bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calibration of antenna pattern and phase errors of a cross‐loop/monopole antenna array in high‐frequency surface wave radars
Authors: Zhou Hao , Wen Biyang
Published: January 2014

High‐frequency surface wave radar has now been widely used as a regular instrument in remote sensing of sea states. To solve the contradiction of the array pattern beamwidth and array aperture, multiple cross‐loop/monopole (CM) antennas are used as sub‐arrays to form a uniform linear array, which is called the CM‐uniform linear array (ULA). Adaptive beamforming via virtual interferences is used to synthesize the desired pattern and a half beamwidth of about 20° is achieved by a two‐unit CM‐ULA with a spacing of 0.75λ (λ is the radar wavelength). A novel iterative method is proposed to calibrate the array errors, including the individual antenna pattern distortions and the channel gain/phase errors, without resorting to any known signals such as a beacon or transponder signal. Simulations are executed and the results show the validity of the proposed method.
Effect of Er doping on the structural and magnetic properties of cobalt-ferrite
Authors: Prathapani Sateesh , Vinitha M. , Jayaraman T. V. , Das D.
Published: January 2014

Nanocrystalline particulates of Er doped cobalt-ferrites CoFe(2−x)ErxO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04), were synthesized, using sol-gel assisted autocombustion method. Co-, Fe-, and Er- nitrates were the oxidizers, and malic acid served as a fuel and chelating agent. Calcination (400–600 °C for 4 h) of the precursor powders was followed by sintering (1000 °C for 4 h) and structural and magnetic characterization. X-ray diffraction confirmed the formation of single phase of spinel for the compositions x = 0, 0.01, and 0.02; and for higher compositions an additional orthoferrite phase formed along with the spinel phase. Lattice parameter of the doped cobalt-ferrites was higher than that of pure cobalt-ferrite. The observed red shift in the doped cobalt-ferrites indicates the presence of induced strain in the cobalt-ferrite matrix due to large size of the Er+3 compared to Fe+3. Greater than two-fold increase in coercivity (∼66 kA/m for x = 0.02) was observed in doped cobalt-ferrites compared to CoFe2O4 (∼29 kA/m).
Entanglement of four qubit systems: A geometric atlas with polynomial compass I (the finite world)
Authors: Holweck Frédéric , Luque Jean-Gabriel , Thibon Jean-Yves
Published: January 2014

We investigate the geometry of the four qubit systems by means of algebraic geometry and invariant theory, which allows us to interpret certain entangled states as algebraic varieties. More precisely we describe the nullcone, i.e., the set of states annihilated by all invariant polynomials, and also the so-called third secant variety, which can be interpreted as the generalization of GHZ-states for more than three qubits. All our geometric descriptions go along with algorithms which allow us to identify any given state in the nullcone or in the third secant variety as a point of one of the 47 varieties described in the paper. These 47 varieties correspond to 47 non-equivalent entanglement patterns, which reduce to 15 different classes if we allow permutations of the qubits.
Note: Local thermal conductivities from boundary driven non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Bresme F. , Armstrong J.
Published: January 2014

We report non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of heat transport in models of molecular fluids. We show that the “local” thermal conductivities obtained from non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations agree within numerical accuracy with equilibrium Green-Kubo computations. Our results support the local equilibrium hypothesis for transport properties. We show how to use the local dependence of the thermal gradients to quantify the thermal conductivity of molecular fluids for a wide range of thermodynamic states using a single simulation.
Enhanced ultraviolet GaN photo-detector response on Si(111) via engineered oxide buffers with embedded Y2O3/Si distributed Bragg reflectors
Authors: Szyszka A. , Lupina L. , Lupina G. , Mazur M. , Schubert M. A. , Storck P. , Thapa S. B. , Schroeder T.
Published: January 2014

Based on a virtual GaN substrate approach on Si(111) by a step graded double oxide (Sc2O3/Y2O3) buffer, we report a “proof of principle” study on the enhanced photo-response of ultraviolet GaN photo-detectors due to embedded DBRs (distributed Bragg reflectors). Embedded DBRs benefit from an order of magnitude lower number of superlattice sequences in contrast to III- nitride systems due to the high refractive index contrast between high-k Y2O3 and low-k Si. The UV (ultraviolet) reflectance efficiency of the designed DBR is proven by a considerable photo-response increase in the UV range in comparison to reference GaN layers on Si(111) without DBRs.
Thermal stability and magnetism of Co and Fe ultrathin films on faceted Pd/W{112} surface
Authors: Chiu Chieh-Chen , Lin Wen-Chin , Song Ker-Jar
Published: January 2014

