bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemerin Suppresses Ovarian Follicular Development and Its Potential Involvement in Follicular Arrest in Rats Treated Chronically With Dihydrotestosterone
Authors: Kim Ji Young , Xue Kai , Cao Mingju , Wang Qi , Liu Jia-yin , Leader Arthur , Han Jae Yong , Tsang Benjamin K. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In the present study, we have investigated the cellular mechanisms of androgen-induced antral follicular growth arrest and the possible involvement of chemerin and its receptor chemokine-like receptor 1 (CMKLR1) in this process, using a chronically androgenized rat model. We hypothesize that hyperandrogenism induces antral follicle growth arrest via the action of chemerin and ovarian structural changes, resulting from granulosa cell and oocyte apoptosis and theca cell survival. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) treatment resulted in increased expression of chemerin and CMKLR1 in antral follicles, absence of corpus luteum, and increased atypical follicles. Addition of chemerin to follicle cultures induced granulosa cell apoptosis and suppressed basal, FSH- and growth differentiation factor-9-stimulated follicular growth. DHT down-regulated aromatase expression and increased active caspase-3 content and DNA fragmentation in granulosa cells in vivo. These changes were accompanied by higher phosphatase and tensin homolog and lower phospho-Akt (Ser473) content in antral follicles and higher calpain expression and down-regulation of cytoskeletal proteins in atypical follicles, which were constituted predominantly of theca cells. DHT also activated granulosa cell caspase-3, decreased X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase, and phospho-Akt contents and induced apoptosis in vitro, responses readily attenuated by forced X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein expression. These findings are consistent with our hypothesis that antral follicular growth arrest in DHT-treated rats results from increased chemerin expression and action, as well as changes in follicular cell fate and structure, which are a consequence of dysregulated interactions of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic modulators in a cell-specific manner. Our observations suggest that this chronically androgenized rat model may be useful for studies on the long-term effects of androgens on folliculogenesis and may have implications for the female reproductive disorders associated with hyperandrogenism.
Neither Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) or STAT5 Signaling Pathways Are Required for Leptin's Effects on Fertility in Mice
Authors: Singireddy Amritha V. , Inglis Megan A. , Zuure Wieteke A. , Kim Joon S. , Anderson Greg M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe hormone leptin is critical for the regulation of energy balance and fertility. The long-form leptin receptor (LepR) regulates multiple intracellular signaling cascades, including the classic Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathways. Previous studies have shown that deletion of STAT3 or the closely related STAT5 from the brain results in an obese phenotype, but their roles in fertility regulation are not clear. This study tested whether STAT3 and STAT5 pathways of leptin signaling are required for fertility, and whether absence of one pathway might be compensated for by the other in a redundant manner. A Cre-loxP approach was used to generate 3 models of male and female transgenic mice with LepR-specific deletion of STAT3, STAT5, or both STAT3 and STAT5. Body weight, puberty onset, estrous cyclicity, and fertility were measured in all knockout (KO) mice and their control littermates. Knocking out STAT3 or both STAT3 and 5 from LepR expressing cells, but not STAT5 alone, led to significant increase in body weight. All STAT3 and STAT5 single KO mice exhibited normal puberty onset and subsequent fertility compared to their control littermates. Surprisingly, all STAT3 and STAT5 double KO mice also exhibited normal puberty onset, estrous cyclicity, and fertility, although they had severely disrupted body weight regulation. These results suggest that, although STAT3 signaling is crucial for body weight regulation, neither STAT3 nor STAT5 is required for the regulation of fertility by leptin. It remains to be determined what other signaling molecules mediate this effect of leptin, and whether they interact in a redundant manner.
Penile cellulitis due to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an HIV-positive man
Authors: Sturgiss E A , Bowden F J 
Published: May 2013

Summary: This is a study of aggressive penile cellulitis in an HIV-positive man due to community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Discussion focuses on the importance of recognizing this pathogen in the sexual health setting and possible causes of penile cellulitis.
