bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable phylogenetic patterns in scutigeromorph centipedes (Myriapoda : Chilopoda : Scutigeromorpha): dating the diversification of an ancient lineage of terrestrial arthropods
Authors: Giribet Gonzalo , Edgecombe Gregory D.
Published: October 2013

Although stable and well-supported relationships are in place for the three main clades (families) of Scutigeromorpha, the interrelationships of particular taxa within the most diverse family, Scutigeridae, are less clearly resolved. Novel molecular data for taxa from Mesoamerica, the Caribbean, southern Africa, New Guinea and previously unsampled parts of the Pacific are incorporated into phylogenetic analyses. Relationships across the tree are stable under variable analytical conditions, whether these are homology-based (multiple sequence alignment versus implied alignment; untrimmed versus trimmed datasets) or method-based (parsimony versus maximum likelihood). Hypervariable regions, contrary to common belief, add phylogenetic structure to the data, as measured by the increased support for many nodes when compared with the same alignments trimmed with Gblocks. Our analyses show that a Yule-3-rate model best explained the diversification of Scutigeromorpha during their 400 million years of history. More complete molecular data for the New Guinea genus Ballonema stabilise its position as sister group to Thereuoneminae. To reconcile scutigeromorph systematics with the phylogeny, the monotypic genus Madagassophora Verhoeff, 1936, is placed in synonymy with Scutigerina Silvestri, 1901 (n. syn.), its type species M. hova becoming Scutigerina hova (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) new comb. (from Scutigera), and Lassophora Verhoeff, 1905, is re-established for an Afro-Malagasy clade containing Lassophora nossibei (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) new comb. (from Scutigera) and a newly sequenced species from Mozambique that diverged at the base of the lineage to Thereuoneminae. The dated phylogeny of Scutigeromorpha is more consistent with ancient vicariant splits between Madagascar–southern Africa and Australia–New Caledonia than with younger dispersal scenarios, though some geologically young Pacific islands that harbour lineages dating to the Cretaceous demonstrate the potential for trans-oceanic dispersal.
Systematics of Cauquenia (Araneae : Zoropsidae), with comments on the patterns of evolution of cribellum and male tibial crack on Lycosoidea
Authors: Piacentini Luis N. , Ramírez Martín J. , Silva Diana
Published: October 2013

A new genus of the spider family Zoropsidae, Cauquenia, gen. nov., is proposed for Cauquenia maule, sp. nov., from the Maule region in central Chile. The familial placement is tested through the inclusion of Cauquenia in the latest major published morphological analyses of the superfamily Lycosoidea, and the subfamily placement of the South American zoropsid genus Itatiaya Mello-Leitão is also tested including them in the Raven and Stumkat (2005) analysis. Cauquenia and Itatiaya are closely related to the African genera Griswoldia Dippenaar-Schoeman & Jocqué and Phanotea Simon, with which it shares a cup-shaped median apophysis on the male pedipalp and tooth-like projections on the lateral lobes of the epigyne in females. The patterns of evolution of the cribellum and the male tibial crack in Lycosoidea are explored; the cribellum shows up as primitively present, with three losses and four independent acquisitions, and the male tibial crack is lost twice. An asymmetric cost in cribellum gain : loss of 6 : 1 produces a primitive cribellum with 12 losses.
Submillisecond second harmonic holographic imaging of biological specimens in three dimensions
Authors: Smith David R. , Winters David G. , Bartels Randy A.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Although nonlinear optical microscopy is a widely used technique, weak signal levels necessitate relatively slow 3D imaging rates. We demonstrate 3D second harmonic generation (SHG) with imaging speeds many orders of magnitude faster than previously described. A comparison of conventional laser scanning and holographic SHG imaging shows higher quality images are obtained with holography, and at higher speeds than in conventional experiments while using significantly reduced illumination intensity in the specimen. Rigorous new methods are introduced that allow robust quantification of image, noise, and thus signal-to-noise quality. This advance will open nonlinear optical imaging to the study of high-speed dynamics of biological specimens and tissues that display behavior current experimental methodologies fail to capture, such as neural circuit dynamics.
Familial dysautonomia model reveals
Ikbkap
deletion causes apoptosis of Pax3
+
progenitors and peripheral neurons
Authors: George Lynn , Chaverra Marta , Wolfe Lindsey , Thorne Julian , Close-Davis Mattheson , Eibs Amy , Riojas Vickie , Grindeland Andrea , Orr Miranda , Carlson George A. , Lefcort Frances
Published: October 2013

