bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity in Expression Patterns and Functional Properties in the Rice HKT Transporter Family
Authors: Jabnoune Mehdi , Espeout Sandra , Mieulet Delphine , Fizames Cécile , Verdeil Jean-Luc , Conéjéro Geneviève , Rodríguez-Navarro Alonso , Sentenac Hervé , Guiderdoni Emmanuel , Abdelly Chedly , Véry Anne-Aliénor 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Plant growth under low K+ availability or salt stress requires tight control of K+ and Na+ uptake, long-distance transport, and accumulation. The family of membrane transporters named HKT (for High-Affinity K+ Transporters), permeable either to K+ and Na+ or to Na+ only, is thought to play major roles in these functions. Whereas Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) possesses a single HKT transporter, involved in Na+ transport in vascular tissues, a larger number of HKT transporters are present in rice (Oryza sativa) as well as in other monocots. Here, we report on the expression patterns and functional properties of three rice HKT transporters, OsHKT1;1, OsHKT1;3, and OsHKT2;1. In situ hybridization experiments revealed overlapping but distinctive and complex expression patterns, wider than expected for such a transporter type, including vascular tissues and root periphery but also new locations, such as osmocontractile leaf bulliform cells (involved in leaf folding). Functional analyses in Xenopus laevis oocytes revealed striking diversity. OsHKT1;1 and OsHKT1;3, shown to be permeable to Na+ only, are strongly different in terms of affinity for this cation and direction of transport (inward only or reversible). OsHKT2;1 displays diverse permeation modes, Na+-K+ symport, Na+ uniport, or inhibited states, depending on external Na+ and K+ concentrations within the physiological concentration range. The whole set of data indicates that HKT transporters fulfill distinctive roles at the whole plant level in rice, each system playing diverse roles in different cell types. Such a large diversity within the HKT transporter family might be central to the regulation of K+ and Na+ accumulation in monocots.
The Transcription Factor ABI4 Is a Regulator of Mitochondrial Retrograde Expression of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE1a
Authors: Giraud Estelle , Van Aken Olivier , Ho Lois H.M. , Whelan James 
Published: May 2009

Abstract
Plant cells integrate signals from external sources and from organelles to regulate gene expression, referred to as anterograde and retrograde signaling, respectively. Functional characterization of the promoter of ALTERNATIVE OXIDASE1a (AOX1a) from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), a marker for mitochondrial retrograde response, was carried out by testing the ability of the AOX1a promoter to drive expression of the reporter gene GUS. This approach identified a strong repressor element, designated the B element, that was necessary for an increased promoter activity in response to the mitochondrial complex I inhibitor rotenone. This element overlaps with a previously identified potential binding site for the transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE4 (ABI4). AOX1a promoter activity was fully derepressed in abi4 mutants and was unresponsive to rotenone. Furthermore, deletion of the B element of the AOX1a promoter resulted in increased GUS staining activity compared to the wild-type promoter in transgenic plants. Binding of the ABI4 transcription factor to this region of the AOX1a promoter was demonstrated by electromobility shift and yeast one-hybrid assays. Analysis of transcript abundance for AOX1a in abi4 mutant lines revealed significantly increased levels of AOX1a mRNA that could not be further induced by rotenone, consistent with the role of ABI4 as a repressor that is derepressed in response to rotenone. These results show that ABI4 plays a central role in mediating mitochondrial retrograde signals to induce the expression of AOX1a. Furthermore, they provide a molecular link between mitochondrial and chloroplast retrograde signaling, as ABI4 has been previously shown to act downstream of at least two chloroplast retrograde signaling pathways.
