bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting behavior problems in deaf and hearing children: The influences of language, attention, and parent–child communication
Authors: Barker David H. , Quittner Alexandra L. , Fink Nancy E. , Eisenberg Laurie S. , Tobey Emily A. , Niparko John K. ,   The CDaCI Investigative Team
Published: April 2009

The development of language and communication may play an important role in the emergence of behavioral problems in young children, but they are rarely included in predictive models of behavioral development. In this study, cross-sectional relationships between language, attention, and behavior problems were examined using parent report, videotaped observations, and performance measures in a sample of 116 severely and profoundly deaf and 69 normally hearing children ages 1.5 to 5 years. Secondary analyses were performed on data collected as part of the Childhood Development After Cochlear Implantation Study, funded by the National Institutes of Health. Hearing-impaired children showed more language, attention, and behavioral difficulties, and spent less time communicating with their parents than normally hearing children. Structural equation modeling indicated there were significant relationships between language, attention, and child behavior problems. Language was associated with behavior problems both directly and indirectly through effects on attention. Amount of parent–child communication was not related to behavior problems.
Diet quality – what is it and does it matter?
Authors: Wirt Annika , Collins Clare E
Published: April 2009

Objective

Measures of diet quality have evolved with a number of scoring indices currently in use. They are increasingly being used to examine epidemiological associations between dietary intake and nutrition-related health outcomes. The present review aims to describe current diet quality tools and their applications, and to examine the relationship between diet quality and morbidity and mortality.

Design

A search was conducted of MEDLINE, Cochrane, EMBASE, CINAHL and ProQuest electronic databases. Inclusion criteria were: English language; published from 2004 on; conducted in adult populations; longitudinal/cohort/case–control or cross-sectional study; included a theoretically defined measure of diet quality.

Results

A total of twenty-five indices of overall diet quality and/or variety were found, with components ranging from nutrients only to adherence to recommended food group servings, to variety within healthful food groups. The majority of studies reviewed had methodological weaknesses but demonstrated that higher dietary quality was consistently inversely related to all-cause mortality, with a protective effect of moderate magnitude. The associations were stronger for men and for all-cause and CVD mortality.

Conclusions

The limitations of both the indices and the studies that use them need to be considered when interpreting and comparing results. However, diet quality indices do appear to be able to quantify risk of some health outcomes, including biomarkers of disease and risk of CVD, some cancers and mortality. Further research is needed to improve the validity of these tools and to adapt them for use in clinical dietetic practice.
Innovatives Verhaltenüber die Altersspanne
Authors: Noefer Katrin , Stegmaier Ralf , Molter Beate , Sonntag Karlheinz
Published: April 2009

Zusammenfassung. Die vorliegende Studie überprüft ein Modell zu Zusammenhängen zwischen Alter, Arbeitsmerkmalen, Personalentwicklungsmerkmalen, Personmerkmalen und innovativem Verhalten. Erstens wurde postuliert, dass Alter in negativem Zusammenhang mit Feedback von Kollegen sowie der Unterstützung der horizontalen Mobilität steht. Zweitens wurde angenommen, dass diese beiden Merkmale in positivem Zusammenhang mit der entwicklungsbezogenen Selbstwirksamkeit stehen. Diese sollte gemäß der dritten Annahme des Modells positiv mit der Ideengenerierung und -implementierung zusammenhängen. Außerdem sollte die entwicklungsbezogene Selbstwirksamkeit die positive Beziehung zwischen Feedback von Kollegen bzw. der Unterstützung der horizontalen Mobilität und innovativem Verhalten vermitteln. 766 Mitarbeiter zwischen 18 und 65 Jahren nahmen an einer Fragebogenstudie teil. Die Ergebnisse der Testung des Strukturgleichungsmodells bestätigen die angenommenen Zusammenhänge, wobei zusätzliche Effekte von Komplexität und Autonomie bei der Arbeit auf das innovative Verhalten kontrolliert wurden. Eine zusätzliche explorative Multigruppenanalyse zeigte, dass die gefundenen Beziehungen unabhängig von der Art der Tätigkeit (altersförderlich, altersneutral und altersbeeinträchtigt) der Mitarbeiter bestehen.
Work-Life Balance and Demographic Change
Authors: Rabl Tanja , Kühlmann Torsten M.
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Because of an aging population and workforce worldwide, this paper addresses the work-life balance issue of older employees. We thereby focus on work-life conflict in both its directions – work-life interference and life-work interference. Our survey study with a sample of 1,255 German employees aimed to answer the following questions: Are there differences between older and younger employees regarding work-life conflict? How does perceived age discrimination – an age-related work stressor – relate to work-life conflict? Does age function as a moderator? Our results provide evidence for lower work-life conflict of older employees. Furthermore, perceived age discrimination was positively related to both work-life interference and life-work interference. No moderator effect of age was found. These results yield important implications for an age-specific human resource management.
Dimensionality Reduction in Data Mining Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Jiménez Rafael , Gervilla Elena , Sesé Albert , Montaño Juan José , Cajal Berta , Palmer Alfonso
Published: April 2009

