bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Abscisic Acid in the Coordinated Regulation of a Stress-Inducible Hexose Transporter (VvHT5) and a Cell Wall Invertase in Grapevine in Response to Biotrophic Fungal Infection
Authors: Hayes Matthew A. , Feechan Angela , Dry Ian B. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Biotrophic fungal and oomycete pathogens alter carbohydrate metabolism in infected host tissues. Symptoms such as elevated soluble carbohydrate concentrations and increased invertase activity suggest that a pathogen-induced carbohydrate sink is established. To identify pathogen-induced regulators of carbohydrate sink strength, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to measure transcript levels of invertase and hexose transporter genes in biotrophic pathogen-infected grapevine (Vitis vinifera) leaves. The hexose transporter VvHT5 was highly induced in coordination with the cell wall invertase gene VvcwINV by powdery and downy mildew infection. However, similar responses were also observed in response to wounding, suggesting that this is a generalized response to stress. Analysis of the VvHT5 promoter region indicated the presence of multiple abscisic acid (ABA) response elements, suggesting a role for ABA in the transition from source to sink under stress conditions. ABA treatment of grape leaves was found to reproduce the same gene-specific transcriptional changes as observed under biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Furthermore, the key regulatory ABA biosynthetic gene, VvNCED1, was activated under these same stress conditions. VvHT5 promoter::β-glucuronidase-directed expression in transgenic Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) was activated by infection with powdery mildew and by ABA treatment, and the expression was closely associated with vascular tissue adjacent to infected regions. Unlike VvHT1 and VvHT3, which appear to be predominantly involved in hexose transport in developing leaves and berries, VvHT5 appears to have a specific role in enhancing sink strength under stress conditions, and this is controlled through ABA. Our data suggest a central role for ABA in the regulation of VvcwINV and VvHT5 expression during the transition from source to sink in response to infection by biotrophic pathogens.
ArabidopsisRAP2.2: An Ethylene Response Transcription Factor That Is Important for Hypoxia Survival
Authors: Hinz Manuela , Wilson Iain W. , Yang Jun , Buerstenbinder Katharina , Llewellyn Danny , Dennis Elizabeth S. , Sauter Margret , Dolferus Rudy 
Published: March 2010

AbstractArabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) RAP2.2 (At3g14230) is an APETALA2/ethylene response factor-type transcription factor that belongs to the same subfamily as the rice (Oryza sativa) submergence tolerance gene SUB1A. RAP2.2 is expressed at constitutively high levels in the roots and at lower levels in the shoots, where it is induced by darkness. Effector studies and analysis of ethylene signal transduction mutants indicate that RAP2.2 is induced in shoots by ethylene and functions in an ethylene-controlled signal transduction pathway. Overexpression of RAP2.2 resulted in improved plant survival under hypoxia (low-oxygen) stress, whereas lines containing T-DNA knockouts of the gene had poorer survival rates than the wild type. This indicates that RAP2.2 is important in a plant's ability to resist hypoxia stress. Observation of the expression pattern of 32 low-oxygen and ethylene-associated genes showed that RAP2.2 affects only part of the low-oxygen response, particularly the induction of genes encoding sugar metabolism and fermentation pathway enzymes, as well as ethylene biosynthesis genes. Our results provide a new insight on the regulation of gene expression under low-oxygen conditions. Lighting plays an important regulatory role and is intertwined with hypoxia conditions; both stimuli may act collaboratively to regulate the hypoxic response.
Gibberellins Regulate Lateral Root Formation inPopulusthrough Interactions with Auxin and Other Hormones
Authors: Gou Jiqing , Strauss Steven H. , Tsai Chung Jui , Fang Kai , Chen Yiru , Jiang Xiangning , Busov Victor B. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe role of gibberellins (GAs) in regulation of lateral root development is poorly understood. We show that GA-deficient (35S:PcGA2ox1) and GA-insensitive (35S:rgl1) transgenic Populus exhibited increased lateral root proliferation and elongation under in vitro and greenhouse conditions, and these effects were reversed by exogenous GA treatment. In addition, RNA interference suppression of two poplar GA 2-oxidases predominantly expressed in roots also decreased lateral root formation. GAs negatively affected lateral root formation by inhibiting lateral root primordium initiation. A whole-genome microarray analysis of root development in GA-modified transgenic plants revealed 2069 genes with significantly altered expression. The expression of 1178 genes, including genes that promote cell proliferation, growth, and cell wall loosening, corresponded to the phenotypic severity of the root traits when transgenic events with differential phenotypic expression were compared. The array data and direct hormone measurements suggested crosstalk of GA signaling with other hormone pathways, including auxin and abscisic acid. Transgenic modification of a differentially expressed gene encoding an auxin efflux carrier suggests that GA modulation of lateral root development is at least partly imparted by polar auxin transport modification. These results suggest a mechanism for GA-regulated modulation of lateral root proliferation associated with regulation of plant allometry during the stress response.