The study systematically investigates the morphology, element composition, and magnetic properties of Co and Fe films on faceted Pd/W{112} upon thermal annealing. Co thin films aggregate and form 3-dimensional islands at 400–450 K, while the {112} facets are still sustained after further annealing to 900 K. Fe thin films aggregate and form 3-dimensional islands at a lower temperature, 300–350 K, and there is no observable faceted structure after annealing at 300–900 K. The Co and Fe films on Pd/W{112} reveal stable in-plane magnetism at 100 K. The magnetic coercivity (Hc) of Co and Fe films increases and decreases, respectively, when increasing the thickness. The Hc of Co films are significantly enhanced by 2–4 times after annealing at 400–450 K, but the Hc of Fe films remain invariant upon thermal annealing at 400–450 K. These comparative studies of Co and Fe films on faceted Pd/W{112} clearly reveal the significant differences between the two systems and provide valuable information for future applications.
Characterization of 2.3 μm GaInAsSb-based vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser structures using photo-modulated reflectance
Authors: Chai G. M. T. , Hosea T. J. C. , Fox N. E. , Hild K. , Ikyo A. B. , Marko I. P. , Sweeney S. J. , Bachmann A. , Arafin S. , Amann M.-C.
Published: January 2014

We report angle dependent and temperature dependent (9 K–300 K) photo-modulated reflectance (PR) studies on vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) structures, designed for 2.3 μm mid-infrared gas sensing applications. Changing the temperature allows us to tune the energies of the quantum well (QW) transitions relative to the VCSEL cavity mode (CM) energy. These studies show that this VCSEL structure has a QW-CM offset of 21 meV at room temperature. Consequently the QW ground-state transition comes into resonance with the CM at 220 ± 2 K. The results from these PR studies are closely compared with those obtained in a separate study of actual operating devices and show how the PR technique may be useful for device optimisation without the necessity of having first to process the wafers into working devices.
Carrier transport properties of Be-doped InAs/InAsSb type-II infrared superlattices
Authors: Steenbergen E. H. , Elhamri S. , Mitchel W. C. , Mou Shin , Brown G. J.
Published: January 2014

The InAs/InAsSb type-II superlattice materials studied to date for infrared detector applications have been residually n-type, but p-type absorber regions with minority carrier electrons can result in increased photodiode quantum efficiency, RoA, and detectivity. Therefore, Be-doped InAs/InAsSb superlattices were investigated to determine the p-type InAs/InAsSb superlattice material transport properties essential to developing high quality photodiode absorber materials. Hall measurements performed at 10 K revealed that the superlattice converted to p-type with Be-doping of 3 × 1016 cm−3 and the hole mobility reached 24 400 cm2/Vs. Photoresponse measurements at 10 K confirmed the 175 meV bandgap and material optical quality.
Soft Space, Hard Bargaining: Planning for High-Tech Growth in ‘Science Vale UK’
Authors: Valler David , Phelps Nicholas A , Radford Jayme
Published: January 2014

The South East of England is Britain's ‘problem region’ of unsettled administrative and political arrangements centred on a dense web of generally small settlements and their complex interrelations. Surrounding and tied to the international finance and political centres of London, much of the rest of the semirural South East region nevertheless exhibits a degree of polycentricity. Notably, within the South East of England are a series of ‘high-tech’ hot spots critical to future UK economic growth. However, the achievement of significant growth in and around high-tech spaces is challenging, given the context of semirurality and historic infrastructure shortfalls in some of these locations. Growth is therefore associated with significant planning dilemmas, a situation which has prompted the introduction of ‘soft’ planning spaces as a means to transcend sclerotic governance structures and planning policy stasis. Yet, these subregional arrangements may also represent a vehicle for the reassertion of territory, refracting and reinforcing local political conflict rather than cultivating an unambiguous form of postpolitics. We illustrate these issues with regard to the emergence of the ‘Science Vale UK’ area in southern Oxfordshire, and consider some of the broader implications of planning for growth in such a distinctive settlement pattern.
Network of mutually repressive metastasis regulators can promote cell heterogeneity and metastatic transitions
Authors: Lee Jiyoung , Lee Jinho , Farquhar Kevin S. , Yun Jieun , Frankenberger Casey A. , Bevilacqua Elena , Yeung Kam , Kim Eun-Jin , Balázsi Gábor , Rosner Marsha Rich
Published: January 2014

Significance

Cancer progression, as an evolutionary process, should accelerate if higher cellular variability is present. However, the sources of nongenetic variability in metastatic progression are largely unknown. To address this question, we characterized a transcriptional regulatory network for the metastasis suppressor Raf kinase inhibitory protein (RKIP). We previously showed that the transcription factor BACH1 is negatively regulated by RKIP and promotes breast cancer metastasis. Here we reveal a network architecture between the metastasis suppressor RKIP and the metastasis promoter BACH1 that enables single cells to generate a stable subpopulation of prometastatic cells without any genetic changes.
Chitin-induced activation of immune signaling by the rice receptor CEBiP relies on a unique sandwich-type dimerization
Authors: Hayafune Masahiro , Berisio Rita , Marchetti Roberta , Silipo Alba , Kayama Miyu , Desaki Yoshitake , Arima Sakiko , Squeglia Flavia , Ruggiero Alessia , Tokuyasu Ken , Molinaro Antonio , Kaku Hanae , Shibuya Naoto
Published: January 2014