The use of classic dimension reduction techniques can be considered customary practice within the context of data mining (DM). Nevertheless, although artificial neural networks (ANNs) are one of the most important DM techniques, specific ANN architectures for dimensionality reduction, such as the principal components analysis ANN (PCA-ANN) and the linear auto-associative ANN (LA-ANN), are used on far fewer occasions. In this study, categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) and the two ANN procedures are studied and compared searching for uniqueness in an applied context relative to personality variables and drug consumption. A sample of 7,030 adolescents completed a personality test made up of 20 dichotomous items with a hypothesized four-factor latent model. Results point out that both ANN factor solutions converge to those obtained using CATPCA. Nevertheless, possible drawbacks of the ANN techniques lie in their relatively complex application, as well as in the need to use visual graphic analysis as a support for interpreting the factorized solutions.
Regional variation of the dimethyl sulfide oxidation mechanism in the summertime marine boundary layer in the Gulf of Maine
Authors: Osthoff Hans D. , Bates Timothy S. , Johnson James E. , Kuster William C. , Goldan Paul , Sommariva Roberto , Williams Eric J. , Lerner Brian M. , Warneke Carsten , de Gouw Joost A. , Pettersson Anders , Baynard Tahllee , Meagher James F. , Fehsenfeld Frederick C. , Ravishankara A. R. , Brown Steven S.
Published: April 2009

Mixing ratios of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and its nighttime oxidant, the nitrate radical (NO3), were measured in the summertime marine boundary layer (MBL) of the Gulf of Maine during the New England Air Quality Study–International Transport and Chemical Transformation campaign in 2004. DMS fluxes from the ocean were derived from simultaneous measurements of the wind speed and DMS in seawater. Day and night DMS oxidation rates were determined from modeled OH and measured NO3 concentrations. The average DMS lifetime with respect to oxidation by OH at noon was 13.5 ± 3.4 (1σ) h, while at night, DMS lifetimes with respect to NO3 oxidation varied by sampling region from 11 min to 28 h. Oxidation by photochemically generated halogen species likely also played a role during the day, although the nature and extent of the halogen species is more difficult to predict due to lack of halogen measurements. Closure of the DMS budget in the MBL required a vertical entrainment velocity of ∼0.4 cm s−1. This study suggests that entrainment of DMS out of the MBL competes with daytime oxidation and that the presence of pollution in the form of NOx and O3 in near‐coastal regions at night results in nearly complete DMS oxidation within the MBL via reaction with NO3, with a much smaller contribution from entrainment. One potential implication of near‐complete DMS oxidation within the MBL is a reduction of the amount of sulfur available for aerosol formation and growth at higher altitudes in the atmosphere.
Sensitivity of aerosol properties to new particle formation mechanism and to primary emissions in a continental‐scale chemical transport model
Authors: Chang Lim‐Seok , Schwartz Stephen E. , McGraw Robert , Lewis Ernie R.
Published: April 2009

Four theoretical formulations of new particle formation (NPF) and one empirical formulation are used to examine the sensitivity of observable aerosol properties to NPF formulation and to properties of emitted particles in a continental‐scale model for the United States over a 1‐month simulation (July 2004). For each formulation the dominant source of Aitken mode particles is NPF with only a minor contribution from primary emissions, whereas for the accumulation mode both emissions and transfer of particles from the Aitken mode are important. The dominant sink of Aitken mode number is coagulation, whereas the dominant sink of accumulation mode number is wet deposition (including cloud processing), with a minor contribution from coagulation. The aerosol mass concentration, which is primarily in the accumulation mode, is relatively insensitive to NPF formulation despite order‐of‐magnitude differences in the Aitken mode number concentration among the different parameterizations. The dominant sensitivity of accumulation mode number concentration is to the number of emitted particles (for constant mass emission rate). Comparison of modeled aerosol properties with aircraft measurements shows, as expected, better agreement in aerosol mass concentration than in aerosol number concentration for all NPF formulations considered. These comparisons yield instances of rather accurate simulations in the planetary boundary layer, with poor model performance in the free troposphere attributed mainly to lack of representation of biomass burning and/or to long‐range transport of particles from outside the model domain. Agreement between model results and measurements is improved by using smaller grid cells (12 km versus 60 km).
Drosophila expresses a CD98 transporter with an evolutionarily conserved structure and amino acid-transport properties
Authors: Reynolds Bruno , Roversi Pietro , Laynes Robert , Kazi Shubana , Boyd C. A. Richard , Goberdhan Deborah C. I.
Published: April 2009

