bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the Branched-Chain Amino Acid Aminotransferase Enzyme Family in Tomato
Authors: Maloney Gregory S. , Kochevenko Andrej , Tieman Denise M. , Tohge Takayuki , Krieger Uri , Zamir Dani , Taylor Mark G. , Fernie Alisdair R. , Klee Harry J. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are synthesized in plants from branched-chain keto acids, but their metabolism is not completely understood. The interface of BCAA metabolism lies with branched-chain aminotransferases (BCAT) that catalyze both the last anabolic step and the first catabolic step. In this study, six BCAT genes from the cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) were identified and characterized. SlBCAT1, -2, -3, and -4 are expressed in multiple plant tissues, while SlBCAT5 and -6 were undetectable. SlBCAT1 and -2 are located in the mitochondria, SlBCAT3 and -4 are located in chloroplasts, while SlBCAT5 and -6 are located in the cytosol and vacuole, respectively. SlBCAT1, -2, -3, and -4 were able to restore growth of Escherichia coli BCAA auxotrophic cells, but SlBCAT1 and -2 were less effective than SlBCAT3 and -4 in growth restoration. All enzymes were active in the forward (BCAA synthesis) and reverse (branched-chain keto acid synthesis) reactions. SlBCAT3 and -4 exhibited a preference for the forward reaction, while SlBCAT1 and -2 were more active in the reverse reaction. While overexpression of SlBCAT1 or -3 in tomato fruit did not significantly alter amino acid levels, an expression quantitative trait locus on chromosome 3, associated with substantially higher expression of Solanum pennellii BCAT4, did significantly increase BCAA levels. Conversely, antisense-mediated reduction of SlBCAT1 resulted in higher levels of BCAAs. Together, these results support a model in which the mitochondrial SlBCAT1 and -2 function in BCAA catabolism while the chloroplastic SlBCAT3 and -4 function in BCAA synthesis.
DAY NEUTRAL FLOWERING Represses CONSTANS to Prevent Arabidopsis Flowering Early in Short Days
Authors: Morris Karl , Thornber Sarah , Codrai Lesley , Richardson Christine , Craig Adam , Sadanandom Ari , Thomas Brian , Jackson Stephen 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The photoperiodic response in Arabidopsis thaliana requires the precise regulation of CONSTANS (CO) expression in relation to the light period during the day. In short days (SDs) levels of CO expression are normally low during the light period, and this results in delayed flowering compared with long days (LDs) when CO expression rises to high levels before the end of the light period. We identified a novel flowering time gene called DAY NEUTRAL FLOWERING (DNF) that acts in the same flowering pathway as CO. DNF is a membrane-bound E3 ligase that represses CO expression and plays an important role in maintaining low levels of CO expression in SDs. The effect of DNF on the rhythm of CO expression is essential for the photoperiodic response of Arabidopsis, enabling it to have a different flowering response in LDs and SDs.
Morphogenesis of Simple and Compound Leaves: A Critical Review
Authors: Efroni Idan , Eshed Yuval , Lifschitz Eliezer 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe leaves of seed plants evolved from a primitive shoot system and are generated as determinate dorsiventral appendages at the flanks of radial indeterminate shoots. The remarkable variation of leaves has remained a constant source of fascination, and their developmental versatility has provided an advantageous platform to study genetic regulation of subtle, and sometimes transient, morphological changes. Here, we describe how eudicot plants recruited conserved shoot meristematic factors to regulate growth of the basic simple leaf blade and how subsets of these factors are subsequently re-employed to promote and maintain further organogenic potential. By comparing tractable genetic programs of species with different leaf types and evaluating the pros and cons of phylogenetic experimental procedures, we suggest that simple and compound leaves, and, by the same token, leaflets and serrations, are regulated by distinct ontogenetic programs. Finally, florigen, in its capacity as a general growth regulator, is presented as a new upper-tier systemic modulator in the patterning of compound leaves.