Significance

Chitin perception by plant receptors triggers various defense responses important for plant immunity. We show the molecular basis of chitin recognition by the rice receptor, CEBiP (chitin-elicitor binding protein), and following receptor dimerization based on the results of biochemical studies, epitope mapping by saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy and molecular modeling/docking studies. These results clearly indicated that two CEBiP molecules simultaneously bind to one
N
-acetylchitoheptaose/octaose from the opposite side, through a binding site in the central lysin motif region, resulting in the dimerization of CEBiP. Based on these observations, we proposed a hypothetical model for the ligand-induced activation of a receptor complex, involving CEBiP and
Oryza sativa
chitin-elicitor receptor kinase 1 (OsCERK1).
QCGWAS: A flexible R package for automated quality control of genome-wide association results
Authors: van der Most Peter J. , Vaez Ahmad , Prins Bram P. , Munoz M. Loretto , Snieder Harold , Alizadeh Behrooz Z. , Nolte Ilja M.
Published: January 2014

Summary: QCGWAS is an R package that automates the quality control of genome-wide association result files. Its main purpose is to facilitate the quality control of a large number of such files before meta-analysis. Alternatively, it can be used by individual cohorts to check their own result files. QCGWAS is flexible and has a wide range of options, allowing rapid generation of high-quality input files for meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies.

Availability:  http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/QCGWAS

Contact:  i.m.nolte@umcg.nl

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identification of histone 3 variant 2 interacting factors
Authors: Latreille Daniel , Bluy Lisa , Benkirane Monsef , Kiernan Rosemary E.
Published: January 2014

The epigenome is defined as a type of information that can be transmitted independently of the DNA sequence, at the chromatin level, through post-translational modifications present on histone tails. Recent advances in the identification of histone 3 variants suggest a new model of information transmission through deposition of specific histone variants. To date, several non-centromeric histone 3 variants have been identified in mammals. Despite protein sequence similarity, specific deposition complexes have been characterized for both histone 3.1 (H3.1) and histone 3.3 (H3.3), whereas no deposition complex for histone 3.2 (H3.2) has been identified to date. Here, we identified human H3.2 partners by immunopurification of nuclear H3.2 complexes followed by mass spectrometry analysis. Further biochemical analyses highlighted two major complexes associated with H3.2, one containing chromatin associated factor-1 subunits and the other consisting of a subcomplex of mini chromosome maintenance helicases, together with Asf1. The purified complexes could associate with a DNA template in vitro.
Computational visual ecology in the pelagic realm
Authors: Nilsson Dan-E. , Warrant Eric , Johnsen Sönke
Published: January 2014

Visual performance and visual interactions in pelagic animals are notoriously hard to investigate because of our restricted access to the habitat. The pelagic visual world is also dramatically different from benthic or terrestrial habitats, and our intuition is less helpful in understanding vision in unfamiliar environments. Here, we develop a computational approach to investigate visual ecology in the pelagic realm. Using information on eye size, key retinal properties, optical properties of the water and radiance, we develop expressions for calculating the visual range for detection of important types of pelagic targets. We also briefly apply the computations to a number of central questions in pelagic visual ecology, such as the relationship between eye size and visual performance, the maximum depth at which daylight is useful for vision, visual range relations between prey and predators, counter-illumination and the importance of various aspects of retinal physiology. We also argue that our present addition to computational visual ecology can be developed further, and that a computational approach offers plenty of unused potential for investigations of visual ecology in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Oil droplets of bird eyes: microlenses acting as spectral filters
Authors: Stavenga Doekele G. , Wilts Bodo D.
Published: January 2014

An important component of the cone photoreceptors of bird eyes is the oil droplets located in front of the visual-pigment-containing outer segments. The droplets vary in colour and are transparent, clear, pale or rather intensely yellow or red owing to various concentrations of carotenoid pigments. Quantitative modelling of the filter characteristics using known carotenoid pigment spectra indicates that the pigments’ absorption spectra are modified by the high concentrations that are present in the yellow and red droplets. The high carotenoid concentrations not only cause strong spectral filtering but also a distinctly increased refractive index at longer wavelengths. The oil droplets therefore act as powerful spherical microlenses, effectively channelling the spectrally filtered light into the photoreceptor's outer segment, possibly thereby compensating for the light loss caused by the spectral filtering. The spectral filtering causes narrow-band photoreceptor spectral sensitivities, which are well suited for spectral discrimination, especially in birds that have feathers coloured by carotenoid pigments.
Alloactinosynnema iranicum sp. nov., a rare actinomycete isolated from a hypersaline wetland, and emended description of the genus Alloactinosynnema
Authors: Nikou Mahdi Moshtaghi , Ramezani Mohaddaseh , Amoozegar Mohammad Ali , Fazeli Seyed Abolhassan Shahzadeh , Schumann Peter , Spröer Cathrin , Sánchez-Porro Cristina , Ventosa Antonio
Published: January 2014

A Gram-staining-positive actinobacterial strain, Chem10T, was isolated from soil around Inche-Broun hypersaline wetland in the north of Iran. Strain Chem10T was strictly aerobic, and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The isolate grew with 0–3 % NaCl, at 20–40 °C and at pH 6.0–8.0. The optimum temperature and pH for growth were 30 °C and pH 7.0, respectively. The cell wall of strain Chem10T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as diamino acid and galactose, ribose and arabinose as whole-cell sugars. The polar lipid pattern contained diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylethanolamine. Strain Chem10T synthesized cellular fatty acids of the straight-chain saturated and mono-unsaturated, and iso- and anteiso-branched types C14 : 0, C16 : 0, iso-C16 : 1, anteiso-C17 : 0, iso-C16 : 0, iso-C14 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0, and the major respiratory quinone was MK-9(H4). The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 70.7 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain Chem10T belonged to the family