The influence of selection factors on evolutionary change methods
Authors: Friedl Peter , Biloslavo Roberto 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe basic purpose of this research is to study the influence selection factors have on the effectiveness of evolutionary change methods in civil engineering companies in Slovenia.Design/methodology/approachA combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research work was applied. In the process of quantitative data analysis, the statistical methods of bivariant and multivariant analysis were used.FindingsBased on the results of the research, the authors can conclude that the size of a company has no effect on any of the dimensions in selection factors. On the other hand, in seven of the 16 evolutionary change methods applied by the companies, the research results have confirmed the importance of selection factors.Research limitations/implicationsIn the interpretation of research findings, it should be taken into account that, at the time the research was conducted, the civil engineering industry was undergoing a period of crisis and was ranked among the least profitable industries within the Slovene economy. For this reason, a generalisation of the research findings is not appropriate.Practical implicationsThe research findings will allow executive managements to make a more efficient selection from the many available change methods, and also to apply them with greater efficiency. As a result, efficiency and effectiveness in companies can be expected to increase, which is of crucial importance when it comes to corporate entities operating in late‐transition or post‐transition environments.Originality/valueThe article represents an original contribution to understanding the change method selection factors related to the size of companies, as well as their influence on the selected method of evolutionary change process.
Rethinking value creation in leveraged buyouts
Authors: Braun Michael R. , Latham Scott F. 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis study aims to examine the governance structure of the firm undergoing a complete buyout cycle (reverse leveraged buyout). Its purpose is to empirically explore the evolution of corporate board structures as a unique source of value creation, in addition to the agency mechanisms of the discipline of debt and incentives of equity participation.Design/methodology/approachThe authors rely on agency theory and the resource dependence perspective to develop sets of hypotheses that examine changes in the board composition of 65 R‐LBOs and 65 matched continuing firms spanning a 25‐year period (1979‐2004).FindingsThe empirical results reveal numerous insights about why R‐LBOs go private, to what extent boards restructure during the buyout phase, and how those changes relate to firm performance. Taken together, the findings give strong credence to the argument that boards represent a supplemental source of value creation in the buyout process.Research limitations/implicationsFor scholars, the study presents a platform for further inquiry into the role of boards of directors in R‐LBOs as well as the inclusion of resource dependence theory to inform on the phenomenon.Practical implicationsThe study helps to address this new source of value creation for practical interest. It offers a benchmark for buyout firms to compare their board characteristics by establishing linkages between pre‐buyout deficiencies, post‐buyout modifications, and post‐SIPO performance.Originality/valueThe results shift scholarly attention away from the structural governance tools to the group dynamics of the board. The findings call into question the restricted attention given by buyout researchers to leverage and ownership as value drivers by prompting a closer evaluation of the relationship between buyout board structures and related structuring of debt and managerial equity participation. Furthermore, the inclusion of the resource‐dependency perspective alongside agency theory as an explanatory theory allows for a richer account of the LBO phenomenon and its sources of value creation.
A cluster analysis of the KM field
Authors: Hosein Rezazadeh Mehrizi Mohammad , Bontis Nick 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe main purpose of this study is to review the knowledge management literature from a content‐related perspective using cluster analysis.Design/methodology/approachA critical analysis of previous review articles in KM provided a conceptual framework with nine dimensions. A survey was then administered to 120 KM authors asking them to review which dimensions they considered in their own research.FindingsThree clusters of KM research were identified as follows: the socialization school, the collaboration school, and the codification school.Research limitations/implicationsThe study does not consider the dimension of strategic versus operational KM issues nor does it consider any non‐Anglophonic research.Practical implicationsThe three identified clusters accrued from the review provide both scholars and practitioners with a more holistic perspective and better understanding of the main thrusts of their KM initiatives.Originality/valueThe research is the first systematic and comprehensive review of KM that provides a cluster analysis approach.
Firm performance and complementary strategy development processes
Authors: White Gunby Norris 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper sets out to continue exploration of the process‐performance linkage by positing several relationships between a multidimensional operationalization of the strategy development process and firm performance, specifically identifying a strategy process configuration that is complementary to constrained environmental conditions.Design/methodology/approachHypotheses and empirical results from a survey of practicing senior managers are presented.FindingsThe results infer that, in conjunction, the enforced choice and political strategy development process modes are superior to other strategy‐making archetypes in generating return on assets within constrained environments in for‐profit firms. No significant differences in firm performance were found for not‐for‐profit firms or for firms employing four other strategy development process modes prevalent in the current strategy process literature.Practical implicationsWhen assessing their strategic management process, organizations must give consideration to its qualitative nature. Senior managerial perception of the strategic management process has influence during strategy formulation and implementation and eventually on firm performance.Originality/valueThe paper builds on previous work, but highlights two new findings. Namely, a multidimensional operationalization of the strategy development process generates greater ROA than a one‐dimensional process and organizational performance in this configuration varies by firm profit status in some constrained organizational environments.
