bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative nucleation modes in polycrystalline CoxPd1−x nanowires
Authors: Viqueira M. S. , Pozo-López G. , Urreta S. E. , Condó A. M. , Cornejo D. R. , Fabietti L. M.
Published: May 2015

Polycrystalline CoxPd1−x (x = 1, 0.60, 0.45, 0.23, and 0.11) cylindrical nanowires (ø = 18–35 nm, about 1 μm length) are produced by AC electrodeposition into hexagonally ordered alumina pores. Single-phase nanowires of an fcc Co-Pd solid solution, with randomly oriented equiaxed grains (7–12 nm) are obtained; in all the cases, the grain size is smaller than the wire diameter. The coercive field and the reduced remanence of Co-rich nanowire arrays are hardly sensitive to temperature within the range varying from 4 K to 300 K. On the other hand, in Pd-rich nanowires both magnitudes are smaller and they largely increase when cooling below 100 K. This behavior also depends on the mean grain size. These facts are systematized considering two main aspects: the non-trivial temperature and composition dependence of the crystalline anisotropy and the saturation magnetostriction in Co-Pd alloys; and a random anisotropy effect, which defines a nucleation localization length that may involve more than a single grain, and thus promotes more cooperative nucleation modes.
An integrated time-of-flight versus residual energy subsystem for a compact dual ion composition experiment for space plasmas
Authors: Desai M. I. , Ogasawara K. , Ebert R. W. , McComas D. J. , Allegrini F. , Weidner S. E. , Alexander N. , Livi S. A.
Published: May 2015

We have developed a novel concept for a Compact Dual Ion Composition Experiment (CoDICE) that simultaneously provides high quality plasma and energetic ion composition measurements over 6 decades in ion energy in a wide variety of space plasma environments. CoDICE measures the two critical ion populations in space plasmas: (1) mass and ionic charge state composition and 3D velocity and angular distributions of ∼10 eV/q–40 keV/q plasma ions—CoDICE-Lo and (2) mass composition, energy spectra, and angular distributions of ∼30 keV–10 MeV energetic ions—CoDICE-Hi. CoDICE uses a common, integrated Time-of-Flight (TOF) versus residual energy (E) subsystem for measuring the two distinct ion populations. This paper describes the CoDICE design concept, and presents results of the laboratory tests of the TOF portion of the TOF vs. E subsystem, focusing specifically on (1) investigation of spill-over and contamination rates on the start and stop microchannel plate (MCP) anodes vs. secondary electron steering and focusing voltages, scanned around their corresponding model-optimized values, (2) TOF measurements and resolution and angular resolution, and (3) cross-contamination of the start and stop MCPs’ singles rates from CoDICE-Lo and -Hi, and (4) energy resolution of avalanche photodiodes near the lower end of the CoDICE-Lo energy range. We also discuss physical effects that could impact the performance of the TOF vs. E subsystem in a flight instrument. Finally, we discuss advantages of the CoDICE design concept by comparing with capabilities and resources of existing flight instruments.
Kuramoto transition in an ensemble of mercury beating heart systems
Authors: Verma Dinesh Kumar , Singh Harpartap , Parmananda P. , Contractor A. Q. , Rivera M.
Published: May 2015

We have studied, experimentally, the collective behavior of the electrically coupled autonomous Mercury Beating Heart (MBH) systems exhibiting the breathing mode, by varying both the coupling strength and the population size (from N = 3 to N = 16). For a fixed N, the electrical and the mechanical activities of the MBH systems achieve complete synchronization at different coupling strengths. The electrical activity of each MBH system is measured by the corresponding electrode potential (Ei = Vi). Additionally, the mechanical activity of each MBH oscillator is visually observed (snapshots and video clips). Subsequently, this activity is quantified by calculating the temporal variation in the area (Ai) of the Hg drop. As a result, the synchronization of the electrical (Ei = Vi) and the mechanical (Ai) activities can be measured. The extent of synchronization was quantified by employing the order parameter (r). Our experimental results are found to be in agreement with the Kuramoto theory.
Scroll wave drift along steps, troughs, and corners
Authors: Ke Hua , Zhang Zhihui , Steinbock Oliver
Published: May 2015

Three-dimensional excitable systems can create nonlinear scroll waves that rotate around one-dimensional phase singularities. Recent theoretical work predicts that these filaments drift along step-like height variations. Here, we test this prediction using experiments with thin layers of the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction. We observe that over short distances scroll waves are attracted towards the step and then rapidly commence a steady drift along the step line. The translating filaments always reside on the shallow side of the step near the edge. Accordingly, filaments in the deep domain initially collide with and shorten at the step wall. The drift speeds obey the predicted proportional dependence on the logarithm of the height ratio and the direction depends on the vortex chirality. We also observe drift along the perimeter of rectangular plateaus and find that the filaments perform sharp turns at the corners. In addition, we investigate rectangular troughs for which vortices of equal chirality can drift in different directions. The latter two effects are reproduced in numerical simulations with the Barkley model. The simulations show that narrow troughs instigate scroll wave encounters that induce repulsive interaction and symmetry breaking. Similar phenomena could exist in the geometrically complicated ventricles of the human heart where reentrant vortex waves cause tachycardia and fibrillation.
Effects of rigid or adaptive confinement on colloidal self-assembly. Fixed vs. fluctuating number of confined particles
Authors: Pȩkalski J. , Almarza N. G. , Ciach A.
Published: May 2015

