bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selected practices and tools for better accessibility in digital library projects
Authors: Cervone H. Frank 
Published: August 2013

PurposeIssues related to accessibility of web based resources are more important than ever. In part this is being driven by demands for more consistent treatment of various accessibility issues on websites. However, recent complaints by students and consumers on commercial sites highlight the fact that issues related to accessibility remain to be resolved. This article aims to review current practice.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology and approach in the article is based on a review of current literature and practice in the area.FindingsResponsive design as well as several techniques and free tools can be used to address many of the most common issues related to accessibility.Originality/valueThis article adds to the existing literature in this area by providing a comprehensive overview and guide to the topic area.
Awareness and use of Web 2.0 tools by librarians in university libraries in Nigeria
Authors: Baro Emmanuel E. , Idiodi Evelyn O. , Zaccheaus Godfrey Vera 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThe study aims to investigate the level of awareness and use of Web 2.0 tools by librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was used to collect data from 176 librarians in 49 university libraries in Nigeria.FindingsIt emerged that the librarians were more familiar with social networking sites, instant messaging, media sharing sites, blogs and wikis. The popularity of these Web 2.0 tools made them the most frequently used by the librarians. Web 2.0 tools like Flickr, RSS feeds, podcasts, social bookmarking, were among the least used. The study revealed that librarians use Web 2.0 tools mostly for reference services online, library news/events, training resources, and image and video sharing. Lack of facilities such as computers with internet access, lack of skills, and lack of time were indicated as some of the barriers in the use of Web 2.0 tools by librarians in university libraries in Nigeria.Practical implicationsThese research results can be consulted by interested librarians as they plan to implement Web 2.0 applications in their libraries.Originality/valueThis study draws an overall picture of Web 2.0 applications in Nigerian university libraries and attempts to provide helpful information to better understand how librarians elsewhere are utilizing Web 2.0 technologies in rendering library services.
Developing empty stores to satisfy customers: the case of Nishimatsuya Chain
Authors: Huang Pei‐Yuh , Isomura Kazuhito 
Published: August 2013

PurposeThis study aims to describe how the Nishimatsuya Chain Company, Ltd has established an innovative business model.Design/methodology/approachThis study examines Nishimatsuya's business model for its value proposition, business processes, internal and external management resources, and profitability.FindingsEstablishing simple, clear customer value creates a unique business model.Practical implicationsThis study determined that a business model begins with identifying what customers really want. The value proposition innovates a business model by rethinking business processes, management resources, and profitability.Originality/valueThe Nishimatsuya case study suggests that identifying the value proposition underlies establishing a creative business model.
Moderators of shared leadership: work function and team autonomy
Authors: Fausing Maj S. , Jeppe Jeppesen Hans , Jønsson Thomas S. , Lewandowski Joshua , Bligh Michelle C. 
Published: August 2013

PurposePrevious studies show that sharing leadership in teams offers potential performance benefits across various contexts. This paper aims to investigate moderators of the effectiveness of shared leadership. In particular, it seeks to explore the moderating effects of team work function – manufacturing versus knowledge team work – and team autonomy.Design/methodology/approachIn order to test the hypotheses, the authors conducted hierarchical regression analyses and ran moderated two‐way regression analyses using a field sample of 552 employees comprising 81 teams in a Danish manufacturing company.FindingsContrary to expectations, the results demonstrated a non‐significant relationship between shared leadership and team performance. However, as expected, work function significantly moderated this relationship such that shared leadership exhibited a negative relationship with manufacturing team performance and a positive relationship with knowledge team performance. Moreover, team autonomy was positively related to performance, and it significantly moderated the relationship between shared leadership and team performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe study provides a potentially useful framework for understanding boundary conditions for the effectiveness of shared leadership. However, since the design of the study is cross‐sectional, direct causation cannot be inferred. Moreover, the study took place within a single organization in a Danish context and, therefore, care must be taken in generalizing the findings without additional evidence from further research.Originality/valueTo the authors' knowledge, the study is the first to obtain evidence which indicates that the success of shared leadership may depend on the team work function and the level of team autonomy.
Unlocking work standards through systematic work observation: implications for team supervision
Authors: Ingvaldsen Jonas A. , Holtskog Halvor , Ringen Geir 
Published: August 2013

