bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Das Multidimensionale Inventar zum religiös-spirituellen Befinden (MI-RSB)
Authors: Unterrainer Human Friedrich , Fink Andreas
Published: March 2013

Das Multidimensionale Inventar zum religiös-spirituellen Befinden (MI-RSB) wurde im Rahmen eines interdisziplinären Forschungsprojekts von Klinischer Psychologie und Pastoraltheologie entwickelt. Ausgehend von einem multidimensional konzipierten Konstrukt des religiös-spirituellen Befindens werden dabei insgesamt sechs Bereiche der Befindlichkeit hinsichtlich des immanenten sowie des transzendenten Wahrnehmungsraums erfasst. Immanente Bereiche sind „Hoffnung immanent”, „Vergebung”, „Erfahrungen von Bedeutung und Sinn”. Im Hinblick auf den transzendenten Raum werden die Aspekte „Allgemeine Religiosität”, „Hoffnung transzendent”, und „Allverbundenheit” gemessen. Die sechs Subskalen aussummiert, geben auf einer globalen Ebene Aufschluss über das „religiös-spirituelle Befinden”. Das Verfahren wurde zunächst an einer Stichprobe von Studierenden einer ersten Qualitätsüberprüfung unterzogen und im Anschluss an einer Stichprobe aus der Allgemeinbevölkerung validiert. In weiterer Folge kam die Skala in zahlreichen weiteren Forschungsvorhaben zum Zusammenhang von Religiosität, Spiritualität und psychischer Gesundheit bzw. Krankheitsverarbeitung zur Anwendung. Auf dieser Grundlage werden in der vorliegenden Arbeit alters- und geschlechtsspezifische Normwerte auf der Basis einer für die österreichische Gesamtbevölkerung repräsentativen non-klinischen Stichprobe präsentiert.
Ferromagnetic resonance driven by an ac current: A brief review
Authors: Wang C. , Seinige H. , Tsoi M.
Published: March 2013

Excitation of ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) by an ac current has been observed in macroscopic ferromagnetic films for decades and typically relies on the ac Oersted field of the current to drive magnetic moments into precession and classical rectification of ac signals to detect the resonance. Recently, current-driven ferromagnetic resonances have attracted renewed attention with the discovery of the spin-transfer torque (STT) effect due to its potential applications in magnetic memory and microwave technologies. Here the STT associated with the ac current is used to drive magnetodynamics on the nanoscale that enables FMR studies in sample volumes smaller by a factor of 1000 compared to conventional resonance techniques. In this paper, we briefly review the basics of STT–FMR technique and the results of various STT–FMR experiments.
Switchable zero-bias anomaly in individual C60 molecules contacted with tunable aluminum electrodes
Authors: Scheer E. , Böhler T. , Edtbauer A. , Egle S. , Erbe A. , Pietsch T.
Published: March 2013

We report the observation of strong resonances at zero bias in the differential conductance through Al–C60–Al junctions with tunable electrode distance, measured above T = 10 K. The conductance value at resonance ranges from a few percent up to eighty percent of the quantum of conductance. The resonances may disappear or reoccur completely and discontinuously upon very small changes of the electrode distance. However, once they are formed they are very robust with respect to changes of the electrode distance. We discuss similarities and differences to the common theories of the Kondo screening of a spontaneous spin polarization of the C60 molecule. We deduce Kondo temperatures in the range from 35 to 160 K and demonstrate that the temperature dependence is in agreement with the scaling behavior of the Kondo effect in the temperature range of our experiment.
Scanning-tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy and break-junction tunneling spectroscopy of FeSe1–xTex
Authors: Ekino T. , Sugimoto A. , Gabovich A. M.
Published: March 2013

The iron-chalcogenide superconductor FeSe1–xTex (0.5 < x < 1) was investigated by scanning-tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy (STM/STS) and break-junction techniques. In the STM topography of the samples, randomly distributed Te and Se surface atomic structure patterns correlate well with the bulk composition, demonstrating that nanoscale surface features directly reflect bulk properties. The high-bias STS measurements clarified the gap-like structure at ≈100–300 meV, which is consistent with the break-junction data. These high-energy structures were also found in sulfur substituted FeSe0.1Te0.9. Possible origin of such spectral peculiarities is discussed. The superconducting gap 2Δ ≈ 3.4 ± 0.2 meV at temperature T = 4.2 K was found in the break junction of FeSe1–xTex with the critical temperature Tc ≈ 10 K. The corresponding characteristic gap to Tc ratio 2Δ/kBTc ≈ 4 ± 0.2 indicates moderate superconducting coupling (kB is the Boltzmann constant).
Energetic neutron beams generated from femtosecond laser plasma interactions
Authors: Zulick C. , Dollar F. , Chvykov V. , Davis J. , Kalinchenko G. , Maksimchuk A. , Petrov G. M. , Raymond A. , Thomas A. G. R. , Willingale L. , Yanovsky V. , Krushelnick K.
Published: March 2013