The effects of confinement on colloidal self-assembly in the case of fixed number of confined particles are studied in the one dimensional lattice model solved exactly in the grand canonical ensemble (GCE) in Pȩkalski et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 014903 (2015)]. The model considers a pair interaction defined by a short-range attraction plus a longer-range repulsion. We consider thermodynamic states corresponding to self-assembly into clusters. Both fixed and adaptive boundaries are studied. For fixed boundaries, there are particular states in which, for equal average densities, the number of clusters in the GCE is larger than in the canonical ensemble. The dependence of pressure on density has a different form when the system size changes with fixed number of particles and when the number of particles changes with fixed size of the system. In the former case, the pressure has a nonmonotonic dependence on the system size. The anomalous increase of pressure for expanding system is accompanied by formation of a larger number of smaller clusters. In the case of elastic confining surfaces, we observe a bistability, i.e., two significantly different system sizes occur with almost the same probability. The mechanism of the bistability in the closed system is different to that of the case of permeable walls, where the two equilibrium system sizes correspond to a different number of particles.
Gate-tunable valley-spin filtering in silicene with magnetic barrier
Authors: Wu X. Q. , Meng H.
Published: May 2015

We theoretically study the valley- and spin-resolved scattering through magnetic barrier in a one layer thick silicene, using the mode-matching method for the Dirac equation. We show that the spin-valley filtering effect can be achieved and can also be tuned completely through both a top and bottom gate. Moreover, when reversing the sign of the staggered potential, we find the direction of the valley polarization is switched while the direction of spin polarization is unchanged. These results can provide some meaningful information to design valley valve residing on silicene.
Synthesis and thermoelectric properties of half-Heusler alloy YNiBi
Authors: Li Shanming , Zhao Huaizhou , Li Dandan , Jin Shifeng , Gu Lin
Published: May 2015

The half-Heusler (HH) alloy, YNiBi, was synthesized through a reaction between Bi and the intermediate YNi phase. The thermoelectric properties of HH YNiBi were measured most thoroughly. A moderate power factor of 13.3 μWcm−1K−2 was achieved at 485 K, and rather low lattice thermal conductivity was identified, consistent with the theoretical expectation for YNiBi. A significant bipolar contribution to thermal conductivity was observed in YNiBi, which induces a relatively low thermoelectric dimensionless figure-of-merit zT in this material. Enhancement of zT for YNiBi could be realized through appropriate doping to suppress the bipolar effect.
Ferromagnetic properties of fcc Gd thin films
Authors: Bertelli T. P. , Passamani E. C. , Larica C. , Nascimento V. P. , Takeuchi A. Y. , Pessoa M. S.
Published: May 2015

Magnetic properties of sputtered Gd thin films grown on Si (100) substrates kept at two different temperatures were investigated using X-ray diffraction, ac magnetic susceptibility, and dc magnetization measurements. The obtained Gd thin films have a mixture of hcp and fcc structures, but with their fractions depending on the substrate temperature TS and film thickness x. Gd fcc samples were obtained when TS = 763 K and x = 10 nm, while the hcp structure was stabilized for lower TS (300 K) and thicker film (20 nm). The fcc structure is formed on the Ta buffer layer, while the hcp phase grows on the fcc Gd layer as a consequence of the lattice relaxation process. Spin reorientation phenomenon, commonly found in bulk Gd species, was also observed in the hcp Gd thin film. This phenomenon is assumed to cause the magnetization anomalous increase observed below 50 K in stressed Gd films. Magnetic properties of fcc Gd thin films are: Curie temperature above 300 K, saturation magnetization value of about 175 emu/cm3, and coercive field of about 100 Oe at 300 K; features that allow us to classify Gd thin films, with fcc structure, as a soft ferromagnetic material.
Determination of vibrational and rotational temperatures in highly constricted nitrogen plasmas by fitting the second positive system of N2 molecules
Authors: Zhang Q. Y. , Shi D. Q. , Xu W. , Miao C. Y. , Ma C. Y. , Ren C. S. , Zhang C. , Yi Z.
Published: May 2015

