bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elimination of high transient currents and electrode damage during electroformation of TiO2-based resistive switching devices
Authors: Lu Yi Meng , Noman Mohammad , Chen Wenhao , Salvador Paul A , Bain James A , Skowronski Marek
Published: September 2012

Transient currents associated with electroforming TiO2-based resistive switching devices were measured using three distinct circuits designed to limit them, and they were correlated with physical changes in the top electrode using scanning electron microscopy. A transient current more than 10 times greater than expected was observed when only using the source meter to limit the current via the compliance set point. The large excursion arose from equipment delays and resulted in significant physical changes to the top electrode. An external resistor was used to decrease the excess transient current value to nearly zero, as long as parasitic capacitive discharges were also suppressed. Simultaneously, the physical changes to the top electrode were completely suppressed, indicating physical damage was related to Joule heating from the excess forming currents. The switching characteristics of all devices were similar, implying damage during electroformation of functional switches can be avoided by device/circuit design.
A simple route to carbon micro- and nanorod hybrid structures by physical vapour deposition
Authors: Chu Jin , Peng Xiaoyan , Aldalbahi Ali , Panhuis Marc in het , Velazquez Rafael , Feng Peter X
Published: September 2012

Tilted well-aligned carbon micro- and nano-hybrid rods were synthesized on Si at different substrate temperatures and incident angles of carbon source beam using the hot filament physical vapour deposition technique. The morphologic surfaces, chemical compositions and bond structures of the oblique carbon rod-like structures were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron diffraction and Raman scattering spectroscopy. The field emission behaviour of the fabricated samples was also measured.
Relativistic terahertz pulse generation by non-linear interaction of a high-power fs laser with underdense plasmas
Authors: Kim J J , Jang D G , Hur M S , Jang H , Suk H
Published: September 2012

Generation of a terahertz radiation by the interaction of a highly intense laser (I
L ⩾ 1018 W cm−2) and an underdense plasma with relativistic effects has been investigated. The results of two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations for the relativistic frequency shift of the emitted THz pulse are presented. It was found that the emitted THz frequency is shifted down with the scaling of γ
−α
, where γ is the Lorentz factor of the driving laser pulse and α is roughly 0.2 and slightly depends on the laser spot size. Furthermore, the monotonic linear dependence of the THz field strength on the incident laser power was observed. Comparison of the non-relativistic and relativistic laser power regime is shown as well.
LiF/Fe/C nanofibres as a high-capacity cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Zhang Shu , Lu Yao , Xu Guanjie , Li Ying , Zhang Xiangwu
Published: September 2012

LiF/Fe/C composite nanofibres with different morphologies were prepared by electrospinning and heat treatment of LiF/ferrocene/polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursors. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were employed to study the structural variations of these composite nanofibres. It was found that Fe nanoparticles and carbon nanofibres were obtained from the thermal decomposition of ferrocene and PAN precursors, respectively. The electrochemical performance was evaluated using the prepared composite nanofibres as the cathode material in lithium half-cells. With uniformly embedded active particles in the carbon nanofibre matrix, the resultant cathode materials presented highly reversible discharge capacities of over 472 mA h g−1.
Contribution of

drifts and parallel currents to divertor asymmetries
Authors: Rozhansky V. , Molchanov P. , Veselova I. , Voskoboynikov S. , Kirk A. , Coster D.
Published: September 2012

A systematical study of

drift and parallel current effects is reported based on the analysis of the simulations by the B2SOLPS5.2 transport code. It is demonstrated that divertor asymmetry is caused or amplified by the poloidal

drift and parallel thermal current.
Anomalous diffusion of energetic particles: connecting experiment and simulations
Authors: Pueschel M.J. , Jenko F. , Schneller M. , Hauff T. , Günter S. , Tardini G.
Published: September 2012

Recent experimental and theoretical studies highlight the need to predict the turbulence-induced radial diffusion of energetic particles quantitatively in present-day and future fusion devices. Gyrokinetic simulations with passive fast ion species in realistic tokamak equilibria are used to investigate the influence of the particle energy on diffusion due to electrostatic and electromagnetic turbulence. To facilitate more straightforward comparisons between theory and experiments, scaling relations are derived that allow for writing the relevant diffusivities as functions of experimentally readily accessible quantities. In this context, an improved method for estimating the magnetic fluctuation level is described.
Human RECQL5 participates in the removal of endogenous DNA damage
Authors: Tadokoro Takashi , Ramamoorthy Mahesh , Popuri Venkateswarlu , May Alfred , Tian Jingyan , Sykora Peter , Rybanska Ivana , Wilson David M. , Croteau Deborah L. , Bohr Vilhelm A.
Published: September 2012

