bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A plausible mechanism, based upon SHORT-ROOT movement, for regulating the number of cortex cell layers in roots
Authors: Wu Shuang , Lee Chin-Mei , Hayashi Tomomi , Price Simara , Divol Fanchon , Henry Sophia , Pauluzzi Germain , Perin Christophe , Gallagher Kimberly L.
Published: October 2014

Significance

In nature, nearly all plants have only a single layer of endodermis. The number of cortex cell layers often varies between species and between roots on the same plant. Here we show that the expression of conserved SHORT-ROOT (SHR) protein, in the context of the root of
Arabidopsis thaliana,
is responsible for determining the number of cortex cell layers and that the number of cell layers is a function of the extent of SHR movement. These results provide a plausible model for regulating the number of cortex cell layers in plant roots that relies upon controlled intercellular movement of the SHR transcription factor.
The Triple Helix in the context of global change: dynamics and challenges
Authors: Lawton Smith Helen , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: October 2014

Understanding how economies change through interactions with science and government as different spheres of activity requires both new conceptual tools and methodologies. In this paper, the evolution of the metaphor of a Triple Helix of university–industry–government relations is elaborated into an evolutionary model, and positioned within the context of global economic changes. We highlight how Triple Helix relations are both continuing and mutating, and the conditions under which a Triple Helix might be seen to be unraveling in the face of pressures on each of the three helices – university, industry, and government. The reciprocal dynamics of innovation both in the Triple Helix thesis and in the global economy are empirically explored: we find that footlooseness of high technology manufacturing and knowledge-intensive services counteract the embeddedness prevailing in medium technology manufacturing. The geographical level at which synergy in Triple Helix relations can be expected and sustained varies among nations and regions.
Screening Isolates of Soybean mosaic virus for Infectivity in a Model Plant, Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Gao L. , Zhai R. , Zhong Y. K. , Karthikeyan A. , Ren R. , Zhang K. , Li K. , Zhi H. J.
Published: October 2014

Soybean mosaic virus (SMV), belonging to the genus Potyvirus of the family Potyviridae, has a relatively narrow host range almost exclusively confined to leguminous hosts. While disease management through genetic transformation can be an effective approach, soybean remains recalcitrant to routine genetic transformation. In this context, it is important to identify new hosts for SMV that can be used to develop effective transgenic resistance strategies. Transformation in Nicotiana benthamiana is simple and highly efficient; hence, here we demonstrate the infectivity of SMV strain SC7 in N. benthamiana plants. To identify an SMV strain infectious in N. benthamiana, we mechanically inoculated N. benthamiana plants with 37 isolates from 21 (SC1 to SC21) SMV strains. Plants inoculated with isolates of strain SC7 produced mosaic symptoms on leaves. However, N. benthamiana plants inoculated with the 20 other SMV strains showed no visible symptoms. Furthermore, soybean cv. Nannong 1138-2 inoculated with sap prepared from symptomatic N. benthamiana leaves showed typical SMV mosaic symptoms 2 weeks after inoculation. In addition, SMV was detected in symptomatic N. benthamiana and soybean leaves by RT-PCR, DAS-ELISA, and further identified by sequencing. Together, the results indicate that N. benthamiana plants could support multiplication of SMV strain SC7. The findings of this study would be useful for the investigation of SMV resistance using the model plant N. benthamiana.
First Report of Leaf Blight on Saposhnikovia divaricata by Pseudomonas viridiflava in Gansu, China
Authors: Wang Y. , Zeng C. Y. , Chen X. R. , Yang C. D.
Published: October 2014

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz) Schischk, a perennial plant in the Umbelliferae, is widely cultivated in north China. As a traditional Chinese medicine, it can be used to cure colds and rheumatism (1). During disease surveys on medicinal plants in August 2010, a bacterial leaf blight was discovered with a general incidence of 40 to 60% on S. divaricata farms in Longxi, Weiyuan County in Gansu China. In young plants, tiny yellow-white points were visible on the backs of the leaves. They then expanded to 2- to 3-mm oil-soaked lesions; leaves appeared crimped and deformed. Later the leaves shriveled; black-brown oil-soaked lesions appeared on the vein and the tissue around it; and black streaks appeared on the stems. Ten diseased leaf and stem tissues were cut into 4- to 5-mm squares, surface-sterilized in 1% sodium hypochlorite for 1 min, rinsed three times, and macerated for 5 min in sterilized distilled water. They were then streaked onto nutrient agar (NA) medium and incubated at 28°C for 3 days. Colonies on NA were round, smooth, translucent, and yellowish green. They were Gram negative and induced a hypersensitive response on tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) leaves. The strain was positive for gelatin, catalase, oxidase, and utilization of glucose and saccharose. Pathogenicity tests were performed by spraying bacterial suspension containing 107 CFU/ml on six leaves of three healthy potted S. divaricata plants and injecting it into another six leaves on three plants. Plants inoculated with sterile distilled water alone served as controls. They were placed in a growth chamber at 25°C and bagged for 24 h to maintain >95% humidity. Thirty-six hours after inoculation, the inoculated leaves appeared water-soaked; 10 days later, the symptoms were apparent on leaves and the plant wilted. The negative control appeared normal. Finally, Koch's postulates were verified by re-isolating P. viridiflava from the leaves with typical blight. The genomic DNA of the isolate was extracted, and the partial 16S rDNA sequence was amplified with a universal bacterial primer set (27f and 1492r) (2). The sequence was deposited in GenBank as KM030291. BLAST search yielded 99% identity with P. viridiflava strains, including the strains KNOX209 (AY604847), RMX3.1b (AY574911), ME3.1b (AY574909), and UASWS0038 (AY919300). Based on the symptoms, colony morphology, biochemical tests, and 16S rDNA sequence identity, the pathogen was identified as P. viridiflava. To our knowledge, this is the first report of leaf blight of S. divaricata by P. viridiflava in Gansu province of China. In Jilin province, the same disease was reported in 2008 (3). The impact of P. viridiflava on S. divaricata production is not yet known.

