Development Of Communication Research Articles

Survey on Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Communications for 6G

Although the application of the fifth-Generation (5G) mobile communication has brought tremendous innovations to the daily life of human beings, e.g., autonomous vehicles and internet of everything, the upcoming huger data requirement leads to the emergence of the sixth-Generation (6G) mobile communication. Compared to 5G, the transmission rate, time delay, and wireless coverage need to be improved significantly. Thus, in this paper the applications of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to the ubiquitous, intelligent and coupling 6G network are surveyed. First, the utilization of UAVs in the framework of space-air-ground-sea integrated network is demonstrated, and the roles and functions of UAVs in different scenarios are emphasized, e.g., the swarm base stations, the deployment for holographic projection, the long-distance relaying and the data collection. Then, the potential 6G key techniques of terahertz, ultra-massive multiple-input and multiple-output, endogenous artificial intelligence, Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS), intelligent edge computing, blockchain and integrated sensing and communication for UAV communications are investigated. Finally, the future challenges of UAV communications for 6G, including the limited duration, integration of networks, compatibility of IRS, development of THz communications, and user security are discussed.

Communication Skills in Toddlers Exposed to Maternal SARS-CoV-2 during Pregnancy.

Studies about the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on pregnant women and children born to positive women are controversial with regard to possible inner ear-related damage but most of them do not detect the involvement of this virus in auditory function. However, only a few studies on long-term effects on language development are currently available because of the recent onset of the pandemic. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on perceptual and expressive abilities and the emerging development of communication in young children. To this purpose, the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory-Words and Gestures form (CDI-WG), was administered to parents. In total, 115 children whose mother was infected by SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy were enrolled in the study and evaluated at the Audiology Service of the Modena University Hospital. All children underwent Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) at birth: 114/115 had a "pass" result bilaterally, while 1 case had a unilateral "refer" result. Overall, 110/115 newborns (95.65%) underwent audiological evaluation between 10-18 months of age. In 5/110 patients (3.6%), the Pure Tone Average (PTA) result was equal to 35 dB; one case had a hearing threshold of around 50 dB due to a bilateral effusive otitis media. A notable finding was the percentage of children with tubal dysfunction in both evaluations, within 2 months of age and around 12 months of age. Most children revealed normal hearing. The CDI-WG was completed by 56/115 families. The rate of children below the fifth percentile was 8.9% for sentences understood, 12.5% for words understood, and 5.4% for words produced. Concerning CDI-Gestures, only 2 children (3.6%) were below the fifth percentile. A structured audiological follow-up in association with the evaluation of communication skills of children appears fundamental, particularly in the years of maximum neuroplasticity. Long-term studies are still necessary to evaluate the possible consequences of the pandemic.

Zhuang Food Culture: Meaning and Representation in the Process of New Media Communication in China

Designing a qualitative research method using observations, in-depth interviews, group discussions, and literature review data fieldwork survey collection investigated by participants to the meaning and representation of Zhuang food culture in the process of new media communication in China. The Zhuang people are a Tai-speaking ethnic group, mostly living in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Southern China. Food also plays a critical role in symbolizing happiness in Chinese culture. Zhuang food culture holds seven tiers of meaning for the Zhuang people, manifested in both traditional festivals and daily life. In Chinese culture, verbal communication is most accurately interpreted in the context of nonverbal communication, social hierarchy, and other background information. Social roles and a concern for respect and harmony inevitably have a bearing on communication. Zhuang food culture reveals that amidst the development of new media communication in China. Focuses on the Zhuang Sanyuesan Festival activities: A deeper understanding of the unique cultural characteristics of this ethnic group in new media communication; the Five-Color Sticky Rice; the Zhuang society and the outside world continuously are developing increasingly; the transformation of the Zhuang people through their production and life practices; etc., The representation of Zhuang food culture on new media platforms is primarily conducted through three dimensions: food culture, regional culture, and traditional Zhuang culture. Zhuang Food Culture has the remarkable ability to bring people together and create a sense of connection. For instance, dumplings, with their round shape and plump filling, symbolize wealth and prosperity and are often eaten during the Chinese New Year to usher in a prosperous year ahead.

