bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase and dielectric behaviors of a polymorphic liquid crystal doped with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Wu Po-Chang , Lee Wei
Published: April 2013

We report on the phase behavior and dielectric properties of the liquid crystal (LC) 4′-n-octyloxy-4-cyanobiphenyl dispersed with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The temperature-dependent dielectric permittivity at 104 Hz and its derivative with respect to the temperature reveal that the incorporation of GNPs in a LC cell leads to the modification of crystalline polymorphism and shift in phase transition temperature owing to the enhanced positional and orientational order. Additionally, the dielectric data between 1 and 103 Hz show that the dopant reduces the ionic concentration and alters the diffusivity in the LC mesophases.
Extremely bendable thin-film encapsulation of organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Seo Seung-Woo , Chae Heeyeop , Joon Seo Sang , Kyoon Chung Ho , Min Cho Sung
Published: April 2013

We report on an extremely bendable moisture barrier for the thin-film encapsulation of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs). Hybrid barriers with various dyads of alternating aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and plasma-polymerized layers, which are utilizable for the thin-film encapsulation of flexible OLEDs, were prepared by atomic layer deposition and plasma chemical vapor deposition, respectively. When the total thickness of Al2O3 was fixed at 20 nm, an ultimate 200-dyad multilayer barrier showed change of less than 20% in water vapor transmission rate from its initial value of the order of 10−4 g/m2/day, even after 10 000 times of bending with a bending radius of 5 mm.
Reducing in vitro rumen methanogenesis for two contrasting diets using a series of inclusion rates of different additives
Authors: O'Brien M. , Navarro-Villa A. , Purcell P. J. , Boland T. M. , O'Kiely P.
Published: April 2013

Eleven individual additives were incubated with either perennial ryegrass or with grass silage+barley grain (50 : 50) and the in vitro methane output was assessed using the gas production technique (GPT). Additives were: fatty acids (lauric, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids), halogenated methane analogues (bromoethanesulfonate and bromochloromethane), pyromellitic diimide, statins (mevastatin and lovastatin), a probiotic (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid (fumaric acid). Each additive was included at a range of concentrations. Effects on methane output per gram of feed dry matter (DM) incubated (CH4/DMi) and disappeared (CH4/DMd), as well as other fermentation variables, were evaluated after 24 h of incubation. The addition of increased concentrations of individual fatty acids, bromoethanesulfonate and pyromellitic diimide caused a dose-dependent decline in methane output (CH4/DMi, CH4/DMd), when incubated with either perennial ryegrass or grass silage+barley grain. No methane output was detected for either feed with the addition of ≥5 µM bromochloromethane. The statins were ineffective inhibitors of methane output regardless of feed type. For perennial ryegrass, S. cerevisiae caused a dose-dependent decline in CH4/DMd and fumaric acid a dose-dependent decline in CH4/DMi and CH4/DMd. The effectiveness of lauric, oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids and bromoethanesulfonate to reduce methane output was more pronounced when incubated with grass silage+barley grain than with perennial ryegrass, and therefore the type of feed is an important component for any future in vitro and in vivo studies to be undertaken with these additives. Thus, incorporating different feed types in the initial in vitro screening protocols of all new additives is recommended.
Vaccinia virus F1L protein promotes virulence by inhibiting inflammasome activation
Authors: Gerlic Motti , Faustin Benjamin , Postigo Antonio , Yu Eric Chi-Wang , Proell Martina , Gombosuren Naran , Krajewska Maryla , Flynn Rachel , Croft Michael , Way Michael , Satterthwait Arnold , Liddington Robert C. , Salek-Ardakani Shahram , Matsuzawa Shu-ichi , Reed John C.
Published: April 2013

Host innate immune responses to DNA viruses involve members of the nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain containing protein (NLRP) family, which form “inflammasomes” that activate caspase-1, resulting in proteolytic activation of cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18. We hypothesized that DNA viruses would target inflammasomes to overcome host defense. A Vaccinia virus (VACV) B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) homolog, F1L, was demonstrated to bind and inhibit the NLR family member NLRP1 in vitro. Moreover, infection of macrophages in culture with virus lacking F1L (ΔF1L) caused increased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion compared with wild-type virus. Virulence of ΔF1L virus was attenuated in vivo, causing altered febrile responses, increased proteolytic processing of caspase-1, and more rapid inflammation in lungs of infected mice without affecting cell death or virus replication. Furthermore, we found that a hexapeptide from F1L is necessary and sufficient for inhibiting the NLRP1 inflammasome in vitro, thus identifying a peptidyl motif required for binding and inhibiting NLRP1. The functional importance of this NLRP1-binding motif was further confirmed by studies of recombinant ΔF1L viruses reconstituted either with the wild-type F1L or a F1L mutant that fails to bind NLRP1. Cellular infection with wild-type F1L reconstituted virus-suppressed IL-1β production, whereas mutant F1L did not. In contrast, both wild-type and mutant versions of F1L equally suppressed apoptosis. In vivo, the NLR nonbinding F1L mutant virus exhibited an attenuated phenotype similar to ΔF1L virus, thus confirming the importance of F1L interactions with NLRP1 for viral pathogenicity in mice. Altogether, these findings reveal a unique viral mechanism for evading host innate immune responses.
Salicylic acid interferes with clathrin-mediated endocytic protein trafficking
Authors: Du Yunlong , Tejos Ricardo , Beck Martina , Himschoot Ellie , Li Hongjiang , Robatzek Silke , Vanneste Steffen , Friml Jiří
Published: April 2013

