bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LTCC processed CoTi substituted M-type barium ferrite composite with BBSZ glass powder additives for microwave device applications
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Yingli , Li Jie , Liu Qian , Zhang Huaiwu , Harris Vincent. G.
Published: March 2016

Hexagonal magnetoplumbite ferrites typically have sintering temperatures above 1100∘C in order to stabilize a single phase compound, which is much higher than the melting point of silver leading to device fabrication challenges. Application of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) technologies may prove effective in decreasing the sintering temperature of hexagonal ferrites. Ferrite powders combined with glass frit powder is an effective pathway to lowering the sintering temperature. Here, hexagonal M-type barium ferrite (i.e., Ba(CoTi)1.5Fe9O19) ceramics, combined with BBSZ glass powder as a sintering aid were synthesized. Co and Ti ions where used to substitute for Fe cations in order to modify the magnetic anisotropy field. The density, microstructure, magnetic properties and complex permeability are reported. The BBSZ glass addition was shown to improve the densification and magnetic properties of the barium ferrite. The densification of the BaM ferrite Ba(CoTi)1.5Fe9O19 was further enhanced by the glass additive at low firing temperatures of below 900∘C because of the formation of a liquid phase. Complex permeability of ferrites sintered at 900∘C was also influenced by the BBSZ addition and the resonance frequency was shown to decrease with increased amounts of the glass modifier.
Down-conversion luminescence from (Ce, Yb) co-doped oxygen-rich silicon oxides
Authors: Heng C. L. , Wang T. , Su W. Y. , Wu H. C. , Yin P. G. , Finstad T. G.
Published: March 2016

We have studied down-conversion photoluminescence (PL) from (Ce, Yb) co-doped “oxygen rich” silicon oxide films prepared by sputtering and annealing. The Ce3+ ∼510 nm PL is sensitive to the Ce concentration of the films and is much stronger for 3 at. % Ce than for 2 at. % Ce after annealing at 1200 °C. The PL emission and excitation spectroscopy results indicate that the excitation of Yb3+ is mainly through an energy transfer from Ce3+ to Yb3+, oxide defects also play a role in the excitation of Yb3+ after lower temperature (∼800 °C) annealing. The Ce3+ 510 nm photon excites mostly only one Yb3+ 980 nm photon. Temperature-dependent PL measurements suggest that the energy transfer from Ce3+ to Yb3+ is partly thermally activated.
Electrons, holes, and excitons in GaAs polytype quantum dots
Authors: Climente Juan I. , Segarra Carlos , Rajadell Fernando , Planelles Josep
Published: March 2016

Single and multi-band k⋅p Hamiltonians for GaAs crystal phase quantum dots are used to assess ongoing experimental activity on the role of such factors as quantum confinement, spontaneous polarization, valence band mixing, and exciton Coulomb interaction. Spontaneous polarization is found to be a dominating term. Together with the control of dot thickness [Vainorius et al., Nano Lett. 15, 2652 (2015)], it enables wide exciton wavelength and lifetime tunability. Several new phenomena are predicted for small diameter dots [Loitsch et al., Adv. Mater. 27, 2195 (2015)], including non-heavy hole ground state, strong hole spin admixture, and a type-II to type-I exciton transition, which can be used to improve the absorption strength and reduce the radiative lifetime of GaAs polytypes.
Boron nitride encapsulated graphene infrared emitters
Authors: Barnard H. R. , Zossimova E. , Mahlmeister N. H. , Lawton L. M. , Luxmoore I. J. , Nash G. R.
Published: March 2016

The spatial and spectral characteristics of mid-infrared thermal emission from devices containing a large area multilayer graphene layer, encapsulated using hexagonal boron nitride, have been investigated. The devices were run continuously in air for over 1000 h, with the emission spectrum covering the absorption bands of many important gases. An approximate solution to the heat equation was used to simulate the measured emission profile across the devices yielding an estimated value of the characteristic length, which defines the exponential rise/fall of the temperature profile across the device, of 40 μm. This is much larger than values obtained in smaller exfoliated graphene devices and reflects the device geometry, and the increase in lateral heat conduction within the devices due to the multilayer graphene and boron nitride layers.
Lasing in optimized two-dimensional iron-nail-shaped rod photonic crystals
Authors: Kwon Soon-Yong , Moon Seul-Ki , Choi Jae-Hyuck , Jang Se-Hwan , Jeong Kwang-Yong , Park Hong-Gyu , Yang Jin-Kyu
Published: March 2016

