bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A dynamic spectrum of monocytes arising from the in situ reprogramming of CCR2+ monocytes at a site of sterile injury
Authors: Dal-Secco Daniela , Wang Jing , Zeng Zhutian , Kolaczkowska Elzbieta , Wong Connie H.Y. , Petri Björn , Ransohoff Richard M. , Charo Israel F. , Jenne Craig N. , Kubes Paul
Published: March 2015

Monocytes are recruited from the blood to sites of inflammation, where they contribute to wound healing and tissue repair. There are at least two subsets of monocytes: classical or proinflammatory (CCR2hiCX3CR1low) and nonclassical, patrolling, or alternative (CCR2lowCX3CR1hi) monocytes. Using spinning-disk confocal intravital microscopy and mice with fluorescent reporters for each of these subsets, we were able to track the dynamic spectrum of monocytes that enter a site of sterile hepatic injury in vivo. We observed that the CCR2hiCX3CR1low monocytes were recruited early and persisted for at least 48 h, forming a ringlike structure around the injured area. These monocytes transitioned, in situ, from CCR2hiCx3CR1low to CX3CR1hiCCR2low within the ringlike structure and then entered the injury site. This phenotypic conversion was essential for optimal repair. These results demonstrate a local, cytokine driven reprogramming of classic, proinflammatory monocytes into nonclassical or alternative monocytes to facilitate proper wound-healing.
The Seventeenth Century
Authors: Campbell Gordon
Published: March 2015

This chapter focuses on editions of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible that were published in the seventeenth century. It begins with an overview of all English Bibles printed by Robert Barker, the king's printer, and his partners, Bonham Norton and John Bill. It then considers the two folios of KJV, printed in 1611, and those published by the universities of Oxford and Cambridge. It also assesses the reception of the KJV in the seventeenth century.
The Bible in America
Authors: Campbell Gordon
Published: March 2015

This chapter focuses on the history of publication of the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible in America. It first provides a historical overview of America's Bible culture, paying particular attention to developments such as the First and Second Awakenings whose millenarian emphasis was articulated through the language of the KJV, along with the rise of a fundamentalist movement from evangelical Protestantism in the late nineteenth century and the evangelicals' involvement in politics in the late 1970s. It then considers the use of the KJV in either the inaugurations or funerals of various U.S. presidents and concludes by assessing the role of the KJV in American public life.
Alcohol-Specific Coping Styles of Adult Children of Individuals with Alcohol Use Disorders and Associations with Psychosocial Functioning
Authors: Drapkin Michelle L. , Eddie David , Buffington Angela J. , McCrady Barbara S.
Published: March 2015

Parental alcohol use disorders (AUDs) have been conceptualized as a chronic stressor that can lead to deleterious long-term outcomes in children of individuals with AUDs. Yet, while many individuals are detrimentally affected by their parents' problematic alcohol use, and go on to manifest psychological problems, others do not. How individuals cope with the stress of having a parent with an AUD is believed to be an important moderator of this differential outcome. This study assessed whether individuals' alcohol-specific coping styles predicted alcohol use, positive or negative life events, and depression, using a sample of 465 college students, of whom 20% were adult children of individuals with alcohol use disorders, colloquially known as adult children of alcoholics (ACOAs), and a battery of well-validated, self-report measures. Participant ACOAs reported less ‘engaged’ and ‘total’ alcohol-specific coping strategies and more ‘withdrawal’ alcohol-specific coping strategies than their non adult children of alcoholics (NACOAs) counterparts. Across participants, women reported more ‘engaged’, ‘tolerant/inactive’, and ‘total’ coping than men. Although ACOAs reported significantly more negative life events, which predicted more passive coping styles, they did not differ significantly from NACOAs on measures of problematic alcohol use or depression, supporting theories of resilience in ACOAs regardless of their alcohol-specific coping styles. For NACOAs, ‘tolerant’ coping predicted greater depression and alcohol-related problems; ‘engaged’ coping predicted fewer alcohol problems. Results suggest that ACOAs cope differently with problematic alcohol use among relatives and friends compared with NACOAs and are more likely to experience negative life events. Additionally, alcohol-related coping strategies have more predictive utility in NACOAs than ACOAs.
Challenges in the Management of Disseminated Progressive Histoplasmosis in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients in Resource-Limited Settings
Authors: Murphy Richard A. , Gounder Lilishia , Manzini Thandekile C. , Ramdial Pratistadevi K. , Castilla Carmen , Moosa Mahomed-Yunus S.
Published: March 2015

The diagnosis of histoplasmosis in patients with human immunodeficiency virus in southern Africa is complicated by the nonspecific presentation of the disease in this patient group and the unavailability of sensitive diagnostics including antigen assays. Treatment options are also limited due to the unavailability of liposomal amphotericin and itraconazole, and the inability to perform therapeutic drug monitoring further confounds management. We present 3 clinical cases to illustrate the limits of diagnosis and management in the southern African context, and we highlight the need for additional diagnostic tools and treatment options in resource-limited settings.
Superior Recess Access of the Lumbar Facet Joint
Authors: Demir-Deviren Sibel , Singh Sukhminder , Hanelin Joshua
Published: March 2015

Study Design:

Descriptive approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint by superior recess.

