bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Syndrome and Health‐related Quality of Life in Obese Individuals Seeking Weight Reduction
Authors: Tsai Adam Gilden , Wadden Thomas A. , Sarwer David B. , Berkowitz Robert I. , Womble Leslie G. , Hesson Louise A. , Phelan Suzanne , Rothman Rebecca 
Published: January 2008

Background: No previous research has examined the association between metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) and health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) using standard criteria for defining MetSyn. We hypothesized that MetSyn would be associated with lower HRQoL on measures of physical and mental health.Methods and Procedures: Participants were 361 individuals in two randomized weight loss trials. MetSyn was defined by the National Cholesterol Education Panel criteria. The Medical Outcomes Study, Short Form‐36 (SF‐36) was used to assess HRQoL. Differences in HRQoL and in clinical and psychosocial characteristics were compared among participants with and without MetSyn. Multiple regression was used to determine predictors of HRQoL.Results: MetSyn was associated with lower scores on the physical function and general health subscales of the SF‐36 and on the physical component summary (PCS) score. This association remained after controlling for age or depression but was eliminated by controlling for BMI. MetSyn was not associated with lower mental quality of life, a higher depression score, tobacco or alcohol use, or a higher rate of psychosocial stressors.Discussion: Individuals with MetSyn reported lower HRQoL. This appeared to be an effect of increased weight, rather than a unique effect of MetSyn. Larger studies are needed to assess whether MetSyn may have an independent effect on HRQoL.
Social Marketing Analysis of 2 Years of Hand Hygiene Promotion
Authors: Mah Manuel W. , Tam Yat Cho , Deshpande Sameer 
Published: January 2008

Objective.To assess published hand hygiene behavioral interventions that employed a social marketing framework and to recommend improvements to future interventions.Methods.We performed a systematic literature review by searching the PubMed database and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature for published articles about hand hygiene behavioral interventions in healthcare facilities, schools, and community settings. Our analysis included articles that describe multifaceted interventions and evaluated them with predefined social marketing benchmark criteria.Results.Of 53 interventions analyzed in this review, 16 (30.2%) employed primary formative audience research, 5 (9.4%) incorporated social or behavioral theories, 27 (50.9%) employed segmentation and targeting of the audience, 44 (83.0%) used components of the “marketing mix,” 3 (5.7%) considered the influence of competing behaviors, 7 (13.2%) cultivated relationships with the target audience, and 15 (28.3%) provided simple behavioral messages. Thirty-five (66.0%) of the interventions demonstrated a significant improvement in performance, but only 21 (39.6%) were considered to have a strong evaluative design. The median duration of the interventions was 8.0 months.Conclusions.From a social marketing perspective, the promotion of hand hygiene could be improved in several ways. The effectiveness of social marketing in hand hygiene promotion should be tested in future interventions.
Seasonal appearance of expatriated boreal copepods in the Oyashio–Kuroshio mixed region
Authors: Kobari Toru , Moku Masatoshi , Takahashi Kazutaka 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Kobari, T., Moku, M., and Takahashi, K. 2008. Seasonal appearance of expatriated boreal copepods in the Oyashio–Kuroshio mixed region. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 469–476. Seasonal changes in abundance, biomass, and community structure of ontogenetically migrating copepods were investigated using monthly zooplankton samples from the Oyashio–Kuroshio mixed region (OKMR) to evaluate impacts of the copepod community expatriated from more northerly waters on carbon flow in southern areas. The copepod community comprised more than half the total zooplankton biomass and exhibited seasonal fluctuations, although they were minor components in terms of abundance. The ontogenetic migrants increased their abundance and biomass during May–July when Oyashio waters dominated at the surface. They were almost absent from 0 to 150 m during August to December. Predominant species were Eucalanus bungii and Metridia pacifica for abundance and Neocalanus cristatus for biomass. Seasonal changes in their abundance and stage composition indicated that surface development, dormancy, and reproduction were comparable in schedule with those reported in the Oyashio region. We suggest that the ontogenetically migrating copepods appearing in this area are populations transported with a southward Oyashio intrusion during surface development seasons, then by both downward migration and advection of dormant populations in the submerging Oyashio flow. We discuss impacts of the expatriated copepods on food availability for mesopelagic fish in the OKMR.