Removal of cargos from the cell surface via endocytosis is an efficient mechanism to regulate activities of plasma membrane (PM)-resident proteins, such as receptors or transporters. Salicylic acid (SA) is an important plant hormone that is traditionally associated with pathogen defense. Here, we describe an unanticipated effect of SA on subcellular endocytic cycling of proteins. Both exogenous treatments and endogenously enhanced SA levels repressed endocytosis of different PM proteins. The SA effect on endocytosis did not involve transcription or known components of the SA signaling pathway for transcriptional regulation. SA likely targets an endocytic mechanism that involves the coat protein clathrin, because SA interfered with the clathrin incidence at the PM and clathrin-deficient mutants were less sensitive to the impact of SA on the auxin distribution and root bending during the gravitropic response. By contrast, SA did not affect the ligand-induced endocytosis of the FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2) receptor during pathogen responses. Our data suggest that the established SA impact on transcription in plant immunity and the nontranscriptional effect of SA on clathrin-mediated endocytosis are independent mechanisms by which SA regulates distinct aspects of plant physiology.
ELOPER: elongation of paired-end reads as a pre-processing tool for improved de novo genome assembly
Authors: Silver David H. , Ben-Elazar Shay , Bogoslavsky Alexei , Yanai Itai
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Paired-end sequencing resulting in gapped short reads is commonly used for de novo genome assembly. Assembly methods use paired-end sequences in a two-step process, first treating each read-end independently, only later invoking the pairing to join the contiguous assemblies (contigs) into gapped scaffolds. Here, we present ELOPER, a pre-processing tool for pair-end sequences that produces a better read library for assembly programs.

Results: ELOPER proceeds by simultaneously considering both ends of paired reads generating elongated reads. We show that ELOPER theoretically doubles read-lengths while halving the number of reads. We provide evidence that pre-processing read libraries using ELOPER leads to considerably improved assemblies as predicted from the Lander–Waterman model.

Availability:  http://sourceforge.net/projects/eloper.

Contact:  yanai@technion.ac.il

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
APP2: automatic tracing of 3D neuron morphology based on hierarchical pruning of a gray-weighted image distance-tree
Authors: Xiao Hang , Peng Hanchuan
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Tracing of neuron morphology is an essential technique in computational neuroscience. However, despite a number of existing methods, few open-source techniques are completely or sufficiently automated and at the same time are able to generate robust results for real 3D microscopy images.

Results: We developed all-path-pruning 2.0 (APP2) for 3D neuron tracing. The most important idea is to prune an initial reconstruction tree of a neuron’s morphology using a long-segment-first hierarchical procedure instead of the original termini-first-search process in APP. To further enhance the robustness of APP2, we compute the distance transform of all image voxels directly for a gray-scale image, without the need to binarize the image before invoking the conventional distance transform. We also design a fast-marching algorithm-based method to compute the initial reconstruction trees without pre-computing a large graph. This method allows us to trace large images. We bench-tested APP2 on ∼700 3D microscopic images and found that APP2 can generate more satisfactory results in most cases than several previous methods.

Availability: The software has been implemented as an open-source Vaa3D plugin. The source code is available in the Vaa3D code repository http://vaa3d.org.

Contact:  hanchuanp@alleninstitute.org

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
rRNA:mRNA pairing alters the length and the symmetry of mRNA-protected fragments in ribosome profiling experiments
Authors: O’Connor Patrick B. F. , Li Gene-Wei , Weissman Jonathan S. , Atkins John F. , Baranov Pavel V.
Published: April 2013

Motivation: Ribosome profiling is a new technique that allows monitoring locations of translating ribosomes on mRNA at a whole transcriptome level. A recent ribosome profiling study demonstrated that internal Shine–Dalgarno (SD) sequences have a major global effect on translation rates in bacteria: ribosomes pause at SD sites in mRNA. Therefore, it is important to understand how SD sites effect mRNA movement through the ribosome and generation of ribosome footprints.

Results: Here, we provide evidence that in addition to pausing effect, internal SD sequences induce a caterpillar-like movement of mRNA through the ribosome cavity. Once an SD site binds to the ribosome, it remains attached to it while the ribosome decodes a few subsequent codons. This leads to asymmetric progressive elongation of ribosome footprints at the 3′-end. It is likely that internal SD sequences induce a pause not on a single, but on several adjacent codons. This finding is important for our understanding of mRNA movement through the ribosome and also should facilitate interpretation of ribosome profiling data.

