bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MEDUSA-2.0: an intermediate complexity biogeochemical model of the marine carbon cycle for climate change and ocean acidification studies
Authors: Yool A. , Popova E. E. , Anderson T. R.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. MEDUSA-1.0 (Model of Ecosystem Dynamics, nutrient Utilisation, Sequestration and Acidification) was developed as an "intermediate complexity" plankton ecosystem model to study the biogeochemical response, and especially that of the so-called "biological pump", to anthropogenically-driven change in the World Ocean (Yool et al., 2011). The base currency in this model was nitrogen from which fluxes of organic carbon, including export to the deep ocean, were calculated by invoking fixed C:N ratios in phytoplankton, zooplankton and detritus. Since the beginning of the industrial era, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) has significantly increased above its natural, inter-glacial background concentration. Simulating and predicting the carbon cycle in the ocean in its entirety, including ventilation of CO2 with the atmosphere and the resulting impact of ocean acidification on marine ecosystems, therefore requires that both organic and inorganic carbon be afforded a full representation in the model specification. Here, we introduce MEDUSA-2.0, an expanded successor model which includes additional state variables for dissolved inorganic carbon, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen and detritus carbon (permitting variable C:N in exported organic matter), as well as a simple benthic formulation and extended parameterisations of phytoplankton growth, calcification and detritus remineralisation. A full description of MEDUSA-2.0, including its additional functionality, is provided and a multi-decadal hindcast simulation described (1860–2005), to evaluate the biogeochemical performance of the model.
Improving predictive power of physically based rainfall-induced shallow landslide models: a probabilistic approach
Authors: Raia S. , Alvioli M. , Rossi M. , Baum R. L. , Godt J. W. , Guzzetti F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Distributed models to forecast the spatial and temporal occurrence of rainfall-induced shallow landslides are deterministic. These models extend spatially the static stability models adopted in geotechnical engineering and adopt an infinite-slope geometry to balance the resisting and the driving forces acting on the sliding mass. An infiltration model is used to determine how rainfall changes pore-water conditions, modulating the local stability/instability conditions. A problem with the existing models is the difficulty in obtaining accurate values for the several variables that describe the material properties of the slopes. The problem is particularly severe when the models are applied over large areas, for which sufficient information on the geotechnical and hydrological conditions of the slopes is not generally available. To help solve the problem, we propose a probabilistic Monte Carlo approach to the distributed modeling of shallow rainfall-induced landslides. For the purpose, we have modified the Transient Rainfall Infiltration and Grid-Based Regional Slope-Stability Analysis (TRIGRS) code. The new code (TRIGRS-P) adopts a stochastic approach to compute, on a cell-by-cell basis, transient pore-pressure changes and related changes in the factor of safety due to rainfall infiltration. Infiltration is modeled using analytical solutions of partial differential equations describing one-dimensional vertical flow in isotropic, homogeneous materials. Both saturated and unsaturated soil conditions can be considered. TRIGRS-P copes with the natural variability inherent to the mechanical and hydrological properties of the slope materials by allowing values of the TRIGRS model input parameters to be sampled randomly from a given probability distribution. The range of variation and the mean value of the parameters can be determined by the usual methods used for preparing the TRIGRS input parameters. The outputs of several model runs obtained varying the input parameters are analyzed statistically, and compared to the original (deterministic) model output. The comparison suggests an improvement of the predictive power of the model of about 10% and 16% in two small test areas, i.e. the Frontignano (Italy) and the Mukilteo (USA) areas, respectively. We discuss the computational requirements of TRIGRS-P to determine the potential use of the numerical model to forecast the spatial and temporal occurrence of rainfall-induced shallow landslides in very large areas, extending for several hundreds or thousands of square kilometers. Parallel execution of the code using a simple process distribution and the Message Passing Interface (MPI) on multi-processor machines was successful, opening the possibly of testing the use of TRIGRS-P for the operational forecasting of rainfall-induced shallow landslides over large regions.
Iconología y cine. Construcción fílmica de María Magdalena en la película Rey de reyes de Cecil B. DeMille
Authors: Monzón Pertejo Elena
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT: Several methodologies have been used for the study of film. This article seeks to introduce a methodology that, in spite of a long tradition of critical approaches, has been little explored in this area: that of iconology. The elements of iconological tradition will serve as tools to approach the construction of Mary Magdalene’s character in the film directed by Cecil B. DeMille in 1927: King of Kings. I first justify the possibility of applying iconology to cinematographic media and especially to religious films. I next demonstrate the analysis scheme and the analysis results. In addition, I emphasize the different phases of continuity and variation in Mary Magdalene’s character. KEY WORDS: Iconology, Cinema, Mary Magdalene, Continuity and Variation, Cecil B. DeMille, King of Kings.   RESUMEN: Para el estudio del cine son diversas las metodologías que se han utilizado. En el presente artículo se busca introducir una metodología que, aun contando con una larga tradición de estudios, ha sido poco explorada en este ámbito: la iconología. Los elementos propios de la tradición iconológica servirán de herramientas a la hora de realizar la aproximación a la construcción del personaje de María Magdalena en la película dirigida por Cecil B. DeMille en 1927: Rey de reyes (King of Kings). En primer lugar, se justificará, brevemente, el porqué de la posibilidad de aplicar la iconología al medio cinematográfico en general y al cine religioso en particular; seguidamente, se mostrará el esquema de análisis planteado para luego presentar sintéticamente los resultados de dicho análisis. Junto a ello, se hará especial hincapié en las distintas fases de continuidad y variación del personaje de María Magdalena en la obra analizada. PALABRAS CLAVES: Iconología, Cine, María Magdalena, Continuidad y variación, Cecil B. DeMille, Rey de reyes.
Cesare Ripa y la portada de la iglesia de Pájara, en Fuerteventura
Authors: Galante Gómez Francisco José
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT: Iconology, the important book of allegories and attributes compiled by Cesare Ripa in 1593, was a major source for understanding the symbolic art of the culture of the period. Its application affected the visual practice of arts and architecture. In Pájara (Fuerteventura. Canary Islands), there is a temple whose main façade draws on symbols that seem to be influenced by Ripa's work: elements of Nature and zoomorphic, animistic and material representations with a decided spiritual and cosmogonic charge. In the context of Baroque culture, the symbols recorded on the façade proclaim the triumph of the Reformed Church. KEY WORDS: Seventeenth Century Architecture. Iconography. Iconology. Symbolic Art. Cesare Ripa. Counter-reformation. Canarian Architecture. Canary Islands. Fuerteventura. Pájara.  RESUMEN: Iconología, el importante texto de alegorías y atributos compilado por Cesare Ripa en 1593, constituyó una fuente principal para la comprensión del arte simbólico de la cultura de la época. Su aplicación afectó al ejercicio de las artes plásticas y de la arquitectura. En Pájara (Isla de Fuerteventura. Canarias), existe un templo cuya portada principal se nutre de símbolos que parecen tener relación con el referido texto: elementos de la Naturaleza y representaciones zoomorfas, animistas y materiales con una fuerte carga espiritual y cosmogónica. En el marco de la cultura del Barroco, los registros de la portada proclaman el triunfo de la Iglesia reformista. PALABRAS CLAVES: Arquitectura siglo XVII. Iconografía. Iconología. Arte simbólico. Cesare Ripa. Contrarreforma. Arquitectura Canaria. Islas Canarias. Fuerteventura. Pájara.
José Julio García Arranz: Symbola et emblemata avium. Las aves en los libros de emblemas y empresas de los siglos XVI y XVII
Authors: Campa Pedro F.
Published: February 2013

