bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased Postnatal Testosterone Surge in Male Rats Exposed to Ethanol During the Last Week of Gestation
Authors: McGivern Robert F. , Handa Robert J. , Redei Eva 
Published: June 2007

Prenatal alcohol exposure in the rat is known to interfere with the neurobehavioral sexual differentiation of the male brain. Because normal sexual differentiation of the male brain requires adequate levels of perinatal testosterone, we examined the effect of prenatal ethanol exposure on (1) the postnatal surge of testosterone and (2) the in vitro secretion of testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation of testes from fetal alcohol exposed (FAE) animals and controls. Sprague‐Dawley dams were administered a fortified liquid diet containing 35% ethanol‐derived calories, a pair‐fed (PF) isocaloric liquid diet, or given ad libitum access to dry lab chow (CF). Dams were administered the liquid diets from days 7 or 14 through parturition. The postnatal surge of testosterone in FAE males was studied only in animals exposed to ethanol from day 14 through parturition. In the first experiment, FAE and PF males and females were delivered by cesarian section on day 22 of gestation (E22) and trunk blood collected at 0, 60, 120, and 240 min after parturition. Experiment 2 measured plasma testosterone in male pups that were killed at 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, and 480 min after delivery. Results showed that the postnatal testosterone surge of FAE males in both experiments was significantly attenuated compared with PF controls. No effect of prenatal ethanol was observed in female offspring. Female testosterone levels were several fold lower than male littermates, and no evidence of a postnatal testosterone surge was observed.Production of testosterone from testes was studied using an automated perfusion system. The secretory testosterone response to LH stimulation of testes on day 18 (E18) of gestation and at birth (E22) was similar in testes from FAE animals to that observed in testes from PF and CF controls. The response of all testes to a pulse of LH (5 nM) delivered over a 5‐min period (flow rate = 200 μl/min) from animals at E18 was significantly greater than the response observed at day 22. No morphological abnormalities were detected by visual inspection of electron photomicrographs of testes from FAE animals at E18 or E22. The in vitro response to LH of testes from FAE animals indicates that the reduction in the postnatal testosterone surge in FAE animals is not due to a decrease in testicular sensitivity to LH.
Effects of scaling and root planing and sub‐antimicrobial dose doxycycline on oral and systemic biomarkers of disease in patients with both chronic periodontitis and coronary artery disease
Authors: Tüter Gülay , Kurtiş Bülent , Serdar Muhittin , Aykan Tuba , Okyay Kaan , Yücel Ayşegül , Toyman Utku , Pınar Selin , Cemri Mustafa , Çengel Atiye , Walker Stephen G. , Golub Lorne M. 
Published: June 2007

AbstractObjectives: This study evaluated the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) ± sub‐antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) ‐1, ‐8, ‐13 and on serum levels of high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) and lipid fractions in patients with both chronic periodontitis (CP) and coronary artery disease (CAD).Material and Methods: Thirty‐six patients were randomly distributed into two groups (Placebo or SDD; 6 weeks) and both received two regimens of SRP. At baseline and 6 weeks, GCF and blood were collected and clinical indices were recorded. MMPs, HsCRP and lipid fractions were assayed.Results: There were statistically significant improvements for all clinical parameters, GCF volumes, GCF MMPs and serum levels of HsCRP, apolipoprotein‐A (APO‐A), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) and lipoprotein‐a between pre‐ and post‐treatment in both groups. Between groups, there were statistically significant greater improvements in pocket depth (PD), gingival index (GI), APO‐A and HDL, favouring the group receiving SDD adjunctive to SRP (p < 0.05).Conclusion: Greater improvement was detected for PD and GI, and for serum levels of APO‐A and HDL cholesterol when using SRP+SDD compared with SRP+placebo in this study. An investigation with larger numbers of patients and a longer duration of drug treatment is needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
A Novel Three‐Dimensional In Vitro System to Study Trophoblast–Endothelium Cell Interactions
Authors: Aldo Paulomi B. , Krikun Graciela , Visintin Irene , Lockwood Charles , Romero Roberto , Mor Gil 
Published: June 2007