Contact:  brave.oval.pan@gmail.com
Decrease in dendritic cells in endomyocardial biopsies of human dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Pistulli Rudin , König Sebastian , Drobnik Stefanie , Kretzschmar Daniel , Rohm Ilonka , Lichtenauer Michael , Fritzenwanger Michael , Mall Gerhard , Mall Gita , Figulla Hans‐Reiner , Yilmaz Atilla
Published: April 2013

Aims

Dendritic cells (DCs) are sentinels of the immune system—their role in myocardial disease is unknown as yet. We investigated their myocardial presence in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Methods and results

Endomyocardial biopsies from 72 patients with DCM (EF ∼30%), as well as myocardial specimens from 18 suicide or accident victims were immunohistochemically analysed for myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs, antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), and other leucocytes; also tissue fibrosis and apoptosis were histologically quantified. The myocardial viral genome was identified through polymerase chain reaction, and patients underwent clinical follow‐up in 3–6 months. We found myocardial DCs of all examined subtypes and maturation stages (fascin, CD11c, CD209, CD83, and CD304), as well as markers for APCs (HLA‐DR and CD40) and T‐cell activation (CD69) to be significantly decreased in DCM compared with controls. In contrast, regulatory T cells (the GITR epitope), apoptosis (by TUNEL reaction and immunostaining with BCL‐2), and a DC chemokine receptor (CCR7) were overexpressed, while no significant differences were observed for macrophages (CD68). Immature myeloid and plasmacytoid DCs strongly correlated with endothelial progenitor cells (CD34), which were similarly reduced in DCM, and inversely correlated with fibrosis. Myeloid DCs were especially reduced in virus‐positive biopsies, and their numbers correlated with positive change in EF (ΔEF) at follow‐up.

Conclusion

Myocardial DCs are reduced in heart biopsies of symptomatic DCM patients. Such a reduction correlates with an unfavourable short‐term outcome in terms of EF, and could result from myocardial tissue damage, cellular death, and insufficient vascularization in chronic heart failure.
Why do assessments of demersal stocks largely ignore habitat?
Authors: Caddy John F.
Published: April 2013

The divergence between most stock assessments and studies in marine ecology is characterized by the low priority usually given to assessing the holding capacity of marine habitats. Habitats of high structural complexity are relatively uncommon in shelf waters, are contagiously distributed, and are damaged incidentally by bottom-towed gear. Structurally complex habitats are used by many demersal fish and crustaceans for predation abatement and as a site for feeding forays. Successive life-history stages typically migrate through several structurally complex habitats which recent studies show often to have fractal properties. One consequence of fractal structures as cover is a rapid reduction of protection from predators with growth in size: migration is the only response possible when further growth of the recruiting age class renders individuals in that habitat vulnerable to predation. A common feature of structurally complex habitats with high vulnerability at size is the occurrence of population bottlenecks. It is suggested that identifying and rectifying shortages of structured habitat, and eliminating habitat bottlenecks, will be effective in stock enhancement. This will require placing strict spatial constraints on the operation of bottom gear. This paper reviews new methods of estimating juvenile predation mortality, including mortality-at-age and mortality-at-life-history stage, which depend on the fractal characteristics of structurally complex habitats.
Management of Cholestatic Pruritus in Paediatric Patients With Alagille Syndrome
Authors: Kronsten Victoria , Fitzpatrick Emer , Baker Alastair
Published: April 2013

Objectives:

The aims of the study were to perform a retrospective observational review of the present management and outcome of cholestatic pruritus in children with Alagille syndrome (AGS) at King's College Hospital and to use results to inform appropriate guidelines.

Methods:

A retrospective review of 62 patients diagnosed as having AGS from January 1995 to November 2010 treated at King's College Hospital was performed. The departmental database of the Paediatric Liver Centre was searched to identify all patients and the clinical records were then analysed.

Results:

Fifty‐one (82.3%) patients experienced pruritus and 50 (80.6%) received antipruritic medication. Ursodeoxycholic acid was the most prescribed drug (n = 40). Other drugs prescribed were rifampicin (n = 39), cholestyramine (n = 18), naltrexone (n = 14), alimemazine (n = 13), nonsedating antihistamine agents (n = 7), ondansetron (n = 5), and phenobarbitone (n = 1). Albumin dialysis using the molecular adsorbent recirculation system was used in 1 patient. Sixteen patients (25.8%) were listed for liver transplantation, and 11 had undergone transplantation by November 2010. Patient survival was high at 95.2%. Pruritus resolved permanently in 39.2% (n = 20) of patients. Fifty‐five percent (n = 11) of such patients had undergone liver transplantation. Pruritus was controlled by medication in 41.2% (n = 21). Itching remained a significant problem, affecting quality of life in 19.6% of patients (n = 10).

