bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sanguinarine Biosynthesis Is Associated with the Endoplasmic Reticulum in Cultured Opium Poppy Cells after Elicitor Treatment
Authors: Alcantara Joenel , Bird David A. , Franceschi Vincent R. , Facchini Peter J. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Three key benzylisoquinoline alkaloid biosynthetic enzymes, (S)-N-methylcoclaurine-3′-hydroxylase (CYP80B1), berberine bridge enzyme (BBE), and codeinone reductase (COR), were localized in cultured opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) cells by sucrose density gradient fractionation and immunogold labeling. CYP80B1 catalyzes the second to last step in the formation of (S)-reticuline, the last common intermediate in sanguinarine and morphine biosynthesis. BBE converts (S)-reticuline to (S)-scoulerine as the first committed step in sanguinarine biosynthesis, and COR catalyzes the penultimate step in the branch pathway leading to morphine. Sanguinarine is an antimicrobial alkaloid that accumulates in the vacuoles of cultured opium poppy cells in response to elicitor treatment, whereas the narcotic analgesic morphine, which is abundant in opium poppy plants, is not produced in cultured cells. CYP80B1 and BBE were rapidly induced to high levels in response to elicitor treatment. By contrast, COR levels were constitutive in the cell cultures, but remained low and were not induced by addition of the elicitor. Western blots performed on protein homogenates from elicitor-treated cells fractionated on a sucrose density gradient showed the cosedimentation of CYP80B1, BBE, and sanguinarine with calreticulin, and COR with glutathione S-transferase. Calreticulin and glutathione S-transferase are markers for the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the cytosol, respectively. In response to elicitor treatment, large dilated vesicles rapidly developed from the lamellar ER of control cells and fused with the central vacuole. Immunogold localization supported the association of CYP80B1 and BBE with ER vesicles, and COR with the cytosol in elicitor-treated cells. Our results show that benzylisoquinoline biosynthesis and transport to the vacuole are associated with the ER, which undergoes major ultrastructural modification in response to the elicitor treatment of cultured opium poppy cells.
Mutants of Arabidopsis Lacking a Chloroplastic Isoamylase Accumulate Phytoglycogen and an Abnormal Form of Amylopectin
Authors: Wattebled Fabrice , Dong Ying , Dumez Sylvain , Delvallé David , Planchot Véronique , Berbezy Pierre , Vyas Darshna , Colonna Paul , Chatterjee Manash , Ball Steven , D'Hulst Christophe 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Mutant lines defective for each of the four starch debranching enzyme (DBE) genes (AtISA1, AtISA2, AtISA3, and AtPU1) detected in the nuclear genome of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) were produced and analyzed. Our results indicate that both AtISA1 and AtISA2 are required for the production of a functional isoamylase-type of DBE named Iso1, the major isoamylase activity found in leaves. The absence of Iso1 leads to an 80% decrease in the starch content in both lines and to the accumulation of water-soluble polysaccharides whose structure is similar to glycogen. In addition, the residual amylopectin structure in the corresponding mutant lines displays a strong modification when compared to the wild type, suggesting a direct, rather than an indirect, function of Iso1 during the synthesis of amylopectin. Mutant lines carrying a defect in AtISA3 display a strong starch-excess phenotype at the end of both the light and the dark phases accompanied by a small modification of the amylopectin structure. This result suggests that this isoamylase-type of DBE plays a major role during starch mobilization. The analysis of the Atpu1 single-mutant lines did not lead to a distinctive phenotype. However, Atisa2/Atpu1 double-mutant lines display a 92% decrease in starch content. This suggests that the function of pullulanase partly overlaps that of Iso1, although its implication remains negligible when Iso1 is present within the cell.
