bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advancing Research on Children With Speech-Language Impairment: An Introduction to the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort
Authors: Mashburn Andrew J. , Myers Sonya S.
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS–K; U.S. Department of Education, 2000) includes comprehensive assessments of home, classroom, and school contexts and developmental outcomes for a nationally representative sample of more than 20,000 children who began kindergarten in 1998–1999. The purposes of this article are to describe the ECLS–K and provide an example of how to use these data to advance speech-language-hearing research.

Method

Special education questionnaires were analyzed from subsamples of children with diagnosed disabilities. The frequencies of different disabilities at kindergarten, 1st, 3rd, and 5th grade were calculated, and for children whose primary diagnosis was speech-language impairment, special education experiences were summarized.

Results

There are relatively large subsamples of children with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, and speech-language impairments. Among children with speech-language impairments, there is substantial variability in special education experiences with regard to the amount of time children received services, location of services, types of instructional methods, and extent to which modifications were made to the general education curriculum.

Conclusion

The comprehensive assessments, large subsamples of children with diagnosed disabilities, and detailed information about special education services makes the ECLS–K a useful resource for advancing the development of theory, effective classroom practices, and evidence-based policies that promote the well-being of children with special needs.
The National Outcomes Measurement System for Pediatric Speech-Language Pathology
Authors: Mullen Robert , Schooling Tracy
Published: January 2010

Purpose

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s (ASHA’s) National Outcomes Measurement System (NOMS) was developed in the late 1990s. The primary purpose was to serve as a source of data for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) who found themselves called on to provide empirical evidence of the functional outcomes associated with their clinical services for child and adult clients who were exhibiting various speech-language pathologies. The present discourse focuses on data that were collected in school settings from the prekindergarten NOMS and the K–12 NOMS. This initial account describes how the data collection systems were developed and the data were collected as well as an overview of the information contained in these databases.

Method

ASHA’s Functional Communication Measures (FCMs) were used to describe the disorder-specific communicative dysfunction(s) of each student. These data were obtained at the initiation of a child’s speech-language pathology services and again at the time of discharge from these treatments by the SLP.

Results

As of December 2007, data on more than 2,000 preschool students and 14,000 K–12 students have been reported to these 2 NOMS components by SLPs working in school settings.

Discussion

The availability of these data has proven to be a very valuable tool with respect to the efforts of school-based SLPs and administrators to document the beneficial impact of speech-language pathology services in school settings.
The EpiSLI Database: A Publicly Available Database on Speech and Language
Authors: Tomblin J. Bruce
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This article describes a database that was created in the process of conducting a large-scale epidemiologic study of specific language impairment (SLI). As such, this database will be referred to as the EpiSLI database. Children with SLI have unexpected and unexplained difficulties learning and using spoken language. Although there is no uniform standard for the diagnosis of SLI, the construct encompasses a language deficit occurring in the presence of grossly normal sensory and nonverbal cognitive abilities (H. Tager-Flusberg & J. Cooper, 1999). Although these language difficulties are most apparent during the preschool and early school years, evidence now exists that these problems are usually present well into adulthood and are probably present throughout a person’s life (see, for instance, C. J. Johnson et al., 1999; S. E. Stothard, M. J. Snowling, D. V. M. Bishop, B. B. Chipchase, & C. A. Kaplan, 1998; J. B. Tomblin, 2008).

Discussion

Much of what we know of these children has come from research on children who have been clinically identified and served. Certainly, by studying those who are being served, our research base is most likely to be relevant to clinical services. However, there is a danger in this research strategy. It is quite possible that not all children with SLI are clinically identified and served within our service delivery systems. In such circumstances, there is the potential for systematic factors to influence which children do or do not find their way to clinical service.

Clinical Implications

If our research questions are concerned with the characteristics of the actual population of children with SLI that exists in our communities and not just those who are being served, then we need to turn to methods of epidemiology to aid our research.
Data Recycling: Using Existing Databases to Increase Research Capacity in Speech-Language Development and Disorders
Authors: Justice Laura M. , Breit-Smith Allison , Rogers Margaret
Published: January 2010

Purpose

This clinical forum was organized to provide a means for informing the research and clinical communities of one mechanism through which research capacity might be enhanced within the field of speech-language pathology. Specifically, forum authors describe the process of conducting secondary analyses of extant databases to answer questions of relevance to speech and language development and disorders.

Method

This prologue defines the concept of secondary analysis of databases and provides an overview of each of the articles that make up the forum.

Conclusion

Researchers invested in addressing basic and applied problems of relevance to speech and language services in schools can make use of a variety of extant databases to increase research capacity.
The influence of the hemiparasitic angiosperm Cassytha pubescens on photosynthesis of its host Cytisus scoparius
Authors: Shen Hao , Prider Jane N. , Facelli José M. , Watling Jennifer R.
Published: January 2010

