bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LITTLE NUCLEIGenes Affecting Nuclear Morphology inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Dittmer Travis A. , Stacey Nicola J. , Sugimoto-Shirasu Keiko , Richards Eric J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractEfforts to understand nuclear organization in plant cells have received little assistance from the better-studied animal nuclei, because plant proteomes do not contain recognizable counterparts to the key animal proteins involved in nuclear organization, such as lamin nuclear intermediate filament proteins. Previous studies identified a plant-specific insoluble nuclear protein in carrot (Daucus carota), called Nuclear Matrix Constituent Protein1 (NMCP1), which contains extensive coiled-coil domains and localizes to the nuclear periphery. Here, we describe a genetic characterization of two NMCP1-related nuclear proteins in Arabidopsis thaliana, LITTLE NUCLEI1 (LINC1) and LINC2. Disruption of either gene caused a reduction in nuclear size and altered nuclear morphology. Moreover, combining linc1 and linc2 mutations had an additive effect on nuclear size and morphology but a synergistic effect on chromocenter number (reduction) and whole-plant morphology (dwarfing). The reduction in nuclear size in the linc1 linc2 double mutant was not accompanied by a corresponding change in endopolyploidy. Rather, the density of DNA packaging at all endopolyploid levels in the linc1 linc2 mutants was increased significantly. Our results indicate that the LINC coiled-coil proteins are important determinants of plant nuclear structure.
Crystal Structures of Flax Rust Avirulence Proteins AvrL567-A and -D Reveal Details of the Structural Basis for Flax Disease Resistance Specificity
Authors: Wang Ching-I A. , Gunčar Gregor , Forwood Jade K. , Teh Trazel , Catanzariti Ann-Maree , Lawrence Gregory J. , Loughlin Fionna E. , Mackay Joel P. , Schirra Horst Joachim , Anderson Peter A. , Ellis Jeffrey G. , Dodds Peter N. , Kobe Boštjan 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe gene-for-gene mechanism of plant disease resistance involves direct or indirect recognition of pathogen avirulence (Avr) proteins by plant resistance (R) proteins. Flax rust (Melampsora lini) AvrL567 avirulence proteins and the corresponding flax (Linum usitatissimum) L5, L6, and L7 resistance proteins interact directly. We determined the three-dimensional structures of two members of the AvrL567 family, AvrL567-A and AvrL567-D, at 1.4- and 2.3-Å resolution, respectively. The structures of both proteins are very similar and reveal a β-sandwich fold with no close known structural homologs. The polymorphic residues in the AvrL567 family map to the surface of the protein, and polymorphisms in residues associated with recognition differences for the R proteins lead to significant changes in surface chemical properties. Analysis of single amino acid substitutions in AvrL567 proteins confirm the role of individual residues in conferring differences in recognition and suggest that the specificity results from the cumulative effects of multiple amino acid contacts. The structures also provide insights into possible pathogen-associated functions of AvrL567 proteins, with nucleic acid binding activity demonstrated in vitro. Our studies provide some of the first structural information on avirulence proteins that bind directly to the corresponding resistance proteins, allowing an examination of the molecular basis of the interaction with the resistance proteins as a step toward designing new resistance specificities.
Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling of BZR1 Mediated by Phosphorylation Is Essential inArabidopsisBrassinosteroid Signaling
Authors: Ryu Hojin , Kim Kangmin , Cho Hyunwoo , Park Joonghyuk , Choe Sunghwa , Hwang Ildoo 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPhytohormone brassinosteroids (BRs) play critical roles in plant growth and development. BR acts by modulating the phosphorylation status of two key transcriptional factors, BRI1 EMS SUPPRESSOR1 and BRASSINAZOLE RESISTANT1 (BZR1), through the action of BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE1/BRI1 ASSOCIATED RECEPTOR KINASE1 receptors and a GSK3 kinase, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE2 (BIN2). It is still unknown how the perception of BR at the plasma membrane connects to the expression of BR target genes in the nucleus. We show here that BZR1 functions as a nucleocytoplasmic shuttling protein and GSK3-like kinases induce the nuclear export of BZR1 by modulating BZR1 interaction with the 14-3-3 proteins. BR-activated phosphatase mediates rapid nuclear localization of BZR1. Besides the phosphorylation domain for 14-3-3 binding, another phosphorylation domain in BZR1 is required for the BIN2-induced nuclear export of BZR1. Mutations of putative phosphorylation sites in two distinct domains enhance the nuclear retention of BZR1 and BR responses in transgenic plants. We propose that the spatial redistribution of BZR1 is critical for proper BR signaling in plant growth and development.