Integrative Transcript and Metabolite Analysis of Nutritionally Enhanced DE-ETIOLATED1 Downregulated Tomato Fruit
Authors: Enfissi Eugenia M.A. , Barneche Fredy , Ahmed Ikhlak , Lichtlé Christiane , Gerrish Christopher , McQuinn Ryan P. , Giovannoni James J. , Lopez-Juez Enrique , Bowler Chris , Bramley Peter M. , Fraser Paul D. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Fruit-specific downregulation of the DE-ETIOLATED1 (DET1) gene product results in tomato fruits (Solanum lycopersicum) containing enhanced nutritional antioxidants, with no detrimental effects on yield. In an attempt to further our understanding of how modulation of this gene leads to improved quality traits, detailed targeted and multilevel omic characterization has been performed. Metabolite profiling revealed quantitative increases in carotenoid, tocopherol, phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, and anthocyanidins. Qualitative differences could also be identified within the phenolics, including unique formation in fruit pericarp tissues. These changes resulted in increased total antioxidant content both in the polar and nonpolar fractions. Increased transcription of key biosynthetic genes is a likely mechanism producing elevated phenolic-based metabolites. By contrast, high levels of isoprenoids do not appear to result from transcriptional regulation but are more likely related to plastid-based parameters, such as increased plastid volume per cell. Parallel metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal the widespread effects of DET1 downregulation on diverse sectors of metabolism and sites of synthesis. Correlation analysis of transcripts and metabolites independently indicated strong coresponses within and between related pathways/processes. Interestingly, despite the fact that secondary metabolites were the most severely affected in ripe tomato fruit, our integrative analyses suggest that the coordinated activation of core metabolic processes in cell types amenable to plastid biogenesis is the main effect of DET1 loss of function.
Operation of an auto‐initiated pulsed plasma thruster
Authors: Kushari Abhijit , Loh Kelvin 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop and characterize a pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) that does not need a spark plug to initiate the plasma discharge.Design/methodology/approachTwo parallel rail thrusters were built and their performances were characterized inside a vacuum chamber to elucidate the effect of vacuum level and thruster geometry on the performance. The thruster electrical performance was quantified by measuring the voltage output from a Rogowski coil connected to the power supply. The thrust produced by the developed thruster was estimated by measuring the force exerted by the plume on a light weight pendulum, whose deflection was measured using a laser displacement sensor.FindingsThe thruster can operate without a spark plug. In general, the performance parameters such as thrust, mass ablation, impulse bit, and specific impulse per discharge, would increase with increasing pressure levels up to an optimum level due to the increase in discharge energy as well as the decrease in the total impedance of the plasma discharge. The discharge frequency is function of the breakdown potential, the total resistance in the equivalent circuit, and the capacitance of the circuit. The total impedance of the circuit decreases with pressure level and hence the discharge energy increases. The thrust efficiency is found to be affected by the thruster geometry as well as the discharge energy.Research limitations/implicationsThe studies reported in this paper have been carried out at relatively higher pressure levels compared than prevail in space. However, it should be possible to extrapolate these results to the lower vacuum levels at which the performance is independent of the geometry.Practical implicationsThe results reported in this paper suggest a design guideline for auto‐initiated PPT.Originality/valueIf the spark plug is eliminated, the size of the thrusters can be reduced and arrays of such thrusters can be manufactured using micro electro mechanical systems techniques, which can provide tremendous control authority over the satellite positioning.
Drucker's theory of the business and organisations: challenging business assumptions
Authors: Daly Pat , Walsh James S. 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis paper considers Drucker's “theory of the business” as a management concept applicable to the challenging of firm performance. The paper seeks to do this by using the theoretical framework developed by Drucker as a tool to apply to organisation planning. In addition the paper aims to demonstrate the often “silent” but influential role assumptions have on organisations. Thus, the paper seeks to invite a reassessment of the role assumptions play in organisations and to present a new and topical perspective on Drucker's original “theory of the business” argument.Design/methodology/ approachA close review of Drucker's “theory of the business” article is outlined and a range of recently published (1994‐2008) works on related subject matter is reviewed. It is argued that the “assumptive design framework” at the heart of the theory of the business has potential to act as a powerful planning and strategy tool for enterprises. In addition the review demonstrates the “silent” positive and negative influences business assumptions have on organisation and management practice.FindingsAs a general review the paper provides new knowledge about the practical potential of one of Peter Drucker's seminal published articles in an area largely untouched by business or management research. It illustrates how research employing Drucker's “theory of the business” concept in the context of assumptions in business can have major benefit for organisations, especially growth‐oriented businesses.Originality/valueThis is the first paper to address the empirical potential of Drucker's conceptualisation of the “theory of the business” and exposes a unique Drucker‐inspired business and planning proposition that has significant potential for business management, especially in turbulent times
Is there a transatlantic divide?
