bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
More than the sum of its parts? Itemizing impairment in civil cases
Authors: Gregory Amy Hyman , Winter Ryan J.
Published: April 2010

Purpose. The purpose of the present study is to determine whether making multiple damage awards influenced civil mock jurors' assessments of those damage awards. Specifically, how does making one decision for pain and suffering damage awards versus two decisions (one for mental pain and suffering and physical pain and suffering) versus four decisions (one for loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, disfigurement, and physical disability/impairment) influence overall non‐economic damage awards.

Methods. One hundred twenty undergraduates from a psychology participant pool read a case vignette that included information regarding four types of injuries that the plaintiff endured: loss of enjoyment of life, mental anguish, disfigurement, and physical disability/impairment. Participants were randomly assigned to render either one award for pain and suffering, two awards (one for physical pain and suffering and one for mental pain and suffering), or four awards (one for each pain and suffering element).

Results. Results indicated that participants who rendered four awards provided significantly higher overall non‐economic damage awards than participants who provided one overall award. The variability of damage awards also increased as the number of damage awards increased.

Conclusions. Itemizing non‐economic damage awards into distinct injury categories can lead to an increase in overall non‐economic awards. Members of the legal arena should be cautioned against itemizing damages to prevent variability in non‐economic awards.
On antipodes on a convex polyhedron II
Authors: Rouyer Joël
Published: April 2010

We give several results concerning the notion of antipodes (i.e., farthest points) on the surface of a polyhedron endowed with its intrinsic metric.
On surfaces with pg
= 2q – 3
Authors: Lopes Margarida Mendes , Pardini Rita
Published: April 2010

We study minimal complex surfaces S of general type with q(S) = q and pg
(S) = 2q – 3, q ≥ 5. We give a complete classification in case that S has a fibration onto a curve of genus ≥ 2. For these surfaces K
2 = 8χ. In general we prove that K
2 ≥ 7χ – 1 and that the stronger inequality K
2 ≥ 8χ holds under extra assumptions (e.g., if the canonical system has no fixed part or the canonical map has even degree).

We also describe the Albanese map of S.
Logarithmic comparison theorem versus Gauss–Manin system for isolated singularities
Authors: Schulze Mathias
Published: April 2010

For quasihomogeneous isolated hypersurface singularities, the logarithmic comparison theorem has been characterized explicitly by Holland and Mond. In the nonquasihomogeneous case, we give a necessary condition for the logarithmic comparison theorem in terms of the Gauss–Manin system of the singularity. It shows in particular that the logarithmic comparison theorem can hold for a nonquasihomogeneous singularity only if 1 is an eigenvalue of the monodromy.
High Speed Weigh-in-Motion Calibration Practices
Authors: Papagiannakis A. T.
Published: April 2010

This paper provides a summary of the weigh-in-motion (WIM) calibration practices used by state highway and load enforcement agencies in the United States. The detailed statistical data presented were collected through a web-based survey questionnaire. It covers three common WIM calibration practices, namely utilizing multiple passes of test trucks, utilizing traffic stream vehicles of known static weight, and employing only WIM data quality control (QC) techniques. To put the actual practice in perspective, an overview is provided of the current WIM calibration standard (ASTM E1318-02) and the new provisional standard for quantifying pavement roughness at the approach to WIM systems (AASHTO MP 14-05). Most agencies use a combination of two or more of these methods for WIM system calibration. The majority of agencies uses WIM data QC on a routine basis and they resort to one of the other two calibration methods when WIM data quality deteriorates. Test truck calibration typically involves one or two Class 9 trucks running at several speeds. Few of these agencies, however, perform actual pavement roughness measurements on the approach to the WIM sites. Agencies that use traffic stream vehicles of known static weight for WIM calibration obtain static weights manually using permanent static scales. The method involves up to 100 trucks selected by class, speed or both class and speed. Agencies use a variety of traffic elements and formulas for computing calibration factors. Similarly, a variety of traffic data element errors are computed and various approaches are used for computing calibration factors. In the light of these findings, the paper provides a number of recommendations for improving current WIM calibration practices.
Mechanical Behavior of Nanoclay Modified Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Ghaffarpour Jahromi Saeed , Andalibizade Behrooz , Khodaii Ali
Published: April 2010

Polymeric nanocomposites are among the most exciting and promising classes of materials discovered recently. A number of physical properties are successfully enhanced when a polymer is modified with small amount of nanoclay on condition that the clay is dispersed at nanoscopic level. In this research, comparative rheological tests on binders and mechanical tests on asphalt mixtures containing unmodified and nanoclay modified bitumen, were carried out. Two types of nanoclay were used: Nanofill-15 and Cloisite-15A. Rheological tests on binder were penetration, softening point, ductility, and aging effect. Mechanical tests on asphalt mixture were Marshall stability, indirect tensile strength, resilient modulus, diametric fatigue, and dynamic creep tests. Test results show that nanoclay can improve properties such as stability, resilient modulus, and indirect tensile strength and result in superior performance compared to that of unmodified bitumen under dynamic creep. Nanoclays do not seem to have beneficial effect on fatigue behavior in low temperature. Optimum binder content and void in total mixture increase by adding nanoclay to bitumen.
Evaluation of Statistical Validity of Some Asphalt Binder Grade Systems
Authors: Doh Y. S. , Amirkhanian Serji N. , Thodesen Carl , Bridges William , Kim Kwang W.
Published: April 2010

