Search Results (4)

Zearalenone and radicicol are resorcylic acid lactones produced by numerous plant pathogenic fungi. Zearalenone is a non-steroidal estrogen mimic that can cause serious reproductive issues in livestock that consume contaminated feed. Radicicol is a potent inhibitor of the molecular chaperone Hsp90, which, in plants, has an important role in coordinating the host’s immune response during infection. Here, we describe the identification and characterization of a soil-borne strain of the Gram-positive bacterium Aeromicrobium sp. capable of hydrolyzing the macrolide ring of resorcylic acid lactones, including zearalenone and radicicol. Proteomic analysis of biochemically enriched fractions from the isolated and cultured bacterium identified an α/β-hydrolase responsible for this activity. A recombinantly expressed and purified form of the hydrolase (termed RALH) was active against both zearalenone and radicicol. Interpretation of high-resolution mass spectrometry and NMR data confirmed the structures of the enzymatic products as the previously reported non-toxic metabolite hydrolyzed zearalenone and hydrolyzed radicicol. Hydrolyzed radicicol was demonstrated to no longer inhibit the ATPase activity of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hsp90 homolog in vitro. Enzymatic degradation of resorcylic acid lactones will enable insight into their biological functions. Full article

Social science and religious studies scholars should endeavor to broaden theories, methods, and samples to be more inclusive. Therefore, we have conducted an “equity audit” of the American Families of Faith (AFF) project. We evaluated the diversity, equity, and inclusion of the AFF project’s (a) research team, (b) products, and (c) samples. We then discuss the reasoning behind the decisions that resulted in the existing strengths and limitations of the project, the fruits of this and previous evaluations (including a presentation of some narrative accounts from parents and youths across several religious-ethnic communities across the US), opportunities for growth, and future directions for the AFF project and conclude with some thoughts on what other researchers might gain from this audit. Previous reviews have found a lack of diversity among scholars and samples in the field of psychology. Much needs to be done to create truly representative science. We subsequently conducted a diversity, equity, and inclusion audit. Full article

The purpose of the article is to share our perspectives on the key influences of lifespan religious and spiritual development as scholars from across the lifespan (i.e., the four authors are from different generations, including Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Gen Z). Our perspectives are heavily influenced by our combined 60+ years of research experience in examining the connections between religion and family life. Our discussion is organized around Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological framework and the process-person-context-time model. Within this framework, the key factors we discuss that influence religious/spiritual development include (a) process (i.e., person-religion mismatch and family processes), (b) person (i.e., age, gender/sexual orientation, mental health, personal agency, and experience), (c) context (i.e., home environment, culture, and community), and (d) time (i.e., historical events and the duration of proximal processes). Where possible, we highlight underrepresented religious and ethnic groups. The key domains that we discuss that are influenced by religious/spiritual development include individual and relational outcomes. Finally, we suggest meaningful directions for future research. Given the significant contemporary dynamism in spiritual and religious identity and involvement, in this article, we discuss research and theory that can inform and assist scholars, religious leaders, parents, as well as youth and emerging adults. Full article

From 1995–2016, there has been a 15-fold increase in qualitative scholarship in the social sciences, but the rigor and quality of published work has ranged widely. Little scholarship provides concrete, pragmatic explanations of (and directions regarding) the execution of systematic, high-rigor qualitative analysis. The present article guides the developing qualitative researcher through technical and procedural aspects of analyzing qualitative data with specific attention to reliability and rigor. Guidance addressing transcription, importing data, forming coding pairs, performing initial/open coding (examples of three types), determining core themes, systematic team-based coding, maintaining a data audit trail, creating a Numeric Content Analysis (NCA) table, and preparing work for publication is provided. Materials include several tables and figures that offer practical demonstrations on how to use Nvivo in data analysis. Transcription tips and outsourcing benefits and cautions are also offered. Altogether, the present article provides qualitative researchers practical guidance for executing multiple stages of qualitative analysis. Full article