bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The endocytic protein GRAF1 is directed to cell-matrix adhesion sites and regulates cell spreading
Authors: Doherty Gary J. , Åhlund Monika K. , Howes Mark T. , Morén Björn , Parton Robert G. , McMahon Harvey T. , Lundmark Richard
Published: October 2011

The rho GTPase-activating protein GTPase regulator associated with focal adhesion kinase-1 (GRAF1) remodels membranes into tubulovesicular clathrin-independent carriers (CLICs) mediating lipid-anchored receptor endocytosis. However, the cell biological functions of this highly prevalent endocytic pathway are unclear. In this article, we present biochemical and cell biological evidence that GRAF1 interacted with a network of endocytic and adhesion proteins and was found enriched at podosome-like adhesions and src-induced podosomes. We further demonstrate that these sites comprise microdomains of highly ordered lipid enriched in GRAF1 endocytic cargo. GRAF1 activity was upregulated in spreading cells and uptake via CLICs was concentrated at the leading edge of migrating cells. Depletion of GRAF1, which inhibits CLIC generation, resulted in profound defects in cell spreading and migration. We propose that GRAF1 remodels membrane microdomains at adhesion sites into endocytic carriers, facilitating membrane turnover during cell morphological changes.
NOX4 mediates activation of FoxO3a and matrix metalloproteinase-2 expression by urotensin-II
Authors: Diebold Isabel , Petry Andreas , Burger Maximilian , Hess John , Görlach Agnes
Published: October 2011

The vasoactive peptide urotensin-II (U-II) has been associated with vascular remodeling in different cardiovascular disorders. Although U-II can induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NADPH oxidase NOX4 and stimulate smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation, the precise mechanisms linking U-II to vascular remodeling processes remain unclear. Forkhead Box O (FoxO) transcription factors have been associated with redox signaling and control of proliferation and apoptosis. We thus hypothesized that FoxOs are involved in the SMC response toward U-II and NOX4. We found that U-II and NOX4 stimulated FoxO activity and identified matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) as target gene of FoxO3a. FoxO3a activation by U-II was preceded by NOX4-dependent phosphorylation of c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase and 14-3-3 and decreased interaction of FoxO3a with its inhibitor 14-3-3, allowing MMP2 transcription. Functional studies in FoxO3a-depleted SMCs and in FoxO3a–/– mice showed that FoxO3a was important for basal and U-II–stimulated proliferation and vascular outgrowth, whereas treatment with an MMP2 inhibitor blocked these responses. Our study identified U-II and NOX4 as new activators of FoxO3a, and MMP2 as a novel target gene of FoxO3a, and showed that activation of FoxO3a by this pathway promotes vascular growth. FoxO3a may thus contribute to progression of cardiovascular diseases associated with vascular remodeling.
p31comet acts to ensure timely spindle checkpoint silencing subsequent to kinetochore attachment
Authors: Hagan Robert S. , Manak Michael S. , Buch Håkon Kirkeby , Meier Michelle G. , Meraldi Patrick , Shah Jagesh V. , Sorger Peter K. , Doxsey Stephen J
Published: October 2011

The spindle assembly checkpoint links the onset of anaphase to completion of chromosome-microtubule attachment and is mediated by the binding of Mad and Bub proteins to kinetochores of unattached or maloriented chromosomes. Mad2 and BubR1 traffic between kinetochores and the cytosol, thereby transmitting a “wait anaphase” signal to the anaphase-promoting complex. It is generally assumed that this signal dissipates automatically upon kinetochore-microtubule binding, but it has been shown that under conditions of nocodazole-induced arrest p31comet, a Mad2-binding protein, is required for mitotic progression. In this article we investigate the localization and function of p31comet during normal, unperturbed mitosis in human and marsupial cells. We find that, like Mad2, p31comet traffics on and off kinetochores and is also present in the cytosol. Cells depleted of p31comet arrest in metaphase with mature bipolar kinetochore-microtubule attachments, a satisfied checkpoint, and high cyclin B levels. Thus p31comet is required for timely mitotic exit. We propose that p31comet is an essential component of the machinery that silences the checkpoint during each cell cycle.
Structural basis of the myosin X PH1N-PH2-PH1Ctandem as a specific and acute cellular PI(3,4,5)P3sensor
Authors: Lu Qing , Yu Jiang , Yan Jing , Wei Zhiyi , Zhang Mingjie
Published: October 2011

