bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo analysis of a developmental circuit for direct transcriptional activation and repression in the same cell by a Runx protein
Authors: Canon Jude , Banerjee Utpal
Published: April 2003

Runx proteins have been implicated in acute myeloid leukemia, cleidocranial dysplasia, and stomach cancer. These proteins control key developmental processes in which they function as both transcriptional activators and repressors. How these opposing regulatory modes can be accomplished in the in vivo context of a cell has not been clear. In this study we use the developing cone cell in theDrosophilavisual system to elucidate the mechanism of positive and negative regulation by the Runx protein Lozenge (Lz). We describe a regulatory circuit in which Lz causes transcriptional activation of the homeodomain protein Cut, which can then stabilize a Lz repressor complex in the same cell. Whether a gene is activated or repressed is determined by whether the Lz activator or the repressor complex binds to its upstream sequence. This study provides a mechanistic basis for the dual function of Runx proteins that is likely to be conserved in mammalian systems.
daf-28encodes aC. elegansinsulin superfamily member that is regulated by environmental cues and acts in the DAF-2 signaling pathway
Authors: Li Weiqing , Kennedy Scott G. , Ruvkun Gary
Published: April 2003

InCaenorhabditis elegans, the decision to enter a developmentally arrested dauer larval stage is triggered by a combination of signals from sensory neurons in response to environmental cues, which include a dauer pheromone. These sensory inputs are coupled to the parallel DAF-2/insulin receptor-like and DAF-7/TGFβ-like signaling pathways. Although sensory inputs have been shown to physiologically regulate DAF-7/TGFβ expression, no such regulation of insulin-like ligands in the DAF-2 pathway has been reported. We show here thatdaf-28encodes an insulin-like protein, which when mutated causes dauer arrest and down-regulation of DAF-2/IR signaling. Adaf-28∷GFP fusion gene is expressed in ASI and ASJ, two sensory neurons that regulate dauer arrest.daf-28∷GFP expression in ASI and ASJ is down-regulated under dauer-inducing conditions and in mutants of DAF-11/guanylyl cyclase, a predicted component of the dauer-pheromone-sensing pathway. Thus,daf-28expression in sensory neurons is regulated by the environmental cues that normally trigger dauer arrest. Among the 38C. elegansinsulin genes,daf-28is so far the only insulin mutant to affect dauer arrest.daf-28was revealed from this functional redundancy by a dominant-negative allele that disrupts a probable proteolytic processing site required for insulin maturation. This DAF-28 mutant is likely to be poisonous to wild-type DAF-28 and other insulins.
Translational control by TOR and TAP42 through dephosphorylation of eIF2α kinase GCN2
Authors: Cherkasova Vera A. , Hinnebusch Alan G.
Published: April 2003

Yeast protein kinase GCN2 stimulates the translation of transcriptional activatorGCN4by phosphorylating eIF2α in response to amino acid starvation. Kinase activation requires binding of uncharged tRNA to a histidyl tRNA synthetase-related domain in GCN2. Phosphorylation of serine 577 (Ser 577) in GCN2 by another kinase in vivo inhibits GCN2 function in rich medium by reducing tRNA binding activity. We show that rapamycin stimulates eIF2α phosphorylation by GCN2, with attendant induction ofGCN4translation, while reducing Ser 577 phosphorylation in nonstarved cells. The alanine 577 (Ala 577) mutation in GCN2 (S577A) dampened the effects of rapamycin on eIF2α phosphorylation andGCN4translation, suggesting that GCN2 activation by rapamycin involves Ser 577 dephosphorylation. Rapamycin regulates the phosphorylation of Ser 577 and eIF2α by inhibiting the TOR pathway. Rapamycin-induced dephosphorylation of Ser 577, eIF2α phosphorylation, and induction ofGCN4all involve TAP42, a regulator of type 2A-related protein phosphatases. Our results add a new dimension to the regulation of protein synthesis by TOR proteins and demonstrate cross-talk between two major pathways for nutrient control of gene expression in yeast.
Transcriptional oscillation of Lunatic fringe is essential for somitogenesis
Authors: Serth Katrin , Schuster-Gossler Karin , Cordes Ralf , Gossler Achim
Published: April 2003

A molecular oscillator that controls the expression of cyclic genes such as lunatic fringe (Lfng) in the presomitic mesoderm has been shown to be coupled with somite formation in vertebrate embryos. To address the functional significance of oscillatingLfngexpression, we have generated transgenic mice expressingLfngconstitutively in the presomitic mesoderm in addition to the intrinsic cyclicLfngactivity. These transgenic lines displayed defects of somite patterning and vertebral organization that were very similar to those ofLfngnull mutants. Furthermore, constitutive expression of exogenousLfngdid not compensate for the complete loss of cyclic endogenousLfngactivity. Noncyclic exogenousLfngexpression did not abolish cyclic expression of endogenousLfngin the posterior presomitic mesoderm (psm) but affected its expression pattern in the anterior psm. Similarly, dynamic expression ofHes7was not abolished but abnormal expression patterns were obtained. Our data are consistent with a model in which alternations ofLfngactivity between ON and OFF states in the presomitic mesoderm prior to somite segmentation are critical for proper somite patterning, and suggest that Notch signaling might not be the only determinant of cyclic gene expression in the presomitic mesoderm of mouse embryos.
Human Sin3 deacetylase and trithorax-related Set1/Ash2 histone H3-K4 methyltransferase are tethered together selectively by the cell-proliferation factor HCF-1
Authors: Wysocka Joanna , Myers Michael P. , Laherty Carol D. , Eisenman Robert N. , Herr Winship
Published: April 2003

