bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sclerotinia Rot of Windflower (Pulsatilla koreana Nakai) Caused by Sclerotinia nivalis in China
Authors: Fu J. F. , Su D. , Zhou R. J. 
Published: August 2012

Windflowers (Pulsatilla spp.) are perennial medicinal plants in the family Ranunculaceae with high economic as well as medicinal value in China. It is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (1). In 2012, a stem rot disease was observed on windflower (P. koreana Nakai) at flowering stages in fields of Liaoning Province, China. Disease incidence ranged from 10 to 65% (average of 45%) and resulted in approximately 25 to 60% yield loss. The infected area of plants initially takes on a dark green or brown water-soaked appearance and then becomes paler. Soon after, plants turn brown or black and die. If moisture conditions remain conducive, a cottony mycelium cover was observed on the affected area. Later, the mycelium usually produces numerous black sclerotia that were up to 1 cm long in affected plant parts. Diseased tissue were surface sterilized for 1 min in 1% NaOCl (v/v), rinsed with sterilized distilled water, and plated on potato dextrose agar (PDA). Isolates were mesophilic, with an optimum growth temperature of around 20°C. Colonies on PDA were white, with abundant aerial mycelium. Some mycelium in the colony center, especially that submerged in the medium, was light brown. Sclerotia were spherical to subspherical, elongated or fused to form irregular shapes, 2.5 to 9.0 × 2.0 to 6.8 mm. They were tightly attached to the agar surface by their under surface, which could be seen through the bottom of the petri dishes. These characteristics were consistent with Sclerotinia nivalis (2,3). Two isolates were selected for molecular identification. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of rDNA was amplified using the primers ITS1/ITS4 (4) and sequenced. The obtained sequences (GenBank Accession Nos. JX206828 and JX424615) showed 99 and 100% homology with the sequences of S. nivalis in GenBank (Accession No. AB516670). To demonstrate pathogenicity, mycelial blocks of the isolates grown on PDA were placed on the base of the stems of ten 1-month-old Pulsatilla koreana plants. The same numbers of control plants were treated with PDA plugs as a control. The inoculated plants were incubated at 25°C with a 12-h photoperiod. After 4 days, the initiation of stem necrosis was observed, and 9 days after inoculation, the plants collapsed and died. Control plants had no symptoms. The same fungus was reisolated from all inoculated plants, satisfying Koch's postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed report of windflower as a natural host for S. nivalis in China. References: (1) S. C. Bang et al. J. Nat. Prod. 68:268, 2005. (2) G. Q. Li et al. Mycol. Res. 104:232, 2000. (3) I. Saito. Mycoscience. 38:227, 1997. (4) T. J. White et al. Page 315 in: PCR Protocols: A Guide to Methods and Applications. Academic Press, San Diego, 1990.
Tie-dyed2Encodes a Callose Synthase That Functions in Vein Development and Affects Symplastic Trafficking within the Phloem of Maize Leaves
Authors: Slewinski Thomas L. , Baker R. Frank , Stubert Adam , Braun David M. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe tie-dyed2 (tdy2) mutant of maize (Zea mays) displays variegated green and yellow leaves. Intriguingly, the yellow leaf tissues hyperaccumulate starch and sucrose, the soluble sugar transported long distance through the phloem of veins. To determine the molecular basis for Tdy2 function, we cloned the gene and found that Tdy2 encodes a callose synthase. RNA in situ hybridizations revealed that in developing leaves, Tdy2 was most highly expressed in the vascular tissue. Comparative expression analysis with the vascular marker maize PINFORMED1a-yellow fluorescent protein confirmed that Tdy2 was expressed in developing vein tissues. To ascertain whether the defect in tdy2 leaves affected the movement of sucrose into the phloem or its long-distance transport, we performed radiolabeled and fluorescent dye tracer assays. The results showed that tdy2 yellow leaf regions were defective in phloem export but competent in long-distance transport. Furthermore, transmission electron microscopy of tdy2 yellow leaf regions showed incomplete vascular differentiation and implicated a defect in cell-to-cell solute movement between phloem companion cells and sieve elements. The disruption of sucrose movement in the phloem in tdy2 mutants provides evidence that the Tdy2 callose synthase functions in vascular maturation and that the vascular defects result in impaired symplastic trafficking into the phloem translocation stream.