Significance

Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a devastating developmental peripheral autonomic and sensory neuropathy caused by a mutation in the gene inhibitor of kappa B kinase complex-associated protein (
IKBKAP
). It is marked by tachycardia, blood pressure lability, autonomic vomiting “crises,” and decreased pain and temperature sensation. FD is progressive, and affected individuals commonly die during early adulthood. To identify the cellular and molecular mechanisms that cause FD, we generated a mouse model for the disease in which
Ikbkap
expression is ablated in the neural crest lineage. This study is a mechanistic analysis of the cellular events that go awry in the developing peripheral nervous system in FD and identifies essential functions of IKAP protein in the peripheral nervous system.
Structures of intermediate transport states of ZneA, a Zn(II)/proton antiporter
Authors: Pak John Edward , Ekendé Elisabeth Ngonlong , Kifle Efrem G. , O’Connell Joseph Daniel , De Angelis Fabien , Tessema Meseret B. , Derfoufi Kheiro-Mouna , Robles-Colmenares Yaneth , Robbins Rebecca A. , Goormaghtigh Erik , Vandenbussche Guy , Stroud Robert M.
Published: October 2013

Significance

Transmembrane efflux pumps belonging to the resistance–nodulation–cell division (RND) superfamily are found in all kingdoms of life, and transport substrates out of cells, powered by an electrochemical proton gradient. Here we report two X-ray crystal structures of a Zn(II) efflux pump, ZneA, that capture different intermediate states along the transport cycle. The structures show how passage of substrates through ZneA is regulated by a series of conformational changes in the efflux pump. By comparing the structures of ZneA with other RND efflux pumps, we present a coherent mechanistic model for RND-mediated substrate efflux, which ensures efficient transport of substrates out of the cell.
Can more than one incremental cycling test be performed within one day?
Authors: Scharhag‐Rosenberger Friederike , Carlsohn Anja , Lundby Carsten , Schüler Stefan , Mayer Frank , Scharhag Jürgen
Published: October 2013

Changes in performance parameters over four consecutive maximal incremental cycling tests were investigated to determine how many tests can be performed within one single day without negatively affecting performance. Sixteen male and female subjects (eight trained (T): 25 ± 3 yr, BMI 22.6 ± 2.5 kg·m−2, maximal power output (Pmax) 4.6 ± 0.5 W·kg−1; eight untrained (UT): 27 ± 3 yr, BMI 22.3 ± 1.2 kg·m−2, Pmax 2.9 ± 0.3 W·kg−1) performed four successive maximal incremental cycling tests separated by 1.5 h of passive rest. Individual energy requirements were covered by standardised meals between trials. Maximal oxygen uptake (O2max) remained unchanged over the four tests in both groups (P = 0.20 and P = 0.33, respectively). Pmax did not change in the T group (P = 0.32), but decreased from the third test in the UT group (P < 0.01). Heart rate responses to submaximal exercise were elevated from the third test in the T group and from the second test in the UT group (P < 0.05). The increase in blood lactate shifted rightward over the four tests in both groups (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01, respectively). Exercise‐induced net increases in epinephrine and norepinephrine were not different between the tests in either group (P ≥ 0.15). If O2max is the main parameter of interest, trained and untrained individuals can perform at least four maximal incremental cycling tests per day. However, because other parameters changed after the first and second test, respectively, no more than one test per day should be performed if parameters other than O2max are the prime focus.
Direct observation of microtubule pushing by cortical dynein in living cells
Authors: Mazel Tomáš , Biesemann Anja , Krejczy Magda , Nowald Janos , Müller Olga , Dehmelt Leif
Published: October 2013

Microtubules are under the influence of forces mediated by cytoplasmic dynein motors associated with the cell cortex. If such microtubules are free to move, they are rapidly transported inside cells. Here we directly observe fluorescent protein–labeled cortical dynein speckles and motile microtubules. We find that several dynein complex subunits, including the heavy chain, the intermediate chain, and the associated dynactin subunit Dctn1 (also known as p150glued) form spatially resolved, dynamic speckles at the cell cortex, which are preferentially associated with microtubules. Measurements of bleaching and dissociation kinetics at the cell cortex reveal that these speckles often contain multiple labeled dynein heavy-chain molecules and turn over rapidly within seconds. The dynamic behavior of microtubules, such as directional movement, bending, or rotation, is influenced by association with dynein speckles, suggesting a direct physical and functional interaction. Our results support a model in which rapid turnover of cell cortex–associated dynein complexes facilitates their search to efficiently capture and push microtubules directionally with leading plus ends.
Bacterial farming by the fungusMorchella crassipes
Authors: Pion Martin , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Simon Anaele , Bindschedler Saskia , Flury Coralie , Chatelain Auriel , Bshary Redouan , Job Daniel , Junier Pilar
Published: October 2013