PurposeCompanies with routine operations often pursue team‐based continuous improvement in the context of standardized work. Continuous improvement requires that work standards are periodically “unlocked”, i.e. made objects of reflection and improvement. This paper aims to theorize and empirically explore a method for unlocking standards which has received little attention in the literature: systematic work observation. It identifies which factors constitute and promote a work observation practice that supports continuous improvement.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents an explorative, qualitative case study of an industrial company in which systematic work observation is practiced. Empirical material was collected from two principal sources: company documentation and teaching material; and interviews with workers, managers and work design experts from three of the company's major plants.FindingsSystematic work observation supports continuous improvement when there is genuine two‐way communication between the worker being observed and the supervisor acting as observer. Through dialogue, the appropriateness of the standard procedure is reflected on. Systematic work observation is supported by frequent day‐to‐day interaction between supervisors and workers. Frequent interaction builds relationships of trust and a shared purpose. A necessary requirement is that supervisors are technically competent and know the details of the operating procedures. The results also indicate that supervisors, not fellow workers, should preferably take the role as observers.Originality/valueSystematic work observation as an instrument for continuous improvement has not yet been explored in a serious scholarly manner. The findings of this paper have practical implications for companies that wish to implement systematic work observation.
Isolation and partial characterization of a bacteriocin produced by Lactobacillus plantarumBM‐1 isolated from a traditionally fermented Chinese meat product
Authors: Zhang Hongxing , Liu Li , Hao Yanling , Zhong Siqiong , Liu Hui , Han Tao , Xie Yuanhong 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTLactobacillus plantarum BM‐1 isolated from a traditionally fermented Chinese meat product was found to produce a novel bacteriocin that is active against a wide range of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. Production of the bacteriocin BM‐1 started early in the exponential phase and its maximum activity (5120 AU/mL) was recorded early during the stationary phase (16 hr). Bacteriocin BM‐1 is sensitive to proteolytic enzymes but stable in the pH range of 2.0–10.0 and heat‐resistant (15 min at 121°C). This bacteriocin was purified through pH‐mediated cell adsorption–desorption and cation‐exchange chromatography on an SP Sepharose Fast Flow column. The molecular weight of the purified bacteriocin BM‐1 was determined to be 4638.142 Da by electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the N‐terminal amino acid sequence was obtained through automated Edman degradation and found to comprise the following 15 amino acid residues: H2N‐Lys‐Tyr‐Tyr‐Gly‐Asn‐Gly‐Val‐Tyr‐Val‐Gly‐Lys‐His‐Ser‐Cys‐Ser. Comparison of this sequence with that of other bacteriocins revealed that bacteriocin BM‐1 contains the consensus YGNGV amino acid motif near the N‐terminus. Based on its physicochemical characteristics, molecular weight, and N‐terminal amino acid sequence, plantaricin BM‐1 is a novel class IIa bacteriocin.
Environmental factors predict community functional composition in Amazonian forests
Authors: Fortunel Claire , Paine C. E. Timothy , Fine Paul V. A. , Kraft Nathan J. B. , Baraloto Christopher 
Published: August 2013

Summary

The consequences of biodiversity loss for ecosystem services largely depend on the functional identities of extirpated species. However, poor descriptions of spatial patterns of community functional composition across landscapes hamper accurate predictions, particularly in highly diverse tropical regions. Therefore, understanding how community functional composition varies across environmental gradients remains an important challenge.

We sampled 15 functional traits in 800 Neotropical tree species across 13 forest plots representative of the broad climatic and soil gradients encompassed by three widespread lowland forest habitats (terra firme forests on clay‐rich soils, seasonally flooded forests and white‐sand forests) at opposite ends of Amazonia (Peru and French Guiana). We combined univariate and multivariate approaches to test the magnitude and predictability of environmental filtering on community leaf and wood functional composition.