Experiments at the HERCULES laser facility have produced directional neutron beams with energies up to 16.8(±0.3) MeV using d12(d,n)23He,Li73(p,n)47Be,andLi37(d,n)48Be reactions. Efficient Li12(d,n)48Be reactions required the selective acceleration of deuterons through the introduction of a deuterated plastic or cryogenically frozen D2O layer on the surface of a thin film target. The measured neutron yield was ≤1.0 (±0.5)×107 neutrons/sr with a flux 6.2(±3.7) times higher in the forward direction than at 90°. This demonstrates that femtosecond lasers are capable of providing a time averaged neutron flux equivalent to commercial d12(d,n)23He generators with the advantage of a directional beam with picosecond bunch duration.
Reducing thickness dependence of critical current density in GdBa2Cu3O7-δ thin films by addition of nanostructured defects
Authors: Tran D. H. , Putri W. B. K. , Kang B. , Lee N. H. , Kang W. N. , Seong W. K.
Published: March 2013

The effect of incorporating nanostructured defects in a form of BaSnO3 (BSO) nanorods on the thickness dependence of critical current density (Jc) in GdBa2Cu3O7-x (GdBCO) thin films was investigated. Pure and 2 wt. % BSO-doped GdBCO films were fabricated by the pulsed laser deposition with the thicknesses t of both films increasing from 0.2 μm to 1.5 μm. The magnetization data measured at 77 K with the field being applied parallel to the c-axis of the films showed two important improvements. First, the Jcs of the GdBCO film were significantly enhanced with the BSO addition. Second, the BSO-doped GdBCO films exhibited less formation of a-axis grains on the film surface than the pure GdBCO films. As a result, a reduced thickness dependence of Jc was obtained for the BSO-doped GdBCO films. The two improvements may be explained by assuming that the growth of BSO nanostructured defects observed in the cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy functioned as effective artificial pinning centers.
Heteroepitaxial growth of GaN/Si (111) junctions in ammonia-free atmosphere: Charge transport, optoelectronic, and photovoltaic properties
Authors: Saron K. M. A. , Hashim M. R. , Allam Nageh K.
Published: March 2013

We report the catalyst-free growth of gallium nitride (GaN) nanostructures on n-Si (111) substrates using physical vapor deposition via thermal evaporation of GaN powder at 1150 °C in the absence of NH3 gas. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray analysis indicate that the growth rate of GaN nanostructures varies with deposition time. Photoluminescence spectra showed the suppression of the UV emission and the enhancement of the visible band emission with increasing the deposition time. The fabricated GaN nanostructures exhibited p-type behavior at the GaN/Si interface, which can be related to the diffusion of Ga into the Si substrate. The obtained lowest reflection and highest transmittance over a wide wavelength range (450–750 nm) indicate the high quality of the fabricated GaN films. Hall-effect measurements showed that all fabricated films have p-type behavior with decreasing electron concentration from 1021 to 1012 cm−3 and increasing the electron mobility from 50 to 225 cm2/V s with increasing the growth time. The fabricated solar cell based on the 1 h-deposited GaN nanostructures on n-Si (111) substrate showed a well-defined rectifying behavior with a rectification ratio larger than 8.32 × 103 in dark. Upon illumination (30 mW/cm2), the 1 h-deposited heterojunction solar cell device showed a conversion efficiency of 5.78%. The growth of GaN in the absence of NH3 gas has strong effect on the morphological, optical, and electrical properties and consequently on the efficiency of the solar cell devices made of such layers.
Stress-induced magnetic hysteresis in amorphous microwires probed by microwave giant magnetoimpedance measurements
Authors: Popov V. V. , Berzhansky V. N. , Gomonay H. V. , Qin F. X.
Published: March 2013

We report the results of a detailed study of the effects of tensile and torsional stresses on the giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) characteristics of vanishing-magnetostrictive Co-rich microwires at microwave frequency. A complex stress-induced hysteresis behaviour is identified in the GMI response in the presence of tensile and torsional stresses. It is also revealed that there exists a competition between these two kinds of stresses on the critical field via the interactions with the intrinsic anisotropy. An “enhanced core-shell” model is proposed here to resolve the physical origin of the low-field hysteresis and the dependence of induced anisotropy field on the applied tensile and/or torsional stress. Our results are of both technical importance to the design of non-contact stress sensors exploiting the GMI of microwires and fundamental significance to the understanding of the microwave GMI characteristics of soft magnetic microwires in the presence of external stresses.
Predicted glass-forming ability of Cu-Zr-Co alloys and their crystallization behavior
Authors: Kosiba K. , Gargarella P. , Pauly S. , Kühn U. , Eckert J.
Published: March 2013

The phase formation and the glass-forming ability (GFA) of the Cu-Zr-Co system were studied. For the latter, predictions from a modified topological instability criterion were used to select six alloys. Five new glassy compositions were found and a good correlation was observed between the predicted GFA and characteristic thermal indicators. The addition of Co stabilizes a B2-type phase at room temperature in these alloys, which could be useful for the development of shape memory bulk metallic glass composites.
Magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect of (Mn1−xFex)5Sn3 (x = 0–0.5) compounds
Authors: Xu J. H. , Liu X. M. , Xia Y. H. , Yang W. Y. , Du H. L. , Yang J. B. , Zhang Y. , Yang Y. C.
Published: March 2013

