Exploring writing in products in students with language impairments and autism spectrum disorders

Oral language skills scaffold written text production; students with oral language difficulties often experience writing problems. The current study examines the ways in which oral language problems experienced by students with language impairment (LI) and students with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) impact on their production of written text. One hundred and fifty seven participants (Mage = 10;2) with LI or ASD completed standardized measures of oral language, transcription, working memory, and nonverbal ability and produced a written narrative text assessed for productivity, grammatical accuracy, and quality. Measures of transcription, productivity, and grammatical accuracy, but not text quality, were poorer for students with LI. Transcription skills accounted for the majority of variance in the writing of the LI cohort. For the ASD cohort, handwriting, oral language and autism symptomatology were significant predictors. When students with ASD also experienced language problems, their performance was equivalent to that observed in the LI cohort.

Lattice Boltzmann method for simulating the viscous flow in large distensible blood vessels

A lattice Boltzmann method for simulating the viscous flow in large distensible blood vessels is presented by introducing a boundary condition for elastic and moving boundaries. The mass conservation for the boundary condition is tested in detail. The viscous flow in elastic vessels is simulated with a pressure-radius relationship similar to that of the Pulmonary blood vessels. The numerical results for steady flow agree with the analytical prediction to very high accuracy, and the simulation results for pulsatile flow are comparable with those of the aortic flows observed experimentally. The model is expected to find many applications for studying blood flows in large distensible arteries, especially in those suffering from atherosclerosis. stenosis. aneurysm, etc.

Events of enhanced convection and related dayside auroral activity

In this paper we study the high-latitude plasma flow variations associated with a periodic (∼8 min) sequence of auroral forms moving along the polar cap boundary, which appear to be the most regularly occuring dayside auroral phenomenon under conditions of southward directed interplanetary magnetic field. Satellite data on auroral particle precipitation and ionospheric plasma drifts from DMSP F10 and F11 are combined with ground-based optical and ion flow measurements for January 7, 1992. Ionospheric flow measurements of 10-s resolution over the range of invariant latitudes from 71° to 76° were obtained by operating both the European incoherent scatter (EISCAT) UHF and VHF radars simultaneously. The optical site (Ny Ålesund, Svalbard) and the EISCAT radar field of view were located in the postnoon sector during the actual observations. The West Greenland magnetometers provided information about temporal variations of high-latitude convection in the prenoon sector. Satellite observations of polar cap convection in the northern and southern hemispheres show a standard two-cell pattern consistent with a prevailing negative By component of the interplanetary magnetic field. The 630.0 nm auroral forms located poleward of the persistent cleft aurora and the flow reversal boundary in the ∼1440–1540 MLT sector were observed to coincide with magnetosheath-like particle precipitation and a secondary population of higher energy ions, and they propagated eastward/tailward at speeds comparable with the convection velocity. It is shown that these optical events were accompanied by bursts of sunward (return) flow at lower latitudes in both the morning and the afternoon sectors, consistent with a modulation of Dungey cell convection. The background level of convection was low in this case (Kp =2+). The variability of the high-latitude convection may be explained as resulting from time-varying reconnection at the magnetopause. In that case this study indicates that time variations of the reconnection rate effectively modulates ionospheric convection.

Pressure-driven magnetopause motions and attendant response on the ground

The terrestrial magnetopause suffered considerable sudden changes in its location on 9–10 September 1978. These magnetopause motions were accompanied by disturbances of the geomagnetic field on the ground. We present a study of the magnetopause motions and the ground magnetic signatures using, for the latter, 10 s averaged data from 14 high latitude ground magnetometer stations. Observations in the solar wind (from IMP 8) are employed and the motions of the magnetopause are monitored directly by the spacecraft ISEE 1 and 2. With these coordinated observations we are able to show that it is the sudden changes in the solar wind dynamic pressure that are responsible for the disturbances seen on the ground. At some ground stations we see evidence of a “ringing” of the magnetospheric cavity, while at others only the initial impulse is evident. We note that at some stations field perturbations closely match the hypothesized ground signatures of flux transfer events. In accordance with more recent work in the area (e.g. Potemra et al., 1989, J. geophys. Res., in press), we argue that causes other than impulsive reeonnection may produce the twin ionospheric flow vortex originally proposed as a flux transfer even signature.

