bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to decompose a permutation into a pair of labeled Dyck paths by playing a game
Authors: Billera Louis , Levine Lionel , Mészáros Karola
Published: January 2015

We give a bijection between permutations of

1
,
…
,
2
n

1,\ldots ,2n

and certain pairs of Dyck paths with labels on the down steps. The bijection arises from a game in which two players alternate selecting from a set of

2
n

2n

items: the permutation encodes the players’ preference ordering of the items, and the Dyck paths encode the order in which items are selected under optimal play. We enumerate permutations by certain new statistics, AA inversions and BB inversions, which have natural interpretations in terms of the game. We derive identities such as
\[
<mml:math xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" alttext="sigma-summation Underscript p Endscripts product Underscript i equals 1 Overscript n Endscripts q Superscript h Super Subscript i Superscript minus 1 Baseline left-bracket h Subscript i Baseline right-bracket Subscript q Baseline equals left-bracket 1 right-bracket Subscript q Baseline left-bracket 3 right-bracket Subscript q Baseline midline-horizontal-ellipsis left-bracket 2 n minus 1 right-bracket Subscript q">

∑

p

∏

i
=
1

n

q

h
i

−
1

[

h
i

]
q

=
[
1

]
q

[
3

]
q

⋯
[
2
n
−
1

]
q

\sum _{p} \prod _{i=1}^n q^{h_i -1} [h_i]_q = [1]_q [3]_q \cdots [2n-1]_q

\]
where the sum is over all Dyck paths

p
p

of length

2
n

2n

, and

h
1

,
…
,

h
n

h_1,\ldots ,h_n

are the heights of the down steps of

p
p

.
Choice free fixed point property in separable Banach spaces
Authors: Gregoriades Vassilios
Published: January 2015

We show that the standard approach of minimal invariant sets, which applies Zorn’s Lemma and is used to prove fixed point theorems for non-expansive mappings in Banach spaces, can be applied without any reference to the full Axiom of Choice when the given Banach space is separable. Our method applies results from classical and effective descriptive set theory.
USP19 deubiquitinating enzyme inhibits muscle cell differentiation by suppressing unfolded-protein response signaling
Authors: Wiles Benjamin , Miao Miao , Coyne Erin , Larose Louise , Cybulsky Andrey V. , Wing Simon S.
Published: January 2015

USP19 deubiquitinating enzyme has two isoforms, cytoplasmic and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) localized. The ER-localized isoform specifically suppresses muscle cell differentiation in vitro and appears to do so by inhibiting the unfolded-protein response that occurs during such differentiation. In vivo, loss of USP19 promotes muscle regeneration following injury.
Misexpression ofBREgene in the developing chick neural tube affects neurulation and somitogenesis
Authors: Wang Guang , Li Yan , Wang Xiao-Yu , Chuai Manli , Yeuk-Hon Chan John , Lei Jian , Münsterberg Andrea , Lee Kenneth Ka Ho , Yang Xuesong
Published: January 2015

This is the first study of the role of BRE in embryonic development using early chick embryos. BRE is expressed in the developing neural tube, neural crest cells, and somites. BRE thus plays an important role in regulating neurogenesis and indirectly somitogenesis during early chick embryo development.
TRAF2 recruitment via T61 in CD30 drives NFκB activation and enhances hESC survival and proliferation
Authors: Thakar Nilay Y. , Ovchinnikov Dmitry A. , Hastie Marcus L. , Kobe Bostjan , Gorman Jeffrey J. , Wolvetang Ernst J.
Published: January 2015

CD30 activates NFκB signaling in human embryonic stem cells. A single threonine residue in the CD30v protein is critical for this and recruitment of TRAF2. The data reveal the importance of this interaction for hESC survival and proliferation.
Interpretation and design of ocean acidification experiments in upwelling systems in the context of carbonate chemistry co-variation with temperature and oxygen
Authors: Reum Jonathan C. P. , Alin Simone R. , Harvey Chris J. , Bednaršek Nina , Evans Wiley , Feely Richard A. , Hales Burke , Lucey Noelle , Mathis Jeremy T. , McElhany Paul , Newton Jan , Sabine Christopher L.
Published: January 2015

