bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geomagnetic signatures of current wedge produced by fast flows in a plasma sheet
Authors: Cao Jin‐Bin , Yan Chunxiao , Dunlop Malcolm , Reme Henri , Dandouras Iannis , Zhang Tielong , Yang Dongmei , Moiseyev Alexey , Solovyev Stepan I. , Wang Z. Q. , Leonoviche A. , Zolotukhina N. , Mishin V.
Published: August 2010

This paper uses the plasma data from Cluster and TC‐1 and geomagnetic data to study the geomagnetic signatures of the current wedge produced by fast‐flow braking in the plasma sheet. The three fast flows studied here occurred in a very quiet background and were accompanied by no (or weak) particle injections, thus avoiding the influences from other disturbances. All the geomagnetic signatures of a substorm current wedge can be found in the geomagnetic signatures of a current system produced by the braking of fast flows, indicating that the fast flows can produce a complete current wedge which contains postmidnight downward and premidnight upward field‐aligned currents, as well as a westward electrojet. The Pi2 precursors exist not only at high latitudes but also at midlatitudes. The starting times of midlatitude Pi2 precursors can be identified more precisely than those of high‐latitude Pi2 precursors, providing a possible method to determine the starting time of fast flows in their source regions. The AL drop that a bursty bulk flow produces is proportional to its velocity and duration. In three cases, the AL drops are <100 nT. Because the AE increase of a typical substorm is >200 nT, whether a substorm can be triggered depends mainly on the conditions of the braking regions before fast flows. The observations of solar wind before the three fast flows suggest that it is difficult for the fast flows to trigger a substorm when the interplanetary magnetic field Bz of solar wind is weakly southward.
Elastic properties of anisotropic synthetic calcite‐muscovite aggregates
Authors: Almqvist Bjarne S. G. , Burlini Luigi , Mainprice David , Hirt Ann M.
Published: August 2010

A set of synthetic aggregates, containing mixtures of calcite and muscovite, were compacted with varying uniaxial loads ranging from 20 MPa up to 400 MPa. Their elastic properties have been measured using compressional and shear waves in confining hydrostatic pressures up to 475 MPa. Measured seismic velocities are shown to depend on 1) the ratio of calcite to muscovite, 2) the uniaxial load used during sample manufacturing, and 3) the porosity amount prior to velocity measurements. The matrix framework may also affect the seismic velocities, but this effect is not easily quantifiable. In general, measured seismic velocities decrease with increasing muscovite content and porosity. Elastic properties have been calculated based on texture measurements, which were obtained by neutron diffraction. The calculated velocities are based on the calcite and muscovite single crystal elastic tensors, their orientation distribution functions, and their modal fractions. A large discrepancy is apparent between calculated and measured velocities, where the former always overestimate the actual velocities. Shear waves display less of a difference between calculated and measured values, than do compressional waves, indicating that waves propagating by shearing are less affected by sample porosity and matrix framework. A better agreement between measured and calculated seismic velocities arises when the initial porosity is taken into account, using a differential effective medium model. Seismic anisotropy is evident from both measured and calculated velocities, and is low for samples containing pure calcite, but becomes prominent as the muscovite concentration increases. The intensity of anisotropy further depends on the uniaxial load used during sample compaction and the initial porosity.
Stability and bistability of seagrass ecosystems in shallow coastal lagoons: Role of feedbacks with sediment resuspension and light attenuation
Authors: Carr J. , D'Odorico P. , McGlathery K. , Wiberg P.
Published: August 2010

Shallow coastal lagoons are environments where a dynamic equilibrium exists between water quality and seagrass cover. Dense seagrass canopies limit the resuspension of bed sediments thereby creating a clearer water column and a positive feedback for seagrass growth. Positive feedbacks are often associated with the existence of bistable dynamics in ecosystems. For example, a bare and a seagrass covered sediment bed could both be stable states of the system. This study describes a one‐dimensional hydrodynamic model of vegetation‐sediment‐water flow interactions and uses it to investigate the strengths of positive feedbacks between seagrass cover, stabilization of bed sediments, turbidity of the water column, and the existence of a favorable light environment for seagrasses. The model is applied to Hog Island Bay, a shallow coastal lagoon on the eastern shore of Virginia. The effects of temperature, eutrophication, and bed grain size on bistability of seagrass ecosystems in the lagoon are explored. The results indicate that under typical conditions, seagrass is stable in water depths < 2.2 m (51% of the bay bottom deep enough for seagrass growth) and bistable conditions exist for depths of 2.2–3.6 m (23% of bay) where the preferred state depends on initial seagrass cover. The remaining 26% of the bay is too deep to sustain seagrass. Decreases in sediment size and increases in water temperature and degree of eutrophication shift the bistable range to shallower depths, with more of the bay bottom unable to sustain seagrass.
Modeling fire‐driven deforestation potential in Amazonia under current and projected climate conditions
Authors: Le Page Y. , van der Werf G. R. , Morton D. C. , Pereira J. M. C.
Published: August 2010

