bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CGAS: comparative genomic analysis server
Authors: Itoh Masumi , Watanabe Hidemi
Published: February 2009

Summary: Comparative approach is one of the most essential methods for extracting functional and evolutionary information from genomic sequences. So far, a number of sequence comparison tools have been developed, and most are either for on-site use, requiring program installation but providing a wide variety of analyses, or for the online search of user's sequences against given databases on a server. We newly devised an Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax)-based system for comparative genomic analyses, CGAS, with highly interactive interface within a browser, requiring no software installation. The current version, CGAS version 1, provides functionality for viewing similarity relationships between user's sequences, including a multiple dot plot between sequences with their annotation information. The scrollbar-less ‘draggable’ interface of CGAS is implemented with Google Maps API version 2. The annotation information associated with the genomic sequences compared is synchronously displayed with the comparison view. The multiple-comparison viewer is one of the unique functionalities of this system to allow the users to compare the differences between different pairs of sequences. In this viewer, the system tells orthologous correspondences between the sequences compared interactively. This web-based tool is platform-independent and will provide biologists having no computational skills with opportunities to analyze their own data without software installation and customization of the computer system.

Availability and Implementation: CGAS is available at http://cgas.ist.hokudai.ac.jp/.

Contact:  watanabe@ist.hokudai.ac.jp
Impact of exercise training on myostatin expression in the myocardium and skeletal muscle in a chronic heart failure model
Authors: Lenk Karsten , Schur Robert , Linke Axel , Erbs Sandra , Matsumoto Yasuharu , Adams Volker , Schuler Gerhard
Published: February 2009

Aims

In late‐stage chronic heart failure (CHF), elevated cytokines and cachexia are often observed. Several studies have shown that exercise training exerts beneficial effects on skeletal muscle in this setting. Furthermore, it has been shown that the expression of myostatin, a key regulator of skeletal muscle mass, is increased in a variety of cachectic states. This study aimed to investigate the expression of myostatin in CHF, the influence of exercise training on myostatin levels, and regulation of myostatin by tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α).

Methods and results

In an animal model of CHF (LAD‐ligation model), protein expression of myostatin was elevated 2.4‐fold in the skeletal muscle and more than four‐times in the myocardium, compared with control (Co). Exercise training on a treadmill over 4 weeks led to a significant reduction in myostatin protein expression in the skeletal muscle and the myocardium of CHF animals, with values returning to baseline levels. In differentiated C2C12 cells, TNF‐α induced the expression of myostatin through a p38MAPK‐dependent pathway involving nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB). The increased TNF‐α mRNA levels in the skeletal muscle of CHF animals correlated significantly with myostatin expression.

Conclusion

These alterations in myostatin expression in the skeletal and heart muscle following exercise training could help to explain the beneficial anti‐catabolic effects of exercise training in CHF.
Onset of polyspike complexes in a mean-field model of human electroencephalography and its application to absence epilepsy
Authors: Marten Frank , Rodrigues Serafim , Benjamin Oscar , Richardson Mark P , Terry John R
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we introduce a modification of a mean-field model used to describe the brain's electrical activity as recorded via electroencephalography (EEG). The focus of the present study is to understand the mechanisms giving rise to the dynamics observed during absence epilepsy, one of the classical generalized syndromes. A systematic study of the data from a number of different subjects with absence epilepsy demonstrates a wide variety of dynamical phenomena in the recorded EEG. In addition to the classical spike and wave activity, there may be polyspike and wave, wave spike or even no discernible spike–wave onset during seizure events. The model we introduce is able to capture all of these different phenomena and we describe the bifurcations giving rise to these different types of seizure activity. We argue that such a model may provide a useful clinical tool for classifying different subclasses of absence epilepsy.
Delays in activity-based neural networks
Authors: Coombes Stephen , Laing Carlo
Published: February 2009

In this paper, we study the effect of two distinct discrete delays on the dynamics of a Wilson–Cowan neural network. This activity-based model describes the dynamics of synaptically interacting excitatory and inhibitory neuronal populations. We discuss the interpretation of the delays in the language of neurobiology and show how they can contribute to the generation of network rhythms. First, we focus on the use of linear stability theory to show how to destabilize a fixed point, leading to the onset of oscillatory behaviour. Next, we show for the choice of a Heaviside nonlinearity for the firing rate that such emergent oscillations can be either synchronous or anti-synchronous, depending on whether inhibition or excitation dominates the network architecture. To probe the behaviour of smooth (sigmoidal) nonlinear firing rates, we use a mixture of numerical bifurcation analysis and direct simulations, and uncover parameter windows that support chaotic behaviour. Finally, we comment on the role of delays in the generation of
bursting
oscillations, and discuss natural extensions of the work in this paper.
Balancing with positive feedback: the case for discontinuous control
Authors: Milton John , Townsend Jennifer L , King Meredith A , Ohira Toru
Published: February 2009