The structural and magnetic properties of (Mn1−xFex)5Sn3 compounds have been investigated by x-ray diffraction and magnetic measurements. All the samples crystallize in the hexagonal Ni2In-type structure (P63/mmc) with the lattice parameters and cell volume decreasing almost linearly with the increase of Fe concentration. Besides the spin-glass state transition, the thermomagnetic curves show two other successive magnetic ordering transitions and their temperatures vary with x and show minima when x ∼ 0.2. With increasing Fe content, the difference between the two magnetic ordering temperatures becomes larger gradually from ∼12 K (x = 0) to ∼42 K (x = 0.5) and the magnetization at 5 K increases continuously. The −ΔSM(T) dependence for x = 0.45 exhibits two peaks, leading to a wide temperature range for magnetic refrigeration and thus a considerable magnetic refrigerant capacity (120 J/kg, ΔH = 5 T).
Two-peak feature of the permittivity spectra of ferromagnetic microwire/rubber composites
Authors: Qin F. X. , Quéré Y. , Brosseau C. , Wang H. , Liu J. S. , Sun J. F. , Peng H. X.
Published: March 2013

The effective permittivity of CoFeSiB microwire/rubber composites is investigated in the microwave range of frequencies. As the frequency is varied between 0.3 and 6 GHz with or without magnetic field excitation, we identify a two-peak structure of the permittivity spectra. This spectral feature may be attributed to a core-shell structure of the microwires. That is, a core amorphous phase which is surrounded by a small amount of crystalline nanoshell. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy provides a direct means to detect the crystalline nanoshell. Electromagnetic simulations show that Drude-Lorentz's model of dispersion can describe the effective permittivity quite well in this range of frequencies.
Inferring savannah–rainforest boundary dynamics from vegetation structure and composition: a case study in New Caledonia
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Munzinger Jérôme , Gaucherel Cédric , Curt Thomas , Hély Christelle
Published: March 2013

A direct consequence of deforestation and forest fragmentation in the tropics is the increased importance of boundaries between forest fragments and savannahs. These boundaries are critical zones for understanding the dynamics of savannahs and forests. In the present study, the spatio-temporal dynamics of a savannah–forest boundary in New Caledonia were inferred from the analyses of vegetation structure and composition along three transects. Remnant savannah trees (Melaleuca quinquenervia (Cav.) S.T.Blake) in the forest part of the transect indicated that the forest edge has shifted towards savannah. This margin-forest expansion hypothesis was reinforced by gradual changes from the forest edge to the forest core in species composition (e.g. increase in the frequency of forest-core species) and population structure (e.g. increase in forest tree-stem diameter). However, sharp changes at the forest edge (mainly the increased frequency of small forest trees) suggested that forest expansion has likely been stopped. This suggested that different phases may alternate in the dynamics of savannah–forest boundaries, including stable phases where the boundary does not move, and unstable phases where the boundary moves or expands towards savannah or forest. Variations in the fire regime as a result of the interactions among climate, fire use by humans and vegetation are likely to drive these dynamics.
The value of second polar body detection 4 hours after insemination and early rescue ICSI in preventing complete fertilisation failure in patients with borderline semen
Authors: Jin Haixia , Shu Yimin , Dai Shanjun , Peng Zhaofeng , Shi Senlin , Sun Yingpu
Published: March 2013

In this study we evaluated the value of short-time insemination and early rescue intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in preventing the occurrence of complete fertilisation failure for mild or moderate male infertility patients. A total of 866 couples with borderline semen who underwent in vitro fertilisation treatment in 2010 were included. Regular insemination was performed between January and June of 2010 and short-term insemination was performed from July through December 2010, where, as early as 4 h after insemination, oocytes were denuded from cumulus cells and extrusion of the second polar body was evaluated. Of the 4153 mature oocytes with a detectable second polar body 4 h after insemination, 3874 (93.3%) showed signs of fertilisation on Day 1. Where no second polar body was present in any of the retrieved oocytes for a given patient, rescue ICSI was performed immediately. Similar rates of normal fertilisation and percentage of good-quality embryos were obtained between early rescue ICSI and regular ICSI. Clinical pregnancy occurred in 16 of 43 patients (37.2%) receiving early rescue ICSI. Our results showed early rescue ICSI in combination with evaluation of the second polar body 4 h following insemination is an effective method to prevent complete fertilisation failure for patients with mild or moderate male infertility.
Pim-1 preserves mitochondrial morphology by inhibiting dynamin-related protein 1 translocation
Authors: Din Shabana , Mason Matthew , Völkers Mirko , Johnson Bevan , Cottage Christopher T. , Wang Zeping , Joyo Anya Y. , Quijada Pearl , Erhardt Peter , Magnuson Nancy S. , Konstandin Mathias H. , Sussman Mark A.
Published: March 2013