The performance grade (PG) and the penetration (pen) grade systems were examined for their statistical validity. It is found from this limited study that the pass/fail high-temperature of the PG binder follows a normal distribution. Since PG system has no gap between each grade, the binder falling out of limit trespasses into another binder grade. The Korean pen grading system has the same problem. Therefore, many products can have similar property levels with an adjacent-grade even though the mean value is within the specification limit. The PG binder will have a high chance of passing the rheological requirements at above the upper limit but the least chance of falling below the lower limit because the means were above median and variations were higher than they should be. Since PG is characterized without gap between each grade, the producer must maintain the coefficient of variation below the current level to satisfy the quality control limit of the product. Similarly, in other grading systems such as the Korean pen specifications, due to its lack of a gap between grades, higher percentage of products will be duplicated even if the mean is at the median of the specification limits due to material’s quality uncertainty. Especially if the mean moves toward the upper limit, one-half of the binder grade will be overlapped with the higher binder grade. Therefore, these specifications should be statistically examined for further modification.
Evaluation of Reclaimed Polyethylene-Modified Asphalt Pavements
Authors: Punith V. S. , Veeraragavan A.
Published: April 2010

Every year several million tons of low-density polyethylene (PE) carry bags are produced as waste in India. PE is not readily biodegradable and will persist in the environment in a more or less unchanged state for a considerable period of time. Also environmental problems are created due to dumping and also due to limited alternatives for recycling. Utilization of reclaimed PE is of great significance to developed/developing countries particularly for reduction in environmental pollution created due to dumping of PE bags. Since highways require huge amounts of construction materials, incorporation of only a small portion of recycled material will dispose of large quantity of PE bags. In the year 2002, conventional hot mix asphalt (HMA) (control) and PE-modified HMA (PEHMA) test sections were constructed along Outer Ring Road connecting National Highway-4 and Bangalore City. The performances of the control HMA and the PEHMA mixtures were evaluated periodically over a period of 5 years. The control HMA and PEHMA were subjected to a laboratory testing program that included tests to evaluate creep, indirect tensile strength, tensile strength ratio, resilient modulus (MR), gyratory properties, voids in total mixture, and bulk densities. Test results indicated that the PEHMA mixtures had lower moisture susceptibility, higher tensile strength, and resilient modulus. The gyratory properties and creep tests indicate that the PEHMA mixtures are more resistant to rutting. In-place performance was evaluated by pavement deflection and unevenness measurement for 5 years of the pavement’s life. Field performance results indicated that wheel path cracking was observed on the control section and no cracks were observed on the PEHMA test section.
Modal Parameter Identification of a Prototype Arch Dam Using Enhanced Frequency Domain Decomposition and Stochastic Subspace Identification Techniques
Authors: Sevim Barış , Bayraktar Alemdar , Altunişik Ahmet Can , Adanur Süleyman , Akköse Mehmet
Published: April 2010

In this study, dynamic characteristics of a prototype arch dam-reservoir-foundation model are determined by operational modal analysis method using frequency and time domain techniques. For this purpose, a prototype arch am-reservoir-foundation model is constructed in laboratory conditions. Ambient vibration tests were conducted to the arch dam to identify its natural frequencies, mode shapes, and damping ratios. Natural excitations such as small impact effects were used to vibrate the arch dam. Sensitivity accelerometers were used to collect signals from the measurements. Measurements were recorded for empty and full reservoirs. The signals collected from the tests were processed by operational modal analysis software, and the dynamic characteristics of the dam were estimated using enhanced frequency domain decomposition and stochastic subspace identification techniques. The dynamic characteristics obtained from both techniques are close to each other. It can be stated that the both enhanced frequency domain decomposition and stochastic subspace identification techniques are very useful to identify the modal parameter of the prototype arch dam. In addition, it is observed that there is 20–25 % difference between natural frequencies for empty and full reservoirs.
A Novel Measurement System for Dry Rubber Content in Concentrated Latex Based on Y-Type Optical Fiber
Authors: Zhang L. , Zhao Z. M. , Jin X. D. , Liu L. , Chen G.
Published: April 2010

A new-style measurement system for dry rubber content in concentrated latex based on Y-type optical fiber is explained in this paper. The hardware of this system consists of light source, Y-type optical fiber, photodetector, and preamplifier, second-level amplifier for reducing temperature shift, analog-to-digital converter, and processor. The standard model of measurement system will be loaded into the processor used for data acquisition, processing, and output. The sensitivity of the system is enhanced through optimizing the signal source and detector; the incubator and reference signal designed here are used to eliminate the influence of the external factors, especially the temperature; the stability of the system can be improved by adopting efficient signal processing arithmetic. The experimental results show that this system cannot only measure the dry rubber content in concentrated latex rapidly and in real-time but also achieve the objective of anti-counterfeiting detection.
Clinical, hormonal and molecular characterization of pituitary ACTH adenomas without (silent corticotroph adenomas) and with Cushing's disease
Authors: Raverot Gérald , Wierinckx Anne , Jouanneau Emmanuel , Auger Carole , Borson-Chazot Françoise , Lachuer Joël , Pugeat Michel , Trouillas Jacqueline
Published: April 2010

Objective

Silent corticotroph adenomas (SCAs) are rare pituitary tumours immunoreactive for ACTH, but without clinical evidence of Cushing's disease. We characterized SCAs based on clinical, hormonal and molecular data, and compared the characteristics of these tumours with those of macro (MCA)- and micro (mCA)-ACTH adenomas with Cushing's disease.

