bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preference of education mode
Authors: Lauver Kristy J. , Drum Dawna M. , Windsor James M. , Miller Sheila M. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThis study aims to examine why students choose to or choose not to take and their perspectives of online courses, by obtaining responses from both students who have and have not taken online classes.Design/methodology/approachA survey methodology is used, including both open‐ended qualitative questions as well as a quantitative question.FindingsSupport for past research was found through students indicating the importance of flexibility and convenience in online courses. Countering past research was the high level of consistency between the two populations’ perspectives of online courses. Two key distinctions were found between the populations: the amount of focus on the cost of courses by those choosing not to take online classes, and the awareness of the need of self‐motivation needed in online courses by those who had taken them.Research limitations/implicationsThis research was conducted at just one organization, so generalizability across institutions would need to be confirmed.Practical implicationsInstitutions need to be aware of what constitutes students’ choices and perspectives between the various methods of taking courses.Social implicationsStudents may need additional preparation and realistic expectations in order to increase the likelihood of being successful in an online course. Institutions also need to maintain the rigor of their online courses to maintain an overall positive social perception of online education.Originality/valueThis study made a distinction between perspectives of students having had an online course and those who had not, as well as a distinction between choice in selecting online courses and student perceptions of online courses. These perceptions were explored through both quantitative and qualitative responses.
Contextual influences on leadership in emergency type organisations
Authors: Larsson Gerry , Hyllengren Peder 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to further the theoretical understanding of leadership in emergency type organisations by modelling contextual aspects which are assumed to influence it.Design/methodology/approachA theoretical analysis followed by an operationalisation of key concepts and two small‐scale empirical cross‐sectional tests.FindingsContextual conditions at the group, organisation, and environmental levels that are assumed to influence leadership in emergency type organisations were modelled in lower‐ to higher‐extent bipolar dimensions. An empirical test involving Scandinavian military officers (n=57) and Swedish health care (ambulance) professionals (n=39) yielded profiles for leaders at three different hierarchical levels during severely demanding operations: field‐level group/team leaders; field‐level commanders/managers; and high‐level strategic commanders/managers. Considerable differences were found between the three profiles on scales designed to measure environmental and more structure‐related organisational conditions. Almost no differences were noted on “softer” aspects such as organisational culture and small group characteristics.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses only on traditional hierarchical organisations that are designed to function in extreme conditions (the armed forces and acute health care).Practical implicationsIf empirically further tested and proved valid, the suggested model could be of value in leadership and organisational development efforts.Originality/valueThe theoretical approach is new. The presented operationalisations open up for full‐model tests of leadership models based on an interactional person‐by‐situation paradigm.
Invest in the best or compensate the weak?
Authors: Muehlemann Samuel , Braendli Romy , Wolter Stefan C. 
Published: April 2013