Coastal upwelling regimes are some of the most productive ecosystems in the ocean but are also among the most vulnerable to ocean acidification (OA) due to naturally high background concentrations of CO2. Yet our ability to predict how these ecosystems will respond to additional CO2 resulting from anthropogenic emissions is poor. To help address this uncertainty, researchers perform manipulative experiments where biological responses are evaluated across different CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) levels. In upwelling systems, however, contemporary carbonate chemistry variability remains only partly characterized and patterns of co-variation with other biologically important variables such as temperature and oxygen are just beginning to be explored in the context of OA experimental design. If co-variation among variables is prevalent, researchers risk performing OA experiments with control conditions that are not experienced by the focal species, potentially diminishing the ecological relevance of the experiment. Here, we synthesized a large carbonate chemistry dataset that consists of carbonate chemistry, temperature, and oxygen measurements from multiple moorings and ship-based sampling campaigns from the California Current Ecosystem (CCE), and includes fjord and tidal estuaries and open coastal waters. We evaluated patterns of pCO2 variability and highlight important co-variation between pCO2, temperature, and oxygen. We subsequently compared environmental pCO2–temperature measurements with conditions maintained in OA experiments that used organisms from the CCE. By drawing such comparisons, researchers can gain insight into the ecological relevance of previously published OA experiments, but also identify species or life history stages that may already be influenced by contemporary carbonate chemistry conditions. We illustrate the implications co-variation among environmental variables can have for the interpretation of OA experimental results and suggest an approach for designing experiments with pCO2 levels that better reflect OA hypotheses while simultaneously recognizing natural co-variation with other biologically relevant variables.
Effects of ghost fishing lobster traps in the Florida Keys
Authors: Butler Casey B. , Matthews Thomas R.
Published: January 2015

Ghost fishing is the capacity of lost traps to continue to catch and kill animals. In the spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery in Florida, the effects of ghost fishing are of particular concern, given the estimated 10s of 1000s of traps lost annually. We distributed 40 each of the three types of lobster traps (wire, wood–wire hybrid, and wood slat) at three locations in the Florida Keys to simulate ghost fishing. Divers monitored these traps biweekly for 1 year then monthly for two additional years, recording the time ghost traps remained intact and continued to fish, as well as the number of live and dead lobsters and other animals in each trap. Wood slat and hybrid traps remained intact and fished for 509 ± 97 (median ± median absolute deviation) and 480 ± 142 d, respectively. Wire traps fished significantly longer (779.5 ± 273.5 d, p < 0.001), and several fished until the end of the experiment (1071 d). Traps in Florida Bay fished longer (711.5 ± 51.5 d) than traps inshore (509 ± 94.5 d) and offshore (381 ± 171 days; p < 0.001) in the Atlantic Ocean. More lobsters were observed in hybrid traps (mean = 4.81 ± 0.03 s.e.) than in wood slat (3.85 ± 0.16) or wire traps (3.17 ± 0.03; F = 40.15, d.f. = 2, p < 0.001). Wire traps accounted for 83% of fish confined overall and 74% of the dead fish observed in traps. Ghost traps in Florida Bay and Atlantic inshore killed 6.8 ± 1.0 and 6.3 ± 0.88 lobsters per trap annually, while Atlantic offshore traps killed fewer (3.0 ± 0.69) lobsters, likely as a result of lower lobster abundance in traps. The combined effects of greater lobster mortality and greater abundance of lost traps in inshore areas account for the majority of the estimated 637 622 ± 74 367 (mean ± s.d.) lobsters that die in ghost traps annually.
Basin-wide mechanisms for spring bloom initiation: how typical is the North Atlantic?
Authors: Cole Harriet S. , Henson Stephanie , Martin Adrian P. , Yool Andrew
Published: January 2015

The annual phytoplankton bloom is a key event in pelagic ecosystems. Variability in the timing, or phenology, of these blooms affects ecosystem dynamics with implications for carbon export efficiency and food availability for higher trophic levels. Furthermore, interannual variability in phytoplankton bloom timing may be used to monitor changes in the pelagic ecosystem that are either naturally or anthropogenically forced. The onset of the spring bloom has traditionally been thought to be controlled by the restratification of the water column and shoaling of the mixed layer, as encapsulated in Sverdrup's critical depth hypothesis. However, this has been challenged by recent studies which have put forward different mechanisms. For example, the critical turbulence hypothesis attributes bloom initiation to a reduction in turbulent mixing associated with the onset of positive net heat fluxes (NHFs). To date, the majority of studies on bloom initiation mechanisms have concentrated on North Atlantic datasets leaving their validity in other subpolar regions unknown. Here, we use chlorophyll output from a model that assimilates satellite ocean colour data to calculate bloom initiation timing and examine the basin-wide drivers of spatial and interannual variability. We find that the date that the NHF turns positive is a stronger predictor for the date of bloom initiation, both spatially and interannually, across the North Atlantic than changes in the mixed layer depth. However, results obtained from the North Pacific and Southern Ocean show no such basin-wide coherency. The lack of consistency in the response of the subpolar basins indicates that other drivers are likely responsible for variability in bloom initiation. This disparity between basins suggests that the North Atlantic bloom initiation processes are unique and therefore that this region may not be a suitable model for a global, theoretical understanding of the mechanisms leading to the onset of the spring bloom.
Analysis of IL-22 contribution to hepcidin induction and hypoferremia during the response to LPS in vivo
Authors: Wallace Daniel F. , Subramaniam V. Nathan
Published: January 2015