Mammalian CD98 heterodimeric amino acid transporters consist of a promiscuous single-pass transmembrane glycoprotein, CD98hc (CD98 heavy chain), and one of six multipass transmembrane proteins or ‘light chains’. The heterodimeric complexes of CD98hc and the light chains LAT1 (L-type amino acid transporter 1) or LAT2 specifically promote sodium-independent System L exchange of neutral amino acids, including leucine. CD98hc is also implicated in other processes, including cell fusion, cell adhesion and activation of TOR (target of rapamycin) signalling. Surprisingly, recent reports suggested that insects lack a membrane-bound CD98hc, but in the present study we show that Drosophila CG2791 encodes a functional CD98hc orthologue with conservation in intracellular, transmembrane and extracellular domains. We demonstrate by RNA-interference knockdown in Drosophila Schneider cells that CG2791 and two Drosophila homologues of the mammalian CD98 light chains, Mnd (Minidiscs) and JhI-21, are required for normal levels of System L transport. Furthermore, we show that System L activity is increased by methoprene, an analogue of the developmentally regulated endocrine hormone juvenile hormone, an effect that is potentially mediated by elevated Mnd expression. Co-expression of CG2791 and JhI-21, but not CG2791 and Mnd, in Xenopus oocytes mediates System L transport. Finally, mapping of conserved sequences on to the recently determined crystal structure of the human CD98hc extracellular domain highlights two conserved exposed hydrophobic patches at either end of the domain that are potential protein–protein-interaction surfaces. Therefore our results not only show that there is functional conservation of CD98hc System L transporters in flies, but also provide new insights into the structure, functions and regulation of heterodimeric amino acid transporters.
Structural analysis of ultrafast extended x-ray absorption fine structure with subpicometer spatial resolution: Application to spin crossover complexes
Authors: Gawelda W. , Pham V.-T. , van der Veen R. M. , Grolimund D. , Abela R. , Chergui M. , Bressler C.
Published: April 2009

We present a novel analysis of time-resolved extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra based on the fitting of the experimental transients obtained from optical pump/x-ray probe experiments. We apply it to the analysis of picosecond EXAFS data on aqueous [FeII(bpy)3]2+, which undergoes a light induced conversion from its low-spin (LS) ground state to the short-lived (τ≈650 ps) excited high-spin (HS) state. A series of EXAFS spectra were simulated for a collection of possible HS structures from which the ground state fit spectrum was subtracted to generate transient difference absorption (TA) spectra. These are then compared with the experimental TA spectrum using a least-squares statistical analysis to derive the structural change. This approach reduces the number of required parameters by cancellation in the differences. It also delivers a unique solution for both the fractional population and the extracted excited state structure. We thus obtain a value of the Fe–N bond elongation in the HS state with subpicometer precision (0.203±0.008 Å).
Calibration of S119n isomer shift usingab initiowave function methods
Authors: Kurian Reshmi , Filatov Michael
Published: April 2009

The isomer shift for the 23.87 keV M1 resonant transition in the S119n nucleus is calibrated with the help of ab initio calculations. The calibration constant α(S119n) obtained from Hartree–Fock (HF) calculations (αHF(S119n)=(0.081±0.002)a0−3 mm/s) and from second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) calculations (αMP2(S119n)=(0.091±0.002)a0−3 mm/s) are in good agreement with the previously obtained values. The importance of a proper treatment of electron correlation effects is demonstrated on the basis of a statistical analysis of the results of the calibration. The approach used in the calibration is applied to study the S119n isomer shift in CaSnO3 perovskite under pressure. Comparison with the experimental results for the pressure range of 0–36 GPa shows that the current methodology is capable of describing tiny variations of isomer shift with reasonable accuracy.
Inverse problems in dynamic cognitive modeling
Authors: beim Graben Peter , Potthast Roland
Published: April 2009

Inverse problems for dynamical system models of cognitive processes comprise the determination of synaptic weight matrices or kernel functions for neural networks or neural/dynamic field models, respectively. We introduce dynamic cognitive modeling as a three tier top-down approach where cognitive processes are first described as algorithms that operate on complex symbolic data structures. Second, symbolic expressions and operations are represented by states and transformations in abstract vector spaces. Third, prescribed trajectories through representation space are implemented in neurodynamical systems. We discuss the Amari equation for a neural/dynamic field theory as a special case and show that the kernel construction problem is particularly ill-posed. We suggest a Tikhonov–Hebbian learning method as regularization technique and demonstrate its validity and robustness for basic examples of cognitive computations.
Wall and laser spot motion in cylindrical hohlraums
Authors: Huser G. , Courtois C. , Monteil M.-C.
Published: April 2009

Wall and laser spot motion measurements in empty, propane-filled and plastic (CH)-lined gold coated cylindrical hohlraums were performed on the Omega laser facility [T. R. Boehly et al., Opt. Commun. 133, 495 (1997)]. Wall motion was measured using axial two-dimensional (2D) x-ray imaging and laser spot motion was perpendicularly observed through a thinned wall using streaked hard x-ray imaging. Experimental results and 2D hydrodynamic simulations show that while empty targets exhibit on-axis plasma collision, CH-lined and propane-filled targets inhibit wall expansion, corroborated with perpendicular streaked imaging showing a slower motion of laser spots.
Isolation of a cellular factor that can reactivate latent HIV-1 without T cell activation
Authors: Yang Hung-Chih , Shen Lin , Siliciano Robert F. , Pomerantz Joel L.
Published: April 2009

