bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immediate Rehabilitation of the Mandible with Fixed Full Prosthesis Supported by Axial and Tilted Implants: Interim Results of a Single Cohort Prospective Study
Authors: Francetti Luca , Agliardi Enrico , Testori Tiziano , Romeo Davide , Taschieri Silvio , Fabbro Massimo Del
Published: April 2008

Purpose: The aims of this prospective study were to assess the treatment outcome of immediately loaded full‐arch fixed bridges anchored to both tilted and axially placed implants for the rehabilitation of the mandible and to compare the outcome of axial versus tilted implants.

Materials and Methods: Sixty‐two patients (34 women and 28 men) were included in the study. Each patient received a full‐arch fixed bridge supported by two axial implants and two distal tilted implants (All‐on‐Four®, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden). Loading was applied within 48 hours of surgery. Patients were scheduled for follow‐up at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, and annually up to 5 years. At each follow‐up, plaque level and bleeding scores were assessed; moreover, patient's satisfaction for aesthetics and function was evaluated by a questionnaire. Radiographic evaluation of marginal bone level change was performed at 1 year.

Results: The overall follow‐up range was 6 to 43 months (mean 22.4 months). Forty‐four patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year. No implant failures were recorded to date, leading to a cumulative implant survival and prosthesis success rate of 100%. Plaque level and bleeding scores showed progressive decrease over time, parallel to increase of satisfaction for both aesthetics and function. No significant difference in marginal bone loss was found between tilted and axial implants at 1‐year evaluation.

Conclusion: The present preliminary data suggest that immediate loading associated with tilted implants could be considered a viable treatment modality for the mandible.
Chronological Changes in the Ultrastructure of Titanium‐Bone Interfaces: Analysis by Light Microscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Micro‐Computed Tomography
Authors: Morinaga Kenzo , Kido Hirofumi , Sato Atsuko , Watazu Akira , Matsuura Masaro
Published: April 2008

Purposes: The objectives of this study were to chronologically examine the titanium‐bone interfaces and to clarify the process of osseointegration using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and micro‐computed tomography (CT).

Materials and Methods: Experimental implants (Ti‐coating plastic implants) were placed into tibiae of 8‐week‐old rats. Animals were sacrificed at 1 to 28 days after implant placement and prepared tissue specimens for a light microscope, a TEM, and micro‐CT.

Results: New bone formation began 5 days after implant placement, and osseointegration was obtained by 14 days after implant placement. Osseointegration was well developed by 28 days after implant placement.

Discussion: TEM and quantitative computer tomography (QCT) results indicated that bone formation in osseointegration of titanium implants did not occur from the surfaces of the implant or preexisting bone, but it was likely that bone formation progressed at a site a small distance away from the surface. The bone formation took place in a scattered manner. Small bone fragments adhered to each other and transformed into reticular‐shaped bone, and finally these bones became lamellar bone.

Conclusion: Comparative analysis of the titanium‐bone interfaces using light microscopy, TEM, and QCT by micro‐CT revealed the precise process of osseointegration.
Immediate Loading of Implants in the Edentulous Maxilla: Use of an Interim Fixed Prosthesis Followed by a Permanent Fixed Prosthesis: A 32‐Month Prospective Radiological and Clinical Study
Authors: Bergkvist Göran , Nilner Krister , Sahlholm Sten , Karlsson Ulf , Lindh Christina
Published: April 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the survival rate of splinted and immediately loaded Straumann sandblasted, large‐grit, acid‐etched, solid‐screw dental implants in the edentulous maxilla after 32 months of loading.

Materials and Methods: Twenty‐eight patients (mean age 63 years) with edentulous maxillae received 168 implants (six each) and an implant‐supported fixed interim prosthesis within 24 hours after surgery. After a mean healing time of 15 weeks, the patients received permanent screw‐retained prostheses. Clinical and radiological examinations were made at implant placement and after 8, 20, and 32 months of loading. All permanent prostheses were removed at the 32‐month follow‐up; implant stability was checked with a torque device, and the implant stability quotient was determined with resonance frequency analysis.

Results: Mean marginal bone loss from baseline to 8 months after loading was 1.6 mm (SD 1.16; p = .094), from 8 to 20 months 0.41 mm (SD 0.63; p = .094), and from 20 to 32 months 0.08 mm (SD 0.49; p = .039). The 32‐month cumulative survival rate was 98.2%.

Conclusions: The 32‐month survival of solid‐screw implants – immediately loaded within 24 hours after placement – was similar to survival rates reported for solid‐screw implants with conventional loading. Immediate loading and splinting of implants in the edentulous maxilla is a viable treatment alternative.
Immediate and Early Loading of Oxidized Tapered Implants in the Partially Edentulous Maxilla: A 1‐Year Prospective Clinical, Radiographic, and Resonance Frequency Analysis Study
Authors: Fischer Kerstin , Bäckström Mats , Sennerby Lars
Published: April 2008

Background: The use of immediate/early implant loading protocols offers obvious advantages for the patient. Although well documented in the totally edentulous mandible, information about clinical outcomes from such protocols in the partially edentate maxilla is lacking.

Purpose: The present study was conducted to clinically and radiographically evaluate a tapered implant design with an oxidized surface for immediate/early loading in the partially edentulous maxilla. The aim was also to correlate implant stability measurements using resonance frequency analysis (RFA) with implant diameter and length, bone quality and quantity, and marginal bone levels and marginal bone loss.