Fire is a widely used tool to prepare deforested areas for agricultural use in Amazonia. Deforestation is currently concentrated in seasonal forest types along the ‘arc of deforestation’, where dry‐season conditions facilitate burning of clear‐felled vegetation. Interior Amazon forests, however, are less suitable for fire‐driven deforestation due to more humid climate conditions. These forests will ultimately come under more intense pressure as the deforestation frontier advances. Whether these regions continue to be protected by humid conditions partly determines land use changes in interior Amazon forests. Here, we present a study of the climate constraint on deforestation fires in Amazonia under present‐day and projected climate conditions. We used precipitation data and satellite‐based active fire detections to model fire‐driven deforestation potential. Our model results suggest that 58% of the Amazon forest is too wet to permit fire‐driven deforestation under current average climate conditions. Under the IPCC B1 scenario, the model indicates increased fire potential by 2050 in eastern Amazonia, while dry‐season precipitation may provide limitations on projected deforestation by 2050 in central and western Amazonia. However, the entire region is very sensitive to a possible drying with climate change; a reduction in dry‐season precipitation of 200 mm/year would reduce the climate constraint on deforestation fires from 58% to only 24% of the forest. Our results suggest that dry‐season climate conditions will continue to shape land use decisions in Amazonia through mid‐century, and should therefore be included in deforestation projections for the region.
Heart 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase activation by insulin requires PKB (protein kinase B), but not SGK3 (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 3)
Authors: Mouton Véronique , Toussaint Louise , Vertommen Didier , Gueuning Marie-Agnès , Maisin Liliane , Havaux Xavier , Sanchez-Canedo Cossette , Bertrand Luc , Dequiedt Franck , Hemmings Brian A. , Hue Louis , Rider Mark H.
Published: August 2010

On the basis of transfection experiments using a dominant-negative approach, our previous studies suggested that PKB (protein kinase B) was not involved in heart PFK-2 (6-phosphofructo2-kinase) activation by insulin. Therefore we first tested whether SGK3 (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase 3) might be involved in this effect. Treatment of recombinant heart PFK-2 with [γ-32P]ATP and SGK3 in vitro led to PFK-2 activation and phosphorylation at Ser466 and Ser483. However, in HEK-293T cells [HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293 cells expressing the large T-antigen of SV40 (simian virus 40)] co-transfected with SGK3 siRNA (small interfering RNA) and heart PFK-2, insulin-induced heart PFK-2 activation was unaffected. The involvement of PKB in heart PFK-2 activation by insulin was re-evaluated using different models: (i) hearts from transgenic mice with a muscle/heart-specific mutation in the PDK1 (phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1)-substrate-docking site injected with insulin; (ii) hearts from PKBβ-deficient mice injected with insulin; (iii) freshly isolated rat cardiomyocytes and perfused hearts treated with the selective Akti-1/2 PKB inhibitor prior to insulin treatment; and (iv) HEK-293T cells co-transfected with heart PFK-2, and PKBα/β siRNA or PKBα siRNA, incubated with insulin. Together, the results indicated that SGK3 is not required for insulin-induced PFK-2 activation and that this effect is likely mediated by PKBα.
Amoxicillin-bearing microparticles: potential in the treatment of Listeria monocytogenes infection in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Farazuddin Mohammad , Chauhan Arun , Khan Raza M.M. , Owais Mohammad
Published: August 2010

The present study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of amoxicillin-bearing HSA (human serum albumin) and PLGA [poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)] microparticles in combating Listeria monocytogenes infection in Swiss albino mice. Amoxicillin-bearing HSA microspheres were prepared by chemical cross-linking of a drug/albumin mixture with glutaraldehyde, and PLGA microspheres were prepared by the W/O/W (water-in-oil-in-water) emulsion technique. The microspheres were characterized for their size, ζ potential and entrapment efficiency using SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and a Zetasizer. Release kinetics was performed in a phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) at 37°C simulating physiological conditions. Bacterial burden in various vital organs and survival data established enhanced efficacy of PLGA and HSA microspheres as compared with free drug. Among the two delivery systems, PLGA microspheres, when compared with HSA microspheres, imparted better efficacy in terms of reduction in bacterial load as well as increase in survival. The results of the present study clearly demonstrate that microparticles successfully target the infected macrophages and the approach could be well exploited for targeting the intracellular pathogens as well.
Communication, Listening, Cognitive and Speech Perception Skills in Children With Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) or Specific Language Impairment (SLI)
Authors: Ferguson Melanie A. , Hall Rebecca L. , Riley Alison , Moore David R.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

Parental reports of communication, listening, and behavior in children receiving a clinical diagnosis of specific language impairment (SLI) or auditory processing disorder (APD) were compared with direct tests of intelligence, memory, language, phonology, literacy, and speech intelligibility. The primary aim was to identify whether there were differences between these characteristics in children with SLI or APD.

