bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental Analysis of the Rice Mitochondrial Proteome, Its Biogenesis, and Heterogeneity
Authors: Huang Shaobai , Taylor Nicolas L. , Narsai Reena , Eubel Holger , Whelan James , Millar A. Harvey 
Published: November 2008

Abstract
Mitochondria in rice (Oryza sativa) are vital in expanding our understanding of the cellular response to reoxygenation of tissues after anaerobiosis, the crossroads of carbon and nitrogen metabolism, and the role of respiratory energy generation in cytoplasmic male sterility. We have combined density gradient and surface charge purification techniques with proteomics to provide an in-depth proteome of rice shoot mitochondria covering both soluble and integral membrane proteins. Quantitative comparisons of mitochondria purified by density gradients and after further surface charge purification have been used to ensure that the proteins identified copurify with mitochondria and to remove contaminants from the analysis. This rigorous approach to defining a subcellular proteome has yielded 322 nonredundant rice proteins and highlighted contaminants in previously reported rice mitochondrial proteomes. Comparative analysis with the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mitochondrial proteome reveals conservation of a broad range of known and unknown function proteins in plant mitochondria, with only approximately 20% not having a clear homolog in the Arabidopsis mitochondrial proteome. As in Arabidopsis, only approximately 60% of the rice mitochondrial proteome is predictable using current organelle-targeting prediction tools. Use of the rice protein data set to explore rice transcript data provided insights into rice mitochondrial biogenesis during seed germination, leaf development, and heterogeneity in the expression of nucleus-encoded mitochondrial components in different rice tissues. Highlights include the identification of components involved in thiamine synthesis, evidence for coexpressed and unregulated expression of specific components of protein complexes, a selective anther-enhanced subclass of the decarboxylating segment of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, the differential expression of DNA and RNA replication components, and enhanced expression of specific metabolic components in photosynthetic tissues.
Protein Repairl-Isoaspartyl Methyltransferase1 Is Involved in Both Seed Longevity and Germination Vigor inArabidopsis
Authors: Ogé Laurent , Bourdais Gildas , Bove Jérôme , Collet Boris , Godin Béatrice , Granier Fabienne , Boutin Jean-Pierre , Job Dominique , Jullien Marc , Grappin Philippe 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe formation of abnormal amino acid residues is a major source of spontaneous age-related protein damage in cells. The protein l-isoaspartyl methyltransferase (PIMT) combats protein misfolding resulting from l-isoaspartyl formation by catalyzing the conversion of abnormal l-isoaspartyl residues to their normal l-aspartyl forms. In this way, the PIMT repair enzyme system contributes to longevity and survival in bacterial and animal kingdoms. Despite the discovery of PIMT activity in plants two decades ago, the role of this enzyme during plant stress adaptation and in seed longevity remains undefined. In this work, we have isolated Arabidopsis thaliana lines exhibiting altered expression of PIMT1, one of the two genes encoding the PIMT enzyme in Arabidopsis. PIMT1 overaccumulation reduced the accumulation of l-isoaspartyl residues in seed proteins and increased both seed longevity and germination vigor. Conversely, reduced PIMT1 accumulation was associated with an increase in the accumulation of l-isoaspartyl residues in the proteome of freshly harvested dry mature seeds, thus leading to heightened sensitivity to aging treatments and loss of seed vigor under stressful germination conditions. These data implicate PIMT1 as a major endogenous factor that limits abnormal l-isoaspartyl accumulation in seed proteins, thereby improving seed traits such as longevity and vigor. The PIMT repair pathway likely works in concert with other anti-aging pathways to actively eliminate deleterious protein products, thus enabling successful seedling establishment and strengthening plant proliferation in natural environments.