The anaemia of chronic disease (ACD) results from inflammation-mediated up-regulation of the iron regulatory hormone hepcidin, with the consequent sequestration of iron limiting its availability for erythropoiesis. The inflammatory cytokine IL-6, a regulator of hepcidin, has been implicated in this process. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies indicate that IL-22 is also able to stimulate hepcidin expression. We aimed to determine if IL-22 had a role in causing the hypoferremia associated with the inflammatory response. Wild-type and Il22-knockout mice were subjected to an acute inflammatory stimulus via administration of LPS and the response of hepcidin and iron homeostasis was analysed. In the absence of IL-22, there was a response of hepcidin, resulting in a reduction in serum iron levels. However, the hypoferremic response to LPS was slightly blunted in mice lacking IL-22, suggesting that, during LPS-mediated inflammation, IL-22 may play a minor role in mediating the hypoferremic response. These results may have implications for the treatment and management of the ACD.
Drak2 is not required for tumor surveillance and suppression
Authors: Edwards Benjamin A. , Harris Tarsha L. , Floersh Helen , Lukens John R. , Zaki Md. Hasan , Vogel Peter , Kanneganti Thirumala-Devi , Bui Jack D. , McGargill Maureen A.
Published: January 2015

Drak2 is a promising therapeutic target to treat organ-specific autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes and multiple sclerosis without causing generalized immune suppression. Inhibition of Drak2 may also prevent graft rejection following organ transplantation. However, Drak2 may function as a critical tumor suppressor, which would challenge the prospect of targeting Drak2 for therapeutic treatment. Thus, we examined the susceptibility of Drak2−/− mice in several tumor models. We show that Drak2 is not required to prevent tumor formation in a variety of settings. Therefore, Drak2 does not function as an essential tumor suppressor in in vivo tumor models. These data further validate Drak2 as a viable therapeutic target to treat autoimmune disease and graft rejection. Importantly, these data also indicate that while Drak2 may induce apoptosis when overexpressed in cell lines, it is not an essential tumor suppressor.
Silver resistance in Gram-negative bacteria: a dissection of endogenous and exogenous mechanisms
Authors: Randall Christopher P. , Gupta Arya , Jackson Nicole , Busse David , O'Neill Alex J.
Published: January 2015

Objectives

To gain a more detailed understanding of endogenous (mutational) and exogenous (horizontally acquired) resistance to silver in Gram-negative pathogens, with an emphasis on clarifying the genetic bases for resistance.

Methods

A suite of microbiological and molecular genetic techniques was employed to select and characterize endogenous and exogenous silver resistance in several Gram-negative species.

Results

In Escherichia coli, endogenous resistance arose after 6 days of exposure to silver, a consequence of two point mutations that were both necessary and sufficient for the phenotype. These mutations, in ompR and cusS, respectively conferred loss of the OmpC/F porins and derepression of the CusCFBA efflux transporter, both phenotypic changes previously linked to reduced intracellular accumulation of silver. Exogenous resistance involved derepression of the SilCFBA efflux transporter as a consequence of mutation in silS, but was additionally contingent on expression of the periplasmic silver-sequestration protein SilE. Silver resistance could be selected at high frequency (>10−9) from Enterobacteriaceae lacking OmpC/F porins or harbouring the sil operon and both endogenous and exogenous resistance were associated with modest fitness costs in vitro.

Conclusions

Both endogenous and exogenous silver resistance are dependent on the derepressed expression of closely related efflux transporters and are therefore mechanistically similar phenotypes. The ease with which silver resistance can become selected in some bacterial pathogens in vitro suggests that there would be benefit in improved surveillance for silver-resistant isolates in the clinic, along with greater control over use of silver-containing products, in order to best preserve the clinical utility of silver.
Multilayered genetic safeguards limit growth of microorganisms to defined environments
Authors: Gallagher Ryan R. , Patel Jaymin R. , Interiano Alexander L. , Rovner Alexis J. , Isaacs Farren J.
Published: January 2015

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are commonly used to produce valuable compounds in closed industrial systems. However, their emerging applications in open clinical or environmental settings require enhanced safety and security measures. Intrinsic biocontainment, the creation of bacterial hosts unable to survive in natural environments, remains a major unsolved biosafety problem. We developed a new biocontainment strategy containing overlapping ‘safeguards’—engineered riboregulators that tightly control expression of essential genes, and an engineered addiction module based on nucleases that cleaves the host genome—to restrict viability of Escherichia coli cells to media containing exogenously supplied synthetic small molecules. These multilayered safeguards maintain robust growth in permissive conditions, eliminate persistence and limit escape frequencies to <1.3 × 10−12. The staged approach to safeguard implementation revealed mechanisms of escape and enabled strategies to overcome them. Our safeguarding strategy is modular and employs conserved mechanisms that could be extended to clinically or industrially relevant organisms and undomesticated species.
Postoperative Opioid-induced Respiratory Depression
Authors: Lee Lorri A. , Caplan Robert A. , Stephens Linda S. , Posner Karen L. , Terman Gregory W. , Voepel-Lewis Terri , Domino Karen B.
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

In a review of 357 acute pain claims from the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database, 92 cases involved likely opioid-related respiratory depression. The vast majority of these injuries occurred within 24 h of surgery, and 97% were judged as preventable with better monitoring and response.

