bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students Demonstrating Persistent Low Response to Reading Intervention: Three Case Studies
Authors: Wanzek Jeanne , Vaughn Sharon
Published: August 2009

Three students with severe reading disabilities participated in a 3‐year intervention provided by trained tutors from first grade through third grade (175–231 hours). All three students demonstrated very low response to initial levels of intervention and were provided adjusted intensive intervention in an attempt to remedy their low response to instruction. Findings revealed that two of the three students realized limited growth and did not accelerate progress toward reducing the gap between their performance and the expected grade level performance. One student accelerated growth considerably during third grade and made accelerated progress toward grade level expectations. Information on intervention implementation and student progress as well as implications for practice and further research are discussed.
The Feasibility of Percutaneous Transradial Coronary Intervention for Saphenous Vein Graft Lesions and Comparison with Transfemoral Route
Authors: RATHORE SUDHIR , ROBERTS ELVED , HAKEEM ABDUL R. , PAURIAH MAHESHWAR , BEAUMONT ANDREW , MORRIS JOHN L.
Published: August 2009

Background: Transradial PCI is rapidly expanding and is effective in complex lesion subset due to miniaturization of devices and accumulated clinical experience. However, the femoral route still remains the usual vascular route used for SVG PCI in most catheterization laboratories.

Methods: We examined 115 consecutive patients undergoing SVG PCI between January 2003 and December 2005 and compared the radial (51 patients) and femoral (64 patients) approaches.

Results: Baseline demographics, lesion location, and clinical indication were similar in both groups. GpIIbIIIa inhibitor usage was high in the radial group (78.4% vs. 53.1%, P < 0.01). Angiographic success was similar in both groups, 96% in the radial group vs. 96.8 in the femoral. Total fluoroscopy time (18.59 ± 12.23 vs. 20.45 ± 12.9), total procedure time (52.1 ± 29.5 vs. 43.90 ± 23.31 min), and the use of total contrast volume (357.0 ± 174.0 vs. 346.0 ± 157.0 ml) were similar in the radial and femoral groups, respectively. In‐hospital MACE (radial: 2 MI [4.0%] vs. femoral: 1 death [1.6%] and 7 MI [11.0%], P < 0.01) were similar in both groups. Access site vascular complications (radial: 2 [4.0%] vs. femoral: 10 [11.0%], P < 0.001) were significantly less in the radial group.

Conclusions: The transradial approach for SVG PCI is feasible, safe, and as quick as the femoral approach. Procedural success is high with similar radiation and contrast exposure. In‐hospital MI in the femoral group is high because of more‐unstable patients. However, there are significantly lower vascular complications despite high use of platelet inhibitors in the radial approach.
Favorable Long‐Term Survival in Patients Undergoing Stent PCI of Unprotected Left Main Coronary Artery Compared to Predicted Short‐Term Prognosis of CABG Estimated by EuroSCORE: Clinical Determinants of Long‐Term Outcome
Authors: LEHMANN RALF , SPYRIDOPOULOS IOAKIM , KREMER JANINE , ZEIHER ANDREAS M. , SCHÄCHINGER VOLKER , FICHTLSCHERER STEPHAN
Published: August 2009

Aims/Methods: The long‐term outcome of patients (pts) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) is unclear so far. We prospectively investigated the outcome of 102 consecutive patients who underwent stent PCI of unprotected LMCA. Patients were divided according to clinical indication for PCI: stable coronary artery disease (CAD) (N = 60), NSTEMI (N = 18), STEMI (N = 24). Expected in‐hospital mortality of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) was calculated using the European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) and compared to the observed survival rate during long‐term follow‐up (mean 1.8 ± 1.2 years).

Results: The observed 30‐day mortality was 1.7% (1/60 pts) in patients with stable CAD, 11% (2/18 pts) in NSTEMI patients, and 13% (3/24 pts) in STEMI patients. The observed mortality was lower than the predicted mortality of CABG as calculated by the logistic EuroSCORE. Using receiver‐operator characteristics curves (ROC), EuroSCORE demonstrated a high predictive value for both 30‐day mortality as well as 1‐year mortality (AUC > 0.8; P < 0.01). Prognostically relevant patient related factors (P < 0.01) included severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (HR 3.24), ACS (HR 3.18), STEMI (HR: 3.01), Killip class IV (HR 7.69), occurrence of neoplastic disease (HR 3.97), and elevated CRP (HR 3.86).