Myosin X (MyoX) is an unconventional myosin that is known to induce the formation and elongation of filopodia in many cell types. MyoX-induced filopodial induction requires the three PH domains in its tail region, although with unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. MyoX's first PH domain is split into halves by its second PH domain. We show here that the PH1N-PH2-PH1Ctandem allows MyoX to bind to phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-triphosphate [PI(3,4,5)P3] with high specificity and cooperativity. We further show that PH2 is responsible for the specificity of the PI(3,4,5)P3interaction, whereas PH1 functions to enhance the lipid membrane–binding avidity of the tandem. The structure of the MyoX PH1N-PH2-PH1Ctandem reveals that the split PH1, PH2, and the highly conserved interdomain linker sequences together form a rigid supramodule with two lipid-binding pockets positioned side by side for binding to phosphoinositide membrane bilayers with cooperativity. Finally, we demonstrate that disruption of PH2-mediated binding to PI(3,4,5)P3abolishes MyoX's function in inducing filopodial formation and elongation.
Fast-acting and nearly gratuitous induction of gene expression and protein depletion inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: McIsaac R. Scott , Silverman Sanford J. , McClean Megan N. , Gibney Patrick A. , Macinskas Joanna , Hickman Mark J. , Petti Allegra A. , Botstein David
Published: October 2011

We describe the development and characterization of a system that allows the rapid and specific induction of individual genes in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae without changes in nutrients or temperature. The system is based on the chimeric transcriptional activator Gal4dbd.ER.VP16 (GEV). Upon addition of the hormone β-estradiol, cytoplasmic GEV localizes to the nucleus and binds to promoters containing Gal4p consensus binding sequences to activate transcription. With galactokinase Gal1p and transcriptional activator Gal4p absent, the system is fast-acting, resulting in readily detectable transcription within 5 min after addition of the inducer. β-Estradiol is nearly a gratuitous inducer, as indicated by genome-wide profiling that shows unintended induction (by GEV) of only a few dozen genes. Response to inducer is graded: intermediate concentrations of inducer result in production of intermediate levels of product protein in all cells. We present data illustrating several applications of this system, including a modification of the regulated degron method, which allows rapid and specific degradation of a specific protein upon addition of β-estradiol. These gene induction and protein degradation systems provide important tools for studying the dynamics and functional relationships of genes and their respective regulatory networks.
The microtubule lattice and plus-end association ofDrosophilaMini spindles is spatially regulated to fine-tune microtubule dynamics
Authors: Currie Joshua D. , Stewman Shannon , Schimizzi Gregory , Slep Kevin C. , Ma Ao , Rogers Stephen L.
Published: October 2011

Individual microtubules (MTs) exhibit dynamic instability, a behavior in which they cycle between phases of growth and shrinkage while the total amount of MT polymer remains constant. Dynamic instability is promoted by the conserved XMAP215/Dis1 family of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs). In this study, we conducted an in vivo structure–function analysis of the Drosophila homologue Mini spindles (Msps). Msps exhibits EB1-dependent and spatially regulated MT localization, targeting to microtubule plus ends in the cell interior and decorating the lattice of growing and shrinking microtubules in the cell periphery. RNA interference rescue experiments revealed that the NH2-terminal four TOG domains of Msps function as paired units and were sufficient to promote microtubule dynamics and EB1 comet formation. We also identified TOG5 and novel inter-TOG linker motifs that are required for targeting Msps to the microtubule lattice. These novel microtubule contact sites are necessary for the interplay between the conserved TOG domains and inter-TOG MT binding that underlies the ability of Msps to promote MT dynamic instability.
The actin nucleation factor JMY is a negative regulator of neuritogenesis
Authors: Firat-Karalar Elif Nur , Hsiue Peter P. , Welch Matthew D.
Published: October 2011

Junction-mediating and regulatory protein (JMY) is a p53 cofactor that was recently shown to nucleate actin assembly by a hybrid mechanism involving tandem actin monomer binding and Arp2/3 complex activation. However, the regulation and function of JMY remain largely uncharacterized. We examined the activity of JMY in vitro and in cells, its subcellular distribution, and its function in fibroblast and neuronal cell lines. We demonstrated that recombinant full-length JMY and its isolated WASP homology 2 domain, connector, and acidic region (WWWCA) have potent actin-nucleating and Arp2/3-activating abilities in vitro. In contrast, the activity of full-length JMY, but not the isolated WWWCA domain, is suppressed in cells. The WWWCA domain is sufficient to promote actin-based bead motility in cytoplasmic extracts, and this activity depends on its ability to activate the Arp2/3 complex. JMY is expressed at high levels in brain tissue, and in various cell lines JMY is predominantly cytoplasmic, with a minor fraction in the nucleus. Of interest, silencing JMY expression in neuronal cells results in a significant enhancement of the ability of these cells to form neurites, suggesting that JMY functions to suppress neurite formation. This function of JMY requires its actin-nucleating activity. These findings highlight a previously unrecognized function for JMY as a modulator of neuritogenesis.
Nsk1 ensures accurate chromosome segregation by promoting association of kinetochores to spindle poles during anaphase B
Authors: Buttrick Graham J. , Meadows John C. , Lancaster Theresa C. , Vanoosthuyse Vincent , Shepperd Lindsey A. , Hoe Kwang-Lae , Kim Dong-Uk , Park Han-Oh , Hardwick Kevin G. , Millar Jonathan B. A.
Published: October 2011

