bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injection of composite with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and a novel synthetic hydrogel after myocardial infarction: A protective role in left ventricle function
Authors: Chen Jinling , Guo Ruiqiang , Zhou Qing , Wang Tao 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA number of studies have shown that the transplantation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into the thinned infarct wall improves regional wall motion. In this study, we hypothesized that the injection of biomaterials and MSCs into the infarcted myocardium can preserve left ventricular (LV) function. To test this hypothesis, anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in 34 rabbits and BMSCs with hydrogel composite were prepared. One week after inducing AMI, 28 of the 34 rabbits were divided into four groups (Groups A–D; three rabbits were used for bone marrow aspiration, and three rabbits died) and all received an epicardial injection. Group A received BMSCs with hydrogel composite marked by 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU); Group B received BMSCs only marked by BrdU; Group C received hydrogel only marked by BrdU; and Group D was the control group, which received fetal bovine serum. Echocardiography was performed before AMI was induced, 1 week after AMI, and 4 weeks after the epicardial injection. The results were compared with those before AMI, and the rabbits of all the four groups had significantly larger LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVDd), thinner anterior wall (AW), lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), lower VS and VE (p < 0.05) 1 week after AMI, which were more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Compared with 1 week after AMI, Group A and Group B had significantly smaller LVDd, thicker AW, larger LVEF, larger VS and VE (p < 0.05) 4 weeks after the epicardial injection, which were more significant in Group A (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in Group C and Group D. These results suggested that BMSCs with hydrogel composite could serve as an injectable biomaterial that prevents LV remodeling and dilation, and improves local systolic and diastolic function after AMI.
Oscillation and the mean ergodic theorem for uniformly convex Banach spaces
Authors: AVIGAD JEREMY , RUTE JASON 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLet $ \mathbb{B} $ be a $p$-uniformly convex Banach space, with $p\geq 2$. Let $T$ be a linear operator on $ \mathbb{B} $, and let ${A}_{n} x$ denote the ergodic average $(1/ n){\mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{i\lt n} {T}^{n} x$. We prove the following variational inequality in the case where $T$ is power bounded from above and below: for any increasing sequence $\mathop{({t}_{k} )}\nolimits_{k\in \mathbb{N} } $ of natural numbers we have ${\mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{k} \mathop{\Vert {A}_{{t}_{k+ 1} } x- {A}_{{t}_{k} } x\Vert }\nolimits ^{p} \leq C\mathop{\Vert x\Vert }\nolimits ^{p} $, where the constant $C$ depends only on $p$ and the modulus of uniform convexity. For $T$ a non-expansive operator, we obtain a weaker bound on the number of $\varepsilon $-fluctuations in the sequence. We clarify the relationship between bounds on the number of $\varepsilon $-fluctuations in a sequence and bounds on the rate of metastability, and provide lower bounds on the rate of metastability that show that our main result is sharp.
Elite Attitudes on the Centralization of Power in Canadian Political Executives: A Survey of Former Canadian Provincial and Federal Cabinet Ministers, 2000–2010
Authors: Lewis J.P. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract.In contemporary Canada, the idea of the powerful first minister is widely acknowledged. The recent debate has focused on Donald Savoie's thesis that the concentration of power to the centre has accelerated and ministers have effectively lost their influence on decision making in cabinet. This article identifies two research gaps. First, the study combines both the experiences of federal and provincial cabinet ministers to construct an understanding of Canadian cabinet decision making at both levels of government. Second, the research investigates the new generation of cabinet ministers; no study has yet consulted ministers of the 2000–2010 decade.Résumé.Dans le Canada contemporain, l'idée du premier ministre puissant est largement reconnue. Le débat récent s'est fixé sur la thèse de Donald Savoie que la concentration de pouvoir au centre a accéléré de le et les ministres ont perdu efficacement leur influence sur la prise de décision dans le cabinet. Cet article identifie deux écarts de recherche. Premièrement, l'étude combine les deux les expériences de ministres fédéraux et provinciaux pour construire une compréhension de prise de décision ministérielle Canadienne aux deux niveaux de gouvernement. Deuxième, la recherche examine la nouvelle génération de ministres – aucune étude a consulté pourtant des ministres de la 2000–2010 décennie.
The impact of periventricular white matter lesions in patients with bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Serafini Gianluca , Pompili Maurizio , Innamorati Marco , Girardi Nicoletta , Strusi Leonardo , Amore Mario , Sher Leo , Gonda Xenia , Rihmer Zoltan , Girardi Paolo 
Published: January 2014