IntroductionPregnancy complications have been linked to improper trophoblast migration and failure of spiral artery transformation. Endothelial cells play an essential role in directing trophoblast migration and transformation, although by an unknown mechanism. We describe a novel in vitro model to evaluate endothelial–trophoblast interaction and signaling in a three‐dimensional system.Method of studyImmortalized human endometrial endothelial cell line and first trimester trophoblast cells were co‐cultured. Endothelial transformation into vessel‐like structures occurred in MatrigelTM OpenLab Image Analysis software was used to monitor labeled trophoblast migration and endothelium transformation. Cytokine/chemokine production was determined using Multiplex.ResultsTrophoblast migrates toward endothelial cells in Matrigel, aligns on top of the endothelium within 4–8 hr and achieves complete replacement of the endothelium by 72–96 hr. Lipopolysaccharide treatment damages the endothelium and disrupts endothelium–trophoblast interaction.ConclusionWe report a novel three‐dimensional in vitro and in vivo system of trophoblast–endothelium cell interaction. Significant changes in endothelial cells’ phenotype are observed upon differentiation in Matrigel. These changes may be necessary for endothelium to direct trophoblast migration and transformation.
Chemical Characterisation of Chromites by XRF Spectrometry
Authors: Gazulla Maria Fernanda , Barba Antonio , Gómez María Pilar , Orduña Monica 
Published: June 2007

The present study was undertaken to establish and validate a methodology for determining the chemical composition of chromite ores, as no detailed information could be found in the literature. Chromite ores from South Africa, Kazajistan and Mongolia were analysed. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry was used for chemical characterisation. Sample preparation in the form of fused beads was optimised in terms of sample:flux ratio, type of flux, type of release agent, fusion temperature and time. Calibration and validation samples were prepared from mixtures of reference materials. The proposed methodology was then used in an interlaboratory test for preparing a new chromite‐rich reference material. L'analyse présentée id a été entreprise afin d'établir et de valider une méthodologie pour déterminer la composition chimique de minerals de chromite, car aucune information détaillée là dessus ne pouvait etre trouvée dans la littérature. Des minerals de chromite d'Afrique du Sud, du Kazakhstan et de Mongolie ont été analysés par spectrométrie de Fluorescence de Rayons X (XRF) afin d'être caractérisés chimiquement. La préparation des échantillons afin d'obtenir des perles fondues a été optimisée en termes du rapport “échantillon/fondant”, type de fondant, d'agent mouillant, température et durée de fusion. La calibration et la validation ont été faites à partir de mixtures de matériau de référence. La méthodologie proposée a été ensuite appliquée à un test d'inter‐comparaison en vue de préparer un nouveau matériau de référence riche en chromite.
Naïve Bayesian Classifier for Rapid Assignment of rRNA Sequences into the New Bacterial Taxonomy
Authors: Wang Qiong , Garrity George M. , Tiedje James M. , Cole James R. 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT

The Ribosomal Database Project (RDP) Classifier, a naïve Bayesian classifier, can rapidly and accurately classify bacterial 16S rRNA sequences into the new higher-order taxonomy proposed in Bergey's
Taxonomic Outline of the Prokaryotes
(2nd ed., release 5.0, Springer-Verlag, New York, NY, 2004). It provides taxonomic assignments from domain to genus, with confidence estimates for each assignment. The majority of classifications (98%) were of high estimated confidence (≥95%) and high accuracy (98%). In addition to being tested with the corpus of 5,014 type strain sequences from Bergey's outline, the RDP Classifier was tested with a corpus of 23,095 rRNA sequences as assigned by the NCBI into their alternative higher-order taxonomy. The results from leave-one-out testing on both corpora show that the overall accuracies at all levels of confidence for near-full-length and 400-base segments were 89% or above down to the genus level, and the majority of the classification errors appear to be due to anomalies in the current taxonomies. For shorter rRNA segments, such as those that might be generated by pyrosequencing, the error rate varied greatly over the length of the 16S rRNA gene, with segments around the V2 and V4 variable regions giving the lowest error rates. The RDP Classifier is suitable both for the analysis of single rRNA sequences and for the analysis of libraries of thousands of sequences. Another related tool, RDP Library Compare, was developed to facilitate microbial-community comparison based on 16S rRNA gene sequence libraries. It combines the RDP Classifier with a statistical test to flag taxa differentially represented between samples. The RDP Classifier and RDP Library Compare are available online at
http://rdp.cme.msu.edu/
.
When pigeons in motion lose sight of their food: behaviour on visible displacement tasks revisited
Authors: Krachun C. , Plowright C.M.S. 
Published: June 2007