Type 1 phosphatase (PP1) antagonizes Aurora B kinase to stabilize kinetochore–microtubule attachments and to silence the spindle checkpoint. We screened for factors that exacerbate the growth defect of Δdis2 cells, which lack one of two catalytic subunits of PP1 in fission yeast, and identified Nsk1, a novel protein required for accurate chromosome segregation. During interphase, Nsk1 resides in the nucleolus but spreads throughout the nucleoplasm as cells enter mitosis. Following dephosphorylation by Clp1 (Cdc14-like) phosphatase and at least one other phosphatase, Nsk1 localizes to the interface between kinetochores and the inner face of the spindle pole body during anaphase. In the absence of Nsk1, some kinetochores become detached from spindle poles during anaphase B. If this occurs late in anaphase B, then the sister chromatids of unclustered kinetochores segregate to the correct daughter cell. These unclustered kinetochores are efficiently captured, retrieved, bioriented, and segregated during the following mitosis, as long as Dis2 is present. However, if kinetochores are detached from a spindle pole early in anaphase B, then these sister chromatids become missegregated. These data suggest Nsk1 ensures accurate chromosome segregation by promoting the tethering of kinetochores to spindle poles during anaphase B.
Bayesian Estimation of a Censored Linear Almost Ideal Demand System: Food Demand in Pakistan
Authors: Kasteridis Panagiotis , Yen Steven T. , Fang Cheng
Published: October 2011

A censored linear almost ideal demand system for food is estimated with a Bayesian Markov chain Monte Carlo procedure, using a sample of urban households from Pakistan. All own‐price elasticities but one are found to be negative, and all total food expenditure elasticities are found to be positive, with a high posterior probability. There is a mix of gross complements and substitutes among the food products, while net substitution is the predominant pattern. Household characteristics play a role in food expenditures, and regional differences exist. These demand elasticities can inform policy deliberations by the national government and international organizations.
LAX PANICLE2of Rice Encodes a Novel Nuclear Protein and Regulates the Formation of Axillary Meristems
Authors: Tabuchi Hiroaki , Zhang Yu , Hattori Susumu , Omae Minami , Shimizu-Sato Sae , Oikawa Tetsuo , Qian Qian , Nishimura Minoru , Kitano Hidemi , Xie He , Fang Xiaohua , Yoshida Hitoshi , Kyozuka Junko , Chen Fan , Sato Yutaka
Published: October 2011

Aerial architecture in higher plants is dependent on the activity of the shoot apical meristem (SAM) and axillary meristems (AMs). The SAM produces a main shoot and leaf primordia, while AMs are generated at the axils of leaf primordia and give rise to branches and flowers. Therefore, the formation of AMs is a critical step in the construction of plant architecture. Here, we characterized the rice (Oryza sativa) lax panicle2 (lax2) mutant, which has altered AM formation. LAX2 regulates the branching of the aboveground parts of a rice plant throughout plant development, except for the primary branch in the panicle. The lax2 mutant is similar to lax panicle1 (lax1) in that it lacks an AM in most of the lateral branching of the panicle and has a reduced number of AMs at the vegetative stage. The lax1 lax2 double mutant synergistically enhances the reduced-branching phenotype, indicating the presence of multiple pathways for branching. LAX2 encodes a nuclear protein that contains a plant-specific conserved domain and physically interacts with LAX1. We propose that LAX2 is a novel factor that acts together with LAX1 in rice to regulate the process of AM formation.
Tetrapyrrole Synthesis of Photosynthetic Chromerids Is Likely Homologous to the Unusual Pathway of Apicomplexan Parasites
Authors: Kořený Luděk , Sobotka Roman , Janouškovec Jan , Keeling Patrick J. , Oborník Miroslav
Published: October 2011

Most photosynthetic eukaryotes synthesize both heme and chlorophyll via a common tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway starting from glutamate. This pathway was derived mainly from cyanobacterial predecessor of the plastid and differs from the heme synthesis of the plastid-lacking eukaryotes. Here, we show that the coral-associated alveolate Chromera velia, the closest known photosynthetic relative to Apicomplexa, possesses a tetrapyrrole pathway that is homologous to the unusual pathway of apicomplexan parasites. We also demonstrate that, unlike other eukaryotic phototrophs, Chromera synthesizes chlorophyll from glycine and succinyl-CoA rather than glutamate. Our data shed light on the evolution of the heme biosynthesis in parasitic Apicomplexa and photosynthesis-related biochemical processes in their ancestors.
Electrochemical behavior and mechanism of CO2 corrosion on P110 steel in simulated oilfield solution
Authors: Yin Z.F. , Wang X.Z. , Gao R.M. , Zhang S.J. , Bai Z.Q.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to further investigate the behavior and mechanism in simulated oilfield solution on CO2 corrosion of P110 steel at various temperatures by potentiodynamic sweep and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, especially discussing the influence of the coverage fraction of corrosion film.

