bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics and reproduction of Holothuria tubulosa (Holothuroidea: Echinodermata) in the Aegean Sea
Authors: Kazanidis Georgios , Antoniadou Chryssanthi , Lolas Alexios P. , Neofitou Nikos , Vafidis Dimitris , Chintiroglou Chariton , Neofitou Christos
Published: June 2010

The Atlanto-Mediterranean holothurian Holothuria tubulosa is among the conspicuous benthic invertebrates in the shallow sublittoral zone. It is an edible species, harvested at the Aegean Sea and utilized as fishing bait. Considering the lack of information for the Aegean populations, a one-year survey, based on monthly or semimonthly samples, was carried out focusing on population structure, allometric relationships and reproductive status of H. tubulosa stocks in Pagasitikos Gulf. Population density varied around 9.93 individuals/100 m2. This value was rather low compared with other studied Mediterranean populations of the species, possibly due to the scarcity of seagrass meadows in the area studied. All measured biometric characters showed high plasticity, and all the examined morphometric relationships followed negative allometry indicating a change to the shape of the animal's body as it grows. Holothurians’ length was a moderate predictor of biomass since r values reached 60%; in contrast a very strong relation was observed between drained and gutted weight. Size–frequency distribution analysis was unimodal with the exception of spring where a second mode of larger sized individuals appeared. The gonadosomatic index showed a single spawning season per year, in late summer; accordingly the reproductive cycle of the species showed a clear annual pattern which was highly correlated with the seasonal variations of temperature.
Do abundance–occupancy relationships exist in cetaceans?
Authors: Hall Karen , MacLeod Colin D. , Mandleberg Laura , Schweder-Goad Caroline M. , Bannon Sarah M. , Pierce Graham J.
Published: June 2010

A positive relationship between the number of locations where a species occurs and the average density of individuals across those locations has been found in a wide variety of taxa and has been described as one of the most general and widespread relationships in macro-ecology. However, exceptions to this general rule have been found and this study tested whether abundance–occupancy relationships exist within the cetacean community of the west coast of Scotland. Data were collected in 2003–2006 and occupancy rates were calculated and compared to two density indices (relative density of groups per km2surveyed and relative density of individuals per km2surveyed) for four cetacean species (harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin and minke whale). Significant positive intraspecific abundance–occupancy relationships were found for both relative density of groups per km2and relative density of individuals per km2for two out of the four cetacean species tested (harbour porpoise and minke whale). When the relationships between the different species were compared, all four were found to conform to the same interspecific relationship when relative density of groups was used as the density index. However, some species were found to conform to different relationships when relative density of individuals was used as the density index, potentially due to differences in social structure between cetacean species. These relationships mean that when cetaceans are at a higher density within an area, they also occupy a greater number of locations and vice versa. The existence of positive abundance–occupancy relationships in cetaceans has a number of potential implications for their conservation and management. In particular, it means that when a potential impact is likely to positively or negatively affect the size of the range of a species or population, such as noise pollution or climate change, it is likely to also affect the species' or population's abundance in the same direction. It also has implications for the design and extent of protected areas, such as marine protected areas; as such relationships could be used to determine the area required to maintain a viable population size.
Spatial and temporal distribution of harpacticoid copepods in Mondego estuary
Authors: Gonçalves A.M.M. , De Troch M. , Marques S.C. , Pardal M.A. , Azeiteiro U.M.
Published: June 2010

Seasonal and spatial variations in the composition and relative contribution of the harpacticoid species in the Mondego estuary (western Portugal) were studied based on a monthly sampling along a salinity gradient. These benthic harpacticoids were collected in the water column by means of a 63-µm plankton net. The influence of hydrological parameters (temperature, salinity, oxygen dissolved concentration, pH, turbidity, chlorophyll-a, total suspended solids and nutrient concentrations) was analysed by means of a redundancy data analysis. In addition, this is the first study to provide a checklist of benthic harpacticoids from this estuary. In total, 13 species plus six species not yet identified but known to belong to the genusCanuella, Microsetella, Ectinosoma, Mesochra, HarpacticusandParapseudoleptomesochrawere identified. Copepodites and adults ofEuterpina acutifronsandParonychocamptus nanuswere most abundant in this harpacticoid community. WhileP. nanusdominated in winter and spring at upstream stations,E. acutifronsdominated more downstream. Although this species occurred along the whole salinity gradient, its highest abundances were found in the north arm of the estuary, except in autumn. This distribution may be due to the adaptability ofE. acutifronsto different environments and the intermediate position between marine and estuarine conditions assigned to this species.Paraleptastacuscfr.spinicaudashowed a relative occurrence of 5–10% in all stations, except at the mouth of the estuary (M).Tachidius discipeswas found in low densities in Mondego estuary in spite of the large numbers of copepodites of this species in the southern arm, characterized by a high level of total suspended solids. The northern arm of the estuary was characterized by a higher numerical occurrence of harpacticoid organisms throughout the study years, with the higher densities towards the freshwater part (upstream areas).Canuellasp.,Ectinosomasp. (copepodite),Ectinosoma melaniceps, Leptocaris brevicornis, Phyllognathopus viguieri, Microsetella norvegica(copepodite) andMacrosetella gracilis(copepodite) were considered rare species. Nonetheless harpacticoid species were represented by a higher number of adults in the northern arm, and juveniles in the southern arm.
Diet and trophic position of the devil rays Mobula thurstoni and Mobula japanica as inferred from stable isotope analysis
Authors: Sampson Laura , Galván-Magaña Felipe , De Silva-Dávila Roxana , Aguíñiga-García Sergio , O'Sullivan John B.
Published: June 2010

