bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction in vitro between the proteinase of Tomato ringspot virus (genus Nepovirus) and the eukaryotic translation initiation factor iso4E from Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Léonard Simon , Chisholm Joan , Laliberté Jean-François , Sanfaçon Hélène
Published: August 2015

Eukaryotic initiation factor eIF(iso)4E binds to the cap structure of mRNAs leading to assembly of the translation complex. This factor also interacts with the potyvirus VPg and this interaction has been correlated with virus infectivity. In this study, we show an interaction between eIF(iso)4E and the proteinase (Pro) of a nepovirus (Tomato ringspot virus; ToRSV)in vitro. The ToRSV VPg did not interact with eIF(iso)4E although its presence on the VPg-Pro precursor increased the binding affinity of Pro for the initiation factor. A major determinant of the interaction was mapped to the first 93 residues of Pro. Formation of the complex was inhibited by addition of m7GTP (a cap analogue), suggesting that Pro-containing molecules compete with cellular mRNAs for eIF(iso)4E binding. The possible implications of this interaction for translation and/or replication of the virus genome are discussed.
Complete nucleotide sequence of the M RNA segment of Andes virus and analysis of the variability of the termini of the virus S, M and L RNA segments
Authors: Padula P. J. , Sanchez A. J. , Edelstein A. , Nichol S. T.
Published: August 2015

Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) has been recognized increasingly as a significant public health problem in South America since Andes virus was first discovered in Argentina. Here, the isolation of Andes virus is reported from an infected rodent captured in Argentina in close vicinity to the place of the first HPS case, AH1. The complete nucleotide sequences of the virus M segment, partial L segment and the termini of the S, M and L segment genome RNAs were determined. The Andes virus M RNA segment is 3671 nt in length and is predicted to encode a glycoprotein precursor 1138 aa in length; it generally resembles the other HPS-associated hantaviruses in its organization. Relative to the G1 glycoprotein of other HPS-associated hantaviruses, an additional potential glycosylation site was found but this is located in the predicted cytoplasmic domain and is therefore unlikely to be glycosylated. In phylogenetic analyses, Andes virus, together with the more related hantaviruses, represented a monophyletic lineage. The S-terminal nucleotides were conserved relative to other New World hantaviruses. The M and L segment RNA termini had short deletions in the region believed to contain the sequence and structural features necessary for initiation of virus RNA replication and transcription. Clinical manifestations of Andes virus infections range from fulminant respiratory disease with high lethality to mild course without sequelae. Andes virus has also been associated with person-to-person transmission. Accumulation of Andes virus genetic data will be essential for understanding the factors that regulate virus replication and transmission and to determine the pathogenesis of HPS.
Apoptosis induction by the Therien and vaccine RA27/3 strains of rubella virus causes depletion of oligodendrocytes from rat neural cell cultures
Authors: Domegan Lisa M. , Atkins Gregory J.
Published: August 2015

The induction of cell death by the Therien strain of rubella virus (RVT), and the vaccine RA27/3 strain, was investigated in mixed glial cell cultures derived from the rat CNS. Cell death induction in Vero and rat glial cells by RVT and RA27/3 was dependent on virus replication. In both cell types and for both virus strains, cell death induction had the hallmarks of apoptosis, as detected by DNA laddering, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling staining and Annexin V staining. For rat mixed glial cells, the depletion of oligodendrocytes was due to the induction of apoptosis for both virus strains. The induction of apoptosis in H358a cells, which carry a homozygous deletion of the p53 gene, indicated that a p53-independent pathway can be involved. The induction of cell death by RVT and RA27/3 in Vero and rat glial cells was associated with caspase-3 activity. It is concluded that rubella virus (RV) induces apoptosis in oligodendrocytes in rat glial cell cultures by a caspase-dependent pathway and that similar mechanisms occur for both the RVT laboratory strain and the vaccine RA27/3 strain. The tropism of both strains of RV for oligodendrocytes and the induction of apoptosis in such cells may have important implications for the mechanism of virus neuropathogenesis.
Glycoprotein B plays a predominant role in mediating herpes simplex virus type 2 attachment and is required for entry and cell-to-cell spread
Authors: Cheshenko Natalia , Herold Betsy C.
Published: August 2015

