bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multilevel Control of Arabidopsis 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase by Protein Phosphatase 2A
Authors: Leivar Pablo , Antolín-Llovera Meritxell , Ferrero Sergi , Closa Marta , Arró Montserrat , Ferrer Albert , Boronat Albert , Campos Narciso 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Plants synthesize a myriad of isoprenoid products that are required both for essential constitutive processes and for adaptive responses to the environment. The enzyme 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) catalyzes a key regulatory step of the mevalonate pathway for isoprenoid biosynthesis and is modulated by many endogenous and external stimuli. In spite of that, no protein factor interacting with and regulating plant HMGR in vivo has been described so far. Here, we report the identification of two B′′ regulatory subunits of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), designated B′′α and B′′β, that interact with HMGR1S and HMGR1L, the major isoforms of Arabidopsis thaliana HMGR. B′′α and B′′β are Ca2+ binding proteins of the EF-hand type. We show that HMGR transcript, protein, and activity levels are modulated by PP2A in Arabidopsis. When seedlings are transferred to salt-containing medium, B′′α and PP2A mediate the decrease and subsequent increase of HMGR activity, which results from a steady rise of HMGR1-encoding transcript levels and an initial sharper reduction of HMGR protein level. In unchallenged plants, PP2A is a posttranslational negative regulator of HMGR activity with the participation of B′′β. Our data indicate that PP2A exerts multilevel control on HMGR through the five-member B′′ protein family during normal development and in response to a variety of stress conditions.
ETOILERegulates Developmental Patterning in the Filamentous Brown AlgaEctocarpus siliculosus
Authors: Le Bail Aude , Billoud Bernard , Le Panse Sophie , Chenivesse Sabine , Charrier Bénédicte 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBrown algae are multicellular marine organisms evolutionarily distant from both metazoans and land plants. The molecular or cellular mechanisms that govern the developmental patterning in brown algae are poorly characterized. Here, we report the first morphogenetic mutant, étoile (etl), produced in the brown algal model Ectocarpus siliculosus. Genetic, cellular, and morphometric analyses showed that a single recessive locus, ETL, regulates cell differentiation: etl cells display thickening of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the elongated, apical, and actively dividing E cells are underrepresented. As a result of this defect, the overrepresentation of round, branch-initiating R cells in the etl mutant leads to the rapid induction of the branching process at the expense of the uniaxial growth in the primary filament. Computational modeling allowed the simulation of the etl mutant phenotype by including a modified response to the neighborhood information in the division rules used to specify wild-type development. Microarray experiments supported the hypothesis of a defect in cell–cell communication, as primarily Lin-Notch-domain transmembrane proteins, which share similarities with metazoan Notch proteins involved in binary cell differentiation were repressed in etl. Thus, our study highlights the role of the ECM and of novel transmembrane proteins in cell–cell communication during the establishment of the developmental pattern in this brown alga.
The Interconversion of UDP-Arabinopyranose and UDP-Arabinofuranose Is Indispensable for Plant Development inArabidopsis
Authors: Rautengarten Carsten , Ebert Berit , Herter Thomas , Petzold Christopher J. , Ishii Tadashi , Mukhopadhyay Aindrila , Usadel Björn , Scheller Henrik Vibe 
Published: April 2011

Abstractl-Ara, an important constituent of plant cell walls, is found predominantly in the furanose rather than in the thermodynamically more stable pyranose form. Nucleotide sugar mutases have been demonstrated to interconvert UDP-l-arabinopyranose (UDP-Arap) and UDP-l-arabinofuranose (UDP-Araf) in rice (Oryza sativa). These enzymes belong to a small gene family encoding the previously named Reversibly Glycosylated Proteins (RGPs). RGPs are plant-specific cytosolic proteins that tend to associate with the endomembrane system. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the RGP protein family consists of five closely related members. We characterized all five RGPs regarding their expression pattern and subcellular localizations in transgenic Arabidopsis plants. Enzymatic activity assays of recombinant proteins expressed in Escherichia coli identified three of the Arabidopsis RGP protein family members as UDP-l-Ara mutases that catalyze the formation of UDP-Araf from UDP-Arap. Coimmunoprecipitation and subsequent liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed a distinct interaction network between RGPs in different Arabidopsis organs. Examination of cell wall polysaccharide preparations from RGP1 and RGP2 knockout mutants showed a significant reduction in total l-Ara content (12–31%) compared with wild-type plants. Concomitant downregulation of RGP1 and RGP2 expression results in plants almost completely deficient in cell wall–derived l-Ara and exhibiting severe developmental defects.