Highly constricted plasmas are an active research area because of their ability to generate high activity of plasma beams, which exhibit potential in applications of material processing and film deposition. In this study, optical emission spectroscopy was used to study the highly constricted nitrogen plasma created at low pressure. The vibrational and rotational temperatures of molecules were determined by fitting the second positive system of nitrogen molecule. Under the conditions of the power densities as high as 7 ∼ 85 W/cm3 and the pressures of 2 ∼ 200 Pa, the determined rotational temperature was found to be relatively low, increasing from 350 to 700 K and the vibrational temperature keeping at ∼ 5000 K. The analysis of dissipated power revealed that ∼ 80 % of input power is dissipated for the nitrogen molecule dissociation and the creation/loss of ions at the tube wall, producing an as high as 1012 ∼ 1013 cm−3 plasma with the nitrogen dissociation degrees of 2%∼15%. With the increase in the discharge pressure, more input power was found to be dissipated in the dissociation of nitrogen molecules instead of creation of ions, resulting in a higher density of radicals.
Structure of a bacterial toxin-activating acyltransferase
Authors: Greene Nicholas P. , Crow Allister , Hughes Colin , Koronakis Vassilis
Published: May 2015

Significance

Secreted pore-forming toxins of pathogenic bacteria such as
Escherichia coli
and
Bordetella pertussis
insert into cell membranes to subvert signaling and cause cell death, facilitating infection of human and animal hosts. These toxins require a unique activation step before secretion, the covalent linkage of lipid groups to specific lysines of the inactive protoxin, directed by a specialized toxin-activating acyl transferase (TAAT). Here, we present the TAAT crystal structure, the soluble dimeric topology, and likely active site, revealing that despite no discernible sequence similarity, TAATs are a structurally and functionally distinct group of the Gcn5-like
N
-acetyl transferase (GNAT) superfamily of modifying enzymes. Our findings open the way to further understanding of the unique toxin activation, and the possibility of inhibiting toxin action.
Water-soluble chlorophyll protein is involved in herbivore resistance activation during greening ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Boex-Fontvieille Edouard , Rustgi Sachin , von Wettstein Diter , Reinbothe Steffen , Reinbothe Christiane
Published: May 2015

Significance

Herbivory is one of the most important processes in the biosphere. When plants germinated underneath the soil or fallen leaves undergo skotomorphogenesis, they are especially prone to a vast range of seed predators and herbivorous arthropods. How greening plants protect themselves against these foes was thus far largely unknown. Here, we describe a mechanism how etiolated seedlings deter arthropod devourers. Our article thus contributes to the understanding of plant survival strategies in the natural environment.
The rise of the going to future in Tyneside English
Authors: Fehringer Carol , Corrigan Karen P.
Published: May 2015

This paper investigates the relative frequencies of the two major syntactic markers of future time expression (FTE), be going to and will in the Diachronic Electronic Corpus of Tyneside English (DECTE). In particular, the rise in the frequency of be going to will be examined in the light of current theories of grammaticalisation. The various grammatical constraints that have been identified in the literature as determining the distribution of will versus be going to will be investigated. It will be shown that a number of interesting changes have occurred within the fifty-year period covered by the data-set. In specific areas of grammar, contrasts have been maintained (e.g. first person versus the other persons in the favouring of will), strengthened (e.g. subordinate clauses versus main clauses in the favouring of going to), weakened (e.g. the dominance of will in contexts of distal future reference) or even introduced (e.g. the apodoses of if-clauses emerging as a syntactic niche for the favouring of will).
3. Duty of Care II:
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the kinds of interest that are subjected to the duty of care. It explains that the protection given to a particular interest can change over time and is open to influence by the requirements of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). It suggests that a duty of care is more readily recognised with respect to physical integrity than with respect to either mental or financial interests. This chapter also analyses psychiatric harm and pure financial loss cases and suggests that, while the courts examined technical factors relating to the causation of damage, they were also influenced by the desire to keep negligence liability within defensible limits.
4. Duty of Care III:
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter considers the liability in negligence of public authorities. It commences by examining typical features of public authorities, including their statutory and public dimensions, so as to allow a definition of the subject matter. It then considers the tests that the courts have implemented to determine whether they can accept jurisdiction to hear a case involving a public authority. Finally, the chapter turns to the application of the three-stage test for duty in cases of public authorities, paying special attention to the issue of policy reasons for excluding a duty of care.
10. Wrongful Interference with Goods
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the protection provided by tort law against wrongful interference with goods. It explains that the action for trespass to goods affords a remedy where there has been an intentional or careless direct interference with goods in the claimant’s possession at the time of the trespass. It discusses the remedies available for torts to goods contained in the Torts (Interference with Goods) Act 1977. This chapter also considers conversion and residual torts.
11. Trespass to Land
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the protection against trespass to land provided by tort law. It explains that the action for trespass to land protects the interest of the claimant in having his land free from the unjustified physical intrusion of another. It discusses the elements of trespass and describes the types of acts that constitute it. This chapter also considers the remedies available for defendants in trespass to land cases, which include injunctions, actions for the recovery of land, and damages.
27. Principles of Compensation for Personal Injuries and Associated Losses
Authors: Witting Christian
Published: May 2015