Pseudonocardiaceae

and showed the closest phylogenetic similarity to

Alloactinosynnema album

KCTC 19294T (98.3 %) and

Actinokineospora cibodasensis

DSM 45658T (97.9 %). DNA–DNA relatedness values between the novel strain and strains

Alloactinosynnema album

KCTC 19294T and

Actinokineospora cibodasensis

DSM 45658T were only 52 % and 23 %, respectively. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, phenotypic characteristics and DNA–DNA hybridization data, a novel species of the genus

Alloactinosynnema

is proposed, Alloactinosynnema iranicum sp. nov. The type strain is Chem10T ( = IBRC-M 10403T = CECT 8209T). In addition, an emended description of the genus

Alloactinosynnema

is proposed.
Rheinheimera tuosuensis sp. nov., isolated from a saline lake
Authors: Zhong Zhi-Ping , Liu Ying , Liu Liang-Zi , Wang Fang , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Zhi-Pei
Published: January 2014

A Gram-staining-negative bacterium, strain TS-T4T, was isolated from Tuosu Lake, a saline lake (salinity 5.4 %, w/w) in Qaidam basin, Qinghai, China. Its taxonomic position was determined by using a polyphasic approach. Cells of strain TS-T4Twere non-spore-forming rods, 0.4–0.8 µm wide and 1.7–2.3 µm long, and motile by means of a single polar flagellum. Strain TS-T4Twas strictly heterotrophic, aerobic and catalase- and oxidase-positive. Growth was observed in the presence of 0–7.0 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 3.0–4.0 %) and at 4–40 °C (optimum, 30–35 °C) and pH 7.0–10.5 (optimum, pH 8.5–9.0). Strain TS-T4Tcontained Q-8 as the sole respiratory quinone and phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol as the major polar lipids, as for other members of the genusRheinheimera. The predominant fatty acids (>10 %) were summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7cand/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0, C17 : 1ω8cand C18 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C content was 50.2 mol% (Tm). Phylogenetic trees based on sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and a conserved portion of the gyrase B gene (gyrB) showed that strain TS-T4Twas associated with the genusRheinheimera; the strain showed the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity toRheinheimera longhuensisLH2-2T(97.1 %) and then toRheinheimera pacificaKMM 1406T(97.0 %). DNA–DNA relatedness of strain TS-T4TwithR. longhuensisLH2-2TandR. pacificaNBRC 103167 was 53±2.5 and 48±2 %, respectively. Based on the data presented, it is concluded that TS-T4Trepresents a novel species of the genusRheinheimera, for which the nameRheinheimera tuosuensissp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is TS-T4T( = CGMCC 1.12461T = JCM 19264T).
Thalassospira povalilytica sp. nov., a polyvinyl-alcohol-degrading marine bacterium
Authors: Nogi Yuichi , Yoshizumi Masaki , Miyazaki Masayuki
Published: January 2014

A polyvinyl-alcohol-degrading marine bacterium was isolated from plastic rope litter found in Tokyo Bay, Japan. The isolated strain, Zumi 95T, was a Gram-reaction-negative, non-spore-forming and facultatively anaerobic chemo-organotroph. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10. The predominant fatty acids were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, the isolated strain was closely affiliated with members of the genus

Thalassospira

in the class

Alphaproteobacteria

. The DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 55.1 mol%. The hybridization values for DNA–DNA relatedness between this strain and four reference strains representing species of the genus

Thalassospira

were significantly lower than that accepted as the phylogenetic definition of a species. On the basis of differences in taxonomic characteristics, the isolated strain represents a novel species of the genus

Thalassospira

for which the name Thalassospira povalilytica sp. nov. (type strain Zumi 95T = JCM 18746T = DSM 26719T) is proposed.
Isolation, propagation, genome analysis and epidemiology of HKU1 betacoronaviruses
Authors: Dominguez Samuel R. , Shrivastava Susmita , Berglund Andrew , Qian Zhaohui , Góes Luiz Gustavo Bentim , Halpin Rebecca A. , Fedorova Nadia , Ransier Amy , Weston Philip A. , Durigon Edison Luiz , Jerez José Antonio , Robinson Christine C. , Town Christopher D. , Holmes Kathryn V.
Published: January 2014

