bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro development of mouse somatic nuclear transfer embryos: effects of donor cell passages and electrofusion
Authors: Zhang Gang , Sun Qing-Yuan , Chen Da-Yuan 
Published: June 2008

SummaryIn this study, C57BL/6 adult male mouse ear fibroblast cells and Kunming mouse M2 oocytes were used as donors and recipients, respectively, to investigate the effect of passage number on donor cells and electrofusion times on the in vitro development of nuclear transfer (NT) embryos. The results demonstrated firstly that when the ear fibroblast cells from either 2–4, 5–7 or 8–10 passages were used as donors, respectively, to produce NT embryos, the number of passages undergone by the donor cells had no significant effect on the in vitro development of NT embryos. The developmental rates for morula/blastocyst were 15.2, 13.3 and 14.0%, respectively, which were not significantly difference (p > 0.05). Secondly, when the NT embryos were electrofused, there was no significant difference between the fusion ratio for the first electrofusion and the second electrofusion (p > 0.05). The developmental rates of the 2-cell and 4-cell stages that had undergone only one electrofusion, however, were significantly higher than those that had had two electrofusions (65.7% compared with 18.4% and 36.4% compared with 6.1%; p < 0.01), furthermore the NT embryos with two electrofusions could not develop beyond the 4-cell stage. This study suggests that this protocol might be an alternative method for mouse somatic cloning, even though electrofusion can exert negative effects on the development of NT embryos.
Prevalence of undiagnosed congenital cardiac defects in older children
Authors: Gupta-Malhotra Monesha , Dave Archana , Sturhan Brian C. , McNiece Karen , Syamasundar Rao P. , Portman Ronald 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundCertain congenital cardiac defects may go undetected for several years due to lack of symptoms and signs. Our purpose was to determine the prevalence of such defects among children greater than one year of age.MethodsThe study was performed on subjects diagnosed with systemic hypertension, aged from 1 to 19 years, with a mean of 12.4 years, in whom we performed echocardiography, using a standard protocol, to establish any end-organ damage or to reveal any congenital cardiac defects.ResultsWe found a congenital cardiac defect in 5 (3.5%) of the 143 children evaluated. Of these, 4 had not previously been detected, specifically Ebsteins malformation of the tricuspid valve, with moderate regurgitation, a coronary arterial anomaly, a bicuspid aortic valve, and prolapse of the mitral valve permitting regurgitation. In the other patient, we found a non-significant tiny muscular ventricular septal defect.ConclusionsOur transthoracic echocardiographic investigation revealed previously unsuspected congenital cardiac defects in 4 of 143 older children, with 3 of these requiring further management by a paediatric cardiologist. A similar prevalence has also been reported in older children evaluated echocardiographically for other diseases such as insulin-resistance and leukemia. Hence, it is possible that the prevalence of congenitally malformed hearts is higher than previously reported. When clinically indicated, clinicians should more readily consider obtaining an echocardiogram to help in the identification of such malformations.
The effects of surgically induced right bundle branch block on left ventricular function after closure of the ventricular septal defect
Authors: Pedersen Thais A. L. , Andersen Niels H. , Knudsen Mette R. , Christensen Thomas D. , Sørensen Keld E. , Hjortdal Vibeke E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the long-term significance of right bundle branch block on left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in children subsequent to surgical closure of ventricular septal defect.MethodsWe studied 26 children who underwent surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect 11 ± 2 years postoperatively by use of conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiography, comparing the findings to those obtained from a control group. Of those having surgical correction 14 had postoperative right bundle branch block.ResultsIrrespective of the presence of right bundle branch block, the peak systolic velocity of the mitral ring was lower in those undergoing surgical correction, with values of 5.2 ± 1.4 cm/s in those with right bundle branch block, 5.4 ± 1.2 cm/s in those without right bundle branch block after surgical correction, and 6.6 ± 1.0 cm/s in the control subjects (p < 0.01). In terms of diastolic function, the early septal velocity of transmitral inflow divided by the early diastolic mitral annular velocity was significantly higher in children with right bundle branch block, at 12 ± 3.0 cm/s compared to 8.4 ± 1.5 cm/s in the control subjects (p < 0.01), but not significantly higher in the children without right bundle branch block after correction compared to the control group. The fractional shortening percentage was similar in both patients and control subjects. The changes noted in left ventricular function were not significantly related to age at surgery, the period of follow-up, or the surgical method.ConclusionsSystolic long axis function is significantly reduced in children after surgical closure of ventricular septal defects, irrespective of the presence of right bundle branch block. Diastolic dysfunction, in contrast, was observed primarily in children with post-operative right bundle branch block.