Is e‐learning replacing the traditional lecture?
Authors: Owens Jonathan D. , Price Liz 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review some of the learning technologies associated with teaching and learning in higher education (HE). It looks at e‐learning and information technology (IT) as tools for replacing the traditional learning experience in HE, i.e. the “chalk and talk” lecture and seminar. HE is on the threshold of being transformed through the application of learning technologies. Are we on the brink of a new way of learning in HE after a tried and tested formula over 800 years?Design/methodology/approachAdopting a case based approach, the fieldwork for this research took place at two UK Higher Education Institutes (HEIs). A number of units that included IT‐based learning were identified. All units included a web site that was aimed at supporting students' learning. The data were collected through unstructured discussion with the lecturer and a questionnaire to students.FindingsThis paper considers and highlights the key findings from the sample linking them to the literature with the purpose of testing the aim/title of this paper. Evidence suggested the implications for HEIs are they cannot assume that presenting new technologies automatically makes their institutions “youth friendly”; this new generation would like to see some concrete benefits of technology.Originality/valueFrom this small‐scale investigation this paper attempts to investigate in which direction HE might go. Is this generation wanting a step change? Evidence from this research suggests not – new technologies will only play a bit part. They can help free up time in order to engage and support students in new and interesting ways.
Sustainability of curriculum development for enterprise education
Authors: Roffe Ian 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the variety of approaches to curriculum development for enterprise education developed for schools, further, and higher education under an Entrepreneurship Action Plan in Wales and to consider the sustainability issues for delivery in these sectors.Design/methodology/approachThis investigation adopted a case study approach that obtained post‐development information obtained from stakeholders in curriculum development in the three sectors based on semi‐structured interviews. The paper presents an analysis of the curriculum development initiatives in schools, further and higher education based on a three‐stage categorisation model: inspiration, information and implementation and activities involving cross‐sector approaches.FindingsStakeholders generally provided positive feedback toward the curriculum development material from each sector. Curriculum development applied to fostering enterprising qualities and practical support produced a broad span of diverse actions across Wales covering inspiring, information and implementation. There are consistent threads in enterprise content of attitude, creativity, relationships and organisation. Curriculum content needs to be maintained and updated in a sustainable way and a sustainability framework is proposed together with a set of recommendations for each sector.Practical implicationsSuggestions on how to further strengthen and develop the sustainability of enterprise education programmes are provided for the three sectors: schools, further, and higher education, for example, through centralised curriculum support, the extension of credit‐based courses and structured staff development for stakeholders.Originality/valueEnterprise education is acknowledged to have an influence on the knowledge, skills and attitudes of students and can contribute to entrepreneurship. Curriculum development in enterprise education enables educational institutions to stimulate interest of students and to foster entrepreneurial qualities among potential entrepreneurs in society. Approaches to curriculum development for three educational sectors are examined, categorised and recommendations advanced for sustaining such enterprise education programmes over an extended period of time.
Managing the transition to university for disabled students
Authors: Taylor Mark , Baskett Mike , Wren Chris 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine mechanisms for managing the transition from school/college/work to university for disabled studentsDesign/methodology/approachA research project using a case study methodology in a UK university department was conducted over a four year periodFindingsThe paper finds that it is important that students with a disability who enter university identify themselves as early as possible so that appropriate adjustments can be made where required to teaching, assessment and pastoral care. It is also important that the transition to university is appropriately co‐ordinated both centrally by university wide disability support services and within the relevant university department. Ideally there should be anticipation of adjustments that may be required by the students with a disability.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough the case study reported in this paper focusses on just one university department, the number of students with a disability entering UK higher education is likely to increase and higher education institutions need to be aware of the adjustments that may potentially be required, as well as the timeliness of such adjustments.Originality/valueIn previous decades few students with a disability have attended university in the UK. However, growing numbers of such students are now attending university, but thus far little, if any research has been conducted regarding the adjustments that may need to be made for such students.
