bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Turnover of Fatty Acids during Natural Senescence of Arabidopsis, Brachypodium, and Switchgrass and in Arabidopsis β-Oxidation Mutants
Authors: Yang Zhenle , Ohlrogge John B. 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
During leaf senescence, macromolecule breakdown occurs and nutrients are translocated to support growth of new vegetative tissues, seeds, or other storage organs. In this study, we determined the fatty acid levels and profiles in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), Brachypodium distachyon, and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) leaves during natural senescence. In young leaves, fatty acids represent 4% to 5% of dry weight and approximately 10% of the chemical energy content of the leaf tissues. In all three species, fatty acid levels in leaves began to decline at the onset of leaf senescence and progressively decreased as senescence advanced, resulting in a greater than 80% decline in fatty acids on a dry weight basis. During senescence, Arabidopsis leaves lost 1.6% of fatty acids per day at a rate of 2.1 μg per leaf (0.6 μg mg−1 dry weight). Triacylglycerol levels remained less than 1% of total lipids at all stages. In contrast to glycerolipids, aliphatic surface waxes of Arabidopsis leaves were much more stable, showing only minor reduction during senescence. We also examined three Arabidopsis mutants, acx1acx2, lacs6lacs7, and kat2, which are blocked in enzyme activities of β-oxidation and are defective in lipid mobilization during seed germination. In each case, no major differences in the fatty acid contents of leaves were observed between these mutants and the wild type, indicating that several mutations in β-oxidation that cause reduced breakdown of reserve oil in seeds do not substantially reduce the degradation of fatty acids during leaf senescence.
The Multifunctional Enzyme CYP71B15 (PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT3) Converts Cysteine-Indole-3-Acetonitrile to Camalexin in the Indole-3-Acetonitrile Metabolic Network ofArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Böttcher Christoph , Westphal Lore , Schmotz Constanze , Prade Elke , Scheel Dierk , Glawischnig Erich 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAccumulation of camalexin, the characteristic phytoalexin of Arabidopsis thaliana, is induced by a great variety of plant pathogens. It is derived from Trp, which is converted to indole-3-acetonitrile (IAN) by successive action of the cytochrome P450 enzymes CYP79B2/B3 and CYP71A13. Extracts from wild-type plants and camalexin biosynthetic mutants, treated with silver nitrate or inoculated with Phytophthora infestans, were comprehensively analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. This metabolomics approach was combined with precursor feeding experiments to characterize the IAN metabolic network and to identify novel biosynthetic intermediates and metabolites of camalexin. Indole-3-carbaldehyde and indole-3-carboxylic acid derivatives were shown to originate from IAN. IAN conjugates with glutathione, γ-glutamylcysteine, and cysteine [Cys(IAN)] accumulated in challenged phytoalexin deficient3 (pad3) mutants. Cys(IAN) rescued the camalexin-deficient phenotype of cyp79b2 cyp79b3 and was itself converted to dihydrocamalexic acid (DHCA), the known substrate of CYP71B15 (PAD3), by microsomes isolated from silver nitrate–treated Arabidopsis leaves. Surprisingly, yeast-expressed CYP71B15 also catalyzed thiazoline ring closure, DHCA formation, and cyanide release with Cys(IAN) as substrate. In conclusion, in the camalexin biosynthetic pathway, IAN is derivatized to the intermediate Cys(IAN), which serves as substrate of the multifunctional cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP71B15.
Corrosion studies on the plasma‐sprayed nanostructured titanium dioxide coatings
Authors: Ahmad Z. , Ahsan M. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report the resistance of plasma‐sprayed titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanostructured coatings in a corrosive environment.Design/methodology/approachWeight loss studies are performed according to ASTM G31 specifications in 3.5 wt% NaCl. Electrochemical polarization resistance measurements are made according to ASTM G59‐91 specifications. Corrosion resistance in a humid and corrosive environment is determined by exposing the samples in a salt spray chamber for 100 h. Microstructural studies are carried out using an atomic force microscope and scanning electron microscope.FindingsThe nanostructured TiO2 coatings offer good resistance to corrosion, as shown by the results of immersion, electrochemical and salt spray studies. The corrosion resistance of the coating is dictated primarily by the geometry of splat lamellae, density of unmelted nanoparticles, magnitude of porosity and surface homogeneity.Practical implicationsThe TiO2 nanostructured coatings show promising potential for use as abrasion, wear‐resistant and thermal barrier coatings for service in harsh environments.Originality/valueThe paper relates the corrosion resistance of nanostructured TiO2 coatings to their structure and surface morphology.
