bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Female walking during copulation reduces the likelihood of sperm transfer from males in the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius
Authors: Kuriwada Takashi , Kumano Norikuni , Shiromoto Keiko , Haraguchi Dai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBehaviour during copulation can alter the fate of sperm of the mating males. This behaviour may exert selective pressure, resulting in the evolution of diverse reproductive behaviour, morphology, and physiology. This study examined the role of female copulatory behaviour on sperm fate in the sweet potato weevil, Cylas formicarius (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Brentidae). In this species, males mount the female during copulation. The female frequently walks during copulation, carrying the male on her back. Here, we describe and quantify the copulatory behaviour of mating pairs and examine the sperm fate. Insemination success, as determined by the presence of sperm in the spermatheca, was lower when females walked for longer periods during copulation. This result emphasizes the value of studying variation in female copulatory behaviour in order to understand the factors that influence sperm fate. We discuss the implications of these results on sexual selection and utility in programs applying sterile insect techniques.
Sexual size dimorphism and the integration of phenotypically plastic traits
Authors: MIKOLAJEWSKI DIRK J. , WOHLFAHRT BIANCA , JOOP GERRIT , BECKERMAN ANDREW P. 
Published: May 2013

Sexual size dimorphism (SSD) reflects adaptive differences in male and female reproductive roles. Understanding the mechanisms generating SSD is of broad ecological and evolutionary interest, because body size is closely linked to fitness.
Sex‐specific phenotypic plasticity in growth as a response to environmental conditions represents one of the major sources mediating variation in SSD.
We investigated phenotypic plasticity associated with predation and seasonal time constraints in development as a source of SSD in the Azure damselfly, Coenagrion puella. We complemented this with an analysis of trait correlations (integration) of body size with behavioural, physiological and life‐history traits to investigate how dimorphism manifests.
Our results reveal that: (i) plasticity in SSD is mediated by environmental variation; and (ii) environment‐dependent, sex‐specific changes in the association of body size with growth rate and fat storage mediated changes in the offset of SSD.
Our results highlight sex‐specific trait responses to the environment channel manifestation of SSD. These findings may be crucial to understanding large parts of the widely documented intraspecific variation of SSD.
Effects of hydrologic regulation on icefish population dynamics, assemblage structure and fishery yield in Lake Nanyi, China
Authors: Wang Zhongsuo , Yan Zhongcheng , Xu Longjun , Lu Xinxin , Winemiller Kirk O. , Lei Guangchun 
Published: May 2013

AbstractStock dynamics and demographic parameters of a family of annual icefishes (Salangidae) were investigated in Lake Nanyi in eastern China before and after construction of irrigation infrastructure. After hydroregulation, two of four icefish species, a migratory species (Hemisalanx brachyrostralis) and a previously rare species (Neosalanx tangkahkeii) were absent from survey samples. The relative abundance of the remained icefish stocks changed greatly. The spring and autumn stocks of N. taihuensis increased from 9.9% and 1.7% to 74.8% and 4.8%, respectively, and N. oligodontis decreased from 84.8% to 20.4%. Total icefish density (CPUE) and yield doubled under the new hydrologic regime. Average adult body size and absolute fecundity of the three persistent icefish stocks decreased, and this could have resulted from slower rates of growth and development of larvae and juveniles in response to greater density of icefishes overall and more intense competition for planktonic food resources during summer and fall.
Cognitive regulation of saccadic velocity by reward prospect
Authors: Chen Lewis L. , Hung Leroy Y. , Quinet Julie , Kosek Kevin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIt is known that expectation of reward speeds up saccades. Past studies have also shown the presence of a saccadic velocity bias in the orbit, resulting from a biomechanical regulation over varying eccentricities. Nevertheless, whether and how reward expectation interacts with the biomechanical regulation of saccadic velocities over varying eccentricities remains unknown. We addressed this question by conducting a visually guided double‐step saccade task. The role of reward expectation was tested in monkeys performing two consecutive horizontal saccades, one associated with reward prospect and the other not. To adequately assess saccadic velocity and avoid adaptation, we systematically varied initial eye positions, saccadic directions and amplitudes. Our results confirmed the existence of a velocity bias in the orbit, i.e., saccadic peak velocity decreased linearly as the initial eye position deviated in the direction of the saccade. The slope of this bias increased as saccadic amplitudes increased. Nevertheless, reward prospect facilitated velocity to a greater extent for saccades away from than for saccades toward the orbital centre, rendering an overall reduction in the velocity bias. The rate (slope) and magnitude (intercept) of reward modulation over this velocity bias were linearly correlated with amplitudes, similar to the amplitude‐modulated velocity bias without reward prospect, which presumably resulted from a biomechanical regulation. Small‐amplitude (≤ 5°) saccades received little modulation. These findings together suggest that reward expectation modulated saccadic velocity not as an additive signal but as a facilitating mechanism that interacted with the biomechanical regulation.