Directional shifts in community functional composition correlated with environmental changes across the 13 plots, with denser leaves, stems and roots in forests occurring in environments with limited water and soil‐nutrient availability. Critically, these relationships allowed us to accurately predict the functional composition of 61 additional forest plots from environmental data alone.

Synthesis. Environmental filtering consistently shapes the functional composition of highly diverse tropical forests at large scales across the terra firme, seasonally flooded and white‐sand forests of lowland Amazonia. Environmental factors drive and allow the prediction of variation in community functional composition among habitat types in Amazonian forests.
Comparative studies on species identification of Noctuoidea moths in two nature reserve conservation zones (Beijing, China) using DNA barcodes and thin‐film biosensor chips
Authors: Yang F. , Shi Z. Y. , Bai S. L. , Ward R. D. , Zhang A. B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractRapid and accurate identification of species is required for the biological control of pest Noctuoidea moths. DNA barcodes and thin‐film biosensor chips are two molecular approaches that have gained wide attention. Here, we compare these two methods for the identification of a limited number of Noctuoidea moth species. Based on the commonly used mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase I (the standard DNA barcode for animal species), 14 probes were designed and synthesized for 14 species shared by two national nature reserves in Beijing and Hebei, China. Probes ranged in length from 18 to 27 bp and were designed as mismatch probes to guarantee that there were at least three base differences between the probe and nontarget sequences. The results on the chip could be detected by the naked eye without needing special equipment. No cross‐hybridizations were detected although we tested all probes on the 14 target and 24 nontarget Noctuoidea species. The neighbour‐joining tree of the 38 species based on COI sequences gave 38 highly supported independent groups. Both DNA barcoding and thin‐film biosensor chips, based on the COI gene, are able to accurately identify and discriminate the 14 targeted moth species in this study. Because of its speed, high accuracy and low cost, the thin‐film biosensor chip is a very practical means of species identification. Now, a more comprehensive chip will be developed for the identification of additional Noctuoidea moths for pest control and ecological protection.
Palliative 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin chemotherapy in recurrent metastatic sebaceous carcinoma: Case report and literature review
Authors: Jung Yun Hwa , Woo In Sook , Kim Min Young , Han Chi Wha , Rha Eun Young 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSebaceous carcinoma is a rare malignant tumor of the skin. Although this tumor is not completely understood due to its rarity and the paucity of published reports, it is known to be an aggressive tumor with a high incidence in Asia. Sebaceous carcinomas occur preferentially in the periocular region and require attention not to miss the associated Muir–Torre syndrome. In the case of localized disease, a wide local excision with clear margin followed by adjuvant radiation therapy is usually considered the standard treatment strategy but there is no agreed treatment strategy or standard chemotherapeutic regimen for recurrent metastatic sebaceous carcinoma. We report here two cases of recurrent metastatic sebaceous carcinoma patients who responded to 5‐fluorouracil and cisplatin combination chemotherapy, and review the literature. We suggest that 5‐fluorouracil‐cisplatin can be considered a feasible and effective treatment modality for recurrent sebaceous carcinoma.
Acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs exposed to a common dried chicken treat: retrospective study of 108 cases (2007–2009)
Authors: Thompson MF , Fleeman LM , Kessell AE , Steenhard LA , Foster SF 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundProximal renal tubulopathy was reported in Australian dogs with markedly increased frequency from September 2007.MethodsTwo veterinarian‐completed surveys were launched in response to an increased incidence of acquired proximal renal tubulopathy in dogs. The selection criterion for inclusion was glucosuria with blood glucose <10 mmol/L. Data collected included signalment, presenting signs, history of feeding treats, results of urinalysis and blood tests, treatment and time to resolution of clinical signs.ResultsA total of 108 affected dogs were studied. All had been fed the same brand of dried chicken treats, made in China, for a median of 12 weeks (range, 0.3–78 weeks). Small breeds (<10 kg) accounted for 88% of cases. Common presenting signs included polyuria/polydipsia (76%), lethargy (73%), inappetence (65%) and vomiting (54%). Common biochemical findings included euglycaemia (74%; 71/96), hypoglycaemia (23%; 22/96), acidosis (77%; 20/26), hypokalaemia (45%; 38/84), hypophosphataemia (37%; 28/75) and azotaemia (27%; 23/85). In addition to discontinuation of treats, 64 dogs received medical treatment, including intravenous fluids (52%) and oral electrolyte, amino acid or vitamin supplements. Six dogs died or were euthanased. Two dogs were necropsied. Histopathological findings consisted of proximal tubular necrosis accompanied by regeneration. Time to resolution of clinical signs in 35 survivors available for follow‐up was <2 weeks (n = 8), 2–4 weeks (n = 2), 5–7 weeks (n = 5) and 2–6 months (n = 10).ConclusionOf the 108 dogs with acquired proximal renal tubulopathy contemporaneous with chicken treat consumption, most survived but many required aggressive supportive care. The treats likely contained a toxin targeting the proximal renal tubules. Diet history and urinalysis were vital for diagnosis.
Lactobacillus casei Shirota enhances the preventive efficacy of soymilk in chemically induced breast cancer
Authors: Kaga Chiaki , Takagi Akimitsu , Kano Mitsuyoshi , Kado Shoichi , Kato Ikuo , Sakai Masashi , Miyazaki Kouji , Nanno Masanobu , Ishikawa Fumiyasu , Ohashi Yasuo , Toi Masakazu 
Published: August 2013