We demonstrated lasing at the Γ-point band-edge (BE) modes in optimized two-dimensional iron-nail-shaped rod photonic crystals by optical pulse pumping at room temperature. As the radius of the rod increased quadratically toward the edge of the pattern, the quality factor of the Γ-point BE mode increased up to three times, and the modal volume decreased to 56% compared with the values of the original Γ-point BE mode because of the reduction of the optical loss in the horizontal direction. Single-mode lasing from an optimized iron-nail-shaped rod array with an InGaAsP multiple quantum well embedded in the nail heads was observed at a low threshold pump power of 160 μW. Real-image-based numerical simulations showed that the lasing actions originated from the optimized Γ-point BE mode and agreed well with the measurement results, including the lasing polarization, wavelength, and near-field image.
Storage and retrieval of light pulse in coupled quantum wells
Authors: Liu Jibing , Liu Na , Shan Chuanjia , Li Hong , Liu Tangkun , Zheng Anshou
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we propose an effective scheme to create a frequency entangled states based on bound-to-bound inter-subband transitions in an asymmetric three-coupled quantum well structure. A four-subband cascade configuration quantum well structure is illuminated with a pulsed probe field and two continuous wave control laser fields to generate a mixing field. By properly adjusting the frequency detunings and the intensity of coupling fields, the conversion efficiency can reach 100%. A maximum entangled state can be achieved by selecting a proper length of the sample. We also numerically investigate the propagation dynamics of the probe pulse and mixing pulse, the results show that two frequency components are able to exchange energy through a four-wave mixing process. Moreover, by considering special coupling fields, the storage and retrieval of the probe pulse is also numerically simulated.
Athermal avalanche in bilayer superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors
Authors: Verma V. B. , Lita A. E. , Stevens M. J. , Mirin R. P. , Nam S. W.
Published: March 2016

We demonstrate that two superconducting nanowires separated by a thin insulating barrier can undergo an avalanche process. In this process, Joule heating caused by a photodetection event in one nanowire and the associated production of athermal phonons which are transmitted through the barrier cause the transition of the adjacent nanowire from the superconducting to the normal state. We show that this process can be utilized in the fabrication of superconducting nanowire single photon detectors to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, reduce system jitter, maximize device area, and increase the external efficiency over a very broad range of wavelengths. Furthermore, the avalanche mechanism may provide a path towards a superconducting logic element based on athermal gating.
Tick tock: time for a change?
Authors: Pettigrew Simone , Talati Zenobia , Neal Bruce
Published: March 2016

Issue addressed

New developments in front‐of‐pack nutrition labelling are substantially improving the nutrition information available at the point of purchase. This has led to a need to reconsider the role of health logos such as the National Heart Foundation's ‘Tick’.

Methods

Using a qualitative, exploratory approach involving 10 focus groups with adults and children, this study investigated consumers' attitudes to the Tick and its relevance to their purchase decisions.

Results

Both adults and children exhibited awareness of the Tick and its aim to indicate healthier product alternatives. Views on the effectiveness of the Tick were polarised, with some considering it a useful tool and others querying the basis of its licensing arrangements.

Conclusions

While the Tick has in the past played a role in assisting consumers to make more informed decisions and encouraging favourable modification of the food supply, recent questions relating to its role and credibility have resulted in the Heart Foundation deciding to retire it.

So what?

After a quarter of a century in the Australian marketplace, the National Heart Foundation's Tick program has been reviewed. The findings of the present study provide insight into consumers' views of the Tick and suggest that the emergence of more comprehensive food labelling initiatives may make logo‐based nutrition labels redundant.
Examining the Behavior, Management Preferences, and Sociodemographics of Artificial Reef Users in the Gulf of Mexico Offshore from Texas
Authors: Schuett Michael A. , Ding Chen , Kyle Gerard , Shively J. Dale
Published: March 2016

This study used a mixed-mode approach (mail and online) to survey licensed private boat owners (26 ft [8 m] and larger) from Texas on the use, choice and management of artificial reefs in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) offshore from Texas. Results showed that reef users (n = 569) had a mean age of 55 years, were mostly white males, and over half of the respondents reported household incomes exceeding US$160,000 annually. The highest percentage of boat owners took one to five trips to the GOM in the last 12 months, enjoyed going to standing rigs and oil production structures, and preferred reefs to be over 30 mi (48.3 km) from shore. Fishing and the presence of fish were important factors for visiting artificial reefs. Boat owners believed artificial reefs bring tourism to local economies, provide new areas in which to recreate, and do not degrade the environment. In managing the reefs, boat owners would like to see more artificial reefs in the GOM and be able to place their own structures offshore in safe locations. Future research recommendations are suggested for filling the gaps in the human dimensions of artificial reefs focusing on other recreation groups, diverse users, communication, and education.