A facile strategy for preparing low dielectric polybutadienes with ultra-low dielectric loss and enhanced thermal stability

With the rapid development of high speed and high frequency communication, organic low dielectric (low-k) materials with both ultra-low dielectric constant (Dk) and ultra-low dielectric loss (Df) are urgently required to ensure signal transmission speed and reliability. 1,2-polybutadiene (1,2-PB) is renowned for its excellent dielectric properties, making it used in high-frequency printed circuit boards (PCBs). However, its poor thermal stability and mechanical properties hinder its application which requires persistent stability. To address this issue, a series of thermal-crosslinkable benzocyclobutene (BCB)-modified PBs were synthesized through a hydrosilylation reaction. These cured PBs exhibited significantly enhanced thermal stability with the glass transition temperature (Tg) exceeding 400 °C. In particular, they displayed ultra-low Dk (2.32–2.41) and ultra-low Df (<0.001). It was found that the properties of cured PBs were related to BCB loadings. Among the cured polymers, PB-g-B30 demonstrated the optimal dielectric properties with a Dk of 2.34 and a Df of 3.6 × 10−4. Subsequently, a PB-g-B30/glass fiber laminate was fabricated, exhibiting superior dielectric and comprehensive properties when compared to commercial low-k laminates. This study provides a facile method to develop PBs with ultra-low Dk and Df and enhanced thermal stability. The outstanding comprehensive properties indicate their potential as low-k materials in high-frequency communication applications.

A Mixed Method Study on the Dimensions of Teacher Mentoring as Correlates of Technical Assistance Performance of Master Teachers: A Future Ready Mentoring Program

The study investigated the correlation between the Dimensions of Teacher Mentoring and the technical assistance performance of Master Teachers, along with the facilitating and hindering factors within the Schools Division of Siargao. Key dimensions evaluated included mentoring structure, motivation, passion, system requirements, pedagogical competence, and feedback mechanisms. Using a mixed-method approach, 91 master teachers from 12 districts participated. Data collection involved questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, with thematic analysis applied to qualitative data. Findings indicated high administrative support for mentoring structures, with master teachers showing strong motivation and competence. However, challenges such as inadequate internet connectivity, heavy workloads, and lack of resources hindered their performance. Despite these obstacles, master teachers exhibited a strong commitment to mentoring, though they faced significant distractions like health issues and multitasking. The study proposed an intervention program to address these challenges, emphasizing the need for improved administrative support, resources, and time allocation for mentoring activities. The conclusions drawn highlighted the importance of communication and professional development in enhancing mentoring effectiveness. Recommendations included institutionalizing mentoring programs, enhancing school-based mentoring initiatives, and conducting further research to refine and improve mentoring practices.

Uncivil communication and epistemic trustworthiness concerns in public online discussions in response to scientists during the Covid-19 pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic illustrated important developments in science communication, with direct online interactions between scientists and the public. This study performs a content analysis of tweets (“N” = 6,000) directed at German virologists (“N” = 6) during the pandemic’s first year. It identifies substantial levels of incivility and trustworthiness concerns, which often co-occurred. These findings enhance our understanding of online communication dynamics in crises by showing how incivility and trustworthiness concerns are not only prevalent but also evolve in response to specific events and phases. This analysis provides insight into the complexities of public sentiment toward scientists during the pandemic.

