bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of channel mutations on the uptake and release of the retinal ligand in opsin
Authors: Piechnick Ronny , Ritter Eglof , Hildebrand Peter W. , Ernst Oliver P. , Scheerer Patrick , Hofmann Klaus Peter , Heck Martin 
Published: March 2012

In the retinal binding pocket of rhodopsin, a Schiff base links the retinal ligand covalently to the Lys296 side chain. Light transforms the inverse agonist 11-
cis
-retinal into the agonist all-
trans
-retinal, leading to the active Meta II state. Crystal structures of Meta II and the active conformation of the opsin apoprotein revealed two openings of the 7-transmembrane (TM) bundle towards the hydrophobic core of the membrane, one between TM1/TM7 and one between TM5/TM6, respectively. Computational analysis revealed a putative ligand channel connecting the openings and traversing the binding pocket. Identified constrictions within the channel motivated this study of 35 rhodopsin mutants in which single amino acids lining the channel were replaced. 11-
cis
-retinal uptake and all-
trans
-retinal release were measured using UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. Most mutations slow or accelerate both uptake and release, often with opposite effects. Mutations closer to the Lys296 active site show larger effects. The nucleophile hydroxylamine accelerates retinal release 80 times but the action profile of the mutants remains very similar. The data show that the mutations do not probe local channel permeability but rather affect global protein dynamics, with the focal point in the ligand pocket. We propose a model for retinal/receptor interaction in which the active receptor conformation sets the open state of the channel for 11-
cis
-retinal and all-
trans
-retinal, with positioning of the ligand at the active site as the kinetic bottleneck. Although other G protein-coupled receptors lack the covalent link to the protein, the access of ligands to their binding pocket may follow similar schemes.
Fluorescence microscopy for simultaneous observation of 3D orientation and movement and its application to quantum rod-tagged myosin V
Authors: Ohmachi Masashi , Komori Yasunori , Iwane Atsuko H. , Fujii Fumihiko , Jin Takashi , Yanagida Toshio 
Published: March 2012

Single molecule fluorescence polarization techniques have been used for three-dimensional (3D) orientation measurements to observe the dynamic properties of single molecules. However, only few techniques can simultaneously measure 3D orientation and position. Furthermore, these techniques often require complex equipment and cumbersome analysis. We have developed a microscopy system and synthesized highly fluorescent, rod-like shaped quantum dots (Q rods), which have linear polarizations, to simultaneously measure the position and 3D orientation of a single fluorescent probe. The optics splits the fluorescence from the probe into four different spots depending on the polarization angle and projects them onto a CCD camera. These spots are used to determine the 2D position and 3D orientation. Q rod orientations could be determined with better than 10° accuracy at 33 ms time resolution. We applied our microscopy and Q rods to simultaneously measure myosin V movement along an actin filament and rotation around its own axis, finding that myosin V rotates 90° for each step. From this result, we suggest that in the two-headed bound state, myosin V necks are perpendicular to one another, while in the one-headed bound state the detached trailing myosin V head is biased forward in part by rotating its lever arm about its own axis. This microscopy system should be applicable to a wide range of dynamic biological processes that depend on single molecule orientation dynamics.
Precision and Accuracy of Estimators of the Proportion of Hatchery‐Origin Spawners
Authors: Hinrichsen Richard A. , Sharma Rishi , Fisher Timothy R. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractFor salmon populations in the Columbia River basin, many of which are listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act of 1973, reliable estimation of the proportion of hatchery‐origin spawners in spawning areas (p) is needed to make inferences about their status and potential for interbreeding with wild‐origin adults, which may reduce the genetic fitness of subsequent generations. Despite its importance, accurate and precise techniques for estimating p are lacking, especially when there are spawner inputs from multiple hatcheries in a single spawning area. To identify hatchery‐origin spawners, some hatchery releases are given visible marks, some are tagged with coded wire tags (CWTs), and some are marked in both ways. However, different marking fractions are used at different hatcheries and this complicates the problem of estimating p. To handle this situation, we derived a new generalized least‐squares estimator (GLSE) of p and another, less computationally intensive estimator that uses CWT recoveries alone (SMME). We conducted Monte Carlo simulations using both estimators to compare their precision and statistical accuracy. We then applied the estimators to 2010 carcass survey data for fall Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in the Hanford Reach of the Columbia River. An incremental change away from identical marking fractions for all source hatchery releases reduced precision, increased bias, and complicated estimation. The GLSE had greater precision than the SMME. Statistical bias shrank as the true spawning population size, the fraction of hatchery‐origin fish, or the CWT fraction increased. The GLSE estimate of p in the Hanford Reach was 0.077, while the SMME estimate was 0.041. To maximize the accuracy and precision of the estimates of p, we recommend that identical marking fractions (preferably 100%) be used for all hatchery releases; barring this, we recommend that the CWT fractions be as large as possible.