Background:

Postoperative opioid-induced respiratory depression (RD) is a significant cause of death and brain damage in the perioperative period. The authors examined anesthesia closed malpractice claims associated with RD to determine whether patterns of injuries could guide preventative strategies.

Methods:

From the Anesthesia Closed Claims Project database of 9,799 claims, three authors reviewed 357 acute pain claims that occurred between 1990 and 2009 for the likelihood of RD using literature-based criteria. Previously cited patient risk factors for RD, clinical management, nursing assessments, and timing of events were abstracted from claim narratives to identify recurrent patterns.

Results:

RD was judged as possible, probable, or definite in 92 claims (κ = 0.690) of which 77% resulted in severe brain damage or death. The vast majority of RD events (88%) occurred within 24 h of surgery, and 97% were judged as preventable with better monitoring and response. Contributing and potentially actionable factors included multiple prescribers (33%), concurrent administration of nonopioid sedating medications (34%), and inadequate nursing assessments or response (31%). The time between the last nursing check and the discovery of a patient with RD was within 2 h in 42% and within 15 min in 16% of claims. Somnolence was noted in 62% of patients before the event.

Conclusions:

This claims review supports a growing consensus that opioid-related adverse events are multifactorial and potentially preventable with improvements in assessment of sedation level, monitoring of oxygenation and ventilation, and early response and intervention, particularly within the first 24 h postoperatively.
Up-regulation of MicroRNA-21 Mediates Isoflurane-induced Protection of Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Olson Jessica M. , Yan Yasheng , Bai Xiaowen , Ge Zhi-Dong , Liang Mingyu , Kriegel Alison J. , Twaroski Danielle M. , Bosnjak Zeljko J.
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

Isoflurane directly affects microRNA expression profiles in cardiomyocytes and that miR-21 is acting to protect cardiomyocytes after isoflurane exposure, most likely through its actions on programmed cell death protein 4.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.

Background:

Anesthetic cardioprotection reduces myocardial infarct size after ischemia–reperfusion injury. Currently, the role of microRNA in this process remains unknown. MicroRNAs are short, noncoding nucleotide sequences that negatively regulate gene expression through degradation or suppression of messenger RNA. In this study, the authors uncovered the functional role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) up-regulation after anesthetic exposure.

Methods:

MicroRNA and messenger RNA expression changes were analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in cardiomyocytes after exposure to isoflurane. Lactate dehydrogenase release assay and propidium iodide staining were conducted after inhibition of miR-21. miR-21 target expression was analyzed by Western blot. The functional role of miR-21 was confirmed in vivo in both wild-type and miR-21 knockout mice.

Results:

Isoflurane induces an acute up-regulation of miR-21 in both in vivo and in vitro rat models (n = 6, 247.8 ± 27.5% and 258.5 ± 9.0%), which mediates protection to cardiomyocytes through down-regulation of programmed cell death protein 4 messenger RNA (n = 3, 82.0 ± 4.9% of control group). This protective effect was confirmed by knockdown of miR-21 and programmed cell death protein 4 in vitro. In addition, the protective effect of isoflurane was abolished in miR-21 knockout mice in vivo, with no significant decrease in infarct size compared with nonexposed controls (n = 8, 62.3 ± 4.6% and 56.2 ± 3.2%).

Conclusions:

The authors demonstrate for the first time that isoflurane mediates protection of cardiomyocytes against oxidative stress via an miR-21/programmed cell death protein 4 pathway. These results reveal a novel mechanism by which the damage done by ischemia/reperfusion injury may be decreased.
Effects of Acute Respiratory and Metabolic Acidosis on Diaphragm Muscle Obtained from Rats
Authors: Michelet Pierre , Carreira Serge , Demoule Alexandre , Amour Julien , Langeron Olivier , Riou Bruno , Coirault Catherine
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

Diaphragm strips were exposed to a pH of 7.0 using carbon dioxide or strips exposed to low bicarbonate and both compared with strips exposed to a pH of 7.4. The strips exposed to high carbon dioxide had impairment in contraction and even more impairment in relaxation–contraction coupling. In contrast, diaphragmatic strips exposed to lower bicarbonate had no significant differences in diaphragmatic contraction, relaxation, or contraction–relaxation coupling.

Background:

Acute respiratory acidosis is associated with alterations in diaphragm performance. The authors compared the effects of respiratory acidosis and metabolic acidosis in the rat diaphragm in vitro.

