bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel apparatus/protocol designed for optogenetic manipulation and recording of individual neurons during a motivation and working memory task in the rodent
Authors: Dolzani Samuel , Cooper Donald 
Published: April 2012

AbstractInnovative molecular tools allow neuroscientists to study neural circuitry associated with specific behaviors. Consequently, behavioral methods must be developed to interface with these new molecular tools in order for neuroscientists to identify the causal elements underlying behavior and decision-making processes. Here we present an apparatus and protocol for a novel Go/No-Go behavioral paradigm to study the brain attention and motivation/reward circuitry in awake, head-restrained rodents. This experimental setup allows: (1) Painless and stable restraint of the head and body; (2) Rapid acquisition to simple or complex operant tasks; (3) Repeated electrophysiological single and multiple unit recordings during ongoing behavior; (4) Pharmacological and viral manipulation of various brain regions via targeted guide cannula, and; (5) Optogenetic cell-type specific activation and silencing with simultaneous electrophysiological recording. In addition to the experimental advantages, the head-restraint system is relatively inexpensive and training parameters can be easily modulated to the specifications of the experimenter. The system runs on custom LabView software. In summary, our novel apparatus and protocol allows researchers to study and manipulate components of behavior, such as motivation, impulsivity, and reward-related working memory during an ongoing operant behavioral task without interference from non task-related behaviors. For more information on the custom apparatus, software or to collaborate please visit www.neuro-cloud.net/nature-precedings/dolzani.
Is There a Cognate Advantage for Typically Developing Spanish-Speaking English-Language Learners?
Authors: Kelley Alaina , Kohnert Kathryn 
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Cross-linguistic cognates are words that share form and meaning in two languages (e.g.,
helicopter
–
helicóptero
); translation equivalents are words that share meaning but not form (e.g.,
house
–
casa
). Research consistently demonstrates a performance speed and/or accuracy advantage for processing cognates versus noncognates in bilingual adults; studies with children are limited, with equivocal results. We investigated the potential for a cognate advantage for processing expressive and receptive vocabulary in the spoken (vs. written) modality in typically developing Spanish-speaking English-language learners (ELLs).

Method
Thirty 8- to 13-year-old native Spanish-speaking children learning English as their second language completed standardized vocabulary tests in spoken English. Each test item was classified as a cognate or noncognate based on phonological overlap with its Spanish translation. Group and individual analyses were used to examine the effects of cognates.

Results
At the group level, children’s test scores were higher for items that were classified as cognates as compared to noncognates of comparable difficulty. However, not all children demonstrated this cognate advantage. Age predicted significant amounts of variance in cognate performance on the receptive test.

Conclusion
Overall, typically developing Spanish-speaking school-age ELL students demonstrated a cognate advantage. There was also considerable within-group variation in performance. Clinical implications are discussed, and directions for future study are provided.
Dialect-Neutral Indices of Narrative Cohesion and Evaluation
Authors: Burns Frances A. , de Villiers Peter A. , Pearson Barbara Z. , Champion Tempii B. 
Published: April 2012

PurposeThis study compared the development of essential elements of narrative skill in children from African American English (AAE)- and general American English (GAE)-speaking communities using an innovative elicitation and evaluation protocol consisting of four key indices of narrative language: (a) reference contrasting, (b) temporal expressions, (c) mental state descriptions, and (d) understanding of behavior based on false belief.MethodParticipants were 291 AAE speakers and 238 GAE speakers, 4 to 9 years of age. Approximately one-third of both dialect groups were identified as having language impairments. Children generated 2 stories based on short picture sequences. Their stories were coded for the 4 key indices of narrative language. Analyses of variance were performed with subsets of the measures and a composite index with all measures combined as outcomes; and with age, dialect group, and clinical status as predictors.ResultsAge and clinical status had statistically significant effects on the subset measures and the composite score. Variation between AAE and GAE dialect was not a significant factor.ConclusionBy focusing on dialect-neutral elements of narratives—creating links across sentences and providing mental state interpretations—this study adds to our knowledge of development and impairment in narrative production among both AAE- and GAE-background children.
Developmental Trajectory for Production of Prosody: Lexical Stress Contrastivity in Children Ages 3 to 7 Years and in Adults
Authors: Ballard Kirrie J. , Djaja Danica , Arciuli Joanne , James Deborah G. H. , van Doorn Jan 
Published: April 2012

Purpose

Accurate production of lexical stress within English polysyllabic words is critical for intelligibility and is affected in many speech-language disorders. However, models of speech production remain underspecified with regard to lexical stress. In this study, the authors report a large-scale acoustic investigation of lexical stress production in typically developing Australian English–speaking children ages 3–7 years (
n
= 73) compared with young adults (
n
= 24).