Objective:

This study is aimed to describe an approach to accessing the lumbar facet joint through targeting the superior recess during lumbar facet joint injections.

Summary of Background Data:

Lumbar facet joint injections are routinely performed for both the diagnosis and treatment of chronic low back pain. Previous studies either did not specify which part of the joint to target, or recommended targeting the inferior aspect of the joint to access the inferior recess. One study did mention the superior recess as an alternative to injecting the inferior recess, but none has focused on description of the technique. This is the first time this technique has been described.

Materials and Methods:

The records and fluoroscopic images were reviewed for all patients over a period of 9 months (January–September 2012) using the proposed technique. This resulted in a total of 48 patients; 15 men, 29 women, and a total of 117 facet joint intra-articular injections. Among these 48 patients, injections were repeated in total of 4 cases. The average time of injections among 4 repeat cases was 121 days. The success of the procedure was confirmed with an arthrogram demonstrating contrast flowing from the superior recess inferiorly through the joint space.

Results:

Successful access of the lumbar facet joint through puncture of the superior recess was seen in 114 cases, with 3 unsuccessful attempts to enter facet joints due to osteophytes at involved levels. There were no complications observed during the procedure.

Conclusions:

We find this approach to be highly successful, safe, and well tolerated by the patient and recommend it as a technique for access of the lumbar facet joint in those patients in whom direct puncture of the inferior recess is difficult.
Counting the Cost of Failed Spinal Fusion for Relief of Low Back Pain: Does Primary Fusion With Bone Morphogenetic Protein Make Economic Sense From a Primary Payer Perspective?
Authors: Lloyd Adam P.
Published: March 2015

Study Design:

A retrospective cohort study.

Objectives:

To investigate the unknown direct costs of failed instrumented lumbar fusion using iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) and subsequent reoperation utilizing recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) from a primary payer perspective.

Summary of Background Data:

Recent evidence has demonstrated increased rates of instrumented lumbar fusion and utilization of rhBMP-2 to treat a range of conditions causing lower back pain. For health care providers with finite financial resources, there is an increasing demand to evaluate economic costs of available treatment modalities. The high cost of rhBMP-2 has often been cited as a leading reason for delaying its universal acceptance as a preferred substitute to ICBG. It has been hypothesized that rhBMP-2 may demonstrate cost-effectiveness if pseudarthrosis and reoperation rates are decreased, thus avoiding subsequent expenditure.

Methods:

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent instrumented lumbar fusions utilizing rhBMP-2. Hospital finance records were used to calculate direct total expenditure incurred by the primary payer for the procedure using rhBMP-2. For patients who received rhBMP-2 in a secondary lumbar fusion, additional total expenditure related to the patients’ failed primary instrumented fusion with ICBG was also sought.

Results:

The mean total costs associated with failed instrumented lumbar fusion using ICBG and reoperation using rhBMP-2 totaled £47,734 per patient. The total direct costs of a policy of primary instrumented lumbar fusion with rhBMP-2 were less at £26,923 per patient; however, this was not significant.

Conclusions:

To date, this is the first study to report the costs of failed primary instrumented lumbar fusions using ICBG and subsequent secondary fusions using rhBMP-2 from a primary payer perspective. On the basis of this evidence, a policy of using rhBMP-2 in all patients undergoing a primary instrumented lumbar fusion cannot be recommended.
A Minimally Invasive, Algorithm-Based Approach for Anomalous Aortic Origin of a Coronary Artery
Authors: Conway Brian D. , Bates Michael J. , Hanfland Robert A. , Yerkes Nicholas S. , Patel Sonali S. , Calcaterra Domenico , Turek Joseph W.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Operative repair for anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery (AAOCA) has been described using various innovative techniques. Common to each series is the use of a full sternotomy. As demand for minimally invasive approaches to adult cardiac surgery has increased, the upper hemisternotomy has emerged as a safe and effective technique for aortic valve and root replacement. This report reviews our results and describes the application of an upper hemisternotomy to an algorithm-based surgical approach for AAOCA.

Methods

From January 2012 to March 2013, the aortic root was approached via a 7-cm skin incision and upper hemisternotomy for all patients undergoing repair of an AAOCA. The type of repair performed was in accordance with a predefined surgical algorithm. The anomalous vessel had a slit-like ostium and followed a supracom-missural intramural course in three patients with symptomatic anomalous right coronary artery. These patients underwent coronary unroofing. In contrast, a patient with an anomalous left coronary artery presented without an intramural segment and underwent vessel translocation and reimplantation.