References: (1) Committee of China Pharmacopoeia. Pharmacop. People's Repub. 1:102, 2005. (2) C. Morenol et al. Microbiology 148:1233, 2002. (3) W. Xue. Dissertation. Jilin Agric. Univ. 1, 2008.
Comparative Study of C-Arms for Intraoperative 3-dimensional Imaging and Navigation in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Part II
Authors: Klingler Jan-Helge , Sircar Ronen , Scheiwe Christian , Kogias Evangelos , Krüger Marie T. , Scholz Christoph , Hubbe Ulrich
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

A radiation exposure study in vitro.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the radiation exposure of 2 different 3-dimensional (3D) C-arm devices on an anthropomorphic phantom.

Summary of Background Data:

Minimally invasive pedicle screw placement requires intraoperative imaging techniques for visualization of the unexposed spine. Mobile 3D C-arms compose a 3D image data set out of multiple successive fluoroscopic images.

Methods:

We compared the 3D C-arm devices Siremobil Iso-C 3D (Siemens Sector Healthcare, Erlangen, Germany) and Vision FD Vario 3D (Ziehm Imaging, Nuremberg, Germany) regarding their radiation exposure. For this purpose, dosimeters were attached on an anthropomorphic phantom at various sites (eye lenses, thyroid gland, female, and male gonads). With each C-arm, 10 automated 3D scans as well as 400 fluoroscopic images were performed on the cervical and lumbar spine, respectively.

Results:

The Vision FD Vario 3D generally causes higher radiation exposures than the Siremobil Iso-C 3D. Significantly higher radiation exposures were assessed at the eye lenses performing cervical (294.1 vs. 84.6 μSv) and lumbar 3D scans (22.5 vs. 11.2 μSv) as well as at the thyroid gland performing cervical 3D scans (4405.2 vs. 2761.9 μSv). Moreover, the Vision FD Vario 3D caused significantly higher radiation exposure at the eye lenses for standard cervical fluoroscopic images (3.2 vs. 0.4 μSv).

Conclusions:

3D C-arms facilitate minimally invasive and accurate pedicle screw placement by providing 3D image datasets for intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation. However, the hereby potentially increased radiation exposure has to be considered. In particular, the Vision FD Vario 3D appears to generally evoke higher radiation exposures than the Siremobil Iso-C 3D. Well-indicated application of ionizing radiation and compliance with radiation protection principles remain mandatory to keep radiation exposure to patient and staff as low as reasonably achievable.
Trends in Inpatient Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty Volume in the United States, 2005–2011
Authors: Rosenbaum Benjamin P. , Kshettry Varun R. , Kelly Michael L. , Mroz Thomas E. , Weil Robert J.
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, 2005–2011.

Objective:

To identify trends in procedural volume and rates in the time period surrounding publication of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined the utility of vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty.

Summary of Background Data:

Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty are frequently performed for vertebral compression fractures. Several RCTs have been published with conflicting outcomes regarding pain and quality of life compared with nonsurgical management and sham procedures. Four RCTs with discordant results were published in 2009.

Materials and Methods:

The Nationwide Inpatient Sample provided longitudinal, retrospective data on United States’ inpatients between 2005 and 2011. Inclusion was determined by a principal or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code of 81.65 (percutaneous vertebroplasty) or 81.66 (percutaneous vertebral augmentation; “kyphoplasty”). No diagnoses were excluded. Years were stratified as “pre” (2005–2008) and “post” (2010–2011) in relation to the 4 RCTs published in 2009. Patient, hospital, and admission characteristics were compared using Pearson χ2 test.

Results:

The estimated annual inpatient procedures performed decreased from 54,833 to 39,832 in the pre and post periods, respectively. The procedural rate for fractures decreased from 20.1% to 14.7% (P<0.0001). Patient and hospital demographics did not change considerably between the time periods. In the post period, weekend admissions increased (34.2% vs. 12.4%, P<0.0001), elective admissions decreased (21.4% vs. 40.0%, P<0.0001), routine discharge decreased (33.0% vs. 52.1%, P<0.0001), and encounters with ≥3 Elixhauser comorbidities increased (54.5% vs. 39.1%, P<0.0001).

