Preliminary psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire – II: A revised measure of psychological flexibility and acceptance.

The present research describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a second version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), which assesses the construct referred to as, variously, acceptance, experiential avoidance and psychological inflexibility. Results from 2,816 participants across six samples indicate the satisfactory structure, reliability, and validity of this measure. For example, the mean alpha coefficient is .84 (.78 - .88), and the 3- and 12-month test-retest reliability is .81 and .79, respectively. Results indicate that AAQ-II scores concurrently, longitudinally, and incrementally predict a range of outcomes, from mental health to work absence rates,that are consistent with its underlying theory. The AAQ-II also demonstrates appropriate discriminant validity. The AAQ-II appears to measure the same concept as the AAQ-I (r = .97), but with better psychometric consistency

Quantifying eigenstrain distributions induced by focused ion beam damage in silicon

Eigenstrain offers a versatile generic framework for the description of inelastic deformation that acts as the source of residual stresses. Focused ion beam (FIB) milling used for nanoscale machining is accompanied by target material modification by ion beam damage having residual stress consequences that can be described in terms of eigenstrain. Due to the lack of direct means of experimental determination of residual stress or eigenstrain at the nanoscale we adopt a hybrid approach that consists of eigenstrain abstraction from molecular dynamics simulation, its application within a finite element simulation of a flexible silicon cantilever, and satisfactory comparison of the prediction with experimental observation. Directions for further enquiry are briefly discussed

Placing Job Characteristics in Context: Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis of Changes in Job Characteristics Since 1975

Despite frequent references to “the changing nature of work,” little empirical research has investigated proposed changes in work context perceptions. To address this gap, this study uses a cross-temporal meta-analysis to examine changes in five core job characteristics (e.g., task identity, task significance, skill variety, autonomy, and feedback from the job) as well as changes in the relationship between job characteristics and job satisfaction. An additional analysis of primary data is used to examine changes in two items related to interdependence. On average, workers perceived greater levels of skill variety and autonomy since 1975 and interdependence since 1985. In contrast, the results of a supplemental meta-analysis did not support significant changes in the association between the five core job characteristics and satisfaction over time. Thus, although there is some evidence for change in job characteristics, the findings do not support a change in the value placed on enriched work. Implications for researchers and organizations navigating the modern world of work are highlighted

Dissection of DNA Damage Responses Using Multiconditional Genetic Interaction Maps

DNA repair mechanism

One-step immunochromatographic dipstick tests for rapid detection of vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 in stool samples

We describe the development and evaluation of a rapid diagnostic test for Vibrio cholerae O1 and O139 based on lipopolysaccharide detection using gold particles. The specificity ranged between 84 and 100%. The sensitivity of the dipsticks ranged from 94.2 to 100% when evaluated with stool samples obtained in Madagascar and Bangladesh. The dipstick can provide a simple tool for epidemiological surveys

The Interaction Between Conscientiousness and General Mental Ability: Support for a Compensatory Interaction in Task Performance

We propose a compensatory interactive influence of conscientiousness and GMA in task performance such that conscientiousness is most beneficial to performance for low-GMA individuals. Drawing on trait by trait interaction theory and empirical evidence for a compensatory mechanism of conscientiousness for low GMA, we contrast our hypothesis with prior research on a conscientiousness-GMA interaction and argue that prior research considered a different interaction type. We argue that observing a compensatory interaction likely requires: (a) considering the appropriate interaction form, including a possible curvilinear conscientiousness-performance relationship; (b) measuring the full conscientiousness domain (as opposed to motivation proxies); (c) narrowing the criterion domain to reflect task performance; and (d) appropriate psychometric scoring of variables to increase power and avoid type 1 error. In four employee samples (N1 = 300; N2 = 261; N3 = 1,413; N4 = 948), we test a conscientiousness-GMA interaction in two employee samples. In three of four samples, results support a nuanced compensatory mechanism such that conscientiousness compensates for low to moderate GMA, and high conscientiousness may be detrimental to or unimportant for task performance in high-GMA individuals

ATP-dependent and independent functions of Rad54 in genome maintenance

R ad54, a member of the SWI/SNF protein family of DNA-dependent ATPases, repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through homologous recombination. Here we demonstrate that Rad54 is required for the timely accumulation of the homologous recombination proteins Rad51 and Brca2 at DSBs. Because replication protein A and Nbs1 accumulation is not affected by Rad54 depletion, Rad54 is downstream of DSB resection. Rad54-mediated Rad51 accumulation does not require Rad54's ATPase activity. Thus, our experiments demonstrate that SWI/SNF proteins may have functions independent of their ATPase activity. However, quantitative real-time analysis of Rad54 focus formation indicates that Rad54's ATPase activity is required for the disassociation of Rad54 from DNA and Rad54 turnover at DSBs. Although the non-DNA-bound fraction of Rad54 reversibly interacts with a focus, independent of its ATPase status, the DNA-bound fraction is immobilized in the absence of ATP hydrolysis by Rad54. Finally, we show that ATP hydrolysis by Rad54 is required for the redistribution of DSB repair sites within the nucleus

Yeast PP4 Interacts with ATR Homolog Ddc2-Mec1 and Regulates Checkpoint Signaling

Genome Instability and Cance