bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trauma Exposure and Stress Response: Exploration of Mechanisms of Cause and Effect
Authors: Jang Kerry L. , Taylor Steven , Stein Murray B. , Yamagata Shinji
Published: August 2007

People differ markedly in their risk for developing posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) after exposure to traumatic events. Twin studies suggest that the trauma-PTSS relationship is moderated by genetic and environmental influences. The present study tested for specific types of genetic and environmental interaction effects on PTSS. A sample of 222 monozygotic and 184 dizygotic twin pairs reported on lifetime frequency of assaultive and nonassaultive trauma and associated PTSS. Biometric analyses indicated that in the case of nonassaultive trauma, PTSS were directly affected by environmental factors that also influence exposure to nonassaultive trauma. For assaultive trauma both genetic and non-shared environmental influences jointly affected PTSS, and the number of traumatic events moderated the severity of PTSS. Genetic factors were found to become less important beyond some threshold (e.g., 3 or 4 types of serious trauma) suggesting that genetic factors — which may confer either risk or resilience to PTSS — modify these symptoms within a range of human experience, beyond which environmental effects supervene.
Does Sharing the Same Class in School Improve Cognitive Abilities of Twins?
Authors: Webbink Dinand , Hay David , Visscher Peter M.
Published: August 2007

This article analyzes the effect of classroom separation of twins on their cognitive abilities, measured at different ages in Dutch primary education. We use a large longitudinal school-based sample of twins and their classmates. The analysis tries to reduce the bias by unobserved factors due to the nonrandom assignment of twins by taking into account differences in school environment, previous test scores and variation in class assignment between years. We find that classroom separation matters for language in Grade 2. Nonseparated twins score higher on language, and the difference is larger for same-sex pairs. This finding is robust for various methods that take unobserved effects into account. In addition, there is some evidence for higher scores in arithmetic in Grade 2. For the higher grades we find no effect of classroom separation on cognitive ability. In the analysis of the effect of a separation of at least 3 years we find that separation increases language performance between Grade 6 and 8 for opposite-sex pairs.
Birthweight Predicts IQ: Fact or Artefact?
Authors: Newcombe Rhiannon , Milne Barry J. , Caspi Avshalom , Poulton Richie , Moffitt Terrie E.
Published: August 2007

It has been shown that lower birthweight is associated with lower IQ, but it remains unclear whether this association is causal or spurious. We examined the relationship between birthweight and IQ in two prospective longitudinal birth cohorts: a UK cohort of 1116 twin pairs (563 monozygotic [MZ] pairs), born in 1994–95, and a New Zealand cohort of 1037 singletons born in 1972–73. IQ was tested with the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children. Birthweight differences within MZ twin pairs predicted IQ differences within pairs, ruling out genetic and shared environmental explanations for the association. Birthweight predicted IQ similarly in the twin and nontwin cohorts after controlling for social disadvantage, attesting that the association generalized beyond twins. An increase of 1000 g in birthweight was associated with a 3 IQ point increase. Results from two cohorts add to evidence that low birthweight is a risk factor for compromised neurological health. Our finding that birthweight differences predict IQ differences within MZ twin pairs provides new evidence that the mechanism can be narrowed to an environmental effect during pregnancy, rather than any familial environmental influence shared by siblings, or genes. With the increasing numbers of low-birthweight infants, our results support the contention that birthweight could be a target for early preventive intervention to reduce the number of children with compromised IQ.
Coffee and Smoking as Risk Factors of Twin Pregnancies: The Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Morales-Suárez-Varela Maria M. , Bech Bodil Hammer , Christensen Kaare , Olsen Jorn
Published: August 2007

Twinning rates have changed substantially over time for reasons that are only partly known. In this study we studied smoking, coffee and alcohol intake, and their possible interaction with obesity as potential determinants of twinning rates using data from the Danish National Birth Cohort between 1996 and 2002. We identified 82,985 pregnancies: 81,954 singleton and 1031 twins. For the twins we had data to classify 121 as monozygotic, 189 dizygotic (same sex), 313 dizygotic (opposite sex) but, 408 were of the same sex but with unknown zygosity. All mothers were interviewed about their prepregnancy weight and height, coffee and alcohol intake, smoking habits, and potential confounding factors at early stages of pregnancy. We identified smoking (> 10 cigarettes/day) as a possible determinant of twinning, particularly for dizygotic twinning rates (same sex) and furthermore corroborated that obesity and the mother's age are strong correlates of twinning. Others have found coffee intake to increase twinning rates but that is not seen in these data.
Temporal Trends in the Rates of Multiple Maternities in England and Wales
Authors: Eriksson Aldur W. , Fellman Johan
Published: August 2007