Heparan sulfate moieties serve as receptors for initial binding of herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and -2) to cells. Deletion of HSV-1 glycoprotein C (gC-1) but not HSV-2 gC (gC-2) results in virions with reduced specific binding activity (virus particles bound per cell) and specific infectivity (p.f.u. per particle), suggesting that for HSV-1, but not HSV-2, gC plays a major role in mediating virus attachment. To test the hypothesis that glycoprotein B (gB), the other heparin-binding glycoprotein, mediates HSV-2 attachment, HSV-2 viruses deleted in gB-2 alone or deleted in both gB-2 and gC-2 were constructed. These viruses were grown on complementing or non-complementing cells and were compared with parental HSV-2(G) or a gC-2-deleted HSV-2 mutant (with respect to ability to bind and infect cells). At equivalent input concentrations of purified virions, significantly fewer gB-2-deleted virions bound to cells compared to parental HSV-2(G) or virus grown on complementing cells. In addition, viruses deleted in gB-2 were non-infectious. No immediate early proteins were detected in cells infected with gB-2-deleted virus harvested from non-complementing Vero cells, whereas these proteins were readily detected 4 h post-infection in cells infected with virus grown on complementing cells or with parental viruses. Viruses deleted in gB-2 failed to spread cell to cell, as evidenced by the inability to form plaques. Together these studies demonstrate that gB-2 plays a key role in mediating HSV-2 attachment and is required for entry and cell-to-cell spread. This glycoprotein is an important target for development of novel antiviral drugs.
Absence of canine oral papillomavirus DNA following prophylactic L1 particle-mediated immunotherapeutic delivery vaccination
Authors: Moore R. A. , Nicholls P. K. , Santos E. B. , Gough G. W. , Stanley M. A.
Published: August 2015

In the canine oral papillomavirus (COPV) model, following wart regression, COPV DNA was detected by PCR at the challenge site. However, following particle-mediated immunotherapeutic delivery (PMID) of COPV L1 and subsequent challenge, no COPV DNA could be detected. These data support PMID of COPV L1 as a protective vaccine and suggest that PMID of L1 may induce virus clearance.
Silencing of a viral RNA silencing suppressor in transgenic plants
Authors: Savenkov Eugene I. , Valkonen Jari P. T.
Published: August 2015

High expression levels of the helper component proteinase (HCpro), a known virus suppressor of RNA silencing, were attained in Nicotiana benthamiana transformed with the HCpro cistron of Potato virus A (PVA, genus Potyvirus). No spontaneous silencing of the HCpro transgene was observed, in contrast to the PVA coat protein (CP)-encoding transgene in other transgenic lines. HCpro-transgenic plants were initially susceptible to PVA and were systemically infected by 14 days post-inoculation (p.i.) but, 1 to 2 weeks later, the new expanding leaves at positions +6 and +7 above the inoculated leaf showed a peculiar recovery phenotype. Leaf tips (the oldest part of the leaf) were chlorotic and contained high titres of PVA, whereas the rest of the leaf was symptomless and contained greatly reduced or non-detectable levels of viral RNA, CP and transgene mRNA. The spatial recovery phenotype suggests that RNA silencing is initiated in close proximity to meristematic tissues. Leaves at position +8 and higher were symptomless and virus-free but not completely resistant to mechanical inoculation with PVA. However, they were not infected with the virus systemically transported from the lower infected leaves, suggesting a vascular tissue-based resistance mechanism. Recovery of the HCpro-transgenic plants from infection with different PVA isolates was dependent on the level of sequence homology with the transgene. Methylation of the HCpro transgene followed recovery. These data show that the transgene mRNA for a silencing suppressor can be silenced by a presumably ‘strong’ silencing inducer (replicating homologous virus).
Osmotic regulation of the Streptomyces lividans thiostrepton-inducible promoter, ptipA
Authors: Ali Nasima , Herron Paul R , Evans Meirwyn C , Dyson Paul J
Published: August 2015

Transcriptional activation of the thiostrepton-inducible promoter,ptipA, inStreptomyces lividansis mediated by TipAL. This transcriptional activator belongs to the MerR/SoxR family that characteristically binds an operator sequence located between the −10 and −35 hexamers normally occupied by RNA polymerase. As for theEscherichia colimerTpromoter, theptipAhexamers are separated by a long 19 bp spacer and hence a topological transition of the DNA is likely to be a requisite for alignment with RNA polymerase. Growth conditions that could facilitate this conformational change were investigated using transcriptional fusions ofptipAwith reporter genes. Adjustment of growth medium osmolarity led to increased and prolonged TipAL-dependent expression, both with and without the inducer, thiostrepton. These effects correlated with increases in negative DNA supercoiling. Moreover, an inability to induce the promoter with thiostrepton in strain TK64 was corrected by increasing the concentration of osmolyte, compensating for an apparent reduced level of negative DNA supercoiling in the strain. Prolonging the time of activation oftipAin the wild-type by manipulating growth conditions revealed that mycelial autolysis could be induced by thiostrepton in 4-d-old cultures.
Phage-display antibody detection of Chlamydia trachomatis-associated antigens
Authors: Lindquist Erika A , Marks James D , Kleba Betsy J , Stephens Richard S
Published: August 2015