Linear array genotyping and hybrid capture II assay in detecting human papillomavirus genotypes in women referred for colposcopy due to abnormal Papanicolaou smear
Authors: Monsonego Joseph , Pollini Giuseppe , Evrard Marie José , Sednaoui Patrice , Monfort Laura , Quinzat Dominique , Dachez Roger , Syrjänen Kari 
Published: May 2013

Summary: The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping in women referred for colposcopy due to abnormal Papanicolaou (Pap) smear. A series of 248 women referred for colposcopy due to an abnormal Pap smear were analysed with the Roche Linear Array HPV genotyping test detecting 37 most frequent HPV types, and compared with hybrid capture II (HCII) assay for oncogenic (high-risk [HR] HPV) types as well as for p16INK4a expression using immunocytochemistry. All tests were performed in cervical samples collected in PreservCyt® liquid media for liquid-based cytology (ThinPrep), and colposcopic biopsy and/or loop electro excision procedure cone biopsy was used as the gold standard. HPV16 was the single most frequent genotype (29/258; 11.7%), followed by HPV51 (4.4%), HPV66 (3.6%), HPV42, 52 and 56 (3.2% for all). Linear array genotyping test significantly predicts both abnormal colposcopy (odds ratio [OR] = 9.0; 3.12-25.93), high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (OR = 9.6; 1.26-74.17) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3+ (OR = 29.3; 3.95-218.06). In detecting CIN3, linear array was equivalent (97.6%) to colposcopy in sensitivity (SE), both being superior to HCII (92.7%). Concordance between linear array and HCII was moderate (Cohen's kappa κ = 0.547; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.435-659). Specificity (SP) and positive predictive value (PPV) of linear array were significantly improved, if only HPV16 genotype was considered. Performance in the best balance is obtained, when linear array and colposcopy are combined, giving 82.9% SE, 93.9% SP, 73.9% PPV and 96.3% negative predictive value (NPV) as predictor of CIN3+ (OR 74.5; 95% CI: 27.36-202.72). In conclusion, linear array for HR-HPV is a highly sensitive test (97.6%) with high NPV (98.9%) in detecting CIN3+ lesions. HPV16 genotyping alone significantly improves SP and PPV of this test in management of women with abnormal cytology.
An audit of baseline HIV-1 genotypic resistance testing in a UK provincial city
Authors: Street E J , Armstrong N R , Monteiro E F , Hale A D 
Published: May 2013

Summary: Baseline HIV-1 resistance testing is recommended in the 2005 BHIVA treatment guidelines. We compared the practice in our clinic with these guidelines. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of transmitted resistance in all antiretroviral therapy-naïve patients identified from our virology resistance test database. In 2006, 93% of all newly diagnosed patients had a baseline HIV-1 genotypic resistance test performed. The estimated prevalence of transmitted resistance was 8% in newly diagnosed patients and 7% overall with the majority in subtype B. These findings are in keeping with nationally reported data. It was of concern that we also identified a number of patients who had tested negative in the previous year.
Transient Stability of Variable Speed Wind Farms during Grid Fault
Authors: Ríos Alberto , Gascó Manuel 
Published: May 2013

This paper examines the transient response of a variable speed wind farm during three-phase and two-phase voltage sags, and tests its ability to maintain the continuity of supply. The transient response of wind farms has been performed using simulations, and has not been verified with experimental data, owing to the lack of measurements and the technical difficulty in implementing short circuits in wind farms. In the beginning, the equivalent and detailed model of wind farm is described, as well as the dynamic model of the electrical system to which it is connected. Later, the simulations are performed in order to: Analyse the impact of transformer inrush current on the transient response of wind farm. Evaluate the capacity of wind farms equipped with doubly-fed induction generators to maintain the continuity of supply during two-phase and three-phase voltage sags.