This chapter examines the principles of awards and damages for personal injuries and associated losses in tort law. It explains that damages are available to both surviving tort victims and to deceased estates. The personal injury damages available to living claimants include those for pecuniary losses and non-pecuniary losses, while for instances where the tort victim has died there are survival actions provided by the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934 and another that treats the victim’s very death as the basis of the claim which is provided for by the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. This chapter also considers various alternative sources of compensation.
Identification and Characterization of Two Novel DSF-Controlled Virulence-Associated Genes Within the nodB-rhgB Locus of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola Rs105
Authors: Song Zhiwei , Zhao Yancun , Zhou Xingyang , Wu Guichun , Zhang Yuqiang , Qian Guoliang , Liu Fengquan
Published: May 2015

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola and X. oryzae pv. oryzae are two pathovars of X. oryzae that cause leaf streak and blight in rice, respectively. These two bacterial pathogens cause different disease symptoms by utilizing different infection sites on rice. Compared with X. oryzae pv. oryzae, the molecular virulence mechanism of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola remains largely unknown. Previously, we identified a unique diffusible signal factor (DSF)-controlled virulence-related gene (hshB) in X. oryzae pv. oryzicola Rs105 located in the nodB-rghB locus, which is absent in X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A. In the present study, we identified two additional genes within this locus (hshA and hshC) that were unique to X. oryzae pv. oryzicola Rs105 compared with X. oryzae pv. oryzae PXO99A, and we found that the transcription of these genes was regulated by DSF signaling in X. oryzae pv. oryzicola. The mutation of these genes impaired the virulence of the wild-type Rs105 when using a low inoculation density of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola. In contrast to hshB, the mutation of these genes did not have any visible effect on characterized virulence-related functions, including in vitro growth, extracellular polysaccharide production, extracellular protease activity, and antioxidative ability. However, we found that mutation of hshA or hshC significantly reduced the in planta growth ability and epiphytic survival level of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola cells, which was the probable mechanisms of involvement of these two genes in virulence. Collectively, our studies of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola have identified two novel DSF-controlled virulence-associated genes (hshA and hshC), which will add to our understanding of the regulatory mechanisms of conserved DSF virulence signaling in Xanthomonas species.
“Low Fat” Spindle Cell Lipoma of the Eyelid: A Diagnostic Challenge
Authors: Charles Norman C. , Belinsky Irina
Published: May 2015

The authors describe a spindle cell lipoma that occurred in the anterior lamellae of the eyelid in a 47-year-old man. This benign tumor was reported previously only once within that location and poses histologic challenges when a “low fat” or “fat free” variant is present.
Effect of Octreotide on Colonic Motility in Pediatric Patients With Chronic Recalcitrant Constipation
Authors: Ray Parashette Kalyan , Waseem Shamaila , Horn Debra , Shah Aali , Croffie Joseph
Published: May 2015

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to study the effect of octreotide on colonic motility in pediatric patients with recalcitrant chronic constipation/encopresis and other suspected colonic motility disorders.

Methods:

This was a nonrandomized, single‐center, open‐label, prospective study evaluating the effect of a single subcutaneous dose of octreotide on colonic motility.

Results:

Thirteen patients (5 boys) were enrolled in the study. The age range was 4.6 to 16.2 years. Eleven patients (84%) had normal colonic manometry and 2 patients (16%) had colonic neuropathy. Motility Index (MI) (mmHg) for the 15 minutes before and after octreotide infusion was 6.03 ± 1.26 (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.35–6.72) and 5.32 ± 1.66 (95% CI 4.42–6.23), respectively, with P value of 0.08. MI for the 30 minutes before and after octreotide infusion was 6.89 ± 1.37 (95% CI 6.14–7.64) and 6.71 ± 1.47 (95% CI 5.91–7.52), respectively, with P value of 0.55. MI for the 45 minutes before and after octreotide infusion was 7.73 ± 1.32 (95% CI 7.01–8.45) and 7.53 ± 1.38 (95% CI 6.78–8.28), respectively, with P value of 0.8.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that the administration of octreotide resulted in no significant changes in colonic MI in pediatric patients with chronic recalcitrant constipation.
Effect of Ursodeoxycholic Acid on Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia in Neonates Treated With Phototherapy
Authors: Honar Naser , Ghashghaei Saadi Elham , Saki Forough , Pishva Narjes , Shakibazad Nader , Hosseini Teshnizi Saeed
Published: May 2015

Background:

Hyperbilirubinemia is a common neonatal problem. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid in reducing indirect hyperbilirubinemia of infants under phototherapy.

