bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organisational politics: reconciling leadership's rational‐emotional paradox
Authors: Sheard G. , Kakabadse A.P. , Kakabadse N.K.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Effective leadership action requires managers to harness power that is intrinsically political. This paper aims to study and characterise the political nature of a manager's behaviour when taking leadership action.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach is qualitative and examines three organisations over a three‐year period when these entities experienced a major product failure. The paper analyses the actual managerial behaviour of managers and provides insight into the factors that most strongly influence the effectiveness of managers when taking leadership action.

Findings

Political behaviour when taking leadership action can be conceptualised in terms of rationality and emotionality. In so doing, it can be clarified how behaviour must be modified to ensure that leadership action is consistently effective.

Research limitations/implications

A case study of three multinational engineering companies engaged in the design, development and manufacturing of turbomachinery provides the platform for the research. The concepts presented in the paper will require validating in other organisations of different demographic profiles.

Practical implications

The concepts presented and the implications discussed provide insight into the political nature of managerial behaviour when taking leadership action. The paper highlights the practical steps individual managers can embrace to ensure that their behaviour is appropriate to context, even under the most traumatic situations. Thus, the paper provides managers with a model that facilitates effective leadership action.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into how managers behaved in circumstances that mattered to them. Through immersion in events at the time they took place, the authors captured situations in which managers were under real pressure and, in so doing, avoided the bias inherent when interviewing a manager about past events. As such, the paper concludes that the political behaviour in which managers engage when taking leadership action is rooted in the reality of the adversity that the most capable managers have both experienced and overcome. This detailed study reports behaviour in a situation where managers' business and future prospects were in jeopardy. This paper identifies why some managers were able to use the experience positively, helping them to adopt politically intrinsic behaviour to facilitate effective leadership action.
Responding to minority ethnic groups' language support needs in Britain
Authors: Aspinall Peter J. , Hashem Ferhana
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to answer the question: in the British state's relationship with its diverse minority ethnic communities, how have politics framed administrative allocation of language support services? The dynamics of policy development are investigated, a tangible effect of the shift from unofficial pragmatic multiculturalism towards community cohesion/“Britishness” having been a government focus on English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) rather than translation/interpreting. This change has revealed a tension between the demands of identity and equality for minority ethnic people: respect for cultural identity requires provision of translation/interpreting while creating (political) equality between majority and minority communities entails the latter having access to the political language so placing an emphasis on ESOL.

Design/methodology/approach

An evidence synthesis is undertaken of policy documents relating to the British state's provision of language support services and data on the skill levels in English from government surveys.

Findings

The relative contribution of financial constraints and new policy/ideological positions to changes in the direction of policy and provision is assessed. With respect to the “new approach to ESOL”, this process of discretionary allocation that privileges policies of integration and community cohesion rather than language need itself is viewed against the inadequacies of the data currently available on levels of English language proficiency in providing the basis for making policy decisions and allocating resources.

Originality/value

The level of English language skills amongst Britain's minority ethnic groups and of government policy to address skill deficits has been substantially neglected. The paper provides a policy focus ahead of the release of the 2011 Census findings on language questions.
Resource sharing among ARL libraries in the US: 35 years of growth
Authors: Mak Collette
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the factors that have led the USA to be one of the few countries in the world that has seen interlending and document supply continue to increase.

Design/methodology/approach

The factors are identified, reviewed and assessed.

Findings

It was found that the effectiveness of resource sharing facilitated by intra‐ and inter‐state cooperatives using OCLC as a framework is a major factor, others being the improvement in discovery tools, requesting processes and the more recent improvements in the delivery process. Finally, the widespread subsidizing of access and delivery enables cheap or even free use of document supply.

Originality/value

This paper is the only study so far that addresses the current puzzle of US “exceptionalism” for interlending and document supply.
Supporting informal learning by traders in investment banks
Authors: Chivers Geoffrey
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The main aims of this paper are to determine the extent to which experienced traders in investment banks based in London are learning by informal methods, which methods are to the fore, and whether HRD staff are providing support for informal learning. It also seeks to find evidence that such investment banks were attempting to become learning organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research was conducted involving in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with experienced traders, line managers of traders, and HRD professionals involved in the training of traders in London based investment banks.

Findings

Most of the ongoing learning conducted by traders was informal, and on‐the‐job in nature. This informal learning was ad hoc, poorly recorded, and limited in scope. Support of line managers to learning by their subordinate traders was patchy, with little accountability. HRD professionals were almost entirely concerned with organising formal training courses, and had little knowledge of, or involvement with, informal learning by traders. There was very little evidence of investment banks striving to become learning organisations.