Experimental observations indicate that positive feedback plays an important role for maintaining human balance in the upright position. This observation is used to motivate an investigation of a simple switch-like controller for postural sway in which corrective movements are made only when the vertical displacement angle exceeds a certain threshold. This mechanism is shown to be consistent with the experimentally observed variations in the two-point correlation for human postural sway. Analysis of first-passage times for this model suggests that this control strategy may slow escape by taking advantage of two intrinsic properties of a stochastic unstable first-order delay differential equation: (i) time delay and (ii) the possibility that the dynamics can be ‘temporarily confined’ near the origin.
Delays and weakly coupled neuronal oscillators
Authors: Ermentrout Bard , Ko Tae-Wook
Published: February 2009

We use weakly coupled oscillator theory to study the effects of delays on coupled systems of neuronal oscillators. We explore, first, simple pairs with constant delays and then examine the role of distributed delays as would occur in systems with dendritic branches or in networks where there is a distance-dependent conductance delay. In the latter, we use mean field theory to show the emergence of travelling waves and the loss of synchronization. Next, we consider phase models with stronger coupling and delays in the state variables. We show that they have a richer dynamics but one that is still similar to the weakly coupled case.
Effects of neuromuscular lags on controlling contact transitions
Authors: Venkadesan Madhusudhan , Valero-Cuevas Francisco J
Published: February 2009

We present a numerical exploration of contact transitions with the fingertip. When picking up objects our fingertips must make contact at specific locations, and—upon contact—maintain posture while producing well-directed force vectors. However, the joint torques for moving the fingertip towards a surface (

τ

m
) are different from those for producing static force vectors (

τ

f
). We previously described the neural control of such abrupt transitions in humans, and found that unavoidable errors arise because sensorimotor time delays and lags prevent an instantaneous switch between different torques. Here, we use numerical optimization on a finger model to reveal physical bounds for controlling such rapid contact transitions. Resembling human data, it is necessary to anticipatorily switch joint torques to

τ

f
at about 30 ms before contact to minimize the initial misdirection of the fingertip force vector. This anticipatory strategy arises in our deterministic model from neuromuscular lags, and not from optimizing for robustness to noise/uncertainties. Importantly, the optimal solution also leads to a trade-off between the speed of force magnitude increase versus the accuracy of initial force direction. This is an alternative to prevailing theories that propose multiplicative noise in muscles as the driver of speed–accuracy trade-offs. We instead find that the speed–accuracy trade-off arises solely from neuromuscular lags. Finally, because our model intentionally uses idealized assumptions, its agreement with human data suggests that the biological system is controlled in a way that approaches the physical boundaries of performance.
Delay effects in brain dynamics
Authors: Stepan Gabor
Published: February 2009

There are in our existence spots of time,

That with distinct pre-eminence retain

A renovating virtue, whence … our minds

Are nourished and invisibly repaired;…(Wordsworth 1888, ||. 208–211,
The prelude—book twelfth, imagination and taste, how impaired and restored
, written in 1805)

This brief introductory paper reviews the methods and the results presented in the special issue. The general destabilizing effects of time delays in nonlinear dynamical systems are summarized and some similarities in the philosophical approaches of neural systems research in distinct disciplines are pointed out. All the invited papers focus on the central role of time delays in the dynamics of neural systems. The research contributions are set in order according to the increasing number of neurons involved in the corresponding study from a couple of neurons through neural fields to populations and clusters of neurons.
Breakpoint graphs and ancestral genome reconstructions
Authors: Alekseyev Max A. , Pevzner Pavel A.
Published: February 2009

Recently completed whole-genome sequencing projects marked the transition from gene-based phylogenetic studies to phylogenomics analysis of entire genomes. We developed an algorithm MGRA for reconstructing ancestral genomes and used it to study the rearrangement history of seven mammalian genomes: human, chimpanzee, macaque, mouse, rat, dog, and opossum. MGRA relies on the notion of the multiple breakpoint graphs to overcome some limitations of the existing approaches to ancestral genome reconstructions. MGRA also generates the rearrangement-based characters guiding the phylogenetic tree reconstruction when the phylogeny is unknown.
HistoneHits: A database for histone mutations and their phenotypes
Authors: Huang Hailiang , Maertens Alexandra M. , Hyland Edel M. , Dai Junbiao , Norris Anne , Boeke Jef D. , Bader Joel S.
Published: February 2009