Recensión crítica del liibro de José Julio García Arranz: Symbola et emblemata avium. Las aves en los libros de emblemas y empresas de los siglos XVI y XVII, SIELAE y Sociedad de Cultura Valle Inclán, A Coruña, 2010.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel 1,2,3‐Triazolonucleotides
Authors: Głowacka Iwona E. , Balzarini Jan , Wróblewski Andrzej E.
Published: February 2013

A general procedure for the preparation of 1,2,3‐triazole analogs of nucleosides from diethyl 2‐azidoethoxymethyl‐ and 2‐azidoethoxyethylphosphonates was elaborated. The application of microwave irradiation shortened the reaction time to 10 min in comparison to ca. 48 h when 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions were performed under standard conditions. All compounds were evaluated in vitro for inhibitory activity against a broad variety of DNA and RNA viruses. None of the compounds were antivirally active at subtoxic concentrations. Compound 17k exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on the proliferation of human T‐lymphocyte cells (IC50 = 64 µM for CEM).
Reagent Control of [1,2]‐Wagner–Meerwein Shift Chemoselectivity Following the Nazarov Cyclization: Application to the Total Synthesis of Enokipodin B
Authors: Lebœuf David , Wright Christopher M. , Frontier Alison J.
Published: February 2013

An approach toward the carbon framework of various sesquiterpenes from the herbertane and cuparane families is described, including the concise total synthesis of enokipodin B. The key step is the construction of the vicinal quarternary centers of the skeleton through a tandem Nazarov cyclization/Wagner–Meerwein rearrangement mediated by a copper(II) complex. During this study, it was also found that changing the ligand architecture on the copper(II) promoter improved the chemoselectivity of the cationic rearrangement.
The Entrapment of Chiral Guests with Gated Baskets: Can a Kinetic Discrimination of Enantiomers Be Governed through Gating?
Authors: Wang Bao‐Yu , Stojanović Sandra , Turner Daniel A. , Young Tanya L. , Hadad Christopher M. , Badjić Jovica D.
Published: February 2013