Human RECQL5 is a member of the RecQ helicase family, which maintains genome stability via participation in many DNA metabolic processes, including DNA repair. Human cells lacking RECQL5 display chromosomal instability. We find that cells depleted of RECQL5 are sensitive to oxidative stress, accumulate endogenous DNA damage, and increase the cellular poly(ADP-ribosyl)ate response. In contrast to the RECQ helicase family members WRN, BLM, and RECQL4, RECQL5 accumulates at laser-induced single-strand breaks in normal human cells. RECQL5 depletion affects the levels of PARP-1 and XRCC1, and our collective results suggest that RECQL5 modulates and/or directly participates in base excision repair of endogenous DNA damage, thereby promoting chromosome stability in normal human cells.
Sub1 associates with Spt5 and influences RNA polymerase II transcription elongation rate
Authors: García Alicia , Collin Alejandro , Calvo Olga
Published: September 2012

The transcriptional coactivator Sub1 has been implicated in several steps of mRNA metabolism in yeast, such as the activation of transcription, termination, and 3′-end formation. In addition, Sub1 globally regulates RNA polymerase II phosphorylation, and most recently it has been shown that it is a functional component of the preinitiation complex. Here we present evidence that Sub1 plays a significant role in transcription elongation by RNA polymerase II (RNAPII). We show that SUB1 genetically interacts with the gene encoding the elongation factor Spt5, that Sub1 influences Spt5 phosphorylation of the carboxy-terminal domain of RNAPII largest subunit by the kinase Bur1, and that both Sub1 and Spt5 copurify in the same complex, likely during early transcription elongation. Indeed, our data indicate that Sub1 influences Spt5–Rpb1 interaction. In addition, biochemical and molecular data show that Sub1 influences transcription elongation of constitutive and inducible genes and associates with coding regions in a transcription-dependent manner. Taken together, our results indicate that Sub1 associates with Spt5 and influences Spt5–Rpb1 complex levels and consequently transcription elongation rate.
Proinflammatory cytokine secretion is suppressed by TMEM16A or CFTR channel activity in human cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelia
Authors: Veit Guido , Bossard Florian , Goepp Julie , Verkman A. S. , Galietta Luis J. V. , Hanrahan John W. , Lukacs Gergely L.
Published: September 2012

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is caused by the functional expression defect of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) chloride channel at the apical plasma membrane. Impaired bacterial clearance and hyperactive innate immune response are hallmarks of the CF lung disease, yet the existence of and mechanism accounting for the innate immune defect that occurs before infection remain controversial. Inducible expression of either CFTR or the calcium-activated chloride channel TMEM16A attenuated the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, and CXCL1/2 in two human respiratory epithelial models under air–liquid but not liquid–liquid interface culture. Expression of wild-type but not the inactive G551D-CFTR indicates that secretion of the chemoattractant IL-8 is inversely proportional to CFTR channel activity in cftr∆F508/∆F508 immortalized and primary human bronchial epithelia. Similarly, direct but not P2Y receptor–mediated activation of TMEM16A attenuates IL-8 secretion in respiratory epithelia. Thus augmented proinflammatory cytokine secretion caused by defective anion transport at the apical membrane may contribute to the excessive and persistent lung inflammation in CF and perhaps in other respiratory diseases associated with documented down-regulation of CFTR (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Direct pharmacological activation of TMEM16A offers a potential therapeutic strategy to reduce the inflammation of CF airway epithelia.
An RNA Mapping DataBase for curating RNA structure mapping experiments
Authors: Cordero Pablo , Lucks Julius B. , Das Rhiju
Published: September 2012

Summary: We have established an RNA mapping database (RMDB) to enable structural, thermodynamic and kinetic comparisons across single-nucleotide-resolution RNA structure mapping experiments. The volume of structure mapping data has greatly increased since the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques, accelerated software pipelines and large-scale mutagenesis. For scientists wishing to infer relationships between RNA sequence/structure and these mapping data, there is a need for a database that is curated, tagged with error estimates and interfaced with tools for sharing, visualization, search and meta-analysis. Through its on-line front-end, the RMDB allows users to explore single-nucleotide-resolution mapping data in heat-map, bar-graph and colored secondary structure graphics; to leverage these data to generate secondary structure hypotheses; and to download the data in standardized and computer-friendly files, including the RDAT and community-consensus SNRNASM formats. At the time of writing, the database houses 53 entries, describing more than 2848 experiments of 1098 RNA constructs in several solution conditions and is growing rapidly.