Received August 14, 2015; accepted November 18, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
The Influence of Size at Release on Performance of Imnaha River Chinook Salmon Hatchery Smolts
Authors: Feldhaus Joseph W. , Hoffnagle Timothy L. , Carmichael Richard W.
Published: March 2016

Ten brood years (BYs 1988–1990 and 1992–1998) of spring–summer Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha smolts that were reared at Lookingglass Fish Hatchery (Oregon) and released from the Imnaha River Weir and Acclimation Facility were evaluated to determine whether size at release affected juvenile migration survival, smolt-to-adult survival (SAS) rate, smolt-to-adult return (SAR) rate, production efficiency, age composition, straying rate, or harvest rate. Smolts were marked with adipose fin clips and were tagged with coded wire tags (all BYs) and PIT tags (BYs 1992–1998). For BYs 1992–1998, the out-migration survival rate to Lower Granite Dam (LGD) on the Snake River was greater for large smolts (30–38 g) than for small smolts (18–23 g). This juvenile survival difference did not translate to an adult survival difference, as the total (ages 3–5) and adult (ages 4–5) SAR and SAS rates did not differ between large and small smolts. Straying rates were less than 0.02% and harvest rates were less than 0.05% for both treatments, and we found no significant differences between groups. Total production efficiency (number of mature salmon/10 kg of smolts released) was greater for small smolts than for large smolts but not significantly so. Small smolts produced significantly more (~10%) age-5 females than did large smolts. Treatments (smolt size at release) did not differ in sex ratio or the age composition of male returns. Because broodstock availability limited production in 5 of the 10 years, we also compared size at release within standard-density (14.8‒22.2 kg/m3) and low-density (2.2‒8.6 kg/m3) rearing years. At standard density but not at low density, juvenile survival to LGD was significantly greater for large smolts than for small smolts. Adult and total SAR and SAS rates, total production efficiency, and straying rates did not differ between standard-density and low-density rearing years. Harvest rate of the small smolts was significantly greater than that of the large smolts at low density but not at standard density. We found no performance benefit in rearing large Chinook Salmon smolts instead of small smolts.

Received April 27, 2015; accepted December 2, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
Short-Term Discard Mortality Estimates for Gray Snapper in a West-Central Florida Estuary and Adjacent Nearshore Gulf of Mexico Waters
Authors: Flaherty-Walia Kerry E. , Winner Brent L. , Tyler-Jedlund Amanda J. , Davis John P.
Published: March 2016

Gray Snapper Lutjanus griseus are fished extensively by recreational anglers in inshore estuarine habitats and in coastal and nearshore reef habitats along Florida's Gulf of Mexico coast. Although a detailed fishery assessment of Gray Snapper has never been conducted, there is a need for discard mortality estimates due to the large number of individuals captured by the recreational fishery. Our objective was to characterize discard mortality for the Gray Snapper recreational fishery in a study area that was representative of the regions in which most of the recreational fishing for this species takes place. In total, 247 Gray Snapper were caught during short-term (48-h) discard mortality experiments; 17 of the fish died, resulting in an overall mortality rate of 6.9%. Discard mortality was lower for fish caught from inshore waters (2/143 fish; 1.4%) than for those captured from the nearshore zone (15/104 fish; 14.4%). The water depth at the capture site and the anatomical hook location significantly influenced the probability of mortality. Individuals that were caught in shallower water and that were hooked in the lip were most likely to survive catch and release, whereas fish that were hooked in the esophagus were least likely to survive.

Received July 31, 2015; accepted December 2, 2015 Published online March 30, 2016
Exploratory insights from the right‐sided electrocardiogram following prolonged endurance exercise
Authors: Lord Rachel , George Keith , Somauroo John , Jain Nikhil , Reese Kristin , Hoffman Martin D. , Haddad Francois , Ashley Euan , Jones Helen , Oxborough David
Published: March 2016

Background: Prolonged strenuous exercise has a profound effect on cardiac function. The right heart may be more susceptible to this imposition; yet, right‐sided chest leads have not been utilised in this setting. Methods: Thirty highly trained athletes at the 2014 Western States 100‐mile Endurance Run from Squaw Valley to Auburn, California (body mass 68 ± 12 kg, age 45 ± 10 years, 57 ± 15 miles per week) were recruited for the study. Pre‐ and post‐race, a right‐sided 12‐lead ECG was obtained and data were extracted for P, R and S waves, J point, ST segment and T wave amplitude. Data were compared using Students T‐test and statistical significance set as P < .05. Results: There was a significant increase in P wave amplitude (29%) and QTc interval (4%) pre‐ to post‐race from standard 12‐lead ECG. From the right‐sided12‐lead ECG, a 23% (P = .01) and 38% (P = .03) increase in J point amplitude in V1R and V2R and a 22% (P = .05) increase in ST segment integral in V2R and V3R were evident. T wave inversion was evident in leads V2R–V6R in 50–90% of athletes, respectively. Close examination revealed marked heterogeneity in individual ECGs. Conclusions: Completion of a 100‐mile ultra‐marathon resulted in significant changes in the right‐sided ECG alongside more marked responses in specific individuals. P wave, ST segment and T wave changes post‐race are indicative of acute exercise‐induced right heart electrical adaptation.
Mindfulness Reduces the Correspondence Bias
Authors: Hopthrow Tim , Hooper Nic , Mahmood Lynsey , Meier Brian P. , Weger Ulrich
Published: March 2016

