bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arabidopsis Auxin Mutants Are Compromised in Systemic Acquired Resistance and Exhibit Aberrant Accumulation of Various Indolic Compounds
Authors: Truman William M. , Bennett Mark H. , Turnbull Colin G.N. , Grant Murray R. 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Systemic acquired resistance is a widespread phenomenon in the plant kingdom that confers heightened and often enduring immunity to a range of diverse pathogens. Systemic immunity develops through activation of plant disease resistance protein signaling networks following local infection with an incompatible pathogen. The accumulation of the phytohormone salicylic acid in systemically responding tissues occurs within days after a local immunizing infection and is essential for systemic resistance. However, our knowledge of the signaling components underpinning signal perception and the establishment of systemic immunity are rudimentary. Previously, we showed that an early and transient increase in jasmonic acid in distal responding tissues was central to effective establishment of systemic immunity. Based upon predicted transcriptional networks induced in naive Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) leaves following avirulent Pseudomonas syringae challenge, we show that a variety of auxin mutants compromise the establishment of systemic immunity. Linking together transcriptional and targeted metabolite studies, our data provide compelling evidence for a role of indole-derived compounds, but not auxin itself, in the establishment and maintenance of systemic immunity.
Bifurcation and Enhancement of Autonomous-Nonautonomous Retrotransposon Partnership through LTR Swapping in Soybean
Authors: Du Jianchang , Tian Zhixi , Bowen Nathan J. , Schmutz Jeremy , Shoemaker Randy C. , Ma Jianxin 
Published: January 2010

Abstract
Long terminal repeat (LTR) retrotransposons, the most abundant genomic components in flowering plants, are classifiable into autonomous and nonautonomous elements based on their structural completeness and transposition capacity. It has been proposed that selection is the major force for maintaining sequence (e.g., LTR) conservation between nonautonomous elements and their autonomous counterparts. Here, we report the structural, evolutionary, and expression characterization of a giant retrovirus-like soybean (Glycine max) LTR retrotransposon family, SNARE. This family contains two autonomous subfamilies, SAREA and SAREB, that appear to have evolved independently since the soybean genome tetraploidization event ∼13 million years ago, and a nonautonomous subfamily, SNRE, that originated from SAREA. Unexpectedly, a subset of the SNRE elements, which amplified from a single founding SNRE element within the last ∼3 million years, have been dramatically homogenized with either SAREA or SAREB primarily in the LTR regions and bifurcated into distinct subgroups corresponding to the two autonomous subfamilies. We uncovered evidence of region-specific swapping of nonautonomous elements with autonomous elements that primarily generated various nonautonomous recombinants with LTR sequences from autonomous elements of different evolutionary lineages, thus revealing a molecular mechanism for the enhancement of preexisting partnership and the establishment of new partnership between autonomous and nonautonomous elements.
Jasmonate and ppHsystemin Regulate Key Malonylation Steps in the Biosynthesis of 17-Hydroxygeranyllinalool Diterpene Glycosides, an Abundant and Effective Direct Defense against Herbivores inNicotiana attenuata
Authors: Heiling Sven , Schuman Meredith C. , Schoettner Matthias , Mukerjee Purba , Berger Beatrice , Schneider Bernd , Jassbi Amir R. , Baldwin Ian T. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe identified 11 17-hydroxygeranyllinalool diterpene glycosides (HGL-DTGs) that occur in concentrations equivalent to starch (mg/g fresh mass) in aboveground tissues of coyote tobacco (Nicotiana attenuata) and differ in their sugar moieties and malonyl sugar esters (0-2). Concentrations of HGL-DTGs, particularly malonylated compounds, are highest in young and reproductive tissues. Within a tissue, herbivore elicitation changes concentrations and biosynthetic kinetics of individual compounds. Using stably transformed N. attenuata plants silenced in jasmonate production and perception, or production of N. attenuata Hyp-rich glycopeptide systemin precursor by RNA interference, we identified malonylation as the key biosynthetic step regulated by herbivory and jasmonate signaling. We stably silenced N. attenuata geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (ggpps) to reduce precursors for the HGL-DTG skeleton, resulting in reduced total HGL-DTGs and greater vulnerability to native herbivores in the field. Larvae of the specialist tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta) grew up to 10 times as large on ggpps silenced plants, and silenced plants suffered significantly more damage from herbivores in N. attenuata's native habitat than did wild-type plants. We propose that high concentrations of HGL-DTGs effectively defend valuable tissues against herbivores and that malonylation may play an important role in regulating the distribution and storage of HGL-DTGs in plants.
