bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apple Sucrose Transporter SUT1 and Sorbitol Transporter SOT6 Interact with Cytochromeb5to Regulate Their Affinity for Substrate Sugars
Authors: Fan Ren-Chun , Peng Chang-Cao , Xu Yan-Hong , Wang Xiao-Fang , Li Yan , Shang Yi , Du Shu-Yuan , Zhao Rui , Zhang Xiao-Yan , Zhang Ling-Yun , Zhang Da-Peng 
Published: June 2009

AbstractSugar transporters are central machineries to mediate cross-membrane transport of sugars into the cells, and sugar availability may serve as a signal to regulate the sugar transporters. However, the mechanisms of sugar transport regulation by signal sugar availability remain unclear in plant and animal cells. Here, we report that a sucrose transporter, MdSUT1, and a sorbitol transporter, MdSOT6, both localized to plasma membrane, were identified from apple (Malus domestica) fruit. Using a combination of the split-ubiquitin yeast two-hybrid, immunocoprecipitation, and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, the two distinct sugar transporters were shown to interact physically with an apple endoplasmic reticulum-anchored cytochrome b5 MdCYB5 in vitro and in vivo. In the yeast systems, the two different interaction complexes function to up-regulate the affinity of the sugar transporters, allowing cells to adapt to sugar starvation. An Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) homolog of MdCYB5, AtCYB5-A, also interacts with the two sugar transporters and functions similarly. The point mutations leucine-73 → proline in MdSUT1 and leucine-117 → proline in MdSOT6, disrupting the bimolecular interactions but without significantly affecting the transporter activities, abolish the stimulating effects of the sugar transporter-cytochrome b5 complex on the affinity of the sugar transporters. However, the yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cytochrome b5 ScCYB5, an additional interacting partner of the two plant sugar transporters, has no function in the regulation of the sugar transporters, indicating that the observed biological functions in the yeast systems are specific to plant cytochrome b5s. These findings suggest a novel mechanism by which the plant cells tailor sugar uptake to the surrounding sugar availability.
Biography: Agricultural Finance Review
Authors: Turvey Calum G. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to provide a “biography” of sorts on Agricultural Finance Review. The paper tracks the evolution of Agricultural Finance Review from its introduction in 1938 to its current status.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is based on a complete review of every paper and every issue. Not all papers were read by the author, but key papers of interest that in one way or another made significant contributions to the study of agricultural finance were reviewed.FindingsThe paper shows the evolution of agricultural finance from the early days of reporting financial data in the 1930s and 1940s, to its emergence as a major and significant sub discipline of the general field of agricultural economics.Research limitations/implicationsAs indicated, not all papers were fully reviewed or read. It is possible that papers identified as “firsts” may have been preceded by other papers. Nonetheless the paper identifies the basic evolutionary path of the journal and defines key points in time when a paradigm shift emerged to change the direction of this discipline.Practical implicationsAs Agricultural Finance Review transitions from the Department of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University to Emerald Group Publishing Limited, this “biography” provides readers with a general overview of the journal's and the discipline's historical development.Originality/valueThis paper is simply a review of the existing literature found in Agricultural Finance Review.
Using real options to evaluate ethanol plant expansion decisions
Authors: Pederson Glenn , Zou Tianyu 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how to incorporate market price risk into investment decisions. The investigation focuses on investments to expand ethanol production facilities. The model is used to determine if such a real option approach can explain recent changes in the level of plant investment activity.Design/methodology/approachThe paper demonstrates how real option analysis and Monte Carlo simulation can be used to evaluate ethanol plant investments by using available historical industry and market price data. We focus on existing small‐to‐medium, dry milling plants and the real option to expand the scale of operations. The binomial option pricing model is used to identify optimal strategies.FindingsIncreasing profitability and volatility appear to favor the strategy of investing during 2005‐2007. However, when the prices of corn and natural gas rise and plant profitability declines during 2007‐2008, the best strategy is increasingly to either postpone the investment or reject the decision to expand.Originality/valueThis paper is a first application of real option analysis to ethanol plant expansion decisions. The methodology used in the paper can be adapted by analysts, investors, and lenders in the ethanol industry to improve their investment analyses.
