bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nasty Prophages and the Dynamics of Antibiotic-Tolerant Persister Cells
Authors: Harms Alexander , Fino Cinzia , Sørensen Michael A. , Semsey Szabolcs , Gerdes Kenn 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBacterial persisters are phenotypic variants that survive antibiotic treatment in a dormant state and can be formed by multiple pathways. We recently proposed that the second messenger (p)ppGpp drivesEscherichia colipersister formation through protease Lon and the activation of toxin-antitoxin (TA) modules. This model found support in the field, but also generated controversy as part of recent heated debates on the validity of significant parts of the literature. In this study, we therefore used our previous work as a model to critically examine common experimental procedures in order to understand and overcome the inconsistencies often observed between results of different laboratories. Our results show that seemingly simple antibiotic killing assays are very sensitive to variation of culture conditions and bacterial growth phase. Additionally, we found that some assay conditions cause the killing of antibiotic-tolerant persisters via induction of cryptic prophages. Similarly, the inadvertent infection of mutant strains with bacteriophage φ80, a notorious laboratory contaminant, has apparently caused several phenotypes that we reported in our previous studies. We therefore reconstructed all infected mutants and probed the validity of our model of persister formation in a refined assay setup that uses robust culture conditions and unravels the dynamics of persister cells through all bacterial growth stages. Our results confirm the importance of (p)ppGpp and Lon, but do not anymore support a role of TA modules inE. colipersister formation. We anticipate that the results and approaches reported in our study will lay the ground for future work in the field.ImportanceThe recalcitrance of antibiotic-tolerant persister cells is thought to cause relapsing infections and antibiotic treatment failure in various clinical setups. Previous studies have identified multiple genetic pathways involved in persister formation, but also revealed reproducibility problems that sparked controversies about adequate tools to study persister cells. In this study we unraveled how typical antibiotic killing assays often fail to capture the biology of persisters and instead give widely different results based on ill-controlled experimental parameters and artifacts caused by cryptic as well as contaminant prophages. We therefore established a new, robust assay that enabled us to follow the dynamics of persister cells through all growth stages of bacterial cultures without distortions by bacteriophages. This system also favored adequate comparisons of mutant strains with aberrant growth phenotypes. We anticipate that our results will contribute to a robust, common basis of future studies on the formation and eradication of antibiotic-tolerant persisters.
Algorithmic complexity of EEG for prognosis of neurodegeneration in idiopathic rapid eye movement behavior disorder (RBD)
Authors: Ruffini Giulio , Ibañez David , Kroupi Eleni , Gagnon Jean-François , Montplaisir Jacques , Postuma Ronald B. , Castellano Marta , Soria-Frisch Aureli 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectiveIdiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) is a serious risk factor for neurodegenerative processes such as Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigate the use of EEG algorithmic complexity derived metrics for its prognosis.MethodsWe analyzed resting state EEG data collected from 114 idiopathic RBD patients and 83 healthy controls in a longitudinal study forming a cohort in which several RBD patients developed PD or dementia with Lewy bodies. Multichannel data from∼5 minute recordings was converted to spectrograms and their algorithmic complexity estimated using Lempel-Ziv-Welch compression (LZW).ResultsComplexity measures and entropy rate displayed statistically significant differences between groups. Results are compared to those using the ratio of slow to fast frequency power, which they are seen to complement by displaying increased sensitivity even when using a few EEG channels.ConclusionsPoor prognosis in RBD appears to be associated with decreased complexity of EEG spectrograms stemming in part from frequency power imbalances and cross-frequency amplitude coupling.SignificanceAlgorithmic complexity metrics provide a robust, powerful and complementary way to quantify the dynamics of EEG signals in RBD with links to emerging theories of brain function stemming from algorithmic information theory.Index TermsBiomarkers, EEG, LZW, PD, LBD
Determinants of organizational innovation: a framework
Authors: Busaibe Leena , Singh Sanjay Kumar , Ahmad Syed Zamberi , Gaur Sanjaya S. 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThis study aims to examine the effect of gender perspectives in organizational leadership and culture on organizational innovations within the oil and gas industry in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Design/methodology/approachThe study examined research in the area of organizational innovation and proposed a framework to help practitioners to create an environment that promotes and strengthens innovation thinking at an institutional level.FindingsBased on the literature, a framework of organizational innovation was developed with gender as a control factor. It shows the mediating effect of employee performance management on the independent variables, organizational leadership and culture.Research limitations/implicationsThe oil and gas industry in the UAE should be a suitable environment for organizational innovation. Gender differences justify further investigation, especially the implications for female leaders, such as promotion and career advancement.Practical implicationsThe results of this study will provide practical insights to executives, strategy-makers and practitioners and enable them to increase innovation among individuals and teams.Originality/valueThis study provides a comprehensive framework to assist practitioners and academics to understand the correlation of organizational innovation in the oil and gas industry.
Relating multidimensional perfectionism and academic procrastination among Indian university students
Authors: Ghosh Rachana , Roy Santanu 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
This study aims to examine the impact of multidimensional perfectionism on academic procrastination among university students in India and to explore whether gender plays any role in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from a sample of 90 female and 60 male students, aged 18-23 years, enrolled in full-time bachelor’s and master’s programs in a central university in the National Capital Region of India and analyzed adopting different statistical techniques.