Characterization of the Monoterpene Synthase Gene tps26, the Ortholog of a Gene Induced by Insect Herbivory in Maize
Authors: Lin Changfa , Shen Binzhang , Xu Zhennan , Köllner Tobias G. , Degenhardt Jörg , Dooner Hugo K. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Plants damaged by insects can synthesize and release volatile chemicals that attract natural enemies of the herbivore. The maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) terpene synthase gene stc1 is part of that indirect defense response, being induced in seedling blades in response to herbivory by beet army worm. Many genes in maize are duplicated because of a past whole-genome duplication event, and several of these orthologs display different expression patterns. We report here the isolation and characterization of tps26 and confirm by homology and synteny criteria that it is the ortholog of stc1. Prior genetic analysis revealed that the stc1 function is not duplicated, raising the interesting question of how the two orthologs have become differentiated in their expression. tps26 encodes a 633-amino acid protein that is highly conserved with STC1. Like stc1, tps26 is induced by wounding, but in the roots and leaf sheath, instead of the blade, and not in response to beet army worm feeding. tps26 maps near a quantitative trait locus for Southwestern corn borer resistance, making it a plausible candidate gene for that quantitative trait locus. However, while possessing highly polymorphic tps26 alleles, the resistant and susceptible parents of the mapping population do not differ in levels of tps26 expression. Moreover, tps26 is not induced specifically by Southwestern corn borer feeding. Therefore, although they share a wounding response, the stc1 and tps26 maize orthologs differ in their tissue specificity and their induction by insect herbivores. The N termini of STC1 and TPS26 are predicted to encode plastid transit peptides; fusion proteins of green fluorescent protein to either N terminus localized to the plastid, confirming that prediction. The mature proteins, but not the respective complete proteins, were active and synthesized a blend of monoterpenes, indicating that they are monoterpene synthases. A gene closely related to stc1/tps26 is found in the sorghum (Sorghum spp.) genome at a location that is not orthologous with stc1. The possible origin of stc1-like genes is discussed.
The Structure of Chloroplast DNA Molecules and the Effects of Light on the Amount of Chloroplast DNA during Development in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Shaver Jeffrey M. , Oldenburg Delene J. , Bendich Arnold J. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
We used pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and restriction fragment mapping to analyze the structure of Medicago truncatula chloroplast DNA (cpDNA). We find most cpDNA in genome-sized linear molecules, head-to-tail genomic concatemers, and complex branched forms with ends at defined sites rather than at random sites as expected from broken circles. Our data suggest that cpDNA replication is initiated predominantly on linear DNA molecules with one of five possible ends serving as putative origins of replication. We also used 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining of isolated plastids to determine the DNA content per plastid for seedlings grown in the dark for 3 d and then transferred to light before being returned to the dark. The cpDNA content in cotyledons increased after 3 h of light, decreased with 9 h of light, and decreased sharply with 24 h of light. In addition, we used real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to determine cpDNA levels of cotyledons in dark- and light-grown (low white, high white, blue, and red light) seedlings, as well as in cotyledons and leaves from plants grown in a greenhouse. In white, blue, and red light, cpDNA increased initially and then declined, but cpDNA declined further in white and blue light while remaining constant in red light. The initial decline in cpDNA occurred more rapidly with increased white light intensity, but the final DNA level was similar to that in less intense light. The patterns of increase and then decrease in cpDNA level during development were similar for cotyledons and leaves. We conclude that the absence in M. truncatula of the prominent inverted repeat cpDNA sequence found in most plant species does not lead to unusual properties with respect to the structure of plastid DNA molecules, cpDNA replication, or the loss of cpDNA during light-stimulated chloroplast development.