Design Constraint Systems - A Generative Approach to Architecture
Authors: Bollmann Dietrich , Bonfiglio Alvaro 
Published: May 2013

Generative Architectural Design permits the automatic (or semiautomatic) generation of architectural objects for a wide range of applications, from archaeological research and reconstruction to digital sketching. In this paper the authors introduce design constraint systems (DCS), their approach to the generation of architectural design with the help of a simple example: The development of the necessary formalisms to generate a family of architectural designs, i.e. simple houses and pagodas. After explaining the formal system the authors introduce an approach for the generation of complex form based on the application of transformations and distortions. Architecture is bound by the constraints of physical reality: Gravitation and the properties of the used materials define the limits in which architectural design is possible. With the recent development of new materials and construction methods however, the ways in which form and physics go together get more complicated. As a result, the shapes of architecture gain more liberty, and more and more complex shapes and structures become possible. While these advances allow for new ways of architectural expression, they also make the design process much more challenging. For this reason new tools are necessary for making this complexity manageable for the architect and enable her to play and experiment with the new possibilities of complex shapes and structures. Design constraint systems can be used as tool for experimentation with complex form. Therefore, the authors dedicate the final part of this paper to a concise delineation of an approach for the generation of complex and irregular shapes and structures. While the examples used are simple, they give an idea of the generality of design constraint systems: By using a two-component approach to the generation of designs (the first component describes the abstract structure of the modelled objects while the second component interprets the structure and generates the actual geometric forms) and allowing the user to adjust both components freely, it can be adapted to all kind of different architectural styles, from historical to contemporary architecture.
Propofol for Procedural Sedation in the Emergency Department: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Black Emily , Campbell Samuel G , Magee Kirk , Zed Peter J 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol compared to other agents for procedural sedation of adults in the emergency department (ED) and to review the use of opioids in conjunction with propofol for procedural sedation in the ED. DATA SOURCES: PubMed (1949-December 2012) and EMBASE (1980-December 2012) were searched using combinations of the following search terms: (procedural sedation or conscious sedation [MESH]) and propofol. A manual search of references was also performed. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: English-language, full reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies evaluating propofol use in adults undergoing procedural sedation in the ED were included if they reported efficacy or safety outcomes. Two reviewers independently assessed each article for inclusion, data extraction, and study limitations. DATA SYNTHESIS: Thirteen RCTs and 20 observational studies meeting our inclusion criteria were retrieved. Regardless of the agent used for sedation, procedural success was greater than 80% and most trials demonstrated no statistically significant difference in the incidence of respiratory depression with propofol compared to alternatives. One RCT showed a significantly greater percent decrease in systolic blood pressure from baseline in those who received propofol compared to ketamine. Where reported, no significant difference was found in patient recall, pain, and satisfaction when opioids were added to propofol compared to propofol alone; the addition of opioids may have resulted in a higher incidence of respiratory adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Propofol for procedural sedation is a reasonable alternative for use in the ED, with comparative efficacy and safety to other alternatives. Use of opioids in addition to propofol may not provide added benefit but does contribute to increased rates of adverse events.
Psychosocial Predictors of Eating Disorder Risk in Overweight and Obese Treatment-Seeking Adolescents
Authors: Russo Jade V. , Brennan Leah , Walkley Jeff , Fraser Steve F. , Greenway Kate 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study explored eating disorder risk factors and possible psychosocial predictors of this risk in overweight and obese treatment-seeking adolescents. Prior to commencing treatment 108 overweight and obese adolescents aged 11 to 17 years (M = 14.31, SD = 1.57; 55% female) completed self-report measures of psychosocial factors. Females reported elevated levels of bulimic tendencies, body dissatisfaction, drive for thinness (p ≤.001) and males reported elevated body dissatisfaction (p < .001). Age, sex and BMI-for-age z-score explained 15% (p < .001) of the variance in eating disorder risk and psychosocial predictors an additional 25%. Sex did not have a moderating effect on these relationships (p = .21). Among overweight and obese treatment-seeking adolescents, those experiencing lower self-esteem and elevated depression and anxiety symptomatology are at increased eating disorder risk. This highlights the need to consider psychosocial factors in preventing and treating overweight and obesity.