A study of the behavior of copper electrodes in buffered borax solutions containing BTA‐type inhibitors by photoelectrochemical methods
Authors: Xu Qun‐jie , Zhou Guo‐ding 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide useful information pertaining to the corrosion inhibition mechanism of BTA and its derivatives on copper.Design/methodology/approachThe photoelectrochemical behavior of copper electrodes in buffered borax solutions (pH 9.2) containing BTA and its derivatives was comparatively studied by using a photoelectrochemical technique. It was possible to analyze the inhibition mechanism of the derivatives of BTA for copper corrosion from the photoelectrochemical results. The photoresponse of the Cu electrode in buffered borax solutions containing BTA and its derivatives was measured. Different concentrations and different kinds of inhibitors may result in different photoresponses on the Cu electrode in buffered borax solutions.FindingsThe photoresponse for copper electrodes in solutions containing a certain amount of BTA exhibits an n‐type response during anodic polarization and, the greater the n‐type photoresponse, the better the performance of the inhibitor. The photoresponse for copper electrodes in solutions containing 4CBTA, or 5CBTA, or CBT‐1, always exhibited p‐type behavior during anodic polarization, but the photoresponse changed very evidently during cathodic polarization. The larger the maximum cathodic photocurrent, then the greater was the effectiveness of the corrosion inhibitor. In consequence, it is possible to evaluate inhibitors according to ΦV and iph at more negative potentials. The more negative the ΦV and iph, the better is the inhibition. It was shown that the inhibition mechanism of the derivatives of BTA with a −COOH group was different from that occurring with ester groups. The former could make the Cu2O film on the Cu electrode thicker. The photocurrent was observed to increase when the potential was scanned to more negative potentials in the presence of certain concentrated inhibitors. It is therefore possible to evaluate the performance of inhibitors according to the value of the cathodic photocurrent. The larger the cathodic photocurrent, the better is the inhibition effect of the compound. The latter could increase the density of the polymer film on the copper electrode and prevent O2− in the solution from entering the copper surface and changing the stoichiometric ratio of Cu2O. The photocurrent type could transfer from p‐ to n‐type according to the action of certain concentrated inhibitors when the potential was scanned to more positive potentials. The value of the anodic photocurrent can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of inhibition. The larger the anodic photocurrent, the greater is the inhibition effect.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information pertaining to the corrosion inhibition mechanism of BTA and its derivatives on copper. The photoelectrochemical technique is an effective method with which to evaluate the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors and to investigate the mechanism of corrosion inhibition on copper.
Comparative study of polyaniline and poly(1‐naphthylamine) dispersed oil polyurethane coatings
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Ashraf S.M. , Ahmad Sharif 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to report a comparative study of conducting polymer (CP) dispersed oil polyurethane coatings derived from a sustainable resource, i.e. polyaniline (PANI)/coconut oil polyesteramide urethane (CPEAU) and poly(1‐naphthylamine) (PNA)/linseed oil polyurethane (LPUA) coatings.Design/methodology/approachThe coatings were prepared chemically and were characterized for their physico‐chemical, physico‐mechanical, corrosion protective efficiency, and open circuit potential measurements. The morphological analysis of the corroded carbon steel (CS), coated uncorroded CS, and coated corroded CS specimens, was carried out by SEM analysis.FindingsThe study revealed that the presence of a CP enhanced the corrosion protective efficiency of the sustainable resource‐based organic coatings. The type of CP used also played a major role in defining the corrosion resistance behavior of the coating materials.Originality/valueThe comparative study of anticorrosive properties of CP with oil‐based polyurethane blends has been studied for the first time.
Effect of protonation on the inhibition efficiency of thiourea and its derivatives as corrosion inhibitors
Authors: Mahgoub F.M. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThioureas (TUs) have been studied extensively, but their inhibition mechanism is not fully understood. Experimental results and theoretical calculations were used to investigate the effect of TU and its derivatives on the corrosion reaction of mild steel in 1 M H2SO4 at 40°C. An attempt was made to correlate some molecular parameters of these compounds with their corrosion inhibitor efficiency.Design/methodology/approachThe influence of the additives' N‐substituted derivatives of TU such as methylthiourea (MTU), phenylthiourea (PHTU), thiosemicarbazide (TSC) and thiocarbazide (TC) on the dissolution process of the specimen in sulphuric acid was monitored chemically by hydrogen evolution measurements.FindingsThe results show that inhibitor efficiency increased with increase in inhibitor concentration. The protonation process appeared to be the effective parameter with lowering of the inhibition efficiency. Alkyl N‐substituted TU with the least protonation and with the maximum adsorption was a better inhibitor than TU and aryl N‐substituted TU. The thiocarbazide molecule showed less efficiency with the highest protonation due to high charge density on the sulphur atom as well as lengthening and weakening of the C‐ S bond than the thiosemicarbazide.Originality/valueThe paper provides useful information relative to the corrosion inhibition efficiency of N‐substituted TU. It presents the experimental results and theoretical calculations that were used to investigate the effect of derivatives TU on their inhibition efficiency.