Acyl Editing and Headgroup Exchange Are the Major Mechanisms That Direct Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Flux into Triacylglycerols
Authors: Bates Philip D. , Fatihi Abdelhak , Snapp Anna R. , Carlsson Anders S. , Browse John , Lu Chaofu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractTriacylglycerols (TAG) in seeds of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and many plant species contain large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). These PUFA are synthesized on the membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine (PC). However, the exact mechanisms of how fatty acids enter PC and how they are removed from PC after being modified to participate in the TAG assembly are unclear, nor are the identities of the key enzymes/genes that control these fluxes known. By reverse genetics and metabolic labeling experiments, we demonstrate that two genes encoding the lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases LPCAT1 and LPCAT2 in Arabidopsis control the previously identified “acyl-editing” process, the main entry of fatty acids into PC. The lpcat1/lpcat2 mutant showed increased contents of very-long-chain fatty acids and decreased PUFA in TAG and the accumulation of small amounts of lysophosphatidylcholine in developing seeds revealed by [14C]acetate-labeling experiments. We also showed that mutations in LPCATs and the PC diacylglycerol cholinephosphotransferase in the reduced oleate desaturation1 (rod1)/lpcat1/lpcat2 mutant resulted in a drastic reduction of PUFA content in seed TAG, accumulating only one-third of the wild-type level. These results indicate that PC acyl editing and phosphocholine headgroup exchange between PC and diacylglycerols control the majority of acyl fluxes through PC to provide PUFA for TAG synthesis.
Working longer in European countries: underestimated and unexpected effects
Authors: Anxo Dominique , Ericson Thomas , Jolivet Annie 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the main evolutions and the current situation of the 50‐74 year olds on the labour market in eight European countries (Denmark France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, Poland and the UK).Design/methodology/approachBased on a cross‐country comparative approach, this overview draws on detailed analysis of the situation of older workers and public policies in each of the selected countries but also on a wide range of available studies and statistics on employment and welfare outcomes.FindingsThe eight selected countries display similarities: a u‐shaped pattern of employment rates of older workers (55‐64 years old) over the last 40 years, with an increase since the mid 1990s, the later exit of higher educated workers and the higher prevalence of non‐standard employment contracts among older workers. On the other hand, considerable disparities can be observed regarding the gender gap in employment rate, current employment rates, self‐employment and part‐time employment among older workers.Social implicationsSpecific questions will be more acute with the effective postponement of retirement: increasing inequalities between groups of older workers, increasing uncertainty about the age of retirement, the way to keep lower educated workers in their jobs, sustainable working conditions, increasing risks of age discrimination, and impact of care of older relatives.Originality/valueThis paper offers a synthetic overview with a special attention paid to the main features of the countries’ exit patterns at the end of the working life, the prevailing public policies and the specificity of the different national employment and societal models.
Employers’ attitudes and actions towards the extension of working lives in Europe
Authors: Conen Wieteke S. , Henkens Kène , Schippers Joop 
Published: August 2012

PurposeAlthough policymakers have put great efforts into the promotion of older workers’ labour force participation, quantitative empirical knowledge about employers’ views towards extension of working lives is limited. The purpose of this paper is to improve the understanding of employers’ attitudes and actions towards extension of working lives, by examining recruitment and retention behaviour towards older workers, employers’ views on the consequences of an ageing workforce, organisational policies, and what governments can do to extend working lives.Design/methodology/approachThe authors analyse surveys administered to employers in Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Sweden and the UK in 2009.FindingsIt is found that a minority of employers have applied measures to recruit or retain older workers, and employers rather retain than hire older workers. A considerable share of employers, albeit to different degrees per country, associate the ageing of their staff with a growing gap between labour costs and productivity. Employers expecting a larger gap do not apply more organisational measures to either increase productivity or adjust the cost‐productivity balance. Employers may think the cost‐productivity issue is partly for governments to solve; employers expecting a larger cost‐productivity gap consider wage subsidies to be an effective measure to extend working lives.Originality/valueThe paper addresses the employers’ perspective, one that is often neglected compared to attitudes and behaviour of older workers themselves and research on institutional arrangements. This paper is also among the first to report on employers’ policies and practices from a cross‐national perspective.