Availability: Freely available on the web at http://rmdb.stanford.edu

Contact:  rhiju@stanford.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics Online.
Significant differences in incubation times in sheep infected with bovine spongiform encephalopathy result from variation at codon 141 in the PRNP gene
Authors: Tan Boon Chin , Blanco Anthony R. Alejo , Houston E. Fiona , Stewart Paula , Goldmann Wilfred , Gill Andrew C. , de Wolf Christopher , Manson Jean C. , McCutcheon Sandra
Published: September 2012

The susceptibility of sheep to prion infection is linked to variation in the PRNP gene, which encodes the prion protein. Common polymorphisms occur at codons 136, 154 and 171. Sheep which are homozygous for the A136R154Q171 allele are the most susceptible to bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). The effect of other polymorphisms on BSE susceptibility is unknown. We orally infected ARQ/ARQ Cheviot sheep with equal amounts of BSE brain homogenate and a range of incubation periods was observed. When we segregated sheep according to the amino acid (L or F) encoded at codon 141 of the PRNP gene, the shortest incubation period was observed in LL141 sheep, whilst incubation periods in FF141 and LF141 sheep were significantly longer. No statistically significant differences existed in the expression of total prion protein or the disease-associated isoform in BSE-infected sheep within each genotype subgroup. This suggested that the amino acid encoded at codon 141 probably affects incubation times through direct effects on protein misfolding rates.
Typing of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus by monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Ito Takafumi , Kurita Jun , Sano Motohiko , Skall Helle Frank , Lorenzen Niels , Einer-Jensen Katja , Olesen Niels Jørgen
Published: September 2012

Seven mAbs with specific reaction patterns against each of the four genotypes and eight subtypes of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) were produced, aiming to establish an immunoassay for typing VHSV isolates according to their genotype. Among the mAbs, VHS-1.24 reacted with all genotypes except genotype Ie, whilst mAb VHS-9.23 reacted with all genotypes except genotype III. mAb VHS-3.80 reacted with genotypes Ib, Ic, Id and II. mAb VHS-7.57 reacted with genotypes II and IVa, and mAb VHS-5.18 with genotype Ib only. Interestingly, mAb VHS-3.75 reacted with all of the genotype III isolates except a rainbow trout-pathogenic isolate from the west coast of Norway, and reacted in addition with the IVb isolate, CA-NB00-01, from the east coast of the USA. Finally, mAb VHS-1.88 reacted with all genotype IVb isolates from the Great Lakes, but not with CA-NB00-01. In conclusion, we can distinguish between all four genotypes and between five of eight subtypes of VHSV by testing isolates in immunoassay using a panel of nine mAbs. By Western blotting and transfection of cell cultures, it was shown that mAb VHS-1.24 recognized an epitope on the viral phosphoprotein (P), whilst all others recognized antigenic determinants on the nucleoprotein (N). From amino acid alignments of the various genotypes and subtypes of VHSV isolates, it was possible to determine the epitope specificity of mAb VHS-1.24 to be aa 32–34 in the P-protein; the specificities of mAbs VHS-3.80, VHS-7.57 and VHS-3.75 were found to be aa 43 and 45–48, aa 117 and 121, and aa 103, 118 and 121 of the N-protein, respectively.
Two distinct sites are essential for virulent infection and support of variant satellite RNA replication in spontaneous beet black scorch virus variants
Authors: Xu Jin , Wang Xianbing , Shi Lindan , Zhou Yuan , Li Dawei , Han Chenggui , Zhang Ziding , Yu Jialin
Published: September 2012

Spontaneous point mutations of virus genomes are important in RNA virus evolution and often result in modifications of their biological properties. Spontaneous variants of beet black scorch virus (BBSV) and its satellite (sat) RNA were generated from cDNA clones by serial propagation inChenopodium amaranticolorandNicotiana benthamiana. Inoculation with recombinant RNAs synthesizedin vitrorevealed BBSV variants with divergent infectious phenotypes that affected either symptom expression or replication of satRNA variants. Sequence alignments showed a correlation between the phenotypes and distinct BBSV genomic loci in the 3′UTR or in the domain encoding the viral replicase. Comparative analysis between a virulent variant, BBSV-m294, and the wild-type (wt) BBSV by site-directed mutagenesis indicated that a single-nucleotide substitution of a uridine to a guanine at nt 3477 in the 3′UTR was responsible for significant increases in viral pathogenicity. Gain-of-function analyses demonstrated that the ability of the BBSV variants to support replication of variant satRNAs was mainly determined by aa 516 in the P82 replicase. In this case, an arginine substitution for a glutamine residue was essential for high levels of replication, and alterations of other residues surrounding position 516 in the wtBBSV isolate led to only minor phenotypic effects. These results provide evidence that divergence of virus functions affecting pathogenicity and supporting parasitic replication can be determined by a single genetic site, either a nucleotide or an amino acid. The results suggest that complex interactions occur between virus and associated satRNAs during virus evolution.
Recombination profiles between Tomato yellow leaf curl virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus in laboratory and field conditions: evolutionary and taxonomic implications
Authors: Davino Salvatore , Miozzi Laura , Panno Stefano , Rubio Luis , Davino Mario , Accotto Gian Paolo
Published: September 2012