This study confirms the diet and determines the trophic position of the bentfin devil ray (Mobula thurstoni) and spinetail devil ray (Mobula japanica) in the south-west Gulf of California. There has been an active fishery in the area for these filter-feeding elasmobranchs, which are highly susceptible to exploitation due to low fecundity and long lifespan. However, information on their basic biology is scarce. δ13C and δ15N values of devil rays and zooplankton (sorted according to trophic level: herbivores, carnivores and omnivores) were determined over a period of 11 months, to allow for isotopic temporal variations in isotopic signals at the base of the food web. On the basis of fractionation factors we determined that bentfin and spinetail devil rays fed mainly on Nyctiphanes simplex, the most abundant euphausiid in neritic waters of the Gulf of California. The trophic positions obtained for the devil rays correspond to second level consumers.
Do epibenthic algae induce species-specific settlement of coral larvae?
Authors: Suzuki Go , Hayashibara Takeshi
Published: June 2010

Effect of epibenthic algae as species-specific coral settlement inducers was examined by laboratory experiments using six Acropora species. When epibenthic algae grew on artificial plates at three depths (shallow, middle and deep) on a reef slope over a period of two months, there was no effect as species-specific inducers. However, when the growth period was prolonged to five months, the larvae of Acropora digitifera which dominates on the shallow reef slope mainly settled on the plates that were conditioned at the shallow depth, while the larvae of A. muricata which dominates on the middle slope concentrated on the plates that were conditioned at the middle depth. These results indicate that epibenthic algae may act as a cue for the habitat selection of Acropora corals as a settlement inducer. However, the fact that there was no preference for specific plates in other species suggested that epibenthic algae do not act as a sole indicator in selecting a suitable settlement place for Acropora larvae.
Musical free play: A case for invented musical notation in a Hong Kong kindergarten
Authors: Lau Wing Chi Margaret , Grieshaber Susan
Published: June 2010

Drawn from a larger mixed methods study, this case study provides an account of aspects of the music education programme that occurred with one teacher and a kindergarten class of children aged three and four years. Contrary to transmission approaches that are often used in Hong Kong, the case depicts how musical creativity was encouraged by the teacher in response to children's participation during the time for musical free play. It shows how the teacher scaffolded the attempts of George, a child aged 3 years and 6 months, to use musical notation. The findings are instructive for kindergarten teachers in Hong Kong and suggest ways in which teachers might begin to incorporate more creative approaches to musical education. They are also applicable to other kindergarten settings where transmission approaches tend to dominate and teachers want to encourage children's musical creativity.
Pathways from global education understandings to teaching music
Authors: Power Anne , Horsley Mike
Published: June 2010

Research has shown that undergraduate disciplinary study provides new teachers with knowledge schemas derived from their discipline. The key question considered in this article is: what existing disciplinary knowledge do pre-service music teachers call upon to construct their schemas of global education? This is a critical question as global education is introduced to a range of national curriculums. Further, this article investigates ways music disciplinary schemas connect with knowledge, skills and values for pre-service teachers of high school music, and how this influences their approach, understanding and future teaching of global education. The conclusion is that global education, with its knowledge, skills and attitudes, pervades all school subjects and that teaching music incorporates global knowledge, skills and attitudes in quite specific ways.
Music in the training colleges of England and Wales 1872–1899: perspectives from HMI
Authors: Lynch Michael
Published: June 2010

In 1872 John Hullah was appointed Inspector of Music in Training Colleges and his first act was to introduce a practical examination for each of the students. Each year he visited all of the colleges receiving financial aid from the Government to examine the students after which he wrote up his findings in a report for the Committee of Council on Education. These reports, and those of his successor John Stainer, give a unique account of music in the training colleges in the period 1872 to 1899.
Agent-based systems for human learners
Authors: Sklar Elizabeth , Richards Debbie
Published: June 2010