Methods:

This double‐blind randomized clinical trial was conducted on neonates with jaundice, who had received phototherapy in the hospitals affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2013. A total of 80 neonates were enrolled in the study and were randomly divided into 2 groups. The intervention group (n = 40) with indirect hyperbilirubinemia received 10 mg · kg−1 · day−1 divided every 12 hours Ursobil (capsule 300 mg) in addition to phototherapy, whereas the control group (n = 40) received only phototherapy. Total bilirubin levels were measured every 12 hours until reaching <10 mg/dL, and then phototherapy was disrupted. The duration of phototherapy was measured. The 2 groups were compared regarding total bilirubin levels at different time points and duration of phototherapy using the generalized estimating equation (GEE) test.

Results:

The mean of total bilirubin in the intervention group was 12 ± 1.6, 10 ± 1.1, and 9.8 ± 0.2 mg/dL 12, 24, and 48 hours after the beginning of phototherapy, respectively. On the contrary, these measures were 14.4 ± 1.3, 12.5 ± 1.4, and 10.1 ± 1.1 mg/dL in the control group, respectively, (P < 0.05). The mean time required for phototherapy to decrease the bilirubin level to <10 mg/dL was 15.5 ± 6 and 44.6 ± 13.3 hours in the case and the control group, respectively, (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

Ursodeoxycholic acid had additive effect with phototherapy in neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia. This drug also reduced the time period needed for phototherapy and, consequently, decreased the hospitalization period.
Bizionia arctica sp. nov., isolated from Arctic fjord seawater, and emended description of the genus Bizionia
Authors: Li Hai , Zhang Xi-Ying , Liu Chang , Liu Ang , Qin Qi-Long , Su Hai-Nan , Shi Mei , Zhou Bai-Cheng , Chen Xiu-Lan , Zhang Yu-Zhong , Xie Bin-Bin
Published: May 2015

A Gram-stain-negative, yellow-pigmented, aerobic, non-flagellated, non-gliding bacterial strain, designated SM1203T, was isolated from surface seawater of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain SM1203T was affiliated with the genus Bizionia in the family Flavobacteriaceae. The strain shared the highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (>96  %) with the type strains of Formosa spongicola (96.8  %), Bizionia paragorgiae (96.3  %), B. saleffrena (96.3  %) and B. echini (96.1  %) and 95.4–95.7  % sequence similarity with the type strains of other known species of the genus Bizionia. The strain grew at 4–30 °C and in the presence of 1.0–5.0  % (w/v) NaCl. The major fatty acids of strain SM1203T were iso-C15  :  0, iso-C15  :  1, anteiso-C15  :  0 and C15  :  0 and the main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and an unidentified lipid. The major respiratory quinone of strain SM1203T was menaquinone 6 (MK-6). The genomic DNA G+C content of strain SM1203T was 34.8 mol%. Based on the polyphasic characterization of strain SM1203T in this study, the strain represents a novel species in the genus Bizionia, for which the name Bizionia arctica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is SM1203T ( = CGMCC 1.12751T = JCM 30333T). An emended description of the genus Bizionia is also given.
Stable eusociality via maternal manipulation when resistance is costless
Authors: González-Forero Mauricio
Published: May 2015

In many eusocial species, queens use pheromones to influence offspring to express worker phenotypes. While evidence suggests that queen pheromones are honest signals of the queen’s reproductive health, here I show that queen’s honest signaling can result from ancestral maternal manipulation. I develop a mathematical model to study the coevolution of maternal manipulation, offspring resistance to manipulation, and maternal resource allocation. I assume that (1) maternal manipulation causes offspring to be workers against offspring’s interests; (2) offspring can resist at no direct cost, as is thought to be the case with pheromonal manipulation; and (3) the mother chooses how much resource to allocate to fertility and maternal care. In the coevolution of these traits, I find that maternal care decreases, thereby increasing the benefit that offspring obtain from help, which in the long run eliminates selection for resistance. Consequently, ancestral maternal manipulation yields stable eusociality despite costless resistance. Additionally, ancestral manipulation in the long run becomes honest signaling that induces offspring to help. These results indicate that both eusociality and its commonly associated queen honest signaling can be likely to originate from ancestral manipulation.
Germination Potential of Dormant and Nondormant Arabidopsis Seeds Is Driven by Distinct Recruitment of Messenger RNAs to Polysomes
Authors: Basbouss-Serhal Isabelle , Soubigou-Taconnat Ludivine , Bailly Christophe , Leymarie Juliette
Published: May 2015

