bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fungicides Associated with Two Adjuvant Formulations for Preventive and Curative Soybean Rust Control
Authors: Ferguson D. C. , Yowell J. R. , May-De Mio L. Larissa , Godoy Cláudia V. , da Cunha Fabio , Rosa Gilson Machado , Lima Neto Vismar da C.
Published: October 2009

This two-year study targeted measuring the effect of three different fungicide formulations in order to control soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi). This study also measured the effect of controlling soybean rust by adding a fixed concentration, 1 % v/v of two adjuvants into the three fungicide formulations and then varying the concentration of the two adjuvants at 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 % into a tebuconazole formulation only. The first year of the study was conducted in the field in two regions of the Paraná State (Southern region of Brazil). The second year of the study was conducted in a greenhouse and in the field.
Collection Efficiencies of Various Airborne Spray Flux Samplers Used in Aerial Application Research
Authors: Fritz Bradley K , Hoffmann W. Clint
Published: October 2009

A low air speed, spray dispersion tunnel was constructed and used to evaluate the collection efficiency of passive spray flux collectors. The dispersion tunnel utilizes an air-assisted nozzle to generate a spray cloud with a DV0.5 of 18.5 (±0.4) μrn at air speeds ranging from 0.4–4.0 m/s. A sampling protocol was developed to minimize spray flux and air speed variation effects while providing a check on theoretical collection efficiency calculations. A soda straw and monofilament line was placed on either side of a nylon screen cylinder collector, and all three were positioned in the center of the tunnel's cross-sectional area. Twelve replicated trials were conducted at air speeds of 0.4, 1.3, 2, and 3.8 m/s. Droplet size was measured every replication using a Sympatec HELOS laser diffraction system. Using theoretical collection efficiencies for cylinders and the measured fractional droplet size, the actual flux was estimated from the volume of spray collected on the soda straw and monofilament samplers and used to determine the collection efficiency of the nylon screen cylinder. Collection efficiency increased with air speed for all collectors and results ranged from 5 to 40 % for the soda straws, 46 to 83 % for the monofilament line, and 9 to 98 % for the nylon screen cylinders. Collection efficiency data are crucial to the evaluation of field collected data from aerial application research studies with respect to mass accountability and comparisons to other studies and drift model results.
Soil Water Measurements Relevant to Agronomic and Environmental Functions of Chemically Treated Soil
Authors: Sojka R. E. , Lehrsch G. A. , Kostka S. J. , Reed J. L. , Koehn A. C. , Foerster J. A.
Published: October 2009

Modern agricultural, turf, and landscape management routinely apply and depend upon chemical applications to optimize system function for specific outcomes. The effectiveness of these applied chemicals to achieve desired outcomes usually depends upon their interaction with and transport by water. To fully and accurately assess the role of water as a chemical delivery and activation system requires a good understanding of how the applied chemicals, soil, and water interact, the scale at which a phenomenon is important, the nature of soil variability, and which of the three dominant soil water properties (content, movement, or potential energy) is most suited to assessing water's role. The science of this assessment process is extensive and its literature is voluminous. For the uninitiated, however, it is worth being aware at least of the basics of soil water assessment and where some of the pitfalls lie. This presentation describes soil as a three-phase system (solids, liquid, and gases) and highlights some of the key measurements and measurement considerations necessary to appropriately characterize treatment efficacy for specific, and especially, non-intuitive effects. The presentation cannot be comprehensive or substitute for requisite university-level courses in soil physics and soil chemistry, but can, perhaps, alert applicators to situations and considerations that demand more than mere cursory assessment for proper evaluation and interpretation.
Reliability of Genomic Predictions Across Multiple Populations
Authors: de Roos A P W , Hayes B J , Goddard M E
Published: October 2009

Genomic prediction of future phenotypes or genetic merit using dense SNP genotypes can be used for prediction of disease risk, forensics, and genomic selection of livestock and domesticated plant species. The reliability of genomic predictions is their squared correlation with the true genetic merit and indicates the proportion of the genetic variance that is explained. As reliability relies heavily on the number of phenotypes, combining data sets from multiple populations may be attractive as a way to increase reliabilities, particularly when phenotypes are scarce. However, this strategy may also decrease reliabilities if the marker effects are very different between the populations. The effect of combining multiple populations on the reliability of genomic predictions was assessed for two simulated cattle populations, A and B, that had diverged for T = 6, 30, or 300 generations. The training set comprised phenotypes of 1000 individuals from population A and 0, 300, 600, or 1000 individuals from population B, while marker density and trait heritability were varied. Adding individuals from population B to the training set increased the reliability in population A by up to 0.12 when the marker density was high and T = 6, whereas it decreased the reliability in population A by up to 0.07 when the marker density was low and T = 300. Without individuals from population B in the training set, the reliability in population B was up to 0.77 lower than in population A, especially for large T. Adding individuals from population B to the training set increased the reliability in population B to close to the same level as in population A when the marker density was sufficiently high for the marker–QTL linkage disequilibrium to persist across populations. Our results suggest that the most accurate genomic predictions are achieved when phenotypes from all populations are combined in one training set, while for more diverged populations a higher marker density is required.
Fine Mapping and Haplotype Structure Analysis of a Major Flowering Time Quantitative Trait Locus on Maize Chromosome 10
Authors: Ducrocq Sébastien , Giauffret Catherine , Madur Delphine , Combes Valérie , Dumas Fabrice , Jouanne Sophie , Coubriche Denis , Jamin Philippe , Moreau Laurence , Charcosset Alain
Published: October 2009