Volunteering in older age: an organizational perspective
Authors: Principi Andrea , Lindley Robert , Perek‐Bialas Jolanta , Turek Konrad 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to shed light on organizational perceptions of the advantages and disadvantages of engaging older volunteers, and on how they might best capitalize on the availability of older volunteers in different countries and sectors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper draws from 74 case studies of voluntary organizations carried out in eight European countries, conducted mainly between spring 2009 and autumn 2010. On‐site interviews adopting common guidelines were carried out with organizational representatives.FindingsFrom the organizational perspectives, some disadvantages of engaging older volunteers are: difficulties matching older volunteers to tasks; problems relating to health and declining capacities; the need for special training efforts. Examples of perceived advantages are: considerable knowledge, skills, experience, reliability and strong commitment of older volunteers. In spite of the very different contexts, objectives and notions of “performance”, cost‐benefit assessments of older volunteers do not differ greatly from those generally held by employers about older employees. Countries differ considerably in the recognition of older volunteer potential.Practical implicationsOrganizational policies and initiatives to capitalize on the availability of older volunteers are examined in the paper. Country and sector‐related reflections show how different and changing are the environments for volunteering. Policy makers need to recognise these when implementing active ageing policies. Voluntary organizations should raise their awareness of the need for innovation in volunteer management, especially relating to older people.Originality/valueThere has been much research about the experiences of older volunteers and how they benefit from the operations of civil society organizations. The perceptions of the organizations have, however, been neglected and these are explored in this paper.
Motivations of older volunteers in three European countries
Authors: Principi Andrea , Chiatti Carlos , Lamura Giovanni 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate older volunteers’ motivations, with special focus on country differences, considering the kind of activities carried out and age differences.Design/methodology/approachUsing the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI), the authors measured motivations to volunteer of volunteers aged 50 or older, belonging to organizations engaged in the largest activity sectors of three European countries: The Netherlands (n=468), Germany (n=113) and Italy (n=279), for a total sample size of 860 subjects.FindingsAltruistic motivations are found to be more important for German older volunteers compared to Dutch and Italian older volunteers, but in the latter country they increase with ageing. Older volunteers engaged in selfless activities are more driven by altruistic motivations, especially in Germany and Italy, whereas egoistic motivations on selfish activities are important in all countries. As age increases, older volunteers’ emotional gratification goals are pursued especially in Italy, whereas the desire to pursue new knowledge is greater for younger‐old volunteers in general, but especially in The Netherlands.Practical implicationsThe findings are relevant for local, national and European policy makers and NGO‐managers concerned with the issue of recruiting and retaining older volunteers – a crucial issue for promoting active ageing outside the labour market. The results show how motivations influence the decision to volunteer in later life and will enable better planning of appropriate recruitment and retention strategies.Originality/valueThis research represents, to the authors’ knowledge, the first cross‐national investigation based on the VFI tool to specifically analyse the motivations of older volunteers across Europe.
Policy and practice
Authors: Boje Thomas P. , Ejrnæs Anders 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a typology of different family policy systems in Europe and evaluate their impact on the employment strategy of mothers with care responsibilities for dependent children.Design/methodology/approachThe paper outlines a typology of family policy regimes in Europe – covering the 26 countries. A typology based on a cluster analysis of macro indicators of family policy – coverage of childcare, effective parental leave and spending on family policies. The cluster analysis is based on data from OECD family data base. Then follows an analysis of the impact of the different family policy regimes on mothers' employment strategies when they return into gainful employment, based on data from the European Social Survey, 2008.FindingsThe authors have identified four different family policy models: extensive family policy, long parental leave, family care, and cash for care. For each of the models, different strategies are found for take up of employment for mothers with dependent children.Originality/valueThe paper includes 26 European countries, thereby covering the East and Central Europe, which is not the case in most welfare typologies. Furthermore, the authors distinguish clearly in the analyses between the institutional dimension and the outcome – mothers' employment strategies.
Pros and cons of family policies for mothers' labour market participation
Authors: Hennig Marina , Gatermann Dörthe , Erika Hägglund Anna 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this editorial is to examine sociological research on the possibilities and pitfalls of social policies for mothers' employment participation, and identify research gaps in the existing literature. The paper aims to focus mainly on the implications of parental leave schemes on mothers' employment participation.Design/methodology/approachThe editorial discusses the inconsistencies in the current sociological debate on the impact of social policies on mothers' employment.FindingsThe relationship between parental leave policies and women's participation in the work force is complex. The literature shows a disagreement about whether such policies mitigate family‐related career disadvantages, or in fact, contribute to gender inequality in the labour market. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the interplay between social policies and mothers' labour market participation, and national and cross‐national variation in the consequences of childbirth on women's labour market participation the editorial points at the several aspects that need to be investigated in greater depth by further research. The editorial emphasizes the necessity of conducting in‐depth international comparisons in order to account for between‐country variations as well as within‐country variations. Furthermore, the symbolic nature of family policy must not be neglected.Originality/valueThe editorial identifies research gaps to be addressed by further research.