Dormancy is a complex evolutionary trait that temporally prevents seed germination, thus allowing seedling growth at a favorable season. High-throughput analyses of transcriptomes have led to significant progress in understanding the molecular regulation of this process, but the role of posttranscriptional mechanisms has received little attention. In this work, we have studied the dynamics of messenger RNA association with polysomes and compared the transcriptome with the translatome in dormant and nondormant seeds of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) during their imbibition at 25°C in darkness, a temperature preventing germination of dormant seeds only. DNA microarray analysis revealed that 4,670 and 7,028 transcripts were differentially abundant in dormant and nondormant seeds in the transcriptome and the translatome, respectively. We show that there is no correlation between transcriptome and translatome and that germination regulation is also largely translational, implying a selective and dynamic recruitment of messenger RNAs to polysomes in both dormant and nondormant seeds. The study of 5′ untranslated region features revealed that GC content and the number of upstream open reading frames could play a role in selective translation occurring during germination. Gene Ontology clustering showed that the functions of polysome-associated transcripts differed between dormant and nondormant seeds and revealed actors in seed dormancy and germination. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the essential role of selective polysome loading in this biological process.
Two reversible enantiotropic phase transitions in a pentacoordinate silicon complex with anO,N,O′-tridentate valinate ligand
Authors: Schwarzer Anke , Fels Sabine , Böhme Uwe
Published: May 2015

Dimethyl[N-(4-oxidopent-3-en-2-ylidene)valinato-κ3O,N,O′]silicon(IV), C12H21NO3Si, (II), crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupP212121. The chiral compound undergoes two sharp enantiotropic phase transitions upon cooling. The first transformation occurs at 163 K to yield a unit cell with one axis having double length. This intermediate-temperature form has the monoclinic space groupP21. The second transition takes place at 142 K and converts the single crystal into the low-temperature form in the orthorhombic space groupP212121. This transition proceeds under tripling of theaaxis of the high-temperature form. Both phase transitions are fully reversible and correspond to order–disorder transitions of the isopropyl group of the valine unit in the ligand backbone. The phase transitions presented here raise questions, since they do not fit into the rules of group–subgroup relationships.
Grown from lithium flux, the ErCo5Si3.17silicide is a combination of disordered derivatives of the UCo5Si3and Yb6Co30P19structure types
Authors: Stetskiv Andrij , Rozdzynska-Kielbik Beata , Misztal Renata , Pavlyuk Volodymyr
Published: May 2015

A ternary hexaerbium triacontacobalt enneakaidecasilicide, ErCo5Si3.17, crystallizes as a combination of disordered variants of the hexagonal UCo5Si3(P63/m) and Yb6Co30P19(P-6) structure types and is closely related to the Sc6Co30Si19and Ce6Rh30Si19types. The Er, Co and three of the Si atoms occupy sites ofm.. symmetry and a fourth Si atom occupies a site of -6.. symmetry. The environment of the Er atom is a 21-vertex pseudo-Frank–Kasper polyhedron. Trigonal prismatic coordination is observed for the Si atoms. The Co atoms are enclosed in heavily deformed cuboctahedra and 11-vertex polyhedra. Crystallochemistry analysis and the data from electronic structure calculations (TB–LMTO–ASA) suggest that the Er atoms form positively charged cations which compensate the negative charge of the [Co12Si9]m−polyanions.
Approximation of virus structure by icosahedral tilings
Authors: Salthouse D. G. , Indelicato G. , Cermelli P. , Keef T. , Twarock R.
Published: May 2015

Viruses are remarkable examples of order at the nanoscale, exhibiting protein containers that in the vast majority of cases are organized with icosahedral symmetry. Janner used lattice theory to provide blueprints for the organization of material in viruses. An alternative approach is provided here in terms of icosahedral tilings, motivated by the fact that icosahedral symmetry is non-crystallographic in three dimensions. In particular, a numerical procedure is developed to approximate the capsid of icosahedral viruses by icosahedral tilesviaprojection of high-dimensional tiles based on the cut-and-project scheme for the construction of three-dimensional quasicrystals. The goodness of fit of our approximation is assessed using techniques related to the theory of polygonal approximation of curves. The approach is applied to a number of viral capsids and it is shown that detailed features of the capsid surface can indeed be satisfactorily described by icosahedral tilings. This work complements previous studies in which the geometry of the capsid is described by point sets generated as orbits of extensions of the icosahedral group, as such point sets are by construction related to the vertex sets of icosahedral tilings. The approximations of virus geometry derived here can serve as coarse-grained models of viral capsids as a basis for the study of virus assembly and structural transitions of viral capsids, and also provide a new perspective on the design of protein containers for nanotechnology applications.
Relationship between the maturity of supply chain process management and the organisational life cycle
Authors: Souza Rodrigo Paiva , Guerreiro Reinaldo , Oliveira Marcos Paulo Valadares
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the maturity level of supply chain process management (SCPM) and the company’s organisational life cycle (OLC).

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a theoretical review, a questionnaire was developed to measure the maturity level of SCPM and the OLC. Data from 228 companies operating in Brazil were collected to assess the association between variables by using correspondence analysis technique.

Findings

– Among the key findings, evidences of a relationship between the maturity level of SCPM and the company’s OLC could be highlighted. In addition, it was found that the maturity level of SCPM has no significant relationship with the age or size of a company but it is related to the capabilities inherent to the SCPM.

