bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Syntactic Structural Assignment in Brazilian Portuguese-Speaking Children With Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Fortunato-Tavares Talita , de Andrade Claudia R. F. , Befi-Lopes Debora M. , Hestvik Arild , Epstein Baila , Tornyova Lidiya , Schwartz Richard G. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose
In this study, the authors examined the comprehension of sentences with predicates and reflexives that are linked to a nonadjacent noun as a test of the hierarchical ordering deficit (HOD) hypothesis. That hypothesis and more modern versions posit that children with specific language impairment (SLI) have difficulty in establishing nonadjacent (hierarchical) relations among elements of a sentence. The authors also tested whether additional working memory demands in constructions containing reflexives affected the extent to which children with SLI incorrectly structure sentences as indicated by their picture-pointing comprehension responses.

Method
Sixteen Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children (8;4–10;6 [years;months]) with SLI and 16 children with typical language development (TLD) matched for age (±3 months), gender, and socioeconomic status participated in 2 experiments (predicate and reflexive interpretation). In the reflexive experiment, the authors also manipulated working memory demands. Each experiment involved a 4-choice picture selection sentence comprehension task.

Results
Children with SLI were significantly less accurate on all conditions. Both groups made more hierarchical syntactic construction errors in the long working memory condition than in the short working memory condition.

Conclusion
The HOD hypothesis was not confirmed. For both groups, syntactic factors (structural assignment) were more vulnerable than lexical factors (prepositions) to working memory effects in sentence miscomprehension.
Longitudinal Stability in Genetic Effects on Children's Conversational Language Productivity
Authors: DeThorne Laura Segebart , Harlaar Nicole , Petrill Stephen A. , Deater-Deckard Kirby 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThe authors examined the longitudinal stability of genetic and environmental influences on children's productive language sample measures during the early school-age years.MethodTwin study methodology with structural equation modeling was used to derive univariate estimates of additive genetic (A), shared environmental (C), and nonshared environmental (E) effects on language measures at each of 2 time points, based on 487 twins at the 1st-grade time point and 387 twins at the 2nd-grade time point. To address questions of stability over time, the authors used longitudinal latent factor analysis.ResultsStability in the Conversational Language factor was accounted for almost entirely by shared genetic effects between 1st and 2nd grade, meaning no new genetic effects were observed at the 2nd time point. In contrast, nonshared environmental effects were entirely time point specific, meaning whatever nonshared environmental influences were operating at the first time point were not influencing individual variation in the language factor at the second time point.ConclusionThe discussion in this article centers on possible candidates for both genetic and nonshared environmental effects as well as implications for clinical practice and future research.
Tackling the Combined Effects of Reverberation and Masking Noise Using Ideal Channel Selection
Authors: Hazrati Oldooz , Loizou Philipos C. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose
In this article, a new signal-processing algorithm is proposed and evaluated for the suppression of the combined effects of reverberation and noise.

Method

The proposed algorithm decomposes, on a short-term basis (every 20 ms), the reverberant stimuli into a number of channels and retains only a subset of the channels satisfying a signal-to-reverberant ratio (SRR) criterion. The construction of this criterion assumes access to a priori knowledge of the target (anechoic) signal, and the aim of this study was to assess the full potential of the proposed channel-selection algorithm, assuming that this criterion could be estimated accurately. Listening tests with normal-hearing listeners were conducted to assess the performance of the proposed algorithm in highly reverberant conditions (
T
60
= 1.0 s), which included additive noise at 0 and 5 dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs).

Results
A substantial gain in intelligibility was obtained in both reverberant and combined reverberant and noise conditions. The mean intelligibility scores improved by 44 and 33 percentage points at 0 and 5 dB SNR reverberation + noise conditions. Feature analysis of the consonant confusion matrices revealed that the transmission of voicing information was most negatively affected, followed by manner and place of articulation.