The capacity of gated hosts for controlling a kinetic discrimination between stereoisomers is yet to be understood. To conduct corresponding studies, however, one needs to develop chiral, but modular and gated hosts. Accordingly, we used computational (RI‐BP86/TZVP//RI‐BP86/SV(P)) and experimental (NMR/CD/UV/Vis spectroscopy) methods to examine the transfer of chirality in gated baskets. We found that placing stereocenters of the same kind at the rim (R1=CH3, so‐called bottom) and/or top amide positions (R2=sec‐butyl) would direct the helical arrangement of the gates into aPorMpropeller‐like orientation. With the assistance of1H NMR spectroscopy, we quantified the intrinsic (thermodynamic) and constrictive (kinetic) binding affinities of (R)‐ and (S)‐1,2‐dibromopropane5toward baskets (S3b/P)‐2, (S3t/M)‐3, and (S3bt/P)‐4. Interestingly, each basket has a low (magnified image≤1.3 kcal mol−1), but comparable (de<10 %) affinity for entrapping enantiomeric (R/S)‐5. In terms of the kinetics, basket (S3b/P)‐2, with a set ofSstereocenters at the bottom andParrangement of the gates, would capture (R)‐5at a faster rate (kinR/kinS=2.0±0.2). Basket (S3t/M)‐3, with a set ofScenters at the top andMarrangement of the gates, however, trapped (S)‐5at a faster rate (kinR/kinS=0.30±0.05). In light of these findings, basket (S3bt/P)‐4, with a set ofSstereocenters installed at both top and bottom sites along with aPdisposition of the gates, was found to have a lower ability to differentiate between enantiomeric (R/S)‐5(kinR/kinS=0.8). Evidently, the two sets of stereocenters in this “hybrid” host acted concurrently, each with the opposite effect on the entrapment kinetics. Gated baskets are hereby established to be a prototype for quantifying the kinetic discrimination of enantiomers through gating and elucidating the electronic/steric effects on the process.
UV/Vis Spectra of Subporphyrazines and Subphthalocyanines with Aluminum and Gallium: A Time‐Dependent DFT Study
Authors: Montero‐Campillo M. Merced , Lamsabhi Al Mokhtar , Mó Otilia , Yáñez Manuel
Published: February 2013

The UV/Vis spectra of selected substituted subporphyrazines (SubPz) and subphthalocyanines (SubPc) with aluminum and gallium as central atoms are analyzed through time‐dependent DFT calculations in chloroform. The results are compared with previous results with boron as the central atom to analyze the photochemical properties of these two families of compounds on varying the metal along the same group. The absorptions of SubPz (Al, Ga) are redshifted or blueshifted with respect to SubPz (B) depending on the nature of the R substituents of the molecule, whereas the absorptions of SubPc (Al, Ga) structures are redshifted and with smaller energy gaps with respect to SubPc (B) for all kinds of R substituents. Looking at their absorption spectra, these systems with aluminum and gallium may also have, as in the case of boron, promising photochemical properties.
THE EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD ADHD ON ADULT LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES
Authors: Fletcher Jason M.
Published: February 2013

Although several types of mental illness, including substance abuse disorders, have been linked with poor labor market outcomes, no current research has been able to examine the effects of childhood attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Because ADHD has become one of the most prevalent childhood mental conditions, it is useful to understand the full set of consequences of the illness. This article uses a longitudinal national sample, including sibling pairs, to show the important labor market outcome consequences of ADHD. The employment reduction is between 10 and 14 percentage points, the earnings reduction is approximately 33%, and the increase in social assistance is 15 points, figures that are larger than many estimates of the Black people/White people earnings gap and the gender earnings gap. A small share of the link is explained by educational attainments and co‐morbid health conditions and behaviors. The results also show important differences in labor market consequences by family background and age of onset. These findings, along with similar research showing that ADHD is linked with poor education outcomes and adult crime, suggest the importance of treating childhood ADHD to foster human capital. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblasts, L929 fibroblasts, and J774 macrophages to fluoride surface‐modified AZ31 magnesium alloy
Authors: Lozano Rosa María , Pérez-Maceda Blanca Teresa , Carboneras Mónica , Onofre-Bustamante Edgar , García-Alonso María Cristina , Escudero María Lorenza
Published: February 2013

The present work evaluates the biocompatibility of a fluoride surface‐modified AZ31 magnesium alloy (AZ31HF) with different cell lines that coexist in the implant environment to test its potential use as a biodegradable and absorbable biomaterial for bone repair. A clear stimulation of cell proliferation and an enhancement of the mitochondrial respiratory activity were observed when mouse osteoblasts (MC3T3‐E1), fibroblasts (L929), and macrophages (J774) cell lines were cultured with the modified alloy. No significant change in apoptosis or viability rates was observed when osteoblasts and fibroblasts cultures were grown in the presence of this alloy. A proteomic analysis of the MC3T3‐E1 cell extracts cultured in the presence of AZ31HF showed an overexpression of proteins related with the mineralization process, which is a necessary step for bone repair. An increase in the lactate dehydrogenase activity was observed in the MC3T3‐E1 and J774 cell cultures that could be a response of the oxidative stress produced by the presence of the material. This stress could be related to the increase observed in the respiratory mitochondrial activity or respiratory burst measured in theses cultures that indicate damage in the cell membranes and subsequently some cell death. Results reported here, for and against AZ31HF, should be taken into account when considering the potential use of this modified alloy in bone repair applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 101A: 2753–2762, 2013.
Influence of hard segment size on the melt transition temperature of thermoplastic rubbers
Authors: Canevarolo Sebastião V. , Birley Arthur W.
Published: February 2013