The correspondence bias (CB) refers to the idea that people sometimes give undue weight to dispositional rather than situational factors when explaining behaviours and attitudes. Three experiments examined whether mindfulness, a non-judgmental focus on the present moment, could reduce the CB. Participants engaged in a brief mindfulness exercise (the raisin task), a control task, or an attention to detail task before completing a typical CB measure involving an attitude-attribution paradigm. The results indicated that participants in the mindfulness condition experienced a significant reduction in the CB compared to participants in the control or attention to detail conditions. These results suggest that mindfulness training can play a unique role in reducing social biases related to person perception.
Increased Distractibility in Schizotypy: Independent of Individual Differences in Working Memory Capacity?
Authors: Marsh John E. , Vachon François , Sörqvist Patrik
Published: March 2016

Individuals with schizophrenia typically show increased levels of distractibility. This has been attributed to impaired working memory capacity (WMC), since lower WMC is typically associated with higher distractibility, and schizophrenia is typically associated with impoverished WMC. Here, participants performed verbal and spatial serial recall tasks that were accompanied by to-be-ignored speech tokens. For the few trials wherein one speech token was replaced with a different token, impairment was produced to task scores (a deviation effect). Participants subsequently completed a schizotypy questionnaire and a WMC measure. Higher schizotypy scores were associated with lower WMC (as measured with operation span, OSPAN), but WMC and schizotypy scores explained unique variance in relation to the mean magnitude of the deviation effect. These results suggest that schizotypy is associated with heightened domain-general distractibility, but that this is independent of its relationship with WMC.
Assessment of the Relative Catch Performance of a Surrounding Net without the Purse Line as an Alternative to a Traditional Boat Seine in Small-Scale Fisheries
Authors: Notti Emilio , Brčić Jure , De Carlo Francesco , Herrmann Bent , Lucchetti Alessandro , Virgili Massimo , Sala Antonello
Published: March 2016

The catch performance of a traditional Ligurian boat seine, which is not in line with the European Union regulation, was compared with an experimental surrounding net without the purse line as a potential legal alternative. The relative catch performance between the two gear types was assessed using a new catch comparison method requiring neither paired data collection nor equal number of hauls with the two gears. The comparison was based on the catches of the three species that comprise the bulk of the catch in traditional Ligurian boat seine fisheries: Bogue Boops boops, Saddle Bream Oblada melanura, and Blotched Picarel Spicara maena. The experimental gear exhibited poor catch efficiency for all three species, since it was estimated that the catches would only be 2, 64, and 6%, respectively, of those with the boat seine. For both Bogue and Blotched Picarel these reductions in catch performance were found to be highly significant proving that the experimental surrounding net is not a viable solution to replace the traditional boat seine.

Received February 4, 2015; accepted September 15, 2015
Risk of Cardiovascular Events Among Patients Initiating Efavirenz-Containing Versus Efavirenz-Free Antiretroviral Regimens
Authors: Rosenblatt Lisa , Farr Amanda M. , Johnston Stephen S. , Nkhoma Ella T.
Published: March 2016

Background.  Efavirenz (EFV), an antiretroviral medication used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, can increase lipid levels. Because hyperlipidemia is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events, this study compared the risk of CV events in patients initiating EFV-containing vs EFV-free antiretroviral regimens.

Methods.  Antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive (HIV+) patients ages 18–64 were selected from commercial and Medicaid insurance claims databases. Patients with ≥1 claim for antiretroviral medications between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2013 were classified into 2 cohorts: EFV-containing or EFV-free regimens. Patients were required to have 6 months of continuous enrollment before initiation, with no evidence of a CV event during this time. Patients were observed from initiation until the occurrence of a CV event, disenrollment, or study end. Cardiovascular events were identified through diagnosis or procedure codes for myocardial infarction, stroke, percutaneous coronary intervention, or coronary artery bypass graft. We calculated unadjusted incidence rates (IRs) and fit propensity-score-weighted Cox proportional hazards models.

Results.  There were 22 212 patients (11 978 EFV-containing and 10 234 EFV-free) identified in the commercial database and 7400 patients identified (2943 EFV-containing and 4457 EFV-free) in the Medicaid database. Cardiovascular events were rare (commercial IR = 396 per 100 000 person-years; Medicaid IR = 973 per 100 000 person-years). In propensity-score-weighted models, hazards of CV events were significantly lower for EFV-containing regimens in the commercial database (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], .49–.93) No significant difference was found in the Medicaid database (HR = 0.83; 95% CI, .58–1.19).

