bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroendocrine, Metabolic and Genomic Cues Signalling the Onset of Puberty in Females
Authors: Meza‐Herrera CA , Gonzalez‐Bulnes A , Kridli RT , Mellado M , Arechiga‐Flores CF , Salinas H , Luginbuhl JM 
Published: April 2009

ContentsPuberty is the result of a dynamic interaction between genetic factors and environmental cues, all of which lead to the attainment of reproductive capacity. Thus, significant changes in hormone secretion occur from the pre‐pubertal to the pubertal stage. The objective of this review is to provide an update of some endocrine, physiological, metabolic and genetic concepts involved in the establishment of the hypothalamic‐hypophyseal‐gonadal axis function promoting the onset of the reproductive function during puberty. To achieve this purpose, basic aspects of the function of the hypothalamic‐hypophyseal‐gonadal axis, the control of the axis by neurotransmitters and the interaction between reproductive function and metabolic status will be considered. Finally, the role of the novel kisspeptin system and the GPR54 receptor as modulators of puberty will be considered, in addition to the hierarchical expression of the main genes acting as regulators of the onset of puberty.
Dissociable effects of cocaine‐seeking behavior following D1receptor activation and blockade within the caudal and rostral basolateral amygdala in rats
Authors: Mashhoon Yasmin , Tsikitas Lucas A. , Kantak Kathleen M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractResearch with dopamine D1receptor antagonists or neuronal inactivating agents suggests that there is dissociable regulation of cocaine‐seeking behavior by the rostral and caudal basolateral amygdala. In the present study, discrete infusions of the D1receptor agonist SKF 81297 (0.0–0.8 μg per side) were compared with those of the D1receptor antagonist SCH 23390 (0.0–2.0 μg per side) to demonstrate directly the importance of D1receptor mechanisms within the rostral and caudal basolateral amygdala for their functional heterogeneity in regulating cocaine‐seeking behavior. Under a second‐order schedule, cocaine‐seeking behavior was studied during maintenance (cocaine and cocaine cues present) and reinstatement (only cocaine cues present). Food‐maintained responding was used to examine the specificity of maximal behaviorally effective doses of SKF 81297 and SCH 23390. The results demonstrated that the D1agonist (0.4 or 0.8 μg) increased and the D1antagonist (1.0 μg) decreased cocaine‐seeking behavior during maintenance when infused into the caudal but not the rostral basolateral amygdala. Cocaine intake was not affected by the agonist, and was decreased by the antagonist. During reinstatement, the D1agonist (0.4 μg) increased and the D1antagonist (1.0 μg) decreased cocaine‐seeking behavior when infused into the rostral but not the caudal basolateral amygdala. In tests for behavioral specificity, the above effective doses of SKF 81297 and SCH 23390 used in self‐administration experiments did not alter food‐maintained responding. However, the 2.0‐μg dose of SCH 23390 suppressed drug‐maintained and food‐maintained responding after infusion into both subregions. Collectively, these findings indicate dissociable sensitivity to D1receptor ligands within the caudal and rostral basolateral amygdala for altering cocaine‐seeking behavior under different conditions that model phases of addiction.
Geographical variation in predictors of mammalian extinction risk: big is bad, but only in the tropics
Authors: Fritz Susanne A. , Bininda‐Emonds Olaf R. P. , Purvis Andy 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWhereas previous studies have investigated correlates of extinction risk either at global or regional scales, our study explicitly models regional effects of anthropogenic threats and biological traits across the globe. Using phylogenetic comparative methods with a newly‐updated supertree of 5020 extant mammals, we investigate the impact of species traits on extinction risk within each WWF ecoregion. Our analyses reveal strong geographical variation in the influence of traits on risk: notably, larger species are at higher risk only in tropical regions. We then relate these patterns to current and recent‐historical human impacts across ecoregions using spatial modelling. The body–mass results apparently reflect historical declines of large species outside the tropics due to large‐scale land conversion. Narrow‐ranged and rare species tend to be at high risk in areas of high current human impacts. The interactions we describe between biological traits and anthropogenic threats increase understanding of the processes determining extinction risk.
N : P stoichiometry and protein : RNA ratios in vascular plants: an evaluation of the growth‐rate hypothesis
Authors: Matzek Virginia , Vitousek Peter M. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe growth‐rate hypothesis states that fast‐growing organisms need relatively more phosphorus‐rich RNA to support rapid rates of protein synthesis, and therefore predicts, within and among taxa, increases in RNA and phosphorus content (relative to protein and nitrogen content) with increased growth rate. Here, we present a test of this hypothesis in vascular plants. We determined nitrogen : phosphorus ratios and protein : RNA ratios in pines growing at different rates due to nutrient conditions. In general, when comparing leaves of the same species at low and high growth rates, the faster‐growing plants had higher RNA content, higher %N and %P, and lower protein : RNA ratios, but not consistently lower N : P ratios. We found no link between growth rate and foliar N : P or protein : RNA when comparing multiple species of different inherent growth rates. We conclude that plants adjust the balance of protein and RNA to favour either speed or efficiency of protein synthesis, but this balance does not alone dictate leaf stoichiometry.