Findings
The findings indicated that academic procrastination positively correlates with all the three dimensions of perfectionism – self-oriented perfectionism, other-oriented perfectionism and socially prescribed perfectionism. The different dimensions of perfectionism also significantly predict academic procrastination. Gender differences exist with regard to other-oriented perfectionism, socially prescribed perfectionism and academic procrastination.

Research limitations/implications
The results highlight that the different dimensions of perfectionism play a critical role in shaping academic procrastination among university students, but this trajectory often differs between male and female students. Further research among a larger student audience would help concretize the study conclusions.

Originality/value
This study extends the extant literature by examining the predictive relationships between the different dimensions of perfectionism and academic procrastination and the gender differences that exist with regard to academic procrastination and the different dimensions of perfectionism among university students, especially within the context of a developing country (i.e., India).
Station-keeping control for a stratosphere airship via wind speed prediction approach
Authors: Qiu Jihui , Shen Shaoping , Li Zhibin 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the control precision of the station-keeping control for a stratosphere airship through the feedforward-feedback PID controller which is designed by the wind speed prediction based on the incremental extreme learning machine (I-ELM).

Design/methodology/approach
First of all, the online prediction of wind speed is implemented by the I-ELM with rolling time. Second, the feedforward-feedback PID controller is designed through the position information of the airship and the predicted wind speed. In the end, the one-dimensional dynamic model of the stratosphere airship is built, and the controller is applied in the numerical simulation.

Findings
Based on the conducted numerical simulations, some valuable conclusions are obtained. First, through the comparison between the predicted value and true value of the wind speed, the wind speed prediction based on I-ELM is very accurate. Second, the feedforward-feedback PID controller designed in this paper is very effective.

Originality/value
This paper is very valuable to the research of a high-accuracy station-keeping control of stratosphere airship.
TML: a language to specify aerial robotic missions for the framework Aerostack
Authors: Molina Martin , Suarez-Fernandez Ramon A. , Sampedro Carlos , Sanchez-Lopez Jose Luis , Campoy Pascual 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the specification language TML for adaptive mission plans that the authors designed and implemented for the open-source framework Aerostack for aerial robotics.

Design/methodology/approach
The TML language combines a task-based hierarchical approach together with a more flexible representation, rule-based reactive planning, to facilitate adaptability. This approach includes additional notions that abstract programming details. The authors built an interpreter integrated in the software framework Aerostack. The interpreter was validated with flight experiments for multi-robot missions in dynamic environments.

Findings
The experiments proved that the TML language is easy to use and expressive enough to formulate adaptive missions in dynamic environments. The experiments also showed that the TML interpreter is efficient to execute multi-robot aerial missions and reusable for different platforms. The TML interpreter is able to verify the mission plan before its execution, which increases robustness and safety, avoiding the execution of certain plans that are not feasible.

Originality/value
One of the main contributions of this work is the availability of a reliable solution to specify aerial mission plans, integrated in an active open-source project with periodic releases. To the best knowledge of the authors, there are not solutions similar to this in other active open-source projects. As additional contributions, TML uses an original combination of representations for adaptive mission plans (i.e. task trees with original abstract notions and rule-based reactive planning) together with the demonstration of its adequacy for aerial robotics.
The governance of vulnerability: regulation, support and social divisions in action
Authors: Brown Kate 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
Diverse narratives and practices concerned with “vulnerability” increasingly inform how a range of social issues are understood and addressed, yet the subtle creep of the notion into various governance arenas has tended to slip by unnoticed. The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of vulnerability in responding to longstanding and on-going dilemmas about social precariousness and harm.

Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on in-depth qualitative research into how vulnerability was operationalised in services for “vulnerable” young people in an English city, prominent narratives of vulnerability are traced, which operate in relation to a variety of often-dissonant service user responses.

Findings
The paper shows the governance of vulnerability as a dynamic process, informed by policy developments and wider beliefs about the behaviours of “problem” populations, interpreted and modified by interactions between practitioners and young people, and in turn shaping lived experiences of vulnerability. Patterns in this process illuminate how vulnerability narratives re-shape long-running tensions at the heart of social welfare interventions between a drive to provide services that might mitigate social precariousness and an impetus towards regulating behaviour.

Originality/value
The paper argues that although gesturing to inclusivity, the governance of vulnerability elaborates power dynamics and social divisions in new ways. Resulting outcomes are evidently varied and fluid, holding the promise of further social change.
Informed digital learning through social living labs as participatory methodology
Authors: Hughes Hilary , Wolf Rike , Foth Marcus 
Published: October 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore social living labs as a participatory methodology and context for fostering digital literacy and community well-being. This approach is examined through a case study of Food Rescue Townsville, a voluntary community organisation in North Queensland, Australia.Design/methodology/approachUsing qualitative case study methodology, the research investigated volunteers’ experience of a social living lab where they selected, installed and used open source Food Rescue Robot software.FindingsThe social living lab enhanced volunteers’ digital literacy and the organisation’s efficiency. The participatory nature and transformative intentions of social living labs are similar to action research as both promote social change through collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsThe case study intentionally focuses on one community organisation to gain in-depth insights of a real-life social living lab.Practical implicationsThe paper models an innovative approach that contributes to community learning and well-being. It presents a social living labs framework for digital literacy development that is underpinned by participatory action research cycle and integrates informed learning principles. Social living labs provide a learning context and approach that extends beyond digital skills instruction to a holistic process of using information to learn. They enable individuals to participate as digital citizens in the creation, curation and use of digital information.Social implicationsInformed digital learning through social living labs addresses the digital divide by fostering digital participation, volunteering and community engagement.Originality/valueThe paper is of interest to researchers, information literacy educators and community groups. Theoretical insights and participatory practices of the Food Rescue Townsville case, and the proposed social living labs framework are transferable to other communities.
The direct library supply of individual textbooks to students: examining the value proposition
Authors: Broadhurst Dominic 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to highlight the value of a library led e-textbook programme at a the UK university.

Design/methodology/approach
The data for the results were obtained from two surveys of students. First, from an online survey of 575 students who received an individual copy of an e-textbook from The University of Manchester Library. Second, from a face to face survey of 146 students, based on a random sample of students entering the Alan Gilbert Learning Commons at the University. In addition, a series of one-to-one interviews were conducted with 40 members of academic faculty, who were teaching the course modules, on which the students received their own e-textbook.

Findings
This research highlights the significant benefits a library led e-textbook service can offer to students, academic faculty, the wider University and to the profile of the library. Provision of the e-textbooks leads to higher engagement of learning from students, their increased satisfaction with the University and Library, plus addresses issue of reducing their direct costs. It also leads to enhanced pedagogy from the perspective of academic faculty.

Practical implications
The paper addresses issues of inequality of provision for individual students and contributes to enhanced learning for all students.

Originality/value
Library led initiatives are very new in this field and this project is one of the first to both undertake this provision and to undertake extensive research to assess the value of the project.
Information innovation: it’s all about people
Authors: Smedley Jo 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
This paper discusses the importance of effectively engaging people in sharing information and managing its implementation across organisations as a key part of successful change initiatives.

Design/methodology/approach
Consideration why information is important to an organisation and how people and space contribute to its current and future effective management.

Findings
How flexibility of working practices and the creative management of physical and virtual space empowers and enables change in innovating new working practices.

Research limitations/implications
How creative thinking contributes to flexibility and streamlining of established practices to achieve effective information management. There is no “final answer” – it is an ongoing iterative process which depends on people engagement for continued success.

Practical implications
Within a working environment of ongoing change, it is important that the value of engaging people in organisational change is embedded as a key part of assuring continuing successful outcomes.

Social implications
The methods of engaging people in successful change need to be carefully considered to maximise overall outcomes reflecting a “hearts and mind” perspective. Approaches used are often individual to different groups within wider communities. All contribute to achieving effective change outcomes across a whole organisation.