Design/methodology/approach

Potentiodynamic sweep and EIS measurements were applied to investigate the behavior and mechanism with the effect of temperature on CO2 corrosion of P110 steel in simulated oilfield solution at 30°C, 60°C and 90°C.

Findings

The corrosion parameters of polarization curves, such as corrosion potential (Ecorr), corrosion current density (icorr), anodic and cathodic branches slopes (βa and βc), were analyzed and discussed in detail. In addition, the equivalent circuit models and ZsimpWin software were utilized to fit and analyze the Nyquist plots. The plots showed that corrosion potential shifted more negatively as temperature increased. The corrosion current density (icorr) initially increased and then decreased with the increase of temperature. The impedance spectra measured at various temperatures had different time constants.

Originality/value

The paper highlights that the coverage fraction θ of corrosion film is one most important and key variable influencing CO2 corrosion mechanisms.
Effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the sacrificial anode cathodic protection
Authors: Hu Shengnan , Zhang Tao , Shao Yawei , Meng Guozhe , Wanga Fuhui
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the protective performance of cathodic protection (CP) system consisting of Zn‐Bi sacrificial anode and Ni‐Cr‐Mo‐V steel.

Design/methodology/approach

The anode and cathode polarization curves of the driving potential and current for CP were investigated in case of cyclic hydrostatic pressure (0‐3.5 MPa) and compared with that at atmospheric pressure. The morphologies of the anode material with and without corrosion products were observed by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The experimental results revealed that the cyclic hydrostatic pressure had significant influence on the CP system. The anode potential instantaneously responded to the cyclic hydrostatic pressure and the discharge performance decreased due to the deposition of corrosion product. Also, the CP system exhibited higher slope parameter under cyclic hydrostatic pressure, indicating that the CP system cannot provide adequate protection for Ni‐Cr‐Mo‐V steel.

Originality/value

The results presented in this paper clearly show the effect of cyclic hydrostatic pressure on the sacrificial anode CP system, and present a foundation for further research on the practical application of sacrificial anode under cyclic hydrostatic pressure environment.
A study of the galvanic corrosion of titanium/L 316 stainless steel in artificial seawater using electrochemical noise (EN) measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS)
Authors: Moshrefi Reza , Ghassem Mahjani Mohammad , Ehsani Ali , Jafarian Majid
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the galvanic corrosion of titanium/L 316 stainless steel, by electrochemical noise (EN), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and anode/cathode area ratio effect on the galvanic behavior of the couple.

Design/methodology/approach

The EN measurement was employed to examine effects of anode to cathode area ratio on the galvanic corrosion behavior between stainless steel L 316 and titanium in artificial seawater. Current noise and potential noise were monitored simultaneously using a three‐electrode configuration under open‐circuit condition. The noise resistance was evaluated as the ratio of the standard deviation of the potential to that of the current noise after removing the DC component. The time‐series noise patterns were transformed into frequency domain by fast Fourier transformation and then their power spectrum densities (PSDs) at specified frequency were determined and compared with the EIS and polarization results.

Findings

The EN, EIS and polarization results were in agreement. Galvanic corrosion density increase and galvanic potential moved slowly to negative direction with decrease in anode/cathode area ratio. The results showed that the slope of PSD of the current (i.e the “roll off”) was rising slowly where the anode/cathode area ratio was declined. The relationship between polarization resistance (Rp) and noise resistance (Rn) was investigated. Rt was determined by EIS for samples, and its value compared with Rp and Rn. The result indicates that galvanic corrosion has an inversely relation with anode/cathode area ratio that exposed to aggressive environment.

Originality/value

This paper presents the application of noise analysis to demonstrate galvanic corrosion and the effect of area ratio anode/cathode on current density and galvanic potential.
Inhibition of the corrosion of iron in acidic solution by the oligomeric surfactant N, N, N′, N″, N″‐pentamethyl diethyleneamine‐N, N″‐di‐[tetradecylammonium bromide]
Authors: Bensajjay Fatima , Alehyen Saliha , El Achouri Mohammed , Hajjaji Najat , Bellaouchou Abdelkbir , Perez Lourdes , Rosa Infante Maria
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is the evaluation of the inhibitive performance of a new “gemini” surfactant in the series of bis‐quat: N, N, N′, N″, N″‐pentamethyl diethyleneamine‐N, N″‐di‐[tetradecylammonium bromide] on the corrosion of iron in 1 M HCl by gravimetric, potentiodynamic and electrochemical impedance measurements. The effect of the temperature on the corrosion behavior of iron in 1 M HCl without and with inhibitor is studied in the temperature range (298‐333 K). This work also attempts to correlate thermodynamic and kinetic parameters with the inhibition effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The inhibition efficiency of gemini synthesized is investigated by weight loss, potentiodynamic polarization and impedance spectroscopy methods.