Research limitations/implications

The research study was limited to those investment banks willing to take part in the study, and by the banks selecting those to be interviewed.

Practical implications

Investment banks have become a powerful component of the UK economy, and the ways in which their traders learn, or could learn, effectively in terms of competence improvement is key to the performance of these banks.

Originality/value

Informal learning by traders in investment banks in the UK has been little researched to date. This paper addresses this inadequacy.
Empowering at‐risk students through appreciative inquiry
Authors: San Martin Teresa L. , Calabrese Raymond L.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify how at‐risk high school students in an alternative school describe how they best learn and to extrapolate their preferred learning practices to improve teacher pedagogical practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a qualitative case study design to facilitate the first two stages of an appreciative inquiry (AI) 4‐D cycle – discovery and dream. Eight alternative high school students, four males and four females, were purposively selected as participants. Data collection methods included: group discussions, semi‐structured paired interviews, and participant generated documents and visual presentation for district administrators and teachers. Data were analyzed using content analysis, open coding, axial coding, text analysis software, and pattern matching.

Findings

The study produced four salient findings: relevant experiences were important for learning; a cooperative and respectful learning environment is a core value; learning should be enjoyable; and, the concept of family became an important metaphor for the learning environment.

Originality/value

The findings from this study suggest that further research with AI in educational settings may have important implications to inspire educators to think in new ways about learning.
Power principles for educational leaders: research into practice
Authors: Hoy Wayne K. , Tarter C. John
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The aim of this article is to examine the empirical literature on irrationality and identify a set of concepts to help administrators cope with irrationality in decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

This analysis is a synthesis of the selected research literature on irrationality.

Findings

A set of seven concepts and propositions was indentified that are critical in understanding the influence on irrationality on decision making.

Research limitations/implications

The propositions proposed are ways to deal constructively with irrational behavior in decision making, but it is only a beginning.

Practical implications

The concepts, propositions, and their application to practice are not well‐known in educational administration and are useful tools for educational leaders.

Originality/value

The paper discusses the power of seven concepts: perception; simplification; decisiveness; deadlines; norms; ownership; and emotional expectation.
Male educational leadership in Greek primary schools
Authors: Brinia Vassiliki
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper can be summarized in the following research questions: How do male school leaders perceive the role of an educational leader and educational leadership in general? What are some of the male school leaders' leadership styles and features? What distinctive factors influence and hinder the leadership process for men in Greek primary schools? Are there any perceived gender differences in educational leadership? What are the attitudes and the level of motivation that male school leaders have towards promotion?

Design/ methodology/ approach

The study utilizes a qualitative approach to explore the views and perceptions of Greek male school leaders in a profound manner. The main research tool is in‐depth semi‐ structured interviews that are employed to a final sample of 20 respondents.

Findings

The results are represented in a systemic model, which outlines the various influencing and resulting notions. For instance, a wide range of influencing factors are revealed alongside a series of leadership styles and behaviors that are displayed by male school leaders in Greece. Moreover, the research paper offers a concise sum of concepts that are deemed to portray leadership effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Further research may be undertaken in the specific or other sectors, in order to determine or test the various concepts that have arisen. The findings also offer useful recommendations for male school leaders and related stakeholders to understand the educational leadership process in a better way.

Originality value

As there is a lack of relevant empirical work both in the fields of educational leadership of males and educational leadership in Greece, this project aids in understanding important issues and reveals additional factors that are exceedingly relevant to educational leadership of males in Greece.
Alcohol‐specific parenting within a cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial of a Swedish primary prevention program
Authors: Strandberg Anna K. , Bodin Maria C.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Within the framework of an ongoing cluster‐randomized effectiveness trial of a parental prevention program, the aim of the present study is to investigate attitudes towards under‐age drinking and use of program components, i.e. alcohol‐specific parenting behaviors, in parents who did and did not take part in the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

Non‐parametric tests were used to analyze cross‐sectional data from 1,239 14‐year‐olds and their parents, collected at a 12‐month follow‐up.

Findings

Strict attitudes and alcohol‐specific rule‐setting were more frequently reported among parents in the experimental group than among parents in the control group (89.2 v. 81.7 percent, p < 0.001, respectively 92.8 v. 88.5 percent, p < 0.01). Parental reports were supported by that significantly fewer youths in the experimental group reported being served alcohol at home (36.6 v. 44.7 percent, p < 0.01).

Research limitations/implications

Most of the measures were not included at the baseline measurement. However, the validity of the results is increased by the finding that parent and youth reports converge.