Originality/value
Today’s information age is ever changing. People are an organisations best asset. An effective information management system enables a flexible, agile and response to access data, develop information and progress knowledge to build ongoing sustainability.
VPNs in the library
Authors: Massis Bruce 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the use of a virtual private network (VPN) as an additional protective strategy for patrons using library computers.

Design/methodology/approach
This study is a literature review and commentary on this topic that has been addressed by professionals, researchers and practitioners.

Findings
Credit must be given to those libraries who have made free VPN services available to their patrons, thus encouraging off-site usage of library resources through this extra layer of authentication in an effort to provide them with a trust level of privacy beyond their standard expectations. Should the library not provide such a service at present, at least an individual can add a VPN to one’s protective bag of tricks to, perhaps, in an effort to place even a limited constraint on those who would do them harm when online.

Originality/value
The value in exploring this topic is to provide some context and potential options for patrons through their use of a VPN.
Serious games in K-12 education
Authors: Papanastasiou George , Drigas Athanasios , Skianis Charalabos , Lytras Miltiadis D. 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the integration of serious games (SGs) in the area of special educational needs in the last ten years (2007-2017).

Design/methodology/approach
SGs indicate positive effects on students with special educational needs and promote a multi-sensory style of learning.

Findings
Research showed that SGs are able to keep K-12 education students with attention, memory and developmental disabilities engaged in classroom facilities scaffolding their learning through increased motivation, independence, autonomy and resultant self-esteem.

Research limitations/implications
Time constraints, cost and availability of appropriate games as well as the small sample of the individuals being investigated are some of the research limitations the paper refers to.

Practical implications
Learning through SGs has educational values that are based on learning concepts intrinsically motivating.

Social implications
Students with attention, memory and developmental disabilities demonstrate characteristics of engagement, creativity, control and communication.

Originality/value
SGs-based learning has proven its value added to students with attention, memory and executive control difficulties as well as mental or developmental disabilities engaging students better than when using traditional methods.
Engagement of older people in Wales – how Cymru Older People’s Alliance is forging a new direction
Authors: Milsom Steven George 
Published: October 2017

Purpose
The adverse impact of austerity on the available capacity of public bodies to give priority to engagement of older people means self-determination and older people representing the best interests of older people more generally – needs a fresh impetus if the voice of older people is to be heard and not marginalised. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes how a new direction for Cymru Older People’s Alliance was shaped, the engagement directly with older people that informed changes and key transitions negotiated to become a charity and form a democratically elected membership, with stronger structures and improved means to ensuring the “voice” of older people is heard.

Findings
Co-production, increased citizen engagement and promoting well-being are important new concepts in Welsh legislation but it is only through growing the infrastructure that enables older people to represent their own interests, that these new requirements will produce tangible results and progress can be made.

Originality/value
If we are to challenge ageism and recognise that older people need to be empowered and enabled to make their own decisions, then older people’s organisations need to change and adapt to the prevailing financial climate. This is not an easy pathway but it can be achieved through good planning, strong governance and effective engagement, listening carefully to older people’s views.
A novel recombinant anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor peptide vaccine capable of active immunization and reduction of tumor volume in a mouse model
Authors: Asadi‐Ghalehni Majid , Rasaee Mohamad Javad , RajabiBazl Masoumeh , Khosravani Masood , Motaghinejad Majid , Javanmardi Masoud , Khalili Saeed , Modjtahedi Helmout , Sadroddiny Esmaeil 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTOver‐expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) has been reported in a number of human malignancies. Strong expression of this receptor has been associated with poor survival in many such patients. Active immunizations that elicit antibodies of the desired type could be an appealing alternative to conventional passive immunization. In this regard, a novel recombinant peptide vaccine capable of prophylactic and therapeutic effects was constructed. A novel fusion recombinant peptide base vaccine consisting of L2 domain of murine extra‐cellular domain–EGFR and EGFR mimotope (EM‐L2) was constructed and its prophylactic and therapeutic effects in a Lewis lung carcinoma mouse (C57/BL6) model evaluated. Constructed recombinant peptide vaccine is capable of reacting with anti‐EGFR antibodies. Immunization of mice with EM‐L2 peptide resulted in antibody production against EM‐L2. The constructed recombinant peptide vaccine reduced tumor growth and increased the survival rate. Designing effective peptide vaccines could be an encouraging strategy in contemporary cancer immunotherapy. Investigating the efficacy of such cancer immunotherapy approaches may open exciting possibilities concerning hyperimmunization, leading to more promising effects on tumor regression and proliferation.