Soy foods are known to be effective for breast cancer prevention. The habitual consumption of soy isoflavones in combination with the probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS) was shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer occurrence in our previous population‐based case‐controlled study among Japanese women. The present study aimed to elucidate the cooperative prevention mechanism of soymilk and LcS using an animal carcinogenic model. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received a high‐fat, AIN‐76A diet containing soymilk, LcS, both soymilk and LcS, or none and were orally exposed to 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐penylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine at a dose of 85 mg/kg bodyweight eight times for 2 weeks. The development of palpable mammary tumors was monitored for 17 weeks. Tumor tissues were immunohistochemically examined for estrogen receptor (ER)‐α, Ki‐67 and CD34. Compared with the control group, the incidence and multiplicity of mammary tumors were reduced by soymilk alone and soymilk in combination with LcS, while tumor volume was decreased by LcS alone and LcS in combination with soymilk. An immunohistochemical analysis revealed that soymilk in combination with LcS more effectively reduced the numbers of ER‐α‐positive and Ki‐67‐positive cells in tumors than soymilk alone and that both soymilk and LcS inhibited tumor angiogenesis. These results demonstrated that soymilk prevents the development of mammary tumors and that LcS suppresses tumor growth, potentially enhancing the preventive efficacy of soymilk. The habitual consumption of LcS in combination with soymilk might be a beneficial dietary style for breast cancer prevention.
Molecular network of chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing‐based (ChIP‐Seq) Epstein–Barr virus nuclear antigen 1‐target cellular genes supports biological implications of Epstein–Barr virus persistence in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Satoh Jun‐ichi , Kawana Natsuki , Yamamoto Yoji 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesEpstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection confers a strong risk factor for development of multiple sclerosis (MS). EBV preferentially infects B lymphocytes to establish a life‐long latent infection. EBV nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1), acting as a transcriptional activator, plays a central role in the replication and maintenance of the latent episomal EBV genome in EBV‐infected host cells. However, the comprehensive set of host cellular genes directly regulated by EBNA1 relevant to the immunopathogenesis of MS remains to be elucidated.MethodsWe investigated the chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by deep sequencing (ChIP‐Seq) dataset of Raji cells, an EBV‐positive Burkitt's lymphoma cell line. We studied the molecular network of target genes by pathway analysis tools of bioinformatics.ResultsWe identified the set of 228 EBNA1‐target cellular genes. The EBNA1‐binding sites were located mainly in intronic regions of target genes with an existence of the palindromic consensus sequence motif. By pathway analysis using Ingenuity Pathways Analysis and KeyMolnet, the EBNA1‐target cellular gene network showed a significant relationship with the networks related to cell death and survival, and transcriptional regulation by interferon‐regulatory factor (IRF), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT).ConclusionsThese results show that the EBNA1‐target cellular gene network is closely associated with maintenance of EBV persistence by controlling the fate of EBV‐infected host cells, and by aberrantly regulating the production of host‐derived antiviral interferons and other cytokines, supporting biological implications of EBV persistence in MS.