Histones are the basic protein components of nucleosomes. They are among the most conserved proteins and are subject to a plethora of post-translational modifications. Specific histone residues are important in establishing chromatin structure, regulating gene expression and silencing, and responding to DNA damage. Here we present HistoneHits, a database of phenotypes for systematic collections of histone mutants. This database combines assay results (phenotypes) with information about sequences, structures, post-translational modifications, and evolutionary conservation. The web interface presents the information through dynamic tables and figures. It calculates the availability of data for specific mutants and for nucleosome surfaces. The database currently includes 42 assays on 677 mutants multiply covering 405 of the 498 residues across yeast histones H3, H4, H2A, and H2B. We also provide an interface with an extensible controlled vocabulary for research groups to submit new data. Preliminary analyses confirm that mutations at highly conserved residues and modifiable residues are more likely to generate phenotypes. Buried residues and residues on the lateral surface tend to generate more phenotypes, while tail residues generate significantly fewer phenotypes than other residues. Yeast mutants are cross referenced with known human histone variants, identifying a position where a yeast mutant causes loss of ribosomal silencing and a human variant increases breast cancer susceptibility. All data sets are freely available for download.
Global distribution of genomic diversity underscores rich complex history of continental human populations
Authors: Auton Adam , Bryc Katarzyna , Boyko Adam R. , Lohmueller Kirk E. , Novembre John , Reynolds Andy , Indap Amit , Wright Mark H. , Degenhardt Jeremiah D. , Gutenkunst Ryan N. , King Karen S. , Nelson Matthew R. , Bustamante Carlos D.
Published: February 2009

Characterizing patterns of genetic variation within and among human populations is important for understanding human evolutionary history and for careful design of medical genetic studies. Here, we analyze patterns of variation across 443,434 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) genotyped in 3845 individuals from four continental regions. This unique resource allows us to illuminate patterns of diversity in previously under-studied populations at the genome-wide scale including Latin America, South Asia, and Southern Europe. Key insights afforded by our analysis include quantifying the degree of admixture in a large collection of individuals from Guadalajara, Mexico; identifying language and geography as key determinants of population structure within India; and elucidating a north–south gradient in haplotype diversity within Europe. We also present a novel method for identifying long-range tracts of homozygosity indicative of recent common ancestry. Application of our approach suggests great variation within and among populations in the extent of homozygosity, suggesting both demographic history (such as population bottlenecks) and recent ancestry events (such as consanguinity) play an important role in patterning variation in large modern human populations.
CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL Function Synergistically in the Circadian Clock of Arabidopsis
Authors: Lu Sheen X. , Knowles Stephen M. , Andronis Christos , Ong May S. , Tobin Elaine M.
Published: February 2009

The circadian clock is an endogenous mechanism that coordinates biological processes with daily and seasonal changes in the environment. Heterodimerization of central clock components is an important way of controlling clock function in several different circadian systems. CIRCADIAN CLOCK ASSOCIATED1 (CCA1) and LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) are Myb-related proteins that function in or close to the central oscillator in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Single mutants of cca1 and lhy have a phenotype of short-period rhythms. cca1 lhy double mutants show an even shorter period phenotype than the cca1 single mutant, suggesting that CCA1 and LHY are only partially functionally redundant. To determine whether CCA1 and LHY act in parallel or synergistically in the circadian clock, we examined their expression in both light-grown and etiolated seedlings. We have shown that LHY and CCA1 bind to the same region of the promoter of a Light-harvesting chlorophyll a/b protein (Lhcb, also known as CAB). CCA1 and LHY can form homodimers, and they also colocalize in the nucleus and heterodimerize in vitro and in vivo. In Arabidopsis, CCA1 and LHY physically interact in a manner independent of photoperiod. Moreover, results from gel filtration chromatography indicate that CCA1 and LHY are present in the same large complex in plants. Taken together, these results imply that CCA1 and LHY function synergistically in regulating circadian rhythms of Arabidopsis.
Engineered Polyamine Catabolism Preinduces Tolerance of Tobacco to Bacteria and Oomycetes
Authors: Moschou Panagiotis N. , Sarris Panagiotis F. , Skandalis Nicholas , Andriopoulou Athina H. , Paschalidis Konstantinos A. , Panopoulos Nickolas J. , Roubelakis-Angelakis Kalliopi A.
Published: February 2009