TheArabidopsis CLASPGene Encodes a Microtubule-Associated Protein Involved in Cell Expansion and Division
Authors: Ambrose J. Christian , Shoji Tsubasa , Kotzer Amanda M. , Pighin Jamie A. , Wasteneys Geoffrey O. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractControlling microtubule dynamics and spatial organization is a fundamental requirement of eukaryotic cell function. Members of the ORBIT/MAST/CLASP family of microtubule-associated proteins associate with the plus ends of microtubules, where they promote the addition of tubulin subunits into attached kinetochore fibers during mitosis and stabilize microtubules in the vicinity of the plasma membrane during interphase. To date, nothing is known about their function in plants. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis thaliana CLASP protein is a microtubule-associated protein that is involved in both cell division and cell expansion. Green fluorescent protein–CLASP localizes along the full length of microtubules and shows enrichment at growing plus ends. Our analysis suggests that CLASP promotes microtubule stability. clasp-1 T-DNA insertion mutants are hypersensitive to microtubule-destabilizing drugs and exhibit more sparsely populated, yet well ordered, root cortical microtubule arrays. Overexpression of CLASP promotes microtubule bundles that are resistant to depolymerization with oryzalin. Furthermore, clasp-1 mutants have aberrant microtubule preprophase bands, mitotic spindles, and phragmoplasts, indicating a role for At CLASP in stabilizing mitotic arrays. clasp-1 plants are dwarf, have significantly reduced cell numbers in the root division zone, and have defects in directional cell expansion. We discuss possible mechanisms of CLASP function in higher plants.
Privatization in agro‐food sector: the case of Turkish dairy industry
Authors: Gönenç Sertaç , Rehber Erkan 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis article aims to focus on the issue of privatization movement in the agro‐food sector, in the light of the Turkish Dairy Industry Enterprises (TSEK) case, and the effects on the sector following privatization. In order to make an appropriate evaluation, the background of the privatization movement and the general structure of the dairy sector in Turkey are examined first.Design/methodology/approachAfter a brief evaluation, the privatization process of TSEK and its effects on the sector are discussed in the light of the results of empirical data that obtain from the ANOVA model.FindingsIt has been concluded that the liberalization process has been adopted without the setting up of market regulatory policies, thus, the price balance in the dairy sector has changed to the disadvantage of both producers and consumers, while market concentration has increased and regional differentials have become more apparent.Originality/valueThis article may be relevant for other countries where privatization or liberalization movement in the agro‐food sector is in process.
Intentions of New Zealanders to purchase lamb or beef made using nanotechnology
Authors: Cook Andrew J. , Fairweather John R. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to provide an early assessment of key influences on intentions to purchase low fat lamb or beef made using nanotechnology.Design/methodology/approachData was gathered using a national postal survey of New Zealanders (N=565).FindingsThe new product was more acceptable than GM food. Most had a positive attitude and intention to purchase and were the type of person who would purchase (self‐identity). Most considered they had the support of people whose views are important to them (subjective norm) and few felt an impediment to purchasing (perceived behavioural control). Attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and self‐identity explained a good deal of intention (R2=0.64). There was also a strong link between a sum of beliefs about the risks and benefits of the new product and attitude (r=0.79).Research limitations/implicationsDifferences between the sample and the population could marginally affect projections of the descriptive results onto the population.Practical implicationsIdentifies a range of potentially dynamic factors that affect intentions. These have implications for informing the public and informing technology development.Originality/valueThis paper is of immediate value for those interested in public reactions to the new topic of the use of nanotechnology in food production.
Stairways to heaven or treadmills to oblivion?
Authors: Cox Andrew , Chicksand Daniel , Palmer Martin 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to assess the findings of a research project that investigates the scope for lean strategies to be adopted in beef, lamb and pig supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe paper reports on action research carried out in three red meat supply chains. The methodology is inductive and qualitative, using a multi‐case, multi‐site approach. Each of the supply chains was analysed from farm gate to consumer, interviewing multiple participants at each stage of the supply chain.FindingsThe analysis demonstrates that, although a lean approach has been introduced in the pig supply chain, it is much more problematic in beef and lamb supply chains. Furthermore, the majority of participants in the UK pig supply chain – the first to adopt lean strategies – have not received the commercial improvement (the “stairway to heaven” of higher returns) that was anticipated. On the contrary, the majority of participants in this supply chain are experiencing a strategic “treadmill to oblivion” of continuous lean operational efficiency, but with low commercial returns.Research limitations/implicationsThe research is based upon three red meat supply chains – beef, lamb and pig. It would be beneficial if further in‐depth studies could be undertaken in other agri‐food supply chains to further validate the findings.Practical implicationsIf government agencies and/or multiple retailers develop lean strategies in UK beef and lamb supply chains, it is not at all clear that this will benefit all parties in these chains. This raises important questions about the efficacy and appropriateness of lean strategies in supply chains that do not have the same demand, supply and power and leverage characteristics as those in which lean principles were first developed.Originality/valueThis paper should be of value to researchers in this area and to managers responsible for strategy formation in UK agri‐food supply chains.
