bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor PIF5 Acts on Ethylene Biosynthesis and Phytochrome Signaling by Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Khanna Rajnish , Shen Yu , Marion Colleen M. , Tsuchisaka Atsunari , Theologis Athanasios , Schäfer Eberhard , Quail Peter H. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPHYTOCHROME-INTERACTING FACTOR5 (PIF5), a basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor, interacts specifically with the photoactivated form of phytochrome B (phyB). Here, we report that dark-grown Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings overexpressing PIF5 (PIF5-OX) exhibit exaggerated apical hooks and short hypocotyls, reminiscent of the triple response induced by elevated ethylene levels, whereas pif5 mutants fail to maintain tight hooks like those of wild-type seedlings. Silver ions, an ethylene receptor blocker, rescued the triple-response phenotype, and we show that PIF5-OX seedlings express enhanced levels of key ethylene biosynthesis enzymes and produce elevated ethylene levels. Exposure of PIF5-OX seedlings to prolonged continuous red light (Rc) promotes hypocotyl elongation relative to dark controls, the reciprocal of the Rc-imposed hypocotyl inhibition displayed by wild-type seedlings. In contrast with this PIF5-OX hyposensitivity to Rc, pif5 mutant seedlings are hypersensitive relative to wild-type seedlings. We show that this contrast is due to reciprocal changes in phyB protein levels in prolonged Rc. Compared with wild-type seedlings, PIF5-OX seedlings have reduced, whereas pif5 mutants have increased, phyB (and phyC) levels in Rc. The phyB degradation in the overexpressors depends on a functional phyB binding motif in PIF5 and involves the 26S proteasome pathway. Our data thus indicate that overexpressed PIF5 causes altered ethylene levels, which promote the triple response in darkness, whereas in the light, the interaction of photoactivated phyB with PIF5 causes degradation of the photoreceptor protein. The evidence suggests that endogenous PIF5 negatively regulates phyB-imposed hypocotyl inhibition in prolonged Rc by reducing photoreceptor abundance, and thereby photosensory capacity, rather than functioning as a signaling intermediate.
Plastid Signals Remodel Light Signaling Networks and Are Essential for Efficient Chloroplast Biogenesis inArabidopsis
Authors: Ruckle Michael E. , DeMarco Stephanie M. , Larkin Robert M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPlastid signals are among the most potent regulators of genes that encode proteins active in photosynthesis. Plastid signals help coordinate the expression of the nuclear and chloroplast genomes and the expression of genes with the functional state of the chloroplast. Here, we report the isolation of new cryptochrome1 (cry1) alleles from a screen for Arabidopsis thaliana genomes uncoupled mutants, which have defects in plastid-to-nucleus signaling. We also report genetic experiments showing that a previously unidentified plastid signal converts multiple light signaling pathways that perceive distinct qualities of light from positive to negative regulators of some but not all photosynthesis-associated nuclear genes (PhANGs) and change the fluence rate response of PhANGs. At least part of this remodeling of light signaling networks involves converting HY5, a positive regulator of PhANGs, into a negative regulator of PhANGs. We also observed that mutants with defects in both plastid-to-nucleus and cry1 signaling exhibited severe chlorophyll deficiencies. These data show that the remodeling of light signaling networks by plastid signals is a mechanism that plants use to integrate signals describing the functional and developmental state of plastids with signals describing particular light environments when regulating PhANG expression and performing chloroplast biogenesis.
Consistency in employee discipline: an empirical exploration
Authors: Cole Nina 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThis study seeks to explore the incidence and severity of inconsistency in the application of disciplinary measures between supervisors, given the same disciplinary incident. Consistency is an important aspect of procedural fairness in disciplinary action, but it has received little empirical attention.Design/methodology/approachFour employee discipline scenarios were assigned at random to 130 real‐life supervisor‐employee dyads, who role‐played the scenario.FindingsThere was little consistency between supervisors in their decisions regarding disciplinary measures. Overall, having an informal discussion with the employee was the most common response. Only when specific instructions to impose a verbal or written warning were provided did most supervisors move beyond an informal discussion. Even when clear instructions were given, a substantial minority applied a less severe disciplinary outcome.Research limitations/implicationsEven in this role‐play situation, where “real life” variables such as union grievances that could lead to the dilution of disciplinary action were not present, supervisors were generally lenient regarding employee discipline.Practical implicationsThe trade‐off between the objectives of consistency and consideration of individual circumstances presents a serious challenge to practising supervisors.Originality/valueThis is a rare empirical paper exploring the issue of consistency in employee discipline.