Shift Pruning-Based SCL Decoding for Polar Codes

In the context of the high-speed development of 5G communications, high-performance decoding schemes for polar codes are a hot spot in channel coding research. Shift pruning successive cancellation list (SP-SCL) decoding aims to recover the correct path by shift pruning in the extra SCL decoding. However, the current SP-SCL decoding is inflexible in determining the shift positions. In this paper, a flexible shift pruning SCL (FSP-SCL) decoding is proposed. Firstly, the reasons for movement and the eliminated states of the correct path are analyzed in detail using the path metric range (PMR), and on this basis, the validity of the method adopted in this paper for determining the shift priority of the information bits is verified. Secondly, the FSP-SCL decoding proposes two methods for determining the shift positions. One is the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) threshold method, which compares the LLR values of the eliminated paths on the shift bit with the corresponding LLR threshold to determine the shift positions. The other is the path distance method. It combines the minimum distance between the eliminated paths and the received vector with the path metrics to determine the shift positions. Both methods are more flexible and practical, as they can calculate the corresponding shift positions online based on a specific shift bit, avoiding the high complexity caused by the simulation method. Finally, this paper designs various experimental schemes to verify the decoding performance of the FSP-SCL. The experimental results show that in terms of error-correction performance, the LLR threshold-based FSP-SCL (FSPL (LLR threshold)) decoding, the path distance-based FSP-SCL (FSPL (path distance)) decoding and the existing SP-SCL decoding are roughly equal overall. In terms of decoding complexity, FSPL (LLR threshold) decoding is slightly better than FSPL (path distance) decoding, and the decoding complexity of both is lower than that of SP-SCL decoding, with the difference being more pronounced in the medium to high SNR regions.

Abstract B089: A community-based participatory approach to developing a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention

Abstract Background: Black women in the US experience higher rates of cervical cancer mortality due to delayed diagnosis from lower screening rates. Contributing to this disparity, especially for those who are 40-64 years old, are provider bias, costs, and limited access. Recent FDA approval of HPV self-collection and current innovative research efforts for clinical and simulated home- based HPV self-collection bring promise of increasing access. However, like other innovations, equitable dissemination of HPV self-collection will be challenging. Our project seeks to distribute HPV self-collection kits in unconventional settings like hair salons. We conducted a community-based participatory study using concept mapping to gather diverse insights to design a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention. Methods: We employed GroupWisdom and REDCap online platforms to engage with our participants. Participants were members of the Black Community Advisory Council of Tucson (Black CACTus). Concept mapping steps involved: 1) Brainstorming statements from a prompt, 2) Sorting statements into piles according to meaning by each participant, 3) Rating the importance and feasibility of statements, 4) Reviewing the cluster map, and 5) Reviewing a draft/proposed intervention. Results: Black CACTus members (n=10) included hairstylists (n=3), salon clients (n=4), and healthcare providers (n=3). All participants identified as Black women, with two also identifying as Latina and White. Participants were 23-53 years old. Brainstorming yielded 39 statements. A six-cluster map was generated using the sorting data. Cost-related factors like "free" or "covered by insurance," as well as convenience, were rated as highly important by all participants. Development of clear communication and education about screening benefits, test results, and timely delivery of results were regarded as the most feasible. Conclusions: To equitably increase cervical cancer screening we must look beyond traditional clinical settings to trusted community locales like hair salons. Including the voice of the community and cultural and contextual factors is vital when tailoring cancer screening initiatives, particularly for Black women. Our study used concept mapping, in a collaborative, iterative process with vested community members to identify intervention elements and implementation strategies that have the potential to increase access to and uptake of cervical cancer screening among Black women. Citation Format: Kelly N.B. Palmer, Namoonga M. Mantina, Adebola Adegboyega, Itunu O. Sokale, Kathleen Pryor, Azaria Suero-Davis, Trevon Brooks, Jennifer Hatcher. A community-based participatory approach to developing a salon-based HPV self-collection intervention [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B089.

