bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Imitation of English vowel duration upon exposure to native and non-native speech
Authors: Zając Magdalena , Rojczyk Arkadiusz 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe study reproduces pilot work concerned with the imitation of English vowel duration by Polish learners (Zając 2013). Its aim was to expand on the findings of the previous study, i.e. determine if the magnitude of imitation may depend on the native/non-native status of the model talker and investigate whether the provision of explicit instructions to imitate at the beginning of the experiment affects convergence strategies of the participants. The dependent variable was the duration of three English front vowels analysed in shortening and lengthening contexts. The stimuli included pre-recorded English word pairs pronounced by a native and a non-native model talker. The experimental procedure consisted of three tasks: (1) reading the English word pairs displayed sequentially on a computer screen (baseline condition), producing the English words after exposure to (2) the native model talker’s voice and (3) the non-native model talker’s voice (shadowing conditions). The results show that the magnitude of imitation in the pronunciation of L2 learners may differ as a function of the model talker (native vs. non-native). The provision of explicit instructions to imitate at the beginning of the experimental procedure was found not to have a significant impact on the convergence strategies of the subjects.
Thyroid status and its association with cognitive functioning in healthy boys at 10 years of age
Authors: Pérez-Lobato R , Ramos R , Arrebola J P , Calvente I , Ocón-Hernández O , Dávila-Arias C , Pérez-García M , Olea N , Fernández M F 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThyroid hormones (THs) are crucial for the correct maturation of the CNS and the neurodevelopment of the child. We aimed to investigate the association of TSH and free thyroxine (FT4) levels with cognitive functioning in children from the INMA-Granada cohort studied during their follow-up at the age of 9–11 years.DesignWe evaluated 300 children from the original cohort, which comprised 668 eligible mother–son pairs recruited at birth from 2000 to 2002 in Granada (Spain).MethodsFT4 and TSH concentrations were measured, and cognitive development was assessed using neuropsychological tests (n=187). Children with chronic disease related to thyroid function and/or cognitive development were excluded.ResultsMedian TSH and FT4 levels were 3.1 μIU/ml and 1.2 ng/dl respectively. In multivariable regression analyses adjusted for maternal and child characteristics, children with TSH levels in the top tertile had worse verbal comprehension and immediate and long-term recall. Children with FT4 levels in the top tertile had better attention and lower impulsivity and were at a lower risk of scoring below the 20th percentile in intelligence quotient (OR=0.24; 95% CI=0.08–0.74; P=0.013) and in abstract reasoning ability (OR=0.28; 95% CI=0.09–0.88; P=0.029).ConclusionOur findings indicate that circulating THs and TSH may in the top tertile have an impact on cognitive functions; thus, higher TSH slightly but significantly increased the risk of a lower score in certain neuropsychological tests.
The Impact of Macroscopic Epistasis on Long-Term Evolutionary Dynamics
Authors: Good Benjamin H , Desai Michael M 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Genetic interactions can strongly influence the fitness effects of individual mutations, yet the impact of these epistatic interactions on evolutionary dynamics remains poorly understood. Here we investigate the evolutionary role of epistasis over 50,000 generations in a well-studied laboratory evolution experiment in Escherichia coli. The extensive duration of this experiment provides a unique window into the effects of epistasis during long-term adaptation to a constant environment. Guided by analytical results in the weak-mutation limit, we develop a computational framework to assess the compatibility of a given epistatic model with the observed patterns of fitness gain and mutation accumulation through time. We find that a decelerating fitness trajectory alone provides little power to distinguish between competing models, including those that lack any direct epistatic interactions between mutations. However, when combined with the mutation trajectory, these observables place strong constraints on the set of possible models of epistasis, ruling out many existing explanations of the data. Instead, we find that the data are consistent with a “two-epoch” model of adaptation, in which an initial burst of diminishing-returns epistasis is followed by a steady accumulation of mutations under a constant distribution of fitness effects. Our results highlight the need for additional DNA sequencing of these populations, as well as for more sophisticated models of epistasis that are compatible with all of the experimental data.
Signaling by the Engulfment Receptor Draper: A Screen in Drosophila melanogaster Implicates Cytoskeletal Regulators, Jun N-Terminal Kinase, and Yorkie
Authors: Fullard John F , Baker Nicholas E 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Draper, the Drosophila melanogaster homolog of the Ced-1 protein of Caenorhabditis elegans, is a cell-surface receptor required for the recognition and engulfment of apoptotic cells, glial clearance of axon fragments and dendritic pruning, and salivary gland autophagy. To further elucidate mechanisms of Draper signaling, we screened chromosomal deficiencies to identify loci that dominantly modify the phenotype of overexpression of Draper isoform II (suppressed differentiation of the posterior crossvein in the wing). We found evidence for 43 genetic modifiers of Draper II. Twenty-four of the 37 suppressor loci and 3 of the 6 enhancer loci were identified. An additional 5 suppressors and 2 enhancers were identified among mutations in functionally related genes. These studies reveal positive contributions to Drpr signaling for the Jun N-terminal Kinase pathway, supported by genetic interactions with hemipterous, basket, jun, and puckered, and for cytoskeleton regulation as indicated by genetic interactions with rac1, rac2, RhoA, myoblast city, Wiskcott–Aldrich syndrome protein, and the formin CG32138, and for yorkie and expanded. These findings indicate that Jun N-terminal Kinase activation and cytoskeletal remodeling collaborate in Draper signaling. Relationships between Draper signaling and Decapentaplegic signaling, insulin signaling, Salvador/Warts/Hippo signaling, apical-basal cell polarity, and cellular responses to mechanical forces are also discussed.
A Custom Trabecular Metal Implant in Revision Total Hip Replacement with a Paprosky Type-IV Femoral Defect
Authors: Tischler Eric H. , Hansen Erik , Austin Matthew S. 
Published: November 2014