Conclusions:

The management of cholestatic pruritus in AGS is difficult and often suboptimal. Pruritus may remain intractable even with combination medical treatment, and at this stage, surgery or liver transplantation is indicated. At our centre, pruritus was successfully treated in 80.4% of patients with medical and surgical management.
After the frass: foraging pikas select patches previously grazed by caterpillars
Authors: Barrio Isabel C. , Hik David S. , Peck Kristen , Bueno C. Guillermo
Published: April 2013

Interactions among herbivores can shape the structure of their communities and drive their dynamics. However, detecting herbivore interactions can be challenging when they are deferred in space or time. Moreover, interactions among distantly related groups of herbivores, such as vertebrates and invertebrates, are poorly understood. We investigated the effect of invertebrate herbivory on the subsequent foraging choices of a small alpine-dwelling vertebrate, the collared pika (
Ochotona collaris
). We carried out a field experiment within pika territories, by presenting them with a choice of foraging sites following manipulation of invertebrate (caterpillar) herbivory. Pikas actively selected areas with increased, recent invertebrate herbivory. While the underlying mechanisms behind this interaction remain unknown, our results demonstrate a positive effect of invertebrate herbivores on subsequent vertebrate foraging preferences for the first time. Even among distantly related taxa, such interactions where one herbivore is cueing on the foraging of another, could drive the creation of herbivory hotspots, with cascading consequences for ecosystem processes.
A new population curve for prehistoric Australia
Authors: Williams Alan N.
Published: April 2013

This paper presents a new reconstruction of prehistoric population of Australia for the last 50 ka, using the most comprehensive radiocarbon database currently available for the continent. The application of new techniques to manipulate radiocarbon data (including correction for taphonomic bias), gives greater reliability to the reconstructed population curve. This shows low populations through the Late Pleistocene, before a slow stepwise increase in population beginning during the Holocene transition (approx. 12 ka) and continuing in pulses (approx. 8.3–6.6, 4.4–3.7 and 1.6–0.4 ka) through the Holocene. These data give no support for an early saturation of the continent, although the estimated population following initial landfall was probably greater than previously allowed (comparable with the Early Holocene). The greatest increase in population occurred in the Late Holocene, but in contrast to existing intensification models, changes in demography and diversification of economic activities began much earlier. Some demographic changes appear to be in response to major climatic events, most notably during the last glacial maximum, where the curve suggests that population fell by about 60 per cent between 21 and 18 ka. An application of statistical demographic methods to Australian ethnographic and genetic data suggests that a founding group of 1000–2000 at 50 ka would result in a population high of approximately 1.2 million at approximately 0.5 ka. Data suggests an 8 per cent decline to approximately 770 000–1.1 million at the time of European contact, giving a figure consistent with ethnographic estimates and with historical observations of the impact of smallpox, and other diseases introduced by Macassans and Europeans during and after AD 1788.
Pectinatus

sottacetonis sp. nov., isolated from a commercial pickle spoilage tank
Authors: Caldwell Jane M. , Juvonen Riikka , Brown James , Breidt Fred
Published: April 2013

A strictly anaerobic, Gram-stain-negative, non-spore-forming, motile bacterium, designated strain FSRU B0405T, was isolated from a commercial pickle spoilage tank and characterized by biochemical, physiological and molecular biological methods. Analyses of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain FSRU B0405T showed affiliation to the class

Negativicutes

in the phylum

Firmicutes

, with the closest relatives being the type strains of

Pectinatus haikarae

(96 %) and

Pectinatus brassicae

(95 %). In maximum-likelihood and neighbour-joining phylogenetic trees, strain FSRU B0405T clustered definitively (in 100 % of bootstrapped trees) within the genus

Pectinatus

, but not specifically with any characterized species within this genus. Strain FSRU B0405T was a slightly curved rod, varying from 3 to 30 µm in length, motile with a distinctive X-wise movement, having flagella only on the concave side of the cell. The isolate produced acetate and propionate from fructose and glucose as major metabolites similar to type strains of species of the genus

Pectinatus

. The major fatty acids were C11 : 0, C13 : 0, C15 : 0, C13 : 0 3-OH, C17 : 1 and C18 : 1ω11t. Strain FSRU B0405T differed from the pickle wastewater strain,

Pectinatus brassicae

TYT, due to its lack of susceptibility to vancomycin, acetoin production, growth temperature range, acid production from adonitol, erythritol, glycerol, inositol, lactose, maltose, mannose, ribose, salicin, sorbitol, trehalose and xylitol and lack of hydrolysis of milk. Strain FSRU B0405T could be differentiated from other species of the genus

Pectinatus

both phenotypically and genetically. The results indicate that strain FSRU B0405T represents a novel species of the genus

Pectinatus

, for which the name

Pectinatus

sottacetonis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is FSRU B0405T ( = ATCC BAA-2501T = VTT E-113163T). An emended description of the genus

Pectinatus

is also provided.
Kordia

antarctica sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic seawater
Authors: Baek Kiwoon , Choi Ahyoung , Kang Ilnam , Lee Kiyoung , Cho Jang-Cheon
Published: April 2013

A Gram-staining-negative, chemoheterotrophic, yellow-pigmented, non-motile, flexirubin-negative, facultatively anaerobic bacterium, designated strain IMCC3317T, was isolated from a coastal seawater sample from the Antarctic Penninsula. Optimal growth of strain IMCC3317T was observed at 20 °C, pH 8.0 and in the presence of 2–3 % NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain IMCC3317T belonged to the genus