Penerimaan Aplikasi Loklok Menggunakan Metode Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) oleh Masyarakat Jakarta

Nowadays, the development of communication and information technology has brought major chages in various aspect of life, one of them is in entertainment aspects. For example video streaming technology. Video streaming technology has been part of modern society. Loklok is of video streaming technology application which is popular in Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to analyze the acceptance video streaming technology on Loklok application and find out whether it can be generally acceptance by the people of Jakarta. This research was done for loklok application users. Loklok is an application or platform that provides video streaming services with many varieties of genres such Korean dramas, western films and animations. The conceptual model of technology acceptance assessment is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which is a research model that analyzes the factors that influence the acceptance of computer technology. The statistical analysis used is the partial least squares structural equation model. This research uses quantitative methods with data collection techniques in the form of filling out online questionnaires through Google Forms with the number of respondents determined by the Slovin formula and sampling techniques using simple random sampling. This study uses PLS-SEM data analys with SmartPLS tools with a sample size of 100. The results of this study indicate that the variables Perceived Usefulness -&gt; Attitude of use, Perceived ease of use -&gt; Attitude of use, Attitude of use - &gt; Behavioral Intention Of Use and Behavioral Intention Of Use -&gt; Actually System Use are positive which means that the LokLok application is well received by the Jakarta Community.

KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI DAN BERPIKIR KREATIF PESERTA DIDIK PADA MATERI ORGANISASI KEHIDUPAN MELALUI PENERAPAN MODEL PROJECT BASED LEARNING (PjBL)

21st century education encourages students to master four things: communication, collaboration, creativity, and problem solving. This study aims to: (1) determine the development of students' creative thinking skills by using the PjBL model; (2) determine the development of students' oral communication by applying the PjBL model; (3) describe the learning implementation of the PjBL model; (4) describe students' responses to the PjBL model learning model. This type of research is Pre-Experimental with One Group Pretest and Posttest Design. The research sample was VII A students of SMP Muhammadiyah 3 Surabaya based on purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques using tests, questionnaires and observations. Data analysis uses descriptive and statistical analysis with n-gain and T-test. based on the results of the study concluded: (1) there is a development of students' creative thinking skills after the application of the PjBL model with an N-Gain value of 0.68 with a “medium” category; (2) there is a development of students' oral communication skills after the application of the PjBL model indicated by an average value of 90 in the “very good” category; (3) learning with the PjBL model is carried out with the mode of “Very Good” criteria; (4) implementation with the model gets a good response from students with a percentage of 95.7%.

Cognitive, emotional, communicative, and motor development in children born from couple’s gametes cryopreserved oocytes. A 20 years single-center experience

ObjectiveTo study if social and emotional, communicative, cognitive, motor development of children born from cryopreserved oocytes are comparable to general population. DesignSurvey study. ExposureThis is a single-center population study, focusing on all children born from cycles of in vitro fertilization of cryopreserved oocytes at Humanitas Fertility Center from January 1st,2003, until December 31st, 2021. Main outcome measuresGeneral information about birth history were collected from all parents. Then, screening for developmental delay was performed by administration of a questionnaire, edited according to milestones set for age by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.Primary outcomes included the percentage of children, for each age range, that reached related milestones. In children younger than 6 years of age, milestones were considered to be reached by each age-based population subgroup studied when ≥ 75 % of included children expressed the tested competences. ResultsA total of 355 live births fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in the study. Results showed that each age-based population subgroup, younger than 6 years of age, scored ≥ 75 % in all the milestones included in the questionnaire.In preadolescents and adolescents, it was noted a decrease in unstructured in-person socializing. Indeed, milestones that scored the lowest values, based on parents’ judgement, included tasks concerning peer-to-peer interaction (72.31%) and sexuality and sentimental relationships (63.08%). ConclusionsResults indicated that the achievement of emotional, communicative, cognitive, and motor milestones in infants, toddlers, and preschoolers was comparable to the general pediatric population. Similarly, emotional wellbeing and social engagement in school-aged children, preadolescents, and adolescents were in line with their peers.