Materials and Methods: A total of 32 patients with a need of implant treatment in their partially edentulous maxilla were included in the study. A total of 53 Replace Select TiUnite™ implants (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden) were used in the study; 16 for single tooth replacements in 16 patients and 37 implants for partial bridges in another 16 patients. The single tooth replacements were loaded the same day with a temporary crown, while permanent partial bridges were delivered within 16 days. Intraoral radiographs were taken at surgery and after 1 year for marginal bone measurements. RFA measurements were performed at baseline and after 3, 6, and 12 months.

Results: One implant used for a single tooth replacement failed, giving an overall survival rate of 98.1% after 1 year. On average, 1.1 mm (SD 1.0) bone was lost during 1 year; 1.5 mm (SD 1.0) in single tooth and 0.9 mm (SD 1.0) in partial cases. The implant stability increased with time from 63.3 implant stability quotient (ISQ) (SD 6.1) at baseline to 64.3 (SD 5.3), 65.0 (SD 4.6), and 66.8 (SD 5.6) after 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The average change from baseline to 1 year was 3.3 ISQ (SD 5.0) and was statistically significant (p < .05). There was no difference between single and partial cases. Implant stability correlated with bone quantity and quality at implant sites, but not with marginal bone level measurements.

Conclusions: It is concluded that immediate/early loading can be used in the partially edentulous maxilla with good clinical and radiographic short‐term outcomes. Implant stability at placement correlated with bone quantity and quality, and increased with time as measured with RFA, indicating a favorable bone tissue response to the loaded implants. Any correlations between RFA and marginal bone level measurements were not observed in the present study.
A Retrospective Analysis of Early and Delayed Loading of Full‐Arch Mandibular Prostheses Using Three Different Implant Systems: Clinical Results with Up to 5 Years of Loading
Authors: Eliasson Alf , Blomqvist Fredrik , Wennerberg Ann , Johansson Anders
Published: April 2008

Background: Early loading of implant‐supported prostheses in the edentulous mandible is widely accepted, but do the clinical results replicate those of delayed loading?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical outcome and patient satisfaction with early or delayed loading in patients treated with fixed prostheses, using three different implant systems.

Materials and Methods: One hundred and nine consecutively treated patients received 490 implants supporting fixed prostheses; 82 patients with Brånemark System® implants (Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden), 16 with Astra Tech® implants (Astra Tech AB Dental Implant system, Mölndal, Sweden), and 11 with ITI® MonoType® implants (ITI Dental Implant System®, Institute Straumann AG, Waldenburg, Switzerland). Prostheses were placed within 2 to 3 weeks in 55 patients; 54 patients underwent a two‐stage procedure. Data were collected from patient records and radiographs; 83 patients attended a clinical examination and received a questionnaire.

Results: All patients had fixed prostheses at follow‐up with a mean observation time of 3.5 years. Cumulative survival rates (CSRs) were 92.5% of prostheses and 94.4% of implants for early loading, and 98.0 and 97.9% for delayed loading. The mean radiographic bone loss after the first year was small, and at 5 years less than 0.2 mm for both groups. With early loading, significantly more prostheses (p < .05) needed adjustment or replacement.

Conclusion: Statistically significantly more prostheses needed adjustment or replacement in the early group. The present study suggested lower CSRs for prostheses and implants in the early loading group after 5 years; the difference was not statistically significant. Larger study samples are needed to verify statistically small differences between treatment techniques.
Indirect Implant‐Supported Fixed Provisional Restoration in the Esthetic Zone: Fabrication Technique and Treatment Workflow
Authors: SHOR ALEXANDER , SCHULER RALF , GOTO YOSHIHIRO
Published: April 2008

Treatment objectives of an implant‐supported fixed provisional restoration include shaping/preservation of the gingival soft tissue contour, functional and esthetic substitution of the missing dentition during postsurgical healing, and definitive prosthesis fabrication stages. Fixed provisional restoration can also serve as an esthetic and functional blueprint in the fabrication of the definitive restoration. Despite its common use and important indications, limited information is available on the various aspects of the provisional fabrication and treatment. This article presents a production technique and treatment workflow of a laboratory‐fabricated, screw‐retained fixed provisional restoration. Provisional restoration is fabricated using layering technique and internal stain characterization. The soft tissue profile of the working cast is modified according to the coronal contour of the diagnostic wax‐up. Upon delivery, the provisional contour is reevaluated and modified as necessary. The developed emergence profile of the provisional restoration is transferred to the master cast via customized impression copings.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Laboratory‐fabricated implant‐supported provisional restorations allow the esthetic and functional substitution of the missing dentition and the shaping of the soft tissue profile, and can act as a blueprint in the fabrication of definitive restorations.
Chemical approaches to mapping the function of post‐translational modifications
Authors: Gamblin David P. , van Kasteren Sander I. , Chalker Justin M. , Davis Benjamin G.
Published: April 2008

Strategies for the chemical construction of synthetic proteins with precisely positioned post‐translational modifications or their mimics offer a powerful method for dissecting the complexity of functional protein alteration and the associated complexity of proteomes.
Assessing post‐anthesis nitrogen uptake, distribution and utilisation in grain protein synthesis in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) using 15N fertiliser and 15N proteinogenic and non‐proteinogenic amino acids
Authors: Egle K. , Beschow H. , Merbach W.
Published: April 2008

