistry; (2) provide guidelines for designing hard-part microchemistry studies, including sample sizes, laboratory analyses, statistical techniques, and inferential limitations; and (3) identify conservation and management applications where these techniques may be particularly useful. We argue that strategic use of hard-part microchemistry methods (specifically when they are used in concert with other indirect tracer techniques such as stable isotope chemistry and genetics) can advance fish management and conservation across all stages of fish life history.

RESUMEN

la microquímica de partes duras representa una herramienta poderosa para inferir la historia ambiental y la asignación de stocks en peces. No obstante, a pesar de la aplicabilidad de esta técnica a un amplio rango de aspectos de conservación y manejo de pesquerías, su utilización se ha restringido a sólo una pequeña fracción de especies de aguas continentales en Norte América. En este trabajo, se presenta una revisión accesible de los métodos y aplicaciones de técnicas de microquímica de partes duras, dirigida a los profesionales en pesquerías de aguas interiores. Los objetivos son: (1) resumir la ciencia de la microquímica de partes duras, (2) proporcionar guías para el diseño de estudios de microquímica de partes duras, incluyendo tamaños de muestra, análisis de laboratorio, técnicas estadísticas y limitaciones de orden inferencial, y (3) identificar aplicaciones para la conservación y manejo en las cuales estas técnicas puedan ser particularmente útiles. Se argumenta que la utilización estratégica de métodos de microquímica de partes duras (específicamente cuando éstos son usados en conjunto con otras técnicas de rastreo indirecto como química de isótopos estables y genética) puede abonar a la conservación y manejo de los peces durante todos los estadios de vida.
Increased Survival of Juvenile Turbot Scophthalmus maximus by Using Bacteria Associated with Cultured Oysters
Authors: Farto Seguín Rosa M. , Bermúdez María Bobo , Rivera Leticia , Nieto Teresa P.
Published: October 2014

Preventing vibriosis in juvenile cultured Turbot Scophthalmus maximus caused by Vibrio anguillarum frequently requires the use of feed supplemented with antibiotics in addition to vaccines. Whether the use of probiotics instead of antibiotics in juvenile Turbot is a safer strategy requires more study. The antibacterial potential of 148 Vibrio spp. strains (mostly isolated from cultures of healthy oysters, clams, and Turbot) was analyzed in vitro against V. anguillarum and other pathogens by means of an agar diffusion assay. A wide spectrum of inhibitory activity was shown by 9 strains. Based on their easy phenotypic differentiation from V. anguillarum, we selected two strains (S1 and S2, both isolated from the European flat oyster Ostrea edulis) for testing in juvenile Turbot (3 g). None of the strains were virulent by intraperitoneal or bath challenges, and all were susceptible to the antibiotics most frequently used in aquaculture. Three different stocks of Turbot, which were assayed separately, were significantly protected from infection with V. anguillarum. The final survival rates of fish treated in mixed challenges with S1 or S2 and V. anguillarum were 44% and 66%, respectively, whereas only 17% of the fish treated with only the pathogenic strain survived. The application of probiotic strains also increased the survival time of juvenile Turbot after infection with V. anguillarum. Both strains persisted in the epidermal mucus layer of the fish for 30 d, and they were not displaced by the pathogen. These data prove the efficacy of using bacteria well adapted to the dynamics of culture production as a way to provide juvenile Turbot immediate protection against infection by V. anguillarum. Moreover, the epidermal mucus sampling was useful for investigating the persistence of both probiotic strains when exposed to the pathogen.

Received October 11, 2013; accepted March 10, 2014
Development of singlet oxygen absorption capacity (SOAC) assay method. 4. Measurements of the SOAC values for vegetable and fruit extracts
Authors: Iwasaki Yuko , Takahashi Shingo , Aizawa Koichi , Mukai Kazuo
Published: October 2014

Measurements of the second-order rate constants and the singlet oxygen absorption capacity (SOAC) values for the reaction of singlet oxygen (1O2) with 23 kinds of food extracts were performed in ethanol/chloroform/D2O (50:50:1, v/v/v) solution at 35 °C. It has been clarified that the SOAC method is useful to evaluate the 1O2-quenching activity (i.e. the SOAC value) of food extracts having two orders of magnitude different rate constants from 3.18 × 104 L g−1 s−1 for tomato to 1.55 × 102 for green melon. Furthermore, comparison of the observed rate constants for the above food extracts with the calculated ones based on the concentrations of seven kinds of carotenoids included in the food extracts and the rate constants reported for each carotenoids was performed, in order to ascertain the validity of the SOAC assay method developed and to clarify the ratio of the contribution of principal carotenoids to the SOAC value.
Growth in finite simple groups of Lie type
Authors: Pyber László , Szabó Endre
Published: October 2014