After a long continuous decrease, the twinning and higher multifetal rates in many developed countries have increased during the last 2 to 3 decades. This change has been attributed to delayed childbearing and to increased use of subfertility treatments, particularly in women over 35 years of age. In this study we analyze how these new trends depend on changes in the effect of maternal age on the rates of multiple maternities. Our study is based on data for England and Wales for the period 1938 to 2003. The temporal variations show a decreasing trend to a trough around 1980 and after that a steady increase. This increase was more marked for higher multifetal rates and was particularly high for quadruplets. Furthermore, we identified changes in the age-specific rates resulting in increased levels for older mothers. These findings are in good agreement with our results from Nordic populations.
The Comparison of Twinning Rates Between Urban and Rural Areas in China
Authors: Gan Jian-Ping , Wu Zhong-Hua , Tu Zhi-Ming , Zheng Jian
Published: August 2007

Based on the birth record data from the National Vital Statistics in the 1990 Census of China, the present study analyzed the differences between urban and rural areas on monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin rates by maternal age in 1989. The twins by zygosity were calculated with Weinberg's differential method. Results show that the MZ and DZ twinning rates in China were associated with maternal age and that there were substantial differences between urban and rural areas. The MZ twinning rates in urban and rural areas were 2.36 pairs and 2.11 pairs per 1000 deliveries respectively, significantly lower than that in most studied populations. Furthermore, our analysis indicated that MZ twinning rates remained relatively constant for mothers under the age group of 36 to 38 years, but rose over this age group in both areas, albeit with a different slope. The DZ twinning rates were strikingly affected by maternal age, but the age for peak DZ rates was found within the age group of 33 to 35 years. In all maternal age groups except for 24 to 26 years, the DZ twinning rates in urban areas were higher than in rural areas. It remains unclear as to why the DZ twinning rates reversed to reach higher values within the older maternal age groups in China, but it is almost certain that the high twinning rates had nothing to do with in vitro fertilization.
The Frequency of Recurrent Multiple Maternities Using Two Sets of Census Data in Japan: 1990 and 1995
Authors: Imaizumi Yoko , Nishida Etsuo
Published: August 2007

Frequencies of recurrent multiple maternities were estimated using two sets of census data in Japan in 1990 and 1995. The repeat frequency (RF) of the twinning rate is the frequency of 2 sets of twins among families or couples who have already had 1 set of twins and 2 more siblings. The overall RFs were 9.6 per 1000 couples in 1990 and 9.3 in 1995. The RFs of the monozygotic (MZ) twinning rates were 5.9 per 1000 couples in 1990 and 5.5 in 1995. The RFs of the dizygotic (DZ) twinning rates were 3.7 in 1990 and 3.8 in 1995. For unlike-sexed propositus twins, the RF of MZ twins were 5.0 per 1000 couples in 1990 and 5.5 in 1995. The RF of DZ twins were 5.3 in 1990 and 4.6 in 1995. As for like-sexed propositus twins, the corresponding RFs were 6.2 and 5.5 for MZ twins, and 3.4 and 3.6 for DZ twins, respectively. In mothers who have experienced a twin maternity, the overall RF of twinning was 1.5 to 2 times as high as the average mother's chance of having twins. There was no RF for triplets for both census years. As for geographic variations of the overall RF, the rates in Okinawa (16.2) and Hokkaido (15.3) were significantly higher than those in the Tohoku (8.7), Kanto (8.0) and Kyushu (7.4) districts.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Twins and Singletons
Authors: Pharoah Peter O. D. , Platt Mary J.
Published: August 2007

Twins compared with singletons and monozygous (MZ) compared with dizygous (DZ) twins are at increased risk of fetal and infant death, cerebral palsy and many congenital anomalies. The aim of this study is to investigate whether zygosity is a risk factor for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Birth registration data and draft infant death certificates for all multiple births in England and Wales 1993 to 2003 were provided by the Office for National Statistics. As a partial proxy for zygosity, same-sex was compared with opposite-sex twins for birthweight-specific mortality and mortality attributed to SIDS. Data on singleton infants were obtained by subtraction of multiple births from routinely published population births and infant deaths. SIDS mortality among low birthweight infants was significantly less in twins than singletons. The twin-singleton relative risk was reversed in infants of normal birthweight. Among infants of normal birthweight, neonatal SIDS was significantly more common in same- compared with opposite-sex pairs. Among infants of low birthweight, postneonatal SIDS was significantly more common in same- compared with opposite-sex pairs. The difference in birthweight distribution of same- compared with opposite-sex twins for neonatal SIDS suggests that zygosity is a risk factor for SIDS. As congenital cerebral anomalies are a feature of many monozygous twin conceptions, a detailed macro- and microscopical examination of the brain in twin SIDS may indicate an otherwise unrecognised pathology.
Identical Twin Parents; Research Reviews: Twin Pregnancy Risk Factors, a New Twin Type and a School Legislation Update; Twin Parents and Twin Researchers in the News
Authors: Segal Nancy L.
Published: August 2007