Conclusions:

The absolute rate of inpatient vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty procedures for fractures decreased 5% in the period (2010–2011) following the publication of 4 RCTs in 2009. The proportion of elective admissions and routine discharges decreased, possibly indicating a population with greater disease severity. Although our analysis cannot demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship, the decreased inpatient volume and procedural rates surrounding the publication of sentinel negative RCTs is clearly observed.
Outcome of a Resident Spine Surgical Skills Training Program
Authors: Calio Brian P. , Kepler Christopher K. , Koerner John D. , Rihn Jeffrey A. , Millhouse Paul , Radcliff Kris E.
Published: October 2014

Study Design:

Cadaver training lab.

Objective:

To determine if a technical cadaver skills training lab for spinal surgery increases resident confidence, satisfaction in training, and perception of operating room safety.

Summary of Background Data:

Resident training is an important topic in the setting of work hour reform. The use of supplemental materials such as videos, sawbones, and simulators may become important to adequately train orthopedic residents. At present, there are no established curricula for training orthopedic surgery residents on anatomy and common procedures encountered during a spinal surgery rotation.

Methods:

Residents were assembled into teams of a PGY-5 and PGY-2 and/or PGY-1 to perform dissection and procedures on 5 fresh-frozen spine cadavers. With attending and spine fellow supervision, residents performed anterior cervical, posterior cervical, and posterior thoracolumbar surgical exposure, decompression, and fusion procedures in the operating room using surgical tools and instrumentation. Residents were then queried about their confidence levels, satisfaction in training, and perception of safety using a Likert scale (0–10). Strong agreement (scores ≥8) and strong disagreement (scores ≤3) and correlations were evaluated.

Results:

Seventeen residents completed the training program (7 PGY-1s, 2 PGY-2s, and 8 PGY-5s). After the training, the majority of residents strongly agreed that they had an increased confidence of their own abilities (59%). A significant majority (65%) of residents strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the benefits provided by the training program. Compared with other methods of education, residents strongly agreed that the training was more helpful than textbook chapters (94%), sawbones (94%), web-based training (94%), or a virtual-based (completely electronic) training (94%). After the training, residents strongly agreed that the training improved feelings of preparation (47%), safety (41%), and ability to prevent intraoperative errors (41%). The vast majority of residents strongly agreed “Before performing surgery on me, I would want a resident to perform this cadaveric training” (88%).

Conclusions:

These results demonstrate that team-based, cadaveric training with adequate attending supervision, before onset of a spine surgical rotation, may lead to high resident confidence, satisfaction in training, and perception of patient safety.
Hypomagnesemia Among Outpatient Long-Term Proton Pump Inhibitor Users
Authors: Biyik Murat , Solak Yalcin , Ucar Ramazan , Cifci Sami , Tekis Dilek , Polat İlker , Göktepe Mevlüt Hakan , Sakiz Davut , Ataseven Huseyin , Demir Ali
Published: October 2014

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are extensively prescribed drugs usually used for a long period. Recent reports linked PPI use with development of hypomagnesemia. However, there is still uncertainty regarding risk of hypomagnesemia in outpatients who were on long-term PPI use. Thus, we aimed to evaluate frequency of hypomagnesemia among a well-defined outpatient patient cohort with no other possible risk factors affecting serum magnesium levels. This was a case–control study carried out at the outpatient gastroenterology clinic of a University hospital. Patients who were on PPI therapy for at least 6 months without diuretic use and chronic kidney disease were included. Patients who were subjected to the same inclusion and exclusion criteria and not using PPI were included as control subjects. One hundred fifty-four patients and 84 control subjects were included. The mean duration of PPI use was 27.5 ± 2.5 months. Mean serum magnesium levels of PPI users and nonusers were 2.17 ± 0.20 mg/dL and 2.19 ± 0.15 mg/dL, respectively. None of the patient had a serum magnesium level below laboratory lower range of 1.7 mg/dL. Our results showed that for typical gastroenterology outpatient clinic patients with no other risk factors affecting serum magnesium levels, long-term PPI use did not affect serum magnesium levels.
Design of a biochemical circuit motif for learning linear functions
Authors: Lakin Matthew R. , Minnich Amanda , Lane Terran , Stefanovic Darko
Published: October 2014

Learning and adaptive behaviour are fundamental biological processes. A key goal in the field of bioengineering is to develop biochemical circuit architectures with the ability to adapt to dynamic chemical environments. Here, we present a novel design for a biomolecular circuit capable of supervised learning of linear functions, using a model based on chemical reactions catalysed by DNAzymes. To achieve this, we propose a novel mechanism of maintaining and modifying internal state in biochemical systems, thereby advancing the state of the art in biomolecular circuit architecture. We use simulations to demonstrate that the circuit is capable of learning behaviour and assess its asymptotic learning performance, scalability and robustness to noise. Such circuits show great potential for building autonomous
in vivo
nanomedical devices. While such a biochemical system can tell us a great deal about the fundamentals of learning in living systems and may have broad applications in biomedicine (e.g. autonomous and adaptive drugs), it also offers some intriguing challenges and surprising behaviours from a machine learning perspective.
Global rise in human infectious disease outbreaks
Authors: Smith Katherine F. , Goldberg Michael , Rosenthal Samantha , Carlson Lynn , Chen Jane , Chen Cici , Ramachandran Sohini
Published: October 2014