Infection with Cassytha pubescens R.Br, an Australian native hemiparasitic plant, can lead to death of the invasive shrub, Cytisus scoparius L. Link (Scotch broom). We examined the influence of C. pubescens on photosynthetic physiology of C. scoparius to determine whether this might contribute to death of infected plants. Infected C. scoparius had significantly lower photosynthetic rates, stomatal conductance and transpiration, and higher Ci (internal [CO2]), than uninfected plants. Rapid light response curves, determined using chlorophyll fluorescence, indicated significantly lower light-saturated electron transport rates and lower quantum yields for infected plants relative to uninfected plants. However, Rubisco content did not differ between infected and uninfected plants, suggesting the lower photosynthetic rates were most likely due to stomatal closure, rather than lower photosynthetic capacity. As a consequence of lower assimilation rates, PSII efficiency was lower in infected plants than uninfected plants across the diurnal cycle. Infected plants also had significantly lower pre-dawn Fv/Fm values and slower recovery from exposure to high light than uninfected plants. Our results suggest that infected C. scoparius are more susceptible to photodamage than uninfected plants. Combined with lower carbon fixation rates, this could contribute to the poor performance and even death of infected plants.
Stk40 links the pluripotency factor Oct4 to the Erk/MAPK pathway and controls extraembryonic endoderm differentiation
Authors: Li Lingjie , Sun Lei , Gao Furong , Jiang Jing , Yang Ying , Li Chunliang , Gu Junjie , Wei Zhe , Yang Acong , Lu Rui , Ma Yu , Tang Fan , Won Kwon Sung , Zhao Yingming , Li Jinsong , Jin Ying
Published: January 2010

Self-renewal and differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are controlled by intracellular transcriptional factors and extracellular factor-activated signaling pathways. Transcription factor Oct4 is a key player maintaining ESCs in an undifferentiated state, whereas the Erk/MAPK pathway is known to be important for ESC differentiation. However, the manner in which intracellular pluripotency factors modulate extracellular factor-activated signaling pathways in ESCs is not well understood. Here, we report identification of a target gene of Oct4, serine/threonine kinase 40 (
Stk40
), which is able to activate the Erk/MAPK pathway and induce extraembryonic–endoderm (ExEn) differentiation in mouse ESCs. Interestingly, cells overexpressing
Stk40
exclusively contribute to the ExEn layer of chimeric embryos when injected into host blastocysts. In contrast, deletion of
Stk40
in ESCs markedly reduces ExEn differentiation in vitro. Mechanistically, Stk40 interacts with Rcn2, which also activates Erk1/2 to induce ExEn specification in mouse ESCs. Moreover, Rcn2 proteins are specifically located in the cytoplasm of the ExEn layer of early mouse embryos. Importantly, knockdown of
Rcn2
blocks
Stk40
-activated Erk1/2 and ESC differentiation. Therefore, our study establishes a link between the pluripotency factor Oct4 and the Erk/MAPK signaling pathway, and it uncovers cooperating signals in the Erk/MAPK activation that control ExEn differentiation.
EGF potentiated oncogenesis requires a tissue transglutaminase-dependent signaling pathway leading to Src activation
Authors: Li Bo , Antonyak Marc A. , Druso Joseph E. , Cheng Le , Nikitin Alexander Yu. , Cerione Richard A.
Published: January 2010

EGF receptor (EGFR) signaling in human cancers elicits changes in protein-expression patterns that are crucial for potentiating tumor growth. Identifying those proteins with expression regulated by the EGFR and determining how they contribute0 to malignancy is fundamental for the development of more effective strategies to treat cancer. Here, we show that tissue transglutaminase (tTG) is one such protein. EGF up-regulates tTG expression in human breast-cancer cells, and knock-downs of tTG or the treatment of breast cancer cells with a tTG inhibitor blocks their EGF-stimulated anchorage-independent growth. We further show that the combined actions of Ras and Cdc42, leading to the activation of PI 3-kinase and NFκB, provide a mechanism by which EGF can up-regulate tTG in breast-cancer cells. Moreover, overexpression of wild-type tTG, but not its transamidation-defective counterpart, fully mimics the growth advantages afforded by EGF to these cancer cells. Surprisingly, the tTG-promoted growth of breast-cancer cells is dependent on its ability to activate the Src tyrosine kinase as an outcome of a complex formed between tTG and the breast-cancer marker and intermediate filament protein keratin-19. These findings identify tTG as a key participant in an EGFR/Src-signaling pathway in breast-cancer cells and a potential target for inhibiting EGFR-promoted tumor progression.
Mitochondrial gene in the nuclear genome induces reproductive barrier in rice
Authors: Yamagata Yoshiyuki , Yamamoto Eiji , Aya Kohichiro , Win Khin Thanda , Doi Kazuyuki , Sobrizal  , Ito Tomoko , Kanamori Hiroyuki , Wu Jianzhong , Matsumoto Takashi , Matsuoka Makoto , Ashikari Motoyuki , Yoshimura Atsushi
Published: January 2010

Hybrid incompatibility in F1hybrids or later generations is often observed as sterility or inviability. This incompatibility acts as postzygotic reproductive isolation, which results in the irreversible divergence of species. Here, we show that the reciprocal loss of duplicated genes encoding mitochondrial ribosomal protein L27 causes hybrid pollen sterility in F1hybrids of the cultivated riceOryza sativaand its wild relativeO.glumaepatula. Functional analysis revealed that this gene is essential for the later stage of pollen development, and distribution analysis suggests that the gene duplication occurred before the divergence of the AA genome species. On the basis of these results, we discuss the possible contribution of the “founder effect” in establishing this reproductive barrier.
Opposing mechanisms involving RNA and lipids regulate HIV-1 Gag membrane binding through the highly basic region of the matrix domain
Authors: Chukkapalli Vineela , Oh Seung J. , Ono Akira
Published: January 2010