We investigated the effects of nitrogen (N) availability during the vegetative phase on (a) post‐anthesis N uptake and (b) its translocation into ears in barley plants grown in a greenhouse at two levels of N: low (50 mg N kg−1 sand) and optimal N supply (150 mg N kg−1 sand). Plants in the two N treatments were fertilised with the same amount of labelled 15N [50 mg 15N kg−1 sand at 10% 15Nexc (Nexcess, i.e. Nexc, is defined as the abundance of enriched stable isotope minus the natural abundance of the isotope) applied as 15NH415NO3] 10 days after anthesis (daa). In a separate experiment, the uptake and transport into ears of proteinogenic and non‐proteinogenic amino acids were studied to determine whether a relationship exists between amino acid transport into ears and their proteinogenic nature. Plants were fed with either 15N‐α‐alanine, a proteinogenic amino acid, or 15N‐α‐aminoisobutyric acid, a non‐proteinogenic amino acid. Both these amino acids were labelled at 95.6% 15Nexc. Results showed that N accumulations in stems, leaves and especially in ears were correlated with their dry matter (dm) weights. The application of 150 mg N kg−1 sand significantly increased plant dm weight and total N accumulation in plants. During their filling period, ears absorbed N from both external (growth substrate) and internal (stored N in plants) sources. Nitrogen concentration in ears was higher in optimal N‐fed plants than in low N‐fed plants until 10 daa, but from 21 to 35 daa, differences were not detected. Conversely, 15Nexc in ears, leaves and stems was higher in low N‐fed plants than in optimal N‐fed plants. Ears acted as strong sink organ for the post‐anthesis N taken up from the soil independently of pre‐anthesis N nutrition: on average, 87% of the N taken up from the soil after anthesis was translocated and accumulated in ears. Low N‐fed plants continued to take up N from the post‐anthesis N fertiliser during the later grain‐filling period. The increase of pre‐anthesis N supply rate led to a decrease in the contribution of nitrogen derived from post‐anthesis 15N‐labelled fertiliser (Ndff) to total N in all aboveground organs, especially in ears where 44% and 22% of total N originated from post‐anthesis N uptake in low N‐fed and optimal N‐fed plants, respectively. The experiment with labelled amino acids showed that there was greater transport of proteinogenic amino acid into the ear (50% of total 15N) than non‐proteinogenic amino acid (39%). However, this transport of the non‐proteinogenic amino acids into ear suggested that the transport of N compounds from source (leaves) to sink organs (ear) might not be intrinsically regulated by their ability to be incorporated into storage protein of ears.
Study of the transmission of stolbur phytoplasma to different crop species, by Macrosteles quadripunctulatus
Authors: Batlle A. , Altabella N. , Sabaté J. , Laviña A.
Published: April 2008

In an epidemiological study conducted on commercial agricultural plots affected by stolbur phytoplasma in Northern and Central Spain, different species of leafhoppers and planthoppers were identified as potential vectors of the phytoplasma. They included individuals of Macrosteles quadripunctulatus infected by stolbur phtytoplasma in most of the locations. The potential of this species as a vector of stolbur was evaluated in this work. The transmission trials were carried out on healthy plants of Catharanthus roseus (periwinkle), Lycopersicon esculentum (tomato), Daucus carota (carrot), Lactuca sativa (lettuce) and Vitis vinifera (grapevine). The first symptoms of infection in these plants were observed 2 weeks after the inoculation period in tomato and periwinkle, and after 4 weeks in carrot. Only one of five grapevines showed phytoplasma symptoms. PCR analysis was used to verify the ability of M. quadripunctulatus in transmitting stolbur phytoplasma in the plant species tested. The phytoplasma was not detected in lettuce or in the healthy control plants. Studies of stolbur transmission to insect‐feeding medium were also conducted and indicated that M. quadripunctulatus acquires and was capable of transmitting the phytoplasma after it fed during a single day on infected plants followed by a 19‐day latent period on healthy plants.
Vector and graft inoculations of Potato yellow mosaic virus reveal recessive resistance in Solanum pimpinellifolium
Authors: Boissot N. , Urbino C. , Dintinger J. , Pavis C.
Published: April 2008

Transmission of Potato yellow mosaic virus (PYMV) (bipartite begomovirus) to tomato by 50 Bemisia tabaci biotype B individuals was observed when the acquisition access period (AAP) was at least 3 h and the inoculation access period (IAP) at least 30 min. The transmission efficiency increased with the access period to reach 92% transmission after a 48‐h IAP and 48‐h AAP. The transmission efficiency decreased when whiteflies were fed on PYMV non‐host plant between AAP and IAP. According to these results, we inoculated nine Solanum accessions with 50 whiteflies (48‐h APP and 48‐h IAP) to assess their resistance level. Four of these accessions with various levels of resistance were graft inoculated with PYMV. Although none of the accessions were immune, we observed a high level of resistance to PYMV in Solanumpimpinellifolium LA2187‐5 (no symptoms after vector or graft inoculation) and in Solanum chilense LA1969 (no symptoms after vector inoculation and one plant with symptoms after graft inoculation). Inheritance of LA2187‐5 resistance, investigated in F1 and F2 populations, appeared to be recessive. Fewer plants were infected by PYMV in S. pimpinellifolium LA1478 after vector inoculation than after graft inoculation. We hypothesised that this was because of vector resistance, which could also be effective against other begomoviruses.
Effect of water‐deficit stress on cotton plants expressing the Bacillus thuringiensis toxin
Authors: Martins C.M. , Beyene G. , Hofs J.‐L. , Krüger K. , Van der Vyver C. , Schlüter U. , Kunert K.J.
Published: April 2008