Kordia

and was closely related to

Kordia algicida

OT-1T (96.7 % sequence similarity) and

Kordia periserrulae

IMCC1412T (96.1 % sequence similarity). The major fatty acids were 10-methyl C16 : 0 and/or iso-C16 : 1ω9c, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 35.1 mol%. The strain contained menaquinone-6 (MK-6) as the respiratory quinone. The polar lipids detected in the strain were phosphatidylethanolamine and unknown aminophospholipids, aminolipids and polar lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic distinction and differential phenotypic characteristics, it is suggested that strain IMCC3317T ( = KCTC 32292T = NBRC 109401T) be assigned to the genus

Kordia

as the type strain of a novel species, for which the name

Kordia

antarctica sp. nov. is proposed.
The histone H3.3K27M mutation in pediatric glioma reprograms H3K27 methylation and gene expression
Authors: Chan Kui-Ming , Fang Dong , Gan Haiyun , Hashizume Rintaro , Yu Chuanhe , Schroeder Mark , Gupta Nalin , Mueller Sabine , James C. David , Jenkins Robert , Sarkaria Jann , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: April 2013

Recent studies have identified a Lys 27-to-methionine (K27M) mutation at one allele of H3F3A, one of the two genes encoding histone H3 variant H3.3, in 60% of high-grade pediatric glioma cases. The median survival of this group of patients after diagnosis is ∼1 yr. Here we show that the levels of H3K27 di- and trimethylation (H3K27me2 and H3K27me3) are reduced globally in H3.3K27M patient samples due to the expression of the H3.3K27M mutant allele. Remarkably, we also observed that H3K27me3 and Ezh2 (the catalytic subunit of H3K27 methyltransferase) at chromatin are dramatically increased locally at hundreds of gene loci in H3.3K27M patient cells. Moreover, the gain of H3K27me3 and Ezh2 at gene promoters alters the expression of genes that are associated with various cancer pathways. These results indicate that H3.3K27M mutation reprograms epigenetic landscape and gene expression, which may drive tumorigenesis.
Patterning and Lifetime of Plasma Membrane-Localized Cellulose Synthase Is Dependent on Actin Organization in Arabidopsis Interphase Cells
Authors: Sampathkumar Arun , Gutierrez Ryan , McFarlane Heather E. , Bringmann Martin , Lindeboom Jelmer , Emons Anne-Mie , Samuels Lacey , Ketelaar Tijs , Ehrhardt David W. , Persson Staffan
Published: April 2013

The actin and microtubule cytoskeletons regulate cell shape across phyla, from bacteria to metazoans. In organisms with cell walls, the wall acts as a primary constraint of shape, and generation of specific cell shape depends on cytoskeletal organization for wall deposition and/or cell expansion. In higher plants, cortical microtubules help to organize cell wall construction by positioning the delivery of cellulose synthase (CesA) complexes and guiding their trajectories to orient newly synthesized cellulose microfibrils. The actin cytoskeleton is required for normal distribution of CesAs to the plasma membrane, but more specific roles for actin in cell wall assembly and organization remain largely elusive. We show that the actin cytoskeleton functions to regulate the CesA delivery rate to, and lifetime of CesAs at, the plasma membrane, which affects cellulose production. Furthermore, quantitative image analyses revealed that actin organization affects CesA tracking behavior at the plasma membrane and that small CesA compartments were associated with the actin cytoskeleton. By contrast, localized insertion of CesAs adjacent to cortical microtubules was not affected by the actin organization. Hence, both actin and microtubule cytoskeletons play important roles in regulating CesA trafficking, cellulose deposition, and organization of cell wall biogenesis.
Genetic Analysis of the Biosynthesis of 2-Methoxy-3-Isobutylpyrazine, a Major Grape-Derived Aroma Compound Impacting Wine Quality
Authors: Guillaumie Sabine , Ilg Andrea , Réty Stéphane , Brette Maxime , Trossat-Magnin Claudine , Decroocq Stéphane , Léon Céline , Keime Céline , Ye Tao , Baltenweck-Guyot Raymonde , Claudel Patricia , Bordenave Louis , Vanbrabant Sandra , Duchêne Eric , Delrot Serge , Darriet Philippe , Hugueney Philippe , Gomès Eric
Published: April 2013