Membrane binding of Gag, a crucial step in HIV-1 assembly, is facilitated by bipartite signals within the matrix (MA) domain: N-terminal myristoyl moiety and the highly basic region (HBR). We and others have shown that Gag interacts with a plasma-membrane-specific acidic phospholipid, phosphatidylinositol-(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P
2
], via the HBR, and that this interaction is important for efficient membrane binding and plasma membrane targeting of Gag. Generally, in protein–PI(4,5)P
2
interactions, basic residues promote the interaction as docking sites for the acidic headgroup of the lipid. In this study, toward better understanding of the Gag–PI(4,5)P
2
interaction, we sought to determine the roles played by all of the basic residues in the HBR. We identified three basic residues promoting PI(4,5)P
2
-dependent Gag-membrane binding. Unexpectedly, two other HBR residues, Lys25 and Lys26, suppress membrane binding in the absence of PI(4,5)P
2
and prevent promiscuous intracellular localization of Gag. This inhibition of nonspecific membrane binding is likely through suppression of myristate-dependent hydrophobic interaction because mutating Lys25 and Lys26 enhances binding of Gag with neutral-charged liposomes. These residues were reported to bind RNA. Importantly, we found that RNA also negatively regulates Gag membrane binding. In the absence but not presence of PI(4,5)P
2
, RNA bound to MA HBR abolishes Gag-liposome binding. Altogether, these data indicate that the HBR is unique among basic phosphoinositide-binding domains, because it integrates three regulatory components, PI(4,5)P
2
, myristate, and RNA, to ensure plasma membrane specificity for particle assembly.
BBS6, BBS10, and BBS12 form a complex with CCT/TRiC family chaperonins and mediate BBSome assembly
Authors: Seo Seongjin , Baye Lisa M. , Schulz Nathan P. , Beck John S. , Zhang Qihong , Slusarski Diane C. , Sheffield Val C.
Published: January 2010

Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a human genetic disorder resulting in obesity, retinal degeneration, polydactyly, and nephropathy. Recent studies indicate that trafficking defects to the ciliary membrane are involved in this syndrome. Here, we show that a novel complex composed of three chaperonin-like BBS proteins (BBS6, BBS10, and BBS12) and CCT/TRiC family chaperonins mediates BBSome assembly, which transports vesicles to the cilia. Chaperonin-like BBS proteins interact with a subset of BBSome subunits and promote their association with CCT chaperonins. CCT activity is essential for BBSome assembly, and knockdown of CCT chaperonins in zebrafish results in BBS phenotypes. Many disease-causing mutations found in BBS6, BBS10, and BBS12 disrupt interactions among these BBS proteins. Our data demonstrate that BBS6, BBS10, and BBS12 are necessary for BBSome assembly, and that impaired BBSome assembly contributes to the etiology of BBS phenotypes associated with the loss of function of these three BBS genes.
Protein phosphatase PHLPP1 controls the light-induced resetting of the circadian clock
Authors: Masubuchi Satoru , Gao Tianyan , O'Neill Audrey , Eckel-Mahan Kristin , Newton Alexandra C. , Sassone-Corsi Paolo
Published: January 2010

The pleckstrin homology domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase 1 (PHLPP1) differentially attenuates Akt, PKC, and ERK1/2 signaling, thereby controlling the duration and amplitude of responses evoked by these kinases. PHLPP1 is expressed in the mammalian central clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus, where it oscillates in a circadian fashion. To explore the role of PHLPP1 in vivo, we have generated mice with a targeted deletion of the
PHLPP1
gene. Here we show that
PHLPP1
-null mice, although displaying normal circadian rhythmicity, have a drastically impaired capacity to stabilize the circadian period after light-induced resetting, producing a large phase shift after light resetting. Our findings reveal that PHLPP1 exerts a previously unappreciated role in circadian control, governing the consolidation of circadian periodicity after resetting.
Rate, molecular spectrum, and consequences of human mutation
Authors: Lynch Michael
Published: January 2010

Although mutation provides the fuel for phenotypic evolution, it also imposes a substantial burden on fitness through the production of predominantly deleterious alleles, a matter of concern from a human-health perspective. Here, recently established databases on de novo mutations for monogenic disorders are used to estimate the rate and molecular spectrum of spontaneously arising mutations and to derive a number of inferences with respect to eukaryotic genome evolution. Although the human per-generation mutation rate is exceptionally high, on a per-cell division basis, the human germline mutation rate is lower than that recorded for any other species. Comparison with data from other species demonstrates a universal mutational bias toward A/T composition, and leads to the hypothesis that genome-wide nucleotide composition generally evolves to the point at which the power of selection in favor of G/C is approximately balanced by the power of random genetic drift, such that variation in equilibrium genome-wide nucleotide composition is largely defined by variation in mutation biases. Quantification of the hazards associated with introns reveals that mutations at key splice-site residues are a major source of human mortality. Finally, a consideration of the long-term consequences of current human behavior for deleterious-mutation accumulation leads to the conclusion that a substantial reduction in human fitness can be expected over the next few centuries in industrialized societies unless novel means of genetic intervention are developed.
High throughput sequencing reveals a complex pattern of dynamic interrelationships among human T cell subsets
Authors: Wang Chunlin , Sanders Catherine M. , Yang Qunying , Schroeder Harry W. , Wang Elijah , Babrzadeh Farbod , Gharizadeh Baback , Myers Richard M. , Hudson James R. , Davis Ronald W. , Han Jian
Published: January 2010