Authors: Bardy Roland , Rubens Arthur 
Published: May 2010

PurposeDrucker has often been criticized for his pejorative interpretation of business ethics and the use of the term “casuistry”. This paper aims to show that Drucker was just the opposite of unethical in his viewpoint regarding the behavior of managers and organizations, and that in fact much of his writings pointed to discourse‐ethics‐universalism and away from casuistic particularism. Specifically, the paper seeks to analyze and contrast the ways in which US and European institutions take action (a “transatlantic divide”) when management and society eventually reposition their stance on ethics, as forecast by Drucker.Design/methodology/approachThis is a comparative study emphasizing the main day‐to‐day perspectives of ethical issues in businesses and how they are handled in the USA and in Europe. This is complemented by references to what Drucker's position would be on those issues and how he would have shown that “good ethics” serves to ensure that entrepreneurial energies end up by serving society and not destroying it.FindingsThe paper provides an insight about how change is successfully brought about in current management practices by adhering to discourse and right behavior as pointed out by Drucker. It suggests that leaders acting responsibly are intrinsically ethical and will transfer their individual positions into their organization.Research limitations/implicationsThe research primarily concentrates around the implications of Drucker's writings on the “transatlantic divide” and does not extensively explore how this relates to businesses in Asia and other areas outside the Western world.Practical implicationsThe paper displays a number of standards and guidelines that have been adopted by practitioners and thus provides an input for further applications. Businesses that have adopted Drucker's philosophies will find useful directions on how to connect them to other philosophical developments.Originality/valueThis paper fulfils an identified need to reject claims that Drucker is an “efficiency enthusiast” pursuing “global change in a manner that has little to do with minimal standards of human decency, to say nothing of democracy, much less of emancipation”. It proves that the changes and the repositioning required for the current economic situation need a full understanding of Drucker in all respects of his work.
Intellectual capital and knowledge productivity: the Taiwan biotech industry
Authors: Huang Yi‐Chun , Jim Wu Yen‐Chun 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to examine and test the effects of human capital, organization capital, and social capital on knowledge productivity and the interactive effects between intellectual capital and knowledge productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts questionnaires to conduct a case investigation of the Taiwan biotechnology industry (TBI) and Taiwanese pharmaceutical manufacturers.FindingsAll dimensions of intellectual capital positively and significantly influence knowledge productivity. The study proves there are interactive effects between the components of intellectual capital and knowledge productivity.Originality/valueThe paper presents a synthesis of two different literature streams – intellectual capital and knowledge productivity – in order to understand their linkage. This paper is the first to conduct a large‐sample survey to examine the relationship between intellectual capital and knowledge productivity.
An exploration of factors predicting work alienation of knowledge workers
Authors: Nair Nisha , Vohra Neharika 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThere is limited research on the work alienation of knowledge workers in management studies. This paper seeks to address this gap by exploring the extent and reasons for the alienation of knowledge workers.Design/methodology/approachIn the absence of a comprehensive framework for understanding the work alienation of knowledge workers, various factors such as structural elements of centralization and formalization, work characteristics of autonomy, variety, creativity, meaningfulness and self‐expressiveness, quality of work relationships and justice perceptions were examined as predictors of work alienation. Survey data were collected from six different organizations in the information technology sector (n=1,142) in India.FindingsAround 20 percent of the sample was found to be alienated from work. The strongest predictors of work alienation for knowledge workers were found to be lack of meaningful work, inability of work to allow for self‐expression, and poor quality work relationships.Research limitations/implicationsOrganizations employing knowledge workers cannot risk alienating them. The study indicates that one in every five knowledge workers is likely to be alienated. For organizations and practitioners this is a wake up call, pointing to the urgent need to try and understand the factors that are likely to cause alienation among knowledge workers and take adequate preventive steps to ensure an enthused workforce.Originality/valueResearch on alienation in present times has been somewhat limited. This is the first research of its kind across knowledge workers in the information technology industry that attempts to capture their work alienation and factors predicting it.
Influence of the number of feeding holes on the performances of aerostatic bearings
Authors: Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Kang Yuan , Yang Ding‐Wen , Hwang Ren‐Ming , Shyr Shyh‐Shyong 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the influence of number of feeding holes on the performance of aerostatic bearings with spindle rotation. In traditional design of aerostatic bearings, the selection of hole numbers is dependent only on spindle size. However, when the hole numbers of air feeding are enough, the performance of the aerostatic bearing cannot be enhanced by increasing the hole numbers.Design/methodology/approachThe Reynolds equation is utilized to model the air film within bearing clearance at constant temperature and the state equation of adiabatic process is for air feeding within bearing clearance. The finite difference method with relaxation algorithm is utilized to determine the pressure distributions from discretized and coupled equations of flow continuity. The eccentricity, spindle speed, and the number and arrangement of feeding holes are considered in the analyses to determine the load capacity, attitude angle, and flow rate for the comparisons between various designs of aerostatic bearings.FindingsIt is seen from the simulation results that the aerostatic bearing designed with a small number of feeding holes and without locating at bearing bottom is most suitable for the spindle operating at high speed, while the bearing designed with a large number of feeding holes is suitable for the spindle operating at low speed, and the load capacity is increased with the increasing number of feeding holes for low journal speed.Originality/valueThe paper proposes an extensive database as a critical requirement in the design for number and arrangement of feeding holes of aerostatic bearings for the spindle operating at low or high speed.
