bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Residence on Young Adult Attitudes toward Healthy Eating
Authors: Piggford Tegan , Raciti Maria , Harker Debra , Harker Michael
Published: June 2008

Like other Western countries, Australia too reports record numbers of overweight and obese individuals with young Australian adults in a particularly high-risk position. It is suspected that the transition from dependent living in the family home to independent living during young adulthood influences food choice. As such, this study sought to investigate if attitudes toward healthy eating varied by the place of residence (dependent or independent) of these young adults. Using a self-administered questionnaire, quantitative data from 310 Australians between the ages of 18 to 24 years found that young adults who lived independently displayed a significantly more positive attitude toward healthy eating than those who remained in the family home. Furthermore, we found that a significant, positive relationship between attitude toward healthy eating and the number of recommended serves consumed in both independent and dependent living arrangements. Being an unexplored area, these findings are novel and provide valuable insights for the implementation of an inducement process for planned social change as well as informing the education and motivation elements of intervention strategies.
International Survey on Advanced-Level Social Marketing Training Events
Authors: Deshpande Sameer , Lagarde François
Published: June 2008

The rising popularity of social marketing as a framework for social change has resulted in an increased demand for advanced-level social marketing training. As a result, an online survey was conducted in early 2007 to identify the social marketing training needs of social sector professionals. A convenient sample of 477 respondents from 33 countries (but primarily from the United States and Canada) responded to the online survey. Respondents expressed an interest in learning a variety of topics. “Audience analysis” was ranked the highest followed by “sustainability of change.” Benefits from and barriers to attending training events were identified. The primary motivation of the respondents to attend a training event was to apply concepts directly to initiatives on which they are currently working. The preferred format of training and other such details were also investigated. Findings from this survey should help trainers and institutions that offer face-to-face training events better respond to advanced-level training needs in the field of social marketing.
Resistance to Influenza Vaccination: Psychographics, Audience Segments, and Potential Promotions to Increase Vaccination
Authors: John Robert , Cheney Marshall K.
Published: June 2008

Except for individuals 65 years of age and older, no other group in the United States has an influenza vaccination rate above one-third of the population, even among groups that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend for priority annual seasonal influenza vaccination. To improve the vaccination rate we need to know more about influenza vaccine psychographics among indifferent or resistant individuals or the attitudes, beliefs, opinions, and values surrounding their decision not to obtain annual vaccination. This formative research project is based on eight focus group discussions with 74 individuals from groups that do not participate in influenza vaccination at rates similar to the general population and/or are members of identifiable high-risk groups about their perceptions and beliefs about the flu shot. Three audience segments were identified: Plans to Get, Needs More Information, and Makes You Sick Because they have strongly held negative views toward the product, no special intervention should be directed toward the Makes You Sick segment. Since the actual product cannot be changed (vaccine), different aspects of the marketing mix of price, place, and promotion need to be adjusted to influence the Plans to Get and Needs More Information segments to obtain a vaccination. Ideas for appropriate promotional messages are offered.
Adaptation and Adoption of the American Marketing Association (2007) Definition for Social Marketing
Authors: Dann Stephen
Published: June 2008

Social marketing has traditionally been the adaptation and adoption of commercial marketing. With the release of the American Marketing Association (2007) definition, commercial marketing may well have become the adaptation of social marketing with the new commercial marketing definition recognizing the role of non-profit and social marketing with “clients” as one of the four beneficiaries of marketing activities. The revised definition also includes indirect benefit in the form of value for customers, consumers, and society at large in an update that makes the contemporary definition of marketing extremely compatible with existing social marketing theory and practice. This article examines how social marketing theory and practice fit into the revised understanding of commercial marketing. It also discusses how the new AMA definition resolves several of the problems encountered with the AMA 2004 definition of marketing. In summary, AMA (2007) presents an opportunity for the mainstreaming of social marketing within the core understanding of marketing practice, while also creating the opportunity for social marketers to adopt the commercial marketing approach of creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings of value to improve the welfare of the individual and that of society.
Perseveration in Tool Use: A Window for Understanding the Dynamics of the Action‐Selection Process
Authors: Smitsman Ad W. , Cox Ralf F. A.
Published: June 2008