TheLPB1Gene Is Important for Acclimation ofChlamydomonas reinhardtiito Phosphorus and Sulfur Deprivation
Authors: Chang Chiung-Wen , Moseley Jeffrey L. , Wykoff Dennis , Grossman Arthur R. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractOrganisms exhibit a diverse set of responses when exposed to low-phosphate conditions. Some of these responses are specific for phosphorus limitation, including responses that enable cells to efficiently scavenge phosphate from internal and external stores via the production of high-affinity phosphate transporters and the synthesis of intracellular and extracellular phosphatases. Other responses are general and occur under a number of different environmental stresses, helping coordinate cellular metabolism and cell division with the growth potential of the cell. In this article, we describe the isolation and characterization of a mutant of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, low-phosphate bleaching (lpb1), which dies more rapidly than wild-type cells during phosphorus limitation. The responses of this mutant to nitrogen limitation appear normal, although the strain is also somewhat more sensitive than wild-type cells to sulfur deprivation. Interestingly, depriving the cells of both nutrients simultaneously allows for sustained survival that is similar to that observed with wild-type cells. Furthermore, upon phosphorus deprivation, the lpb1 mutant, like wild-type cells, exhibits increased levels of mRNA encoding the PHOX alkaline phosphatase, the PTB2 phosphate transporter, and the regulatory element PSR1. The mutant strain is also able to synthesize the extracellular alkaline phosphatase activity upon phosphorus deprivation and the arylsulfatase upon sulfur deprivation, suggesting that the specific responses to phosphorus and sulfur deprivation are normal. The LPB1 gene was tagged by insertion of the ARG7 gene, which facilitated its isolation and characterization. This gene encodes a protein with strong similarity to expressed proteins in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and predicted proteins in Oryza sativa and Parachlamydia. A domain in the protein contains some similarity to the superfamily of nucleotide-diphospho-sugar transferases, and it is likely to be localized to the chloroplast or mitochondrion based on programs that predict subcellular localization. While the precise catalytic role and physiological function of the putative protein is not known, it may function in some aspect of polysaccharide metabolism and/or influence phosphorus metabolism (either structural or regulatory) in a way that is critical for allowing the cells to acclimate to nutrient limitation conditions.
Functional Characterization and Expression Analysis of a Gene, OsENT2, Encoding an Equilibrative Nucleoside Transporter in Rice Suggest a Function in Cytokinin Transport
Authors: Hirose Naoya , Makita Nobue , Yamaya Tomoyuki , Sakakibara Hitoshi 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
We identified four genes for potential equilibrative nucleoside transporters (ENTs) from rice (Oryza sativa; designated OsENT1 through OsENT4). Growth analysis of budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) cells expressing OsENTs showed that OsENT2 transported adenosine and uridine with high affinity (adenosine, K m = 3.0 μ m; uridine, K m = 0.7 μ m). Purine or pyrimidine nucleosides and 2′-deoxynucleosides strongly inhibited adenosine transport via OsENT2, suggesting that OsENT2 possesses broad substrate specificity. OsENT2-mediated adenosine transport was resistant to the typical inhibitors of mammalian ENTs, nitrobenzylmercaptopurine ribonucleoside, dilazep, and dipyridamole. The transport activity was maximal at pH 5.0 and decreased slightly at lower as well as higher pH. In competition experiments with various cytokinins, adenosine transport by OsENT2 was inhibited by isopentenyladenine riboside (iPR). Direct measurements with radiolabeled cytokinins demonstrated that OsENT2 mediated uptake of iPR (K m = 32 μ m) and trans-zeatin riboside (K m = 660 μ m), suggesting that OsENT2 participates in iPR transport in planta. In mature plants, OsENT2 was predominantly expressed in roots. The OsENT2 promoter drove the expression of the β-glucuronidase reporter gene in the scutellum during germination and in vascular tissues in germinated plants, suggesting a participation of OsENT2 in the retrieval of endosperm-derived nucleosides by the germinating embryo and in the long-distance transport of nucleosides in growing plants, respectively.