Conclusions.  This analysis found no evidence of increased risk of CV events among HIV+ patients initiating EFV-containing regimens.
Bayesian large-scale multiple regression with summary statistics from genome-wide association studies
Authors: Zhu Xiang , Stephens Matthew
Published: March 2016

Bayesian methods for large-scale multiple regression provide attractive approaches to the analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). For example, they can estimate heritability of complex traits, allowing for both polygenic and sparse models; and by incorporating external genomic data into the priors they can increase power and yield new biological insights. However, these methods require access to individual genotypes and phenotypes, which are often not easily available. Here we provide a framework for performing these analyses without individual-level data. Specifically, we introduce a “Regression with Summary Statistics” (RSS) likelihood, which relates the multiple regression coefficients to univariate regression results that are often easily available. The RSS likelihood requires estimates of correlations among covariates (SNPs), which also can be obtained from public databases. We perform Bayesian multiple regression analysis by combining the RSS likelihood with previously-proposed prior distributions, sampling posteriors by Markov chain Monte Carlo. In a wide range of simulations RSS performs similarly to analyses using the individual data, both for estimating heritability and detecting associations. We apply RSS to a GWAS of human height that contains 253,288 individuals typed at 1.06 million SNPs, for which analyses of individual-level data are practically impossible. Estimates of heritability (52%) are consistent with, but more precise, than previous results using subsets of these data. We also identify many previously-unreported loci that show evidence for association with height in our analyses. Software is available athttps://github.com/stephenslab/rss.
Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells from osteoporotic patients do not show altered mitochondrial energetics or ultrastructure
Authors: Moll Clemens W.I. , Lindtner Richard A. , Vogel Georg F. , Brunner Martina , Gutleben Karin , Blauth Michael , Krumschnabel Gerhard , Ebner Hannes L.
Published: March 2016

As a consequence of the ongoing demographic change, osteoporosis is considered as one of the mayor challenges for the health care system of the 21stcentury. However, the exact etiology of osteoporosis is far from being understood. Some evidence suggests that changes in stem cell metabolism might contribute to development of the disease. Therefore we evaluated whether differences of the morphology and/or the energy metabolism of mitochondria can be observed between human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells obtained from osteoporotic patients as compared to non-osteoporotic controls.

Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from the bone marrow of senile osteoporotic and non osteoporotic patients, osteoporosis being assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. We then confirmed the stemness of the cells by FACS analysis of the expression of surface markers and by conducting multi-lineage differentiation experiments. And we finally investigated mitochondrial morphology and function with electron microscopy of cryo-fixed samples and by high-resolution respirometry, respectively. In addition we compared the energy metabolism of the stem cells to those of the osteosarcoma cell line MG-63.

The data show, for the first time, the applicability on stem cells of the methods used here. Furthermore, our results indicated that there are no obvious differences detectable in mitochondrial morphology between cells from osteoporotic and non osteoporotic donors and that these cells also seem to be energetically indistinguishable with unchanged rates of routine respiration and respiratory capacity as well as unaltered oxygen consumption rates linked to different respiratory complexes. In summary, we could not detect any evidence indicating major changes of mitochondrial features in cells from osteoporotic patients.
A rhesus macaque model of Asia lineage Zika virus infection
Authors: Dudley Dawn M. , Aliota Matthew T. , Mohr Emma , Weiler Andrea M. , Lehrer-Brey Gabrielle , Weisgrau Kim L. , Mohns Mariel S. , Breitbach Meghan E. , Rasheed Mustafa N. , Newman Christina M. , Gellerup Dane D. , Moncla Louise H. , Post Jennifer , Schultz-Darken Nancy , Schotkzo Michele L. , Hayes Jennifer M. , Eudailey Josh A. , Moody M. Anthony , Permar Sallie R. , O’Connor Shelby L. , Rakasz Eva G. , Simmons Heather A. , Capuano Saverio , Golos Thaddeus G. , Osorio Jorge E. , Friedrich Thomas C. , O’Connor David H.
Published: March 2016

Infection with Asian lineage Zika virus has been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome and fetal abnormalities1–4, but the mechanisms and risk factors for these outcomes remain unknown. Here we show that rhesus macaques are susceptible to infection by an Asian-lineage virus closely related to strains currently circulating in the Americas. Following subcutaneous inoculation, Zika virus RNA was detected in plasma one day post-infection (dpi) in all animals (N = 8, including 2 animals infected during the first trimester of pregnancy). Plasma viral loads peaked above 1 × 105viral RNA copies/mL in seven of eight animals. Viral RNA was also present in saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), consistent with case reports from infected humans. Viral RNA was cleared from plasma and urine by 21 dpi in non-pregnant animals. In contrast, both pregnant animals remained viremic longer, up to 57 days. In all animals, infection was associated with transient increases in proliferating natural killer cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and plasmablasts. Neutralizing antibodies were detected in all animals by 21 dpi. Rechallenge of three non-pregnant animals with the Asian-lineage Zika virus 10 weeks after the initial challenge resulted in no detectable virus replication, suggesting that primary Zika virus infection elicits protective immunity against homologous virus strains. These data establish that Asian-lineage Zika virus infection of rhesus macaques provides a relevant animal model for studying pathogenesis in pregnant and non-pregnant individuals and evaluating potential interventions against human infection, including during pregnancy.
Metacognitive ability predicts hippocampal and prefrontal microstructure
Authors: Allen Micah , Glen James C. , Müllensiefen Daniel , Schwarzkopf Dietrich Samuel , Callaghan Martina F. , Rees Geraint
Published: March 2016