Two experiments investigated how 3‐year‐old children select a tool to perform a manual task, with a focus on their perseverative parameter choices for the various relationships involved in handling a tool: the actor‐to‐tool relation and the tool‐to‐target relation (topology). The first study concerned the parameter value for the tool‐to‐target relation by asking how children use a cane for either pushing an object further away (exclosure; outside the hook) or pulling an object nearby (enclosure; inside the hook). The second study concerned the parameter value for the hand‐to‐tool relation by assessing the hand used for grasping a spoon to feed a puppet. Results from both studies showed that on the first trial, choices were driven by task information. However, when the task switched from pulling to pushing or from left hand to right hand, or vice versa, children persevered with the choice they made during the 4 previous trials. Results are discussed in terms of the dynamical field modeling work of Esther Thelen and her colleagues. Our findings underscore Thelen's hypotheses that: (a) the action‐selection process is a dynamic affair, affected by multiple influences at different time scales and its own intrinsic dynamics; and (b) that perseverative behavior is a general phenomenon that is neither indicative for a specific period in the development, nor for a particular task. Similarly, we argue that the presence (or absence) of causal understanding emerges from the action‐selection process, rather than determining this process.
Distributed Intrusion Detection Systems for Enhancing Security in Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Mostarda Leonardo , Navarra Alfredo
Published: June 2008

We present an approach to provide Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) facilities into Wireless Sensors Networks (WSN). WSNs are usually composed of a large number of low power sensors. They require a careful consumption of the available energy in order to prolong the lifetime of the network. From the security point of view, the overhead added to standard protocols must be as light as possible according to the required security level. Starting from the DESERT tool [ 14 , 16 , 25 ] which has been proposed for component-based software architectures, we derive a new framework that permits to dynamically enforce a set of properties of the sensors behavior. This is accomplished by an IDS specification that is automatically translated into few lines of code installed in the sensors. This realizes a distributed system that locally detects violation of the sensors interactions policies and is able to minimize the information sent among sensors in order to discover attacks across the network.
Multilayer Cluster Based Energy Efficient Routing Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Israr Nauman , Awan I. U.
Published: June 2008

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are one of the most promising technologies and have immense potential in both the military and civil field. WSNs offer a range of challenges for scientists and engineers of today. The biggest challenge among all is the energy constraint of these networks. In this context, various schemes have been presented in order to improve the life time of these networks and to overcome the energy constraint. One of the effective schemes is based on clustering of sensor nodes within a network in order to improve the network life time and decrease communication latency. Clustering algorithms are believed to be the best for wireless sensor networks because they work on the principle of divide and conquer. This paper includes a brief survey of various existing clustering algorithms and present a new clustering algorithm based on nondetermistic finite automata which further divides the communication between cluster heads into multihop by using a few nodes from each cluster. Performance studies indicate that the proposed algorithm is more efficient in terms of energy consumption and network connectivity.
Reconfigurable Hardware Based Dynamic Data Aggregation in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Commuri S. , Tadigotla V. , Atiquzzaman M.
Published: June 2008

WSNs typically comprise of sensing nodes with limited computational capability and onboard power. The sensed data in a WSN is transmitted from an individual node to a network sink in a multi-hop fashion. Since transmission costs are often several orders of magnitude larger than computational costs, the efficiency of the WSN can be improved by in-network data aggregation techniques. This is, however, problematic because the aggregation to be performed depends on the requirements of the end user/application, and is either unknown at the time of deployment or changes over time. Implementation of fixed aggregation algorithms limits the utility of the network. Software-based implementation of dynamic aggregation techniques offers the required flexibility but has significant processing overhead, especially when the size of the network increases. In this paper, we reduce the processing overhead by implementing dynamic data aggregation using reconfigurable cluster heads (RCHs) based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs). Such an implementation provides the necessary flexibility in data aggregation techniques demanded by real-time applications, while resulting in significant reduction in the query processing time and the overall power consumption in the network. The objective of the paper is to address the performance improvement in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) through the use of reconfigurable cluster heads. Our results demonstrate that different data aggregation algorithms can be dynamically and efficiently implemented on the RCHs in run-time. The proposed approach is a crucial first-step towards the implementation of programmable WSNS.
How students’ perceptions of teachers’ autonomy‐supportive behaviours affect physical activity behaviour: an application of the trans‐contextual model
Authors: Pihu Maret , Hein Vello , Koka Andre , Hagger Martin S.
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to assess a modified version of the trans‐contextual model (Hagger, Chatzisarantis, Culverhouse, & Biddle, 2003) based on self‐determination theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985) and the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1985). The modified version included two additional components: use of learning strategies and positive general feedback. It was hypothesized that students’ perceptions of how they use learning strategies taught by their physical education (PE) teachers and perceived positive general feedback would influence students’ intrinsic motivation, intentions, and physical activity behaviour in a leisure‐time context through intrinsic motivation in PE. A structural equation model supported the hypotheses and demonstrated that the use of learning strategies and perceived positive general feedback in PE indirectly influenced intrinsic motivation in leisure time through the effect of intrinsic motivation in PE. There was a direct effect of perceived positive general feedback on physical activity behaviour as well as an indirect effect through the motivational sequence.
Effect of a preventive intervention programme on the prevalence of anterior knee pain in volleyball players
Authors: Cumps E. , Verhagen E. A. , Duerinck S. , Devillé A. , Duchene L. , Meeusen R.
Published: June 2008