Methods

Fifty ACTH adenomas (14 SCAs, 15 MCAs and 21 mCAs) with complete corresponding clinical, radiological and biochemical data were selected. Histological corticotroph differentiation; immunostaining for ACTH, β-endorphin and β-LPH; and mRNA expression levels of TPIT, POMC, GRα, prohormone convertase 1/3 (PC1/3) and galectin-3 were compared in 21 representative tumours.

Results

Despite the absence of clinical hypercortisolism in patients with SCA, elevated plasma ACTH levels that were similar to those associated with mCA were observed. The cortisol/ACTH ratio was similar between SCA and MCA groups and lower than that found with mCA (P<0.05). This dissociation could be explained by lower expression of PC1/3 in SCA and MCA than in mCA (P<0.05). After an i.v. dexamethasone suppression test, ACTH levels were significantly higher in patients with MCA than in those with mCA (P<0.05). Cytological and immunocytochemical analyses as well as mRNA expression levels of TPIT, POMC and GRα confirmed corticotroph differentiation in both mCAs and MCAs and in half of the SCAs, with a strong correlation between TPIT and POMC mRNA expression levels in SCAs (R2=0.72; P<0.01) and in MCAs (R2=0.65; P<0.05).

Conclusions

Despite the absence of hypercortisolism, SCAs exhibit histological, biochemical and molecular corticotroph differentiation. SCA and MCA show hormonal and molecular similarities differentiating them from mCA.
SUMO proteins are involved in the stress response during spermatogenesis and are localized to DNA double-strand breaks in germ cells
Authors: Shrivastava Vibha , Pekar Marina , Grosser Eliana , Im Jay , Vigodner Margarita
Published: April 2010

Small ubiquitin-like modifiers (SUMO) proteins have been implicated in cellular stress response in different tissues, but whether sumoylation has a similar role during spermatogenesis is currently unknown. In this study, changes in the levels of both free SUMO isoforms and high-molecular weight (HMW) SUMO conjugates were monitored before and after the induction of different types of cellular stresses. Using cell lines and primary cells freshly isolated from mouse testes, significant changes were detected in the levels of SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 conjugates following short exposure of the cells to heat stress and oxidative stress. While high concentrations of H2O2caused an increase in protein sumoylation, low concentrations of H2O2mostly caused protein desumoylation. Immunofluorescence studies localized SUMO to the sites of DNA double-strand breaks in stressed germ cells and during meiotic recombination. To study the effect of oxidative stressin vivo, animals exposed to tobacco smoke for 12 weeks were used. Changes in sumoylation of HMW proteins were consistent with their oxidative damage in the tobacco-exposed mice. Our results are consistent with the important roles of different SUMO isoforms in stress responses in germ cells. Furthermore, this study identified topoisomerase 2 α as one of the targets of sumoylation during normal spermatogenesis and under stress.
Stb3 Plays a Role in the Glucose-Induced Transition from Quiescence to Growth inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liko Dritan , Conway Michael K , Grunwald Douglas S , Heideman Warren
Published: April 2010

Addition of glucose to quiescent Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells causes the immediate induction of ∼1000 genes. These genes include ribosomal proteins (RP) and non-RP genes needed for ribosome production and other growth processes. RRPE sequence elements are commonly found 5′ of non-RP growth gene ORFs, and Stb3 has recently been identified as an RRPE binding protein. Stb3 overexpression (Stb3OE) produces a slow growth phenotype that is associated with reduced expression of non-RP genes and a drop in the rate of amino acid incorporation. Genes affected by Stb3 are associated with a TGAAAAA motif. Stb3 is restricted to the nucleus in quiescent cells and is immediately released into the cytoplasm after glucose repletion. The Stb3OE slow growth phenotype is reversed by loss of Hos2 histone deactylase activity, consistent with the idea that repression involves histone deacetylation. SCH9 overexpression or PPH22 deletion, mutations that activate target of rapamycin (Tor) nutrient sensing pathways, also reverse the Stb3OE phenotype. Inhibition of Tor signaling makes the phenotype more severe and restricts Stb3 to the nucleus. The results support a model in which Stb3 is one of the components that repress a large set of growth genes as nutrients are depleted. This repression is ended by glucose.
Cumulative Hardship and Wellness of Low-Income, Young Children: Multisite Surveillance Study
Authors: Frank Deborah A. , Casey Patrick H. , Black Maureen M. , Rose-Jacobs Ruth , Chilton Mariana , Cutts Diana , March Elizabeth , Heeren Timothy , Coleman Sharon , de Cuba Stephanie Ettinger , Cook John T.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES:

The goals were to generate a cumulative hardship index and to evaluate its association with the well-being of children 4 to 36 months of age without private health insurance.