In traditional visible displacement tasks, animals view an object as it is moved out of their sight, but either the object moves behind an occluder or an occluder moves in front of it. Here we present a more ecologically realistic visible displacement task for pigeons ( Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789)) in which it was the animal that occluded the object, a food dish in this case, by virtue of its own motion. In a branched maze, pigeons had visual access to food, which they would lose from view as they moved through the maze. A within-subject design was used whereby the task was presented first in descending order of difficulty (i.e., decreasing memory load owing to the opening of (i) gaps and (ii) windows in the walls of the maze), and followed 10 months later by an ascending order. When the food was visible at all times through windows and gaps, pigeons would make turns in the maze that would bring them closer to the food (i.e., they chose the shortest route above chance levels). In general, they failed to do so when the food was lost from view, but there was one exception at the end of the study (the second time that there were gaps but no windows): there was a significant tendency for the last two turns that brought the bird out of the maze to be the shortest route to the food. The pigeons may have learned to take advantage of opportunities to lighten their memory load.
Male body size varies with latitude in a temperate lizard
Authors: Howes Briar J. , Lougheed Stephen C. 
Published: June 2007

To examine the evolution of sexual size dimorphism (SSD), interspecific studies are often performed to generate hypotheses for the origin and maintenance of SSD. Although these methods are invaluable to our understanding of the evolution of SSD, they often quantify SSD for a species based on few populations. We found a significant sex-specific latitudinal cline in Plestiodon fasciatus (L., 1758) (= Eumeces fasciatus (L., 1758)), a species that was previously considered to be monomorphic for body size. Male body size significantly increased with increasing latitude, whereas female body size was relatively constant. Our findings argue for the importance of increased understanding and appreciation of intraspecific variation in SSD. We suggest that a more integrated approach to SSD be employed, where both intraspecific and interspecific variation is considered. We provide a foundation for posing hypotheses of the causes and consequences of SSD in P. fasciatus and perhaps other members of the species group.
HARDNESS AND APPROXIMATION OF OCTILINEAR STEINER TREES
Authors: MÜLLER-HANNEMANN MATTHIAS , SCHULZE ANNA 
Published: June 2007

Given a point set K of terminals in the plane, the octilinear Steiner tree problem is to find a shortest tree that interconnects all terminals and edges run either in horizontal, vertical, or ±45° diagonal direction. This problem is fundamental for the novel octilinear routing paradigm in VLSI design, the so-called X-architecture. As the related rectilinear and the Euclidian Steiner tree problem are well-known to be NP-hard, the same was widely believed for the octilinear Steiner tree problem but left open for quite some time. In this paper, we prove the NP-completeness of the decision version of the octilinear Steiner tree problem. We also show how to reduce the octilinear Steiner tree problem to the Steiner tree problem in graphs of polynomial size with the following approximation guarantee. We construct a planar graph of size [Formula: see text] which contains a (1 + ε)–approximation of a minimum octilinear Steiner tree for every ε > 0 and n = |K|. Hence, we can apply any α–approximation algorithm for the Steiner tree problem in graphs (for planar graphs, Borradaile et al. very recently presented a polynomial time approximation scheme) and achieve an (α + ε)–approximation bound for the octilinear Steiner tree problem. This approximation guarantee also holds for the more difficult case where the Steiner tree has to avoid blockages (obstacles bounded by octilinear polygons).
Superior Vena Cava Rupture Caused During Balloon Dilation for Treatment of SVC Syndrome Due to Repetitive Catheter Ablation
Authors: Oshima Kiyohiro , Takahashi Toru , Ishikawa Susumu , Nagashima Toshiteru , Hirai Keitaro , Morishita Yasuo 
Published: June 2007