Applying intelligent agent technologies to support human learning activities has been the subject of recent work that reaches across computer science and education disciplines. This article discusses agent-based approaches that have been designed to address a range of pedagogical and/or curricular tasks. Three types of agents are identified in the literature:pedagogical agents,peer-learning agents, anddemonstrating agents. Features of each type are considered, as well as the systems in which these agents are incorporated, examining common and divergent goals, system and agent architectures, and evaluation methodologies. Open issues are highlighted, and future directions for this burgeoning interdisciplinary field are suggested.
Living the Digital Revolution – Explorations into the Futures of the European Society
Authors: Arnaldi Simone , Boscolo Francesca , Stamm Julia
Published: June 2010

COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is one of the longest-running European instruments supporting cooperation among scientists and researchers across Europe. COST is an intergovernmental framework composed of 35 countries, allowing the coordination of research that is otherwise funded on a European level, through the provision of platforms for European scientists to cooperate on a particular project and exchange expertise. As a precursor of advanced multidisciplinary research, COST contributes to reducing the fragmentation in European research investments and to opening the European Research Area to cooperation worldwide. It anticipates and complements the activities of the EU Framework Programmes, constituting a ‘bridge’ towards the scientific communities of emerging countries. It also increases the mobility of researchers across Europe, fostering the establishment of scientific excellence (see www.cost.esf.org). COST Foresight 2030 was an initiative designed to explore a broadly-shared vision for a future world beyond 2030, permeated and shaped by the digital revolution. It consisted of a set of events presenting long-term perspectives in the selected fields – Information and Communication Technologies/Computer and Communication Sciences and Technologies (ICT/CCST), Energy, Food Security, Natural Resources Management, Life Enhancement and Society – which play fundamental roles in human life and which are envisaged to be highly influenced by ICT/CCST-enabling technologies. The workshop ‘Living the Digital Revolution: The European Society in 2030’, the concluding one of the six workshops of the initiative, gathered 20 distinguished scholars and experts from Europe and beyond (AU, NZ, US) for an exploratory brainstorming session. Representing various fields in the social sciences and humanities, such as sociology, education and learning, future studies, law and ethics, economics and business, demography and ICT, the experts focused on the possible trajectories of European societies with regard to the accelerating advancements in ICT/CCST leading up to 2030.
A Library for the Modern Law School – 2009 Revision
Authors: Clinch Peter
Published: June 2010

This article by Dr Peter Clinch, Senior Subject Librarian for Law, Cardiff University, provides a brief background to, and reprints a part of, the latest revision of the Society of Legal Scholars (SLS) document: A Library for the Modern Law School: the Statement of Standards for University Law Library Provision in the United Kingdom. Dr Clinch was a member of the Working Party responsible for revising the standards and he adds comments describing current practices relating to the standards.
LexisNexis LegalWeb – Online Sources for Learning Legal Research
Authors: Laidlaw Tom
Published: June 2010

In a response to issues raised at User Groups on the research capabilities of young lawyers, Tom Laidlaw of LexisNexis looked into the current legal skills environment and as a result LexisNexis have introduced the LawCampus website for students and are planning a programme for trainee solicitors involving “virtual mentors”.
Getting the Most from a Database Trial
Authors: Street Chrissy
Published: June 2010

A vendor launches what they promise to be a fantastic new product which you can not do without so you set up a trial. At the end of the trial you have lots of well-balanced feedback from across your organisation that you can use to determine whether or not to take the product and which also gives you some points for negotiation. Well, that is the theory anyway! In this article Chrissy Street aims to give some guidance about how to get closer to this in practice.
Bridging Racial Change: Political Orientations in the United States Evangelical Multiracial Church Movement
Authors: Wadsworth Nancy
Published: June 2010

Recent years have witnessed the rise of a multiracial church (MRC) movement in American evangelicalism. Leaders of this movement articulate a “biblical mandate”-based mission for breaking patterns of racial homogeneity in pursuit of more diverse, egalitarian, and vibrant churches. While participants are passionate about what they see as a powerful racial change effort in their religious communities, they express a variety of orientations about the potential political implications of faith-based MRC-building. Drawing from interview-based research inside MRC settings, I find that most participants are nervously interested in applying their framework to political contexts, while a minority articulates a more politicized justice orientation, and others are confused or actively resistant. The movement's political reluctance is instructive of the understudied dynamics between race and religion, especially in theologically conservative churches. In social capital terms, the “bonding” incentives of MRC settings by definition require difficult kinds of “bridging,” or reaching across deep historical and identity-based differences, in order to create trust-based networks where they have not existed. When successful, however, such networks can open new paths to race-related political engagement.
Two‐dimensional frequency domain modeling of lightning EMP‐induced perturbations to VLF transmitter signals
Authors: Marshall R. A. , Inan U. S.
Published: June 2010