Developing T cells face a series of cell fate choices in the thymus and in the periphery. The role of the individual T cell receptor (TCR) in determining decisions of cell fate remains unresolved. The stochastic/selection model postulates that the initial fate of the cell is independent of TCR specificity, with survival dependent on additional TCR/coreceptor “rescue” signals. The “instructive” model holds that cell fate is initiated by the interaction of the TCR with a cognate peptide-MHC complex. T cells are then segregated on the basis of TCR specificity with the aid of critical coreceptors and signal modulators [Chan S, Correia-Neves M, Benoist C, Mathis (1998)Immunol Rev165: 195–207]. The former would predict a random representation of individual TCR across divergent T cell lineages whereas the latter would predict minimal overlap between divergent T cell subsets. To address this issue, we have used high-throughput sequencing to evaluate the TCR distribution among key T cell developmental and effector subsets from a single donor. We found numerous examples of individual subsets sharing identical TCR sequence, supporting a model of a stochastic process of cell fate determination coupled with dynamic patterns of clonal expansion of T cells bearing the same TCR sequence among both CD4+and CD8+ populations.
Dental maturational sequence and dental tissue proportions in the early Upper Paleolithic child from Abrigo do Lagar Velho, Portugal
Authors: Bayle Priscilla , Macchiarelli Roberto , Trinkaus Erik , Duarte Cidália , Mazurier Arnaud , Zilhão João
Published: January 2010

Neandertals differ from recent and terminal Pleistocene human populations in their patterns of dental development, endostructural (internal structure) organization, and relative tissue proportions. Although significant changes in craniofacial and postcranial morphology have been found between the Middle Paleolithic and earlier Upper Paleolithic modern humans of western Eurasia and the terminal Pleistocene and Holocene inhabitants of the same region, most studies of dental maturation and structural morphology have compared Neandertals only to later Holocene humans. To assess whether earlier modern humans contrasted with later modern populations and possibly approached the Neandertal pattern, we used high-resolution microtomography to analyze the remarkably complete mixed dentition of the early Upper Paleolithic (Gravettian) child from Abrigo do Lagar Velho, Portugal, and compared it to a Neandertal sample, the late Upper Paleolithic (Magdalenian) child of La Madeleine, and a worldwide extant human sample. Some aspects of the dental maturational pattern and tooth endostructural organization of Lagar Velho 1 are absent from extant populations and the Magdalenian specimen and are currently documented only among Neandertals. Therefore, a simple Neandertal versus modern human dichotomy is inadequate to accommodate the morphostructural and developmental variation represented by Middle Paleolithic and earlier Upper Paleolithic populations. These data reinforce the complex nature of Neandertal-modern human similarities and differences, and document ongoing human evolution after the global establishment of modern human morphology.
Modelling the Effects of Condom Use and Antiretroviral Therapy in Controlling HIV/AIDS among Heterosexuals, Homosexuals and Bisexuals
Authors: Malunguza Noble , Mushayabasa Steady , Chiyaka Christinah , Mukandavire Zindoga
Published: January 2010

A deterministic compartmental sex‐structured HIV/AIDS model for assessing the effects of homosexuals and bisexuals in heterosexual settings in which homosexuality and bisexuality issues have remained taboo is presented. We extend the model to focus on the effects of condom use as a single strategy approach in HIV prevention in the absence of any other intervention strategies. Initially, we model the use of male condoms, followed by incorporating the use of both the female and male condoms. The model includes two primary factors in condom use to control HIV which are condom efficacy and compliance. Reproductive numbers for these models are computed and compared to assess the effectiveness of male and female condom use in a community. We also extend the basic model to consider the effects of antiretroviral therapy as a single strategy. The results from the study show that condoms can reduce the number of secondary infectives and thus can slow the development of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Further, we note from the study that treatment of AIDS patients may enlarge the epidemic when the treatment drugs are not 100% effective and when treated AIDS patients indulge in risky sexual behaviour. Thus, the treatment with amelioration of AIDS patients should be accompanied with intense public health educational programs, which are capable of changing the attitude of treated AIDS patients towards safe sex. It is also shown from the study that the use of condoms in settings with the treatment may help in reducing the number of secondary infections thus slowing the epidemic.
Activation of Cdc6 by MyoD is associated with the expansion of quiescent myogenic satellite cells
Authors: Zhang Keman , Sha Jingfeng , Harter Marian L.
Published: January 2010

MyoD is a transcriptional factor that is required for the differentiation of muscle stem cells (satellite cells). In this study, we describe a previously unknown function for MyoD in regulating a gene (Cdc6) that is vital to endowing chromatin with the capability of replicating DNA. In C2C12 and primary mouse myoblasts, we show that MyoD can occupy an E-box within the promoter of Cdc6 and that this association, along with E2F3a, is required for its activity. MyoD and Cdc6 are both expressed after quiescent C2C12 myoblasts or satellite cells in association with myofibers are stimulated for growth, but MyoD appears at least 2–3 h earlier than Cdc6. Finally, knockdown of MyoD impairs the ability of C2C12 cells to express Cdc6 after leaving quiescence, and as a result, they cannot fully progress into S phase. Our results define a mechanism by which MyoD helps myogenic satellite cells to enter into the first round of DNA replication after transitioning out of quiescence.
The cytoplasmic tail of fibrocystin contains a ciliary targeting sequence
Authors: Follit John A. , Li Lixia , Vucica Yvonne , Pazour Gregory J.
Published: January 2010