Thermoplastic rubbers on heating show a melt rheological transition which is interpreted as the onset of breakdown in the long‐range order of the domain structure. This is mainly due to the mobility of the PS end‐blocks which, from this temperature upwards, can be removed from their base‐phase by forces exerted by the attached rubbery chain. The transition temperature is detected by a change in the slope of an Arrhenius plot of the Melt Flow Index values at various temperatures, for a wide range of samples. The transition temperature is shown to be directly related to the molecular weight of the hard‐block segments (PS), supporting the molecular model proposed previously.
Signs of Salvation: The Evolution of Stigmatic Spirituality Before Francis of Assisi
Authors: Muessig Carolyn
Published: February 2013

Francis of Assisi's reported reception of the stigmata on Mount La Verna in 1224 is widely held to be the first documented account of an individual miraculously and physically receiving the wounds of Christ. The appearance of this miracle, however, in the first quarter of the thirteenth century, is not as unexpected as it first seems. Interpretations of Galatians 6:17—“I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus Christ in my body”—had been circulating in biblical commentaries since the early Middle Ages. These works posited that clerics bore metaphorical and sometimes physical wounds(stigmata)as marks of persecution, while spreading the teaching of Christ in the face of resistance. By the seventh century, the meaning of Galatians 6:17 had been appropriated by bishops and priests as a sign or mark of Christ that they received invisibly at their ordination, and sometimes visibly upon their death. In the eleventh century, Peter Damian articulated a stigmatic spirituality that saw the ideal priest, monk, and nun as bearers of Christ's wounds, a status achieved through the swearing of vows and the practice of severe penance. By the early twelfth century, crusaders were said to bear the marks of the Passion in death and even sometimes as they entered into battle. By the early thirteenth century, “bearing the stigmata” was a pious superlative appropriated by a few devout members of the laity who interpreted Galatian 6:17 in a most literal manner. Thus, this article considers how the conception of “bearing the stigmata” developed in medieval Europe from its treatment in early Latin patristic commentaries to its visceral portrayal by the laity in the thirteenth century.
NORMATIVE DATA FOR IQ, HEIGHT AND HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE FOR CHILDREN IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: BATTERJEE ADEL A. , KHALEEFA OMAR , ASHAER KHALIL , LYNN RICHARD
Published: February 2013

Normative data are reported for intelligence, height and head circumference for a sample of 1553 6- to 15-year-olds in Saudi Arabia, and for the correlations between these variables. Intelligence was tested with the Standard Progressive Matrices, on which the Saudi sample obtained a British IQ of 76.2. There were no significant differences in means between boys and girls and differences in variability were inconsistent. The heights of the Saudi sample were generally lower than those of the American norms. The differences in head circumferences between the Saudi children and the American norms were inconsistent. Correlations between IQ and height were weaker than those found in other studies but correlations between IQ and head circumference were positive.
Turbulence evolution in MHD plasmas
Authors: WISNIEWSKI MARTINA , KISSMANN RALF , SPANIER FELIX
Published: February 2013

Turbulence in the interstellar medium has been an active field of research in the last decade. Numerical simulations are the tool of choice in most cases. However, while there are a number of simulations on the market, some questions have not been answered finally. In this paper, we examine the influence of compressible and incompressible driving on the evolution of turbulent spectra in a number of possible interstellar medium scenarios. We conclude that the driving has an influence not only on the ratio of compressible to incompressible component but also on the anisotropy of turbulence.
Accretion disk parameters in HLX-1
Authors: Soria Roberto , Hau George
Published: February 2013

We estimate the outer radius of the accretion disk in HLX-1 from its optical brightness and from the exponential timescale of the decline in the X-ray lightcurve after an outburst. We find that the disk is an order of magnitude smaller than the semimajor axis of the orbit. If the disk size is determined by the circularization radius near periastron, the eccentricity of the binary system must be ≳ 0.95. We report on the discovery of Hα emission during the 2012 outburst, with a single-peaked, narrow profile (consistent with a nearly face-on view), and a central velocity displaced by ≈ 490 km s−1 from that of the host galaxy.
Deriving fundamental parameters of millisecond pulsars via AIC in white dwarfs
Authors: Taani A. , Zhang C. M. , Zhao Y. H. , Moraghan A.
Published: February 2013

We present a study of the observational properties of Millisecond Pulsars (MSPs) by way of their magnetic fields, spin periods and masses. These measurements are derived through the scenario of Accretion Induced Collapse (AIC) of white dwarfs (WDs) in stellar binary systems, in order to provide a greater understanding of the characteristics of MSP populations. In addition, we demonstrate a strong evolutionary connection between neutron stars and WDs with binary companions from a stellar binary evolution perspective via the AIC process.
A systematic search for rapid photometric variability in southern symbiotic stars I. V648 Car
Authors: Angeloni Rodolfo , Di Mille Francesco , Lopes Carlos Eduardo Ferreira , Masetti Nicola
Published: February 2013