HIV-1 latency in resting CD4
+
T cells represents a major barrier to virus eradication in patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Eliminating the latent HIV-1 reservoir may require the reactivation of viral gene expression in latently infected cells. Most approaches for reactivating latent HIV-1 require nonspecific T cell activation, which has potential toxicity. To identify factors for reactivating latent HIV-1 without inducing global T cell activation, we performed a previously undescribed unbiased screen for genes that could activate transcription from the HIV-1 LTR in an NF-κB-independent manner, and isolated an alternatively spliced form of the transcription factor Ets-1, ΔVII-Ets-1. ΔVII-Ets-1 activated HIV-1 transcription through 2 conserved regions in the LTR, and reactivated latent HIV-1 in cells from patients on HAART without causing significant T cell activation. Our results highlight the therapeutic potential of cellular factors for the reactivation of latent HIV-1 and provide an efficient approach for their identification.
An integrative framework for stochastic, size-structured community assembly
Authors: O'Dwyer J. P. , Lake J. K. , Ostling A. , Savage V. M. , Green J. L.
Published: April 2009

We present a theoretical framework to describe stochastic, size-structured community assembly, and use this framework to make community-level ecological predictions. Our model can be thought of as adding biological realism to Neutral Biodiversity Theory by incorporating size variation and growth dynamics, and allowing demographic rates to depend on the sizes of individuals. We find that the species abundance distribution (SAD) is insensitive to the details of the size structure in our model, demonstrating that the SAD is a poor indicator of size-dependent processes. We also derive the species biomass distribution (SBD) and find that the form of the SBD depends on the underlying size structure. This leads to a prescription for testing multiple, intertwined ecological predictions of the model, and provides evidence that alternatives to the traditional SAD are more closely tied to certain ecological processes. Finally, we describe how our framework may be extended to make predictions for more general types of community structure.
Sequential learning and the interaction between biological and linguistic adaptation in language evolution
Authors: Reali Florencia , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: April 2009

It is widely assumed that language in some form or other originated by piggybacking on pre-existing learning mechanism not dedicated to language. Using evolutionary connectionist simulations, we explore the implications of such assumptions by determining the effect of constraints derived from an earlier evolved mechanism for sequential learning on the interaction between biological and linguistic adaptation across generations of language learners. Artificial neural networks were initially allowed to evolve “biologically” to improve their sequential learning abilities, after which language was introduced into the population. We compared the relative contribution of biological and linguistic adaptation by allowing both networks and language to change over time. The simulation results support two main conclusions: First, over generations, a consistent head-ordering emerged due to linguistic adaptation. This is consistent with previous studies suggesting that some apparently arbitrary aspects of linguistic structure may arise from cognitive constraints on sequential learning. Second, when networks were selected to maintain a good level of performance on the sequential learning task, language learnability is significantly improved by linguistic adaptation but not by biological adaptation. Indeed, the pressure toward maintaining a high level of sequential learning performance prevented biological assimilation of linguistic-specific knowledge from occurring.
‘The English we speaking’
Authors: Deuber Dagmar
Published: April 2009

This paper describes morphological and syntactic variation in a sample of forty conversations among highly educated Jamaicans taken from the Jamaican component of the International Corpus of English. The guiding question is whether the creole continuum model can account for the way speakers like these, who have a full command of acrolectal Jamaican English and tend to be proficient in Jamaican Creole as well, make use of the range of varieties available to them. Variation in the data is approached from two angles: first, selected variables are analysed quantitatively, and the results are compared to findings for more formal types of texts in the same corpus; second, inter- and intra-textual variation in the sample is described qualitatively. In broad quantitative terms, the data fall in between the ‘high acrolect’ and the upper mesolect but there are fine distinctions in the degree to which Creole features are used in different conversations or segments thereof. Building on Allsopp’s distinction between ‘informal’ and ‘anti-formal’ usage, the paper proposes that morphological and syntactic variation in educated Jamaican speech can be described in the framework of a stylistic continuum, whose relation to the sociolinguistic continuum seems to be a close but complex one.
Relationship between Multiple Forms of Maltreatment by a Parent or Guardian and Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Shin Sunny Hyucksun , Edwards Erika , Heeren Timothy , Amodeo Maryann
Published: April 2009

This study examined the effect of the co‐occurrence of multiple categories of maltreatment on adolescent alcohol use. Data were from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health which used a nationally representative sample of adolescents (n = 14,078). Among those reporting any maltreatment, over one‐third had experienced more than one type of maltreatment. Logistic regression models found that all types or combinations of types of maltreatment except physical‐abuse‐only were strongly associated with adolescent alcohol use, controlling for age, gender, race, and parental alcoholism. These results add to accumulating evidence that child maltreatment has a deleterious impact on adolescent alcohol use.
StatQuant: a post-quantification analysis toolbox for improving quantitative mass spectrometry
Authors: van Breukelen Bas , van den Toorn Henk W. P. , Drugan Madalina M. , Heck Albert J. R.
Published: April 2009

Motivation: Mass spectrometric protein quantitation has emerged as a high-throughput tool to yield large amounts of data on peptide and protein abundances. Currently, differential abundance data can be calculated from peptide intensity ratios by several automated quantitation software packages available. There is, however, still a great need for additional processing to validate and refine the quantitation results. Here, we present a software tool, termed StatQuant, that offers a set of statistical tools to process, filter, compare and represent data from several quantitative proteomics software packages such as MSQuant. StatQuant offers the researcher post-processing methods to achieve improved confidence on the obtained protein ratios.