Sensory functions of primary cilia rely on ciliary-localized membrane proteins, but little is known about how these receptors are targeted to the cilium. To further our understanding of this process, we dissected the ciliary targeting sequence (CTS) of fibrocystin, the human autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease gene product. We show that the fibrocystin CTS is an 18-residue motif localized in the cytoplasmic tail. This motif is sufficient to target green fluorescent protein (GFP) to cilia of ciliated cells and targets GFP to lipid rafts if the cells are not ciliated. Rab8, but not several other Rabs implicated in ciliary assembly, binds to the CTS in a coimmunoprecipitation assay. Dominant-negative Rab8 interacts more strongly than wild-type or constitutively active Rab8, and coexpression of this dominant-negative mutant Rab8 blocks trafficking to the cilium. This suggests that the CTS functions by binding regulatory proteins like Rab8 to control trafficking through the endomembrane system and on to the cilium.
B cell–intrinsic signaling through IL-21 receptor and STAT3 is required for establishing long-lived antibody responses in humans
Authors: Avery Danielle T. , Deenick Elissa K. , Ma Cindy S. , Suryani Santi , Simpson Nicholas , Chew Gary Y. , Chan Tyani D. , Palendira Umamainthan , Bustamante Jacinta , Boisson-Dupuis Stéphanie , Choo Sharon , Bleasel Karl E. , Peake Jane , King Cecile , French Martyn A. , Engelhard Dan , Al-Hajjar Sami , Al-Muhsen Saleh , Magdorf Klaus , Roesler Joachim , Arkwright Peter D. , Hissaria Pravin , Riminton D. Sean , Wong Melanie , Brink Robert , Fulcher David A. , Casanova Jean-Laurent , Cook Matthew C. , Tangye Stuart G.
Published: January 2010

Engagement of cytokine receptors by specific ligands activate Janus kinase–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathways. The exact roles of STATs in human lymphocyte behavior remain incompletely defined. Interleukin (IL)-21 activates STAT1 and STAT3 and has emerged as a potent regulator of B cell differentiation. We have studied patients with inactivating mutations in STAT1 or STAT3 to dissect their contribution to B cell function in vivo and in response to IL-21 in vitro. STAT3 mutations dramatically reduced the number of functional, antigen (Ag)-specific memory B cells and abolished the ability of IL-21 to induce naive B cells to differentiate into plasma cells (PCs). This resulted from impaired activation of the molecular machinery required for PC generation. In contrast, STAT1 deficiency had no effect on memory B cell formation in vivo or IL-21–induced immunoglobulin secretion in vitro. Thus, STAT3 plays a critical role in generating effector B cells from naive precursors in humans. STAT3-activating cytokines such as IL-21 thus underpin Ag-specific humoral immune responses and provide a mechanism for the functional antibody deficit in STAT3-deficient patients.
KDP crystal in ac-driven RL circuits: dissipative and Hamiltonian chaos, and synchronization in an array of identical devices
Authors: Kondji Y S , Fautso Kuiate G , Woafo P
Published: January 2010

We investigate the nonlinear response of a device consisting of a KH2PO4 crystal or KDP connected in series in an ac-driven RL circuit. First using bifurcation diagrams, transition to dissipative chaos has been found. Then, applying Melnikov theory, the conditions for the appearance of horseshoe dynamics are derived. The case of an array of capacitively coupled KDP devices is only considered with focus on the stability condition when operating in a synchronized state. Floquet theory is applied to find the stability criteria and the obtained results are consistent with the numerical treatment.
Linear optical implementation of an ancilla-free quantum SWAP gate
Authors: Wang Hong-Fu , Shao Xiao-Qiang , Zhao Yong-Fang , Zhang Shou , Yeon Kyu-Hwang
Published: January 2010

We propose a simple linear optical scheme for directly implementing an ancilla-free two-qubit quantum SWAP gate with high success probability. The proposed setup consists of only simple linear optical elements and photon detectors without introducing additionally ancillary single photons or entangled photons sources. The scheme is feasible and within the reach of current experimental technology.
Effects of chemical combination on x-ray Kα and Kβ1,3 emission spectra of Co
Authors: Baydaş E , Öz E
Published: January 2010

Chemical shift, differences of full width at half maximum (ΔFWHM) and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of Kα and Kβ1,3 x-ray emission lines were measured for the following Co compounds: Co, CoO, Co2O3, CoSO4.7H2O, Co(NO3)2.6H2O, CoCr2O4, Co(ClO4)2.6H2O, Co(C2H3O2), CoCl2.6H2O, CoCl2, CoF2, CoF2.4H2O and CoF3. The measurements were performed with wavelength-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WDXRF). It was found that the calculated results for Co compounds are strongly correlated with the oxidation state. At the same time, chemical shift for F compounds is generally more than that for Cl compounds. Larger chemical shifts and FWHM were also found for Kβ1,3 lines than Kα ones. It should be noted that the magnitude of chemical shifts increases with the increasing number of ligand atoms.
Anti-damping effect of radiation reaction
Authors: Wang G , Li H , Shen Y F , Yuan X Z , Zi J
Published: January 2010