The Influence of Cross-Divisional Communication and Career Development on Employee Morale at PT. PLN (Persero) Ampera Branch

This study seeks to evaluate the impact of cross-divisional communication and career development on employee morale at PT. PLN (Persero) Ampera Branch. Employing a population-based approach with total sampling techniques, data were gathered through questionnaires distributed to 113 respondents. The study uses a quantitative methodology with an associative causal explanation. Data analysis includes assessments of data quality, classical assumption testing, multiple linear regression analysis, evaluation of the coefficient of determination, and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate a positive influence of cross-divisional communication and career development on employee morale at PT. PLN (Persero) Ampera Branch, both individually and collectively.

Double rectangular-grooves metasurface for highly efficient electric modulation

With the rapid development of optical communication, how to achieve efficient modulation (fast response speed and high modulation depth) of optical signals has attracted more and more attention from researchers. Among all electro-optical modulator (EOM) designs, the electro-optical metasurface is undoubtedly a competitive solution for optical signal modulation in free space. Although current research on electro-optical metasurfaces has realized improving response speed owing to the Pockels effect, there are still difficulties in achieving high modulation depth under CMOS-compatible voltage and developing rational designs of metasurfaces to achieve voltage application that trigger electro-optical effects. In this work, an ultrahigh-Q factor BaTiO3 (BTO) electro-optical metasurface, which consists of a periodic array of rectangular grooves, was designed to provide a feasible solution to address these shortcomings. Based on bound states in the continuum (BIC) theory, ultrahigh-Q factor (2.87 × 105) quasi-BIC (Q-BIC) was obtained around 1550 nm by breaking the in-plane symmetry of the two rectangular grooves in a unit cell, which could significantly deepen the modulation depth. The concave and continuous structure of rectangular grooves made the application of voltage more efficient. The simulation results show that an optical signal modulation in free space with a modulation depth of 100% could be achieved. Multipole decomposition indicated that toroidal dipole (TD) was dominant in this Q-BIC. Our work may further promote the development of electro-optical modulation towards faster and deeper modulation.

Development of Synchronization Selection Method in IoT with Secure Channel Bidirectional Communication

Background: The rapid development of wireless communications and mobile computation has given rise to the novel Internet of Things (IoT) systems, which is causing considerable research attention and industrial development. However, the lack of synchronization between the timers of IoT devices compromises the network's security. Aim: The purpose of this patent application is to present a technique for synchronizing the timepieces of IoT gadgets and establishing a secure channel for the transmission of data from source to destination. Objective: This study proposes a Synchronization Selection Method (SSM) for IoT systems to enhance network security and reduce packet loss. Methods: The method utilizes time-lay synchronization and RSA algorithm-based secure channel establishment. Time lay is a technique that was developed for IoT devices to achieve efficient clock synchronization of sensor nodes. Before synchronizing the sensor nodes' timings, the cluster leaders initiate the process. Utilizing a finite number of nodes, the proposed method was executed in MATLAB. Results: Time-lay synchronization involves all network nodes synchronizing their clocks with a third-party clock. In the context of time-lay synchronization, the term “third-party clock” refers to a single specific point that contains the time signal that all nodes in the network use as a reference. This third-party clock is outside of the network nodes and acts as the standard for the precise and synchronized time within the network. Therefore, it can be deduced that each of the techniques possesses its advantages and disadvantages. Each of the synchronization techniques has the potential to significantly benefit the IoT by offering smart clock synchronization that is more secure. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method improves throughput and reduces packet loss compared to existing techniques. Conclusion: The potential of this patent is highly significant for solving the synchronization problem of IoT devices and enhancing network security with decreased network packet loss. Other: The SSM would be assessed using the parameters of packet loss and throughput.

Language learning in the context of a global pandemic: proximal and distal factors matter.