Case:
Treatment for severe femoral bone defects involving loss of the supporting isthmus is limited. Techniques are based on surgeon experience and patient-related factors. Revision arthroplasty can be challenging depending on bone loss and quality. Highly porous metals, such as trabecular metal, are ideal alternatives for complex reconstruction; however, little has been written about trabecular metal for reconstruction of the proximal part of the femur.

Conclusion:
We report the five-year midterm results of a custom trabecular metal implant for a Paprosky type-IV femoral defect. This novel construct provides durable midterm survivorship and excellent function for Paprosky type-IV femoral bone loss.
The Development and Future of Reconstructive and Microvascular Surgery of the Hand
Authors: Malahias Marco , Jordan Daniel J , Hindocha Sandip , Khan Wasim , Juma Ali 
Published: November 2014

The hand is often thought of as a key discriminator in what makes humans human. The hand is both intricate and fascinating in its design and function, allowing humans to interact with their surroundings, and each other. Due to its use in manipulation of the person&#x2019;s environment, injury to the hand is common.Devastating hand injuries have a profound, physical, psychological, &#xFB01;nancial and socially crippling effect on patients.Advances in operative techniques and improvements in microscopes and instruments allowed Malt &McKhann to perform the first successful arm replantation in 1962 [1].This was followed by a myriad of autologous free flaps of varying composition, that were discovered after the mapping of the cutaneous blood circulation by Taylor and Palmer [2] and Mathes &#x0026;amp&#x003B; Nahai&#x2019;s classification of muscle flaps [3] providing us with countless options to harvest and transfer healthy, well vascularised tissues into areas of injury.Since the late sixties, with the emerging subspecialty of microvascular reconstruction, surgeons have had the technical ability to salvage many amputated parts, even entire limbs.The measure of functional outcomemust incorporate the evaluation and severity ofthe initial injury and the subsequent reconstructive surgeries [4].
Psychometric Properties of the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire among Chinese High School Students
Authors: Jia Cun-Xian , Wang Xing-Ting , Zhao Zhong-Tang 
Published: November 2014