Flow in the high latitude ionosphere: measurements at 15s resolution made using the EISCAT ‘Polar’ experiment

We present a first overview of flows in the high latitude ionosphere observed at 15 s resolution using the U.K.-Polar EISCAT experiment. Data are described from experiments conducted on two days, 27 October 1984 and 29 August 1985, which together span the local times between about 0200 and 2130MLT and cover five different regions of ionospheric flow. With increasing local time, these are: the dawn auroral zone flow cell, the dayside region of low background flows equatorward of the flow cells, the dusk auroral zone flow cell, the boundary region between the dusk auroral zone and the polar cap, and the evening polar cap. Flows in both the equatorward and poleward portions of the auroral zone cells appear to be relatively smooth, while in the central region of high speed flow considerable variations are generally present. These have the form of irregular fluctuations on a wide range of time scales in the early morning dawn cell, and impulsive wave-like variations with periods of a few minutes in the afternoon dusk cell. In the dayside region between the flow cells, the ionosphere is often essentially stagnant for long intervals, but low amplitude ULF waves with a period of about 5 min can also occur and persist for many cycles. These conditions are punctuated at one to two hour intervals by sudden ‘flow burst’ events with impulsively generated damped wave trains. Initial burst flows are generally directed poleward and can peak at line-of-sight speeds in excess of 1 km s^{−1} after perhaps 45 s. Flows in the polar cap are reasonably smooth on time scales of a few minutes and show no evidence for the presence of ULF waves. Under most, but not all, of the above conditions, the beam-swinging algorithm used to determine background vector flows should produce meaningful results. Comparison of these flow data with simultaneous plasma and magnetic field measurements in the solar wind, made by the AMPTE IRM and UKS spacecraft, emphasizes the strong control exerted on high latitude flows by the north-south component of the IMF.

Volcanic ash layer depth: processes and mechanisms

The long duration of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption provided a unique opportunity to measure a widely dispersed volcanic ash cloud. Layers of volcanic ash were observed by the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network with a mean depth of 1.2 km and standard deviation of 0.9 km. In this paper we evaluate the ability of the Met Office's Numerical Atmospheric-dispersion Modelling Environment (NAME) to simulate the observed ash layers and examine the processes controlling their depth. NAME simulates distal ash layer depths exceptionally well with a mean depth of 1.2 km and standard deviation of 0.7 km. The dominant process determining the depth of ash layers over Europe is the balance between the vertical wind shear (which acts to reduce the depth of the ash layers) and vertical turbulent mixing (which acts to deepen the layers). Interestingly, differential sedimentation of ash particles and the volcano vertical emission profile play relatively minor roles.

Multiplexed femtomolar quantitation of human cytokines in a fluoropolymer microcapillary film

Sensitive quantitation of multiple cytokines can provide important diagnostic information during infection, inflammation and immunopathology. In this study sensitive immunoassay detection of human cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12p70 and TNFα is shown for singleplex and multiplex formats using a novel miniaturized ELISA platform. The platform uses a disposable plastic multi-syringe aspirator (MSA) integrating 8 disposable fluoropolymer microfluidic test strips, each containing an array of ten 200 mean i.d. microcapillaries coated with a set of monoclonal antibodies. Each MSA device thus performs 10 tests on 8 samples, delivering 80 measurements. Unprecedented levels of sensitivity were obtained with the novel fluoropolymer microfluidic material and simple colorimetric detection in a flatbed scanner. The limit of detection for singleplex detection ranged from 2.0 to 15.0 pg/ml, i.e. 35 and 713 femtomolar for singleplex cytokine detection, and the intra- and inter-assay coefficient of variation (CV) remained within 10%. In addition, a triplex immunoassay was developed for measuring IL-1β, IL-12p70 and TNFα simultaneously from a given sample in the pg/ml range. These assays permit high sensitivity measurement with rapid <15 min assay or detection from undiluted blood serum. The portability, speed and low-cost of this system are highly suited to point-of-care testing and field diagnostics applications.