Chronic knee disorders, such as patellofemoral pain syndrome and patellar tendinosis, are common injuries in volleyball players. Using a randomized clinical trial, the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of a 4‐month in‐season intervention programme on the prevalence of anterior knee pain in volleyball players. No significant differences were observed between the intervention and control group for the prevalence of anterior knee pain after the intervention programme (odds ratio =1.58 [95% confidence interval: 0.60–4.20]). Also, no significant differences were observed for individuals with previously sustained anterior knee pain (OR =0.81 [95% CI: 0.33–2.20]). It was revealed that the risk for recurrent anterior knee pain is significantly higher than the risk for newly sustained anterior knee pain (OR =5.79 [95% CI: 1.59–21.00]). In conclusion, we were unable to confirm any preventive effect of the intervention programme on the prevalence of anterior knee pain. However, a previous study using the same intervention and measuring the effect on the intrinsic risk factors of anterior knee pain showed a positive effect.
Defining and categorizing emotional abuse in sport
Authors: Stirling Ashley E. , Kerr Gretchen A.
Published: June 2008

In this study, we used a qualitative research design to explore athletes’ experiences of emotional abuse in sport. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 14 retired, elite female swimmers, and data were analysed inductively using open, axial, and selective coding procedures. Findings revealed that emotionally abusive behaviours of the coach occurred in three ways: through physical behaviours, verbal behaviours, and the denial of attention and support. Based on our findings, a definition of emotional abuse in sport is proposed. This definition of emotional abuse is the first definition derived from the experiences of emotional abuse within an athletic environment. It encapsulates previous definitions of emotional abuse, types of emotionally abusive behaviours, and outcomes of these behaviours. The need for an athlete protection initiative in sport is discussed and recommendations are made for future research.
Post‐exercise coincidence anticipation in expert and novice Gaelic games players: the effects of exercise intensity
Authors: Lyons Mark , Al‐Nakeeb Yahya , Nevill Alan
Published: June 2008

Within the current scientific literature, there is a distinct lack of empirical data examining the effects of exercise intensity on coincidence anticipation and, to date, no study has examined this in Gaelic games. Furthermore, many previous studies failed to consider fully sport specificity. The aims of this study were to examine the effect of moderate‐ and high‐intensity exercise on coincidence anticipation and to determine whether post‐exercise changes in coincidence anticipation were the same in novice and expert Gaelic games players (hurlers).

Eleven expert and nine novice hurlers participated in this study. After familiarization, coincidence anticipation was measured using the Bassin Anticipation Timer at rest, following moderate‐ and high‐intensity exercise. Exercise intensities were set using an incremental running protocol until the participants reached steady‐state 70% and 90% heart rate reserve. To simulate hitting a ball, participants swung or “pulled” using a continuous swing at full speed with a standard hurley through a photoelectric beam as close to the actual arrival time of the stimulus at the target location as possible. Immediately following each exercise condition, participants performed 20 anticipation trials. All testing was randomized and counterbalanced.

Raw scores were transformed to three error scores – constant error, absolute error, and log variable error. The effect of exercise intensity on constant error, absolute error, and log variable error was analysed using separate 3 (exercise intensities)×20 (trials)×2 (levels of skill) repeated‐measures analyses of variance. The results showed no between‐ or within‐group differences for constant error (P>0.05). For both absolute error and log variable error there were highly significant between‐group differences (both P<0.01), which indicated that the expert hurlers at all exercise intensities exhibited significantly better coincidence anticipation than novice players probably due to experience among other factors. Further within‐group analyses showed no differences in the expert players’ performance across exercise intensities. However, within‐group analyses on the novice players’ data showed a significant difference between performance at rest and performance following moderate‐intensity exercise. The results suggest that expert players are capable of maintaining coincidence anticipation performance across exercise intensities but the novice players performed optimally following moderate‐intensity exercise.
The effect of vibration on active and passive range of motion in elite female synchronized swimmers
Authors: Sands William A. , McNeal Jeni R. , Stone Michael H. , Kimmel Wendy L. , Gregory Haff G. , Jemni Monem
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess the acute effects of vibration and stretching on passive and active forward split range of motion in elite adult female synchronized swimmers. Eleven athletes performed a passive forward split test measuring the height of the anterior superior iliac spine on both sides and an active split test on both sides by adopting an inverted split position. Then athletes were assigned randomly by right or left leg to receive vibration on one leg while stretching. The contralateral leg was stretched but did not receive vibration and served as the control. The treatment involved a 40‐s exposure to vibration of the forward leg in a split and 40 s of vibration to the rear leg in a split. The athletes were then post‐tested using the same protocols. The results indicated that the vibration had a statistically significant influence on passive forward split flexibility, but not active split flexibility. The results of this study confirm earlier work and further demonstrate the efficacy of vibration in enhancing range of motion in a passive split position. Given that it is often difficult to achieve large changes in range of motion with already highly trained elite athletes, this methodology shows considerable promise. Vibration may not be powerful enough to evoke changes in active range of motion in spite of the changes in passive range of motion.
Influence of test duration on oxygen uptake attained during treadmill running
Authors: James David V. B. , Sandals Leigh E. , Draper Stephen B. , Maldonado‐Martín Sara , Wood Dan M.
Published: June 2008