The lightning electromagnetic pulse creates observable modifications to the overlying D region ionosphere, exhibited optically as elves. Recent work, both experimental and theoretical, has shown that elves are accompanied by considerable electron density disturbances of up to a factor of 2 increase in local density. We investigate the possibility that these density disturbances are observed by subionospheric VLF transmitter signals as the so‐called early VLF events. We use a finite difference frequency domain model to simulate the VLF transmitter signal propagating subionospherically to a VLF receiver, under ambient conditions and through a disturbed region. We show that modeled electron density disturbances, consistent with optical observations of elves, yield small but detectable perturbations to the VLF transmitter signal and may explain at least some observed early VLF events. We further show that sequences of in‐cloud lightning pulses, as in spider lightning, may yield considerably higher density disturbances and similarly more prominent VLF transmitter perturbations. In this way, the model herein supports previously reported correlations between sferic bursts and early VLF events.
Saturation of transpolar potential for large Y component interplanetary magnetic field
Authors: Mitchell E. J. , Lopez R. E. , Bruntz R. J. , Wiltberger M. , Lyon J. G. , Allen R. C. , Cockrell S. J. , Whittlesey P. L.
Published: June 2010

This study examines the response of the transpolar potential to a large Y component interplanetary magnetic field (IMF By). The transpolar potential responds nonlinearly and saturates for large IMF By in the Lyon‐Fedder‐Mobarry (LFM) global MHD simulation, just as it does for large southward IMF (−Bz). Data from Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites and Assimilative Mapping of Ionospheric Electrodynamics (AMIE) results confirm the saturation of the transpolar potential during large IMF By. The magnitude of the saturated transpolar potential is significantly smaller for large IMF By than for large negative IMF Bz. This indicates that transpolar potential saturation does not depend on the strength of the Region 1 current. However, the magnitude of the IMF at which the transpolar potential becomes nonlinear and begins to exhibit saturation behavior is the same for large By as it is for large Bz. Furthermore, when the IMF (By or Bz) reaches the value that produces saturation, the magnetosheath becomes magnetically dominated, with β < 1. This suggests that the saturation of the transpolar potential is related to a change in the force balance in the magnetosheath from a plasma‐pressure‐dominated magnetosheath to a magnetically‐dominated magnetosheath.
Methodological Quality of Preclinical Stroke Studies is Not Required for Publication in High-Impact Journals
Authors: Minnerup Jens , Wersching Heike , Diederich Kai , Schilling Matthias , Ringelstein Erich Bernd , Wellmann Jürgen , Schäbitz Wolf-Rüdiger
Published: June 2010

Omitting quality characteristics in animal stroke studies leads to an overestimation of the efficacy of candidate stroke drugs. Nevertheless, the methodological quality of preclinical stroke studies is often limited. As publishing of research results in high-impact journals is an important motivation for scientists, we analyzed whether study quality predicts high-impact publishing. Animal stroke studies of neuroprotective drugs that were recently investigated in clinical phase II/III trials were included in the analysis. Data on the study quality and other important study characteristics were extracted. Regression analyses were performed to estimate the effect of the study characteristics on the journal's impact factor. We identified 117 studies that investigated 12 different drugs. Study quality was not associated with the impact factor before (β=−0.2, P=0.50) and after adjustment for other study characteristics (β=−0.3, P=0.19). There was a significant association of the number of investigated mechanisms and applied techniques with the impact factor (β=1.4, P<0.0001). Our findings show that the quality of animal experimental stroke studies is not relevant for publishing in high-impact journals. The major predictor for accepting preclinical stroke studies in high-impact journals is the complexity of the investigation into a stroke drug's mode of action.
The potency of the fs260 connexin43 mutant to impair keratinocyte differentiation is distinct from other disease-linked connexin43 mutants
Authors: Churko Jared M. , Langlois Stephanie , Pan Xinyue , Shao Qing , Laird Dale W.
Published: June 2010

Although there are currently 62 mutants of Cx43 (connexin43) that can cause ODDD (oculodentodigital dysplasia), only two mutants have also been reported to cause palmar plantar hyperkeratosis. To determine how mutants of Cx43 can lead to this skin disease, REKs (rat epidermal keratinocytes) were engineered to express an ODDD-associated Cx43 mutant always linked to skin disease (fs260), an ODDD-linked Cx43 mutant which has been reported to sometimes cause skin disease (fs230), Cx43 mutants which cause ODDD only (G21R, G138R), a mouse Cx43 mutant linked to ODDD (G60S), a non-disease-linked truncated Cx43 mutant that is trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (Δ244*) or full-length Cx43. When grown in organotypic cultures, of all the mutants investigated, only the fs260-expressing REKs consistently developed a thinner stratum corneum and expressed lower levels of Cx43, Cx26 and loricrin in comparison with REKs overexpressing wild-type Cx43. REKs expressing the fs260 mutant also developed a larger organotypic vital layer after acetone-induced injury and exhibited characteristics of parakeratosis. Collectively, our results suggest that the increased skin disease burden exhibited in ODDD patients harbouring the fs260 mutant is probably due to multiple additive effects cause by the mutant during epidermal differentiation.
Ferritin does not donate its iron for haem synthesis in macrophages
Authors: Mikhael Marc , Sheftel Alex D. , Ponka Prem
Published: June 2010