The brand likeability scale: an exploratory study of likeability in firm-level brands

We develop a new measurement scale to assess consumers’ brand likeability in firm-level brands. We present brand likeability as a multidimensional construct. In the context of service experience purchases, we find that increased likeability in brands results in: (1) greater amount of positive association; (2) increased interaction interest; (3) more personified quality; and (4) increased brand contentment. The four-dimensional multiple-item scale demonstrates good psychometric properties, showing strong evidence of reliability as well as convergent, discriminant and nomological validity. Our findings reveal that brand likeability is positively associated with satisfaction and positive word of mouth. The scale extends existing branding research, providing brand managers with a metric so that likeability can be managed strategically. It addresses the need for firms to act more likeably in an interaction-dominated economy. Focusing on likeability acts as a differentiator and encourages likeable brand personality traits. We present theoretical implications and future research directions on the holistic brand likeability concept.

Connecting climate model projections of global temperature change with the real world

Current state-of-the-art global climate models produce different values for Earth’s mean temperature. When comparing simulations with each other and with observations it is standard practice to compare temperature anomalies with respect to a reference period. It is not always appreciated that the choice of reference period can affect conclusions, both about the skill of simulations of past climate, and about the magnitude of expected future changes in climate. For example, observed global temperatures over the past decade are towards the lower end of the range of CMIP5 simulations irrespective of what reference period is used, but exactly where they lie in the model distribution varies with the choice of reference period. Additionally, we demonstrate that projections of when particular temperature levels are reached, for example 2K above ‘pre-industrial’, change by up to a decade depending on the choice of reference period. In this article we discuss some of the key issues that arise when using anomalies relative to a reference period to generate climate projections. We highlight that there is no perfect choice of reference period. When evaluating models against observations, a long reference period should generally be used, but how long depends on the quality of the observations available. The IPCC AR5 choice to use a 1986-2005 reference period for future global temperature projections was reasonable, but a case-by-case approach is needed for different purposes and when assessing projections of different climate variables. Finally, we recommend that any studies that involve the use of a reference period should explicitly examine the robustness of the conclusions to alternative choices.

Changes in gene expression induced by H(2)O(2) in cardiac myocytes.

Oxidative stress induces cardiac myocyte apoptosis. At least some effects are probably mediated through changes in gene expression. Using Affymetrix arrays, we examined the changes in gene expression induced by H(2)O(2) (0.04, 0.1, and 0.2mM; 2 and 4h) in rat neonatal ventricular myocytes. Changes in selected upregulated genes were confirmed by ratiometric RT-PCR. p21(Cip1/Waf1) was one of the only two genes upregulated in all conditions studied. Of the heat shock proteins, only Hsp70/70.1 was induced by H(2)O(2) with no change in the expression of Hsp25, Hsp60 or Hsp90. Heme oxygenase 1 was also potently upregulated, but not heme oxygenases 2 or 3. Of the intercellular adhesion proteins, syndecan-1 was significantly upregulated in response to H(2)O(2), with little change in the expression of other syndecans and no change in expression of any of the integrins studied. Thus, oxidative stress, exemplified by H(2)O(2), selectively promotes the expression of specific gene family members.

