bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Learning at work: practical steps to maximize the individual and organizational benefits
Authors: Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper seeks to explore how organizations can use workplace learning to cope with and respond to change, create and sustain an active learning culture and monitor and evaluate their investment in organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a series of questions and summaries from selected articles to review workplace learning and its role in developing professionalism, skills and competency and the main implications for training.FindingsThe paper concludes that a carefully crafted strategy for workplace learning will yield significant individual and organizational benefits.Practical implicationsThe paper draws on a decade of experience in designing and implementing workplace learning initiatives used by large organizations in hospitality, tourism and other service industries.Originality/valueThe paper provides a checklist that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of organizational learning.
The GULL story: “Enabling YOU to make a difference in OUR world”
Authors: Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the mission of the Global University for Lifelong Learning (GULL) in supporting work and community‐based learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper explains the principles on which GULL's action learning system are based and outlines a typical starting point for work‐based learning.FindingsThe paper concludes by identifying the role of systemized action learning in support of the agenda for human resource development at Sandals Resorts International.Practical implicationsThe paper indicates how a narrative‐based approach to learning at work can be used to reflect and improve on personal and organizational performance.Originality/valueThe paper relates the literature on action learning to its implementation in workplace and community settings.
Action learning projects and teamworking at Beaches Turks & Caicos
Authors: Whitely‐Clarke Shelly‐Ann , Teare Richard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to explain and illustrate the potential for workplace learning from small group projects and the role of action learning in fostering personal, professional and organizational outcomes.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses a briefing session with resource and other examples to outline an effective process for establishing small group projects in the workplace.FindingsAction learning releases the potential of all team members by enabling them to grow, to innovate and develop their creativity and talent by learning about themselves, from each other and from the workplace.Practical implicationsThe paper outlines the approach used by one of the world's leading family resorts to ensure that personal and organizational learning keeps pace with change.Originality/valueThe paper draws on prior experience and examples to explain how an outcomes‐directed process has been embedded in a large resort with large‐scale team member participation.
The role of action learning in personal, professional and business development
Authors: Teare Richard , Cummings Wayne , Donaldson‐Brown Marsha‐Ann , Spittle Howard 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions and experiences of senior hotel industry practitioners in relation to business imperatives, career development and organizational learning.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an interview discussion format to explore the challenges, benefits and outcomes of organizational development by action learning.FindingsThe paper observes that action learning provides an effective way of retaining, developing and enabling people to realize their potential at work and that this process is wholly beneficial to the host organization.Practical implicationsThe paper provides senior leader insights on the potential for learning at work and the underlying themes that enable organizations to develop as authentic learning organizations.Originality/valueThe paper reveals the benefits of embedding and cascading action learning so that participants can develop themselves and at the same time, their workplace environment.
Grey system model with time lag and application to simulation of karst spring discharge
Authors: Hao Yonghong , Wang Yajie , Zhao Jiaojuan , Li Huamin 
Published: January 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce the concept of time lag to grey system models, and propose the grey system models with time lags.Design/methodology/approachThe models were applied to calculate the time lags between spring flow and precipitation (i.e. hydraulic response time) and simulate karst spring discharge in Liulin Springs Basin, China.FindingsThe results show that the time lags of Lishi, Zhongyang, and Fangshan are three, five, and eight, respectively. By considering the time lags, we set up the grey system GM(1,4) response model of Liulin Springs discharge to precipitation of Lishi, Zhongyang, and Fangshan.Originality/valueThe results are in agreement with regional geological structure and provide a better understanding of karst hydrological processes of Liulin Springs Basin.
How do insects react to novel inherited symbionts? A microarray analysis of Drosophila melanogaster response to the presence of natural and introduced Spiroplasma
Authors: HUTCHENCE KATE J. , FISCHER BETTINA , PATERSON STEVE , HURST GREGORY D. D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractMaternally inherited endosymbionts are found in numerous insect species and have various effects on host ecology. New symbioses are most commonly established following lateral transfer of an existing symbiont from one host species to another. Laboratory study has demonstrated that symbionts commonly perform poorly in novel hosts, with weak vertical transmission and maladaptive pathogenicity being observed in the generations following transfer. This poor performance probably limits symbiont occurrence. We here use microarray technology to test whether poor symbiont performance observed following 1 year of vertical transmission through a new host is associated with alteration in host gene expression or whether it occurs independently of this. We utilize the Drosophila melanogaster—Spiroplasma interaction and test the response of the host in the presence of both natural Spiroplasma infections and novel Spiroplasma infections transinfected previously from other host species. None of the Spiroplasma infections investigated produced upregulation in host haemolymph/fat body‐based immune responses, and we therefore rejected the hypothesis that failure to thrive was associated with immune upregulation. One infection was associated with a downregulation of genes associated with egg production compared to uninfected controls, indicative of damage to the host. The Spiroplasma infection showed that the weakest vertical transmission showed no significant disturbance to host gene expression compared to uninfected controls. We conclude that the failure of Spiroplasma in novel host species is associated either with causing harm to their new hosts or through a failure to thrive in the new host that occurs independently of host responses to infection.
