bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Men participating in a weight-loss intervention are able to implement key dietary messages, but not those relating to vegetables or alcohol: the Self-Help, Exercise and Diet using Internet Technology (SHED-IT) study
Authors: Collins Clare E , Morgan Philip J , Warren Janet M , Lubans David R , Callister Robin
Published: July 2010

Objective

To describe dietary changes in men participating in an obesity intervention as part of the Self-Help, Exercise and Diet using Information Technology (SHED-IT) study.

Design

An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial comparing Internet (n 34) v. information-only groups (n 31) with 6-month follow-up. Dietary intake assessed by FFQ, reporting usual consumption of seventy-four foods and six alcoholic beverages using a 10-point frequency scale. A single portion size (PSF) factor was calculated based on photographs to indicate usual serving sizes.

Setting

The campus community of the University of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

Subjects

Sixty-five overweight/obese men (43 % students, 42 % non-academic general staff, 15 % academic staff; mean age 35·9 (sd 11·1) years, mean BMI 30·6 (sd 2·8) kg/m2).

Results

The average PSF decreased significantly over time (χ2 = 20·9, df = 5, P < 0·001) with no differences between groups. While both groups reduced mean daily energy intake (GLM χ2 = 34·5, df = 3, P < 0·001), there was a trend towards a greater reduction in the Internet group (GLM χ2 = 3·3, P = 0·07). Both groups reduced percentage of energy from fat (P < 0·05), saturated fat (P < 0·001) and energy-dense/nutrient-poor items (P < 0·05), with no change in dietary fibre or alcohol (P > 0·05).

Conclusions

Although men reported some positive dietary changes during weight loss, they did not increase vegetable intakes nor decrease alcohol consumption, while saturated fat, fibre and Na intakes still exceeded national targets. Future interventions for men should promote specific food-based guidelines to target improvements in their diet-related risk factor profile for chronic diseases.
Neuronal soma–satellite glial cell interactions in sensory ganglia and the participation of purinergic receptors
Authors: Gu Yanping , Chen Yong , Zhang Xiaofei , Li Guang-Wen , Wang Congying , Huang Li-Yen Mae
Published: July 2010

It has been known for some time that the somata of neurons in sensory ganglia respond to electrical or chemical stimulation and release transmitters in a Ca2+-dependent manner. The function of the somatic release has not been well delineated. A unique characteristic of the ganglia is that each neuronal soma is tightly enwrapped by satellite glial cells (SGCs). The somatic membrane of a sensory neuron rarely makes synaptic contact with another neuron. As a result, the influence of somatic release on the activity of adjacent neurons is likely to be indirect and/or slow. Recent studies of neuron–SGC interactions have demonstrated that ATP released from the somata of dorsal root ganglion neurons activates SGCs. They in turn exert complex excitatory and inhibitory modulation of neuronal activity. Thus, SGCs are actively involved in the processing of afferent information. In this review, we summarize our understanding of bidirectional communication between neuronal somata and SGCs in sensory ganglia and its possible role in afferent signaling under normal and injurious conditions. The participation of purinergic receptors is emphasized because of their dominant roles in the communication.
Inception of the eastern California shear zone and evolution of the Pacific‐North American plate boundary: From kinematics to geodynamics
Authors: Liu Mian , Wang Hui , Li Qingsong
Published: July 2010

The San Andreas Fault (SAF) is the transform boundary between the Pacific and the North American plates, yet up to 25% of the relative plate motion is now accommodated by the eastern California shear zone (ECSZ). Here we investigate the inception of the ECSZ and its geodynamic interactions with the SAF using a 3‐D viscoelastoplastic finite element model. For a given fault configuration of the plate boundary zone, the model simulates long‐term slip on the faults and plastic strain outside the faults. Our results show that the formation of the Big Bend of the SAF around 5–12 Ma impeded fault slip and localized strain along the ECSZ, causing its inception. Development of the ECSZ was further enhanced by the activation of the Garlock Fault (GF) and lithospheric weakening caused by the encroachment of the Basin and Range extension. Similarly, the San Jacinto Fault (SJF) in southern California developed along a belt of localized strain, which resulted from the formation of the restraining bend along the San Bernardino Mountains segment of the SAF ∼2 Myr ago. Once activated, the SJF reduced slip on both the southern SAF and the ECSZ across the Mojave Desert. These results indicate causative relationship between the SAF and the ECSZ. The inception of the ECSZ and other young faults is the consequence of the evolving SAF plate boundary zone that continuously adjusts itself to accommodate the relative plate motion.
Electric field controlled Faraday rotation in an electro-optic/magneto-optic bilayer
Authors: Dadoenkova Yu. S. , Lyubchanskii I. L. , Lee Y. P. , Rasing Th.
Published: July 2010