Method

Normally hearing children who were clinically diagnosed with SLI (n= 22) or APD (n= 19), and a quasirandom sample of mainstream school (MS) children (n= 47) aged 6–13 years, underwent tests of verbal and nonverbal IQ, digit span, nonsense word repetition, Spoonerisms, reading, grammar, and sentence and VCV nonword intelligibility. Parents completed questionnaires on the children’s communication, listening, and behavior.

Results

There was generally no difference between the performance of the children with SLI and the children with APD on the questionnaire and test measures, and both groups consistently and significantly underperformed compared with the children in the MS group. Speech intelligibility in both noise and quiet was unimpaired in the SLI and APD groups.

Conclusion

Despite clinical diagnoses of SLI or APD, the 2 groups of children had very similar behavioral and parental report profiles, suggesting that the children were differentially diagnosed based on their referral route rather than on actual differences.
The Effectiveness of Clear Speech as a Masker
Authors: Calandruccio Lauren , Van Engen Kristin , Dhar Sumitrajit , Bradlow Ann R.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

It is established that speaking clearly is an effective means of enhancing intelligibility. Because any signal-processing scheme modeled after known acoustic–phonetic features of clear speech will likely affect both target and competing speech, it is important to understand how speech recognition is affected when a competing speech signal is also spoken clearly. In 2 experiments, the authors investigated whether listeners would experience improved intelligibility when both target and nontarget speech were spoken clearly.

Method

Listeners' recognition of sentences in competing sounds was examined in 2 experiments. For both experiments, the target speech was spoken in conversational and clear styles. The competing sounds in Experiment 1 included 2-talker maskers spoken in conversational and clear styles of English or Croatian. The competing sounds in Experiment 2 included 1-talker maskers spoken in clear or conversational styles and temporally modulated white noise maskers shaped to mimic the 1-talker maskers.

Results

Performance increased for clear versus conversational targets. No significant differences were found between conversational and clear maskers.

Conclusions

If it were possible to implement clear speech through a listening device, it appears that listeners would still receive a clear-speech benefit, even if all sounds (including competing sounds) were (inadvertently) processed to be more clear.
Recognition of Rapid Speech by Blind and Sighted Older Adults
Authors: Gordon-Salant Sandra , Friedman Sarah A.
Published: August 2010

Purpose

To determine whether older blind participants recognize time-compressed speech better than older sighted participants.

Method

Three groups of adults with normal hearing participated (
n
= 10/group): (a) older sighted, (b) older blind, and (c) younger sighted listeners. Low-predictability sentences that were uncompressed (0% time compression ratio [TCR]) and compressed at 3 rates (40%, 50%, and 60% TCR) were presented to listeners in quiet and noise.

Results

Older blind listeners recognized all time-compressed speech stimuli significantly better than did older sighted listeners in quiet. In noise, the older blind adults recognized the uncompressed and 40% TCR speech stimuli better than did the older sighted adults. Performance differences between the younger sighted adults and older blind adults were not observed.

Conclusions

The findings support the notion that older blind adults recognize time-compressed speech considerably better than older sighted adults in quiet and noise. Their performance levels are similar to those of younger adults, suggesting that age-related difficulty in understanding time-compressed speech is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Instead, frequent listening to speech at rapid rates, which was highly correlated with performance of the older blind adults, may be a useful technique to minimize age-related slowing in speech understanding.
Fabrication and field emission study of atomically sharp high-density tungsten nanotip arrays
Authors: Sun Ke , Lee Jae Young , Li Biyun , Liu Wei , Miao Congqin , Xie Ya-Hong , Wei Xinyu , Russell Thomas P.
Published: August 2010

Atomically sharp high-density tungsten nanotip arrays are fabricated by nanocasting using a patterned SiO2 template. The fabrication involves mainly top-down processes making it fully compatible with today’s Si technology. The obtained tungsten nanotip arrays show atomically sharp tips (radius of curvature smaller than 1 nm), high emitter density (∼5×1010 cm−2), perfect tip alignment, and excellent field emission properties with a turn-on field of 2.1 V/μm and a field enhancement factor of 3334. The unique fabrication process flow leads to the highly uniform height of the W nanotips, allowing for submicron cathode-anode spacing, which very much relaxes the requirement of vacuum level and makes it possible for low vacuum operation.
Elastic moduli of beryllium versus temperature: Experimental data updating
Authors: Nadal Marie-Hélène , Bourgeois Ludivine
Published: August 2010

The evolution of the elastic moduli (Young modulus-E; adiabatic bulk modulus-BS and shear modulus-G and Poisson’s ratio-ν) in the temperature range T∊[300;1000] K or T/Tm∊[0.2;0.65] of isotropic polycrystalline beryllium samples was investigated using an ultrasonic method. The key point is to perform the relevant and consistent analysis of the complete set of elastic data taking account of the specific low values of ν (at ambient and at high temperature). The evolution of the elastic moduli is shown to be governed by the density evolution through the thermal expansion coefficient. Then, the elastic moduli versus temperature are accurately discussed and are at variance with the only known experimental data from 1972 [W. D. Rowland, J. Phys. F: Met. Phys. 2, 231 (1972)]. The analysis is completed by a comparison with computations performed by first-principle calculations [G. Robert et al. (unpublished)].
Thickness evaluation of InGaAs/InAlAs quantum wells
Authors: Kotera N. , Tanaka K. , Nakamura H. , Washima M.
Published: August 2010