Inquiry and feedback: using action learning for transformational change
Authors: Dunton Diane L. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share with business professionals a method for solving problems using action learning and inquiry. The outcome will be uncovering the root problem, build teams and leaders and transform how the organization addresses problems.Design/methology/approachThe paper describes action learning, explains the process used and presents three examples of groups that have used the action learning technique.FindingsIn using action learning to focus on the real problem, organizations can be more effective, build teams and create change. Meetings are more productive, leaders emerge and results are achieved.Practical implicationsThis is an approach that can be used with any size organization or group to address problems. Extensive training is not required. Once the concept is understood, the technique can be used throughout as a way to build teams and how change is viewed and problems are solved.Originality/valueThe paper provides a problem‐solving method using action learning and inquiry.
The impact of executive coaching on self‐efficacy related to management soft‐skills
Authors: Baron Louis , Morin Lucie 
Published: January 2010

PurposeExecutive coaching has become an increasingly common method to skill development. However, few rigorous empirical studies have tested its capacity to generate outcomes. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the links between executive coaching and self‐efficacy in regard to supervisory coaching behaviors.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on a pretest‐posttest study of a leadership development program using three training methods: classroom seminars, action learning groups, and executive coaching. Data are collected in a large international manufacturing company from 73 first‐ and second‐level managers over an eight‐month period.FindingsResults indicate that, after controlling for pre‐training self‐efficacy and other training methods, the number of coaching sessions has a positive and significant relationship with post‐training self‐efficacy. Results also show that utility judgment, affective organizational commitment, and work‐environment support have each a positive and significant relationship with post‐training self‐efficacy.Practical implicationsThe paper first suggests that an organization that wishes to improve its return on investment with regard to coaching should implement a program with multiple sessions spread over a period of several months. This paper also suggests that organizations should consider coaching from a systemic point of view, that is, taking into account not only the design but also individual and situational variables.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the scientific literature by investigating, with a solid methodological design, the capacity of executive coaching to increase self‐efficacy related to management skills.
Purchasing power parity over a century
Authors: Hyrina Yevheniya , Serletis Apostolos 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to revisit the evidence for purchasing power parity (PPP) using long, low‐frequency data (over 100 years) for 23 organization for economic co‐operation and development (OECD) countries against each of four different base currencies – the Deutsch mark, the Japanese yen, the British pound, and the US dollar.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses standard unit root tests and level and trend stationarity tests, and also investigates the robustness of the results to alternative testing methodologies from statistical physics, such as Lo's modified rescaled range statistic and the Hurst exponent.FindingsThe results indicate that the theory of PPP does not hold.Originality/valueMotivated by the mixed results from previous research on the validity of the theory of PPP, the robustness of standard unit root and stationarity tests to alternative testing methodologies are investigated. In particular, the paper uses two tests from statistical physics – Lo's modified R/S statistic and the Hurst exponent.
Exploring the contribution of workplace learning to an HRD strategy in the Scottish legal profession
Authors: Watson Sandra , Harmel‐Law Amanda 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the relevance of human resource development (HRD) for law firms in the UK. It examines how the characteristics of legal professional practice in the UK, including the partnership structure, long established methods of targeting solicitors and the law society, may act as barriers to the implementation of HRD.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses an exploratory case study research approach to investigate characteristics and issues influencing the adoption of HRD in a Scottish legal firm. Primary data are collected via semi‐structured interviews with a cross‐section of representatives.FindingsDespite recognition of the importance of learning, the characteristic elements of law firms, including the partnership structure; the pervasiveness of time‐billed targets in the solicitor community; and HR's profile and acceptance among the solicitor community, remain as barriers to the applicability of HRD. The research also exposes variability on the level and scope of development opportunities, an emphasis on technical skills development, and a lack of solicitors' self‐managed learning ability.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the research findings provide a useful insight into the barriers to HRD in one legal firm, this does not allow for any generalisations being drawn from the study.Practical implicationsThe paper explores the suitability of workplace learning to support legal professional development.Originality/valueThere is a dearth of research into HRD in legal practices in the UK. The paper contributes to the contextual influences that limit the applicability of HRD to legal professional practices.
Sales training: effects of spaced practice on training transfer
Authors: Kauffeld Simone , Lehmann‐Willenbrock Nale 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe benefits of spaced training over massed training practice are well established in the laboratory setting. In a field study design with sales trainings, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of spaced compared with massed practice on transfer quantity and quality, sales competence, and key figures.Design/methodology/approachSpaced and massed training are compared using behavioral and outcome criteria. A quasi‐experimental follow‐up research design with a sample of 64 bank employees (n=32 in each training group) is used.FindingsSpaced rather than massed training practice resulted in greater transfer quality, higher self‐reports of sales competence, and improved key figures. Spaced training did not surpass massed training in terms of transfer quantity.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study is the first to demonstrate positive effects of technical training on job involvement, and of coaching on job satisfaction. In sum, validity of several developmental interventions is highlighted.Practical implicationsOrganizations designing and implementing various developmental interventions should pay attention to the relative effectiveness of these interventions on various organizational‐relevant outcome criteria.Originality/valueAn innovative approach to imply spaced practice in real sales training is presented. The effects of spaced practice on training transfer are investigated in the field.