From 1 January 2009 to 31 May 2013, 15 287 respiratory specimens submitted to the Clinical Virology Laboratory at the Children’s Hospital Colorado were tested for human coronavirus RNA by reverse transcription-PCR. Human coronaviruses HKU1, OC43, 229E and NL63 co-circulated during each of the respiratory seasons but with significant year-to-year variability, and cumulatively accounted for 7.4–15.6 % of all samples tested during the months of peak activity. A total of 79 (0.5 % prevalence) specimens were positive for human betacoronavirus HKU1 RNA. Genotypes HKU1 A and B were both isolated from clinical specimens and propagated on primary human tracheal–bronchial epithelial cells cultured at the air–liquid interface and were neutralizedin vitroby human intravenous immunoglobulin and by polyclonal rabbit antibodies to the spike glycoprotein of HKU1. Phylogenetic analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of seven full-length genomes of Colorado HKU1 viruses and the spike glycoproteins from four additional HKU1 viruses from Colorado and three from Brazil demonstrated remarkable conservation of these sequences with genotypes circulating in Hong Kong and France. Within genotype A, all but one of the Colorado HKU1 sequences formed a unique subclade defined by three amino acid substitutions (W197F, F613Y and S752F) in the spike glycoprotein and exhibited a unique signature in the acidic tandem repeat in the N-terminal region of the nsp3 subdomain. Elucidating the function of and mechanisms responsible for the formation of these varying tandem repeats will increase our understanding of the replication process and pathogenicity of HKU1 and potentially of other coronaviruses.
Tick-borne flaviviruses alter membrane structure and replicate in dendrites of primary mouse neuronal cultures
Authors: Hirano Minato , Yoshii Kentaro , Sakai Mizuki , Hasebe Rie , Ichii Osamu , Kariwa Hiroaki
Published: January 2014

Neurological diseases caused by encephalitic flaviviruses are severe and associated with high levels of mortality. However, detailed mechanisms of viral replication in the brain and features of viral pathogenesis remain poorly understood. We carried out a comparative analysis of replication of neurotropic flaviviruses: West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis virus and tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), in primary cultures of mouse brain neurons. All the flaviviruses multiplied well in primary neuronal cultures from the hippocampus, cerebral cortex and cerebellum. The distribution of viral-specific antigen in the neurons varied: TBEV infection induced accumulation of viral antigen in the neuronal dendrites to a greater extent than infection with other viruses. Viral structural proteins, non-structural proteins and dsRNA were detected in regions in which viral antigens accumulated in dendrites after TBEV replication. Replication of a TBEV replicon after infection with virus-like particles of TBEV also induced antigen accumulation, indicating that accumulated viral antigen was the result of viral RNA replication. Furthermore, electron microscopy confirmed that TBEV replication induced characteristic ultrastructural membrane alterations in the neurites: newly formed laminal membrane structures containing virion-like structures. This is the first report describing viral replication in and ultrastructural alterations of neuronal dendrites, which may cause neuronal dysfunction. These findings encourage further work aimed at understanding the molecular mechanisms of viral replication in the brain and the pathogenicity of neurotropic flaviviruses.
The Carbon/Nitrogen Regulator ARABIDOPSIS TOXICOS EN LEVADURA31 Controls Papilla Formation in Response to Powdery Mildew Fungi Penetration by Interacting with SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS121 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Maekawa Shugo , Inada Noriko , Yasuda Shigetaka , Fukao Yoichiro , Fujiwara Masayuki , Sato Takeo , Yamaguchi Junji
Published: January 2014

The carbon/nitrogen (C/N) balance of plants is not only required for growth and development but also plays an important role in basal immunity. However, the mechanisms that link C/N regulation and basal immunity are poorly understood. We previously demonstrated that the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) Arabidopsis Tóxicos en Levadura31 (ATL31) ubiquitin ligase, a regulator of the C/N response, positively regulates the defense response against bacterial pathogens. In this study, we identified the plasma membrane-localized soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein attachment protein receptor SYNTAXIN OF PLANTS121 (SYP121) as a novel ATL31 interactor. The syp121-1 loss-of-function mutant showed similar hypersensitivity to C/N stress conditions as the atl31 atl6 double mutant. SYP121 is essential for resistance to penetration by powdery mildew fungus and positively regulates the formation of cell wall appositions (papillae) at fungal entry sites. Microscopic analysis demonstrated that ATL31 was specifically localized around papillae. In addition, ATL31 overexpressors showed accelerated papilla formation, enhancing their resistance to penetration by powdery mildew fungus. Together, these data indicate that ATL31 plays an important role in connecting the C/N response with basal immunity by promoting papilla formation through its association with SYP121.
2-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,5-benzothiazepine
Authors: Manjunath B. C. , Manjula M. , Raghavendra K. R. , Shashikanth S. , Ajay Kumar K. , Lokanath N. K.
Published: January 2014

In the title compound, C21H19NO2S2, the seven-membered thiazepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 67.4 (2)°. The mean plane of the thiophene ring is twisted by 59.3 (2) and 87.7 (2)° from the mean planes of the benezene rings. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C—H...O hydrogen bonds generateR22(20) loops.
(5-Methylpyrazine-2-carboxylato-κ2N1,O)bis[2-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl-κN)-3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl-κC1]iridium(III) chloroform hemisolvate
Authors: Kim Young-Inn , Song Young-Kwang , Kang Sung Kwon
Published: January 2014

In the title complex, [Ir(C14H8F6N)2(C6H5N2O2)]·0.5CHCl3, the IrIIIatom adopts a distorted octahedral geometry, being coordinated by three N atoms (arranged meridionally), two C atoms and one O atom of three bidentate ligands. The complex molecules pack with no specific intermolecular interactions between them. TheSQUEEZEprocedure inPLATON[Spek (2009).Acta Cryst.D65, 148–155] was used to model a disordered chloroform solvent molecule; the calculated unit-cell data allow for the presence of half of this molecule in the asymmetric unit.
(2R,3S,4R,5R)-5-(4-Amino-5-iodo-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl)-4-fluoro-2-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran-3-ol
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Ruchun , Xiao Qiang
Published: January 2014