Assembly issues with Sn/Ag/Cu bumped flip chips
Authors: Gopakumar Sunil , Borgesen Peter , Srihari K. 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe objective of this research is to address issues that relate to the assembly of Sn/Ag/Cu bumped flip chips.Design/methodology/approachFlip chips bumped with Sn/Ag/Cu bumps were assembled onto different lead‐free surface finishes at lead‐free soldering temperatures. Sensitivity to fluxes, reflow profiles, pad finishes and pad designs were all investigated and the potential consequences for assembly yields were calculated numerically.FindingsSoldering defects, such as incomplete wetting and collapse and poor self‐centring were observed in the assemblies. Defect levels were sensitive to contact pad metallurgy and flux type, but not to flux level and reflow profile within the ranges considered. Owing to a particularly robust substrate‐pad design, defects observed in this work were limited to incomplete wetting and collapse, as well as poor self‐centering.Research limitations/implicationsThe scope of this work is limited to the lead‐free fluxes available at the time of research. A switch to lead‐free solder alloys in flip chip assemblies raises concerns with respect to the compatibilities of materials and the quality of soldering that is achievable. While this may be less of an issue in the case of larger area array components, such as ball grid arrays and chip scale packages, it is more of a concern for applications that use flip chips due to the smaller size of the solder spheres. Assembly yields tend to become more sensitive to the reduced collapse of the joints. More work is essential to investigate the potential benefits of more active lead‐free fluxes, both no‐clean tacky and liquid fluxes, in reducing or eliminating soldering defects.Originality/valueThe paper offers insights into assembly issues with Sn/Ag/Cu bumped flip chips.
Characterization of SnAgCu and SnPb solder joints on low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic substrate
Authors: Zhong Z.W. , Arulvanan P. , Phone Maw Hla , Lu C.W.A. 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the results of experiments performed to attach silicon dies (chips) to low‐temperature co‐fired ceramic (LTCC) substrates with Ag or AgPd pads using SnAgCu or SnPb solder and the results of the characterization of the solder joints.Design/methodology/approachLTCC substrates were fabricated by stacking and laminating four green tapes with the top layer screen‐printed with Ag or AgPd paste to form pads. Silicon die sizes of 1 × 1 mm and 2 × 2 mm with electroless nickel immersion gold plated were soldered to 2 × 2 mm pads on the LTCC substrates using SnPb or SnAgCu solder. The solder joints were then characterized using X‐ray, die shear, energy dispersive X‐ray and scanning electron microscopy techniques.FindingsThe joints made by AgPd pads with SnAgCu solder provided the best results with the highest shear strength having strong interfaces in the joints. However, the joints of Ag pads with SnPb solder did not provide high‐shear strength.Originality/valueThe findings provide certain guidelines to implement LTCC applications. AgPd pads with SnAgCu solder can be considered for applications where small silicon dies need to be attached to LTCC substrates. However, Ag pads with SnAgCu solder can be considered for lead‐free solder applications.
Low cycle isothermal fatigue properties of lead‐free solders
Authors: Dušek Miloš , Hunt Christopher 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to discuss a new method to measure the fatigue of single solder joints in shear, and hence calculate the joint strain energy density in each fatigue cycle.Design/methodology/approachThere has been a step change in the requirement to characterise solder joint reliability with the number of new alloys introduced as a result of the recent RoHS legislation. Experimental testing for every configuration is expensive and time consuming, and hence modelling has become more attractive. The accuracy of modelling predictions is limited by the accuracy of the materials data. The data for these new alloys must reflect the miniaturisation of electronics and that solder joints are loaded in shear, two aspects not well reflected in the existing SnPb data. The approach here has been to develop an instrument interconnect properties test machine, where the strain and stress can be measured directly for small solder volumes and in shear. A four‐point measurement system for resistance monitoring has also been evaluated and found to correlate well with load decreases recorded during fatigue testing of solders, and hence provide a method to calculate the crack area.FindingsThe experiments have recorded the stress strain behaviour during isothermal fatigue. The developing crack area has been measured using an electrical resistance technique and has been used to correct the stress values. Using the corrected stress the strain energy data can be calculated.Research limitations/implicationsThe work has been limited to a single alloy and a single joint configuration, with time these will be broadened and the experimental fatigue parameters extended.Practical implicationsThese measurements will provide a route for calibrating the finite element models. A databank of material properties could be built up for alloys used in a range of configurations. This would help support and widen the use of modelling to predict fatigue life.Originality/valueThere is an increasing awareness of the importance of measuring microelectronic solder joint fatigue properties. There are a number of approaches being pursued, but the work at NPL is important in allowing the experiment to be controlled by either stress, strain or temperature, and with the added ability to measure crack area. This uniquely enables the measurement directly of the strain energy density during a fatigue experiment.