METHODS:

Cross-sectional surveys were linked to anthropometric measures and medical record review at 5 urban medical centers (July 1, 2004, to December 31, 2007). Cumulative hardship index scores ranged from 0 to 6, with food, housing, and energy each contributing a possible score of 0 (secure), 1 (moderately insecure), or 2 (severely insecure) to generate scores indicating no hardship (score of 0), moderate hardship (scores of 1–3), or severe hardship (scores of 4–6). The outcome was a composite indicator of child wellness, including caregivers' reports of children's good/excellent heath, no hospitalizations, not being developmentally at risk, and anthropometric measurements within normal limits. Covariates were selected a priori and through association with predictors and outcomes.

RESULTS:

Of 7141 participants, 37% reported no material hardship, 57% moderate hardship, and 6% severe hardship. Multivariate logistic regression analyses showed ordinal association between the cumulative hardship index and children's adjusted odds of wellness (severe versus no hardship, adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 0.65 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.83]; severe versus moderate hardship, AOR: 0.73 [95% CI: 0.58–0.92]; moderate versus no hardship, AOR: 0.89 [95% CI: 0.79–0.99]).

CONCLUSION:

Increasing levels of a composite measure of remediable adverse material conditions correlated with decreasing adjusted odds of wellness among young US children.
Prime-Time Hypoglycemia: Factitious Hypoglycemia During Insulin-Pump Therapy
Authors: Osipoff Jennifer N. , Sattar Nadia , Garcia Mireya , Wilson Thomas A.
Published: April 2010

Unexplained hypoglycemia in a pediatric diabetic patient can perplex even the savviest health care providers and lead to an extensive medical workup. We present here the cases of 2 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus treated with insulin pumps who were hospitalized for episodes of hypoglycemia. Review of their insulin pumps revealed normal basal and bolus insulin delivery. However, subsequent review of the priming history in the pump revealed that both children were receiving additional insulin under the manual-prime function, which is not included in the daily totals and, therefore, was initially unnoticed. Ultimately, both children confessed to surreptitiously using this priming function to self-administer extra insulin. It is important that health care professionals who are caring for diabetic patients be aware of this possibility.
Bolus Methylprednisolone Efficacy for Uncontrolled Exacerbation of Cystic Fibrosis in Children
Authors: Ghdifan Sufian , Couderc Laure , Michelet Isabelle , Leguillon Christine , Masseline Brigitte , Marguet Christophe
Published: April 2010

We present here the clinical course of 4 children with cystic fibrosis, δF508/δF508, who were admitted with severe respiratory distress and in whom no improvement was obtained by intensive antibiotic therapy and systemic corticosteroids. Chest computed-tomography scans showed hyperinflation and atelectasis. The severity of these exacerbations was explained neither by visible mucus plugging nor by allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. We hypothesized that these clinical features were related to a severe inflammatory process in small airways. Therefore, a high-dose short course of methylprednisolone (1 g/1.73 m2 per day for 3 days) was given; all the patients' conditions were dramatically improved, and the therapy was safe. To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of bolus methylprednisolone in the treatment of uncontrolled pulmonary exacerbation in children with cystic fibrosis.
Teaching Pediatric Residents to Assess Adolescent Suicide Risk With a Standardized Patient Module
Authors: Fallucco Elise M. , Hanson Mark D. , Glowinski Anne L.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized that a suicide risk assessment (SRA) training module incorporating standardized patients (SPs) would enhance pediatric resident SRA performance.

METHODS:

We conducted an educational survey of pediatric residents regarding SRA (N = 80). In addition, we tested the performance of a SRA training module among pediatric interns who received SRA practice with SPs simulating suicidality scenarios, with (n = 6) or without (n = 6) SRA lecture, or SRA lecture only (n = 12) and control interns (n = 10). We examined postintervention confidence in SRA and self-reported and objectively measured knowledge of suicidal risk factors.

RESULTS:

Resident confidence and knowledge regarding SRA were low, compared with assessment of medical illness. Interns in the SP plus lecture group had significantly greater confidence in screening adolescents for suicide risk factors and assessing suicidal adolescents (screening, 4.2 ± 0.4; assessing, 4.2 ± 0.4), compared with subjects in either the lecture-only (screening, 2.9 ± 0.8; P = .005; assessing, 2.9 ± 1.1; P = .01) or control (screening, 3.1 ± 0.7; P = .025; assessing, 2.6 ± 0.8; P = .003) group. In addition, only the SP plus lecture group demonstrated significantly greater objective knowledge of suicide risk factors (92% vs 25% correct; P = .008) than the control group. Neither the lecture-only group nor the SP-only group was significantly better than the control group in terms of knowledge or confidence relevant to SRA.