Previous investigations have revealed that in well‐trained middle‐distance runners, oxygen uptake (VO2) does not attain maximal values (VO2max) in exhaustive treadmill trials where the VO2 demand exceeds VO2max. To date, this shortfall in the VO2 attained has been demonstrated in trials as short as 2 min in duration. In this study, we investigated whether a reduction in exhaustive test duration influences the VO2 attained during running on a treadmill. Six middle‐distance runners participated in the study, completing an exhaustive 400 m and 800 m trial. These trials, together with a progressive test to determine VO2max, were completed in a counterbalanced order. Oxygen uptakes attained during the 400 m and 800 m trials were compared to examine the influence of exhaustive test duration. A plateau in VO2 was observed in all participants for the progressive test, demonstrating the attainment of VO2max. The mean speed, duration, and resulting distance in the constant‐speed exhaustive trials were 25.8 km · h−1 (s=1.2), 55.8 s (s=2.3), and 400.2 m (s=20.2) for the 400 m trial, and 24.3 km · h−1 (s=0.8), 108.4 s (s=21.2), and 730.1 m (s=129.1) for the 800 m trial, respectively. A paired‐samples t‐test revealed a significantly different (P=0.018)%VO2max was attained for the 400 m (85.7%, s=3.0) and 800 m (89.1%, s=5.0) trials. In conclusion, VO2 did not reach VO2max during the exhaustive constant‐speed 400 m and 800 m trials, but the test duration does influence the%VO2max achieved. Specifically, the VO2 attained becomes progressively further below VO2max as trial duration is reduced, such that 89% and 86% VO2max is achieved in exhaustive 800 m and 400 m constant‐speed trials, respectively.
Response Demands and the Recruitment of Heuristic Strategies in Syllogistic Reasoning
Authors: Reverberi Carlo , Rusconi Patrice , Paulesu Eraldo , Cherubini Paolo
Published: June 2008

Two experiments investigated whether dealing with a homogeneous subset of syllogisms with time-constrained responses encouraged participants to develop and use heuristics for abstract (Experiment 1) and thematic (Experiment 2) syllogisms. An atmosphere-based heuristic accounted for most responses with both abstract and thematic syllogisms. With thematic syllogisms, a weaker effect of a belief heuristic was also observed, mainly where the correct response was inconsistent with the atmosphere of the premises. Analytic processes appear to have played little role in the time-constrained condition, whereas their involvement increased in a self-paced, unconstrained condition. From a dual-process perspective, the results further specify how task demands affect the recruitment of heuristic and analytic systems of reasoning. Because the syllogisms and experimental procedure were the same as those used in a previous neuroimaging study by Goel, Buchel, Frith, and Dolan (2000), the result also deepen our understanding of the cognitive processes investigated by that study.
Applying an Exemplar Model to the Artificial-Grammar Task: Inferring Grammaticality from Similarity
Authors: Jamieson Randall K. , Mewhort D. J. K.
Published: June 2008

We present three artificial-grammar experiments. The first used position constraints, and the second used sequential constraints. The third varied both the amount of training and the degree of sequential constraint. Increasing both the amount of training and the redundancy of the grammar benefited participants’ ability to infer grammatical status; nevertheless, they were unable to describe the grammar. We applied a multitrace model of memory to the task. The model used a global measure of similarity to assess the grammatical status of the probe and captured performance both in our experiments and in three classic studies from the literature. The model shows that retrieval is sensitive to structure in memory, even when individual exemplars are encoded sparsely. The work ties an understanding of performance in the artificial-grammar task to the principles used to understand performance in episodic-memory tasks.
Short article: Carrying the height of the world on your ankles: Encumbering observers reduces estimates of how high an actor can jump
Authors: Ramenzoni Verónica C. , Riley Michael A. , Shockley Kevin , Davis Tehran
Published: June 2008

The authors investigated how changes in action capabilities affect estimation of affordances for another actor. Observers estimated maximum jumping-reach height for themselves and another actor. Half of the observers wore ankle weights that reduced their jumping ability. The ankle weights reduced estimates of maximum jumping-reach height that observers made for themselves and for the other actor, but only after observers had the opportunity to walk while wearing the weights. Changes in estimates closely matched changes in actual jumping-reach ability. Results confirm and extend recent investigations that indicate that perception of the spatial layout of surfaces in the environment is scaled to an observer's capacity to act, and they link that approach to another embodied cognition perspective that posits a link between one's own action capabilities and perception of the actions of other agents.
Multiple Regression Analyses in Artificial-Grammar Learning: The Importance of Control Groups
Authors: Lotz Anja , Kinder Annette , Lachnit Harald
Published: June 2008