The abundant and chromatin-associated protein HCF-1 is a critical player in mammalian cell proliferation as well as herpes simplex virus (HSV) transcription. We show here that separate regions of HCF-1 critical for its role in cell proliferation associate with the Sin3 histone deacetylase (HDAC) and a previously uncharacterized human trithorax-related Set1/Ash2 histone methyltransferase (HMT). The Set1/Ash2 HMT methylates histone H3 at Lys 4 (K4), but not if the neighboring K9 residue is already methylated. HCF-1 tethers the Sin3 and Set1/Ash2 transcriptional regulatory complexes together even though they are generally associated with opposite transcriptional outcomes: repression and activation of transcription, respectively. Nevertheless, this tethering is context-dependent because the transcriptional activator VP16 selectively binds HCF-1 associated with the Set1/Ash2 HMT complex in the absence of the Sin3 HDAC complex. These results suggest that HCF-1 can broadly regulate transcription, both positively and negatively, through selective modulation of chromatin structure.
Bcl-2 constitutively suppresses p53-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Jiang Ming , Milner Jo
Published: April 2003

To dissect apoptotic genes governing the survival of colorectal carcinoma cells, we employed RNAi to silence Bcl-2 and Bcl-xLin isogenic clones ofp53+/+ andp53−/− cells, and ofBax+/− andBax−/− cells. We identify a novel proapoptotic function of p53 that does not require activation by genotoxic agents and that appears to be constitutively suppressed by Bcl-2. Silencing ofBcl-2induced massive p53-dependent apoptosis. The “Bcl-2/p53 axis” requires Bax and caspase 2 as essential apoptotic mediators. This newly discovered Bcl-2/p53 functional interface represents a key regulator of apoptosis which can be activated by targeting Bcl-2 in colorectal carcinoma cells.
Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is required for polarizing the epiblast, cell adhesion, and controlling actin accumulation
Authors: Sakai Takao , Li Shaohua , Docheva Denitsa , Grashoff Carsten , Sakai Keiko , Kostka Günter , Braun Attila , Pfeifer Alexander , Yurchenco Peter D. , Fässler Reinhard
Published: April 2003

Integrin-mediated cell–matrix interactions are essential for development, tissue homeostasis, and repair. Upon ligand binding, integrins are recruited into focal adhesions (FAs). Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is an FA component that interacts with the cytoplasmic domains of integrins, recruits adaptor proteins that link integrins to the actin cytoskeleton, and phosphorylates the serine/threonine kinases PKB/Akt and GSK-3β. Here we show that mice lacking ILK expression die at the peri-implantation stage because they fail to polarize their epiblast and to cavitate. The impaired epiblast polarization is associated with abnormal F-actin accumulation at sites of integrin attachments to the basement membrane (BM) zone. Likewise, ILK-deficient fibroblasts showed abnormal F-actin aggregates associated with impaired cell spreading and delayed formation of stress fibers and FAs. Finally, ILK-deficient fibroblasts have diminished proliferation rates. However, insulin or PDGF treatment did not impair phosphorylation of PKB/Akt and GSK-3β, indicating that the proliferation defect is not due to absent or reduced ILK-mediated phosphorylation of these substrates in vivo. Furthermore, expression of a mutant ILK lacking kinase activity and/or paxillin binding in ILK-deficient fibroblasts can rescue cell spreading, F-actin organization, FA formation, and proliferation. Altogether these data show that mammalian ILK modulates actin rearrangements at integrin-adhesion sites.
Learning-Induced arg 3.1/arc mRNA Expression in the Mouse Brain
Authors: Montag-Sallaz Monique , Montag Dirk
Published: March 2003

The effector immediate-early gene (IEG) arg 3.1, also called arc, encodes a protein interacting with the neuronal cytoskeleton. The selective localization of arg 3.1/arc mRNA in activated dendritic segments suggests that the arg 3.1/arc protein may be synthesized at activated post-synaptic sites and that arg 3.1/arc could participate in structural and functional modifications underlying cognitive processes like memory formation. To analyze whether learning itself is sufficient to trigger expression of arg 3.1/arc, we developed a one-trial learning paradigm in which mice learned to enter a dark compartment to escape from an aversively illuminated area. Arg 3.1/arc mRNA expression was analyzed by in situ hybridization in three groups of mice as follows: a control group with no access to the dark compartment, a learning group having access to the dark compartment for one trial, and a retrieval group having access to the dark compartment for two trials on consecutive days. All animals from the learning and retrieval groups escaped the illuminated area, and those tested 24 h later (retrieval group) showed a strongly reduced latency to enter the dark compartment, demonstrating the validity of our learning paradigm to induce long-term memory. Our results show that acquisition of a simple task results in a brain area-specific biphasic increase in arg 3.1/arc mRNA expression 15 min and 4.5 h post-training. This increase was detected specifically in the learning group but neither in the control nor in the retrieval groups. The pattern of arg 3.1/arc mRNA expression corresponds temporally to the two mRNA- and protein-synthesis-dependent periods of long-term memory formation. Our study provides the first unequivocal evidence that arg 3.1/arc expression is induced by a learning task and strongly suggests a role of arg 3.1/arc mRNA in the early and late cellular mechanisms underlying the stabilization of the memory trace.
BDNF and Activity-Dependent Synaptic Modulation: Figure 1.
Authors: Lu Bai
Published: March 2003