Availability: StatQuant can be downloaded from: https://gforge.nbic.nl/projects/statquant/ (binary and source code).

Contact:  b.vanbreukelen@uu.nl

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Mechanisms for concentrating Rho1 during cytokinesis
Authors: Yoshida Satoshi , Bartolini Sara , Pellman David
Published: April 2009

The small GTP-binding protein, Rho1/RhoA plays a central role in cytokinetic actomyosin ring (CAR) assembly and cytokinesis. Concentration of Rho proteins at the division site is a general feature of cytokinesis, yet the mechanisms for recruiting Rho to the division site for cytokinesis remain poorly understood. We find that budding yeast utilizes two mechanisms to concentrate Rho1 at the division site. During anaphase, the primary mechanism for recruiting Rho1 is binding to its guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). GEF-dependent recruitment requires that Rho1 has the ability to pass through its GDP or unliganded state prior to being GTP-loaded. We were able to test this model by generating viable yeast lacking all identifiable Rho1 GEFs. Later, during septation and abscission, a second GEF-independent mechanism contributes to Rho1 bud neck targeting. This GEF-independent mechanism requires the Rho1 polybasic sequence that binds to acidic phospholipids, including phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2). This latter mechanism is functionally important because Rho1 activation or increased cellular levels of PIP2 promote cytokinesis in the absence of a contractile ring. These findings comprehensively define the targeting mechanisms of Rho1 essential for cytokinesis in yeast, and are likely to be relevant to cytokinesis in other organisms.
Reconstitution of Nucleosomal Arrays Using Recombinant Drosophila ACF and NAP1
Authors: Peterson Craig L.
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTION

The goal of chromatin assembly procedures is to prepare extended nucleosomal arrays from cloned DNA templates and purified core and linker histones. The assembled chromatin should be highly defined in its protein content and resemble bulk chromatin isolated from living cell nuclei in terms of periodicity and nucleosome positioning. This protocol describes how to assemble minichromosome templates in an ATP-dependent fashion from circular plasmid DNA and purified core histones. This system can also be used to assemble minichromosomes from linear DNA (plasmid and λ) and can also incorporate proteins other than core histones (linker histone H1, HMG17, and DNA-binding transcription factors). The products of the chromatin assembly reaction can be used directly (or after purification) in assays to study transcription, DNA replication, recombination, and repair. The system uses purified recombinant Drosophila chromatin assembly factors ACF (ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor) and NAP1 (nucleosome assembly protein 1).
Induction of Larval Metamorphosis in the Snail Ilyanassa: Figure 1.
Authors: Gharbiah Maey , Cooley James , Leise Esther M. , Nakamoto Ayaki , Rabinowitz Jeremy S. , Lambert J. David , Nagy Lisa M.
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTION

The marine gastropod Ilyanassa obsoleta is a long-standing and very useful model for studies of embryonic development. It is an especially important model for spiralian development, and for studies of asymmetric cell division. The embryos are amenable to classic embryological manipulation techniques as well as a growing number of molecular approaches. Ilyanassa is also an important model for studies of metamorphosis, the ecology of parasitism, the effects of environmental contaminants on morphology and sexual function, and comparative neurobiology. Ilyanassa adults are readily obtainable and easy to keep in the laboratory, and they can produce high-quality embryos nearly year-round in the laboratory. After hatching from capsules, larval Ilyanassa can be maintained in culture, feeding on single-celled algae. The larvae will become competent to undergo metamorphosis after ~3 wk in culture. Metamorphosis can be induced artificially by treating with either the neurotransmitter serotonin or the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor 7-nitroindazole. Both of these reagents have been shown to induce metamorphosis in >75% of larvae within 48 h. This protocol describes the induction of metamorphosis in snail larvae.
Enzymatic Synthesis of Multi-Milligram Quantities of Large, Linear DNA Molecules for Structural Studies
Authors: Jeruzalmi David
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTION

Structural analyses of large protein-DNA complexes (such as those associated with replication initiation, eukaryotic transcription activation or chromatin remodeling, among others) remain a challenge because of difficulties in obtaining multi-milligram quantities of high-quality preparations of large, linear DNA molecules. This protocol describes a three-stage DNA amplification procedure for making such molecules in amounts that are suitable for structural studies. In the first step, conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specialized primer sequences is used to prepare a DNA molecule suitable for self-primed DNA synthesis. This molecule, which consists of the sequence of interest flanked by the cohesive end sequences from bacteriophage λ as well as endonuclease recognition sites, is then submitted to self-primed DNA synthesis in the second step. Amplification produces long polymers of DNA, tens of kilobases in length, which harbor many copies of the sequence of interest. The yield from the second step is increased in the third phase, which consists of another round of amplification. Finally, endonuclease digestion of these polymers, followed by chromatographic purification, yields high-quality preparations of DNA. The molecules produced by this procedure consist of the DNA sequence of interest with three base pairs at either end. This procedure typically yields 400-800 μg of purified DNA per milliliter of amplification reaction.
Recovery of DNA Sequences Flanking P-Element Insertions in Drosophila: Inverse PCR and Plasmid Rescue
Authors: Huang Audrey M. , Rehm E. Jay , Rubin Gerald M.
Published: April 2009