In artificial-grammar learning, it is crucial to ensure that above-chance performance in the test stage is due to learning in the training stage but not due to judgemental biases. Here we argue that multiple regression analysis can be successfully combined with the use of control groups to assess whether participants were able to transfer knowledge acquired during training when making judgements about test stimuli. We compared the regression weights of judgements in a transfer condition (training and test strings were constructed by the same grammar but with different letters) with those in a control condition. Predictors were identical in both conditions—judgements of control participants were treated as if they were based on knowledge gained in a standard training stage. The results of this experiment as well as reanalyses of a former study support the usefulness of our approach.
Detrended Windowed (lag one) Autocorrelation: A new Method for Distinguishing between Event-Based and Emergent Timing
Authors: Lemoine Loïc , Delignières Didier
Published: June 2008

The aim of this study was to test different methods for distinguishing between two known timing processes involved in human rhythmic behaviours. We examined the implementation of two approaches used in the literature: the high-frequency slope of the power spectrum and the lag one value of the autocorrelation function, ACF(1). We developed another method based on the Wing and Kristofferson (1973a) model and the predicted negative ACF(1) for event-based series: the detrended windowed (lag one) autocorrelation (DWA). We compared the reliability and performance of these three methods on simulation and experimental series. DWA gave the best results, and guidelines are given for its appropriate use for identifying underlying timing processes.
Short Article: Inhibition of irrelevant category–response mappings
Authors: Schneider Darryl W. , Verbruggen Frederick
Published: June 2008

When switching tasks, performance tends to be worse for n – 2 repetitions than with n – 2 switches. This n – 2 repetition cost has been hypothesized to reflect task-set inhibition: specifically, inhibition of irrelevant category–response mappings involved in response selection. This hypothesis leads to divergent predictions for situations in which all tasks involve the same stimulus categories: An n – 2 repetition cost is predicted when response sets differ across tasks, but not when the response set stays the same. The authors tested these predictions by having subjects perform relative judgements with different reference points. In Experiment 1, the stimulus categories were the same across reference points, but the response set either differed or stayed the same (the multiple- and single-mapping conditions, respectively). An n – 2 repetition cost was found in the multiple-mapping condition but not in the single-mapping condition. Experiment 2 provided evidence against the possibility that these divergent effects reflected differences in memory load. These findings confirm predictions that link n – 2 repetition costs to inhibition of irrelevant category–response mappings.
Hebb Repetition Effects in Visual Memory: The Roles of Verbal Rehearsal and Distinctiveness
Authors: Horton Neil , Hay Dennis C. , Smyth Mary M.
Published: June 2008

A version of the Hebb repetition task was used with faces to explore the generality of the effect in a nonverbal domain. In the baseline condition, a series of upright faces was presented, and participants were asked to reconstruct the original order. Performance in this condition was compared to another in which the same stimuli were accompanied by concurrent verbal rehearsal to examine whether Hebb learning is dependent on verbal processing. Baseline performance was also compared to a condition in which the same faces were presented inverted. This comparison was used to determine the importance in Hebb learning of being able to visually distinguish between the list items. The results produced classic serial position curves that were equivalent over conditions with Hebb repetition effects being in evidence only for upright faces and verbal suppression as having no effect. These findings are interpreted as posing a challenge to current models derived from verbal-domain data.
Configural Learning without Reinforcement: Integrated Memories for Correlates of What, Where, and When
Authors: Iordanova M. D. , Good M. A. , Honey R. C.
Published: June 2008

In 2 experiments we examined the ability of rats to form configural memories of what auditory stimulus (X or Y) was presented where (Context A or B) and when (morning or afternoon). In both experiments, rats received morning presentations of X in Context A and Y in Context B and afternoon presentations of X in B and Y in A. Subsequently, at midday the rats were exposed to trials where X was paired with footshock whereas Y was not. We then assessed the degree of contextual fear in A and B in the morning and the afternoon. In the morning, rats showed more fear in A than in B, and in the afternoon they showed more fear in B than in A. These results indicate that rats can form configural memories that represent what (X or Y) was presented, where (A or B), and when (morning or afternoon).
Imaging Nutrient Distributions in Plant Tissue Using Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Scanning Electron Microscopy
Authors: Metzner Ralf , Schneider Heike Ursula , Breuer Uwe , Schroeder Walter Heinz
Published: June 2008