Mechanism of degradation of stabilized corrosion‐resistant steel during the welding cycle
Authors: Schmidova Eva , Svanda Pavel , Vesely David , Kalendova Andrea 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to clarify the destabilisation mechanism that occurs with two types of ferritic corrosion‐resistant steel during the welding cycle.Design/methodology/approachA series of experimental weld joints was made to verify the actual response of non‐stabilised corrosion‐resistant steel, and of the same steel that had been stabilised by added titanium. The character and extent of the ensuing structural changes were analysed. The essential characteristics of degradation in the heat‐affected zone are evaluated using optical and scanning electron microscopy; individual phases are identified by means of EDX microanalysis. The underlying mechanism for the loss of stability is induced experimentally in several stages; depending on the thermal doping level and interaction with the environment during the welding process, phases of various types are precipitated. These phases subsequently are studied in connection with the original microstructural characteristics of the steel and the induced grain boundary decohesion of the surface layer. The scope and character of the damage are analysed and the results verified by analysing the actual operating damage to the weldment.FindingsA degradation mechanism of stabilised corrosion‐resistant steel 1.4510 is induced that is associated with destabilisation of titanium phases. The importance is demonstrated of ensuring that a protective atmosphere is maintained during welding, and various phase changes in the surface layers are identified that can delimit the use of appropriate post‐weld passivation procedures.Practical implicationsIdentification of the mechanism underlying the damage to the surface layer in welded stabilised ferritic steel will find application in development of welding technology, specifically in designing a technology process and subsequent surface treatment.Originality/valueThe results bring new knowledge of material response of steel 1.4510 under specific material processing conditions; a destabilisation mechanism related to precipitation of several titanium‐containing phases is identified. The result enables the fatigue limit of the welded material as a function of the welding technology employed, which offers increased service life under specific application conditions.
The corrosion of silver in indoor conditions of an assembly process in the microelectronics industry
Authors: Vargas O.L. , Valdez S.B. , Veleva M.L. , Zlatev K.R. , Schorr W.M. , Terrazas G.J. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the corrosion of silver due to hydrogen sulphide pollutant in indoor conditions at a microelectronics plant located in Mexicali, Baja California, a semi‐arid zone in the northwest of Mexico.Design/methodology/approachSilver coupons and silver plated on to copper‐lead frames are exposed in the assembly process building of a microelectronics company during a period of 60 days and also in a sheltered test chamber that simulates indoor conditions with ambient concentrations of atmospheric pollutants, temperature and relative humidity (rH). Other exposures are made in the test chamber to study the corrosion behaviour of silver coupons over a duration of 24 months. The corrosion products were analysed using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X‐ray Spectroscopy (EDS). Corrosion rates were measured by Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) under laboratory‐controlled conditions.FindingsThe presence of silver sulphide corrosion products, dendrites and whiskers is observed on the exposed samples using SEM and EDS analysis.Practical implicationsThe paper is designed to establish whether the company, where the exposure is taking place, constituted an indoor environment with outdoor hydrogen sulphide pollutant in sufficient concentration to induce silver corrosion.Originality/valueThe methodology used in this work can be applied to study the indoor corrosion behaviour of other metals, which will be of interest to the microelectronics industry.
Preparation of non‐chromium polymer films on zinc for corrosion protection due to a compound effect between silane and cerium salt
Authors: Fang Da‐jing , Mao Xu‐hui , Zhang Ye‐ming , Chen Zhi‐liang , Liu Min , Gan Fu‐xing 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the compound effect between silane and cerium salts in the passivation process of chemical conversion treatment of zinc.Design/methodology/approachChemical conversion treatment using 3‐Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane on zinc is investigated as an alternative treatment to chromate conversion. The surface chemistry of the silane‐treated samples is investigated with mass change measurements, polarization curves, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the salt spray tests (SST). The surface morphology of samples was studied using a scanning electron microscope.FindingsThe polarization curves, EIS and SST data are in agreement. On the surface of zinc, the silane formed a compound with the cerium, thus enhancing the adhesion and corrosion resistance of the polymer film.Originality/valueThere have been few reports on the compound effects of silanes and cerium salts in the passivation process. The mechanism of this compound effect may be due to the ability of Ce3 + ions to gain access to the interface through tiny cracks or micropores in the cross‐linking structure of GPS polymer films on zinc, and the subsequent oxidation of Ce3 + to Ce4 + by H2O2 may result in a barrier effect between the electrolyte and the metallic substrate.