The secondary structure of apolipoprotein A‐I on 9.6‐nm reconstituted high‐density lipoprotein determined by EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Oda Michael N. , Budamagunta Madhu S. , Borja Mark S. , Petrlova Jitka , Voss John C. , Lagerstedt Jens O. 
Published: May 2013

Apolipoprotein A‐I (ApoA‐I) is the major protein component of high‐density lipoprotein (HDL), and is critical for maintenance of cholesterol homeostasis. During reverse cholesterol transport, HDL transitions between an array of subclasses, differing in size and composition. This process requires ApoA‐I to adapt to changes in the shape of the HDL particle, transiting from an apolipoprotein to a myriad of HDL subclass‐specific conformations. Changes in ApoA‐I structure cause alterations in HDL‐specific enzyme and receptor‐binding properties, and thereby direct the HDL particle through the reverse cholesterol transport pathway. In this study, we used site‐directed spin label spectroscopy to examine the conformational details of the ApoA‐I central domain on HDL. The motional dynamics and accessibility to hydrophobic/hydrophilic relaxation agents of ApoA‐I residues 99–163 on 9.6‐nm reconstituted HDL was analyzed by EPR. In previous analyses, we examined residues 6–98 and 164–238 (of ApoA‐I's 243 residues), and combining these findings with the current results, we have generated a full‐length map of the backbone structure of reconstituted HDL‐associated ApoA‐I. Remarkably, given that the majority of ApoA‐I's length is composed of amphipathic helices, we have identified nonhelical residues, specifically the presence of a β‐strand (residues 149–157). The significance of these nonhelical residues is discussed, along with the other features, in the context of ApoA‐I function in contrast to recent models derived by other methods.
Drug‐resistance development differs between HIV‐1‐infected patients failing first‐line antiretroviral therapy containing nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors with and without thymidine analogues
Authors: Santoro MM , Sabin C , Forbici F , Bansi L , Dunn D , Fearnhill E , Boumis E , Nicastri E , Antinori A , Palamara G , Callegaro A , Francisci D , Zoncada A , Maggiolo F , Zazzi M , Perno CF , Ceccherini‐Silberstein F , Mussini C 
Published: May 2013

ObjectivesWe evaluated the emergence of drug resistance in patients failing first‐line regimens containing one nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) administered with zidovudine (ZDV) + lamivudine (the ZDV group) or non‐thymidine analogues (non‐TAs) (tenofovir or abacavir, + lamivudine or emtricitabine; the non‐TA group).MethodsThree hundred HIV‐1‐infected patients failing a first‐line NNRTI‐containing regimen (nevirapine, n = 148; efavirenz, n = 152) were included in the analysis. Virological failure was defined as viraemia ≥ 400 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL for the first time at least 6 months after starting the NNRTI‐based regimen. For each patient, a genotypic resistance test at failure was available. The presence of drug‐resistance mutations in HIV‐1 reverse transcriptase was evaluated by comparing patients treated with NNRTI + zidovudine + lamivudine vs. those treated with NNRTI + non‐TA.ResultsA total of 208 patients were failing with NNRTI + zidovudine + lamivudine and 92 with NNRTI + non‐TA. No significant differences were observed between the non‐TA group and the ZDV group regarding the time of virological failure [median (interquartile range): 12 (8–25) vs. 13 (9–32) months, respectively; P = 0.119] and viraemia [median (interquartile range): 4.0 (3.2–4.9) vs. 4.0 (3.3–4.7) log10 copies/mL, respectively; P = 0.894]. Resistance to reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs) occurred at a significant lower frequency in the non‐TA group than in the ZDV group (54.3 vs. 75.5%, respectively; P = 0.001). This difference was mainly attributable to a significantly lower prevalence of NNRTI resistance (54.3 vs. 74.0%, respectively; P = 0.002) and of the nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) mutation M184V (23.9 vs. 63.5%, respectively; P < 0.001) in the non‐TA group compared with the ZDV group. As expected, the mutation K65R was found only in the non‐TA group (18.5%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsAt first‐line regimen failure, a lower prevalence of RTI resistance was found in patients treated with NNRTI + non‐TA compared with those treated with NNRTI + zidovudine + lamivudine. These results confirm that the choice of backbone may influence the prevalence of drug resistance at virological failure.