The Faraday rotation for light transmission through a bilayered structure composed of an electro-optic semiconductor film and a slab with high values of magneto-optic and magnetoelectric interactions is theoretically investigated. The influence of dispersion as well as an external electric field on the Faraday rotation is studied.
Clostridium ljungdahlii
represents a microbial production platform based on syngas
Authors: Köpke Michael , Held Claudia , Hujer Sandra , Liesegang Heiko , Wiezer Arnim , Wollherr Antje , Ehrenreich Armin , Liebl Wolfgang , Gottschalk Gerhard , Dürre Peter
Published: July 2010

Clostridium ljungdahlii
is an anaerobic homoacetogen, able to ferment sugars, other organic compounds, or CO
2
/H
2
and synthesis gas (CO/H
2
). The latter feature makes it an interesting microbe for the biotech industry, as important bulk chemicals and proteins can be produced at the expense of CO
2
, thus combining industrial needs with sustained reduction of CO and CO
2
in the atmosphere. Sequencing the complete genome of
C. ljungdahlii
revealed that it comprises 4,630,065 bp and is one of the largest clostridial genomes known to date. Experimental data and in silico comparisons revealed a third mode of anaerobic homoacetogenic metabolism. Unlike other organisms such as
Moorella thermoacetica
or
Acetobacterium woodii
, neither cytochromes nor sodium ions are involved in energy generation. Instead, an Rnf system is present, by which proton translocation can be performed. An electroporation procedure has been developed to transform the organism with plasmids bearing heterologous genes for butanol production. Successful expression of these genes could be demonstrated, leading to formation of the biofuel. Thus,
C. ljungdahlii
can be used as a unique microbial production platform based on synthesis gas and carbon dioxide/hydrogen mixtures.
Experiences related to expert supervisors' views of ideal therapeutic practice
Authors: Slavin-Mulford Jenelle M. , Hilsenroth Mark J. , Blagys Mathew D. , Blais Mark A.
Published: July 2010

Aims: This study examines the relationship between expert supervisors' professional experiences and their views about the importance of different psychotherapy techniques. Method: Thirty psychodynamic‐interpersonal (PI) supervisors and 13 cognitive‐behavioural (CB) supervisors (N=43) were instructed to rate 20 therapeutic techniques according to how characteristic each technique is of an ideally‐conducted session within their theoretical orientation. The measure used for this assessment was the Comparative Psychotherapy Process Scale. Results: Findings demonstrated that supervisors' beliefs about ideal therapeutic techniques are related to their number of years in post‐graduate clinical practice, training, and supervising trainees, as well as to the number of publications they have authored. Further, experience within a given orientation tends to lead to a greater endorsement of techniques within that orientation, although this finding is more uniform for CB supervisors than PI supervisors. Finally, differential types of experience lead to differential focusing on specific techniques. Discussion: The clinical importance of these findings is explored.
Counselling in organisations: What is the experience of the lone counsellor?
Authors: Winning Fiona Janet
Published: July 2010

Aims: To explore and understand lone counsellors' experiences of working in organisations, and to indicate means of enhancing this. Method: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with nine participants and subjected to a qualitative, grounded theory analysis (Glaser, 1992; Glaser, 1998). Findings: Lone counsellors felt lonely, isolated and stressed in the workplace. The ‘lone battling’ behaviour adopted in an attempt to seek acceptance within the organisation and meaningful relationships with likeminded others in the counselling community was only partially successful. The lone counselling experience is understood to be a product of the tension inherent in organisational dynamics. Discussion: The findings help to confirm the belongingness hypothesis proposed by Baumeister and Leary (1995) that states that the need to belong is a fundamental motivation. Implications: The relevance of these findings to the training and employment of counsellors and other lone workers is discussed as well as areas for further research.
Embracing change: perceptions of e‐journals by faculty members
Authors: McCLANAHAN Kitty , WU Lei , TENOPIR Carol , KING Donald W.
Published: July 2010

This paper synthesizes the findings from the qualitative portions of two studies (conducted in 2005 and 2008) that assessed the activities and attitudes of faculty members in several US universities, regarding their interactions with scholarly materials, and their scholarly reading patterns. The systematic interpretation of their comments and descriptions of their own experiences and opinions offers an image of scholars who enthusiastically embrace the electronic information environment, in spite of some frustrations with its imperfections. Their use of e‐journals, Internet resources, and email communication has become indispensable to their scholarly activities, and has profoundly changed the way they interact with information, create new knowledge, and relate to their university library. For these faculty members, e‐journals have supplanted the print format, because of their convenience, flexibility of work location, advantages for interdisciplinary access, and ease of storage.
Book Reviews
Authors: CAMPBELL Bob , WILLINSKY John , ANDERSON Rick
Published: July 2010

Report and Recommendations from the Scholarly Publishing Roundtable Association of American Universities January 2010, 31 pp. http://www.aau.edu/policy/scholarly_publishing_roundtable.aspx?id=6894
The nanofabrication of Pt nanowire arrays at the wafer-scale and its application in glucose detection
Authors: Tong Duy Hien , Tran Phu Duy , Tung Pham Xuan Thanh , Pham Van Binh , Tuyen Le Thi Thanh , Dang Mau Chien , J M Van Rijn Cees
Published: July 2010