INTRODUCTION

The Drosophila melanogaster P-transposable element is a powerful and widely used research tool. Sequences flanking the P-element can be recovered and the site of insertion can be mapped to the nucleotide, to connect the genetic and physical maps and facilitate molecular analysis of the gene of interest. The Berkeley Drosophila Genome Project (BDGP) has assembled a well-characterized collection of lethal mutations induced by single P-element insertions generated by a number of laboratories. The genomic DNA sequences adjacent to these insertions have been recovered by either plasmid rescue or inverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The combination of a complete genomic DNA sequence and relatively fast and easy molecular methods for mapping P-element insertion sites to the nucleotide enhances the use of P-elements as tools in Drosophila research. This protocol provides detailed procedures for isolating DNA flanking P-element insertions.
High‐risk children with challenging behaviour: changing directions for them and their families
Authors: Rose Wendy , Aldgate Jane , McIntosh Miranda , Hunter Helen
Published: April 2009

This paper is about an evaluation of three centre‐based projects established by a voluntary organization under the Scottish Government's Youth Crime Prevention Fund, to work with primary school‐aged children displaying challenging and antisocial behaviour. Following a brief overview of what is known about effective interventions, the paper describes the projects' ways of working, including their remit and ethos. The core intervention chosen was the well‐tested Webster‐Stratton training programme,The Incredible Years. Wrap around services were also developed and staff modelled the projects' ethos, promoting children's participation and parents' empowerment. The evaluation is described, noting the limited time and resources at the disposal of the evaluation team. The evaluation team adopted a broad definition of evidence, using a range of measures to explore the processes of project development and service intervention, the meaning to the children and families who used the services, and the impact on children's behaviour and parents' levels of stress. The results were modest but encouraging. They suggested that the projects had provided valuable turning points for some of the children with out‐of‐control behaviour and their families. Finally, it is suggested that a better way to evaluate such projects could be to use complexity theory
Using an evidence‐based CBT group intervention model for adolescents with depressive symptoms: lessons learned from a school‐based adaptation
Authors: Ruffolo Mary C. , Fischer Daniel
Published: April 2009

This paper highlights the process of implementing and adapting an evidence‐based cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) depression group intervention model for adolescents (ages 11–18) in two middle schools and one alternative high school in the USA. The paper describes the process of moving an evidence‐based intervention from a clinic‐based setting to a school‐based setting by engaging in the following steps: (1) reviewing the literature and selecting the evidence‐based intervention with the greatest chance of success in the school environment; (2) adapting the evidence‐based intervention to address delivery issues in a school setting; (3) preparing social workers to deliver the evidence‐based intervention with fidelity; (4) evaluating the fidelity and outcomes of the implementation of the evidence‐based intervention; and (5) addressing issues of sustainability or continuous quality improvement of the evidence‐based intervention. The paper concludes with a section on lessons learned from piloting an adaptation of an evidence‐based intervention in a real world setting.
Darwin’s changing views on evolution: from centres of origin and teleology to vicariance and incomplete lineage sorting
Authors: Heads Michael
Published: April 2009

It is a strange fact that in many ways the first edition of Charles Darwin’sOrigin of Speciesis closer to modern neodarwinism than the sixth and last edition. Sometimes this is attributed to a decline in the quality of the argument, but the opposite interpretation is given here. It is suggested that Darwin’s early work on evolution is naïve and based on the two creationist principles of centre of origin and teleology (panselectionism). This fusion later became the ‘modern synthesis’. However, after the first edition of theOrigin, Darwin developed a non‐teleological synthesis that integrated natural selection with what he called ‘laws of growth’– phylogenetic/morphogenetic trends or tendencies. Discussion of Darwin’s later, more sophisticated model of evolution has been suppressed in the teleological modern synthesis, but similar ideas are re‐emerging in current work on molecular phylogenetics and biogeography. This indicates that the ancestor of a group can be diverse in its morphology and its ecology, that this diversity can be inherited, and that groups usually originate over a broad region and not at a single point.
Spatial and temporal population genetic structure of four northeastern Pacific littorinid gastropods: the effect of mode of larval development on variation at one mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA markers
Authors: JE LEE HYUK , BOULDING ELIZABETH G.
Published: April 2009