Mitochondrial morphological dynamics affect the outcome of ischemic heart damage and pathogenesis. Recently, mitochondrial fission protein dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) has been identified as a mediator of mitochondrial morphological changes and cell death during cardiac ischemic injury. In this study, we report a unique relationship between Pim-1 activity and Drp1 regulation of mitochondrial morphology in cardiomyocytes challenged by ischemic stress. Transgenic hearts overexpressing cardiac Pim-1 display reduction of total Drp1 protein levels, increased phosphorylation of Drp1-
S637
, and inhibition of Drp1 localization to the mitochondria. Consistent with these findings, adenoviral-induced Pim-1 neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) retain a reticular mitochondrial phenotype after simulated ischemia (sI) and decreased Drp1 mitochondrial sequestration. Interestingly, adenovirus Pim-dominant negative NRCMs show increased expression of Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3)-only protein p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), which has been previously shown to induce Drp1 accumulation at mitochondria and increase sensitivity to apoptotic stimuli. Overexpression of the p53 up-regulated modulator of apoptosis–dominant negative adenovirus attenuates localization of Drp1 to mitochondria in adenovirus Pim-dominant negative NRCMs promotes reticular mitochondrial morphology and inhibits cell death during sI. Therefore, Pim-1 activity prevents Drp1 compartmentalization to the mitochondria and preserves reticular mitochondrial morphology in response to sI.
Mechanical basis of morphogenesis and convergent evolution of spiny seashells
Authors: Chirat Régis , Moulton Derek E. , Goriely Alain
Published: March 2013

Convergent evolution is a phenomenon whereby similar traits evolved independently in not closely related species, and is often interpreted in functional terms. Spines in mollusk seashells are classically interpreted as having repeatedly evolved as a defense in response to shell-crushing predators. Here we consider the morphogenetic process that shapes these structures and underlies their repeated emergence. We develop a mathematical model for spine morphogenesis based on the mechanical interaction between the secreting mantle edge and the calcified shell edge to which the mantle adheres during shell growth. It is demonstrated that a large diversity of spine structures can be accounted for through small variations in control parameters of this natural mechanical process. This physical mechanism suggests that convergent evolution of spines can be understood through a generic morphogenetic process, and provides unique perspectives in understanding the phenotypic evolution of this second largest phylum in the animal kingdom.
Identification of molecular hinge points mediating alternating access in the vesicular monoamine transporter VMAT2
Authors: Yaffe Dana , Radestock Sebastian , Shuster Yonatan , Forrest Lucy R. , Schuldiner Shimon
Published: March 2013

Significance

Regulated release of neurotransmitters is made possible by activity of transporters that mediate their accumulation into synaptic vesicles. Vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT), a member of the largest superfamily of transporters, mediates transport of monoamines. One of the structural features of these transporters is the pseudo symmetry between the first and the second half of the protein. We demonstrate the importance of two anchor points between these two domains that provide hinge points about which the two halves of the protein flex and straighten to open and close the translocation pathway, a process that enables alternating exposure of the substrate-binding site.
Transgenic overexpression of ribonucleotide reductase improves cardiac performance
Authors: Nowakowski Sarah G. , Kolwicz Stephen C. , Korte Frederick Steven , Luo Zhaoxiong , Robinson-Hamm Jacqueline N. , Page Jennifer L. , Brozovich Frank , Weiss Robert S. , Tian Rong , Murry Charles E. , Regnier Michael
Published: March 2013

We previously demonstrated that cardiac myosin can use 2-deoxy-ATP (dATP) as an energy substrate, that it enhances contraction and relaxation with minimal effect on calcium-handling properties in vitro, and that contractile enhancement occurs with only minor elevation of cellular [dATP]. Here, we report the effect of chronically enhanced dATP concentration on cardiac function using a transgenic mouse that overexpresses the enzyme ribonucleotide reductase (TgRR), which catalyzes the rate-limiting step in de novo deoxyribonucleotide biosynthesis. Hearts from TgRR mice had elevated left ventricular systolic function compared with wild-type (WT) mice, both in vivo and in vitro, without signs of hypertrophy or altered diastolic function. Isolated cardiomyocytes from TgRR mice had enhanced contraction and relaxation, with no change in Ca
2+
transients, suggesting targeted improvement of myofilament function. TgRR hearts had normal ATP and only slightly decreased phosphocreatine levels by
31
P NMR spectroscopy, and they maintained rate responsiveness to dobutamine challenge. These data demonstrate long-term (at least 5-mo) elevation of cardiac [dATP] results in sustained elevation of basal left ventricular performance, with maintained β-adrenergic responsiveness and energetic reserves. Combined with results from previous studies, we conclude that this occurs primarily via enhanced myofilament activation and contraction, with similar or faster ability to relax. The data are sufficiently compelling to consider elevated cardiac [dATP] as a therapeutic option to treat systolic dysfunction.
Hypoxia induces a phase transition within a kinase signaling network in cancer cells
Authors: Wei Wei , Shi Qihui , Remacle Francoise , Qin Lidong , Shackelford David B. , Shin Young Shik , Mischel Paul S. , Levine R. D. , Heath James R.
Published: March 2013

Significance

Reduced oxygen supply—hypoxia—is a near-universal feature of solid tumors that can alter how tumors respond to therapies. We investigated the transition from normoxia to hypoxia in model brain cancer systems, using single-cell proteomics and data analysis tools based on physicochemical concepts. This approach permits the simplification of otherwise complex biology. We find a hypoxia-induced switch within a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling network. At the switching point, mTOR is predicted, and then shown by experiment, to be unresponsive to inhibition. These results may help explain the undistinguished performance of mTOR inhibitors in certain clinical trials.
Population heterogeneity and causal inference
Authors: Xie Yu
Published: March 2013