In this paper we present an innovative method, deposition and etching under angles (DEA), for the fabrication of ready-for-measurement platinum (Pt) nanowires at the wafer-scale. The presented fabrication approach utilizes common techniques of conventional microfabrication technology, such as microlithography, thin-film deposition and wafer-scale ion beam etching, to realize an array of Pt nanowires on a silicon substrate with an insulation layer of silicon dioxide. Well-defined nanowire arrays with wire width down to 30 nm and wire length of up to several millimeters have been realized. Furthermore, each Pt nanowire from the array is individually electrically addressable, for multiplex detection. To prove the potential applications of the fabricated Pt nanowire chips, utilization of the fabricated Pt nanowire chip in glucose detection is presented and discussed.
Mather measures selected by an approximation scheme
Authors: Gomes Diogo , Iturriaga Renato , Sánchez-Morgado Héctor , Yu Yifeng
Published: July 2010

In this note, we will identify Mather measures selected by Evans’s variational approach in 1-d. Motivated by the low dimension case, we conjecture that Evans’s approximation scheme might catch the whole Mather set in all dimensions. We also discuss the connection with another approximation scheme in the works of Anantharaman, Evans and Gomes.
Modeling and analyzing complex biological networks incooperating experimental information on both network topology and stable states
Authors: Zou Yi Ming
Published: July 2010

Motivation: Linking the topology of a complex network to its long-term behavior is a basic problem in network theory, which has been on the focus of many recent research publications. To obtain a suitable Boolean model for a biological system, one must analyze the initial model and compare it with other experimental evidence, and if necessary, make adjustments by changing the topology of the wiring diagram. However, our knowledge on how to link the topology of a network to its long-term behavior is very limited due to the complexity of the problem. Since the need to consider complex biological networks has become ever greater, develop both theoretical foundation and algorithms for model selection and analysis has been brought to the forefront of biological network study.

Results: This article proposes a novel method to study intrinsically the relationship between experimental data and the possible Boolean networks, which can be used to model the underlying system. Simple and easy to use criteria for a Boolean network to have both a given network topology and a given set of stable states are derived. These criteria can be used to guide the selection of a Boolean network model for the system, as well as to gain information on the intrinsic properties, such as the robustness and the evolvability, of the system. A Boolean model for the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is used to explain the method.

Contact:  ymzou@uwm.edu
Rosuvastatin added to standard heart failure therapy improves cardiac remodelling in heart failure rats with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Gómez‐Garre Dulcenombre , González‐Rubio Ma Luisa , Muñoz‐Pacheco Paloma , Caro‐Vadillo Alicia , Aragoncillo Paloma , Fernández‐Cruz Arturo
Published: July 2010

Aims

Although statins may provide potential therapeutic pathways for patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), no studies have evaluated statins in combination with standard HF therapy, which would reflect clinical practice more closely. To address this question, we evaluated whether rosuvastatin added to a standard HF therapy provides additional improvement in cardiac structure and function in rats with hypertensive heart failure (SHHF).

Methods and results

Two‐month‐old SHHF rats were randomly assigned to four groups: (i) non‐treated SHHF rats; (ii) rosuvastatin‐treated SHHF rats; (iii) SHHF rats treated with quinapril plus torasemide plus carvedilol (considered as standard HF therapy); and (iv) SHHF rats treated with the combination of standard HF therapy and rosuvastatin. The administration of a standard anti‐hypertensive HF therapy to SHHF rats for 17 months attenuated left ventricular (LV) chamber dilatation, cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammation compared with non‐treated SHHF rats. Rosuvastatin alone prevented LV dilatation and cardiac inflammation similar to standard HF therapy‐treated SHHF, despite being unable to normalize blood pressure (BP) or influence cardiac hypertrophy. However, and importantly, the addition of rosuvastatin to the standard HF therapy further prevented LV dilatation, preserved cardiac function, and normalized inflammation.

Conclusion

These data show that the use of rosuvastatin plus a standard HF therapy results in a significant additional improvement in HF and cardiac remodelling in a rat model of HFpEF. These beneficial effects were independent of BP and plasma lipid changes, and seem to be due, at least in part, to decreased myocardial inflammation.
The protective effect of thalidomide on left ventricular function in a rat model of diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kim Dae‐Hee , Kim Yong‐Jin , Chang Sung‐A , Lee Hye‐Won , Kim Ha‐Na , Kim Hyung‐Kwan , Chang Hyuk‐Jae , Sohn Dae‐Won , Park Young‐Bae
Published: July 2010

Aims

To evaluate the protective effect of thalidomide, a potent anti‐inflammatory drug, on the development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DMCMP).