The ability to introspectively evaluate our experiences to form accurate metacognitive beliefs, or insight, is an essential component of decision-making. Previous research suggests individuals vary substantially in their level of insight, and that this variation predicts brain volume and function, particularly in the anterior prefrontal cortex (aPFC). However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these effects are unclear, as qualitative, macroscopic measures such as brain volume can be related to a variety of microstructural features. Here we used a newly developed, high-resolution (800µm isotropic) multi-parameter mapping technique in 48 healthy individuals to delineate quantitative markers ofin vivohistological features underlying metacognitive ability. Specifically, we examined how neuroimaging markers of local grey matter myelination, macromolecular and iron content relate to insight. Extending previous volumetric findings, we found that metacognitive ability, as determined by a signal-detection theoretic model, was positively related to the myelo-architectural integrity of aPFC grey matter. Interestingly, perceptual metacognition predicted decreased macromolecule content coupled with increased iron in the hippocampus and precuneus, areas previously implicated in meta-memory rather than meta-perception. Further, the relationship of hippocampal-precuneus and prefrontal microstructure to an auditory memory measure was respectively mediated or suppressed by metacognitive ability, suggesting a dynamic trade-off between participant’s memory and metacognition. These results point towards a novel understanding of the relationship between memory, brain microstructure, and metacognition.

Significance Statement

By combining a signal-theoretic model of individual metacognitive ability with state of the art quantitative neuroimaging, our results shed new light on the neurobiological mechanisms underlying introspective insight. Myelination and iron are core determinants of both healthy brain maturation and neurodegeneration; particularly in the hippocampus where iron accumulation is linked to oxidative stress and inflammation. Our results may thus indicate that metacognition depends upon the development and integrity of a memory-related brain network, potentially revealing novel biomarkers of neurodegeneration. These results highlight the power of quantitative mapping to reveal neurobiological correlates of behaviour.
Crystal structure of 1,2-bis[(1H-imidazol-2-yl)methylidene]hydrazine and its one-dimensional hydrogen-bonding network
Authors: Lee Chia-Hwa , Lee Gene-Hsiang
Published: March 2016

In the title compound, C8H8N6, two imidazolyl groups are separated by a zigzag –CH=N—N=CH– linkage. An inversion center is located at the mid-point of the N—N single bond and the complete molecule is generated by symmetry. In the crystal, each molecule forms four N—H...N hydrogen bonds with two neighbouring molecules to constitute a one-dimensional ladder-like structure propagating along thea-axis direction.
Isoquinolinium 5-(2,4-dinitrophenyl)-1,3-dimethyl-2,6-dioxo-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrimidin-4-olate: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and pharmacological evaluation
Authors: Poornima Devi Ponnusamy , Kalaivani Doraisamyraja
Published: March 2016

The asymmetric unit of the title salt C9H8N+·C12H9N4O7−, which exhibits anticonvulsant and hypnotic activities, comprises one anion and one cation interactingviaan N—H...O hydrogen bond. In the anion, the six-membered rings are inclined each to other at 42.78 (9)°. The nitro groups in the 2,4-dinitrophenyl fragment attached to the aromatic ring in theparaandorthopositions are twisted from its plane by 3.1 (2) and 45.5 (2)°, respectively. In the crystal, weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds consolidate the crystal packing. The Hirshfeld surface analysis revealed that O...H/H...O intermolecular contacts predominate in the crystal packing.
Organizational cross-cultural differences in the context of innovation-oriented partnerships
Authors: Ghauri Pervez , Rosendo-Rios Veronica
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine organizational cross-culture differences in public-private research-oriented relationships. More precisely, it focusses on the analysis university-industry collaborations partnering for research agreements with the aim of fostering the transfer of knowledge and innovation. It analyzes the key organizational cross-cultural differences that could hinder the successful performance of these agreements from a relationship marketing (RM) perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on a comprehensive literature review of organizational culture and RM, a quantitative study was carried out and a structural equation model was proposed and tested.

Findings

– Cross-cultural organizational differences in private-public sectors are proved to negatively influence relationship performance. Market orientation difference appears as the most significant barrier to relationship performance, followed by time orientation difference and to a lesser extent flexibility difference.

Originality/value

– By integrating organizational culture and RM literatures, the main contribution of this paper is the cross-cultural analysis of private-public relationships (in this case university-industry relationships) from the perspective of RM. Hence, this research will inform management seeking to develop successful public-private collaborations by enhancing their understanding of cross-cultural factors underlying relationship success and failure.
An empirical note on entrepreneurship and unemployment
Authors: Apergis Nicholas , Payne James E
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to extend the existing literature on the causal dynamics between entrepreneurship and the unemployment rate (UR) in the use of the Kauffman Foundation index of entrepreneurial activity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Recently developed panel unit root tests with recognition of cross-sectional dependence and panel cointegration/error correction modeling techniques are applied to US States.