Methods:

Diaphragmatic strips were stimulated in vitro, and mechanical and energetic variables were measured, cross-bridge kinetics calculated, and the effects of fatigue evaluated. An extracellular pH of 7.00 was obtained by increasing carbon dioxide tension (from 25 to 104 mmHg) in the respiratory acidosis group (n = 12) or lowering bicarbonate concentration (from 24.5 to 5.5 mM) in the metabolic acidosis group (n = 12) and the results compared with a control group (n = 12, pH = 7.40) after 20-min exposure.

Results:

Respiratory acidosis induced a significant decrease in maximum shortening velocity (−33%, P < 0.001), active isometric force (−36%, P < 0.001), and peak power output (−59%, P < 0.001), slowed relaxation, and decreased the number of cross-bridges (−35%, P < 0.001) but not the force per cross-bridge, and impaired recovery from fatigue. Respiratory acidosis impaired more relaxation than contraction, as shown by impairment in contraction–relaxation coupling under isotonic (−26%, P < 0.001) or isometric (−44%, P < 0.001) conditions. In contrast, no significant differences in diaphragmatic contraction, relaxation, or contraction–relaxation coupling were observed in the metabolic acidosis group.

Conclusions:

In rat diaphragm, acute (20 min) respiratory acidosis induced a marked decrease in the diaphragm contractility, which was not observed in metabolic acidosis.
Feasibility of Closed-loop Titration of Propofol and Remifentanil Guided by the Bispectral Monitor in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: Orliaguet Gilles A. , Benabbes Lambert Fatema , Chazot Thierry , Glasman Pauline , Fischler Marc , Liu Ngai
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

Bispectral index–guided automated control of propofol hypnosis and remifentanil analgesia is feasible and maintains bispectral index in the range of 40 to 60 in 6- to 16-yr-old old patients better than skilled manual control. Propofol consumption during maintenance of anesthesia was similar in the two groups, but remifentanil consumption was higher in the automated control group.

Background:

This study was designed to assess the feasibility of dual closed-loop titration of propofol and remifentanil guided solely by the Bispectral Index (BIS) monitor in pediatric and adolescent patients during anesthesia.

Methods:

Children undergoing elective surgery in this single-blind randomized study were allocated into the closed-loop (auto) or manual (manual) group. Primary outcome was the percentage of time with the BIS in the range 40 to 60 (BIS40–60). Secondary outcomes were the percentage of deep (BIS<40) anesthesia and drug consumption. Data are presented as median (interquartile range) or number (%).

Results:

Twenty-three patients (12 [10 to 14] yr) were assigned to the auto group and 19 (14 [7 to 14] yr) to the manual group. The closed-loop controller was able to provide induction and maintenance for all patients. The percentage of time with BIS40–60 was greater in the auto group (87% [75 to 96] vs. 72% [48 to 79]; P = 0.002), with a decrease in the percentage of BIS<40 (7% [2 to 17] vs. 21% [11 to 38]; P = 0.002). Propofol (2.4 [1.9 to 3.3] vs. 1.7 [1.2 to 2.8] mg/kg) and remifentanil (2.3 [2.0 to 3.0] vs. 2.5 [1.2 to 4.3] μg/kg) consumptions were similar in auto versus manual groups during induction, respectively. During maintenance, propofol consumption (8.2 [6.0 to 10.2] vs. 7.9 [7.2 to 9.1] mg kg−1 h−1; P = 0.89) was similar between the two groups, but remifentanil consumption was greater in the auto group (0.39 [0.22 to 0.60] vs. 0.22 [0.17 to 0.32] μg kg−1 min−1; P = 0.003). Perioperative adverse events and length of stay in the postanesthesia care unit were similar.

Conclusion:

Intraoperative automated control of hypnosis and analgesia guided by the BIS is clinically feasible in pediatric and adolescent patients and outperformed skilled manual control.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Adaptive Support Ventilation Mode to Wean Patients after Fast-track Cardiac Valvular Surgery
Authors: Zhu Fang , Gomersall Charles D. , Ng Siu Keung , Underwood Malcolm J. , Lee Anna
Published: January 2015

AbstractAbstract

Use of closed-loop weaning with adaptive support ventilation results in more rapid weaning of patients after cardiac valvular surgery than physician-directed weaning, without an increase in morbidity.

Background:

Adaptive support ventilation can speed weaning after coronary artery surgery compared with protocolized weaning using other modes. There are no data to support this mode of weaning after cardiac valvular surgery. Furthermore, control group weaning times have been long, suggesting that the results may reflect control group protocols that delay weaning rather than a real advantage of adaptive support ventilation.

Methods:

Randomized (computer-generated sequence and sealed opaque envelopes), parallel-arm, unblinded trial of adaptive support ventilation versus physician-directed weaning after adult fast-track cardiac valvular surgery. The primary outcome was duration of mechanical ventilation. Patients aged 18 to 80 yr without significant renal, liver, or lung disease or severe impairment of left ventricular function undergoing uncomplicated elective valve surgery were eligible. Care was standardized, except postoperative ventilation. In the adaptive support ventilation group, target minute ventilation and inspired oxygen concentration were adjusted according to blood gases. A spontaneous breathing trial was carried out when the total inspiratory pressure of 15 cm H2O or less with positive end-expiratory pressure of 5 cm H2O. In the control group, the duty physician made all ventilatory decisions.