It is widely accepted that neuronal activity plays a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity. Neurotrophins have emerged recently as potent factors for synaptic modulation. The relationship between the activity and neurotrophic regulation of synapse development and plasticity, however, remains unclear. A prevailing hypothesis is that activity-dependent synaptic modulation is mediated by neurotrophins. An important but unresolved issue is how diffusible molecules such as neurotrophins achieve local and synapse-specific modulation. In this review, I discuss several potential mechanisms with which neuronal activity could control the synapse-specificity of neurotrophin regulation, with particular emphasis on BDNF. Data accumulated in recent years suggest that neuronal activity regulates the transcription of BDNF gene, the transport of BDNF mRNA and protein into dendrites, and the secretion of BDNF protein. There is also evidence for activity-dependent regulation of the trafficking of the BDNF receptor, TrkB, including its cell surface expression and ligand-induced endocytosis. Further study of these mechanisms will help us better understand how neurotrophins could mediate activity-dependent plasticity in a local and synapse-specific manner.
Lesions of Orbitofrontal Cortex and Basolateral Amygdala Complex Disrupt Acquisition of Odor-Guided Discriminations and Reversals
Authors: Schoenbaum Geoffrey , Setlow Barry , Nugent Summer L. , Saddoris Michael P. , Gallagher Michela
Published: March 2003

Recent work indicates that both orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and the basolateral complex of the amygdala (ABL) are involved in processes by which cues are associated with predicted outcomes. To examine the respective roles of these structures in discrimination learning, rats with bilateral sham or neurotoxic lesions of either OFC or ABL were trained on a series of four 2-odor discrimination problems in a thirst-motivated go, no-go task. After acquisition of the series of odor problems, the rats were trained on serial reversals of the final odor problem. Performance on each problem was assessed by monitoring accuracy of choice behavior, and also by measuring latency to respond for fluid outcomes after odor sampling. During discrimination learning, rats in both lesioned groups had similar deficits, failing to show normal changes in response latency during learning, while at the same time exhibiting normal choice behavior relative to controls. Choice behavior was affected only during the reversal phase of training, in which OFC and ABL lesions produced distinctive deficits. Rats with ABL lesions were impaired on the first reversal (S1−/S2+), but were unimpaired at acquiring a reversal back to the original odor-outcome contigencies (S1+/S2−), whereas rats with OFC lesions were impaired on both types of reversals. These findings suggest that OFC and ABL serve partially overlapping roles in the use of incentive information that supports normal discrimination performance.
Temporal Specificity of Perceptual Learning in an Auditory Discrimination Task
Authors: Karmarkar Uma R. , Buonomano Dean V.
Published: March 2003

Although temporal processing is used in a wide range of sensory and motor tasks, there is little evidence as to whether a single centralized clock or a distributed system underlies timing in the range of tens to hundreds of milliseconds. We investigated this question by studying whether learning on an auditory interval discrimination task generalizes across stimulus types, intervals, and frequencies. The degree to which improvements in timing carry over to different stimulus features constrains the neural mechanisms underlying timing. Human subjects trained on a 100- or 200-msec interval discrimination task showed an improvement in temporal resolution. This learning generalized to a perceptually distinct duration stimulus, as well as to the trained interval presented with tones at untrained spectral frequencies. The improvement in performance did not generalize to untrained intervals. To determine if spectral generalization was dependent on the importance of frequency information in the task, subjects were simultaneously trained on two different intervals identified by frequency. As a whole, our results indicate that the brain uses circuits that are dedicated to specific time spans, and that each circuit processes stimuli across nontemporal stimulus features. The patterns of generalization additionally indicate that temporal learning does not rely on changes in early, subcortical processing, because the nontemporal features are encoded by different channels at early stages.
Involvement of BDNF Receptor TrkB in Spatial Memory Formation
Authors: Mizuno Makoto , Yamada Kiyofumi , He Jue , Nakajima Akira , Nabeshima Toshitaka
Published: March 2003