Findings

– The results indicate that the rate of entrepreneurship, the UR, and real per capita personal income are cointegrated. The panel error correction model reveals that bidirectional causality exists among the variables in both the short run and long run. With respect to entrepreneurship, an increase in the UR increases the rate of entrepreneurship, in turn, an increase in the rate of entrepreneurship lowers the UR. Moreover, the results also show a positive bidirectional relationship between the rate of entrepreneurship and real per capita personal income.

Originality/value

– Unlike other standard measures of entrepreneurship, this is the first empirical study of the causal dynamics between entrepreneurship and the UR using the Kauffman Foundation index of entrepreneurial activity.
Volunteerism, affective commitment and citizenship behavior
Authors: Jain Ajay K
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of altruistic and egoistic motives with person- and organization-oriented citizenship behaviors as mediated by affective commitment. The author hypothesized that altruistic motives are positively associated with person-oriented citizenship behavior and affective commitment while egoistic motives are positively associated with organization-oriented citizenship behavior and negatively associated with affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The data were collected from 248 middle and senior managers from 20 different locations of a power generation organization in India. Self- and other reported method were used to collect the data by administering the questionnaires.

Findings

– Results of structural equation analysis have supported, with some exception, the hypotheses. Affective commitment has mediated the relationship between motives and both forms of citizenship behavior. However, altruistic motives had shown a negative relationship with affective commitment and had a positive relationship with person-oriented citizenship behavior. Meanwhile, egoistic motives had a positive relationship with affective commitment and organization-oriented citizenship behavior.

Practical implications

– Results suggest that organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs)per seis not important rather motives play an important role during the performance appraisal process. Further there is a differential impact of altruistic and egoistic motives on employees’ attitude and behavior, and both can coexist in this process.

Originality/value

– This is the first study on the relationship of motives, affective commitment and OCBs in India.
A test of a job demands-resources intervention
Authors: Wingerden Jessica van , Bakker Arnold B. , Derks Daantje
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of a job demands-resources (JD-R) intervention on psychological capital (PsyCap), job crafting, work engagement, and performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study used a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design with a control group. Healthcare professionals (n=67) were assigned to the JD-R intervention or a control group and filled out questionnaires before and after the intervention. To test the hypotheses, multivariate analyses of covariance were conducted.

Findings

– Results showed that participants’ PsyCap, job crafting, work engagement, and self-ratings of job performance significantly increased after the JD-R intervention.

Research limitations/implications

– Only healthcare professionals participated in the intervention study, which restricts the generalizability of the findings.

Practical implications

– The results illustrate that organizations can foster work engagement and improve performance by offering a JD-R intervention aimed at increasing PsyCap and job crafting at work. Organizations should acknowledge the importance of facilitating and stimulating a resourceful and challenging work environment.

Originality/value

– This is the first study that examined a JD-R intervention. The results contribute to JD-R theory by offering a first causal test. For the first time, a significant increase of job crafting behaviors after an intervention was found.
Coping style and gender effects on attitudinal responses to incivility
Authors: Welbourne Jennifer L. , Gangadharan Ashwini , Esparza Celina A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine whether emotion- and problem-focussed employee coping styles affect the relationship between workplace incivility and job attitudes (job satisfaction, sense of community), and whether these effects vary by gender.

Design/methodology/approach

– Survey methodology was used to obtain self-report data from a sample of 314 working adults (90 percent Hispanic, 62 percent female) enrolled in courses at a public university.

Findings

– Targets of workplace incivility experienced lower job satisfaction and sense of community at work. Employees who typically used problem-focussed coping (PFC) to respond to work stressors experienced greater negative outcomes associated with incivility. Mixed results were found for employees who typically engaged in emotion-focussed coping (EFC) at work: frequent use of avoidant coping and religious coping buffered against the impact of incivility, however, support seeking coping styles strengthened the negative outcomes associated with incivility. These effects varied by gender.

Practical implications

– The results highlight the benefits of two EFC styles (religious coping, avoidance coping) in the context of workplace incivility. The findings also indicate limitations of PFC and support seeking coping in the context of incivility. Accordingly, the authors make suggestions for managers to facilitate employees to overcome problems of incivility.

Originality/value

– Few studies have investigated qualities that enable employees to effectively manage incivility. Further, the role of coping styles in relation to incivility is relatively unexplored. To address these gaps, the authors examined the extent to which PFC and EFC styles impact the relationship between incivility and work attitudes.
Excessive change and coping in the working population
Authors: Johnson Kevin J. , Bareil Céline , Giraud Laurent , Autissier David
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Two complementary objectives are addressed in this paper. First, several studies are introduced based on the assumption that organizational change is now excessive. The purpose of this paper is to propose an operational definition to change excessiveness, and the authors assess whether it is a generalized phenomenon at a societal level. Second, these studies are habitually mobilizing coping theories to address their purpose. However, an integrated model of coping, including appraisals and coping reactions towards change is still to be tested. Thus, the assessment is anchored in an application of the Stimulus-Response Theory of Coping (SRTC).