Polyamine oxidase (PAO) catalyzes the oxidative catabolism of spermidine and spermine, generating hydrogen peroxide. In wild-type tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum ‘Xanthi’) plants, infection by the compatible pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv tabaci resulted in increased PAO gene and corresponding PAO enzyme activities; polyamine homeostasis was maintained by induction of the arginine decarboxylase pathway and spermine was excreted into the apoplast, where it was oxidized by the enhanced apoplastic PAO, resulting in higher hydrogen peroxide accumulation. Moreover, plants overexpressing PAO showed preinduced disease tolerance against the biotrophic bacterium P. syringae pv tabaci and the hemibiotrophic oomycete Phytophthora parasitica var nicotianae but not against the Cucumber mosaic virus. Furthermore, in transgenic PAO-overexpressing plants, systemic acquired resistance marker genes as well as a pronounced increase in the cell wall-based defense were found before inoculation. These results reveal that PAO is a nodal point in a specific apoplast-localized plant-pathogen interaction, which also signals parallel defense responses, thus preventing pathogen colonization. This strategy presents a novel approach for producing transgenic plants resistant to a broad spectrum of plant pathogens.
Roles for Auxin, Cytokinin, and Strigolactone in Regulating Shoot Branching
Authors: Ferguson Brett J. , Beveridge Christine A.
Published: February 2009

Many processes have been described in the control of shoot branching. Apical dominance is defined as the control exerted by the shoot tip on the outgrowth of axillary buds, whereas correlative inhibition includes the suppression of growth by other growing buds or shoots. The level, signaling, and/or flow of the plant hormone auxin in stems and buds is thought to be involved in these processes. In addition, RAMOSUS (RMS) branching genes in pea (Pisum sativum) control the synthesis and perception of a long-distance inhibitory branching signal produced in the stem and roots, a strigolactone or product. Auxin treatment affects the expression of RMS genes, but it is unclear whether the RMS network can regulate branching independently of auxin. Here, we explore whether apical dominance and correlative inhibition show independent or additive effects in rms mutant plants. Bud outgrowth and branch lengths are enhanced in decapitated and stem-girdled rms mutants compared with intact control plants. This may relate to an RMS-independent induction of axillary bud outgrowth by these treatments. Correlative inhibition was also apparent in rms mutant plants, again indicating an RMS-independent component. Treatments giving reductions in RMS1 and RMS5 gene expression, auxin transport, and auxin level in the main stem were not always sufficient to promote bud outgrowth. We suggest that this may relate to a failure to induce the expression of cytokinin biosynthesis genes, which always correlated with bud outgrowth in our treatments. We present a new model that accounts for apical dominance, correlative inhibition, RMS gene action, and auxin and cytokinin and their interactions in controlling the progression of buds through different control points from dormancy to sustained growth.
The E3 Ubiquitin Ligase SCFTIR1/AFB and Membrane Sterols Play Key Roles in Auxin Regulation of Endocytosis, Recycling, and Plasma Membrane Accumulation of the Auxin Efflux Transporter PIN2 inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Pan Jianwei , Fujioka Shozo , Peng Jianling , Chen Jianghua , Li Guangming , Chen Rujin
Published: February 2009

The PIN family of auxin efflux transporters exhibit polar plasma membrane (PM) localization and play a key role in auxin gradient-mediated developmental processes. Auxin inhibits PIN2 endocytosis and promotes its PM localization. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, we show that the inhibitory effect of auxin on PIN2 endocytosis was impaired in SCFTIR1/AFB auxin signaling mutants. Similarly, reducing membrane sterols impaired auxin inhibition of PIN2 endocytosis. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses indicate that membrane sterols were significantly reduced in SCFTIR1/AFB mutants, supporting a link between membrane sterols and auxin signaling in regulating PIN2 endocytosis. We show that auxin promoted PIN2 recycling from endosomes to the PM and increased PIN2 steady state levels in the PM fraction. Furthermore, we show that the positive effect of auxin on PIN2 levels in the PM was impaired by inhibiting membrane sterols or auxin signaling. Consistent with this, the sterol biosynthetic mutant fk-J79 exhibited pronounced defects in primary root elongation and gravitropic response. Our data collectively indicate that, although there are distinct processes involved in endocytic regulation of specific PM-resident proteins, the SCFTIR1/AFB-dependent processes are required for auxin regulation of endocytosis, recycling, and PM accumulation of the auxin efflux transporter PIN2 in Arabidopsis thaliana.
A Novel Fatty Acyl-CoA Synthetase Is Required for Pollen Development and Sporopollenin Biosynthesis inArabidopsis
Authors: de Azevedo Souza Clarice , Kim Sung Soo , Koch Stefanie , Kienow Lucie , Schneider Katja , McKim Sarah M. , Haughn George W. , Kombrink Erich , Douglas Carl J.
Published: February 2009