To characterize the change in frequency of infectious disease outbreaks over time worldwide, we encoded and analysed a novel 33-year dataset (1980–2013) of 12 102 outbreaks of 215 human infectious diseases, comprising more than 44 million cases occuring in 219 nations. We merged these records with ecological characteristics of the causal pathogens to examine global temporal trends in the total number of outbreaks, disease richness (number of unique diseases), disease diversity (richness and outbreak evenness) and
per capita
cases. Bacteria, viruses, zoonotic diseases (originating in animals) and those caused by pathogens transmitted by vector hosts were responsible for the majority of outbreaks in our dataset. After controlling for disease surveillance, communications, geography and host availability, we find the total number and diversity of outbreaks, and richness of causal diseases increased significantly since 1980 (
p
< 0.0001). When we incorporate Internet usage into the model to control for biased reporting of outbreaks (starting 1990), the overall number of outbreaks and disease richness still increase significantly with time (
p
< 0.0001), but
per capita
cases decrease significantly (
p
= 0.005). Temporal trends in outbreaks differ based on the causal pathogen's taxonomy, host requirements and transmission mode. We discuss our preliminary findings in the context of global disease emergence and surveillance.
Settlement, growth and survival of eastern oysters on alternative reef substrates
Authors: Theuerkauf Seth J. , Burke Russell P. , Lipcius Romuald N.
Published: October 2014

Restoration of the native eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) has been severely hindered by the dwindling supply and rising costs of fossil and new oyster shell for use in reef restoration. Consequently, emphasis has shifted to the use of alternative oyster reef materials, which need to be tested for their effectiveness as settlement substrate. Furthermore, low recruitment of wild larvae has also impeded restoration, indicating a need to assess the potential of field setting of cultured larvae. We experimentally examined oyster settlement, growth and survival on unconsolidated oyster shell, oyster shell embedded vertically in concrete, and concrete Oyster Castles® in field and mesocosm experiments. In addition, we examined settlement success of cultured larvae in the mesocosm experiment. In the field experiment, juvenile recruitment was 3x higher on castles and unconsolidated shell than on embedded shell. Castles retained 4x the number of oysters and hosted 5x the biomass than embedded shell, and retained 1.5x the oysters and hosted 3x the biomass than unconsolidated shell. The proportion of live oyster recruits on castles was 1.5x that on both embedded and unconsolidated shell. In the mesocosm experiment (90-d post-larval deployment), the castles recruited, retained, and hosted an oyster biomass 4x higher than that of unconsolidated and embedded shell. This study confirms that artificial reef materials such as Oyster Castles® are suitable alternative substrates for oyster restoration, and remote setting of larvae onto conditioned substrate can be effective under controlled environmental conditions. Future restoration efforts should consider use of alternative reef substrates and field setting of larvae to maximize oyster recruitment, while simultaneously minimizing the cost of reef restoration.
A framework for the analysis of symmetric and asymmetric divisions in developmental processes
Authors: Rué Pau , Kim Yung Hae , Larsen Hjalte List , Grapin-Botton Anne , Martinez Arias Alfonso
Published: October 2014

Animal tissue development relies on precise generation and deployment of specific cell types into tissue sub-structures. Understanding how this process is regulated remains a major challenge of biology. In many tissues, development progresses through a sequence of dividing progenitor cells, each with decreasing potency, that balance their growth and differentiation. Dividing progenitor cells thus face a decision on whether their offspring shall differentiate or self-renew. This results in three possible modes of division (symmetric self-renewing, symmetric differentiating, and asymmetric) all of which have been observed in developing animal tissues. In some instances, the frequencies of occurrence of these division modes are incompatible with the possibility that sibling cells take the decision to differentiate independently of each other. Rather, an excess of symmetric divisions, both proliferating and differentiating, is usually observed in so far no general mechanism by which this fate entanglement takes place has been put forward. Here we propose a simple model of progenitor priming that provides a rationale on how the fate of sibling cells might be linked. Analysis of the model suggests that commitment to the cycle completion of cells primed for differentiation might be the cause of the observed excess of symmetric divisions. The model presented is applicable to a broad range of developmental systems and provides a testing framework to explain the dynamics of cell division and differentiation are related.
UV-B-Responsive Association of the Arabidopsis bZIP Transcription Factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 with Target Genes, Including Its Own Promoter
Authors: Binkert Melanie , Kozma-Bognár László , Terecskei Kata , De Veylder Lieven , Nagy Ferenc , Ulm Roman
Published: October 2014