The interactions between bacteria and fungi, the main actors of the soil microbiome, remain poorly studied. Here, we show that the saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal soil fungusMorchella crassipesacts as a bacterial farmer ofPseudomonas putida, which serves as a model soil bacterium. Farming byM. crassipesconsists of bacterial dispersal, bacterial rearing with fungal exudates, as well as harvesting and translocation of bacterial carbon. The different phases were confirmed experimentally using cell counting and13C probing. Common criteria met by other non-human farming systems are also valid forM. crassipesfarming, including habitual planting, cultivation and harvesting. Specific traits include delocalization of food production and consumption and separation of roles in the colony (source versus sink areas), which are also found in human agriculture. Our study evidences a hitherto unknown mutualistic association in which bacteria gain through dispersal and rearing, while the fungus gains through the harvesting of an additional carbon source and increased stress resistance of the mycelium. This type of interaction between fungi and bacteria may play a key role in soils.
Vagococcus entomophilus sp. nov., from the digestive tract of a wasp (Vespula vulgaris)
Authors: Killer J. , Švec P. , Sedláček I. , Černohlávková J. , Benada O. , Hroncová Z. , Havlík J. , Vlková E. , Rada V. , Kopečný J. , Kofroňová O.
Published: October 2013

Three unknown Gram-stain-positive, catalase-negative, facultatively anaerobic and coccus-shaped strains of bacteria were isolated from the digestive tracts of wasps (Vespula vulgaris). Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that these strains had identical sequences and showed that

Vagococcus salmoninarum

, with 96.2 % sequence similarity, was the closest phylogenetic neighbour. Further analyses based on hsp60 and pheS gene sequences of representatives of the family Enteroccocaceae and genotypic and phenotypic characterization using (GTG)5-PCR fingerprintings, EcoRI ribotyping, DNA G+C content, whole-cell protein profiling, cellular fatty acid profiles analysis and extensive biotyping confirmed that the investigated strains were representatives of a novel bacterial species within the genus Vagoccocus for which the name Vagoccocus entomophilus sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is VOSTP2T ( = DSM 24756T = CCM 7946T).
A unified model for yeast transcript definition
Authors: de Boer Carl G. , van Bakel Harm , Tsui Kyle , Li Joyce , Morris Quaid D. , Nislow Corey , Greenblatt Jack F. , Hughes Timothy R.
Published: October 2013

Identifying genes in the genomic context is central to a cell's ability to interpret the genome. Yet, in general, the signals used to define eukaryotic genes are poorly described. Here, we derived simple classifiers that identify where transcription will initiate and terminate using nucleic acid sequence features detectable by the yeast cell, which we integrate into a Unified Model (UM) that models transcription as a whole. The cis-elements that denote where transcription initiates function primarily through nucleosome depletion, and, using a synthetic promoter system, we show that most of these elements are sufficient to initiate transcription in vivo. Hrp1 binding sites are the major characteristic of terminators; these binding sites are often clustered in terminator regions and can terminate transcription bidirectionally. The UM predicts global transcript structure by modeling transcription of the genome using a hidden Markov model whose emissions are the outputs of the initiation and termination classifiers. We validated the novel predictions of the UM with available RNA-seq data and tested it further by directly comparing the transcript structure predicted by the model to the transcription generated by the cell for synthetic DNA segments of random design. We show that the UM identifies transcription start sites more accurately than the initiation classifier alone, indicating that the relative arrangement of promoter and terminator elements influences their function. Our model presents a concrete description of how the cell defines transcript units, explains the existence of nongenic transcripts, and provides insight into genome evolution.
Multiple Checkpoints for the Expression of the Chloroplast-Encoded Splicing Factor MatK
Authors: Hertel Stefanie , Zoschke Reimo , Neumann Laura , Qu Yujiao , Axmann Ilka M. , Schmitz-Linneweber Christian
Published: October 2013

The chloroplast genome of land plants contains only a single gene for a splicing factor, Maturase K (MatK). To better understand the regulation of matK gene expression, we quantitatively investigated the expression of matK across tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) development at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and protein levels. We observed striking discrepancies of MatK protein and matK messenger RNA levels in young tissue, suggestive of translational regulation or altered protein stability. We furthermore found increased matK messenger RNA stability in mature tissue, while other chloroplast RNAs tested showed little changes. Finally, we quantitatively measured MatK-intron interactions and found selective changes in the interaction of MatK with specific introns during plant development. This is evidence for a direct role of MatK in the regulation of chloroplast gene expression via splicing. We furthermore modeled a simplified matK gene expression network mathematically. The model reflects our experimental data and suggests future experimental perturbations to pinpoint regulatory checkpoints.
A dense hydrogen-bonding network and an unusually large packing index in triaquatris(2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylato)neodymium(III) trihydrate
Authors: Atria Ana María , Garland Maria Teresa , Baggio Ricardo
Published: October 2013