Flowering time is a major adaptive trait in plants and an important selection criterion for crop species. In maize, however, little is known about its molecular basis. In this study, we report the fine mapping and characterization of a major quantitative trait locus located on maize chromosome 10, which regulates flowering time through photoperiod sensitivity. This study was performed in near-isogenic material derived from a cross between the day-neutral European flint inbred line FV286 and the tropical short-day inbred line FV331. Recombinant individuals were identified among a large segregating population and their progenies were scored for flowering time. Combined genotypic characterization led to delimit the QTL to an interval of 170 kb and highlighted an unbalanced recombination pattern. Two bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) covering the region were analyzed to identify putative candidate genes, and synteny with rice, sorghum, and brachypodium was investigated. A gene encoding a CCT domain protein homologous to the rice Ghd7 heading date regulator was identified, but its causative role was not demonstrated and deserves further analyses. Finally, an association study showed a strong level of linkage disequilibrium over the region and highlighted haplotypes that could provide useful information for the exploitation of genetic resources and marker-assisted selection in maize.
Evolutionary Dynamics of the Genomic Region Around the Blast Resistance Gene Pi-ta in AA Genome Oryza Species
Authors: Lee Seonghee , Costanzo Stefano , Jia Yulin , Olsen Kenneth M , Caicedo Ana L
Published: October 2009

The race-specific resistance gene Pi-ta has been effectively used to control blast disease, one of the most destructive plant diseases worldwide. A single amino acid change at the 918 position of the Pi-ta protein was known to determine resistance specificity. To understand the evolutionary dynamics present, we examined sequences of the Pi-ta locus and its flanking regions in 159 accessions composed of seven AA genome Oryza species: O. sativa, O. rufipogon, O. nivara, O. meridionalis, O. glaberrima, O. barthii, and O. glumaepatula. A 3364-bp fragment encoding a predicted transposon was found in the proximity of the Pi-ta promoter region associated with the resistance phenotype. Haplotype network analysis with 33 newly identified Pi-ta haplotypes and 18 newly identified Pi-ta protein variants demonstrated the evolutionary relationships of Pi-ta haplotypes between O. sativa and O. rufipogon. In O. rufipogon, the recent directional selection was found in the Pi-ta region, while significant deviation from neutral evolution was not found in all O. sativa groups. Results of sequence variation in flanking regions around Pi-ta in O. sativa suggest that the size of the resistant Pi-ta introgressed block was at least 5.4 Mb in all elite resistant cultivars but not in the cultivars without Pi-ta. These findings demonstrate that the Pi-ta region with transposon and additional plant modifiers has evolved under an extensive selection pressure during crop breeding.
Analysis of Ipl1-Mediated Phosphorylation of the Ndc80 Kinetochore Protein in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Akiyoshi Bungo , Nelson Christian R , Ranish Jeffrey A , Biggins Sue
Published: October 2009

Phosphorylation of the Ndc80 kinetochore protein by the Ipl1/Aurora B kinase reduces its microtubule binding activity in vitro. We found that kinetochore-bound Ndc80 is phosphorylated on Ipl1 sites in vivo, but this phosphorylation is not essential. Instead, we show that additional Ipl1 targets contribute to segregation and the spindle checkpoint.
Budding Yeast Dbf4 Sequences Required for Cdc7 Kinase Activation and Identification of a Functional Relationship Between the Dbf4 and Rev1 BRCT Domains
Authors: Harkins Victoria , Gabrielse Carrie , Haste Louise , Weinreich Michael
Published: October 2009

Cdc7-Dbf4 is a two-subunit kinase required for initiating DNA replication. The Dbf4 regulatory subunit is required for Cdc7 kinase activity. Previous studies have shown that the C termini of Dbf4 orthologs encode a single (putative) C2H2 zinc (Zn) finger, referred to as “motif C.” By mutational analysis we show that the Zn finger is not required for the essential function of Dbf4. However, deletion and point mutants altering conserved Zn-finger residues exhibit a substantially slowed S-phase, DNA damage sensitivity, and a hypo-mutagenic phenotype following UV irradiation. Using two-hybrid and biochemical assays, we show that the Dbf4 Zn finger interacts with Cdc7 and stimulates its kinase activity. However, a separable Dbf4 region also mediates an interaction with Cdc7 such that only the loss of both Cdc7-interacting regions results in lethality. In contrast, an N-terminal BRCT-like domain is not required for induced mutagenesis nor does it interact with Cdc7. By making chimeric Dbf4 proteins that contain known BRCT domains in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that the BRCT domain from Rev1, a translesion DNA polymerase, can uniquely substitute for the Dbf4 BRCT domain. Thus, we have mapped regions on budding yeast Dbf4 required for binding and activating Cdc7 kinase. Our data also suggest that the Dbf4 and Rev1 BRCT domains interact with a common protein or structure, although the precise function of both domains and their binding partners remains elusive.
High-Dose Cysteine Administration Does Not Increase Synthesis of the Antioxidant Glutathione Preterm Infants
Authors: te Braake Frans W.J. , Schierbeek Henk , Vermes Andras , Huijmans Jan G.M. , van Goudoever Johannes B.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate whether administration of additional cysteine is safe and stimulates glutathione synthesis in preterm infants in early life.