We present the first results from the systematic observational campaign aimed at studying rapid photometric variability (i.e., flickering) in southern symbiotic stars. In particular, we report on the discovery of strong flickering from V648Car (also known as SS73-17), a poorly studied system belonging to the small class of hard X-ray emitting symbiotic stars. To our knowledge, with a U-band flickering amplitude >0.6mag over time scales of minutes, it is one of the most significant flickering ever reported from a symbiotic star.
Water fountains: bipolar fast stellar jets traced by water vapor maser emission
Authors: Imai Hiroshi
Published: February 2013

Highly collimated, bipolar fast jets are found in asymptotic giant branch (AGB) and post-AGB stars as well as in active galactic nuclei and young stellar objects. It is still unclear how to launch such jets from dying stars that were originally spherically symmetric. Exploration of the stellar jet evolution is also expected to probe its role in shaping a planetary nebula. Interestingly, some of stellar H2O maser sources — water fountains — exhibit stellar jets with spatially and kinematically high collimation in the earliest phase (<1000 years) of the jet evolution. Such water fountains have been identified in 14 sources to date. We have recently conducted interferometric (VLBA, EVN, VERA, VLA) maser and the single-dish (ASTE) CO J = 3 → 2 line observations of the water fountains. They have revealed a typical dynamical age (< 100 yr) and the detailed kinematical structures of the water fountains, possibility of the coexistence of “equatorial flows”, and their locations and kinematics in the Milky Way. Based on these results, the masses and evolutionary statuses of the host stars are also estimated.
Minimum accretion rate for millisecond pulsar formation in binary system
Authors: Pan Yuanyue , Zhang Chengmin , Wang Na
Published: February 2013

186 binary pulsars are shown in the magnetic field versus spin period (B-P) diagram, and their relations to the millisecond pulsars can be clearly seen. We declaim a minimum accretion rate for the millisecond pulsar formation both from the observation and theory. If the accretion rate is lower than the minimum accretion rate, the pulsar in binary system will not become a millisecond pulsar after the evolution.
Constraining the Accretion Flow in Sgr A* by General Relativistic Dynamical and Polarized Radiative Modeling
Authors: Shcherbakov Roman V. , Penna Robert F. , McKinney Jonathan C.
Published: February 2013

We briefly summarize the method of simulating Sgr A* polarized sub-mm spectra from the accretion flow and fitting the observed spectrum. The dynamical flow model is based on three-dimensional general relativistic magneto hydrodynamic simulations. Fully self-consistent radiative transfer of polarized cyclo-synchrotron emission is performed. We compile a mean sub-mm spectrum of Sgr A* and fit it with the mean simulated spectra. We estimate the ranges of inclination angle θ=42°–75°, mass accretion rate Ṁ=(1.4-7.0)×10−8M⊙year−1, and electron temperature Te=(3–4)×1010K at 6M. We discuss multiple caveats in dynamical modeling, which must be resolved to make further progress.
Resonant switch model of twin peak HF QPOs applied to the atoll source 4U 1636-53
Authors: Stuchlík Zdeněk , Kotrlová Andrea , Török Gabriel
Published: February 2013

We present a Resonant Switch (RS) model of twin peak high-frequency quasi-periodic oscillations (HF QPOs), assuming switch of twin oscillations at a resonant point, where frequencies of the upper and lower oscillations νU and νL become to be commensurable and the twin oscillations change from one pair of the oscillating modes (corresponding to a specific model of HF QPOs) to some other pair due to non-linear resonant phenomena. The RS model enables to determine range of allowed values of spin a and mass M of the neutron star located at the atoll source 4U 1636-53 where two resonant points are observed at frequency ratios νU : νL = 3:2, 5:4.
Distribution of twin kHz QPOs in LMXBs
Authors: Wang D. H. , Chen L.
Published: February 2013

With kilohertz quasi-periodic oscillation (kHz QPO) sources in neutron star low mass X-ray binaries (NS-LMXBs) published up to now, we analyze the centroid frequency (ν) distribution of twin kHz QPOs. We find that Atoll and Z sources show the similar distributions of ν1 and ν2, which indicate that twin kHz QPOs may be the common property of NS-LXMBs and have the similar physical origins. The mean values of ν1 and ν2 in Atoll sources are higher than those in Z sources, and we consider that this may because the QPO signals are sheltered by the thicken accretion disk or corona in Z sources. The maximums of ν2 in both Atoll and Z sources are the same order as the Keplerian orbital frequency of the NS surface, so kHz QPOs could occur near the NS surface.
Multi-wavelength Study of the Be/X-ray Binaries
Authors: Yan J. Z. , Li H. , Zhou J. N. , Liu Q. Z.
Published: February 2013