A preliminary study of amino acid and mineral profiles of important and estimable 21 seafood species
Authors: Özden Özkan , Erkan Nuray 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate the proximate composition, amino acid and mineral profiles of seafood for human consumption.Design/methodology/approachA total of 21 seafood species (eight seawater, one fresh water fish, six crustacean and six mollusc species) of commercial importance were chosen and purchased from the Istanbul local fish market. The sample to amino acids analyze was prepared in accordance with the hydrolysis technique described by Waters AccQ.Tag Chemistry Package Method (HPLC). Determination of iron (Fe), sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), phosphorus (P) and iodine (I) was performed with thermo electron X7 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS).FindingsThe lipid contents of species were found to be very low and considered as lean. The highest total amino acid values of fishes, crustaceans and molluscs were determined in John Dory, hake, red scorpion fish, spiny lobster, Norway lobster, sea snail and pecten. The mineral content of seafood species were found to be 9.3‐157.11 mg/kg Fe, 558.13‐6095.89 mg/kg Na, 253.25‐1032.29 mg/kg Mg, 125.43‐17174.76 mg/kg Ca, 0.18‐7.76 mg/kg Se, 1586.45‐5811.16 mg/kg P and 0.086‐2.630 mg/kg I.Originality/valueThis paper is helpful to consumers and academics concerning the proximate, amino acid and mineral composition of 21 estimable seafood species (nine fish, six crustacean and six mollusc species).
Networking with boundary spanners
Authors: Shantz Amanda , Wright Katy , Latham Gary 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore a potential mechanism through which gender segregation in the engineering profession is created and sustained. Specifically, boundary spanners for women and men were examined because they may be a source of valuable information to job seekers.Design/methodology/approachApplicant data for the role of a senior technical engineer (n=100) from an engineering organisation in the UK were analyzed.FindingsA logistic regression analysis showed that women applicants were significantly less likely than men to be offered a job as a senior engineer. A mediation analysis revealed that women did not use networking with boundary spanners as a primary job search tool, providing a partial explanation for why women are less likely to be hired in senior engineering roles.Originality/valueThis study uses a dataset collected in 2009 to widen the investigative lens of processes that influence hiring outcomes for women in a male‐stereotyped job, namely, engineering.
Adapting a quality assurance framework for creating educational metadata in an agricultural learning repository
Authors: Zschocke Thomas , Beniest Jan 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe paper seeks to introduce a process for assuring the creation of quality educational metadata based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard to describe the agricultural learning resources in the repository of the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).Design/methodology/approachThe paper describes the general notion of quality in education and in the creation of educational metadata. It introduces a quality framework based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard on quality management and quality assurance for learning, education and training. This standard consists of a reference framework for the description of quality approaches (RFDQ) to describe, compare, and analyze quality management and quality assurance approaches, which has been adapted to the creation of educational metadata in the context of the learning object repository of the CGIAR.FindingsIn order to achieve consistency in the description of learning resources in a repository through quality educational metadata, a standardized process for metadata creators is essential. The reference framework of the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard provides a flexible approach that allows the optimization of the metadata creation process while assuring quality of the descriptive information.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes a standardized process for the creation of learning object metadata based on the ISO/IEC 19796‐1 standard, and makes suggestions on how to use the reference framework when adapting a quality model for educational metadata.Originality/valueISO/IEC 19796‐1 is a very recent standard with a flexible reference framework to develop a quality model in education and training. It provides a novel approach for organizations maintaining learning repositories that are interested in standardizing the educational metadata creation process, especially when multiple stakeholders are involved.