We investigated the effect of development mode on the spatial and temporal population genetic structure of four littorinid gastropod species. Snails were collected from the same three sites on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Canada in 1997 and again in 2007. DNA sequences were obtained for one mitochondrial gene, cytochrome b (Cyt b), and for up to two nuclear genes, heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70) and aminopeptidase N intron (APN54). We found that the mean level of genetic diversity and long‐term effective population sizes (Ne) were significantly greater for two species, Littorina scutulata and L. plena, that had a planktotrophic larval stage than for two species, Littorina sitkana and L. subrotundata, that laid benthic egg masses which hatched directly into crawl‐away juveniles. Predictably, two poorly dispersing species, L. sitkana and L. subrotundata, showed significant spatial genetic structure at an 11‐ to 65‐km geographical scale that was not observed in the two planktotrophic species. Conversely, the two planktotrophic species had more temporal genetic structure over a 10‐year interval than did the two direct‐developing species and showed highly significant temporal structure for spatially pooled samples. The greater temporal genetic variation of the two planktotrophic species may have been caused by their high fecundity, high larval dispersal, and low but spatially correlated early survivorship. The sweepstakes‐like reproductive success of the planktotrophic species could allow a few related females to populate hundreds of kilometres of coastline and may explain their substantially larger temporal genetic variance but lower spatial genetic variance relative to the direct‐developing species.
Locomotor activity of mice divergently selected for basal metabolic rate: a test of hypotheses on the evolution of endothermy
Authors: GĘBCZYŃSKI A. K. , KONARZEWSKI M.
Published: April 2009

The aerobic capacity model postulates that high basal metabolic rates (BMR) underlying endothermy evolved as a correlated response to the selection on maximal levels of oxygen consumption () associated with locomotor activity. The recent assimilation capacity model specifically assumes that high BMR evolved as a by‐product of the selection for effective parental care, which required long‐term locomotor activity fuelled by energy assimilated from food. To test both models, we compared metabolic and behavioural correlates in males of laboratory mice divergently selected on body mass‐corrected BMR. elicited by running on the treadmill did not differ between selection lines, which points to the lack of genetic correlation between BMR and . In contrast, there was a positive, genetic correlation between spontaneous long‐term locomotor activity, food intake and BMR. Our results therefore corroborate predictions of the assimilation capacity model of endothermy evolution.
Occurrence and Distribution of Grapevine Yellows Caused by Stolbur Phytoplasma in Montenegro
Authors: Radonjić Sanja , Hrnčić Snježana , Jović Jelena , Cvrković Tatjana , Krstić Oliver , Krnjajić Slobodan , Toševski Ivo
Published: April 2009

In August 2008, grapevine yellows (GY)‐like symptoms were observed in vineyards near Podgorica, Montenegro. A survey of the grape growing area of Montenegro was conducted to identify and determine the distribution of phytoplasmas associated with grapevine. Phytoplasmas were detected in symptomatic vine plants using PCR with universal primers for amplification of the phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene. From the 42 plants sampled, 36 were positive for the presence of phytoplasmas. RFLP profiles of the 16S rDNA of all phytoplasma positive isolates tested indicated that they belong to 16SrXII‐A phylogenetic group. PCR with stolbur specific primers confirmed the presence of stolbur phytoplasma in grapevine samples from Montenegro. Sequence and RFLP analysis of the tuf gene indicated the presence of the tufAY‐a and tufAY‐b types of stolbur phytoplasma. To our knowledge, this is the first report of phytoplasma infection of grapevine in Montenegro.
Prostate‐specific antigen‐based screening for prostate cancer: Evidence, controversies and future perspectives
Authors: Ito Kazuto
Published: April 2009

The most recent epidemiological survey revealed that the mortality rate for prostate cancer in Japan has increased and has been getting very close to that in the USA, where it has decreased since 1992. The low exposure rate of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) screening in Japan and the high exposure rate of PSA screening in the USA may result in completely deferent trends in the mortality rate of prostate cancer between the two countries. The Japanese Urological Association recommends PSA‐based screening for men at risk of prostate cancer at age 50 years or older in general and 45 years or older in men with a family history of prostate cancer within first generation relatives. The fact sheet on screening for prostate cancer should indicate the most recent reliable clinical research on screening for prostate cancer and its demerits including false‐negative and false‐positive PSA test results and prostate biopsy, overdetection and overtreatment. However, it should be explained to the public that the demerits for PSA screening will be clarified step by step during screening, and in general, men having more information on screening results (PSA level, pathological findings of biopsy specimens, clinical stage, etc.) can understand their current situation better than those having no information on screening results, including PSA levels.
Ethical evaluations and behavioural intentions of early career accountants: the impact of mentors, peers and individual attributes
Authors: McManus Lisa , Subramaniam Nava
Published: April 2009

This study examined how mentoring support, peer influence and individual attributes of early career accountants (ECA) influence their ethical evaluations and behavioural intentions. Respondents indicate that their evaluation of the seriousness of the ethical conflict is affected by the perceived standard of ethical conduct of their peers, their personal ethical orientation, the extent of ethics education at university, and gender. ECAs’ evaluation of a senior colleague's unethical behaviour is affected by mentoring support and the perceived standard of ethical conduct of peers. In terms of ECAs’ willingness to contact accounting professional bodies for ethical advice, the size of the accounting firm and the extent of their ethics education at university are significant factors. Furthermore, the likelihood of respondents choosing a more ethical decision is correlated with his or her individual ethical orientation and the extent of ethics education at university.
Modeling of Chloride Concentration Effect on Reinforcement Corrosion
Authors: Vořechovská Dita , Podroužek Jan , Chromá Markéta , Rovnaníková Pavla , Teplý Břetislav
Published: April 2009