Population heterogeneity is ubiquitous in social science. The very objective of social science research is not to discover abstract and universal laws but to understand population heterogeneity. Due to population heterogeneity, causal inference with observational data in social science is impossible without strong assumptions. Researchers have long been concerned with two potential sources of bias. The first is bias in unobserved pretreatment factors affecting the outcome even in the absence of treatment. The second is bias due to heterogeneity in treatment effects. In this article, I show how “composition bias” due to population heterogeneity evolves over time when treatment propensity is systematically associated with heterogeneous treatment effects. A form of selection bias, composition bias, arises dynamically at the aggregate level even when the classic assumption of ignorability holds true at the microlevel.
De novo centromere formation on a chromosome fragment in maize
Authors: Fu Shulan , Lv Zhenling , Gao Zhi , Wu Huajun , Pang Junling , Zhang Bing , Dong Qianhua , Guo Xiang , Wang Xiu-Jie , Birchler James A. , Han Fangpu
Published: March 2013

The centromere is the part of the chromosome that organizes the kinetochore, which mediates chromosome movement during mitosis and meiosis. A small fragment from chromosome 3, named Duplication 3a (Dp3a), was described from UV-irradiated materials by Stadler and Roman in the 1940s [Stadler LJ, Roman H (1948)
Genetics
33(3):273–303]. The genetic behavior of Dp3a is reminiscent of a ring chromosome, but fluoresecent in situ hybridization detected telomeres at both ends, suggesting a linear structure. This small chromosome has no detectable canonical centromeric sequences, but contains a site with protein features of functional centromeres such as CENH3, the centromere specific H3 histone variant, and CENP-C, a foundational kinetochore protein, suggesting the de novo formation of a centromere on the chromatin fragment. To examine the sequences associated with CENH3, chromatin immunoprecipitation was carried out with anti-CENH3 antibodies using material from young seedlings with and without the Dp3a chromosome. A novel peak was detected from the ChIP-Sequencing reads of the Dp3a sample. The peak spanned 350 kb within the long arm of chromosome 3 covering 22 genes. Collectively, these results define the behavior and molecular features of de novo centromere formation in the Dp3a chromosome, which may shed light on the initiation of new centromere sites during evolution.
Evaluation of Four Suture Materials for Surgical Incision Closure in Siberian Sturgeon
Authors: Boone S. Shaun , Hernandez Sonia M. , Camus Alvin C. , Peterson Douglas L. , Jennings Cecil A. , Shelton James L. , Divers Stephen J.
Published: March 2013

The visual and microscopic tissue reactions to the absorbable monofilament Monocryl, absorbable monofilament triclosan‐coated Monocryl‐Plus, absorbable multifilament Vicryl, and nonabsorbable monofilament Prolene were evaluated for their use of surgical closure in Siberian Sturgeon Acipenser baerii. Postoperative assessments were conducted at 1, 2, 8, 12, and 26 and 55 weeks to visually evaluate the surgical incision for suture retention, incision healing, erythema, and swelling. Incisions were also assessed microscopically at 1, 2, and 8 weeks for necrosis, inflammation, hemorrhage, and fibroplasia. The results indicated that incisions closed with either Vicryl or Prolene suture materials were more likely to exhibit more erythema or incomplete healing compared with those closed with Monocryl or Monocryl‐Plus. The surgical implantation of a transmitter in the coelomic cavity did not significantly affect the response variables among the four suture materials. Monocryl or Monocryl‐Plus were equally effective and superior to other suture materials used for closing surgical incisions in Siberian Sturgeon or closely related species of sturgeon. Furthermore, Monocryl or Monocryl‐Plus may decrease the risk of transmitter expulsion through the incision, as surgical wounds appear to heal faster and exhibit less erythema compared with those closed with Vicryl.
Triassic–Jurassic mass extinction as trigger for the Mesozoic radiation of crocodylomorphs
Authors: Toljagić Olja , Butler Richard J.
Published: March 2013

Pseudosuchia, one of the two main clades of Archosauria (Reptilia: Diapsida), suffered a major decline in lineage diversity during the Triassic–Jurassic (TJ) mass extinction (approx. 201 Ma). Crocodylomorpha, including living crocodilians and their extinct relatives, is the only group of pseudosuchians that survived into the Jurassic. We reassess changes in pseudosuchian morphological diversity (disparity) across this time interval, using considerably larger sample sizes than in previous analyses. Our results show that metrics of pseudosuchian disparity did not change significantly across the TJ boundary, contrasting with previous work suggesting low pseudosuchian disparity in the Early Jurassic following the TJ mass extinction. However, a significant shift in morphospace occupation between Late Triassic and Early Jurassic taxa is recognized, suggesting that the TJ extinction of many pseudosuchian lineages was followed by a major and geologically rapid adaptive radiation of crocodylomorphs. This marks the onset of the spectacularly successful evolutionary history of crocodylomorphs in Jurassic and Cretaceous ecosystems.
BR-SIGNALING KINASE1 Physically Associates with FLAGELLIN SENSING2 and Regulates Plant Innate Immunity in Arabidopsis
Authors: Shi Hua , Shen Qiujing , Qi Yiping , Yan Haojie , Nie Haozhen , Chen Yongfang , Zhao Ting , Katagiri Fumiaki , Tang Dingzhong
Published: March 2013

Pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-trigged immunity (PTI) is the first defensive line of plant innate immunity and is mediated by pattern recognition receptors. Here, we show that a mutation in BR-SIGNALING KINASE1 (BSK1), a substrate of the brassinosteroid (BR) receptor BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1, suppressed the powdery mildew resistance caused by a mutation in ENHANCED DISEASE RESISTANCE2, which negatively regulates powdery mildew resistance and programmed cell death, in Arabidopsis thaliana. A loss-of-function bsk1 mutant displayed enhanced susceptibility to virulent and avirulent pathogens, including Golovinomyces cichoracearum, Pseudomonas syringae, and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. The bsk1 mutant also accumulated lower levels of salicylic acid upon infection with G. cichoracearum and P. syringae. BSK1 belongs to a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase family and displays kinase activity in vitro; this kinase activity is required for its function. BSK1 physically associates with the PAMP receptor FLAGELLIN SENSING2 and is required for a subset of flg22-induced responses, including the reactive oxygen burst, but not for mitogen-activated protein kinase activation. Our data demonstrate that BSK1 is involved in positive regulation of PTI. Together with previous findings, our work indicates that BSK1 represents a key component directly involved in both BR signaling and plant immunity.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of the first condensation domain of viomycin synthetase
Authors: Bloudoff Kristjan , Schmeing T. Martin
Published: March 2013

Nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs) are large multimodular enzymes that synthesize important secondary metabolites such as antibiotics. NRPSs follow a modular synthetic logic whereby each successive amino-acid monomer is added to the peptide chain by successive multi-domain modules. The condensation domain catalyzes the central chemical event in the synthetic cycle, peptide-bond formation, and is present in every elongation module of the NRPS. Viomycin is an antituberculosis nonribosomal peptide that is synthesized by a series of four NRPS proteins and then modified by tailoring proteins. In order to study the mechanisms of peptide-bond formation in viomycin and in NRPSs in general, a structural study of the first condensation domain of the viomycin synthetase protein VioA (VioA-C1) was initiated. The gene for VioA-C1 was cloned from genomic DNA ofStreptomyces vinaceus, expressed as an octahistidine-tagged construct and purified by column chromatography. VioA-C1 was crystallized using the sitting-drop vapor-diffusion method. X-ray diffraction data were collected on a rotating-anode source to 2.9 Å resolution. The data could be indexed in the orthorhombic space groupP212121, with unit-cell parametersa= 46.165,b= 68.335,c= 146.423 Å. There is likely to be one monomer in the asymmetric unit, giving a solvent content of 49.2% and a Matthews coefficient (VM) of 2.42 Å3 Da−1. Structural determination is in progress.
Crystallization and preliminary crystallographic analysis of Axe2, an acetylxylan esterase fromGeobacillus stearothermophilus
Authors: Lansky Shifra , Alalouf Onit , Solomon Vered , Alhassid Anat , Govada Lata , Chayan Naomi E. , Belrhali Hassan , Shoham Yuval , Shoham Gil
Published: March 2013

Acetylxylan esterases are part of the hemi-cellulolytic system of many microorganisms which utilize plant biomass for growth. Xylans, which are polymeric sugars that constitute a significant part of the plant biomass, are usually substituted with acetyl side groups attached at position 2 or 3 of the xylose backbone units. Acetylxylan esterases hydrolyse the ester linkages of the xylan acetyl groups and thus improve the ability of main-chain hydrolysing enzymes to break down the sugar backbone units. As such, these enzymes play an important part in the hemi-cellulolytic utilization system of many microorganisms that use plant biomass for growth. Interest in the biochemical characterization and structural analysis of these enzymes stems from their numerous potential biotechnological applications. An acetylxylan esterase (Axe2) of this type fromGeobacillus stearothermophilusT-6 has recently been cloned, overexpressed, purified, biochemically characterized and crystallized. One of the crystal forms obtained (RB1) belonged to the tetragonal space groupI422, with unit-cell parametersa=b= 110.2,c= 213.1 Å. A full diffraction data set was collected to 1.85 Å resolution from flash-cooled crystals of the wild-type enzyme at 100 K using synchrotron radiation. A selenomethionine derivative of Axe2 has also been prepared and crystallized for single-wavelength anomalous diffraction experiments. The crystals of the selenomethionine-derivatized Axe2 appeared to be isomorphous to those of the wild-type enzyme and enabled the measurement of a full 1.85 Å resolution diffraction data set at the selenium absorption edge and a full 1.70 Å resolution data set at a remote wavelength. These data are currently being used for three-dimensional structure determination of the Axe2 protein.
Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction analysis of the effector protein MoHrip1 fromMagnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhang Caizhi , Liu Xinqi , Qiu Dewen , Zeng Hongmei
Published: March 2013

The effector protein MoHrip1 from the pathogenic fungusMagnaporthe oryzaewas purified and crystallized using the sitting-drop vapour-diffusion method. Native crystals appeared in a solution composed of 0.005 Mcobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate, 0.005 Mnickel(II) chloride hexahydrate, 0.005 Mcadmium chloride hydrate, 0.005 Mmagnesium chloride hexahydrate, 0.1 MHEPES pH 7.5, 12%(w/v) polyethylene glycol 3350. A native data set was collected to 1.9 Å resolution at 100 K using an in-house X-ray source. The structure of MoHrip1 was successfully determined by molecular replacement using a homologous structure.
Development of a food safety verification risk model
Authors: Manning Louise
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to determine the mechanisms for effective verification of a food safety plan and reducing verification risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved analysis of both qualitative and quantitative methods of verification.