The anti-damping effect of radiation reaction, which means the radiation reaction does non-negative work on a radiating charge, is investigated at length by using the Lorentz–Dirac equation (LDE) for the motion of a point charge respectively acted on by (a) a pure electric field, (b) a pure magnetic field and (c) the fields of an electromagnetic wave. We found that the curvature of the charge's trajectory plays an important role in the radiation reaction force, and the anti-damping effect cannot take place for the real macroscopic motions of a point charge. The condition for this anti-damping effect to take place is that the gradient of the external force field must exceed a certain value over the region of magnitude of the classical radius of massive charges (∼10−15 m). Our results are potentially helpful to lessen the controversy on LDE and justify it as the correct classical equation describing the radiating charge's motion. If this anti-damping effect of LDE were a real existing physical process, it could serve as a mechanism within the context of classical electrodynamics for the stability of hydrogen atoms. Using the picture of an electron in quantum electrodynamics, namely the negative bare charge surrounded by the polarized positive charges of vacuum, we can obtain a reasonable explanation for the energy transferred to the electron during the occurrence of the anti-damping effect, on which the venerable work of Wheeler and Feynman has thrown some light.
Additive effect of 1,8-diaminoctane as a bi-functional linker on the two-dimensional array of large gold nanoparticles
Authors: Li Wan-Chao , Lee Sang-Wha
Published: January 2010

1,8-Diaminooctane ligand was investigated as a molecular bridging linker to induce a uniform array of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) (larger than 60 nm) via the lateral immobilization of GNPs on amine-functionalized glass substrate. The effects of array time and ligand amounts were optimized to obtain a uniform and two-dimensional (2D) array of large GNPs. With the increase of ligand dosage, the deposition of GNPs on glass substrate progressively increased, finally leading to a densely packed 2D array of GNPs. Excessive dosage of ligand, however, led to a multilayered array of GNPs on glass substrate.
Electrical and optical properties of ZnO:Al thin films prepared by the spray pyrolysis technique
Authors: Ikhmayies Shadia J , Abu El-Haija Naseem M , Ahmad-Bitar Riyad N
Published: January 2010

Highly transparent conducting ZnO:Al thin films have been produced by the spray pyrolysis technique on glass substrates at a substrate temperature T
s=450 °C by a home-made spraying system. The electrical and optical properties of the films were investigated at room temperature before and after annealing in nitrogen atmosphere. The electrical properties were studied by recording and analyzing the I–V measurements. All the curves were linear, so the resistivity was estimated from the slopes. The resistivity was found to be 133 Ω cm for the undoped ZnO films, but 90 Ω cm for the Al-doped films before annealing and 84 Ω cm after annealing. The optical properties were investigated by measuring the transmittance curves that were used to find the optical bandgap energy. The bandgap energy was found to be 3.27 eV for the undoped ZnO films and 3.28 eV for the Al-doped ZnO films before and after annealing. Therefore the electro-optical properties of the films had improved with Al doping and annealing in nitrogen atmosphere.
Approximating the effect of the Casimir force on the instability of electrostatic nano-cantilevers
Authors: Abadyan Mohamadreza , Novinzadeh Alireza , Kazemi AsiehSadat
Published: January 2010

In this paper, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM) is used to investigate the effect of the Casimir force on the pull-in instability of electrostatic actuators at nano-scale separations. The proposed HPM is employed to solve nonlinear constitutive equations of cantilever beam-type nanoactuators. An analytical solution is obtained in terms of convergent series with easily computable components. Basic design parameters such as critical cantilever tip deflection and pull-in voltage of the nano-cantilevers are computed. As special cases of this work, freestanding nanoactuators and electrostatic micro-actuators are investigated. The analytical HPM results agree well with numerical solutions and those from the literature.
Constructing subdivision rules from alternating links
Authors: Rushton Brian
Published: January 2010

The study of geometric group theory has suggested several theorems related to subdivision tilings that have a natural hyperbolic structure. However, few examples exist. We construct subdivision tilings for the complement of every nonsingular, prime alternating link. These tilings define a combinatorial space at infinity, similar to the space at infinity for word hyperbolic groups.
Neuroprotection Offered by Majun Khadar, a Traditional Unani Medicine, during Cerebral Ischemic Damage in Rats
Authors: Yousuf Seema , Atif Fahim , Ahmad Muzamil , Ishrat Tauheed , Khan Badruzzaman , Islam Fakhrul
Published: January 2010