Abstract:  The corrosion of reinforcement is one of the major causes of deterioration of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, considerably affecting their durability and reliability. The rate of reinforcement corrosion is governed by, among other factors, the presence of chlorides on the surface of the steel. The assessment of such deteriorating effects necessitates the development of relevant models and the utilization of advanced simulation techniques to enable the probabilistic analysis of concrete structures. In this article an approach for the assessment of the durability and reliability of RC structures under attack from chlorides is introduced. The field of chloride concentration at different locations in the structure (represented in 2D space by chosen longitudinal or cross sections) is modeled as a function of time by a cellular automata (CA) technique. The results of this simulation are then utilized for the assessment of a steel corrosion prognosis using a probabilistic 1D model at chosen points, although the rate of corrosion is based on experimental results. The concentrations of chlorides and pH levels are reflected in this way. The described approach is applied to an illustrative example showing the feasibility of capturing the effect of chloride concentration on the steel corrosion rate and consequently on the assessment of the service life and/or reliability of the structure.
Monopole Blocking Governed by a Modified KdV Type Equation
Authors: Tang X. Y. , Zhao J. , Huang F. , Lou S. Y.
Published: April 2009

A type of coupled variable coefficient modified Korteweg‐de Vries system is derived from a two‐layered fluid system. It is known that the formation, maintenance, and collapse of an atmospheric blocking are always related with large‐scale weather or short term climate anomalies. One special analytical solution of the obtained system successfully features the evolution cycle of an atmospheric monopole type blocking event. In particular, our theoretical results capture a real monopole type blocking case that happened during 19 February 2008 to 26 February 2008 can be well described by our analytical solution.
The first meta‐analysis of randomized controlled surgical trials in cerebral palsy (2002)
Authors: Armstrong Robert W
Published: April 2009

This study is a comparative analysis and meta‐analysis of three randomized clinical trials. Children with spastic diplegia received either 'selective’dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) plus physiotherapy (SDR+PT) or PT without SDR (PT‐only). Common outcome measures were used for spasticity (Ashworth scale) and function (Gross Motor Function Measure [GMFM]). Baseline and 9‐ to 12‐month outcome data were pooled (n=90). At baseline, 82 children were under 8 years old and 65 had Gross Motor Function Classification System level II or III disability. Pooled Ashworth data analysis confirmed a reduction of spas‐ticity with SDR+PT (mean change score difference ‐1.2; Wil‐coxon p<0.001). Pooled GMFM data revealed greater functional improvement with SDR+PT (difference in change score +4.0, p=0.008). Multivariate analysis in the SDR+PT group revealed a direct relationship between percentage of dorsal root tissue transected and functional improvement. SDR+PT is efficacious in reducing spasticity in children with spastic diplegia and has a small positive effect on gross motor function.
Computed Tomographic Lymphography of the Thoracic Duct by Mesenteric Lymph Node Injection
Authors: JOHNSON ERIC G. , WISNER ERIK R. , KYLES ANDREW , KOEHLER CARL , MARKS STANLEY L.
Published: April 2009

Objective—To document a novel technique to image the thoracic duct and its tributaries by contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) lymphography.

Study Design—Clinical report.

Animals—Dogs (n=6) idiopathic chylothorax.

Methods—Ultrasonography was used to guide percutaneous injection of intestinal lymph nodes with nonionic iodinated contrast medium for preoperative CT lymphography of the thoracic duct in 6 dogs with chylothorax. Thoracic CT images were acquired immediately after contrast medium injection. All dogs had subtotal pericardectomy and thoracic duct ligation. Postoperative thoracic duct lymphography was performed in 3 dogs. Superficial cervical lymph node lymphography was performed in 2 dogs to determine cervical lymphatic contribution to thoracic effusions.

Results—Preoperative thoracic duct lymphography using this technique was successful in delineating the cisterna chyli, thoracic duct, and associated lymphatic vessels in all dogs. Immediate postoperative lymphography performed in 2 dogs revealed successful duct ligation in 1 dog and persistent lymphatic leakage in the other. A 1‐month postoperative thoracic duct lymphogram performed in 1 dog revealed unsuccessful ligation or recannulation of 1 of 3 redundant vessels seen preoperatively.

Conclusion—Percutaneous CT lymphography results in excellent detection of the thoracic duct and abnormal thoracic duct drainage patterns both pre‐ and postoperatively. The contribution of superficial cervical lymph node drainage to reoccurrence of effusions can be evaluated.

Clinical Relevance—Percutaneous CT lymphography using ultrasound‐guided contrast medium injection should be considered as an alternative to conventional open abdominal approaches to radiographic or CT lymphography.