Conclusions
The proposed algorithm produced substantial gains in intelligibility, and this benefit was attributed to the ability of the proposed SRR criterion to detect accurately voiced or unvoiced boundaries. It was postulated that detection of those boundaries is critical for better perception of voicing information and manner of articulation.
Effects of Sampling Context on Spontaneous Expressive Language in Males With Fragile X Syndrome or Down Syndrome
Authors: Kover Sara T. , McDuffie Andrea , Abbeduto Leonard , Brown W. Ted 
Published: January 2012

PurposeIn this study, the authors examined the impact of sampling context on multiple aspects of expressive language in male participants with fragile X syndrome in comparison to male participants with Down syndrome or typical development.MethodParticipants with fragile X syndrome (n= 27), ages 10–17 years, were matched groupwise on nonverbal mental age to adolescents with Down syndrome (n= 15) and typically developing 3- to 6-year-olds (n= 15). Language sampling contexts were an interview-style conversation and narration of a wordless book, with scripted examiner behavior. Language was assessed in terms of amount of talk, mean length of communication unit (MLCU), lexical diversity, fluency, and intelligibility.ResultsParticipants with fragile X syndrome had lower MLCU and lexical diversity than did participants with typical development. Participants with Down syndrome produced yet lower MLCU. A differential effect of context among those with fragile X syndrome, Down syndrome, and typical development emerged for the number of attempts per minute, MLCU, and fluency. For participants with fragile X syndrome, autism symptom severity related to the number of utterances produced in conversation. Aspects of examiner behavior related to participant performance.ConclusionSampling context characteristics should be considered when assessing expressive language in individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities.
Fundamental Approaches in Molecular Biology for Communication Sciences and Disorders
Authors: Bartlett Rebecca S. , Jetté Marie E. , King Suzanne N. , Schaser Allison , Thibeault Susan L. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeThis contemporary tutorial will introduce general principles of molecular biology, common deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA), and protein assays and their relevance in the field of communication sciences and disorders.MethodOver the past 2 decades, knowledge of the molecular pathophysiology of human disease has increased at a remarkable pace. Most of this progress can be attributed to concomitant advances in basic molecular biology and, specifically, the development of an ever-expanding armamentarium of technologies for analysis of DNA, RNA, and protein structure and function. Details of these methodologies, their limitations, and examples from the communication sciences and disorders literature are presented.Results/ConclusionsThe use of molecular biology techniques in the fields of speech, language, and hearing sciences is increasing, facilitating the need for an understanding of molecular biology fundamentals and common experimental assays.
Aging and the 4-kHz Air–Bone Gap
Authors: Nondahl David M. , Tweed Ted S. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Wiley Terry L. , Dalton Dayna S. 
Published: January 2012

Purpose
In this study, the authors assessed age- and sex-related patterns in the prevalence and 10-year incidence of 4-kHz air–bone gaps and associated factors.

Method
Data were obtained as part of the longitudinal, population-based Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (Cruickshanks et al., 1998). An air–bone gap at 4 kHz was defined as an air-conduction threshold ≥ 15 dB higher than the bone-conduction threshold in the right ear.

Results
Among 3,553 participants ages 48–92 years at baseline (1993–1995), 3.4% had a 4-kHz air–bone gap in the right ear. The prevalence increased with age. Among the 120 participants with an air–bone gap, 60.0% did not have a flat tympanogram or an air–bone gap at 0.5 kHz. Ten years later, the authors assessed 2,093 participants who did not have a 4-kHz air–bone gap at baseline; 9.2% had developed a 4-kHz air–bone gap in the right ear. The incidence increased with age. Among the 192 participants who had developed an air–bone gap, 60.9% did not have a flat tympanogram or air–bone gaps at other frequencies.