Effectiveness of corporate employment web sites
Authors: van Birgelen Marcel J.H. , Wetzels Martin G.M. , van Dolen Willemijn M. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeAlthough research is emerging, the knowledge base on the evaluative determinants of the effectiveness of corporate employment web sites is still limited. This paper attempts to narrow this gap by investigating how potential job applicants' evaluations of web site content‐ and form‐related attributes contribute to corporate employment web site effectiveness.Design/methodology/approachThe approach takes the form of an empirical study using PLS path modeling.FindingsApplicants' attitude toward a corporate employment web site is found to be differentially influenced by the web site's content‐ and form‐related evaluations. In turn, attitude toward the web site influences intentions to apply. This relationship is fully mediated by attraction toward the organization. The latter is also influenced by attitude toward corporate employment web sites in general, which consequently contributes indirectly to application intentions.Research limitations/implicationsUsing a non‐laboratory setting and a broader sample, future research should further apply a person‐organization fit perspective to corporate online recruitment and investigate effects of personality‐related factors such as risk/security‐seeking tendencies. Furthermore, it may be worthwhile to include technology‐oriented variables such as technological self‐efficacy as well.Practical implicationsCorporate employment web sites used to inform potential applicants about employment opportunities should be easy to use. In addition, firms should provide applicants with updated information and make sure that the information provided matches the applicants' needs during their information search process.. Persons who hold a more favorable overall predisposition toward corporate employment web sites are more attracted toward an organization using such sites. This suggests that corporate employment web sites may be particularly effective for certain groups of applicants, beyond the effects of web site content and form.Originality/valueDrawing on literature in areas such as job applicant decision making, information systems, and web site effectiveness, the paper develops the understanding of the role of web site features in determining intentions to apply for a job via corporate employment web sites.
Comparing the quality management practices in UK SMEs
Authors: Kumar Maneesh , Antony Jiju 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe last two decades have witnessed an explosion of research into the area of quality initiatives (QI) such as ISO, total quality management, lean, Kaizen and its application within small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). However, very few empirical studies have reported the application of Six Sigma in SMEs; the reasons may be attributed to several myths associated with Six Sigma. The purpose of this paper is to assess the current status of QI in the UK manufacturing SMEs and report the differences in the quality management practices of Six Sigma SMEs against the ISO certified firms.Design/methodology/approachA survey‐based approach was adopted to understand the established quality management practices in the UK SMEs. A short survey instrument was designed by reviewing the literature on quality improvement initiatives in SMEs. A sample of 500 manufacturing SMEs across UK was selected through stratified random sampling technique.FindingsA response rate of 12.7 per cent was achieved and included respondents at senior management and middle management level across the manufacturing industry in the UK. Data analysis on the history of quality initiatives (QI) in SMEs indicated towards the trend that ISO may be the foundation or building block before embarking on lean or Six Sigma. Differences in quality management practices such as customer focused measures and method of knowledge transfer to employees, were observed in Six Sigma and ISO certified SMEs. The main reasons cited for not implementing Six Sigma in SMEs were lack of knowledge or understanding of the system and limited resources. A significant difference in the performance of Six Sigma/lean firms against ISO certified companies were observed with respect to the strategic and operational measures of organizational performance.Research limitations/implicationsThe limited response rate from the survey in the UK manufacturing SMEs will affect the generalizability of study to entire SME population. To negate the limitations of this study, a multiple multi‐level case studies will be conducted in SMEs in the next phase of doctoral research. Future study should focus on performing a global survey on quality management practices in SMEs.Originality/valueThe novelty of the paper lies in conducting a comparative study on the quality management practices in Six Sigma and non‐Six Sigma UK SMEs and measuring its impact on the performance of the firm. This study will facilitate in demystifying the myth that Six Sigma is only applicable in large organizations.
Mobile TV phone: current usage, issues, and strategic implications
Authors: Shim J.P. , Park Sungmin , Shim Julie M. 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the status of current mobile TV phone usage and discuss the issues for strategic implications for the communications and mobile TV industry.Design/methodology/approachReal tracking data, collected from server's logs during 2006 and 2007 from South Korean satellite DMB providers, were analyzed according to users' age group, peak viewing time of programs, location usage and program duration. Further analysis with the previous literature led to inferences about strategic implications.FindingsThe analysis revealed the current mobile TV usage patterns: widespread user age group, peak viewing time, high indoor usage and longer viewing time. These results shaped strategic implications, furthering and enhancing a personalized media experience.Research limitations/implicationsThe data set, collected from the subscription‐based satellite DMB usage in South Korea, is well recognized as being a technological frontier. Further cultural comparison research work on mobile TV usage is required to validate the strategic implications for a wider cross cultural adoption.Practical implicationsThis research benefits the strategic planning of the mobile communications and entertainment content industries in decision‐making regarding the improvement of hands‐on experience for mobile TV users.Originality/valueThe findings, based on the mobile TV real tracking data, collected in South Korea for over two years contrast to that of other countries, which only begin to experience the roll‐out of a full commercial service. Consequently, the data presented here highlights an important role in understanding and shaping of the mobile TV phone market for other parts of the world.