Complex Signaling Network in Regulation of Adenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate Reductase by Salt Stress in Arabidopsis Roots
Authors: Koprivova Anna , North Kathryn Anne , Kopriva Stanislav 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Sulfur-containing compounds play an important role in plant stress defense; however, only a little is known about the molecular mechanisms of regulation of sulfate assimilation by stress. Using known Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) mutants in signaling pathways, we analyzed regulation of the key enzyme of sulfate assimilation, adenosine 5′-phosphosulfate reductase (APR), by salt stress. APR activity and mRNA levels of all three APR isoforms increased 3-fold in roots after 5 h of treatment with 150 mm NaCl. The regulation of APR was not affected in mutants deficient in abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis and treatment of the plants with ABA did not affect the mRNA levels of APR isoforms, showing that APR is regulated by salt stress in an ABA-independent manner. In mutants deficient in jasmonate, salicylate, or ethylene signaling, APR mRNA levels were increased upon salt exposure similar to wild-type plants. Surprisingly, however, APR enzyme activity was not affected by salt in these plants. The same result was obtained in mutants affected in cytokinin and auxin signaling. Signaling via gibberellic acid, on the other hand, turned out to be essential for the increase in APR mRNA by salt treatment. These results demonstrate an extensive posttranscriptional regulation of plant APR and reveal that the sulfate assimilation pathway is controlled by a complex network of multiple signals on different regulatory levels.
A Plasma Membrane-Anchored Fluorescent Protein Fusion Illuminates Sieve Element Plasma Membranes in Arabidopsis and Tobacco
Authors: Thompson Matthew V. , Wolniak Stephen M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractRapid acquisition of quantitative anatomical data from the sieve tubes of angiosperm phloem has been confounded by their small size, their distance from organ surfaces, and the time-consuming nature of traditional methods, such as transmission electron microscopy. To improve access to these cells, for which good anatomical data are critical, a monomeric yellow fluorescent protein (mCitrine) was N-terminally fused to a small (approximately 6 kD) membrane protein (AtRCI2A) and stably expressed in Arabidopsis thaliana (Columbia-0 ecotype) and Nicotiana tabacum (‘Samsun’) under the control of a companion cell-specific promoter (AtSUC2p). The construct, called by its abbreviation SUmCR, yielded stable sieve element (SE) plasma membrane fluorescence labeling, even after plastic (methacrylate) embedding. In conjunction with wide-field fluorescence measurements of sieve pore number and position using aniline blue-stained callose, mCitrine-labeled material was used to calculate rough estimates of sieve tube-specific conductivity for both species. The SUmCR construct also revealed a hitherto unknown expression domain of the AtSUC2 Suc-H+ symporter in the epidermis of the cell division zone of developing root tips. The success of this construct in targeting plasma membrane-anchored fluorescent proteins to SEs could be attributable to the small size of AtRCI2A or to the presence of other signals innate to AtRCI2A that permit the protein to be trafficked to SEs. The construct provides a hitherto unique entrée into companion cell-to-SE protein targeting, as well as a new tool for studying whole-plant phloem anatomy and architecture.