PurposeThe paper aims to test whether a firm's provision of training depends on the intake quality of trainees. While a firm may just treat each trainee equally, independent of his or her intake quality, firms may alternatively also provide more training to less able individuals or focus on the most able ones. The authors develop a theoretical framework that illustrates under what circumstances a firm chooses a particular training strategy.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses representative administrative survey data for more than 1,400 Swiss establishments. To test their theoretical predictions about a firm's training strategy, the authors apply multivariate and instrumental variable (IV) regression models. In addition, they use case study evidence from a large Swiss retailer, allowing them to analyze how different instructors in a specific firm react when confronted with apprentices of different intake qualities.FindingsThe authors find that a firm's training strategy depends on a trainee's intake quality and the expected net costs of a particular training occupation. Although firms generally provide less training to less qualified trainees, the authors find that a firm is willing to compensate low‐ability trainees with additional training when training is on average profitable in the short run.Practical implicationsWhen training regulations force firms to follow an investment‐oriented training strategy (net costs in the short run), then low‐ability trainees will not receive additional instruction time and the dropout risk increases.Social implicationsGenerating a regulatory framework that allows firms to achieve a net benefit from work‐based training is crucial for low‐ability trainees to have the opportunity to receive additional training investments that compensate for a lack of competences when training commences.Originality/valueThis paper provides novel and direct empirical evidence on how firms adjust their training provision when faced with heterogeneity in the ability of their trainees.
Fibronectin‐binding protein, FbpA, is the adhesin responsible for pathogenesis of Listeria monocytogenes infection
Authors: Osanai Arihiro , Li Sheng‐Jun , Asano Krisana , Sashinami Hiroshi , Hu Dong‐Liang , Nakane Akio 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTThe role of fibronectin binding protein A (FbpA) in Listeria monocytogenes infection and its pathogenesis were studied in vivo and in vitro by constructing a fbpA‐deficient mutant of L. monocytogenes (ΔfbpA). In vivo, ΔfbpA was less pathogenic in mutant mice than was wild‐type L. monocytogenes. FbpA did not affect the amounts of various virulence‐determining factors, including internalin B and listeriolysin O. However, adherence to, and invasion of, mouse hepatocytes by the ΔfbpA mutant were reduced. In contrast, adherence to, but not invasion of, the ΔfbpA mutant to macrophages was attenuated. Fibronectin contributed to the efficient adherence and invasion of wild‐type L. monocytogenes, but not to those of the ΔfbpA mutant. Attenuation of adhesion and uptake of the ΔfbpA mutant were reversed by overexpression of FbpA in it. FbpA was not involved in intracellular growth, autophagy induction or actin tail formation. Thus, the present findings clearly show that FbpA acts as an important adhesion molecule of L. monocytogenes, especially regarding hepatocytes, without modulating the expression of other virulence factors that have been implicated in the pathogenesis of L. monocytogenes infection.
Pyriproxyfen enhances the immunoglobulin G immune response in mice
Authors: Sharmin Tanjina , Satho Tomomitsu , Irie Keiichi , Watanabe Mineo , Hosokawa Masato , Hiramatsu Yukihiro , Talukder Parimal , Okuno Takahiro , Tsuruda Shodai , Uyeda Saori , Fukmits Yuki , Tamura Yukie , Nakashima Yukihiko , Imoto Masumi , Toda Akihisa , Kashige Nobuhiro , Miake Fumio 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTPyriproxyfen is a juvenile hormone mimic of vital importance for insect development with little risk to humans. This study was performed to investigate whether large doses of pyriproxyfen affect the immune response in mammals. Mice were immunized thrice with ovalbumin in 5% ethanol, with or without pyriproxyfen or alum. Large doses of pyriproxyfen (9 or 15 mM) significantly enhanced specific total IgG immune response. This enhancement was no longer present 24 hr after treatment with pyriproxyfen. These results suggest that pyriproxyfen is a safe chemical. Moreover, pyriproxyfen induced higher titers of IgG2a and enhanced tumor necrosis factor‐alpha and gamma‐interferon responses whereas alum induced IgG1 with enhanced interleukin‐4 and ‐10. These observations indicate that the mechanism of immune enhancement by pyriproxyfen may differ from that of alum.
Therapeutic effect of peripheral administration of an anti‐prion protein antibody on mice infected with prions
Authors: Ohsawa Natsuo , Song Chang‐Hyun , Suzuki Akio , Furuoka Hidefumi , Hasebe Rie , Horiuchi Motohiro 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIt is generally thought that effective treatments for prion diseases need to inhibit prion propagation, protect neuronal tissues and promote functional recovery of degenerated nerve tissues. In addition, such treatments should be effective even when given after clinical onset of the disease and administered via a peripheral route. In this study, the effect of peripheral administration of an anti‐PrP antibody on disease progression in prion‐infected mice was examined. mAb 31C6 was administered via the tail veins of prion‐infected mice at the time of clinical onset (120 days post‐inoculation with the Chandler prion strain) and the distribution of this mAb in the brain and its effect on mouse survival assessed. The antibody was distributed to the cerebellums and thalami of the infected mice and more than half these mice survived longer than mice that had been given a negative control mAb. The level of PrPSc in the mAb 31C6‐treated mice was lower than that in mice treated with the negative control mAb and progression of neuropathological lesions in the cerebellum, where the mAb 31C6 was well distributed, appeared to be mitigated. These results suggest that administration of an anti‐PrP mAb through a peripheral route is a candidate for the treatment of prion diseases.
A systems approach to restoring degraded drylands
Authors: James Jeremy J. , Sheley Roger L. , Erickson Todd , Rollins Kim S. , Taylor Michael H. , Dixon Kingsley W. 
Published: April 2013