Conclusions: LMCA‐PCI was associated with lower long‐term mortality rates compared to the estimated mortality of CABG. This prospective observational study suggests that DES‐PCI of unprotected LMCA in “all‐comers” can be carried out with reasonable risk.
Primary Palliative Stenting against Obstructive Mixed‐Type Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Associated with Right Atrial Isomerism
Authors: KITANO MASATAKA , YAZAKI SATOSHI , KAGISAKI KOJI , KUROSAKI KENICHI
Published: August 2009

This case report presents a low‐birth‐weight neonate who received primary stent implantation as a long‐term palliative intervention for obstructive mixed‐type total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) without common pulmonary venous chamber associated with right atrial isomerism, which was considered difficult to surgically repair in the neonatal period. Stent redilation with balloon catheters was repeated for in‐stent stenosis from neointimal proliferation, resulting in successful TAPVC repair with cavopulmonary connection at 17 months of age.
Radical Remedies:
Authors: Schneider Suzanne D.
Published: August 2009

As states weaken and public health care deteriorates throughout the developing world, new spaces are opening for civil society groups to fill the gaps of declining health systems. In Mexico, popular health groups have responded to health care decline by building community clinics, establishing health promoter training programs, and opening natural medicine pharmacies. Lower‐ and working‐class women are the primary participants in these groups that use a self‐help approach to find practical solutions to local health care problems. However, little is known about participants’ circumstances, motivations, or the ideals they embrace. Drawing from women's narratives, I explore the “micropolitics” of women's participation in local health groups. I examine their efforts to reclaim control over the health process as a metaphor for claiming control over their lives. Highlighting the “instrumental effects” of participants’ medical encounters and healing relationships, this case illuminates some unintended consequences of health care decline.
Community Participation in New Mexico's Behavioral Health Care Reform
Authors: Kano Miria , Willging Cathleen E. , Rylko‐Bauer Barbara
Published: August 2009

In 2005, New Mexico implemented a unique reform in managed behavioral health services that seeks to ensure delivery of consumer‐driven, recovery‐oriented care to low‐income individuals. Distinguishing features of the reform are the Local Collaboratives (LCs), regionally based community organizations designed by state government to represent behavioral health concerns of New Mexico's diverse cultural populations. We examine community response to the LCs, focusing on two broad sets of themes derived from 18 months of ethnographic fieldwork. The first set—structure and function—encompasses several issues: predominance of provider versus consumer voice; insufficient resources to support internal operations; imposition of state administrative demands; and perceived lack of state response to LC efforts. The second set—participation and collaboration—reveals how problems of information flow and other logistical factors impact involvement in LCs and how the construction of “community” introduced under this initiative exacerbates tensions across localities with varied histories and populations.
Susto Etiology and Treatment According to Bolivian Trinitario People:
Authors: Thomas Evert , Vandebroek Ina , Van Damme Patrick , Semo Lucio , Noza Zacaria
Published: August 2009

This article addresses two concepts that are quite widespread among Latin American cultures: susto or “‘fright sickness,” and the “masters of the animal species” philosophy, whereby individual animal spirits are believed to be “owned” by species‐specific spiritual masters. This is the first article to integrate both these aspects, drawing from ethnographic data from the Trinitario people in Bolivia collected through participant‐observation and semistructured ethnobotanical interviews on medicinal plants. Although Trinitarios have a long history of agriculture, their worldview is still partly one of animistic hunter and fisherman societies. This worldview is reflected in Trinitario susto etiology and treatment. Susto is locally believed to originate through soul theft by a variety of masters of the animal species and landscape spirits. Treatment is partly based on the principle of similia similibus curantur or “like cures like” and magicoritual ceremonies, but ethnopharmacological preparations are also well known and frequently used.
Suicide Among Children and Adolescents in a Province of Turkey
Authors: Uzun Ibrahim , Karayel Ferah Anık , Akyıldız Elif Ulker , Turan Arzu Akcay , Toprak Sadık , Arpak Baha Berk
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Despite well‐documented increases in completed suicides among children, accurate knowledge of the characteristics of these suicides is very limited. The aim of this study was to investigate general characteristics of suicide among children and adolescents in the province of Istanbul and to evaluate obtained results in the light of the literature. Data were collected from autopsy records of the Morgue Department of Institute of Forensic Medicine, Istanbul. General characteristics of completed suicides among children and adolescents between 2001 and 2005 were retrospectively reviewed. The study included 176 suicides aged 9–19 years. The overwhelming majority of the suicides (92%) were aged 15–19 years. More than half of the suicides (60%) were male. The most frequent means of suicide was hanging (55%) followed by firearms (20%) and jump or descent from height (15%).
Cranial Nonmetric Variation and Estimating Ancestry*
Authors: Hefner Joseph T.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Historically, when predicting the ancestry of human skeletal remains, forensic anthropologists have not fully considered the variation within human populations, but instead have relied on a typological, experience‐based approach. Unfortunately, reliance on observer experience has produced a method that is as much an art as it is a science. This research focuses on the frequency distribution and inter‐trait correlations of 11 common morphoscopic traits to demonstrate that the experience‐based approach to ancestry prediction is indeed an art that is unscientific, because it is unreplicable, unreliable, and invalid. Ten of 11 traits examined had frequency distributions with significant differences (p < 0.001) between groups, but the range in variation of these traits far exceeds previous assumptions. Such within group variation clearly demonstrates that extreme trait expressions are not reliable for estimating ancestry through visual observation alone, but instead that these traits should be analyzed within a statistical framework.
Molecular Identification of Indian Crocodile Species: PCR‐RFLP Method for Forensic Authentication*
Authors: Meganathan P. R. , Dubey Bhawna , Haque Ikramul
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  South East Asian countries are known for illegal poaching and trade of crocodiles clandestinely, to be used in skin, medicinal, and cosmetic industries. Besides crocodiles being listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, India has its Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 for conservation of crocodile species. Hitherto, lack of any rapid and reliable technique for examinations of crocodile‐based crime exhibits such as skin, bones, etc. has been a major problem for an effective promulgation of law on illegal trade. DNA‐based identification of species using PCR‐RFLP technique for an apt identification of all the three Indian crocodile species namely, Crocodylus porosus, Crocodylus palustris and Gavialis gangeticus is presented here. A 628 bp segment of cytochrome b gene was amplified using novel primers followed by restriction digestion with three enzymes i.e., HaeIII, MboI, and MwoI, separately and in combination. The technique has produced a species‐specific pattern for identifying the three crocodile species individually, which fulfills the requirement for its forensic application. It is expected that the technique will prove handy in identification of all the three Indian crocodile species and strengthen conservation efforts.
Same‐Race Friendships and School Attachment: Demonstrating the Interaction Between Personal Network and School Composition1
Authors: Ueno Koji
Published: August 2009