Tomato yellow leaf curl Sardinia virus and Tomato yellow leaf curl virus have co-existed in Italian tomato crops since 2002 and have reached equilibrium, with plants hosting molecules of both species plus their recombinants being the most frequent case. Recombination events are studied in field samples, as well as in experimental co-infections, when recombinants were detected as early as 45 days following inoculation. In both conditions, recombination breakpoints were essentially absent in regions corresponding to ORFs V2, CP and C4, whereas density was highest in the 3′-terminal portion of ORF C3, next to the region where the two transcription units co-terminate. The vast majority of breakpoints were mapped at antisense ORFs, supporting speculation that the rolling-circle replication mechanism, and the existence of sense and antisense ORFs on the circular genome, may result in clashes between replication and transcription complexes.
Characterization of a full-length infectious cDNA clone and a GFP reporter derivative of the oncolytic picornavirus SVV-001
Authors: Poirier John T. , Reddy P. Seshidhar , Idamakanti Neeraja , Li Shawn S. , Stump Kristine L. , Burroughs Kevin D. , Hallenbeck Paul L. , Rudin Charles M.
Published: September 2012

Seneca Valley virus (SVV-001) is an oncolytic picornavirus with selective tropism for a subset of human cancers with neuroendocrine differentiation. To characterize further the specificity of SVV-001 and its patterns and kinetics of intratumoral spread, bacterial plasmids encoding a cDNA clone of the full-length wild-type virus and a derivative virus expressing GFP were generated. The full-length cDNA of the SVV-001 RNA genome was cloned into a bacterial plasmid under the control of the T7 core promoter sequence to create an infectious cDNA clone, pNTX-09. A GFP reporter virus cDNA clone, pNTX-11, was then generated by cloning a fusion protein of GFP and the 2A protein from foot-and-mouth disease virus immediately following the native SVV-001 2A sequence. Recombinant GFP-expressing reporter virus, SVV–GFP, was rescued from cells transfected with in vitro RNA transcripts from pNTX-11 and propagated in cell culture. The proliferation kinetics of SVV-001 and SVV–GFP were indistinguishable. The SVV–GFP reporter virus was used to determine that a subpopulation of permissive cells is present in small-cell lung cancer cell lines previously thought to lack permissivity to SVV-001. Finally, it was shown that SVV–GFP administered to tumour-bearing animals homes in to and infects tumours whilst having no detectable tropism for normal mouse tissues at 1×1011 viral particles kg−1, a dose equivalent to that administered in ongoing clinical trials. These infectious clones will be of substantial value in further characterizing the biology of this virus and as a backbone for the generation of additional oncolytic derivatives.
Maize Source Leaf Adaptation to Nitrogen Deficiency Affects Not Only Nitrogen and Carbon Metabolism But Also Control of Phosphate Homeostasis
Authors: Schlüter Urte , Mascher Martin , Colmsee Christian , Scholz Uwe , Bräutigam Andrea , Fahnenstich Holger , Sonnewald Uwe
Published: September 2012

Crop plant development is strongly dependent on the availability of nitrogen (N) in the soil and the efficiency of N utilization for biomass production and yield. However, knowledge about molecular responses to N deprivation derives mainly from the study of model species. In this article, the metabolic adaptation of source leaves to low N was analyzed in maize (Zea mays) seedlings by parallel measurements of transcriptome and metabolome profiling. Inbred lines A188 and B73 were cultivated under sufficient (15 mm) or limiting (0.15 mm) nitrate supply for up to 30 d. Limited availability of N caused strong shifts in the metabolite profile of leaves. The transcriptome was less affected by the N stress but showed strong genotype- and age-dependent patterns. N starvation initiated the selective down-regulation of processes involved in nitrate reduction and amino acid assimilation; ammonium assimilation-related transcripts, on the other hand, were not influenced. Carbon assimilation-related transcripts were characterized by high transcriptional coordination and general down-regulation under low-N conditions. N deprivation caused a slight accumulation of starch but also directed increased amounts of carbohydrates into the cell wall and secondary metabolites. The decrease in N availability also resulted in accumulation of phosphate and strong down-regulation of genes usually involved in phosphate starvation response, underlining the great importance of phosphate homeostasis control under stress conditions.
High-speed three-dimensional reciprocal-space mapping during molecular beam epitaxy growth of InGaAs
Authors: Hu Wen , Suzuki Hidetoshi , Sasaki Takuo , Kozu Miwa , Takahasi Masamitu
Published: September 2012