A new approach to trace the transport routes of macronutrients in plants at the level of cells and tissues and to measure their elemental distributions was developed for investigating the dynamics and structure-function relationships of transport processes. Stem samples from Phaseolus vulgaris were used as a test system. Shock freezing and cryo-preparation were combined in a cryogenic chain with cryo-time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (cryo-ToF-SIMS) for element and isotope-specific imaging. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) was integrated into the cryogenic workflow to assess the quality of structural preservation. We evaluated the capability of these techniques to monitor transport pathways and processes in xylem and associated tissues using supplementary sodium (Na) and tracers for potassium (K), rubidium (Rb), and 41K added to the transpiration stream. Cryo-ToF-SIMS imaging produced detailed mappings of water, K, calcium, magnesium, the K tracers, and Na without quantification. Lateral resolutions ranged from 10 μm in survey mappings and at high mass resolution to approximately 1 μm in high lateral resolution imaging in reduced areas and at lower mass resolution. The tracers Rb and 41K, as well as Na, were imaged with high sensitivity in xylem vessels and surrounding tissues. The isotope signature of the stable isotope tracer was utilized for relative quantification of the 41K tracer as a fraction of total K at the single pixel level. Cryo-SEM confirmed that tissue structures had been preserved with subcellular detail throughout all procedures. Overlays of cryo-ToF-SIMS images onto the corresponding SEM images allowed detailed correlation of nutrient images with subcellular structures.
RETARDED GROWTH OF EMBRYO1, a New Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Protein, Expresses in Endosperm to Control Embryo Growth
Authors: Kondou Youichi , Nakazawa Miki , Kawashima Mika , Ichikawa Takanari , Yoshizumi Takeshi , Suzuki Kumiko , Ishikawa Akie , Koshi Tomoko , Matsui Ryo , Muto Shu , Matsui Minami
Published: June 2008

We have isolated two dominant mutants from screening approximately 50,000 RIKEN activation-tagging lines that have short inflorescence internodes. The activation T-DNAs were inserted near a putative basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) gene and expression of this gene was increased in the mutant lines. Overexpression of this bHLH gene produced the original mutant phenotype, indicating it was responsible for the mutants. Specific expression was observed during seed development. The loss-of-function mutation of the RETARDED GROWTH OF EMBRYO1 (RGE1) gene caused small and shriveled seeds. The embryo of the loss-of-function mutant showed retarded growth after the heart stage although abnormal morphogenesis and pattern formation of the embryo and endosperm was not observed. We named this bHLH gene RGE1. RGE1 expression was determined in endosperm cells using the β-glucuronidase reporter gene and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Microarray and real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis showed specific down-regulation of putative GDSL motif lipase genes in the rge1-1 mutant, indicating possible involvement of these genes in seed morphology. These data suggest that RGE1 expression in the endosperm at the heart stage of embryo development plays an important role in controlling embryo growth.
Developmental Role and Auxin Responsiveness of Class III Homeodomain Leucine Zipper Gene Family Members in Rice
Authors: Itoh Jun-Ichi , Hibara Ken-Ichiro , Sato Yutaka , Nagato Yasuo
Published: June 2008

Members of the Class III homeodomain leucine zipper (Class III HD-Zip) gene family are central regulators of crucial aspects of plant development. To better understand the roles of five Class III HD-Zip genes in rice (Oryza sativa) development, we investigated their expression patterns, ectopic expression phenotypes, and auxin responsiveness. Four genes, OSHB1 to OSHB4, were expressed in a localized domain of the shoot apical meristem (SAM), the adaxial cells of leaf primordia, the leaf margins, and the xylem tissue of vascular bundles. In contrast, expression of OSHB5 was observed only in phloem tissue. Plants ectopically expressing microRNA166-resistant versions of the OSHB3 gene exhibited severe defects, including the ectopic production of leaf margins, shoots, and radialized leaves. The treatment of seedlings with auxin quickly induced ectopic OSHB3 expression in the entire region of the SAM, but not in other tissues. Furthermore, this ectopic expression of OSHB3 was correlated with leaf initiation defects. Our findings suggest that rice Class III HD-Zip genes have conserved functions with their homologs in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), but have also acquired specific developmental roles in grasses or monocots. In addition, some Class III HD-Zip genes may regulate the leaf initiation process in the SAM in an auxin-dependent manner.
A Distinct Endosomal Ca2+/Mn2+ Pump Affects Root Growth through the Secretory Process
Authors: Li Xiyan , Chanroj Salil , Wu Zhongyi , Romanowsky Shawn M. , Harper Jeffrey F. , Sze Heven
Published: June 2008