COBRA, an Arabidopsis Extracellular Glycosyl-Phosphatidyl Inositol-Anchored Protein, Specifically Controls Highly Anisotropic Expansion through Its Involvement in Cellulose Microfibril Orientation
Authors: Roudier François , Fernandez Anita G. , Fujita Miki , Himmelspach Regina , Borner Georg H.H. , Schindelman Gary , Song Shuang , Baskin Tobias I. , Dupree Paul , Wasteneys Geoffrey O. , Benfey Philip N. 
Published: April 2005

AbstractThe orientation of cell expansion is a process at the heart of plant morphogenesis. Cellulose microfibrils are the primary anisotropic material in the cell wall and thus are likely to be the main determinant of the orientation of cell expansion. COBRA (COB) has been identified previously as a potential regulator of cellulose biogenesis. In this study, characterization of a null allele, cob-4, establishes the key role of COB in controlling anisotropic expansion in most developing organs. Quantitative polarized-light and field-emission scanning electron microscopy reveal that loss of anisotropic expansion in cob mutants is accompanied by disorganization of the orientation of cellulose microfibrils and subsequent reduction of crystalline cellulose. Analyses of the conditional cob-1 allele suggested that COB is primarily implicated in microfibril deposition during rapid elongation. Immunodetection analysis in elongating root cells revealed that, in agreement with its substitution by a glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, COB was polarly targeted to both the plasma membrane and the longitudinal cell walls and was distributed in a banding pattern perpendicular to the longitudinal axis via a microtubule-dependent mechanism. Our observations suggest that COB, through its involvement in cellulose microfibril orientation, is an essential factor in highly anisotropic expansion during plant morphogenesis.
Antiquity of MicroRNAs and Their Targets in Land Plants
Authors: Axtell Michael J. , Bartel David P. 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) affect the morphology of flowering plants by the posttranscriptional regulation of genes involved in critical developmental events. Understanding the spatial and temporal dynamics of miRNA activity during development is therefore central for understanding miRNA functions. We describe a microarray suitable for detection of plant miRNAs. Profiling of Arabidopsis thaliana miRNAs during normal development extends previous expression analyses, highlighting differential expression of miRNA families within specific organs and tissue types. Comparison of our miRNA expression data with existing mRNA microarray data provided a global intersection of plant miRNA and mRNA expression profiles and revealed that tissues in which a given miRNA is highly expressed are unlikely to also show high expression of the corresponding targets. Expression profiling was also used in a phylogenetic survey to test the depth of plant miRNA conservation. Of the 23 families of miRNAs tested, expression of 11 was detected in a gymnosperm and eight in a fern, directly demonstrating that many plant miRNAs have remained essentially unchanged since before the emergence of flowering plants. We also describe an empirical strategy for detecting miRNA target genes from unsequenced transcriptomes and show that targets in nonflowering plants as deeply branching as ferns and mosses are homologous to the targets in Arabidopsis. Therefore, several individual miRNA regulatory circuits have ancient origins and have remained intact throughout the evolution and diversification of plants.
Changing Chinese employment relations since WTO accession
Authors: Zhu Ying , Warner Malcolm 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper examines the challenges facing China's employment relations after its WTO accession and consequently, the implications for further reform.Design/methodology/approachTheoretical questions are considered in relation to the debate on globalization vs the nation‐state over political, economic and social issues. By examining the challenges from both internal and external sources, the paper investigates the impact on the employment relations system at both macro‐ and micro‐levels.FindingsThe major finding of this paper is that the current system of employment relations system in China is in the process of transformation towards a “hybrid” model combining authoritarianism and neo‐corporatism.Originality/valueThis paper provides the most recent analysis on the impact of WTO accession on the changing pattern of employment relations in China. It helps people who are interested in transitional economy in general and in China in particular to have a better understanding about the transformation of employment relations system under the influence of different forces.