Originality/value

The results substantiate a previous study finding on maintained attitudinal restrictivity and extend one's knowledge on parents' use of programme components (e.g. having and communicating alcohol‐specific rules). The present study tentatively suggests that two brief presentations to parents might result in changes in alcohol‐specific parenting.
Teamwork on the line can pay off down the line
Authors: Lantz Annika
Published: February 2011

Purpose

Employees' work in innovation processes generates ideas, but more often it serves to create conditions so that new products or services can be effectively produced or delivered. Self‐organizational activities involve proactively handling new possibilities, unexpected situations, problems or tasks. The aim of this paper is to provide support for a previously proposed model of the determinants of self‐organizational activities in work groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Three studies were conducted in organizations where self‐organizational activities are welcomed, and in a nuclear plant where such can endanger safety. The results are based on work analysis (two studies) and questionnaires (all studies) administered to, in total, 104 work groups. The model was tested using LISREL.

Findings

The model received substantial support. Dimensions of job design, group processes and group initiative are interrelated and connected to self‐organizational activities. Job design captured by work analysis gives a better model fit and has a larger effect on self‐organizational activities than self‐assessed autonomy.

Research limitations/implications

Five different studies with a relatively small number of groups is not a large sample, but the data could be merged.

Practical implications

Teamwork can benefit the innovation process and give a return on the investment that it takes, providing that groups have a complex task, considerable freedom, and group processes that are characterized by reflectivity. A good argument for investing in teamwork is that it can promote self‐organization. Employees learn to think outside the box and participate in processes that are important for innovation. Work analysis can give input as to how work conditions might be altered to enhance innovation processes. Job design has an effect on group processes that are crucial for learning the competence to handle change.

Social implications

Detailed work analysis is worthwhile as it provides data regardless of how work conditions are perceived, and gives a solid base for proposing how the work should be designed if it is to support self‐organization. Further, group processes that enhance group initiative and self‐organizational activities are identified.

Originality/value

The study gives further evidence that teamwork can benefit the innovation process and give a return on the investment that it takes, providing that groups have a complex work task, considerable freedom, and group processes that are characterized by reflexivity.
Business‐community partnerships: understanding the nature of partnership
Authors: Lee Louise
Published: February 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to offer a New Zealand perspective on how business and community organisations engage to develop mutually beneficial partnerships to tackle pressing social issues. Specifically, the paper seeks to examine the collaboration motivations for business and community partners involved in seven business‐community partnerships in New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper utilises data from in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews with key business and community managers involved in seven partnerships in New Zealand. The transcripts of the interviews were analysed using elements of content and narrative analysis. Findings to be presented in this paper include: explaining what “partnership” is; understanding a business case; and community organisations' motivations for engaging in partnerships with business.

Findings

This research finds that, while partnerships involving business and community organisations may ideally be associated with shared societal concerns, in this study there was a very strong focus on individual community organisation goals and a dominance of business priorities. This was not balanced by an interest in the broader meta‐goals of the partnership.

Originality/value

This paper draws attention to diverse and often competing motivations that characterise business‐community partnerships. The research demonstrates that, while partnerships are often discussed in the context of societal benefits, individual organisations frequently form partnerships primarily for their own instrumental self‐interests. It is hoped that this paper will stimulate understanding of the practical challenges to developing business‐community partnerships, given differences among the partners in goal orientations and expectations.
The use of financial information by private equity funds in evaluating new investments
Authors: Smolarski Jan , Wilner Neil , Yang Weifang
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of financial information and valuation methods among private equity funds in Europe and India. The authors analyze differences in the choice of valuation methods and how the use of financial information differs among funds in the UK, Pan Europe and India.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey approach was utilized in collecting proprietary data from European and Indian private equity funds. The data were classified according to fund type, country grouping, size, risk profile, labor cost and industry structure and analyzed using MANOVA and ANOVA.

Findings

The results show that the use of valuation models is relatively homogeneous across countries and that the use of financial information appears to be driven to a large extent by fund type and fund focus. The use of audited financial statements appears to increase as firms mature. Significant differences were found in standard financial adjustments between the two fund types and between the country groupings. Results based on labor cost are weakly significant whereas industry structure does not appear to have an impact on how fund managers evaluate investments.

Research limitations/implications

The results indicate that fund managers adapt their decision‐making behavior according to investment type and risk. The authors argue that understanding asymmetrical and structural issues may potentially improve investment decision‐making processes. The main conclusion for researchers is that buy‐out and venture capital funds should not be combined as one asset class. Since a survey approach was used, the study is subject to the belief that fund managers do not internalize decisions well, which could reduce the effectiveness of the research design.