Honey bee promoter sequences for targeted gene expression
Authors: Schulte C. , Leboulle G. , Otte M. , Grünewald B. , Gehne N. , Beye M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe honey bee, Apis mellifera, displays a rich behavioural repertoire, social organization and caste differentiation, and has an interesting mode of sex determination, but we still know little about its underlying genetic programs. We lack stable transgenic tools in honey bees that would allow genetic control of gene activity in stable transgenic lines. As an initial step towards a transgenic method, we identified promoter sequences in the honey bee that can drive constitutive, tissue‐specific and cold shock‐induced gene expression. We identified the promoter sequences of Am‐actin5c, elp2l, Am‐hsp83 and Am‐hsp70 and showed that, except for the elp2l sequence, the identified sequences were able to drive reporter gene expression in Sf21 cells. We further demonstrated through electroporation experiments that the putative neuron‐specific elp2l promoter sequence can direct gene expression in the honey bee brain. The identification of these promoter sequences is an important initial step in studying the function of genes with transgenic experiments in the honey bee, an organism with a rich set of interesting phenotypes.
Should patients with systemic sclerosis‐related pulmonary arterial hypertension be anticoagulated?
Authors: Nikpour M. , Stevens W. , Proudman S. M. , Buchbinder R. , Prior D. , Zochling J. , Williams T. , Gabbay E. , Nandurkar H. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a major cause of mortality in scleroderma and despite ‘advanced’ therapies confers a median survival of less than 5 years. Anticoagulation in systemic sclerosis‐related PAH (SSc‐PAH) is currently one of the most contentious issues in the management of patients with connective tissue disease. While some studies have shown a survival benefit with warfarin therapy in this disease, others have not. Accordingly, a state of clinical equipoise exists in relation to anticoagulation in SSc‐PAH. With an over fivefold reduction in mortality demonstrated in some observational studies, the issue of anticoagulation in SSc‐PAH demands resolution through a well‐designed randomised controlled trial.
Large vessel calcification in Takayasu arteritis
Authors: Gujadhur A. , Smith E. R. , McMahon L. P. , Spanger M. , Chuen J. , Holt S. G. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractWe report the novel case of a young woman with Takayasu arteritis, with extensive large vessel disease. The case demonstrates that while mechanisms of vascular calcification are poorly understood, inflammation per se might be sufficient to mediate increased mineral stress leading to vessel calcification, even in the absence of renal impairment.
Practical aspects of telehealth: are my patients suited to telehealth?
Authors: Sabesan S. , Allen D. , Loh P. K. , Caldwell P. , Mozer R. , Komesaroff P. A. , Talman P. , Williams M. , Shaheen N. ,   The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Telehealth Working Group
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe first in a series of articles that demonstrate the practical aspects of telehealth, this paper provides three case studies that examine the suitability of telehealth for patients living in rural and remote areas who require ongoing specialist care.
ROLE OF COMPONENTS OF FRAILTY ON QUALITY OF LIFE IN DIALYSIS PATIENTS: A CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Sclauzero Paola , Galli Giovanni , Barbati Giulia , Carraro Michele , Panzetta Giovanni O. 
Published: May 2013

SUMMARYBackgroundMany people on dialysis suffer a variety of conditions that can affect frailty (the condition or quality of being frail), such as comorbidities, disabilities, dependence, malnutrition, cognitive impairment and poor social conditions. Frailty is suspected to affect quality of life (QoL).ObjectivesThe study aimed to evaluate the effect of the different components of frailty on the QoL of people on dialysis.MethodsWe enrolled 203 out of 233 prevalent patients on dialysis in the Trieste area of Italy. We applied the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire, Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Subjective Global Assessment scales and Karnofsky Index. In addition we analysed their social conditions.ResultsDependence, malnutrition and disability had a negative role on QoL. Living with family and good social‐economic conditions were significantly related to a better QoL.ConclusionsDependence, malnutrition, disability, poor social and economic conditions have a significant effect on life quality. The role of comorbidities appears to be less important. Screening of patients, nutritional and functional rehabilitation and prevention of social isolation appear to be indispensable in guaranteeing a satisfactory life quality.