Transcriptional plasticity of a soil arthropod across different ecological conditions
Authors: DE BOER TJALF E. , BIRLUTIU ADRIANA , BOCHDANOVITS ZOLTAN , TIMMERMANS MARTIJN J. T. N. , DIJKSTRA TJEERD M. H. , VAN STRAALEN NICO M. , YLSTRA BAUKE , ROELOFS DICK 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEcological functional genomics, dealing with the responses of organisms to their natural environment is confronted with a complex pattern of variation and a large number of confounding environmental factors. For gene expression studies to provide meaningful information on conditions deviating from normal, a baseline or normal operating range (NOR) response needs to be established which indicates how an organism’s transcriptome reacts to naturally varying ecological factors. Here we determine the transcriptional plasticity of a soil arthropod, Folsomia candida, exposed to various natural environments, as part of a first attempt in establishing such a NOR. Animals were exposed to 26 different field soils after which gene expression levels were measured. The main factor found to regulate gene expression was soil‐type (sand or clay). Cell homeostasis and DNA replication were affected in collembolans exposed to sandy soil, indicating general stress. Multivariate analysis identified soil fertility as the main factor influencing gene expression. Regarding land‐use, only forest soils showed an expression pattern deviating from the others. No significant effect of land‐use, agricultural practice or soil type on fitness was observed, but arsenic concentration was negatively correlated with reproductive output. In conclusion, transcriptional responses remained within a limited range across the different land‐uses but were significantly affected by soil‐type. This may be caused by the contrasting soil physicochemical properties to which F. candida strongly responds. The broad range of conditions over which this soil‐living detritivore is able to survive and reproduce, indicates a strategy of high plasticity, which comes with extensive gene expression regulation.
How much can parentage analyses tell us about precapture dispersal?
Authors: WASER P. M. , HADFIELD J. D. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractEstimating rates of movement among populations is never simple, and where young animals cannot all be captured at their birth sites, traditional field methods potentially underestimate dispersal rates. Genetic assignment tests appear to hold promise for detecting ‘precapture’ dispersal, and recent evidence suggests that even on the scale of dispersal between populations, genetic parentage analyses can also be informative. Herein, we examine the performance of both types of analysis with data from a 17‐year study of dispersal in banner‐tailed kangaroo rats Dipodomys spectabilis. We compare estimates of precapture dispersal from (i) the commonly used parentage analysis program cervus (ii) a pedigree‐reconstruction program, MasterBayes, that combines genetic with spatial and other nongenetic information and (iii) genetic assignment procedures implemented by the program geneclass2, with (iv) rates of dispersal observed through recapture of a subset of animals initially marked shortly after weaning. geneclass2 estimates a larger proportion of precapture dispersers than MasterBayes, but both approaches as well as those based on field data alone, suggest that approximately 10% of adults in local populations are immigrants and that interpopulation dispersal is slightly female‐biassed. All genetic procedures detect precapture dispersal between populations, but dispersers identified by MasterBayes are particularly compatible with what is independently known about body mass at dispersal, dispersal distance and distance between parents. Parentage analyses have considerable potential to infer the value of this otherwise elusive demographic parameter when most candidate parents can be genotyped and when nongenetic information, especially the distance separating candidate mothers and fathers, can be incorporated into the procedure.
Metabolomics data reveal a crucial role of cytosolic glutamine synthetase 1;1 in coordinating metabolic balance in rice
Authors: Kusano Miyako , Tabuchi Mayumi , Fukushima Atsushi , Funayama Kazuhiro , Diaz Céline , Kobayashi Makoto , Hayashi Naomi , Tsuchiya Yumiko N. , Takahashi Hideki , Kamata Atsuko , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Saito Kazuki 
Published: January 2011

SummaryRice plants grown in paddy fields preferentially use ammonium as a source of inorganic nitrogen. Glutamine synthetase (GS) catalyses the conversion of ammonium to glutamine. Of the three genes encoding cytosolic GS in rice,OsGS1;1is critical for normal growth and grain filling. However, the basis of its physiological function that may alter the rate of nitrogen assimilation and carbon metabolism within the context of metabolic networks remains unclear. To address this issue, we carried out quantitative comparative analyses between the metabolite profiles of a rice mutant lackingOsGS1;1and its background wild type (WT). The mutant plants exhibited severe retardation of shoot growth in the presence of ammonium compared with the WT. Overaccumulation of free ammonium in the leaf sheath and roots of the mutant indicated the importance ofOsGS1;1for ammonium assimilation in both organs. The metabolite profiles of the mutant line revealed: (i) an imbalance in levels of sugars, amino acids and metabolites in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, and (ii) overaccumulation of secondary metabolites, particularly in the roots under a continuous supply of ammonium. Metabolite‐to‐metabolite correlation analysis revealed the presence of mutant‐specific networks between tryptamine and other primary metabolites in the roots. These results demonstrated a crucial function ofOsGS1;1in coordinating the global metabolic network in rice plants grown using ammonium as the nitrogen source.