CONCLUSION:

This SRA training module was significantly more effective than lecture alone in enhancing pediatric intern knowledge and confidence in SRA.
Yield of Retinal Examination in Suspected Physical Abuse With Normal Neuroimaging
Authors: Thackeray Jonathan D. , Scribano Philip V. , Lindberg Daniel M.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE:

In some centers, dedicated ophthalmologic examination is performed for all children who are evaluated for potential physical abuse. Although retinal hemorrhages have been reported in rare cases of abused children with normal neuroimaging results, the utility of ophthalmologic examination in this group is currently unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of retinal hemorrhages in children younger than 2 years who were evaluated for physical abuse and who had no evidence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on neuroimaging.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

We performed retrospective analysis of data obtained from 1676 children younger than 5 years who were evaluated for potential physical abuse as a part of the Using Liver Transaminases to Recognize Abuse research network. We reviewed results of dedicated ophthalmologic examination in all children younger than 2 years with no evidence of TBI on neuroimaging.

RESULTS:

Among 282 children who met inclusion criteria, only 2 (0.7% [95% confidence interval: 0.1%–2.5%]) had retinal hemorrhages considered “characteristic” of abuse. Seven other children (2.5% [95% confidence interval: 1.0%–5.1%]) had a nonspecific pattern of retinal hemorrhages. Both children with characteristic retinal hemorrhages in the absence of TBI showed evidence of head or facial injury on physical examination and/or altered mental status.

CONCLUSIONS:

In children younger than 2 years being evaluated for physical abuse without radiographic evidence of brain injury, retinal hemorrhages are rare. Dedicated ophthalmologic examination should not be considered mandatory in this population.
Human Recombinant Erythropoietin in Asphyxia Neonatorum: Pilot Trial
Authors: Elmahdy Heba , El-Mashad Abdel-Rahman , El-Bahrawy Hoda , El-Gohary Tareq , El-Barbary Ali , Aly Hany
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE:

The goal was to examine biochemical, neurophysiologic, anatomic, and clinical changes associated with erythropoietin administration to neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective case-control study with 45 neonates in 3 groups, a normal healthy group (N = 15), a HIE-erythropoietin group (N = 15; infants with mild/moderate HIE who received human recombinant erythropoietin, 2500 IU/kg, subcutaneously, daily for 5 days), and a HIE-control group (N = 15; did not receive erythropoietin). Serum concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) were measured at enrollment for the normal healthy neonates and at enrollment and after 2 weeks for the 2 HIE groups. The 2 HIE groups underwent electroencephalography at enrollment and at 2 to 3 weeks. Brain MRI was performed at 3 weeks. Neurologic evaluations and Denver Developmental Screening Test II assessments were performed at 6 months.

RESULTS:

Compared with normal healthy neonates, the 2 HIE groups had greater blood NO concentrations (P < .001). At enrollment, the 2 HIE groups did not differ in clinical severity, seizure incidence, NO concentrations, or electroencephalographic findings. At 2 weeks of age, electroencephalographic backgrounds improved significantly (P = .01) and NO concentrations decreased (P < .001) in the HIE-erythropoietin group, compared with the HIE-control group; MRI findings did not differ between groups. At 6 months of age, infants in the HIE-erythropoietin group had fewer neurologic (P = .03) and developmental (P = .03) abnormalities.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates the feasibility of early administration of human recombinant erythropoietin to term neonates with HIE, to protect against encephalopathy.
Detection of Surreptitious Administration of Analog Insulin to an 8-Week-Old Infant
Authors: Green Rebecca P. , Hollander Abby S. , Thevis Mario , Thomas Andreas , Dietzen Dennis J.
Published: April 2010

An 8-week-old infant presented to the emergency department with lethargy, tachycardia, and a blood glucose concentration of 1.8 mmol/L. After admission, hypoglycemia recurred on 3 additional occasions. Initial urinalysis results were negative for ketones, and the results of additional laboratory tests did not support the diagnosis of cortisol or growth hormone deficiency, oral hypoglycemic ingestion, or an inborn error of metabolism. Difficulty restoring and maintaining glucose concentrations along with a transient response to glucagon during 1 hypoglycemic episode suggested hyperinsulinism. In 1 hypoglycemic episode, elevated insulin and low C-peptide concentrations suggested exogenous insulin administration, but 2 subsequent blood samples obtained during hypoglycemia contained appropriately decreased concentrations of insulin. The insulin immunoassay initially used in this case (Roche ElecSys/cobas [Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, IN]) was insensitive to insulin analogs. Two additional immunoassays, 1 with intermediate (Immulite [Siemens, Deerfield, IL]) and 1 with broad (radioimmunoassay [Millipore, Inc, Billerica, MA]) reactivity to insulin analogs were used to characterize insulin in each of the critical blood samples. Samples obtained during hypoglycemia displayed a graded reactivity similar to that observed in type 1 diabetic patients prescribed insulin analogs, whereas a sample obtained from the patient and a control subject during euglycemia showed equal reactivity among the 3 assays. These data suggested administration of insulin analog to the child, and further characterization of insulin by using tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of Humalog. The child was subsequently placed in foster care with no further recurrence of hypoglycemia.
Standardized Screening for Suicidal Adolescents in Primary Care
Authors: Wintersteen Matthew B.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVE:

To determine if brief standardized screening for suicide risk in pediatric primary care practices will increase detection rates of suicidal youth, maintain increased detection and referral rates, and be replicated in other practices.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Physicians in 3 primary care practices received brief training in suicide risk, and 2 standardized questions were inserted into their existing electronic medical chart psychosocial interview. The questions automatically populated for all adolescents aged 12.0 to 17.9 years. Deidentified data were extracted during both intervention trials and for the same dates of the previous year. Referral rates were extracted from social work records.