Findings

The synthesized gemini bis‐quat acted as a good inhibitor in 1 M HCl, and inhibition efficiency increased with inhibitor concentration and temperature. Polarization curves showed that the surfactant was a mixed‐type inhibitor in hydrochloric acid. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the inhibitor acted through the formation of a multilayer film at the iron surface. The adsorption of inhibitor on the iron surface obeyed the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. The inhibition effect was satisfactorily explained by both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters.

Originality/value

The adsorption of surfactants in the metal surface can markedly change the corrosion resisting property of the metal. So the study of the relation between the adsorption and corrosion inhibition is of a great importance. This was the first attempt to study the inhibition properties of gemini surfactants at the host laboratory.
Laser surface treatment to inhibit observed corrosion of reinforcing steel in sulphate: alkaline media
Authors: Premlall Kasturie , Herman Potgieter J. , Potgieter‐Vermaak S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The effect of chlorides on corrosion of reinforcing steel is well documented in the literature. However, few studies have focused attention on the effect of sulphates on the corrosion of low carbon steel in alkaline media. This paper aims to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper describes the results of the investigation into the corrosion behaviour of low carbon steel (typically used as reinforcing steel), exposed to alkaline media at a pH of 9 and 12 with varying concentrations of sulphate and chloride ions, as well as, in sulphate only solutions. An attempt was made to inhibit corrosion of steel exposed to the corrosive media using laser surface treatment of the steel specimens. Mass loss tests and electrochemical tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of sulphate only and the combined effect of sulphate and chloride ions in an alkaline media on steel.

Findings

It was found that sulphate ions could cause corrosion of steel in alkaline media. The severity of the attack increased with increasing sulphate ion concentrations, as well as with combinations of sulphate and chloride ions. The pH 12 conditions seem to show much more critical attack with evidence of pitting corrosion as compared to uniform corrosion for test conditions at a pH of 9. The attempt to inhibit the observed corrosion of steel exposed to the corrosive high alkaline media containing sulphate ions on their own and in combination of chloride ions by laser surface treatment proved to be successful.

Originality/value

The research undertaken here adds to the body of knowledge relating to the effect of sulphate ions on reinforcing steel corrosion in highly alkaline media. Most literature points out that sulphate ions on their own do not have a corrosive effect, but rather, a passivating effect!
Temperature monitoring in meat supply chains
Authors: Raab Verena , Petersen Brigitte , Kreyenschmidt Judith
Published: October 2011

Purpose

An optimal temperature monitoring is a prerequisite for cold chain management and thus for the production and supply of high quality and safe products as well as for the reduction of waste and economic losses. The aim of this paper is to identify and compare already existing temperature monitoring solutions in operation and novel temperature monitoring solutions with a view to their use for optimal temperature monitoring in meat supply chains. A special focus is placed on the identification and specification of challenges by the implementation of temperature monitoring systems which allow an optimal control of the temperature conditions in meat supply chains, as required by the new European food law.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a literature review of existing and novel temperature monitoring systems and challenges faced by the practical implementation of monitoring systems which allow continuous control of the temperature conditions in meat supply chains. First, the relevant literature relating to these aspects was examined and second, expert knowledge was applied with system developers of temperature monitoring and information management systems, participants in the meat supply chains and researchers

Findings

In the article different intra‐ as well as inter‐organisational challenges relating to the practical implementation of optimal temperature monitoring solutions have been identified and described.

Originality/value

The paper provides a holistic perspective of temperature monitoring solutions in meat supply chains. The challenges met when implementing temperature monitoring solutions have not been widely discussed in the literature. The proposed solutions to the specified challenges make an important contribution to developing guidelines for the implementation of optimal temperature monitoring systems in meat supply chains, resulting in improvements in food quality and safety.
The red‐headed stepchild of wine? Marketing muscadine wines in the Southern USA
Authors: Duarte Alonso Abel
Published: October 2011

Purpose

Muscadine (Vitis Rotundifolia Michx.) is a native vine that grows wild and that is also cultivated in the Southern USA. Today, many wineries located in this region produce and sell wines made of muscadine grapes. While much of contemporary research focuses on the many health properties of muscadine grapes, very little is known of muscadine wines from an entrepreneurial or operational perspective, including muscadine wines' marketing potential. This paper aims to investigate these areas, examining some of the challenges that Southern winery operators face in successfully marketing muscadine wines.

Design/methodology/approach

Using telephone interviews (29), coupled with two face‐to‐face interviews, data were collected among 31 winery owners located in different Southern states.

Findings

More than one‐third of respondents (11) considered dealing with consumer snobbery as the main challenge their wineries faced. Operators of this group argued that there appears to be a stigma attached to muscadine wines, particularly among many consumers who consider muscadine wines as inferior to Vitis Vinifera wines. In addition, eight participants mentioned consumers' lack of knowledge of muscadine wines as their main challenge. The prevalence of these two main challenges clearly suggests the need for consumer education if any images of inferiority in muscadine wines are to be dispelled.