Population genetics of the endangered Cantabrian capercaillie in northern Spain
Authors: Alda F. , Sastre P. , De La Cruz‐Cardiel P. J. , Doadrio I. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn this study, we examine the effects of habitat fragmentation on the genetic structure of the Cantabrian capercaillie Tetrao urogallus cantabricus, based on eight microsatellite loci in non‐invasive samples collected across its entire distribution range in northern Spain. For this purpose, we used Bayesian clustering methods and landscape connectivity analyses. We found low genetic diversity and significant genetic differentiation across the subspecies distribution range. Based on the isolation‐by‐distance pattern observed, we hypothesized that the low dispersal of the species and the habitat configuration might be shaping the genetic structure of Cantabrian capercaillie, and cause reduced gene flow and diversity of some areas. Three genetic clusters were inferred, one in the northern and two in the southern slope of the Cantabrian Mountains. Our results suggest that small but abundant forest patches on the northern slope of the Cantabrian range do not seem to represent a barrier to gene flow, whereas the more isolated forests in the southern Cantabrian Mountains do represent such a barrier. This result was not concordant with the structure proposed based on lek occupation patterns. Conservation strategies should include restoration of forest connectivity to the extent possible.
The memory enhancing effect of the APP‐derived tripeptide Ac‐rER is mediated through CRMP2
Authors: Mileusnic Radmila , Rose Steven P. R. 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem.(2011)118, 616–625.AbstractThe diasteromeric (D/L) form of the acetylated tripeptide rER (NH2‐d‐arg‐l‐glu‐d‐arg‐COOH), derived from the external domain of amyloid precursor protein, protects against amyloid‐β induced memory loss for a passive avoidance task in young chicks and enhances retention for a weak version of the task when injected peripherally up to 12 h prior to training. The tripeptide readily crosses the blood‐brain barrier, binds to receptor sites in the brain and is without adverse effects on general behaviour. The mechanisms of its action are unknown, as are its target molecules/pathways. Here, we report the binding partners for Ac‐rER are collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2), syntaxin binding protein 1 and heat shock protein 70. Behavioural studies of the effects of Ac‐rER on memory retention confirmed that the effect of Ac‐rER is mediated via CRMP2, as anti‐CRMP2 antibodies if injected intracranially 30 min pre‐training, induced amnesia for the passive avoidance task. However, Ac‐rER, if injected prior to the anti‐CRMP2, rescues the memory deficits induced by anti‐CRMP2 antibodies. As CRMP2 is placed at the junction of many different cellular processes during brain development and in adult neuronal plasticity as well as being implicated in Alzheimer’s disease, this strengthens the claim that Ac‐rER may be a potential therapeutic agent in Alzheimer’s disease, although its precise mode of action remains to be elucidated.
Cytosolic zinc release and clearance in hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate – the role of pH and sodium
Authors: Kiedrowski Lech 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 231–243.AbstractAlthough Zn2+ homeostasis in neurons is tightly regulated and its destabilization has been linked to a number of pathologies including Alzheimer’s disease and ischemic neuronal death, the primary mechanisms affecting intracellular Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]i) in neurons exposed to excitotoxic stimuli remain poorly understood. The present work addressed these mechanisms in cultured hippocampal neurons exposed to glutamate and glycine (Glu/Gly). [Zn2+]i and intracellular Ca2+ concentration were monitored simultaneously using FluoZin‐3 and Fura‐2FF, and intracellular pH (pHi) was studied in parallel experiments using 2′,7′‐bis‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐5(6)‐carboxyfluorescein. Glu/Gly applications under Na+‐free conditions (Na+ substituted with N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine+) caused Ca2+ influx, pHi drop, and Zn2+ release from intracellular stores. Experimental maneuvers resulting in a pHi increase during Glu/Gly applications, such as stimulation of Na+‐dependent pathways of H+ efflux, forcing H+ efflux via gramicidin‐formed channels, or increasing extracellular pH counteracted [Zn2+]i elevations. In the absence of Na+, the rate of [Zn2+]i decrease could be correlated with the rate of pHi increase. In the presence of Na+, the rate of [Zn2+]i decrease was about twice as fast as expected from the rate of pHi elevation. The data suggest that Glu/Gly‐induced cytosolic acidification promotes [Zn2+]i elevations and that Na+ counteracts the latter by promoting pHi‐dependent and pHi‐independent mechanisms of cytosolic Zn2+ clearance.