Should We Be Teaching the Historical Critical Method?
Authors: Adam A.K.M. , Ascough Richard , Gravett Sandra , Hunt Alice , Martin Dale , Wimberly Edward , Yang Seung Ai 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis manuscript is an edited transcript of a panel discussion held at a Society of Biblical Literature conference (Boston, Massachusetts, November 22 to 24, 2008). Alice Hunt begins the discussion by summarizing the content and significance of a new book by Dale Martin, The Pedagogy of The Bible (Westminster John Knox Press, 2008) in which he argues that biblical studies in seminaries and divinity schools give too much emphasis to teaching the historical critical method and not enough to preparing students for ministry by teaching them to be self‐reflective practioners of the improvisational skills of interpreting scripture. Then a panel of bible scholars, including the author, conduct a wide‐ranging discussion that raises questions about how biblical studies might better prepare students for ministry, as well as the proper role and appropriate pedagogies for introducing biblical studies in the undergraduate liberal arts curriculum.
Embodying Learning: Post‐Cartesian Pedagogy and the Academic Study of Religion
Authors: Lelwica Michelle Mary 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis paper explores the concept and practice of “embodied pedagogy” as an alternative to the Cartesian approach to knowledge that is tacitly embedded in traditional modes of teaching and learning about religion. My analysis highlights a class I co‐teach that combines the study of Aikido (a Japanese martial art) with seminar‐style discussions of texts that explore issues pertaining to embodiment in the context of diverse spiritual traditions. The physicality of Aikido training makes it an interesting “case study” of embodied pedagogy and the lessons it offers both teachers and students about the academic study of religion. Ultimately, the questions and insights this class generates illustrate how post‐Cartesian pedagogies can expose, challenge, and correct epistemological assumptions that contribute to one‐dimensional views of religion and that fail to address our students as whole persons. A final part of the paper considers other possible venues for embodying teaching and learning in the academic study of religion.
Sustained Experiential Learning: Modified Monasticism and Pilgrimage
Authors: Oldstone‐Moore Jennifer 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis article outlines a template for sustained experiential learning designed to provide a context for learning the affective and performative as well as intellectual power of religion. This approach was developed for a traditional academic framework, adapting pedagogies developed for experiential learning, aesthetic training, and study abroad, and draws on personal experiences of teaching East Asian religions. The approach integrates intellectual learning with out of class experience to stimulate and enrich the highly personal and often significant questions that may arise upon studying religion and encountering religious practices both in and out of the classroom.
Physical and mechanical properties of washed sediment mixed with organic matter
Authors: Vidal‐Beaudet L. , Charpentier S. , Rossignol J. P. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractSoil from cleaning and washing of sugar beet during processing is collected and decanted in tanks each year over a period of several months. Instead of spreading it on agricultural land, another option is to reuse the sediment for crop growth. The physical and mechanical properties of the non‐structured washed soil (WS) and the efficiency of added organic matter (peat and green waste compost) were evaluated by comparison with an arable silt loam soil (AS). Water retention data were expressed in a double‐exponential function which characterized soil structural and matrix pore space. The effects on saturated hydraulic conductivity and pore space morphology from applying loads of 60 and 200 kPa on two initial volumetric water contents (12 and 25%) were investigated using image analysis. WS was a silt loam with no plasticity, and its void ratio and water retention were higher than the AS before compression. However, WS had a very small amount of structural pore space and despite its higher void ratio, its hydraulic conductivity was always lower than AS after compression. Organic matter improved all the WS properties by increasing structural porosity and vertical stress resistance. Organic matter created elongated and tortuous pores and increased Ks values by changing pore size distribution. During compression large pores with a radius >1500 μm disappeared in WS mixtures but were still observed in AS and were maintained by aggregate stability.