A phage-displayed human single-chain Fv antibody library (6·7×109members) was used to select probes specific to components associated with the surface ofChlamydia trachomatiselementary bodies (EBs). Each of 15 antibodies was characterized by ELISA, dot-blot, immunoblot and immunocytochemistry, resulting in the identification of several new chlamydial components associated with the surface of EBs. In addition, six antibodies were specific for host-cell components associated with the surface of EBs. While phage display has been used effectively to produce specific antibodies for purified components, these data show that this technology is suitable for selection of specific probes from complex antigens such as the surface of a microbial pathogen.
A novel paralogous gene family involved in phase-variable flagella-mediated motility in Campylobacter jejuni
Authors: Karlyshev Andrey V , Linton Dennis , Gregson Norman A , Wren Brendan W
Published: August 2015

Flagella-mediated motility is recognized to be one of the major factors contributing to virulence in Campylobacter jejuni. Motility of this bacterium is known to be phase variable, although the mechanism of such variation remains unknown. C. jejuni genome sequencing revealed a number of genes prone to phase variation via a slipped-strand mispairing mechanism. Many of these genes are hypothetical and are clustered in the regions involved in formation of three major cell surface structures: capsular polysaccharide, lipooligosaccharide and flagella. Among the genes of unknown function, the flagellar biosynthesis and modification region contains seven hypothetical paralogous genes designated as the motility accessory factor (maf) family. Remarkably, two of these genes (maf1 and maf4) were found to be identical and both contain homopolymeric G tracts. Using insertional mutagenesis it was demonstrated that one of the genes, maf5, is involved in formation of flagella. Phase variation of the maf1 gene via slipped-strand mispairing partially restored motility of the maf5 mutant. The maffamily represents a new class of bacterial genes related to flagellar biosynthesis and phase variation. Reversible expression of flagella may be advantageous for the adaptation of C. jejunito the varied in vivo and ex vivo environments encountered during its life cycle, as well in evasion of the host immune response.
Chromosome loss from par mutants of Pseudomonas putida depends on growth medium and phase of growth
Authors: Lewis Richard A , Bignell Colin R , Zeng Wei , Jones Anthony C , Thomas Christopher M
Published: August 2015

The proteins encoded by chromosomal homologues of theparAandparBgenes of many bacterial plasmids have been implicated in chromosome partitioning. Unlike their plasmid counterparts, mutant phenotypes produced by deleting these genes have so far been elusive or weakly expressed, except during sporulation. Here the properties ofPseudomonas putidastrains with mutations inparAandparBare described. These mutants do not give rise to elevated levels of anucleate bacteria when grown in rich medium under standard conditions. However, in M9-minimal medium differentparAandparBmutations gave between 5 and 10% anucleate cells during the transition from exponential phase to stationary phase. Comparison of the DNA content of bacteria at different stages of the growth curve, in batch culture in L-broth and in M9-minimal medium, suggests that thepargenes are particularly important for chromosome partitioning when cell division reduces the chromosome copy number per cell from two to one. This transition occurs inP. putidaduring the entry into stationary phase in M9-minimal medium, but not in L-broth. It is proposed that the partition apparatus is important to ensure proper chromosome segregation primarily when the bacteria are undergoing cell division in the absence of ongoing DNA replication.
Donghicola tyrosinivorans sp. nov., a tyrosine-degrading bacterium isolated from seawater
Authors: Sung Hye-Ri , Lee Jin-Man , Kim Mibang , Yun Bo-ram , Shin Kee-Sun
Published: August 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, aerobic bacterium, strain 13-93-B1T, was isolated from seawater off Jeju Island, Republic of Korea, and was subjected to polyphasic taxonomic study. Cells formed ivory colonies and were ovoid to rod-shaped. The strain was catalase-positive, oxidase-negative and grew optimally at 30 °C, in the presence of 1–2 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 7.0–7.5. It did not synthesize bacteriochlorophyll a. Neighbour-joining, maximum-likelihood and maximum-parsimony phylogenetic trees based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain 13-93-B1T clustered with the type strain Donghicola eburneus SW-277T (97.0 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity). DNA–DNA hybridization between strain 13-93-B1T and D. eburneus KCTC 12735T was 33.1 ± 1.4 % (35.2 ± 2.8 % in a reciprocal experiment). The predominant cellular fatty acid was summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7c/C18 : 1ω6c; 76.9 %). The major respiratory quinone was ubiquinone Q-10 and polar lipids detected in strain 13-93-B1T were phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminolipid and unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content of strain 13-93-B1T was 60.4 mol%. Based on the phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data presented, strain 13-93-B1T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Donghicola, for which the name Donghicola tyrosinivorans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 13-93-B1T ( = DSM 100212T = KCTC 42571T)
Brachybacterium hainanense sp. nov., isolated from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) branch
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhai Lei , Yao Su , Cao Yanhua , Cao Yu , Zhang Xin , Su Jiaojiao , Ge Yuanyuan , Zhao Ran , Cheng Chi
Published: August 2015