Stroke results in damages to many biochemical, molecular and behavioral deficits. Present study provides evidence of the protective efficacy of a Unani herbal medicine, Majun Khadar (MK), against cerebral ischemia‐induced behavioral dysfunctions and neurochemical alterations in the hippocampus (HIP). Transient focal cerebral ischemia was induced for 2 h followed by reperfusion for 22 h in a rat model. Rats were divided into four groups: sham, middle cerebral artery occluded (MCAO), drug sham (MK; 0.816 g kg−1 orally for 15 days) and MK pre‐treated ischemic group (MK + MCAO). Levels of enzymatic and non‐enzymatic antioxidants were estimated in HIP along with behavioral testing. MK pre‐treatment significantly (P < .05–.001) restored the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GP×), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione S‐transferase (GST) and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and H2O2 content in HIP in the MK + MCAO group which were severely altered in the MCAO group. The content of glutathione (GSH), total thiols (TT) and ascorbic acid (AsA) was significantly depleted in the MCAO group; pretreatment with MK was able to restore its levels. Also in the MK + MCAO group, significant (P < .5–.001) recovery in behavioral testing by rota rod and open‐field activities was seen as compared with the MCAO group. MK alone did not show any change neither in the status of various antioxidants nor behavioral functions over sham values. Although detailed studies are required for the evaluation of exact neuroprotective mechanism of MK against cerebral ischemia these preliminary experimental findings conclude that MK exhibits neuroprotective effect in cerebral ischemia by potentiating the antioxidant defense system of the brain.
Influence of the veneering process on the marginal fit of zirconia fixed dental prostheses
Authors: KOHORST P. , BRINKMANN H. , DITTMER M. P. , BORCHERS L. , STIESCH M.
Published: January 2010

Summary  Distortions in the marginal region during manufacture are detrimental to the long‐term success of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate changes in marginal fit because of the veneering process of four‐unit FDPs made from different zirconia materials. Two groups of FDPs with 10 specimens each were machined from white body zirconia blanks (VITA In‐Ceram YZ Cubes, KaVo Everest ZS‐Blanks) by means of computer‐aided design/computer‐aided manufacturing systems and subsequently sintered to their final density. The marginal and internal gaps of the frameworks were determined using a replica technique. Afterwards, frameworks were veneered with the recommended ceramics (VITA VM9, GC Initial Zr), and fitting accuracy was evaluated again. Statistical analyses were performed by Student’s t‐test with the level of significance chosen at 0·05. With one framework/veneering system (Everest ZS‐Blanks/Initial Zr), both marginal gap (P = 0·019) and internal gap (P = 0·001) at the premolar retainer were significantly affected by the veneering process. The resulting distortions were directed towards the lumina of the retainers and the mean values of the measured gaps decreased by about 23·8 μm (marginal gap) and 27·3 μm (internal gap). For the other system (In‐Ceram YZ Cubes/VM9), no distortions because of the veneering were found. The veneering of zirconia restorations may lead to significant changes in the marginal fit, while the combination of core and veneering material used influences the resulting distortions.
Structural studies on the full‐length LysR‐type regulator TsaR from Comamonas testosteroni T‐2 reveal a novel open conformation of the tetrameric LTTR fold
Authors: Monferrer Dominique , Tralau Tewes , Kertesz Michael A. , Dix Ina , Solà Maria , Usón Isabel
Published: January 2010

LysR‐type transcriptional regulators (LTTRs) constitute the largest family of regulators in prokaryotes. The full‐length structures of the LTTR TsaR from Comamonas testosteroni T‐2 and its complex with the natural inducer para‐toluensulfonate have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Both ligand‐free and complexed forms reveal a dramatically different quaternary structure from that of CbnR from Ralstonia eutropha, or a putative LysR‐type regulator from Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the only other determined full‐length structures of tetrameric LTTRs. Although all three show a head‐to‐head tetrameric ring, TsaR displays an open conformation, whereas CbnR and PA01‐PR present additional contacts in opposing C‐terminal domains that close the ring. Such large differences may be due to a broader structural versatility than previously assumed or either, reflect the intrinsic flexibility of tetrameric LTTRs. On the grounds of the sliding dimer hypothesis of LTTR activation, we propose a structural model in which the closed structures could reflect the conformation of a ligand‐free LTTR, whereas inducer binding would bring about local changes to disrupt the interface linking the two compact C‐terminal domains. This could lead to a TsaR‐like, open structure, where the pairs of recognition helices are closer to each other by more than 10 Å.
A reduced segment II/III graft for neonatal liver failure with absence of detectable hepatocytes. A case report and literature review
Authors: Alawi Khalil , Mitros Frank A. , Bishop Warren P. , Rayhill Stephen , Wu Youmin
Published: January 2010

Alawi K, Mitros FA, Bishop WP, Rayhill S, Wu Y. A reduced segment II/III graft for neonatal liver failure with absence of detectable hepatocytes. A case report and literature review. Pediatr Transplantation 2011: 15:e60–e63. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Abstract:  When hepatic failure occurs in newborns, most cases are because of viral hepatitis, metabolic diseases, and neonatal hemochromatosis. It is rare to have liver failure presenting in the first day after birth. We report a unique case of a newborn baby with liver failure in the first day of life who received a reduced segment II and III graft when she was 19 days old and became the youngest survivor of LDLT. Common and rare causes of liver failure in this age group were excluded by appropriate testing. She underwent a liver biopsy that showed a liver devoid of hepatocytes. Similar pathological findings were found in the explanted liver. She was discharged from the hospital with normal graft function three months after the transplant.
Identification and Characterization of a New Strain of Sunflower chlorotic mottle virus, a Potyvirus Infecting Asteraceae in Argentina
Authors: Giolitti Fabian J. , Bejerman Nicolas E. , De Breuil Soledad , Lenardon Sergio L.
Published: January 2010