Previous research has demonstrated that students are strongly attached to school when many same‐race peers are present. This study extends the literature by considering students’ immediate social environment at school—egocentric friendship networks. I hypothesized that same‐race friendships contribute to school attachment by increasing the amount of support that students receive for their racial backgrounds in direct interactions. Further, the association between same‐race friendships and school attachment should be stronger when the school includes many same‐race peers because the organizational condition increases the ability of same‐race friendships to connect students to the major components of school‐wide networks and reduces perceived racial contrast between friends and nonfriend peers. Statistical analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) provided some support for these hypotheses, but white, black, Hispanic, and Asian students showed somewhat different patterns, suggesting group differences in how students develop and view same‐race friendships. The study highlights the importance of individual agency in navigating the multileveled social environment as well as the ability of organizational contexts to shift emotional consequences of personal relationships.
When Futures Meet the Present
Authors: Wagner‐Pacifici Robin
Published: August 2009

In this essay, I respond to Mische’s work on projection and the research of future action. Further, I suggest a tri‐partite framework of mechanisms—one I have termed “political semiosis”—that allows historical actors to materially and figuratively reorient and realign the past, present, and future in projects of transformation.
The double split flap: a surgical approach for regenerative treatment of interproximal defects
Authors: Thalmair Tobias , Fickl Stefan , Bolz Wolfgang , Wachtel Hannes
Published: August 2009

Aims and Background: Primary wound closure has been advocated to be indispensable for a successful outcome of guided tissue regeneration‐procedures. Yet narrow inter‐proximal spaces often lack sufficient tissue quantity in order to facilitate a tension free re‐adaptation of periodontal flaps. In order to maintain an uneventful healing process, the concept of layer‐wise wound closure is applied to periodontal surgery.

Material and Method: This article describes the introduction of a modified flap design, the double split flap.

Results and Conclusion: By preparation of a second, internal flap and a wound in a layer‐wise fashion, it is assumed that primary healing will be more predictable to achieve.
Melatonin prevents oxidative stress‐mediated mitochondrial permeability transition and death in skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Hibaoui Youssef , Roulet Emmanuelle , Ruegg Urs T.
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Oxidative stress‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a wide range of diseases including muscle disorders. In this study, we demonstrate that melatonin readily rescued mitochondria from oxidative stress‐induced dysfunction and effectively prevented subsequent apoptosis of primary muscle cultures prepared from C57BL/6J mice. In particular, melatonin (10−4–10−6 m) fully prevented myotube death induced by tert‐butylhydroperoxide (t‐BHP; 10 μm–24 hr) as assessed by acid phosphatase, caspase‐3 activities and cellular morphological changes. Using fluorescence imaging, we showed that the mitochondrial protection provided by melatonin was associated with an inhibition of t‐BHP‐induced reactive oxygen species generation. In line with this observation, melatonin prevented t‐BHP‐induced mitochondrial depolarization and mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) opening. This was associated with a highly reduced environment as reflected by an increased glutathione content and an increased ability to maintain mitochondrial pyridine nucleotides and glutathione in a reduced state. Using isolated mitochondria, in a similar manner as cyclosporin A, melatonin (10−8–10−6 m) desensitized the PTP to Ca2+ and prevented t‐BHP‐induced mitochondrial swelling, pyridine nucleotide and glutathione oxidation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that inhibition of the PTP essentially contributes to the protective effect of melatonin against oxidative stress in myotubes.
Challenging parents’ myths regarding their children’s teething
Authors: Owais AI , Zawaideh F , Bataineh O
Published: August 2009

Abstract:  Objectives:  The aims of this study were to (i) investigate the parental beliefs about teething signs and symptoms, (ii) investigate the parents’ practices used to alleviate teething troubles and (iii) provide an educational basis for dental healthcare providers to better educate parents on this subject.

Methods:  A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in a random sample of 1500 parents attending Maternity and Child Health Care Centers. The self‐administered questionnaire contained three sections: Section I surveyed parents’ and their children’s demographic characteristics, Section II aimed to assess the general knowledge and beliefs of parents regarding their children’s teething. Section III aimed at investigating the practices that the parents would do to manage teething problems and relieve pain. The analysis of data was carried out using spss computer software. Descriptive statistics and Chi‐squared test were utilized.