Method

Participants named pictures of highly familiar strong–weak and weak–strong polysyllabic words. Of 388 productions, 325 met criteria for acoustic measurement. Relative vowel duration, peak intensity, and peak
f
0
over the first two syllables were measured.

Result

Lexical stress was marked consistently by duration and intensity but not
f
0
. Lexical stress on strong–weak words was adultlike by 3 years. All 3 measures showed significant differences between adults and children for weak–strong words still present at 7 years.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that protracted development of weak–strong stress production reflects physiological constraints on producing short articulatory durations and rising intensity contours. Findings validate treatment that is centered on strong–weak stress production for children ≥ 3 years with dysprosody. Although intervention for the production of weak–strong words may be initiated before age 7 years, reference to normative acoustic data is preferable to relying on perceptual judgments of accuracy.
Fish Handling and Ultrasound Procedures for Viewing the Ovary of Submersed, Nonanesthetized, Unrestrained Channel Catfish
Authors: Guitreau Amy M , Eilts Bruce E , Novelo Noel D , Tiersch Terrence R 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
This study addressed the development of rapid, straightforward, and minimally stressful procedures for the ultrasound imaging of ovaries of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in a commercial hatchery setting. The objectives were to (1) describe the ultrasound imaging equipment and settings used, (2) describe the fish handling procedures during imaging, and (3) illustrate image orientation with respect to the physical positioning of the probe and the catfish. Ultrasound images of the ovaries of channel catfish were recorded as digital video recordings (audio video interleave format) and as still images (ultrasound image format files). This study integrated the use of nonanesthetized, submersed fish within a recirculating tank system or portable container and a submersed waterproof probe, which enabled us to use water as a transmission medium for ultrasound. This allowed us to image the fish in ventral recumbency (upright swimming position) without using a physical restraint in the tank system, or by positioning the fish in the portable container by adjusting the position of its caudal peduncle with one hand and that of the probe with the other hand. The ease of using this technique allows it to be employed as a systematic method for fish handling under laboratory and hatchery conditions. The detailed ultrasound imaging procedures and instrument control settings reported can be used in future testing, improvement, and standardization of procedures for viewing ovaries in channel catfish and potentially other species.
Peroxiredoxin‐1, a possible target in modulating inflammatory cytokine production in macrophage like cell line RAW264.7
Authors: Tae Lim Young , Sup Song Dong , Joon Won Tae , Lee Yun‐Jung , Yoo Jong‐Sun , Eun Hyung Kyeong , Won Yoon Joo , Park So‐Young , Woo Hwang Kwang 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTPeroxiredoxin (PRX), a scavenger of H2O2 and alkyl hydroperoxides in living organisms, protects cells from oxidative stress. Contrary to its known anti‐oxidant roles, the involvement of PRX‐1 in the regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) signaling is poorly understood, possible immunological functions of PRX‐1 having been uncovered only recently. In the present study, it was discovered that the PRX‐1 deficient macrophage like cell line (RAW264.7) has anti‐inflammatory activity when stimulated by LPS. Treatment with LPS for 3 hrs resulted in increased gene expression of an anti‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), in PRX‐1 knock down RAW264.7 cells. Gene expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and tumor necrosis factor‐ α (TNF‐α) did not show notable changes under the same conditions. However, production of these cytokines significantly decreased in PRX‐1 knock down RAW264.7 cells with 12 hrs of stimulation. Production of IL‐10 was also increased in PRX‐1 knock down RAW264.7 cells with 12 hrs of stimulation. We predicted that higher concentrations of IL‐10 would result in decreased expression of IL‐1β and TNF‐α in PRX‐1 knock‐down cells. This was confirmed by blocking IL‐10, which reestablished IL‐1β and TNF‐α secretion. We also observed that increased concentrations of IL‐10 do not affect the NF‐κB pathway. Interestingly, STAT3 phosphorylation by LPS stimulation was significantly increased in PRX‐1 knockdown RAW264.7 cells. Up‐regulation of IL‐10 in PRX‐1 knockdown cells and the resulting downregulation of proinflammatory cytokine production seem to involve the STAT3 pathway in macrophages. Thus, down‐regulation of PRX‐1 may contribute to the suppression of adverse effects caused by excessive activation of macrophages through affecting the STAT3 signaling pathway.
Herpes simplex virus US3 protein kinase regulates host responses and determines neurovirulence