Research limitations/implications

The number of this study's participants (33) is limited and may not allow for making generalisations about muscadine winery operators.

Practical implications

The study explores a distinctive sector, namely, that of grapes and wines native to the Southern region. With growing interest in local products that, as in the case of muscadine grapes, also have a close association to healthy components (e.g. resveratrol, nutraceutical products), the study's findings may have important implications for the future marketing of muscadine wines and grapes.

Originality/value

To date muscadine wine entrepreneurship has received almost no attention from academic research, particularly as it relates to the areas of marketing, hospitality and tourism.
The wine drinking behaviour of young adults: an exploratory study in China
Authors: Li Jia‐Gui , Jia Jin‐Rong , Taylor Dennis , Bruwer Johan , Li Elton
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore the nature of Chinese young adults' (CYAs) wine drinking behaviour. It also aims to examine CYAs' wine knowledge and establish whether there are positive relationships between wine knowledge and wine drinking behaviour variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Information was obtained from a convenience sample of 414 university students in China using the self‐administration data collection method. The nature of CYAs' basic wine knowledge and wine drinking behaviour including wine drinking frequency, venue, and purpose of wine drinking were examined in the survey.

Findings

The majority of CYAs lack even the most basic wine knowledge. Generally, they drink wine infrequently. A large proportion of CYAs prefer red wine (92 per cent) to white wine (7 per cent). Most (60 per cent) CYAs like to drink wine at home, followed by hotels (21 per cent) and restaurants (15 per cent). About 60 per cent of CYAs drink wine for social communication while 27 per cent drink for body health reasons. A high 96 per cent of CYAs consider themselves likely to drink wine in the future. Significant differences exist between the genders in wine knowledge and likelihood of future wine drinking. Strong correlations were found between consumer wine knowledge and frequency and likelihood of future wine drinking.

Research limitations/implications

The paper provides an overview of CYAs' wine drinking behaviour by a convenience sample investigation, which could not elude generalization and simplification. Considerable regional diversity in China compels differentiated regional studies in terms of wine purchasing, wine culture and wine marketing.

Originality/value

The paper contributes a baseline study on CYAs' wine knowledge and wine drinking behaviour. It also gives some managerial implications for wineries and wine marketers that will be helpful to wine companies in understanding the emerging Chinese wine market and in enacting wine marketing strategies more effectively.
Adoption of Web 2.0 in US academic libraries: a survey of ARL library websites
Authors: Mahmood Khalid , Richardson John V.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper aims to survey the web sites of the academic libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (USA) regarding the adoption of Web 2.0 technologies.

Design/methodology/approach

The websites of 100 member academic libraries of the Association of Research Libraries (USA) were surveyed.

Findings

All libraries were found to be using various tools of Web 2.0. Blogs, microblogs, RSS, instant messaging, social networking sites, mashups, podcasts, and vodcasts were widely adopted, while wikis, photo sharing, presentation sharing, virtual worlds, customized webpage and vertical search engines were used less. Libraries were using these tools for sharing news, marketing their services, providing information literacy instruction, providing information about print and digital resources, and soliciting feedback of users.

Originality/value

The paper is useful for future planning of Web 2.0 use in academic libraries.
Web‐based online public access catalogues of IIT libraries in India: an evaluative study
Authors: Madhusudhan Margam , Aggarwal Shalini
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to examine the various features and components of web‐based online public access catalogues (OPACs) of IIT libraries in India with the help of a specially designed evaluation checklist.

Design/methodology/approach

The various features of the web‐based OPACs in six IIT libraries (IIT Delhi, IIT Bombay, IIT Madras, IIT Kanpur, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Roorkee) are evaluated. The evaluation approach taken was similar to that of Luong and Liew with minor modifications, comprising 122 dichotomous questions with 174 features and categorized as 11 broad categories.

Findings

The study explored different features of web‐based OPACs, of which page layout received the highest average scores with 93.33 percent, followed by the general features category with 90 percent. In contrast, session filters was the weakest category with only 40.47 percent. The results indicated that some web‐based OPACs reached the maximum scores for some categories. The results also indicated that VTLS‐based and LibSys‐based OPACs had the higher score on average (74.7 percent) and the iitKlas‐based OPAC of IITK received the lowest score of 44.2 percent. None were rated excellent. Only 50 percent of the web‐based OPACs studied achieved an above average ranking, of which Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM) had the highest total score (131), and the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IITK) had the lowest total score (77). Almost all of the web OPACs studied lacked federated search, adjunct thesaurus help and spell check facilities, which seems to raise many questions regarding the facilities provided in the OPAC 2.0 environment of today and hence needs to be addressed as a priority in the subsequent generations of the web‐based OPACs and their development.

Practical implications

It is hoped that the libraries at the IITs will attend to the lacunae and soon develop fully functional web‐based OPACs with Web 2.0 and 3.0 technologies.