IntroductionWhite matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are one the most common neuroimaging findings in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). It has been suggested that WMHs are associated with impaired insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients; however, the relationship between insight and WMHs in BD type I has not been directly investigated.MethodsPatients with BD-I (148) were recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Affective symptoms were assessed using Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17); the presence of impaired insight was based on the corresponding items of YMRS and HDRS17.ResultsMultiple punctate periventricular WMHs (PWMHs) and deep WMHs (DWMHs) were observed in 49.3% and 39.9% of the cases, respectively. Subjects with lower insight for mania had significantly more PWMHs (54.6% vs 22.2%;p< 0.05) when compared to BD-I patients with higher insight for mania. The presence of PWMHs was independently associated with lower insight for mania: patients who denied illness according to the YMRS were 4 times more likely to have PWMHs (95% CI: 1.21/13.42) than other patients.ConclusionsImpaired insight in BD-I is associated with periventricular WMHs. The early identification of BD-I subjects with PWMHs and impaired insight may be crucial for clinicians.
Hierarchical reinforcement learning for situated natural language generation
Authors: DETHLEFS NINA , CUAYÁHUITL HERIBERTO 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNatural Language Generation systems in interactive settings often face a multitude of choices, given that the communicative effect of each utterance they generate depends crucially on the interplay between its physical circumstances, addressee and interaction history. This is particularly true in interactive and situated settings. In this paper we present a novel approach forsituated Natural Language Generationin dialogue that is based onhierarchical reinforcement learningand learns the best utterance for a context by optimisation through trial and error. The model is trained from human–human corpus data and learns particularly to balance the trade-off betweenefficiencyanddetailin giving instructions: the user needs to be given sufficient information to execute their task, but without exceeding their cognitive load. We present results from simulation and a task-based human evaluation study comparing two different versions of hierarchical reinforcement learning: One operates using a hierarchy of policies with a large state space and local knowledge, and the other additionally shares knowledge across generation subtasks to enhance performance. Results show that sharing knowledge across subtasks achieves better performance than learning in isolation, leading to smoother and more successful interactions that are better perceived by human users.
Dual epigenetic targeting with panobinostat and azacitidine in acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Tan P , Wei A , Mithraprabhu S , Cummings N , Liu H B , Perugini M , Reed K , Avery S , Patil S , Walker P , Mollee P , Grigg A , D'Andrea R , Dear A , Spencer A 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTherapeutic options are limited for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A phase Ib/II study was undertaken to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and preliminary efficacy of the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) in combination with azacitidine in patients with AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) naïve to intensive chemotherapy. Thirty-nine patients (AML=29, MDS=10) received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 subcutaneously (days 1–5) and oral panobinostat (starting on day 5, thrice weekly for seven doses) in 28-day cycles until toxicity or disease progression. Dose-limiting toxicities during the phase Ib stage were observed in 0/4 patients receiving 10 mg panobinostat, in 1/7 patients (fatigue) receiving 20 mg, in 1/6 patients (fatigue) receiving 30 mg and in 4/5 patients (fatigue, syncope, hyponatremia and somnolence) receiving 40 mg. In phase II, an additional 17 patients received panobinostat at a MTD of 30 mg. The overall response rate (ORR=CR+CRi+PR) in patients with AML was 31% (9/29) and that in patients with MDS was 50% (5/10). After a median follow-up of 13 months, the median overall survival was 8 and 16 months in patients with AML and MDS, respectively. Increased histone H3 and H4 acetylation was a useful early biomarker of clinical response. Combining panobinostat with azacitidine was tolerable and clinically active in high-risk MDS/AML patients, warranting further exploration.
Aberrant CDK4 Amplification in Refractory Rhabdomyosarcoma as Identified by Genomic Profiling
Authors: Park Silvia , Lee Jeeyun , Do In-Gu , Jang Jiryeon , Rho Kyoohyoung , Ahn Seonjoo , Maruja Lira , Kim Sung Joo , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Mao Mao , Oh Ensel , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Jhingook , Choi Yoon-La 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most commonly occurring type of soft tissue tumor in children. However, it is rare in adults and therefore, very little is known about the most appropriate treatment strategy for adult RMS patients. We performed genomic analysis of RMS cells derived from a 27-year-old male patient whose disease was refractory to treatment. A peritoneal seeding nodule from the primary tumor, pleural metastases, malignant pleural effusion and ascites obtained during disease progression, were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing revealed 23 candidate variants and 10 of 23 mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. Three of 10 mutations were present in both primary and metastatic tumors and 3 mutations were detected only in metastatic specimens. Comparative genomic hybridization array analysis revealed prominent amplification in the 12q13–14 region and more specifically, the CDK4 proto-oncogene was highly amplified. ALK overexpression was observed at both protein and RNA levels. However, an ALK fusion assay using NanoString technology failed to show any ALK rearrangements. Little genetic heterogeneity was observed between primary and metastatic RMS cells. We propose that CDK4, located at 12q14, is a potential target for drug development for RMS treatment.
The Western Maine Coastal Current reduces primary production rates, zooplankton abundance and benthic nutrient fluxes in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: McManus M. Conor , Oviatt Candace A. , Giblin Anne E. , Tucker Jane , Turner Jefferson T. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Primary production was measured from 1992–2010 in Massachusetts Bay and just outside Boston Harbor for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's outfall monitoring program. In 2003, annual primary production decreased by 221–278 g C m−2 year−1, with decreased rates continuing through 2010. Based on a conceptual model, oceanographic and meteorological variables were analysed with production rates to determine if concurrent environmental changes were responsible for the reduced primary production in Massachusetts Bay. Results indicated that a stronger influx of low salinity water from the Western Maine Coastal Current (WMCC) in recent years might be responsible for the decreases. The WMCC appeared to have become fresher due to increased river discharge in the western Gulf of Maine. Northeasterly winds in recent years promoted the WMCC intrusion into Massachusetts Bay. Correlation between primary production and surface salinities suggested an impact of the WMCC on production rates. We hypothesized that increased stratification resulted in reduced vertical mixing and reduced nutrient concentrations in surface waters for phytoplankton growth. However, no significant correlations were observed between the annual primary production and nutrient concentrations in Massachusetts Bay. Reduced production rates in Massachusetts Bay have, however, been associated with reduced zooplankton abundances, benthic ammonium fluxes and sediment oxygen demand in summer months.
Sediment sulphides and redox potential associated with spatial coverage of Beggiatoa spp. at finfish aquaculture sites in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Hamoutene Dounia 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study is a description of sediment sulphide levels and redox potential associated with different values of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) coverage at stations in deep Subarctic finfish sites. Beggiatoa was not observed at reference stations and significant differences were found between geochemical parameters before aquaculture and at-harvest. Beggiatoa coverage should be considered in the light of other evidence gathered through video imaging such as benthic diversity and the presence of other visual indicators and not used as strict regulatory thresholds.
Ethnicity at work: the case of British minority workers in the long-term care sector
Authors: Hussein Shereen , Manthorpe Jill , Ismail Mohamed 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of ethnicity and separate this from the other dynamics associated with migration among members of the long-term care workforce in England focusing on the nature and structure of their jobs. The analysis examines interactions between ethnicity, gender, and age, and their relations with “meso” factors related to job and organizational characteristics and “macro” level factors related to local area characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper analyses new national workforce data, the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care (NMDS-SC), n=357,869. The paper employs descriptive statistical analysis and a set of logistic regression models.