Authors: Mori Isamu 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe US3 of HSV encodes a serine/threonine protein kinase that is highly conserved among members of the alphaherpesviruses. It is an accessory gene that is not required for viral replication in cultured cells but appears essential for viral survival in humans. Although accumulating in vitro evidence suggested that the viral protein kinase is multifunctional, little information is available about its functions in vivo. Several reports point out that, upon invasion into the peripheral nervous system, HSV blocks virus‐induced neuronal apoptosis, while presumably subverting host immune responses, largely through actions of the US3 protein kinase. In addition, the US3 protein kinase confers the viral neurovirulence. In the present article, functions of the HSV US3 protein kinase are briefly reviewed, with special attention given to its role in regulating host responses and neurovirulence.
The Top 10 fungal pathogens in molecular plant pathology
Authors: DEAN RALPH , VAN KAN JAN A. L. , PRETORIUS ZACHARIAS A. , HAMMOND‐KOSACK KIM E. , DI PIETRO ANTONIO , SPANU PIETRO D. , RUDD JASON J. , DICKMAN MARTY , KAHMANN REGINE , ELLIS JEFF , FOSTER GARY D. 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYThe aim of this review was to survey all fungal pathologists with an association with the journal Molecular Plant Pathology and ask them to nominate which fungal pathogens they would place in a ‘Top 10’ based on scientific/economic importance. The survey generated 495 votes from the international community, and resulted in the generation of a Top 10 fungal plant pathogen list for Molecular Plant Pathology. The Top 10 list includes, in rank order, (1) Magnaporthe oryzae; (2) Botrytis cinerea; (3) Puccinia spp.; (4) Fusarium graminearum; (5) Fusarium oxysporum; (6) Blumeria graminis; (7) Mycosphaerella graminicola; (8) Colletotrichum spp.; (9) Ustilago maydis; (10) Melampsora lini, with honourable mentions for fungi just missing out on the Top 10, including Phakopsora pachyrhizi and Rhizoctonia solani. This article presents a short resumé of each fungus in the Top 10 list and its importance, with the intent of initiating discussion and debate amongst the plant mycology community, as well as laying down a bench‐mark. It will be interesting to see in future years how perceptions change and what fungi will comprise any future Top 10.
Family‐centred residential care: the new reality?
Authors: Geurts Esther M. W. , Boddy Janet , Noom Marc J. , Knorth Erik J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper considers therapeutic approaches to residential care with specific attention to the question of family involvement. It builds on a body of literature indicating the potential of residential care as a positive intervention for young people, and examines the contention that – even when family problems contribute to a young person's accommodation in residential care – family involvement could improve long‐term outcomes. The literature reviewed indicates that family involvement is indeed important. Mixed research findings reflect the diversity of approaches to family‐centred practice, but there is evidence of benefits in relation to a range of child outcomes. However, the literature also shows that family‐centred residential care is not easy to achieve. More than parent–child contact, it entails genuine involvement of parents, in decision‐making and in children's daily lives. Professionals – including social workers and residential care workers – must not only be concerned with the care and development of the child, but also with the role of the parent in their child's development, understood within an ecological perspective.
Gorse (Ulexspp.) use by ponies in winter: Is the spatial pattern of browsing independent of the neighbouring vegetation?
Authors: Aldezabal A. , Mandaluniz N. , Laskurain N. A. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBecause of the progressive abandonment of agricultural practices, the extension of Atlantic dry gorse/heathlands has increased in the Cantabrian Mountains. However, there is a remarkable lack of knowledge on the spatial use of gorse by grazing animals. This study was designed to examine whether the spatial pattern of gorse browsing was independent of the neighbouring vegetation. In addition, factors that could determine the grazing/browsing pattern were investigated. For this purpose, we conducted a spatially controlled experiment using Basque Ponies (an endangered and rustic horse breed) in winter by simulating short‐term grazing at a moderate stocking rate. Measurements of size and nutritive value of grass and gorse patches were made before and after grazing to analyse grazing pressure and browsing impact. Browsing damage did not occur randomly. Sward height of grass patches was the best predictor of feeding site selection, and gorse patch edges surrounding the most‐used grass patches were browsed with a greater intensity. This foraging strategy appears to be the result of a trade‐off between maximization of intake rate and nutritive benefits. Our results highlight the importance of spatial information for predicting gorse utilization by grazing equids, in particular the effect of utilization of gorse/grass edge. We conclude that these ponies could be a suitable tool for restoring abandoned gorse shrublands.
Timing of breeding carries over to influence migratory departure in a songbird: an automated radiotracking study
Authors: Mitchell Greg W. , Newman Amy E. M. , Wikelski Martin , Ryan Norris D. 
Published: April 2012