A Gram-stain-positive bacterial strain, designated as NR2T, isolated from noni (Morinda citrifolia L.) branch was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. The cells were small coccoid to ovoid, non-spore-forming and motile. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain was a representative of a member of the genus Brachybacterium, to which the most closely related neighbours were Brachybacterium squillarum M-6-3T (97.90 % similarity), Brachybacterium faecium DSM 4810T (97.50 %), Brachybacterium sacelli LMG 20345T (97.41 %), Brachybacterium phenoliresistens phenol-AT (97.36 %), Brachybacterium nesterenkovii DSM 9573T (97.36 %) and Brachybacterium rhamnosum LMG 19848T (97.32 %). The polar lipid profile of strain NR2T consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unknown phospholipids and unknown glycolipids. The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-8, with MK-9 and MK-7 as minor components. The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and iso-C15 : 0. Strain NR2T was clearly distinguishable from the type strains of related species on the basis of phylogenetic analysis, DNA–DNA hybridization, fatty acid composition data analysis and a range of physiological and comparison of biochemical characteristics. It is evident from the genotypic and phenotypic data that strain NR2T represents a novel species of the genus Brachybacterium, for which the name Brachybacterium hainanense sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is NR2T ( = DSM 29535T = CICC 10874T).
Actinoplanes luteus sp. nov., isolated from soil
Authors: Suriyachadkun Chanwit , Ngaemthao Wipaporn , Chunhametha Suwanee , Sanglier Jean-Jacques
Published: August 2015

A novel filamentous bacterial strain, A-T 5190T, which developed irregular sporangia at the end of sporangiophores on substrate mycelia, was isolated from dry evergreen forest soil collected in Thailand. The 16S rRNA gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain A-T 5190Tbelonged to the genusActinoplanesand was related most closely toActinoplanes palleroniiNBRC 14916T(98.88 % similarity) andActinoplanes rectilineatusNBRC 13941T(98.54 %). DNA–DNA relatedness values between strain A-T 5190Tand its closest relatives were below 70 %. The cell-wall peptidoglycan containedmeso-diaminopimelic acid. The whole-cell sugars contained rhamnose, ribose, galactose and xylose. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H4). The diagnostic phospholipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and phosphatidylinositol. The predominant cellular fatty acids were unsaturated fatty acid C17 : 1and branched fatty acids iso-C16 : 0, iso-C15 : 0and anteiso-C17 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 71.9 mol%. Evidence from phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genotypic studies indicate that strain A-T 5190Trepresents a novel species of the genusActinoplanes, for which the nameActinoplanes luteussp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A-T 5190T( = BCC 41582T = NBRC 109644T).
Further genetic diversification in multiple tumors and an evolutionary perspective on therapeutics
Authors: Tao Yong , Hu Zheng , Ling Shaoping , Yeh Shiou-Hwie , Zhai Weiwei , Chen Ke , Li Chunyan , Wang Yu , Wang Kaile , Wang Hurng-Yi , Hungate Eric A. , Onel Kenan , Liu Jiang , Zeng Changqing , Hudson Richard R. , Chen Pei-Jer , Lu Xuemei , Wu Chung-I
Published: August 2015

Abstracts

The genetic diversity within a single tumor can be extremely large, possibly with mutations at all coding sites (Ling et al. 2015). In this study, we analyzed 12 cases of multiple hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors by sequencing and genotyping several samples from each case. In 10 cases, tumors are clonally related by a process of cell migration and colonization. They permit a detailed analysis of the evolutionary forces (mutation, migration, drift and natural selection) that influence the genetic diversity both within and between tumors. In 23 inter-tumor comparisons, the descendant tumor usually shows a higher growth rate than the parent tumor. In contrast, neutral diversity dominates within-tumor observations such that adaptively growing clones are rarely found. The apparent adaptive evolution between tumors can be explained by the inherent bias for detecting larger tumors that have a growth advantage. Beyond these tumors are a far larger number of clones which, growing at a neutral rate and too small to see, can nevertheless be verified by molecular means. Given that the estimated genetic diversity is often very large, therapeutic strategies need to take into account the pre-existence of many drug-resistance mutations. Importantly, these mutations are expected to be in the very low frequency range in the primary tumors (and become frequent in the relapses, as is indeed reported (1-3). In conclusion, tumors may often harbor a very large number of mutations in the very low frequency range. This duality provides both a challenge and an opportunity for designing strategies against drug resistance (4-8).