Are the poor really more trustworthy? A micro‐lending experiment
Authors: Kropp Jaclyn D. , Turvey Calum G. , Just David R. , Kong Rong , Guo Pei 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThis paper aims to clarify the relationship between wealth and trustworthiness with the goal of understanding why micro‐lending institutions grant loans to poor individuals countering well‐known models of credit markets and credit rationing, such as those proposed by Stiglitz and Weiss. Micro‐credit markets appear to be based on two conjectures: the poor are trustworthy, and their willingness to pay for credit is relatively high.Design/methodology/approachThe paper simulates trust‐based lending in an experimental setting to determine whether the conjecture that the poor are trustworthy is plausible. By conducting the experiments in the USA, a wealthy developed country, and China, a developing country where formal micro‐finance institutions have not established a visible presence, it is possible to test the conjecture and draw cross‐cultural comparisons.FindingsThe paper finds that while the absolute level of family income had no significant effect on repayment behavior, US borrowers that perceived themselves as having a family income that was relatively lower than other US households repaid at higher rates. Therefore, evidence was found that trustworthiness might be a function of perceived relative wealth or social status rather than the absolute level of wealth or income.Research limitations/implicationsThe research results may be difficult to generalize because of the experimental approach and use of students as participants.Practical implicationsThe paper includes implications for the administration of micro‐credit loans in China and other developing nations.Originality/valueThis paper experimentally tests a conjecture which appears to be the foundation of micro‐credit markets.
Crop insurance in malting barley: a stochastic dominance analysis
Authors: Wilson William , Gustafson Cole , Dahl Bruce 
Published: June 2009

PurposeMalting barley is an important specialty crop in the Northern Plains and growers mitigate risk with federally subsidized crop insurance and production contracts. The purpose of this paper is to quantify risks growers face due to “coverage gaps” in crop insurance that result in uncertain indemnity payments when their crop does not meet contract specifications.Design/methodology/approachA stochastic dominance model is developed to evaluate alternative strategies for growers with differing risk attitudes and production practices (irrigation vs dryland).FindingsThe results illustrate how alternative crop insurance provisions affect efficient choice sets for growers. Risk premiums for irrigated growers all point to valuations favoring more coverage, contracts, and malting option B. As the crop insurance industry matures in the functions it performs, it will become increasingly more important to address quality attributes.Originality/valueThis paper addresses quality issues and coverage gaps in crop insurance provisions.
Factors affecting crop insurance purchase decisions by farmers in northern Illinois
Authors: Ginder Matthew , Spaulding Aslihan D. , Tudor Kerry W. , Randy Winter J. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine which factors are most influential to farmers' crop insurance purchasing decisions in northern Illinois.Design/methodology/approachA mail survey method was used to collect information from farmers in a 42 county region of Illinois.FindingsOf the factors analyzed, price had the most significant effect on crop insurance purchase decisions. While acres farmed had statistically significant impact on most of the crop insurance purchase decisions, different factors played a role in purchase decisions based on types of insurance and types of crops covered.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of this study warrant additional research relative to crop insurance purchase decisions. Analyzing the affect of varying degrees of government subsidization across crop insurance plans and coverage levels on purchase decisions is recommended. Questions regarding the relationship between crop insurance subsidization, farm program payments, and ad hoc disaster payments would be relevant in light of World Trade Organization and federal budget discussions. Also, asking participants to indicate if they have a written grain marketing plan and if that plan leverages crop insurance coverage to support forward contracting or pre‐harvest pricing would provide additional insights in determining how crop insurance purchase decisions are made. Questions regarding the claims process should be incorporated into future studies on this topic. The timeliness of claims payments, as well as the farmer's level of satisfaction with the claims adjustor and claims process may factor into the decision‐making process.Practical implicationsIllinois farmers and crop insurance agencies could benefit from this study. Findings could improve the crop insurance products and services available to Illinois farmers and make the federal crop insurance program more effective in enhancing farmers' ability to manage crop production risk.Originality/valueThis paper identified the factors that are most influential to farmers' crop insurance purchasing decisions in northern Illinois.
Design basis and hydrodynamic performance analysis of single‐screw extruders. I – polymer flow behaviour
Authors: Koç Erdem , Demiryürek Oğuz 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the hydrodynamic performance of a single‐screw extruder with special reference to metering region.Design/methodology/approachThe hydrodynamic analysis of a single screw extruder is carried out by dimensional and non‐dimensional parameters defining the polymer flow behaviour. The flow types formed in the extruder channel are defined and the relationship between the flow with the extruder geometry is examined.FindingsThe theoretical model developed is capable of estimating the hydrodynamic behaviour of extruder metering region. With the model developed, extruder geometry and polymer flow rate under different operating conditions can be predicted.Originality/valueThis paper offers a quick and easy opportunity to examine the hydrodynamic behaviour of extruder metering region. With the theoretical model developed, the behaviour of the flow in extruder can be modelled and estimated.