A 29-year-old woman with an implanted AAI mode permanent pacemaker, who had undergone catheter ablation for inappropriate sinus tachycardia 4 times, experienced complications of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. Severe stenosis of the SVC wall was observed in computed tomograms. During balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome, the SVC was ruptured, resulting in cardiac tamponade. An emergency operation was performed using percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS). A longitudinal tear 1 cm in length was identified at the junction of the right atrium and the SVC, requiring a patch plasty using an autologous pericardium 2.5 cm x 3 cm in size. SVC rupture is a complication to be completely avoided when we perform balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome. Therefore, the indication of balloon dilation for the treatment of SVC syndrome requires critical examination and attention.
Business Interruption Insurance
Authors: Haugland Richard L. 
Published: June 2007

Hotels, restaurants, and clubs encounter fires and other perils under circumstances similar to those of other business establishments. Owners lose not only physical assets and inventories but also the income from sales that would have oc curred. Further, they have continuing expenses to meet and service contracts which must be paid. The New York Times Magazine (Sunday, June 2, 1968) reports interviews with Washington merchants and service trade operators and their difficulties in covering losses they experienced in the April riots, following the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King. Most had inadequate insurance and few had business interruption in surance. Elsewhere after disaster, the business story has been much the same. This article by Richard L. Haugland examines the need for business interruption insurance and explains possible coverage. Mr. Haugland, who was formerly with the Travelers Insurance Co. in Seattle, is the author of "Fire Insurance Rates and Restaurant Design," which appeared in the February 1968 (Vol. 8, No. 4) issue of this magazine. — Editor
Trends in Guest Room Design
Authors: Cole Warren M. , Broten Paul R. 
Published: June 2007

It is difficult to define a "typical hotel guest room." Most major properties today utilize sev eral types of guest unit design within a single property. The breakdown of this "mix" of guest room designs is an area where further study is warranted. Limited work has already been started to better define and design these areas by Cornell University and several independent hotel interests. Many sources were investigated to obtain the basic information for this study. To ascertain current practices for new structures, a question naire was sent to 68 hotel executives who are dealing with new properties. In addition, rela tive material was reviewed in trade periodicals, books, and the actual floor plans of new struc tures, those recently built, under construction, or in the planning stage. Most of these findings are summarized in the tables appearing with this article. Appreciation is expressed to ITT-Sheraton for permission to present in this article parts of the study they originally sponsored at Cornell Uni versity. Initially, this study was undertaken by direction of Fred B. Mills, formerly president of ITT-Sheraton Design and development Cor poration and now affiliated with Alexander & Baldwin in Honolulu, Hawaii. Nat Martin, who succeeded Mr. Mills at ITT-Sheraton, continued this work and has graciously allowed us to use much of the study findings. — Paul R. Broten, Dir ector of Research and Development.
Guest Room Design
Authors: Hill Marjorie 
Published: June 2007