The title compound, C11H12FIN4O3, is composed of a 7-carbapurine moiety connectedviaan N atom to 2-deoxy-2-fluoro-β-D-ribose. The conformation about the N-glycosydic bond is −antiwith χ = −129.0 (11)°. The glycosydic N—C bond length is 1.435 (14) Å. The sugar ring adopts anNconformation with an unsymmetrical twist O-endo-C-exo (oT4). The conformation around the C—C bond is +sc, with a torsion angle of 53.0 (12)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along theaaxis. These chains are linkedviaO—H...I and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming layers lying parallel to thecaxis.
16-Oxapentacyclo[6.6.5.01,18.02,7.09,14]nonadeca-2,4,6,9,11,13,18-heptaen-15-one
Authors: Mathew Eason M. , Sithambaresan M. , Unnikrishnan P. A. , Kurup M. R. Prathapachandra
Published: January 2014

In the title compound, C18H12O2, the benzene rings are inclined to one another by 66.79 (7)°. The five-membered ring is almost planar with a maximum deviation of 0.014 (1) Å. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by pairs of weak C—H...O interactions into centrosymmetric dimers. These dimers are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming a three-dimensional structure.
4,4′-({[(Pyridine-2,6-diyl)bis(methylene)]bis(oxy)}bis(methylene))dibenzonitrile
Authors: Yamin Bohari M. , Kamalulazmy Nurul A. , Hassan Nurul I.
Published: January 2014

The complete title molecule, C23H19N3O2, is generated by a twofold axis passing through the central ring. The two oxymethylbenzonitrile arms are attached at themetapositions of the central pyridine ring. The dihedral angle between the pyridine ring and benzene ring of both arms is 84.55 (6)° while the benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 46.07 (7)°. In the crystal, weak C—H...π interactions link the molecules sheets parallel to theacplane.
Characterization of carbon structures produced by graphene self-assembly
Authors: Matassa Roberto , Orlanducci Silvia , Tamburri Emanuela , Guglielmotti Valeria , Sordi Daniela , Terranova Maria Letizia , Passeri Daniele , Rossi Marco
Published: January 2014

Low-dimensional carbon-based materials, in particular two-dimensional graphenic carbon structures, have been produced from single-walled carbon nanotube disruption using high-shear mixing and/or treatments in sulfonitric acid mixtures at both room and high temperature. Among other two-dimensional graphenic carbon structures, colloidal dispersions of graphenic nanoflakes have been obtained. Different structural arrangements, resulting from the reorganization of carbon because of the disruption procedures applied, were observed through selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and through reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) analyses coupled to transmission and scanning electron microscopy observations. Such combined investigations in the real and reciprocal space provided structural information at the nanoscale on the clustering of graphene layers in nanoplatelets or/and on their assembly into highly ordered (single-crystal) nanosheets. Furthermore, a different carbon phase exhibiting an orthorhombic cell withCmmasymmetry has been detected by SAED and RHEED analyses. In addition, a variety of self-assemblies of hexagonal basal planes have been observed to occur as the result of their different rotational and/or translational stacking faults. Overall, the reported results contribute to define the conditions for a controlled self-assembly of graphene-based structures with tailored dimensions, which is an important technological challenge, as their structure at the nanoscale dramatically affects their electrical properties.
Multiple application X-ray imaging chamber for single-shot diffraction experiments with femtosecond X-ray laser pulses
Authors: Song Changyong , Tono Kensuke , Park Jaehyun , Ebisu Tomio , Kim Sunam , Shimada Hiroki , Kim Sangsoo , Gallagher-Jones Marcus , Nam Daewoong , Sato Takahiro , Togashi Tadashi , Ogawa Kanade , Joti Yasumasa , Kameshima Takashi , Ono Shun , Hatsui Takaki , Iwata So , Yabashi Makina , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: January 2014

X-ray free-electron lasers (XFELs) provide intense (∼1012 photons per pulse) coherent X-rays with ultra-short (∼10−14 s) pulse lengths. X-rays of such an unprecedented nature have introduced new means of atomic scale structural investigations, and discoveries are still ongoing. Effective use of XFELs would be further accelerated on a highly adaptable platform where most of the new experiments can be realized. Introduced here is the multiple-application X-ray imaging chamber (MAXIC), which is able to carry out various single-pulse diffraction experiments including single-shot imaging, nanocrystallographic data acquisition and ultra-fast pump–probe scattering for specimens in solid, liquid and gas phases. The MAXIC established at the SPring-8 ångström compact free-electron laser (SACLA) has demonstrated successful applications in the aforementioned experiments, but is not limited to them. Also introduced are recent experiments on single-shot diffraction imaging of Au nanoparticles and serial crystallographic data collection of lysozyme crystals at SACLA.
ASAXS study of CaF2nanoparticles embedded in a silicate glass matrix
Authors: Hoell Armin , Varga Zoltan , Raghuwanshi Vikram Singh , Krumrey Michael , Bocker Christian , Rüssel Christian
Published: January 2014