Iron is essential for all life, yet can be dangerous under certain conditions. Iron storage by the 24-subunit protein ferritin renders excess amounts of the metal non-reactive and, consequentially, ferritin is crucial for life. Although the mechanism detailing the storage of iron in ferritin has been well characterized, little is known about the fate of ferritin-stored iron and whether it can be released and reutilized for metabolic use within a single cell. Virtually nothing is known about the use of ferritin-derived iron in non-erythroid cells. We therefore attempted to answer the question of whether iron from ferritin can be used for haem synthesis in the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. Cells treated with ALA (5-aminolaevulinic acid; a precursor of haem synthesis) show increased haem production as determined by enhanced incorporation of transferrin-bound 59Fe into haem. However, the present study shows that, upon the addition of ALA, 59Fe from ferritin cannot be incorporated into haem. Additionally, little 59Fe is liberated from ferritin when haem synthesis is increased upon addition of ALA. In conclusion, ferritin in cultivated macrophages is not a significant source of iron for the cell's own metabolic functions.
Sp1 plays an important role in regulating the transcription of ZNF313
Authors: Liao Xiaolin , Deng Wenqian , Lu Yilu , Tao Dachang , Liu Yunqiang , Zhang Sizhong , Ma Yongxin
Published: June 2010

The ZNF313 gene has the highest transcription level in fertile male testes and may be related to human spermatogenesis. The deletion‐mutated plasmids of ZNF313 promoter were constructed and transfected into HEK293 cells. The result showed that the fragment from nt −157 to +8 has a basal transcriptional activity. A functional Sp1 binding site was identified by site‐directed mutation test and mithramycin A treatment. A 447‐bp based at +233 to −213 exhibits a characteristic CpG island, which overlaps with the promoter region. Our work suggests that ZNF313 is controlled at the transcriptional level, and a common mechanism controlling the basal transcription of ZNF313 gene exists.
Navigating Through Transition With Individuals With Speech Disabilities
Authors: Kennedy Pamela
Published: June 2010

Transition to adult life poses many challenges for individuals with complex communication needs. Drawing upon both personal experience as well as the outcomes of recent research projects, the author describes important goals and key supports that should be considered in planning positive transition experiences for individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication. Successful outcomes—including the possibility of developing friendships and intimate relationships—can be achieved with a dedicated transition team that involves and values the input of the individual with complex communication needs.
Supporting Positive Employment Outcomes for Individuals Who Use AAC
Authors: McNaughton David , Arnold Anthony
Published: June 2010

As a result of innovative efforts by individuals who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) and their support teams, there are growing numbers of documented cases of employment success for individuals who use AAC. We review recent research on employment and AAC and discuss three key components for obtaining and maintaining employment: (a) developing employee knowledge and skills that are valued in the workplace, (b) identifying jobs that are a good match for the skills and interests of individuals who use AAC, and (c) ensuring that needed supports are available to maintain employment success.

I like to believe my transition to adulthood, independent living and employment started to happen on the day my parents learned of my diagnosis of cerebral palsy—they started taking me to therapies, and a preschool program, and to expand their expectations over time … the longer you put off educational and rehabilitation activities, the less likely it is that you will witness the things that you want …(Arnold, 2007, p.94)
Current Issues: RiteCare Family Autism Camp at Radford University: An Innovative Clinical Education Model for Speech-Language Pathology Students
Authors: Lanter Elizabeth , Millar Diane , Rossi Patricia
Published: June 2010

The “unique learning style and social communication challenges” experienced by children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) necessitate that speech-language pathologists (SLPs) receive education specific to this disability (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association [ASHA], 2006a, p.18). Graduate training programs often provide this education through classroom instruction and clinical education (also referred to as clinical teaching or supervision). Clinical education has a long-standing tradition in the field of speech-language pathology and is considered “an essential component in the education of students” (ASHA, 2008a, p. 1). This article presents a description of clinical education experience, specific to serving children with ASD, that is offered to graduate level speech-language pathology students at Radford University. The RiteCare Family Autism Camp, hosted by the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, provides graduate level clinical training in a model of service delivery amendable to many best practices when serving this population, such as intensive services, a partnership with parents, development of social communicative competence through the use of peer mediators, and a focus on literacy. This article describes the role of the SLP working with ASD and the RiteCare camp and seeks to inspire other graduate speech-language pathology training programs to consider an intensive, family-based day program for children with ASD as a clinical education model for its speech-language pathology students.
Management of Dysarthria and Dysphagia in Patients With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Graner Darlene E. , Strand Edythe A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurologic disease that frequently affects speech and swallowing. The purpose of this article is to emphasize the role of the speech-language pathologist (SLP) in management of the progressive speech and swallowing symptoms.