Results

All patients underwent AAOCA repair according to our surgical algorithm and via an upper hemisternotomy. The median length of stay was 4 days. All patients had resolution of symptoms, and there were no reported complications at a median follow-up of 16.5 months.

Conclusions

This series describes a minimally invasive approach to AAOCA repair. When used in conjunction with a defined surgical algorithm, this technique enables a safe and effective repair in all forms of AAOCA without concomitant coronary artery disease.
Outcomes of Repeat Mitral Valve Surgery in Patients with Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Castillo-Sang Mario , Guthrie Tracey J. , Moon Marc R. , Lawton Jennifer S. , Maniar Hersh S. , Damiano Ralph J. , Silvestry Scott C.
Published: March 2015

Objective

We sought to study the outcomes of redo-mitral valve surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension.

Methods

We reviewed data on redo mitral valve surgery in patients with pulmonary hypertension measured by Swan-Ganz catheter (mean pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 25 mm Hg or systolic pulmonary artery pressure ≥ 40 mm Hg).

Results

Between 1996 and 2010, 637 patients underwent 658 redo mitral valve operations; 138 of them had pulmonary hypertension. The mean patient age was 61.3 (13.9) years, with mean left ventricular ejection fraction of 47.6% (13.2%). The mean systolic pulmonary artery pressure was 61.5 (16.8) mm Hg, and mean pulmonary artery pressure was 40.8 (11.6) mm Hg. Patients had one (71%, 98/138), two (23.9%, 33/138), and three (5.1%, 7/138) previous mitral valve operations. Thirty-day mortality was 10.1% (14/138). Multivariate predictors of 30-day mortality were chronic renal failure [odds ratio (OR), 8.041; P = 0.022], peripheral vascular disease (OR, 5.976; P = 0.025), previous mitral valve replacement (OR, 9.034; P = 0.014), and increasing age (OR, 1.077; P = 0.013). The severity of pulmonary hypertension did not impact 30-day ( P = 0.314) or late mortality ( P = 0.860). Kaplan-Meier survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 76.6% (n = 99), 65.7% (n = 62), and 55.9% (n = 41), respectively.

Conclusions

Patients with pulmonary hypertension that undergo redo mitral valve surgery have a 55.9% 5-year survival rate. Increasing age, chronic renal insufficiency, peripheral vascular disease, and preexisting mitral valve prosthesis are associated with early mortality. The severity of pulmonary hypertension does not affect operative mortality rates, but it may decrease 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival.
Effects of Ulinastatin on Perioperative Inflammatory Response and Pulmonary Function in Cardiopulmonary Bypass Patients
Authors: Pang Xin-Yan , Fang Chang-Cun , Chen Yuan-Yuan , Liu Kai , Song Guang-Min
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate whether ulinastatin (UTL) has protective effects on perioperative proinflammatory cytokines and lung injury in cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) patients. The study included 60 patients undergoing CPB who were randomly divided into a UTL group and a control group. Blood routine examination and inflammatory cytokines concentrations were detected after anesthetic induction (T1), immediately after aortic valve opening (T2), and 4 (T3) and 24 (T4) hours after weaning from CPB. Flow cytometry was used to detect TLR4 and HSP70 expressions. Arterial blood gas and respiratory function were analyzed at the same time points. Compared with the control group, the levels of IL-2, IL-8, TNF-α, NE, TLR4, PA − aDO2, and RI at T2 were significantly lower, whereas HSP70, PaO2, OI, Cd, and Cs were higher in the UTL group (all P < 0.05). Relative to the control group at T3, white blood cell count, TLR4, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, NE, and RI decreased significantly, whereas IL-10, HSP70, PaO2, OI, and Cs increased in the UTL group (all P < 0.05). At T4, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α, TLR4, and PaCO2 in the UTL group were significantly lower, and PaO2, IL-10, HSP70, and Cs were higher than in the control group (all P < 0.05). Our data show strong evidence that UTL suppresses proinflammatory cytokine elevation and upregulates release of anti-inflammatory mediators, reducing pulmonary injury and improving pulmonary function after CPB.
Moments of zeta functions associated to hyperelliptic curves over finite fields
Authors: Rubinstein Michael O. , Wu Kaiyu
Published: March 2015

Let
q
be an odd prime power, and

denote the set of square-free monic polynomials
D
(
x
)∈
F

q

[
x
] of degree
d
. Katz and Sarnak showed that the moments, over

, of the zeta functions associated to the curves
y
2
=
D
(
x
), evaluated at the central point, tend, as

, to the moments of characteristic polynomials, evaluated at the central point, of matrices in
USp
(2⌊(
d
−1)/2⌋). Using techniques that were originally developed for studying moments of
L
-functions over number fields, Andrade and Keating conjectured an asymptotic formula for the moments for
q
fixed and