Determination of cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parametric uncertainty
Authors: Cheng Jin 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe existing methods for determining cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed are based on assumption of complete determinacy of structural parameters. This is usually referred to as deterministic analysis. But in reality there are uncertainties in design variables. These uncertainties include geometric properties (cross‐sectional properties and dimensions), material mechanical properties (modulus and strength, etc), load magnitude and distribution, etc. Thus deterministic analysis cannot provide complete information regarding cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed. The purpose of this paper is to determine cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parametric uncertainty.Design/methodology/approachAn efficient and accurate algorithm is proposed to determine the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parameter uncertainty. The proposed method is a hybrid method, consisting of the improved Monte Carlo simulation method and forward process analysis method.FindingsThe proposed algorithm can obtain more information about the cable forces at different construction stages than the commonly used deterministic method, and it provides an improved understanding of the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed with parameter uncertainties.Originality/valueThe values of this type of research are that: it developed an efficient and accurate algorithm for determining the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed under parameter uncertainty; and it provided an improved understanding of the cable forces in cable‐stayed bridges constructed with parameter uncertainties.
Numerical analysis of unsteady flow under high‐head operating conditions in Francis turbine
Authors: Yexiang Xiao , Zhengwei Wang , Zongguo Yan , Mingan Li , Ming Xiao , Dingyou Liu 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how the hydraulic performance and pressure fluctuations in the entire flow passage of a Francis turbine were predicted numerically for the highest head. The calculations are used to partition the turbine operating regions and to clarify the unsteady flow behavior in the entire flow passage including the blade channel vortex in the runner and vortex rope in the draft tube.Design/methodology/approachThree‐dimensional unsteady numerical simulations were performed for a number of operating conditions at the highest head. The unsteady Reynolds‐averaged Navier‐Stokes equations with the k‐ω based SST turbulence model were solved to model the unsteady flow within the entire flow passage of a Francis turbine.FindingsThe predicted pressure fluctuations in the draft tube agree well with the experimental results at low heads. However the peak‐to‐peak amplitudes in the spiral case are not as well predicted so the calculation domain and the inlet boundary conditions need to be improved. The unsteady simulation results are better than the steady‐state results. At the most unstable operating condition of case a0.5h1.26, the pulse in the flow passage is due to the rotor‐stator interference between the runner and the guide vanes, the blade channel vortex in the runner blade passage and the vortex rope in the draft tube.Originality/valueThis study investigates the characteristics of the dominant unsteady flow frequencies in different parts of the turbine for various guide vane openings at the highest head. The unsteady flow patterns in the turbine, including the blade channel vortex in the runner and the helical vortex rope in the draft tube, are classified numerically, and the turbine operating regions are partitioned to identify safe operating regions.
Eigenfrequencies of symmetric planar trusses via weighted graph symmetry and new canonical forms
Authors: Kaveh A. , Shahryari L. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe how the method recently developed for mass‐spring systems and frame structures is modified to include the free vibration of trusses.Design/methodology/approachHere, two methods are presented for calculating the eigenfrequencies of structures. The first approach is graph theoretical and uses graph symmetry. The graph models are decomposed into submodels and healing processes are employed such that the union of the eigenvalues of the healed submodels contain the eigenvalues of the entire model. The second method has an algebraic nature and uses special canonical forms. The present method is illustrated through three simple examples with odd and even number of bays.FindingsThe inter‐relation for the mechanical properties of elements is established using new weighted graphs, enabling easy calculation of the eigenvalues involved. Two methods are presented for calculating the eigenfrequencies of the truss structures.Originality/valueSymmetry is used for easy calculation of the eigenfrequencies of structures.
Justice perceptions of performance appraisal practices
Authors: Thurston Paul W. , McNall Laurel 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the underlying structure of employees' justice perceptions in the context of their organizations' performance appraisal practices.Design/methodology/approachTen multi‐item scales were designed to measure the perceived fairness of performance appraisal practices. A nested confirmatory factor analysis of employee responses (n=188) compared the four justice dimensions (i.e. procedural, distributive, interpersonal, informational) to five plausible alternatives. Construct validity was demonstrated through a structural equation model of matched employee and supervisor responses (n=117).FindingsThe confirmatory factor analysis showed evidence of four distinct but highly correlated justice constructs. Results supported hypothesized relationships between procedural justice and helpful behaviors toward the organization via appraisal system satisfaction; distributive justice with appraisal satisfaction; and interpersonal and informational justice and helpful behaviors toward the supervisor via supervisor satisfaction.Practical implicationsThis study underscores the importance of fostering perceptions of justice in the context of performance appraisal. The scales developed in this study could be used to isolate potential problems with an organization's performance appraisal practices. Originality/value – The paper integrates prior research concerning the positive effects of procedural, distributive, interpersonal, and informational justice on affective and behavioral responses towards performance appraisals.