The title mononuclear complex, [Nd(C5H3N2O3)3(H2O)3]·3H2O, consists of an NdIIIcation, three 2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate ligands and three aqua ligands forming the neutral complex molecule, and three solvent water molecules. The pyrimidinecarboxylate ligands act in a chelating manner,viacarboxylate and keto O atoms. The NdO9coordination polyhedron is in the form of a distorted monocapped square antiprism. The availability of numerous hydrogen-bonding donors and acceptors results in a very dense hydrogen-bonding network, the immediate effect of which is an unusually large packing index.
Three new pseudopolymorphs of 6-aminouracil
Authors: Gerhardt Valeska , Bolte Michael
Published: October 2013

Since 6-aminouracil derivatives show diversified use in various fields of application, we crystallized 6-aminouracil to examine its preferred hydrogen-bonding frameworks. 6-Aminouracil shows two rigid hydrogen-bonding sites,viz.one acceptor–donor–acceptor (ADA) site and one donor–donor–acceptor (DDA) site. During various crystallization attempts, we obtained three structures, namely two dimethylacetamide monosolvates, C4H5N3O2·C4H9NO, and a 1-methylpyrrolidin-2-one monosolvate, C4H5N3O2·C5H9NO. In all three structures,R21(6) N—H...O hydrogen-bonding patterns link the molecules to their respective solvent molecules. The formation ofR22(8) N—H...O hydrogen-bond motifs between 6-aminouracil molecules can only be found in two-dimensional frameworks, whereasR33(14) N—H...O patterns are present when zigzag chzins of 6-aminouracil molecules are formed.
A complementary experimental and computational study of loxapine succinate and its monohydrate
Authors: Bhardwaj Rajni M. , Johnston Blair F. , Oswald Iain D. H. , Florence Alastair J.
Published: October 2013

The crystal structures of loxapine succinate [systematic name: 4-(2-chlorodibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11-yl)-1-methylpiperazin-1-ium 3-carboxypropanoate], C18H19ClN3O+·C4H5O4−, and loxapine succinate monohydrate {systematic name: bis[4-(2-chlorodibenzo[b,f][1,4]oxazepin-11-yl)-1-methylpiperazin-1-ium] succinate succinic acid dihydrate}, 2C18H19ClN3O+·C4H4O42−·C4H6O4·2H2O, have been determined using X-ray powder diffraction and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, respectively. Fixed cell geometry optimization calculations using density functional theory confirmed that the global optimum powder diffraction derived structure also matches an energy minimum structure. The energy calculations proved to be an effective tool in locating the positions of the H atoms reliably and verifying the salt configuration of the structure determined from powder data. Crystal packing analysis of these structures revealed that the loxapine succinate structure is based on chains of protonated loxapine molecules while the monohydrate contains dispersion stabilized centrosymmetric dimers. Incorporation of water molecules within the crystal lattice significantly alters the molecular packing and protonation state of the succinic acid.
How do we prevent another Winterbourne? A literature review
Authors: Wright Sally
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the precipitants of physical and psychological abuse of individuals with intellectual disabilities in order to understand why mistreatment continues to be prevalent. In particular, the importance of contributing factors were explored such as challenging behaviour and lack of staff training, in an attempt to prevent another “Winterbourne”.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature search using the search terms “Intellectual disability”, “learning disability”, “abuse”, “challenging behaviour” and “residential” was conducted. Articles were included using the criteria: adults with intellectual disabilities, concentration on neglect and physical abuse, abuse by staff members and articles written within the last 15 years. Using these criteria, a total of 19 articles were isolated. Additional articles were located through reference to citation lists. In total, 31 relevant articles were identified.

Findings

– The majority of research agrees that a meaningful increase in risk of abuse does exist for individuals with intellectual disabilities. There is a lack of recent empirical evidence discussing the incidence of abuse, potential causes and the long-term impact of staff training in reducing the incidence of abuse. These gaps may be due to the subjective definition of abuse, the current “reactive” approach to abuse, the ability of perpetrators to hide mistreatment and difficulty in quantifying the difference that increased staff training has on performance. More research is required to adequately protect individuals with intellectual disabilities in the residential setting.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights gaps in the current literature and identifies potential areas that could be improved in order to reduce the prevalence of abuse in residential care.
Psychotropic medications and adults with intellectual disabilities: care staff perspectives
Authors: Lalor John , Poulson Liz
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Adults with intellectual disabilities are the most psychotropically medicated population of all. Non-medically trained care staff with whom these individuals spend the majority of their time are generally poorly trained in issues surrounding psychotropic medication. Much of the research related to the experiences of staff working in intellectual disability services has focused on medically trained professionals, and clients, and has been of a quantitative nature. Very little attention has been paid to care staff, their experiences, and through a qualitative approach. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– The current study employed a semi-structured interview methodology to explore the experiences of, and impact on, care staff in relation to psychotropic medication usage in adults with intellectual disabilities living in long-term residential care. Eight full-time, experienced care staff were interviewed and data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (Smith et al., 2009).