. We provide theoretical and numerical evidence in favour of their conjecture. In some cases, we are able to work out exact formulae for the moments and use these to precisely determine the size of the remainder term in the predicted moments.
Organelle DNA rearrangement mapping reveals U-turn-like inversions as a major source of genomic instability in Arabidopsis and humans
Authors: Zampini Éric , Lepage Étienne , Tremblay-Belzile Samuel , Truche Sébastien , Brisson Normand
Published: March 2015

Failure to maintain organelle genome stability has been linked to numerous phenotypes, including variegation and cytosolic male sterility (CMS) in plants, as well as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases in mammals. Here we describe a next-generation sequencing approach that precisely maps and characterizes organelle DNA rearrangements in a single genome-wide experiment. In addition to displaying global portraits of genomic instability, it surprisingly unveiled an abundance of short-range rearrangements in Arabidopsis thaliana and human organelles. Among these, short-range U-turn-like inversions reach 25% of total rearrangements in wild-type Arabidopsis plastids and 60% in human mitochondria. Furthermore, we show that replication stress correlates with the accumulation of this type of rearrangement, suggesting that U-turn-like rearrangements could be the outcome of a replication-dependent mechanism. We also show that U-turn-like rearrangements are mostly generated using microhomologies and are repressed in plastids by Whirly proteins WHY1 and WHY3. A synergistic interaction is also observed between the genes for the plastid DNA recombinase RECA1 and those encoding plastid Whirly proteins, and the triple mutant why1why3reca1 accumulates almost 60 times the WT levels of U-turn-like rearrangements. We thus propose that the process leading to U-turn-like rearrangements may constitute a RecA-independent mechanism to restart stalled forks. Our results reveal that short-range rearrangements, and especially U-turn-like rearrangements, are a major factor of genomic instability in organelles, and this raises the question of whether they could have been underestimated in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
A Genome-Wide Chronological Study of Gene Expression and Two Histone Modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K9ac, during Developmental Leaf Senescence
Authors: Brusslan Judy A. , Bonora Giancarlo , Rus-Canterbury Ana M. , Tariq Fayha , Jaroszewicz Artur , Pellegrini Matteo
Published: March 2015

The genome-wide abundance of two histone modifications, H3K4me3 and H3K9ac (both associated with actively expressed genes), was monitored in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves at different time points during developmental senescence along with expression in the form of RNA sequencing data. H3K9ac and H3K4me3 marks were highly convergent at all stages of leaf aging, but H3K4me3 marks covered nearly 2 times the gene area as H3K9ac marks. Genes with the greatest fold change in expression displayed the largest positively correlated percentage change in coverage for both marks. Most senescence up-regulated genes were premarked by H3K4me3 and H3K9ac but at levels below the whole-genome average, and for these genes, gene expression increased without a significant increase in either histone mark. However, for a subset of genes showing increased or decreased expression, the respective gain or loss of H3K4me3 marks was found to closely match the temporal changes in mRNA abundance; 22% of genes that increased expression during senescence showed accompanying changes in H3K4me3 modification, and they include numerous regulatory genes, which may act as primary response genes.
Crystal structure of diethyl 3,3′-{2,2′-(1E)-[1,4-phenylenebis(azan-1-yl-1-ylidene)]bis(methan-1-yl-1-ylidene)bis(1H-pyrrole-2,1-diyl)}dipropanoate
Authors: Alshawi Jasim , Yousif Muoayed , Timco Gregore , Vitorica Yrezabal Inigo J. , Winpenny Richard , Al-Jeboori Mohamad J.
Published: March 2015

The complete molecule of the title compound, C26H30N4O4, is generated by crystallographic inversion symmetry. The dihedral angle between the planes of the benzene and pyrrole rings is 45.20 (11)°; the N atom bonded to the the benzene ring and the pyrrole N atom are in asynconformation. The side chain adopts an extended conformation [N—C—C—C = 169.07 (17)° and C—O—C—C = −176.54 (17)°]. No directional interactions could be identified in the crystal packing.
Crystal structure of 3,3′-diisopropyl-1,1′-(pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis[1H-imidazole-2(3H)-thione]
Authors: Sun Ying , Wang Hui , Jia Wei-Guo
Published: March 2015

In the title compound, C17H21N5S2, the dihedral angles between the central pyridine ring and its pendant imidazole rings are 29.40 (9) and 40.77 (9)°; the pendant rings are twisted in an opposite sense with respect to the central ring. In each case, the S atom is approximately anti to the N atom of the pyridine ring. For both substituents, the H atom attached to the central C atom of the isopropyl group is approximately syn to the S atom in the attached ring. In the crystal, molecules are linked by weak C—H...S interactions, generatingC(5) chains propagating along [001].
The role of information governance within English clinical governance
Authors: Gillies Alan
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is designed to explore the relationship between information and clinical governance in the English NHS.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is a personal reflection based upon the interim report of the National Information Governance Committee (NIGC) of the Care Quality Commission.