Originality/value

There are few studies in the areas covered by this paper due to the proprietary nature of the private equity industry. The results are important because they help in understanding how fund managers use decision aids such as financial statements and valuation techniques. A better understanding of current practices will help fund managers and fund sponsors in devising improved decision aids and processes, which ultimately may lead to fewer non‐performing investments. This is especially important in private equity since investment decisions are often irreversible and binary.
Impact of macroeconomic indicators on Indian capital markets
Authors: Pal Karam , Mittal Ruhee
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the long‐run relationship between the Indian capital markets and key macroeconomic variables such as interest rates, inflation rate, exchange rates and gross domestic savings (GDS) of Indian economy.

Design/methodology/approach

Quarterly time series data spanning the period from January 1995 to December 2008 has been used. The unit root test, the co‐integration test and error correction mechanism (ECM) have been applied to derive the long run and short‐term statistical dynamics.

Findings

The findings of the study establish that there is co‐integration between macroeconomic variables and Indian stock indices which is indicative of a long‐run relationship. The ECM shows that the rate of inflation has a significant impact on both the BSE Sensex and the S&P CNX Nifty. Interest rates on the other hand, have a significant impact on S&P CNX Nifty only. However, in case of foreign exchange rate, significant impact is seen only on BSE Sensex. The changing GDS is observed as insignificantly associated with both the BSE Sensex and the S&P CNX Nifty. The paper, on the whole, conclusively establishes that the capital markets indices are dependent on macroeconomic variables even though the same may not be statistically significant in all the cases.

Originality/value

This study emphasises on the impact of macroeconomic variables on the stock market performance of a developing economy, whose performance is measured by these variables.
Risk management in Indian companies: EWRM concerns and issues
Authors: Gupta P.K.
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current status of risk management in Indian companies and explore the reasons for the adoption or lack of adoption of integrated approach to risk management. It identifies the imperatives for implementation of comprehensive risk management solutions leading to enterprise‐wide risk management (EWRM). The paper shows that effective risk management can improve organizational performance but adequate infrastructure is not available in companies for implementing EWRM.

Design/methodology/approach

Exploratory design using the survey research methodology that includes structured questionnaires and interviews of 130 companies.

Findings

Risk management in Indian companies is currently facing the problem of integration and incentivisation. The risk management function is not suitably blended into the corporate strategy and use of information technology for risk management is minimal. The portfolio approach to risk management titled as integrated risk management or EWRM is ineffective from an implementation perspective and a sea change in risk perception is required which accentuates the need for building up of risk culture across business segments and adequate incentivisation for risk management.

Practical implications

Risk management is an integral part of the decision‐making process and effective risk management can proactively help in overcoming the possibilities of the business failures.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the fact that knowledge of risk management in Indian companies is inadequate and sample companies hesitate to respond thinking that it may reflect inefficiencies.
Crisis of Capitalism and Ethics Management of Enterprise
Authors: Lee Jong‐Woon , Ree Sangbok
Published: February 2011

Author considered the contradiction of Capitalism and its Solution, systemized the concept to newly define Ethics Management and social Responsibility whose various terminologies are used in Domestic and foreign country and compared, analyzed and considered global guideline, standard organization and global Evaluation Model of internationally‐performed Ethics Management on the basis of the concept of new Ethics Management.
Post‐crisis developments in international financial markets
Authors: Suetin Alexander
Published: February 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate what affected the post‐crisis developments in international financial markets with special reference to current innovations in the financial industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper revisits banks failures in recession years occurred in presence of a huge unprecedented guarantee programmes worth 16.4 per cent of gross domestic product in a median advanced economy.

Findings

Financial markets are indispensable despite finance's risks are everyone's because banks rely both directly and indirectly on taxpayers' support. Still the finance industry enables more trade to take place than would otherwise occur. The rally after crisis is driven by liquidity. In this context, special attention is paid to the situation on the gold market. The paper underscores that the dollar declinism is overblown. Still the situation with shifting and reorganising the world demand stays open.

Originality/value

The paper adds insight into post‐crisis developments in international financial markets.
Magnetoelectric Sensors With Directly Integrated Charge Sensitive Readout Circuit—Improved Field Sensitivity and Signal-to-Noise Ratio
Authors: Fang Zhao , Mokhariwale Ninad , Li Feng , Datta Suman , Zhang Q. M.
Published: February 2011