METHODS: We conducted a prospective, randomized, clinical trial with infants with birth weights of <1500 g (N = 20). The infants were assigned randomly to receive either a standard dose (45 mg/kg per day) or a high dose (81 mg/kg per day) of cysteine. Intakes of other amino acids were similar, providing a total protein intake of 2.4 g/kg per day in both groups. We recorded base requirements in the first 6 days of life. On postnatal day 2, we conducted a stable isotope study to determine glutathione concentrations and synthesis rates in erythrocytes.

RESULTS: Base requirements were higher in the high-dose cysteine group on days 3, 4, and 5. Despite an 80% increase in cysteine intake, plasma cystine concentrations did not increase. Glutathione concentrations and synthesis rates did not increase with additional cysteine administration.

CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a high dose of cysteine (81 mg/kg per day) to preterm infants seems clinically safe but does not stimulate glutathione synthesis, compared with a lower dose (45 mg/kg per day). Further research is required to determine whether there is significant benefit associated with cysteine supplementation.
Adoption of Rotavirus Vaccination by Pediatricians and Family Medicine Physicians in the United States
Authors: Kempe Allison , Patel Manish M. , Daley Matthew F. , Crane Lori A. , Beaty Brenda , Stokley Shannon , Barrow Jennifer , Babbel Christine , Dickinson L. Miriam , Tempte Jonathan L. , Parashar Umesh D.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: The goals were to assess, among pediatricians and family medicine physicians, (1) rates of offering the vaccine in their office; (2) knowledge of Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendations; (3) barriers to use; and (4) factors associated with offering the vaccine.

METHODS: Surveys of pediatricians and family medicine physicians were conducted in August to October 2007.

RESULTS: Response rates were 84% for pediatricians and 79% for family medicine physicians (N = 623). Proportions routinely offering the vaccine were 85% of pediatricians and 45% of family medicine physicians (P < .0001); 70% of pediatricians and 22% of family medicine strongly recommended the vaccine (P < .0001). Sixty-two percent of pediatricians and 32% of family medicine physicians (P < .0001) knew the age by which all 3 doses should be completed. Definite barriers to vaccine use included reported lack of coverage by insurance companies (family medicine physicians: 22%; pediatricians: 19%; not significant), costs of purchasing vaccine (family medicine physicians: 22%; pediatricians: 17%; not significant), lack of adequate reimbursement (family medicine physicians: 18%; pediatricians: 15%; not significant), concerns about safety (family medicine physicians: 25%; pediatricians: 9%; P < .0001), and concerns about adding another vaccine to the schedule (family medicine physicians: 22%; pediatricians: 5%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS: Rates of offering the new rotavirus vaccine are high among pediatricians but <50% among family medicine physicians. Both specialties identified financial barriers to use of the vaccine, but family medicine physicians had significantly more concerns about safety and about adding another vaccine to the vaccination schedule.
Athletic Participation in Severe Hemophilia: Bleeding and Joint Outcomes in Children on Prophylaxis
Authors: Ross Cassie , Goldenberg Neil A. , Hund Dana , Manco-Johnson Marilyn J.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine joint outcomes relative to impact level of athletic participation among school-aged children who had hemophilia and were taking prophylactic factor replacement, as well as to investigate prognostic factors for joint outcomes.

METHODS: School-aged boys with severe hemophilia A or B at a single center were included in the study. Clinical data on baseline joint status, BMI, hemophilia treatment, bleeding episodes, joint assessments, athletic participation, and injuries were retrospectively reviewed. Data on athletic participation were supplemented, when incomplete in the medical record, via structured telephone interview.

RESULTS: Among 37 children with severe hemophilia A or B receiving factor prophylaxis, 73% participated in high-impact activities, whereas 27% participated in exclusively low-impact activities. The frequency of joint hemorrhages and new injuries did not appreciably differ between high- and low-impact athletics. In most instances, children developed <1 bleed or injury per season. A new target joint developed in 1 (3%) child. Sixteen percent of children met established BMI criteria for overweight, and 3% were obese. In logistic regression analyses with adjustment for prophylaxis frequency, level of athletic participation was not a significant prognostic factor for joint hemorrhage.

CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of regular prophylaxis and adult coaching and supervision, significant bleeding complications were uncommon and level of impact of athletic participation was not a prognostic factor for joint outcomes. Athletic participation with appropriate supervision and precautions should be encouraged in children with hemophilia receiving prophylaxis, given potential health benefits in an increasingly overweight pediatric population.
Dosing of Porcine Surfactant: Effect on Kinetics and Gas Exchange in Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Cogo Paola Elisa , Facco Maddalena , Simonato Manuela , Verlato Giovanna , Rondina Clementina , Baritussio Aldo , Toffolo Gianna Maria , Carnielli Virgilio Paolo
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to study exogenous surfactant disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) kinetics in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who were treated with 100 or 200 mg/kg porcine surfactant.