Summary

Drylands support over 2 billion people and are major providers of critical ecosystem goods and services across the globe. Drylands, however, are one of the most susceptible biomes to degradation. International programmes widely recognize dryland restoration as key to combating global dryland degradation and ensuring future global sustainability. While the need to restore drylands is widely recognized and large amounts of resources are allocated to these activities, rates of restoration success remain overwhelmingly low.

Advances in understanding the ecology of dryland systems have not yielded proportional advances in our ability to restore these systems. To accelerate progress in dryland restoration, we argue for moving the field of restoration ecology beyond conceptual frameworks of ecosystem dynamics and towards quantitative, predictive systems models that capture the probabilistic nature of ecosystem response to management.

To do this, we first provide an overview of conceptual dryland restoration frameworks. We then describe how quantitative systems framework can advance and improve conceptual restoration frameworks, resulting in a greater ability to forecast restoration outcomes and evaluate economic efficiency and decision‐making. Lastly, using a case study from the western United States, we show how a systems approach can be integrated with and used to advance current conceptual frameworks of dryland restoration.

Synthesis and applications. Systems models for restoration do not replace conceptual models but complement and extend these modelling approaches by enhancing our ability to solve restoration problems and forecast outcomes under changing conditions. Such forecasting of future outcomes is necessary to monetize restoration benefits and cost and to maximize economic benefit of limited restoration dollars.
A randomized, rater‐blinded, parallel trial of intensive speech therapy in sub‐acute post‐stroke aphasia: the SP‐I‐R‐IT study
Authors: Martins Isabel Pavão , Leal Gabriela , Fonseca Isabel , Farrajota Luísa , Aguiar Marta , Fonseca José , Lauterbach Martin , Gonçalves Luís , Cary M. Carmo , Ferreira Joaquim J. , Ferro Jose M. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThere is conflicting evidence regarding the benefits of intensive speech and language therapy (SLT), particularly because intensity is often confounded with total SLT provided.AimsA two‐centre, randomized, rater‐blinded, parallel study was conducted to compare the efficacy of 100 h of SLT in a regular (RT) versus intensive (IT) treatment in sub‐acute post‐stroke aphasia.Methods & ProceduresConsecutive patients with aphasia, within 3 months of a left hemisphere ischemic stroke, were randomized to IT (2 h per day × 5 days per week, 10 weeks) or RT (2 h per week × 50 weeks). Evaluations took place at 10, 50 and 62 weeks. Primary outcome was the frequency of responders, defined by 15% increase of Aphasia Quotient (AQ) from the baseline to 50 weeks. Secondary outcomes were changes from the baseline in AQ and functional communication profile (FCP) at 50 and 62 weeks and improvement stability between 50 and 62 weeks.Outcomes & ResultsThirty patients were randomized and 18 completed the study. No significant differences were found between groups in primary or secondary outcomes, although IT patients (N = 9) obtained higher scores in language measures between 10 and 62 weeks in per protocol analysis. The number of non‐completions was identical between groups.Conclusions & ImplicationsThis study suggests that, in the sub‐acute period following stroke and controlling for the number of hours of SLT provided, there is a trend for a greater improvement in language and functional communication measures with IT compared with RT. The lack of statistical significance in results was probably due to the small sample size.
Spectrofluorimetric and Spectrophotometric Analysis of Two Analgesic Drugs in Pharmaceutical Formulations and Biological Fluids