Establishment and characterization of spinal cord microvascular endothelial cell lines
Authors: Maeda Toshihiko , Sano Yasuteru , Abe Masaaki , Shimizu Fumitaka , Kashiwamura Yoko , Ohtsuki Sumio , Terasaki Tetsuya , Obinata Masuo , Ueda Masatsugu , Kanda Takashi 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB) has been recognized as one of the barrier organs in the central nervous system. Unlike the blood–brain barrier (BBB), the function of the BSCB still remains to be fully understood, partly because of the lack of a good in vitro BSCB model. In the present study, we established a microvascular endothelial cell line derived from a rat spinal cord and characterized this new model.MethodsA conditionally immortalized cell line, termed rBSCB‐1, was established by introducing the temperature‐sensitive SV40 large T‐antigen gene into primary microvascular endothelial cells isolated from a rat spinal cord. We examined whether this model retains barrier‐specific properties.ResultsThe rBSCB‐1 expressed several basic endothelial cell markers and the large T‐antigen, and showed temperature‐dependent cell growth and barrier function. They also expressed tight junction molecules including claudin‐1, 3, 5, 12, occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)‐1 and barrier‐specific transporters. The rBSCB‐1 showed low paracellular permeability to 4 kDa dextran and high transport activity of P‐glycoprotein. In addition, the treatment with astrocytic factors increased the barrier properties of rBSCB‐1, including their expression levels of tight junctional molecules.ConclusionThe rBSCB‐1 cells are the first conditionally immortalized endothelial cell line derived from the BSCB that have been fully characterized as barrier‐forming cells. This cell line should be a useful tool to understand the BSCB disruption involved in many neurological disorders including multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injury.
Diagnosis of allergic rhinitis: inter‐rater reliability and predictive value of nasal endoscopic examination: a prospective observational study
Authors: Eren E. , Aktaş A. , Arslanoğlu S. , Kopar A. , Ciğer E. , Özkul Y. , Önal K. , Katılmiş H. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo determine the inter‐rater reliability of nasal endoscopic findings and the feasibility of diagnosis of allergic rhinitis based solely on symptoms and nasal endoscopy.DesignProspective observational study.SettingUniversity Teaching hospital.ParticipantsOne hundred and eight patients were referred from the allergy clinic included in the study.Main outcome measuresPredictive value of symptoms and nasal endoscopic examination to diagnose allergic rhinitis and inter‐rater reliability of the examination were evaluated.ResultsLogistic regression analysis of patient symptoms and nasal examination findings revealed no significant predictive power for any of the symptoms or examination findings. The Fleiss κ coefficient of the three raters was calculated. Inter‐rater variability among the three physicians demonstrated that mucosal oedema (κ = 0,48, P < 0.001), polypoid degeneration of the inferior turbinate tail (κ = 0.48, P = 0.01), nasal polyps (κ = 0.96, P < 0.001) and nasal septal deviation (κ = 0.65, P = 0.01) showed significant inter‐rater agreement. A low κ coefficient (0.29) was found, and the inter‐rater variability among physicians in interpreting the characteristics of nasal secretions was significant (P = 0.04). The inter‐rater variability among the three physicians suggested that turbinate hypertrophy (κ = 0.31) and turbinate colour (κ = 0.38) showed no significant inter‐rater agreement.ConclusionsPatient symptoms and nasal endoscopy findings do not provide reliable diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. Turbinate colour and hypertrophy are believed to be related to allergic rhinitis; however, these were subject to marked inter‐rater variability in this study.