Maslow's hierarchy and food tourism in Finland: five cases
Authors: Tikkanen Irma 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the sectors of food tourism in Finland by using Maslow's hierarchy of needs in the classification.Design/methodology/approachPrevious research on food tourism concentrates on the role of food as an attraction, as a cultural phenomenon, and as an experience. Moreover, food from productional and motivational viewpoints is reviewed briefly. The empirical data consists both of the secondary data and an interview.FindingsThe findings introduce five sectors of food tourism where the needs and motivations are linked with Maslow's hierarchy of needs.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that the food tourism promoters could emphasize the needs and motivations when marketing food tourism services.Originality/valueSectors of food tourism in Finland classified by the hierarchy of needs are presented, providing practical implications for food tourism promoters and thus offering motivations for food tourism.
Physiological analysis of lactobacillus rhamnosus VTT E‐97800
Authors: Sunny‐Roberts E.O. , Knorr D. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis paper aims to describe the physiological analysis of L. rhamnosus VTT E‐97800 and its adaptive response to osmotic stress induced by trehalose.Design/methodology/approachCells of L. rhamnosus E800 in the stationary phase of growth were subjected to osmotic stress induced by trehalose treatments. The effects of osmotic stress on the viability of the study strain were determined by conducting flow cytometric analysis with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (cFDA) and propidium iodide (PI) and by observing the corresponding cells growth on MRS agar plates. Osmotic‐induced changes of esterase activity and membrane integrity were monitored. Ability to extrude intracellular accumulated cF (additional vitality marker) was taken into consideration.FindingsThe fluorescence‐based approach gave additional insights on osmotic induced changes of cellular events, which could not be explicitly assessed by culture techniques. Trehalose treatments caused a transient membrane permeabilization as revealed by a gradual decrease in esterase activity (a measure of enzyme activity and thus of viability) with increase in trehalose molarity. However, culturability on MRS agar was not significantly affected. Membrane integrity was maintained and there was an improvement in the ability of cells to extrude intracellular accumulated cF.Originality/valueThe paper provides a comparative study of the conventional culture techniques and the flow cytometric viability assessment which showed that esterase activity cannot be relied on to ascertain the culturability and viability status of an organism.
Internet identity and public libraries: communicating service values through web presence
Authors: McMenemy David 
Published: September 2007

PurposeTo discuss the nature of public library websites and what they communicate about the values of the sector.Design/methodology/approachThe article examines a range of Scottish public library websites to determine domain and quality of information resources provided.FindingsThat many public libraries in Scotland have a virtual identity problem brought about by being part of larger websites for their parent bodies. It is argued that this identity problem is to the detriment of the service, and that models of good practice should be urgently considered by public librarians.Practical implicationsThe article should be of interest to librarians considering how best to present their websites and the potential challenges in doing so as part of a larger umbrella organisation.Originality/valueThis is the first article to examine all sites from Scottish public libraries in terms of their origins and content.
Professional values in a bureaucratic structure:
Authors: Usherwood R.C. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThis archive paper is presented as part of the 80th birthday celebrations of Library Review. It examines concepts of professionalism and bureaucracy in the early 1980s public library service.Design/methodology/approachThe paper provides a reflective viewpoint.FindingsThat challenges to professionalism existed in 1980 and that librarians needed to contemplate professional values more fully.Practical implicationsRaises issues about professional values in management structures.Originality/valueThis is part of an anniversary celebration and as such revisits some old arguments.
Cultural issues, organizational hierarchy and information fulfilment
Authors: Burke Maria E. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the cultural results of a three year study into the concept of information fulfilment and considers the impact of culture on levels of information fulfilment.Design/methodology/approachEthnographic studies were undertaken within higher education institutions in four countries, by examining each organization's shape and comparing it with the level of achievement of information fulfilment. The social and symbolic meanings that underpinned the culture of information in the chosen institutions are presented. The cultural frameworks are analysed and followed by a section of “raw data” from the ethnographic field.FindingsCulture impacted significantly in all the studies, and each study had its own unique character which provided rich insights into the culture, atmosphere and contexts of the fields.Originality/valueThe relationships between the cultures and the levels of information fulfilment are reported with a view to helping build knowledge management systems that deliver higher levels of information fulfilment.