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops require a high dosage of Bt toxin to delay development of insect resistance, in particular, when the refuge strategy is applied. This strategy is threatened by plant developmental and environmental factors that might reduce Bt toxin concentration and Bt efficacy in Bt crops. Growth of Bt (Cry1Ac) cotton under prolonged, moderate water deficit as a single stress factor was evaluated. Bt cotton plants were analysed for physiological performance, Bt toxin concentration and Bt efficacy. For performance analysis, leaf and total plant dry weight and leaf area were measured. Bt toxin concentration was determined by an immuno‐assay. Effects of Bt toxin on growth and mortality of African cotton bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera, larvae were measured in different plant organs. Leaves from young plants exposed for 30 days to moderate water deficit had both higher Bt toxin concentrations and were more effective against larvae than leaves, flowers or bolls from mature flowering plants exposed to 60 days of moderate water deficit. Although growth of Bt cotton plants under moderate water‐deficit conditions decreased Bt concentrations in leaves, flowers and bolls, this had no effect on efficacy against first‐instar cotton bollworm larvae. No significant evidence was found that moderate water deficit, as a single stress factor, decreases Bt efficacy in Bt cotton.
Distribution and Fate of Anthropogenic Nitrogen in the Calamagrostis angustifolia Wetland Ecosystem of Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China
Authors: Sun Zhi‐Gao , Liu Jing‐Shuang
Published: April 2008

Wetlands are important for the protection of water quality of rivers and lakes, especially those adjacent to agricultural landscapes, by intercepting and removing nutrients in runoff. In this study, the 15N tracer technique was applied to study the distribution and fate of anthropogenic nitrogen (15N‐fertilizer) in Calamagrostis angustifolia Kom wetland plant‐soil microcosms to identify the main ecological effects of it. 15NH415NO3 solution (14.93 mg N/L, 20.28 at.%15N) was added to each microcosm of the first group, which was approximate to the current nitrogen concentration (CNC) of farm drainage, and 29.86 mg N/L 15NH415NO3 solution was added to another group, which was approximate to the double nitrogen concentration (DNC) of farm drainage, while no nitrogen (NN) was added to the third group. The results suggest that the input of anthropogenic nitrogen has positive effects on the biomass and total nitrogen content of plant, and the positive effects will be elevated as the increase of its input amount. The increase of 15N‐fertilizer can also elevate its amounts and proportions in plant nitrogen. Soil nitrogen is still the main source of plant nitrogen, but its proportion will be reduced as the increase of 15N‐fertilizer. The study of the fate of 15N‐fertilizer indicates that, in CNC treatment, only a small proportion is water‐dissolved (0.13 ± 0.20%), a considerable proportion is soil‐immobilized (17.02 ± 8.62%), or plant‐assimilated (23.70 ± 0.92%), and most is lost by gaseous forms (59.15 ± 8.35%). While in DNC treatment, about 0.09 ± 0.15% is water‐dissolved, 15.33 ± 7.46% is soil‐immobilized, 23.55 ± 2.86% is plant‐assimilated, and 61.01 ± 5.59% is lost by gaseous forms. The double input of anthropogenic nitrogen can not elevate the proportions of plant‐assimilation, soil‐immobilization and water‐dissolution, but it can enhance the gaseous losses.
Assessment of Genetic Variation Within Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) Germplasm Using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Markers
Authors: Khan Muhammad Ayub , Rabbani Malik Ashiq , Munir Muhammad , Ajmal Saifullah Khan , Malik Muhammad Azim
Published: April 2008

Genetic diversity among 45 Indian mustard (Brassica juncea L.) genotypes comprising 37 germplasm collections, five advance breeding lines and three improved cultivars was investigated at the DNA level using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. Fifteen primers used generated a total of 92 RAPD fragments, of which 81 (88%) were polymorphic. Of these, 13 were unique to accession ‘Pak85559’. Each primer produced four to nine amplified products with an average of 6.13 bands per primer. Based on pairwise comparisons of RAPD amplification products, Nei and Li's similarity coefficients were calculated to evaluate the relationships among the accessions. Pairwise similarity indices were higher among the oilseed accessions and cultivars showing narrow ranges of 0.77–0.99. An unweighted pair‐group method with arithmetic averages cluster analysis based on these genetic similarities placed most of the collections and oilseed cultivars close to each other, showing a low level of polymorphism between the accessions used. However, the clusters formed by oilseed collections and cultivars were comparatively distinct from that of advanced breeding lines. Genetically, all of the accessions were classified into a few major groups and a number of individual accessions. Advanced breeding lines were relatively divergent from the rest of the accessions and formed independent clusters. Clustering of the accessions did not show any pattern of association between the RAPD markers and the collection sites. A low level of genetic variability of oilseed mustard was attributed to the selection for similar traits and horticultural uses. Perhaps close parentage of these accessions further contributed towards their little diversity. The study demonstrated that RAPD is a simple and fast technique to compare the genetic relationship and pattern of variation among the gene pool of this crop.
Comparison of Responses to Mn Deficiency Between the UK Wheat Genotypes Maris Butler, Paragon and the Australian Wheat Genotype C8MM
Authors: Jiang Wen‐Zhi
Published: April 2008