Pin‐on‐disk apparatus for tribological studies of polymeric materials
Authors: Ølholm Larsen Thomas , Løgstrup Andersen Tom , Thorning Bent , Vigild Martin E. 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the construction of a custom‐built pin‐on‐disk (POD) apparatus based on a simple design and on important guidelines.Design/methodology/approachThe POD apparatus is built as a part of the main author's PhD project. The apparatus is built at a low cost and is suited for testing polymeric materials under dry‐sliding conditions. The different main parts of the apparatus are described in a way which partly explains the choice of construction and partly makes it possible to produce a similar apparatus. Furthermore, a limited amount of tribological data is presented mainly to exemplify the usefulness of the machine.FindingsThe POD apparatus is successfully applied to measure coefficients of friction, wear rates and disk temperatures at an acceptable level of precision and accuracy. Tribological data obtained with this equipment show the effect of reinforcing an epoxy resin with a plain glass fiber weave.Research limitations/implicationsThe data presented in this paper are limited since the main objective is to describe the construction of a POD apparatus.Practical implicationsThe paper is intended to be a source of inspiration for industrial or academic laboratories who want to establish their own tailor‐suited tribological test‐equipment, instead of investing in a probably more expensive commercial machine.Originality/valueThe POD apparatus is custom‐built and described in an easily understandable way, which makes this a helpful paper for those who wish to produce a similar apparatus.
The tribological behavior of modified diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin
Authors: Peng De‐Xing , Kang Yuan , Chen Cheng‐Hsien , Chen Fu‐chun Shu Shih‐Kang 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss the dispersion capacity and tribological behavior of liquid paraffin added by diamond nanoparticles.Design/methodology/approachThe structure of the modified diamond nanoparticles which are prepared by oleic acid (OA) is observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and infrared spectroscopy (IR). The dispersivity of these nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is measured by nanoparticle analyzer. The tribological behavior of adding diamond nanoparticles in liquid paraffin is evaluated by using a ball‐on‐ring wear tester.FindingsThe measurement results reveal the dispersion capability of OA modified diamond nanoparticles and indicate the dispersing stability in liquid paraffin of the OA which is bonded to the surface of diamond nanoparticles through esterification. It is found from wear testing results that the diamond nanoparticle as additive in liquid paraffin at proper concentration shows better tribological properties for anti‐wear (AW) and antifriction than the pure paraffin oil and different AW ability depending on the particle size.Originality/valueIt is shown in the paper that by reducing friction and AW, the lubricant prepared by the methods described can prolong operating hours of machinery.
A study of misaligned roughened two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing
Authors: Sharana Basavaraja J. , Sharma Sathish , Jain Sathish 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe non‐recessed hybrid journal bearings of cylindrical type, when operating at higher rotational speeds can suffer self‐exited vibrations(oil‐whirl Instability), which can cause excessive rotor motion causing bearing and sometimes total machine failure. The multi‐lobe journal bearing exhibits better stability as well as a superior capability to suppress oil‐whirl. The paper aims to present a theoretical study pertaining to a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing by considering the combined influence of surface roughness and journal misalignment on the performance of the bearing.Design/methodology/approachThe average Reynolds equation governing the flow of lubricant in the clearance space between the rough bearing surfaces together with the equation of flow through a capillary restrictor has been solved using FEM. The bearing performance characteristics have been simulated for a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing for the various values of offset factor, restrictor design parameter, surface roughness parameter, surface pattern parameter and journal misalignment parameters.FindingsThe two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system with an offset factor greater than one indicates significant improvement of the order of 15‐25 percent in the values of direct stiffness and direct damping coefficients compared to a circular hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing system. Also the lubricant flow of a two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing is reduced by 25 percent vis‐à‐vis circular bearing.Originality/valueThe present work is original of its kind, in case of two‐lobe hole‐entry hybrid journal bearing. The results are quite useful for the bearing designer.