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in long-term potentiation (LTP), and are phosphorylated by several tyrosine kinases including a Src-family tyrosine kinase Fyn. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin, which also enhances hippocampal synaptic transmission and efficacy by increasing NMDA receptor activity. Here, we show that Fyn is a key molecule linking the BDNF receptor TrkB with NMDA receptors, which play an important role in spatial memory formation in a radial arm maze. Spatial learning induced phosphorylation of TrkB, Fyn, and NR2B, but not NR2A, in the hippocampus. Fyn was coimmunoprecipitated with TrkB and NR2B, and this association was increased in well-trained rats compared with control animals. Continuous intracerebroventricular infusion of PP2, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in rats delayed memory acquisition in the radial arm maze, but PP2-treated animals reached the same level of learning as the controls. The phosphorylation of Fyn and NR2B, but not TrkB, was diminished by PP2 treatment. Our findings suggest the importance of interaction between BDNF/TrkB signaling and NMDA receptors for spatial memory in the hippocampus.
Effects of Age on Measures of Complex Working Memory Span in the Beagle Dog (Canis familiaris) Using Two Versions of a Spatial List Learning Paradigm
Authors: Tapp P. Dwight , Siwak Christina T. , Estrada Jimena , Holowachuk Daniel , Milgram Norton W.
Published: March 2003

The present study used two versions of a spatial list learning (SLL) paradigm to examine the effects of increased cognitive load on visuospatial working memory processes in young and old beagle dogs. In the first experiment, young, and a select group of old dogs were first presented with one item, then two, and then three, and were rewarded for responding to the novel position. The dogs were able to learn the task at short delays, but compared with young dogs, old dogs performed worse at delays of 10 sec, and could not reach longer delays. Analysis of errors indicated that memory was best for end items in the spatial list and that within sessions, the number of errors in later trials was greater than the number of errors in earlier trials. A second version of the task, a modified SLL (mSLL) was developed to control for the use of non-mnemonic strategies on the SLL task. In this version, the first two items were presented individually. Acquisition and maximal memory performance were better in the young relative to the old dogs. Similar to the original SLL design, memory for early list items was worse than memory for later list items in both young and old dogs. The within-session pattern of errors however, did not change from trial to trial on the mSLL. The present results suggest that multiple working memory processes are engaged during complex tests of visuospatial function and the neuroanatomical substrates controlling these processes are affected differentially by age in the beagle dog.
Disruption of theFATBGene in Arabidopsis Demonstrates an Essential Role of Saturated Fatty Acids in Plant Growth
Authors: Bonaventure Gustavo , Salas Joaquin J. , Pollard Michael R. , Ohlrogge John B.
Published: April 2003

Acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases determine the amount and type of fatty acids that are exported from the plastids. To better understand the role of the FATB class of acyl-acyl carrier protein thioesterases, we identified an Arabidopsis mutant with a T-DNA insertion in the FATB gene. Palmitate (16:0) content of glycerolipids of the mutant was reduced by 42% in leaves, by 56% in flowers, by 48% in roots, and by 56% in seeds. In addition, stearate (18:0) was reduced by 50% in leaves and by 30% in seeds. The growth rate was reduced in the mutant, resulting in 50% less fresh weight at 4 weeks compared with wild-type plants. Furthermore, mutant plants produced seeds with low viability and altered morphology. Analysis of individual glycerolipids revealed that the fatty acid composition of prokaryotic plastid lipids was largely unaltered, whereas the impact on eukaryotic lipids varied but was particularly severe for phosphatidylcholine, with a >4-fold reduction of 16:0 and a 10-fold reduction of 18:0 levels. The total wax load of fatb-ko plants was reduced by 20% in leaves and by 50% in stems, implicating FATB in the supply of saturated fatty acids for wax biosynthesis. Analysis of C18 sphingoid bases derived from 16:0 indicated that, despite a 50% reduction in exported 16:0, the mutant cells maintained wild-type levels of sphingoid bases, presumably at the expense of other cell components. The growth retardation caused by the fatb mutation was enhanced in a fatb-ko act1 double mutant in which saturated fatty acid content was reduced further. Together, these results demonstrate the in vivo role of FATB as a major determinant of saturated fatty acid synthesis and the essential role of saturates for the biosynthesis and/or regulation of cellular components critical for plant growth and seed development.
Genome-Wide Analysis of NBS-LRR–Encoding Genes in Arabidopsis[W]
Authors: Meyers Blake C. , Kozik Alexander , Griego Alyssa , Kuang Hanhui , Michelmore Richard W.
Published: April 2003

The Arabidopsis genome contains ∼200 genes that encode proteins with similarity to the nucleotide binding site and other domains characteristic of plant resistance proteins. Through a reiterative process of sequence analysis and reannotation, we identified 149 NBS-LRR–encoding genes in the Arabidopsis (ecotype Columbia) genomic sequence. Fifty-six of these genes were corrected from earlier annotations. At least 12 are predicted to be pseudogenes. As described previously, two distinct groups of sequences were identified: those that encoded an N-terminal domain with Toll/Interleukin-1 Receptor homology (TIR-NBS-LRR, or TNL), and those that encoded an N-terminal coiled-coil motif (CC-NBS-LRR, or CNL). The encoded proteins are distinct from the 58 predicted adapter proteins in the previously described TIR-X, TIR-NBS, and CC-NBS groups. Classification based on protein domains, intron positions, sequence conservation, and genome distribution defined four subgroups of CNL proteins, eight subgroups of TNL proteins, and a pair of divergent NL proteins that lack a defined N-terminal motif. CNL proteins generally were encoded in single exons, although two subclasses were identified that contained introns in unique positions. TNL proteins were encoded in modular exons, with conserved intron positions separating distinct protein domains. Conserved motifs were identified in the LRRs of both CNL and TNL proteins. In contrast to CNL proteins, TNL proteins contained large and variable C-terminal domains. The extant distribution and diversity of the NBS-LRR sequences has been generated by extensive duplication and ectopic rearrangements that involved segmental duplications as well as microscale events. The observed diversity of these NBS-LRR proteins indicates the variety of recognition molecules available in an individual genotype to detect diverse biotic challenges.
Members of the Arabidopsis Dynamin-Like Gene Family, ADL1, Are Essential for Plant Cytokinesis and Polarized Cell Growth[W]
Authors: Kang Byung-Ho , Busse James S. , Bednarek Sebastian Y.
Published: April 2003