In plants subjected to UV-B radiation, responses are activated that minimize damage caused by UV-B. The bZIP transcription factor ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL5 (HY5) acts downstream of the UV-B photoreceptor UV RESISTANCE LOCUS8 (UVR8) and promotes UV-B-induced photomorphogenesis and acclimation. Expression of HY5 is induced by UV-B; however, the transcription factor(s) that regulate HY5 transcription in response to UV-B and the impact of UV-B on the association of HY5 with its target promoters are currently unclear. Here, we show that HY5 binding to the promoters of UV-B-responsive genes is enhanced by UV-B in a UVR8-dependent manner in Arabidopsis thaliana. In agreement, overexpression of REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS2, a negative regulator of UVR8 function, blocks UV-B-responsive HY5 enrichment at target promoters. Moreover, we have identified a T/G-box in the HY5 promoter that is required for its UV-B responsiveness. We show that HY5 and its homolog HYH bind to the T/GHY5-box cis-acting element and that they act redundantly in the induction of HY5 expression upon UV-B exposure. Therefore, HY5 is enriched at target promoters in response to UV-B in a UVR8 photoreceptor-dependent manner, and HY5 and HYH interact directly with a T/G-box cis-acting element of the HY5 promoter, mediating the transcriptional activation of HY5 in response to UV-B.
Functional fixation and the balanced scorecard
Authors: Schauß Joachim , Hirsch Bernhard , Sohn Matthias
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to examine how balanced scorecard (BSC) users change their judgement processes according to qualitative changes in the BSC. Prior experimental studies have found that decision-makers do not fully adapt their judgements according to changes in financial reports, known as functional fixation. Although previous research has examined functional fixation in several management accounting-related disciplines, the research has not been completely successful in developing a deeper understanding of the cognitive processes that are responsible for the occurrence of this judgemental bias.

Design/methodology/approach

– To fill this gap, a combination of structural modelling and a process tracing method that monitors participants’ information acquisition to better understand the underlying cognitive processes that affect BSC users’ judgements is used.

Findings

– Overall, the results indicate that functional fixation is present both from an input–output (structural modelling) and a process tracing perspective. Stable general individual differences, particularly in terms of intuitive versus deliberative preferences in decision-making, influence the probability of functionally fixated behaviour. Additionally, previous findings concerning the over-reliance on financial information in the BSC setting is replicated. Using process data, it was found that BSC users rely more on financial measures than on non-financial measures in the pre-decisional phase of exercising their judgement.

Originality/value

– This paper contribute to management accounting research on the BSC by investigating two cognitive biases (functional fixation and overreliance on financial measures) from an input–output and a process tracing perspective.
Professional identity: a grounded theory study of veteran academic librarians
Authors: Sare Laura , Edward Bales Stephen
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– This qualitative study aims to analyse veteran academic librarians’ perceptions of librarianship to develop a grounded theory that models this group’s understandings of the profession. In addition, this study compares its findings to a previous grounded theory study that modelled novice academic librarians’ perceptions of the profession.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using the long interview technique, the analysts interviewed 15 veteran academic librarians, i.e. those with 10 or more years continuous experience as professional academic librarians, who work in Texas universities and four-year colleges. Qualitative analytical methods were used to develop a substantive grounded theory from the data.

Findings

– Two theoretical categories emerged that model academic librarian perceptions of the profession: orienting self (and others) to a shifting profession and driving change in the field. These categories depict academic librarianship as a profession focussed on change, and the theory valuates both mentoring and practitioner research as important elements of this change.

Practical implications

– The results of the study may provide useful information to help orient librarians new to the field.

Originality/value

– There is a dearth of systematic empirical analyses that explores the personal meanings that academic librarians attach to professional identity. This paper works to fill this gap and to complement the existing critical/cultural and quantitative research concerning the professional identity of librarians.
Demonstrating personal stature: some strategies for the LIS higher doctoral candidate
Authors: K. Shenton Andrew
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The paper aims to explore the approaches that may be used by library and information science (LIS) higher doctoral candidates when preparing their submissions, especially in terms of highlighting the quality of their publications and the impact they have made.

Design/methodology/approach

– The methods discussed are those that were considered – and often actually used – by the author when assembling his own submission. Frequent references are made in the paper to pertinent literature on research and to British universities’ regulations on higher doctorates.

Findings

– The author warns against the tendency of applicants to concentrate too heavily on citation data. Although such statistics are undoubtedly important, a more convincing case for being awarded a higher doctorate may be made by drawing on a variety of sources of evidence, by no means all of which will be quantitative.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is based on the experiences of one individual, i.e. the author, and consequently the perspective is narrower than would have been the case had it been written by a team of academics, all of whom had prepared their own higher doctoral applications, with each bringing their own unique experience to bear.

Practical implications

– The article is wholly practical in its focus; it covers a range of issues and offers realistic guidelines that should be considered by applicants.

Originality/value

– Published advice for the higher doctoral candidate is currently extremely limited. It would appear that no significant books or journal articles offer any support to scholars seeking the qualification. This paper has been written to help plug that gap.
A comparative study of knowledge sharing pattern among the undergraduate and postgraduate students of private universities in Bangladesh
Authors: Sabbir Rahman Muhammad , Highe Khan Abdul , Mahabub Alam Md. , Mustamil Norizah , Wei Chong Chin
Published: October 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this inquiry is to uncover the pattern of knowledge-sharing behaviour among the undergraduate and postgraduate students of private universities in Bangladesh.