Ethics and trust in digital scholarship
Authors: Mutula Stephen M. 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThis paper aims to address issues of ethics and trust in a digital scholarship environment relating to: accuracy of data, integrity of scholarly research process, electronic publications and communications; intellectual property rights, confidentiality/privacy and data security. The paper raises such questions as: To what extent do faculty trust digital research process? How can trust be nurtured in a scholarly environment where research is undertaken wholly or in part electronically?Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on critical analysis of existing literature especially the theoretical models of ethics and trust drawn from across different disciplines such as marketing, psychology, management, and information systems.FindingsDespite the increasing adoption of digital scholarship strategies among universities, ethics and trust issues are not being addressed. In order for digital scholarship to be effectively integrated within the institutional operational milieu and institutionalised, a number of interventions are required, such as: putting in place an e‐strategy; a research portal that facilitates data transfer; knowledge sharing, protocols of uploading content; open access standards; institutional repositories; e‐research librarians responsible for training, faculty and students re‐orientation; provision of digital curation services such as standards, software, and access cyber infrastructure.Research limitations/implicationsThe subject of ethics and trust has hardly been researched in a digital scholarship environment. Consequently, there is limited literature on the subject. Empirical research is needed to address issues of trust and ethics in digital learning and research environment in order to leverage the proliferation of technology to optimise benefits for scholarly endeavours.Practical implicationsInstitutions of higher learning, especially universities, must strive to integrate into their learning and research strategies ethical and trust aspects of digital scholarship to ensure that information and communication technologies that are implemented meet acceptable scholarly standards with regard to access, usability, productivity and more.Social implicationsIssues of ethics and trust have become more important than before because of the evolving knowledge economy and the pervasity of information and communication technology in society emanating from increased rollout of e‐government infrastructures throughout the world by governments.Originality/valueThe subject of ethics and trust has hardly been addressed in literature in the context of digital scholarship, yet more educational institutions the world over are moving toward embracing digital scholarship environments.
A proposal of a new paradigm for national quality certification systems
Authors: Franceschini Fiorenzo , Galetto Maurizio , Maisano Domenico , Mastrogiacomo Luca 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe goal of this paper is to suggest a new incentive model that is capable of creating the conditions for the autonomous growth of diffusion and credibility of the ISO 9000 national quality certification system.Design/methodology/approachThe first part of this work contains some considerations about the general interest of organisations in quality certification systems, emphasising the advantages and the drawbacks in being certified. Next, the attention shifts to future scenarios. Specifically, a new model is proposed that is capable of encouraging certified organisations (COs) and certification bodies (CBs) that operate blamelessly and seriously, while at the same time penalising those that do not.FindingsThe suggested model consists of two inter‐connected sub‐models relative to COs and CBs, respectively. Each sub‐model includes different states with different incentives/penalties. The switch‐over from one state to another depends on the practical results recorded in recent years by the CO/CB of interest. The switching rules are based on a set of objective, transparent, and non‐manipulable indicators.Research limitations/implicationsOn‐site analyses and simulations are necessary so as to tune optimal switching rules to balance the whole model.Practical implicationsThe (possible) future implementation of the model could have great impact on COs' and CBs' modi operandi, promoting the real implementation of quality management practices but – at the same time – not requiring significant additional effort from the state and the authorities accrediting/controlling CBs.Originality/valueThe proposed model is absolutely new and may represent a proper way to combine the interests and expectations of COs and CBs into a unique “virtuous circle” for improving the real implementation of quality management.
A performance realization framework for implementing ISO 9000
Authors: Kim Dong‐Young , Kumar Vinod , Kumar Uma 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to propose a performance realization framework based on key factors of ISO 9000 implementation.Design/methodology/approachA three‐stage approach of a systematic review is employed to examine the literature and develop the framework. The review is concentrated on three research topics: motivations; critical success factors; and impacts of ISO 9000 implementation.FindingsThis study identifies five motivation factors (quality‐related; operations‐related; competitiveness‐related; external pressure‐related; organizational image‐related factors) and ten critical success factors (leadership; training; involvement of everyone; organizational resource; quality‐oriented culture; customer‐based approach; process‐centered approach; communication and teamwork; customizing the ISO requirements; quality audit). This study also develops a performance realization framework composed of three parts: conversion; enhancement; and competitive priority stages.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the development of the literature by providing a set of motivation factors and of critical success factors that can assist practitioners to effectively implement the standard. Further, the proposed framework helps to explain causal relationships among ISO 9000 impacts and provide guidelines about critical considerations.
Tracking hidden quality costs in a manufacturing company: an action research
Authors: Cheah Soo‐Jin , Shah Amirul , Fauziah  
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a report on the implementation of a quality cost program in a continuous‐process manufacturing company, with particular emphasis on the unearthing of hidden quality costs, as well as gaining a closer understanding of the resistance against implementation.Design/methodology/approachUsing an action research approach, the researchers participated – directly and indirectly – in the implementation of quality costing at the case company. The research process comprises iterative cycles of gathering data through documentary reviews, observations of company operations, discussions with operatives, analyzing data, undertaking actions and evaluating results. Following Sandoval‐Chavez and Beruvides, the poor quality cost analysis includes an additional category to the conventional prevention‐appraisal‐failure model to reflect the cost of lost opportunities.FindingsThe study unearthed a significant portion of hidden quality costs which may be termed an “opportunity loss”. The findings indicate that the company's total quality costs actually far exceed its current profit margin, and that the company could improve its competitive position if it focused on the elimination of these quality costs.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper focuses on uncovering hidden quality costs. However, the measuring of quality costs only serves to identify opportunities for improvement. It is follow‐up corrective actions that will lead to organizational effectiveness. The research findings support the contention that tracking of poor quality costs is an important step in the quality management process.Originality/valueThis paper presents a proactive way of tracking hidden quality costs.