Summary1. Determining how events interact across stages of the annual cycle is critical for understanding the factors that affect individual fitness. However, there is currently little information detailing how breeding events influence migratory behaviour.2. Using an automated digital telemetry array and an isolated island‐breeding population of Savannah sparrows Passerculus sandwichensis, we provide the first direct evidence that the timing of breeding events carries over to influence the timing of migration in a songbird and assess for the first time how weather conditions on the breeding grounds also affect departure dates.3. Date of migratory departure between September and October was strongly influenced by date of breeding completion in adults and fledging date in juveniles from June to July.4. With respect to weather, adults departed during the first half of high‐pressure systems, while juveniles departed throughout the entirety of high‐pressure systems (including rainy evenings on the western edge of systems).5. By combining both ecological and weather data, we could explain almost all variation in departure date for adults (95%), but weather conditions were not a good predictor of departure date for juveniles.6. Our results provide strong evidence that the timing of breeding events is an important driver of migration timing and that exact departure dates are fine‐tuned according to local weather conditions in adults, but not in juveniles.
What makes a healthier nurse, workplace or leisure physical activity? Informed by the Australian and New Zealand e‐Cohort Study
Authors: Henwood Tim , Tuckett Anthony , Turner Catherine 
Published: April 2012

Aim and objective.  To investigate health differences between nurses who report meeting the daily physical activity recommendations in or away from the workplace.Background.  Adhering to the national physical activity recommendations has known health benefits. Whilst often considered a workplace active profession, data are emerging of poor health amongst nurses. However, health differences between workplace or leisure‐time physically active nurses are understudied.Design.  The investigation is an observation study of Australian and New Zealand nurses. Data were generated from the longitudinal, population‐based, observational e‐Cohort nursing survey.Methods.  Data were informed and groups defined by the self‐reported minutes per day of moderate physical activity collected from a large international survey of practicing nurses (n = 2264). Groups were: Group (G) 1 – high workplace (≥30 minutes/day)/high leisure (≥30 minutes/day), G2 – high workplace/low leisure (<30 minutes/day), G3 – low workplace/low leisure (<30 minutes/day) and G4 – low workplace/high leisure.Results.  G2 had a high BMI and were younger than G4. G4 were significantly more active away from work and more likely to report cycling to work than G2. In contrast, G2 were most likely to have taken sick days because of their health (χ2 = 19·101), have difficulty sleeping most of the time and have a medical history of diagnosed anxiety and depression.Conclusions.  This study shows that improved well‐being can be achieved in nursing cohort through leisure‐time physical activity.Relevance to clinical practice.  This research shows that nurse should consider leisure‐time physical activity necessary to maintain and prolong health and that workplace activity is not a sufficient stimulus. This has important implications for workforce planners and administrators.
Behavioural phenotypes and special educational needs: is aetiology important in the classroom?
Authors: Reilly C. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackground A number of genetic conditions with associated intellectual disability and/or special educational needs have increasingly well‐defined behavioural phenotypes. Thus, the concept of ‘behavioural phenotype’ and aetiology of intellectual disability may be important with regard to school‐based interventions.Method The evidence for distinctive cognitive and behavioural aspects of five of the most common genetic syndromes (Down syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Williams syndrome, Prader–Willi syndrome and velo‐cardio‐facial syndrome) associated with special educational needs is reviewed with respect to key studies and findings. The possible utility of aetiology‐related interventions in education is discussed with reference to arguments for and against such approaches with respect to published guidelines and published research.Results Behavioural phenotypes are probabilistic and many children with a specific genetic syndrome will share commonalities with other children with other genetic syndromes and within syndrome variability is not uncommon. There is evidence that teachers and parents have limited knowledge of aspects of the proposed cognitive and behaviour profiles associated with the reviewed syndromes. While there are published guidelines in the area of learning and behaviour for each of the five reviewed syndromes there is a limited amount of evidence of the efficacy of such approaches in school settings.Conclusion It is likely that knowing the aetiology of a child's special educational needs will be helpful for staff who work in school settings in relation to cognitive and behavioural implications. However, how such knowledge might inform teaching practice or behavioural interventions has not been studied. A model is proposed that might help inform educators about the possible role of aetiology in the classroom.
Interferometer‐based structured‐illumination microscopy utilizing complementary phase relationship through constructive and destructive image detection by two cameras
Authors: SHAO L. , WINOTO L. , AGARD D.A. , GUSTAFSSON M.G.L. , SEDAT J.W. 
Published: April 2012

SummaryIn an interferometer‐based fluorescence microscope, a beam splitter is often used to combine two emission wavefronts interferometrically. There are two perpendicular paths along which the interference fringes can propagate and normally only one is used for imaging. However, the other path also contains useful information. Here we introduced a second camera to our interferometer‐based three‐dimensional structured‐illumination microscope (I5S) to capture the fringes along the normally unused path, which are out of phase by π relative to the fringes along the other path. Based on this complementary phase relationship and the well‐defined phase interrelationships among the I5S data components, we can deduce and then computationally eliminate the path length errors within the interferometer loop using the simultaneously recorded fringes along the two imaging paths. This self‐correction capability can greatly relax the requirement for eliminating the path length differences before and maintaining that status during each imaging session, which are practically challenging tasks. Experimental data is shown to support the theory.