METHODS: Sixty-one preterm infants with RDS undergoing mechanical ventilation received, within 24 hours after birth, 100 mg/kg (N = 40) or 200 mg/kg (N = 21) porcine surfactant mixed with [U-13C]dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. Clinical and respiratory parameters were recorded, and DSPC half-life and pool size and endogenous DSPC synthesis rate were calculated.

RESULTS: Clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes did not differ between groups. In the 100 mg/kg group, 28 infants (70%) received a second dose after 25 ± 11 hours and 9 (22.5%) a third dose after 41 ± 11 hours; in the 200 mg/kg group, 6 infants (28.6%) received a second dose after 33 ± 8 hours and 1 a third dose. The DSPC half-life was longer in the 200 mg/kg group (first dose: 32 ± 19 vs 15 ± 15 hours [P = .002]; second dose: 43 ± 32 vs 21 ± 13 hours [P = .025]). DSPC synthesis rates and pool sizes before the first and second doses did not differ between the groups. The 200 mg/kg group exhibited a greater reduction in the oxygenation index than did the 100 mg/kg group after the first (P = .009) and second (P = .018) doses.

CONCLUSIONS: Porcine surfactant given to preterm infants with RDS at a dose of 200 mg/kg resulted in a longer DSPC half-life, fewer retreatments, and better oxygenation index values.
Motor Competence and Physical Activity in 8-Year-Old School Children With Generalized Joint Hypermobility
Authors: Juul-Kristensen Birgit , Kristensen Jens Halkjær , Frausing Britt , Jensen Dorte Vendelboe , Røgind Henrik , Remvig Lars
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Because the criteria used for diagnosing between generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and musculoskeletal complaints, as well as relations between GJH and an insufficient motor development and/or a reduced physical activity level differ, the prevalence of GJH varies considerably. The aim of this study was to survey the prevalence of GJH defined by a Beighton score at ≥4, ≥5, or ≥6 positive tests of 9 and benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) in Danish primary school children at 8 years of age. A second aim was to compare children with and without GJH and BJHS regarding motor competence, self-reported physical activity, and incidence of musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 524 children in the second grade from 10 public schools was performed. A positive response rate was obtained for 416 (79.4%) children, and 411 (78.4%) children were clinically examined and tested for motor competence, whereas questionnaire response to items comprising musculoskeletal pain and injuries, in addition to daily level and duration of physical activity, corresponded to 377 (71.9%) children.

RESULTS: In total, 29% of the children had GJH4, 19% had GJH5, 10% had GJH6, and 9% had BJHS, with no gender difference. There was no difference in daily level and duration of physical activity and in frequency of musculoskeletal pain and injuries between those with and without GJH. Children with ≥GJH5 as well as with ≥GJH6 performed better in the motor competence tests.

CONCLUSION: Motor competence and physical activity are not reduced in primary school children at 8 years of age with GJH or BJHS. It is recommended that a potential negative influence on the musculoskeletal system over time, as a result of GJH, be investigated by longitudinal studies.
Progress in Ensuring Adequate Health Insurance for Children With Special Health Care Needs
Authors: Honberg Lynda E. , Kogan Michael D. , Allen Deborah , Strickland Bonnie B. , Newacheck Paul W.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: This article reports findings from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (NS-CSHCN) regarding the extent to which CSHCN have access to public or private health insurance that meets their needs.

METHODS: The HRSA Maternal and Child Health Bureau's health insurance core outcome was measured on the basis of whether a child had public or private coverage at the time of survey; continuity of coverage during the previous 12 months; and adequacy of coverage. Bivariate and multivariate statistical methods were used to assess independent predictors of respondents who met the health insurance core outcome and the impact of meeting the core outcome on measures of access and financial burden. Comparisons with a referent sample of children who did and did not have special needs and were included in the 2001 NS-CSHCN are also presented.

RESULTS: A total of 62.0% of CSHCN nationally met the health insurance core outcome in 2005–2006, up from 59.6% in 2001. Disparities by ethnicity and income remain, but some have narrowed, especially for Hispanic CSHCN. Children who did not meet the health insurance core outcome were more likely to have unmet needs and their families to experience financial problems. CSHCN were more likely to be insured than children without special needs but less likely to be adequately insured.

CONCLUSIONS: Results of the survey demonstrate that although a growing number of CSHCN have continuous and adequate health insurance, additional effort is needed to improve the adequacy of that insurance, particularly for children in vulnerable subpopulations.
Improved Adherence and Outcomes for Pediatric Liver Transplant Recipients by Using Text Messaging
Authors: Miloh Tamir , Annunziato Rachel , Arnon Ronen , Warshaw Jill , Parkar Sanobar , Suchy Frederick J. , Iyer Kishore , Kerkar Nanda
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: The goal was to improve immunosuppressant adherence for pediatric patients with orthotopic liver transplants by using text messaging (TM).