This work proposes a new optoelectronic measurement of quantum well (QW) thickness and applies it to doped and undoped In0.53Ga0.47As/In0.52Al0.48As multiple-QW structures. Near-infrared spectroscopic identification of the interband optical transition at 100–300 K gave the eigenenergies of the conduction band in the QW. Evaluation of the QW thickness involved analysis of the effective mass at the corresponding eigenenergy. QW thicknesses in the range of 5.45–20.8 nm were determined in six different wafers. These thicknesses agreed well with the QW thicknesses estimated by double-crystal x-ray diffraction within almost two monolayers. This measurement was used to determine the distance of potential boundaries confining the electron wave functions.
Modeling of transient electrical characteristics for granular semiconductors
Authors: Varpula Aapo
Published: August 2010

Modeling of the electrical large-signal response of granular n-type semiconductors is carried out at following three different levels: (i) simple fully analytical model, (ii) semianalytical numerical model, and (iii) numerical device simulation. The electrical transients induced by both voltage and temperature changes are calculated. The analysis is based on the dynamic electrical model of the grain-boundary (GB) region, the drift-diffusion theory, and electronic trapping in the acceptor-type electronic interface states at the GBs. The electronic trapping is described using the standard rate equation. The models are verified by performing numerical device simulations using SILVACO ATLAS. The agreement between the proposed semianalytical model and ATLAS results is excellent during the whole transient and up to rather high electric fields. Compared to ATLAS, the calculations performed with the present semianalytical model are four orders of magnitude faster on a standard PC computer. The approximative analytical formulas describing the response are valid when the voltage and temperature changes are small. The semianalytical model is also fitted to reported experimental data obtained from dc and transient measurements of ZnO powder samples. The semianalytical model fits to the data well. The current in the GB region has following three components: potential-barrier limited current, charging and discharging current, and capacitive current. The results show that the large-signal transient responses of granular semiconductors are complex, as they vary highly in both duration and magnitude. During a transient the current can change many orders of magnitude. This is mainly caused by the change in the GB trap occupancy.
Time fractional development of quantum systems
Authors: Ertik Hüseyin , Demirhan Doğan , Şirin Hüseyin , Büyükkılıç Fevzi
Published: August 2010

In this study, the effect of time fractionalization on the development of quantum systems is taken under consideration by making use of fractional calculus. In this context, a Mittag–Leffler function is introduced as an important mathematical tool in the generalization of the evolution operator. In order to investigate the time fractional evolution of the quantum (nano) systems, time fractional forms of motion are obtained for a Schrödinger equation and a Heisenberg equation. As an application of the concomitant formalism, the wave functions, energy eigenvalues, and probability densities of the potential well and harmonic oscillator are time fractionally obtained via the fractional derivative order α, which is a measure of the fractality of time. In the case α=1, where time becomes homogenous and continuous, traditional physical conclusions are recovered. Since energy and time are conjugate to each other, the fractional derivative order α is relevant to time. It is understood that the fractionalization of time gives rise to energy fluctuations of the quantum (nano) systems.
Microwave-assisted transport via localized states in degenerately doped Si single electron transistors
Authors: Rossi A. , Hasko D. G.
Published: August 2010

Resonant microwave-assisted and dc transport are investigated in degenerately doped silicon single electron transistors. A model based on hopping via localized impurity states is developed and first used to explain both the dc temperature dependence and the ac response. In particular, the non-monotonic power dependence of the resonant current under irradiation is proved to be consistent with spatial Rabi oscillations between these localized states.
Structure and mechanism of proton transport through the transmembrane tetrameric M2 protein bundle of the influenza A virus
Authors: Acharya Rudresh , Carnevale Vincenzo , Fiorin Giacomo , Levine Benjamin G. , Polishchuk Alexei L. , Balannik Victoria , Samish Ilan , Lamb Robert A. , Pinto Lawrence H. , DeGrado William F. , Klein Michael L.
Published: August 2010

The M2 proton channel from influenza A virus is an essential protein that mediates transport of protons across the viral envelope. This protein has a single transmembrane helix, which tetramerizes into the active channel. At the heart of the conduction mechanism is the exchange of protons between the His37 imidazole moieties of M2 and waters confined to the M2 bundle interior. Protons are conducted as the total charge of the four His37 side chains passes through 2
+
and 3
+
with a pK

a

near 6. A 1.65 Å resolution X-ray structure of the transmembrane protein (residues 25–46), crystallized at pH 6.5, reveals a pore that is lined by alternating layers of sidechains and well-ordered water clusters, which offer a pathway for proton conduction. The His37 residues form a box-like structure, bounded on either side by water clusters with well-ordered oxygen atoms at close distance. The conformation of the protein, which is intermediate between structures previously solved at higher and lower pH, suggests a mechanism by which conformational changes might facilitate asymmetric diffusion through the channel in the presence of a proton gradient. Moreover, protons diffusing through the channel need not be localized to a single His37 imidazole, but instead may be delocalized over the entire His-box and associated water clusters. Thus, the new crystal structure provides a possible unification of the discrete site versus continuum conduction models.
Ideomotor effects of pitch on continuation tapping
Authors: Ammirante Paolo , Thompson William F. , Russo Frank A.
Published: August 2010