Authors: El‐Didamony Akram M. , Ali Ismail I. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractSimple, reliable, sensitive, and accurate spectrofluorimetric and spectrophotometric methods were proposed for the determination of two selected analgesic drugs, namely tramadol and morphine, in pharmaceuticals and biological fluids. The proposed methods were based on the oxidation of the studied drugs by Cerium (Ce)IV in an acidic medium. The spectrofluorimetric method is based on measuring the relative fluorescence intensity of Ce(III) arising from Ce(IV) at 350 nm with an excitation wavelength at 250 nm. The spectrophotometric method involves on addition of a known excess of Ce(IV) to the studied drugs in an acid medium, followed by the determination of residual Ce(IV) by reacting with a fixed amount of methyl orange and measuring the absorbance at 510 nm. Different variables affecting the reaction conditions, such as the concentrations of Ce(IV), type and concentration of the acid medium, reaction time, temperature, and the diluting solvents, were carefully studied and optimized.
Is Tetranychus urticae suitable prey for development and reproduction of naïve Coleomegilla maculata?
Authors: Riddick Eric W. , Wu Zhixin , Rojas M. Guadalupe 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe lady beetle Coleomegilla maculata De Geer is an omnivorous predator that could help suppress aphid and spider mite populations on plants in greenhouses, plantscapes or interiorscapes. We are assessing the nutritional requirements and feeding behavior of C. maculata on target prey (spider mites) and factitious (unnatural) food. Our ultimate goal is to develop an efficacious diet to mass produce C. maculata. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that Tetranychus urticae Koch (two‐spotted spider mite) is not suitable prey for development and reproduction of naïve C. maculata (i.e., with no prior exposure to T. urticae). Our objectives were to (i) provide baseline data on the effects of consuming T. urticae on C. maculata life history, (ii) to compare the effects of consuming all stages of T. urticae versus eggs of Musca domestica L. (common housefly), and (iii) to determine if the consumption of plant products was beneficial. We used C. maculata from a colony reared only on Ephestia kuehniella Zeller (Mediterranean flour moth) eggs. In experiments, C. maculata larvae were reared from the first instar to adult stage with prey/food in replicated arenas; adult females were paired with a single male with prey/food. The results showed that naïve C. maculata readily attacked and consumed T. urticae. Nevertheless, T. urticae was less suitable than M. domestica eggs for C. maculata development and reproduction. Applying a synthetic pollen‐Chlorella alga powder (SPCA) in arenas containing T. urticae appeared to boost C. maculata female development and reproduction.
Wheat Research Funding in Australia: The Rise of Public–Private–Producer Partnerships
Authors: Alston Julian M. , Gray Richard S. 
Published: April 2013

summaryWheat Research Funding in Australia: The Rise of Public–Private–Producer PartnershipsThe Australian wheat research system was transformed profoundly by three institutional innovations. First, in 1990 the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) was created to provide levy‐funded R&D. Second, in 1994 the Plant Breeder’s Rights Act was passed, providing the legal framework for the collection of end‐point royalties (EPRs), now the primary source of funding for wheat‐breeding activities in Australia. Third, in 1999 the GRDC tendered for the development of three for‐profit public corporations that would invest revenues from EPRs to fund wheat breeding, allowing the GRDC to move upstream to focus on using its levy‐based funding for pre‐breeding research efforts. As of 2012, these breeding firms had each acquired a multinational private partner and had collectively reached the point where EPR revenues were sufficient to cover breeding costs. EPRs provide a very strong form of property rights for breeders such that producers will have to pay higher prices to access improved varieties, with some uncertainty about the extent to which those prices will be free to rise. Together, these three institutional innovations have created a well‐funded and well‐coordinated wheat research system that will enhance Australia’s long‐run competitive position in the global grain market, but with an increasing burden of the costs of innovation borne by the industry.
Innovation in Livestock Genetic Improvement
Authors: Mofakkarul Islam M. , Renwick Alan , Lamprinopoulou Chrysa , Klerkx Laurens 
Published: April 2013