Polarized membrane trafficking during plant cytokinesis and cell expansion are critical for plant morphogenesis, yet very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that guide this process. Dynamin and dynamin-related proteins are large GTP binding proteins that are involved in membrane trafficking. Here, we show that two functionally redundant members of the Arabidopsis dynamin-related protein family, ADL1A and ADL1E, are essential for polar cell expansion and cell plate biogenesis. adl1A-2 adl1E-1 double mutants show defects in cell plate assembly, cell wall formation, and plasma membrane recycling. Using a functional green fluorescent protein fusion protein, we show that the distribution of ADL1A is dynamic and that the protein is localized asymmetrically to the plasma membrane of newly formed and mature root cells. We propose that ADL1-mediated membrane recycling is essential for plasma membrane formation and maintenance in plants.
Leaf Vitamin C Contents Modulate Plant Defense Transcripts and Regulate Genes That Control Development through Hormone Signaling[W]
Authors: Pastori Gabriela M. , Kiddle Guy , Antoniw John , Bernard Stephanie , Veljovic-Jovanovic Sonja , Verrier Paul J. , Noctor Graham , Foyer Christine H.
Published: April 2003

Vitamin C deficiency in the Arabidopsis mutant vtc1 causes slow growth and late flowering. This is not attributable to changes in photosynthesis or increased oxidative stress. We have used the vtc1 mutant to provide a molecular signature for vitamin C deficiency in plants. Using statistical analysis, we show that 171 genes are expressed differentially in vtc1 compared with the wild type. Many defense genes are activated, particularly those that encode pathogenesis-related proteins. Furthermore, transcript changes indicate that growth and development are constrained in vtc1 by the modulation of abscisic acid signaling. Abscisic acid contents are significantly higher in vtc1 than in the wild type. Key features of the molecular signature of ascorbate deficiency can be reversed by incubating vtc1 leaf discs in ascorbate. This finding provides evidence that many of the observed effects on transcript abundance in vtc1 result from ascorbate deficiency. Hence, through modifying gene expression, vitamin C contents not only act to regulate defense and survival but also act via phytohormones to modulate plant growth under optimal conditions.
The challenge of exporting fresh food from the Chatham Islands to markets overseas
Authors: Paul Dana Leo
Published: April 2003

The eastern‐most lands of New Zealand are the Chatham Islands. Farming and fishing form the backbone of the local economy. These islands have great potential, in terms of food production and food exports. Yet, over the years, local entrepreneurs have encountered difficulties beyond their control. Essential to food exports is an effective transportation service at an affordable price. A local airline has been instrumental in exporting the fresh catch of local fishermen, who formerly obtained lower prices for frozen products. Livestock farmers, however, are subjected to schedules, rates and conditions imposed by an external firm, which appears to look after its own interests more than the common good of the island group.
A cross‐cultural content analysis of restaurant ads in New Zealand
Authors: Sichun Wang Adel
Published: April 2003

Unlike many other cross‐cultural advertising comparisons, this study compares two different cultures within the same country, and the topic of the content analysis is narrowed down to one particular type of product – restaurants. The content analysis is conducted on ads for Chinese restaurants and English restaurants in newspapers printed in New Zealand. The number of ads in different newspapers, themes of the ads and ads with and without relevant pictures are compared. The results of the study show that the number of ads for Chinese restaurants in English newspapers is significantly greater than the number of ads for English restaurants in Chinese newspapers; the number of ads for other restaurants in Chinese newspapers is significantly more than that in English newspapers; the number of ads for restaurants in holiday issues is significantly greater than that in non‐holiday issues; the themes of the ads for Chinese restaurants focus on basic functions, while the themes of the ads for English restaurants focus on dining atmosphere; and the non‐language speakers understand significantly better ads with relevant pictures than those without.
Consumer acceptance of genetically modified foods in New Zealand
Authors: Fortin David R. , Renton Michelle S.
Published: April 2003

The introduction of genetically modified foods (GMF) in consumer markets worldwide is currently a hot topic for debate. Media hype and the strong position against GMF by activist groups have contributed to the negative image of GMF, often labelled as “Frankenstein” foods. Given this negative image, the purpose of this study is to find out if consumers display more positive perceptions about GMF if positive trade‐offs are made more salient in the purchase decision process. This study examined the impact of additional product benefits on consumer attitudes towards GMF. A sample of 120 consumers was randomly assigned to a (2*2) factorial design manipulating two levels of genetic modification and two levels of additional product benefits. Results indicate that genetic modification in food products has a negative impact on attitudes. More importantly, the presence of additional product benefits resulting from GMF was not enough to offset this negative view. Reasons for such results are discussed, conclusions for the industry and regulatory bodies drawn and implications for future research given.
Genetic engineering and perceived levels of risk
Authors: Scully Joanne
Published: April 2003