We prove that ifLLis a finite simple group of Lie type andAAa set of generators ofLL, then eitherAAgrows, i.e.,|A3|>|A|1+ε|A^3| > |A|^{1+\varepsilon }whereε\varepsilondepends only on the Lie rank ofLL, orA3=LA^3=L. This implies that for simple groups of Lie type of bounded rank a well-known conjecture of Babai holds, i.e., the diameter of any Cayley graph is polylogarithmic. We also obtain new families of expanders.

A generalization of our proof yields the following. LetAAbe a finite subset ofSL(n,F)SL(n,\mathbb {F}),F\mathbb {F}an arbitrary field, satisfying|A3|≤K|A|\big |A^3\big |\le \mathcal {K}|A|. ThenAAcan be covered byKm\mathcal {K}^m, i.e., polynomially many, cosets of a virtually soluble subgroup ofSL(n,F)SL(n,\mathbb {F})which is normalized byAA, wheremmdepends onnn.
Automated structural classification of lipids by machine learning
Authors: Taylor Ryan , Miller Ryan H. , Miller Ryan D. , Porter Michael , Dalgleish James , Prince John T.
Published: October 2014

Motivation: Modern lipidomics is largely dependent upon structural ontologies because of the great diversity exhibited in the lipidome, but no automated lipid classification exists to facilitate this partitioning. The size of the putative lipidome far exceeds the number currently classified, despite a decade of work. Automated classification would benefit ongoing classification efforts by decreasing the time needed and increasing the accuracy of classification while providing classifications for mass spectral identification algorithms.

Results: We introduce a tool that automates classification into the LIPID MAPS ontology of known lipids with >95% accuracy and novel lipids with 63% accuracy. The classification is based upon simple chemical characteristics and modern machine learning algorithms. The decision trees produced are intelligible and can be used to clarify implicit assumptions about the current LIPID MAPS classification scheme. These characteristics and decision trees are made available to facilitate alternative implementations. We also discovered many hundreds of lipids that are currently misclassified in the LIPID MAPS database, strongly underscoring the need for automated classification.

Availability and implementation: Source code and chemical characteristic lists as SMARTS search strings are available under an open-source license at https://www.github.com/princelab/lipid_classifier.

Contact:  ryanmt@byu.net

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Ocular trauma
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Ocular Trauma’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of ophthalmic injuries. Covering common problems such as blunt trauma, orbital fractures, lid lacerations, chemical injury, penetrating injuries and hyphaema, it also includes less common but serious threats such as thermal and laser-induced injuries. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described both in general terms and specifically for each condition.
Glaucoma
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Glaucoma’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of glaucomatous conditions. After outlining the anatomy and physiology of relevant structures, the chapter addresses issues around the diagnosis of ocular hypertension and the different types of primary and secondary glaucoma. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.
Uveitis
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Uveitis’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of this group of intraocular inflammatory conditions. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of the uveal tract, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations of uveitic diseases before discussing each syndrome in more detail. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition. Emphasis is given to the association of some forms of uveitis with systemic disease, and the need for appropriate investigation.
Vitreoretinal
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Vitreoretinal’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of vitreoretinal disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of the relevant structures, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from vitreoretinal disease, notably peripheral retinal degenerations, retinal breaks, posterior vitreous detachment, retinal detachment (rhegmatogenous, tractional and exudative), retinoschisis, epiretinal membranes, macular holes and a wide range of rarer conditions. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.
Medical retina
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Medical retina’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of retinal disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from retinal disease, notably age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, cystoid macular oedema, retinal vascular disease, and genetic retinal disease. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.
Orbit
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Orbit’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of orbital disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of this structure, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from orbital disease, notably orbital cellulitis, mucormycosis, thyroid eye disease and other orbital inflammations, orbital tumours and orbital vascular lesions. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.
Neuro-ophthalmology
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Neuro-ophthalmology’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of neuro-ophthalmic disease. After outlining the relevant anatomy and physiology of the relevant structures, the chapter addresses the key clinical presentations arising from neuro-ophthalmic disease, notably optic neuritis, ischaemic and other optic neuropathies, papilloedema, headache disorders, neurological eye movement disorders, anisocoria, and nystagmus. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and treatment (medical and surgical) are described for each condition.
Paediatric ophthalmology
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Paediatric ophthalmology’ provides the reader with a practical approach to the assessment and management of ophthalmic disease in children. After outlining the relevant embryology of the eye, the chapter addresses the key issues and clinical presentations arising in children, before going on to discuss specific diseases such as ophthalmia neonatorum, orbital cellulitis, congenital cataract, uveitis in children, glaucoma in children, retinopathy of prematurity, metabolic diseases and developmental abnormalities. Using a patient-centred approach the key clinical features, investigations and management (including medical and surgical treatments) are described for each condition.
Refractive ophthalmology
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Refractive ophthalmology’ provides the reader with an introduction to the causes and treatment of refractive error. This chapter covers the use of spectacles, contact lens and refractive surgery, including LASIK, LASEK, PRK, incisional refractive surgery, collagen shrinkage procedures and lens-based techniques.
Aids to diagnosis
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Aids to diagnosis’ provides the reader with tools that will assist in identifying differential diagnoses according to either clinical presentation or clinical sign.
Vision in context
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Vision in context’ helps the reader to address the whole patient, to consider the impact of visual impairment on their life and to think more broadly about how they may be supported. It includes issues around the assessment of low vision, registration, support strategies, driving standards and professional standards.
Laser
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Laser’ provides the reader with an introduction to the theoretical basis of laser and its wide application in ophthalmology. Health and safety issues are covered to ensure that laser procedures are delivered in a manner that is safe both for patient and operator. Suggested approaches to a number of common procedures are provided.
Resources
Authors: Denniston Alastair K.O. , Murray Philip I.
Published: October 2014