METHODS: A prospective study of sending TM reminders to the primary medication administrator (patient or caregiver) for pediatric transplant recipients was performed. Patient records were reviewed, comparing the year before and the year of the study. The SD of serum tacrolimus levels was used as an indicator of adherence.

RESULTS: Forty-one patients provided consent. The median age was 15 years (range: 1–27 years), and the median age at the time of transplantation was 2 years (range: 4 months to 23 years). Fourteen patients (34%) were male. In 29 of 41 cases, the medications were self-administered by the patient. The mean duration of study was 13 ± 1.5 months. Twenty-two patients were receiving 1 immunosuppressant, 14 were receiving 2, and 5 were receiving 3. Thirteen patients (37%) stopped the study after 4 months. The mean tacrolimus level SD decreased from 3.46 μg/L before the study to 1.37 μg/L (P < .005). The number of immunosuppressants taken and patient self/caregiver medication administration did not significantly affect the results. The number of acute cellular rejection episodes decreased from 12 to 2 during the study. Risk factors for rejection were older age (17.67 vs 13.28 years) and administration of >1 immunosuppressant.

CONCLUSION: We observed significant improvement in medication adherence and a reduction in rejection episodes with TM reminders for pediatric recipients of liver transplants.
Development of a New Patient-Based Measure of Pediatric Ambulatory Care
Authors: Gallagher Patricia , Ding Lin , Ham Hazen P. , Schor Edward L. , Hays Ron D. , Cleary Paul D.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: In 1995, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research initiated the Consumer Assessments of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) project to develop and evaluate survey protocols for collecting reliable and valid assessments of health care from consumers. CAHPS surveys are used throughout the United States for evaluating ambulatory and hospital care experiences, including a version for assessing pediatric ambulatory care; however, pediatric experts thought that the existing pediatric instruments did not adequately assess developmental and preventive care. The objective of this study was to develop and test an Ambulatory Pediatric CAHPS survey that focuses on clinicians and groups and includes measures of developmental and preventive care.

METHODS: To develop the survey, we conducted 2 focus groups and conducted 9 cognitive interviews. We conducted a telephone pretest with 20 parents and coded potential problems with the interview (behavioral coding). We conducted a dual-language field test of the instrument with 670 parents who reported about their children's ambulatory care. We used data from that survey to assess the reliability and validity of the measures.

RESULTS: Questions about developmental monitoring and preventive care were developed and tested. Two scales that were based on those new questions had good internal consistency (coefficient α) and inter-physician reliability. A consortium of CAHPS investigators and federal sponsors have approved the resulting instrument as a national measure of pediatric care.

CONCLUSIONS: A new instrument for assessing ambulatory pediatric care by clinicians and groups that includes questions about developmental and preventive care is now available for use.
Autoerotic Asphyxiation: Secret Pleasure—Lethal Outcome?
Authors: Cowell Daniel D.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Voluntary asphyxiation among children, preteens, and adolescents by hanging or other means of inducing hypoxia/anoxia to enhance sexual excitement is not uncommon and can lead to unintended death. This study addresses autoerotic asphyxiation (AEA) with the intent of increasing pediatricians' knowledge of the syndrome and awareness of its typical onset among young patients. AEA is characteristically a clandestine and elusive practice. Provided with relevant information, pediatricians can identify the syndrome, demonstrate a willingness to discuss concerns about it, ameliorate distress, and possibly prevent a tragedy.

METHODS: A retrospective study was undertaken of published cases both fatal and nonfatal and included personal communications, referenced citations, clinical experience, and theoretical formulations as to causation. Characteristic AEA manifestations, prevalence, age range, methods of inducing hypoxia/anoxia, and gender weighting are presented. All sources were used as a basis for additional considerations of etiology and possibilities for intervention.

RESULTS: AEA can be conceptualized as a personalized, ritualized, and symbolic biopsychosocial drama. It seems to be a reenactment of intense emotional feeling-states involving an identification and sadomasochistic relationship with a female figure. Inept AEA practitioners can miscalculate the peril of the situation that they have contrived and for numerous reasons lose their gamble with death.

CONCLUSIONS: Pediatricians should be alert to the earliest manifestations of AEA. Awareness of choking games among the young and, of those, a subset who eventually progress to potentially fatal AEA is strongly encouraged among all primary care professionals who may be able to interrupt the behavior.
Snacking in Children: The Role of Urban Corner Stores
Authors: Borradaile Kelley E. , Sherman Sandy , Vander Veur Stephanie S. , McCoy Tara , Sandoval Brianna , Nachmani Joan , Karpyn Allison , Foster Gary D.
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE: Childhood obesity is higher among ethnic minorities. One reason may be the limited access to affordable, healthy options. The disparate prevalence of urban corner stores in low-income and high-minority communities has been well documented. There are no data, however, on what children purchase in these environments before and after school. The purpose of this study was to document the nature of children's purchases in corner stores proximal to their schools.