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative study is conducted by administering questionnaires to a nationwide representative sample (n=1,002). Anderson and Gerbing (1991) two-step approach is used to validate the study and tests its hypothesized model. Change excessiveness is measured in order to observe if it is a generalized phenomenon in the working population. Its effects on coping are modelled through the fully mediated SRTC. Therefore, the hypothetical model predicted that the relationships between the perception of excessive change contexts and negative coping reactions is fully mediated by negative appraisals towards change contexts.

Findings

– Perceptions of excessive change is a normally distributed and a statistically centralized phenomenon. As hypothesized, an structural equation modelling test of the SRTC shows a full mediation effect of negative appraisal between change intensity and negative coping to change.

Originality/value

– This paper empirically tests a nationwide sample where organizational change may be too excessive for individuals’ positive coping. It is the first to generalize the observation of change excessiveness as perceived by employees to a nationwide level. Moreover, it addresses the gap between change excessiveness and coping theories in modelling the SRTC through its three components: event, appraisals, and coping reactions. Finally, it presents managerial discussions towards the strategic necessity for organizational change and its potential “too-much-of-a-good-thing” effects.
Professional association group mentoring for allied health professionals
Authors: Coppin Rosalie , Fisher Greg
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Mentoring is widely used in the health sector, particularly for early career professionals in the public health system. However, many allied health professionals are employed in private practice and rely on their professional association to provide mentoring support and training. This mentoring context is under-researched. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A purposeful sample of 15 allied health professionals were interviewed using semi-structured interviews that were then analyzed using template analysis.

Findings

– The many-to-many group mentoring program delivered valuable knowledge, diagnostic skills and networking opportunities but did not provide inclusion, role modeling or psychosocial support to participants. Also identified were structural and operational issues including; the role of the coordinator in addressing contribution reluctance and participant confidence, confidentiality issues, lack of mentor training and overall organization of the program.

Practical implications

– Group mentoring is a valuable method of delivery for professional associations. The many-to-many group mentoring model is beneficial in a situation where the availability of mentors is limited. Further, the importance of having a dedicated program coordinator and a skilled facilitator is emphasized.

Originality/value

– This research contributes to the limited literature on many-to-many group mentoring by reviewing the effectiveness of an existing many-to-many group mentoring program for allied health professionals delivered by a professional association.
Salesperson work engagement and flow
Authors: Medhurst Adrian R , Albrecht Simon L
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide an interpretation of the lived experiences of salespersons’ work engagement and work-related flow and how these states are related.

Design/methodology/approach

– A mixed-methods qualitative investigation on a sample of 14 salespeople from a large Australian-based consumer goods enterprise was conducted. Using interpretative phenomenological analyses and ethnographic content analyses the antecedents and conditions for salesperson work engagement and work-related flow were investigated.

Findings

– The data showed that affective, cognitive and conative dimensions underpinned the experience of work engagement and work-related flow. Work engagement was interpreted as an aroused and self-regulated psychological state of energy, focus and striving aimed to address the situational and task relevant opportunities and demands encountered. Work-related flow was characterized by passion, absorption, eudaimonia and automatic self-regulation of goal pursuit.

Research limitations/implications

– The sample was from a single manufacturing organization with sales roles focussed primarily on business-to-business selling, and as such the generalizability of results to salespeople working in different contexts (e.g. retail sales, telesales) needs to be established.

Practical implications

– The research helps sales managers to take more account of the conditions that foster salesperson engagement and flow.

Originality/value

– This study represents one of the first attempts to interpret, compare and contrast the lived experience of salesperson work engagement with that of work-related flow. The study also adds to the relative paucity of research published on work engagement using qualitative methods.
Cracks on ETICS along thermal insulation joints: case study and a pathology catalogue
Authors: Freitas Sara Stingl de , de Freitas Vasco Peixoto
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present a case study of cracks on external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) along the thermal insulation joints and the information available on the building pathology catalogue – PATORREB. The aim is to establish the methodology to study the cause of the pathology observed on a building which is located on the interior of Portugal based on in situ probing together with the analysis of hygrothermal and mechanical behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

– An in situ analysis was performed to assess the causes. The hygrothermal dynamic behaviour of the wall was analysed with a numerical simulation advanced tool considering the climatic conditions, the characteristics of the thermal insulation plates as well as the support and finishing layer properties. Moreover, a qualitatively analysis of the mechanical behaviour, based on the bonding process, thermal insulation and exterior rendering properties was performed.

Findings

– It was concluded that the insulation properties – thermal expansion coefficient and stiffness, the thermal expansion coefficient of the exterior rendering, together with adverse climatic conditions were critical for the appearance of cracks along the plate joints, particularly with spot bonding. The expansion and retraction stresses and the restrained movements of the components can result in bending moments, especially when the insulation material has a high stiffness value, which will create the crack on the rendering system.

Originality/value

– A combination between a hygrothermal and mechanical analysis of an ETICS pathology concerning the appearance of cracks with a subsequent integration into a building pathology catalogue.