One Sentence Summary

The total genetic diversity across all tumors of a single patient, with large number of low frequency mutations driven by neutral and adaptive forces, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for new cancer therapeutics.
A comparative analysis of network mutation burdens across 21 tumor types augments discovery from cancer genomes
Authors: Horn Heiko , Lawrence Michael S. , Hu Jessica Xin , Worstell Elizabeth , Ilic Nina , Shrestha Yashaswi , Kim Eejung , Kamburov Atanas , Kashani Alireza , Hahn William C. , Boehm Jesse S. , Getz Gad , Lage Kasper
Published: August 2015

Heterogeneity across cancer makes it difficult to find driver genes with intermediate (2-20%) and low frequency (<2%) mutations1, and we are potentially missing entire classes of networks (or pathways) of biological and therapeutic value. Here, we quantify the extent to which cancer genes across 21 tumor types have an increased burden of mutations in their immediate gene network derived from functional genomics data. We formalize a classifier that accurately calculates the significance level of a gene’s network mutation burden (NMB) and show it can accurately predict known cancer genes and recently proposed driver genes in the majority of tested tumours. Our approach predicts 62 putative cancer genes, including 35 with clear connection to cancer and 27 genes, which point to new cancer biology. NMB identifies proportionally more (4x) low-frequency mutated genes as putative cancer genes than gene-based tests, and provides molecular clues in patients without established driver mutations. Our quantitative and comparative analysis of pan-cancer networks across 21 tumour types gives new insights into the biological and genetic architecture of cancers and enables additional discovery from existing cancer genomes. The framework we present here should become increasingly useful with more sequencing data in the future.
Inferring social structure and its drivers from refuge use in the desert tortoise, a relatively solitary species
Authors: Sah Pratha , Nussear Kenneth E. , Esque Todd C. , Aiello Christina M. , Hudson Peter J. , Bansal Shweta
Published: August 2015

For several species, refuges (such as burrows, dens, roosts, nests) are an essential resource for protection from predators and extreme environmental conditions. Refuges also serve as focal sites for social interactions including mating, courtship and aggression. Knowledge of refuge use patterns can therefore provide information about social structure, mating and foraging success, as well as the robustness and health of wildlife populations, especially for species considered to be relatively solitary. In this study, we construct networks of burrow use to infer social associations in a threatened wildlife species typically considered solitary - the desert tortoise. We show that tortoise social networks are significantly different than null networks of random associations, and have moderate spatial constraints. We next use statistical models to identify major mechanisms behind individual-level variation in tortoise burrow use, popularity of burrows in desert tortoise habitat and test for stressor-driven changes in refuge use patterns. We show that seasonal variation has a strong impact on tortoise burrow switching behavior. On the other hand, burrow age and topographical condition influence the number of tortoises visiting a burrow in desert tortoise habitat. Of three major population stressors affecting this species (translocation, drought, disease), translocation alters tortoise burrow switching behavior, with translocated animals visiting fewer unique burrows than residents. In a species that is not social, our study highlights the importance of leveraging refuge use behavior to study the presence of and mechanisms behind non-random social structure and individual-level variation. Our analysis of the impact of stressors on refuge-based social structure further emphasizes the potential of this method to detect environmental or anthropogenic disturbances.

Significance statement: Adaptive and social behavior that affects fitness is now being increasingly incorporated in the conservation and management of wildlife species. However, direct observations of social interactions in species considered to be solitary are difficult, and therefore integration of behavior in conservation and management decisions in such species has been infrequent. For such species, we propose quantifying refuge use behavior as it can provide insights towards their (hidden) social structure, establish relevant contact patterns of infectious disease spread, and provide early warning signals of population stressors. Our study highlights this approach in a long-lived and threatened species, the desert tortoise. We provide evidence towards the presence of and identify mechanisms behind the social structure in desert tortoises formed by their burrow use preferences. We also show how individuals burrow use behavior responds to the presence of population stressors.
A two-dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer based on 5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalic acid: poly[[tetraaquabis[μ3-5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalato]dicadmium(II)] pentahydrate]
Authors: Liu Fang , Zhang Jing-Jing , Lei Ming-Yuan , Zhang Qing-Fu
Published: August 2015

The title CdIIcompound, {[Cd2(C13H7NO4)2(H2O)4]·5H2O}n, was synthesized by the hydrothermal reaction of Cd(NO3)2·4H2O and 5-(pyridin-4-yl)isophthalic acid (H2L). The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically independent CdIIcations, two deprotonatedL2−ligands, four coordinated water molecules and five isolated water molecules. One of the CdIIcations adopts a six-coordinate octahedral coordination geometry involving three O atoms from one bidentate chelating and one monodentate carboxylate group of two differentL2−ligands, one N atom of anotherL2−ligand and two coordinated water molecules. The second CdIIcation adopts a seven-coordinate pentagonal–bipyramidal coordination geometry involving four O atoms from two bidentate chelating carboxylate groups of two differentL2−ligands, one N atom of anotherL2−ligand and two coordinated water molecules. EachL2−ligand bridges three CdIIcations and, likewise, each CdIIcation connects to threeL2−ligands, giving rise to a two-dimensional graphite-like 63layer structure. These two-dimensional layers are further linked by O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions to form a three-dimensional supramolecular architecture. The photoluminescence properties of the title compound were also investigated.
Strengthening donor stewardship one month at a time
Authors: Gardner Betina L. , Rhodus Krista Zabawa
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Libraries’ experience and success in the creation of a fundraising Communications Plan.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on observational experiences at EKU Libraries over the course of two years, before and after the implementation of a Communications Plan.