The Impact of Parents' Expectations on Parenting Behaviour: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Creswell Cathy , O'Connor Thomas G. , Brewin Chris R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOver-involved parenting is commonly hypothesized to be a risk factor for the development of anxiety disorders in childhood. This parenting style may result from parental attempts to prevent child distress based on expectations that the child will be unable to cope in a challenging situation. Naturalistic studies are limited in their ability to disentangle the overlapping contribution of child and parent factors in driving parental behaviours. To overcome this difficulty, an experimental study was conducted in which parental expectations of child distress were manipulated and the effects on parent behaviour and child mood were assessed. Fifty-two children (aged 7 – 11 years) and their primary caregiver participated. Parents were allocated to either a “positive” or a “negative” expectation group. Observations were made of the children and their parents interacting whilst completing a difficult anagram task. Parents given negative expectations of their child's response displayed higher levels of involvement. No differences were found on indices of child mood and behaviour and possible explanations for this are considered. The findings are consistent with suggestions that increased parental involvement may be a “natural” reaction to enhanced perceptions of child vulnerability and an attempt to avoid child distress.
Online CBT in the Treatment of Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders: Issues in the Development of BRAVE–ONLINE and Two Case Illustrations
Authors: Spence Susan H. , Donovan Caroline L. , March Sonja , Gamble Amanda , Anderson Renee , Prosser Samantha , Kercher Amy , Kenardy Justin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis paper describes the rationale for and development of an online cognitive-behavioural treatment for child and adolescent anxiety (BRAVE–ONLINE). It highlights the challenges involved in adapting a clinic-based intervention for delivery using the internet, with separate sessions for parents and their children (or adolescents). We outline strategies to ensure that young people remain engaged in online therapy, and describe techniques designed to optimize the alliance between clients and the online therapist. Two case studies are presented that illustrate the practical and technical aspects of implementing the intervention, and demonstrate the feasibility of achieving successful outcomes using online delivery of CBT for child and adolescent anxiety. However, firm conclusions regarding the efficacy of this approach cannot be drawn until the results of randomized controlled trials are available. The paper identifies directions for future research.
The Relations between Anxiety Sensitivity and Anxiety Control in the Prediction of Anxiety Symptoms among Children and Adolescents
Authors: Marin Carla E. , Rey Yasmin , Nichols-Lopez Kristin , Silverman Wendy K. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe present study investigated the relations between youth anxiety sensitivity and perceived anxiety control over Internal Reactions and perceived anxiety control over External Threats within the context of a (partially) mediated model in the prediction of anxiety symptoms. Youth sex also was investigated as a moderator of the conceptual model. The sample consisted of 333 children and adolescents (51.4% boys; M = 10.27 years old) referred to a youth anxiety disorders specialty research clinic. Findings showed that high anxiety sensitivity predicted high levels of anxiety symptoms for both boys and girls. Findings also showed that for both boys and girls, high anxiety sensitivity predicted low perceived anxiety control over Internal Reactions, as well as low perceived anxiety control over External Threats. Interestingly, perceived anxiety control over Internal Reactions was a partial mediator of the relation between anxiety sensitivity and anxiety for boys, but not girls. In contrast, perceived anxiety control over External Threats was a partial mediator of the relation between anxiety sensitivity and anxiety for girls, but not boys. The results are discussed within the context of the study's conceptual model as well as potential clinical implications.