This paper describes the development of a high-speed three-dimensional reciprocal-space mapping method designed for the real-time monitoring of the strain relaxation process during the growth of heterostructure semiconductors. Each three-dimensional map is obtained by combining a set of consecutive images, which are captured during the continuous rotation of the sample, and calculating the reciprocal-space coordinates from the detector coordinate system. To demonstrate the feasibility of this rapid mapping technique, the 022 asymmetric diffraction of an InGaAs/GaAs(001) thin film grown by molecular beam epitaxy was measured and the procedure for data calibration was examined. Subsequently, the proposed method was applied to real-time monitoring of the strain relaxation process during the growth of a thin-film heterostructure consisting of In0.07Ga0.93As and In0.18Ga0.82As layers consecutively deposited on GaAs(001). The time resolution of the measurement was 10 s. It was revealed that additional relaxation of the first In0.07Ga0.93As layer was induced by the growth of the second In0.18Ga0.82As layer within a short period of time corresponding to the deposition of only two monolayers of InGaAs.
Magnetic properties of a mononuclear iron(II) complex with a typical FeN6coordination octahedron
Authors: Yu Fan
Published: September 2012

A mononuclear iron(II) complex with the tripodal ligand bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)amine (dpqa) has been synthesized and structurally characterized, namely [bis(pyridin-2-ylmethyl)(quinolin-2-ylmethyl)amine-κ4N,N′,N′′,N′′′]bis(thiocyanato-κS)iron(II), [Fe(NCS)2(C22H20N4)], exhibits a three-dimensional supramolecular networkviaπ–π interactions and S...H—C hydrogen-bonding interactions between adjacent FeIIcentres. Temperature-dependent magnetic measurements under different external pressures and X-ray diffraction measurements indicate that all the FeIIcentres in this complex retain a high-spin state upon cooling from 300 to 2 K. The surprising absence of spin-crossover behaviour for this mononuclear iron(II) complex is attributed to the steric hindrance originating from the substituted quinoline ring in the dpqa ligand.
An analysis of barter in the broadcasting industry
Authors: Marvasti Akbar
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address differences in bartering between markets and firms, as this mode of transaction has become a norm in the broadcasting industry in the sale of advertising air time and the purchase of programs.

Design/methodology/approach

Panel data from television stations in the USA is used to investigate the impact of a group of market‐specific and firm‐specific factors on the level of barter advertisement.

Findings

The results from the random effects regressions show that general economic conditions in the national market, such as unemployment and inflation, profitability of the station, and events such as the Olympics and election cycles affect the level of barter among television stations.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to filling a significant void in the empirical microeconomic analysis of barter transaction by providing an example from the broadcasting industry.
Educational segregation and the gender wage gap in Greece
Authors: Livanos Ilias , Pouliakas Konstantinos
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which differences in the subject of degree studied by male and female university graduates contributes to the gender pay gap in Greece, an EU country with historically large gender discrepancies in earnings and occupational segregation. In addition, the paper explores the reasons underlying the distinct educational choices of men and women, with particular emphasis on the role of wage uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Using micro‐data from the Greek Labour Force Survey (LFS), Oaxaca‐Blinder decompositions are employed to detect the extent to which gender differences in the type of degree studied can explain the male‐female pay gap. “Risk‐augmented earnings functions” are also used to examine the differential wage premiums offered to men and women in Greece in response to the uncertainty associated with different fields of study.

Findings

It is found that the subjects in which women are relatively over‐represented (e.g. Education, Humanities) are also those with the lowest wage returns. Gender differences in the type of degree studied can therefore explain an additional 8.4 per cent of the male‐female pay gap in Greece. A potential reason for distinct gender educational choices is that women opt for less uncertain educations that consequently command lower wage premiums in the job market.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that the promotion of gender equality in Greece should pay closer attention to removing informal barriers to entry for women in educational fields traditionally chosen by men (e.g. more effective careers advice, work‐experience placements, matching of young girls with professional “mentors”).

Originality/value

The paper is the first to investigate the contribution of individual's field of study to the gender wage gap in Greece. In addition, it includes the first‐ever estimations of “risk‐augmented earnings equations” for that country.
“Tikkun Olam”: how a Jewish ethos drives innovation
Authors: Kahane Bernard
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to argue that the Jewish religious concept “Tikkun Olam” is a source of practical management wisdom. “Tikkun Olam” combines with the diaspora and the state of Israel's specific political and economic contexts to provide Jewish people with an important driver and legitimization tool to change the world for the better. Since science and technology innovation has become a powerful tool to impact on today's world, “Tikkun Olam” builds on this profane channel for its present expression and supports the involvement of Jewish people in this matter.