Research limitations/implications

– Measurement of SCPM and the OLC was based on the managers’ perceptions about the actual configuration of their firms. Accordingly, there is a certain level of subjectivity inherent to those models. The study is valid for companies operating in Brazil and might not be applicable for other countries.

Practical implications

– This study increases awareness about the influence of organisational issues, such as the decision model, power hierarchy or governance structure, in the development of SCPM maturity. Such issues must be addressed to develop SCPM.

Social implications

– Management and control of organisational issues might help to develop the maturity of SCPM, so the service level of companies, in order to deliver high quality services to society. Still, further research is required in the social area.

Originality/value

– The paper tried to analyse the relationship of two well established models where this link was overlooked in the past. It was not found in literature similar investigation.
A conceptual framework of RFID adoption in retail using Rogers stage model
Authors: Bhattacharya Mithu
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a research model that links Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) adoption issues with established technology adoption stages suggested by Rogers theory of diffusion of innovation (DOI). The research model proposed in this study suggests that RFID adoption in retail industry progresses in different stages.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed methodological perspective is used in this research. Key research issues were identified from a systematic content analysis of trade and academic articles in the first phase.

Findings

– Data collected from Delphi study is used to test the propositions. It confirms key research issues associated with different adoption stages. Finally, it also confirms that the stages (knowledge, persuasion, design and decision, and implementation) influence RFID adoption decision.

Research limitations/implications

– The propositions that are developed in the model can be used in future studies for further development. More relevant items should be added to measure each variable. It can also allow future researchers and practitioners to take a more comprehensive approach to look at RFID adoption process as a whole and thus focus on relevant issues across all adoption stages.

Practical implications

– The research model can provide insights to practitioner to make more informed RFID adoption decisions.

Originality/value

– Rogers stage model is very important for technology diffusion studies but is not explored much. There is limited research on understanding the overall RFID adoption process. This study is an attempt to bridge that gap and draw attention toward future research in that direction. The research model that is developed links RFID research with existing research in the area of DOI.
What is the biggest question in CSR research?
Authors: Ahen Frederick , Zettinig Peter
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an issue-oriented substantive domain. Nevertheless, there are countless socio-economic, medico-techno-scientific, environmental and ethical philosophical questions that are far from being settled. In pursuit of a more desirable and sustainable future, this work problematizes current corporate responsibility (CR) research, education and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

– This contribution provides a critical perspective on the future of CR research and practice and offers a way forward based on theoretical prescience.

Findings

– The paper delineates a taxonomy of typical crises, categorized asburning, existential, overlookedandneglected crises. This taxonomy can be used as a tool for all forms of scenario analysis, empirical work and policymaking. This allows various futures issues to be given targeted interventions, assigned a focal theory, or allocated differentiated resources and appropriate time and space depending on their technical nature and the institutional context within which the issues unfold.

Social implications

– This paper argues that CR research risks losing steam despite its near ubiquitous nature and the major contributions hitherto made. Nevertheless, when problems are strategically thought out in the light of the taxonomy above, they provide promising avenues for insightful research and value-creating practice to meet the expectations of both business and society.

Originality/value

– A profound chasm exists between CR practice and rhetoric. This void is particularly stark when we consider the interface between science and technology and developing economies. This paper explores desirable futures for CR while analyzing what is possible and probable.
Cave wall to internet, storytelling, the ancient learning art
Authors: Beamish Gerry , Beamish Jonathan
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to show the value of storytelling in developing organisational culture and values, facilitating change and accelerating learning.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper looks at why storytelling is important and how it has survived and adapted to changing technologies.

Findings

– Storytelling is crucial in bridging the knowledge/action gap that is at the centre of most management, change and learning problems. The fact that oral storytelling has survived so many changes in technology is testament to its value but more recent research has underlined the scientific reasons for its success.

Originality/value

– A story is the only way to activate parts in the brain so that a listener turns the story into their own ideas and experience. In terms of influencing there is nothing more powerful than people thinking that the idea is their own. When people believe the idea is their own they put all their energies behind implementing it thus reinforcing culture/values and facilitating learning and change.
Corporate psychopathy: deviant workplace behaviour and toxic leaders – part one
Authors: Cheang Henry S. , Appelbaum Steven H.
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– Increasingly, it is recognized that (larger) organizations have many employees who present with corporate psychopathy (i.e. a milder version of antisocial personality disorder (APD)). Importantly, such a disorder contributes to the presence of deviant workplace behaviour. Organizations must therefore adapt its practices to both identify and manage employees who either present with, or have tendencies towards, corporate psychopathy. As a means of developing a guiding framework for organizational adaptation, the purpose of this two-part paper is to offer two reviews of relevant research. The first revolves around the body of knowledge regarding corporate psychopathy and the primary, established behavioural method of identifying its presence; the second is a brief review on physiological measures that can complement current gold standards.