Methoxypyrazines (MPs) are strongly odorant volatile molecules with vegetable-like fragrances that are widespread in plants. Some grapevine (Vitis vinifera) varieties accumulate significant amounts of MPs, including 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine (IBMP), which is the major MP in grape berries. MPs are of particular importance in white Sauvignon Blanc wines. The typicality of these wines relies on a fine balance between the pea pod, capsicum character of MPs and the passion fruit/grapefruit character due to volatile thiols. Although MPs play a crucial role in Sauvignon varietal aromas, excessive concentrations of these powerful odorants alter wine quality and reduce consumer acceptance, particularly in red wines. The last step of IBMP biosynthesis has been proposed to involve the methoxylation of the nonvolatile precursor 2-hydroxy-3-isobutylpyrazine to give rise to the highly volatile IBMP. In this work, we have used a quantitative trait loci approach to investigate the genetic bases of IBMP biosynthesis. This has led to the identification of two previously uncharacterized S-adenosyl-methionine-dependent O-methyltransferase genes, termed VvOMT3 and VvOMT4. Functional characterization of these two O-methyltransferases showed that the VvOMT3 protein was highly specific and efficient for 2-hydroxy-3-isobutylpyrazine methylation. Based on its differential expression in high- and low-MP-producing grapevine varieties, we propose that VvOMT3 is a key gene for IBMP biosynthesis in grapevine.
Estimating structural change in US crop insurance experience
Authors: Coble Keith H. , Knight Thomas O. , Miller Mary Frances , Goodwin Barry J. , Rejesus Roderick M. , Boyles Ryan
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to investigate the degree to which trends and structural change may have altered crop insurance expected loss cost ratios across time. Because loss experience is used to set rates for the program, these changes can impact the premiums paid by producers and cost to the government.

Design/methodology/approach

County level adjusted loss cost data was merged with climate division weather data for the 1980‐2009 period. Crop‐specific regional‐level regression models were estimated to test for trends and structural changes in the loss experience for major crops (corn, soybeans, sorghum, cotton, winter wheat, and spring wheat). Climate data was used to control for the effect of weather.

Findings

For several crops and regions, a significant break point in the loss cost data is found at 1995. This is consistent with the policy changes that occurred in in the program due to the 1994 legislative change. In most instances loss experience prior to 1995 is higher than more recent years even when controlling for the effect of weather. The exception is in winter wheat where it appears recent experience may be worse rather than older experience.

Originality/value

This paper provides a large‐scale assessment of the magnitude of improved crop insurance loss experience across time.
Attitude coordination of satellite swarms with communication delays
Authors: Liang Haizhao , Sun Zhaowei , Wang Jianying
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the fast attitude coordinated control problem for rigid satellite swarms with communication delays.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on behavior‐based control approach, the attitude control system is designed to guarantee that the attitude of the satellite swarm converge to a dynamic reference state in finite time. A fast sliding mode is developed to improve the convergence rate and robustness of the control system. All the effects of communication delays, parameter uncertainties and external disturbances are taken into account simultaneously, and the communication topology of the satellite swarm can be arbitrary types. Numerical simulations are provided to demonstrate the analytic results.

Findings

Despite the existence of communication delays, parameter uncertainties and external disturbances, the stability of the closed‐loop system can be successfully guaranteed and the proposed control strategies are effective to overcome these unexpected phenomena subject to arbitrary communication topology.

Originality/value

This paper introduces a fast terminal sliding mode control method which can guarantee the fast convergence of the attitude state of the satellite swarm in the presence of communication delays, switched communication topology, parameter uncertainties and external disturbances.
The use of welfare by migrants in Italy
Authors: Pellizzari Michele
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the issue of welfare use by migrants in Italy and overcome the limitations of previous studies related to the quality of the data and to the high level of fragmentation of the Italian welfare system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper the author is able to overcome the limitations of previous research by using an original administrative archive of means tests, performed at all levels of the public administration, to establish individual's and households’ eligibility to all kinds of benefits, both in cash and kind.

Findings

Results show that, without controlling for observable characteristics, migrants from outside the EU are more likely to apply for welfare. Once individual and household characteristics are controlled for, such a residual welfare dependency is greatly reduced but does not disappear. Geographical location is a key factor, given that migrants tend to locate in the richest areas of the country, which also happen to be the ones where local welfare is most generous.

Originality/value

To the best of the author's knowledge, the administrative database used in this paper has never been used for analysing the use of welfare by migrants. Moreover, the role of geographical sorting of migrants has never been investigated in this area.
Retaliation against reporters of unequal treatment
Authors: Svensson Jörgen , van Genugten Marieke
Published: April 2013

Purpose

Equal treatment in the workplace is considered one of the most fundamental rights of employees. This right also implies that employees must be able to address any form of unequal treatment freely and effectively, without fear of retaliation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the prevalence of retaliation against complaints of unequal treatment in The Netherlands and its underlying factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a telephone survey among employees who filed a formal complaint about unequal treatment at work to the Dutch Equal Treatment Commission.

Findings

The main finding is that retaliation against equal treatment reports is commonplace in The Netherlands and in many cases takes on serious forms. Furthermore it is found that the nature and extent of retaliation are primarily explained by the circumstances in which unequal treatment develops and that the extent of retaliation is neither explained by the manner in which unequal treatment is addressed nor by the level of institutionalized protection that is available.