Acyl-CoA Synthetase (ACOS) genes are related to 4-coumarate:CoA ligase (4CL) but have distinct functions. The Arabidopsis thaliana ACOS5 protein is in clade A of Arabidopsis ACOS proteins, the clade most closely related to 4CL proteins. This clade contains putative nonperoxisomal ACOS enzymes conserved in several angiosperm lineages and in the moss Physcomitrella patens. Although its function is unknown, ACOS5 is preferentially expressed in the flowers of all angiosperms examined. Here, we show that an acos5 mutant produced no pollen in mature anthers and no seeds by self-fertilization and was severely compromised in pollen wall formation apparently lacking sporopollenin or exine. The phenotype was first evident at stage 8 of anther development and correlated with maximum ACOS5 mRNA accumulation in tapetal cells at stages 7 to 8. Green fluorescent protein–ACOS5 fusions showed that ACOS5 is located in the cytoplasm. Recombinant ACOS5 enzyme was active against oleic acid, allowing kinetic constants for ACOS5 substrates to be established. Substrate competition assays indicated broad in vitro preference of the enzyme for medium-chain fatty acids. We propose that ACOS5 encodes an enzyme that participates in a conserved and ancient biochemical pathway required for sporopollenin monomer biosynthesis that may also include the Arabidopsis CYP703A2 and MS2 enzymes.
Map metadata: essential elements for search and storage
Authors: Beamer Ashley
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an understanding of the issues surrounding the cataloguing of maps in archives and libraries. An investigation into appropriate metadata formats, such as MARC21, EAD and Dublin Core with RDF, shows how particular map data can be stored. Mathematical map elements, specifically co‐ordinates, are explored as a source of optimal retrieval.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is based on both the personal experiences of map cataloguers as well as previous literature on map retrieval elements, metadata formats and map retrieval systems.

Findings

The difficulties behind map cataloguing do not lie in metadata file formats but rather in maps themselves, staff and budget. They also lie in the lack of map‐appropriate retrieval systems and the lack of co‐ordinate search capabilities.

Practical implications

The practical implications of this work reflect the necessity for strong map‐retrieval systems and strength of available metadata formats to store essential map data for retrieval. Future map cataloguers should secure appropriate systems for retrieval and include geographical location information, specifically numerical co‐ordinates.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into current issues in map data and the file formats currently used for storing this data. It also investigates current map‐friendly systems in use by libraries and archives.
An integrated library platform
Authors: Bevan Paul , Tyler Alyson
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to outline the developments and strategies employed to supply online library services in Wales through a national platform: library.wales.org These services include: the “Cat Cymru” cross‐catalogue search, centrally procured subscription resources and local library microsites.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the key areas of development against the backdrop of current library policy in Wales.

Findings

By reviewing the strategic and policy background, outlining the key elements of the projects, and reviewing the future directions for this work, the paper shows how a national approach is leading to an improved cohesive delivery of services to Welsh citizens.

Originality/value

The work outlined in this paper represents the significant and valuable progress made in Wales in regard to the provision of centrally funded online services to all libraries and library users.
Library consortia in developing countries: an overview
Authors: Galyani Moghaddam Golnessa , Talawar V.G.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review consortia efforts in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper reviews the literature on library consortia in developing countries in general and India in particular. The paper also outlines the advantages and disadvantages of consortia.

Findings

“Library consortia” refers to co‐operation, co‐ordination and collaboration between, and among, libraries for the purpose of sharing information resources. Libraries in developing countries have been working on consortia at national, regional and international level. However, some barriers such as poor technological and communication infrastructure, inadequate finances, culture and context, attitudes toward consortia and multiple efforts are reported to be limitations of consortia activities in developing countries.

Originality and value

The paper provides a useful overview of consortia in developing countries, particularly in India.
Does your library have a marketing culture? Implications for service providers
Authors: Singh Rajesh
Published: February 2009

Purpose

Why are some libraries more market‐oriented than others? This paper seeks to answer this question by examining the pertinent issues underlying the marketing culture of Finnish research libraries and the library management's awareness of modern marketing theories and practices.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated methodological approach of qualitative as well as quantitative methods was used to gain knowledge on the pertinent issues lying behind the marketing culture of research libraries. The directors and consumers of 33 academic and special libraries participated as respondents in the study.

Findings

Three kinds of marketing cultures were found: the strong (the high flyers); the medium (the brisk runners); and the weak (the slow walkers). These marketing cultures are explained by analyzing the libraries' marketing attitudes, knowledge, and behavior permeating their organizations.