Results:  Almost 75% of the participants incorrectly attributed fever, diarrhoea and sleep disturbances to teething, and more than 50% believed systemic symptoms are not related to the process. More than 50% of the participants allowed their children to bite on chilled objects, (76.1%) used systemic analgesics and (65.6%) rubbed the gums with topical analgesics to relieve the symptoms associated with teething.

Conclusions:  This study shows a common lack of knowledge about teething among parents. Parents should be better educated about the teething process and the proper management of teething troubles by the dental health care providers.
Thin Bioactive Ceramic‐Coated Alumina‐Blasted/Acid‐Etched Implant Surface Enhances Biomechanical Fixation of Implants: An Experimental Study in Dogs
Authors: Granato Rodrigo , Marin Charles , Gil Jose N. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang , Dodson Thomas B. , Suzuki Marcelo , Coelho Paulo G.
Published: August 2009

Background: Thin bioceramic coatings have been regarded as potential substitutes for plasma‐sprayed hydroxyapatite coatings.

Purpose: This study tested the hypothesis that a thin bioactive ceramic coating deposition on an alumina‐blasted/acid‐etched (AB/AE) surface would positively affect the biomechanical fixation and bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) of plateau root form implants.

Materials and Methods: Implants of two different lengths (i.e., 4.5 × 11 mm long, n = 36) and 4.5 × 6 mm (short, n = 36) and two different surfaces, that is, control (AB/AE) and test (AB/AE + 300 – 500 nm bioactive ceramic coating), were placed in the proximal tibiae of six beagle dogs. The implants were retrieved for analyses 2 and 4 weeks after placement. The implants in bone specimens were subjected to torque loads until a 10% drop of the maximum torque was recorded. The specimens were evaluated under optical microscopy for bone morphology and percent BIC. Statistical analysis was performed by a generalized linear mixed effects analysis of variance model and statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: Significantly higher torque‐to‐interface fracture levels for test surface groups of both lengths when compared to control surfaces were observed. No significant difference in BIC was observed between test and control implants of equal length. Histomorphological analysis showed higher degrees of bone organization between the plateaus of test implant surfaces at both implantation times.

Conclusion: Because the presence of a thin bioactive ceramic coating on the surface did not affect BIC, but positively affected implant biomechanical fixation, the hypothesis was partially validated.
Dimensional Tolerances and Assembly Accuracy of Dental Implants and Machined Versus Cast‐On Abutments
Authors: Malaguti Giuliano , Denti Lucia , Bassoli Elena , Franchi Irene , Bortolini Sergio , Gatto Andrea
Published: August 2009

Background: The clinical application of prosthetic components obtained by different manufacturing processes lacks technological foundation: the dimensional tolerance of individual parts and their assembly accuracy are not known. The rotational misfit (RM) of the hexagonal connection is critical in single‐tooth implant restorations, but no standard control procedures are available for its evaluation.

Purpose: The research aimed at proposing a new protocol for the dimensional assessment of implant‐abutment connections, based on noncontact measurement and statistical data processing. The procedure was applied to machined‐ and cast‐on abutments, as well of the matching implants.

Materials and Methods: Three groups of five abutments each were studied: machined titanium abutments, pre‐machined calcinable abutments before casting procedures and the same specimens after casting. A group of five corresponding implants was considered as well. Twice the apothem was measured on each hexagon through an optical measuring microscope. The data were processed to obtain the international tolerance (IT) grade. The RM was then calculated using the apothems of the external and the internal hexagon.

Results: All the components were classified between IT8 and IT9, and the maximum RM was around 3–4° for all the assemblies, inferior to the critical limits for the screw joint stability.

Conclusion: An original measuring protocol was developed, independent of parts assembly and based on ITs. An objective dimensional characterization of prosthetic components and assemblies has been achieved, which is the basis for their reliability in clinical applications.
Minimally Invasive Antral Membrane Balloon Elevation – Results of a Multicenter Registry
Authors: Kfir Efraim , Goldstein Moshe , Yerushalmi Israel , Rafaelov Ronen , Mazor Ziv , Kfir Vered , Kaluski Edo
Published: August 2009

Background and Purpose: Frequently, the posterior maxilla lacks sufficient bone mass to support dental implants. This multiphysician registry assessed the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive antral membrane balloon elevation (MIAMBE), followed by bone augmentation and implant fixation.

Materials and Methods: One hundred twelve consecutive patients were referred for MIAMBE. Following pre‐procedural assessment and informed consent, patients underwent alveolar crest exposure, and 3 mm osteotomy followed by MIAMBE. Platelet‐rich fibrin and bone substitutes were injected under the antral membrane; implant placement and primary closure were executed at the same sitting. Implant loading was carried out 6 to 9 months later.

Results: One hundred nine (97.3%) patients successfully concluded the initial procedure. Three patients had membrane tear requiring procedure abortion. One case of infection was documented at 4 weeks. Procedure time was 58 ± 23 minutes. Incremental bone height consistently exceeded 10 mm, and implant survival of 95% was observed at 6 to 9 months.