Conclusion
These results suggest that a finding of a 4-kHz air–bone gap may reflect a combination of aging and other factors and not necessarily exclusively abnormal middle-ear function.
Surface Electromyography for Speech and Swallowing Systems: Measurement, Analysis, and Interpretation
Authors: Stepp Cara E. 
Published: January 2012

PurposeApplying surface electromyography (sEMG) to the study of voice, speech, and swallowing is becoming increasingly popular. An improved understanding of sEMG and building a consensus as to appropriate methodology will improve future research and clinical applications.MethodAn updated review of the theory behind recording sEMG for the speech and swallowing systems is provided. Several factors that are known to affect the content of the sEMG signal are discussed, and practical guidelines for sEMG recording and analysis are presented, focusing on special considerations within the context of the speech and swallowing anatomy.ResultsUnique challenges are seen in application of sEMG to the speech and swallowing musculature owing to the small size of the muscles in relation to the sEMG detection volume and the present lack of knowledge about innervation zone locations.ConclusionsDespite the challenges discussed, application of sEMG to speech and swallowing has potential as a clinical and research tool when used correctly and is specifically suited to noninvasive clinical studies using between-condition or between-group comparisons for which detection of specific isolated muscle activities is not necessary.
Teaching AAC in the Online Environment: Methods and Challenges
Authors: Zangari Carole 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The evolution of online education has some parallels with the development of the field of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). It has taken some time for professionals in the broader fields of education, higher education, and speech-language pathology to seriously consider its potential contribution. Like AAC, online education was initially viewed with skepticism, but is now almost commonplace. In the face of data that affirm the effectiveness of online instruction, clinical educators are increasingly turning their attention to identifying and employing best practices to improve the learning outcomes of their students. The purpose of this article is to explore some of the common features of online education that hold promise for the AAC field. We also will discuss challenges faced by online instructors and strategies for addressing them.
TheArabidopsisNitrate Transporter NRT2.4 Plays a Double Role in Roots and Shoots of Nitrogen-Starved Plants
Authors: Kiba Takatoshi , Feria-Bourrellier Ana-Belen , Lafouge Florence , Lezhneva Lina , Boutet-Mercey Stéphanie , Orsel Mathilde , Bréhaut Virginie , Miller Anthony , Daniel-Vedele Françoise , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Krapp Anne 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPlants have evolved a variety of mechanisms to adapt to N starvation. NITRATE TRANSPORTER2.4 (NRT2.4) is one of seven NRT2 family genes in Arabidopsis thaliana, and NRT2.4 expression is induced under N starvation. Green fluorescent protein and β-glucuronidase reporter analyses revealed that NRT2.4 is a plasma membrane transporter expressed in the epidermis of lateral roots and in or close to the shoot phloem. The spatiotemporal expression pattern of NRT2.4 in roots is complementary with that of the major high-affinity nitrate transporter NTR2.1. Functional analysis in Xenopus laevis oocytes and in planta showed that NRT2.4 is a nitrate transporter functioning in the high-affinity range. In N-starved nrt2.4 mutants, nitrate uptake under low external supply and nitrate content in shoot phloem exudates was decreased. In the absence of NRT2.1 and NRT2.2, loss of function of NRT2.4 (triple mutants) has an impact on biomass production under low nitrate supply. Together, our results demonstrate that NRT2.4 is a nitrate transporter that has a role in both roots and shoots under N starvation.
Review article: the pathophysiology and management of gastrointestinal symptoms during physical exercise, and the role of splanchnic blood flow