Findings

– The paper demonstrates an array of concerns for staff, such as the negative impact upon client quality-of-life, the ethical implications of the medications’ regime, and the relationship perceived by care staff with the organisation management; and a significant lack of training. The limited field of previous research demographically comparable to the present paper was analysed for findings.

Originality/value

– The paper helps expand the current literature on experiences of care staff for people with intellectual disabilities from their own perspective, explores the emotional impact of the organisation's treatment of clients, and offers a range of recommendations in terms of theory, clinical practice and research.
Seizing the opportunities to improve neuropsychological services in a High Secure hospital
Authors: Lowings Graham , Trout Sarah , Braham Louise
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– A significant number of people held within the secure forensic hospital estate in this country suffer from neuropsychological deficits (e.g. Lowings, 2010; Williams et al., 2010). These deficits, many of them cognitive, have a detrimental impact on patient's abilities to benefit from psycho-educational materials thereby slowing the progress of their rehabilitation. Understanding these difficulties enables interventions to be more effectively targeted and facilitated to the patients’ cognitive strengths. It was against the backdrop of the evidence that a review was commissioned into neuropsychological activity at Rampton Hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

– The review of the neuropsychological assessment activity was confined to the male patients residing within Mental Health Services (MHS) and the National High Secure Learning Disability Service (NHSLDS) of the hospital. With regards to the MHS, 129 patient files were examined in order to identify the volume of neuropsychological assessment previously undertaken and the make up of the neuropsychological test batteries administered with the current patient group. With regard to the NHSLDS 48 files were similarly examined. In addition, MHS psychologists were surveyed to assess their knowledge of patients within that service who to their knowledge had previously suffered an acquired brain injury (ABI) or had suffered a significant neurological illness likely to have resulted in cognitive impairment.

Findings

– A scoping exercise identified that a significant amount of neuropsychological assessment was being undertaken, albeit in an unstructured way. This led to a number of patients being subjected to a significant delay before the need for neuropsychological testing and rehabilitation possibilities became apparent. There was a huge variance on when a patient was tested ranging from one month to 14 years and the size of the test battery used, with the number of tests conducted per patient ranging between one single test to 16 tests during a patients stay at the hospital.

Practical implications

– Opportunities to more appropriately place patients based upon their abilities could be achieved if the hospital were to adopt a policy of conducting neuropsychological assessments, including cognitive functioning, for all patients upon admission to the hospital. A proportion of patients were known to have had a ABI or a significant illness likely to have resulted in cognitive impairment. This was considered to be an underrepresentation and the taking of a thorough history specifically covering ABI and specific illnesses known to have an impact on cognitive ability and behaviour was also recommended.

Originality/value

– In light of this review, services are to take a more systematic approach to assessing neuropsychological difficulties. Consideration is being given to neuropsychological screening becoming part of the admission process.
Grey relational analysis between energy consumption and economic growth
Authors: Kose Erkan , Burmaoglu Serhat , Kabak Mehmet
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The relationship between energy consumption (EC) and economic growth is a well-known and more studied subject in literature. In this study, Turkey's EC and gross domestic product (GDP) relation is analyzed. The aim of this study is to find out the relative importance of energy components on GDP for Turkey. Hence, the authors can make some strategic implications up to the importance of energy components on GDP.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this study, two methods are used to find out the importance of energy types on economic growth for Turkey. First, grey relational analysis (GRA) is used to determine the most influential energy types on GDP. Then regression analysis is used to compare outcomes which are yielded by GRA.

Findings

– The analyses of the results show that the most important energy sources are oil and renewables for Turkey. Both energy sources have equal importance with economic growth. However, it is implied that this balance should be destabilized for the sake of renewable production and usage to have less carbon footprint.

Originality/value

– There are many econometric models used for defining EC and economic growth causality. But the authors could not come across any study which investigates relationship between economic growth and EC by GRA. The method that is newly used for this subject and applying analysis for a developing country is the importance of this study.
Multi-attribute decision-making methods with three-parameter interval grey number
Authors: Luo Dang , Wang Xia , Song Bo
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to research the multi-attribute decision-making in which the attribute values are interval grey numbers and the maximum probability of the value of grey number is known.

Design/methodology/approach

– First, the authors define deviation degree and dominance relation of three-parameter interval grey number and get the equivalence between the dominance relation of decision-making object and the sum of three values of three-parameter interval grey number. Then, considering the uncertainty of goal weight, the authors construct multi-index optimization model based on deviation degree and get the goal weight.