RESULTS:

The rates of inquiry about suicide risk increased 219% (clinic A odds ratio [OR]: 2.04 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.56–2.51]; clinic B OR: 3.20 [95% CI: 2.69–3.71]; clinic C OR: 1.85 [95% CI: 1.38–2.31]). The rate of case detection increased in clinic A (OR: 4.99 [95% CI: 4.20–5.79]), was maintained over 6 months after the intervention began (OR: 4.38 [95% CI: 3.74–5.02]), and was replicated in both clinic B (OR: 5.46 [95% [CI: 3.36–7.56]) and clinic C (OR: 3.42 [95% CI: 2.33–4.52]). The increase in case detection was 392% across all 3 clinics. Referral rates of suicidal youth to outpatient behavioral health care centers increased at a rate equal to that of the detection rates.

CONCLUSIONS:

Standardized screening for suicide risk in primary care can detect youth with suicidal ideation and prompt a referral to a behavioral health care center before a fatal or serious suicide attempt is made.
Mother-Daughter Communication and Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Uptake by College Students
Authors: Roberts Megan E. , Gerrard Meg , Reimer Rachel , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: April 2010

OBJECTIVES:

Although a human papillomavirus(HPV) vaccine has been available for more than 3 years, little research has documented the uptake and predictors of vaccination among older adolescents and young adult women. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of HPV vaccination among college women across time and to explore the effect of mother-daughter communication on vaccination.

METHODS:

During the period of fall 2007 through fall 2009, a convenience sample of 972 female undergraduate students (aged 18–25) at a large Midwestern state university (89% white) completed a paper-and-pencil or online anonymous questionnaire that assessed their sexual-risk behavior, knowledge of HPV, perceptions of HPV risk, communication from their mothers about sex-related topics (including HPV), and their current vaccination status.

RESULTS:

Sixty-five percent of the women reported being sexually active, and 49% reported having received at least the first of the 3-shot vaccine series. The mother's approval of HPV vaccination, mother-daughter communication about sex, and daughter's perceptions of vulnerability to HPV were positively associated with vaccination status. Among the women who had not received any of the HPV shots, the mother's approval of HPV vaccination, perceived vulnerability to HPV, and risky sexual behavior were predictive of interest in receiving the vaccine. Mother-daughter communication about values related to sex was negatively associated with interest.

CONCLUSIONS:

Although many of these young women were old enough to receive the vaccine without their parents' consent, perception of their mother's approval and mother-daughter communication about sex were important predictors of vaccination.
Alcohol Use by Youth and Adolescents: A Pediatric Concern
Authors:   Committee on Substance Abuse
Published: April 2010

Alcohol use continues to be a major problem from preadolescence through young adulthood in the United States. Results of recent neuroscience research have substantiated the deleterious effects of alcohol on adolescent brain development and added even more evidence to support the call to prevent and reduce underaged drinking. Pediatricians should be knowledgeable about substance abuse to be able to recognize risk factors for alcohol and other substance abuse among youth, screen for use, provide appropriate brief interventions, and refer to treatment. The integration of alcohol use prevention programs in the community and our educational system from elementary school through college should be promoted by pediatricians and the health care community. Promotion of media responsibility to connect alcohol consumption with realistic consequences should be supported by pediatricians. Additional research into the prevention, screening and identification, brief intervention, and management and treatment of alcohol and other substance use by adolescents continues to be needed to improve evidence-based practices.
Generating pancreatic β-cells from embryonic stem cells by manipulating signaling pathways
Authors: Champeris Tsaniras Spyridon , Jones Peter M
Published: April 2010

Type 1 diabetes results from an insufficiency of insulin production as a result of autoimmune destruction of the insulin-secreting pancreatic β-cells. It can be treated by transplantation of islets of Langerhans from human donors, but widespread application of this therapy is restricted by the scarcity of donor tissue. Generation of functional β-cells from embryonic stem (ES) cells in vitro could provide a source of an alternative graft material. Several ES cell differentiation protocols have reported the production of insulin-producing cells by mimicking the in vivo developmental stages of pancreatic organogenesis in which cells are transitioned through mesendoderm, definitive endoderm, foregut endoderm, pancreatic endoderm, and the endocrine precursor stage, until mature β-cells are obtained. These studies provide proof of concept that recapitulating pancreatic development in vitro offers a useful strategy for generating β-cells, but current differentiation protocols employ a bewildering variety of growth factors, mitogens, and pharmacological agents. In this review, we will attempt to clarify the functions of these agents in in vitro differentiation strategies by focusing on the intracellular signaling pathways through which they operate – phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, transforming growth factor β, Wnt/β-catenin, Hedgehog, and Notch.
Effects of Late‐Season Ethephon Applications on Cold Tolerance Parameters of Four Bermudagrass Cultivars
Authors: Munshaw G. C. , Ervin E. H. , Beasley J. S. , Shang C. , Zhang X. , Parrish D. J.
Published: April 2010