‘Resources for Ophthalmologists’ comprises a dictionary of eponymous syndromes with significant ophthalmic features, web addresses for many ophthalmic and other medical societies, funding organisations and ophthalmic journals, and a list of reference ranges for a wide range of tests on blood, urine or CSF.
Pedagogy
Authors: McEwan Paul
Published: October 2014

Film pedagogy is an underdeveloped field of study. While there are a wide range of books and resources available for teaching English, mathematics, and other subjects, there are relatively few for teaching film. In addition, areas like literary pedagogy or second language acquisition are full-fledged subfields, in which it is possible, for example, to earn a PhD. To acquire that status an area of study needs to have a range of positions staked out, primary research on teaching methods and their effectiveness, and a critical mass of instructors. At the moment, film studies has only the last of these three requirements. To be fair, it is important to acknowledge the considerable Atlantic divide when it comes to film pedagogy. The United Kingdom has had a very different experience, with considerable research on pedagogy beginning in the 1970s. In some ways, however, this initial flurry of activity has quieted. For example, the journal Screen Education was published between 1959 and 1968, and again between 1971 and 1982, but it is no longer a going concern. Film and media education has long been a part of the British education system, particularly at the secondary level, in a way that it rarely is in the United States, although at least some American schools are now adding courses. Although film pedagogy does not exist as a proper subfield, there are some good resources for new and established instructors alike. Many of the available materials are designed for instructors who have no previous training or background in film. While some of those contributions are included here, the emphasis is on works written by and for film scholars. There are two reasons for this choice. First, many of the books and essays for nonspecialists imply that one can be a decent film instructor by reading this single book or resource, or at least that there are no downsides to adding a new medium to your teaching repertoire with minimal preparation. Second, many of these works do not teach film as film, but as simply another kind of narrative storytelling. Teaching “film as film” need not mean an exclusive emphasis on the formal elements of cinema, like cinematography ormise-en-scène, but it does mean taking advantage of a century of serious thinking about what cinema is and how it functions. The academic study of cinema has grown very quickly since the 1970s, so quickly that there has been little time for reflection about pedagogical methods or goals. This seems likely to change as cinema studies moves past its institutional adolescence and into the privileges and duties of disciplinary adulthood.
Geographic Boundaries as Regression Discontinuities
Authors: Keele Luke J. , Titiunik Rocío
Published: October 2014

