Dynamics of \u3cem\u3eVibrio\u3c/em\u3e with virulence genes detected in Pacific harbor seals (\u3cem\u3ePhoca vitulina richardii\u3c/em\u3e) off California: implications for marine mammal health

Given their coastal site fidelity and opportunistic foraging behavior, harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) may serve as sentinels for coastal ecosystem health. Seals using urbanized coastal habitat can acquire enteric bacteria, including Vibrio, that may affect their health. To understand Vibrio dynamics in seals, demographic and environmental factors were tested for predicting potentially virulent Vibrio in free-ranging and stranded Pacific harbor seals (P. v. richardii) off the coast of California. Vibrio prevalence did not vary with season and was greater in free-ranging seals (29%, n = 319) compared with stranded seals (17%, n = 189). Of the factors tested, location, turbidity, and/or salinity best predicted Vibrio prevalence in free-ranging seals. The relationship of environmental factors with Vibrio prevalence differed by location and may be related to oceanographic or terrestrial contributions to water quality. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. alginolyticus, and V. cholerae were observed in seals with V. cholerae found almost exclusively in stranded pups and yearlings. Additionally, virulence genes (trh and tdh) were detected in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates. Vibrio cholerae isolates lacked targeted virulence genes, but were hemolytic. Three out of four stranded pups with V. parahaemolyticus (trh+, and/or tdh+) died in rehabilitation, but the role of Vibrio in causing mortality is unclear, and Vibrio expression of virulence genes should be investigated. Considering that humans share the environment and food resources with seals, potentially virulent Vibrio observed in seals also may be of concern to human health

Does Music affect Technostress?

McHaney RogerThis research investigates technostress and how its effects may be mitigated through the use of music. In general, technostress is a form of stress induced specifically by technology use. We hypothesize in this study that musical preference and the application of background music will impact subjects experiencing technostress. Our ultimate goal is to determine ways technostress can be reduced. Our research method utilized an experiment where 22 students completed a stressful online task while listening to music clips. Each clip contained silence as well as upbeat and relaxing music arranged in random order. The online task was manipulated to induce stress by: showing a ticking hour glass; providing a large red count down timer; telling the students they must get an 80% or higher on a set of questions; and, having too much work to complete under the time constraint. Stress levels were measured using a multi-method approach featuring a galvanic skin sensor, a post-experiment questionnaire, and measures of task accuracy and timeliness. The data was analyzed to determine if the presence of music affected technostress. The results indicated music order was significantly related to stress levels and task accuracy, and appeared to be more important than the music selections. Moreover, user music preference was a strong predictor of both galvanic skin response and accuracy of task completion. Overall, starting the experiment with silence or relaxing music tended to reduce stress levels throughout the experience but did not necessarily increase the accuracy of the task. We provide suggestions for future research to look closer at these factors

Stability of Glutamate-Aspartate Cardioplegia Additive Solution in Polyolefin IV Bags

Objective: Glutamate-aspartate cardioplegia additive solution (GACAS) is used to enhance myocardial preservation and left ventricular function during some cardiac surgeries. This study was designed to evaluate the stability of compounded GACAS stored in sterile polyolefin intravenous (IV) bags. The goal is to extend the default USP beyond-use date (BUD) and reduce unnecessary inventory waste. Methods: GACAS was compounded and packaged in sterile polyolefin 250 mL IV bags. The concentration was 232 mM for each amino acid. The samples were stored under refrigeration (2°C-8°C) and analyzed at 0, 1, and 2 months. At each time point, the samples were evaluated by pH measurement and visual inspection for color, clarity, and particulates. The samples were also analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) for potency and degradation products. Due to the lack of ultraviolet (UV) chromophores of glutamate and aspartate, the samples were derivatized by ortho-phthalaldehyde prior to HPLC analysis. Results: The time zero samples of GACAS passed the physical, chemical, and microbiological tests. Over 2 months of storage, there was no significant change in pH or visual appearance for any of the stability samples. The HPLC results also indicated that the samples retained 101% to 103% of the label claim strengths for both amino acids. Conclusion: The physical and chemical stability of extemporaneously prepared GACAS has been confirmed for up to 2 months in polyolefin IV bags stored under refrigeration. With proper sterile compounding practice and microbiology testing, the BUD of this product can be extended to 2 months

Towards a Network-based View of Effective Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

We conceptualize entrepreneurial ecosystems as fundamentally reliant on networks and explore how and under what conditions inter-organizational networks lead an entrepreneurial ecosystem to form and evolve. It is widely accepted that entrepreneurial ecosystems possess a variety of symbiotic relationships. Research has focused considerable efforts in refining the structure and content of resources found within these networked relationships. However, merely focusing on actor-level characterizations dilutes the notion that social relationships change and are complex. There has been little conceptual treatment of the behavioral and governance factors that underpin how quality interactions composing an entrepreneurial ecosystem develop and change over time. In response, we provide a longitudinal ethnographic study examining how ecosystems are managed and evolve in their relational configurations and governance at critical junctures. Using mixed methods and data collected over three years, we reveal a cyclical process of relational development central to the initiation, development, and maintenance phases of a valuable entrepreneurial ecosystem. We contribute to a conceptualization of effective ecosystems as reliant on networks, we reveal the behavior and governance characteristics at play in the entrepreneurial ecosystem during each phase of its evolution