Conclusion: MIAMBE can be applied to all patients in need of posterior maxilla bone augmentation with high procedural success, low complication rate, and satisfactory bone augmentation and implant survival. As it is minimally invasive and associated with minimal discomfort, MIAMBE should be an alternative to the currently employed methods of maxillary bone augmentation.
Plant oxylipins: Plant responses to 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid are governed by its specific structural and functional properties
Authors: Böttcher Christine , Pollmann Stephan
Published: August 2009

One of the most challenging questions in modern plant science is how plants regulate their morphological and developmental adaptation in response to changes in their biotic and abiotic environment. A comprehensive elucidation of the underlying mechanisms will help shed light on the extremely efficient strategies of plants in terms of survival and propagation. In recent years, a number of environmental stress conditions have been described as being mediated by signaling molecules of the oxylipin family. In this context, jasmonic acid, its biosynthetic precursor, 12‐oxo‐phytodienoic acid (OPDA), and also reactive electrophilic species such as phytoprostanes play pivotal roles. Although our understanding of jasmonic acid‐dependent processes and jasmonic acid signal‐transduction cascades has made considerable progress in recent years, knowledge of the regulation and mode of action of OPDA‐dependent plant responses is just emerging. This minireview focuses on recent work concerned with the elucidation of OPDA‐specific processes in plants. In this context, aspects such as the differential recruitment of OPDA, either by de novo biosynthesis or by release from cyclo‐oxylipin‐galactolipids, and the conjugation of free OPDA are discussed.
Effects of Fiber Architecture on Matrix Cracking for Melt‐Infiltrated SiC/SiC Composites
Authors: Morscher Gregory N. , DiCarlo James A. , Kiser James D. , Yun Hee Mann
Published: August 2009

The matrix cracking behavior of slurry cast melt‐infiltrated SiC matrix composites consisting of Sylramic‐iBN fibers with a wide variety of fiber architectures were compared. The fiber architectures included 2D woven, braided, 3D orthogonal, and angle interlock architectures. Acoustic emission was used to monitor in‐plane matrix cracking during unload–reload tensile tests. Two key parameters were found to control matrix‐cracking behavior: the fiber volume fraction in the loading direction and the area of the weakest portion of the structure, that is, the largest tow in the architecture perpendicular to the loading direction. Empirical models that support these results are presented and discussed.
Short‐Term Temporal Changes in Tree Live Biomass in a Central Amazonian Forest, Brazil
Authors: de Castilho Carolina V. , Magnusson William E. , de Araújo R. Nazaré O. , Luizão Flávio J.
Published: August 2009

We monitored seventy‐two 1 ha permanent plots spread over 64 km2 of terra firme forest at Reserva Ducke (Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil) over 2‐yr intervals to assess the effects of a soil and topographic gradient on the rate of change in the aboveground tree live biomass (AGLB). AGLB increased significantly over the 2‐yr intervals, exhibiting a mean rate of change of 1.65 Mg/ha/yr (bootstrapped 95% CI: 1.15, 2.79). The rate of change varied according to tree size class; understory and sub‐canopy trees exhibited higher rates of change. Over the whole period, the rate of change was not related to soil or topographic features of the plots, but there was evidence that the relationships varied depending on the year of measurement. In the plots monitored between 2001 and 2003 we found a significant relationship between AGLB change and the soil textural gradient, but this relationship was not evident in plots monitored between 2002 and 2004. This suggests that both the temporal variation in the soil–biomass change relationship and the size structure of the forest need to be included in models of biomass change in Amazonia. We also noted that the rate of biomass change is sensitive to the equation used to estimate AGLB. Allometric models that incorporate wood‐density data provide higher per plot AGLB estimates, but lower rates of change, suggesting that variations in floristic composition have important implications for carbon cycling in diverse tropical forests.
Comparative Detection of Calcium Fluctuations in Single Female Sex Cells of Tobacco to Distinguish Calcium Signals Triggered by in vitro Fertilization
Authors: Peng Xiong‐Bo , Sun Meng‐Xiang , Yang Hong‐Yuan
Published: August 2009

Double fertilization is a key process of sexual reproduction in higher plants. The role of calcium in the activation of female sex cells through fertilization has recently received a great deal of attention. The establishment of a Ca2+‐imaging technique for living, single, female sex cells is a difficult but necessary prerequisite for evaluating the role of Ca2+ in the transduction of external stimuli, including the fusion with the sperm cell, to internal cellular processes. The present study describes the use of Fluo‐3 for reporting the Ca2+ signal in isolated, single, female sex cells, egg cells and central cells, of tobacco plants. A suitable loading protocol was optimized by loading the cells at pH 5.6 with 2 μM Fluo‐3 for 30 min at 30  °C. Under these conditions, several key factors related to in vitro fertilization were also investigated in order to test their possible effects on the [Ca2+]cyt of the female sex cells. The results indicated that the bovine serum albumin‐fusion system was superior to the polyethlene glycol‐fusion system for detecting calcium fluctuations in female sex cells during fertilization. The central cell was fertilized with the sperm cell in bovine serum albumin; however, no evident calcium dynamic was detected, implying that a transient calcium rise might be a specific signal for egg cell fertilization.
GNOM‐LIKE 2, Encoding an Adenosine Diphosphate‐Ribosylation Factor‐Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factor Protein Homologous to GNOM and GNL1, is Essential for Pollen Germination in Arabidopsis
Authors: Jia Dong‐Jie , Cao Xi , Wang Wei , Tan Xiao‐Yun , Zhang Xue‐Qin , Chen Li‐Qun , Ye De
Published: August 2009