Dimensions of service quality in grocery retailing: a case from Turkey
Authors: Torlak Ömer , Uzkurt Cevahir , Özmen Müjdat 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the difference between service quality dimensions of supermarkets and discount stores.Design/methodology/approachThe paper focuses on service quality dimensions of customers in supermarkets and discount stores. The study has selected one store from each retailer type located in Eskisehir, Turkey and used the scale of the service quality of retail stores. The research has employed a face‐to‐face questionnaire for collecting data from customers on different days and at different hours of the week. A total of 891 questionnaires, 682 for supermarkets and 209 for discount stores, have been analysed.FindingsResults indicate that the customers of the supermarket and the discount store differ in their perception of some service quality dimensions. While the supermarket customers perceive physical aspects and store policy dimensions at a higher level, the discount store's customers give more priority to interaction with personnel dimension.Research limitations/implicationsFurther qualitative studies can provide deeper insights about service quality dimensions of supermarkets and discount stores. The results are also a starting point for further academic research about the different retailer types.Practical implicationsThe paper contributes to the understanding of behaviours and attitudes of supermarket and discount store customers. Retailers in Turkey will primarily benefit from the study.Originality/valueThe paper compares the customer perception of service quality dimensions of two different types of grocery retailers; a supermarket and a discount store.
Validation of the moral competency inventory measurement instrument
Authors: Martin Daniel E. , Austin Benjamin 
Published: May 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to introduce practitioners to the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, evaluate the use of integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel selection, and determine the validity of the moral competency index (MCI) instrument using standard validation procedures.Design/methodology/approachContent, construct, convergent and discriminant approaches are applied to establish the relative validity of the assessment tool.FindingsThe results of the MCI purport to align with one's moral values and behaviours. The paper establishes face validity of the MCI measure, but fails to establish an appropriate simple factor structure, convergent validity, discriminant validity, and support for the lack of impact of demographic factors on the purported measure of moral intelligence.Research limitations/implicationsAn acceptable but constrained (working students) sample was used in the validation.Practical implicationsResearchers and practitioners should be familiar with psychometric principles to ensure the use of valid tools in a predictive and defensible manner. New measures can be developed, but should be validated before being used for developmental or personnel decision‐making purposes.Originality/valueThis paper establishes the lack of validity associated with the MCI instrument; researchers and practitioners are exposed to considerations in the appropriate use of measures of unethical behaviour, and exposed to several previously validated integrity‐related assessments for use in personnel decision‐making.
Use of analytic network process in selecting knowledge management strategies
Authors: Perçin Selçuk 
Published: May 2010

PurposeIn order to maintain competitive advantage, companies need to have and manage successful knowledge management (KM) strategies which are difficult to imitate. However, various critical factors, such as determinants, dimensions, and enablers, which affect the evaluation of a successful KM strategy, have not been systematically investigated. The purpose of this paper is to bridge this gap by providing a good insight into the use of analytic network process (ANP) that is a multi‐criteria, decision‐making methodology in selecting an appropriate KM strategy.Design/methodology/approachIn this study, after the decision criteria of KM strategy are introduced, an ANP model is developed and applied to KM strategy selection problem as a framework to guide KM managers.FindingsFirst, the comprehensive ANP framework presents a roadmap for successfully selecting an appropriate KM strategy for Turkish manufacturing organizations. Second, as compared to the human‐oriented KM strategy (HKM) and system‐oriented KM strategy (SKM), dynamic KM strategy (DKM) can lead to a more targeted improvement in terms of knowledge transparency, knowledge sharing and communication. Finally, findings demonstrate that the ANP model, with minor modifications, can be useful to all firms in their KM strategy selection decisions.Research limitations/implicationsThe developed ANP model provides firms with a simple, flexible, and easy to use approach to evaluate KM strategies efficiently. However, ANP is a highly complex methodology and requires more numerical calculations in assessing composite priorities than the traditional analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and hence it increases the effort.Originality/valueWhile the selection of a suitable KM strategy is an important component of organization's success, very little research has devoted explicit attention to this issue. ANP has the ability to be used as a decision‐making analysis tool since it incorporates feedback and interdependent relationships among decision criteria and alternatives. In addition, it gives valuable information and guidelines which hopefully will help the KM managers to evaluate KM strategies through their organizations in an effective way.