Ca2+ is required for protein processing, sorting, and secretion in eukaryotic cells, although the particular roles of the transporters involved in the secretory system of plants are obscure. One endomembrane-type Ca-ATPase from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), AtECA3, diverges from AtECA1, AtECA2, and AtECA4 in protein sequence; yet, AtECA3 appears similar in transport activity to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-bound AtECA1. Expression of AtECA3 in a yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) mutant defective in its endogenous Ca2+ pumps conferred the ability to grow on Ca2+-depleted medium and tolerance to toxic levels of Mn2+. A green fluorescent protein-tagged AtECA3 was functionally competent and localized to intracellular membranes of yeast, suggesting that Ca2+ and Mn2+ loading into internal compartment(s) enhanced yeast proliferation. In mesophyll protoplasts, AtECA3-green fluorescent protein associated with a subpopulation of endosome/prevacuolar compartments based on partial colocalization with the Ara7 marker. Interestingly, three independent eca3 T-DNA disruption mutants showed severe reduction in root growth normally stimulated by 3 mm Ca2+, indicating that AtECA3 function cannot be replaced by an ER-associated AtECA1. Furthermore, root growth of mutants is sensitive to 50 μ  m Mn2+, indicating that AtECA3 is also important for the detoxification of excess Mn2+. Curiously, Ateca3 mutant roots produced 65% more apoplastic protein than wild-type roots, as monitored by peroxidase activity, suggesting that the secretory process was altered. Together, these results demonstrate that the role of AtECA3 is distinct from that of the more abundant ER AtECA1. AtECA3 supports Ca2+-stimulated root growth and the detoxification of high Mn2+, possibly through activities mediated by post-Golgi compartments that coordinate membrane traffic and sorting of materials to the vacuole and the cell wall.
Identification of Regulatory Pathways Controlling Gene Expression of Stress-Responsive Mitochondrial Proteins in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ho Lois H.M. , Giraud Estelle , Uggalla Vindya , Lister Ryan , Clifton Rachel , Glen Angela , Thirkettle-Watts Dave , Van Aken Olivier , Whelan James
Published: June 2008

In this study we analyzed transcript abundance and promoters of genes encoding mitochondrial proteins to identify signaling pathways that regulate stress-induced gene expression. We used Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) alternative oxidase AOX1a, external NADP H-dehydrogenase NDB2, and two additional highly stress-responsive genes, At2g21640 and BCS1. As a starting point, the promoter region of AOX1a was analyzed and functional analysis identified 10 cis-acting regulatory elements (CAREs), which played a role in response to treatment with H2O2, rotenone, or both. Six of these elements were also functional in the NDB2 promoter. The promoter region of At2g21640, previously defined as a hallmark of oxidative stress, shared two functional CAREs with AOX1a and was responsive to treatment with H2O2 but not rotenone. Microarray analysis further supported that signaling pathways induced by H2O2 and rotenone are not identical. The promoter of BCS1 was not responsive to H2O2 or rotenone, but highly responsive to salicylic acid (SA), whereas the promoters of AOX1a and NDB2 were unresponsive to SA. Analysis of transcript abundance of these genes in a variety of defense signaling mutants confirmed that BCS1 expression is regulated in a different manner compared to AOX1a, NDB2, and At2g21640. These mutants also revealed a pathway associated with programmed cell death that regulated AOX1a in a manner distinct from the other genes. Thus, at least three distinctive pathways regulate mitochondrial stress response at a transcriptional level, an SA-dependent pathway represented by BCS1, a second pathway that represents a convergence point for signals generated by H2O2 and rotenone on multiple CAREs, some of which are shared between responsive genes, and a third pathway that acts via EDS1 and PAD4 regulating only AOX1a. Furthermore, posttranscriptional regulation accounts for changes in transcript abundance by SA treatment for some genes.
Arginase-Negative Mutants of Arabidopsis Exhibit Increased Nitric Oxide Signaling in Root Development
Authors: Flores Teresita , Todd Christopher D. , Tovar-Mendez Alejandro , Dhanoa Preetinder K. , Correa-Aragunde Natalia , Hoyos Mary Elizabeth , Brownfield Disa M. , Mullen Robert T. , Lamattina Lorenzo , Polacco Joe C.
Published: June 2008

Mutation of either arginase structural gene (ARGAH1 or ARGAH2 encoding arginine [Arg] amidohydrolase-1 and -2, respectively) resulted in increased formation of lateral and adventitious roots in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings and increased nitric oxide (NO) accumulation and efflux, detected by the fluorogenic traps 3-amino,4-aminomethyl-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate and diamino-rhodamine-4M, respectively. Upon seedling exposure to the synthetic auxin naphthaleneacetic acid, NO accumulation was differentially enhanced in argah1-1 and argah2-1 compared with the wild type. In all genotypes, much 3-amino,4-aminomethyl-2′,7′-difluorofluorescein diacetate fluorescence originated from mitochondria. The arginases are both localized to the mitochondrial matrix and closely related. However, their expression levels and patterns differ: ARGAH1 encoded the minor activity, and ARGAH1-driven β-glucuronidase (GUS) was expressed throughout the seedling; the ARGAH2∷GUS expression pattern was more localized. Naphthaleneacetic acid increased seedling lateral root numbers (total lateral roots per primary root) in the mutants to twice the number in the wild type, consistent with increased internal NO leading to enhanced auxin signaling in roots. In agreement, argah1-1 and argah2-1 showed increased expression of the auxin-responsive reporter DR5∷GUS in root tips, emerging lateral roots, and hypocotyls. We propose that Arg, or an Arg derivative, is a potential NO source and that reduced arginase activity in the mutants results in greater conversion of Arg to NO, thereby potentiating auxin action in roots. This model is supported by supplemental Arg induction of adventitious roots and increased NO accumulation in argah1-1 and argah2-1 versus the wild type.
RuBee: applying low‐frequency technology for retail and medical uses
Authors: Wyld David C.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore RuBee, which is a new form of automatic identification technology that can complement many of the new developments for the use of radio frequency identification (RFID). This is a timely piece, which examines the technology behind RuBee and the uses of this new identification tool.