Findings

– Feedback from Friends of EKU Libraries advised that donors appreciate communications from EKU Libraries, especially on a monthly basis. As a result of implementing a Communications Plan, donations to EKU Libraries became more consistent throughout the year and increased in number.

Practical implications

– EKU Libraries found that a meaningful Communications Plan can help strengthen the connection between an organization and its donors. As a result, the Plan will be refined annually and utilized for the foreseeable future.

Originality/value

– This paper provides guidance for libraries and other organizations on the creation and implementation of a fundraising Communications Plan, based on the experience of EKU Libraries.
A comparison of mode effects between face-to-face and drop-off contingent valuation surveys
Authors: Ma Hua , Liu Hui , Gong Yazhen , Jin Jianjun , Mao Xianqiang
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the practice potential of self-administered drop-off as a survey mode for contingent valuation (CV) studies.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper conducts an empirical comparison of mode effects of two survey methods for improved ecological services in Beijing. Data were collected from a CV survey, which has two subsamples, one using face-to-face interviews and the other employing self-administered drop-off surveys.

Findings

– There is some evidence of social desirability bias in the face-to-face interviews for the participation question; however, such effects do not carry over to subjects’ responses to the contribution decision. No difference is observed in sample demographics between modes. And satisficing effect is not observed in the drop-off survey in this study.

Research limitations/implications

– More well-controlled mode comparisons are warranted to test the robustness of the results; and collection time effects as well as the use of drop-off surveys for environmental valuation with different levels of complexity and familiarity are worthy of further study.

Practical implications

– The authors find more similarities between drop-off and face-to-face surveys than differences therefore support the practice of self-administered drop-off surveys in CVM for environmental valuation.

Originality/value

– This paper adds to the limited number of well-controlled mode comparisons in the CV surveys, and contributes to a better understanding of self-administered drop-off surveys, a potential low-cost alternative to face-to-face interviews in future CV applications.
Total-factor energy efficiency in China’s sugar manufacturing industry
Authors: Ru Lei , Si Wei
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the total-factor energy efficiency (TFEE) in China’s sugar manufacturing industry using firm-level data from 2002/2003 to 2012/2013 crushing seasons, and further explore the determinants of TFEE.

Design/methodology/approach

– Modified data envelopment analysis is used to measure the TFEE of each sugar mill during the crushing seasons. Then heteroskedastic fractional probit model is applied to estimate the determinants of TFEE because of the bounded nature of TFEE and heteroskedasticity of unbalanced panel.

Findings

– The results show that throughout the crushing seasons, the average TFEE is 0.57; there are spatial differences of TFEE in Guangxi sugar industry, highest in southern area; the TFEE of foreign-owned sugar mills is larger than that of private-owned and state-owned sugar mills; the larger the enterprise size, the higher the TFEE; private ownership, large size, raw material, safe productivity, total recovery rate as well as technical progress can improve TFEE significantly.

Originality/value

– This paper analyzes TFEE using a rich data set at firm level, allowing the existence of firm heterogeneity, as well as being complementary to the study of energy efficiency in China’s sugar industry. Moreover, ownership structure is involved in the determinants of TFEE, which is rarely done in literature. Lastly, heteroskedastic fractional probit model is employed to recognize the bounded nature of TFEE as well as selection bias of unbalanced panel to study the determinants of TFEE.
Examining the relationship between social media characteristics and psychological dispositions
Authors: Grace Debra , Ross Mitchell , Shao Wei
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to adopt a novel approach to the study of individuals’ psychological dispositions that predict Facebook usage/non-usage. Given the historically disappointing results associated with studies that treat personality traits/dispositions as enduring and invariant, contemporary thought accepts that it is the interaction between dispositions and situations that influence behaviour. In this study, the situation (in this case, Facebook) is positioned as the antecedent stimulus for the activation of context-relevant psychological dispositions that, subsequently, facilitate behavioural prediction (i.e. Facebook usage/non-usage). Moreover, Facebook (the stimulus) is examined through its perceived psychological, rather than normative, features to identify context-relevant dispositions.

Design/methodology/approach

– This two-study project adopts a research framework developed through the integration of communication theories and theoretical frameworks and psychological processing theories. Study 1 adopted a qualitative approach to determine the psychological features of Facebook, as perceived from the individual’s standpoint. Study 2 involved a national online survey, developed from the findings from Study 1, to explore context-relevant psychological dispositions in their prediction of Facebook behaviour.

Findings

– The findings of Study 1 lead to the identification of the perceived psychological features of Facebook which are categorised under the umbrella terms of interaction, self-image control, usage volition and risk. Using these features (identified in Study 1) to guide in the selection of context-relevant dispositions, rather than arbitrarily selecting dispositions, the hypotheses for Study 2 are developed. As a result, Study 2 involves the discriminant analysis of data gathered from 579 user/non-users of Facebook to determine if context-relevant psychological dispositions accurately predict behaviour of both users and non-users of Facebook.