Research limitations/implications

The study shows the extent to which marketing attitudes, behavior, and knowledge are related. Moreover, the results indicate serious implications, not only in the Finnish context, but also for libraries in other cultural contexts as well.

Practical implications

The practical implication for libraries is that it pays to be market‐oriented, the ultimate result being higher customer satisfaction.

Originality/value

The contribution of the paper lies in the framework showing linkages between the critical components of the marketing culture of a library: antecedents, market orientation, facilitators and consequences.
Methodology of analysis and interrelation of data about quality indexes of library services by using data‐ and knowledge‐ mining techniques
Authors: Meletiou Aristeidis , Katsirikou Anthi
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to describe a data analysis methodology using data‐ and knowledge‐mining techniques focused on libraries. It concerns data analysis techniques in general, as well as ways in which they could be applied to library management. The ultimate purpose of this data process is to make the exported information useful to decision makers, so as to help them with decision making and strategy planning. This will lead to a more efficient organisation of the internal processing, and to improvement of the services offered in a library.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologies based on knowledge and data mining are used to analyse the real data in one specific case study library (Library of Technical University of Crete, Greece) in order to describe the concept better. The results obtained concern the extraction of information about the inter‐relations of data and the definition of factors that can be used in library management and strategic planning. The scope of the paper is to show how data coming from libraries can be analysed to give useful results for decision‐makers, in order to improve the services they offer.

Findings

The paper provides a detailed list of all existing data resources in a library and describes step‐by‐step an analysis methodology based on processes of knowledge discovery and mining from given data. It refers to general principles that should be used for choosing the data to be processed and for defining the way the data should be combined and connected.

Research limitations/implications

The research reported in this paper can be extended to define other new indicators regarding the quality of services offered to libraries by using a greater amount of data for analysis.

Practical implications

Changes should be made in the way of choosing data for analysis. The way of choosing data here is based on a methodology according to knowledge and data‐mining principles. A definition of new indicators about the quality of services in libraries should be derived from this methodology.

Originality/value

The new thinking in the paper is in the way librarians and decision‐makers in libraries have to use data. The paper shows a way of choosing data that will be able to produce useful conclusions after a well‐described analysis. The paper will be useful for librarians and library managers who want to plan strategies for improving the services they offer.
Catalytic role of information literacy in educational change: a case study of University of Delhi
Authors: Singh Shashi P.
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and demonstrate the set of information literacy skills that makes a person a competent lifelong learner to find, evaluate, filter and use information in an effective manner.

Design/methodology/approach

PowerPoint presentations were used in a demonstration to explain how to use various types of e‐resources and databases, both subscribed and in the public domain. Practical orientation on basic and advanced searches, phrase searching, proximity searching, field searching, use of Boolean operators, controlled vocabulary, and limiting/refining/narrowing of search results was given. A demonstration was given to faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students of Delhi University. Participants' opinions were sought on eight statements (developed for this purpose) in a feedback form on a five‐point scale.

Findings

Based on the feedback analysis, it was found that instruction material was useful (94.90 per cent), 88.47 per cent respondents are now better prepared to use e‐resources and WWW services, and 92.80 per cent of respondents expressed the opinion that the presentations would be more useful if they were made available on the library web site; 92.90 per cent of respondents agreed that the programs were suitable for their information needs. Regarding the post‐program awareness of e‐sources, 94.01 per cent of respondents agreed that they are now more aware. Over 90 per cent of participants were satisfied with the conduct of the IL program.

Originality/value

An information literacy (IL) skills demonstration package was prepared for regular use with faculty members, research scholars and postgraduate students to make them competent to find, access and use information more efficiently. This would fulfil the aim of developing individuals' intellectual capabilities of independent and lifelong learning.
Leadership context: the importance of departments
Authors: Jepson Doris
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically the importance of context on participants' understanding of leadership behaviour in 12 companies in the German and UK chemical industries. In doing so, it also seeks to review existing literature on contextual influences on leadership and to look more closely at the possible conceptualisation of such contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are drawn from a wider study of 105 qualitative interviews conducted in the German and UK chemical industries in 2004/2005. Textual analyses of these research data have focused on the importance and nature of different contexts, such as the immediate social, cultural, institutional and historical.

Findings

The findings indicate that it is the immediate social context in the form of organisational departments that seems to influence leadership behaviour most. The influence of this context on leadership is further shaped by other contexts such as the education of employees, present occupations and national origin.

Research limitations/implications

The findings support the usefulness of the conceptual framework introduced here and especially the assumption that different types and levels of context interact to shape the specific and continuously changing context in which individuals understand and enact leadership. Although clearly confined to the limits of the data set, the finding has potentially significant implications for the focus of leadership development for managers.