An anti-correlation between the optical brightness and the strength of the Hα emission was observed from two Be/X-ray binaries, A0535+26 and MXB 0656-072: when the optical brightness showed a decrease, the intensity of the Hα emission displayed an obvious increase. This anti-correlation is interpreted as the result of the mass ejection from the Be star. After the mass ejection event, a cavity or low-density region will be developing in the inner parter of the circumstellar disk. The X-ray outbursts of the Be/X-ray binaries might be connected with the mass ejections from the Be star.
In vitro propagation of the threatened plant Sphaerophysa kotschyana (Fabaceae): inter simple-sequence-repeat (ISSR) analysis and salt tolerance of the regenerants
Authors: Erişen Semiha , Öncel Zeynep
Published: February 2013

Sphaerophysa kotschyana is a threatened endemic species in Turkey and according to the Bern Convention, it is on the absolute preservation plant list. In vitro propagation methodologies were evaluated as an ex situ conservation strategy for this species. Nodal segments were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) media with different cytokinins (benzyladenine, thidiazuron (TDZ) and zeatine), with or without auxin (α-naphthaleneacetic acid; NAA), to investigate shoot initiation. TDZ produced the highest number of shoots (11.0 shoots per explant) on MS medium at a concentration of 0.05 mg L–1. Rooting reached 100% when 0.5 mg L–1 NAA was combined with half strength MS and 1.5% sucrose and rooted plantlets were successfully acclimatised. Somaclonal variation of a mother plant and 10 regenerants was assessed using ISSR analysis. The same banding profiles were exhibited by all plants. In vitro response to salinity stress (NaCl) was also investigated in this halophytic species. Higher concentrations of NaCl negatively affected shoot multiplication, whereas shoot height was enhanced at 50 mM NaCl. These results suggest that the established protocol is an efficient and reliable system of in vitro propagation for ex situ conservation of S. kotschyana.
Encouraging Children to Think Counterfactually Enhances Blocking in a Causal Learning Task
Authors: McCormack Teresa , Simms Victoria , McGourty Jemma , Beckers Tom
Published: February 2013

According to a higher order reasoning account, inferential reasoning processes underpin the widely observed cue competition effect of blocking in causal learning. The inference required for blocking has been described as modus tollens (if p then q, not q therefore not p). Young children are known to have difficulties with this type of inference, but research with adults suggests that this inference is easier if participants think counterfactually. In this study, 100 children (51 five-year-olds and 49 six- to seven-year-olds) were assigned to two types of pretraining groups. The counterfactual group observed demonstrations of cues paired with outcomes and answered questions about what the outcome would have been if the causal status of cues had been different, whereas the factual group answered factual questions about the same demonstrations. Children then completed a causal learning task. Counterfactual pretraining enhanced levels of blocking as well as modus tollens reasoning but only for the younger children. These findings provide new evidence for an important role for inferential reasoning in causal learning.
ZYX-1, the unique zyxin protein ofCaenorhabditis elegans, is involved in dystrophin-dependent muscle degeneration
Authors: Lecroisey Claire , Brouilly Nicolas , Qadota Hiroshi , Mariol Marie-Christine , Rochette Nicolas C. , Martin Edwige , Benian Guy M. , Ségalat Laurent , Mounier Nicole , Gieseler Kathrin
Published: February 2013

In vertebrates, zyxin is a LIM-domain protein belonging to a family composed of seven members. We show that the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans has a unique zyxin-like protein, ZYX-1, which is the orthologue of the vertebrate zyxin subfamily composed of zyxin, migfilin, TRIP6, and LPP. The ZYX-1 protein is expressed in the striated body-wall muscles and localizes at dense bodies/Z-discs and M-lines, as well as in the nucleus. In yeast two-hybrid assays ZYX-1 interacts with several known dense body and M-line proteins, including DEB-1 (vinculin) and ATN-1 (α-actinin). ZYX-1 is mainly localized in the middle region of the dense body/Z-disk, overlapping the apical and basal regions containing, respectively, ATN-1 and DEB-1. The localization and dynamics of ZYX-1 at dense bodies depend on the presence of ATN-1. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments revealed a high mobility of the ZYX-1 protein within muscle cells, in particular at dense bodies and M-lines, indicating a peripheral and dynamic association of ZYX-1 at these muscle adhesion structures. A portion of the ZYX-1 protein shuttles from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, suggesting a role for ZYX-1 in signal transduction. We provide evidence that the zyx-1 gene encodes two different isoforms, ZYX-1a and ZYX-1b, which exhibit different roles in dystrophin-dependent muscle degeneration occurring in a C. elegans model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Archiving in the networked world: resource description framework
Authors: Seadle Michael
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine a project where resource description framework (RDF) is expected to function both in the short term and over long periods. Because RDF is comparatively new, the library and information science literature has scarcely addressed the issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The article analyses RDF from the perspective of the requirements for long term digital archiving, with special emphasis on the need for maintaining integrity and usability.

Findings

RDF and RDFa (resource description framework in attributes) encoding can be archived, but the external references that make RDF function may change their meaning or vanish over time, unless efforts are made to archive them too and to provide time‐based context information through mechanisms like Memento. RDF‐based “triple store” databases can likewise be archived.