summaryInnovation in Livestock Genetic ImprovementThe application of genetic selection technologies in livestock breeding offers unique opportunities to enhance the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of the livestock industry. However, there is a concern that the uptake of these technologies has been slower in the sheep and beef sectors in comparison to the dairy, pig and poultry sectors. This article discusses how an agricultural innovation systems perspective can help identify the dynamics of technology uptake in the livestock sector using the adoption of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) in sheep production in Scotland as a case study. Five major (systemic) challenges were identified: a weakly integrated sheep supply chain (market structure failure); the presence of a powerful faction antagonistic towards EBVs (network failure); a challenging policy environment (hard institutional failure); a dismantled and weak advisory service with regard to EBVs (capabilities failure); and an outdated and inflexible data management system (infrastructure failure). Whilst efforts are being made to address the barriers individually it is argued that a more holistic approach is needed to innovation. The findings are shown to have wider implications for innovation within the agricultural sector of the European Union.
Interpretation of Chinese Society of Endocrinology consensus statement on hyperglycemia management target in adult inpatients in China (中华医学会内分泌学分会《中国成人住院患者高血糖管理目标专家共识》解读)
Authors: Lü Qing‐guo , Tong Nan‐wei 
Published: April 2013

AbstractHyperglycemia of inpatients will increase the incidence of complications, mortality and medical cost, meanwhile prolong the course of hospitalization. A consensus on hyperglycemia management target in adult inpatients is proposed by experts of the Chinese Society of Endocrinology in order to control hyperglycemia of inpatients safely and effectively. Individualization is emphasized in this consensus. Different stratified glycemic targets should be established according to different patients and conditions. Target blood glucose control is unnecessary for diabetic patients during hospital stay. Glycemic decrement should generally not be quick. Hypoglycemia should be avoided as much as possible, and for overweight and obesity individuals, weight gain should be avoided as much as possible also. At the same time, the risks of infection and hyperglycemic crisis must also be avoided due to loose glycemic control.
Multi‐center experience of robot‐assisted laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy for staging of locally advanced cervical carcinoma
Authors: Fastrez Maxime , Goffin Frédéric , Vergote Ignace , Vandromme Jean , Petit Philippe , Leunen Karin , Degueldre Michel 
Published: April 2013

AbstractObjectivesFIGO classification is commonly used for staging of locally advanced cervical cancer. Laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy is currently used as a diagnostic tool, since we know that presence of para‐aortic lymph node metastases identifies patients with poor prognosis. The application of robotics during this procedure needs to be investigated.DesignRetrospective multi‐center study.SettingThree centers participated in building one database.PopulationThirty‐seven patients with locally advanced cervical cancer underwent a robot‐assisted laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadenectomy.MethodsPatients were prospectively enrolled in one register. Retrospective analysis of the whole database was performed.Main outcome measuresSurgical outcomes of the robot‐assisted procedure and follow‐up data.ResultsMedian number of lymph nodes collected was 27.5 (1–54) per patient. Five of 37 patients had para‐aortic node metastases. The false negative rate for PET‐CT diagnosing para‐aortic node metastases was 11.4% (4/35). Two major intra‐operative complications occurred (5.4%). Postoperative morbidity was low (13.5%). Median follow‐up was 27 months [95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 24–30]. Median disease‐free survival was 16 months (95% CI 2.4–29.6). Patients with negative nodes had a median disease‐free survival of 24 months (not assessable), although patients with positive nodes had a median disease‐free survival of 9 months (95% CI 6.9–11.9).ConclusionsIn this series we report that robot‐assisted laparoscopic para‐aortic lymphadencetomy provided the surgeon with useful information, diagnosing 11.4% of occult para‐aortic lymph node metastases in women with locally advanced cervical cancer. Intra‐operative and postoperative morbidity were low. The presence of para‐aortic lymph node metastases correlated with shorter disease‐free survival.