Knowledge Networks in an Uncompetitive Region: SME Innovation and Growth

Knowledge networks are now recognised as a crucial element underlying the economic success and competitiveness of geographic locations, in particular regions. The aim of this paper is to assess the types of knowledge networks utilised and formed by knowledge‐based small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the relatively uncompetitive regional setting of Yorkshire and Humberside in the UK. It explores the relationship between knowledge networking activity and the levels of innovation and growth achieved by these SMEs. It is found that SMEs tend to utilise and value more knowledge networks with actors outside the region. However, more innovative SMEs possess a balance of inside and outside the region knowledge networks. Knowledge networking activity is sometimes negatively associated with growth, suggesting that networks with certain actors, such as public sector support agencies, may be formed by SMEs when they are facing competitive pressures. In terms of policy implications, the paper recommends a shift from the cluster policies implemented by many regional authorities to a regional innovation systems approach, focusing equally on the regional and more global dimensions of knowledge networks. It is concluded that regional public policy makers need to renew their efforts to support SMEs in creating and sustaining their knowledge networks.     

The clinical management of neoplasia – 1. Diagnosis and prognosis

Diagnosis of malignancy almost always rests upon a histopathological examination of the lesion, and the importance of establishing the histological nature of the disease as early as possible is emphasized. Factors affecting prognosis are enumerated and discussed. Early diagnosis and an understanding of prognostic features are prerequisites to planning a vigorous and rational treatment regime from the initial presentation of the case; such an approach may improve the survival and quality of life for tumour–bearing animals.     

Clinical Evaluation of Pancarpal Arthrodesis Using a CastLess Plate in 11 Dogs

Objective— To describe the use of a 3.5/2.7 mm CastLess Plate (CLP) for pancarpal arthrodesis (PCA) in dogs.
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Dogs with traumatic/degenerative carpal disease (n=11).
Methods— Records (September 2006–July 2007) of dogs that had PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP were reviewed to determine intra- and postoperative complications and use of external coaptation. Follow-up (≥12 months) was obtained by telephone interview of owners.
Results— Thirteen PCA procedures were performed; 5 intraoperative complications occurred in 4 procedures and included iatrogenic metacarpal fissure fracture (2), inability to remove an alignment pin (1), and poor distal plate position (2). External coaptation was used in 4 dogs: concomitant or iatrogenic injuries (3), bilateral PCA (1), for 3–6 weeks. Clinical evaluation 6–24 weeks postoperatively revealed iatrogenic metacarpal fractures to have healed and that 1 postoperative complication (infection) developed. Telephone follow up for 10 dogs (mean, 14 months; range, 12–20 months) revealed no further problems.
Conclusion— PCA using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP reduces the need for external coaptation and seemingly reduces postoperative morbidity associated with other internal fixation techniques.
Clinical Relevance— PCA can be performed safely and successfully using a 3.5/2.7 mm CLP, with low postoperative morbidity compared with other PCA techniques. Particular attention should be taken when applying the distal component of the plate.     

Osteosarcoma Eight Years After Total Hip Arthroplasty

This report presents a case of osteosarcoma of the femoral diaphysis associated with chronic stimulation of the area by an unstable femoral prosthesis after total hip arthroplasty performed 8 years previously. The pathogenesis of this transformation may be similar to that proposed for fracture-associated sarcoma. Neoplasia should be considered as a possible late complication of total hip arthroplasty.     

Primary Repair of Abomasal Fistulae Resulting From Right Paramedian Abomasopexy in Eight Adult Dairy Cattle

Abomasal fistulae resulting from right paramedian abomasopexy in eight adult dairy cattle were treated by primary closure of the abdominal wall after surgical resection of the fistulae. The median elapsed time from the abomasopexy to recognition of fistula formation was 16 days (range, 10 to 90 days). All cows had normal electrolyte values, and five cows had mildly increased base excess values (range = 4.0 to 7.8 mEq/L). Surgery was performed with the cows in dorsal recumbency using general anesthesia. The fistulated tissue was resected and the abomasum and body wall were closed primarily. One or two layers of appositional sutures using #2 or #3 polyglactin 910 were used to close the body wall. Mean surgical time was 2.2 hours (range, 1.8 to 2.9 hours). Two cows were lost to follow-up. Five of the remaining six cows returned to production (range, 5 to 30 months). Primary closure of the abdominal wall should be considered in the surgical repair of abomasal fistulae in cows that do not have diffuse peritonitis.     

DOES CHANGING THE ORIENTATION OF A THORACIC RADIOGRAPH AID DIAGNOSIS OF RIB FRACTURES?