Political scientists often turn to natural experiments to draw causal inferences with observational data. Recently, the regression discontinuity design (RD) has become a popular type of natural experiment due to its relatively weak assumptions. We study a special type of regression discontinuity design where the discontinuity in treatment assignment is geographic. In this design, which we call the Geographic Regression Discontinuity (GRD) design, a geographic or administrative boundary splits units into treated and control areas, and analysts make the case that the division into treated and control areas occurs in an as-if random fashion. We show how this design is equivalent to a standard RD with two running variables, but we also clarify several methodological differences that arise in geographical contexts. We also offer a method for estimation of geographically located treatment effects that can also be used to validate the identification assumptions using observable pretreatment characteristics. We illustrate our methodological framework with a re-examination of the effects of political advertisements on voter turnout during a presidential campaign, exploiting the exogenous variation in the volume of presidential ads that is created by media market boundaries.
Minimum 5-year Follow-up Results for Occipitocervical Fusion Using the Screw-Rod System in Craniocervical Instability
Authors: Ando Kei , Imagama Shiro , Ito Zenya , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Yagi Hideki , Shinjo Ryuichi , Hida Tetsuro , Ito Kenyu , Ishikawa Yoshimoto , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

Retrospective clinical study.

Objective:

To evaluate the clinical outcome of patients who had undergone occipitocervical (OC) fusion using pedicle screws and rods over a minimum 5-year follow-up.

Summary of Background Data:

Few studies have evaluated occipitocervical (OC) fusion using pedicle screws and rods for long-term follow-up.

Methods:

Twenty-seven consecutive patients treated underwent posterior OC fusion using pedicle screws and rods over a minimum 5-year follow-up. The Modified McCormick scale to grade a patient’s functional status and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) scoring system were used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative neurological function. We assessed fusion by both direct and indirect evidence; bony trabeculae at the graft-recipient interface on lateral cervical radiographs and sagittal computed tomography reconstruction was considered direct evidence of union.

Results:

The mean follow-up period was 7.2 years (5–14 y). JOA scores were 8.1±3.8 before surgery and 11.7±3.7 at the final follow-up. The recovery rate calculated from the JOA scores was 42.0±30.0%. Functional status did improve at least 1 grade according to the modified McCormick scale in 18 patients (66.7%). There was no deterioration at the final follow-up.

There were postoperative implant-related complications in 8 patients (29.6%): loosening of pedicle screws in 2, rod breakage in 2, plate breakage in 1, screw breakage in 1, pullout of pedicle screws in 1, and wiring induced myelopathy in 1 patient. The average duration between surgery and implant failure was 31.2 months (12–60 mo) except for 2.

Conclusions:

Sufficient bone grafting, proper decortication of the bone bed, using thicker and high stiffness rods, and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene tape as a fixation or reinforcement of implant may help prevent implant failure.
Analysis of the Factors That Could Predict Segmental Range of Motion After Cervical Artificial Disk Replacement
Authors: Tian Wei , Wang Han , Yan Kai , Han Xiao , Jin Peihao
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Objective:

To identify the potential preoperative factors and surgical technique factors that are associated with long-term range of motion (ROM) after surgery. Further, this article aimed to guide selection of patients with cervical artificial disk replacement and a fine surgical technique.

Summary of Background Data:

Segmental ROM is the most important parameter concerning cervical kinematics after a cervical artificial disk replacement. There are few researches regarding the influencing factors on postoperative ROM, and consistent results have not yet been reported.

Methods:

The cohort comprised a total of 68 disks implanted into 57 patients who were retrospectively analyzed. The mean follow-up period was 84.1 months. Segmental ROM and other useful parameters were measured using lateral neutral, extension, and flexion radiographs, which were obtained preoperatively, 3 months after surgery, and at last follow-up. Preoperative CT and clinical assessment were also used. To find out associated factors, the patients were divided into 2 groups according to the segmental ROM at last follow-up.

Results:

After surgery, the clinical outcomes were satisfactory. The segmental ROM at last follow-up (7.8±4.3 degrees) was preserved without significant change from preoperative ROM (8.8±3.8 degrees). The patients who had a better segmental ROM after surgery were found to have a higher preoperative segmental ROM, a younger age, a better disk insertion angle, and disk insertion depth. These 4 factors were identified as independent risk factors (P=0.027, 0.017, 0.036, and 0.046, respectively) for long-term ROM.

Conclusions:

The postoperative long-term, segmental ROM was well preserved and found to be affected by the preoperative segmental ROM, patient’s age, disk insertion angle, and disk insertion depth.
Development of a Remodeled Caspar Retractor and Its Application in the Measurement of Distractive Resistance in an In Vitro Anterior Cervical Distraction Model
Authors: Wen Junxiang , Xu Jianwei , Li Lijun , Yang Mingjie , Pan Jie , Chen Deyu , Jia Lianshun , Tan Jun
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

In vitro biomechanical study of the cervical intervertebral distraction using a remodeled Caspar retractor.