Preparation and tribology performance of nano magnetic grease
Authors: Jiusheng Bao , Zhencai Zhu , Yan Yin , Shujin Liu 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to prepare a novel nano magnetic grease with favorable lubricating performance; to contrast the tribology performance of the magnetic grease with the original grease, and to find the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease.Design/methodology/approachThe nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids are added into the general urea grease to synthesize the nano magnetic grease. Tribology performance tests of the magnetic grease and the original grease are contrasted on a MMW‐1 four‐ball tester. Based on three kinds of effects caused by the nano magnetic fluids, the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease is discussed.FindingsNano magnetic grease with favorable lubricating performance can be synthesized by adding the nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids into the general urea grease. The nano magnetic grease has better lubricating performance and more steady bearing capability than the original grease, and is especially available for the lubricating of equipment with high speed and heavy load. The performance improvement of the magnetic grease is owing to the interactions of three kinds of effects as follows: the viscosity increasing effect, the micro‐rolling effect, and the friction weakening effect, which are all caused by the nano magnetic fluids added into the grease.Originality/valueThe paper documents that the nano Fe3O4 magnetic fluids added into the urea grease to synthesize a novel nano magnetic grease has been proved to have quite favorable lubricating performance by the tribology experiments, and the lubricating mechanism of the magnetic grease is also discussed.
From engineer‐to‐order to mass customization
Authors: Haug Anders , Ladeby Klaes , Edwards Kasper 
Published: June 2009

PurposeMost mass customization literature focuses on the move from mass production to mass customization. However, in some literature engineer‐to‐order (ETO) companies are also claiming to have become mass customizers, although it can be questioned if these companies conform to popular definitions of mass customizers. The purpose of this paper is to ask the question: under which conditions is it reasonable to label ETO companies as mass customizers?Design/methodology/approachFirst, definitions of mass customization are examined and related to ETO companies that move towards mass customization. Second, the individual transitions from mass production and ETO to mass customization are analyzed by: relating the transition to classifications from relevant literature; describing the motivations and risks associated with the transition; and defining some of the most important transition characteristics. Finally it is discussed if ETO companies can become mass customizers and under which conditions it would be reasonable to describe them as such.FindingsThe paper argues that from several angles it makes sense to label some ETO companies as mass customizers although the products are not at prices near mass produced ones.Research limitations/implicationsTo avoid dilution of the concept of mass customization, while not excluding ETO companies, it is suggested to start out with a broad definition of mass customization under which separate definitions of different kinds of mass customizers are created.Originality/valueAlthough much has been written about mass customization, and ETO companies in much literature have been labeled as mass customizers, the essential discussion of under which conditions it is reasonable to label ETO companies as mass customizers has been missing.
International activities of knowledge‐intensive small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises
Authors: Pykäläinen Timo , Ojala Arto 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a framework that explains international activities of open source software (OSS) firms.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews relevant literature related to international operations of knowledge‐intensive firms, especially in the software industry. Theoretical development is based here on a combination of the network approach, international new venture theory and inward–outward internationalization.FindingsThe findings in this study suggest that the international activities of OSS firms can be divided into project activities and business activities. Project activities include inward and outward linkages, and partner identification. Business activities include domestic and partner network activities that can lead to international business as well.Research implicationsFor scholars, the framework provides a new approach to explain many international activities of OSS firms by integrating three international business theories. In addition, it provides good starting point for further empirical examination.Practical implicationsThe framework helps managers gain a better understanding of complex circumstances embedded into the international activities of OSS firms. With that better understanding, the managers can focus their activities, which helps further to improve their firms' competitiveness engendered by the international activities in the OSS development.Originality/valueThe framework developed in this study is believed to be the first serious attempt to provide a deeper theoretical understanding of international activities of OSS firms.
The impact of perceived organizational support and trustworthiness on trust
Authors: Ristig Kyle 
Published: June 2009

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the impact that trustworthiness, comprised of ability, benevolence and integrity, and perceived organizational support (POS) have on trust within a call center and warehousing organization.Design/methodology/approachA total of 105 employees are surveyed using a 37 item instrument to assess the subjects' responses to POS, trustworthiness and trust as well as demographic characteristics.FindingsResults indicate both POS and integrity are positively related to trust. Based upon a usefulness analysis, integrity accounts for a greater amount of incremental variance in trust than POS.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are derived from one organization in the southern United States. While a variety of job titles and skill sets are included, the results may not be generalizable to other types of organizations or geographic areas. Also, the relatively low organizational tenure of the employees may limit the development of trust in this organization.Practical implicationsThe main implication of this research is that the integrity of the supervisor has significant impact on the formation of trust between the employee and supervisor.Originality/valueWhile previously investigated separately as antecedents to trust, this paper provides data on the combined effect of integrity and POS on employee trust within one organization.