Some legal and social complications that arise when identical twins have children are examined. The specific case presented concerns assignment of paternity. This section is followed by a review of recent studies of multiple birth pregnancy risk factors, namely mother to infant HIV transmission and congenital hypothyroidism. Honors given to recently recognized twin researchers are noted, as is the birth of twins to an older mother in the United States.
Bewegungsresistente Verben
Authors: Fortmann Christian
Published: August 2007

In German, three types of morphologically complex verbs have to be distinguished with respect to V2-movement. Complex verbs either move as a whole or leave behind a particle or do not move at all. I argue that the latter type – ursenden (first broadcast), ehebrechen (commit adultery) – and a subclass of the first type – wetteifern (rival) – are derived from complex nominalisations – Ursendung (first broadcast), Ehebruch (adultary), Wetteifer (rivalry) – by affixation of a (mostly unpronounced) verbalizing suffix. Diverging from a frequent view, I do not assume that immobility is due to an ambiguous word structure. While verbs like wetteifern are V0-categories, hence, accessible to V2-movement, immobile verbs like ehebrechen are projections which result from raising of the first element of the nominal compound and its adjunction to the derived verb. As projections are excluded from V2-movement, these verbs cannot move as a whole. But they do not allow for movement leaving behind a particle, either. This fact is attributed to conditions on interpretation of the resulting chains that would be offended in this case. This view is also motivated by the fact that immobile verbs are interpreted compositionally. The prefixed element functions as an argument or an adverbial modifier of the verb because it ccommands the verbalizing suffix. Moveable denominal verbs, instead, have a non-compositional, idiomatic reading since the first element of the nominal does not c-command the verbalizing suffix.
The Distributed Morphology of Object Clitics in Modern French
Authors: Goldbach Maria
Published: August 2007

In modern French, as in all Romance languages, the combination of two object clitics is subject to rigid ordering and co-occurrence constraints. The present paper shows that constraints of both kinds can be ascribed to systematically operating impoverishment processes in the sense of Distributed Morphology (Bonet 1995; Halle & Marantz 1993) without recourse to templates (cf. Miller & Sag 1997; Perlmutter 1971, etc.). The system that will be presented below is consistent, complete and non-redundant. Thus, it fulfils the essential metatheoretical qualifications of a formal system. The assumption of this paper is that the object clitics are postsyntactically inserted dissociated morphemes that are, prior to further operations kicking in, preverbally linearized. The postposition present in the positive imperative is brought about by another, subsequent, postsyntactic operation, i. e. by local dislocation. Or, put another way, there is an operational level in which the object clitics are arranged before the verb. Only on a downstream operational level do the object clitics move behind the verb.

In this article I do not submit any new empirical findings on the modern French clitic system. My aim is to harness the well-known phenomena for modelling them in Distributed Morphology.
Die Bedeutung der Centering Theory für Fragen der Vorfeldbesetzung im Deutschen
Authors: Speyer Augustin
Published: August 2007

The Vorfeld (prefield) of German declarative V2 main clauses is syntactically underdetermined: It is only required that one phrase stands there, but it is not determined what kind of phrase. This is consequently determined by information structure. The goal of this paper is to look whether Centering Theory can make any predictions; this question is addressed after an overview is given over potential forms in which the center can appear. It turns out that the Center is actually not out very often into the prefield; movement to the prefield seems to work in accordance with a ranking of the form: scene-setting elements outrank poset elements with respect to prefield movement, and poset elements outrank centers. If another part of Centering Theory is taken into account, namely coherence relations, we see that the more coherent the connection between two clauses is, the more often is the Center in the prefield. From that follows that one of the tasks of the prefield is to mark local coherence.
Expression and localisation of extracellular matrix degrading proteases and their inhibitors during the oestrous cycle and after induced luteolysis in the bovine corpus luteum
Authors: Kliem H , Welter H , Kraetzl W D , Steffl M , Meyer H H D , Schams D , Berisha B
Published: August 2007

The corpus luteum (CL) offers the opportunity to study high proliferative processes during its development and degradation processes during its regression. We examined the mRNA expression of matrix metalloproteases (MMP)-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, MMP-19, tissue inhibitor of MMP (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), uPA-receptor (uPAR), PA-inhibitors (PAI)-1, PAI-2 in follicles 20 h after GnRH application, CLs during days 1–2, 3–4, 5–7 and 8–12 of the oestrous cycle as well as after induced luteolysis. Cows in the mid-luteal phase were injected with Cloprostenol and the CLs were collected at 0.5, 2, 4, 12, 24, 48 and 64 h after PGF2α injection. Real-time RT-PCR determined mRNA expressions. Expression from 20 h after GnRH to day 12: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14 and tPA showed a clear expression, but no regulation. TIMP-1 and uPAR mRNA increased when compared with the follicular phase. TIMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-19 and uPA increased from the follicular phase to days 8–12. PAI-1 and PAI-2 expression increased from days 1–7 and decreased to days 8–12. Induced luteolysis: MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9, MMP-14, MMP-19 and TIMP-1 all increased at different time points and intensities, whereas TIMP-2 was constantly decreased from 24 to 64 h. The plasminogen activator system and their inhibitors were up-regulated from 2 to 64 h, tPA was already increased after 0.5 h. Immunohistochemistry for MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-14: an increased staining for MMP-1 and MMP-14 was seen in large luteal cells beginning 24 h after PGF2α application. MMP-2 showed a strong increase in staining in endothelial cells at 48 h.
In spermatozoa, Stat1 is activated during capacitation and the acrosomal reaction
Authors: Bastián Yadira , Zepeda-Bastida Armando , Uribe Salvador , Mújica Adela
Published: August 2007