Community analysis needs ethnography: an example from Romania
Authors: Whipple Mindy , Nyce James M. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of using qualitative research methods, such as ethnography, in community analysis within the library and information science (LIS) community.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review the LIS literature on community analysis up to May 2004, critique a representative case study and compare its results to what emerged from the research carried out in rural Romania summer of 2004. Students and faculty from Emporia State University and Ball State University in May 2004 gathered qualitative data on the rural information infrastructure and the information needs and of residents in the Romanian community of Lunca Ilvei. The research team used ethnographic methods to collect data and found this method to be effective in the analysis and understanding of the community's information behavior.FindingsCommunity analysis in LIS has relied primarily on quantitative methods. While quantitative methods can give the researcher some information about a given community, these methods cannot always produce community sensitive and appropriate statements. Ethnography can produce this kind of data which can be used to assess and plan library services.Research limitations/implicationsThe argument rests on a single village study. However, the paper's review of the literature and its analysis of a key example of community analysis strengthen the argument.Originality/valueAs libraries strive to serve communities and remain relevant to their users research methodologies, like ethnography, that are effective in revealing information needs, wants, behaviors, and fulfillment need be accepted as legitimate and distributed throughout the library community.
Disability awareness training for library staff: evaluating an online module
Authors: Forrest Margaret E.S. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to explore the views of library staff on the effectiveness of an online training module in disability awareness and to evaluate the appropriateness of this method of delivery for staff development in an academic library.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 14 library staff participated in a five week web‐driven training module at the University of Dundee Library using the institutional virtual learning environment (VLE). Results of a pre‐ and post‐study quiz were analysed to evaluate any change in participants’ awareness of disability matters. Opinions of staff on the effectiveness of the training programme were obtained via questionnaire.FindingsFollowing the programme there was an increase in participants’ awareness and knowledge of the subject. Library staff commented favourably on the value and effectiveness of the module.Research limitations/implicationsAll the participants in this study were employees of one Higher Education Institution (HEI) in Scotland. An extension of the study could be developed by making the course available to library staff at other HEIs and exploring the value of the programme to these participants and their employers.Practical implicationsHighlights the value of using an institutional VLE to deliver accessible and flexible online learning opportunities for staff in academic libraries.Originality/valueOffers a possible solution to staff development needs of academic institutions seeking to meet the requirements of disability equality legislation to ensure disabled users are treated fairly and with the support they require.
Library and information service delivery in an era of change and reform: librarians and NEEDS
Authors: Omekwu Charles O. 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate librarians' level of responsiveness in an era of policy change and reform.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted was to introduce and describe the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) as a major policy framework in Nigeria. A purposive sampling approach was used to survey librarians' familiarity and knowledge of the NEEDS concept. In all 54 questionnaires were distributed and 36 were returned. Descriptive statistics were used to generate data for discussion.FindingsMajority of the respondents did not understand fully the NEEDS concept; were not familiar with the NEEDS document, institutional and macroeconomic frameworks, NEEDS vision, values and principles. Less numbers were very correct or correct as to whether their libraries had a copy of the NEEDS document. Many of the librarians had neither seem or read the document; less than 50 per cent of the respondents knew where to obtain the NEEDS document; knew that the NEEDS document can be accessed online and downloaded from the web. Majority did not know that the NEEDS secretariat is located at the National Planning Commission.; confessed that they can not answer reference question on NEEDS. Only five indicated that they responded to the invitation for comments and suggestions during the formulation of the NEEDS document.Practical implicationsIt is critical for the Nigerian Library Association to heighten its information advocacy role in an environment of change and reform. Librarians must be proactive in an environment of change and reforms.Originality/valueA fundamental study that challenges librarians to relate to the change and reforms occurring in the organizational, transactional and contextual environments of their work.
Work satisfaction, organizational commitment and withdrawal behaviours
Authors: Falkenburg Karin , Schyns Birgit 
Published: September 2007

PurposeThe focus of this research paper is on the effects of work satisfaction and organizational commitment on withdrawal behaviours. In order to acquire a better understanding of this relationship, the moderating effects of work satisfaction and organizational commitment are examined.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire study was undertaken with Dutch and Slovakian respondents.FindingsAlthough the results do yield support for the claim that work satisfaction and organizational commitment have moderating effects on withdrawal behaviours, not all the hypotheses were confirmed, particularly in the case of sample two.Research limitations/implicationsAlthough a cross‐sectional design was used, light was shed on the complex relationship between work satisfaction, organizational commitment and withdrawal behaviours.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that targeting one employee attitude in order to prevent withdrawal behaviours may not be enough. It is recommended to focus on a combined pattern of attitudes to obtain the desired goals.Originality/valueRather than concentrating on single relationships, this paper examines the effects of two employee attitudes on withdrawal behaviours, taking into account moderator effects.