The formation and growth of nanosized CaF2crystallites by heat treatment of an oxyfluoride glass of composition 7.65Na2O–7.69K2O–10.58CaO–12.5CaF2–5.77Al2O3–55.8SiO2(wt%) was investigated using anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering (ASAXS). A recently developed vacuum version of the hybrid pixel detector Pilatus 1M was used for the ASAXS measurements below the CaK-edge of 4038 eV down to 3800 eV. ASAXS investigation allows the determination of structural parameters such as size and size distribution of nanoparticles and characterizes the spatial distribution of the resonant element, Ca. The method reveals quantitatively that the growing CaF2crystallites are surrounded by a shell of lower electron density. This depletion shell of growing thickness hinders and finally limits the growth of CaF2crystallites. Moreover, in samples that were annealed for 10 h and more, additional very small heterogeneities (1.6 nm diameter) were found.
Osmotic shrinkage of sterically stabilized liposomes as revealed by time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering
Authors: Varga Zoltán , Wacha András , Bóta Attila
Published: January 2014

Time-resolved synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to study the structural changes during the osmotic shrinkage of a pharmacologically relevant liposomal drug delivery system. Sterically stabilized liposomes (SSLs) with a diameter of 100 nm and composed of hydrogenated soy phosphocholine, cholesterol and distearoyl-phosphoethanolamine-PEG 2000 prepared in a salt-free buffer were mixed with a buffered 0.3 MNaCl solution using a stopped flow apparatus. The changes in the liposome size and the bilayer structure were followed by using SAXS with a time resolution of 20 ms. A linear decrease in liposome size is observed during the first ∼4 s of the osmotic shrinkage, which reveals a water permeability value of 0.215 (15) µm s−1. The change in the size of the liposomes upon the osmotic shrinkage is also confirmed by dynamic light scattering. After this initial step, broad correlation peaks appear on the SAXS curves in theqrange of the bilayer form factor, which indicates the formation of bi- or oligolamellar structures. Freeze-fracture combined with transmission electron microscopy revealed that lens-shaped liposomes are formed during the shrinkage, which account for the appearance of the quasi-Bragg peaks superimposed on the bilayer form factor. On the basis of these observations, it is proposed that the osmotic shrinkage of SSLs is a two-step process: in the initial step, the liposome shrinks in size, while the area/lipid adapts to the decreased surface area, which is then followed by the deformation of the spherical liposomes into lens-shaped vesicles.
In situmonitoring of X-ray strain pole figures of a biaxially deformed ultra-thin film on a flexible substrate
Authors: Geandier G. , Faurie D. , Renault P.-O. , Thiaudière D. , Le Bourhis E.
Published: January 2014

X-ray strain pole figures (SPFs) have been capturedin situduring biaxial deformation of a gold ultra-thin film (thickness = 40 nm) deposited on a polymer substrate. An area detector was used to extract one line in the reciprocal space while the strained sample was rotated azimuthally step by step to produce the SPF. Such SPFs have been obtained for a textured anisotropic ultra-thin film under controlled non-equibiaxial loading using the SOLEIL synchrotron DIFFABS tensile device. The experimental setup allows the pole figure measurements of {111} and {200} reflections to be performed simultaneously. Interestingly, those two crystallographic directions are related to the two-extreme elastic mechanical behaviour. The full directional lattice strain dependence (SPF) is obtained within 15 min and can be monitored step by step upon loading. This procedure gives an insight into ultra-thin film mechanical response under complex biaxial loading.
Determining the core activities in the order fulfillment process: an empirical application
Authors: F. Espino-Rodríguez Tomas , Rodríguez-Díaz Manuel
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This work examines the relationship between internal and relational capabilities and the creation of value to the end consumer in the case of the process of receipt, manufacture, and delivery of orders within the supply chain. This work develops a methodology to identify operations that generate core competences and those that do not, with the aim of improving the management of the supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

– This work analyses the order fulfillment process in a representative sample of firms operating in a region of Spain. To accomplish the research objectives, a personal survey was conducted using a questionnaire to evaluate 13 activities of the order distribution process in the supply chain.

Findings

– The results of the study reveal that internal and relational capabilities explain the creation of value to the consumer. They also identify two groups of operations in line with their ability to be sources of relational or internal competitive advantage. With regard to the activities, it was shown that there are some activities that form part of the core competences, while others constitute non-core competences. This work demonstrates that the core activities generate higher value to the end consumer; however, it also shows how important the non-core activities may be to the creation of value.

Practical implications

– The work offers orientation as to how the analyzed process should be redesigned to obtain a competitive advantage. Thus, this higher value to the end consumer will enable the firm to reduce prices or at least maintain them, in which case the firm will be able to offer additional services that differentiate it from the competition.

Originality/value

– Finally, although the literature contains some works that analyze capabilities or relational performance, none to date have used variables such as activity simplification, integration and relational competitiveness in the framework of relational capabilities in the order fulfillment process. Another significant innovation of this work is the analysis at operation level, in which 13 activities belonging to an important process in the supply chain are analyzed.
BPM capability development – a matter of contingencies
Authors: Niehaves Bjoern , Poeppelbuss Jens , Plattfaut Ralf , Becker Joerg
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– Business process management (BPM) is a key concept in information systems (IS) research that helps to connect business strategy with the use of technology in an organization. Contemporary BPM research is no longer only about methods, procedures, or tools for managing or modeling processes but about assessing and developing BPM capability in organizations. For this purpose, a vast collection of maturity models has been designed by practitioners and scholars alike. Such models are used to assess the status quo and benchmark it against other organizations, and, most important, to guide the development of BPM capability. With this study, the paper challenges the maturity model perspective of such development models.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, methods of qualitative IS research are employed to address the research objectives.