The ideomotor principle predicts that perception will modulate action where overlap exists between perceptual and motor representations of action. This effect is demonstrated with auditory stimuli. Previous perceptual evidence suggests that pitch contour and pitch distance in tone sequences may elicit tonal motion effects consistent with listeners’ implicit awareness of the lawful dynamics of locomotive bodies. To examine modulating effects of perception on action, participants in a continuation tapping task produced a steady tempo. Auditory tones were triggered by each tap. Pitch contour randomly and persistently varied within trials. Pitch distance between successive tones varied between trials. Although participants were instructed to ignore them, tones systematically affected finger dynamics and timing. Where pitch contour implied positive acceleration, the following tap and the intertap interval (ITI) that it completed were faster. Where pitch contour implied negative acceleration, the following tap and the ITI that it completed were slower. Tempo was faster with greater pitch distance. Musical training did not predict the magnitude of these effects. There were no generalized effects on timing variability. Pitch contour findings demonstrate how tonal motion may elicit the spontaneous production of accents found in expressive music performance.
How to do (or not to do) … a benefit incidence analysis
Authors: McIntyre Di , Ataguba John E
Published: August 2010

Benefit incidence analysis (BIA) considers who (in terms of socio-economic groups) receive what benefit from using health services. While traditionally BIA has focused on only publicly funded health services, to assess whether or not public subsidies are ‘pro-poor’, the same methodological approach can be used to assess how well the overall health system is performing in terms of the distribution of service benefits. This is becoming increasingly important in the context of the growing emphasis on promoting universal health systems. To conduct a BIA, a household survey dataset that incorporates both information on health service utilization and some measure of socio-economic status is required. The other core data requirement is unit costs of different types of health service. When utilization rates are combined with unit costs for different health services, the distribution of benefits from using services, expressed in monetary terms, can be estimated and compared with the distribution of the need for health care. This paper aims to provide an introduction to the methods used in the ‘traditional’ public sector BIA, and how the same methods can be applied to undertake an assessment of the whole health system. We consider what data are required, potential sources of data, deficiencies in data frequently available in low- and middle-income countries, and how these data should be analysed.
Variations in Pharmacology of β-Blockers May Contribute to Heterogeneous Results in Trials of Perioperative β-Blockade
Authors: Badgett Robert G. , Lawrence Valerie A. , Cohn Steven L.
Published: August 2010

Background

Randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses provide conflicting guidance on the role of beta-adrenergic receptor blockers (beta-blockers) in reducing perioperative complications. We hypothesize that variability in trial results may be due in part to heterogeneous properties of beta-blockers. First, we propose that the extent of beta-blocker metabolism by cytochrome P-450 and the time available to titrate the dosage before surgery (titration time) may interact; dependence on P-450 may be most harmful when titration time is short. Second, beta-blockers vary in their selectivity for the beta-1 receptor and reduced selectivity may contribute to cerebral ischemia.

Methods

We used meta-analysis and meta-regression of existing trials to explore the role of these pharmacological properties.

Results

We found that both of these pharmacological factors are significantly associated with reduced efficacy of beta-blockers.

Conclusions

Pharmacological properties of beta-blockers may contribute to heterogeneous trial results. Many trials have used metoprolol, which is extensively metabolized by cytochrome P450 and is less selective for the beta-1 receptor. For these two reasons, the efficacy of metoprolol to prevent perioperative cardiac complications should be compared with the efficacy of other beta-blockers.
In Vivo Fluorescence-mediated Tomography for Quantification of Urokinase Receptor-dependent Leukocyte Trafficking in Inflammation
Authors: Larmann Jan , Frenzel Tim , Hahnenkamp Anke , Herzog Christine , Lorenz Anika , Steinbicker Andrea U. , Calmer Simone , Harendza Thomas , Schmitz Martina , Echtermeyer Frank , Hildebrand Reinhard , Bremer Christoph , Theilmeier Gregor
Published: August 2010

Background

Inflammation is characterized by leukocyte recruitment. Macrophages and neutrophils contribute to tissue damage and organ dysfunction. Modulating leukocyte invasion can protect from these adverse effects. Leukocyte recruitment critically depends on the urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR). We here use a novel technique to longitudinally quantify cell trafficking in inflammatory models in live animals.

Methods

Near-infrared fluorophore-labeled leukocytes were adoptively transferred to mice with thioglycollate peritonitis to study leukocyte trafficking to sites of inflammation. Macrophage and neutrophil trafficking was followed with three-dimensional fluorescence-mediated-tomography. u-PAR-/- and wild-type macrophage recruitment was studied by cross-over adoptive cell transfer to elucidate the role of leukocytic versus u-PAR expressed on other cells. Endotoxic shock-induced pulmonary inflammation was used to study u-PARs role for pulmonary neutrophil recruitment.