Organizational culture as a discriminating variable of export activities
Authors: Dosoglu‐Guner Berrin 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe paper's purpose is to identify the differences in organizational culture between exporting and non‐exporting firms.Design/methodology/approachA binary logit model is used to test organizational cultural differences in four different types; market culture, ad hocracy culture, clan culture, and hierarchy cultures. A univariate t‐test is also used to determine mean differences in organizational culture of exporting and non‐exporting firms.FindingsNon‐exporting firms tend to be more customer‐driven and competitively oriented (market culture) than exporting firms. However, they are found to be more internally oriented (clan culture) than exporters. There are no significant differences for ad hocracy and hierarchy cultures.Research limitations/implicationsFirst, the study omits the effects of industry conditions in the firm's cultural orientation. Hence, industry factors need to be studied in relation to exports and organizational culture. Second, organizational culture may play a facilitating rather than predictive role in international expansion since managerial attitudes and characteristics can shape the vision of organizations. It is recommended that future research examine the relationships between managerial characteristics and organizational culture and how this relationship affects the firm's export decisions. Finally, a further classification of non‐exporting companies into interested and not‐interested firms is suggested to further the current literature.Originality/valueThe paper may help interested non‐exporters undertake an organizational change to align their organizational culture with the dynamics of international business so that they can become exporters.
Corporate bankruptcy prediction models applied to emerging economies
Authors: Sandin Ariel R. , Porporato Marcela 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe paper's aim is to test the usefulness of ratio analysis to predict bankruptcy in a period of stability of an emerging economy, such as the case of Argentina in the 1990s.Design/methodology/approachFinancial profiles of 22 bankrupt and healthy companies are examined and a model is built using the multiple discriminant analysis technique, thus providing comparability with previous studies.FindingsThe set of models tested in this paper show that the financial data of Argentine companies in the 1990s do have information content, but the model to use depends on the preferences of the decision maker. Comparing models it is observed a common use of solvency ratios in terms of total assets and profitability ratios in terms of sales.Research limitations/implicationsData availability constitutes the primary limitation of this and similar studies, here is reflected in the sample size: 11 healthy and 11 bankrupt.Practical implicationsThe model can be used to assist investors, creditors, and regulators in Argentina and other emerging economies to predict business failure. The Z ′‐score model of Altman can be used for public companies in emerging economies because it pays attention to solvency indicators, but in rapid changing environment, profitability ratios should also be considered.Originality/valueThe incremental information content of profitability and solvency in predicting bankruptcy is examined and a simple and reliable failure prediction model for large Argentinean firms is developed. Also this paper offers a classification method that is publicly available to all investors and creditors interested in Argentinean companies.
An empirical investigation of users' views on corporate annual reports in Qatar
Authors: Alattar Jalal M. , Al‐Khater Khalid 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThis study is the first attempt to explore in depth users' views on corporate annual reports in Qatar, which has a rapidly growing economy and underdeveloped accounting systems.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire was distributed to 80 individual investors, 40 institutional investors, 30 financial analysts, 30 bank credit officers and 40 government officers who are involved with investment decisions. A total of 150 completed questionnaires were returned giving a response rate of 68 percent. Descriptive statistics and Kruskal‐Wallis and Mann Whitney tests were used to analyze the results.FindingsThe respondents considered annual reports to be important and useful and to be the main source of information for investment decisions. The respondents rated the balance sheet, auditor's report, cash flow statement, income statement and notes to the accounts as the most important and understandable sections in the annual reports. Additionally, respondents considered government publications and newspapers, magazines and journals to be very important sources of up to date, useful and easy to access information. Respondents differed significantly in their perceptions about the importance of the cash flow section, the use of accounting information for monitoring investment decisions and the use of other available sources of information.Research limitations/implicationsFindings reported in the paper reveal the need for research into the reasons for such differences and also may help accounting association bodies in Qatar to play an active role in improving users' awareness of the importance and usefulness of corporate annual reports when making investment decisions.Originality/valueThis project explores what sections of the corporate annual reports are most important to the users in the state of Qatar which has unique attributes in terms of its economic and accounting developments. Several findings are particularly relevant for preparers of corporate annual reports in this unique developing country. Although several studies investigated this issue in developing countries such as the Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Jordan and Iran, the findings of these studies might not be generalized on Qatar.