Methods: A review of the neurologic degeneration and resulting symptoms of ALS are presented, including the cognitive, sensory and speech-language changes that accompany the progressive motor impairment. The important role of the SLP on a multidisciplinary team is described. Approaches to management of both swallowing and speech are discussed.

Results and Conclusions: ALS is a progressive, degenerative neurologic disease. SLPs play a vital role in helping patients maintain effective communication and manage dysphagia symptoms.
Deep Brain Stimulation: Description and Implications for Motor Speech
Authors: Fossett Tepanta R. D.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option which has been demonstrated to be effective for treatment of many symptoms in several movement disorders. The purpose of this paper is to describe this surgical option and to discuss its effects on motor speech.

Method: The literature is reviewed to provide a summary of the information available to describe DBS surgery and its effects on motor speech in neurological disorders. Primary focus is placed on DBS as a treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD) and Essential Tremor (ET).

Results and Conclusions: DBS surgery is a relatively low-risk, common, and reversible surgery used to treat the motor symptoms in many movement disorders, especially PD and ET. It is not currently used as a treatment for any motor speech disorder. Dysarthria is a commonly reported side-effect of bilateral more than unilateral DBS surgery. The reported frequency of motor speech difficulties varies, and few studies have specifically examined motor speech with reliable and objective measures. However, though frequently present, negative effects of DBS on motor speech appear to be mild in severity.
Bluetooth Technology in Hearing Aids: A Clinician’s Perspective
Authors: Burrows Dennis L.
Published: June 2010

Bluetooth hearing aid technology enables a hearing aid user to connect to many electronic devices hands-free. Cell phones, MP3 players, computers, GPS devices, and FM systems are just a few of the many devices that can be connected to Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Bluetooth technology has made it possible for a cell phone to ring directly into the hearing aid(s) and for the call to be answered by pushing a button on a small controller. This allows for convenient hands-free communication as well as binaural hearing that provides for a much clearer signal than when using a phone on one ear. Moreover, Bluetooth technology provides for communication and coordination between two hearing aids resulting in improved speech audibility and localization. This communication also can be manipulated to accommodate special listening needs as in the case of asymmetrical hearing loss. Bluetooth technology helps enhance the listening experience for those who are hard-of-hearing and expands the opportunities for enjoying modern electronics.
Development of a Computer-Based, Multi-media Hearing Loss Prevention Education Program for Veterans and Military Personnel
Authors: Folmer Robert L. , Saunders Gabrielle H. , Dann Serena M. , Griest Susan E. , Leek Marjorie R. , Fausti Stephen A.
Published: June 2010

Purpose: Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are prevalent and costly problems for military personnel and Veterans. To reduce the prevalence and burden of these conditions, the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs are working together to develop an interactive, computer-based, multimedia hearing loss prevention education program that can be delivered at military bases, primary care or other medical settings.

Method: One participant at a time interacts with the program inside a sound-attenuated enclosure that is large enough for wheelchair access. A computer touch screen allows participants to select among a variety of activities, including a self-administered screening test of high-frequency hearing; learning why, when, and how to protect hearing; learning how hearing works and how loud sounds damage hearing; learning how sound intensity is measured and which sounds are too loud; listening to demonstrations of simulated hearing loss; learning how to select and use hearing protective devices; learning about tinnitus; and learning about hearing health care services available at each site.

Results/Conclusions: The program will be made available to all Veterans, military personnel, and other members of the public through the internet and at medical centers throughout the country.
Perspectives on Preparing Graduate Students To Provide Educationally Relevant Services in Schools
Authors: Elledge Debbie , Hasselbeck Emily , Hobek Amy , Combs Sandra , Raisor-Becker Lesley , Creaghead Nancy
Published: June 2010

Working in the schools today requires more than the skills and knowledge for addressing the communication and swallowing disorders that children exhibit. With changes in the way speech-language pathologists (SLPs) perceive themselves and their purpose within their school setting, there must also be changes in the way graduate programs prepare the next generation of school-based speech-language pathologists. This paper addresses those critical skills that will enable school-based SLPs to work within and help to create a school culture that embodies (a) flexibility in service delivery; (b) constant attention to promoting children's successful performance within the regular education curriculum; (c) collaboration among professionals, children, and parents; (d) advocacy for the highest quality services to children and the expanding role of the SLP in that effort; and (e) using evidence to support clinical practice. We will also address what university graduate programs can do to support the development of those skills.
Beyond the Big Screen: Avatars Prepare Graduate Students for Real-World Practice
Authors: Williams Stacy , Schreiber Linda R.
Published: June 2010