Originality/value

The need for a better understanding of retaliation is high, because retaliation and fear of retaliation have broad consequences for the psychological and physical well‐being of individual employees and for employment relationships. Yet, studies on retaliation in the context of employment discrimination are rare, especially outside the USA. This article contributes to a better understanding of retaliation, which may be used by policy makers, employees and employers to address it more effectively.
Self‐reflexivity scrutinized: (pro‐)feminist men learning that gender matters
Authors: Styhre Alexander , Tienari Janne
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the debate on reflexivity in organization and management studies by scrutinizing the possibilities of self‐reflexivity.

Design/methodology/approach

By means of auto‐ethnography, the authors analyze their own experiences as (pro‐)feminist men in the field of gender studies.

Findings

The authors argue that self‐reflexivity is partial, fragmentary and transient: it surfaces in situations where the authors’ activities and identities as researchers are challenged by others and they become aware of their precarious position.

Originality/value

The paper's perspective complements more instrumental understandings of self‐reflexivity, and stimulates further debate on its limits as well as potential.
Women at the top
Authors: Atewologun Doyin , Doldor Elena
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This paper reviews the recent “Women at the Top” Conference held in London by the British Psychological Society's Division of Occupational Psychology and offers some suggestions for future research on women at the top.

Design/methodology/approach

The report is generated from attendee observations, notes, other reviews and podcast recordings following the conference.

Findings

Conference proceedings highlighted key areas of interest and current work for psychologists tackling the dearth of women leaders. A majority of presentations examined the role of stereotyping and prejudice in understanding leadership and gender, while a few others discussed contextual factors shaping women's leadership journeys such as life experiences and external parties such as head‐hunters. The limited focus on other diversity dimensions such as racio‐ethnicity is noted.

Originality/value

In light of the conference proceedings, the authors discuss how psychological research could further contribute to addressing the lack of women at the top of organisations. The authors suggest that models of stereotyping and prejudice in leadership need further contextualization and call for more research on multiple stakeholders accountable for women's leadership experiences, particularly those in positions of power and privilege such as current male leaders and Chairmen. Also stressed is the need for an intersectional approach which takes into account the multiple identities of women at the top.
Corporate supply chain responsibility (CSCR)
Authors: Samuel González‐Trejo Elí , Myriam González‐Salazar Norma , Pedroza‐Cantu Gloria , Gerardo Elizondo‐Arroyave Sergio
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and present the concept of corporate supply chain responsibility (CSCR). CSCR provides a guide for developing a mutually beneficial relationship between firms and suppliers. Moreover, some interesting research propositions are developed which can be tested in future research. In addition, implementation guidelines are presented and finally, the potential benefits for the whole supply chain are also discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

An exhaustive literature review is carried out to support the proposed CSCR framework and research propositions.

Findings

The literature review supports the proposed CSCR framework and the research propositions, the concept of CSCR is defined and finally, CSCR implementation guidelines are also given.

Research limitations/implications

This study only presents the CSCR model, but does not test the model. This is a limitation that should be addressed in future research.

Practical implications

The CSCR model, when empirically tested, can be useful as an evaluation tool to measure the CSCR performance level of a firm at a given point in time.

Social implications

The paper enforces social responsibility which has direct social implications.

Originality/value

This paper develops and presents the CSCR framework and research propositions, which provides a guide for developing a mutually beneficial relationship between firms and suppliers. In addition, CSCR implementation guidelines for practitioners are also given.
Learning organization dimensions of the Sri Lanka Army
Authors: Dhananjaya Dahanayake Nishada , Gamlath Sharmila
Published: April 2013

Purpose

This study intends to investigate the extent to which the Sri Lanka Army can be described as a learning organization.

Design/methodology/approach

The main tool of analysis used was the Dimensions of the Learning Organization Questionnaire (DLOQ) developed by Marsick and Watkins, with the exclusion of the sections on financial and knowledge performance.

Findings

Using the DLOQ, the research found that the dimensions of a learning organization proposed by Marsick and Watkins are present in the Sri Lanka Army, although with some aberrations between different ranks.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted without a directly connected dependent variable.

Practical implications

This study shows how even a non‐profit‐oriented organization like the Sri Lanka Army can be informed from a concept like the learning organization, and indeed emphasizes the overarching need for a military organization to operate as a learning organization. Therefore, this research has reiterated the fact that the learning organization is a prescription that all organizations, even not‐for‐profit ones, should ardently pursue. The research also offers recommendations for improvements in the performance of the Sri Lanka Army by identifying certain weaknesses.

Originality/value

By initiating the use of the DLOQ in the Sri Lankan as well as a military context, the study has opened the doors for administering the DLOQ and similar tools for measuring the extent of organizational learning and the presence and strength of learning organizational characteristics in Sri Lanka.
To what extent does a corporate information unit impact upon the company in which it is based?
Authors: Reynolds Tina
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the extent to which the impact of the information unit (IU) is felt within the parent organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for mixed methods approach combining two survey methods: a quantitative questionnaire with a follow‐up set of qualitative interviews.

Findings

The IU was felt to have an impact; however, the definition of impact was very difficult to pin down. There is a need to promote the work of the IU.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the chosen research approach, the research results may not be replicable. Additionally, there is a risk of researcher bias.