Findings

– The paper shows that maturity model-based guidance would be inadequate. Instead, other concept-external factors resulting from organizational and environmental characteristics appear to be important indicators. The theory discussion introduces alternative takes on BPM capability development, lays out implications for BPM practice, and presents potentially fruitful paths for future research in the area of BPM capability development.

Originality/value

– This paper challenges the current perspectives and contributes a new direction for conceptualizing BPM capability development.
Moving in, moving on: liminality practices in project-based work
Authors: Borg Elisabeth , Söderlund Jonas
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the practices mobile project workers rely upon to deal with their liminal work situation, i.e. a work situation in which they are “in-between” and do not have a clear long-term belonging to any specific organisation or project.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study employs a qualitative approach and draws upon in-depth interviews with 24 engineers working for one of Scandinavia's leading technical consultancies. The aim of the qualitative data analysis was to identify a set of commonalities and differences in their experiences and ways of dealing with liminality.

Findings

– The data indicate that mobile project workers experience their liminality in two separate dimensions; one which is primarily technical and task related, and one that is predominantly group related and social. These types of liminality are dealt with either actively, to lower or handle the ambiguity in the situation, or passively when the individual waits for the situation to be dealt with by others. Based on these two dimensions and types, the paper identifies and discusses four kinds of liminality practices.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper demonstrates the importance of focusing on individuals in project-based work, and specifically how they deal with work in-between. The paper shows when and how individuals make use of different liminality practices in their work, and calls for further research on the different skill sets and competencies that are needed to deal with liminality.

Originality/value

– By identifying four liminality practices applied in situations signified by the experience of being in-between, this study offers an important contribution to the literature on flexible and mobile work conditions. Thus, the paper contributes to the knowledge of threshold-like employment positions that denotes the everyday work situation for an increasing number of individuals engaged in knowledge-intensive and project-based work.
Boosting customer orientation through coaching: a Canadian study
Authors: Pousa Claudio , Mathieu Anne
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate to what extent bank manager's coaching, a managerial relationship behavior based on mutual trust, openness and quality of exchanges, affects front-line employee's performance through the mediating effect of salesperson's customer orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper conducted a non-experimental, cross-sectional study; a Canadian bank agreed to participate in the study and 122 financial advisors with sales responsibilities answered a web-based survey; data were analyzed using structural equation modelling.

Findings

– The paper found support for the hypotheses that managerial coaching behavior can help bank employees develop their customer orientation and increase their performance, as well as reduce opportunistic behavior (sales orientation). The paper found that the direct link between coaching and performance, plus the mediating effect of sales orientation and customer orientation (SOCO) can potentially explain a significant variation in employee's performance (r2=0.23). The paper also found that the hypothesized model provided better explanations of the phenomenon when compared with two rival models, one considering SOCO as a full mediator between coaching and performance, and the other one considering only the effect of coaching on performance.

Originality/value

– In the banking sector, practitioners and scholars are paying increased attention to the role of trust and relationship behaviors in the development of market orientation and customer relationships. The paper identified a key relationship behavior (customer orientation) and tests its impact as a mediator between a relationship managerial behavior (coaching) and business outcomes (performance) in an international banking setting (Canada).
Financial giants and moral pygmies?
Authors: Li Shaomin , Gaur Ajai
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– How should a multinational corporation (MNC) from a mature democracy deal with the human rights issues in a country with a poor human rights standard? The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors develop a mathematical model to depict MNC's behavior in response to human rights violations in the host country.

Findings

– The authors show that, first, in a country with a high level of human rights abuses, a firm will have to lower its human rights standards to survive; but, second, a collective effort by all firms is essential to improve the human rights conditions in the host environment; and third, a firm's human rights practices may have a multiplicative effect that can significantly affect the momentum of human rights development in a host country.

Originality/value

– This study is one of the first attempts to provide a theoretical framework on the issue of MNCs and human rights in host countries.
Qualitative productivity analysis: does a non-financial measurement model exist?
Authors: Teng Harold Siow Song
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to highlight the fact that a common universal qualitative model of measurement is lacking in global productivity analysis. International quantitative comparisons of country macro-level measurements of productivity have been available in the world for decades. However, there has been no consensus on what exactly constitute the indicators and measures of productivity with a focus on quality.

Design/methodology/approach

– Through literature review and analysis, a new conceptual qualitative productivity measurement model is being suggested. This model could become the basis for future research undertakings in productivity studies.

Findings

– This paper finds that there are differences in the definitions of what constitute productivity at the global level and what measurements could be considered to make productivity studies more quantitative as well as qualitative at the same time.

Originality/value

– This paper aims to bring about further discussions for a general agreement on what factors constitute a more well-balanced qualitative as well as quantitative productivity measurement model.