Chemically modified multilayer graphene with metal interlayer as an efficient current spreading electrode for InGaN/GaN blue light-emitting diodes
Authors: Chandramohan S , Kang Ji Hye , Katharria Y S , Han Nam , Beak Yun Seon , Ko Kang Bok , Park Jong Bae , Ryu Beo Deul , Kim Hyun Kyu , Suh Eun-Kyung , Hong Chang-Hee 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
This paper describes a detailed systematic study based on the fabrication and performance of InGaN/GaN blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with multilayer graphene film as a current spreading electrode. Two facile approaches to improve the electrical coupling between graphene and p-GaN layer are demonstrated. Using chemical charge transfer doping, the work function (Φ) of graphene is tuned over a wide range from 4.21 to 4.93 eV with substantial improvements in sheet resistance (R
s). Compared with pristine graphene, the chemically modified graphene on p-GaN yields several appealing characteristics such as low specific contact resistance (ρc) and minimized barrier height. In addition, insertion of a thin gold interlayer between graphene and p-GaN profoundly enhances the contact properties at the interface. Combining these two approaches in a single LED, the current spreading and thus the device forward voltage (V
f) are considerably improved comparable to that of an LED fabricated with an indium tin oxide electrode. The importance of pre-metal deposition oxygen plasma treatment and rapid thermal annealing in improving the contact characteristics is also addressed.
Cross‐functional integration and performance: what are the real benefits?
Authors: Turkulainen Virpi , Ketokivi Mikko 
Published: March 2012

PurposeConventional wisdom has it that cross‐functional integration is a “must”. The purpose of this paper is to take an information‐processing approach to integration and elaborate the conventional wisdom by theoretical examination of both the concept of integration as well as theoretical and empirical elaboration of its link to operational performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors develop six propositions on how cross‐functional integration affects performance and test the propositions in an international sample of 266 manufacturing plant organizations in nine countries.FindingsThe results strongly suggest that disaggregation of performance is important, because the effects of cross‐functional integration on performance are contingent: even though the effects of achieved integration on several dimensions of operational performance are positive, the performance effect varies from one dimension to the next. This is an important finding given that performance has typically been treated at an aggregate level in prior research on the performance effects of integration.Originality/valueAlthough most research on integration has focused on the performance implications in particular, theoretical work on the nature of the integration‐performance relationship is required. In this paper, the authors argue the benefits of cross‐functional integration to be fundamentally context‐dependent and elaborate the link between integration and performance by developing the definition of the concept of integration further, as well as by disaggregation of performance, to its constituent dimensions.
Organizational structure and specialized marketing capabilities in SMEs
Authors: Trez Guilherme , Bins Luce Fernando 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper aims to develop and test a conceptual model of organizational structure design that incorporates some factors influencing strategy implementation. The research also aims to consider inter‐functionality in new product development (NPD) processes and marketing decisions, measured from the dispersion of these activities among functional areas.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted across 424 small and medium‐sized furniture manufacturing companies. In total, eight hypotheses were proposed and tested using structural equation modeling.FindingsMost important among the study's findings was that inter‐firm relationships and inter‐functional processes are relevant for the study of organizational structure design. It was found that the dispersion of the new product development process and of marketing decisions exert a positive influence on architectural marketing capabilities. The results showed that the dispersion of NPD processes and marketing decisions influence the development of marketing capabilities only in those companies with inter‐firm relationships. The paper also found that inter‐firm design did not affect the impact of the relationship between the dispersion of marketing decisions and NPD process on specialized capabilities.Research limitations/implicationsThe study focuses research on Brazilian small to medium‐sized furniture enterprises and could have single‐source bias in its data collection process.Practical implicationsThe findings provide insights into ways of integrating structures. It is observed that a higher integration of areas in marketing decisions is related to the dispersion of the NPD process. Given that dispersion in NPD is a disseminated practice, it is found that higher dispersion in marketing activities has an impact on product development.Originality/valueThe paper's findings confirm the influence of organizational design on the development of planning capabilities and on the implementation of marketing strategies.