Practical implications

The paper could be used to help study impact in other special libraries.

Originality/value

This paper seems to be unique in studying the impact of a corporate library using this approach. It will be of use to other corporate librarians and possibly those looking at mixed methods.
Simulation of ventilation effects on indoor radon
Authors: Akbari Keramatollah , Mahmoudi Jafar , Ghanbari Mahdi
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate indoor radon distribution and ventilation effects. This technique was used to predict and visualize radon content and indoor air quality in a one‐family detached house in Stockholm. The effects of intake fans, exhaust fans and doors on radon concentration were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study a mechanically balanced ventilation system and a continuous radon monitor (CRM) were used to measure the indoor ventilation rate and radon levels. In a numerical approach, the FLUENT CFD package was used to simulate radon entry into the building and ventilation effects.

Findings

Results of the numerical study indicated that indoor pressure created by ventilation systems and infiltration through doors or windows have significant effects on indoor radon content. The location of vents was found to affect the indoor radon level and distribution.

Research limitations/implications

It may be possible to improve any discrepancies found in this article by using a more refined representation of grids and certain boundary conditions, such as pressure and temperature differences between inside and outside and by considering some real situations in residential buildings and external situations.

Originality/value

From the viewpoints of indoor air quality (IAQ) and energy savings, ventilation has two opposing functions; on the positive side it enhances IAQ and the establishment of thermal comfort, and on the negative side it increases energy consumption. This paper describes the search for a solution to cope with this contradiction.
Healthcare leadership: learning from evaluation
Authors: Edmonstone John
Published: April 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review eight major evaluations of leadership and management development programmes in parts of the UK National Health Service and also to identify learning from these as a basis for an evaluation framework which focuses on impact within healthcare organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight evaluations conducted over a 13‐year period are reviewed in terms of the staff groups covered, numbers involved, duration, programme elements, evaluation approach adopted and key learning points. General conclusions are derived from this review.

Findings

Although each evaluation relates to a unique context or setting, there are clear common messages running across all those studied which are of wider interest and concern.

Practical implications

The framework developed from the review may be useful to those commissioning, designing, delivering and evaluating leadership programmes.

Originality/value

The paper seeks to identify common learning across programmes involving some 1,653 people, ranging in duration from seven to 18 months and covering first‐line clinical management to executive director positions.
GregoryKing and the economic structure of early modernEngland: an input–output table for 1688
Authors: Dodgson John
Published: April 2013

This article presents an input–output table forEngland andWales for the year 1688 which is based on the extensive dataset compiled byGregoryKing in the 1690s, together with other contemporary and modern material relating to the end of the seventeenth century. As well as showing the inter‐relationships between the different parts of the economy, the data in the table can be used to compute national income and the shares of different sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and services in total value added. Further, the approach used to compile the table provides a way to subjectKing's data to as much independent assessment as is possible given alternative sources of information. Sensitivity analysis is used to assess the impact on national income and sector shares of alternative estimates of the grain harvest, metal manufacture, and service sector output.
Late Neoliberalism: The Financialization of Homeownership and Housing Rights
Authors: Rolnik Raquel
Published: April 2013

Over the last few decades we have witnessed a globalU‐turn in prevailing housing and urban policy agendas, spread around the world by the driving forces of globalization and neoliberalism. The new paradigm was mainly based on the withdrawal of states from the housing sector and the implementation of policies designed to create stronger and larger market‐based housing finance models. The commodification of housing, together with the increased use of housing as an investment asset within a globalized financial market, has profoundly affected the enjoyment of the right to adequate housing. Taking theWorldBank's 1993 manifesto as a starting point and the subprime crisis as its first great international flashpoint, this essay traces some key elements of the neoliberal approach to housing and its impact on the enjoyment of the right to housing in different contexts and times. The reform of housing policy — with all its components of homeownership, private property and binding financial commitments — has been central to the political and ideological strategies through which the dominance of neoliberalism is maintained. Conversely, the crisis (and its origins in the housing market) reflects the inability of market mechanisms to provide adequate and affordable housing for all.
‘Don't Waste a Crisis’: Opening up the City Yet Again for Neoliberal Experimentation
Authors: Oosterlynck Stijn , González Sara
Published: April 2013

This essay calls for a systematic investigation of the financial‐economic crisis as a source of new urban governance rationalities across Europe. We propose combining an understanding of neoliberalization as a variegated social phenomenon with a cultural political economy approach sensitive to the discursive dimension of variegation and the evolutionary mechanisms through which discursive variation is translated into geo‐institutional differentiation. We illustrate how this theoretical framework may help to analyse the impact of the crisis on urban governmental rationalities. Rather than offering a complete cultural political economy account of the responses of European cities to the financial‐economic crisis, we analyse how the crisis and the responses to it have been represented in discourses on urban policies and development by focusing on two discursive sites that are of strategic importance, namely OECD LEED and URBACT. Our preliminary findings suggest a re‐assemblage of existing discourses rather than the emergence of a new post‐neoliberal urban government rationality.