Gene expression profile in JNK3 null mice: a novel specific activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Junyent Fèlix , de Lemos Luisa , Verdaguer Ester , Folch Jaume , Ferrer Isidre , Ortuño‐Sahagún Daniel , Beas‐Zárate Carlos , Romero Rafael , Pallàs Merce , Auladell Carme , Camins Antoni 
Published: January 2011

J. Neurochem. (2011) 117, 244–252.AbstractJNK3 is mainly expressed in the CNS and it plays a crucial role in neuronal death in several neurodegenerative diseases. By contrast, the isoforms JNK1 and JNK2 seem to be involved in brain development. The lack of Jnk3 confers neuroprotection, although mechanisms responsible are unknown. The present study analyzes the gene expression profile in hippocampus from mice lacking Jnk3 in comparison to wild‐type mice. The microarray analysis showed that 22 genes are differentially expressed (z‐score > 2 in two independent arrays) in Jnk3 null mice. Among these, we focused on pi3kcb, as it is directly related to the prosurvival phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT pathway. Results from Jnk3 null mice showed an increase in pik3cb transcript and protein, together with an increase in PI3K activity and phosphorylation of AKT. By contrast, these changes were not observed in Jnk1 null mice, which do not present neuroresistance to certain neurodegenerative insults. Therefore, our results indicate that the activation of PI3K/AKT pathway in hippocampus because of the increase in pik3cb transcription and that this mechanism is specifically related to the lack of Jnk3.
Indication for a Radical Intermediate Preceding the Signaling State in the LOV Domain Photocycle†
Authors: Bauer Christian , Rabl Carl‐Roland , Heberle Joachim , Kottke Tilman 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe blue light photoreceptor phototropin mediates crucial processes in plants leading to optimization of photosynthesis. Phototropin comprises two flavin mononucleotide‐binding LOV (light‐, oxygen‐, or voltage‐sensitive) domains. The LOV domains undergo a photocycle upon illumination, in which two intermediates have been detected by UV/Vis spectroscopy. The triplet excited state of flavin is formed and decays within a few microseconds into a photoadduct with an adjacent cysteine, which represents the signaling state of the LOV domain. For bond formation of the photoadduct, several reaction pathways have been proposed, but evidence for an intermediate at ambient conditions has not been found. Here, we performed nanosecond time‐resolved UV/Vis spectroscopy on the phototropin‐LOV1 domain from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We designed a flow cell which was used to efficiently replace the sample after each photoexcitation because the cycling time is in the order of hundreds of seconds. The comparison of difference spectra of the wild type with those of the C57S mutant that produces only the triplet excited state revealed the existence of an additional intermediate between the triplet and the adduct state. This intermediate exhibits spectral properties similar to a neutral flavin radical. This finding supports a reaction mechanism involving a neutral radical pair.
General Suppression of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7 in Sand-Based Dairy Livestock Bedding
Authors: Westphal Andreas , Williams Michele L. , Baysal-Gurel Fulya , LeJeune Jeffrey T. , McSpadden Gardener Brian B. 
Published: January 2011

ABSTRACT

Sand bedding material is frequently used in dairy operations to reduce the occurrence of mastitis and enhance cow comfort. One objective of this work was to determine if sand-based bedding also supported the microbiologically based suppression of an introduced bacterial pathogen. Bedding samples were collected in summer, fall, and winter from various locations within a dairy operation and tested for their ability to suppress introduced populations of
Escherichia coli
O157:H7. All sources of bedding displayed a heat-sensitive suppressiveness to the pathogen. Differences in suppressiveness were also noted between different samples at room temperature. At just 1 day postinoculation (dpi), the recycled sand bedding catalyzed up to a 1,000-fold reduction in
E. coli
counts, typically 10-fold greater than the reduction achieved with other substrates, depending on the sampling date. All bedding substrates were able to reduce
E. coli
populations by over 10,000-fold within 7 to 15 dpi, regardless of sampling date. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis was used to identify bacterial populations potentially associated with the noted suppression of
E. coli
O157:H7 in sand bedding. Eleven terminal restriction fragments (TRFs) were overrepresented in paired comparisons of suppressive and nonsuppressive specimens at multiple sampling points, indicating that they may represent environmentally stable populations of pathogen-suppressing bacteria. Cloning and sequencing of these TRFs indicated that they represent a diverse subset of bacteria, belonging to the
Cytophaga-Flexibacter-Bacteroidetes
,
Gammaproteobacteria
, and
Firmicutes
, only a few of which have previously been identified in livestock manure. Such data indicate that microbial suppression may be harnessed to develop new options for mitigating the risk and dispersal of zoonotic bacterial pathogens on dairy farms.