Objectives: To test the psychometric properties of the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire (SIQ) among Chinese high school students. Methods: The reliability and validity of SIQ were analyzed with data of 505 high school students in Jinan, China. Results: The Cronbach's coefficient alpha of SIQ was above 0.95 and the Cronbach's coefficients alphas of SIQ when each item was deleted were relatively stable. The convergent validity analyses showed that there were statistically significant correlations between SIQ total scores and DSD total scores by gender. Exploratory factor analysis produced four factors of SIQ. Conclusion: The SIQ has a high level of reliability and validity and should be a reliable measure for suicide ideation in Chinese high school students.
The pasting constructions for effect algebras
Authors: Xie Yongjan , Li Yongming , Yang Aili 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present several techniques of constructing a lattice-ordered effect algebra from a given family of lattice-ordered effect algebras, and to study the structure of finite lattice-ordered effect algebras. Firstly, we prove that any finite MV-effect algebra can be obtained by substituting the atoms of some Boolean algebra by linear MV-effect algebras. Then some conditions which can guarantee that the pasting of a family of effect algebras is an effect algebra are provided. At last, we prove that any finite lattice-ordered effect algebra E without atoms of type 2 can be obtained by substituting the atoms of some orthomodular lattice by linear MV-effect algebras. Furthermore, we give a way how to paste a lattice-ordered effect algebra from the family of MV-effect algebras.
Some results on the entire function sharing problem
Authors: Chen BaoQin , Li Sheng 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Our main result is as follows: let f and a be two entire functions such that $$\max \{ \rho _2 (f),\rho _2 (a)\} < \tfrac{1}
{2}$$. If f and f
(k)
a CM, and if ρ(a
(k) − a) < ρ(f − a), then f
(k) − a = c(f − a) for some nonzero constant c. This result is applied to improve a result of Gundersen and Yang.
Principal bundle structure on jet prolongations of frame bundles
Authors: Brajerčík J. , Demko M. , Krupka D. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce the structure of a principal bundle on the r-jet prolongation J
r
FX of the frame bundle FX over a manifold X. Our construction reduces the well-known principal prolongation W
r
FX of FX with structure group G
nr. For a structure group of J
r
FX we find a suitable subgroup of G
nr. We also discuss the structure of the associated bundles. We show that the associated action of the structure group of J
r
FX corresponds with the standard actions of differential groups on tensor spaces.
Test-Retest and Interrater Reliability of the Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation
Authors: Haitz Karyn , Shultz Rebecca , Hodgins Melissa , Matheson Gordon O. 
Published: November 2014

Study Design Repeated-measures clinical measurement reliability study. Objectives To establish the reliability and face validity of the Functional Lower Extremity Evaluation (FLEE). Background The FLEE is a 45-minute battery of 8 standardized functional performance tests that measures 3 components of lower extremity function: control, power, and endurance. The reliability and normative values for the FLEE in healthy athletes are unknown. Methods A face validity survey for the FLEE was sent to sports medicine personnel to evaluate the level of importance and frequency of clinical usage of each test included in the FLEE. The FLEE was then administered and rated for 40 uninjured athletes. To assess test-retest reliability, each athlete was tested twice, 1 week apart, by the same rater. To assess interrater reliability, 3 raters scored each athlete during 1 of the testing sessions. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the test-retest and interrater reliability of each of the FLEE tests. Results In the face validity survey, the FLEE tests were rated as highly important by 58% to 71% of respondents but frequently used by only 26% to 45% of respondents. Interrater reliability intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.83 to 1.00, and test-retest reliability ranged from 0.71 to 0.95. Conclusion The FLEE tests are considered clinically important for assessing lower extremity function by sports medicine personnel but are underused. The FLEE also is a reliable assessment tool. Future studies are required to determine if use of the FLEE to make return-to-play decisions may reduce reinjury rates. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(12):947–954. Epub 13 November 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4809
The supracerebellar-transtentorial approach to posteromedial temporal lesions in children with refractory epilepsy
Authors: Weil Alexander G. , Middleton Andrew L. , Niazi Toba N. , Ragheb John , Bhatia Sanjiv 
Published: November 2014