Inhibition of the corrosion of cold rolled steel in hydrochloric acid solution by Tween‐40
Authors: Xianghong Li , Shuduan Deng , Hui Fu , Taohong Li , Guannan Mu 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the inhibition effect of Tween‐40 on the corrosion of cold rolled steel (CRS) in 1.0‐8.0 M HCl over the temperature range of 20‐50°C. It also aims to make an attempt to correlate both thermodynamic parameters and kinetic parameters with the inhibition effect.Design/methodology/approachThe inhibition efficiencies of Tween‐40 are investigated by weight loss and potentiodynamic polarization methods.FindingsTween‐40 acts as a good inhibitor in 1.0 M HCl, and inhibition efficiency increases with the inhibitor concentration, while it decreases with HCl concentration and temperature. The adsorption of inhibitor on the CRS surface obeys the Langmuir adsorption isotherm equation. The inhibition effect is satisfactorily explained by both thermodynamic and kinetic parameters. Polarization curves show that Tween‐40 is a mixed‐type inhibitor in hydrochloric acid.Originality/valueThe experimental data have been treated with adsorption theory and kinetic equations successfully. Both the thermodynamic and kinetic parameters can be obtained, and used in explaining the inhibition effect satisfactorily.
Ethnic wage inequality in Vietnam
Authors: Pham Hung T. , Reilly Barry 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper seeks to complement earlier studies on ethnic minority underdevelopment in Vietnam by empirically examining the ethnic wage gap for the wage employed in the Vietnamese labour market, using data from a large‐scale household survey conducted in 2002.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses the “index number” decomposition method suggested by Oaxaca to decompose the ethnic wage gap into treatment and endowment effects at both the mean and selected quantiles of the conditional wage distribution.FindingsThe results confirm the existence of an ethnic wage gap in the labour market, though the gap is found to be substantially narrower than the ethnic gap detected using household living standard measures for Vietnam. Decomposition results reveal that the ethnic wage gap is largely attributable to differentials in the returns to endowments, a finding invariant whether the mean or selected quantiles of the conditional wage distribution are examined.Research limitations/implicationsIn the absence of feasible alternatives, the paper uses an ad hoc procedure to correct for selectivity into wage employment for the quantile regression models. In addition, due to data constraints with regard to earnings, the paper does not examine the ethnic wage gap for the self‐employed.Originality/valueThe paper is the first to analyse the ethnic wage gap in the Vietnam labour market and one of the few to examine ethnic pay differentials at selected points of the conditional wage distribution using quantile regression analysis.
Inside the “black box” and “HRM”
Authors: Edgar Fiona , Geare Alan 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper has two objectives. The first is to see whether “shared values” is an important intermediary, or part of the “black box” (along with organisational commitment and job satisfaction), between HRM practices and firm performance. The second is to assess whether the use of multiple levels of respondents produces different results compared with the usual practice of using senior HRM managers or, in lieu, another senior manager.Design/methodology/approachA survey methodology is used to obtain perceptual data on HRM practices and a variety of work‐related attitudes. The sample comprises managers, supervisors and workers from 27 New Zealand firms. Statistical analysis, using SPSS, was performed at the firm and individual level.FindingsAt group‐level there are wide differences in attitudes towards HRM activities. The desirability of using as many respondents as possible, and also respondents from different levels within organisations, was confirmed. “Shared values” is also deemed worthy of inclusion in the “black box” as it relates significantly to perceptions of HRM practices. However, organisational commitment and job satisfaction appear to have a stronger role.Research limitations/implicationsCurrent writings suggest that certain HRM practices can foster a system of shared values amongst the workforce. The study finds this indeed to be the case at the individual level. However, the supposition that a shared value system significantly contributes to the promotion of other desirable attitudinal outcomes has not been supported by the study's findings. A limitation of the study is that it did not explore the HRM‐firm performance relationship in its entirety. Further research exploring all linkages in this relationship is now required.Practical implicationsThe paper concludes that practitioners should be wary of pursuing an agenda that sees the development of a shared value system as the key to superior firm performance. Instead, it is suggested that the values of the organisation should be considered as the foundation from which a set of mutually reinforcing and supportive HRM practices is developed.Originality/valueThe paper provides much needed empirical data on shared values and their role in the HRM‐performance relationship.