In recent years, concern about the negative environmental effects of technologies, and in particular the use of genetic engineering in food production, has become a major topic in public debate. Public acceptance of genetic engineering is vital to development of this technology. This study, carried out in Christchurch, New Zealand, explores the role of consumers opinions, attitudes and behaviours toward genetic engineering. It focuses on the relative perceived risk associated with consuming genetically engineering food and the role of food labelling in reducing this risk. The study found that most consumers are uninformed about genetic engineering and the potential benefits it holds. The level of accurate knowledge held by the consumer was found to be an important determinant in the perceived level of risk and willingness to accept genetic engineering. Notable relationships were also found between demographic variables, attitudes and behaviours towards genetically engineered produce.
Changes in the New Zealand apple industry
Authors: Fitzgerald Kyle
Published: April 2003

Change of various forms has been a major issue for every industry but perhaps none more so than the New Zealand apple industry over the past decade. Growers have seen major changes in not only daily issues such as packing requirements, spraying regimes, quality standards and technological improvements, but they have also had to adjust to corporatisation of their previously cooperative industry. This has been accompanied by a change of focus over the years from a production to an increasingly market orientation and is followed by the most recent development of deregulation of the industry. Much of this has come at, or perhaps been prompted by, a time of prolonged difficulty for the industry, particularly in the Nelson area. During the 1990s, growers have faced two or three years of hail damage and low prices on world markets, widely attributed to oversupply. The nature of the industry is changing and this has impacted on growers in a number of ways. This article examines some of the changes and relationships in the industry over the years from a grower perspective. It looks at current patterns, which are evident, including an apparent trend for smaller growers to exit the industry. It also briefly discusses possible outcomes for the future.
New Zealand farmers and the Internet
Authors: Barton Helen
Published: April 2003

This article describes the experiences, perceptions and attitudes of farmers in Canterbury, New Zealand, towards the use of the Internet for farming purposes. It also illustrates the appropriateness of the qualitative case study method for explaining the underlying research questions: why do farmers use the Internet? How do they find it useful? Thirty semi‐structured interviews were conducted with farmers who were randomly selected from an agricultural co‐operative’s membership database. Seven major themes emerged from the data and have been labeled as the following: why farmers have started using the Internet; how farmers were introduced to the Internet; current uses of the Internet; advantages of using the Internet; problems associated with using the Internet; attitude towards the Internet and future outlook. Many farmers experienced poor phone lines that inhibited the quality of Internet service. Consequently, the interviews uncovered a widespread feeling of disgust and intolerance of the lack of regard for rural people, especially considering that agriculture is an important industry for New Zealand.
What New Zealand dairy farmers desire from the Government
Authors: Adcock Shane
Published: April 2003

Discusses the recent trend in the dairy industry towards conglomeration, focusing on the implications for the New Zealand dairy export industry. Describes how a proposed merger of the New Zealand dairy group and Kiwi cooperative dairies (both producer cooperatives) and the Dairy Board (which handled all overseas marketing of New Zealand dairy products) was rejected by the Commerce Commission and discusses the subsequent intervention by the Government in favor of the merger and the formation of a new company, provisionally termed “GlobalCo”. Investigates what dairy farmers desire from the New Zealand Government in the form of legislation and regulation, proposing the following research questions: what are dairy farmers’ perceptions of the dairy merger; how do government regulations affect dairy farmers’ operations; and what are dairy farmers perceptions of government assistance in the industry? Using a holistic‐inductive qualitative study with a sample collected through various contacts in the dairy industry, including farms from the lower half of North Island and all of the South Island, presents findings and outlines implications concerning the government and management at GlobalCo.
Workplace dimensions, stress and job satisfaction
Authors: Fairbrother Kerry , Warn James
Published: March 2003

Applied research indicates strong connections between dimensions of the work place, stress and job satisfaction. Yet, there is an absence of theory to provide conceptual understanding of these relationships. In 1999, Sparks and Cooper advocated using job‐specific models of stress as a way of developing a better understanding of the relationships. The current study adopted this recommendation and investigated a specific job context, specifically, naval officer trainees undergoing their sea training. The results indicate that a general model of stress is unhelpful in identifying the predictors of stress and job satisfaction in specific job contexts. Instead, the authors recommend identifying salient workplace dimensions rather than a broad‐brush approach when seeking workplace associations with stress.
Keeping the promise
Authors: Chrobot‐Mason Donna L.
Published: March 2003

This study examined the psychological contract held by minority employees as it relates to diversity, and the implications of violating the contract on minority employee job satisfaction, commitment to the organization and organizational cynicism. Data were collected from 88 minority employees at four university campuses. Results support unique elements of the psychological contract for minority employees and negative outcomes associated with contract violation. Trust and justice were found to moderate employee interpretations of the violation, though not as was predicted by previous theoretical models. Implications for managers of a diverse work force and future research are discussed.
The value of Quinn's competing values model in an Australian context
Authors: Lamond David
Published: March 2003