Findings
– The results indicate that labour participation of British black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in long-term care work is much lower than previously believed. There are variations in nature of work and possibly job security by ethnicity.

Research limitations/implications
– While the national sample is large, the data were not purposively collected to examine differentials in reasons to work in the care sector by different ethnicity.

Practical implications
– The analysis highlights the potential to actively promote social care work among British BME groups to meet workforce shortages, especially at a time where immigration policies are restricting the recruitment of non-European Economic Area nationals.

Originality/value
– The analysis provides a unique insight into the participation of British BME workers in the long-term care sector, separate from that of migrant workers.
Ageing employees and human resource management – evidence of gender-sensitivity?
Authors: Aaltio Iiris , Maria Salminen Hanna , Koponen Sirpa 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to identify the different research strands concerning studies related to human resource management (HRM) and ageing employees. More specifically, the paper analyses how age and gender are understood and conceptualized in these studies.

Design/methodology/approach
– An integrative literature review concerning ageing employees and HRM with special reference to gender is the approach taken in this paper.

Findings
– Recent studies relating to HRM and ageing employees were categorized and analysed. The paper concludes that there is a need for a more holistic understanding of the concept of age in studies related to ageing employees and HRM and also argues that the intersection of age and gender is under-researched in the field of HRM.

Practical implications
– Based on literature review the paper outlined directions for how gender-neutral age management studies may be extended. A pluralist understanding of age and gender would help to understand the different needs and expectations that ageing employees may have in terms of HR practices and policies. Institutional practices and legislation can promote equality, but organizational contexts, both internal and external, should be scanned in order to recognize possible ageist or age-blind practices. Ageing women in particular have the burden of being recognized in terms of chronological stereotyped changes that might damage their work and career.