A role for sperm-specific proteins during the early embryonic development has been suggested by a number of recent studies. However, little is known about the participation of transcription factors in that stage. Here, we show that the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (Stat1), but not Stat4, was phosphorylated in response to capacitation and the acrosomal reaction (AR). Moreover, Stat1 phosphorylation correlated with changes in its localization: during capacitation, Stat1 moved from the cytoplasm to the theca/flagellum fraction. During AR, Stat1 phosphorylation increased again. In addition, blocking protein kinase A (PKA) and PKC during capacitation abolished both phosphorylation and migration of Stat1. Our results show tight spatio–temporal rearrangements of Stat1, suggesting that after fertilization Stat1 participates in the first rounds of transcription within the male pronucleus.
Beneficial effects of brain-derived neurotropic factor on in vitro maturation of porcine oocytes
Authors: Lee Eugine , Jeong Yeon Ik , Park Seon Mi , Lee Jong Yun , Kim Ji Hye , Park Sun Woo , Hossein M S , Jeong Yeon Woo , Kim Sue , Hyun Sang Hwan , Hwang Woo Suk
Published: August 2007

In an effort to improve the quality of in vitro produced porcine embryos, we investigated the effect of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), a neurotropin family member, on in vitro maturation (IVM) of porcine oocytes. The expression of BDNF and truncated isoforms of its receptor, tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), and p75 common neurotropin receptor was detected in both follicular cells and metaphase-I stage oocytes by RT-PCR. However, mRNA of full-length TrkB was not found in oocytes although it was detected in follicular cells. The expression pattern of BDNF and TrkB was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Supplementation with BDNF (30 ng/ml) during IVM significantly (P < 0.05) increased the first polar body extrusion and glutathione levels in oocytes, whereas the effect of BDNF on nuclear maturation was diminished when gonadotropin and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were added to the culture media. However, treatment with BDNF (30 ng/ml) along with EGF (10 ng/ml) in the presence of gonadotropin significantly (P < 0.05) increased the developmental competence of oocytes to the blastocyst stage after both in vitro fertilization (IVF; 29.1% when compared with control, 15.6%) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT; 13.6% when compared with control, 3%). This appeared to reflect a stimulatory interaction between BDNF and EGF to enhance the cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes to support successful preimplantation development. In conclusion, BDNFenhanced nuclearand cytoplasmic maturation of oocytes by autocrine and/or paracrine signals. Also, when used together with EGF, BDNF increased the developmental potency of embryos after IVF and SCNT, demonstrating an improved in vitro production protocol for porcine oocytes.
Regulation of the gonadal transcriptome during sex determination and testis morphogenesis: comparative candidate genes
Authors: Clement Tracy M , Anway Matthew D , Uzumcu Mehmet , Skinner Michael K
Published: August 2007

Gene expression profiles during sex determination and gonadal differentiation were investigated to identify new potential regulatory factors. Embryonic day 13 (E13), E14, and E16 rat testes and ovaries were used for microarray analysis, as well as E13 testis organ cultures that undergo testis morphogenesis and develop seminiferous cords in vitro. A list of 109 genes resulted from a selective analysis for genes present in male gonadal development and with a 1.5-fold change in expression between E13 and E16. Characterization of these 109 genes potentially important for testis development revealed that cytoskeletal-associated proteins, extracellular matrix factors, and signaling factors were highly represented. Throughout the developmental period (E13–E16), sex-enriched transcripts were more prevalent in the male with 34 of the 109 genes having testis-enriched expression during sex determination. In ovaries, the total number of transcripts with a 1.5-fold change in expression between E13 and E16 was similar to the testis, but none of those genes were both ovary enriched and regulated during the developmental period. Genes conserved in sex determination were identified by comparing changing transcripts in the rat analysis herein, to transcripts altered in previously published mouse studies of gonadal sex determination. A comparison of changing mouse and rat transcripts identified 43 genes with species conservation in sex determination and testis development. Profiles of gene expression during E13–E16 rat testis and ovary development are presented and candidate genes for involvement in sex determination and testis differentiation are identified. Analysis of cellular pathways did not reveal any specific pathways involving multiple candidate genes. However, the genes and gene network identified influence numerous cellular processes with cellular differentiation, proliferation, focal contact, RNA localization, and development being predominant.
Carbohydrate metabolism by murine ovarian follicles and oocytes grown in vitro
Authors: Harris Sarah E , Adriaens Iris , Leese Henry J , Gosden Roger G , Picton Helen M
Published: August 2007