Functional Characterization of Fission Yeast Transcription Factors by Overexpression Analysis
Authors: Vachon Lianne , Wood Justin , Kwon Eun-Joo Gina , Laderoute Amy , Chatfield-Reed Kate , Karagiannis Jim , Chua Gordon 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
In Schizosaccharomyces pombe, over 90% of transcription factor genes are nonessential. Moreover, the majority do not exhibit significant growth defects under optimal conditions when deleted, complicating their functional characterization and target gene identification. Here, we systematically overexpressed 99 transcription factor genes with the nmt1 promoter and found that 64 transcription factor genes exhibited reduced fitness when ectopically expressed. Cell cycle defects were also often observed. We further investigated three uncharacterized transcription factor genes (toe1+–toe3+) that displayed cell elongation when overexpressed. Ectopic expression of toe1+ resulted in a G1 delay while toe2+ and toe3+ overexpression produced an accumulation of septated cells with abnormalities in septum formation and nuclear segregation, respectively. Transcriptome profiling and ChIP-chip analysis of the transcription factor overexpression strains indicated that Toe1 activates target genes of the pyrimidine-salvage pathway, while Toe3 regulates target genes involved in polyamine synthesis. We also found that ectopic expression of the putative target genes SPBC3H7.05c, and dad5+ and SPAC11D3.06 could recapitulate the cell cycle phenotypes of toe2+ and toe3+ overexpression, respectively. Furthermore, single deletions of the putative target genes urg2+ and SPAC1399.04c, and SPBC3H7.05c, SPACUNK4.15, and rds1+, could suppress the phenotypes of toe1+ and toe2+ overexpression, respectively. This study implicates new transcription factors and metabolism genes in cell cycle regulation and demonstrates the potential of systematic overexpression analysis to elucidate the function and target genes of transcription factors in S. pombe.
Defining Specificity Determinants of cGMP Mediated Gustatory Sensory Transduction inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Smith Heidi K , Luo Linjiao , O’Halloran Damien , Guo Dagang , Huang Xin-Yun , Samuel Aravinthan D T , Hobert Oliver 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a key secondary messenger used in signal transduction in various types of sensory neurons. The importance of cGMP in the ASE gustatory receptor neurons of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans was deduced by the observation that multiple receptor-type guanylyl cyclases (rGCs), encoded by the gcy genes, and two presently known cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel subunits, encoded by the tax-2 and tax-4 genes, are essential for ASE-mediated gustatory behavior. We describe here specific mechanistic features of cGMP-mediated signal transduction in the ASE neurons. First, we assess the specificity of the sensory functions of individual rGC proteins. We have previously shown that multiple rGC proteins are expressed in a left/right asymmetric manner in the functionally lateralized ASE neurons and are required to sense distinct salt cues. Through domain swap experiments among three different rGC proteins, we show here that the specificity of individual rGC proteins lies in their extracellular domains and not in their intracellular, signal-transducing domains. Furthermore, we find that rGC proteins are also sufficient to confer salt sensory responses to other neurons. Both findings support the hypothesis that rGC proteins are salt receptor proteins. Second, we identify a novel, likely downstream effector of the rGC proteins in gustatory signal transduction, a previously uncharacterized cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) ion channel, encoded by the che-6 locus. che-6 mutants show defects in gustatory sensory transduction that are similar to defects observed in animals lacking the tax-2 and tax-4 CNG channels. In contrast, thermosensory signal transduction, which also requires tax-2 and tax-4, does not require che-6, but requires another CNG, cng-3. We propose that CHE-6 may form together with two other CNG subunits, TAX-2 and TAX-4, a gustatory neuron-specific heteromeric CNG channel complex.
Improved Plasma FFA/Insulin Homeostasis Is Independently Associated With Improved Glucose Tolerance After a 1-Year Lifestyle Intervention in Viscerally Obese Men
Authors: Borel Anne-Laure , Boulet Geneviève , Nazare Julie-Anne , Smith Jessica , Alméras Natalie , Tremblay Angelo , Bergeron Jean , Poirier Paul , Carpentier André C. , Després Jean-Pierre 
Published: May 2013

OBJECTIVE
Elevated plasma free fatty acids (FFAs) are one important link between excess visceral adiposity, insulin resistance, and the development of type 2 diabetes. Effects of lifestyle interventions on FFA metabolism are poorly known. This open-label study was conducted to test the effects of a 1-year healthy eating/physical activity intervention program on plasma FFA homeostasis in 117 viscerally obese men with dyslipidemia associated with insulin resistance (waist circumference ≥90 cm, triglycerides ≥1.69 mmol/L, and/or HDL-cholesterol &lt;1.03 mmol/L).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Body weight, body composition, and fat distribution were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry/computed tomography. Oral loads of lipid (60 g fat/m2 body surface area) and glucose (75 g) were measured before and after the intervention.