Solution of 3D singular electrostatics problems using adaptive hp‐FEM
Authors: Kus Pavel , Solin Pavel , Dolezel Ivo 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper seeks to describe the solution of a simple electrostatic problem using an adaptive hp‐FEM and to show the benefits of this approach. Numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate its superiority.Design/methodology/approachAdaptive hp‐FEM is used. In contrast with standard FEM, the automatic adaptivity procedure can choose from a variety of refinement candidates. An element with over estimated error can be refined in space, or its polynomial degree can be increased. Arbitrary level hanging nodes are allowed, so that no unnecessary refinements are performed in order to keep a mesh regular.FindingsNumerical solution of a singular electrostatic problem is presented. From the comparison it can be seen that the hp‐FEM outperforms both the standard linear and quadratic elements significantly. The accuracy of an hp‐FEM solution would be hard to attain by standard means due to the limited capacity of the computer memory.Originality/valueThe paper describes results obtained from an original and innovative implementation of the adaptive hp‐FEM.
Deriving value from inter‐organizational learning collaborations
Authors: van Winkelen Christine 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThis paper aims to develop the understanding of how organizations can derive more value from participating in inter‐organizational learning collaborations.Design/methodology/approachThe collaboration is viewed as one “level” within an extended organizational learning system and both feedback processes between levels and the dynamics within the collaboration itself are explored. Seven learning‐based inter‐organizational learning collaborations are studied using a qualitative exploratory research design. An extensive literature review is used to design the semi‐structured interviews undertaken with participants in the collaborations, as well as the convenor of each.FindingsMultiple forms of value are evident (individual capacity building, operational value, affirmation, reputation and relationship building and learning about how to collaborate more effectively), though subject specific organizational capability building is rarely achieved. Two main factors seemed to influence this: individuals not translating the implications of the learning, and the organizations not transferring and amplify that learning. Building capability required a visible long‐term commitment by leaders to the collaboration.Research limitations/implicationsConfirmatory research is needed to refine the proposed framework of actions to develop the organizational capability to derive value from participating in this kind of collaboration.Practical implicationsA coherent set of actions is proposed for organizations wishing to build the capability to derive more value from participating in inter‐organizational learning collaborations. Recommendations are also generated for those wishing to convene a collaboration.Originality/valueThe contribution is the development of the concept of the organizational capability to participate effectively in inter‐organizational learning collaborations, and the identification of a coherent set of actions required to develop this capability.
Effects of the polarity of high‐electric field stressing on power VDMOSFETs parameters
Authors: El Bitar R. , Salloum G. , Nsouli B. 
Published: January 2010

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the effects of positive and negative bias stressing on switching performance of power VDMOSFETs used in communication systems.Design/methodology/approachA positive and a negative high‐field stress are applied on the gate oxide of MOS devices and electrical characterization is performed after each period of stress, a comparison is presented.FindingsCompared results between the two types of stress show that certain doses of stress can increase the device speed. The underlying changes of the threshold voltage under these two types of stress are referred to as the variation of the gate oxide‐trapped charge and interface trap densities.Originality/valueThis paper presents new and original experiments run over a number of metal‐oxide semiconductor field effect transistor devices to compare the effects of the direction of the applied field on the degradation and the reliability of these structures.
Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of primary familial and congenital polycythaemia
Authors: Huang Lily J. , Shen Yu‐Min , Bulut Gamze B. 
Published: January 2010

SummaryPrimary familial and congenital polycythemia (PFCP) is an autosomal‐dominant proliferative disorder characterized by erythrocytosis and hypersensitivity of erythroid progenitors to erythropoietin (Epo). Several lines of evidence suggest a causal role of truncated erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) in this disease. In this review, we discuss PFCP in the context of erythrocytosis and EpoR signalling. We focus on recent studies describing mechanisms underlying Epo‐dependent EpoR down‐regulation. One mechanism depends on internalization mediated through the p85 regulatory subunit of the Phosphoinositide 3‐Kinase, and the other utilizes ubiquitin‐based proteasomal degradation. Truncated PFCP EpoRs are not properly down‐regulated upon stimulation, underscoring the importance of these mechanisms in the pathogenesis of PFCP.