Organisational factors influencing sustainability of local non‐governmental organisations
Authors: Okorley Ernest L. , Nkrumah Edmund E. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeDespite the role of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) as actors in development, the issue of local NGOs' sustainability remains a major concern in many developing countries such as Ghana. This study seeks to determine key factors that can influence local NGOs based on a Ghanaian case study.Design/methodology/approachThe research used a combination of quantitative and qualitative research approaches.FindingsThe study identifies that the availability of funds, quality material resources, supportive leadership, development of needs‐based and demand‐driven programmes, and effective management can have a significant influence on the sustainability of local NGOs. Significantly, leadership emerged as the most important factor to organisational sustainability of local NGOs. Equally, the availability and quality of material resources for work were least critical to local NGO sustainability, although they were all very important.Practical implicationsThe case study suggests that local NGOs can adopt several measures to ensure their sustainability. These include the writing of good needs‐based and demand‐driven project proposals, ensuring transparency and accountability, leadership training and lobbying for resources including funds, especially, from local sources.Originality/valueAlthough the findings are based on Ghanaian local NGO sustainability scenario, the lessons can be useful to NGOs within similar contexts.
Buy, boycott or blog
Authors: Kerr Gayle , Mortimer Kathleen , Dickinson Sonia , Waller David S. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the concept of consumer power, in particular the power or bloggers in the online environment and how this might be applied to the regulation of advertising.Design/methodology/approachUtilising Denegri‐Knott's (2006) four on‐line power strategies, a content analysis of weblogs of Tourism Australia's “Where the bloody hell are you?” advertising campaign is undertaken. Blogger behaviour towards this controversial campaign is documented and consumer power strategies are examined.FindingsThis study reveals that bloggers are circumventing the traditional self regulatory process by distributing information, opinion, and even banned advertising material, thereby forming power hubs of like‐minded people, with the potential to become online pressure groups, augmenting the traditional powers of consumers in the self regulatory process.Research limitations/implicationsLimitations include a single case context and its exploration of a single media tool (weblogs). Also, bloggers are not representative of the general public, but do provide an alternative to the general category of complainants.Practical implicationsThe paper provides evidence that bloggers are defacto regulators in the online environment providing judgements on advertising campaigns, supporting those with like‐minded views and disciplining others, and even making banned advertisements publicly available. Advertisers should be mindful of this activity in developing campaigns, especially in formulating controversial campaigns aimed to be disseminated online.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to relate consumer power in the online environment to self‐regulation. It is also first to study a new group of advertising complainants – the bloggers.
Uncovering the real effect of switching costs on the satisfaction‐loyalty association
Authors: Dagger Tracey S. , David Meredith E. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThis paper seeks to demonstrate that assuming an increase in satisfaction will always lead to greater loyalty oversimplifies the complex association between these constructs. A more accurate view of the satisfaction‐loyalty relationship is gained by examining the moderating effect of involvement, switching costs, and relationship benefits.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reports the results of a hierarchal‐moderated regression analysis on data gathered from a national mail survey of 509 customers across nine service types.FindingsThe findings of this study suggest that the satisfaction‐loyalty relationship is not as simple as it seems. Specifically, the negative effect that switching costs have on the association between satisfaction and loyalty declines as customer involvement with the service relationship grows, but increases as the customer perceives greater relationship benefit. These findings suggest that simply enhancing satisfaction will not always generate greater customer loyalty.Research limitations/implicationsFuture research should consider the effects of other moderating variables, such as relationship investment and quality, on the satisfaction‐loyalty link.Practical implicationsThis paper provides managers with insight as to how to best increase customer loyalty.Originality/valueThis paper is the first to simultaneously examine the moderating effect of customer involvement, switching costs, and social benefits on the satisfaction‐loyalty association.
Professional training as a strategy for staff development
Authors: Dirani Khalil M. 