Originality/value

The paper responds to Berry and Cartwright's call for a wider contextualisation of leadership, which has so far remained unanswered inLODJ.
The moderating effects of organizational culture on the relationships between leadership behaviour and organizational commitment and between organizational commitment and job satisfaction and performance
Authors: Huey Yiing Lee , Zaman Bin Ahmad Kamarul
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the moderating effects of organizational culture on the relationships between leadership behaviour and organizational commitment and between organizational commitment and job satisfaction and performance in the Malaysian setting.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 238 Malaysian UM MBA part‐time students and the researchers' working peers. Data on the respondents' organizational culture and leadership behaviours, and how they affect organizational commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance, were collected using the OCI, leadership behaviour questionnaire, ACS, single global rating for job satisfaction and overall performance questionnaire, respectively. Descriptive statistics were reported, followed by factor analysis, reliability analysis, Pearson correlation and hypotheses testing using hierarchical multiple regression.

Findings

Generally, and with a few exceptions, leadership behaviour was found to be significantly related to organizational commitment, and organizational culture played an important role in moderating this relationship. Organizational commitment was found to be significantly associated with job satisfaction, but not with employee performance. However, only supportive culture influenced the relationship between commitment and satisfaction. Possible causes and implications for managers are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing pool of knowledge on the relationships between leadership behaviours, organizational culture, organizational commitment, job satisfaction and employee performance. Different aspects of these variables were tested, so as to provide a wider and more comprehensive understanding of the factors that affect organizations and employees.
Emotional intelligence of leaders: a profile of top executives
Authors: Stein Steven J. , Papadogiannis Peter , Yip Jeremy A. , Sitarenios Gill
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the emotional intelligence (EI) scores of two high profile executive groups in comparison with the general population. Also the study aims to investigate the executive group's EI scores in relation to various organizational outcomes such as net profit, growth management, and employee management and retention.

Design/methodology/approach

The Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ‐i) was administered to a sample of 186 executives (159 males and 27 females) belonging to one of two executive mentoring associations, the Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) and the Innovators' Alliance (IA). A series of questions relating to pre‐tax operating profits over the past three years, previous year's net profit, and various business challenges were asked of each executive.

Findings

The results showed that top executives differed significantly from the normative population on the EQ‐i in eight of the 15 EQ‐i subscales. Executives who possessed higher levels of empathy, self‐regard, reality testing, and problem solving were more likely to yield high profit‐earning companies, while Total EQ‐i was related to the degree to which a challenge was perceived as being easy with respect to managing growth, managing others, and training and retaining employees.

Practical implications

The findings enable researchers and practitioners to better understand what leadership differences and similarities exist at various organizational levels. These profiles further aid in human resource initiatives such as leadership development and personnel selection.

Originality/value

Despite empirical evidence supporting the relationship between EI and leadership, research with high‐level leadership samples is relatively sparse. The study examines EI in relation to two unique, yet high functioning executive groups, which will enable further exploration into the emotional and psychological structure of these high‐performing groups.
Implementing digital copyright on the internet through an enhanced creative common licence protocol
Authors: Yang Chyan , Liao Hsien‐Jyh , Chen Chung‐Chen
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explain the Creative Common license (CC license) a digital copyright license, which can clearly express the scope of copyright granted by the owners and therefore help users, including crawlers and software robots, to comprehend the scope of authority and then collect digital contents via the internet legally. However, both the complex format and difficulty in embedding the digital codes in a binary file impede the spread of CC licenses. This paper seeks to propose a new protocol CCFE, based on the CC license, to solve the above problems.

Design/methodology/approach

Instead of embedding the CC licensing information in the body of a CC file, CCFE attaches the authentication information in the file extension. The syntax of CCFE to verify the validity of CCFE is illustrated.

Findings

CCFE allows the authorization data to be embedded and is consequently preserved in the process of duplication and transmission. Thus the portability of the authentication method is magnified. In addition, users can use general search engines, like Google, to find the CC licensed documents.

Originality/value

The paper points out the disadvantages of the current CC license and explains a new protocol. Furthermore, it explains how this new paradigm can be used for constructing an online digital library and how librarians can use software robots to collect digital contents on the internet within copyright guidelines.
Perceived usefulness, ease of use, and usage of citation database interfaces: a replication
Authors: Lin Pei‐Chun , Chou Yu‐Hwa
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper aims to report on an investigation into ways in which end‐users perceived citation database interfaces, especially citation database interfaces' usability.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation used the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) constructs of usefulness and ease of use to assess acceptance of citation database interfaces by university graduate students. A structural equation model was used to fit and validate the Citation Database Interface Acceptance Model (CDIAM).