Methods and results

We induced type 1 diabetes using streptozocin in 8‐week‐old Sprague–Dawley rats, divided them into two groups—a thalidomide treatment group (DM‐T, n = 15) and a non‐treatment group (DM‐N, n = 15)—and compared them with a normal control (n = 10). Ten weeks after diabetes induction, heart and lung mass indices were higher in the DM‐N group compared with the control group. In the DM‐T group, increases in heart and lung mass indices were attenuated compared with the DM‐N group. On echocardiographic examination, systolic and diastolic mitral annulus velocities were impaired in the DM‐N group, but they remained normal in the DM‐T group. On haemodynamic analyses, left ventricular (LV) systolic function, represented by end‐systolic elastance (0.35 ± 0.14 vs. 0.18 ± 0.07 mmHg/μl, P < 0.001) and preload‐recruitable stroke work (90.5 ± 24.3 vs. 51.8 ± 22.0 mmHg, P < 0.001), was preserved in the DM‐T group compared with the DM‐N group. Likewise, deterioration of LV diastolic function was attenuated in the DM‐T group. Increases in serum levels of TNF‐α were attenuated in the DM‐T group compared with the DM‐N group. On histological analysis, thalidomide treatment lowered total myocardial collagen content and the expression of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, ICAM‐1, and VCAM‐1.

Conclusion

In an animal model of DMCMP, deterioration of LV systolic and diastolic function was partially prevented by thalidomide treatment.
Wheat Bran AX Properties and Choice of Xylanase Affect Enzymic Production of Wheat Bran‐Derived Arabinoxylan‐Oligosaccharides
Authors: Van Craeyveld Valerie , Dornez Emmie , Holopainen Ulla , Selinheimo Emilia , Poutanen Kaisa , Delcour Jan A. , Courtin Christophe M.
Published: July 2010

Wheat bran‐derived arabinoxylan‐oligosaccharides (AXOS) recently have been shown to potentially exert prebiotic effects. In this study, 15 bran samples obtained by milling different wheat cultivars were treated with xylanases from Hypocrea jecorina (XHJ), Aspergillus aculeatus (XAA), and Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis (XPH) to assess the effect of bran source and xylanase properties on the AXOS yield and structure. The total arabinoxylan (AX) extraction yield was higher with XHJ (8.2–10.7%) and XAA (8.2–10.8%) than with XPH (6.9–9.5%). Irrespective of the enzyme, a significant negative correlation was observed between extraction yield and arabinose to xylose (A/X) ratio of bran AX (r = –0.7), but not between yield and bran AX level. The A/X ratio of the extracted material was 0.27–0.34 for all bran samples and all enzymes, which combined with yield data and microscopic analysis, indicated primary hydrolysis of aleurone and nucellar epidermis AX. The average degree of polymerization (avDP) of the extracted AX was very low for all enzymes (2–3), owing to the release of high levels of monomeric arabinose and xylose. The release of these monosaccharides could be ascribed to 1) the activity of wheat bran‐associated enzymes (arabinofuranosidases and xylosidases); 2) the hydrolytic properties of the xylanases themselves; and 3) the presence of xylosidases as contaminations in enzyme preparation, in that order of importance. Heat treatment of bran before xylanase treatment significantly decreased the levels of monomeric arabinose and xylose in the extract, without affecting the extraction yield, resulting in a higher avDP of 3–7, thus yielding true AXOS. Overall, for AXOS production, wheat cultivars with a low bran A/X ratio of the AX are preferable as starting materials, and inactivation of bran‐associated enzymes before incubation is desirable. The XHJ xylanase was the best enzyme for wheat bran‐derived AXOS production.
Chryseobacterium yonginense sp. nov., isolated from a mesotrophic artificial lake
Authors: Joung Yochan , Joh Kiseong
Published: July 2010

A Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, yellow-pigmented bacterial strain, designated HMD1043T, was isolated from a mesotrophic artificial lake in Korea. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 (28.3 %), iso-C15 : 0 (22.9 %), summed feature 9 (comprising iso-C17 : 1ω9c and/or 10-methyl C16 : 0; 8.8 %) and iso-C13 : 0 (5.3 %). The DNA G+C content was 31.3 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMD1043T formed a lineage within the genus Chryseobacterium and was most closely related to Chryseobacterium antarcticum AT1013T (96.8 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity) and Chryseobacterium jeonii AT1047T (96.4 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HMD1043T is described as belonging to a novel species of the genus Chryseobacterium, for which the name Chryseobacterium yonginense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HMD1043T ( = KCTC 22744T  = CECT 7547T).
Lactobacillus floricola sp. nov., lactic acid bacteria isolated from mountain flowers
Authors: Kawasaki Shinji , Kurosawa Kana , Miyazaki Madoka , Yagi Chisato , Kitajima Yoritaka , Tanaka Shigeta , Irisawa Tomohiro , Okada Sanae , Sakamoto Mitsuo , Ohkuma Moriya , Niimura Youichi
Published: July 2010