Design/methodology/approach

– This inquiry studied the knowledge-sharing pattern of undergraduate and graduate students by utilising a questionnaire-based open-ended survey from several private universities in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Apart from the descriptive statistics, the research used t-test to further explain the data.

Findings

– This research focussed on seven areas of knowledge-sharing pattern. The data collected from 350 respondents from different private universities suggest that there are significant differences in the knowledge-sharing pattern between undergraduate and graduate students. Overall, this research documents that the postgraduate students have shown higher perceived attitudes towards knowledge sharing, compared to undergraduate students.

Research limitations/implications

– This research applied a descriptive study to understand knowledge-sharing patterns among undergraduate and postgraduate students, rather than a correlational study to ascertain the relationship among variables.

Practical implications

– This research has contributed to the knowledge-sharing research in several aspects. In fact, this study extended the research findings of Wei et al. (2012) by examining the patterns of knowledge sharing in a different socioeconomic environment. Although this research investigated the practice of knowledge sharing of undergraduate and postgraduate students by adapting the instrument of Wei et al. (2012), one of the significant contributions of this research is to explore the behavioural aspects of knowledge-sharing pattern among undergraduate and postgraduate students from different private universities in Bangladesh. By interpreting the knowledge-sharing pattern of undergraduate and postgraduate students of private universities, this inquiry will assist the government’s policymakers, management of individual universities and academicians to come up with novel methods of instruction and to transform the knowledge-driven higher learning establishment.

Originality/value

– The majority of studies on knowledge sharing have been conducted in an organisational context. This inquiry is one of few investigations to compare the knowledge-sharing patterns among undergraduate and postgraduate students in Bangladesh.
Democratic Discontent in Old and New Democracies: Assessing the Importance of Democratic Input and Governmental Output
Authors: Dahlberg Stefan , Linde Jonas , Holmberg Sören
Published: October 2014

Although the phenomenon of dissatisfied democrats has been frequently discussed in the literature, it has not often been empirically investigated. This article sets out to analyse the discrepancy between the strong support for democratic principles and the widespread discontent with the way democracy works. Drawing on earlier research on the sources of political support, using data from a wide range of democracies, the relevance of two contrasting explanatory perspectives are investigated. The first perspective argues that the sources of democratic discontent are found on the input-side of the political system in terms of representation. The contrasting view argues that the output-side of the political system is most important, where the quality of government plays the pivotal role. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that, in general, both types of factor are important, but also that these processes to a large extent are conditioned by the level of institutional consolidation.
TLR2 activation in corneal stromal cells by Staphylococcus aureus‐induced keratitis
Authors: Marino Andreana , Pergolizzi Simona , Lauriano Eugenia R. , Santoro Giuseppe , Spataro Francesca , Cimino Francesco , Speciale Antonio , Nostro Antonia , Bisignano Giuseppe
Published: October 2014

The Toll‐Like Receptor 2 (TLR2) plays an active and important role in Staphylococcus aureus‐induced chronic ocular inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and function of TLR2 of corneal stromal cells in ex vivo rabbit model of S. aureus keratitis. Corneal buttons with sclera rims placed in an ex vivo air‐interface organ culture were assigned to two groups: corneas with epithelial and stromal abrasions. Each group was then divided into two sub‐groups exposed to UV‐killed S. aureus ATCC 6538P and S. aureus ATCC 29213, respectively. TLR2 and IL‐8 mRNA expressions were analyzed by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. TLR2 localization was visualized by immunofluorescence analysis. The results demonstrated that TLR2 and IL‐8 mRNA were significantly expressed in the stromal cells of the groups exposed to S. aureus strains. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that, after corneal injury, keratocytes differentiated into myofibroblasts became able to express TLR2 only when exposed to S. aureus. Identification of mechanisms regulation of corneal TLRs may lead to development of therapeutic interventions aimed at controlling corneal inflammation. This ex vivo model can be used to clarify the molecular events of bacterial‐corneal tissue interactions and their inflammatory consequences.
Management of gastro‐colic fistula after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
Authors: Bhasker Aparna Govil , Khalifa Hind , Sood Amit , Lakdawala Muffazal
Published: October 2014

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is the most common bariatric procedure performed in Asia. Staple‐line leaks post LSG are notoriously difficult to treat. Here we report a case of a gastro‐colic fistula after a post‐LSG leak. While reperforming laparoscopy and/or stenting remain the mainstay of early leak management, chronic complications such as a gastro‐colic fistula are rare and require a tailor‐made approach. Stenting alone has a limited role in managing chronic fistulas after LSG.
Richter's hernia after an intraperitoneal mesh repair
Authors: Pandey Anshuman , Masood Shakeel , Goel Vijay Kumar , Gupta Amit Kumar
Published: October 2014