Wheat grown in Mn‐deficient soil has been widely observed to produce much reduced yields. Breeding for Mn‐efficient wheat genotypes adapted to Mn‐deficient soils would represent a long‐term solution for wheat agronomy. To characterize the physiological basis of Mn efficiency in wheat genotypes would facilitate the breeding programs for producing Mn‐efficient wheat. Using a solution culture and a soil culture system in the present study, a Mn‐efficient UK wheat genotype Maris Butler and a Mn‐inefficient UK wheat genotype Paragon have been compared with a Mn‐efficient Australian wheat genotype C8MM in the responses to Mn deficiency in order to characterize the Mn efficiency in these wheat genotypes. Results showed that in solution culture, Maris Butler grown under Mn deficiency had 77% relative dry matter yield of control plants that were grown under Mn sufficiency, whereas C8MM and Paragon had 60% and 58% relative dry matter yield of their respective controls. Results from the soil culture demonstrated that relative dry matter yield remained high for Maris Butler and C8MM (53% and 56%, respectively), whereas the value for Paragon dropped to 33%. In terms of dry matter yield and photosynthetic efficiency, Maris Butler demonstrated Mn efficiency in both solution culture and soil culture, whereas C8MM showed Mn efficiency only in soil culture. Results also demonstrated that under Mn‐depleted supply in soil, plants of C8MM had a significantly higher ability in Mn uptake, whereas plants of Maris Butler showed a higher internal Mn use efficiency in comparison with plants of Paragon. Results from the present study indicate that the ability of C8MM to accumulate higher amounts of Mn is the basis of the improved Mn efficiency of this genotype in comparison with Paragon, and in Maris Butler there is a higher internal use of Mn expressed as an improved photosynthetic efficiency in conferring its Mn efficiency. It is suggested that more than one mechanism has arisen in wheat to confer tolerance to Mn deficiency.
Simple Sequence Repeat Genetic Linkage Maps of A‐genome Diploid Cotton (Gossypium arboreum)
Authors: Ma Xue‐Xia , Zhou Bao‐Liang , Lü Yan‐Hui , Guo Wang‐Zhen , Zhang Tian‐Zhen
Published: April 2008

This study introduces the construction of the first intraspecific genetic linkage map of the A‐genome diploid cotton with newly developed simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers using 189 F2 plants derived from the cross of two Asiatic cotton cultivars (Gossypium arboreum L.) Jianglingzhongmian × Zhejiangxiaoshanlüshu. Polymorphisms between the two parents were detected using 6 092 pairs of SSR primers. Two‐hundred and sixty‐eight pairs of SSR primers with better polymorphisms were picked out to analyze the F2 population. In total, 320 polymorphic bands were generated and used to construct a linkage map with JoinMap3.0. Two‐hundred and sixty‐seven loci, including three phenotypic traits were mapped at a logarithms of odds ratio (LOD) ≥ 3.0 on 13 linkage groups. The total length of the map was 2 508.71 cM, and the average distance between adjacent markers was 9.40 cM. Chromosome assignments were according to the association of linkages with our backbone tetraploid specific map using the 89 similar SSR loci. Comparisons among the 13 suites of orthologous linkage groups revealed that the A‐genome chromosomes are largely collinear with the At and Dt sub‐genome chromosomes. Chromosomes associated with inversions suggested that allopolyploidization was accompanied by homologous chromosomal rearrangement. The inter‐chromosomal duplicated loci supply molecular evidence that the A‐genome diploid Asiatic cotton is paleopolyploid.
A RAPID METHOD OF QUANTIFYING THE RESOLUTION LIMITS OF HEAT‐FLOW ESTIMATES IN BASIN MODELS
Authors: Beha A. , Thomsen R.O. , Littke R.
Published: April 2008

Deterministic forward models are commonly used to quantify the processes accompanying basin evolution. Here, we describe a workflow for the rapid calibration of palaeo heat‐flow behaviour. The method determines the heat‐flow history which best matches the observed data, such as vitrinite reflectance, which is used to indicate the thermal maturity of a sedimentary rock. A limiting factor in determining the heat‐flow history is the ability of the algorithm used in the software for the maturity calculation to resolve information inherent in the measured data. Thermal maturation is controlled by the temperature gradient in the basin over time and is therefore greatly affected by maximum burial depth. Calibration, i.e. finding the thermal history model which best fits the observed data (e.g. vitrinite reflectance), can be a time‐consuming exercise. To shorten this process, a simple pseudo‐inverse model is used to convert the complex thermal behaviour obtained from a basin simulator into more simple behaviour, using a relatively simple equation. By comparing the calculated “simple” maturation trend with the observed data points using the suggested workflow, it becomes relatively straightforward to evaluate the range within which a best‐fit model will be found. Reverse mapping from the simple model to the complex behaviour results in precise values for the heat‐flow which can then be applied to the basin model.

The goodness‐of‐fit between the modelled and observed data can be represented by the Mean Squared Residual (MSR) during the calibration process. This parameter shows the mean squared difference between all measured data and the respective predicted maturities. A minimum MSR value indicates the “best fit”.

Case studies are presented of two wells in the Horn Graben, Danish North Sea. In both wells calibrating the basin model using a constant heat‐flow over time is not justified, and a more complex thermal history must be considered. The pseudo‐inverse method was therefore applied iteratively to investigate more complex heat‐flow histories. Neither in the observed maturity data nor in the recorded stratigraphy was there evidence for erosion which would have influenced the present‐day thermal maturity pattern, and heat‐flow and time were therefore the only variables investigated. The aim was to determine the simplest “best‐fit” heat‐flow history which could be resolved at the maximum resolution given by the measured maturity data.