Five strains (Ryu1-2T, Gon2-9, Ryu4-3, Nog8-1 and Aza1-1) of lactic acid bacteria were isolated from flowers in mountainous areas in Japan, Oze National Park, Iizuna mountain and the Nikko area. The five isolates were found to share almost identical (99.6–100 % similar) 16S rRNA gene sequences and were therefore deemed to belong to the same species. These isolates exhibited low levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to known lactic acid bacteria; the closest recognized relatives to strain Ryu1-2Twere the type strains ofLactobacillus hilgardii(92.8 % similarity),Lactobacillus kefiri(92.7 %),Lactobacillus composti(92.6 %) andLactobacillus buchneri(92.4 %). Comparative analyses ofrpoAandpheSgene sequences demonstrated that the novel isolates did not show significant relationships to otherLactobacillusspecies. The strains were Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative and homofermentative. The isolates utilized a narrow range of carbohydrates as sources of carbon and energy, including glucose and fructose. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and phylogenetic data, these isolates represent a novel species of the genusLactobacillus, for which the nameLactobacillus floricolasp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Ryu1-2T( = NRIC 0774T = JCM 16512T = DSM 23037T).
Paenibacillus jilunlii sp. nov., a nitrogen-fixing species isolated from the rhizosphere of Begonia semperflorens
Authors: Jin Hao-Jie , Zhou Yu-Guang , Liu Hong-Can , Chen San-Feng
Published: July 2010

A nitrogen-fixing bacterium, designated strain Be17T, was isolated from rhizosphere soil of Begonia semperflorens planted in Beijing Botanical Garden, PR China. Phylogenetic analyses based on a segment of the nifH gene sequence and a full-length 16S rRNA gene sequence revealed that strain Be17T was a member of the genus Paenibacillus. High levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were found between strain Be17T and Paenibacillus graminis RSA19T (97.9 %), Paenibacillus sonchi LMG 24727T (97.8 %), Paenibacillus riograndensis CECT 7330T (96.2 %) and Paenibacillus borealis DSM 13188T (96.1 %), respectively. Levels of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity between strain Be17T and the type strains of other recognized members of the genus Paenibacillus were below 96.0 %. However, the DNA–DNA hybridization values between strain Be17T and P. graminis RSA19T, P. sonchi LMG 24727T and P. riograndensis CECT 7330T were 47.9 %, 38.7 % and 37.5 %, respectively. The DNA G+C content of strain Be17T was 52.9 mol%. The major fatty acid component of strain Be17T was anteiso-branched C15 : 0 (30.92 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The cell-wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid as the diagnostic diamino acid. On the basis of its phenotypic characteristics, 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA G+C content, DNA–DNA relatedness, chemotaxonomic properties and nifH gene sequence, strain Be17T represents a nitrogen-fixing strain of a novel species of the genus Paenibacillus, for which the name Paenibacillus jilunlii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is Be17T ( = CGMCC 1.10239T = DSM 23019T).
Fibrisoma limi gen. nov., sp. nov., a filamentous bacterium isolated from tidal flats
Authors: Filippini Manuela , Kaech Andres , Ziegler Urs , Bagheri Homayoun C.
Published: July 2010

An orange-pigmented, Gram-staining-negative, non-motile, filament-forming, rod-shaped bacterium (BUZ 3T) was isolated from a coastal mud sample from the North Sea (Fedderwardersiel, Germany) and characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. According to 16S rRNA gene sequence data, it belonged to the family Cytophagaceae, exhibiting low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (<90 %) with members of the genera Spirosoma, Rudanella and Fibrella. The DNA G+C content was 52.0 mol%. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH), C16 : 1ω5c and iso-C17 : 0 3-OH. The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine and several aminolipids. On the basis of phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, it is proposed that strain BUZ 3T represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Fibrisoma limi gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is BUZ 3T ( = DSM 22564T  = CCUG 58137T).
Flavobacterium macrobrachii sp. nov., isolated from a freshwater shrimp culture pond
Authors: Sheu Shih-Yi , Chiu Tzu-Fang , Young Chiu-Chung , Arun A. B. , Chen Wen-Ming
Published: July 2010

A bacterial strain, designated an-8T, was isolated from a freshwater shrimp culture pond in Taiwan and characterized using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of strain an-8T were Gram-reaction-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped and non-motile, formed yellow-pigmented colonies and grew at 15–30 °C (optimum 25 °C), pH 7–8 (optimum pH 8.0) and in 0–1 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum 0 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain an-8T belonged to the genus Flavobacterium and its most closely related neighbours were Flavobacterium terrigena DS-20T and Flavobacterium terrae R2A1-13T with sequence similarities of 95.1 and 94.9 %, respectively. Strain an-8T contained iso-C15 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω6c and/or C16 : 1ω7c), iso-C16 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH and iso-C15 : 1 as the major fatty acids. The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-6. The polar lipid profile consisted of a mixture of phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidyldimethylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine and several unidentified polar lipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 39.8 mol%. On the basis of the phylogenetic and phenotypic data, strain an-8T represents a novel species of the genus Flavobacterium, for which the name Flavobacterium macrobrachii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is an-8T ( = BCRC 17965T  = LMG 25203T).
Flavobacterium ginsenosidimutans sp. nov., a bacterium with ginsenoside converting activity isolated from soil of a ginseng field
Authors: Yang Jung-Eun , Kim Se-Young , Im Wan-Taek , Yi Tae-Hoo
Published: July 2010