Findings

– The authors prove the rationality and effectiveness of decision-making methods by examples and give a new thought for grey multi-attribute decision-making methods.

Originality/value

– As a paper research on theory, it offered a new multi-attribute decision-making method with three-parameter interval grey number.
Assessment and classification of China's provincial regional innovation system based on grey fixed weight clustering
Authors: Yuan Chaoqing , Guo Benhai , Liu Hongqi
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– As the world's largest developing country, China is relying on innovation to transform the pattern of economic growth; more and more attention has been paid to the construction of China's regional innovation system (RIS). This paper aims to establish a provincial evaluation index system for RIS construction level and that of construction condition and evaluate the innovation system construction level and construction condition of China's provinces by using grey fixed weight clustering.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper makes a comprehensive assessment of RIS by using grey fixed weight clustering.

Findings

– The results show that the construction level of RIS is clearly associated with construction condition of RIS. In accordance with the results of the assessment, China's 31 provinces are classified into four typical types. Some relevant key measures to promote the RIS are suggested.

Originality/value

– This paper establishes a new frame to evaluate RIS.
Linking political and managerial leadership – a personal reflection
Authors: Goodwin Daniel
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper provides researchers and practitioners with a personal reflection on the nature of the relationship between politicians and chief executives in UK local government.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper sets the political/managerial relationship in context. It analyses the different motivations at play and the nature, similarities and differences of political and managerial leadership. It reflects on how these are interrelated using three key examples: a managerial crisis, a large capital project and longer term partnership working.

Findings

– The paper concludes that if political/managerial relationships are to be successful two-way insight is required: for political leaders this is insight into the managerial and operational realities that the organisation addresses. For managerial leaders this is insight into the political realities that leading politicians face. This goes beyond what has been traditionally posed as an impermeable barrier between the political and managerial spheres in public service.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper presents a personal view which has been triangulated with relevant leading politicians. Its analysis and conclusions are not tested in the light of a wider literature review. Further research is required to explore whether the suggestions of the findings would have validity in other contexts and how that might challenge traditional thinking about the nature of political and managerial leadership.

Originality/value

– The paper is original because very little is written about the nature of the relationship between political and managerial leaders. It will have value for academics considering the nature of public leadership, politicians thinking about how they work with managerial leaders and vice versa.
How professionals can lead networks in the NHS
Authors: Malby Rebecca , Mervyn Kieran , Pirisi Luca
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The largest organisation in the western world, the UK National Health Service (NHS), might be best viewed as a network of interdependent organisations. However, the public has only recently begun to see it as a living network. Public reforms and financial crises have increased the need for professionals to innovate and improve their role. The overarching question is how this new clinical leadership can positively affect the functioning of the system and its performance. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to clarify how leaders can be most effective in managing health networks.

Design/methodology/approach

– A pragmatic approach was taken because of the topical and strategic importance of networks and leadership in the current climate, and hence a need for greater understanding of this largely unknown phenomenon. A focus group interview with Organisational Development experts from the Centre for Innovation and Health Management (CIHM) at Leeds University Business School was followed by three scoping reviews and high-level follow-up conversations with CIHM members, network leaders from the NHS and third sectors.

Findings

– Issues that have emerged include: how networks are designed; which factors enhance its likelihood of success and predicate its failure; discussions of illuminating effective leadership.

Research limitations/implications

– The Stories of Effective Leadership Networks were provided by the network founders, who may have sought to emphasise the benefits (as opposed to downside) of their network. An ideal scenario would have been the inclusion of patients and carers and perhaps administrative staff to reduce bias.

Originality/value

– Considering the limited evidence base from the literature about medical leadership for network management, the involvement of network leaders and the ability to draw-upon CIHMs knowledge and expertise has been fundamental for determining lessons that may enhance the leadership function of the UK's health system network.
Leading with mind, heart, body and spirit
Authors: Gilbert Peter
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider the nature of leadership in the current context where the crisis in global capitalism seems to be encouraging a mechanistic approach to the management of healthcare. The paper urges an holistic leadership ethos to encourage an holistic approach to care and treatment.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper utilises an extensive overview of the leadership literature, and also used practical examples of care and leadership practice.

Findings

– Care and capability need to be partners, but concern has been expressed at all levels of society that a reductionist model is being implemented in many caring professions.

Practical implications

– The implications for leadership are that one of the most vital current requirements is to encourage a spirit-filled leadership at all levels in the organisations that provide care.