Results:

Median duration of ventilation was statistically significantly shorter (P = 0.013) in the adaptive support ventilation group (205 [141 to 295] min, n = 30) than that in controls (342 [214 to 491] min, n = 31). Manual ventilator changes and alarms were less common in the adaptive support ventilation group, and arterial blood gas estimations were more common.

Conclusion:

Adaptive support ventilation reduces ventilation time by more than 2 h in patients who have undergone fast-track cardiac valvular surgery while reducing the number of manual ventilator changes and alarms.
Hamburger polyomaviruses
Authors: Peretti Alberto , FitzGerald Peter C. , Bliskovsky Valery , Buck Christopher B. , Pastrana Diana V.
Published: January 2015

Epidemiological studies have suggested that consumption of beef may correlate with an increased risk of colorectal cancer. One hypothesis to explain this proposed link might be the presence of a carcinogenic infectious agent capable of withstanding cooking. Polyomaviruses are a ubiquitous family of thermostable non-enveloped DNA viruses that are known to be carcinogenic. Using virion enrichment, rolling circle amplification (RCA) and next-generation sequencing, we searched for polyomaviruses in meat samples purchased from several supermarkets. Ground beef samples were found to contain three polyomavirus species. One species, bovine polyomavirus 1 (BoPyV1), was originally discovered as a contaminant in laboratory FCS. A previously unknown species, BoPyV2, occupies the same clade as human Merkel cell polyomavirus and raccoon polyomavirus, both of which are carcinogenic in their native hosts. A third species, BoPyV3, is related to human polyomaviruses 6 and 7. Examples of additional DNA virus families, including herpesviruses, adenoviruses, circoviruses and gyroviruses were also detected either in ground beef samples or in comparison samples of ground pork and ground chicken. The results suggest that the virion enrichment/RCA approach is suitable for random detection of essentially any DNA virus with a detergent-stable capsid. It will be important for future studies to address the possibility that animal viruses commonly found in food might be associated with disease.
A large-scale, in vivo transcription factor screen defines bivalent chromatin as a key property of regulatory factors mediating Drosophila wing development
Authors: Schertel Claus , Albarca Monica , Rockel-Bauer Claudia , Kelley Nicholas W. , Bischof Johannes , Hens Korneel , van Nimwegen Erik , Basler Konrad , Deplancke Bart
Published: January 2015

Transcription factors (TFs) are key regulators of cell fate. The estimated 755 genes that encode DNA binding domain-containing proteins comprise ∼5% of all Drosophila genes. However, the majority has remained uncharacterized so far due to the lack of proper genetic tools. We generated 594 site-directed transgenic Drosophila lines that contain integrations of individual UAS-TF constructs to facilitate spatiotemporally controlled misexpression in vivo. All transgenes were expressed in the developing wing, and two-thirds induced specific phenotypic defects. In vivo knockdown of the same genes yielded a phenotype for 50%, with both methods indicating a great potential for misexpression to characterize novel functions in wing growth, patterning, and development. Thus, our UAS-TF library provides an important addition to the genetic toolbox of Drosophila research, enabling the identification of several novel wing development-related TFs. In parallel, we established the chromatin landscape of wing imaginal discs by ChIP-seq analyses of five chromatin marks and RNA Pol II. Subsequent clustering revealed six distinct chromatin states, with two clusters showing enrichment for both active and repressive marks. TFs that carry such “bivalent” chromatin are highly enriched for causing misexpression phenotypes in the wing, and analysis of existing expression data shows that these TFs tend to be differentially expressed across the wing disc. Thus, bivalently marked chromatin can be used as a marker for spatially regulated TFs that are functionally relevant in a developing tissue.
Corporate governance practices and outcomes in social enterprises in the UK
Authors: Mswaka Walter , Aluko Olu
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the growth of social enterprise in the UK in the context of the renewed interest in the creative use of organisations with a social mission to complement public service delivery. Given the impact of globalisation and increased demands for effective social welfare interventions, this paper specifically focuses on the nature and type of social enterprise governance models and how they influence their outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilises a mixed method approach involving the complementary use of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.

Findings

– The paper finds that the way in which the social enterprise governance structure is designed ultimately influences its outcomes. In particular, those with stewardship governance models tend to perform better than those with democratic models of governance. This leads to a conclusion that in the social context of the UK, social enterprise should aim for a paradigm shift in the design and selection of governance models.

Research limitations/implications

– Comparative regional experiences in other regions or social contexts could enrich our understanding of whether these results are applicable across the board.

Practical implications

– This paper is of potential benefit to researchers and particularly those designing policies for the governance of social enterprise.