A Gram-negative, aerobic, non-motile, non-spore-forming, yellow-pigmented, rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain THG 01T, was isolated from the soil of a ginseng field in Pocheon province, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Strain THG 01T grew well at 25–37 °C and pH 6.0–7.5 in the absence of NaCl on nutrient agar. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity data, strain THG 01T was shown to belong to the family Flavobacteriaceae and was related to Flavobacterium anhuiense D3T (97.5 % similarity), Flavobacterium johnsoniae UW101T (96.8 %) and Flavobacterium denitrificans ED5T (96.7 %). 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between the novel strain and members of other recognized species within the family Flavobacteriaceae were less than 96.7 %. The G+C content of the genomic DNA of strain THG 01T was 32.1 mol%. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data (major menaquinone was MK-6 and major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0, iso-C15 : 0 3-OH and C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c ) supported the affiliation of strain THG 01T to the genus Flavobacterium. DNA–DNA hybridization experiments showed that DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain THG 01T and its closest phylogenetic neighbours were below 11 %. The results of physiological and biochemical tests enabled strain THG 01T to be differentiated genotypically and phenotypically from recognized species of the genus Flavobacterium. The isolate therefore represents a novel species, for which the name Flavobacterium ginsenosidimutans sp. nov. is proposed, with THG 01T ( = KACC 14525T = JCM 16720T) as the type strain.
Pacificibacter maritimus gen. nov., sp. nov., isolated from shallow marine sediment
Authors: Romanenko Lyudmila A. , Tanaka Naoto , Svetashev Vasily I. , Kalinovskaya Nataliya I.
Published: July 2010

An aerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-pigmented, non-motile bacterium, strain KMM 9031T, was isolated from a sandy sediment sample collected from the shore of the Sea of Japan and subjected to phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis. Based on comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain KMM 9031Tconstituted a separate phylogenetic line within theRoseobacterclade of the classAlphaproteobacteria, sharing highest sequence similarities with members of the generaRoseovarius(92.7–95.3 %),Pseudoruegeria(94.5 %),Sulfitobacter(92.7–94.4 %) andThalassobacter(94.2–94.3 %). The predominant fatty acid of strain KMM 9031Twas C18 : 1ω7c, with C16 : 0, C10 : 03-OH and C12 : 13-OH present in lesser amounts. The DNA G+C content of the isolate was 52.6 mol%. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10 and polar lipids comprised phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol and two unknown lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and physiological and biochemical characterization, strain KMM 9031Trepresents a novel species in a new genus, for which the namePacificibacter maritimusgen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is KMM 9031T( = NRIC 0785T = JCM 17096T).
Activation of an Arabidopsis Resistance Protein Is Specified by the in Planta Association of Its Leucine-Rich Repeat Domain with the Cognate Oomycete Effector
Authors: Krasileva Ksenia V. , Dahlbeck Douglas , Staskawicz Brian J.
Published: July 2010

Activation of plant immunity relies on recognition of pathogen effectors by several classes of plant resistance proteins. To discover the underlying molecular mechanisms of effector recognition by the Arabidopsis thaliana RECOGNITION OF PERONOSPORA PARASITICA1 (RPP1) resistance protein, we adopted an Agrobacterium tumefaciens–mediated transient protein expression system in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum), which allowed us to perform coimmunoprecipitation experiments and mutational analyses. Herein, we demonstrate that RPP1 associates with its cognate effector ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA RECOGNIZED1 (ATR1) in a recognition-specific manner and that this association is a prerequisite step in the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response of host tissue. The leucine-rich repeat (LRR) domain of RPP1 mediates the interaction with ATR1, while the Toll/Interleukin1 Receptor (TIR) domain facilitates the induction of the hypersensitive cell death response. Additionally, we demonstrate that mutations in the TIR and nucleotide binding site domains, which exhibit loss of function for the induction of the hypersensitive response, are still able to associate with the effector in planta. Thus, our data suggest molecular epistasis between signaling activity of the TIR domain and the recognition function of the LRR and allow us to propose a model for ATR1 recognition by RPP1.
The challenge of operating in the new Europe
Authors: Jakubowski Irena
Published: July 2010

Identifies three main player types in the European snackfood
industry: followers, fliers and financiers. Describes the
characteristics of each group. Analyses the forces for change as: macro
forces, market forces and industry forces. Suggests what the response to
these forces for change should be and proposes strategies for success
and survival for each player group.
Assessing the digital divide in a Jordanian academic library
Authors: Obeidat Othman , Genoni Paul
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent and nature of the digital divide as it applies in a developing Arab country.

Design/methodology/approach

The method used is an innovative form of document availability test developed to measure the extent of the digital divide between a service offered by a university library in a developed (Western) tertiary education system (Curtin University of Technology, Western Australia) and one offered by a university library in a developing Arab country (Yarmouk University, Jordan). The method tests differences in capacity to deliver content according to format (digital or print) and tests for differences in digital access to both “international” and “local” content experienced by users of the two libraries.