In flowering plants, male gametes are delivered to female gametophytes by pollen tubes. Although it is important for sexual plant reproduction, little is known about the genetic mechanism that controls pollen germination and pollen tube growth. Here we report the identification and characterization of two novel mutants, gnom‐like 2‐1 (gnl2‐1) and gnl2‐2 in Arabidopsis thaliana, in which the pollen grains failed to germinate in vitro and in vivo. GNL2 encodes a protein homologous to the adenosine diphosphate‐ribosylation factor‐guanine nucleotide exchange factors, GNOM and GNL1 that are involved in endosomal recycling and endoplasmic reticulum‐Golgi vesicular trafficking. It was prolifically expressed in pollen grains and pollen tubes. The results of the present study suggest that GNL2 plays an important role in pollen germination.
If You Provide It, Will They Read It? Response Time Effects in a Choice Experiment
Authors: Vista Arvin B. , Rosenberger Randall S. , Collins Alan R.
Published: August 2009

Substantial effort is expended in the design of surveys, including the amount and type of information they contain. However, we often do not know how involved respondents are in reading and processing the informational content of a survey and making choices, and whether different levels of involvement result in systematic differences in estimated models. To address this issue, we recorded response times for each respondent of an internet‐based choice experiment for stream restoration. Response times per survey section and for the entire survey were used as proxies for the amount of involvement in reading information provided or answering choice questions. Response times per survey section fell rapidly, possibly signaling learning, use of heuristics, or attempts to quickly dispel with the survey. Response times were found to be independent of demographics and attitudes. Log‐likelihood ratio tests failed to reject the null hypotheses of equal coefficients and scale parameters across response time‐partitioned data. However, there exists an association between response times and the increasing learning curve or difficult choice trade‐offs, suggesting a heuristic response. Additional research on response time effects and survey design is needed, especially with the rise in electronic surveying media.

D'énormes efforts sont investis dans la conception de sondages, notamment pour déterminer la quantité et le type d'information présentée. Toutefois, nous ne savons pas combien de temps les répondants consacrent à la lecture et au traitement de cette information et au choix des réponses, ni si les divers degrés de participation entraînent ou non des différences systématiques dans les modèles estimés. Pour s'attaquer à cette question, nous avons chronométré les personnes qui ont répondu à un sondage en ligne sur la restauration des cours d'eau. Nous avons utilisé le temps de réponse pour chaque section et pour le sondage au complet comme mesure approximative de l'effort des participants pour lire l'information et répondre aux questions. Pour chaque section, le temps de réponse diminuait rapidement, soit en raison des connaissances heuristiques des répondants, soit en raison de leur désir d'effectuer le sondage le plus rapidement possible. Le temps de réponse s'est révélé indépendant des caractéristiques démographiques et des attitudes des répondants. Des tests du rapport de vraisemblance n'ont pas rejeté les hypothèses nulles de coefficients égaux et de paramètres d'échelle de l'ensemble des données cloisonnées. Toutefois, il existe un lien entre le temps de réponse et la courbe d'apprentissage croissante ou la difficulté des choix, ce qui laisse supposer une réponse heuristique. Il faudrait effectuer davantage de recherche sur les effets du temps consacré pour répondre à un sondage et pour le concevoir, en raison du nombre croissant de sondages en ligne.
Consumer Valuations of Beef Steak Food Safety Enhancement in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United States
Authors: Tonsor Glynn T. , Schroeder Ted C. , Pennings Joost M. E. , Mintert James
Published: August 2009

Food safety concerns have had dramatic impacts on food and livestock markets in recent years. We examine consumer preferences for beef steak food safety assurances. We evaluate the extent to which preferences are heterogeneous within and across country‐of‐residence defined groups and examine the distributional nature of preferences with respect to marginal improvements in food safety. Using mixed logit models, we find that consumers in Canada, Japan, Mexico, and the United States have willingness to pay preferences that are nonlinear in the level of food safety risk reduction. In particular, consumers in Japan and Mexico have preferences that are convex and consumers in Canada and the United States have preferences concave in the level of food safety enhancement.