Findings

– The contribution of the NIGC to clinical governance in England has been significant for a number of reasons. Most notably, it has been embedded at the heart of an organisation concerned with the whole spectrum of health and social care, with a role where information is seen predominately as a means to deliver better care rather than an end in itself. The recommendation to establish a specific and mandatory information governance (IG) element of the inspection regime reflects the fact that without validation of the evidence base, the whole inspection regime may be seen as resting on insecure foundations, and provides re-assurance in the integrity of the whole inspection process, well beyond the scope of IG.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an insight into policy making at the heart of clinical governance, and its relationship with IG. It highlights the fact that the work of the NIGC has placed validation of information at the heart of the new CQC inspection regime, providing increased confidence in the information on which the rest of the inspection process is based.
Succession planning in William Jackson Food Group
Authors: Collins Lorna , Murray Barbara , McCracken Ken
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper is a conversation piece which highlights the ways in which succession planning in large company might be handled. The discussion focuses on Christopher Oughtred the former Chairman of William Jackson Food Group, one of the largest family businesses in the UK. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents a conversation with a panel of leading family business experts and a family business owner. The paper presents latest thoughts on family business research, insights into a real family business succession project and reflections from a former Chairman on the succession process.

Findings

– Findings highlight possible stages and requirements of a successful transition and succession plan. Also suggestions for areas of further research are presented.

Originality/value

– The conversation recorded in this paper represents a rare opportunity to obtain reflections and insights on a succession process and how it was managed in a large family business. The conversation also highlights the kinds of challenges often experienced by family businesses during transition and succession. As a case study this is an exemplar of how succession might be planned.
From translational research to open technology innovation systems
Authors: Savory Clive , Fortune Joyce
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to question whether the emphasis placed within translational research on a linear model of innovation provides the most effective model for managing health technology innovation. Several alternative perspectives are presented that have potential to enhance the existing model of translational research. A case study is presented of innovation of a clinical decision support system. The paper concludes from the case study that an extending the triple helix model of technology transfer, to one based on a quadruple helix, present a basis for improving the performance translational research.

Design/methodology/approach

– A case study approach is used to help understand development of an innovative technology within a teaching hospital. The case is then used to develop and refine a model of the health technology innovation system.

Findings

– The paper concludes from the case study that existing models of translational research could be refined further through the development of a quadruple helix model of heath technology innovation that encompasses greater emphasis on user-led and open innovation perspectives.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper presents several implications for future research based on the need to enhance the model of health technology innovation used to guide policy and practice.

Practical implications

– The quadruple helix model of innovation that is proposed can potentially guide alterations to the existing model of translational research in the healthcare sector. Several suggestions are made for how innovation activity can be better supported at both a policy and operational level.

Originality/value

– This paper presents a synthesis of the innovation literature applied to a theoretically important case of open innovation in the UK National Health Service. It draws in perspectives from other industrial sectors and applies them specifically to the management and organisation of innovation activities around health technology and the services in which they are embedded.
Trialability, observability and risk reduction accelerating individual innovation adoption decisions
Authors: Hayes Kathryn J , Eljiz Kathy , Dadich Ann , Fitzgerald Janna-Anneke , Sloan Terry
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a retrospective analysis of computer simulation’s role in accelerating individual innovation adoption decisions. The process innovation examined is Lean Systems Thinking, and the organizational context is the imaging department of an Australian public hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

– Intrinsic case study methods including observation, interviews with radiology and emergency personnel about scheduling procedures, mapping patient appointment processes and document analysis were used over three years and then complemented with retrospective interviews with key hospital staff. The multiple data sources and methods were combined in a pragmatic and reflexive manner to explore an extreme case that provides potential to act as an instructive template for effective change.

Findings

– Computer simulation of process change ideas offered by staff to improve patient-flow accelerated the adoption of the process changes, largely because animated computer simulation permitted experimentation (trialability), provided observable predictions of change results (observability) and minimized perceived risk.

Research limitations/implications

– The difficulty of making accurate comparisons between time periods in a health care setting is acknowledged.

Practical implications

– This work has implications for policy, practice and theory, particularly for inducing the rapid diffusion of process innovations to address challenges facing health service organizations and national health systems.

Originality/value

– The research demonstrates the value of animated computer simulation in presenting the need for change, identifying options, and predicting change outcomes and is the first work to indicate the importance of trialability, observability and risk reduction in individual adoption decisions in health services.
OpenCon2014 in Washington DC, November 2014. Early Career Researchers and Open Access Advocacy
Authors: Gallagher Matt
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to give an overview of OpenCon 2014, organized by the Right to Research Coalition, SPARC (The Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition) and an organizing committee of students and early career researchers from around the world that took place between the 14th and 17th of November 2014 in Washington DC.