Originality/value

– The paper addresses the issue that leadership can never be a purely intellectual or emotional activity, it must combine all aspects of the person in an holistic approach.
Hierarchical distance as a moderator of HRM practices on organizational performance
Authors: Triguero-Sánchez Rafael , C. Peña-Vinces Jesús , Sánchez-Apellániz Mercedes
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the moderator role of hierarchical distance (HD) in the relationship between human resources management (HRM) practices and organizational performance (OP, perceived/financial). To date there is no empirical evidence that demonstrates whether HD affects this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

– These relationships are examined through an empirical study of 102 small- and medium-sized enterprises from Europe (Spain). Partial least squares structural equation modeling is used to test the moderator effect of HD.

Findings

– The results show that HD is a cultural dimension which moderates the relationship between HRM practices and OP. Furthermore, when OP is studied in relation to HRM practices, the use of perceived measures are considered more appropriate as these indicate the opinion of employees and managers regarding about OP.

Research limitations/implications

– The non-cross-sectional character of the paper.

Practical implications

– Organizations should consider HD when deciding the structure and application of their HR practices, since a lesser HD has positive effects on business results.

Originality/value

– Little attention has been paid to non-linear models, with particular reference to the inclusion of cultural dimensions – such organizational culture (i.e. HD) – in HRM models.
Integrating social sensors and pervasive services: approaches and perspectives
Authors: Rosi Alberto , Mamei Marco , Zambonelli Franco
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The key purpose of this paper is to overview the many issues related to the integration of social sensing and pervasive sensing in the support of adaptive context-aware services.

Design/methodology/approach

– From the analysis of existing proposals and prototypes, the authors found out that the process of integrating social and pervasive sensing can follow a limited number of approaches, which enables the authors to properly frame the proposals existing in the literature (and/or available as prototype infrastructures) according to a simple taxonomy, which is very useful to make the survey much more effective than a simple list of systems and proposals.

Findings

– The taxonomy shows that, when integrating social sensing with pervasive sensing, it is possible, at one extreme, to exploit social network as a mere source of information and have such information flow towards the infrastructure supporting the execution of pervasive computing services. At the other extreme, it is possible exploiting a social network as an infrastructure for the integration, by having data from pervasive devices flow towards social networks. In between the extremes, different means can consider to have social networks and pervasive infrastructures converge towards each other to enable the integration of social and pervasive sensing.

Originality/value

– Besides introducing the main concepts related to social sensing and framing the key approaches that can be undertaken to pursue the integration with traditional pervasive sensing, the authors go further discussing open issues and key research challenges behind their seamless integration.
XPath fragments on XML in columns
Authors: Pokorný Jaroslav
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper considers schemaless XML data stored in a column-oriented storage, particularly in C-store. Axes of the XPath language are studied and a design and analysis of algorithms for processing the XPath fragment XP{*, //, /} are described in detail. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A two-level model of C-store based on XML-enabled relational databases is supposed. The axes of XPath language in this environment have been studied by Cástková and Pokorný. The associated algorithms have been used for the implementation of the XPath fragment XP{*, //, /}.

Findings

– The main advantage of this approach is algorithms implementing axes evaluations that are mostly of logarithmic complexity in n, where n is the number of nodes of XML tree associated with an XML document. A low-level memory system enables the estimation of the number of two abstract operations providing an interface to an external memory. The algorithms developed are mostly of logarithmic complexity in n, where n is the number of nodes of XML tree associated with an XML document.

Originality/value

– The paper extends the approach of querying XML data stored in a column-oriented storage to the XPath fragment using only child and descendant axes and estimates the complexity of evaluating its queries.
An ontology update mechanism in IaaS service discovery system
Authors: Uchibayashi Toshihiro , Apduhan Bernady , Shiratori Norio
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Hybrid cloud computing is considered a viable and cost-effective approach to satisfy the inability of a private cloud to meet the user requirements. The information status of the selected public cloud service may change at runtime which should be reflected at the broker server database. This research illustrates a mechanism to assist the IaaS discovery system to assess the status change of the selected public cloud service and to update the broker server database. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– A prototype was developed with the broker server as the main component in the service discovery system containing the status information of the selected public cloud service. The merge-ontology and patch-update methods were proposed, the processing cost details of each were measured, and the methods were evaluated.

Findings

– Experimental results showed that in the merge update, the merging process incurred much longer time than its required communication, contributing to long overall time. Relatively, the patch update method incurred much less time than its counterpart.

Research limitations/implications

– The proposed mechanism is experimental with some ideal assumptions, and so further work in real conditions is needed for its improvement.