Episodic memory and speed/attention deficits are associated with Alzheimer-typical CSF abnormalities in MCI
Authors: NORDLUND ARTO , ROLSTAD SINDRE , KLANG OLA , LIND KARIN , PEDERSEN MONA , BLENNOW KAJ , EDMAN ÅKE , HANSEN STEFAN , WALLIN ANDERS 
Published: June 2008

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is regarded as the prodromal stage of dementia disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD).Objective: To compare the neuropsychological profiles of MCI subjects with normal concentrations of total tau (T-τ) and Aβ42 in CSF (MCI-norm) to MCI subjects with deviating concentrations of the biomarkers (MCI-dev). MCI-norm (N = 73) and MCI-dev (N = 73) subjects were compared to normal controls (N = 50) on tests of speed/attention, memory, visuospatial function, language and executive function.Results: MCI-norm performed overall better than MCI-dev, specifically on tests of speed and attention and episodic memory. When MCI-dev subjects were subclassified into those with only high T-tau (MCI-tau), only low Aβ42 (MCI-Aβ) and both high T-tau and low Aβ42 (MCI-tauAβ), MCI-tauAβ tended to perform slightly worse. MCI-tau and MCI-Aβ performed quite similarly.Conclusions: Considering the neuropsychological differences, many MCI-norm probably had more benign forms of MCI, or early non-AD forms of neurodegenerative disorders. Although most MCI-dev performed clearly worse than MCI-norm on the neuropsychological battery, some did not show any deficits when compared to age norms. A combination of CSF analyses and neuropsychology could be a step toward a more exact diagnosis of MCI as prodromal AD. (JINS, 2008, 14, 582–590.)
Global/Local Issues in Electroacoustic Music for the Cinema of the Real: A case study
Authors: Cipriani Alessandro , Latini Giulio 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe authors describe various experiences regarding the use of sonic materials from local musical cultures and soundscapes in the field of electroacoustic music as applied to the creative documentary. The introduction concentrates on the general characteristics of the process of ‘globalisation’ now underway and on the various different interpretations of it that have been developed over the last fifteen years.A number of methodological and ethical questions are then asked in relation to the debate regarding the global/local dichotomy in the context of electroacoustic and audiovisual elaboration, especially when phonic material originating from the most varied geographic-cultural areas is artistically restructured and reconfigured.In the third part of the article the accent is placed on the personal experiences of the authors regarding the production of pieces of electroacoustic music and documentaries realised in Morocco, China and Lapland.In the last section the article concentrates on a possible diachronic perspective (i.e. studying a phenomenon in its passage through time) by means of which one can come to a relationship with soundscape sounds, and some sonic and visual examples from works realised in Catania and London are supplied.
Mimetic Space – Unravelled
Authors: Fischman Rajmil 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article is a development, refinement and expansion of a paper presented at the Electroacoustic Music Studies Conference, 2007 (EMS07). It aims to provide a framework and terminology for the discussion, analysis and creation of music that articulates mimetic discourse and structure. In doing so, it also intends to enable parallel and complementary analytical approaches to those concerned with the aural and spatial aspects of musical articulation. It proposes the notion of multidimensional mimetic space, taking as its point of departure Emmerson's Language Grid (Emmerson 1986), and constructing additional axes representing compositional continua, similar in function to those proposed by spectromorphology (Smalley 1986), but applicable to mimetic material. The argument considers the mimetic implications of both purely acousmatic music and works that combine the acousmatic with live performance. After a brief consideration of the relationship between mimetic space and space-form (Smalley 2007a), the discussion concludes with a perspective on narrative as a component of mimetic space; providing an extensive discussion of issues pertinent to the idea of signifier space, which was originally introduced in the preceding paper.