Design/methodology/approach

This technology is explored through a review of the available information on RuBee, examining the emerging standards for the technology from the The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE).

Findings

Through the use of magnetic energy for communications, RuBee provides superior reading capabilities vs RFID in environments involving metal and water. RuBee also provides many of the advantages found in active RFID, with unlimited life span and far lower costs.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study center on the fact that RuBee is an emerging technology and while the IEEE will be providing a standards framework, much work remains to be done to see how the technology will be applied in appropriate and cost‐effective ways.

Practical implications

This paper will allow executives as well as technologists to examine RuBee as both an alternative and a complement to RFID technology for use in myriad settings.

Originality/value

This article will be of value to both practitioners and academicians in several fields, including retail and health care management as these people consider RuBee, RFID and other automatic identification technologies as a means of providing solutions to business problems and return on investment from technological applications.
A new indicator of technical complexity at work
Authors: Rodríguez Menés Jorge
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to conceptualise and measure the technical aspects of the division of labour (DoL) with a new survey indicator of technical complexity (ITC) at work.

Design/methodology/approach

Two technical criteria skills and functions are used to distinguish positions in the DoL and to cluster and rank them into a 28‐category ordinal survey ITC. The indicator's construct‐validity is tested by assessing the correlation between these criteria and occupational activities' levels of substantive and organizational complexity, as uncovered by categorical principal component analysis. Criterion‐validity is assessed by testing the indicator's ability to predict occupational prestige, absolutely and relatively to other indicators.

Findings

The indicator shows high levels of construct and criterion‐validity.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a better understanding and measurement of technical constraints in the DoL, facilitating a future evaluation of their impact on class inequalities.
The importance of specificity in occupation‐based social classifications
Authors: Lambert Paul S. , Leai Larry Tan Koon , Prandy Kenneth , Gayle Vernon , Max Bergman Manfred
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to present reasons why social classifications which use occupations should seek to adopt “specific” approaches which are tailored to the country, time period and gender of the subjects under study.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative motivations for adopting a specific approach to social classifications are discussed and theoretical perspectives on specificity and empirical evidence on the contribution of specific approaches are reviewed. Also the practical costs of implementing specific social classifications are evaluated, and the authors' development of the “GEODE” data service (grid‐enabled occupational data environment), which seeks to assist this process, is discussed.

Findings

Specific approaches make a non‐trivial difference to the conclusions drawn from analyses of occupation‐based social classifications. It is argued that the GEODE service has reduced the practical challenges of implementing specific measures.

Research limitations/implications

There remain conceptual and pragmatic challenges in working with specific occupation‐based social classifications. Non‐specific (“universal”) measures are adequate for many purposes.

Practical implications

The paper argues that there are few excuses for ignoring specific occupation‐based social classifications.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates that recent technological developments have shifted the balance in the long‐standing debate between universal and specific approaches to occupation‐based social classifications.
Intergenerational transfer of occupational status in nineteenth century Zeeland, The Netherlands
Authors: Zijdeman Richard L.
Published: June 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to study the influence of industrialisation, urbanisation and means of communication on the association between father's and son's occupational status in all 117 municipalities in the province of Zeeland, The Netherlands from 1811 to 1890.

Design/methodology/approach

Hypotheses from both the logic of industrialism thesis and reproduction theory are tested with multi‐level analyses on data on the individual as well as the contextual level. First, the paper studies the influence of contextual factors on intergenerational occupational status attainment. Second, it uses relatively large‐scale individual and contextual historical data over a long period of time.

Findings

The paper adds to the current literature by showing that the association of father's and son's occupational status differs between municipalities and over time and that these differences are partly explained by industrialisation, urbanisation and means of communication. All findings point in one direction, that the province of Zeeland became a more closed society in the nineteenth century. This finding goes against claims that the increasing openness in Dutch society, found after the Second World War, is a trend that came about with the rise of industrialisation.

Originality/value

The results provide support for the reproduction theory and they refute the logic of the industrialism thesis.