METHODS: This was an observational study from January to June 2008. Participants were children in grades 4 through 6 from 10 urban K-8 schools with ≥50% of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. A total of 833 intercept surveys of children's purchases were conducted outside 24 corner stores before and after school. The main outcomes were type and energy content of items purchased.

RESULTS: The most frequently purchased items were energy-dense, low-nutritive foods and beverages, such as chips, candy, and sugar-sweetened beverages. Students spent $1.07 ± 0.93 on 2.1 ± 1.3 items (1.6 ± 1.1 food items and 0.5 ± 0.6 beverage items) per purchase. The total number of calories purchased per trip was 1497.7 ± 1219.3 kJ (356.6 ± 290.3 kcal). More calories came from foods than from beverages.

CONCLUSIONS: Purchases made in corner stores contribute significantly to energy intake among urban school children. Obesity prevention efforts, as well as broader efforts to enhance dietary quality among children in urban settings, should include corner store environments proximal to schools.
On the composition and decomposition of positive linear operators (II)
Authors: Gonska Heiner , Raşa Ioan
Published: October 2009

This note discusses the indecomposability and decomposability of certain operators occurring frequently in approximation theory: piecewise linear interpolation and Bernsteintype operators. The second topic includes the central (absolute) moments of the composition of two operators and their asymptotic behavior.
Application of the solution of the univariate discrete moment problem for the multivariate case
Authors: Mádi-Nagy Gergely
Published: October 2009

The objective of the univariate discrete moment problem (DMP) is to find the minimum and/or maximum of the expected value of a function of a random variable which has a discrete finite support. The probability distribution is unknown, but some of the moments are given. This problem is an ill-conditioned LP, but it can be solved by the dual method developed by Prékopa. The multivariate discrete moment problem (MDMP) is the generalization of the DMP where the objective function is the expected value of a function of a random vector. The MDMP has also been initiated by Prékopa and it can also be considered as an (ill-conditioned) LP. The central results of the MDMP concern the structure of the dual feasible bases and provide us with bounds without any numerical difficulties. Unfortunately, in this case not all the dual feasible bases have been found hence the multivariate counterpart of the dual method of the DMP cannot be developed. However, there exists a method developed by Mádi-Nagy [7] which allows us to get the basis corresponding to the best bound out of the known structures by optimizing independently on each variable. In this paper we present a method using the dual algorithm of the DMP for solving those independent subproblems. The efficiency of this new method is illustrated by numerical examples.
Concurrent and parallel chords of spheres in normed linear spaces
Authors: Martini Horst , Wu Senlin
Published: October 2009

We give a geometric characterization of inner product spaces among all finite dimensional real Banach spaces via concurrent chords of their spheres. Namely, let x be an arbitrary interior point of a ball of a finite dimensional normed linear space X. If the locus of the midpoints of all chords of that ball passing through x is a homothetical copy of the unit sphere of X, then the space X is Euclidean. Two further characterizations of the Euclidean case are given by considering parallel chords of 2-sections through the midpoints of balls.
Extensions of zip rings
Authors: Hashemi Ebrahim
Published: October 2009

A ring R is called right zip provided that if the right annihilator rR(X) of a subset X of R is zero, then there exists a finite subset Y of X, such that rR(Y) = 0. Faith [6] raised the following questions: When does R being a right zip ring imply R[x] being right zip?; When does R being a right zip imply R[G] being right zip when G is a finite group?; Characterize a ring R such that Matn(R) is right zip. In this note we continue the study of the extensions of non-commutative zip rings based on Faith’s questions. It is shown that if R is a right McCoy ring, then R is right zip if and only if R[x] is a right zip ring. Also, if M is a strictly totally ordered monoid and R a right duo ring or a reversible ring, then R is right zip if and only if R[M] is right zip. As a consequence we obtain a generalization of [7].
Histologic Evaluation of Human Bone Integration on Machined and Sandblasted Acid-etched Titanium Surfaces in Type IV Bone
Authors: Grassi Sauro , Piattelli Adriano , Ferrari Daniel S. , Figueiredo Luciene C. , Feres Magda , Iezzi Giovanna , Shibli Jamil Awad
Published: October 2009

The aim of this preliminary study was to evaluate the influence of a sandblasted acid-etched surface on bone-implant contact percentage (BIC%) as well as the bone density in the threads area (BD%) in type 4 bone after 2 months of unloaded healing. Five subjects (mean age = 42.6 years) received 2 microimplants each during conventional implant surgery in the posterior maxilla. The microimplants with commercially pure titanium surface (machined) and sandblasted acid-etched surface served as the control and test surfaces, respectively. After a healing period of 2 months, the microimplants and the surrounding tissue were removed and prepared for ground sectioning and histomorphometric analysis. One microimplant with a machined surface was found to be clinically unstable at the time of retrieval. Histometric evaluation indicated mean BIC% was 20.66 ± 14.54% and 40.08 ± 9.89% for machined and sandblasted acid-etched surfaces, respectively (P = .03). The BD% was 26.33 ± 19.92% for machined surface and 54.84 ± 22.77% for sandblasted acid-etched surface (P = .015). Within the limits of this study, the data suggest that the sandblasted acid-etched implant surface presented a higher percentage of bone-implant contact compared with machined surfaces, under unloaded conditions in posterior maxilla after a healing period of 2 months.
Comparison of the Compressive Strength of 3 Different Implant Design Systems
Authors: Pedroza Jose E. , Torrealba Ysidora , Elias Augusto , Psoter Walter
Published: October 2009