Findings

The findings indicate the existence of a digital divide, but also suggest that the availability of digital content has helped overcome the substantial scholarly information divide.

Research limitations/implications

The research has implications for academic libraries in developing Arab countries as they attempt to redress the effects of the digital divide.

Originality/value

The paper uses an innovative methodology for measuring the digital divide, and represents the first attempt to quantify the effects of the digital divide as it impacts upon the users of an academic library in a developing Arab country.
Exploring the effects of task characteristics on knowledge sharing in libraries
Authors: Liu Kuang‐Liang , Chang Chen‐Chi , Hu In‐Lin
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Knowledge sharing intention and group identity are the keys to improving library service quality. The purpose of this paper is to integrate work design questionnaire and affective events theory to understand the relationship between task characteristics and knowledge sharing quality in the context of the library.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 204 professional librarians in various libraries provide strong support for the proposed research model. A structural equation modelling analysis was performed using LISREL. The adequacy of the measurement model was evaluated on the criteria of reliability, convergent validity and discriminant validity.

Findings

The paper shows that sharing intention and group identity have important effects on knowledge quality. Task characteristics, such as work methods, task variety and social feedback, have strong effects on group identity.

Research limitations/implications

The findings imply that only work methods and social feedback have strong effects on knowledge sharing intention.

Originality/value

The motivation to share librarians' knowledge is critical to successful library service. The paper provides evidence that knowledge quality is built through work methods, task variety and social feedback. Implications for theory and practice and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Older workers' motivation: against the myth of general decline
Authors: Stamov‐Roßnagel Christian , Hertel Guido
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish a theory‐based and empirically grounded platform to assess age‐related changes in work motivation, and to derive motivational interventions in personnel management.

Design/methodology/approach

The general approach is one of conceptual transfer: to cast work psychological phenomena in lifespan psychological terms to generate the tenets.

Findings

Rather than declining uniformly, older workers' motivation develops in a multidirectional, multilevel way. Motivation decline in certain types of work tasks goes with stable motivation and even motivation gains in other tasks as a function of a variety of task characteristics. These age‐related changes may be captured in a worker's motivation profile, which is functional for positive affect regulation.

Practical implications

The conceptualisation suggests a more differentiated approach to job design and human resource management, considering age‐related changes at multiple levels simultaneously instead of focusing on major age effects only.

Originality/value

The conceptual clarity of work motivation research is enhanced by distinguishing global and task‐specific levels of motivation that may dissociate in older workers. By transferring up‐to‐date findings and concepts from Lifespan Psychology to Organisational Psychology, further research is stipulated in both fields.
Playing devious games, budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation, and attitudes towards the budgetary process
Authors: Huang Cheng‐Li , Chen Mien‐Ling
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the moderating effect of playing devious games on the relationship between budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey questionnaire was selected. A hierarchical regression was used to analyze the data gathered from 216 Taiwanese managers in listed companies.

Findings

The results indicate that playing devious games to obtain extra budget requests moderated the relationships of budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process. The relationships were strong and positive when playing devious games was low, and weak when playing devious games was high.

Research limitations/implications

The study depends on manager questionnaire responses and thus variations in emotional responses are a concern. In addition, it remains problematic to question managers regarding their engagement in dysfunctional behaviors because managers may not wish to publicize their gaming strategies.

Practical implications

Managers playing devious games to obtain extra budget requests is a significant factor to be considered in attitudes towards the budgetary process. Superiors should communicate with these managers to better understand the purposes of the budget proposals before deciding how to allocate budget resources.

Originality/value

The findings should be useful to superiors in understanding how managerial game‐playing behaviors impact on the relationship between budget‐emphasis in performance evaluation and attitudes towards the budgetary process.
Absorptive capacity and a failed cross‐border M&A
Authors: Deng Ping
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Chinese companies are increasingly using cross‐border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to source knowledge or strategic assets. For many, global acquisitions have proven to be highly problematic and value‐destroying. The purpose of this paper is to address this critical acquisition failure issue from an absorptive capacity perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by the framework that focuses on how acquiring a firm's weak absorptive capacity damages its ability to assimilate, integrate and apply external new knowledge, one high‐profile Chinese failed acquisition: TCL acquisition of France's Thomson's TV business in 2004 is analyzed empirically.

Findings

Acquisition performance of Chinese overseas M&A is found to be substantially affected by the acquiring firm's absorptive capacity at multiple dimensions.Research limitations/implications –The absorptive capacity construct provides an insightful account for differentials in Chinese overseas M&A performance.

Practical implications

For decision makers interested in formulating and implementing overseas M&A strategy, appropriate evaluation of their own firms’ absorptive capability should be the first step to take.Originality/value–This is the first paper to apply absorptive capacity arguments to Chinese resource‐driven M&A strategy, and will prompt business academicians and practitioners to think about M&A strategy in new and innovative ways.
Aesthetics and spirituality in the Australian services sector
Authors: Issa Theodora , Pick David
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report on the results of research focusing on the relationship between aesthetics and spirituality in the Australian services sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs an interpretive mixed‐method approach. The data were collected using an online survey developed from a range of existing research tools. The population of interest is employees in the Australian services sector. The results were analysed using quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques.