A variety of measures of organizational culture have been proposed and one widely used in Australia is that based on Quinn's competing values model. To date, however, there has been no published research examining its validity and reliability when used with Australian organizations. This paper presents the results of a study of 462 managers’ perceptions of their organizations and concludes that Quinn's measure is a useful one in an Australian context. It also suggests that Australian organizations may have cause to be concerned about the environments within which their employees operate.
The promised path:a longitudinal study of managerial careers
Authors: Reitman Frieda , Schneer Joy A.
Published: March 2003

The career path once promised to good managers was an uninterrupted, upward climb on a corporate ladder. When environmental forces caused organizations to downsize and restructure, the promise was broken. A protean path emerged, one that was self‐directed rather than company‐directed, and involved changes in employment. The study assesses whether managers have achieved the promised path and whether demographic and career factors differ for those on promised versus protean paths. Longitudinal data from MBAs surveyed three times over a 13‐year period demonstrated that the promised career path still exists for one‐third of the MBAs. Managers on promised paths were somewhat older and worked in larger companies. However, they did not have greater income, managerial level, career satisfaction, company loyalty, or job security than those on protean paths. Women followed both paths but career advancement was more accessible on protean paths. This study makes a unique contribution as the longitudinal data, controlled educational background, and controlled time period enhance understanding of managerial career paths.
Fragments of HRM in hospitality? Evidence from the 1998 workplace employee relations survey
Authors: Lucas Rosemary
Published: March 2003

Using management and employee data from the 1998 workplace employee relations survey, this article attempts to trace “fragments of HRM” within the hospitality industry (HI) on a comparative basis with all industries and services (AIS) in Great Britain. Four themes are explored: how the management of HRM is organised and practised, “individualism” and “collectivism”, participation and involvement, and other “sophisticated” HR practices. The impact of HRM on employees is assessed. HRM in the HI is found to be very different, thus providing an extreme example of the “retaining control/cost control” approach to management, and a graphic illustration of very “hard” HRM in practice. While HI employees are much more content with their lot than their counterparts in AIS who are subject to rather more “favourable” HRM policies and practices, other indicators imply that there is also dissatisfaction. Qualitative research is necessary to understand whether employees really do enjoy being “kicked hard”. Management might reap greater benefits by adopting more developmental, “soft” HRM practices.
The dilemma of operating a strategic approach to human resource management in the Scottish visitor attraction sector
Authors: Graham Margaret , Lennon J. John
Published: March 2003

The majority of Scottish visitor attractions can also be defined as non‐profit making cultural heritage organisations to include historic buildings, museums and art galleries. Goals of achievement within this sector involve other, longer established priorities other than tourism. For example, internal quality benchmarks within the public sector are led by best value management to facilitate quality public services at lowest cost and combat exclusion. In the wider attraction field these techniques are also applied to achieve best practice and to target new audiences. This paper draws from two national visitor attraction surveys. It highlights the dilemma facing HRM and HRD experts when trying to formulate a HRS for such a diverse workforce to include a high level of seasonal workers and volunteers. The paper recommends that any HRS needs to be flexible enough to schedule this unique workforce towards achieving the distinctive objectives of each attraction’s organisational mission.
Making functional flexibility stick: an assessment of the outcomes for stakeholders
Authors: Kelliher Clare , Riley Michael
Published: March 2003

Increasingly, evidence suggests that the impact of HRM in organisations is greatest where it involves a set of coherent policies and practices. The implication of this is that, to be effective, individual HR initiatives need to be implemented as part of an integrated package of practices. This paper presents findings from a study designed to examine the implementation of functional flexibility. Evidence is presented from two case studies which demonstrate that, for functional flexibility to succeed in the longer term, it needs to be become embedded in the organisation and to be supported by a web of sympathetic policies. Many of the problems of implementation can be overcome by the co‐existence of supporting practices. For example, the intensification of work brought about by the use of functional flexibility was less of an issue in the cases where it was supported by higher levels of remuneration. The outcomes of functional flexibility for stakeholders are also explored.
Enacting organisational change programmes: a centre stage role for HRM?
Authors: Farquharson Lois , Baum Tom
Published: March 2003

This article discusses the key role which HRM can play in strategic change programmes. A theoretical outline is offered which emphasises the strong links between HRM and organisational change literature, with a particular interest in the “soft” and “hard” elements of HRM in the context of change. Two distinct change programmes in two BAA airports, BAA, Glasgow and BAA, Edinburgh, are examined to identify the form and extent of HRM as a catalyst of organisational change.
Strategic HRM and business performance in the Hilton Group
Authors: Maxwell Gillian , Lyle Gordon
Published: March 2003