The aims of this study were twofold: to compare the static compressive strength at the implant-abutment interface of 3 design systems and to describe the implant abutment connection failure mode. A stainless steel holding device was designed to align the implants at 30° with respect to the y-axis. Sixty-nine specimens were used, 23 for each system. A computer-controlled universal testing machine (MTS 810) applied static compression loading by a unidirectional vertical piston until failure. Specimens were evaluated macroscopically for longitudinal displacement, abutment looseness, and screw and implant fracture. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The mean compressive strength for the Unipost system was 392.5 psi (SD ± 40.9), for the Spline system 342.8 psi (SD ± 25.8), and for the Screw-Vent system 269.1 psi (SD ± 30.7). The Unipost implant-abutment connection demonstrated a statistically significant superior mechanical stability (P ≤ .009) compared with the Spline implant system. The Spline implant system showed a statistically significant higher compressive strength than the Screw-Vent implant system (P ≤ .009). Regarding failure mode, the Unipost system consistently broke at the same site, while the other systems failed at different points of the connection. The Unipost system demonstrated excellent fracture resistance to compressive forces; this resistance may be attributed primarily to the diameter of the abutment screw and the 2.5-mm counter bore, representing the same and a unique piece of the implant. The Unipost implant system demonstrated a statistically significant superior compressive strength value compared with the Spline and Screw-Vent systems, at a 30° angulation.
Bone Healing at a Failed Implant Site in a Type II Diabetic Patient: Clinical and Histologic Evaluations: A Case Report
Authors: Park Jun-Beom
Published: October 2009

Placement of endosseous dental implants in diabetic patients may be compromised because of altered wound healing. Additionally there is no established timetable for implant healing in these patients. A case report is presented that evaluates implant healing at the site of a failed implant after its removal. This report documents bone remodeling in a diabetic patient 6 months after removing the failed implant. The prostheses was delivered within 4 months in the upper arch despite the complications during the healing period.
Bacterial Bioaugmentation of Channel Catfish Ponds
Authors: Tucker Craig S , Kingsbury Susan K , Mischke Charles C
Published: October 2009

Twelve, 0.1-ha earthen ponds at Stoneville, Mississippi were used in a 2-year, double-blind study of the effects of a Bacillus-based bacterial bioaugmentation product on water quality and production of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. Each year, six ponds were treated weekly with the microbial product from late May or early June through October, and six ponds were designated as untreated controls. Mean concentrations of chlorophyll a, nitrite-N, and total ammonia-N did not significantly differ (P > 0.05) between bacteria-treated and untreated ponds in the first year; however, in the second year, mean chlorophyll-a concentrations were higher (P ≤ 0.05) and nitrite-N and total ammonia-N concentrations were lower (P ≤ 0.05) in bacteria-treated ponds than in untreated ponds. Reductions in dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations were more likely due to increased phytoplankton growth (i.e., increased algal assimilation) than to a direct effect of bacterial inoculation. The mechanism by which bioaugmentation may have enhanced phytoplankton growth is unknown and contradicts several past studies. Net fish production and feed conversion ratios were not affected by bacterial treatment in either year (P > 0.05); accordingly, there is no economic incentive to use Bacillus-bacterial bioaugmentation products in channel catfish ponds.
Performance of Yellowstone and Snake River Cutthroat Trout Fry Fed Seven Different Diets
Authors: Kindschi Greg A , Myrick Christopher A , Barrows Frederic T , Toner Matthew , Fraser William C , Ilgen Jason , Beck Linda
Published: October 2009

Five commercial diets and two formulated feeds were fed to initial-feeding Yellowstone cutthroat trout Oncorhynchus clarkii bouvieri fry and Snake River cutthroat trout O. clarkii spp. (currently being petitioned for classification as O. clarkii behnkei) fry for 18 weeks from June 16 to October 18, 2006, to evaluate fish performance. Eyed eggs from Yellowstone and Snake River cutthroat trout were received from the Yellowstone River State Fish Hatchery and Jackson National Fish Hatchery, respectively. Each diet was fed to four tanks of each subspecies of cutthroat trout (7 diets × 4 tanks/diet × 2 cutthroat trout subspecies = 56 tanks). Skretting Nutra-Plus provided optimal fish weight, total length, survival, and feed conversion for Yellowstone cutthroat trout. The weight and total length of Snake River cutthroat trout were also greatest when fish were fed Skretting Nutra-Plus. Skretting Nutra-Plus is no longer available, but Skretting/Bio-Oregon Bio-Vita is very similar; this feed and similar premium feeds from other manufacturers should be considered for future cutthroat trout propagation programs.
Compensatory Growth after Winter Food Deprivation in Hatchery-Produced Coho Salmon and Chinook Salmon Smolts
Authors: Triebenbach Stan P , Smoker William W , Beckman Brian R , Focht Rick
Published: October 2009