This article explores the potential of virtual simulation technology in preparing university students for real-world experiences. SimuCase™, a Web-based virtual simulation application designed to support best practice in speech-language pathology, is described. The research base for learning via virtual simulations also is described. This type of simulation using case studies encourages the user to select and analyze client data to improve clinical decision-making skills in the area of assessment and supports Knowledge and Skills Assessment competencies of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.
Long-lasting reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis by alcohol consumption in adolescent nonhuman primates
Authors: Taffe Michael A. , Kotzebue Roxanne W. , Crean Rebecca D. , Crawford Elena F. , Edwards Scott , Mandyam Chitra D.
Published: June 2010

Binge alcohol consumption in adolescents is increasing, and studies in animal models show that adolescence is a period of high vulnerability to brain insults. The purpose of the present study was to determine the deleterious effects of binge alcohol on hippocampal neurogenesis in adolescent nonhuman primates. Heavy binge alcohol consumption over 11 mo dramatically and persistently decreased hippocampal proliferation and neurogenesis. Combinatorial analysis revealed distinct, actively dividing hippocampal neural progenitor cell types in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus that were in transition from stem-like radial glia-like cells (type 1) to immature transiently amplifying neuroblasts (type 2a, type 2b, and type 3), suggesting the evolutionary conservation of milestones of neuronal development in macaque monkeys. Alcohol significantly decreased the number of actively dividing type 1, 2a, and 2b cell types without significantly altering the early neuronal type 3 cells, suggesting that alcohol interferes with the division and migration of hippocampal preneuronal progenitors. Furthermore, the lasting alcohol-induced reduction in hippocampal neurogenesis paralleled an increase in neural degeneration mediated by nonapoptotic pathways. Altogether, these results demonstrate that the hippocampal neurogenic niche during adolescence is highly vulnerable to alcohol and that alcohol decreases neuronal turnover in adolescent nonhuman primate hippocampus by altering the ongoing process of neuronal development. This lasting effect, observed 2 mo after alcohol discontinuation, may underlie the deficits in hippocampus-associated cognitive tasks that are observed in alcoholics.
Spinal interneuron circuits reduce approximately 10-Hz movement discontinuities by phase cancellation
Authors: Williams Elizabeth R. , Soteropoulos Demetris S. , Baker Stuart N.
Published: June 2010

Tremor imposes an important limit to the accuracy of fine movements in healthy individuals and can be a disabling feature of neurological disease. Voluntary slow finger movements are not smooth but are characterized by large discontinuities (i.e., steps) in the tremor frequency range (approximately 10 Hz). Previous studies have shown that these discontinuities are coherent with activity in the primary motor cortex (M1), but that other brain areas are probably also involved. We investigated the contribution of three important subcortical areas in two macaque monkeys trained to perform slow finger movements. Local field potential and single-unit activity were recorded from the deep cerebellar nuclei (DCN), medial pontomedullary reticular formation, and the intermediate zone of the spinal cord (SC). Coherence between LFP and acceleration was significant at 6 to 13 Hz for all areas, confirming the highly distributed nature of the central network responsible for this activity. The coherence phase at 6 to 13 Hz for DCN and pontomedullary reticular formation was similar to our previous results in M1. By contrast, for SC the phase differed from M1 by approximately π rad. Examination of single-unit discharge confirmed that this was a genuine difference in neural spiking and could not be explained by different properties of the local field potential. Convergence of antiphase oscillations from the SC with cortical and subcortical descending inputs will lead to cancellation of approximately 10 Hz oscillations at the motoneuronal level. This could appreciably limit drive to muscle at this frequency, thereby reducing tremor and improving movement precision.
Essential cooperation of N-cadherin and neuroligin-1 in the transsynaptic control of vesicle accumulation
Authors: Stan A. , Pielarski K. N. , Brigadski T. , Wittenmayer N. , Fedorchenko O. , Gohla A. , Lessmann V. , Dresbach T. , Gottmann K.
Published: June 2010

Cell adhesion molecules are key players in transsynaptic communication, precisely coordinating presynaptic differentiation with postsynaptic specialization. At glutamatergic synapses, their retrograde signaling has been proposed to control presynaptic vesicle clustering at active zones. However, how the different types of cell adhesion molecules act together during this decisive step of synapse maturation is largely unexplored. Using a knockout approach, we show that two synaptic adhesion systems, N-cadherin and neuroligin-1, cooperate to control vesicle clustering at nascent synapses. Live cell imaging and fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments at individual synaptic boutons revealed a strong impairment of vesicle accumulation in the absence of N-cadherin, whereas the formation of active zones was largely unaffected. Strikingly, also the clustering of synaptic vesicles triggered by neuroligin-1 overexpression required the presence of N-cadherin in cultured neurons. Mechanistically, we found that N-cadherin acts by postsynaptically accumulating neuroligin-1 and activating its function via the scaffolding molecule S-SCAM, leading, in turn, to presynaptic vesicle clustering. A similar cooperation of N-cadherin and neuroligin-1 was observed in immature CA3 pyramidal neurons in an organotypic hippocampal network. Moreover, at mature synapses, N-cadherin was required for the increase in release probability and miniature EPSC frequency induced by expressed neuroligin-1. This cooperation of two cell adhesion systems provides a mechanism for coupling bidirectional synapse maturation mediated by neuroligin-1 to cell type recognition processes mediated by classical cadherins.
Fibroblast-secreted hepatocyte growth factor plays a functional role in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma invasion
Authors: Grugan Katharine D. , Miller Charles G. , Yao Yao , Michaylira Carmen Z. , Ohashi Shinya , Klein-Szanto Andres J. , Diehl J. Alan , Herlyn Meenhard , Han May , Nakagawa Hiroshi , Rustgi Anil K.
Published: June 2010