Originality/value

The findings of the study will not only guide study librarians and other newly established institutions but also ILMS vendors, so that they can overcome the limitations faced by users and improve their products as OPAC 2.0. This will also help the in‐house web‐based OPACs of IIT Kanpur and IIT Roorkee to compete with other reputed ILMS‐based OPACs.
Responding to user's expectation in the library: innovative Web 2.0 applications at JUIT Library
Authors: Ram Shri , Paul Anbu K John , Kataria Sanjay
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to provide an insight into the implementation of some of the innovative Web 2.0 applications at Jaypee University of Information Technology with the aim of exploring the expectations of the users and their awareness and usage of such applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken at the Learning Resource Centre (LRC), Jaypee University of Information Technology (JUIT), Solan, Himachal Pradesh, India. The LRC at JUIT serves its patrons in supplementing their research needs while creating an ambience for teaching, learning and research. The emergence of digital technologies and information and communications technology (ICT) tools in libraries has encouraged the implementation of a wide range of applications, such as digital libraries, video on demand, reference services and database services into library services. The advent of next‐generation web technologies, known as Web 2.0 applications, has prompted a number of other pertinent services to be implemented to enhance the information literacy skills of the existing services. A survey method was used to understand the basic awareness and expectations of library users, and the usability of resources.

Findings

The LRC has made a number of provisions to adopt some Web 2.0 applications in its library services to create information literacy. The users of the JUIT library still lack awareness about various Web 2.0 applications necessary for teaching and learning.

Practical implications

The paper suggests that Web 2.0 applications can be used effectively to create information literacy amongst users. Library and information science (LIS) educators should take advantage of advances in the field of ICT and consider the learning preferences of information natives as well as information immigrants. Web 2.0 supports a constructivist approach to information awareness tools, and has great potential to socialise learning and information delivery to a greater extent. Web 2.0 technologies should be implemented as a medium of information communication, taking into account the pedagogical perspectives.

Originality/value

The case study is a practical application at the Jaypee University of Information Technology. The LRC has implemented some Web 2.0 applications in the Library. The study was undertaken at the university to understand the basic awareness of Web 2.0 and to create information literacy amongst users through it.
A core journal decision model based on weighted page rank
Authors: Wang Hei‐Chia , Chou Ya‐lin , Guo Jiunn‐Liang
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The paper's aim is to propose a core journal decision method, called the local impact factor (LIF), which can evaluate the requirements of the local user community by combining both the access rate and the weighted impact factor, and by tracking citation information on the local users' articles.

Design/methodology/approach

Many institutions with a limited budget can subscribe only to the most valuable journals for their users. The importance of a journal to a local community can be calculated in many ways. This paper takes both global and local access frequency and journal citations into consideration. The method of weighted web page link analysis is adopted.

Findings

This paper finds that the weighted page rank may be used efficiently in the core journal decisions. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed LIF can effectively suggest journals to local users better than existing methods (i.e. impact factor or the local journal rank).

Research limitations/implications

This research requires the determination of the thesis scores, which needs authorisation from the authors. If the scores are not available, the scores may be subjectively assigned or retrieved from the other resources.

Practical implications

A case study in National Cheng Kung University was conducted to show that the LIF can be used to help library managers evaluate the real demands of local community users.

Originality/value

Rather than existing research, this paper focuses on the utilisation and requirements of local community users and also finds the contributions of citation information to be significant and critical.
Investigation of roller burnishing on Zamac5 cast alloy alloyed by copper
Authors: Al‐qawabah Safwan M.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to investigate the effect of roller burnishing on the surface roughness and hardness of Zn−5% Al alloyed by copper at varied percentages.

Design/methodology/approach

Copper was added to molten Zn−5%Al cast alloy at different percentages, then the roller burnishing process with different parameters was carried out on the five Zamac5−Cu alloys, however the effect on the surface roughness and hardness was investigated.

Findings

It was found that there is an enhancement on the hardness and the maximum is 18 per cent in Zamac5−10% Cu alloy. The best surfaces result was 0.05 μm that obtained at 0.04 mm rev −1 burnishing feed rate in Zamac5−10% Cu alloy.

Originality/value

The addition of copper is recommended to be added to Zamac5 up to percentage of maximum solubility of copper in Zamac5 alloy.
Investigation of the measurement precision of oil analysis instruments, using fully formulated oils. Part 2: contamination‐measuring instruments
Authors: Berg Sven , Jungmar Ulf , Lundberg Jan , Vähäoja Pekka
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine the variation of the different oil analysis instruments in terms of standard deviation and CV‐values, when measuring samples of fully formulated hydraulic and gear oils taken from working systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation two different spectrometric techniques, ICP‐OES and RDE‐OES, have been studied to determine the instruments' precision of measurement and ability to measure the absolute level of contamination.