Findings

Causal relationships between the constructs considered by the CDIAM were well supported, accounting for 95 per cent of total variance in citation database interface acceptance and usage. The study concluded that perceived usefulness, and not ease of use of citation database interface, is a key determinant of their acceptance and usage. The results of the construct measurement for perceived usefulness and ease of use in this research are quite consistent with the results reported in recent research.

Originality/value

Study findings may help to evaluate human‐computer interaction using the MIS‐proven TAM and improve usability of the citation database system.
Requirements for a registry of electronic licences
Authors: Bide Mark , Dhiensa Rajveen , Look Hugh , Oppenheim Charles , Probets Steve
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This paper sets out to present a brief history of electronic licensing initiatives before considering current practices for managing licences to electronic resources. The intention is to obtain a detailed understanding of the requirements needed for a registry of electronic licences that will enable usage terms and conditions to be presented to end‐users at point of use.

Design/methodology/approach

Two extensive focus groups were held, each comprising representatives from the main stakeholder groups. These structured events considered existing and ongoing issues and approaches towards licence management and investigated a range of “use‐cases” where potential usages for a licence registry were outlined and discussed.

Findings

The results form part of a requirements gathering and analysis process which will inform the development of a registry of electronic licences. The work forms part of the JISC‐funded Registry of Electronic Licences (RELI) project.. The paper finds that there are many complexities when dealing with electronic licences such as licence specificity, licence interpretation, definitions of authorised users and dissemination of usage terms and conditions.

Practical implications

These issues and others are considered and the impact on a subsequent registry of electronic licences is discussed. It is clear from the findings that there is a real and immediate need for a licence registry.

Originality/value

The paper provides a rich picture of the concerns and practices adopted both when managing licences and when ensuring conformance with licences to electronic resources. The findings have enabled the scope of a licence registry to be determined. The registry is currently under development.
E‐books in Spanish academic libraries
Authors: Alvite Díez Luisa , Rodríguez Bravo Blanca
Published: February 2009

Purpose

This study aims to explore the current presence of e‐books in the collections of Spanish academic libraries, from the viewpoint of the contents on offer.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploration of the library web sites was undertaken in order to gauge the level of presence of packages that distribute electronic books. In evaluating the extent of content available, the data recorded were compared with those derived from another research carried out in 2004. Similarly, an approximate indication of the topic areas with greatest representation was attempted, distinguishing multi‐disciplinary suppliers from those specializing in one field.

Findings

Out of the 50 existing universities 36 support the subscription of at least one collection of electronic books. The universities of the communities of Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia are those that have reached a greater implementation of e‐books. There is a considerable diversity – many universities have subscribed to collections specializing in literature and in the field of engineering. The main multi‐disciplinary collections purchased by libraries are E‐libro and NetLibrary.

Practical implications

This is a sector that is definitely taking off in Spain and will require progressive acceptance on the part of the academic community. Librarians have the responsibility to aid their users in understanding the growing complexity of the information market and the increasing range of resources available for research.

Originality/value

The research is a necessary approach to the integration of collections of e‐books into Spanish public universities. Encouraging the use of monographs in electronic format takes on great importance, when it is borne in mind that e‐books will have a crucial role in the new model for education advocated by the European Higher Education Area (EHEA).
A review of research on human‐computer interfaces for online information retrieval systems
Authors: Zabed Ahmed S.M. , McKnight Cliff , Oppenheim Charles
Published: February 2009

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to review the research on human‐computer interfaces for library‐based commercial online information retrieval (IR) systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The review first focuses on basic interface issues for information retrieval such as interface style, end‐user searching, query formulation, relevance feedback and browsing. The second part deals with cognitive engineering in IR including mental models and individual differences. Finally, the topics on user interface engineering are covered. These include user interface guidelines, usability evaluation methods and interface engineering techniques.

Findings

The review shows that user interface design has received a limited attention from IR researchers. There is a need for adopting human‐computer interaction (HCI) techniques into IR interface designs, but this issue has not yet been fully recognised by the commercial database vendors and distributors. The paper recommends that applying HCI techniques could help in developing more usable IR interfaces.

Practical implications

The review identifies the main activities of a user‐centred design methodology and suggests that IR interface designers should use this method in future. This could have major implications in IR interface design for end‐user searching.

Originality/value

The review is the first to offer an overview of empirical research on IR interface design and IR usability engineering. Both IR researchers and practitioners may benefit from the description of previous research and the user‐centred design advocated by the current research.