Findings

Effective development of the food safety management system (FSMS) is underpinned by appropriate determination of food safety hazards, as well as the acceptable level of risk to the consumer and measures for their control. Product and process validation, and revalidation if required, is the key to consistently producing safe food and the development of appropriate real‐time monitoring activities. However, it is the development of effective verification processes for the FSMS and the pre‐requisite programme (PRP) and the reduction of verification risk that ensures that food safety is assured for consumers.

Originality/value

This research is of academic value and of value to those working in the food supply chain.
Harnessing the strategic power of trust
Authors: Vaughan‐Smith Kevin
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the positive strategic impact of building high levels of trust within organizations as a means of engaging employees, generating growth and meeting objectives. Further aims of the paper are to show the negative effect of low levels of trust and to provide tips to help leaders raise trust levels within teams and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The objectives are achieved by highlighting FranklinCovey's extensive research and experience in working worldwide to help organizations build trust. A key reference was the best‐selling book The Speed of Trust by FranklinCovey's authority on trust, Stephen M.R. Covey. The paper was structured around key elements of Stephen's book, including the five waves of trust model which shows the different levels of trust and their inter‐dependence. It also covers the four cores of trust – integrity, intent, capability and results – which can raise credibility and build personal trust.

Findings

The paper shows the strategic importance of building trust levels within an organization. It also succeeds in highlighting how increased levels of trust help to remove obstacles to growth and progress.

Originality/value

The value of the paper is in its specific strategic focus and it will appeal to anyone with an interest in organizational performance and how this can be maximized.
Impact of health informatics on nurses' computer skills and the role of the library
Authors: Ajayi N.A.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The concept of the paper is how the library can be a useful framework for designing nurses' computer skills. The overarching aim of the research is to focus on how the computer skills involved in nurses' increasing access to health informatics can be used to improve nursing practice, consequently leading to better health care delivery. The objectives involved in achieving this aim include: finding out the level of nurses' computer literacy; finding out nurses' quest for electronic information for problem‐based nursing practice; investigating nurses' level of awareness of research‐based nursing practice; and finding out areas of desirability of informatics in nursing practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The measuring instrument used was a self‐administered questionnaire to senior nursing cadres in the Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile‐Ife, Nigeria. There were 230 nurses in these categories, of whom 180 were given questionnaires to fill in. The questionnaire was pre‐tested and validated. A total of 167 copies were returned and found to be usable. Simple percentages and a summation weighted index were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The paper provides empirical insight into nurses' computer skills and the library's role. The majority of the respondents did not have knowledge of computers; in the School of Nursing they learned it through various means while practising, while a few could access and retrieve information from the available databases. Some difficulties were expressed, such as workload, lack of skills, location of the library with regard to the hospital, etc. The desirability of the introduction of health informatics to the profession is high.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a teaching hospital and the results may not be generalisable to non‐teaching hospitals, hence the need for further studies.

Practical implications

The impact of health informatics on nurses' computer skills and the library's role will save nurses from routine work, enhance their productivity, and will equip them better for the challenges that information technology presents for health professionals.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils and identifies the need to introduce health informatics to nursing practice in order to improve patient care.
The power of one: towards the new integrated organisation
Authors: Campbell Andrew , Strikwerda Hans
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to address the problem facing complex multinational companies: how to balance their organisation structure across the competing interests such as product, geography, brand, function and key account.

Design/methodology/approach

The research involved interviews with large companies such as ABNAmro, Albert Heijn, ASML, and IBM.

Findings

The findings suggest that some companies are starting to find solutions to the structural challenges of multi‐dimensional complexity by integrating selected aspects of the organisation: the overarching logic, the information base, the process for selecting opportunities, the profit measure and the management mindset. These “power of one” solutions point a possible way through organisational complexity.

Practical implications

Leaders often launch “one company” projects; this paper will help them define what should be part of such a project, and help them understand the size of the task ahead of them if they want to create a fully integrated organisation.

Originality/value

The paper presents some new perspectives on how leaders appear to be solving the problems of multidimensional structures.
Employees and change initiatives: intrinsic rewards and feeling valued
Authors: Stumpf Stephen A. , Tymon Walter G. , Favorito Nicholas , Smith Richard R.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to focus on reducing employee dissatisfaction and withdrawal in major, consultant designed, change programs by increasing intrinsic rewards.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey of 585 employees and 31 team leaders involved in ten change programs across seven companies, 25 business units, and three countries was used to collect employees' sense of intrinsic rewards, innovation, satisfaction with their organization, and intentions to stay at the start of the change effort and one year later.