For ventral hernia repair, laparoscopic surgery offers various advantages, including the application of a large mesh using the intraperitoneal approach. However, improper closure of the port site may lead to serious complications. Port‐site hernia is a rare outcome of inadequate repair of the fascial or peritoneal layer, and Richter's hernia in a high risk patient, in the presence of an intraperitoneal mesh, is a particularly challenging scenario. Herein, we present a 58‐year‐old woman who, after a ventral hernia repair, was diagnosed with a small bowel hernia through a 10‐mm port site. The patient complained of pain and mild swelling at the port site in the postoperative period, and her symptoms indicated intestinal obstruction. Clinical evaluation and abdominal X‐ray confirmed the diagnosis, and early laparoscopic re‐exploration and management were the key to a favorable outcome.
Iconic Prosody in Story Reading
Authors: Perlman Marcus , Clark Nathaniel , Johansson Falck Marlene
Published: October 2014

Recent experiments have shown that people iconically modulate their prosody corresponding with the meaning of their utterance (e.g., Shintel et al., 2006). This article reports findings from a story reading task that expands the investigation of iconic prosody to abstract meanings in addition to concrete ones. Participants read stories that contrasted along concrete and abstract semantic dimensions of speed (e.g., a fast drive, slow career progress) and size (e.g., a small grasshopper, an important contract). Participants read fast stories at a faster rate than slow stories, and big stories with a lower pitch than small stories. The effect of speed was distributed across the stories, including portions that were identical across stories, whereas the size effect was localized to size‐related words. Overall, these findings enrich the documentation of iconicity in spoken language and bear on our understanding of the relationship between gesture and speech.
Loss of expression of 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine in CD30‐positive cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders
Authors: De Souza Aieska , Tinguely Marianne , Pfaltz Madeleine , Burghart Daniel R. , Kempf Werner
Published: October 2014

Background

The methylation of DNA at position 5 of cytosine, and the subsequent reduction in intracellular 5‐hydroxymethylcytosine (5‐hmC) levels, is a key epigenetic event in several cancers, including systemic lymphomas. However, no studies have analyzed this epigenetic marker in cutaneous lymphomas. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the expression of 5‐hmC in cutaneous CD30‐positive lymphoproliferative disorders and compare it with a control group composed of reactive infectious and inflammatory disorders with CD30‐positive cells.

Methods

Retrospective case series study with immunohistochemical analysis using anti‐CD30 and anti‐5‐hmC antibodies in control (n = 19), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) (n = 27) and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) (n = 14) specimens.

Results

Complete loss of 5‐hmC nuclear staining by CD30+ cells was observed in 63% of LyP cases, 57% of ALCL cases and 0% of control cases.

Conclusions

The presence of 5‐hmC+ and CD30+ lymphocytes was highly suggestive of a benign process. In contrast, loss of 5‐hmC nuclear staining was highly suggestive of a lymphoproliferative disorder (ALCL or LyP). Under these circumstances, the use of 5‐hmC staining can be a useful adjunctive tool for discriminating between neoplastic CD30+ lymphoproliferations and inflammatory/infectious simulators harboring reactive CD30+ cells.
Three dimensional (3D) histology in daily routine: practical implementation and its evaluation
Authors: Carola Eberle Franziska , Kanyildiz Mukaddes , Maria Schnabl Saskia , Schulz Claudia , Häfner Hans‐Martin , Adam Patrick , Breuninger Helmut
Published: October 2014

Background

The continuous evaluation of the edges of a tumor by means of three‐dimensional (3D) histology often appears complicated and require the surgeon and dermatopathologist to work together closely. We present clear rules that allow communication between all parties involved and then verify their application in daily routine.

Methods

Tissue processing, interpretation of results, as well as communication between the surgeon and the dermatopathologist are based on an algorithm with the aid of exact times and embedding cassettes, which allow precise topographic orientation. We evaluated the use of this method in daily clinic practice, taking into account 947 operated basal cell carcinomas in regard to the development of recurrent tumors.

Results

At a median follow‐up of 47 months, 10 of the 947 operated basal cell carcinomas (1.1 %) recurred. Sclerodermiform basal cell carcinomas and basal cell carcinomas which could not be curatively resected (R0 resection) during the initial surgery showed a significantly higher recurrence rate (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Standardized rules for dealing with excised tissue allow an effective application of 3D histology in daily clinical practice. 3D histology results in low recurrence rates. Sclerodermiform basal cell carcinomas which could not be curatively resected (R0 resection) were identified as a risk group for the development of recurrent tumors.
Linking Up to Development? Global Value Chains and the Making of a Post‐Washington Consensus
Authors: Werner Marion , Bair Jennifer , Fernández Victor Ramiro
Published: October 2014

Over the last decade, the global value chain (GVC) approach, with its associated notions of chain governance and firm upgrading, has proliferated as a mode of analysis and of intervention amongst development institutions. This article examines the adoption and adaptation of GVCs at four multilateral agencies in order to understand the purchase of value chain approaches within the development field. Mixing GVC perspectives with other theoretical influences and applied practices, these institutions deploy value chain frameworks to signal a new generation of policies that promise both to consolidate, and to advance beyond, the market fundamentalism of the Washington Consensus. To achieve this, value chain development frameworks craft interventions directed toward various constellations of firm and non‐firm actors as a ‘third way’ between state‐minimalist and state‐coordinated approaches. The authors identify key adaptations of the GVC framework including an emphasis on value chain governance as an instrument to correct market failure in partnership with state and development agencies, and upgrading as a de facto tool for poverty reduction. They find that efforts are ongoing to construct a ‘post’ to the Washington Consensus and that the global value chain is enabling this process by providing a new language and new object of development intervention: ‘the chain’ and the local–global linkages that comprise it.
BRAFV600E mutation in cutaneous lesions of patients with adult Langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Varga E. , Korom I. , Polyánka H. , Szabó K. , Széll M. , Baltás E. , Bata‐Csörgő Zs. , Kemény L. , Oláh J.
Published: October 2014

Background

Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is characterized by the proliferation of pathologic Langerhans cells. The disease can develop in any age and can affect almost any organ. Cutaneous involvement is frequent in LCH. The recent demonstration of the activating, oncogenic BRAFV600E gene mutation in LCH samples strongly supports the neoplastic origin of the disease.