Serine Palmitoyltransferase, a Key Enzyme for de Novo Synthesis of Sphingolipids, Is Essential for Male Gametophyte Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Teng Chong , Dong Haili , Shi Lihua , Deng Yan , Mu Jinye , Zhang Jian , Yang Xiaohui , Zuo Jianru 
Published: January 2008

AbstractSphingolipids are important signaling molecules involved in various cellular activities. De novo sphingolipid synthesis is initiated by a rate-limiting enzyme, serine palmitoyltransferase (SPT), a heterodimer consisting of LONG-CHAIN BASE1 (LCB1) and LCB2 subunits. A mutation in the Arabidopsis thaliana LCB1 gene, lcb1-1, was found to cause embryo lethality. However, the underpinning molecular and cellular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we report the identification of the fumonisin B1 resistant11-2 (fbr11-2) mutant, an allele of lcb1-1. The fbr11-2 mutation, most likely an allele stronger than lcb1-1, was transmitted only through female gametophytes and caused the formation of abortive microspores. During the second pollen mitosis, fbr11-2 initiated apoptotic cell death in binucleated microspores characteristic of nuclear DNA fragmentation, followed by cytoplasm shrinkage and organelle degeneration at the trinucleated stage. In addition, a double mutant with T-DNA insertions in two homologous LCB2 genes showed a phenotype similar to fbr11-2. Consistent with these observations, the FBR11/LCB1 expression was confined in microspores during microgametogenesis. These results suggest that SPT-modulated programmed cell death plays an important role in the regulation of male gametophyte development.
MYB72 Is Required in Early Signaling Steps of Rhizobacteria-Induced Systemic Resistance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Van der Ent Sjoerd , Verhagen Bas W.M. , Van Doorn Ronald , Bakker Daniel , Verlaan Maarten G. , Pel Michiel J.C. , Joosten Ruth G. , Proveniers Marcel C.G. , Van Loon L.C. , Ton Jurriaan , Pieterse Corné M.J. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana roots by nonpathogenic Pseudomonas fluorescens WCS417r bacteria triggers a jasmonate/ethylene-dependent induced systemic resistance (ISR) that is effective against a broad range of pathogens. Microarray analysis revealed that the R2R3-MYB-like transcription factor gene MYB72 is specifically activated in the roots upon colonization by WCS417r. Here, we show that T-DNA knockout mutants myb72-1 and myb72-2 are incapable of mounting ISR against the pathogens Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato, Hyaloperonospora parasitica, Alternaria brassicicola, and Botrytis cinerea, indicating that MYB72 is essential to establish broad-spectrum ISR. Overexpression of MYB72 did not result in enhanced resistance against any of the pathogens tested, demonstrating that MYB72 is not sufficient for the expression of ISR. Yeast two-hybrid analysis revealed that MYB72 physically interacts in vitro with the ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE3 (EIN3)-LIKE3 transcription factor EIL3, linking MYB72 function to the ethylene response pathway. However, WCS417r activated MYB72 in ISR-deficient, ethylene-insensitive ein2-1 plants. Moreover, exogenous application of the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate induced wild-type levels of resistance in myb72-1, suggesting that MYB72 acts upstream of ethylene in the ISR pathway. Collectively, this study identified the transcriptional regulator MYB72 as a novel ISR signaling component that is required in the roots during early signaling steps of rhizobacteria-mediated ISR.
Job satisfaction and career persistence of beginning teachers
Authors: Mau Wei‐Cheng J. , Ellsworth Randy , Hawley Donna 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to examine career persistence and job satisfaction of beginning teachers. Design/methodology/approach – Four hundred and fifty‐one tenth grade students from a nationally representative sample, who aspired to be teachers, were examined over a ten year period regarding their career choices. Students who persisted in teaching were compared to students who did not persist with regard to job satisfaction. A job satisfaction model was tested using clusters of variables as guided by Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT).FindingsStudents who persisted in teaching were significantly more satisfied than both those who did not persist and those with non‐teaching careers. Beginning teachers were more satisfied with their jobs than those in other occupations. Teachers who had teaching licenses also reported being more satisfied than those who did not have licenses. The social‐contextual factors, i.e. race, socioeconomic status, teaching license, parents' education, and occupation were among the best predictors of job satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – We did not measure self‐efficacy directly. Instead, we used the separate yet highly correlated constructs, self‐concept and locus of control, to represent the self‐efficacy. For improvement, further research may use a more direct measure of self‐efficacy. Practical implications – Awareness of key factors influencing persistence in teaching career and job satisfaction identified in this study would provide school administrators with a sound basis for identifying students who are likely to persist in becoming teachers, and in retaining satisfied teachers. Originality/value – Findings of this study should assist educational administrators to better understand factors related to selection and retention of beginning teachers.