Public health measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the socioecological context in which children were developing. Using Bronfenbrenner's socioecological theory, we investigate language acquisition among 2-year-old children (n = 4037) born during the pandemic. We focus on "late talkers", defined as children below the 10th percentile on the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories-III. Overall, the proportion of late talkers declined as a function of pandemic wave, with 13.0% of those born during the first wave classified as late talkers compared to 10.4% born in wave two, and 8.0% born during wave three. In sex-based analysis, we observed a 15.9% prevalence of late talking among female toddlers, which was significantly different from the norming sample. In contrast, the prevalence of late talking among male toddlers was 9.1%. Using hierarchical logistic regression to identify both proximal and distal factors associated with being a late talker, we found that male sex, lower socioeconomic status, greater screen time, receiving childcare at home, disruptions to childcare, and experiencing greater exposure to public health restrictions were associated with increased odds for being a late talker. We interpret the findings in relation to the need to consider the special needs of young children in disaster preparation and response. Two-year-old children acquiring language in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic have vocabulary size similar to historical norms. A higher-than-expected prevalence of late talkers (below the 10th percentile) was observed among females and children born during the first wave of the pandemic. Motivated by Bronfenbrenner's socioecological theory, we show that both proximal and distal environmental factors are associated with vocabulary size. Infants exposed to stricter public measures had reduced vocabulary size. The findings suggest a need to recognize the developmental needs of children as part of the public health response to emergencies.

An ML-Based Solution in the Transformation towards a Sustainable Smart City

The rapid development of modern information technology (IT), power supply, communication and traffic information systems and so on is resulting in progress in the area of distributed and energy-efficient (if possible, powered by renewable energy sources) smart grid components securely connected to entire smart city management systems. This enables a wide range of applications such as distributed energy management, system health forecasting and cybersecurity based on huge volumes of data that automate and improve the performance of the smart grid, but also require analysis, inference and prediction using artificial intelligence. Data management strategies, but also the sharing of data by consumers, institutions, organisations and industries, can be supported by edge clouds, thus protecting privacy and improving performance. This article presents and develops the authors’ own concept in this area, which is planned for research in the coming years. The paper aims to develop and initially test a conceptual framework that takes into account the aspects discussed above, emphasising the practical aspects and use cases of the Social Internet of Things (SIoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) in the everyday lives of smart sustainable city (SSC) residents. We present an approach consisting of seven algorithms for the integration of large data sets for machine learning processing to be applied in optimisation in the context of smart cities.

A Review on Millimeter-Wave Hybrid Beamforming for Wireless Intelligent Transport Systems

As the world braces for an era of ubiquitous and seamless connectivity, hybrid beamforming stands out as a beacon guiding the evolutionary path of wireless communication technologies. Several hybrid beamforming technologies are explored for millimeter-wave multiple-input multi-output (MIMO) communication. The aim is to provide a roadmap for hybrid beamforming that enhances wireless fidelity. In this systematic review, a detailed literature review of algorithms/techniques used in hybrid beamforming along with performance metrics, characteristics, limitations, as well as performance evaluations are provided to enable communication compatible with modern Wireless Intelligent Transport Systems (WITSs). Further, an in-depth analysis of the mmWave hybrid beamforming landscape is provided based on user, link, band, scattering, structure, duplex, carrier, network, applications, codebook, and reflecting intelligent surfaces to optimize system design and performance across diversified user scenarios. Furthermore, the current research trends for hybrid beamforming are provided to enable the development of advanced wireless communication systems with optimized performance and efficiency. Finally, challenges, solutions, and future research directions are provided so that this systematic review can serve as a touchstone for academics and industry professionals alike. The systematic review aims to equip researchers with a deep understanding of the current state of the art and thereby enable the development of next-generation communication in WITSs that are not only adept at coping with contemporary demands but are also future-proofed to assimilate upcoming trends and innovations.

Differential interference with actin-binding protein function by acute Cytochalasin B.