Profiles the Hilton Group plc and some of the human resources issues that arise from operating an international portfolio of 500 hotels, with more than 60,000 employees in 50 countries. Expansion in 1999 triggered an extensive market research exercise to determine customer expectations of the Hilton hotel brand. This led to the development of Hilton’s worldwide quality initiative, “Equilibrium”. The aim here is to ensure that individual guest needs are met, and because service quality is central to this, a human resource policy initiative called “Esprit” has been developed to embrace the key principles of employee recognition, respect and reward. What then are the strategic linkages between these initiatives? The article draws on practitioner perspectives to explain the relationship between the strategic human resource management and business performance challenges for the business.
A strategic perspective to human resource development in Scottish tourism
Authors: Watson Sandra , Drummond Denise
Published: March 2003

Profiles “Tourism People” an industry‐led body established as an integral part of a new strategy for Scottish tourism. Its role is to focus the industry on meeting and exceeding the expectations of its customers, by investing in the people who work in the industry. Building on the earlier work of “Tourism Training Scotland”, the new body is a partnership organization, with representation from across the sector. This paper outlines some of the initiatives that will help to provide a range of learning and development opportunities for employers and employees in key industry roles.
Emotional harmony, dissonance and deviance at work
Authors: Lashley Conrad
Published: March 2003

Reviews recent literature relating to emotion at work, with special reference to the causes and effects of emotional harmony, dissonance and deviance. Illustrations are drawn from branded service organizations, in particular chain restaurant operations that make use of scripted or set piece dialogue techniques to standardize customer responses. Argues that the difficulty with this is that employees have to exercise “emotional management” in their interactions with customers, managers and other staff. Concludes that a better understanding is needed of the linkages between current management practices in hospitality organizations and the emotional dissance this can create.
The Rate of Protein Digestion affects Protein Gain Differently during Aging in Humans
Authors: Dangin Martial , Guillet Christelle , Garcia‐Rodenas Clara , Gachon Pierre , Bouteloup‐Demange Corinne , Reiffers‐Magnani Kristel , Fauquant Jacques , Ballèvre Olivier , Beaufrère Bernard
Published: April 2003

In young men ingesting protein meals, slowly digested proteins (caseins: CAS) induce a higher protein gain than those that are rapidly digested (whey proteins: WP). Our aim was to assess whether or not this is true in elderly men receiving mixed meals. The effects of meals containing either CAS or two different amounts of WP (WP‐iN: isonitrogenous with CAS, or WP‐iL: providing the same amount of leucine as CAS) on protein metabolism (assessed by combining oral and intravenous leucine tracers) were compared in nine healthy, elderly (mean ±s.e.m. age 72 ± 1 years) and six young men (24 ± 1 years). In both age groups, WP‐iL and WP‐iN were digested faster than CAS (P < 0.001, ANOVA). Proteolysis was inhibited similarly whatever the meal and age groups (P= NS). Protein synthesis was higher with WP‐iN than with CAS or WP‐iL (P < 0.01), irrespective of age (P= NS). An age‐related effect (P < 0.05) was found with postprandial leucine balance. Leucine balance was higher with CAS than with WP‐iL (P < 0.01) in young men, but not in elderly subjects (P= NS). In isonitrogenous conditions, leucine balance was higher with WP‐iN than with CAS (P < 0.001) in both age groups, but the magnitude of the differences was higher in the elderly men (P= 0.05). In conclusion, during aging, protein gain was greater with WP (rapidly digested protein), and lower with CAS (slowly digested protein). This suggests that a ‘fast’ protein might be more beneficial than a ‘slow’ one to limit protein losses during aging.
Role of Nitric Oxide in Hypoxic Cerebral Vasodilatation in the Ovine Fetus
Authors: Hunter Christian J. , Blood Arlin B. , White Charles R. , Pearce William J. , Power Gordon G.
Published: April 2003

To investigate the role of nitric oxide (NO) in fetal cerebral circulatory responses to acute hypoxia, near‐term fetal sheep were instrumented with laser Doppler probes placed in the parasagittal parietal cortices and vascular catheters in the sagittal sinus and brachiocephalic artery. After a 3 day recovery period, responses of cortical blood flow (CBF) to hypoxia were compared with and without inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). After an initial 30 min baseline period, fetuses were given a bolus followed by a continuous infusion of Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (l‐NAME), or saline vehicle as control. After administration of l‐NAME, CBF decreased by 14 ± 6 % (P < 0.01) despite increases in arterial blood pressure of 15 mmHg, resulting in an ∼60 % increase in cerebrovascular resistance. Thirty minutes following initiation of l‐NAME or vehicle infusion, fetal systemic hypoxia was induced by allowing the ewes to breathe 10–11 % oxygen. In control fetuses CBF increased progressively to 145 ± 9 % of baseline (P < 0.01) after 30 min, while cortical release of cyclic guanylate cyclase (cGMP), an index of NOS activity, increased 26 ± 8 % (P < 0.05). In contrast, CBF in l‐NAME‐treated fetuses increased to only 115 % of the reduced CBF baseline, whereas cortical release of cGMP did not change significantly. In summary, basal levels of NO lower resting cortical vascular resistance by ∼15 % in the fetal sheep. Inhibition of NO synthesis attenuates hypoxic cerebral relaxation but does not completely prevent the characteristic increases in CBF. Hypoxic increases in NO directly increase cortical production of cGMP and inhibition of NO synthesis ablates these changes in cGMP.