To test the hypothesis that changing the orientation of a thoracic radiograph aids diagnosis of rib fractures, a case–control study was carried out using 120 radiographs of small animal patients with recent thoracic trauma. Six independent observers representing three levels of experience viewed the radiographs in randomized order in conventional and unconventional orientations at 15‐s intervals in a PowerPoint^® presentation. Sensitivity for rib fractures was 53–69% and specificity was 74–97%, depending on the observer. Radiologists had higher specificity than less experienced observers (P=0.0001), but comparable sensitivity for rib fractures. Radiologists had significantly higher accuracy than residents (P=0.03), and residents had higher accuracy than interns (P=0.02). Accuracy of diagnosis was reduced significantly when based on lateral radiographs compared with dorsoventral (DV)/ventrodorsal (VD) views (P=0.02) mainly because of low sensitivity of lateral radiographs of dogs with rib fractures. Rotating radiographs 90° clockwise was associated with increased specificity of one intern (from 74 to 90%, P=0.03), but had no effect on accuracy of diagnosis by other observers (P>0.16). Turning DV/VD views upside down had no effect on accuracy of diagnosis of any observers (P>0.40). Changing the orientation of a thoracic radiograph may make it easier for some novices to examine the ribs; hence it could be considered a training aid rather than a technique that will benefit an experienced radiologist.     

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING FEATURES OF PARASPINAL INFECTION IN THE DOG AND CAT

The magnetic resonance (MR) imaging findings in 22 dogs and two cats with confirmed paraspinal infection of the thoracolumbar spine were characterized. These findings included extensive T2-hyperintense areas (24/24), abscessation (20/24), mild inherent T1-hyperintensity of muscle and abscesses (18/24), and postcontrast enhancement (24/24). Changes involved the vertebral canal in four patients. The longus coli muscles were affected in one cat. Thoracolumbar changes in the remaining 23 patients involved the iliopsoas and epaxial muscles in 23/23 and 19/23 patients, respectively. Iliopsoas muscle abscessation was unilateral in 12/23, and bilateral in 6/24 patients. Abscessation involved both epaxial and iliopsoas muscles in 2/23 patients and the epaxial muscles alone in one patient. A contrast-enhancing sinus tract within the deep thoracolumbar fascia was present in 10/23 patients. Lumbar vertebrae periosteal reactions were identified in 19/23 patients on MR images compared with 15/17 patients with radiography. A focal area of signal void suspected to represent foreign material was seen in 5/23 patients but foreign material was actually found in only two of these five. There was no recurrence of clinical signs following MR imaging and revision surgery. MR imaging permits the severity and extent of changes associated with paraspinal infection to be characterized and allows the location, number and any communication of sinus tracts to be documented.     

A Lateral Approach for Screw Repair in Lag Fashion of Spiral Third Metacarpal and Metatarsal Medial Condylar Fractures in Horses

Objective— To describe a lateral approach for screw fixation in lag fashion of simple spiral medial condylar fractures of the third metacarpus/metatarsus (MC3/MT3).
Study Design— Case series.
Animals— Thoroughbred racehorses (n=9).
Methods— Nondisplaced medial MC3/MT3 condylar fractures (3 thoracic, 6 pelvic limbs), with mean length 126 mm (range, 91–151 mm) were repaired by internal fixation, under general anesthesia, using multiple 4.5 mm cortical screws inserted in lag fashion from the lateral aspect of the limb, using radiographic or fluoroscopic guidance. Horses were recovered from anesthesia in half-limb casts; 7 unassisted and 2 using a rope-recovery system. Horses had 2 months box rest, 1 month in-hand walking, and follow-up radiographic examination at 3 months.
Results— Horses recovered uneventfully from anesthesia. Five horses raced; 1 returned to training, was persistently lame, and was retired to stud; 2 were retired directly to stud; and 1 horse was lost to follow-up.
Conclusions— MC3/MT3 medial condylar fractures were successfully repaired by screws inserted n lag fashion form the lateral aspect.
Clinical Relevance— Use of a lateral approach to medial condylar MC3/MT3 fractures allows screw insertion perpendicular to the fracture plane without interference with palmar/plantar soft tissue structures or from the splint bones. Although repair was performed under general anesthesia, the technique should be adaptable to application in standing horses.     

Neighborhood Exposure to Toxic Releases: Are There Racial Inequities?

This paper explores the use of empirical evidence to determine whether the exposure of minorities to environmental risks constitutes aversive racism. Connections are drawn between definitions of aversive racism and statistical approaches to research into the relationship between race and risk, paying particular attention to the influence of both non-racial discrimination and industrial location factors. Federal judicial and executive remedies to aversive racism are examined in light of the standards of evidence presented. An empirical study of the connection between race and exposure to toxic releases is then presented for Census block groups in Georgia and Ohio. It was found that the significance of race depends on the breadth of the explanatory model used in the analysis. A model of overall exposure to toxic releases shows that race is significant in a narrow model of discrimination but not in a broader model including industrial location factors. However, a model of targeting of minorities in the recent location of toxics-emitting facilities fails to show discrimination in any of the regression analyses. These findings support the view that environmental justice concerns cannot be addressed through reform of siting processes; broader remedies involving more stringent protection of exposure to toxic emissions are more likely to be effective.