OBJECT
Operations on tumors of the posteromedial temporal (PMT) region, that is, on those arising from the posterior parahippocampal, fusiform, and lingual gyri, are challenging to perform because of the deep-seated location of these tumors between critical cisternal neurovascular structures and the adjacent temporal and occipital cortexes. Traditional surgical approaches require temporal or occipital transgression, retraction, or venous sacrifice. These approaches may result in unintended complications that should be avoided. To avoid these complications, the supracerebellar-transtentorial (SCTT) approach to this region has been used as an effective alternative treatment in adult patients. The SCTT approach uses a sitting position that offers a direct route to the posterior fusiform and lingual gyri of the temporal lobe. The authors report the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of this approach, using a modified lateral park-bench position in a small cohort of pediatric patients.

METHODS
The authors carried out a retrospective case review of 5 consecutive patients undergoing a paramedian SCTT approach between 2009 and 2014 at the authors' institution.

RESULTS
The SCTT approach in the park-bench position was used in 3 boys and 2 girls with a mean age of 7.8 years (range 13 months to 16 years). All patients presented with a seizure disorder related to a tumor in a PMT region involving the parahippocampal and fusiform gyri of the left (n = 3) or right (n = 2) temporal lobe. No procedure-related complications were observed. Gross-total resection and control of seizures were achieved in all cases. Tumor classes and types included 1 Grade II astrocytoma, 1 pleomorphic xanthoastrocytoma, 1 ganglioglioma, and 2 glioneural tumors. None of the tumors had recurred by the mean follow-up of 22 months (range 1–48 months). Outcomes of epileptic seizures were excellent, with seizure symptoms in all 5 patients scoring in Engel Class IA.

CONCLUSIONS
The SCTT approach represents a viable option when resecting tumors in this region, providing a reasonable working corridor and low morbidity. The authors' experience in a cohort of pediatric patients demonstrates that complete resection of the lesions in this location is feasible and is safe when involving an approach that involves using a park-bench lateral positioning.
The supraorbital eyebrow approach in children: clinical outcomes, cosmetic results, and complications
Authors: Dlouhy Brian J. , Chae Michael P. , Teo Charles 
Published: November 2014

OBJECT
The supraorbital eyebrow approach utilizes an eyebrow skin incision to fashion a supraorbital craniotomy for exposure of the subfrontal corridor. This provides anterolateral access to surgical lesions in the anterior cranial fossa, parasellar regions, brainstem, and medial temporal lobe. With use of the endoscope, further areas can be accessed. This approach has been applied effectively in adults, but questions remain about its use in children—specifically with regard to adequate working space, effectiveness for achieving the desired results, cosmesis, and complications.

METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective review of more than 450 cases involving patients of all ages who had undergone a supraorbital eyebrow approach performed by the senior author (C.T.) from 1995 to 2013. Only cases involving patients younger than 18 years with a minimum follow-up of 6 weeks were included in this study. All inpatient and outpatient records were retrospectively reviewed and clinical/operative outcomes, cosmetic results, and complications were recorded. In the present article, the authors briefly describe the surgical approach and highlight any differences in applying it in children.

RESULTS
Fifty-four pediatric patients who had undergone a supraorbital eyebrow approach met inclusion criteria. The pathological conditions consisted mostly of tumors or other resectable lesions. In a total of 51 resectable lesions, 44 surgeries resulted in a gross-total (100%) resection and 7 cases resulted in subtotal (50%–99%) resection. The endoscope assisted and expanded visualization or provided access to areas not reached by standard microscopic visualization in all cases. Cosmetic outcomes were excellent. In all cases, the incisional scar was barely visible at 6 weeks. In 3 cases a minor bone defect was observed on the forehead. Given the small size of the frontal sinus in children, no frontal sinus breaches occurred. Additionally, no CSF leak or wound infection was identified.

