bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phonological awareness and oral language proficiency in learning to read English among Chinese kindergarten children in Hong Kong
Authors: Yeung Susanna S. , Chan Carol K. K. 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundLearning to read is very challenging for Hong Kong children who learn English as a second language (ESL), as they must acquire two very different writing systems, beginning at the age of three. Few studies have examined the role of phonological awareness at the subsyllabic levels, oral language proficiency, and L1 tone awareness in L2 English reading among Hong Kong ESL kindergarteners.AimsThis study aims to investigate L1 and L2 phonological awareness and oral language proficiency as predictors of English reading among children with Chinese as L1.SampleOne hundred and sixty‐one typically developing children with a mean age of 5.16 (SD=.35) selected from seven preschools in Hong Kong.MethodParticipants were assessed for English reading, English and Chinese phonological awareness at different levels, English oral language skills, and letter naming ability.ResultsHierarchical regression analyses indicated that both oral language proficiency and phonological awareness measures significantly predicted L2 word reading, when statistically controlled for age and general intelligence. Among various phonological awareness units, L2 phonemic awareness was the best predictor of L2 word reading. Cross‐language transfer was shown with L1 phonological awareness at the tone level, uniquely predicting L2 word reading.ConclusionsThe present findings show the important role of phonological awareness at the subsyllabic levels (rime and phoneme) and oral language proficiency in the course of L2 reading development in Chinese ESL learners. The significant contribution of L1 tone awareness to L2 reading suggests that phonological sensitivity is a general competence that ESL children need to acquire in early years. The findings have significant implications for understanding L2 reading development and curriculum development.
Academic self‐efficacy in study‐related skills and behaviours: Relations with learning‐related emotions and academic success
Authors: Putwain Dave , Sander Paul , Larkin Derek 
Published: September 2012

BackgroundAcademic self‐efficacy, when operationalized as mastery over domain‐specific knowledge, has been found to be a predictor of academic achievement and emotions. Although academic emotions are also a predictor of academic achievement, there is limited evidence for reciprocal relations with academic achievement.AimsTo examine whether academic self‐efficacy, when operationalized as confidence in study‐related skills and behaviours, is also a predictor of academic achievement and emotions and to test reciprocal relations between academic emotions and achievement.SampleTwo hundred and six first‐year undergraduate students.MethodsAcademic self‐efficacy was measured at the beginning of the first semester and learning‐related emotions (LREs) at the beginning of the second semester. Academic performance was aggregated across assessments in semester one and semester two.ResultsSelf‐efficacy in study‐related skills and behaviours predicted: (1) better semester one academic performance and (2) more pleasant and fewer unpleasant LREs at the beginning of the second semester directly and (3) indirectly through semester one academic performance. Reciprocal relations between academic performance and emotions were supported, but only for pleasant emotions.ConclusionsSelf‐efficacy in study‐related skills was the critical academic self‐efficacy variable in this study. It may play an important role in maintaining challenge appraisals to maintain pleasant emotions and better academic performance. Accordingly, practitioners in higher education may wish to consider the value of assessing and developing students' self‐efficacy in relation to their independent study skills.
Apoplastic Na+ in Vicia faba Leaves Rises After Short‐Term Salt Stress and Is Remedied by Silicon
Authors: Shahzad M. , Zörb C. , Geilfus C.‐M. , Mühling K. H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSalinity primarily affects plants by inhibiting shoot growth. Salt‐sensitive plants have been suggested to accumulate Na+ within their leaf apoplast under salinity, leading to a reduced water status. Evidence related to apoplastic Na+ accumulation is still enigmatic. We have focused on the effect of a short‐term salt treatment by using the salt‐sensitive Vicia faba. Moreover, we have examined the role of silicon in alleviating sodium accumulation in the apoplast. Salt‐sensitive field beans have been subjected to increasing levels of salinity, with and without the addition of silicon under hydroponic conditions. We have demonstrated that the dicot Vicia faba exhibits a rise in Na+ concentration in the leaf apoplast at higher salinity levels; this is significantly ameliorated by the addition of silicon. Further, enhanced shoot growth under high salt treatment in the presence of added silicon is correlated with a significant decrease in Na+ concentration in the leaves. The novelty of the current study is the detection of a high Na+ concentration in the leaf apoplast of the salt‐sensitive dicot field bean. Our results support Oertli's hypothesis that extracellular salt accumulation can lead to wilting leaves, plant growth reduction and cell death.