Originality/value

– The findings provide a psychological roadmap for Facebook advertisers, which can be used to develop and test media-specific advertising strategy. Furthermore, a significant contribution of this study resides within the research approach itself which can be used to guide not only media research but also other marketing and business research that is characterized by context specificity.
Concrete and abstract goals associated with the consumption of environmentally sustainable products
Authors: Ramirez Edward , Jiménez Fernando R. , Gau Roland
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to identify and classify consumers’ goals associated with the consumption of environmentally sustainable products. The applicability of such goals to the positioning of environmental products is also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

– Study 1 used 62 laddering interviews to identify a hierarchical map of adoption related goals. Study 2 used a survey design (N = 152 students) to test the effects of construal-goal fit on evaluations of environmental product attributes of a hybrid car. Study 3 involved an online experiment (N = 125 consumer panellists) to test the effects of construal-goal fit on consumers’ willingness to pay a price premium (WTPP) for energy-efficient light bulbs.

Findings

– A hierarchical goal map displays consumption goals attainable through environmentally sustainable products. Consumers with a chronic, high-level construal placed more importance on product attributes associated with abstract goals than those with chronic, low-level construal. This effect was stronger for males than for females. Additionally, construal-goal fit increased WTPP.

Research limitations/implications

– The results suggest that marketers consider construal-goal fit to communicate the value of environmentally sustainable products. The results, however, should be replicated in other product categories and across diverse cultural settings.

Originality/value

– This paper identifies and classifies the goals related to consumption of environmentally sustainable products. Additionally, it tests the effects of construal-goal fit on evaluations of environmental products, providing insights for marketers seeking to improve their promotional efforts and for public policymakers as they institute demarketing campaigns.
Vulnerability and agency work: from the workers’ perspectives
Authors: Cochrane Robyn , McKeown Tui
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The notion of worker vulnerability is often seen as synonymous with disadvantage in discussions of nonstandard work. The purpose of this paper is to separate and examine these two notions by considering economic, social and psychological perspectives and exploring the reality as experienced by agency workers.

Design/methodology/approach

– In total, 178 Australian clerical agency workers employed by eight agencies completed a mail questionnaire. Personalised responses were subjected to computer-assisted template analysis.

Findings

– Sample characteristics revealed a gendered and heterogeneous workforce. Findings showed evidence of economic, psychological and social vulnerabilities although favourable features were also reported. This apparent contradiction suggests linkages between the features of nonstandard work, worker preferences, individual characteristics and the experience of worker vulnerability.

Research limitations/implications

– The notion of varying degrees of worker vulnerability offers a new lens to investigate agency work. The relatively small sample size, focus on clerical work and features of the Australian context may limit generalisability.

Practical implications

– Findings demonstrate the nature and extent of agency worker vulnerability which allows us to offer policy interventions for governments, agencies and user organisations and insights for prospective agency workers.

Originality/value

– The widespread use of agency workers provides an imperative for frameworks to assess the nuances of the agency work experience. This study presents the reality of agency work as experienced by the workers and reveals the good and bad aspects of agency work.
Do internal labour markets protect the unskilled from low payment? Evidence from Germany
Authors: Lengfeld Holger , Ohlert Clemens
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– Up to date, it remains an unresolved issue how firms shape inequality in interaction with mechanisms of stratification at the individual and occupational-level. Accordingly, the authors ask whether workers of different occupational classes are affected to different degrees by between-firm wage inequality. In light of the recent rise of overall wage inequality, answers to this question can contribute to a better understanding of the role firms play in this development. The authors argue and empirically test that whether workers are able to benefit from firms’ internal or external strategies for flexibility depends on resources available at the individual and occupational level. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Matched employer-employee data from official German labour market statistics are used to estimate firm-specific wage components, which are then regressed on structural characteristics of firms.

Findings

– Between-firm wage effects of internal labour markets are largest among unskilled workers and strongly pronounced among qualified manual workers. Effects are clearly smaller among classes of qualified and high-qualified non-manual workers but have risen sharply for the latter class from 2005 to 2010.

Social implications

– The most disadvantaged workers in the labour market are also most contingent upon employers’ increasingly heterogeneous policies of recruitment and remuneration.

Originality/value

– This paper combines insights from sociological and economic labour market research in order to formulate and test the new hypothesis that between-firm wage effects of internal labour markets are larger for unskilled than for qualified workers.
Day labor, informality and vulnerability in South Africa and the United States
Authors: Theodore Nik , Blaauw Derick , Schenck Catherina , Valenzuela Jr. Abel , Schoeman Christie , Meléndez Edwin
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to compare conditions in informal day-labor markets in South Africa and the USA to better understand the nature of worker vulnerabilities in this market, as well as the economic conditions that have contributed to the growth of day labor. The conclusion considers interventions that are underway in the two countries to improve conditions in day-labor markets.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper is based on national surveys of day laborers in South Africa and the USA. A random sample of day laborers seeking work at informal hiring sites was undertaken in each country. The paper presents key findings, compares conditions in South Africa and the USA, and analyzes the relationship between economic change, labor-market dynamics, and worker vulnerability.