Toward a behavioral theory of vision in organizational settings
Authors: Kantabutra Sooksan 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a behavioral theory of organizational vision.Design/methodology/approachBased on existing theoretical concepts and empirical evidence, this new theory development compares a diverse set of plausible logical, empirical, and/or epistemological conjectures so that highlighting occurs to form the substance of the new vision theory.FindingsThe approach takes the form of an emerging vision theory, which explains how vision attributes create an impact on organizational performance.Originality/valueWhile vision is core to the prevailing vision‐based leadership theories, little is theoretically and empirically known about attributes for effective vision. Moreover, there is no existing leadership theory, which explains the process by which vision attributes create positive effects on organizational performance. The paper proposes a vision theory to fill this gap.
Organizational knowledge leadership
Authors: Lakshman Chandrashekhar 
Published: May 2009

PurposeKnowledge management as a key top executive function has not been sufficiently explored in the leadership literature. This study seeks to examine the role of top executives in knowledge management by first building theoretical hypotheses and subsequently testing them. Hypotheses are developed through the integration of the knowledge management and leadership literatures and tested using CEO interviews published inHarvard Business Review.Design/methodology/approachUsing the method of structured content analysis developed by Jauchet al., this study uses theseHBRinterviews and develops questionnaire instruments through which data are collected from respondents in a structured fashion. This innovative method involves the distribution of these published interviews with top executives of organizations (such as CEOs) to multiple groups of respondents, who then carefully read the interviews and responded to the structured questions developed for the purpose of assessing the relevant constructs in the study. Such structured content analysis allows for both the assessment of inter‐rater reliability and testing the theoretical relationships identified in the theory‐building stage.FindingsThe major hypotheses, relating cause‐effect beliefs held by the CEOs and their knowledge management practices to performance measures and leadership perceptions, were supported.Research limitations/implicationsThe CEOs included in the study were not randomly chosen but chosen from a set of interviews (acquired) from a published source. The use of acquired interviews may also be the reason for not finding stronger relationships across the variables being examined here.Practical implicationsThe paper has studied the importance of information acquisition, information use, and more generally information and knowledge management as key leader functions or behaviors. Overall, the findings and the framework used here point to the importance of the role of leaders (top executives) in information and knowledge management.Originality/valueThis is a seminal investigation of knowledge leadership by top executives. Such work has not existed in the literature to date, except in the qualitative mode.
Facility closure management: the case of Vauxhall Motors Luton
Authors: Butler Michael J.R. , Sweeney Mike , Crundwell David 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to present the findings of a study of factory closure management. It details the sequence and the results of the key strategic manufacturing management decisions made from the time of the announcement of the plant closure to the cessation of operations. The paper also includes an analysis of the human resource management (HRM) actions taken during this same time period and their consequences upon all those involved in the closure management process.Design/methodology/approachThe case study methodology consisted of two initial site visits to monitor closure management effectiveness (adherence to plan and the types and frequency of closure management communications). During these visits, documentary evidence of the impact of the closure decision upon production performance was also collected (manufacturing output and quality performance data). Following plant closure, interviews were held with senior business, production and HRM managers and production personnel. A total of 12 interviews were carried out.FindingsThe case study findings have informed the development of a conceptual model of facility closure management. Information obtained from the interviews suggests that the facility closure management process consists of five key management activities. The unexpected announcement of a factory closure can cause behavioural changes similar to those of bereavement, particularly by those employees who are its survivors. In addition, similar reactions to the closure announcement may be displayed by those who choose to remain employed by the factory owner throughout the phased closure of the plant.Originality/valueFacility closure management is an insufficiently researched strategic operations management activity. This paper details a recommended procedure for its management. A conceptual model has also been developed to illustrate the links between the key facility closure management tasks and the range of employee changes of behaviour that can be induced by their execution.