Photoactivated disinfection using light‐emitting diode as an adjunct in the management of chronic periodontitis: a pilot double‐blind split‐mouth randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bassir Seyed H. , Moslemi Neda , Jamali Raika , Mashmouly Samira , Fekrazad Reza , Chiniforush Nasim , Shamshiri Ahmad R. , Nowzari Hessam 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimThis split‐mouth double‐masked randomized controlled clinical study evaluated the effectiveness of photoactivated disinfection (PAD) using light‐emitting diode (LED) as an adjunct in the management of patients affected by moderate to severe chronic periodontitis.Materials and MethodsSixteen patients affected by moderate to severe chronic periodontitis were enrolled. After scaling and root planing (SRP), each quadrant was assigned to one of the following groups: LED group (625–635 nm, maximum power density: 2000 mW/cm2), photosensitizer group (tolouidine blue O, 0.1 mg/ml), PAD group (photosensitizer and LED) and control group (no adjunctive treatment). The adjunctive treatments were repeated after 7 and 14 days. The clinical parameters of bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were measured at baseline and 1 and 3 months after SRP.ResultsAt 1 and 3 months, all groups showed significant improvements with regard to all clinical parameters compared to baseline (all p: <0.001). There were no significant differences among groups in terms of changes of clinical parameters in any time interval (all p > 0.05).ConclusionThe application of PAD using LED with the current setting did not have additional effects on clinical parameters in patients diagnosed with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis compared with SRP alone.
Nitric oxide‐mediated regulation of ‐amyloid clearance via alterations of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1
Authors: Ridnour Lisa A. , Dhanapal Sneha , Hoos Michael , Wilson Joan , Lee Jennifer , Cheng Robert Y. S. , Brueggemann Ernst E. , Hines Harry B. , Wilcock Donna M. , Vitek Michael P. , Wink David A. , Colton Carol A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFibrillar amyloid plaques are largely composed of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) peptides that are metabolized into products, including Aβ1‐16, by proteases including matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP‐9). The balance between production and degradation of Aβ proteins is critical to amyloid accumulation and resulting disease. Regulation of MMP‐9 and its endogenous inhibitor tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)‐1 by nitric oxide (NO) has been shown. We hypothesize that nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) protects against Alzheimer's disease pathology by increasing amyloid clearance through NO regulation of MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 balance. We show NO‐mediated increased MMP‐9/TIMP‐1 ratios enhanced the degradation of fibrillar Aβ in vitro, which was abolished when silenced for MMP‐9 protein translation. The in vivo relationship between MMP‐9, NO and Aβ degradation was examined by comparing an Alzheimer's disease mouse model that expresses NOS2 with a model lacking NOS2. To quantitate MMP‐9 mediated changes, we generated an antibody recognizing the Aβ1‐16 fragment, and used mass spectrometry multi‐reaction monitoring assay for detection of immunoprecipitated Aβ1‐16 peptides. Aβ1‐16 levels decreased in brain lysates lacking NOS2 when compared with strains that express human amyloid precursor protein on the NOS2 background. TIMP‐1 increased in the APPSwDI/NOS2−/− mice with decreased MMP activity and increased amyloid burden, thereby supporting roles for NO in the regulation of MMP/TIMP balance and plaque clearance.
A nicotinic acetylcholine receptor transmembrane point mutation (G275E) associated with resistance to spinosad in Frankliniella occidentalis
Authors: Puinean Alin M. , Lansdell Stuart J. , Collins Toby , Bielza Pablo , Millar Neil S. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractHigh levels of resistance to spinosad, a macrocyclic lactone insecticide, have been reported previously in western flower thrips, Frankliniella occidentalis, an economically important insect pest of vegetables, fruit and ornamental crops. We have cloned the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit from F. occidentalis (Foα6) and compared the nucleotide sequence of Foα6 from susceptible and spinosad‐resistant insect populations (MLFOM and R1S respectively). A single nucleotide change has been identified in Foα6, resulting in the replacement of a glycine (G) residue in susceptible insects with a glutamic acid (E) in resistant insects. The resistance‐associated mutation (G275E) is predicted to lie at the top of the third α‐helical transmembrane domain of Foα6. Although there is no direct evidence identifying the location of the spinosad binding site, the analogous amino acid in the C. elegans glutamate‐gated chloride channel lies in close proximity (4.4 Å) to the known binding site of ivermectin, another macrocyclic lactone pesticide. The functional consequences of the resistance‐associated mutation have been examined in the human nAChR α7 subunit. Introduction of an analogous (A272E) mutation in α7 abolishes the modulatory effects of spinosad whilst having no significant effect upon activation by acetylcholine, consistent with spinosad having an allosteric mechanism of action.