Originality/value

– The study employs innovative analytical theoretical lenses not normally associated with the social economy, namely agency, stewardship and resource dependency theories to provide a more in-depth analysis of the governance of contemporary social enterprise.
The compassionate organisation
Authors: Jørgensen Poul Erik Flyvholm , Isaksson Maria
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test whether organisations in the public domain have embraced a corporate type of discourse, mirroring the private sector’s preferred orientation towards expertise, or whether they maintain their traditional discourse of goodwill towards the publics they serve. At a critical time for the public sector with inadequate funding and dominance of New Public Management approaches, will it be more motivated to portray itself as expert and efficient rather than altruistic?

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper applies a rhetorical framework to provide a detailed analysis of organisational value statements posted on the web sites of public and private organisations. The research considers the value priorities of 50 organisations in the UK and Scandinavia in order to gauge the extent of convergence between the two sectors’ preferred discourses.

Findings

– The research shows that the public sector sticks to its guns in maintaining a web-transmitted values discourse which forefronts goodwill towards its clients. It also shows that the public and private sectors take different approaches to goodwill.

Originality/value

– Strategists and communication specialists are encouraged to contemplate the extent to which their organisation’s projected web image equates their desired image to avoid alienating important public audiences and reinforce levels of trust. The current framework brings attention to the complex nature of goodwill and may be employed to better balance a discourse of organisational expertise against a discourse of goodwill in planning authentic value statements.
Propensity to buy private label merchandise
Authors: Beneke Justin , Brito Alex , Garvey Kerry-Anne
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Establishing and/or developing a portfolio of private label brands (PLBs) is a strategic imperative for most retail chains. The purpose of this paper is to construct, and validate, a holistic conceptual model to investigate the effect of perceived product quality, relative price and risk on perceived product value and, ultimately, willingness to buy these brands. In addition to this, the study seeks to investigate the potential role of store image as an antecedent within the model.

Design/methodology/approach

– A survey of middle to upper income shoppers was administered in order to determine the magnitude of the above-mentioned effects. The study focused on the market segment of private label breakfast cereal consumers within South Africa.

Findings

– All relationships in the model were found to be significant at the 5 per cent level, except for store image on perceived risk. The strongest relationship, by some margin, was that between perceived value and willingness to buy PLBs.

Practical implications

– The myth that a powerful store image can necessarily mitigate high levels of consumer risk was dispelled. In general, the results may be used to glean further insight into the consumer’s approach to buying PLBs and shape brand managers’ actions in building these brands.

Originality/value

– This study draws on the collective works of Benekeet al. (2013), Snojet al.(2004) and Sweeneyet al.(1999) in exploring this issue. However, the research advances the discussion by considering a low-involvement product category and the inclusion of an additional antecedent – store image.
From good to great managers
Authors: Matteson Miriam Louise , Musser Susan , Allen Elizabeth
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions of librarians toward continuing education (CE) in library management.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study followed survey design to collect perceptions of librarians from around the USA. In total, 166 usable surveys were returned and the bulk of the analysis examined responses from non-directors (n=96).

Findings

– Non-director librarians identified knowledge areas important for success as a manager including human resources, leadership, and organizational behavior. The majority of respondents assessed their own level of management knowledge as average to above average. In all, 38 percent of respondents indicated their management knowledge came from workshops, webinars, and conferences. Respondents reported that the opportunity for a salary increase, as well as a personal desire to learn were motivators for seeking CE in management.

Practical implications

– A CE program in management should extend the knowledge learned in the MLIS degree, address knowledge, skills, and individual development, be flexibly scheduled and reasonably priced, and offer clear benefits to the library and to the learner.

Originality/value

– This research demonstrates the importance of building a CE program in management that compliments other educational offerings in order to help librarians develop the knowledge and skills needed to lead libraries.
From change to organizational transformation
Authors: Nazarzadeh Zare Mohsen , Abdi Azzar Shahram , Mardani Amir Hossein , Arein Mohammad Ali
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to study the application level of transformational organization components from Tehran Medical Science University librarians’ point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

– The present survey method is descriptive-scaling. The statistical population of this survey has included all librarians of Medical Science University of Tehran about 50 individuals. As a few numbers of statistical population, almost all of them were surveyed. Accomplished questionnaires were used to collect data. To analyze data, Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, Pearson correlation coefficient and Friedman test were used.

Findings

– The results of survey showed that all components of transformational organization in the libraries of Medical Science University of Tehran were not very strong. Although the results of this survey showed that transformational organization components in the libraries of Medical Science University of Tehran are weak, to reach such a desirable level in libraries preparation of this university for converting to transformational organization, it is essential for managers and organizers of these libraries to take making relations more extensive among managers and staff for more cooperation in organization decision making, appropriate human resource training with up-to-date process, planning and practicality of organization knowledge map for discovering the talents and their management into serious consideration.