Results

Mice experiencing peritonitis showed a significant increase in mean fluorescence intensity because of enhanced macrophage (315%, n=9-10), P<0.05) or neutrophil (194%, n=6, P<0.02) recruitment. Fluorescence-mediated-tomography uncovered a macrophage recruitment defect in the peritonitis model for u-PAR-/- mice (147% of baseline) compared with control mice (335% of baseline, n=8-9, P<0.05). When u-PAR-/--macrophages were transferred to wild-type mice fluorescence intensity increased to 145% while wild-type macrophage transfer into u-PAR-/- resulted in 192% increase compared with baseline (n=6, P<0.05). Reduced neutrophil recruitment in pulmonary inflammation in u-PAR-/- mice was accompanied by improved pulmonary gas exchange.

Conclusion

Using noninvasive in vivo fluorescence-mediated tomography to image leukocyte recruitment in inflammatory mouse models, we describe a novel macrophage recruitment defect in u-PAR-/- mice. Targeting u-PAR for modulation of leukocyte recruitment is a promising therapeutic strategy to ameliorate leukocyte induced tissue damage.
Taming the Ketamine Tiger
Authors: Domino Edward F. , Warner David S.
Published: August 2010

Pharmacologic actions of CI-581, a chemical derivative of phencyclidine, were determined in 20 volunteers from a prison population. The results indicate that this drug is an effective analgesic and anesthetic agent in doses of 1.0 to 2.0 mg per kilogram. With intravenous administration the onset of action is within 1 min and the effects last for about 5 to 10 min, depending on dosage level and individual variation. No tachyphylaxis was evident on repeat doses. Respiratory depression was slight and transient. Hypertension, tachycardia, and psychic changes are undesirable characteristics of the drug. Whether these can be modified by preanesthetic medication was not determined in this study. Recovery from analgesia and coma usually took place within 10 min, although from electroencephalographic evidence it may be assumed that subjects were not completely normal until after 1 to 2 h. No evidence of liver or kidney toxicity was obtained. CI-581 produces pharmacologic effects similar to those reported for phencyclidine, but of shorter duration. The drug deserves further pharmacologic and clinical trials. It is proposed that the words "dissociative anesthetic" be used to describe the mental state produced by this drug.
Mapping the epithelial-cell-binding domain of the Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans autotransporter adhesin Aae
Authors: Fine Daniel H. , Kaplan Jeffrey B. , Furgang David , Karched Maribasappa , Velliyagounder Kabilan , Yue Gang
Published: August 2010

The Gram-negative periodontopathogenAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans(Aa) binds selectively to buccal epithelial cells (BECs) of human and Old World primates by means of the outer-membrane autotransporter protein Aae. We speculated that the exposed N-terminal portion of the passenger domain of Aae would mediate binding to BECs. By using a series of plasmids that express full-length or truncated Aae proteins inEscherichia coli, we found that the BEC-binding domain of Aae was located in the N-terminal surface-exposed region of the protein, specifically in the region spanning amino acids 201–284 just upstream of the repeat region within the passenger domain. Peptides corresponding to amino acids 201–221, 222–238 and 201–240 were synthesized and tested for their ability to reduce Aae-mediated binding to BECs based on results obtained with truncated Aae proteins expressed inE. coli. BEC-binding ofE. coliexpressing Aae was reduced by as much as 50 % by pre-treatment of BECs with a 40-mer peptide (201–240; P40). Aae was also shown to mediate binding to cultured human epithelial keratinocytes (TW2.6), OBA9 and TERT, and endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Pre-treatment of epithelial cells with P40 resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in binding and reduced the binding of both full-length and truncated Aae proteins expressed inE. coli, as well as Aae expressed inAa. Fluorescently labelled P40 peptides reacted in a dose-dependent manner with BEC receptors. We propose that these proof-of-principle experiments demonstrate that peptides can be designed to interfere withAabinding mediated by host-cell receptors specific for Aae adhesins.
Activation of the latent PlcR regulon in Bacillus anthracis
Authors: Sastalla Inka , Maltese Lauren M. , Pomerantseva Olga M. , Pomerantsev Andrei P. , Keane-Myers Andrea , Leppla Stephen H.
Published: August 2010