The determinants of excess worker turnover in Luxembourg
Authors: Bertinelli Luisito , Cardi Olivier , Pamukçu Teoman , Strobl Eric , Thornton Robert 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the patterns and determinants of excess labour turnover (churning) in the Luxembourg labour market using a rich employer‐employee matched data set.Design/methodology/approachThe paper formulates a model to explain churning rates using three sets of explanatory variables: various worker characteristics, establishment characteristics, and two‐digit sector‐specific characteristics. The data used are from the Luxembourg social security system for the period 1992‐2003.FindingsThe findings show that there are high churning levels in Luxembourg, that their determinants vary significantly across sectors, and that much of this variation can be explained by worker‐ and establishment‐specific features.Research limitations/implicationsA major question, still undecided in the research literature, is whether churning is simply the result of random job‐worker mismatches.Originality/valueThere are relatively few prior studies that have examined which employee and employer characteristics are associated with excess worker turnover, and the paper is the first to analyze the phenomenon of churning in the Luxembourg labour market. Luxembourg has recently experienced impressive employment growth (about 3.5 percent annually) since the beginning of the 1990s; and, Luxembourg being a small economy, it was feasible to analyze the entire population of workers and firms.
Job level changes and wage growth
Authors: Kosteas Vasilios D. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of job level changes on wages accounting for both the potential endogeneity of promotions and measurement error in job level changes.Design/methodology/approachInstruments for job level changes the workers' use belief about the possibility of a promotion from the previous period. Reasons why the respondent believes that a promotion is not possible are used as a second set of instruments. Also, the paper estimates separate wage effects for men and women.FindingsThe paper indicates that promotions carry a roughly 18 percent wage increase; compared to a 7 percent premium when using ordinary least squares estimation. The paper also finds that men receive much larger wage increases when promoted, compared with women.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to account for the endogeneity of promotions in wage estimates. Accurately estimating the relationship between job level changes and wages helps people to understand wage growth over a worker's lifetime.
The mediating effect of knowledge management on social interaction and innovation performance
Authors: Huang Jing‐Wen , Li Yong‐Hui 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the mediating role of knowledge management in the relationship between social interaction and innovation performance.Design/methodology/approachThe population in the study is the Taiwanese firms listed in the China Credit Information Service Incorporation. A stratified random sampling method was used to select 176 firms in Taiwan. The usable response rate was 23.47 per cent. The study employed LISREL to test the hypothesized relationships in the path‐analytic framework.FindingsThe results indicate that social interaction is positively related to knowledge management. Knowledge management is, in turn, positively related to administrative and technical innovation performance. Further, the results provide evidence that knowledge management plays a mediating role between social interaction and innovation performance.Originality/valueThe study highlights the importance of social interaction and knowledge management in the process of innovation, and helps scholars and managers to better understand the mediator of knowledge management through which social interaction benefits innovation performance.
Interview with Lawrence Hobbs
Authors: by Ruth Young Interview 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Lawrence Hobbs, a global business strategist and bestselling author.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsLawrence Hobbs concentrates on bringing clarity, alignment and focus to his strategy clients while leveraging flexible, scalable and effective techniques to help them translate their vision into results.Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into how organizations should implement their strategic vision.
Exploring individual personality factors as drivers of M‐shopping acceptance
Authors: Aldás‐Manzano Joaquín , Ruiz‐Mafé Carla , Sanz‐Blas Silvia 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate how personality variables related to technology (innovativeness, compatibility and affinity) can modify the influence of classical technology acceptance model (TAM) variables on behavioural adoption intention of mobile shopping.Design/methodology/approachThe impact of innovativeness, compatibility, affinity, TAM beliefs (ease of use and usefulness) and attitude on mobile shopping adoption is tested through structural equation modelling techniques. The sample consisted of 470 Spanish mobile telephone users selected on the basis of convenience.FindingsData analysis shows that the effect of perceived usefulness and, in a minor degree, perceived ease of use are over dimensioned if personality variables are omitted making intention formation to be perceived as more rational than it really is. Personality variables (affinity to mobile telephones, compatibility and innovativeness) have a direct and positive influence on the intention to engage in M‐shopping.Practical implicationsThis research enables mobile shopping agents to know what aspects to highlight in their communication strategies to increase the M‐services adoption rate. The complementary use of the mobile and the internet is recommended since the similarities between both methods may favour the acceptance of distance shopping systems. Mobile services should not be simply designed as easy to use, but also as an enjoyable experience.Originality/valueDespite the importance of personality factors on mobile shopping adoption, they were explicitly ignored when the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology was formulated. This research does not try to propose an extension of the TAM model, but analyses the degree in which the explicit rejection of personality variables could impoverish its performance.