Design/methodology/approach

– A narrative approach was used to describe events.

Findings

– OpenCon 2014 is an exciting new conference that targets early career librarians and researchers who are involved with and/or interested in aspects of the open-access movement. It is attempting to galvanize the upcoming generation of scholars to demand more of traditional publishing models by bringing together a selective group that spans diverse interests and experience levels.

Originality/value

– This report outlines the author's takeaways and opinions concerning the events of the conference, as well as identifies some of the themes and issues that were relevant to librarians in research institutions.
Transforming our libraries, ourselves: ALA in Las Vegas – a brief outline with focus on international programs
Authors: Ghosh Maitrayee
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The author shares information about the American Library Association’s 133rd annual conference in Las Vegas. This conference served as an open forum for participants on incredible range of topics, namely, e-books, digital content, innovation and community engagement, library instruction, copyright, outreach, privacy, library advocacy, literacy, data-driven decision making, intellectual freedom, teen services, gaming, leadership and best practices on a range of library-related concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

– This report is a brief outline of ALA 2014 annual conference in Las Vegas with focus on international programs. It summarizes selective events, including author’s presentation on e-books advocacy in India, International Librarians’ Reception and paper session organized by IRRT.

Findings

– ALA annual conference at Las Vegas was one of the best professional development opportunities for librarians, with a large variety of programs, activities and exhibition. The event attracted librarians from all sectors and work environments from many countries and highlighted issues in librarianship and latest technology development; its use in libraries will be of interest to this journal’s readership, especially information professionals from all over the world.

Originality/value

– ALA Annual conference in June 26-July 1, 2014 was the largest conference of librarians touched all topics in librarianship. It is difficult to describe the entire conference events even briefly in an article. The author’s experiences during the international events are highlighted.
Taking librarians off the desk: one library changes its reference desk staffing model
Authors: Peters Timothy
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– This paper is a case study of the decision at Central Michigan University to take librarians off the reference desk. Departmental data on reference desk traffic and other ancillary functions of the reference department was used to make the case for removing the librarians from the desk. Data collected since the decision was made has supported the decision to move to an on-call reference desk staffing model. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The department reviewed and analyzed data on reference desk transactions of all types from previous years to inform its decision making. Data trends and an analysis of the nature of the questions asked at the reference desk were instrumental in the analysis.

Findings

– The department determined that the statistical data justified the removal of the librarians from the reference desk. Data collected since moving to the on-call model supports the earlier decision.

Originality/value

– This paper provides libraries considering their own desk staffing models with a discussion of another library’s decision-making process and evidence of a successful migration to a new reference service model.
Developing an academic library assessment plan: a case study
Authors: Smith Gregory Arnold , Tryon Howard Dale , Snyder Lori Beth
Published: March 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze the process of developing an academic library assessment plan and its relation to the furtherance of a culture of assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative study of a university library’s assessment planning process; findings based on documentary evidence as well as an employee survey; analysis framed in relationship to relevant literature.

Findings

– Planning for the future of assessment offered the Jerry Falwell Library a significant opportunity for organizational change. Evaluations of the planning process were mixed, but generally revealed evidence of conditions associated with the development of a culture of assessment. Participants saw planning as the product of both external and internal factors. The plan’s orientation toward value and impact, though clearly understood, was not universally appreciated. Implementation of the plan remains a substantial challenge.

Research limitations/implications

– Reliability is subject to the limitations inherent to qualitative methods. Single case study design limits generalizability to different contexts.

Practical implications

– The goal of developing a culture of assessment is not to be achieved easily or quickly. Library employees may be most inclined to support an assessment agenda when it is driven by internal factors such as quality improvement and the pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness.

Originality/value

– The study emphasizes the process of developing an assessment plan at a university with a strong teaching mission. Additionally, it provides insight into the relationship between assessment planning and a culture of assessment.
Stratigraphic coordinates: a coordinate system tailored to seismic interpretation
Authors: Karimi Parvaneh , Fomel Sergey
Published: March 2015

In certain seismic data processing and interpretation tasks such as spiking deconvolution, tuning analysis, impedance inversion, and spectral decomposition, it is commonly assumed that the vertical direction is normal to reflectors. This assumption is false in the case of dipping layers and may therefore lead to inaccurate results. To overcome this limitation, we propose a coordinate system in which geometry follows the shape of each reflector and the vertical direction corresponds to normal reflectivity. We call this coordinate system stratigraphic coordinates. We develop a constructive algorithm that transfers seismic images into the stratigraphic coordinate system. The algorithm consists of two steps. First, local slopes of seismic events are estimated by plane‐wave destruction; then structural information is spread along the estimated local slopes, and horizons are picked everywhere in the seismic volume by the predictive‐painting algorithm. These picked horizons represent level sets of the first axis of the stratigraphic coordinate system. Next, an upwind finite‐difference scheme is used to find the two other axes, which are perpendicular to the first axis, by solving the appropriate gradient equations. After seismic data are transformed into stratigraphic coordinates, seismic horizons should appear flat, and seismic traces should represent the direction normal to the reflectors. Immediate applications of the stratigraphic coordinate system are in seismic image flattening and spectral decomposition. Synthetic and real data examples demonstrate the effectiveness of stratigraphic coordinates.
An efficient wave extrapolation method for anisotropic media with tilt
Authors: Waheed Umair bin , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: March 2015

