A new and versatile method for the successful conversion of AFLP-TM markers into simple single locus markers

Genetic markers can efficiently be obtained by using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) fingerprinting because no prior information on DNA sequence is required. However, the conversion of AFLP markers from complex fingerprints into simple single locus assays is perceived as problematic because DNA sequence information is required for the design of new locus-specific PCR primers. In addition, single locus polymorphism (SNP) information is required to design an allele-specific assay. This paper describes a new and versatile method for the conversion of AFLP markers into simple assays. The protocol presented in this paper offers solutions for frequently occurring pitfalls and describes a procedure for the identification of the SNP responsible for the AFLP. By following this approach, a high success rate for the conversion of AFLP markers into locus-specific markers was obtained

How smart work environment applications can add strategic value

The way people work has changed and many corporate real estate (CRE) and facility managers (FM) are thinking about whether and how to implement smart-building applications in the work environments of their client. The data collected by these applications can be a valuable asset, however it is necessary to identify beforehand which type of data collection could provide which strategic value(s). Therefore, this study examined the expected strategic value of specific smart work environment applications for organizations from the perspective of CRE and FM professionals. A questionnaire was developed based on existing literature. In total, 122 CRE and FM experts participated and provided their perception of 20 different applications and 9 different strategic values. During follow-up expert interviews, the practical implications of the findings were discussed and translated into recommendations. The smart applications that are expected to decrease real estate costs mostly relate to the automatization of facility services. Employee satisfaction is particularly supported by smart applications related to personal preferences and personalization (e.g. temperature control, smart coffee machine). The smart applications that are expected to support productivity mostly concerned either features of the work environment (automatic printer and meeting room allocation), ways to eliminate negative conditions (noise cancelling), or support in finding colleagues elsewhere in the building. Although many studies have proven the effect of physical work environment characteristics on employees and/or on organizations, there is little insight into the effect of smart work environment applications on both. This paper has started to build theory on smart building applications. The findings in this paper are also relevant for CRE and facility managers and consultants as they provide insight in what their colleagues expect of different available smart work environment technology applications, to support their own decision making

Revitalising disclosure: a grounded theory of changing beliefs about disclosure in mental health

Revitalising disclosure is a theory that emerged during a research conducted in two organisations in mental health with the grounded theory methodology. Beliefs about disclosure change, catalysed by experts by experience. In this dissertation the proces is described that leads to revitalising disclosure

Infrared picosecond transient hole-burning studies of the effects of hydrogen bonds on the vibrational line shape

With infrared transient hole-burning spectroscopy we have investigated the influence of OD ... X hydrogen bonds on the vibrational line shape of O-D stretch vibrations in acid zeolites. The effect of hydrogen bonding on the line shape depends critically on the type of hydrogen bond. For hydrogen bonding in a rigid structure, the hydrogen bond determines the inhomogeneous linewidth, but the homogeneous linewidth is determined by coupling to a similar to 200 cm(-1) lattice mode as concluded from the temperature dependence of the dephasing rate. When the hydrogen bond is formed with an adsorbing molecule, the coupling between the high-frequency O-D stretch vibration and the low-frequency OD ... X hydrogen-bond stretching mode does determine the homogeneous linewidth. The difference between the two systems can be explained by the different hydrogen-bond potentials. Variation of the adsorbate provides a means of obtaining conclusive information on the coupling mechanism between the high-frequency O-D stretching mode and the low-frequency OD ... X hydrogen-bond stretching mode. (C) 1996 American Institute of Physic