Role of TrkB expression in rat adrenal gland during acute immobilization stress
Authors: Kondo Yusuke , To Masahiro , Saruta Juri , Hayashi Takashi , Sugiyama Hiroki , Tsukinoki Keiichi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractExpression of tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB), a receptor for brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), is markedly elevated in the adrenal medulla during immobilization stress. Catecholamine release was confirmed in vitro by stimulating chromaffin cells with recombinant BDNF. We investigated the role of TrkB and the localization of BDNF in the adrenal gland during immobilization stress for 60 min. Blood catecholamine levels increased after stimulation with TrkB expressed in the adrenal medulla during 60‐min stress; however, blood catecholamine levels did not increase in adrenalectomized rats. Furthermore, expression of BDNF mRNA and protein was detected in the adrenal medulla during 60‐min stress. Similarly, in rats undergoing sympathetic nerve block with propranolol, BDNF mRNA and protein were detected in the adrenal medulla during 60‐min stress. These results suggest that signal transduction of TrkB in the adrenal medulla evokes catecholamine release. In addition, catecholamine release was evoked by both the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and autocrine signaling by BDNF in the adrenal gland. BDNF–TrkB interaction may play a role in a positive feedback loop in the adrenal medulla during immobilization stress.
Involvement of WalK (VicK) phosphatase activity in setting WalR (VicR) response regulator phosphorylation level and limiting cross‐talk in Streptococcus pneumoniaeD39 cells
Authors: Wayne Kyle J. , Li Shuo , Kazmierczak Krystyna M. , Tsui Ho‐Ching T. , Winkler Malcolm E. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWalRK (YycFG) two‐component systems (TCSs) of low‐GC Gram‐positive bacteria play critical roles in regulating peptidogylcan hydrolase genes involved in cell division and wall stress responses. The WalRK (VicRK) TCSs of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and other Streptococcus species show numerous differences with those of other low‐GC species. Notably, the pneumococcal WalK sensor kinase is not essential for normal growth in culture, unlike its homologues in Bacillus and Staphylococcus species. The WalK sensor kinase possesses histidine autokinase activity and mediates dephosphorylation of phosphorylated WalR∼P response regulator. To understand the contributions of these two WalK activities to pneumococcal growth, we constructed and characterized a set of walK kinase and phosphatase mutants in biochemical reactions and in cells. We identified an amino acid substitution in WalK that significantly reduces phosphatase activity, but not other activities. Comparisons were made between WalRK regulon expression levels and WalR∼P amounts in cells determined by Phos‐tag SDS‐PAGE. Reduction of WalK phosphatase activity resulted in nearly 90% phosphorylation to WalR∼P, consistent with the conclusion that WalK phosphatase is strongly active in exponentially growing cells. WalK phosphatase activity was also shown to depend on the WalK PAS domain and to limit cross‐talk and the recovery of WalR∼P from walK+ cells.
Determinants of substrate specificity and biochemical properties of the sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate ATP binding cassette transporter (UgpB–AEC2) of Escherichia coli
Authors: Wuttge Steven , Bommer Martin , Jäger Franziska , Martins Berta M. , Jacob Sophie , Licht Anke , Scheffel Frank , Dobbek Holger , Schneider Erwin 
Published: September 2012

SummaryUnder phosphate starvation conditions, Escherichia coli can utilize sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate (G3P) and G3P diesters as phosphate source when transported by an ATP binding cassette importer composed of the periplasmic binding protein, UgpB, the transmembrane subunits, UgpA and UgpE, and a homodimer of the nucleotide binding subunit, UgpC. The current knowledge on the Ugp transporter is solely based on genetic evidence and transport assays using intact cells. Thus, we set out to characterize its properties at the level of purified protein components. UgpB was demonstrated to bind G3P and glycerophosphocholine with dissociation constants of 0.68 ± 0.02 μM and 5.1 ± 0.3 μM, respectively, while glycerol‐2‐phosphate (G2P) is not a substrate. The crystal structure of UgpB in complex with G3P was solved at 1.8 Å resolution and revealed the interaction with two tryptophan residues as key to the preferential binding of linear G3P in contrast to the branched G2P. Mutational analysis validated the crucial role of Trp‐169 for G3P binding. The purified UgpAEC2 complex displayed UgpB/G3P‐stimulated ATPase activity in proteoliposomes that was neither inhibited by phosphate nor by the signal transducing protein PhoU or the phosphodiesterase UgpQ. Furthermore, a hybrid transporter composed of MalFG–UgpC could be functionally reconstituted while a UgpAE–MalK complex was unstable.