Many genes in Bacillus cereus and Bacillus thuringiensis are under the control of the transcriptional regulator PlcR and its regulatory peptide, PapR. In Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent of anthrax, PlcR is inactivated by truncation, and consequently genes having PlcR binding sites are expressed at very low levels when compared with B. cereus. We found that activation of the PlcR regulon in B. anthracis by expression of a PlcR–PapR fusion protein does not alter sporulation in strains containing the virulence plasmid pXO1 and thereby the global regulator AtxA. Using comparative 2D gel electrophoresis, we showed that activation of the PlcR regulon in B. anthracis leads to upregulation of many proteins found in the secretome of B. cereus, including phospholipases and proteases, such as the putative protease BA1995. Transcriptional analysis demonstrated expression of BA1995 to be dependent on PlcR–PapR, even though the putative PlcR recognition site of the BA1995 gene does not exactly match the PlcR consensus sequence, explaining why this protein had escaped recognition as belonging to the PlcR regulon. Additionally, while transcription of major PlcR-dependent haemolysins, sphingomyelinase and anthrolysin O is enhanced in response to PlcR activation in B. anthracis, only anthrolysin O contributes significantly to lysis of human erythrocytes. In contrast, the toxicity of bacterial culture supernatants from a PlcR-positive strain towards murine macrophages occurred independently of anthrolysin O expression in vitro and in vivo.
Unexpected consequences of administering bacteriocinogenic probiotic strains for Salmonella populations, revealed by an in vitro colonic model of the child gut
Authors: Zihler Annina , Gagnon Mélanie , Chassard Christophe , Hegland Anita , Stevens Marc J. A. , Braegger Christian P. , Lacroix Christophe
Published: August 2010

New biological strategies for the treatment ofSalmonellainfection are needed in response to the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains.Escherichia coliL1000 andBifidobacterium thermophilumRBL67 were previously shown to produce antimicrobial proteinaceous compounds (microcin B17 and thermophilicin B67, respectively) activein vitroagainst a panel ofSalmonellastrains recently isolated from clinical cases in Switzerland. In this study, two three-stage intestinal continuous fermentation models ofSalmonellacolonization inoculated with immobilized faeces of a two-year-old child were implemented to study the effects of the two bacteriocinogenic strains compared with a bacteriocin-negative mutant of strain L1000 onSalmonellagrowth, as well as gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity. ImmobilizedE. coliL1000 added to the proximal colon reactor showed a low colonization, and developed preferentially in the distal colon reactor independent of the presence of genetic determinants for microcin B17 production. Surprisingly,E. coliL1000 addition strongly stimulatedSalmonellagrowth in all three reactors. In contrast,B. thermophilumRBL67 added in a second phase stabilized at high levels in all reactors, but could not inhibitSalmonellaalready present at a high level (>107c.f.u. ml−1) when the probiotic was added. Inulin added at the end of fermentation induced a strong bifidogenic effect in all three colon reactors and a significant increase ofSalmonellacounts in the distal colon reactor. Our data show that under the simulated child colonic conditions, the microcin B17 production phenotype does not correlate with inhibition ofSalmonellabut leads to a better colonization ofE. coliL1000 in the distal colon reactor. We conclude thatin vitromodels with complex and complete gut microbiota are required to accurately assess the potential and efficacy of probiotics with respect toSalmonellacolonization in the gut.
The education, treatment and handling of autistic children
Authors: NEWSON ELIZABETH
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The defining criteria for autism form a complex network, of impairments by virtue of their impingement on each other. To be effective, treatment and education must address this complexity. Some major problem areas that exercise anyone involved with autistic children are discussed from this standpoint, and the need to humanise a behavioural approach with lessons learned from research on intersubjectivity is stressed, A version of this paper was first given for the Netherlands Organisation for Post‐Academic Education in the Social Sciences, Amsterdam, 1986, and will be published in the relevant conference papers
Disability and social policy: an international perspective
Authors: FISH JOHN
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The paper presents a broad overview of the major issues facing those responsible for facilities and services for children and young people with disabilities. The author was associated with an OBCD/CERI project on transition from school to adult and working life and the discussion arises from that international experience. The paper draws attention to the need for statutory and voluntary agencies to work towards agreed objectives and for policies on disability to be an integral part of policies for all children and young people
Echoes of the present?: The politics and policy of child support 1945–70
Authors: McCARTHY MICHAEL
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Child poverty has been an emotive and political issue for many years. This article sets out to look at the concepts of poverty—both absolute and relative. It then analyses government and political party attitudes to poverty from 1945–70, concluding that little has been achieved, particularly for the poorer and larger. families. In drawing out lessons for the present day, the paper argues that assumptions about the causes of poverty and ways of tackling it need to be questioned before progress can be made.

This article is based on material contained in Michael

McCarthy's 1986 book Campaigning for the Poor: CPAG and the Politics of Welfare. It appears here by permission of the publishers, Croom Helm.
Work, family and the care of children: issues of equality and responsibility
Authors: MOSS PETER
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The current growth in women's employment, particularly among women with young children, gives new prominence to an issue of major political, economic and social importance, involving men as well as women and children: the relationship between paid work and family responsibilities and how to reconcile these demands without creating inequalities or stress for children or parents, especially mothers. The paper considers the Government's response to this development, arguing that it should be taking a strategic or leadership role, working in active partnership with employers, trades unions, local authorities, voluntary organisations and parents. Examples from Sweden, Spain and New Zealand are given to illustrate this alternative approach
Towards a school health service for adolescents: the teacher‐health worker team
Authors: WRITING KAREN A.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. This article argues for a re‐examination of the health service available to adolescents within schools so that it continues to meet needs, and is not duplicating services offered elsewhere. The author describes a two term trial of a successful model of working based on the early identification by teachers of adolescents with problems, their early assessment by the school doctor and joint planning of subsequent management by health, education and social work personnel. A large number of problems are identified and tackled with benefit to the teachers and doctor, as well as to the adolescents and their families
Introduction of a child sexual abuse policy in a health district
Authors: ANDERSON SALLY E. , YOUNGSON SHEILA C.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Three one day workshops for 40 senior clinical staff were held to introduce a new Operational Policy on Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and to provide them with a teaching package to enable them to run ‘cascade’ teaching sessions for other staff and colleagues. Part I of this paper describes an evaluation of the workshop; Part II describes an evaluation of the cascade