Published: March 2012

PurposeResearch studies on training‐job relevance continuously discuss the extent of transfer being found limited. This study aims to focus on exploring trainees' perceptions about the effects of a “Western” professional training program on their skill development and how cultural factors specific to Lebanon influence the learning.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopted a mixed method study design. It was conducted in the context of a training services program offered by an HRD department in a large Lebanese financial institution. The sample frame consisted of service employees who were conveniently selected after enrolling in the professional training program. The sample was composed of 120 participants. A total number of 107 questionnaires were completed and 101 questionnaires were usable (82.5 percent response rate). Analysis of the quantitative data was through descriptive statistics. Qualitative data collection was included to corroborate the quantitative data in answering the research questions. The researcher conducted 15 interviews with participants and stakeholders in the training program to get their perceptions of how well the training workshops were helping them develop new skills.FindingsThis study yielded a broad perspective on issues related to formal training and training transfer in the Lebanese context. The issues explored are related to trainees' attitudes towards the training activities they were exposed to, their perceptions of the impact of training activities on their career development, and their attitudes towards work environment that might predict the transfer of training.Practical implicationsWhile professional training programs may lead to motivating trainees to become more committed to work, and enhancing learning skills relevant to individual career development and life‐long learning, such trainings fail to tackle problems specific to a trainee's organizational or cultural needs. In particular, it is often hard to integrate generic training ideas into specific workplace settings.Originality/valueThis paper provides original information on a topic that is not well researched in the Lebanese context. It identifies needs and offers practical help to HRD practitioners and international consultants, and provides theoretical insights to HRD scholars to better understand the field of HRD in international contexts.
Bridging the gap in knowledge transfer between academia and practitioners
Authors: Gera Rajat 
Published: March 2012

PurposeThe paper intends to identify the causes or gaps in transfer of managerial knowledge between academia and practitioners and to develop a framework that overcomes the gaps through knowledge management, information technology and human resource practices. The paper aims to suggest a strategic approach based on the knowledge transfer cycle.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the development of a conceptual model based on existing research findings and conceptual models in the literature combined with the experience of academicians.FindingsThere has been very little transfer of research knowledge due to the inherent barriers in its creation, diffusion, adoption and utilization by practitioners. By enhancing the industry orientation of academicians and adopting systematic processes of review and dissemination, early adopters (practitioners) can experiment and learn to apply theoretical knowledge, which, when supported by institutional mechanisms, of human resource management, information technology and knowledge management (KM), can minimize or eliminate knowledge transfer gaps, leading to improved competitiveness and performance of the firm.Research limitations/implicationsThe framework has been developed from concepts of KM and transfer and learning and needs to be validated empirically.Practical implicationsThe framework developed can guide researchers in their approach toward knowledge creation so that their output is adopted by industry and thus has value. Practitioner industries can develop practices based on the framework to enhance their ability to leverage academic knowledge for competitive advantage.Social implicationsThe paper would enable the framing of policies by higher education institutions and industry to facilitate more effective and efficient transfer of knowledge between researchers and practitioners, leading to enhanced organizational competitive advantage, which would benefit society.Originality/valueThe paper provides a framework based on the knowledge transfer cycle model for enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of research knowledge adoption and utilization.
New public management, accounting, regulators and moral panics
Authors: Lee Bill 
Published: March 2012

PurposeAccounting and regulators are an integral part of new public management (NPM) across public sectors. This article aims to look at one of their potential drawbacks by investigating how a policy was deemed as a failure by regulators because of its limited financial controls.Design/methodology/approachA case study of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) in the UK draws on secondary sources organized into a chronology of events to show how concerns about a small number of providers were followed by claims of widespread abuse of ILAs being reported by regulators; claims that were disseminated widely by the media, but which were not substantiated by prosecutions.FindingsThere is insufficient evidence to substantiate claims of widespread abuse and fraud of ILAs. This suggests that regulatory bodies helped amplify concerns about fraud and abuse, contributing to a minor moral panic.Research limitations/implicationsThe absence of accounting that promoted concerns of financial abuse, also takes away one of the potential forms of evidence that could be used to substantiate the moral panic.Practical implicationsTo help avoid moral panics, regulators should report only forms of fraud and abuse that are proven, rather than sharing in conjectures of those that might have taken place.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the few academic studies of ILAs and the only one to date to explore the detrimental role of NPM arrangements in generating moral panics.