Psychological contract breach and work performance
Authors: Matthijs Bal P. , Chiaburu Dan S. , Jansen Paul G.W. 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate how social exchanges modify the relationship between psychological contract breach and work performance. It aims to present two concurrent hypotheses, based on theoretical interaction effects of social exchanges (conceptualized as social exchange relationships, POS, and trust).Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of 266 employees in a service sector company in the USA. Regression analysis was used to explore the moderating effects of social exchanges on the relationships between psychological contract breach and work performance (operationalized as in‐role behaviors and organizational citizenship behaviors).FindingsIt was found that the negative relationship between psychological contract breach and work performance was moderated by social exchanges, such that the relationship was stronger for employees with high social exchange relationship, perceived organizational support, and trust.Research limitations/implicationsThe data were collected cross‐sectionally, and thus causal inferences have to be made with caution. Moreover, the data were collected from a single source. The study shows that the relations between contract breach and outcomes are moderated by the existing relationship between employee and organization.Practical implicationsAlthough organizations may invest in long‐term relationships with their employees, psychological contract breaches have a profound impact on work performance. Therefore, organizations should diminish perceptions of contract breach; for instance by providing realistic expectations.Originality/valueThe paper provides new theoretical insights on how social exchange can have two distinct effects on the breach‐outcomes relations. It shows that social exchanges moderate the relations between contract breach and work performance.
Work‐family enrichment as a mediator between organizational interventions for work‐life balance and job outcomes
Authors: Baral Rupashree , Bhargava Shivganesh 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the role of work‐family enrichment in the relationships between organizational interventions for work‐life balance (job characteristics, work‐life benefits and policies, supervisor support and work‐family culture) and job outcomes (job satisfaction, affective commitment and organizational citizenship behaviour). It is hypothesized that organizational interventions for work‐life balance will be positively related to job outcomes and work‐to‐family enrichment will mediate these relationships.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from 216 managerial employees through a structured questionnaire from four organizations in India representing manufacturing and information technology (IT) sectors. Analysis was done using multiple regressions.FindingsJob characteristics were positively related to all the measures of job outcomes. Supervisor support and work‐family culture were positively related to job satisfaction and affective commitment. No significant association was found between work‐life benefits and policies (WLBPs) and any of the job outcome measures. Job characteristics and supervisor support were positively related to work‐to‐family enrichment. Work‐to‐family enrichment mediated the relationships between job characteristics and all job outcomes and between supervisor support and affective commitment.Research limitations/implicationsThe correlational design prevents conclusions about causality.Practical implicationsThe findings have implications for designing jobs, developing supportive work‐family culture and managing employee work‐family interface for maximizing individual and organizational outcomes.Originality/valueThe study reflected on the work‐family domain relationships in a novel socio‐cultural context and demonstrated the mediating role of work‐family enrichment in the relationships between organizational interventions for work‐life balance and job outcomes.
Tarde's influence on Schumpeter: technology and social evolution
Authors: Michaelides Panayotis G. , Theologou Kostas 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to argue that Joseph Schumpeter's views are influenced by the French social philosopher Gabriel Tarde who delivered a theory of social evolution based on technological change as its driving force.Design/methodology/approachThe paper investigates the affinities in Schumpeter's and Tarde's respective theoretical and methodological approaches.FindingsIn this context, the paper finds striking similarities in their central visions.Practical implicationsUnderstanding Schumpeter's theories implies a deeper acquaintance with Tarde'soeuvre.Originality/valueThe paper concludes that several Schumpeterian insights appear to be less original.
Non‐profit extension in rural Cameroon: a study of demand and supply determinants
Authors: Azibo Balgah Roland , Valentinov Vladislav , Buchenrieder Gertrud 
Published: March 2010

PurposeThe paper is aimed at examining the correspondence between the demand‐side and supply‐side determinants of the existence of non‐profit firms.Design/methodology/approachThe case study approach is used to compare the demand‐side and supply‐side determinants for a single non‐profit organization in rural Cameroon.FindingsIt is shown that the supply‐side determinants of the examined non‐profit organization, while interrelated with the demand‐side determinants, are not reducible to these.Research limitations/implicationsThis finding implies the need to steer a middle course between those theoretical approaches that assume no integration between the demand‐side and supply‐side determinants, and those that assume complete integration between these.Originality/valueThe current non‐profit economics literature, represented by the above approaches, tends to assume away the complex interaction between the demand‐side and supply‐side rationales of non‐profit organization. The contribution of the present paper is to highlight the limitations of this assumption.