Winter injury of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a problem across the U.S. transition zone. In an attempt to hasten the onset of autumn senescence and improve cold acclimation, ethephon (3.6 kg a.i. ha−1) was applied three times at 3‐wk intervals beginning on 15 August in 2001 and 2002. Cultivars examined were ‘Riviera’, ‘Midiron’, ‘Princess‐77’, and ‘Tifway’. Tifway exhibited greatest autumn color retention in both years. Ethephon promoted early autumn senescence as indicated by yellowing of the leaves and reduced turfgrass color during ratings in both years. Plant samples removed from plots in autumn and winter were exposed to controlled temperatures to determine those which were lethal to 50% of the material's greenup potential (LT50). Ethephon treatment did not affect freeze tolerance. Freeze tolerance of cultivars differed following seasonal acclimation. The LT50 results were: Midiron < Riviera < Tifway < Princess‐77. In both years greenup results were: Riviera ≥ Midiron > Tifway > Princess‐77. Ethephon treatment slowed greenup in both years. Measurements of proline and linolenic acid levels revealed that Midiron > Riviera > Tifway > Princess‐77. Ethephon treatment did not affect linolenic acid levels; however, it negatively affected proline concentrations in Midiron and Riviera. Since ethephon had little or deleterious effects on bermudagrass cold tolerance, it should not be considered as a strategy to improve winter survival in the transition zone.
Genetic Analysis of Fertility Revertants Identified in Rice CMS Populations
Authors: Wen J. C. , Huang D. J. , Tan Y. L. , Wang S. H. , Tan X. L.
Published: April 2010

The contamination of cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) populations by fertile plants (FPs), which reduces purity of hybrid seeds, is a common problem in hybrid seed production, but genetic characterization of FPs has not been undertaken in rice (Oryza sativa L.). In this study, two types of FPs were identified among 64,530 plants of three CMS lines of Dian type 1 (CMS‐D1), in which the CMS seeds were produced under strict isolation. One type of FP had a genetic background identical to that of the CMS maintainers, which was revealed by 169 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and nine morphological traits. This type of FP was found at a frequency of 0.0418% in the CMS populations. These FPs could have resulted from maintainer contamination. Another type was a fertility revertant (FR), occurring at a frequency of 0.0155% in the CMS population. Although the FRs did not show differences from the corresponding CMS lines in morphological traits and the SSR markers, they possessed a fertility restoring gene of heterozygous type, which acted in gametophytic mode on pollen fertility restoration of the hybrids. The gene was designated temporarily as Rfr(d1). Rfr(d1) was allelic to the fertility restoring gene carried by CMS‐D1 restorers, and it was located at the Rf‐1 locus, which was revealed by allelic testing and cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence markers located within the Rf‐1 locus. Fertility revertants could be generated spontaneously through reversion of CMS lines.
Grain Yield Increase and Pollen Containment by Plus‐Hybrids Could Improve Acceptance of Transgenic Maize
Authors: Munsch Magali A. , Stamp Peter , Christov Nikolai K. , Foueillassar Xavier M. , Hüsken Alexandra , Camp Karl‐Heinz , Weider Christophe
Published: April 2010

Maize (Zea mays L.) Plus‐Hybrids are a blend of cytoplasmic male‐sterile (CMS) hybrids and unrelated male‐fertile hybrids ensuring pollination of the whole stand. Combining potential benefits of male sterility (CMS effect) and allo‐pollination (xenia effect), they often outperform the corresponding male‐fertile sib‐pollinated hybrids in terms of yield. The combining abilities of five CMS hybrids and eight pollinators were investigated in a factorial split‐plot design in 12 environments in four countries and two years. The plant material from different breeders represented the three types of male‐sterile cytoplasm. Plus‐Hybrids increased grain yield, on average, by 10% or more and by up to 20% in specific environments. Three highly responsive CMS hybrids and four generally good pollinators were identified. The Plus‐Hybrid effect affected both yield components, CMS leading mainly to a higher number of kernels (KN) and the xenia effect mainly to an increase in the thousand kernel weight (TKW). Despite some differences in the response of the three types of CMS, the effect of the cytoplasm was not significant. While the CMS effect depended strongly on environment, the xenia was consistent in all environments but its extent varied. As well as increasing yield, we can expect that Plus‐Hybrids can make a large contribution to the coexistence of transgenic and conventional maize by biocontainment, that is, eliminating or reducing the release of transgenic pollen in Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) maize or herbicide‐tolerant (HT) maize.
Identifying Resistance to Powdery Mildew Race 2W in the USDA‐ARS Watermelon Germplasm Collection
Authors: Tetteh Antonia Y. , Wehner Todd C. , Davis Angela R.
Published: April 2010