The large magnetoelectric (ME) coupling in the ME laminates makes them attractive for ultrasensitive room temperature magnetic sensors. Here ,we investigate the field sensitivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of ME laminates, consisting of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric layers (Metglas and piezopolymer PVDF were used as the model system), which are directly integrated with a low noise readout circuit. Both the theoretical analysis and experimental results show that increasing the number of piezoelectric layers can improve the SNR, especially at low frequencies. We also introduce a figure of merit to measure the overall influence of the piezolayer properties on the SNR and show that the newly developed piezoelectric single crystals of PMN-PT and PZN-PT have the promise to achieve a very high SNR and consequently ultra-high sensitivity room temperature magnetic sensors. The results show that the ME coefficients used in early ME composites development works may not be relevant to the SNR. The results also show that enhancing the magnetostrictive coefficient, for example, by employing the flux concentration effect, can lead to enhanced SNR.
Growth in Baumslag–Solitar groups I: subgroups and rationality
Authors: Freden Eric M. , Knudson Teresa , Schofield Jennifer
Published: February 2011

The computation of growth series for the higher Baumslag–Solitar groups is an open problem first posed by de la Harpe and Grigorchuk. We study the growth of the horocyclic subgroup as the key to the overall growth of these Baumslag–Solitar groups BS(p,q), where 1<p<q. In fact, the overall growth series can be represented as a modified convolution product with one of the factors being based on the series for the horocyclic subgroup. We exhibit two distinct algorithms that compute the growth of the horocyclic subgroup and discuss the time and space complexity of these algorithms. We show that when p divides q, the horocyclic subgroup has a geodesic combing whose words form a context-free (in fact, one-counter) language. A theorem of Chomsky–Schützenberger allows us to compute the growth series for this subgroup, which is rational. When p does not divide q, we show that no geodesic combing for the horocyclic subgroup forms a context-free language, although there is a context-sensitive geodesic combing. We exhibit a specific linearly bounded Turing machine that accepts this language (with quadratic time complexity) in the case of BS(2,3) and outline the Turing machine construction in the general case.
A New Approach to Model Bolted Flange Joints With Full Face Gaskets
Authors: Bouzid Abdel-Hakim , Galai Hichem
Published: February 2011

The poor leakage performance of flanges with full face gaskets is attributed to the low reliability of the existing design methods, and in particular, their lack of assessing accurately the bolt and gasket load changes. The prediction of tightness of bolted joints relies very much on the level of precision of the gasket contact stress during operation. The accurate evaluation of this stress requires a flexibility analysis of the joint that includes the flange, gasket, and bolts, and the interaction between them. This paper analyzes the distribution of gasket stress and the load change in bolted joints with full face gaskets. It proposes a simple analytical approach capable of predicting flange rotation and bolt load change during operation. The method is based on the gasket-bolt-flange elastic interaction, including flange rotational flexibility. The proposed model is supported by comparison with numerical finite element analysis of different size flanges.
Optimal Dynamic Quantizers for Feedback Control With Discrete-Level Actuators: Unified Solution and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Azuma Shun-ichi , Minami Yuki , Sugie Toshiharu
Published: February 2011

This paper proposes to use optimal dynamic quantizers for feedback control in mechatronics systems when the actuator signals are constrained to discrete-valued signals. Here, the dynamic quantizer is a device that transforms the continuous-valued signals into the discrete-valued ones depending on the past signal data, as well as the current data. First, a closed form optimal quantizer is presented in a general linear fraction transformation representation setting. The optimal quantizer minimizes the deviation of the output produced by the quantized signals from the corresponding output yielded by the continuous-valued signals before quantization. Then, its experimental evaluation is performed by using a crane positioning system with a discrete-valued input to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed quantizers.
Increasing Robustness of Input Shaping Method to Parametric Uncertainties and Time-Delays
Authors: Pai M. C. , Sinha A.
Published: February 2011

The input shaping technique has proven to be highly effective in reducing or eliminating residual vibration of flexible structures. The exact elimination of the residual vibration via input shaping depends on the amplitudes and instants of utilized impulses. However, systems always have parametric uncertainties, which can lead to performance degradation. Furthermore, input shaping method does not deal with vibration excited by external disturbances and time-delays. In this paper, a closed-loop input shaping control scheme is developed for uncertain flexible structure and uncertain time-delay flexible structure systems. The algorithm is based on the sliding mode control and H∞/μ techniques. This scheme guarantees closed-loop system stability, and yields good performance and robustness in the presence of parametric uncertainties, time-delays and external disturbances as well. Also, it is shown that increasing the robustness to parametric uncertainties and time-delays does not lengthen the duration of the impulse sequence. Numerical examples are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Swarm Coordination Under Conflict and Use of Enhanced Lyapunov Control
Authors: Sierra Daniel A. , McCullough Paul , Olgac Nejat , Adams Eldridge
Published: February 2011