CONCLUSIONS
The supraorbital eyebrow approach is extremely effective in achieving desired results in properly selected cases in patients of all pediatric age ranges, from infants to teenagers. There is sufficient working space for the endoscope and all instruments, allowing for endoscopic assistance and bimanual surgical technique. Cosmetic results are excellent, and complications related to the approach are minimal.
Effects of cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid on epidural fibrosis: experimental study
Authors: Isık Semra , Taşkapılıoğlu M. Özgür , Atalay Fatma Oz , Dogan Seref 
Published: November 2014

OBJECT
Epidural fibrosis is nonphysiological scar formation, usually at the site of neurosurgical access into the spinal canal, in the intimate vicinity of and around the origin of the radicular sheath. The formation of dense fibrous tissue causes lumbar and radicular pain. In addition to radicular symptoms, the formation of scar tissue may cause problems during reoperation. The authors aimed to investigate the effects of cross-linked high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid (HA), an HA derivative known as HA gel, on the prevention of epidural fibrosis by using histopathological and biochemical parameters.

METHODS
Fifty-six adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were evaluated. The rats were divided into 4 groups. Rats in the sham group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received no treatment; rats in the control group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy and received 0.9% NaCl treatment in the surgical area; rats in the HA group (n = 14) received HA treatment at the surgical area after laminectomy and discectomy; and rats in the HA gel group (n = 14) underwent laminectomy and discectomy in addition to receiving treatment with cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA in the surgical area. All rats were decapitated after 4 weeks, and the specimens were evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. The results were statistically compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test.

RESULTS
Compared with the sham and control groups, the HA and HA gel groups showed significantly lower fibroblast cell density and tissue hydroxyproline concentrations (p < 0.05). There was statistically significant lower dural adhesion and foreign-body reaction between the control and HA gel groups (p < 0.05). Granulation tissue and epidural fibrosis were significantly lower in the HA and HA gel groups compared with the sham group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in any histopathological parameters or biochemical values between Groups 3 and 4 (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA had positive effects on the prevention of epidural fibrosis and the reduction of fibrotic tissue density. The efficacy of this agent should also be verified in further experimental and clinical studies.
Surgery for primary supratentorial brain tumors in the United States, 2000–2009: effect of provider and hospital caseload on complication rates
Authors: Trinh Victoria T. , Davies Jason M. , Berger Mitchel S. 
Published: November 2014

OBJECT
The object of this study was to examine how procedural volume and patient demographics impact complication rates and value of care in those who underwent biopsy or craniotomy for supratentorial primary brain tumors.

METHODS
The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) on 62,514 admissions for biopsy or resection of supratentorial primary brain tumors for the period from 2000 to 2009. The main outcome measures were in-hospital mortality, routine discharge proportion, length of hospital stay, and perioperative complications. Associations between these outcomes and hospital or surgeon case volumes were examined in logistic regression models stratified across patient characteristics to control for presentation of disease and comorbid risk factors. The authors further computed value of care, defined as the ratio of functional outcome to hospital charges.

RESULTS
High-case-volume surgeons and hospitals had superior outcomes. After adjusting for patient characteristics, high-volume surgeon correlated with reduced complication rates (OR 0.91, p = 0.04) and lower in-hospital mortality (OR 0.43, p < 0.0001). High-volume hospitals were associated with reduced in-hospital mortality (OR 0.76, p = 0.003), higher routine discharge proportion (OR 1.29, p < 0.0001), and lower complication rates (OR 0.93, p = 0.04). Patients treated by high-volume surgeons were less likely to experience postoperative hematoma, hydrocephalus, or wound complications. Patients treated at high-volume hospitals were less likely to experience mechanical ventilation, pulmonary complications, or infectious complications. Worse outcomes tended to occur in African American and Hispanic patients and in those without private insurance, and these demographic groups tended to underutilize high-volume providers.

CONCLUSIONS
A high-volume status for hospitals and surgeons correlates with superior value of care, as well as reduced in-hospital mortality and complications. These findings suggest that regionalization of care may enhance patient outcomes and improve value of care for patients with primary supratentorial brain tumors.