Metabolic markers are potentially valuable for assessment of follicle development in vitro. Carbohydrate metabolism of murine preantral follicles grown to maturityover 13 days in vitro has been measured, and metabolism of resulting oocyte–cumulus complexes (OCCs) and denuded oocytes has been compared with in vivo ovulated control counterparts. Spent follicle culture media were analysed for glucose, lactate and pyruvate concentrations. During follicle in vitro growth, glycolysis accounted for a rise from ∼24 to 60% of all glucose consumed. Ovulation induction caused a significant increase in glucose uptake and lactate production by in vitro-grown follicles to 71.7±1.2 and 96.6±4.8 nmoles/day respectively. OCCs grown in vitro had significantly higher rates of glucose consumption and lactate and pyruvate production (110.1± 3.5, 191.8± 8.9 and 31.7± 1.7 pmoles/h respectively) than in vivo ovulated controls (67.4± 8.1, 113.9± 17.1 and 20.2± 4.0 pmoles/h respectively), but a reduced capacity for pyruvate consumption (1.13± 0.06 vs 1.49± 0.06 pmoles/h by in vivo ovulated oocytes). Metabolism of OCCs was affected by the quality of the original follicle. In vitro-grown oocytes had a reduced cytoplasmic volume when compared with controls (168.3± 2.0 vs 199.0± 3.2 proportionately respectively) but a similar rate of metabolism per unit volume. Meiotic status influenced metabolism of both OCCs and denuded oocytes. In conclusion, glucose consumption and lactate production by cultured follicles increased in tandem with developmental progression and were stimulated prior to ovulation. Additionally, the metabolic profiles of in vitro produced OCCs and the oocytes within them are affected by long-term exposure to the culture environment.
Impaired expression of genes coding for reactive oxygen species scavenging enzymes in testes of Mtfr1/Chppr-deficient mice
Authors: Monticone Massimiliano , Tonachini Laura , Tavella Sara , Degan Paolo , Biticchi Roberta , Palombi Fioretta , Puglisi Rossella , Boitani Carla , Cancedda Ranieri , Castagnola Patrizio
Published: August 2007

Mtfr1/Chppr is a nuclear gene coding for a mitochondrial protein capable of inducing fission of this organelle in a sequence-specific manner. Here we show that in mice, Mtfr1/Chppr is ubiquitously expressed and displays the highest level of expression in pubertal and adult testes and in particular in spermatids and Leydig cells. To investigate Mtfr1 function in vivo, we analyzed homozygous mice null for this gene obtained through a gene trap approach. We show that these mice fail to express Mtfr1 and that in their testes several genes coding for enzymes involved in the defense against oxidative stress are downregulated. Among these, we studied in particular glutathione peroxidase 3 and show its expression in selected testis cell types. Furthermore, we demonstrate oxidative DNA damage specifically in testes of Mtfr1-deficient mice likely resulting from a reduced antioxidant activity. As a whole, these data suggest that Mtfr1 protects the male gonads against oxidative stress.
Differential modulation of bovine epididymal activity by oxytocin and noradrenaline
Authors: Mewe Marco , Wulfsen Iris , Middendorff Ralf , Bauer Christiane K
Published: August 2007

Passage of spermatozoa through the epididymis and emission of sperm during ejaculation are based on spontaneous and induced contractions of epididymal peritubular muscle layers. This study deals with the ejaculation-relevant factors noradrenaline (NA) and oxytocin (OT) and their contractile effects in the course of the bovine epididymal duct. Muscle tension recording revealed excitatory effects of NA in all duct regions. A peculiarity was found in a duct section between the mid-cauda and ductus deferens, where the responsiveness to NA was particularly faint in comparison with the adjacent regions. NA-induced contraction was primarily mediated by postjunctional α2-adrenoceptors (ADRA) in the caput and corpus regions, and by α1-ADRA in the cauda region. Contrary to NA, OT exerted regionally varying effects. The peptide induced contraction in intact and epithelium-denuded caput as well as in epithelium-denuded corpus segments but had a relaxant net effect in intact corpus and proximal cauda segments. Within the mid-cauda, OT evoked strong contraction, which progressively decreased distally. Receptor specificity of the epididymal OT effects was verified using the selective OT receptor (OTR) agonist [Thr4,Gly7]OT and vasopressin. OTR immunoreactivity was detected in the epididymal peritubular muscle wall and epithelial principal cells. RT-PCR analysis confirmed the presence of OTR in all duct regions. In summary, different contractile responses to OT and NA occur in the course of the epididymal duct, possibly preventing excessive sperm transport through the corpus and serving orthograde emission of sperm during ejaculation.
Regulation of homeobox A10 expression in the primate endometrium by progesterone and embryonic stimuli
Authors: Godbole G B , Modi D N , Puri C P
Published: August 2007