Differential effects of acute and repeat dosing with the H3antagonist GSK189254 on the sleep–wake cycle and narcoleptic episodes in Ox−/− mice
Authors: Guo RX , Anaclet C , Roberts JC , Parmentier R , Zhang M , Guidon G , Buda C , Sastre JP , Feng JQ , Franco P , Brown SH , Upton N , Medhurst AD , Lin JS 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose: Histamine H3receptor antagonists are currently being evaluated in clinical trials for a number of central nervous system disorders including narcolepsy. These agents can increase wakefulness (W) in cats and rodents following acute administration, but their effects after repeat dosing have not been reported previously.Experimental approach: EEG and EMG recordings were used to investigate the effects of acute and repeat administration of the novel H3antagonist GSK189254 on the sleep–wake cycle in wild‐type (Ox+/+) and orexin knockout (Ox−/−) mice, the latter being genetically susceptible to narcoleptic episodes. In addition, we investigated H3and H1receptor expression in this model using radioligand binding and autoradiography.Key results: In Ox+/+ and Ox−/− mice, acute administration of GSK189254 (3 and 10 mg·kg−1p.o.) increased W and decreased slow wave and paradoxical sleep to a similar degree to modafinil (64 mg·kg−1), while it reduced narcoleptic episodes in Ox−/− mice. After twice daily dosing for 8 days, the effect of GSK189254 (10 mg·kg−1) on W in both Ox+/+ and Ox−/− mice was significantly reduced, while the effect on narcoleptic episodes in Ox−/− mice was significantly increased. Binding studies revealed no significant differences in H3or H1receptor expression between Ox+/+ and Ox−/− mice.Conclusions and implications: These studies provide further evidence to support the potential use of H3antagonists in the treatment of narcolepsy and excessive daytime sleepiness. Moreover, the differential effects observed on W and narcoleptic episodes following repeat dosing could have important implications in clinical studies.
Histamine H1 receptor knockout mice exhibit impaired spatial memory in the eight‐arm radial maze
Authors: Zlomuzica A , Ruocco LA , Sadile AG , Huston JP , Dere E 
Published: April 2009

Background and purpose:  In the mammalian brain, histaminergic neurotransmission is mediated by the postsynaptic histamine H1 and H2 receptors and the presynaptic H3 autoreceptor, which also acts as a heteroreceptor. The H1 receptor has been implicated in spatial learning and memory formation. However, pharmacological and lesion studies have revealed conflicting results. To examine the involvement of histamine H1 receptor in spatial reference and working memory formation, H1 receptor knockout mice (KO) were tested in the eight‐arm radial maze. Previously, we found that the H1 receptor‐KO mice showed reduced emotionality when confronted with spatial novelty. As it is known that emotions can have an impact on spatial learning and memory performance, we also evaluated H1 receptor‐KO mice in terms of emotional behaviour in the light–dark box.Experimental approach:  Mice lacking the H1 receptor and wild‐type mice (WT) were tested for spatial reference and working memory in an eight‐arm radial maze with three arms baited and one trial per day. Emotional behaviour was measured using the light–dark test.Key results:  The H1 receptor‐KO mice showed impaired spatial reference and working memory in the radial maze task. No significant differences between H1 receptor‐KO and WT mice were observed in the light–dark test.Conclusions and implications:  The spatial memory deficits of the H1 receptor‐KO mice might be due to the reported changes in cholinergic neurochemical parameters in the frontal cortex and the CA1 subregion of the hippocampus, to impaired synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus, and/or to a dysfunctional brain reward/reinforcement system.
Validation of a multivariate prediction rule for history of periodontitis in a separate population
Authors: Dietrich Thomas , Kaiser Walter , Naumann Michael , Stosch Ulrike , Schwahn Christian , Biffar Reiner , Dietrich Dieter , Kocher Thomas 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim: Validation of a previously derived prediction rule for periodontitis in an external population sample.Materials and Methods: Age, smoking and self‐reported tooth mobility were used in logistic models to predict moderate and severe periodontitis as diagnosed from panoramic radiographs of 246 patients attending private practices in Germany. Coefficients derived from these models were used to predict periodontitis in a representative population‐based sample of 3297 residents of the region of Pomerania, Germany.Results: In the full derivation sample, the predictive power of the logistic model as measured by the c‐statistic was 0.82 and 0.84 for moderate and severe periodontitis, respectively. In the validation set, these models yielded c‐statistics of 0.82 for both moderate and severe periodontitis. Lower c‐statistics were obtained among subjects aged 40 years and older in the derivation set (c=0.74 and 0.77), and the performance was poorer in the validation set with c‐statistics of 0.69 and 0.72, respectively.Conclusions: A prediction rule based on age, smoking and self‐reported tooth mobility can yield a moderately useful external validity. Validity may be dependent on specific population characteristics, and derivation of a prediction rule based on a clinical subsample of the target population with a larger set of predictors may provide better results in an application.