We consider hostile conflicts between two multi-agent swarms. First, we investigate the complex nature of a single pursuer attempting to intercept a single evader (1P-1E), and establish some rudimentary rules of engagement. The stability repercussions of these rules are investigated using a Lyapunov-based stability analysis. Second, we extend the modeling and stability analysis to interactions between multi-agent swarms of pursuers and evaders. The present document considers only swarms with equal membership strengths for simplicity. This effort is based on a set of suggested momenta deployed on individual agents. The control of group pursuit is divided into two phases: the approach phase during which the two swarms act like individuals in the 1P-1E interaction, and the assigned pursuit phase, where each pursuer follows an assigned evader. A simple, single-step dissipative control strategy, which results in undesirable control chatter, is considered first. A distributed control logic is then introduced, in order to ameliorate the chatter problems. In this new logic, the dissipative control action is spread out over a time window. A wide range of case studies is tested in order to quantify the parametric effects of the new strategy.
Mechanism State Matrices for Planar Reconfigurable Mechanisms
Authors: Slaboch Brian J. , Voglewede Philip A.
Published: February 2011

This paper introduces mechanism state matrices as a novel way to represent the topological characteristics of planar reconfigurable mechanisms. As part of this new approach, these matrices will be used as an analysis tool to automatically determine the degrees of freedom (DOFs) of planar mechanisms that only contain one DOF joint. The DOF at each state can be combined with a mechanism state matrix to form an augmented mechanism state matrix. A series of examples will be used to illustrate the proposed concept.
Stiffness Evaluation of Machines and Robots: Minimum Collinear Stiffness Value Approach
Authors: Portman Vladimir T.
Published: February 2011

New stiffness performance indices using the collinear stiffness value (CSV) associated with a given configuration of the machine are proposed. The minimal CSV (MinCSV) is applied to stiffness evaluation for all types of configurations. Similar to the determinant, the MinCSV equals zero in singular configurations. In regular configurations, the MinCSV is applied to evaluation of local stiffness for a given configuration and global stiffness in the workspace, wherein stiffness limitations are satisfied. A screw stiffness value, i.e., the CSV during a screw displacement, presents the general case of the CSV. There are two important special cases: rotational and translational stiffness values. Procedures for evaluation of the MinCSV are developed in natural and dimensionless forms. The CSV of the hexapod are simulated and compared with those of serial-type mechanisms. The proposed approach presents an effective design tool for evaluation and limitation of stiffness of machines and robots.
Effect of strain and confinement on the effective mass of holes in InSb quantum wells
Authors: Gaspe C. K. , Edirisooriya M. , Mishima T. D. , Jayathilaka P. A. R. Dilhani , Doezema R. E. , Murphy S. Q. , Santos M. B. , Tung L. C. , Wang Y.-J.
Published: February 2011

An experimental study of the hole effective mass was conducted in a series of five remotely doped InSb quantum wells under biaxial compressive strain. From cyclotron resonance measurements at 4.2 K, an increase in hole effective mass was observed with increasing hole density in otherwise similar structures from 0.045me at 2.1×1011 cm−2 to 0.083me at 5.1×1011 cm−2. The smallest effective mass (0.017me) was observed in the quantum well with the largest compressive strain (1.05%) and narrowest well width (7 nm). Our measurements are in qualitative agreement with theoretical expectations.
Dynamic Control of Chiral Space in a Catalytic Asymmetric Reaction Using a Molecular Motor
Authors: Wang Jiaobing , Feringa Ben L.
Published: February 2011

Photoisomerization of a molecular catalyst changes its conformation and switches the chirality of its reaction product.
Cortical Constriction During Abscission Involves Helices of ESCRT-III–Dependent Filaments
Authors: Guizetti Julien , Schermelleh Lothar , Mäntler Jana , Maar Sandra , Poser Ina , Leonhardt Heinrich , Müller-Reichert Thomas , Gerlich Daniel W.
Published: February 2011

The process by which animal cells are physically separated after cell division is dissected in molecular detail.
Metagenomic Analysis of Kimchi, a Traditional Korean Fermented Food
Authors: Jung Ji Young , Lee Se Hee , Kim Jeong Myeong , Park Moon Su , Bae Jin-Woo , Hahn Yoonsoo , Madsen Eugene L. , Jeon Che Ok
Published: February 2011