Powdery mildew caused by Podosphaera xanthii has recently become an important disease of watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai] in the United States. The disease can be controlled with fungicides, but it would be more economical and environmentally safe to use genetic resistance. Here, we report sources of resistance to powdery mildew race 2W identified in the evaluation of the entire U.S. watermelon Plant Introduction collection made of four Citrullus Schrad. ex. Eckl. & Zeyh. species and Praecitrullus fistulosus (Stocks) Pangalo species. A total of 1654 PI accessions, cultivars, and breeding lines (hereafter collectively referred to as cultigens) were tested in the greenhouse using at least seven replications. From that, 54 cultigens including the 44 most resistant and 10 susceptible checks were retested in greenhouse and field experiments. All cultigens showed symptoms of powdery mildew. Resistance was identified in wild PI accessions. Eight cultigens had high resistance and 21 had intermediate resistance. Leaf and stem disease severity ratings were positively correlated (r = 0.86, P < 0.0001). Data were summarized from the screening and retest studies, and the most resistant cultigens were PI 632755, PI 386015, PI 189225, PI 346082, PI 525082, PI 432337, PI 386024, and PI 269365. The most susceptible cultigens were PI 222775 and PI 269677. Many of the resistant cultigens originated from Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
Greenhouse Assessment of Seedling Reaction to Tan Spot in Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Morris Jana F. , Carver Brett F. , Hunger Robert M. , Klatt Arthur R.
Published: April 2010

Decreased tillage combined with limited use of rotation crops in the southern Great Plains has led to an increase in the incidence and severity of tan spot of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). This has prompted an aggressive germplasm search for resistance to tan spot, caused by Pyrenophora tritici‐repentis (Died.) Drechs. Although genetic resistance is used to help control tan spot, few commercial lines in the southern Great Plains contain highly effective resistance. Here, we report on a greenhouse assay appropriate for quantitative and precise assessment of tan spot reaction, with application to a novel collection of synthetic materials. Our objectives were to (i) identify new sources of resistance and partition the phenotypic variation in tan spot reaction and (ii) validate the quantitative visual assay using digital methods. More than one‐half of the 94 synthetic hexaploid wheat accessions assayed showed a percentage leaf infection level not significantly different from that of the resistant check, ‘Red Chief’ (20%). Visual estimates of infected leaf area were highly correlated with digital estimates (r = 0.90, P < 0.01). Repeatability on an accession‐mean basis was moderately high (0.81), but not without rigorous sampling from 10 replicates, two plants per replicate, and three leaves per plant. Using the described assay, a large amount of genetic material can potentially be discarded for undesirable susceptibility to tan spot as a prelude to more costly field discrimination for varying levels or types of resistance.
Partitioning of Taproot Constituents and Crown Bud Development are Affected by Water Deficit in Regrowing Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
Authors: Pembleton Keith G. , Volenec Jeffrey J. , Rawnsley Richard P. , Donaghy Daniel J.
Published: April 2010

Growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) following the correction of water deficits will depend, in part, on the amount of plant constituents available to support regrowth and the availability of crown buds for the development of new shoots. To investigate if water deficit affected the accumulation of taproot constituents and crown bud development of alfalfa, two alfalfa cultivars were exposed to increasing levels of water deficit (100, 75, 50 25 and 0% of the replacement water requirement) during a regrowth period. Shoot growth was reduced in proportion to the level of water deficit. Taproot starch concentrations decreased while taproot soluble sugar increased in plants exposed to a water deficit. Thirty‐five d after initiation of treatments, taproot protein and amino acid concentrations were similar in all treatments that received water. Water deficit increased the relative concentration of low and middle molecular weight taproot vegetative storage proteins (VSP) and water deficits reduced the number and mass of green crown buds. Both cultivars had a similar response to water deficit for all taproot constituents and crown bud development. Further studies are required to determine the influence of increasing VSP abundance and decreasing numbers of crown buds on plant recovery following the removal of a water deficit.
Comparison of Spatial Models for Sugar Beet and Barley Trials
Authors: Müller Bettina U. , Kleinknecht Kathrin , Möhring Jens , Piepho Hans‐Peter
Published: April 2010

Several spatial methods exist for the adjustment of local trend in one dimension. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the precision of different spatial methods. For this purpose, 293 sugar beet (Beta vulgaris) and 64 multienvironment barley (Hordeum vulgare) trials of two German plant breeding companies were analyzed using a baseline model, which comprised a block and replicate effect, and different one‐dimensional spatial models augmenting the baseline model. Model fit was assessed using the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), the phenotypic correlation of the adjusted genotype means between two environments, and the relative efficiency. For the sugar beet and barley trials the baseline model outperformed the spatial models in the majority of cases, while in some cases the addition of a spatial component proved beneficial. Based on these results we propose a conservative approach to spatial modeling that starts with a baseline model and then checks whether adding a spatial component improves the fit. Among the alternative models studied, the linear variance and the first‐order autoregressive models were the most promising candidates.