Originality/value

The value of this article lies in its examination of how RDF and its variants will work within the constraints of current long term digital archiving systems. RDF is relatively new, but its proponents see it as a long term enhancement of the web and of internet‐connected projects. This requires some consideration about how it will function in 100 years or more.
Customer dominant value formation in service
Authors: Heinonen Kristina , Strandvik Tore , Voima Päivi
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to extend current discussions of value creation and propose a customer dominant value perspective. The point of origin in a customer‐dominant marketing logic (C‐D logic) is the customer, rather than the service provider, interaction or the system. The focus is shifted from the company's service processes involving the customer, to the customer's multi‐contextual value formation, involving the company.

Design/methodology/approach

Value formation is contrasted to earlier views on the company's role in value creation in a conceptual analysis focusing on five central aspects. Implications of the proposed characteristics of value formation compared to earlier approaches are put forward.

Findings

The paper highlights earlier hidden aspects on the role of a service for the customer. It is proposed that value is not always an active process of creation; instead, value is embedded and formed in the highly dynamic and multi‐contextual reality and life of the customer. This leads to a need to look beyond the line of visibility focused on visible customer‐company interactions, to the invisible and mental life of the customer. From this follows a need to extend the temporal scope, from exchange and use even further to accumulated experiences in the customer's life and ecosystem.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is conceptual. It discusses and presents a customer‐dominant value perspective and suggests implications for empirical research and practice.

Practical implications

Awareness of the mechanism of the customer value formation process provides companies with new insight on the service strategy, service design and new service innovations.

Originality/value

The paper contributes by extending the value construct through a new customer dominant value perspective, recognizing value as multi‐contextual and dynamic based on customers' life and ecosystem. The findings mark out new avenues for future research.
Researching into the methodology for the evaluation of deformed soft furniture upholstery
Authors: Jucienė Milda , Vobolis Jonas
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate upholstery deformation by using resonant vibrations of separate zones of the soft part.

Design/methodology/approach

By recording the value of resonant frequency at separate points of the plane, it becomes possible to obtain the graph of deformation distribution. It is compared to the graph that demonstrates how rigidity distributes itself in different directions within the upholstery fabric. This enables the evaluation of unevenness of upholstery deformation that is present in different directions.

Findings

The provided methodology allows assessing the quality of soft furniture assembly and predicting the exploitation time for its upholstery.

Originality/value

The test results obtained using the original methodology enable the assessment of manufacturing defects existing in various directions (for example, the shape of different parts during the cutting process, the unevenness of seam width and others), as well as the quality of furniture during the production and exploitation process.
Organizational learning in educational settings (technical): an Indian perspective
Authors: Patnaik B. , Beriha G.S. , Mahapatra S.S. , Singh N.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

This paper seeks to present an empirical study on organizational learning in Indian educational organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

The Learning Organization Profile (LOP) Survey is used as the tool for eliciting responses from the staff regarding the nature and state of organizational learning prevailing in educational settings. The study attempts to highlight the extent of organizational learning in technological institutes of repute in both the public and private sectors in India. Factor analysis and descriptive statistics have been used to analyze data and to make comparisons vis‐à‐vis ownership of organization and employee category.

Findings

Results indicate that the extent of organizational learning is below the expected level in both public and private sectors. Significant difference exists between public and private organizations in terms of the extent as well as dimensions of organizational learning. As leadership has emerged as the most valued factor in the private sector institutes and third among eight dimensions in the public ones, the onus lies in leading these institutes with able managers who inspire the employees to learn and adapt. The management has opportunity to enhance the potential of the academic institutes for learning by choosing effective leaders who provide direction and vision for employees. The role of transformational leadership is important in the context of Indian technological institutes.

Originality/value

Development of learning culture is becoming a dominant theme in the strategic plans of many organizations today. Hence, it is vital to investigate the nature and extent of organizational learning as prevailing in the sector of higher education and learning, specifically in the Indian context. The study differentiates organizational learning practices in public and private undertakings. It also examines the dimensions of organizational learning as experienced by different categories of employees constituting the organization.
The corrosive effects of artificial saliva on cast and rapid manufacture‐produced cobalt chromium alloys
Authors: Alifui‐Segbaya Frank , Foley Paul , Williams R.J.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Rapid manufacture‐produced cobalt chromium alloys are beginning to be used in dentistry but there are few published results relating to their properties. The purpose of this paper is to determine the corrosion resistance of a rapid manufacture‐produced dental alloy and compare it to a standard dental casting alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

In accordance with ISO 22674, ten samples of each alloy were fabricated in approximately 45 mm×10 mm×2 mm rectangular prisms, a sample number in excess of the standard requirements. The groups were further divided into those with highly polished surfaces and those with electrobrightened surfaces. Each sample was immersed in artificial saliva, suspended by a nylon thread for 42 days at 37°C. Readings for cobalt, chromium and molybdenum ions released into solutions were obtained using an atomic absorption spectrometer at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 day intervals at a detection limit of one part per million.

Findings

Ion release of cobalt, chromium and molybdenum was well within the threshold prescribed by the standard. The alloys were safe for use as dental devices with respect to the above metals. The rapid manufacture alloy however performed better. In addition the data indicated that for both alloys, there was no discernable difference between a polished and an electrobrightened surface.