Les inquiétudes entourant la sécurité alimentaire ont eu des répercussions considérables sur le marché du bétail et le marché des aliments au cours des dernières années. Nous avons examiné les préférences des consommateurs concernant l'assurance de la sécurité alimentaire de la viande de bœuf. Nous avons évalué dans quelle mesure les préférences des consommateurs étaient hétérogènes au sein de groupes établis selon le pays de résidence et entre ces groupes, et avons examiné la nature distributionnelle des préférences à l'égard des améliorations marginales de la sécurité alimentaire. L'utilisation de modèles logit mixtes nous a permis d'établir que la volonté de payer des consommateurs du Canada, du Japon, du Mexique et des États‐Unis étaient non linéaires lorsqu'il était question de diminuer le degré de risque concernant la sécurité alimentaire. Les préférences des consommateurs du Japon et du Mexique étaient convexes, tandis que celles des consommateurs du Canada et des États‐Unis étaient concaves lorsqu'il était question d'accroître le niveau de sécurité alimentaire.
Suggested Methods to Mitigate Bias from Nondissolved Petroleum in Ground Water Samples Collected from the Smear Zone
Authors: Zemo Dawn A.
Published: August 2009

This article provides actual site data that confirm that turbid ground water samples collected from within the smear zone at petroleum release sites can be significantly biased high by the inclusion of a nondissolved component that is an artifact of the sampling process. Side‐by‐side comparisons show that reducing sample turbidity can result in significant reductions of reported concentrations for the ground water samples and that the lower turbidity results are more representative of the petroleum actually dissolved in the ground water. Depending on site‐specific factors, ground water sample turbidity can be reduced by four field‐based and two laboratory‐based methods. These methods should be used routinely at sites where turbid samples with a nondissolved component are being collected.
MNA as a Remedy for Arsenic Mobilized by Anthropogenic Inputs of Organic Carbon
Authors: Hering Janet G. , O'Day Peggy A. , Ford Robert G. , He Y. Thomas , Bilgin Azra , Reisinger H. James , Burris David R.
Published: August 2009

The potential application of monitored natural attenuation (MNA) as a remedy for ground water contaminated with arsenic (As) is examined for a subset of contaminated sites, specifically those where naturally occurring As has been mobilized due to localized anthropogenic organic carbon (OC) releases. This includes sites subject to petroleum releases, exposure to landfill leachates, and OC additions for biostimulation of reductive dechlorination of chlorinated solvents. The key characteristic of these sites is that, under conditions prevailing before the anthropogenic OC introduction, the naturally occurring As in the subsurface was not mobile and did not adversely affect ground water quality. This suggests that, in the far‐field (where background conditions are (re) established), As may be sequestered upon contact of the contaminated ground water with either or both the (uncontaminated) ambient ground water and the background aquifer minerals. The observed extents of elevated concentrations (or “footprints”) of As and other chemical species, such as dissolved OC and iron (Fe), and related parameters, such as redox potential (Eh) and dissolved oxygen, and their evolution over time can be used to assess the mobilization and sequestration of As and the potential feasibility of MNA as a remedial option. Ultimately, the capacity for As sequestration must be assessed in the context of the OC loading to the site, which may require “active” measures for source control. Monitoring is needed to confirm the continuing effectiveness of the MNA remedy or to indicate if contingency measures must be implemented.
Pore Water Characteristics Following a Release of Neat Ethanol onto Pre‐existing NAPL
Authors: Stafford Brent P. , Cápiro Natalie L. , Alvarez Pedro J.J. , Rixey William G.
Published: August 2009

Neat ethanol (75.7 L) was released into the upper capillary zone in a continuous‐flow, sand‐packed aquifer tank (8.2 m3) with an average seepage velocity of 0.75 m/day. This model aquifer system contained a residual nonaqueous phase liquid (NAPL) that extended from the capillary zone to 10 cm below the water table. Maximum aqueous concentrations of ethanol were 20% v/v in the capillary zone and 0.08% in the saturated zone at 25 and 30 cm downgradient from the emplaced NAPL source, respectively. A bench‐scale release experiment was also conducted for a similar size spill (scaled to the plan area). The concentrations of ethanol in ground water for both the bench‐ and pilot‐scale experiments were consistent with advective–dispersive limited mass transfer from the capillary to the saturated zone. Concentrations of monoaromatic hydrocarbons and isooctane increased in the pore water of the capillary zone as a result of both redistribution of residual NAPL (confirmed by visualization) and enhanced hydrocarbon dissolution due to the cosolvent effect exerted by ethanol. In the tank experiment, higher hydrocarbon concentrations in ground water were also attributed to decreased hydrocarbon biodegradation activity caused by preferential microbial utilization of ethanol and the resulting depletion of oxygen. These results infer that spills of highly concentrated ethanol will be largely confined to the capillary zone due to its buoyancy, and ethanol concentrations in near‐source zone ground water will be controlled by mass transfer limitations and hydrologic conditions. Furthermore, highly concentrated ethanol releases onto pre‐existing NAPL will likely exacerbate impacts to ground water, due to NAPL mobilization and dissolution, and decreased bioattenuation of hydrocarbons.
Multiple Working Transport Hypotheses in a Heterogeneous Glacial Aquifer System
Authors: Cypher Joseph A. , Lemke Lawrence D.
Published: August 2009