The conclusion was that basin models in which the predicted maturity of sedimentary rocks is calibrated solely against observed vitrinite reflectance data cannot provide information on the timing of anomalies in the heat‐flow history. The pseudo inverse method, however, allowed the simplest heat‐flow history that best fits the observed data to be found.
GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF POTENTIAL JURASSIC/CRETACEOUS SOURCE ROCKS IN THE SHUSHAN BASIN, NORTHERN WESTERN DESERT, EGYPT
Authors: Alsharhan A. S. , Abd El‐Gawad E. A.
Published: April 2008

Some 180 core and cuttings samples of shales and limestones from the Middle Jurassic – Late Cretaceous succession (Khatatba, Masajid, Alam El‐Bueib, Alamein, Kharita, Bahariya and Abu Roash Formations) were collected from wells Ja 27–2, Tarek‐1 and Jb 26–1 in the central, structurally‐low part of the Shushan Basin and from well Lotus‐1 in the structurally‐elevated western part of the basin. All samples were screened for total organic carbon (TOC) content. Selected samples were then analyzed by Rock‐Eval pyrolysis, and extracted for biomarker analyses. Visual kerogen analysis and vitrinite reflectance measurements were also undertaken and oil ‐ source rock correlations were attempted. The results indicate that the thermal maturity of the samples can be correlated closely with burial depth. Samples from the central part of the basin are more mature than those from the west. Samples from the central part of the basin (except those from the Albian Kharita Formation) have reached thermal maturities sufficient to generate and expel crude oils. Extracts from the Middle Jurasic Khatatba and Early Cretaceous Alam El‐Bueib Formations can be correlated with a crude oil sample from well Ja 27–2.

In well Lotus‐1 in the west of the basin, four distinct organic facies can be recognized in the Jurassic‐Cretaceous interval. One of the facies (“facies 4”) has a sufficiently high TOC content to act as a source rock. Thermal maturities range from immature to peak oil generation, and the top of the oil window occurs at approximately 8000 ft.
Growth, Maturation, Induced Spawning, and Production of the First Generation of South American Catfish, Pseudoplatystoma sp., in North America
Authors: Dabrowski Konrad , Arslan Murat , Rinchard Jacques , Palacios Maria Esther
Published: April 2008

Growth, plasma steroids, and the appearance of gonads (histology and gonadosomatic index) were followed in South American catfish (surubim, Pseudoplatystoma sp.) raised in captivity in the aquaculture facility at The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA, from 2003 until 2006. Broodstock growth showed a great individual variation and it did not seem sex dependent. The levels of 11‐ketotestosterone were high in males during the reproductive season. Three out of six females spawned after receiving two doses of carp pituitary extract (0.5 and 5 mg/kg) at 11‐h intervals. Fertilization was performed in only one female in February 2006. Egg size was 0.73 ± 0.06 mm in diameter at stripping. Two males released sperm, and it was used for fertilization. Sperm concentrations were 24 × 109 and 15.5 × 109 spermatozoa/mL in Male 1 and Male 2, respectively, and viability was confirmed after activation in 0.3% NaCl. Embryo survival at 9 h after fertilization was 44 and 23% for Male 1 and Male 2, respectively. Embryos hatched 15 h after fertilization. Larvae were 3.53 ± 0.09 mm in length at hatching and were successfully raised (72% survival after 2 wks) using live brine shrimp nauplii.
Effect of Rotifer Enrichment on Sunshine Bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis Larvae Growth and Survival and Fatty Acid Composition
Authors: Ludwig Gerald M. , Rawles Steven D. , Lochmann Steve E.
Published: April 2008

The effect of enriching rotifer prey with highly unsaturated fatty acids on sunshine bass Morone chrysops × M. saxatilis larval survival and growth from ages 4 to 12 d posthatch was determined. Comparisons were made among larvae fed (1) rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste versus rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000; (2) no rotifers versus rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000; and (3) rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000, rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis and Pavlova pastes and enriched with Culture Selco 3000, and rotifers cultured with Nannochloropsis paste and enriched with Culture Selco 3000 and Super Selco. The only differences in survival were unfed larvae with practically no survival compared to 55.4% survival for larvae fed rotifers cultured with paste plus Culture Selco 3000. Larvae fed rotifers cultured with paste plus Culture Selco 3000 were longer and had greater condition than those fed rotifers cultured with paste. Additional enrichment with Pavlova sp. or Super Selco had no affect. A canonical analysis of fatty acid contents of diets, rotifers, and fry supported evidence from harvest results. Distances between centroids indicated distinct differences among diets, less distinction among the rotifers, and little difference among fry. Enrichment enhanced growth, but additional enrichment beyond that done during rotifer culture did not increase survival, growth, or condition.
Effects of Varying Concentrations of l‐carnitine‐incorporated Diets on Growth and Body Composition of Fry of Cirrhinus mrigala (Hamilton, 1822)
Authors: Singh Ravendra Kumar , Desai Ajay S. , Chavan Sugandha L. , Khandagale Punam A.
Published: April 2008