SMEs' internationalisation patterns: descriptives, dynamics and determinants
Authors: Olejnik Edith , Swoboda Bernhard 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the internationalisation patterns of small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) quantitatively, to describe SMEs as they follow different patterns over time and to discuss the determinants of these patterns through empirical study.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted a questionnaire survey among mature German SMEs (n=674). To identify internationalisation patterns, a latent class clustering approach was applied. Because of the large sample, a multinomial logistic regression analysis could be used to analyse the factors influencing these patterns.FindingsThe authors empirically find three internationalisation patterns: traditionals, born globals and born‐again globals. Comparing modern SMEs with the same SMEs from ten years ago, it was found that firms may change their patterns. Moreover, the patterns are determined by international orientation, growth orientation, communication capability, intelligence generation capability and marketing‐mix standardisation.Research limitations/implicationsCombining elements of the Uppsala model (countries and operation modes) and born global research (time lag and foreign sales ratio), three internationalisation patterns of established international SMEs from traditional sectors were identified empirically. Because of the multidimensional nature of internationalisation, the patterns may change over time. Different firm‐level factors determine the internationalisation patterns.Originality/valueInstead of applying “arbitrary” thresholds, the paper provides a quantitative approach to identifying internationalisation patterns. These patterns confirm the three main internationalisation pathways discussed in the international marketing literature. The paper further advances the field by describing the patterns, showing evidence that the patterns may cross over time and providing information on the factors that influence the patterns.
Knowledge strategies for enhancing school learning capacity
Authors: Cheng Eric 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the knowledge strategies applied in aided secondary schools in Hong Kong and to explore the predictive relationship between knowledge strategies and school learning capacity.Design/methodology/approachA cross‐sectional quantitative survey was designed to collect data from 427 teachers at 15 aided secondary schools in Hong Kong. Exploratory factor analysis and a structural equation model were applied to explore the factor structure of the latent variables and their relationships.FindingsThe results showed that the schools use interpersonal interactive knowledge sharing as their major knowledge strategy. Knowledge retrieval, utilisation and sharing were identified as the predictive factors for individual learning capacity and organisation learning capacity.Practical implicationsSchool administrators could consider the knowledge strategy of cultivating a community of practices in school organisation to develop teacher teaching competency and to enhance school learning capacity for sustainable development.Originality/valueThe paper connects research on knowledge management and organisational learning in a school context and explores a knowledge strategy that could be applied effectively in education organisation.
El Sewedy Cables: expansion in Russia and Kazakhstan
Authors: Apaydin Marina , Koura Perihan , El Gabaly Nada , Mahmoud Nour , El Noury Fatma 
Published: August 2012

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain the process by which El Sewedy Company in Egypt decided to expand internationally by examining several modes of entry and choosing the best choice to expand in Russia and Kazakhstan.Design/methodology/approachThe authors did several market analyses for each company to discover the external and internal environments. In addition, they weighted the advantages and disadvantages of each mode of entry to decide on the best mode to enter Russia and Kazakhstan.FindingsThe results confirm that the expansion for El Sewedy is challenging whether in Russia or Kazakhstan. Currently, El Sewedy's strategy is to deal through distributors to minimize risk; these distributors are mostly working in Kazakhstan given their easy connections and access there. The best solution for El Sewedy to expand is to trade high voltage and medium voltage cables in Kazakhstan as well as the trade of high voltage cables in Russia. Whether it is trading, exporting or a joint venture, El Sewedy's intentions are clear in its willingness to access the Russian and Kazakhstani markets, due to their richness and most of all their location as a central trade area in the region.Research limitations/implicationsThe comparison between Russia and Kazakhstan may appear very similar since both countries share almost the same circumstances and environment. Therefore, some of the information may be repeated twice to analyze both countries.Practical implicationsThe results of this case study ensure the importance of analyzing the different modes of entry and doing a cost‐benefit analysis before deciding on how to expand in foreign market. Since circumstances and environments vary between markets, it is crucial to know all the details of the country in order to succeed in expanding in this foreign market.Originality/valueThis study explains a common case that happens in Egypt and every country whenever a company decides to expand. Usually, a company prefers a certain mode of entry over the other, but what is necessary is to follow what El Sewedy did, which is to evaluate all alternatives equally then decide on the best choice.