Effect of use‐rate on system life and failure models for 2D warranty
Authors: Manna D.K. , Pal Surajit , Sinha Sagnik 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to characterise the failure model of a system that is covered by a two‐dimensional warranty, one dimension depicting time and the other usage. Specifically, the authors study the effect of use‐rate on system life when each constituent component life is described by an accelerated‐failure‐time (AFT) type model.Design/methodology/approachThe paper evaluates the effect of use‐rate on the expected failure time of a system having different internal configurations involving components. Firstly, the coherent structure as well as modules with redundant structures (standby and load‐sharing) are analysed, whereby component failures are assumed to be conditionally independent. Study systems of some basic configurations with a general dependence structure among component failure instances are also studied.FindingsThe results strongly indicate that, irrespective of the internal component‐configuration of the system, the models should posses the property that the expected failure time given the use‐rate is a non‐increasing function of use‐rate. The study also reveals that dependence among components arises quite naturally due to variability in use‐rate, even when all other factors of the usage environment are held constant.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings of this paper are the outcome of a theoretical investigation. Although they are supported by some real‐life cases as cited from the literature, it is important that they are validated through more examples.Practical implicationsThe results would find a direct application in the analysis of two‐dimensional warranty policies as well as the reliability assessment of consumer durables.Originality/valueThe proposed approach to the characterisation of a bivariate failure model (indexed by time and usage) is quite realistic. This investigation may lead to the development of a more suitable model.
Do audit tenure and firm size contribute to audit quality?
Authors: Abedalqader Al‐Thuneibat Ali , Tawfiq Ibrahim Al Issa Ream , Ata Baker Rana Ahmad 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze the effect of the length of the audit firm‐client relationship and the size of the audit firm on audit quality in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachTo test their hypotheses, the authors use the quadratic form approach, similar to Chi and Huang, with some modifications. The population of this study encompasses all firms in which stock is publicly traded on the Amman Stock Exchange throughout the years (2002‐2006).FindingsStatistical analysis of data shows that, audit firm tenure affects the audit quality adversely (negatively). Audit quality deteriorates, when audit firm tenure is extended as a result of the growth in the magnitude of discretionary accruals. Meanwhile, data analysis did not reveal that the audit firm size has any significant impact on the correlation between audit firm tenure and audit quality.Practical implicationsIf auditor independence and audit quality are to be enhanced, the audit firm should be rotated in order to open the door for new auditors to investigate the client with greater scrutiny and due care. Moreover, the activities of big audit firms should be monitored in order to distinguish their role from small firms.Originality/valueThe paper provides evidence from a developing country about audit quality. It is expected to support and sustain improvement of audit quality, and therefore, financial reporting quality. The evidence provided by this paper adds to the literature internationally and this is important because auditing is a socially constructed phenomenon.
Socio‐economic development model based on stochastic advance‐retreat course
Authors: Dai Feng , Qi Jianping , Liang Ling 
Published: April 2011

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to reveal some basic characteristics in social and economic process, and lay the analytic foundation for advance‐retreat course (ARC).Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents the analytic model of stochastic ARC (SARC), which is based on the partial distribution and partial process (belonging to the probability theory and stochastic process), and describes some important characteristics of social and economic process in a quantitative method.FindingsThe successful socio‐economic process, including many biological process, are usually divided into three basic stages: the weak growth, the quick development and the swift decline. In general, rapid growth brings with it the weak persistence, and slow growth brings with it the strong persistence. The socio‐economic fluctuations are mainly caused by the excessive environmental pressures. The duration of the socio‐economic growth is inverse with the environmental pressure.Research limitations/implicationsAll the basic variables and parameters in an ARC model should be no less than zero.Practical implicationsBased on US GDP (chained) price index data (1940‐2005), American economic process in recent 70 years is analyzed, and the analysis indicates, American economic motivity is clearly insufficient after 2008, and the present economic recovery will be very arduous and prolonged.Social implicationsThe environmental pressures will become the main problem for future global socio‐economic development.Originality/valueSARC model in this paper presents a special way to analyze the social development and economic growth, and is helpful to related academic research and socio‐economic decision making.