Rooms should be furnished in relation to guest functions in using the room. These functions are related to the markets served. Some rooms are over-furnished with items not suitable to guest- occupant activities and lamps may be poorly placed. The editor recently occupied for several days an expensively furnished room in a new hotel which had a wall-hung chest-dresser and console- vanity to facilitate vacuum cleaning. But the furniture was poorly positioned and except for for the dressing room, which was part of the bathroom, lighting was exceedingly poor. On the wall along which the bed and a sofa bed were positioned, there were only two small wall brackets with dim bulbs. The chest-dresser along the opposite wall had a tall lamp, but there was none next to the easy chair adjacent to the window wall. It was impossible to read in bed or on the sofa, or in the easy chair. There was no place to write except at the dressing room basin counter and neither the sofa or the easy chair could be moved into this room as a seat. Moreover, it was observed that if a family oc cupied the room, traffic conjestion in the dress ing room-bath room would be unbelievable.
A Review of the Literature Related to Economic Development and Community Colleges
Authors: Katsinas Stephen G. 
Published: June 2007

The community college, at its best, can be a center for problem-solving in adult illiteracy or the education of the disabled. It can be a center for leadership training, too. It can also be the place where education and business leaders meet to talk about the problems of displaced workers. It can bring together agencies to strengthen services for minorities, working women, single parent heads of households, and unwed teenage parents. It can coordinate efforts to provide day care, transportation, and financial aid. The community college can take the lead in long-range planning for community development. And it can serve as the focal point for improving the quality of life in the inner city. We are convinced that, as we move toward the year 2000, strengthening connections beyond the college-with schools, industry, business, social agencies, and policy groups-will become a key strategy in the building of community. (Boyer & Peltason, 1988, p. 41)
The Military and Society: Reaching and Reflecting Audiences in Fiction and Film
Authors: Harper Howard 
Published: June 2007

Descriptions of the most popular current (1997-1999) American novels and movies mention military culture in only about 6% of the books and 4% of the films. Most are either reflections of the past (such as Saving Private Ryan) or projections of the future (such as Starship Troopers), although they do reflect today's attitudes. This cultural "gap" can also be seen in works that only glance at the military (Wag the Dog). Military or ex-military protagonists in popular action novels and movies see themselves as tough realists with higher standards, technological expertise, and responsibility than their civilian counterparts. Contemptuous of politicians and intrusive media journalists, they like finding creative ways around "constricting" rules. But the more "literary" books and films tend to be more critical of the military's bureaucratic inertia and preoccupations with status and power. This widening gap essentially reflects a shift from an American ethic of national service toward one of self-service.
Ethnic Conflict in the Military of Developing Nations: A Comparative Analysis of India and Nigeria
Authors: Barua Pradeep P. 
Published: June 2007

Most armies of multiethnic countries have experienced, to varying degrees, ethnic tension within their ranks, a problem that has been especially acute in developing countries. This article seeks to contribute to an understanding of the dynamics of such conflict through a comparative analysis of ethnic conflict in the armies of Nigeria and India, two of the most ethnically diverse nations in the developing world. Because both were colonies of Britain, they were similar in more ways than one. The most important was the system of ethnic recruitment favored by the British. In 1966 and 1984, the Nigerian and Indian armies experienced serious mutinies that were direct results of the violent ethnic conflict prevalent in the two countries at the time. But, despite many similarities, the two mutinies resulted in radically different outcomes-civil war and secession in Nigeria, and swift suppression of the mutinies in India. The article explains how, despite superficial similarities, significant differences in the evolution and characteristics of the two armies were responsible for the different outcomes.
Suriname: A Military and Its Auxiliaries
Authors: Brana-Shute Gary 
Published: June 2007

The official state military establishment of Suriname is small, numbering about 4,000 at its height in the mid-1980s. However, in order to consolidate their political power, sow terror, and gather intelligence, the military and its (then) left wing supporters augmented their forces with irregulars and auxiliaries. These were armed, funded, and coordinated by the military command, although not always answerable to them; such groups were variously called the People's Militia (Volksmilitie), and were patterned after the Cuban model. A terrorist strike force was established within the formal military ranks, and five civilian insurgent groups were created to advance military control over interior populations and territory. Suriname is a Caribbean country sharing generally in the political-economic legacies of plantation slavery that rendered Caribbean societies highly pluralistic and socially fragmented. For a desperate period in the 1980s the military had become the ultimate arbiter of power in a state that is still far from becoming a nation.