Homeobox A10 (HOXA10), a member of abdominal B subclass of homeobox genes, is responsible for uterine homeosis during development. Intriguingly, in the adult murine uterus, HOXA10 has been demonstrated to play important roles in receptivity, embryo implantation, and decidualization. However, the roles of HOXA10 in the primate endometrium are not known. To gain insights into the roles of HOXA10 in the primate endometrium, its expression was studied in the endometria of bonnet monkey (Macaca radiata) in the receptive phase and also in the endometria of monkeys treated with antiprogestin onapristone (ZK98.299) or in conception cycle where the presence of preimplantation stage blastocyst was verified. In addition, the mRNA expression of HOXA11 and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) was evaluated by real-time PCR in these animals.The results revealed that HOXA10 in the luteal phase primate endometrium is differentially expressed in the functionalis and the basalis zones, which is modulated in vivo by progesterone and also by the signals from the incoming embryo suggesting the involvement of HOXA10 in the process of establishment of pregnancy in primates. In addition, the results also demonstrated that the expression of IGFBP1 but not HOXA11 is coregulated with HOXA10 in the endometria of these animals. The pattern of changes in the expression of HOXA10 in response to the two stimuli suggests that endometrial receptivity and implantation not only requires a synchrony of maternal and embryonic signaling on endometrial cells in the primates but there also exists a controlled differential response among the cells of various uterine compartments.
Impulsive loading on a concrete structure
Authors: Siddiqui J. I. , Ahmad S.
Published: August 2007

The current paper deals with the experimental determination of relationships of simultaneous ground shock and airblast parameters against impulsive loading. The empirical relationships of peak air pressure, peak reflected airblast pressure along the height of the structure, peak ground acceleration, arriving shock of ground shock, duration of ground shock and the time lag between ground shock and airblast pressure reaching the concrete structure and so forth on a reinforced cement concrete containment scaled model owing to a surface explosion at a certain distance have been established. Equations have been developed and utilised in software for a structural response analysis of a reactor containment subjected to surface explosions. The generation and the effects of blast wave on the shell structure in the plastic range are discussed. Critical distances have been determined for different amounts of blast charges for a typical shell structure. The developed methodology of analysis may be adopted in order to evaluate the effect of an external explosion on the reinforced concrete containments of other reactors.
SELECTIVE HARVESTING AND HABITAT LOSS PRODUCE LONG‐TERM LIFE HISTORY CHANGES IN A MOUFLON POPULATION
Authors: Garel Mathieu , Cugnasse Jean-Marc , Maillard Daniel , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Hewison A. J. Mark , Dubray Dominique
Published: August 2007

We examined the long‐term effects (28 years) of habitat loss and phenotype‐based selective harvest on body mass, horn size, and horn shape of mouflon (Ovis gmelini musimon) in southern France. This population has experienced habitat deterioration (loss of 50.8% of open area) since its introduction in 1956 and unrestricted selective hunting of the largest horned males since 1973. Both processes are predicted to lead to a decrease in phenotype quality by decreasing habitat quality and by reducing the reproductive contribution of individuals carrying traits that are targeted by hunters. Body mass and body size of both sexes and horn measurements of males markedly decreased (by 3.4–38.3%) in all age classes from the 1970s. Lamb body mass varied in relation to the spatiotemporal variation of habitat closure within the hunting‐free reserve, suggesting that habitat closure explains part of these changes. However, the fact that there was no significant spatial variation in body mass in the early part of the study, when a decline in phenotypic quality already had occurred, provided support for the influence of selective harvesting. We also found that the allometric relationship between horn breadth and horn length changed over the study period. For a given horn length, horn breadth was lower during the second part of the study. This result, as well as changes in horn curve diameter, supports the interpretation that selective harvesting of males based on their horn configuration had evolutionary consequences for horn shape, since this phenotypic trait is less likely to be affected by changes in habitat characteristics. Moreover, males required more time (approximately four years) to develop a desirable trophy, suggesting that trophy hunting favors the reproductive contribution of animals with slow‐growing horns. Managers should exploit hunters' desire for trophy males to finance management strategies which ensure a balance between the population and its environment. However, for long‐term sustainable exploitation, harvest strategy should also ensure that selectively targeted males are allowed to contribute genetically to the next generations.
EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC DEVELOPMENTS ON COMMON RAVEN NESTING BIOLOGY IN THE WEST MOJAVE DESERT
Authors: III William B. Kristan , Boarman William I.
Published: August 2007