Design/methodology/approach

To substantiate this view, the author analyzes the historical trajectories of the state of Israel and the Jewish diaspora. Some evidence is provided to highlight their specific dynamics and assets for knowledge creation, accumulation and transfer. Drawing on the academic literature, the author discusses what could be Jewish specificities on that matter compared with other nations and diasporas.

Findings

This work shows how a religious ethos can permeate profane life with great efficiency and act as practical management wisdom. While Weber and Sombart point to religious ethoses to explain the emergence of capitalism, the author highlights how “Tikkun Olam” provides Jewish people with an incentive to not accept the world as it is and to engage in its transformation. Sympathetic to a Schumpeter creative destruction attitude, Jewish people are able to leverage their context and their critical knowledge training in a science and technology innovation‐based entrepreneurial drive.

Originality/value

The paper establishes a link between a religious concept and science and technology innovation. Besides discussing existing works on diaspora‐specific contexts and their role in entrepreneurship and innovation, it explains how and why a set of specific values helps a diaspora leverage science and technology potential. In an era of globalized knowledge and increasing population mobility, it reminds policy makers, religious authorities and designers of management curricula that contexts and values are both sides of a transformative coin that links potential to reality. It may help them put educational emphasis on the responsibility to consider the world not only as it is, but also as it should be.
Work‐family conflict and individual consequences
Authors: Zhang Mian , Griffeth Rodger W. , Fried David D.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between two forms of work‐family conflict – work‐family conflict and family‐work conflict – and individual consequences for Chinese managers.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants of this study were 264 managers from Mainland China. The authors tested their hypotheses with structural equation modeling.

Findings

Work‐family conflict was positively associated with emotional exhaustion. Family‐work conflict was negatively associated with life satisfaction and affective commitment, as well as positively related to turnover intentions. Contrary to the research with samples of workers from Western countries (e.g. the USA), the study found that work‐family conflict was positively associated with affective commitment and did not associate with turnover intentions for Chinese managers.

Originality/value

Using the perspective of the Chinese prioritizing work for family benefits, the authors are the first to provide a preliminary test of the generalizability of the source attribution and the cross‐domain models to Chinese managers. The paper's findings provide the preliminary evidence that the cross‐domain model works among the Chinese because of its cultural neutrality whereas the source attribution model cannot be used to predict the associations between work‐family conflict and work‐related consequences.
Work‐to‐family spillover effects of abusive supervision
Authors: Wu Long‐Zeng , Kwong Kwan Ho , Liu Jun , Resick Christian J.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The current study seeks to examine the link between abusive supervision and subordinate family undermining by focusing on the mediating role of work‐to‐family conflict and the moderating role of boundary strength at home.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using a three‐wave survey research design. Participants included 209 employees from a manufacturing company in China. Hierarchical regression analyses and a bootstrapping algorithm were used to test the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results indicate that abusive supervision is positively related to family undermining, and this relationship is mediated by work‐to‐family conflict. Moreover, boundary strength at home attenuates the direct relationship of abusive supervision with work‐to‐family conflict and its indirect relationship with family undermining.

Research limitations/implications

This research contributes to the integration of the work‐family interface model and the abusive supervision literature by providing evidence of a link between abusive supervision in the workplace and conflict in the home. This study also indicates that abusive supervision is a problem of both organizational and societal importance in China. However, data are correlational in nature, which limits the ability to draw causal inferences.

Practical implications

Findings provide evidence that abusive supervision is a source of work‐to‐family conflict and undermining behavior in the home. Training employees to create boundaries between work and family domains may minimize the negative spillover effects of work on the family.

Originality/value

This study provides a relatively comprehensive model regarding the relationships between abusive supervision and work‐family consequences, and a promising new direction for both the leadership and work‐family literatures.
Performance appraisal process and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Zheng Wei , Zhang Mian , Li Hai
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how performance appraisal process is associated with organizational citizenship behavior, under the light of social exchange theory and impression management theory, using affective commitment as a mediator and rating‐reward linkage as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a multi‐source sample (n=777), the authors examined the mediating role of affective commitment with structural equation modeling and Sobel tests, and the moderating role of rating‐reward linkage with ordinary least squares (OLS) regression models.

Findings

The relationship between performance appraisal process and organizational citizenship behavior was partially mediated by affective commitment, and perceived rating‐reward linkage strengthened the direct association between appraisal process and organizational citizenship behavior whereas it weakened the relationship between appraisal process and affective commitment.