Findings

The ICP has better precision of measurement of the two instruments, but cannot predict the absolute values of contamination when oil samples are only treated by organic solvent dilution if the samples include large or dense particles. It is therefore not too good, with the sample pre‐treatment method used, at detecting wear processes that produce dense/large particles, such as pitting failure. For instance, microwave‐assisted acid digestion could be used for sample pre‐treating to obtain accurate results in that case. It should, however, be able to detect wear mechanisms that produce small particles such as abrasive wear in any case: the ICP has a repeatability value ofr=3 per cent and a reproducibility value ofR=12 per cent for contamination levels of between 50‐400 PPM andr=0.6 PPM andR=2 PPM, respectively, at values below 50 PPM; the RDE cannot predict the absolute value of contamination if this includes large or dense particles if proper sample pre‐treatment is not used. It is therefore not good at detecting wear mechanisms that produce dense/large particles (if the oil samples are not pre‐treated properly) such as pitting but should be able to detect abrasive wear and similar processes that produce small particles in any case; the RDE's precision of measurement is not as good as the ICP, with a reproducibility variation ofR=r=25 per cent for contamination levels between 20‐500 PPM andR=r=6 PPM for contamination level below 20 PPM.

Research limitations/implications

Measuring only on fully formulated oils from hydraulic and gear systems.

Practical implications

The study will be of significant support regarding industrial interpretation of measurement results from the most common oil particle measurement methods.

Originality/value

No other similar studies are known.
Influence of tellurium addition on drilling of microalloyed steel (DIN 38MnS6)
Authors: Costa Eder , Luiz Nelis , da Silva Marcio , Machado Alisson , Ezugwu Emmanuel
Published: October 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate the influence of tellurium content on the machinability of the microalloyed pearlitic steel (DIN 38MnS6). Two grades of steels were used, one with high (27 times greater) tellurium content and one with a low tellurium content. Machinability of the steel was determined by the number of holes drilled by the tool before undergoing severe deformation. The drilling test matrix was prepared using a fractional factorial design with five input variables studied at two levels (25‐1). Other variables investigated include cutting speed (45 and 60 m/min), feed rate (0.15 and 0.25 mm/rev), geometry of the twist drills and use of minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) at the flow rates of 30 and 100 ml/h. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that composition of the work material was most influential on tool performance. Addition of tellurium to the steel significantly improved machinability, increasing the number of drilled holes by over 100 per cent. The MQL flow rate was the least influential as increase in the flow from 30 to 100 ml/h reduced drill life only by about 9 per cent.

Design/methodology/approach

The drilling tests were carried out in the vertical position, up‐down, without pre‐holes (full drilling). Cutting speeds of 45 and 60 m/min and feed rates of 0.15 and 0.25 mm/rev were employed. Drills with two sharpening types were tested. Cutting fluid used was vegetable based and applied using the MQL technique at flow rates of 30 and 100 ml/h. The rejection criterion adopted was severe deformation of the drills and the number of machined holes was used to measure the machinability of the material.

Findings

Of all the variables investigated in this study, the least influential on drill performance is the MQL flow rate. Increase in the flow rate from 30 to 100 ml/h reduced drill performance by 9 per cent, contrary to expectation. This is a result of the cooling‐lubricant action balance promoted by the cutting fluid applied in low quantities (MQL). The most influential variable on drill performance is addition of Te to the work material which gave over twofold (103 per cent) improvement in drill performance at the cutting conditions investigated. The Te particles act at the chip‐tool interface, reducing the work necessary to shear the material during chip formation. Increase in both the cutting speed and the feed rate both lowered drill performance during machining due to associated increase in cutting temperature which tended to accelerate thermally related wear mechanisms.

Originality/value

This work was conducted to evaluate the machinability of a novel alloyed steel employed in the automobile industry. Drilling was considered as most automobile components especially the engine block is designed with many holes which require drilling process.
Mechanical finishing honing: cutting regimes and surface texture
Authors: Vrac Damir S. , Sidjanin Leposava P. , Balos Sebastian S.
Published: October 2011

Purpose

The aim of this paper was to confirm the hypothesis that it is possible to conduct normal honing by mechanical method, providing the prescribed quality of cylinder liners. For this, cutting parameter optimization is needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Normal honing was performed on grey cast iron with lamellar graphite and mostly pearlitic microstructure of metal matrix. Cutting speed, feed rate and specific pressure during metalworking were varied and accordingly, a mathematical model for processing of results by the least squares method was proposed. Surface texture was controlled by scanning electron microscope.

Findings

A mathematical model describing the influence of cutting speed, feed rate and specific pressure during metalworking was devised. At the same time, surface texture was adequate, with geometrically appropriate crosshatch pattern, without standing‐out material and mashed graphite lamellas.

Originality/value

It was found that normal honing may be done by mechanical means, providing exceptional quality of lubrication. The most influential metalworking parameter was shown to be specific pressure.