Abstract.—

Experiment was conducted to ascertain the effect of l‐carnitine on growth and body composition of Cirrhinus mrigala fry (0.342 ± 0.03 g) using five different concentrations (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1, and 0%) of l‐carnitine‐incorporated diets for 120 d. At the end of trial, weight gain, feed conversion efficiency, and protein efficiency of fishes fed with 0.25% l‐carnitine diet were observed to be significantly higher. Poor growth was recorded in the fry fed diet with no carnitine, while intermediate growth was observed when fed with 0.50, 0.75, and 1% l‐carnitine‐incorporated diets. The analysis of body composition of C. mrigala fry indicated that there is no significant difference (P > 0.05) in moisture, protein, and ash contents, but significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in body lipid content of fry, fed with different concentrations of l‐carnitine. Decrease in viscerosomatic and hepatosomatic indices were observed in fishes fed with l‐carnitine‐incorporated diets. Results of this study indicated that diet containing 0.25% l‐carnitine can promote higher growth in C. mrigala fry.
Comparison of Growth and Fatty Acids Composition of Freshwater Rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus Pallas, Fed with Two Types of Microalgae at Different Concentrations
Authors: Kennari Abdolmohammad Abedian , Ahmadifard Nasrollah , Seyfabadi Jafar , Kapourchali Maryam Fallahi
Published: April 2008

As algae and their concentrations are important factors for mass culture of rotifer, two experiments were conducted to find the effects of two types of algae, Chlorella sp. and Scenedesmus obliquus, and three concentration of chosen algae (0.1 × 106, 1 × 106, and 10 × 106 cells/mL) on growth and fatty acid composition of freshwater rotifer, Brachionus calyciflorus. The result of the first experiment showed that the maximum density of rotifer was significantly higher when fed with Chlorella sp. (478 individuals/mL) than fed with S. obliquus (328 individuals/mL). Mean population growth rate (r) was 0.61 and 0.44 for rotifer fed with Chlorella sp. and S. obliquus, respectively. The amount of highly unsaturated fatty acid (HUFA) in rotifer fed with Chlorella sp. (3.32%) was relatively more than those fed with S. obliquus (2.65%). Then, Chlorella sp. was selected based on better performance. In the second experiment, the maximum rotifer density of 108 ± 8, 489 ± 47, and 493 ± 51 individuals/mL was reached after 5 d for the respective Chlorella sp. concentrations; at concentration of 10 × 106 cells/mL, the maximum density of 1820 ± 47 individuals/mL was obtained. Mean growth rate at mentioned concentrations was 0.18, 0.42, and 0.51/d, respectively. Increase in algal concentration was associated with a relative increase in HUFA and decrease in monounsaturated fatty acid.
Development of a Squid‐hydrolysate‐based Larval Diet and its Feeding Performance on Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, Larvae
Authors: Lian Peizhi , Lee Chong M. , Bengtson David A.
Published: April 2008

Locally generated squid‐processing byproduct was processed into concentrated hydrolysate (22% solids, 17.3% protein, and 3.0% lipid, primarily phospholipids—11.6% eicosapentaenoic acid/24.5% docosahexaenoic acid on a lipid weight basis). Two microparticulate diets (65% protein, 19% lipid, 7.5% carbohydrate, and 19.12 MJ/kg energy, on a dry weight basis) were prepared using squid hydrolysate (SH) and squid‐herring hydrolysate as sole protein sources (73.3 and 78.65% of the whole diet, respectively). A 22‐d feeding trial with summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, larvae of 17 d after hatch showed that the survival rate (92%) of larvae fed SH was significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those of larvae fed live Artemia nauplii (81%) and a commercial diet, Proton (65%), while specific growth rates (SGR) were comparable (2.23% /d for SH and 2.86% /d for Artemia) with the lowest for Proton (1.39% /d). After switching from commercial and Artemia diets to a SH diet for 17 d following the 22‐d feeding, significant improvements were seen in survival rates of postweaning larvae fed previously commercial (65.28–76.57%) and Artemia diets (81.25–89.07%).
Effect of Dietary Ginseng Herb (Ginsana® G115) Supplementation on Growth, Feed Utilization, and Hematological Indices of Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), Fingerlings
Authors: Goda Ashraf M.A.‐S.
Published: April 2008

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary ginseng herb (Ginsana® G115) supplementation on growth performance, feed utilization, and hematological indices of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (L.), fingerlings. A total of 378 Nile tilapia fingerlings with an average body weight of 24.4 ± 0.2 g were divided in the six experimental treatments (three replicates each). The experiment was conducted for 17 wk. Six isonitrogenous, 27.2% digestible protein and isocaloric, 12.3 MJ/kg digestible energy experimental diets were formulated. The control diet had no Ginsana G115 added. Diets 2–6 each contained Ginsana G115 at levels of 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 mg/kg, respectively. Growth performance and feed utilization efficiency of Nile tilapia were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in all treatments receiving Ginsana G115‐supplemented diets than the control diet. Red blood cells counts, hematocrit, and hemoglobin significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased with increasing dietary Ginsana G115 levels compared to those of the control diet. The same trend was observed for total plasma protein and total plasma globulin levels. The results of present study suggested that Nile tilapia fingerlings fed diets containing at least 200 mg/kg Ginsana G115 for 17 wk had enhanced growth performance, diet utilization efficiency, and hematological indices.
Evaluation of Gambusia, Gambusia affinis, Fish Meal in Practical Diets for Fry Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Ahmad Mohammad H.
Published: April 2008