Wavefield extrapolation operators for elliptically anisotropic media offer significant cost reduction compared with that for the transversely isotropic case, particularly when the axis of symmetry exhibits tilt (from the vertical). However, elliptical anisotropy does not provide accurate wavefield representation or imaging for transversely isotropic media. Therefore, we propose effective elliptically anisotropic models that correctly capture the kinematic behaviour of wavefields for transversely isotropic media. Specifically, we compute source‐dependent effective velocities for the elliptic medium using kinematic high‐frequency representation of the transversely isotropic wavefield. The effective model allows us to use cheaper elliptic wave extrapolation operators. Despite the fact that the effective models are obtained by matching kinematics using high‐frequency asymptotic, the resulting wavefield contains most of the critical wavefield components, including frequency dependency and caustics, if present, with reasonable accuracy. The methodology developed here offers a much better cost versus accuracy trade‐off for wavefield computations in transversely isotropic media, particularly for media of low to moderate complexity. In addition, the wavefield solution is free from shear‐wave artefacts as opposed to the conventional finite‐difference‐based transversely isotropic wave extrapolation scheme. We demonstrate these assertions through numerical tests on synthetic tilted transversely isotropic models.
Environmental drivers of mast‐seeding in Mediterranean oak species: does leaf habit matter?
Authors: Pérez‐Ramos Ignacio M. , Padilla‐Díaz Carmen M. , Koenig Walter D. , Marañón Teodoro
Published: March 2015

Understanding the proximate factors that govern the widespread mast‐seeding process is a question of considerable interest that remains poorly understood. The identity and effect of these factors may vary among coexisting species that differ in leaf habit, potentially resulting in temporally asynchronous patterns of seed production.

In this study, we aim to identify the proximate causes of mast‐seeding using two oak species with contrasting leaf habit that coexist in southern Spain, the deciduous Quercus canariensis and the evergreen Q. suber. Simultaneously, we review the literature on environmental drivers of mast‐seeding in Mediterranean oaks, distinguishing between evergreen and deciduous species.

Our results indicate that Mediterranean oaks are primarily sensitive to weather, mast‐seeding being strongly correlated with water availability and air temperature, mainly in the spring and summer.

The two study oak species were affected by weather in quite different ways, most likely because of different abiotic requirements as well as contrasting functional strategies of resource use and biomass allocation. Specifically, annual seed production in Q. canariensis was more severely limited by drought than in Q. suber, but responded positively to warmer spring temperatures.

Q. canariensis showed a large interannual variability, whereas Q. suber exhibited much more constant seed production. These two species also exhibited a very low level of synchrony in their temporal patterns of seed crop size, most likely due to phenological differences in the processes of flowering and seed maturation.

Synthesis. Our results indicate that weather plays a crucial role as a proximate driver of mast‐seeding in Mediterranean oaks. We hypothesize that the current abundance of co‐occurring species that differ in leaf habit could be altered under future climate change scenarios. The decline of seed production with drier conditions will be potentially greater in deciduous species, particularly those inhabiting wetter sites. Alternatively, the expected warmer temperatures could negatively affect evergreen species as a consequence of their more conservative strategy of biomass allocation. Our findings suggest that understanding how species with different functional or phenological attributes adjust their reproductive abilities to weather may enable us to infer the effects of ongoing environmental changes on population recruitment and dynamics.
Globally, functional traits are weak predictors of juvenile tree growth, and we do not know why
Authors: Paine C. E. Timothy , Amissah Lucy , Auge Harald , Baraloto Christopher , Baruffol Martin , Bourland Nils , Bruelheide Helge , Daïnou Kasso , de Gouvenain Roland C. , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Doust Susan , Fine Paul V. A. , Fortunel Claire , Haase Josephine , Holl Karen D. , Jactel Hervé , Li Xuefei , Kitajima Kaoru , Koricheva Julia , Martínez‐Garza Cristina , Messier Christian , Paquette Alain , Philipson Christopher , Piotto Daniel , Poorter Lourens , Posada Juan M. , Potvin Catherine , Rainio Kalle , Russo Sabrina E. , Ruiz‐Jaen Mariacarmen , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Webb Campbell O. , Wright S. Joseph , Zahawi Rakan A. , Hector Andy
Published: March 2015

Plant functional traits, in particular specific leaf area (SLA), wood density and seed mass, are often good predictors of individual tree growth rates within communities. Individuals and species with high SLA, low wood density and small seeds tend to have faster growth rates.