Findings

– Day-labor work is characterized by low pay, hazardous conditions on the job, and tremendous income insecurity. The day-labor markets in South Africa and the USA perform somewhat different functions within regional economies. Within South Africa, day labor can be regarded as a survival strategy. The growth of day labor in South Africa over the past decade is a manifestation of a formal labor market that is incapable of absorbing the structurally unemployed. Here, day labor is the employment of last resort, allowing workers to subsist on the fringes of the mainstream economy, but offering few pathways into the formal sector. In the USA, the day labor workforce is a largely undocumented-immigrant workforce. Workers seek work at informal hiring sites, maintaining a tenuous hold on jobs in the construction industry. There is evidence of some mobility into more stable and better paying employment.

Practical implications

– This paper documents the need for policies and programs to increase employment opportunities for day laborers and to better enforce labor standards in the informal economy.

Originality/value

– This paper summarizes findings from the only two national surveys of day laborers that have been conducted, and it compares for the first time the dynamic within growing day-labor markets in a developed- and emerging-market context.
Wage policy models: what implications for vulnerable employees?
Authors: Sgobbi Francesca
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the employer’s wage policy on the wage dynamics of vulnerable groups of employees at large firms, including younger employees, employees on fixed-term contracts, and employees who take parental leave.

Design/methodology/approach

– The first step of the analysis identifies the wage policy models adopted by a sample of large Italian companies by means of a cluster analysis based on firm-level variables that describe the wage level, wage structure, and wage dynamics. The second step estimates the impact of the employer’s wage policy on the wage growth path of matched employees, paying particular attention to groups of vulnerable workers.

Findings

– The cluster analysis identifies four clusters whose characteristics reflect ideal types suggested by the literature. The 2SLS wage regressions that examine the impact of the employer’s wage policy model on a matched employee’s wage five years later confirm that the initial employer’s wage policy is a significant determinant of wage dynamics. However, the observed patterns significantly differ between the whole sample and the examined groups of vulnerable employees.

Originality/value

– Despite consistent evidence of negative labour market outcomes for vulnerable employees, the impact of firm characteristics on segregation into disadvantaged groups is still under-researched. This paper provides new evidence of how the employer’s wage policy impacts the wage growth path of disadvantaged employees and highlights critical dimensions to reduce the risk of segregation into less favourable segments of the labour market.
Middle market companies: reaching stakeholders through strategic communication
Authors: Hutt Roger W.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide a description and overview of the middle market which, by sales volume, lies between the small business and large business sectors and also identifies the implications for corporate communication in that sector.

Design/methodology/approach

– A review of the literature in corporate communication and related business and management topics formed the basis of the paper.

Findings

– The middle market was found to be a collection of businesses vastly ranging in size and structure and spanning numerous industries. Regardless of size, firms need to behave as if they were large corporations and well-staffed organizations as they engage and manage stakeholders and implement corporate communication strategic plans.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings, which could form the basis for a more comprehensive study, were based solely on secondary sources.

Practical implications

– Suggestions for addressing unique corporate communication issues in the middle market are highlighted.

Originality/value

– The paper enhances understanding of the middle market which, while economically-successful, is often ignored.
Kaizen: a Japanese philosophy and system for business excellence
Authors: Macpherson Wayne G. , Lockhart James C , Kavan Heather , Iaquinto Anthony L.
Published: August 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a definitive and insightful working definition of kaizen for practitioners and academics in the West through which they may better understand the kaizen phenomenon and its intangible but critical underpinning philosophy.

Design/methodology/approach

– A phenomenological study of the utility of kaizen within in the bounds of active kaizen environments in name Japanese industrial organisations was conducted over a three-year period in Japan. The research explored how Japanese workers acknowledge, exercise, identify and diffuse kaizen in a sustainable manner.

Findings

– Kaizen is found to be a broad philosophical approach to work that serves different purposes for different members of the organisation, where no universal definition appears to exist yet differing ideologies are tolerated. Kaizen in Japan has a considerably deep meaning: it channels worker creativity and expressions of individuality into bounded environments, and creates an energy that drives a shared state of mind among employees to achieve proactive changes and innovation in the workplace.

Originality/value

– This paper competently bridges the Japanese-Anglosphere cultural divide in social and business contexts. It contributes to the development of practitioner understanding of the utility of kaizen in Japan through unhindered cross-cultural research methodology, enabled by researcher competency and fluency in Japanese language and culture.