Originality/value

The study adds to knowledge of how performance appraisal process relates to organizational citizenship behavior – through affective commitment. Further, the moderating role of rating‐reward linkage deepens understanding of the underlying motives of organizational citizenship behavior. The findings strengthen the valence of using social exchange theory to explain how performance appraisal process is associated with organizational citizenship behavior and suggest the value of incorporating impression management to supplement social exchange theory.
Expatriate‐local interactions: an investigation in China
Authors: Varma Arup , Pichler Shaun , Budhwar Pawan , Kupferer Shannon
Published: September 2012

Purpose

This study aims to build on recent research, by investigating and examining how likely it is that Chinese locals (i.e. host country nationals (HCNs)) would offer support to expatriates from India and the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered from 222 participants in Chinese organizations, asking them to respond to questions about their willingness to offer support to expatriates.

Findings

As predicted, perceived values similarity was significantly related to higher dogmatism, which had a significant positive relationship with ethnocentrism. Further, ethnocentrism had a significant negative relationship with willingness to offer support.

Research limitations/implications

All data were collected from the participants at one point in time, so the study's results are subject to common method bias. Also, it only included India and the USA, as the two countries of origin of the expatriates.

Practical implications

Given HCNs do not automatically offer support to all expatriates, organizations might consider sending expatriates who are culturally similar to HCNs, as they are more likely to receive support, which will help their adjustment and thus organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This study adds to the small, but growing, number of empirical investigations of HCN willingness to support expatriates.
Enhancing theory and research: employee behavior in China – part 2
Authors: Isenhour Linda C. , Stone Diana L. , Lien Donald
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the importance of advancing theory and research in China through identification of unique aspects of Chinese organizational behaviors, which can lead to expanded, robust organizational behavior and human resource management models and theories that transcend national boundaries.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper and does not employ research methods.

Findings

The results of studies included in this special issue suggest that researchers can identify elements unique to China in constructs such as psychological capital, work‐to‐family spillover, work‐family conflict, performance appraisal process, and expatriate interactions that further expand theory and research in organizational behavior.

Practical implications

The review of articles in the special issue suggests that managers in organizations in China may want to: develop individuals' psychological capital; train managers on the importance of eliminating abusive behaviors and developing employees' heartiness; adopt family friendly practices; employ performance appraisal process to encourage commitment and organizational citizenship behaviors; and train local country nationals on working with expatriates to enhance organizational effectiveness.

Originality/value

This review provides a unique perspective on employee behavior because it considers such behavior in a Chinese context.
The work and its meaning among Jews and Muslims according to religiosity degree
Authors: Sharabi Moshe
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and compare the meaning of work (MOW) according to religiosity among Jews and Muslims in Israel. The paper attempts to explain the similarities and the differences between the two ethno‐religious groups.

Design/methodology/approach

In 2006 the MOW questionnaire was conducted on 1,464 working respondents and the final sample included 898 Jews and 215 Muslims, representing the labor force. The MOW dimensions were: work centrality, intrinsic orientation, economic orientation and interpersonal relations.

Findings

While among Jews, religiosity degree affected all four dimensions of the MOW, there were no differences among Muslims with a different religiosity degree concerning all MOW dimensions, except for the economic orientation. Furthermore, among Muslims when religiosity is controlled, the other demographic variables do not influence the MOW domination.

Practical implications

This additional knowledge of the relationship between religion, religiosity and the MOW, can help to better understand the employee's needs and how to fulfil them (e.g. implementing “Diversity Management” programs). This suitability will eventually lead to more desirable work outcomes.

Social implications

Governmental policy can lead to higher participation of orthodox Jews in the labor market. Moreover, the extra‐high work centrality among Arab Muslims reflects a high non‐actualized potential for organizations and for the Israeli economy in general.

Originality/value

There are no studies that compared work values of Jews and Muslims according to religiosity, in and out of Israel, and this paper explores the MOW of the ethno‐religious groups in Israel and the causes for the different patterns.
Exports trade, employment and poverty reduction in Nigeria
Authors: Adetunji Babatunde M. , Oyeranti Olugboyega A. , Bankole Abiodun S. , Olawale Ogunkola E.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Poverty reduction remains one of the main goals of development efforts, as evidenced by the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals by most developing countries and international agencies. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between trade (exports) and employment and how the relationship reduces poverty through the instrumentality of employment, with a focus on Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of descriptive analysis.

Findings

Evaluating the case for Nigeria, the authors find that oil exports which drives economic growth do not provide the needed employment to reduce poverty, while agricultural trade, particularly exports, are capable of reducing poverty and inequality in Nigeria through the channel of employment and agricultural productivity growth.