If community‐level relationships between traits and growth have general predictive value, then similar relationships should also be observed in analyses that integrate across taxa, biogeographic regions and environments. Such global consistency would imply that traits could serve as valuable proxies for the complex suite of factors that determine growth rate, and, therefore, could underpin a new generation of robust dynamic vegetation models. Alternatively, growth rates may depend more strongly on the local environment or growth–trait relationships may vary along environmental gradients.

We tested these alternative hypotheses using data on 27 352 juvenile trees, representing 278 species from 27 sites on all forested continents, and extensive functional trait data, 38% of which were obtained at the same sites at which growth was assessed. Data on potential evapotranspiration (PET), which summarizes the joint ecological effects of temperature and precipitation, were obtained from a global data base.

We estimated size‐standardized relative height growth rates (SGR) for all species, then related them to functional traits and PET using mixed‐effect models for the fastest growing species and for all species together.

Both the mean and 95th percentile SGR were more strongly associated with functional traits than with PET. PET was unrelated to SGR at the global scale. SGR increased with increasing SLA and decreased with increasing wood density and seed mass, but these traits explained only 3.1% of the variation in SGR. SGR–trait relationships were consistently weak across families and biogeographic zones, and over a range of tree statures. Thus, the most widely studied functional traits in plant ecology were poor predictors of tree growth over large scales.

Synthesis. We conclude that these functional traits alone may be unsuitable for predicting growth of trees over broad scales. Determining the functional traits that predict vital rates under specific environmental conditions may generate more insight than a monolithic global relationship can offer.
Exposure to occupational therapy as a factor influencing recruitment to the profession
Authors: Byrne Nicole
Published: March 2015

Aim

This article provides insight into the impact that exposure to an occupational therapist, in personal capacity or via a professional interaction, has on the decision to enter an occupational therapy undergraduate programme.

Methods

A quantitative survey was completed by 139 occupational therapy students. The survey tool focussed on the students' exposure to a range of allied health professions (e.g. occupational therapy, physiotherapy, psychology) and investigated how exposure to occupational therapy had influenced their decision to enter the programme.

Results

The results indicated that over 70% of respondents had personal professional exposure to occupational therapy prior to making a career decision. Exposure most frequently involved occupational therapy intervention of a friend or family member. The majority of students who had professional exposure to occupational therapy (e.g. family, self, friend received occupational therapy) identified that it was the most influential factor in their career choice. Forty per cent of the occupational therapy students did not enter the programme straight from school and the influence of ‘working with an occupational therapist’ was noteworthy for mature aged students.

Conclusion

Occupational therapists need to consider that every interaction they have with the community provides valuable information regarding the profession and gives insight into occupational therapy as a potential career path for other people. Additionally, the current research identifies there were differences in the impact, type and number of exposures for different student groups, and this potentially offers some insight into ways in which occupational therapy could target specific groups within the community to increase future diversity in the profession.
Biogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa type IV pili and regulation of their function
Authors: Leighton Tiffany L. , Buensuceso Ryan N. C. , Howell P. Lynne , Burrows Lori L.
Published: March 2015

Type IV pili (T4P) are bacterial virulence factors involved in a wide variety of functions including deoxyribonucleic acid uptake, surface attachment, biofilm formation and twitching motility. While T4P are common surface appendages, the systems that assemble them and the regulation of their function differ between species. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Neisseria spp. and Myxococcus xanthus are common model systems used to study T4P biology. This review focuses on recent advances in P. aeruginosa T4P structural biology, and the regulatory pathways controlling T4P biogenesis and function.
The limits of authoritarian solidarity: TheGulf monarchies and preserving authoritarian rule during theArabSpring
Authors: Odinius Daniel , Kuntz Philipp
Published: March 2015

Scholars have recently begun to examine how authoritarian rulers cooperate with each other in order to fend off popular challenges to their power. During theArabSpring the states of theGulfCooperationCouncil (GCC) supported fellow authoritarian regimes in some cases while backing opposition movements in others. Existing theoretical approaches fail to explain this variation. Advancing the study on authoritarian cooperation, this article develops a theoretical approach that sets out to explain how authoritarian regimes reach their decisions. Drawing on poliheuristic foreign policy analysis, it argues that perceptions of similarity serve as a filter for estimating threats to regime survival at home. If regimes perceive the situation in other countries as similar to their own, supporting other authoritarian regimes becomes the only acceptable strategy. In contrast, if perceptions of similarity are low, regimes also consider other options and evaluate their implications beyond the domestic political arena. Applying this framework to the example of theGCCstates during theArabSpring, the analysis reveals covariation between perceptions of similarity and threat amongGCCregimes, on the one hand, and their strategies, on the other.