Kimchi, a traditional food in the Korean culture, is made from vegetables by fermentation. In this study, metagenomic approaches were used to monitor changes in bacterial populations, metabolic potential, and overall genetic features of the microbial community during the 29-day fermentation process. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from kimchi samples obtained periodically and was sequenced using a 454 GS FLX Titanium system, which yielded a total of 701,556 reads, with an average read length of 438 bp. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA genes from the metagenome indicated that the kimchi microbiome was dominated by members of three genera:Leuconostoc,Lactobacillus, andWeissella. Assignment of metagenomic sequences to SEED categories of the Metagenome Rapid Annotation using Subsystem Technology (MG-RAST) server revealed a genetic profile characteristic of heterotrophic lactic acid fermentation of carbohydrates, which was supported by the detection of mannitol, lactate, acetate, and ethanol as fermentation products. When the metagenomic reads were mapped onto the database of completed genomes, theLeuconostoc mesenteroidessubsp.mesenteroidesATCC 8293 andLactobacillus sakeisubsp.sakei23K genomes were highly represented. These same two genera were confirmed to be important in kimchi fermentation when the majority of kimchi metagenomic sequences showed very high identity toLeuconostoc mesenteroidesandLactobacillusgenes. Besides microbial genome sequences, a surprisingly large number of phage DNA sequences were identified from the cellular fractions, possibly indicating that a high proportion of cells were infected by bacteriophages during fermentation. Overall, these results provide insights into the kimchi microbial community and also shed light on fermentation processes carried out broadly by complex microbial communities.
Quantitative Metagenomic Analyses Based on Average Genome Size Normalization
Authors: Frank Jeremy A. , Sørensen Søren J.
Published: February 2011

Over the past quarter-century, microbiologists have used DNA sequence information to aid in the characterization of microbial communities. During the last decade, this has expanded from single genes to microbial community genomics, or metagenomics, in which the gene content of an environment can provide not just a census of the community members but direct information on metabolic capabilities and potential interactions among community members. Here we introduce a method for the quantitative characterization and comparison of microbial communities based on the normalization of metagenomic data by estimating average genome sizes. This normalization can relieve comparative biases introduced by differences in community structure, number of sequencing reads, and sequencing read lengths between different metagenomes. We demonstrate the utility of this approach by comparing metagenomes from two different marine sources using both conventional small-subunit (SSU) rRNA gene analyses and our quantitative method to calculate the proportion of genomes in each sample that are capable of a particular metabolic trait. With both environments, to determine what proportion of each community they make up and how differences in environment affect their abundances, we characterize three different types of autotrophic organisms: aerobic, photosynthetic carbon fixers (theCyanobacteria); anaerobic, photosynthetic carbon fixers (theChlorobi); and anaerobic, nonphotosynthetic carbon fixers (theDesulfobacteraceae). These analyses demonstrate how genome proportionality compares to SSU rRNA gene relative abundance and how factors such as average genome size and SSU rRNA gene copy number affect sampling probability and therefore both types of community analysis.
Natural Competence in the Hyperthermophilic ArchaeonPyrococcus furiosusFacilitates Genetic Manipulation: Construction of Markerless Deletions of Genes Encoding the Two Cytoplasmic Hydrogenases
Authors: Lipscomb Gina L. , Stirrett Karen , Schut Gerrit J. , Yang Fei , Jenney Francis E. , Scott Robert A. , Adams Michael W. W. , Westpheling Janet
Published: February 2011

In attempts to develop a method of introducing DNA intoPyrococcus furiosus, we discovered a variant within the wild-type population that is naturally and efficiently competent for DNA uptake. ApyrFgene deletion mutant was constructed in the genome, and the combined transformation and recombination frequencies of this strain allowed marker replacement by direct selection using linear DNA. We have demonstrated the use of this strain, designated COM1, for genetic manipulation. Using genetic selections and counterselections based on uracil biosynthesis, we generated single- and double-deletion mutants of the two gene clusters that encode the two cytoplasmic hydrogenases. The COM1 strain will provide the basis for the development of more sophisticated genetic tools allowing the study and metabolic engineering of this important hyperthermophile.
Identification of Genetic Markers for Differentiation of Shiga Toxin-Producing, Enteropathogenic, and Avirulent Strains ofEscherichia coliO26
Authors: Bugarel Marie , Beutin Lothar , Scheutz Flemming , Loukiadis Estelle , Fach Patrick
Published: February 2011