Authors: ter Steege R. W. F. , Kolkman J. J. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of exercise‐induced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms has been reported up to 70%. The pathophysiology largely remains unknown.AimTo review the physiological and pathophysiological changes of the GI‐tract during physical exercise and the management of the most common gastrointestinal symptoms.MethodsSearch of the literature published in the English and Dutch languages using the Pubmed database to review the literature that focused on the relation between splanchnic blood flow (SBF), development of ischaemia, postischaemic endotoxinemia and motility.ResultsDuring physical exercise, the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) redistributes blood flow from the splanchnic organs to the working muscles. With prolonged duration and/or intensity, the SBF may be decreased by 80% or more. Most studies point in the direction of increased SNS‐activity as central driving force for reduction in SBF. A severely reduced SBF may frequently cause GI ischaemia. GI‐ischaemia combined with reduced vagal activity probably triggers changes in GI‐motility and GI absorption derangements. GI‐symptoms during physical exercise may be prevented by lowering the exercise intensity, preventing dehydration and avoiding the ingestion of hypertonic fluids.ConclusionsLiterature on the pathophysiology of exercise‐induced GI‐symptoms is scarce. Increased sympathetic nervous system activity and decreased splanchnic blood flow during physical exercise seems to be the key factor in the pathogenesis of exercise‐induced GI‐symptoms, and this should be the target for symptom reduction.
Outcomes in community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection
Authors: Khanna S. , Pardi D. S. , Aronson S. L. , Kammer P. P. , Baddour L. M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundCommunity‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection (CA‐CDI) is an increasingly appreciated condition. It is being described in populations lacking traditional predisposing factors that have been previously considered at low‐risk for this infection. As most studies of CDI are hospital‐based, outcomes in these patients are not well known.AimTo examine outcomes and their predictors in patients with CA‐CDI.MethodsA sub‐group analysis of a population‐based epidemiological study of CDI in Olmsted county, Minnesota from 1991–2005 was performed. Data regarding outcomes, including severity, treatment response, need for hospitalisation and recurrence were analysed.ResultsOf 157 CA‐CDI cases, the median age was 50 years and 75.3% were female. Among all CA‐CDI cases, 40% required hospitalisation, 20% had severe and 4.4% had severe‐complicated infection, 20% had treatment failure and 28% had recurrent CDI. Patients who required hospitalisation were significantly older (64 years vs. 44 years, P < 0.001), more likely to have severe disease (33.3% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.001), and had higher mean Charlson comorbidity index scores (2.06 vs. 0.84, P = 0.001). They had similar treatment failure and recurrence rates as patients who did not require hospitalisation.ConclusionsCommunity‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection can be associated with complications and poor outcomes, including hospitalisation and severe Clostridium difficile infection. As the incidence of community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection increases, clinicians should be aware of risk factors (increasing age, comorbid conditions and disease severity) that predict the need for hospitalisation and complications in patients with community‐acquired Clostridium difficile infection.
Cortisol metabolism after weight loss: associations with 11 β‐HSD type 1 and markers of obesity in women
Authors: Rask E. , Simonyte K. , Lönn L. , Axelson M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjectiveIncreased glucocorticoid metabolite excretion and enhanced expression and activity of 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 in adipose tissue are closely correlated with obesity and its detrimental consequences. Weight loss ameliorates the latter. The aim of this study was to explore whether increased glucocorticoid exposure in obesity is improved with substantial weight loss and thus is a consequence rather than a cause of obesity.Design and patientsA prospective cohort study in 31 women.Measurements11β‐HSD type 1 expression and activity, urinary glucocorticoid metabolite excretion, body composition including regional adipose tissue depots and insulin resistance by HOMA‐IR before and 2 years after gastric bypass surgery.ResultsAfter weight loss, excretion of cortisol and cortisone metabolites decreased. Both cortisol and cortisone metabolite excretion correlated with central obesity, where the intraabdominal fat depot showed the strongest association. Cortisol metabolites correlated with 11β‐HSD type 1 activity in abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue. The ratio of cortisol to cortisone metabolites [(5α‐tetrahydrocortisol (5αTHF) + tetrahydrocortisol (THF) + α‐cortol)/(tetrahydrocortisone (THE) + α‐cortolone)] and the ratio of 5α‐THF/THF both decreased after stable weight loss, reflecting a downregulation of the net activities of 11β‐HSD type 1 and 5α‐reductase.ConclusionLong‐term weight loss in women is not only followed by reduced glucocorticoid production, but also favourably decreases the global and tissue‐specific activity of the cortisol‐activating enzyme 11 β‐HSD type 1, possibly contributing to the health benefits of bariatric surgery.