E‐government and service orientation: gaps between theory and practice
Authors: Åkesson Maria , Skålén Per , Edvardsson Bo 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review selected literature on e‐government service orientation and highlight differences between academic theory and empirical findings. To date, there has been little support for predictions made in the e‐government conceptual literature.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is a conceptual framework for a literature review of e‐government and service orientation is presented. A systematic database search is then undertaken to identify the literature related to e‐government and service orientation. Suitable papers are selected, carefully read, and systematically analysed according to the conceptual framework. A discussion and relevant conclusions are then presented.FindingsThe paper finds that a gap appears to exist between conceptual literature and empirical findings. For example, conceptual research claims that e‐government will result in a reduction of staff, yet no empirical findings have proven this. The present study applies institutional theory for understanding the fundamental reasons to this gap.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is based on a literature review of 27 articles, three monographs and one edited volume focusing on service orientation and e‐government. It does not attempt to examine the full range of the literature available within the field of e‐government.Originality/valueThis review paper uniquely considers the gaps between the theory and practice of e‐government service orientation, and identifies where they exist. Some possible explanations for the gaps are explored which can be of interest to both academics and practitioners working in the field.
The antecedents of customer satisfaction with online travel services: a conceptual model
Authors: Nusair Khaldoon (Khal) , Kandampully Jay 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is: to examine the travel web sites quality dimensions that ultimately influence customers' satisfaction; and to conduct content analyses on the five prominent travel web sites.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis was conducted on the six prominent travel web sites as ranked by J.D. Power Consumer Report. A list of 53 attributes were selected, named, and categorized around the six web quality dimensions explored in this study.FindingsThe findings of the content analysis provide evidence to suggest that online travel companies are underperforming in terms of providing web service quality attributes that enhance customer satisfaction.Research limitations/implicationsThe focus of this study was only on the six prominent travel sites. However, the results cannot be generalized to all travel services. Additionally, only 53 attributes were extracted from the six web quality dimensions. There is a possibility that this study did not cover all the attributes that are part of the six dimensions.Practical implicationsOnline travel companies can use the quality measurement tool developed in this study to detect service quality weaknesses and strengths. Moreover, travel businesses need to consider integrating features that make shopping experiences more enjoyable.Originality/valueThis study finding contributes to the present body of knowledge and also highlights web site quality dimensions that customers utilize in their assessment of overall online satisfaction.
Low‐tech, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises and the practice of new product development
Authors: Lindman Martti , Scozzi Barbara , Otero‐Neira Carmen 
Published: January 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the new product management practices adopted by low‐tech small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in the context of design‐intensive products.Design/methodology/approachThe results are based on a multi‐case comparative setting covering SMEs in furniture industry in three countries, Italy, Spain and Finland.FindingsThe study shows considerable differences in performance that occur in terms of the degree of design and innovation, goal orientation and the systematics by which a single furniture business is managed. Proactiveness and freedom in design and innovation together with systematic new product development (NPD) and goal orientation enhances NPD performance. As to the new product uniqueness, innovative design is applicable in furniture industry much as in a similar way as new technological knowledge is in technology industries. The management education and/or interests which are closely related to furniture design and decoration have a clear impact on the level up to which innovative designs are implemented.Practical implicationsThe study has direct implications for furniture companies aiming at improving their competitiveness and NPD effectiveness. The study points out the importance of creating a proper innovative culture and being open to new ideas if export markets are targeted.Originality/valueTechnology intensive products in large‐ and medium‐sized companies have been the main focus of NPD performance research, also facing the risk of over‐generalization due to cross‐industry approaches. Low‐tech industries however play a major role as to national income and employment. In this respect the present study aims to highlight the prevailing NPD practices in small design‐intensive firms in the furniture industry by reporting any management gaps which may occur in terms of new product performance.