Originality/value

– To change conventional organization to a transformational one, change and transformation should occur in attitude and human resource knowledge organization and gradually in other dimensions means organizational structure, organizational culture and technology.
Towards a new library system
Authors: Saarti Jarmo , Luokkanen Sinikka , Ahlqvist Ari , Lager Lassi
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– Finnish libraries are using different integrated library systems. Higher education libraries funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture are using the same ILS in three different installations on the same hardware. Special and public libraries are using several different systems. Many of these library systems are reaching their end-of-life phase. During the spring and summer of 2011 all the Finnish library sectors together with the National Library of Finland formed a joint committee in order to assess the feasibility of a library system entirety, possibly an open source solution that would suit the needs of all the different types of libraries. The purpose of this paper is to describe and analyse the planning for the acquisition of a new library system initiated in year 2012; the concept is to try to establish a joint system with common databases for all the libraries in all sectors willing to collaborate in this effort.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper describes the evolution of the Finnish library systems and evaluates the methods used in the planning of the new library automation system.

Findings

– The broad model of group working was useful in policy making and committing the libraries to the joint project. Using social web-technologies were efficient in project communication and marketing. This type of semi-professional planning was not able to produce accurate specification for programming thus a need for follow-up project became evident.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper is based on Finnish experiences.

Social implications

– The paper presents a case about the usage of group working in the planning of a library automation system with an evaluation of the possibilities and restraints on this type of approach.

Originality/value

– The paper provides an analysis on the usability of broad group working type of approach to the policy making and planning of library automation systems.
Knowledge management for service innovation in academic libraries: a qualitative study
Authors: Islam Md Anwarul , Agarwal Naresh Kumar Kumar , Ikeda Mitsuru
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the strategies thatlibrarians employ to ensure quality of service, the ways and barriers forservice innovation, and the likelihood of adopting knowledge management forservice innovation in libraries (KMSIL).

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 17 academic librarians filled out a qualitative surveywith open-ended questions.

Findings

– Most librarians saw service innovation as critical to thecontinuing success of the library, and felt that knowledge management (KM)would be extremely helpful for service innovation in their libraries. Theproposed strategies and findings led to a theoretical framework of KMSIL.

Originality/value

– Though exploratory in nature, this is the first study thatcombines service innovation with KM from the perceptive of academic librariansand has important implications for theory and practice. The proposedtheoretical framework could serve as the basis for a deeper study and furtherresearch in this area.
Actively demonstrating library expertise in a research assessment exercise
Authors: Wong Gabrielle Ka Wai , Caplan Victoria F. , Chan Diana L. H. , Fung Lois M. Y. , Lam K.T.
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe HKUST Library’s active participation in helping the university prepare for the 2014 Research Assessment Exercise (RAE 2014) in Hong Kong. Through the process the authors demonstrated library’s value and librarians’ expertise in supporting research.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a case study that highlights how HKUST Library tackled this complex exercise. The effort was delineated as three stages: the design stage when the authors proactively supported the electronic system design for RAE 2014, the formation stage in which the submission infrastructure was built, and the data process stage.

Findings

– Based on the Library’s experience in creating and managing the Institutional Repository and the Scholarly Publication Database, the participation proved to be instrumental in designing and building the electronic infrastructure for the RAE 2014. After the project, the HKUST research community had higher trust and regard of the Library, both for the research information management systems and librarians’ expertise in providing research support service.

Practical implications

– The paper elaborates details of HKUST Library’s effort, including human resource deployment, project management strategy, operational tactics, challenges the authors faced and keys to success. The experience demonstrates that libraries and librarians can establish credibility and gain respect from research communities through delivering tangible outcomes.

Originality/value

– There is very few case studies in the literature on libraries’ participation in and contribution to RAEs. This paper fills a gap in the area.
Algerian university libraries and the digital age: new communication behaviors
Authors: Bernaoui Radia , HASSOUN MOHAMED
Published: January 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to clarify the digital era and to explain that these changes have given rise to the existence of several communities or consortia in higher education of Algeria in order to bring users closer. Various changes linked to advancement in information technologies have changed work methods and behavior among professionals in the information and communication sciences field.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper opted for a survey which was organized into two principal phases. An exploratory phase that consisted of undertaking qualitative interviews and another phase followed by a preliminary survey (pilot study) to prepare for the definitive survey. In this way that the authors chose a sample of a total of 50 questionnaires. The authors succeeded in obtaining a total of 30 respondents, representing a response rate of 60 percent.

Findings

– The preliminary survey reveals that the Algerian university libraries wish to create a community of exchange and collaborative work between professional colleagues in this new digital age.

Research limitations/implications

– This study is a beginning of a research on the behaviors of professionals in Algerian university libraries. A national survey is about to be performed in order to analyze more better the new communication behaviors.

Practical implications

– The paper includes implications for changing the new behavior of professionals in university libraries in order to be adapted in this new digital age that requires us to work in the library without walls.

Originality/value

– The originality of this paper is to discuss the subject of the digital libraries, the information retrieval and the collaborative work environments and the Semantic Web.