Design/methodology/approach

– A range of published empirical and practitioner research articles were reviewed to elaborate on APD and corporate psychopathy; showcase the efficacy of the currently most accepted method of detecting psychopathic behaviour – the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL) and; highlight physiological methods of detecting psychopathic tendencies which may complement usage of the PCL – electroencephalography, measurement of galvanic skin responses, and electromyography.

Findings

– Deviant workplace behaviours cause losses of billions of dollars across all business organizations, and much of this behaviour stems from corporate psychopaths in positions of leadership; the PCL, while useful, can nonetheless yield sharp differences in the identification of psychopathy across different administrators of the test; measures of physiological states show good reliability in discriminating psychopathic persons from non-psychopathic persons. Based on these findings, the authors propose guidelines for how to identify and mitigate the effects of corporate psychopathy for organizations.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed guidelines must be tested in an empirical paper to measure their effectiveness.

Practical implications

– The paper suggests an overall framework that may help leaders and organizational development practitioners identify the major factors which may be considered to safeguard against the potentially detrimental conduct of corporate psychopaths in their organizations.

Social implications

– This paper highlights the need to identify and ward against the presence of corporate psychopaths. There needs to be guidelines for organizations on how to identify and mitigate the effects of corporate psychopathy for organizations.

Originality/value

– The suggestion of integrating physiological methods of detection with the PCL, as well as urging proactive education of all employees as the symptoms and effects of corporate psychopathy, is the novel contribution of the paper.
Economic sustainability of ground mounted photovoltaic systems: an Italian case study
Authors: Campisi Domenico , Morea Donato , Farinelli Elisa
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the expected cost of a large-sized photovoltaic (PV) system (= 1 MW) in reaching grid parity, not taking into account any type of government incentives (now quite uncommon in industrialized countries). A PV system located in Southern Italy will be the subject of this assessment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper presents the case of a 1 MW ground-mounted PV system. The data regarding solar radiation on the surface of the modules and the relative solar diagrams were simulated and reported using PVSYST® 5.21 software. To evaluate the profitability and solvency of the project, a number of factors were taken into consideration: profitability indicators of net present value and internal rate of return, the debt service coverage indicators of debt service cover ratio and loan life cover ratio and their mean annual values (annual debt service cover ratio and annual loan life cover ratio, respectively). A sensitivity analysis with respect to the most critical element (weighted average cost of capital) gave strength to the results.

Findings

– The achievement of grid parity for 200 kW PV systems is happening globally in areas with higher irradiation, but it clearly refers to residential utilities and is not applicable to large systems. The case study considers a power plant (= 1 MW) to assess the total cost that it would need to have to be economically advantageous.

Research limitations/implications

– This is an assessment made using a case which, given an average irradiance value in the area and the energy produced, can be used in all countries lying in the temperate zone. For other areas, a scaling coefficient would be needed.

Practical implications

– The paper is useful for understanding the order of cost, which must catch up to PV technology to make investments in power plants profitable in the absence of government incentives. It is also helpful for those who make government policies so that these may propose possible incentives commensurate with the actual difference between the value of the technology and the value of the investment. The study is also useful for a possible comparison with a system sharing the same characteristics (size, energy production) for off-grid use and customers.

Originality/value

– The study can be a valuable support for government policies to incentivate PV systems that contribute to a reduction of greenhouse gases and that help contain climate change. The case study represents a real case taken directly from a real project. This case study and its sustainable features have not been previously presented in a scientific journal.
From environmentalism to corporate environmental accountability in the Nigerian petroleum industry
Authors: Hassan Aminu , Kouhy Reza
Published: May 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore firm–stakeholder environmental accountability relationship in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper develops, from the interdisciplinary literature, a normative framework that links the dominant environmentalism paradigm to the business-firm-causality environmental philosophy. The link is underpinned by the theory of stakeholder identification and salience to enable the identification and evaluation of the importance placed on each environmental stakeholder group by oil and gas companies in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

Findings

– This paper submits that three factors, originating from how these companies identify and classify green stakeholders, lead to little and unimpressive efforts to effectively discharge environmental accountability. These factors include weak, legal powers of regulatory environmental stakeholders; non-recognition of the host communities as powerful environmental stakeholders; and non-recognition of the Nigerian public as legitimate environmental stakeholders.

Social implications

– Underestimating the importance of some key, environmental stakeholders and the weak powers of regulatory environmental stakeholders leads to limited commitments to environmental accountability by oil and gas companies operating in Nigeria. Inevitably, this results in persistent conflict, violence, destruction of the oil companies’ properties and other various forms of unrest common in the Niger Delta.

Originality/value

– The paper develops a unique normative framework from the relevant literature in environmental ethics, environmental management and environmental accounting that are used to evaluate firms-stakeholder environmental accountability relationship.