Caribbean octocorals record changing carbon and nitrogen sources from 1862 to 2005
Authors: BAKER DAVID M. , WEBSTER KIRBY L. , KIM KIHO 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDuring the last century, the global biogeochemical cycles of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) have been drastically altered by human activities. A century of land‐clearing and biomass burning, followed by fossil fuel combustion have increased the concentration of atmospheric CO2 by approximately 20%, and since the mid‐1900s, the use of agricultural fertilizers has been the primary driver of an approximate 90% increase in bioavailable N. Geochemical records obtained through stable isotope analysis of terrestrial and marine biota effectively illustrate rising anthropogenic C inputs. However, there are fewer records of anthropogenic N, despite the enormous magnitude of change and the known negative effects of N on ecosystem health. We used stable isotope values from independent octocorals (gorgonians) sampled across the Western Atlantic over the last 143 years to document human perturbations of the marine C and N pools. Here, we demonstrate that in sea plumes δ13C values and in both sea plumes and sea fans δ15N values declined significantly from 1862 to 2005. Sea plume δ13C values were negatively correlated with increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and corroborate known rates of change resulting from global fossil fuel combustion, known as the Suess effect. We suggest that widespread input of agricultural fertilizers to near‐shore coastal waters is the dominant driver for the decreasing δ15N trend, though multiple anthropogenic sources are likely affecting this trend. Given the interest in using δ15N as an indicator for N pollution in aquatic systems, we highlight the risk of underestimating contributions of pollutants as a result of source mixing as demonstrated by a simple isotope‐mixing model. We conclude that signals of major human‐induced perturbations of the C and N pools are detectable in specimens collected over wide geographic scales, and that archived materials are invaluable for establishing baselines against which we can assess environmental change.
Male parentage in dependent‐lineage populations of the harvester ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus
Authors: SUNI SEVAN S. , GIGNOUX CHRISTOPHER , GORDON DEBORAH M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe investigated the extent to which workers reproduce in a dependent‐lineage population of the monogynous harvester ant Pogonomyrmex barbatus. Dependent‐lineage populations contain two interbreeding, yet genetically distinct mitochondrial lineages, each associated with specific alleles at nuclear loci. Workers develop from matings between lineages, and queens develop from matings within lineages, so queens must mate with males of both lineages to produce daughter queens and workers. Males develop from unfertilized eggs and are haploid. Worker production of males could lead to male‐mediated gene flow between the lineages if worker‐produced males were reproductively capable. This could result in the loss of the dependent‐lineage system, because its persistence depends on the maintenance of allelic differences between the lineages. To investigate the extent of worker reproduction in P. barbatus, we genotyped 19–20 males and workers from seven colonies, at seven microsatellite loci, and 1239 additional males at two microsatellite loci. Our methods were powerful enough to detect worker reproduction if workers produced more than 0.39% of males in the population. We detected no worker‐produced males; all males appeared to be produced by queens. Thus, worker reproduction is sufficiently infrequent to have little impact on the dependent‐lineage system. These results are consistent with predictions based on inclusive fitness theory because the effective queen mating frequency calculated from worker genotypes was 4.26, which is sufficiently high for workers to police those that attempt to reproduce.
Co‐limitation of photosynthetic capacity by nitrogen and phosphorus in West Africa woodlands
Authors: DOMINGUES TOMAS FERREIRA , MEIR PATRICK , FELDPAUSCH TED R. , SAIZ GUSTAVO , VEENENDAAL ELMAR M. , SCHRODT FRANZISKA , BIRD MICHAEL , DJAGBLETEY GLORIA , HIEN FIDELE , COMPAORE HALIDOU , DIALLO ADAMA , GRACE JOHN , LLOYD JON 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTPhotosynthetic leaf traits were determined for savanna and forest ecosystems in West Africa, spanning a large range in precipitation. Standardized major axis fits revealed important differences between our data and reported global relationships. Especially for sites in the drier areas, plants showed higher photosynthetic rates for a given N or P when compared with relationships from the global data set. The best multiple regression for the pooled data set estimated Vcmax and Jmax from NDW and S. However, the best regression for different vegetation types varied, suggesting that the scaling of photosynthesis with leaf traits changed with vegetation types. A new model is presented representing independent constraints by N and P on photosynthesis, which can be evaluated with or without interactions with S. It assumes that limitation of photosynthesis will result from the least abundant nutrient, thereby being less sensitive to the allocation of the non‐limiting nutrient to non‐photosynthetic pools. The model predicts an optimum proportionality for N and P, which is distinct for Vcmax and Jmax and inversely proportional to S. Initial tests showed the model to predict Vcmax and Jmax successfully for other tropical forests characterized by a range of different foliar N and P concentrations.