The management of voice in non‐union organisations: managers’ perspectives
Authors: Dundon Tony , Wilkinson Adrian , Marchington Mick , Ackers Peter 
Published: April 2005

PurposeGiven the emergence of new legal initiatives for union recognition, declining levels of union membership and the growth of alternative forms of employee representation, this paper aims to examine the management of employee voice in non‐union firms.Design/methodology/approachThe research adopts a case study approach in seven non‐union organisations from different sectors of economic activity in the UK. Several themes guided the design of the research instruments. Interviews were conducted with managerial respondents responsible for the design and implementation of employee voice at each case study, including non‐personnel practitioners.FindingsProvides information on: the meaning of non‐union voice; the range of practices adopted; the potential outcomes; and apparent barriers to the implementation of non‐union voice arrangements.Research limitations/implicationsThe research collected data from managerial respondents only, and this limitation is noted. Further research in this area is suggested, particularly from employee stakeholders involved in the processes of employee involvement.Originality/valueThe paper addresses a gap on employee voice in non‐union settings. It suggests that it is too simple to dismiss voice in non‐union organisations as ineffective and inconsequential.
Change‐oriented leadership, satisfaction and performance in work groups
Authors: Gil Francisco , Rico Ramón , Alcover Carlos M. , Barrasa Ángel 
Published: April 2005

PurposeTo analyse the impact of change‐oriented leaders on group outcomes. An explanatory model is proposed, in which the team climate (in particular as it relates to innovation) mediates between change‐oriented leadership and group outcomes, while group potency reinforces this relationship.Design/methodology/approachThis study is designed as a correlative and cross‐level research. The sample comprises 318 health‐care professionals in 78 health‐care teams at different public hospitals throughout Spain.FindingsHierarchical regression analysis was used to evaluate mediating and moderating effects. Results offer considerable empirical support for the proposed model.Research limitations/implicationsIt would be of interest to increase the sample, differentiate it by service, and to get samples from other sectors, as well as to carry out experimental and longitudinal research. It would also be interesting to further explore the conditions that implement change‐oriented leadership impact, analysing environment, external relations and so on, to examine the relationships between other variables and to study their effects on new forms of work organisation and on virtual teams.Practical implicationsTo make more useful change‐oriented leader actions, it would be advisable to identify, modify or improve team climate, using strategies such as management by objectives, delegation and empowerment and so on. It would also be necessary to boost group potency before going ahead with change, for example, by developing the skills of team members, or by fostering the self‐confidence of the team.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to developing actual research about how change‐oriented leaders influence team outputs.
Fashion and clothing: the construction and communication of gay identities
Authors: Schofield Kate , Schmidt Ruth Ä. 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis paper explores the importance of clothes for gay males as semiotic markers for identity creation and communication in order to highlight the increasing fragmentation of this market and the role of consumption practices as cultural markers.Design/methodology/approachThe study is grounded in qualitative data from participant observation, diaries interviews and a focus group of Manchester‐based respondents; findings are linked back to literature on postmodernism, image and identity.FindingsFindings point to communication of individual identity through clothes; firstly, on a community level, as a marker of “gayness”; secondly, on a neo‐tribal level, indicating tribal allegiance and aiding inter‐tribal communication; thirdly, on a situational level, where clothing facilitates acceptance and integration. The proactive use of clothing as a semiotic marker enables the fluid construction and linking of multiple identities. Findings indicate the existence of quite specific codes with (gay) culturally embedded meanings which gay men can choose to identify with and make use of, or not, in different situations. Thus fashion is an important means of differentiation and communication of personal and group identities and affiliations.Research limitations/implicationsThis is an in‐depth study of a small sample of subjects located in Manchester only. Despite satisfactory respondent and ecological validity it would therefore be desirable to extend the study to a larger sample size and replicate it in other settings before making wider generalisations.Practical implicationsImplications for marketers include the need to move away from treating this market as homogeneous as well as opportunities for “tribal marketing”.Originality/valueThrough its in‐depth qualitative approach the paper represents a rich picture of the UK gay fashion market which has a good degree of respondent validity and useful insights for marketers.