Originality/value

– This research is believed to be the first proposal to investigate ontology merge/patch methods to support ontology update in the broker server database of a hybrid cloud and will serve as a reference to researchers in the field.
Evaluation of T-stress for a hypocycloid hole in an infinite plate
Authors: Chen Y.Z.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– This paper is devoted to the evaluation of the T-stress for a hypocycloid hole in an infinite plate. The remote tractions are applied for the infinite plate containing the hypocycloid hole. After using the conformal mapping, an elasticity solution is obtained, and the T-stress at the cusp tip can be abstracted from this solution. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Conformal mapping technique is used for solving the T-stress problem for a hypocycloid cusp hole problem.

Findings

– The present study proves that the cusp configuration has a significant influence to the value of T-stress at cusp crack tip.

Originality/value

– A closed form solution for the T-stress in cusp crack is first obtained in the submission.
The effect of exogenous information signal strength on herding
Authors: F. Luchtenberg Kimberly , Joseph Seiler Michael
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– In the controlled environment of a professional business seminar, the paper collects data on the willingness of participants to strategically default on a mortgage that is underwater by varying degrees. By providing the participants with fabricated exogenous strong and weak information signals, the paper is able to examine the effect of the signals on their responses. The purpose of this paper is to find evidence suggesting that gender, moral opposition, level of susceptibility to information, and information signal strength influence herding in business professionals.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper adopts the Hirshleifer and Hong Teoh (2003) definition of herding as “any behavior similarity/dissimilarity brought about by the interaction of individuals.” In the controlled environment of a professional business seminar, the paper collects data on the willingness of participants to strategically default on a mortgage that is underwater by varying degrees. By providing the participants with fabricated exogenous strong and weak information signals, the paper is able to examine the effect of the signals on their responses.

Findings

– The major contribution is that the paper finds evidence suggesting that signal strength does indeed matter. The paper finds that a weak signal is more likely to produce herding when respondents answer questions relating their own decisions and strong signals produce more herding when respondents provide advice to others. The paper also finds that women are less likely to herd and people who report they are susceptible to information influences are more likely to herd. Not surprisingly, participants who are morally opposed to strategic default are less likely to herd in most scenarios.

Originality/value

– No other study of which the authors are aware looks specifically at signal strength in a financial setting or uses a sample of business professionals to examine herding of a financial nature.
An algorithm for extracting STL model from axisymmetric ring element mesh
Authors: Tian Zhongke
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to use rapid prototyping (RP) technology to build physical models based on axisymmetric finite element (FE) simulation deformation results. To this end, an algorithm which extracts stereolithography (STL) model from axisymmetric ring element mesh is developed and realized by MATLAB programming.

Design/methodology/approach

– The algorithm first identifies boundary element edges, which compose the contour(s) of an axisymmetric ring FE mesh. Then, the identified contour edges are around the symmetry axis revolved a specific angle, at certain intervals according to certain approximate criterion, to generate new nodes to form a group of oriented triangles whose normal vectors conform to the right-handed rule. Finally, a completely closed STL model is obtained by necessary triangulation processing and rotation mapping based on original mesh.

Findings

– It is validated that the extracted STL model is sound and the proposed algorithm is feasible, right and characterized by linear time complexity for extracting STL model from either triangular, quadrilateral, or mixed triangular/quadrilateral axisymmetric mesh.

Research limitations/implications

– Color is important for expressing FE simulation results, which is not involved in STL model. Among the alternative data file formats, VRML representation is an applicable one that is complimentary to existing RP processes and suitable for color 3D printing. Based on the current work, coloring VRML model could be extracted from axisymmetric FE simulation results conveniently.

Originality/value

– The study of this paper provides a RP-based materialized mode to characterize axisymmetric FE simulation deformation results, which is more intuitive and visible than the computer graphics-based visualization.
Thickening freeform surfaces for solid fabrication
Authors: C.L. Wang Charlie , Chen Yong
Published: October 2013

Purpose

– Given an intersection-free mesh surface S, the paper introduces a method to thicken S into a solid H located at one side of S. By such a surface-to-solid conversion operation, industrial users are able to fabricate a designed (or reconstructed) surface by rapid prototyping.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper first investigates an implicit representation of the thickened solid H according to an extension of signed distance function. After that, a partial surface reconstruction algorithm is proposed to generate the boundary surface of H, which retains the given surface S on the resultant surface.

Findings

– Experimental tests show that the thickening results generated by the method give nearly uniform thickness and meanwhile do not present shape approximation error at the region of input surface S. These two good properties are important to the industrial applications of solid fabrication.

Research limitations/implications

– The input polygonal model is assumed to be intersection-free, where models containing self-intersection will lead to invalid thickening results.

Originality/value

– A novel robust operation is to convert a freeform open surface into a solid by introducing no shape approximation error. A new implicit function gives a compact mathematical representation, which can easily handle the topological change on the thickened solids. A new polygonization algorithm generates faces for the boundary of thickened solid meanwhile retaining faces on the input open mesh.