Originality/value

The rapid manufacture alloy studied shows a safe level of corrosion resistance with respect to cobalt, chromium and molybdenum according to ISO definitions. Further biocompatibility tests are recommended.
Finite element analysis, stress‐strain distribution and size effects rise during nanoindentation of welded aluminum alloy
Authors: Charitidis Costas A. , Dragatogiannis Dimitrios A.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of nanoindentation with a Berkovich indenter as a method of extracting equivalent stress‐strain curves for the base metal and the welded zone of a friction stir welded aluminum alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

Friction stir welding is a solid‐state joining process, which emerged as an alternative technique to be used in high strength alloys that were difficult to join with conventional joining techniques. This technique has a significant effect on the local microstructure and residual stresses combined with deformation. Nano‐ and micro‐indentation are the most commonly used techniques to obtain local mechanical properties of engineering materials. In order to test the reliability of nanoindentation technique and to connect nanoscale with macroscale, the indentation hardness‐depth relation established by Nix and Gao was applied on the experimental values.

Findings

The predictions of this model were found to be in good agreement with classical hardness measurements on AA 6082‐T6 aluminum alloy. Also, finite element method provides a numerical tool to calculate complex nanoindentation problems and in correlation with gradients theories forms a well‐seried tool in order to take into account size effects.

Originality/value

By studying this alloy, the paper reviews fundamental principles such as stress‐strain distribution, size effects rise during nanoindentation and the applicability of finite element method, in order to take into account these issues.
The association between accounting standards, legal framework and the quality of financial reporting by a government ministry in Uganda
Authors: Korutaro Nkundabanyanga Stephen , Tauringana Venancio , Balunywa Waswa , Naigo Emitu Stephen
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the association between accounting standards, legal framework and the quality of financial reporting by the Ministry of Water and Environment in Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a self‐administered questionnaire to survey 120 staff and stakeholders of the Ministry of the Water and Environment. Correlation analysis was employed to determine the association between accounting standards, legal framework and the quality of financial reporting.

Findings

Results indicate that accounting standards and legal framework are all positively and significantly associated with the quality of financial reporting, providing evidence of the effect of accounting standards and legal framework on the quality of financial reporting in Uganda

Research limitations/implications

Scarce literature using African data means that it is not possible to compare the findings to previous research.

Practical implications

The finding of an association between accounting standards, the legal framework and quality of financial reporting implies that the government of Uganda needs to adopt a more robust approach in enforcing compliance to improve the quality of financial reports produced by the Ministry of Water and Environment.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the dearth of evidence on government accounting literature in Africa by investigating for the first time, the association between accounting standards, legal framework and the quality of financial reporting by a government department.
Global mindset, global success at Tata Consultancy Services
Authors: March Richard
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to exemplify how Mr Surya Kant, President of North American, UK and European Operations in Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), leads and grows a complex global company by adopting and operationalizing a global mindset.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies a social constructionist interview method, which focuses upon the reflectivity of the research in critically constructing meaning from qualitative data collected through personal interviews. The paper links information gleaned from a semi‐structured interview with Mr Kant to a theoretical discussion of the construct of global mindset. In so doing, it demonstrates the paradox of complexity in global leadership and illustrates the applicability of theory in global leadership practice.

Findings

This paper aids in making the case for the application of an inductive qualitative methodology by showing that inductive approaches to business research have, as their base, the lived experiences of people operating in a business context. The paper found a close link among the theoretical constructs of global mindset, paradox theory, complexity, leadership and global business, and their use and applicability in driving a global corporation.

Originality/value

In making explicit the links between theory and practice, this paper illuminates the practical application of academic literature and theoretical constructs in the arena of global business and global leadership, thereby bridging the oft‐cited theoretician‐practitioner‐bifurcation in business research.
Proteome turnover in bacteria: current status for Corynebacterium glutamicum and related bacteria
Authors: Trötschel Christian , Albaum Stefan P. , Poetsch Ansgar
Published: February 2013

With the advent of high‐resolution mass spectrometry together with sophisticated data analysis and interpretation algorithms, determination of protein synthesis and degradation rates (i.e. protein turnover) on a proteome‐wide scale by employing stable isotope‐labelled amino acids has become feasible. These dynamic data provide a deeper understanding of protein homeostasis and stress response mechanisms in microorganisms than well‐established ‘steady state’ proteomics approaches. In this article, we summarize the technological challenges and solutions both on the biochemistry/mass spectrometry and bioinformatics level for turnover proteomics with a focus on chromatographic techniques. Although the number of available case studies for Corynebacterium glutamicum and related actinobacteria is still very limited, our review illustrates the potential of protein turnover studies for an improved understanding of questions in the area of biotechnology and biomedicine. Here, new insights from investigations of growth phase transition and different stress dynamics including iron, acid and heat stress for pathogenic but also for industrial actinobacteria are presented. Finally, we will comment on the advantages of integrated software solutions for biologists and briefly discuss the remaining technical challenges and upcoming possibilities for protein turnover analysis.