Dynamic actin filament remodeling is crucial for a plethora of fundamental cell biological processes, ranging from cell division and migration to cell communication, intracellular trafficking or tissue development. Cytochalasin B and -D are fungal secondary metabolites frequently used for interference with such processes. Although generally assumed to block actin filament polymerization at their rapidly growing barbed ends and compete with regulators at these sites, our molecular understanding of their precise effects in dynamic actin structures is scarce. Here we combine live cell imaging and analysis of fluorescent actin-binding protein dynamics with acute treatment of lamellipodia in migrating cells with cytochalasin B. Our results show that in spite of an abrupt halt of lamellipodium protrusion, cytochalasin B affects various actin filament barbed end-binding proteins in a differential fashion. Cytochalasin B enhances instead of diminishes the accumulation of prominent barbed end-binding factors such as Ena/VASP family proteins and heterodimeric capping protein (CP) in the lamellipodium. Similar results were obtained with cytochalasin D. All these effects are highly specific, as cytochalasin-induced VASP accumulation requires the presence of CP, but not vice versa , and coincides with abrogation of both actin and VASP turnover. Cytochalasin B can also increase apparent barbed end interactions with the actin-binding β-tentacle of CP and partially mimic its Arp2/3 complex-promoting activity in the lamellipodium. In conclusion, our results reveal a new spectrum of cytochalasin activities on barbed end-binding factors, with important implications for the interpretation of their effects on dynamic actin structures.

Zinc finger protein LjRSDL regulates arbuscule degeneration of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Lotus japonicus.

In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis, appropriate regulation of the formation, maintenance, and degeneration of the arbuscule are essential for plants and fungi. In this study, we identified a Cysteine-2/Histidine-2 zinc finger protein (C2H2-ZFP)-encoding gene in Lotus japonicus named Regulator of Symbiosome Differentiation-Like (LjRSDL) that is required for arbuscule degeneration. Evolutionary analysis showed that homologs of LjRSDL exist in mycorrhizal flowering plants. We obtained ProLjRSDL::GUS transgenic hairy roots and showed that LjRSDL was strongly upregulated upon AM colonization, particularly at 18 days post AM fungi inoculation and specifically expressed in arbuscular-containing cells. The mycorrhization rate increased in the ljrsdl mutant but decreased in LjRSDL overexpressed L. japonicus. Interestingly, we observed higher proportions of large arbuscule in the ljrsdl mutant but lower proportions of larger arbuscule in LjRSDL overexpressing plants. Transcriptome analyses indicated that genes involved in arbuscule degeneration were significantly changed upon the dysregulation of LjRSDL and that LjRSDL-dependent regulation in AM symbiosis is mainly via the hormone signal transduction pathway. LjRSDL, therefore, represents a C2H2-ZFP that negatively regulates AM symbiosis. Our study provides insight into understanding plant-AM fungal communication and AM symbiosis development.

Socioeconomic Deprivation Detrimentally Influences Language Outcomes in Toddlers With Cleft Palate.

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of socioeconomic deprivation on language and developmental outcomes in toddlers with cleft palate with or without cleft lip (CP ± L). Other factors known to influence language outcomes were also considered, including home language history, history of hearing problems, syndromic diagnoses, and sex. A multicenter, cross-sectional study design was conducted. Data for 566 16-month-old toddlers with CP ± L were collected from 17 outpatient cleft palate clinics located throughout the United States. Outcome measures included the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventories, LENA Developmental Snapshot, age at first word as reported by the caregiver, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Third Edition (ASQ-3). Multivariable linear or logistic regression was used to determine the influence of socioeconomic deprivation, as measured by the Area Deprivation Index, on language and developmental outcomes. Greater socioeconomic deprivation significantly predicted poorer language outcomes in toddlers with CP ± L, including receptive vocabulary words (p = .02), expressive vocabulary words (p = .02), and late-developing gestures (p = .02). Additionally, toddlers from less affluent neighborhoods produced their first words significantly later than their counterparts living in more affluent areas (p < .01). Lower maternal education levels predicted significantly increased risk for problem solving delays (p < .01), and patients with subsidized insurance were at significantly increased risk for personal-social delays on the ASQ-3 (p < .01). Children with CP ± L are susceptible to developmental delays associated with socioeconomic deprivation. These findings have implications for identifying a child's individual risk factors for developmental language disorders when conducting speech-language assessments. Future study should examine how inequities in care can be mitigated and addressed.