Adult‐type hypolactasia and calcium intake in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Lerchbaum Elisabeth , Giuliani Albrecht , Gruber Hans‐Jürgen , Pieber Thomas R. , Obermayer‐Pietsch Barbara 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjective  Adult‐type hypolactasia (ATH) is related to lower calcium and milk intake, which might be associated with obesity and metabolic disturbances. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) frequently suffer from metabolic disturbances including central obesity. We aimed to examine the association of ATH and calcium intake with anthropometric, metabolic and endocrine parameters in a cohort of PCOS and control women.Design  Metabolic, endocrine and anthropometric measurements and oral glucose tolerance tests were performed in 504 PCOS and 366 control women. Genotyping of ATH, defined by the ‐13910 variant of the MCM6 gene, was performed. Calcium intake was assessed by questionnaires.Results  Adult‐type hypolactasia was more prevalent in PCOS women (29·8%) than in controls (23·5%) (P = 0·040). PCOS women with ATH had higher waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) (0·80 [0·75–0·88] vs 0·78 [0·73–0·85], P = 0·046), glucose 2 h (5·28 [4·57–6·33] mmol/l vs 5·67 [4·68–6·78] mmol/l, P = 0·037), HbA1c (5·2 [5·0–5·4]%vs 5·1 [5·0–5·3]%, P = 0·009), parathyroid hormone (3·72(2·91–4·86] pmol/l vs 3·61 [2·94–4·63] pmol/l, P = 0·030) and Ferriman‐Gallwey‐Scores (FG Scores) (7 [3–12] vs 4 [1–9], P = 0·002) and lower 25(OH)D levels (54·4 [35·2–80·6] nmol/l vs 68·4 [49·7–89·4] nmol/l, P < 0·001) than PCOS women without ATH. The association of 25(OH)D and FG‐Scores with ATH remained significant in age‐, BMI‐ and WHR‐adjusted analyses. PCOS women within the highest quartile of calcium intake had significantly lower testosterone (P = 0·023) and androstenedione (P = 0·032) and significantly higher high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (P = 0·035) than PCOS women with lower calcium intake.Conclusion  Our results indicate an association of ATH with PCOS susceptibility. Moreover, ATH might influence WHR, HbA1c and FG‐Scores as well as 25(OH)D levels. Higher calcium intake was associated with lower androgens and higher HDL levels.
Carotid intima‐media thickness is increased in Turner syndrome: multifactorial pathogenesis depending on age, blood pressure, cholesterol and oestrogen treatment
Authors: Mortensen Kristian H. , Andersen Niels H. , Hjerrild Britta E. , Hørlyck Arne , Stochholm Kirstine , Højbjerg Gravholt Claus 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjective  Carotid intima‐media thickness (IMT) may potentially supplement cardiovascular risk assessment in Turner syndrome (TS), where cardiovascular risk is high and appropriate risk stratification difficult. Knowledge of IMT in TS is scarce, and this study aimed to enhance insight into the cardiovascular risk marker.Design, Patients and Measurements  IMT was cross‐sectionally assessed by ultrasonography of the common carotid artery (cIMT) and carotid bulb (bIMT) in TS (n = 69, age 40 ± 10 years) and age‐matched, healthy female controls (n = 67). Additional prospective IMT assessment was performed in TS over 2·4 ± 0·3 years. Metabolic biomarkers and 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure were also assessed.Results  cIMT and bIMT (body surface area indexed) were increased in TS (P < 0·05) with 17–18% having IMTs that exceeded the 95th percentile of the controls (P < 0·05). Blood pressure, heart rate, glycosylated haemoglobin A1c and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol were increased in TS, where 43% received antihypertensive treatment. cIMT decreased during follow‐up, coinciding with intensified cardiovascular risk prophylaxis, whereas bIMT was unchanged. In multiple regression analyses (R = 0·52–0·69, P < 0·05), baseline IMT in TS increased with age, blood pressure and cholesterol as well as in the presence of diabetes whilst IMT was inversely associated with duration of oestrogen replacement. In an analogue analysis, the prospective changes in cIMT (R = 0·37, P < 0·05) were beneficially influenced by antihypertensive treatment and oestrogen therapy and adversely by the presence of diabetes.Conclusion  Carotid IMT was abnormal in TS and negatively influenced by age, metabolic biomarkers, blood pressure and short duration of oestrogen treatment. Attention to common cardiovascular and endocrine risk markers over more than 2 years appeared to influence IMT beneficially.