Originality/value

The paper makes a link between export trade, employment and poverty reduction in Nigeria.
Social value orientation and regulatory compliance in Ugandan public procurement
Authors: Mpeera Ntayi Joseph , Ngoboka Pascal , Mutebi Henry , Sitenda Gidah
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perceptions and effects of social value orientation, expected utility, fairness in procurement procedures, the legitimacy of the procurement law and the procurement law enforcement authority on compliance with the procurement law, guidelines, procedures and regulations. Empirical research in this area is relatively sparse.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 110 Procurement and Disposing Entities (PDEs) and analysed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM).

Findings

Results of the fit indices between the model and the observed data were generally good for both CFA and SEM. Results reveal that social value orientation, expected utility, legitimacy of the procurement law enforcement agency and perceptions of procedural justice were significant predictors of the Public Procurement and Disposal of Assets Authority (PPDA) regulatory agency.

Research limitations/implications

This study however has several limitations which limit the interpretation of results. First, the data are cross sectional, thus limiting monitoring changes in behaviour over time. Second, all item scales adapted in this study were not specifically developed for a public procurement regulatory environment. This means that there is need to develop specific item scales for public procurement regulatory environments.

Practical implications

The paper shows that the PPDA regulatory framework should revise its compliance instrument to consider social value orientation.

Originality/value

This paper uses constructs of social value orientation, which are largely ignored in legislated professions to predict compliance.
The effect of setting goals and emotions on asset allocation decisions
Authors: Sundali James A. , Stone Gregory R. , Guerrero Federico L.
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a controlled experiment to examine the effect of goal setting and affect framed feedback on repeated asset allocation investment decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

The design of the experiment is a 2×2 between subject design. Subjects allocated monies among four investments for 20 periods. One manipulation varied whether subjects received performance feedback in the form of a happy or sad face, while another manipulation varied whether subjects set a financial goal for themselves and received goal attainment performance feedback.

Findings

The main findings include: subjects initially allocate assets in a manner roughly consistent with their stated preference for risk; prior year asset performance leads subjects to make significant changes in portfolio asset allocation in a manner consistent with beliefs of positive autocorrelation in asset returns; and the addition of happy or sad faces to performance feedback information leads to even greater changes in asset allocation.

Originality/value

Using ideas from the theory on the self‐regulation of behavior and the role of affect in decision making, the authors develop an original framework to account for the results.
The impact of passive investing on corporate valuations
Authors: Belasco Eric , Finke Michael , Nanigian David
Published: September 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of S&P 500 index fund money flow on the valuations of companies that are constituents of the index and those that are not.

Design/methodology/approach

To examine the impact of passive investing on corporate valuations, the authors run panel regressions of price‐to‐earnings ratio on aggregate money flow into S&P 500 index funds and control for various accounting variables that impact price‐to‐earnings ratio. These regressions involve two samples of stocks. The first sample consists of S&P 500 constituents. The second consists of large‐cap stocks that are not constituents of the S&P 500. The authors also run a set of separate regressions with price‐to‐book ratio rather than price‐to‐earnings ratio as the dependent variable.

Findings

It is found that the valuations of S&P 500 constituents increased by 139 to 167 basis points relative to nonconstituents, depending on valuation metric, due to S&P 500 index fund money flow when evaluated at mean values of money flow and valuation metrics. The valuations of firms within the S&P 500 index respond positively to changes in S&P 500 index fund money flow while the valuations of firms outside the index do not. Additionally, the impact of money flow on valuations persists the month after the flow occurs, suggesting that the impact does not dissipate over time.

Practical implications

Mispricings among individual stocks arising from index fund investing may reduce the allocative efficiency of the stock market and distort investors' performance evaluations of actively managed funds.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to explore the long‐run relationship between S&P 500 index fund money flow and corporate valuations.
Brand alliances: the role of brand concept consistency
Authors: Johan Lanseng Even , Erling Olsen Lars
Published: September 2012

Purpose

Previous research demonstrates the importance of product category fit in evaluating brand alliances. However, many factors determine fit between alliance partners. For example, conclusions from brand extension research suggest that the evaluation is a question not only of product category fit, but also of brand concept consistency. Therefore, this study introduces brand concept consistency in research on brand alliances.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper builds on the categorization and incongruence literature. An experiment was employed to test the two hypotheses in the study.

Findings

The results indicate that both product category fit and brand concept consistency influence consumers' evaluations. However, the results also show that product category fit is important in only functional and mixed‐brand concept‐based alliances. For expressive brand alliances, product category fit is not important in evaluating the alliance.

Practical implications

Managers should take care in finding potential alliance partners who have brands that in some way, either on the product category level or in brand concept, fit well with their company's brands. However, managers of a functional brand should find a partner whose brand has high product category fit, since low‐fit partners presumably will hurt the potential alliance.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that brand concept consistency, not only product category fit, is an important variable in consumer evaluations of brand alliances.