Subsidized predators may affect prey abundance, distribution, and demography. Common Ravens (Corvus corax) are anthropogenically subsidized throughout their range and, in the Mojave Desert, have increased in number dramatically over the last 3–4 decades. Human‐provided food resources are thought to be important drivers of raven population growth, but human developments add other features as well, such as nesting platforms. From 1996 to 2000, we examined the nesting ecology of ravens in the Mojave Desert, relative to anthropogenic development. Ravens nested disproportionately near point sources of food and water subsidies (such as towns, landfills, and ponds) but not near roads (sources of road‐killed carrion), even though both sources of subsidy enhanced fledging success. Initiation of breeding activity was more likely when a nest from the previous year was present at the start of a breeding season but was not affected by access to food. The relative effect of environmental modifications on fledging success varied from year to year, but the effect of access to human‐provided resources was comparatively consistent, suggesting that humans provide consistently high‐quality breeding habitat for ravens. Anthropogenic land cover types in the desert are expected to promote raven population growth and to allow ravens to occupy parts of the desert that otherwise would not support them. Predatory impacts of ravens in the Mojave Desert can therefore be considered indirect effects of anthropogenic development.
Gender Differences in the Relationship Between Intimate Partner Violence Victimization and the Perception of Dating Situations Among College Students
Authors: Próspero Moisés , Vohra-Gupta Shetal
Published: August 2007

Although the prevalence and severity of dating violence among college students is well known, the relationship between past victimization and perceptions of future dating situations has not been examined. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, this study investigated gender differences in the relationship between intimate partner violence victimization and the perceptions of dating situations. The study found that the more psychological, physical, or sexual violence that was experienced by females, the more likely they perceived dating situations as inappropriate. Males, on the other hand, were more likely to report aggressive behaviors in dating situations only if victimized by sexual violence. Implications for professionals working with college students or community prevention programs are discussed.
Men’s Recognition of Violence Against Women and Spousal Abuse: Comparison of Three Groups of Men
Authors: Chamberland Claire , Fortin Andrée , Turgeon Joane , Laporte Lise
Published: August 2007

Our goal was to assess whether men in the following three groups differ in their ability to recognize and judge the severity of diverse forms of aggressive behavior: (a) men who reported being physically aggressive toward their spouses and who were entering treatment for domestic violence; (b) men who, after participating in a treatment program, were no longer physically violent; and (c) men who reported never having been physically violent towards their spouses (NPV group—non–physically violent). All 81 men in the study reported being verbally aggressive toward their spouses. Men who had been in treatment for spousal abuse and who had not been physically violent toward their spouses since finishing the program were better able than the other two groups to recognize emotionally abusive behaviors.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Sexual Violence Victimization Among U.S. Adults, 2001–2003
Authors: Basile Kathleen C. , Chen Jieru , Black Michele C. , Saltzman Linda E.
Published: August 2007

This article provides the most recent U.S. prevalence estimates of forced sex and unwanted sexual activity. Results of a national telephone survey conducted in 2001–2003 indicate that 1 in 59 U.S. adults (2.7 million women and 978,000 men) experienced unwanted sexual activity in the 12 months preceding the survey and that 1 in 15 U.S. adults (11.7 million women and 2.1 million men) have been forced to have sex during their lifetime. There were 60.4% of females and 69.2% of males who were 17 years old or younger at the time the first forced sex occurred. This study provides an update to the National Violence Against Women Survey with more recent national data. Findings suggest that victimization rates have remained consistent since the 1990s. These findings suggest that a continued effort toward primary prevention of sexual violence, particularly rape of children and adolescents, is needed.
Maternal Childhood Parental Abuse History and Current Intimate Partner Violence: Data From the Pacific Islands Families Study
Authors: Paterson Janis , Faibairn-Dunlop Peggy , Cowley-Malcolm Esther Tumama , Schluter Philip J.
Published: August 2007

Pacific peoples are a rapidly growing but socially disadvantaged segment of New Zealand society. Within this context, individuals may be particularly vulnerable to the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV). The aim of the study was to establish the association between the experience of maternal and/or paternal emotional or physical abuse and current severe physical partner violence perpetration or victimization among a cohort of Pacific women. Paternal physical abuse was the only statistically significant risk factor from childhood parenting history that was independently associated with severe physical perpetration and victimization within the mother’s current intimate partner relationship (RR 2.6). These findings highlight the deleterious effect of paternal physical violence on subsequent IPV and contribute to the development of empirically based and considered ways to approach these complex phenomena.
A Gender-Based Incidence Study of Workplace Violence in Psychiatric and Forensic Settings
Authors: Hatch-Maillette Mary A. , Scalora Mario J. , Bader Shannon M. , Bornstein Brian H.
Published: August 2007