Influence of rhBMP-2 on bone formation and osseointegration in different implant systems after sinus-floor elevation. An in vivo study on sheep

Background Several studies have reported certain bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs) to have positive effects on bone generation Although some investigators have studied the effects of human recombinant BMP (rhBMP-2) in sinus augmentation in sheep, none of these studies looked at the placement of implants at the time of sinus augmentation Furthermore, no literature could be found to report on the impact that different implant systems, as well as the positioning of the implants had on bone formation if rhBMP-2 was utilized in sinus-lift procedures Purpose The aim of this study was to compare sinus augmentation with rhBMP-2 on a poly-D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid gelatine (PLPG) sponge with sinus augmentation with autologous pelvic cancellous bone in the maxillary sinus during the placement of different dental Implants Materials and methods Nine adult female sheep were submitted to bilateral sinus-floor elevation In one side (test group) the sinus lift was performed with rhBMP-2 on a PLPG-sponge, while the contralateral side served as the control by using cancellous bone from the iliac crest Three different implants (Branemark (R), 31 (R) and Straumann (R)) were inserted either simultaneously with the sinus augmentation or as a two staged procedure 6 weeks later The animals were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks for histological and histomorphometrical evaluations during which bone-to-implant contact (BIC) and bone density (BD) were evaluated Results BD and BIC were significantly higher at 12 weeks in the test group if the Implants were placed at the time of the sinus lift (p < 0 05) No difference was observed between the different implant systems or positions Conclusions The use of rhBMP-2 with PLPG-sponge increased BIC as well as BD in the augmented sinuses if compared to autologous bone Different implant systems and positions of the implants had no effect on BIC or BD (C) 2010 European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery

Underreporting of Energy Intake in Brazilian Women Varies According to Dietary Assessment: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Doubly Labeled Water

Objective Underreporting of energy intake is prevalent in food surveys, but there is controversy about which dietary assessment method provides greater underreporting rates. Our objective is to compare validity of self-reported energy intake obtained by three dietary assessment methods with total energy expenditure (TEE) obtained by doubly labeled water (DLW) among Brazilian women. Design We used a cross-sectional study. Subjects/setting Sixty-five females aged 18 to 57 years (28 normal-weight, 10 over-weight, and 27 obese) were recruited from two universities to participate. Main outcome measures TEE determined by DLW, energy intake estimated by three 24-hour recalls, 3-day food record, and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Statistical analyses performed Regression and analysis of variance with repeated measures compared TEE and energy intake values, and energy intake-to-TEE ratios and energy intake-TEE values between dietary assessment methods. Bland and Altman plots were provided for each method. chi(2) test compared proportion of underreporters between the methods. Results Mean TEE was 2,622 kcal (standard deviation [SD] =490 kcal), while mean energy intake was 2,078 kcal (SD=430 kcal) for the diet recalls; 2,044 kcal (SD=479 kcal) for the food record and 1,984 kcal (SD=832 kcal) for the FFQ (all energy intake values significantly differed from TEE; P<0.0001). Bland and Altman plots indicated great dispersion, negative mean differences between measurements, and wide limits of agreement. Obese subjects underreported more than normal-weight subjects in the diet recalls and in the food records, but not in the FFQ. Years of education, income and ethnicity were associated with reporting accuracy. Conclusions The FFQ produced greater under- and overestimation of energy intake. Underreporting of energy intake is a serious and prevalent error in dietary self-reports provided by Brazilian women, as has been described in studies conducted in developed countries.

Higher evening antiepileptic drug dose for nocturnal and early-morning seizures

We describe 17 children with nocturnal or early-morning seizures who were switched to a proportionally higher evening dose of antiepileptic drugs and were retrospectively reviewed for seizure outcome and side effects. Of 10 children with unknown etiology, clinical presentation was consistent with nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (NFLE) in 5 and benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) in 3. After a mean follow-up of 5.3 months, 15 patients were classified as responders: 11 of these became seizure free (5 NFLE, 1 BECTS, 5 with structural lesions) and 4 (2 BECTS, 2 with structural lesions) experienced 75-90% reductions in seizures. Among two nonresponders, seizures in one had failed to resolve with epilepsy surgery. Nine subjects (53%) received monotherapy after dose modification, and none presented with worsening of seizures. Two complained of transient side effects (fatigue/somnolence). Differential dosing led to seizure freedom in 64.7% (11/17) of patients, and 88.2% (15/17) experienced >= 50% reductions in seizures. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hybridization and introgression across different ploidy levels in the Neotropical orchids Epidendrum fulgens and E-puniceoluteum (Orchidaceae)