Multiple working hypotheses can be used to evaluate permissible alternative hydrogeological interpretations at sites with limited subsurface control. This approach was applied to test the viability of three conceptual aquifer system architecture models coupled with three hypothesized source locations for a 1,4‐dioxane plume in a heterogeneous glacial aquifer system in Washtenaw County, Michigan. The three alternative conceptual models characterized the site hydrogeology with increasingly complex distributions of hydrostratigraphic units: (A) an effective aquifer, (B) a layered confined aquifer, and (C) a discretely heterogeneous aquifer model. Each was incorporated into an independently calibrated numerical ground water flow (MODFLOW) model. Steady‐state and transient flow simulations of the alternative models were evaluated using both hydraulic flow field characteristics observed under natural conditions and the perturbed response after local remedial pumping activity began. Three plausible locations where 1,4‐dioxane could have entered the aquifer system were identified using historical information at the site: (1) manufacturing waste water disposal lagoons, (2) a 60 foot (18 m) deep kettle lake, and (3) a shallow impoundment on a local stream. Advective transport modeling (MODPATH) was used to assess the consistency of the hypothesized source locations with observed contaminant migration pathways inferred from the mapped location of the plume. Evaluation of the nine combinations of hydrogeologic conceptualizations and 1,4‐dioxane source locations led to elimination of four working hypotheses and discounting of two others, leading to reduced overall uncertainty and the development of new insights into the system behavior.
What Works to Prevent Adolescent Smoking? A Systematic Review of the National Cancer Institute's Research‐Tested Intervention Programs
Authors: Sherman Elyse J. , Primack Brian A.
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Cigarette use remains the leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Although school is an ideal setting for antismoking interventions, school‐based programs have not been successful in the long term. The purpose of this study was to explore characteristics of programs deemed to be successful short‐term Research‐Tested Intervention Programs (RTIPs) by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

METHODS: To identify adolescent smoking prevention programs, 2 independently working researchers applied specified selection criteria to all programs in the NCI's RTIP database. Selected programs were abstracted using a structured form for general information, participants, interventions, outcomes, and quality. Extracted data were then assessed for common themes and contrasts in each category.

RESULTS: As of June 2008, 18 studies met the NCI's standards for RTIPs preventing smoking among adolescents. After selection criteria were applied, only 5 programs remained. Each independently working researcher arrived at the same pool of programs. In chronological order according to date of publication of outcomes evaluation, the 5 programs ultimately included were Project Towards No Tobacco Use, Pathways to Health, Native FACETS, Kentucky Adolescent Tobacco Prevention Project, and Sembrando Salud. The majority of these programs were targeted toward a particular sociodemographic group (eg, American Indians, Hispanic migrant communities).

CONCLUSIONS: New school‐based programs are needed to address current issues in tobacco control. To improve chances of success, these programs may wish to target certain specific high‐risk demographic groups, use professional health educators and/or trained community members, and build in methods of updating material.
Effective Methods to Improve Recruitment and Retention in School‐Based Substance Use Prevention Studies
Authors: Bruzzese Jean‐Marie , Gallagher Richard , McCann‐Doyle Sharon , Reiss Philip T. , Wijetunga Neil A.
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Poor recruitment and high attrition may invalidate results of research studies. This paper describes successful recruitment and retention strategies in a school‐based substance use prevention trial and explores factors associated with intervention attendance and retention.

METHODS: A total of 384 parent‐child dyads from 15 schools in the New York Metropolitan area participated in a control trial, testing the efficacy of parent‐training to prevent youth substance use. Assessments were completed immediately post‐intervention and 6‐, 12‐, and 24‐month postintervention. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine which familial and study characteristics predicted attendance in the intervention and retention by parents and youth.

RESULTS: 84% of intervention parents attended 4 of the 5 workshops; 83% of control parents attended their single workshop. Intervention attendance was predicted by parent job status, but this was not significant after controlling for other family factors. Retention rates ranged from 87% to 91% over the 2 years. No family characteristics predicted retention, but time since baseline and attendance at treatment workshops and the control workshop did. For children, age at baseline and ethnicity predicted retention, but this did not remain significant in the adjusted model.

CONCLUSION: Intervention attendance was high and retention rates far exceeded the minimum standard of 70% retention in behavioral studies. Recruitment and retention strategies were effective for different family constellations. Efforts to maximize participation in both treatment and control interventions are critical to retention in longitudinal trials.
Adolescent Behavioral, Affective, and Cognitive Engagement in School: Relationship to Dropout
Authors: Archambault Isabelle , Janosz Michel , Morizot Julien , Pagani Linda
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: High school dropout represents an important public health issue. This study assessed the 3 distinct dimensions of student engagement in high school and examined the relationships between the nature and course of such experiences and later dropout.

METHODS: We administered questionnaires to 13,330 students (44.7% boys) from 69 high schools in the province of Quebec (Canada). During 3 consecutive high school years, students reported their behavioral, emotional, and cognitive engagement to school. Information on later dropout status was obtained through official records.

RESULTS: Although many adolescents remained highly engaged in high school, one third reported changes, especially decreases in rule compliance, interest in school, and willingness to learn. Students reporting low engagement or important decrements in behavioral investment from the beginning of high school presented higher risks of later dropout.

CONCLUSION: School‐based interventions should address the multiple facets of high school experiences to help adolescents successfully complete their basic schooling. Creating a positive social‐emotional learning environment promises better adolescent achievement and, in turn, will contribute to a healthier lifestyle.