Examining the effects of service brand communications on brand evaluation
Authors: Grace Debra , O'Cass Aron 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThis study seeks to examine the effects of three communication avenues, namely controlled communication (e.g. advertising/promotions), uncontrolled communications (word‐of‐mouth (WOM)/publicity), and brand name, on consumer service brand evaluation.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a quantitative methodology and data were gathered from consumers intercepted in a shopping mall via a self‐completed survey.FindingsThe results show that controlled communications and brand name have a significant effect on customer satisfaction, brand attitudes and brand reuse intentions. WOM was shown to have a significant influence only on brand reuse intentions. In addition, comparisons made across different retail service types (e.g. stores and banks) showed differences in relationships between the examined variables.Research limitations/implicationsThe brand stimuli used in the survey instrument limit the findings to retail stores and banks and, thus, may not be applicable in all service situations. On this basis, it is recommended that future research should further explore the key constructs of this study in other service settings.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that controlled communications and brand name are pivotal in establishing consumer expectations, thus influencing satisfaction and brand attitudes. Therefore, these types of advertising should be utilised to communicate realistic service experiences, while brand names should reinforce consumer confidence, trust and safety in usage. Positive WOM advocating proven reliability and consistency of the brand should be encouraged and rewarded to encourage new usage and reusage behaviour.Originality/valueThe value of this paper lies in the comparison of different brand communications with different consumer responses to the brand not previously examined. The results therefore suggest ways in which marketers can maximise the benefits of their communications.
How social accounts and participation during change affect organizational learning
Authors: Lines Rune 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how the way change implemented effects organizational learning. More specifically, we study the relationships between the use of social accounts, participation and organizational learning in the context of strategic change. The use of social accounts and participation are often promoted during change, but up to this point, their influences on organizational learning have not been studied.Design/methodology/approachA multi‐change and multi‐organization study, using a critical incident technique (i.e. informants provide information from a specific change experience), provides the data for testing a set of theory driven hypotheses that link aspects of the change process to learning outcomes.FindingsFindings show that social accounting and participation are positively associated with organizational learning, but that the influence of social accounting is negatively moderated by participation. Social accounts framed as threats to system survival were unrelated to organizational learning.Practical implicationsIn order to maximize learning during change organizations should attempt to involve members with different values and expertise throughout the process. The use of formalized communication programs would add little to organizational learning if participative change processes are applied. Although threat appeals could be useful for creating readiness for change, their impact on organizational learning seem to be marginal.Originality/valueFor knowledge intensive and learning dependent organizations, the study provides some guidance to change management.
Business process re‐engineering pays after enterprise resource planning
Authors: Martin Ian , Cheung Yen 
Published: April 2005

PurposeThe purpose of the paper is to demonstrate that significant improvements through business process re‐engineering can still be achieved after the implementation of enterprise resource planning systems. While the business process re‐engineering benefits of enterprise resource planning systems have been widely published, the opportunities for process improvement after the installation of integrated systems have not been extensively explored.Design/methodology/approachThis paper results from a case study of the highly successful intervention in the purchasing and accounts payable functions of Mobil Oil Australia Limited undertaken well after the implementation one of the widely used off‐the‐shelf enterprise resource planning systems, SAP (Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing).FindingsSignificant benefits were achieved in the purchasing and accounts payable functions of Mobil Oil Australia Limited, via a focus on best practice and radical process improvement. Invoices and invoice processing were largely eliminated. Cheque usage was reduced by 87 per cent and the staff paying accounts cut by almost 75 per cent.Originality/valueThe case study demonstrates clearly to companies and practitioners that business process re‐engineering can achieve “dramatic improvements in cost, quality, service and speed” even after an enterprise resource planning solution has been implemented via a focus on best practice benchmarking and using best practice to provide a target for the change team. Companies can leverage existing, often substantial, investments in installed systems to further improve their processes and increase the return on those investments.