Local and Global Connotations in Sonic Composition
Authors: Cifariello Ciardi Fabio 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAn aspect of the local/global binarism in music regards the cultural identity of the sounds, musical styles and grammars of a composition. This article intends to explore the role of the local/global issue in the context of the semantic dimension of sounds, both during the composition of a musical piece and during its reception.In the first part of the article the local or global identity of a sonic event will be examined from two different perspectives: on the one hand that of the composer, starting from his or her attitudes with regard to the semantic aspects of the sonic material and the compositional processes used; on the other hand that of the listener, starting from the cognitive processes (s)he activates in the search for a musical and an extramusical meaning. Based on this analysis, in the second part of the article the usefulness of describing the cultural identity of a sonic event and more generally its semantic dimensions in terms of ‘shared connotations’ will be explored. Finally, some of the interactions between connoted sonic events will be analysed, mainly focusing on global and local cultural identities.
Sound and Musics in the Global Village: On landscapes in sound and soundscapes in culture
Authors: Böhme-Mehner Tatjana 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFollowing Marshall McLuhan's concept of a global village as a form of universal organisation in a technically dominated world, terms of globality and locality, and the concepts of world and village as social constructions in order to organise perception in an enhanced social environment are discussed in matters of their relevance in the context of electroacoustic music and especially its studies. In relation to historical as well as to more theoretical examples from the field of electroacoustic music, problems of perceiving spaces, places and locations are introduced. The solutions proposed here are primarily based on system theory approaches (as for instance Luhmann and Bühl) and newer network theory concepts (as for example Castells and Nowotny). The network is proposed as a kind of explanatory model in today's media-dominated world. Focusing on a model oriented to difference, ‘global’ and ‘local’ are regarded as categories guiding perception in matters of equality and difference. In this way the problem of listening to the other in opposition to the self is introduced. Thus it is demonstrated that there can never be a global sound or even a sounding globality. The phenomenon of soundscapes is discussed as a central theme in relation to its role as a listening strategy, its appearance in music and its own musicality.
Structure, institution, agency, habit, and reflexive deliberation
Authors: FLEETWOOD STEVE 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe conceptual apparatus referred to generally as agency-structure or agency-institution is central to a great deal of social science, especially Institutional Economics. Despite its centrality, this apparatus has never been able to fully explain how institutions and social structures influence agents' intentions and actions. Economist, Geoff Hodgson and Sociologist, Margaret Archer have been at the forefront of endeavours to provide such an explanation. Section 1 of this paper elaborates upon Hodgson's ideas on institutional rules, habits, habituation, and the notion of reconstitutive downward causation. Section 2 elaborates upon Archer's ideas on structures, reflexive deliberation and the notion of an internal domain of mental primacy, and ends with a critical look at Archer's (brief) comments on rules and habits. The conclusion shows how a more nuanced understanding of structures, institutions, agency, habits, and deliberation, can inform research into a specific area, namely the analysis of labour markets.