Interview with Richard Reed
Authors: by Ruth Young Interview 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present and an interview with Rowan Gibson, a global business strategist, bestselling author and an expert on radical innovation.Design/methodology/approachThis briefing is prepared by an independent interviewer.FindingsRichard Reed is co‐founder of the company which now employs 275 people with offices across Europe, sells two million smoothies a week and is the number one smoothie brand in the UK.Originality/valueThe interview provides insights into how to build and sustain a company‐wide innovation capability.
Selling the Canadian Forces' brand to Canada's youth
Authors: McMullan Kylie , Rehal Pinder , Read Katy , Luo Judy , Huating Wu Ashley , Pitt Leyland , Papania Lisa , Campbell Colin 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis purpose of this paper is to facilitate the exploration of marketing strategy in general and branding strategy in particular for a non‐profit, governmental institution.Design/methodology/approachStudents are taken to 2005 when the Canadian Forces needed to increase recruitment. Canada's ageing population and the war in Afghanistan were just two of the many reasons driving an immediate focus on signing up new young Canadians. However, the task was proving more difficult than anticipated.FindingsA particular challenge lay in that the army's brand – always conservatively constructed to reflect the more peaceful side of military life – had served to alienate many would‐be soldiers who interpreted this portrayal as patronizing and boring. However, a new campaign focused on the more militaristic realities of war might have served only to put off the families of potential recruits to whom these youths turned for advice and support. With the face of the military presented largely through its recruitment campaigns, the Canadian Forces' marketing department needed to do some introspection in order to determine how to proceed.Originality/valueThis case serves to highlight the importance of branding and marketing strategy in a non‐traditional setting and related prompt discussion and learning. This case is intended for classroom use only. It is not intended to demonstrate effective or ineffective handling of a business situation.
The planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications
Authors: Caemmerer Barbara 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to illustrate the tasks involved in the planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications using an interesting, real‐life case study.Design/methodology/approachA mix of secondary and primary research is used: analysis of academic literature, market research data and organisational data, as well as interviews conducted with members of the Renault Marketing Team.FindingsThe planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications is complex and involves a wide range of different management tasks. These include: situation analysis and identification of marketing communications opportunities; choosing the right marketing communications agency; campaign development and implementation, including the selection of the marketing communications mix, creative execution and media planning; campaign evaluation; planning of follow‐up campaigns; and managerial coordination between all tasks and parties involved to ensure integration of marketing communications initiatives throughout the campaign.Originality/valueApplies marketing communications theories to a real‐life example and illustrates comprehensively the management tasks involved in the planning and implementation of integrated marketing communications campaigns. Provides hyperlinks and references to organisations and bodies relevant to the marketing communications industry as well as academic literature.
Cayamo – a case study of a music themed cruise
Authors: Henderson Stephen 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a look at an unusual emerging market though its main aim is to provide a rich and colourful exercise for teaching marketing. Rich in that the teacher has a variety of options, colourful in that the student will be engaged by the language and content.Design/methodology/approachThe case study focuses on an unusual and relatively new leisure product that combines two growing areas: cruise tourism and music festivals. The case is written in a narrative style to allow student interpretation of the material and application to a range of marketing concepts. The information within the case is derived from a number of published sources including market data, internet chatrooms, blogs and an interview with a customer.FindingsThe case builds to provide a picture of an innovative niche product in an emerging growth market. In the introduction, it demonstrates that popular music is no longer limited to low‐income youth. The sections that follow the introduction set the scene for a (variable) market definition. Next, the experiences revealed in the Sixthman Blog show their lack of understanding of this “new product”. Whilst, the personal experience that follows highlights typical customer demographics and needs. The research from Mintel pulls much of this together before leaving some thoughts for the future in the final section.Originality/valueThe case can be used for teaching in a number of ways, for example, relating to market development, segmentation, targeting and marketing communications.
How close are we to having a global “Get it for me” service?
Authors: Davidson Ed 
Published: May 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the key features in the process of an end‐user identifying, requesting and obtaining a document they require. In addition it seeks to describe the issues that need to be addressed for this process to become successful and operational.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes a descriptive form.FindingsThe paper finds that most technical issues have been resolved. The information community as a whole must address how the remaining obstacles can be overcome.Originality/valueThis is a readable paper by an experienced practitioner on the long‐standing vision of a seamless service for end‐users.