Originality/value
– Research on ageing employees and HRM with special reference to gender is limited and therefore an integrative literature review is needed.
SME innovation and learning: the role of networks and crisis events
Authors: N.K. Saunders Mark , E. Gray David , Goregaokar Harshita 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on innovation and entrepreneurial learning by exploring how SMEs learn and innovate, how they use both formal and informal learning and in particular the role of networks and crisis events within their learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach
– Mixed method study, comprising 13 focus groups, over 1,000 questionnaire responses from SME managers, and 20 case studies derived from semi-structured interviews.

Findings
– SMEs have a strong commitment to learning, and a shared vision. Much of this learning is informal through network events, mentoring or coaching. SMEs that are innovative are significantly more committed to learning than those which are less innovative, seeing employee learning as an investment. Innovative SMEs are more likely to have a shared vision, be open-minded and to learn from crises, being able to reflect on their experiences.

Research limitations/implications
– There is a need for further process driven qualitative research to understand the interrelationship between, particularly informal, learning, crisis events and SME innovation.

Practical implications
– SME owners need opportunities and time for reflection as a means of stimulating personal learning – particularly the opportunity to learn from crisis events. Access to mentors (often outside the business) can be important here, as are informal networks.

Originality/value
– This is one of the first mixed method large scale studies to explore the relationship between SME innovation and learning, highlighting the importance of informal learning to innovation and the need for SME leaders to foster this learning as part of a shared organisational vision.
Stories of innovation: roles, perspectives, and players
Authors: Martens Jon 
Published: January 2014

Purpose– This study aims to examine the roles of stories in the innovation process.Design/methodology/approach– An integrative literature review was used to identify and analyze studies that examined stories of innovation in various organizational settings. The conceptual framework of the review was based on three perspectives of organizational culture: integration, differentiation, and fragmentation.Findings– A typology of the roles of stories of innovation was synthesized from a review of the literature. The major roles in the typology included fostering a culture of innovation, managing product planning and project teams, facilitating idea generation and problem solving, and analyzing failed innovations. These roles were congruent with multiple perspective of organizational culture, including integration, differentiation, and fragmentation.Research limitations/implications– Additional research should be conducted to further explore and confirm the study's exploratory typology as a possible extension to the role of organizational narrative in the process of innovation.Practical implications– The study's conceptual typology can presently serve as a useful learning tool for HRD practitioners to facilitate an organization's understanding of the innovation process.Originality/value– The study presents a new approach to analyzing the roles of stories in innovation with perspectives of organizational culture and provides an initial base for further research that might extend understanding of the types of roles narratives play in innovation.
The relation between excess control and cost of capital
Authors: Bozec Yves , Laurin Claude , Meier Iwan 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dominant shareholders, whose voting rights exceed cash flow rights (excess control), and firms’ cost of capital, including both equity capital and debt.

Design/methodology/approach
– This research is conducted in Canada over a four-year period from 2002 to 2005 and uses panel data of 155 S&P/TSX firms. The weighted average cost of capital is regressed on excess control using fixed-effect regressions in a two-stage least squares framework.

Findings
– The paper finds evidence that the cost of capital increases with excess control. The paper also confirms that for firms incorporated under the less protective Quebec incorporation law the excess control and, therefore, cost of capital is higher than for firms incorporated in the other provinces under the common law regime.

Originality value
– Prior work examined the relationship between excess control and firm value, mostly Tobin's Q. By using cost of capital, the study explores another channel through witch excess control may affect firm value.
Restructuring vocational schools as social innovation?
Authors: Ümarik Meril , Loogma Krista , Tafel-Viia Külliki 
Published: January 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize the implementation of educational reform processes by applying the concept of social innovation. The paper proposes a model of social innovation and test its applicability in the context of Estonian vocational education reform using two case studies of the school re-organization as an example.

Design/methodology/approach
– A case study approach has been applied in the empirical study. Different data collection methods have been used including semi-structured interviews with the various change actors, observations and analysis of written documents.

Findings
– The integrated model of social innovation proved to be a fruitful analytical tool. By focusing on five central aspects – the trigger of change, central change agents, social mechanisms facilitating the adoption of change, implications and social gains – it was possible to explain two school re-organization processes and the reasons behind their success or complications.

Practical implications
– The analysis of the cases outlined some lessons that can be learned for the future planning and implementation of school reforms. School changes are more easily adopted if actors experience it as useful and rational, school staff are involved in the process as early as possible and the adoption is facilitated by building certain social mechanisms and network structures into the policy implementation process.

Originality/value
– The paper makes a contribution to the literature on educational reform by applying the concept of social innovation. Up until now, the concept of social innovation has remained rather underused to explain the process of implementing and adopting reforms, and in particular, it is rarely used in the context of analyzing educational reforms.