This study was conducted to evaluate the use of gambusia, Gambusia affinis, fish meal (GFM) in practical diets for fry Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (2.11 ± 0.11 g). Six isonitrogenous diets (35%) were formulated in which GFM replaced 0.0, 10, 25, 50, 75, or 100% of the protein supplied by herring fish meal (HFM). Fish were fed one of the test diets at a feeding rate of 4% of the fish body weight 6 d a week, 2 times a day for 13 wk. Results demonstrated that fish growth increased with increasing GFM up to 75%, which produced the highest growth of the treatments. The lowest fish growth was obtained at 100% GFM. Feed intake (FI), protein efficiency ratio (PER), and apparent protein utilization (APU) increased significantly, while feed conversion ratio (FCR) decreased significantly with increasing GFM up to 75%. FI, PER, and APU decreased significantly, while FCR increased significantly for diets containing 100% GFM. There were no significant differences in moisture, protein, lipid, or ash contents in final fish body following inclusion of GFM in fish diet. There was no significant difference in the digestibility coefficient of dry matter. The digestibility coefficients of protein and gross energy for diets containing 100% GFM replacement were the lowest as compared with other GFM levels. The present study recommended that GFM is a suitable protein source in practical diets for fry Nile tilapia and could replace HFM up to 75%.
Communicating Risks and Benefits of Aquaculture: A Content Analysis of US Newsprint Representations of Farmed Salmon
Authors: Amberg Shannon M. , Hall Troy E.
Published: April 2008

It is widely recognized that mass media can affect public perception of risk. In recent years, the public has been exposed to stories on emerging health and environmental risks, including risks from aquaculture. Two key studies (“trigger events”) compared contaminants in farmed and wild salmon and evaluated potential health risks of consumption. This study investigates how US newspaper coverage of farmed salmon fluctuated in the face of this emerging scientific information and which types of purported risks and benefits received the most attention. We hypothesized that media attention to farmed salmon would focus more on negative information (e.g., health risks) than on positive information (e.g., health benefits) and that those health risks highlighted most often would be dramatic, rare, or vivid. US newspaper stories specific to farmed salmon and published from 2000 to 2005 were collected from online databases (N = 206). Stories were content analyzed for amount of text covering various human health and environmental risks and health benefits associated with farmed salmon. Over all time periods, 49% of text about farmed salmon discussed human health risks, while benefits were described less than 10% of the time. The two trigger events corresponded with a shift in media attention away from environmental risks to human health risks, as media generally reported the studies’ conclusions as true. Risks emphasized the most tended to be severe or dreadful, such as cancer and developmental defects, while other health risks and all environmental risks received much less attention. This pattern presented the public with a message of severe health consequences from consuming farmed salmon and could induce the public to perceive health risks as being much greater than could be offset by its health benefits.
Participation of nitric oxide in the color change induced by UV radiation in the crab Chasmagnathus granulatus
Authors: Vargas Marcelo Alves , Cruz Bruno Pinto , Maciel Fábio Everton , Geihs Marcio Alberto , Cousin João Carlos Brahn , Trindade Gilma Santos , Baisch Ana Luiza Muccillo , Allodi Silvana , Nery Luiz Eduardo Maia
Published: April 2008

The ability of UV radiation to stimulate color change in vertebrates is well known; however, the signaling pathway involved is not fully explained. Since nitric oxide (NO) is among the candidates for this role, in this study the participation of NO signaling in the pigment migration induced by UV radiation in melanophores of the crab Chasmagnathus granulatus was investigated. When the NO donor, SIN‐1, was incubated with pieces of epidermis, there was an induction of a dose‐dependent pigment dispersion (in vitro assays). When male adults were exposed to different doses of UVA and UVB, NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine‐methyl‐ester, an NO synthase (NOS) blocker produced a decrease of the pigment dispersion induced by UV (in vivo assays). However, in similar assays, 2‐phenyl‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide, an NO scavenger, decreased only the pigment dispersion induced by UVA. Interestingly, buthionine sulfoximine did not produce any change in pigment dispersion induced by UVA (in vivo assays) and SIN‐1 (in vitro assays). Our results using NADPH‐diaphorase histochemistry and immunocytochemistry against nNOS indicated the production of NO by epidermal cells. In conclusion, we suggest that NO is a key molecule for the induction of pigment dispersion in the melanophores of Chasmagnthus granulatus, and also that NOS activation is a fundamental step for this process.
Visit Coaching: Building on Family Strengths to Meet Children's Needs
Authors: Beyer Marty
Published: April 2008

Visits between children in foster care and their families often do not build on family strengths or help them demonstrate they can meet their children's safety and developmental needs. Visits can alienate parents, children, and foster parents, and the parent's grief, anger, and preoccupation with complying with court‐ordered treatment often obscure their children's needs. Visit coaching is an innovative approach that can replace parenting classes and office‐based visits with hands‐on guidance for families in meeting their children's needs. The visit coach, who may be their caseworker or a variety of other trained individuals, helps parents take charge of visits and demonstrate more responsiveness to each child.
A new Rumex from Ecuador
Authors: Brandbyge John , Rechinger Karl Heinz
Published: April 2008

Rumex leptocaulis sp. nov. from Southern Ecuador is described and discussed.
Two new species of the genus Coccoloba (Polygonaceae)
Authors: Brandbyge John
Published: April 2008

Coccoloba ecuadorensis sp. nov, a large‐leaved species from the humid coastal forest of Northwestern Ecuador, and C. trollii sp. nov., a small‐leaved species from an isolated patch of dry forest in central Bolivia are described.