Squamous cell cancers comprise the most common type of human epithelial cancers. One subtype, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), is an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis due to late diagnosis and metastasis. Factors derived from the extracellular matrix (ECM) create an environment conducive to tumor growth and invasion. Specialized cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the ECM influence tumorigenesis. We have shown previously that the nature and activation state of fibroblasts are critical in modulating the invasive ability of ESCC in an in vivo-like organotypic 3D cell culture, a form of human tissue engineering. Dramatic differences in invasion of transformed esophageal epithelial cells depended on the type of fibroblast in the matrix. We hypothesize that CAFs create an environment primed for growth and invasion through the secretion of factors. We find that fibroblast secretion of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) fosters the ability of transformed esophageal epithelial cells to invade into the ECM, although other unidentified factors may cooperate with HGF. Genetic modifications of both HGF in fibroblasts and its receptor Met in epithelial cells, along with pharmacologic inhibition of HGF and Met, underscore the importance of this pathway in ESCC invasion and progression. Furthermore, Met activation is increased upon combinatorial overexpression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and p53
R175H
, two common genetic mutations in ESCC. These results highlight the potential benefit of the therapeutic targeting of HGF/Met signaling in ESCC and potentially other squamous cancers where this pathway is deregulated.
High-resolution human genome structure by single-molecule analysis
Authors: Teague Brian , Waterman Michael S. , Goldstein Steven , Potamousis Konstantinos , Zhou Shiguo , Reslewic Susan , Sarkar Deepayan , Valouev Anton , Churas Christopher , Kidd Jeffrey M. , Kohn Scott , Runnheim Rodney , Lamers Casey , Forrest Dan , Newton Michael A. , Eichler Evan E. , Kent-First Marijo , Surti Urvashi , Livny Miron , Schwartz David C.
Published: June 2010

Variation in genome structure is an important source of human genetic polymorphism: It affects a large proportion of the genome and has a variety of phenotypic consequences relevant to health and disease. In spite of this, human genome structure variation is incompletely characterized due to a lack of approaches for discovering a broad range of structural variants in a global, comprehensive fashion. We addressed this gap with Optical Mapping, a high-throughput, high-resolution single-molecule system for studying genome structure. We used Optical Mapping to create genome-wide restriction maps of a complete hydatidiform mole and three lymphoblast-derived cell lines, and we validated the approach by demonstrating a strong concordance with existing methods. We also describe thousands of new variants with sizes ranging from kb to Mb.
Oligoclonality and innate-like features in the TCR repertoire of type II NKT cells reactive to a β-linked self-glycolipid
Authors: Arrenberg Philomena , Halder Ramesh , Dai Yang , Maricic Igor , Kumar Vipin
Published: June 2010

TCR-mediated recognition of β-linked self-glycolipids bound to CD1d is poorly understood. Here, we have characterized the TCR repertoire of a CD1d-restricted type II NKT cell subset reactive to sulfatide involved in the regulation of autoimmunity and antitumor immunity. The sulfatide/CD1d-tetramer+cells isolated from naïve mice show an oligoclonal TCR repertoire with predominant usage of the Vα3/Vα1-Jα7/Jα9 and Vβ8.1/Vβ3.1-Jβ2.7 gene segments. The CDR3 regions of both the α- and β-chains are encoded by either germline or nongermline gene segments of limited lengths containing several conserved residues. Presence of dominant clonotypes with limited TCR gene usage for both TCR α- and β-chains in type II NKT cells reflects specific antigen recognition not found in the type I NKT cells but similar to the MHC-restricted T cells. Although potential CD1d-binding tyrosine residues in the CDR2β region are conserved between most type I and type II NKT TCRs, CDR 1α and 3α regions differ significantly between the two subsets. Collectively, the TCR repertoire of sulfatide-reactive type II NKT cells exhibits features of both antigen-specific conventional T cells and innate-like cells, and these findings provide important clues to the recognition of β-linked glycolipids by CD1d-restricted T cells in general.