Findings

Employees reported higher levels of intrinsic rewards (meaningfulness and choice) one year into a change program compared to at the start of the change effort. Intrinsic rewards related positively with satisfaction with the organization and intentions to stay at both time periods, with programs supportive of employee innovation further enhancing employee satisfaction and retention more strongly during the change effort.

Research limitations/implications

While the sample was large, and the authors obtained team leader perspectives in support of the findings, the study involved surveying samples of employees on programs where the team leader had sufficient rapport to obtain voluntary employee responses.

Practical implications

Consultants and managers involved in planned change can increase the support for the change through enhancing the intrinsic rewards of employees involved in the change program.

Originality/value

By examining the work motivation of employees undergoing a change program the authors were able to identify ways in which consultants and managers can increase employee satisfaction with their organization and intentions to stay with it.
Non‐family CFOs in family businesses: do they fit?
Authors: Hiebl Martin R.W.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This article seeks to explore success factors for integrating non‐family chief financial officers (CFOs) in family firms. The integration of non‐family CFOs is of great importance to family firms, as the CFO position is often the first management position in family firms for which non‐family managers are recruited. Moreover, non‐family CFOs can bring in valuable know‐how to the family firm and reduce the family firm's financial risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The findings of this study are based on a qualitative field study in Austrian family firms. The views of non‐family CFOs, family managers, family board members, and non‐family CEOs were obtained through semi‐structured interviews.

Findings

Four larger success factors for non‐family CFOs and five for controlling families were derived. The most important factor for non‐family CFOs that emerged from the study was that CFOs should be appreciative of the peculiarities of family firms. For controlling families, the results suggest that it is advisable to provide the non‐family CFO enough space to effectively conduct their job as well as respect the CFO's views.

Practical implications

Both non‐family CFOs and controlling families may find the results presented in this article useful for creating a successful integration of non‐family CFOs in family firms. The success factors presented should be directly applicable for CFOs and controlling families.

Originality/value

This study is the first to investigate success factors for the integration of non‐family CFOs into family firms. Moreover, the results of this article may also be useful to the under‐researched field of non‐family managers in family firms in general.
Fame and fortune: a conceptual model of CEO brands
Authors: Bendisch Franziska , Larsen Gretchen , Trueman Myfanwy
Published: March 2013

Purpose

This conceptual paper examines the notion of CEO brands and the problems that arise if they are misaligned with company brands. Previous research examines product, company and people brands and implications for senior executives and organizations, but there is no theoretical framework for CEO brand stewardship. This research aims to fill the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

The marketing literature is examined to identify differences between products and people as brands, and the potential for CEO brands to enhance corporate brand equity. Based on an application of existing branding concepts to CEOs, a conceptual model of CEO brands is developed to include an analysis of the relationships between its constituent parts.

Findings

CEO brands can be legitimately considered as brands, and existing brand conceptualisations can be applied to CEOs as long as some particularities are accounted for. CEO brands are influenced by their personality and their role as managers, and organisations need to constantly monitor CEO brand reputation as well as communicate its positioning. A successful CEO branding enhances perceived brand value and creates value for organisations.

Research limitations/implications

This research informs brand managers and strategists about brand equity creation. Monitoring stakeholder perceptions of CEOs can enhance rather than detract from corporate brand value. As it showed that people and CEOs can be legitimately considered as brands, the concept of branding needs to be extended to embrace people and CEO brands.

Practical implications

For business practice, this research informs about the differences and similarities between traditional product brands and CEO brands. Particularly it informs that organisations should consider that the CEO brand personifies to stakeholders what the organisation stands for, for example, when hiring a new CEO.

Originality/value

This research provides a new conceptual model on the previously under‐researched area of CEO branding. The insights into CEO brands provide the basis for empirical research into relationships between brand identity, reputation, position and equity, with implications for personal fame and company fortune.
Sales manager support: fostering emotional health in salespeople
Authors: Kemp Elyria , Leila Borders Aberdeen , Ricks Joe M.
Published: March 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of sales manager support in promoting the subjective well‐being of salespeople as well as the function of the sales manager in cultivating positive, motivating and productive environments.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory assessment of the relationship between sales manager support and emotional health in salespeople was conducted by interviewing sales professionals from diverse industries. The insight offered from these individuals, in conjunction with prior literature, provided the basis for the development of a conceptual model that elucidates the impact of sales manager support on the emotional well‐being of salespeople and subsequently salesperson effectiveness. The model was tested using 154 salespeople. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data.

Findings

Results indicate that sales manager support is negatively related to emotional exhaustion and rumination, but positively associated with fostering positive working environments and future expectations. Salesperson motivation is positively related to positive working environments and customer‐oriented selling and negatively related to emotional exhaustion.

Research limitations/implications

The study is cross‐sectional in nature and no causal relationships could be established. Future studies might include field experiments that assess the effect of sales manager support on salesperson's well‐being and behavior.

Practical implications

The study demonstrates the important role sales managers have in promoting the subjective well‐being of salespeople.

Originality/value

This research addresses how sales manager coaching specifically impacts elements of a salesperson's emotional health.