Objectives

Our aim was to analyse the clinical data of the patients and whether BRAFV600E mutation is present in skin lesions of patients with adult onset LCH, and to investigate whether the BRAFV600E mutation status has any effect on the clinical presentation and the outcome of the disease.

Methods

We diagnosed and treated 15 adult LCH patients in the period of 1987–2012 and collected their clinical data. Three of our patients suffered from skin involvement and 12 patients had multiorgan disease (five patients out of the multisystem group died). Eleven formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded skin samples from 10 patients were available for BRAFV600E mutation analysis.

Results

Among the 11 examined samples, 6 contained the BRAFV600E mutation (54.5%). Our results indicate that in the adult group of LCH patients the presence of BRAFV600E mutation is similar to what was previously suggested in case of the childhood forms, at least as far as skin lesions are concerned. The BRAF mutation status of our patients does not seem to correlate with the extent and/or the outcome of the disease.

Conclusion

Our results support the neoplastic origin of LCH and suggest that skin lesions of LCH are sufficient for the diagnosis of the disease and for assessing its BRAF status. In addition, analysis of BRAF status of patients with LCH can lead to the administration of new targeted therapies which may provide better disease control and prognosis.
Comparative Epidemiology of Three Virus Diseases on Zucchini Squash
Authors: Moreira Alécio Souza , Filho Armando Bergamin , Rezende Jorge Alberto Marques
Published: October 2014

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV), Papaya ringspot virus – type W (PRSV‐W) and Zucchini lethal chlorosis virus (ZLCV) cause important diseases on zucchini squash crops in Brazil. ZYMV and PRSV‐W belong to the genus Potyvirus and are transmitted by aphids, whereas ZLCV belongs to Tospovirus and is transmitted by the thrips Frankliniella zucchini. These three viruses may occur simultaneously in the field, and the epidemiology of the corresponding diseases may be determined by interactions among viruses, hosts and vectors. In this work, the progress of the diseases caused by these viruses was studied over a temporal and geographic range for three planting seasons (PS). For the lethal chlorosis (ZLCV), a monomolecular model was found to be the best fit for the data, though only during the third PS. For data collected during the first two PS, the Gompertz model was found to fit the data best. The spatial distribution of disease indicated disease aggregation at the end of the crop cycle. For the yellow mosaic (ZYMV), the model that best fit in the 1st PS was the logistic and in the 2nd and 3rd PS was monomolecular. The spatial pattern of the disease was random when the disease incidence was low but aggregated when the disease incidence was high. The common mosaic (PRSV‐W) showed the lowest incidence in all three PS. An exponential model was the best fit for data collected during all PS, and the spatial pattern of the disease was random. Interactions among the three viruses apparently did not result in changes in the epidemiology of the diseases. Removal of sources of inoculum and planting at an unfavourable time for reproduction of virus vectors are the two main measures recommended for the control of these diseases. The use of insecticide is indicated only for the control of the F. zucchini.
Linear versus non‐linear gastrointestinal foreign bodies in 499 dogs: clinical presentation, management and short‐term outcome
Authors: Hobday M. M. , Pachtinger G. E. , Drobatz K. J. , Syring R. S.
Published: October 2014

OBJECTIVES

To compare clinical signs, clinicopathological abnormalities, imaging findings and outcome of dogs with linear and non‐linear foreign bodies in the gastrointestinal tract.

METHODS

Retrospective review of case records of dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of gastrointestinal foreign body. Signalment, history, clinical signs, clinicopathological data, diagnostic imaging studies, surgical and endoscopic procedures, hospital stay, costs and outcome were compared between groups.

RESULTS

A total of 176 dogs had linear and 323 had non‐linear foreign bodies. Dogs with a linear foreign body were more likely to have a history of vomiting, anorexia, lethargy and pain on abdominal palpation. They were also more likely to have the foreign body anchored in the stomach and continuing into the small intestine, experience intestinal necrosis, perforation and peritonitis, and require intestinal resection and anastamosis. The duration of hospitalisation was longer for dogs with linear foreign body (3 versus 2 days), and the cost of treatment was 10% higher. However, in both groups, 96% of dogs survived to hospital discharge.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Dogs with a linear foreign body had more severe clinical signs and gastrointestinal pathology, and an increased duration of hospitalisation and cost of care. However, overall survival rates were not different in dogs with linear and non‐linear foreign bodies.