The workshop evaluation showed that knowledge about CSA and policy issues was already good, but although that knowledge did improve after the workshop, attitudes about sexual behaviour were not changed by the workshop. Evaluation of the cascade also showed an increase in knowledge after the dissemination exercise
Central Scotland's joint police and social work initiative in child abuse: an evaluation
Authors: BROWN LOUISE , FULLER ROGER
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. The previous article in this issue described the joint police and social work initiative in Central Region for the investigation of child abuse allegations from the point of view of a social work manager. This paper sets out the main findings of an independent evaluative study of the same scheme, focusing on its impact on the way investigations were handled, the aspiration to make procedures more child‐centred, and the development in practice of the concept of co‐ordination. The study, described more fully in Brown and Fuller (1991), was carried out by the Social Work Research Centre, University of Stirling, and funded by the Social Work Services Group of the Scottish Office.
The Child Client
Authors: Young Ian
Published: August 2010

In court cases involving children the child is often a party to proceedings and is thus entitled to Legal Aid and representation by a solicitor. This representation of the child happens not just in youth courts under the Criminal Justice Act 1991 but also in Family Courts in proceedings under the Children Act 1989. This article looks at how a solicitor ascertains whether a child client is competent to give instructions and offers information on the techniques employed by the solicitor in communicating with the child, especially in proceedings under the Children Act.
Speaking Out: Setting Up a Forum of Young Users
Authors: McCaughan Nano
Published: August 2010

In this article the author describes the establishment of a series of initiatives to enable young people leaving care to express their views and to make some attempt to gain a hearing from those with power. The process was not without its pitfalls, but the paper demonstrates that voluntary organisations can show how the empowerment of young people can help them, even if their effectiveness in changing the ‘system’ is limited‐as indeed it is for most adults.
The Impact of the National Child Development Study
Authors: Davie Ron
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. For the first 20 years of the National Children's Bureau's life, the massive and many‐sided National Child Development Study was the flagship of the Bureau's research. The Study's impact on policy and practice was very considerable and it also earned itself an international reputation scientifically. This article highlights some of the study's major findings in education, health and social policy over the period when the 15,000 or so children involved were still at school
Changes in the Family
Authors: Halsey A.H.
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY. Written during a period of rapid change, this paper analyses a number of factors which are combining to create a changing world for children. Demographic trends are leading to lower fertility, declining populations and increasing longevity; the norms of traditional family life are weakening with increases in marital breakdown, single parenthood and births outside marriage; and this is compounded by a deterioration in the support services of the welfare state. It is argued that parents cannot escape responsibility for their children, but as increasingly individualistic value systems give greater freedom to adults, it is suggested that these gains might be at the expense of the children. The paper concludes by looking at possibilities for change, so that the quality of childhood essential to civilisation may be restored.
Rethinking Partnerships Between Parents and Professionals
Authors: Mittler Peter
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: The declaration by the United Nations of 1994 as the International Year of the Family provides a good opportunity to make a fresh start in re‐examining policy and practice from first principles. The time seems ripe for a wholesale reappraisal of relationships between families and professionals in the field of intellectual (learning) disability. Members of an International Year of the Family Task Force established by the International League of Societies for Persons with Mental Handicap (Inclusion International) collected around 100 family stories from families around the world who had a relative with an intellectual disability. These family stories indicated that families are not satisfied with the information they are given, the attitudes of professionals, service planners and providers or with the nature and quality of support which they are receiving. Families are asserting their rights as citizens and consumers and they want to see changes. This paper summarises some directions for change.
Accounting for Exclusion: Giving a ‘Voice’ and producing a ‘subject’
Authors: Marks Deborah
Published: August 2010

SUMMARY: This article examines a series of accounts of exclusion given by pupils and a teacher in interviews and a group discussion. It is argued that it is important to hear pupils' experiences. However, it is recognised that it is never possible to access an experience directly, since the process of research alway shapes the way an account is constructed. This does not invalidate the research, since it is argued that the way pupils relate to the interviewer and the way they talk about their exclusion seemed indirectly to reflect important differences in the way exclusion is experienced. Specifically, two ways of managing exclusion were identified by pupils: some pupils protested about being excluded and welcomed the invitation to tell their story. Others distanced themselves from the event, by speaking of their exclusion in objective and concrete terms. These styles of accounting are compared to the way in which the head teacher discusses the topic of exclusion.