A probabilistic approach to estimating species pools from large compositional matrices
Authors: Ewald Jörg 
Published: April 2009

Abstract. Species pools are increasingly recognized as important controls of local plant community structure and diversity. While existing approaches to estimate their content and size either rely on phytosociological expert knowledge or on simple response models across environmental gradients, the proposed application of phytosociological smoothing according to Beals exploits the full information of plant co‐occurrence patterns statistically. Where numerous representative compositional data are available, the new method yields robust estimates of the potential of sites to harbour plant species.To test the new method, a large phytosociological databank covering the forested regions of Oregon (US) was subsampled randomly and evenly across strata defined by geographic regions and elevation belts. The resulting matrix of species presence/absence in 874 plots was smoothed by calculating Beals' index of sociological favourability, which estimates the probability of encountering each species at each site from the actual plot composition and the pattern of species co‐occurrence in the matrix. In a second step, the resulting lists of sociologically probable species were intersected with complete species lists for each of 14 geographical subregions. Species pools were compared to observed species composition and richness. Species pool size exhibited much clearer spatial trends than plot richness and could be modelled much better as a function of climatic factors. In this framework the goal of modelling species pools is not to test a hypothesis, but to bridge the gap between manageable scales of empirical observation and the spatio‐temporal hierarchy of diversity patterns.
An Alternative Method for Constructing an Obturator Prosthesis for a Patient with a Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate: A Clinical Report
Authors: GÜMÜŞ HASAN ÖNDER , TUNA SÜLEYMAN HAKAN 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTThe design of esthetic and effective dental prostheses for bilateral cleft lip and palate patients is a challenge for prosthodontists because the prostheses must serve more than one purpose. The goals to be attained by prosthetic intervention are preventing food and liquid leakage into the nose, improving speech intelligibility, a more esthetic appearance, and achieving the general satisfaction of the patient. The framework design of the obturator prosthesis is of great strategic importance for patients with a cleft lip and palate. The reduction in the mass of the obturator prosthesis increases stabilization and retention and also contributes to an easier adaptation to the prosthetic restoration. In this report, a 22‐year‐old woman was successfully treated with a fixed partial denture and a bar‐retained obturator with palatal coverage.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe design of an obturator prosthesis for cleft lip and palate patients is an important stage in terms of ensuring esthetic restoration and patient comfort. This article describes an esthetic and functional design for such a device using a fixed partial denture and a bar‐retained obturator.
Gingival Zenith Positions and Levels of the Maxillary Anterior Dentition
Authors: CHU STEPHEN J. , TAN JOCELYN H‐P. , STAPPERT CHRISTIAN F.J. , TARNOW DENNIS P. 
Published: April 2009

ABSTRACTPurpose:  The location of the gingival zenith in a medial‐lateral position relative to the vertical tooth axis of the maxillary anterior teeth remains to be clearly defined. In addition, the apex of the free gingival margin of the lateral incisor teeth relative to the gingival zeniths of the adjacent proximal teeth remains undetermined. Therefore, this investigation evaluated two clinical parameters: (1) the gingival zenith position (GZP) from the vertical bisected midline (VBM) along the long axis of each individual maxillary anterior tooth; and (2) the gingival zenith level (GZL) of the lateral incisors in an apical‐coronal direction relative to the gingival line joining the tangents of the GZP of the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth under healthy conditions.Materials and Methods:  A total of 240 sites in 20 healthy patients (13 females, 7 males) with an average age of 27.7 years were evaluated. The inclusion patient criteria were absence of periodontal disease, gingival recession, or gingival hypertrophy as well as teeth without loss of interdental papillae, spacing, crowding, existing restorations, and incisal attrition.GZP dimensions were measured with calibrated digital calipers for each individual tooth and within each tooth group in a medial‐lateral direction from the VBM. GZLs were measured in an apical‐coronal direction from a tangent line drawn on the diagnostic casts from the GZPs of the adjacent teeth.Results:  This study demonstrated that all central incisors displayed a distal GZP from the VBM, with a mean average of 1 mm. Lateral incisors showed a deviation of the gingival zenith by a mean of 0.4 mm. In 97.5% of the canine population, the GZP was centralized along the long axis of the canine. The mean distance of the contour of the gingival margin in an apical‐coronal direction of the lateral incisors (GZL) relative to gingival line joining the tangent of the adjacent central and canine GZPs was approximately 1 mm.Conclusion:  This investigation revealed a GZP mean value of 1 mm distal from the VBM for the central incisor tooth group. The lateral incisors showed a mean average of 0.4 mm. Thecanine tooth group demonstrated almost no deviations of the GZP from the VBM. The GZL of the lateral incisors relative to the adjacent central incisor and canine teeth were more coronal by approximately 1 mm. These data could be used as reference points during esthetic anterior oral rehabilitation.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe information presented in this article can be clinically applied to reestablish the proper intratooth GZPs of the maxillary anterior teeth during periodontal crown lengthening or root coverage procedures. In addition, the intra‐arch gingival level of the lateral incisor gingival zenith relative to the adjacent central and canine teeth can be appropriately established.