Objective:

To investigate the torques required for distraction to different heights in an in vitro C3–C4 anterior cervical distraction model using a remodeled Caspar retractor, focusing on the influence of the intervertebral disk, posterior longitudinal ligament (PLL), and ligamentum flavum (LF).

Summary of Background Data:

No previous studies have reported on the torques required for distraction to various heights or the factors resisting distraction in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Methods:

Anterior cervical distractions at C3–C4 was performed in 6 cadaveric specimens using a remodeled Caspar retractor, under 4 conditions: A, before disk removal; B, after disk removal; C, after disk and PLL removal; and D, after disk and PLL removal and cutting of the LF. Distraction was performed for 5 teeth, and distractive torque of each tooth was recorded.

Results:

The torque increased with distraction height under all conditions. There was a sudden increase in torque at the fourth tooth under conditions B and C, but not D. Under condition A, distraction to the third tooth required 84.8±13.3 cN m. Under conditions B and C, distraction to the third tooth required <13 cN m, and further distraction required dramatically increased torque. Under condition D, no marked increase in torque was recorded.

Conclusions:

Distraction of the intervertebral space was much easier after disk removal. An intact LF caused a sudden marked increase in the force required for distraction, possibly indicating the point at which the LF was fully stretched. This increase in resistance may help to determine the optimal distraction height to avoid excessive stress to the endplate spacer. The remodeled Caspar retractor in the present study may provide a feasible and convenient method for intraoperative measurement of distractive resistance.
Virus-Induced Alterations in Primary Metabolism Modulate Susceptibility toTobacco rattle virusin Arabidopsis
Authors: Fernández-Calvino Lourdes , Osorio Sonia , Hernández M. Luisa , Hamada Ignacio B. , del Toro Francisco J. , Donaire Livia , Yu Agnés , Bustos Regla , Fernie Alisdair R. , Martínez-Rivas José M. , Llave César
Published: October 2014

During compatible virus infections, plants respond by reprogramming gene expression and metabolite content. While gene expression studies are profuse, our knowledge of the metabolic changes that occur in the presence of the virus is limited. Here, we combine gene expression and metabolite profiling in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) infected with Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) in order to investigate the influence of primary metabolism on virus infection. Our results revealed that primary metabolism is reconfigured in many ways during TRV infection, as reflected by significant changes in the levels of sugars and amino acids. Multivariate data analysis revealed that these alterations were particularly conspicuous at the time points of maximal accumulation of TRV, although infection time was the dominant source of variance during the process. Furthermore, TRV caused changes in lipid and fatty acid composition in infected leaves. We found that several Arabidopsis mutants deficient in branched-chain amino acid catabolism or fatty acid metabolism possessed altered susceptibility to TRV. Finally, we showed that increments in the putrescine content in TRV-infected plants correlated with enhanced tolerance to freezing stress in TRV-infected plants and that impairment of putrescine biosynthesis promoted virus multiplication. Our results thus provide an interesting overview for a better understanding of the relationship between primary metabolism and virus infection.
Mentoring as a practical training in higher education of entrepreneurship
Authors: Gimmon Eli
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the benefits of enriching higher education of entrepreneurship through mentoring potential entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Students in entrepreneurship classes were offered being mentors along with being mentored by professional senior staff in either one of two programmes designed to defined age groups: first, adolescent entrepreneurs in a high school and second, retired nascent entrepreneurs. This exploratory study was undertaken in the mode of action research.

Findings

– Most students who participated in either one of these programmes for at least one semester reported “substantial” improvement in their personal entrepreneurial abilities and higher self-efficacy. The rate of students who reported this reflection is more than double higher in relative to their classmates who did not elect to undertake mentoring in these programmes.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the limitation of a case study, further research with additional data is needed to validate the benefits to students being mentors in entrepreneurship programmes.

Practical implications

– Additional tools for active learning are needed since previous research indicates it may not be sufficient to teach entrepreneurial talent in the classroom setting. Providers of higher education in entrepreneurship could consider incorporating students as mentors in different practical programmes in order to enhance their capabilities and self-efficacy.