Dinucleotide polyphosphates contribute to purinergic signalling via inhibition of adenylate kinase activity
Authors: Yegutkin Gennady G. , Jankowski Joachim , Jalkanen Sirpa , Günthner Thomas , Zidek Walter , Jankowski Vera 
Published: June 2008

Dinucleoside polyphosphates are well described as direct vasoconstrictors and as mediators with strong proliferative properties, however, less is known about their effects on nucleotide-converting pathways. Therefore, the present study investigates the effects of Ap4A (diadenosine tetraphosphate), Up4A (uridine adenosine tetraphosphate) and Ap5A (diadenosine pentaphosphate) and the non-selective P2 antagonist suramin on human serum and endothelial nucleotide-converting enzymes. Human serum and HUVECs (human umbilical vein endothelial cells) were pretreated with various concentrations of dinucleotide polyphosphates and suramin. Adenylate kinase and NDP kinase activities were then quantified radiochemically by TLC analysis of the ATP-induced conversion of [3H]AMP and [3H]ADP into [3H]ADP/ATP and [3H]ATP respectively. Endothelial NTPDase (nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase) activity was additionally determined using [3H]ADP and [3H]ATP as preferred substrates. Dinucleoside polyphosphates and suramin have an inhibitory effect on the serum adenylate kinase [pIC50 values (−log IC50): Ap4A, 4.67±0.03; Up4A, 3.70±0.10; Ap5A, 6.31±0.03; suramin, 3.74±0.07], as well as on endothelial adenylate kinase (pIC50 values: Ap4A, 4.17±0.07; Up4A, 2.94±0.02; Ap5A, 5.97±0.04; suramin, 4.23±0.07), but no significant effects on serum NDP kinase, emphasizing the selectivity of these inhibitors. Furthermore, Ap4A, Up4A, Ap5A and suramin progressively inhibited the rates of [3H]ADP (pIC50 values: Ap4A, 3.38±0.09; Up4A, 2.78±0.06; Ap5A, 4.42±0.11; suramin, 4.10±0.07) and [3H]ATP (pIC50 values: Ap4A, 3.06±0.06; Ap5A, 3.05±0.12; suramin, 4.14±0.05) hydrolyses by cultured HUVECs. Up4A has no significant effect on the endothelial NTPDase activity. Although the half-lives for Ap4A, Up4A and Ap5A in serum are comparable with the incubation times of the assays used in the present study, secondary effects of the dinucleotide metabolites are not prominent for these inhibitory effects, since the concentration of metabolites formed are relatively insignificant compared with the 800 μmol/l ATP added as a phosphate donor in the adenylate kinase and NDP kinase assays. This comparative competitive study suggests that Ap4A and Ap5A contribute to the purinergic responses via inhibition of adenylate-kinase-mediated conversion of endogenous ADP, whereas Up4A most likely mediates its vasoregulatory effects via direct binding-mediated mechanisms.
Basic Principles of Language Intervention for Children Who Use AAC
Authors: Loncke Filip 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe study of language acquisition and processing and the practice of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) intervention have a mutual beneficial impact. Each of the three major approaches in explaining language acquisition (rationalistic, empiricist, and functionalist) provides interesting perspectives in understanding the uniqueness of language acquisition through AAC. When looking at language processing, studies of AAC use can provide information on the multimodality and internal multimodal representational networks.The study of the main language components (phonology, morphology and syntax, lexicon) in AAC users raises interesting questions concerning (a) the effect of the use of a speech-generating device on an internal phonology, (b) the relation between morphological and syntactic rules and communicative effectiveness, and (c) the effect of the use of communication boards and devices on lexical development and lexical growth.AAC practice is a potential source of data that can lead to more effective intervention as well as to a better understanding of language processes in general.
Language Acquisition Theory and AAC Intervention
Authors: Sutton Ann 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article presents a reflection on the relationship between language acquisition theories and augmentative and alternative (AAC) intervention, particularly related to grammar. Aspects of the language-learning situation for children needing AAC and of production of language using an AAC system that may pose challenges for acquisition of grammar are discussed. The implications for AAC intervention that can be drawn from several language acquisition theories are explored. It is suggested that establishing clearer or more overt links between theories and intervention is important in order to make underlying assumptions more explicit and to be aware of the theoretical underpinnings of AAC intervention.
Grammatical Morpheme Intervention Issues for Students Who Use AAC
Authors: Binger Cathy 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Many children who use AAC experience difficulties with acquiring grammar. At the 9th Annual Conference of ASHA's Special Interest Division 12, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Binger presented recent research results from an intervention program designed to facilitate the bound morpheme acquisition of three school-aged children who used augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Results indicated that the children quickly began to use the bound morphemes that were taught; however, the morphemes were not maintained until a contrastive approach to intervention was introduced. After the research results were presented, the conference participants discussed a wide variety of issues relating to grammar acquisition for children who use AAC. Some of the main topics of discussion included the following: provision of supports for grammar comprehension and expression, intervention techniques to support grammatical morpheme acquisition, and issues relating to AAC device use when teaching grammatical morpheme use.