Epidural blood patches are effective for postdural puncture headache in pediatrics – a 10‐year experience
Authors: Kokki Merja , Sjövall Sari , Kokki Hannu 
Published: September 2012

SummaryBackgroundPostdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a relatively common complication after lumbar punctures (LP). If conservative treatment is not sufficient within a few days and the symptoms are severe, an epidural blood patch (EBP) may be performed.AimA chart review to evaluate the need and effectiveness of EBPs in children and adolescents over a 10‐year period at Kuopio University Hospital (KUH) and Satakunta Central Hospital (SCH).MethodsThe information system patient measures databases were reviewed to identify patients who had received an EBP. Then, the pediatric patients' medical records were compared to the characteristics of the PDPH and associated symptoms and were evaluated for the effectiveness of EBPs.ResultsForty‐two EBPs were performed in 41 patients (24 girls, 17 boys), 26 at KUH and 15 at SCH. Five patients, all at KUH, were children aged 3–12 years, and 36 patients were adolescents, aged 13–18 years. The indications for LPs were diagnostic (n = 26), spinal anesthesia/analgesia (n = 11), or introduction of chemotherapy (n = 2), and four patients developed PDPH after an inadvertent dural puncture with an epidural needle. The first EBP provided a complete relief of symptoms in 37 children, an initial success rate of 90%, and permanent relief in 85%. At KUH, the need for EBPs after spinal anesthesia/analgesia was <1/1000 in children and 2–3/1000 in adolescents, and that after chemotherapy 1–2/1000. No serious adverse effects related to EBPs were recorded.ConclusionIf PDPH symptoms are severe and are not relieved with conservative treatment, EBP is a highly effective procedure in pediatric patients.
From Ethnic Nationalisms to Clashing Civilizations: Reconfigurations of (Un)Civil Religion in an Era of Globalization
Authors: Busher Joel 
Published: September 2012

AbstractOne of the main questions currently facing scholars of civil religion is how civil religions, and in particular national civil religions, are being reconfigured in response to the contemporary repositioning of the nation state within the supra‐national political, economic, legal and cultural orders entailed by globalization. This article first surveys some of the main arguments to emerge from the civil religion literature in this regard. It then contributes to these debates by outlining how current reconfigurations of national civil religion manifest in the case of a protest movement called the English Defence League (EDL). Specifically, this article describes how rituals and symbols of national belonging have, at least for adherents and supporters of this group, been reinvigorated by infusing them with symbols that invoke notions of civilizational belonging and are replete with references to an imminent “clash of civilizations.”
RNA polymerase V targets transcriptional silencing components to promoters of protein‐coding genes
Authors: Zheng Qi , Rowley M. Jordan , Böhmdorfer Gudrun , Sandhu Davinder , Gregory Brian D. , Wierzbicki Andrzej T. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryTranscriptional gene silencing controls transposons and other repetitive elements through RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) and heterochromatin formation. A key component of the Arabidopsis RdDM pathway is ARGONAUTE4 (AGO4), which associates with siRNAs to mediate DNA methylation. Here, we show that AGO4 preferentially targets transposable elements embedded within promoters of protein‐coding genes. This pattern of AGO4 binding cannot be simply explained by the sequences of AGO4‐bound siRNAs; instead, AGO4 binding to specific gene promoters is also mediated by long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) produced by RNA polymerase V. lncRNA‐mediated AGO4 binding to gene promoters directs asymmetric DNA methylation to these genomic regions and is involved in regulating the expression of targeted genes. Finally, AGO4 binding overlaps sites of DNA methylation affected by the biotic stress response. Based on these findings, we propose that the targets of AGO4‐directed RdDM are regulatory units responsible for controlling gene expression under specific environmental conditions.
Nuclear ubiquitin proteasome degradation affects WRKY45 function in the rice defense program
Authors: Matsushita Akane , Inoue Haruhiko , Goto Shingo , Nakayama Akira , Sugano Shoji , Hayashi Nagao , Takatsuji Hiroshi 
Published: September 2012

SummaryThe transcriptional activator WRKY45 plays a major role in the salicylic acid/benzothiadiazole‐induced defense program in rice. Here, we show that the nuclear ubiquitin–proteasome system (UPS) plays a role in regulating the function of WRKY45. Proteasome inhibitors induced accumulation of polyubiquitinated WRKY45 and transient up‐regulation of WRKY45 target genes in rice cells, suggesting that WRKY45 is constantly degraded by the UPS to suppress defense responses in the absence of defense signals. Mutational analysis of the nuclear localization signal indicated that UPS‐dependent WRKY45 degradation occurs in the nuclei. Interestingly, the transcriptional activity of WRKY45 after salicylic acid treatment was impaired by proteasome inhibition. The same C‐terminal region in WRKY45 was essential for both transcriptional activity and UPS‐dependent degradation. These results suggest that UPS regulation also plays a role in the transcriptional activity of WRKY45. It has been reported that AtNPR1, the central regulator of the salicylic acid pathway in Arabidopsis, is regulated by the UPS. We found that OsNPR1/NH1, the rice counterpart of NPR1, was not stabilized by proteasome inhibition under uninfected conditions. We discuss the differences in post‐translational regulation of salicylic acid pathway components between rice and Arabidopsis.