Originality/value

– Practical training and active learning have long been exercised in many fields, including engineering and business studies. This reflective study brings together pedagogy and theories of high education in entrepreneurship. A novel approach is suggested in which students are mentors rather than mentees in practicing entrepreneurship.
Enterprise skills and training needs of postgraduate research students
Authors: Smith Kelly , Williams Dina , Yasin Naveed , Pitchford Ian
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a survey of postgraduate research (PGRs) students studying at the University of Huddersfield, concentrating on entrepreneurial attributes and the importance of enterprise-related skills future career intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Electronic survey questions asked respondents to rate their confidence in a series of enterprise-related skills, and each skill's importance in their career development. Identification with attributes relating to independence, risk taking, self-efficacy, tolerance of ambiguity, and innovativeness were explored. Further questions probed the importance of enterprise skills development, research impact, and career aspirations including business start-up potential.

Findings

– Respondents identified with entrepreneurial attributes and were positive towards enterprise skills development. The majority felt that their research could have commercial impact, and over a third reported that starting a business appealed to them. Comparisons of importance and confidence ratings identified skills areas where confidence was relatively low and needed to be improved, where there is a large gap between confidence and importance, and where a skill was rated as having lower importance than is optimal from an institutional perspective. Interestingly, different groups of students considered “self-employment” compared with “business start-up” as a career option.

Research limitations/implications

– These single-institution results suggest that PGRs are more entrepreneurial than might be expected. Is the higher education (HE) sector underestimating the entrepreneurial potential of the PGR population, their appetite for engaging in enterprise, and their enterprise and commercialisation training needs?

Originality/value

– The results have relevance for the HE community in terms of understanding PGR entrepreneurial attributes, and training needs for enterprise and commercialisation of research output.
Attitudes of Sports Development and Sports Management undergraduate students towards entrepreneurship
Authors: Jones Paul , Jones Amanda
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– Given the high unemployment rates being experienced by graduates, the importance of small business start-up has increased significantly, with greater priority being placed upon the development of entrepreneurial skills across the educational sector. However, there is a limited literature considering the student experience and issues involved with supporting non-Business discipline students attaining entrepreneurial competencies. The purpose of this paper is to explore the attitudes and experience of Sports Development and Sports Management students towards entrepreneurship education, highlighting best practice from a pedagogical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Over 120 Sports Development and Sports Management students on an undergraduate degree were interviewed over a two year period using a semi-structured research instrument. The focus and content of the questionnaire was developed from prior studies undertaken in the field, measuring the impact and value of entrepreneurship education upon attitudes, knowledge and career choice.

Findings

– The results found that Sports Development and Sports Management students were typically enterprising by nature due to their prior experience in coaching and training within their respective sports disciplines. The majority of students indicated that they were attracted to a future entrepreneurial career in a sports-related discipline. This was driven by the potential of an entrepreneurial career option and the limited alternative choices. Sports Development and Sports Management students were characterised by their mature attitudes towards their career development and future inclination regarding an entrepreneurial career choice.

Practical implications

– The results will inform the teaching of entrepreneurship education to non-Business discipline specialist students in terms of the effective construction of entrepreneurship curriculum. Best practice in terms of customised subject informed teaching material, guest talks and interactive pedagogical practice are highlighted.

Originality/value

– This study will be of interest to entrepreneurship education providers delivering content to non-Business disciplines at all levels and aid them in the construction of their curriculum to provide fit for purpose provision.
Claiming the future of enterprise education
Authors: Jones Colin , Matlay Harry , Penaluna Kathryn , Penaluna Andy
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of enterprise educators working collectively to develop a unique scholarship of teaching. The authors argue that the time is right for educators in this domain to secure the future of enterprise education. Acknowledging the debate between “entrepreneurship education” and “enterprise education,” the authors set out to develop a unification model through which educators can act collectively to demonstrate the leadership required to secure the autonomy of the domain.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors bring several pertinent ideas (pedagogical content knowledge, heutagogy and academagogy) to the attention of academics/researchers involved in the design, development and delivery of enterprise education. The innovative approach to combine these ideas with prevailing thinking in this domain has facilitated a model for collective action.

Findings

– It is at the level of the shared philosophical positions that the authors can best cooperate to shape the future direction of enterprise education. The authors argue against dwelling upon how the authors differ in terms of context and process issues. Such matters can only fragment the theory and practice of enterprise education. The authors need to develop greater appreciation of shared philosophical positions and leverage this understanding into a unique scholarship of teaching, specific to enterprise education.

Practical implications

– As enterprise education becomes more global, it is also likely to become more attractive to business schools that long for a new positioning tool in the increasingly overcrowded markets that they compete in.

Originality/value

– This paper encourages enterprise educators to reflect upon the knowledge they hold of their own practice, and that of other enterprise educators.