Findings

The results of the analysis suggest that people who work in the Australian services sector tend to consider themselves “spiritual”, but it is a spirituality that is not necessarily religious, it might more likely be derived from aesthetics.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of this study is the small sample size, which limits the inferences that can be drawn. Despite this limitation, this study has important implications in that it illuminates and attempts to resolve some of the conceptual confusion and contradictions in the existing literature relating to aesthetics and spirituality. It is proposed that aesthetics be equated with an expressed spirituality that has no connection with religiosity and spirituality be equated with expressed religious beliefs.

Originality/value

This paper presents an investigation of the relatively neglected area of spirituality and aesthetics in the context of the Australian business environment and stimulates the debate about spirituality and aesthetics in the workplace.
Switching barriers used to retain retail banking customers
Authors: Valenzuela Fredy
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to uncover the dimensions that form the construct of switching barriers for retail banking customers in the Chilean banking industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The investigation was divided into three stages: Stage 1: literature and existing research review, Stage 2: qualitative focused interviews, and Stage 3: survey including pre‐test, pilot survey, and main survey.

Findings

The research results uncovered the existence of a five‐factor structure measuring switching barriers. Three factors were associated with positive or more reward‐based switching barriers (organizational credibility, value congruency, and relational value) and two factors accounted for negative or punitive switching barriers (difficulties of switching and lack of attractive alternatives). The study also showed that Chilean customers perceive banks as using more punitive switching barriers rather than rewarding ones.

Originality/value

The study attempts to validate the findings of past research in the case of South America.
Airlines’ plight: where has all the luggage gone?
Authors: Zane Chris K. , Reyes Pedro M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) for improving track and trace of the luggage handling process and to determine potential decreases in operational costs of airports, namely through reduced baggage sorting expenses.

Design/methodology/approach

An experiment was designed to test the feasibility of implementing a RFID‐based tracking system and to determine the practicality and the technical hurdles which must be addressed.

Findings

RFID‐optimized airline value chains can improve efficiencies through adaptive load planning, whereby luggage can be loaded onto aircraft based on final destination and reduce manual sorting.

Research limitations/implications

The experiment was tested in a small regional airport.

Practical implications

RFID allows for synchronous communication through the value chain, enabling airlines to proactively determine if departing aircraft contain the appropriately checked luggage.

Originality/value

As customers become more price elastic, the firm must improve its abilities to meet the travel flexibility requirement and provide value added services to customers. RFID can expedite value chains by removing human induced variability and manual sorting, while improving accuracy and providing a heightened awareness of the logistics system.
Positioning the technological university library in higher education and human resources development in Africa
Authors: Chiware Elisha R.T.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

This paper seeks to discuss the positioning of academic libraries in universities of science and technology in Africa. With the importance that is given to the establishment and outputs of these types of universities and to skills development as a contributing factor to Africa's development, the role of library and information services are to be discussed. The paper aims to focus on the position of the library in relation to the changing complexity of information resources, tools for users to access information, IT developments, knowledge creation and dissemination, community engagement, support for innovation and entrepreneurial development, external partnerships and measuring service delivery through research.

Design/methodology/approach

The challenges for the library in science and technology universities are to remain relevant to the development of skilled human resource that can contribute to Africa's economic and social development. The changing information provision landscape, the new community engagement programmes, the thrust to contribute to knowledge development and the support for innovation and entrepreneurial development ensure that the library remains relevant in the academic projects in Africa.

Findings

The library in science and technology universities in Africa and in other developing countries remains an important strategic partner in the development of human resources and overall economic and social development of the continent.

Originality/value

The discussion in the paper provides some insights into the planning and development of emerging technological university libraries in Africa and other developing regions.
Innovative financing for university libraries in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Okojie Victoria
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the different sources of financing university libraries in Africa and the challenges faced by libraries in sourcing for funds, with a view to suggesting innovative ways through which the library can raise additional funds.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the literature on different sources of financing libraries globally, especially alternative sources of funding outside government grants. It identifies the challenges faced in sourcing for funds, best practices in raising additional funds and makes suggestions on non‐conventional ways that can be used by libraries to address the challenge.

Findings

The paper finds that government provides about 90 per cent of the funds for university libraries in Africa. However, the funding is not only inadequate, but is also usually provided on an ad hoc basis. It notes that, in spite of the fact that the literature reveals that librarians are aware of the danger inherent in depending so much on one source of funding and the need to seek alternative sources, they have not done much to overcome the challenge.

Originality/value

In reviewing the various sources of financing university libraries, the paper notes that government allocation remains the major source of revenue; notes the alternative sources of revenue in different countries and describes some of the best practices available. The paper also updates the literature on the subject by discussing current practices, and makes a case for the establishment of a Business and Public Relations department in libraries, an increase in public‐private partnerships and greater efficiency in managing library resources.