Linchpin or weakest link? Challenges to current document delivery practice and services
Authors: Patterson Avril 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe main purpose of this paper is to generate discussion on the necessity for document delivery services to re‐position themselves, thus “adding value” within the information chain.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is empirical, based on working practice in a major academic library.FindingsDocument supply is a vital link in the knowledge chain. It is the information professional's responsibility to rise to the challenges outlined above, and to regenerate and rejuvenate services in order to strengthen the infrastructure to support research and scholarship across all disciplines, in the manner most appropriate to them. In so doing, document supply services will become a linchpin in academic and research support rather than the weakest link.Originality/valueThe paper is a synthesis of current practice, outlining current shortcomings, and challenges.
“Inside every fat man”: balancing the digital library budget
Authors: Baker David 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe aim of this article is to review digital library collection building in the light of changing patterns of provision and usage, with special reference to mechanisms such as the Big Deal.Design/methodology/approachThe research for the article consisted of a review of recent literature and unpublished research reports.FindingsThe article reviews the current position with regard to the provision of e‐materials, looking at the delivery chain, the role of publishers, agents and librarians, user requirements and current approaches, trends, blockages and opportunities. It is argued that while the Big Deal approach has both improved access and cost effectiveness, a more granular approach is required as user requirements are likely to become more sophisticated. The article is concerned primarily with the UK higher education (UKHE) sector.Practical implicationsThe article will be useful in terms of planning future work on the economic aspects of library provision, and digital library development in particular.Originality/valueThe article presents a summary of the present position and possible future trends in the area of digital library collection building.
Factorized high dimensional model representation for structural reliability analysis
Authors: Rao B.N. , Chowdhury Rajib 
Published: November 2008

PurposeTo develop a new computational tool for predicting failure probability of structural/mechanical systems subject to random loads, material properties, and geometry.Design/methodology/approachHigh dimensional model representation (HDMR) is a general set of quantitative model assessment and analysis tools for capturing the high‐dimensional relationships between sets of input and output model variables. It is a very efficient formulation of the system response, if higher order variable correlations are weak and if the response function is dominantly of additive nature, allowing the physical model to be captured by the first few lower order terms. But, if multiplicative nature of the response function is dominant then all right hand side components of HDMR must be used to be able to obtain the best result. However, if HDMR requires all components, which means 2N number of components, to get a desired accuracy, making the method very expensive in practice, then factorized HDMR (FHDMR) can be used. The component functions of FHDMR are determined by using the component functions of HDMR. This paper presents the formulation of FHDMR approximation of a multivariate limit state/performance function, which is dominantly of multiplicative nature. Given that conventional methods for reliability analysis are very computationally demanding, when applied in conjunction with complex finite element models. This study aims to assess how accurately and efficiently HDMR/FHDMR based approximation techniques can capture complex model output uncertainty. As a part of this effort, the efficacy of HDMR, which is recently applied to reliability analysis, is also demonstrated. Response surface is constructed using moving least squares interpolation formula by including constant, first‐order and second‐order terms of HDMR and FHDMR. Once the response surface form is defined, the failure probability can be obtained by statistical simulation.FindingsResults of five numerical examples involving structural/solid‐mechanics/geo‐technical engineering problems indicate that the failure probability obtained using FHDMR approximation for the limit state/performance function of dominantly multiplicative in nature, provides significant accuracy when compared with the conventional Monte Carlo method, while requiring fewer original model simulations.Originality/valueThis is the first time where application of FHDMR concepts is explored in the field of reliability and system safety. Present computational approach is valuable to the practical modeling and design community, where user often suffers from the curse of dimensionality.
Numerical simulation of cracking in reinforced concrete members by an embedded model
Authors: Rosito d'Avila Virgínia Maria , de Sena Brisotto Daiane , Bittencourt Eduardo 
Published: November 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of an embedded crack finite element (FE) model for reinforced concrete (RC) structures, including a bond‐slip methodology to take into consideration the steel contribution in the rupture process, capable of capturing the global behavior of the structure as well as details of cracking phenomenon.Design/methodology/approachThe reinforcement contribution is added in the equilibrium at element level in an embedded crack FE model, based on displacement localization lines inside the elements.FindingsThe model is able to determine the steel stress in the crack besides the volumetric average steel stress. It is shown that the steel stress in the crack can be considerable greater than the average value. Other important aspect detected is the contribution of the concrete softening in the steel stress in the crack and in the overall behavior. The number, the distribution and the opening of cracks can be estimated too.Practical implicationsThe yield of the steel in the cracking process can be detected more precisely by this methodology, allowing a better design and understanding of RC structures. In addition, the knowledge of crack openings is an important information to predict corrosion and other degradation phenomena of the reinforcement bars.Originality/valueThe bond‐slip procedure is linked with the embedded crack model in an original way: sliding gives the crack width. Moreover, the inclusion of steel forces in the crack equilibrium balance was not a usual procedure and permits an understanding of reinforcement effect in both levels (macro and micro) studied in this work.