Limited data exist analyzing the role of gender in workplace violence in health care settings. This study examined whether different types of threatening incidents with patients (physical, verbal, sexual, or posturing) were salient to male versus female staff across psychiatric settings (inpatient forensic, inpatient acute/chronic psychiatric, and outpatient psychiatric). Results indicated that although women disproportionately experienced sexualized threats, they were not more likely to report such incidents as salient and threatening. The study also assessed the extent to which situational variables contributed to staff’s feelings of threat. Results showed that rapport with the patient, quality of relationships with coworkers, and presence of coworkers in the area were not significantly related to how threatened staff felt in a recent threatening incident. Findings are discussed within the context of staff training and organizational benefits.
High‐Valent Technetium Fluorides. Does TcF7 Exist?
Authors: Riedel Sebastian , Renz Manuel , Kaupp Martin
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Chemical Bonding in Metallic Rutile‐Type Oxides TO2 (T: Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt).
Authors: Demazeau Gerard , Matar Samir F. , Poettgen Rainer
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Solid State and Electronic Structure of Rare Earth Metal Intercalated Graphite from First‐Principles Theory
Authors: Fang Chang‐Ming , Bauer Joseph , Saillard Jean‐Yves , Halet Jean‐Francois
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Ag10Te4Br3‐xClx and Ag10Te4Br3‐yIy: Structure and Electrical Property Tuning of a Mixed Conductor by Partial Anion Substitution.
Authors: Nilges Tom , Bawohl Melanie , Lange Stefan
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
LuF[SeO3] and LuCl[SeO3]: Two Non‐Isotypic Halide Oxoselenates(IV) of Lutetium.
Authors: Lipp Christian , Schleid Thomas
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
IrIn7GeO8 = [IrIn6](GeO4)(InO4) and Compounds of the Solid Solution Series [IrIn6](Ge1+xIn1‐4x/3O8) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75): First Oxides Containing [IrIn6] Octahedra.
Authors: Koehler Juergen , Friedrich Holger A. , Lee Changhoon , Whangbo Myung‐Hwan
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Magnetic Properties and Specific Heat Studies of the Plumbides CeTPb (T: Cu, Pd, Ag, Au).
Authors: Hermes Wilfried , Rayaprol Sudhindra , Poettgen Rainer
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Magnetocaloric and Thermal Properties of Ho(Co1‐xSix)2 Compounds.
Authors: Sechovsky Vladimir , Vasylyev Denys , Prokleska Jan
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Zn8P12N24O2 — A Nitridophosphate Oxide with Sodalite Structure.
Authors: Karau Friedrich , Oeckler Oliver , Schaefers Franz , Niewa Rainer , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Sc2Te5O13 and Sc2TeO6: The First Oxotellurates of Scandium.
Authors: Hoess Patrick , Schleid Thomas
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A New Molybdenum‐Oxide‐Based Organic—Inorganic Hybrid Framework Templated by Double‐Keggin Anions.
Authors: Li Yang‐Guang , Dai Li‐Mei , Wang Yong‐Hui , Wang Xin‐Long , Wang En‐Bo , Su Zhong‐Min , Xu Lin
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Technetium Fluoride Trioxide, TcO3F, Preparation and Properties.
Authors: Supel Joanna , Abram Ulrich , Hagenbach Adelheid , Seppelt Konrad
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Syntheses, Crystal Structures, and Optical and Magnetic Properties of Some CsLnCoQ3 Compounds (Ln: Tm and Yb, Q: S; Ln: Ho and Yb, Q: Se).
Authors: Chan George H. , Sherry Leif J. Sherry Leif J. , Van Duyne Richard P. , Ibers James A.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
[Au3Ge45]9‐ — A Binary Anion Containing a {Ge45} Cluster.
Authors: Spiekermann Annette , Hoffmann Stephan D. , Faessler Thomas F. , Krossing Ingo , Preiss Ulrich
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Iodine‐Promoted Synthesis of Structurally Ordered AlPd5.
Authors: Wannek C. , Harbrecht B.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Direct Catalytic Asymmetric Aldol Reactions Assisted by Zinc Complex in the Presence of Water.
Authors: Paradowska Joanna , Stodulski Maciej , Mlynarski Jacek
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
An Unprecedented Rhodium‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Intermolecular Hydroacylation Reaction with Salicylaldehydes.
Authors: Stemmler Rene T. , Bolm Carsten
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of 2‐exo‐Acryloyloxy‐N‐(1‐adamantyl)bornane‐10‐sulfonamide Diastereomers as Chiral Scaffolds.
Authors: Duggan Andrew R. , Kaye Perry T.
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Enantioselective Alkynylation of Ketones Promoted by β‐Sulfonamide Alcohol‐Titanium Complexes.
Authors: Ni Ming , Zhou Yi‐Feng , Chen Chao , Xu Jiang‐Ke , Wang Rui
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Synthesis of Perfluoroalkylated Benzenes and Pyridines Through Cationic Rh(I)/Modified BINAP‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Regioselective [2 + 2 + 2] Cycloaddition.
Authors: Tanaka Ken , Hara Hiromi , Nishida Goushi , Hirano Masao
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
A Microwave‐Enhanced, Lewis Acid Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,3‐Dioxolanes and Oxazolines from Epoxides.
Authors: Benfatti Fides , Cardillo Giuliana , Gentilucci Luca , Tolomelli Alessandra , Monari Magda , Piccinelli Fabio
Published: August 2007

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.