Relationships among industry environment, diversification motivations and corporate performance
Authors: Tan Bertram , Chang Hae‐Ching , Lee Chen‐Kuo 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to examine empirically the relationships among industry environment, diversification motivations and corporate performance for a sample of Taiwanese automobile enterprises.Design/methodology/approachA 55‐item survey questionnaire was developed to obtain the responses from companies in the automobile industry in Taiwan. Independent sample t‐test and χ2 tests were employed to confirm the homogeneity between the respondents and non‐respondents by firm's characteristics, including by industry, number of employees, and capital.FindingsThe results suggest that industry environment has positive and significant impact on diversification motivations, and has positive but not significant impact on corporate performance. Diversification motivations has positive and significant impact on corporate performance. The results also indicate that firms of higher capital amounts have greater influence on diversification motivations and corporate performance, firms of publicly listed have greater influence on industry environment, diversification motivations and corporate performance and firms of higher degree of diversification have greater influence on diversification motivations only.Research limitations/implicationsSeveral limitations exist in this study. This study adopts the cross‐sectional research design and examines firms at one point time and because of the constraints of time and data availability, longitudinal research was not viable in this study. Also the amount of variation for some regression models is low.Originality/valueThe paper's results not only provide researchers with a theoretical basis for further research, but also provide top management teams with important data when engaging in diversification.
Sale‐and‐leaseback as a British real estate model
Authors: Tipping Malvern , Bullard Richard K. 
Published: December 2007

PurposeMany established trading companies have had considerable capital value locked into their operational properties. These properties have been identified as producing lower returns on invested capital than core business activities. Consequently, there has been a growing trend for the splitting of operational property from core business activity. This paper seeks to identify trends in sale‐and‐leaseback, which is the most common model in the UK.Design/methodology/approachThis paper reviews, the existing literature and some past transactions in order to identify the motivations of both operational businesses and property investors in adopting the model. Some transaction case studies are also highlighted.FindingsIdentification of the motives behind this approach. Accounting, taxation and capital release are identified as the main drivers when the model first became widespread in the UK two decades ago. It is now driven by taxation and capital release. Originally adopted by leading companies, sale‐and‐leaseback has more recently been used by weaker covenants. The model has remained popular with investors, but there have been some recent failures.Originality/valueThis paper examines recent trends and seeks to identify how the sale‐and‐leaseback model may develop in the UK. Furthermore, the application of the model in the UK may give some insight into its application in other parts of the world, where it is either gaining further acceptance or may have greater potential application.
Corporate real estate management (CREM) in Estonia
Authors: Ilsjan Veronika 
Published: December 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the development trends of corporate real estate management (CREM) in Estonia and to compare them with more developed western countries in order to define the actual problems.Design/methodology/approachAn explorative survey with direct interviews among the 17 largest organisations in a certain sector (four banks, five infrastructure companies, five universities, three municipalities).FindingsIn some fields Estonia recovered from the lost experience stages quickly (organisational structure and outsourcing), while in other fields it has not yet recovered (disposal of owned properties), but in several aspects the problems are similar to western countries (information issues). No differences are found between the public and private sectors or between larger and smaller organisations. The smallness could be regarded as an advantage at the organisational and state levels since it allows for better communication, but requires more flexibility. Strategies and tools justified in more developed markets and in larger organisations could limit development in a smaller environment and therefore, should not be transferred automatically.Research limitations/implicationsThe office sector was selected for a comprehensive but comparable overview for several reasons.Originality/valuePractically no CREM research has been conducted in either Estonia or any other Eastern European country. Estonia lost about half a century's experience of the open market environment during the Soviet period (1945‐1990), when there was no private ownership of enterprises and properties. Since the second‐half of the 1990s the economy, and especially the property market in Estonia have risen rapidly. Estonia could be handled as a representative example (case) to explore CREM development in countries with a similar history.
Doppler Study of Transmitted Transmitral A Wave in Patients with a Fourth Heart Sound
Authors: VOON WEN‐CHOL , SHEU SHENG‐HSIUNG , HWANG YUH‐YAU 
Published: December 2007

To investigate the characters of the transmitted transmitral A wave associated with a fourth heart sound, left ventricular inflow, and outflow Doppler echocardiography and phonocardiography were recorded in 13 patients with a fourth heart sound and 9 age‐matched control subjects. The Doppler echocardiographic data were compared between both groups and the peak velocity and acceleration rate of the transmitted transmitral A wave were correlated with other parameters.The peak velocity and acceleration rate of the transmitted transmitral A wave were significantly greater, but the A wave transit time from the mitral valve to the left ventricular outflow tract (A‐Ar interval) was significantly shorter in patients with a fourth heart sound. There was a significant correlation between the A‐Ar interval and the peak velocity (r = ‐0.54, P = 0.01) or acceleration rate (r = ‐0.63, P = 0.002) of the transmitted transmitral A wave. The A‐Ar interval was shown to be the independent determinant of both the peak velocity and acceleration rate of the transmitted transmitral A wave by stepwise multiple linear regression. In conclusion, the presence of a fourth heart sound was associated with a higher peak velocity and acceleration rate of the transmitted transmitral A wave, to which increased ventricular stiffness may make some contributions.