This study investigated whether coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch and Chinook salmon O. tshawytscha smolts would exhibit elevated compensatory growth rates in the spring after food deprivation during the winter. We also tested whether food-deprived fish would attain the same physiological attributes as smolts fed continuously during this period. Replicate treatment groups were deprived of food for 10 and 16 weeks, centered on the winter solstice. Control groups were fed to satiation 2 d weekly during the 10-week deprivation period and every day afterwards. All groups were fed daily to satiation from the end of the deprivation periods until after summer solstice. Treated fish of both species were smaller than controls after deprivation but grew faster after feeding resumed. Growth rates were not significantly different between treatment and control groups until the fish were transferred to seawater, which was 4°C warmer than freshwater at the time of transfer. At the end of the study in July, fish of both species deprived of food for 10 weeks were the same size as controls but fish deprived for 16 weeks remained smaller. Protein content decreased during deprivation while moisture and ash content increased, but the proximate composition of all groups was similar by the end of the study. There was no statistically detectable difference in whole-body lipid between control and treatment groups at any time during the study. Spring increases in gill Na+, K+-ATPase activity were unaffected by deprivation. Although treated coho and Chinook salmon smolts grew faster in the spring, restored their body composition, and did not lose osmoregulatory ability, the life-long effects on size and survival remain unknown.
Effects of Praziquantel on Eggs of the Asian Tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi
Authors: Kline S Jason , Archdeacon Thomas P , Bonar Scott A
Published: October 2009

Praziquantel, an anthelmintic, is commonly used to control the Asian fish tapeworm Bothriocephalus acheilognathi in grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella and baitfish. We treated 50 individuals from three different cyprinid fish species with praziquantel at 6 mg/L, a dose higher than the minimum recommended for complete Asian tapeworm removal in 24 h but much less than the concentration that would have ill effects on the fish. Praziquantel killed hundreds of adult tapeworms, but many ruptured and released eggs. We observed that the eggs released from Asian tapeworms treated with praziquantel were viable and produced thousands of coracidia over several days. We warn fishery managers that even if fish receive the typically recommended praziquantel treatment regime and all adult tapeworms are killed, viable eggs and coracidia may be present in the holding water or attached to the skin of treated fish, the surfaces of equipment, or treatment personnel.
Captive Breeding of Endangered Mohave Tui Chub
Authors: Archdeacon Thomas P , Bonar Scott A
Published: October 2009

The endangered Mohave tui chub Gila bicolor mohavensis, which occurs only in three populations in southern California, has not been previously spawned in captivity. Captive breeding of imperiled fishes can be important to conserve biodiversity and aid in native fish conservation efforts by reducing the collection of wild fish for translocations, providing individuals for experimental studies, and ensuring species survival. To spawn Mohave tui chub, we lowered water temperature to 10°C, held this temperature constant for 30 d, and then warmed the tank at a rate of 1°C per day to reach ambient air temperature (20–22°C). We used a photoperiod of 10 h light : 14 h dark and adjusted the photoperiod to 14 h light : 10 h dark when the tank reached 15°C. These photoperiod and water temperature regimes were designed to simulate Mojave Desert springtime conditions. Artificial plants were provided as spawning substrate. Three spawning events produced over 1,700 larval fish. Fish not subjected to this photoperiod and water temperature regime did not spawn. Simulation of a spring photoperiod and temperature regime was associated with successful spawning of Mohave tui chub in captivity and may be effective for spawning other endangered cyprinids with similar requirements.
Saturated Lipid Sources in Feeds for Sunshine Bass: Alterations in Production Performance and Tissue Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Trushenski Jesse T
Published: October 2009

Feeds rich in saturated (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) appear to maximize the retention of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) in the fillets of sunshine bass (female white bass Morone chrysops × male striped bass M. saxatilis). To determine whether different sources of SFA and MUFA have equivalent effects on tissue fatty acid (FA) profile change, coconut (CO) and palm oils(PO) were evaluated as partial and complete substitutes for fish oil (FO) in feeds for juvenile sunshine bass. After 8 weeks of culture, the production performance of all groups was within the acceptable range for sunshine bass; however, weight gain was significantly reduced within the 100%-CO group. Partial replacement of FO with CO or PO resulted in significant alteration of fillet FA profiles, and these changes were exacerbated in the complete-FO-replacement groups. The LC-PUFA were disproportionately enriched in the fillets of fish fed the reduced or FO-free feeds, whereas dietary surpluses of 12:0 and 14:0 (CO-based feeds) and 16:0 (PO-based feeds) were not reflected in any of the tissues analyzed. Rather, the levels of the SFA elongation–desaturation products (i.e., 18:0 and 18:1[n-9]) were elevated, particularly within liver lipid, suggesting enhanced FA biotransformation activity among fish fed higher levels of either alternative lipid source. Based on tissue FA composition, PO and CO appear to be approximately equivalent in terms of fillet LC-PUFA retention. However, the digestibility and utilization of these feedstuffs must be further investigated to maximize the ability of PO and CO to (partially or completely) replace FO in sunshine bass feeds.