Shiga toxin-producingEscherichia coli(STEC) O26 is one of the top five enterohemorrhagicE. coli(EHEC) O groups most often associated with hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) worldwide. STEC O26 is considered to have evolved from enteropathogenic (EPEC) O26 strains through the acquisition of Shiga toxin (Stx)-encoding genes. Our PCR data identified several STEC-like strains expressing all features of STEC except Stx production and carrying remnants of Stx phages that were probably derivatives of EHEC O26. EHEC and EPEC O26 strains phenotypically resemble O26 EHEC-like and apathogenicE. coliO26 strains and are therefore undistinguishable by cultural methods. A clear discrimination between the different O26 groups is required for diagnostics in patients and for control of food safety. To develop an assay for specific detection of EHEC and EHEC-like O26 strains, we used a high-throughput PCR approach for selection of discriminative genetic markers among 33 tested genes mostly encoding type III secretion system effector proteins. The genesECs1822,nleH1-2,nleA,nleC,nleH1-1,nleG,nleG2,nleG6-1,nleG6-2,espJ,espM2,nleG8-2,espG,ent(orespL2),nleB,nleE,efa1, andespBwere detected at different frequencies in O26 EHEC, EHEC-like, and EPEC strains, indicating the possible role of these genes in virulence of human pathogenic O26 strains. TheespKandespNgenes were detected only in EHEC and EHEC-like O26 strains.espKwas present in 99.14% of EHEC and 91.14% of EHEC-like O26 strains and was hence the best candidate as a genetic marker for characterizing these pathogroups. These data were corroborated by a genotyping real-time PCR test based on allelic discrimination of thearcA(aerobic respiratory control protein A) gene. The results indicate that a combination of molecular detection tools for O26wzx(wzxO26),eae-beta,stx,espK, andarcAgenotyping is highly discriminative for clear identification of EHEC and EHEC-likeE. coliO26 strains. This simple diagnostic test might be applicable in hospital service laboratories or public health laboratories to test strains isolated from stools of patients suffering from diarrhea.
Structure of the Periplasmic Stress Response Protein CpxP
Authors: Thede Gina L. , Arthur David C. , Edwards Ross A. , Buelow Daelynn R. , Wong Julia L. , Raivio Tracy L. , Glover J. N. Mark
Published: February 2011

CpxP is a novel bacterial periplasmic protein with no homologues of known function. In Gram-negative enteric bacteria, CpxP is thought to interact with the two-component sensor kinase, CpxA, to inhibit induction of the Cpx envelope stress response in the absence of protein misfolding. CpxP has also been shown to facilitate DegP-mediated proteolysis of misfolded proteins. Six mutations that negate the ability of CpxP to function as a signaling protein are localized in or near two conserved LTXXQ motifs that define a class of proteins with similarity to CpxP, Pfam PF07813. To gain insight into how these mutations might affect CpxP signaling and/or proteolytic adaptor functions, the crystal structure of CpxP from
Escherichia coli
was determined to 2.85-Å resolution. The structure revealed an antiparallel dimer of intertwined α-helices with a highly basic concave surface. Each protomer consists of a long, hooked and bent hairpin fold, with the conserved LTXXQ motifs forming two diverging turns at one end. Biochemical studies demonstrated that CpxP maintains a dimeric state but may undergo a slight structural adjustment in response to the inducing cue, alkaline pH. Three of the six previously characterized
cpxP
loss-of-function mutations, M59T, Q55P, and Q128H, likely result from a destabilization of the protein fold, whereas the R60Q, D61E, and D61V mutations may alter intermolecular interactions.
Identification of a Chitin-Induced Small RNA That Regulates Translation of thetfoXGene, Encoding a Positive Regulator of Natural Competence in Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Yamamoto Shouji , Izumiya Hidemasa , Mitobe Jiro , Morita Masatomo , Arakawa Eiji , Ohnishi Makoto , Watanabe Haruo
Published: February 2011

ThetfoX(also calledsxy) gene product is the central regulator of DNA uptake in the naturally competent bacteriaHaemophilus influenzaeandVibrio cholerae. However, the mechanisms regulatingtfoXgene expression in both organisms are poorly understood. Our previous studies revealed that inV. cholerae, chitin disaccharide (GlcNAc)2is needed to activate the transcription and translation ofV. cholerae tfoX(tfoXVC) to induce natural competence. In this study, we screened a multicopy library ofV. choleraeDNA fragments necessary for translational regulation oftfoXVC. A clone carrying theVC2078-VC2079intergenic region, designatedtfoR, increased the expression of atfoXVC::lacZtranslational fusion constructed inEscherichia coli. Using atfoXVC::lacZreporter system inV. cholerae, we confirmed thattfoRpositively regulatedtfoXVCexpression at the translational level. Deletion oftfoRabolished competence for exogenous DNA even when (GlcNAc)2was provided. The introduction of a plasmid clone carrying thetfoR+gene into thetfoRdeletion mutant complemented the competence deficiency. We also found that thetfoRgene encodes a 102-nucleotide small RNA (sRNA), which was transcriptionally activated in the presence of (GlcNAc)2. Finally, we showed that this sRNA activated translation fromtfoXVCmRNA in a highly purifiedin vitrotranslation system. Taking these results together, we propose that in the presence of (GlcNAc)2, TfoR sRNA is expressed to activate the translation oftfoXVC, which leads to the induction of natural competence.