RESULTS
After 1 year of lifestyle intervention, visceral adiposity was reduced by −26% (95% CI −29 to −23), whereas cardiorespiratory fitness improved by +20% (95% CI +16 to +24). After 1 year, the suppression of FFAs after the glucose load improved, whereas insulin concentrations were drastically reduced. After the oral lipid load, the late increase in FFA was reduced together with reduced circulating insulin. We calculated an insulin sensitivity index to reflect the concentration of insulin needed to manage plasma FFAs after the oral lipid load, which increased after the intervention and was associated with improved glucose tolerance, independent of changes in visceral or total adiposity.

CONCLUSIONS
A 1-year healthy eating/physical activity intervention improved the suppression of FFAs after oral glucose and lipid load tests in viscerally obese men, possibly due to improved responsiveness to insulin. This insulin-mediated regulation of postprandial plasma FFA levels could be a link between visceral obesity and impaired glucose homeostasis.
Southeast Greenland high accumulation rates derived from firn cores and ground-penetrating radar
Authors: Miège Clément , Forster Richard R. , Box Jason E. , Burgess Evan W. , McConnell Joseph R. , Pasteris Daniel R. , Spikes Vandy B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractDespite containing only 14% of the Greenland ice sheet by area, the southeastern sector has the highest accumulation rates, and hence receives ∼30% of the total snow accumulation. We present accumulation rates obtained during our 2010 Arctic Circle Traverse derived from three 50 m firn cores dated using geochemical analysis. We tracked continuous internal reflection horizons between the firn cores using a 400 MHz ground-penetrating radar (GPR). GPR data combined with depth-age scales from the firn cores provide accumulation rates along a 70 km transect. We followed an elevation gradient from ∼2350 to ∼1830m to understand how progressive surface melt may affect the ability to chemically date the firn cores and trace the internal layers with GPR. From the firn cores, we find a 52% (∼0.43 m w.e. a-1) increase in average snow accumulation and greater interannual variability at the lower site than the upper site. The GPR profiling reveals that accumulation rates are influenced by topographic undulations on the surface, with up to 23% variability over 7 km. These measurements confirm the presence of high accumulation rates in the southeast as predicted by the calibrated regional climate model Polar MM5.
Calibration of a higher-order 3-D ice-flow model of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Engadin, Switzerland
Authors: Zekollari H. , Huybrechts P. , Fürst J.J. , Rybak O. , Eisen O. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe have reconstructed the ice thickness distribution of the Morteratsch glacier complex, Switzerland, and used this to simulate its flow with a higher-order 3-D model. Ice thickness was measured along transects with a ground-penetrating radar and further extended over the entire glacier using the plastic flow assumption and a distance-weighted interpolation technique. We find a maximum ice thickness of 350 ±52.5 m for the central trunk of Vadret da Morteratsch, resulting from a bedrock overdeepening. The average thickness of the glacier complex is 72.2 ±18.0 m, which corresponds to a total ice volume of 1.14 ± 0.28 km3. The flow of the glacier is modelled by tuning the rate factor and the sliding parameters taking into account higher-order terms in the force balance. The observed velocities can be reproduced closely (root-mean-square error of 15.0 m a-1, R2 = 0.93) by adopting a sliding factor of 12 x 10–16 m7 N–3 a-1 and a rate factor of 1.6 x 10-16 Pa-3 a-1 . In this setting, ice deformation accounts for 70% of the surface velocity and basal sliding for the remaining 30%. The modelled velocity field reaches values up to 125 ma-1, but also indicates an almost stagnant front and confluence area, which are crucial for understanding the ongoing glacier retreat.