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants with chlorotic ringspot symptoms were observed during the 2005–2006 crop season in the Southeast of the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Symptomatic plants were tested by biological, serological and molecular assays, and the virus isolated was identified as a potyvirus closely related to Sunflower chlorotic mottle virus, common isolate (SuCMoV‐C), the most prevalent virus in sunflower crops in the country. Infected plants were serologically positive when probed with a SuCMoV‐C antiserum. In the 3′‐terminus region, 1304 nucleotides (nt) were sequenced, and it includes the C‐terminal region of the nuclear inclusion b protein (NIb) gene (240 nt), the whole capsid protein (CP) gene (807 nt) and a 3′‐non‐coding region (3′‐NCR) with 257 nt excluding the poly (A) tail. The CP of the Sunflower potyvirus causing chlorotic ringspot (CRS) shared 94.8% aa identity with SuCMoV‐C and 89.2% with SuCMoV‐Zi. The 3′‐NCR shared 94.2% nt sequence identity with SuCMoV‐C. A RT‐PCR/RFLP assay with PvuII and EcoRV restriction enzymes successfully differentiated SuCMoV‐C and the virus isolate causing CRS symptoms. This potyvirus was identified as a new SuCMoV strain, provisionally designated SuCMoV‐CRS.
DNA Fragmentation in Canine Immature Grade 1 Cumulus‐Oocyte Complexes
Authors: Lopes G , Vandaele L , Rijsselaere T , Van Soom A , Rocha A
Published: January 2010

Contents

In this work, we studied the incidence of DNA fragmentation, interpreted as apoptotic changes and assessed by the TUNEL assay, in cumulus cells and oocytes of immature Grade 1 cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) obtained from healthy bitches (n = 27) of three age groups: young (1–3 years; n = 13), adult (4–6 years; n = 8) and elderly (7–10 years; n = 6). Age affected (p < 0.05) Grade 1 COCs recovery rates, with young animals yielding more (p < 0.01) Grade 1 COCs than the other two age groups. Conversely, no differences were observed in the incidence of DNA fragmentation (TUNEL‐positive) in cumulus cells or oocytes between the three age groups. Overall, more than 80% of Grade 1 COCs presented <15% of TUNEL‐positive cumulus cells and enclosed TUNEL‐negative (intact DNA) oocytes. Despite a higher proportion of TUNEL‐negative oocytes being found in the germinal vesicle stage, most of the oocytes with nuclear material compatible with meiosis resumption (MR) or with non‐identifiable nuclear material (ND) did not present DNA fragmentation. No correlation was observed between DNA fragmentations in oocytes and in cumulus cells. We concluded that the morphological parameters used to classify canine Grade 1 COCs are reliable to select a homogeneous population of COCs with low incidence of DNA fragmentation. Furthermore, these results indicate that DNA fragmentation can only explain a minor proportion of the incidence of MR and degeneration in canine oocytes at collection.
Investigation into the occupational lives of healthy older people through their use of time
Authors: Chilvers Rachel , Corr Susan , Singlehurst Hayley
Published: January 2010

Background/aim:  Older people are one of the largest groups using health‐care services; therefore, it is important for occupational therapists to have an understanding of their occupational lives. Temporality is a key element of occupation, yet little research exists regarding older people and time use, despite the considerable temporal adjustments taking place at this lifestage. The aim of this study was to identify the occupational lives of healthy older people through the activities they undertake in a 24‐hour period.

Method:  Data analysis of time‐use diaries from 90 older UK residents (aged 60–85 years) who considered themselves to be healthy was undertaken, using 15 activity codes and three pre‐coded terms: necessary, enjoyable and personal.

Results:  The participants spent most of their time sleeping and resting (34%), followed by performing domestic activities (13%), watching television, listening to the radio or music, or using computers (11%), eating and drinking (9%) and socialising (6%). Enjoyable activities occupied most of their time (42% of the day), followed by necessary (34%) and personal activities (16%).

Conclusion:  These data contribute to the growing evidence base regarding older people as occupational beings, indicating that they are a diverse group of individuals who are meeting their needs with dynamic, positive activities. This highlights the importance of a client‐centred approach to occupational therapy, as it enables the clients to have choice, control and diversity in their activities when meeting their needs.
High prevalence of antibodies against Bartonella henselae with cervical lymphadenopathy in children
Authors: Asano Takeshi , Ichiki Kunihiko , Koizumi Shinya , Kaizu Kiyohiko , Hatori Takayuki , Fujino Osamu
Published: January 2010

Background:  Cat‐scratch disease is the most common form of Bartonella henselae infection. Although reports have shown that CSD is relatively common, they have not shown the prevalence of seropositivity for Bartonella henselae in cases of cervical lymphadenitis and Kawasaki disease, which are relatively common diseases in children.

Methods:  We evaluated the presence of immunoglobulin (Ig) G‐ and IgM‐class antibodies against Bartonella henselae in children with cervical lymphadenitis, Kawasaki disease, and infectious diseases without lymphadenopathy in a semi‐rural area in Japan.

Results:  We found that the positivity rate for the IgG antibody against Bartonella henselae in patients with cervical lymphadenitis who owned cats or dogs was significantly higher than that in patients with Kawasaki disease and infectious diseases without lymphadenopathy. However, the average age of children with cervical lymphadenitis did not significantly differ when compared to those with other infectious diseases.

Conclusion:  Our serological study showed that Bartonella henselae infection may contribute to the etiology of cervical lymphadenitis in children.