The hypothesis of gene flow between species with large differences in chromosome numbers has rarely been tested in the wild, mainly because species of different ploidy are commonly assumed to be reproductively isolated from each other because of instantaneous and strong postzygotic barriers. In this study, a broad-scale survey of molecular variation was carried out between two orchid species with different ploidy levels: Epidendrum fulgens (2n = 2x = 24 chromosomes) and Epidendrum puniceoluteum (2n = 4x = 52 chromosomes). To test the strength of their reproductive barriers, we investigated the distribution of genetic variation in sympatric and allopatric populations of these two species and conducted crossing experiments. Nuclear and plastid microsatellite loci were used to genotype 463 individuals from eight populations across the geographical range of both species along the Brazilian coastal plain. All six sympatric populations analysed presented hybrid zones, indicating that hybridization between E. fulgens and E. puniceoluteum is a common phenomenon. Bayesian assignment analysis detected the presence of F(1) and F(2) individuals and also signs of introgression, demonstrating a high potential for interspecific gene flow. Introgression occurs preferentially from E. fulgens to E. puniceoluteum. Pure parental individuals of both species display strong genotype-habitat associations, indicating that environment-dependent selection could be acting in all hybrid zones. This study suggests that hybridization and introgression are evolutionary processes playing a role in the diversification of Epidendrum and indicates the importance of investigations of hybrid zones in understanding reproductive barriers and speciation processes in Neotropical orchid species.

Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule

Pergher PS, Leite-Dellova D, de Mello-Aires M. Direct action of aldosterone on bicarbonate reabsorption in in vivo cortical proximal tubule. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 296: F1185-F1193, 2009. First published February 18, 2009; doi:10.1152/ajprenal.90217.2008.-The direct action of aldosterone (10(-12) M) on net bicarbonate reabsorption (J(HCO3)(-)) was evaluated by stationary microperfusion of an in vivo middle proximal tubule (S2) of rat kidney, using H ion-sensitive microelectrodes. Aldosterone in luminally perfused tubules caused a significant increase in J(HCO3)(-) from a mean control value of 2.84 +/- 0.08 [49/19 (n degrees of measurements/n degrees of tubules)] to 4.20 +/- 0.15 nmol.cm(-2).s(-1) (58/10). Aldosterone perfused into peritubular capillaries also increased J(HCO3)(-), compared with basal levels during intact capillary perfusion with blood. In addition, in isolated perfused tubules aldosterone causes a transient increase of cytosolic free calcium ([Ca(2+)](i)), monitored fluorometrically. In the presence of ethanol ( in similar concentration used to prepare the hormonal solution), spironolactone (10(-6) M, a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist), actinomycin D (10(-6) M, an inhibitor of gene transcription), or cycloheximide (40 mM, an inhibitor of protein synthesis), the J(HCO3)(-) and the [Ca(2+)](i) were not different from the control value; these drugs also did not prevent the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). However, in the presence of RU 486 alone [10(-6) M, a classic glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist], a significant decrease on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) was observed; this antagonist also inhibited the stimulatory effect of aldosterone on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i). These studies indicate that luminal or peritubular aldosterone (10(-12) M) has a direct nongenomic stimulatory effect on J(HCO3)(-) and on [Ca(2+)](i) in proximal tubule and that probably GR participates in this process. The data also indicate that endogenous aldosterone stimulates J(HCO3)(-) in middle proximal tubule.