Percent body fat prediction equations for 8‐ to 17‐year‐old American children
Authors: Stevens J. , Cai J. , Truesdale K. P. , Cuttler L. , Robinson T. N. , Roberts A. L. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryWhat is already known about this subject
It is often not feasible to measure percent body fat using precise methods such as dual‐emission X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Equations developed to estimate percent body fat in youth using measures that are feasible to collect in a variety of settings usually have been developed in focused samples and therefore have low generalizability.
What this study adds
First equations developed in a representative sample of American youth that estimate percent body fat using self‐reported demographic variables as well as measured skin‐folds and other anthropometric variables that are feasible to collect in a variety of settings.
Equations were demonstrated to have low levels of bias by BMI category and by race/ethnicity in non‐Hispanic Whites, Mexican–Americans and African–Americans.
BackgroundPercent body fat equations are usually developed in specific populations and have low generalizability.ObjectivesTo use a nationally representative sample of the American youth population (8–17 years old) from the 1999–2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to develop gender‐specific percent body fat equations.MethodsPercent body fat equations were developed for girls and boys using information on weight, height, waist circumference, triceps skin‐folds, age, race/ethnicity and menses status compared to dual‐emission X‐ray absorptiometry. Terms were selected using forward and backward selection in regression models in a 2/3 development sample and were cross‐validated in the remaining sample. Final coefficients were estimated in the full sample.ResultsFinal equations included ten terms in girls and eight terms in boys including interactions with age and race/ethnicity. In the cross‐validation sample, the adjusted R2 was 0.818 and the root mean squared error was 2.758 in girls. Comparable estimates in boys were 0.893 and 2.525. Systematic bias was not detected in the estimates by race/ethnicity or by body mass index categories.ConclusionGender‐specific percent body fat equations were developed in youth with a strong potential for generalizability and utilization by other investigators studying adiposity‐related issues in youth.
Identification of the origin of adrenergic and cholinergic nerve fibers within the superior hypogastric plexus of the human fetus
Authors: Zaitouna Mazen , Alsaid Bayan , Diallo Djibril , Benoit Gérard , Bessede Thomas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNerve fibers contributing to the superior hypogastric plexus (SHP) and the hypogastric nerves (HN) are currently considered to comprise an adrenergic part of the autonomic nervous system located between vertebrae (T1 and L2), with cholinergic aspects originating from the second to fourth sacral spinal segments (S2, S3 and S4). The aim of this study was to identify the origin and the nature of the nerve fibers within the SHP and the HN, especially the cholinergic fibers, using computer‐assisted anatomic dissection (CAAD). Serial histological sections were performed at the level of the lumbar spine and pelvis in five human fetuses between 14 and 30 weeks of gestation. Sections were treated with histological staining [hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome (TriM)] and with immunohistochemical methods to detect nerve fibers (anti‐S100), adrenergic fibers (anti‐TH), cholinergic fibers (anti‐VAChT) and nitrergic fibers (anti‐nNOS). The sections were then digitalized using a high‐resolution scanner and the 3D images were reconstructed using winsurf software. These experiments revealed the coexistence of adrenergic and cholinergic fibers within the SHP and the HNs. One‐third of these cholinergic fibers were nitrergic fibers [anti‐VACHT (+)/anti‐NOS (+)] and potentially pro‐erectile, while the others were non‐nitrergic [anti‐VACHT (+)/anti‐NOS (−)]. We found these cholinergic fibers arose from the lumbar nerve roots. This study described the nature of the SHP nerve fibers which gives a better understanding of the urinary and sexual dysfunctions after surgical injuries.
Utilization of nondentist providers and attitudes toward new provider models: findings from the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network
Authors: Blue Christine M. , Funkhouser D. Ellen , Riggs Sheila , Rindal D. Brad , Worley Donald , Pihlstrom Daniel J. , Benjamin Paul , Gilbert Gregg H. ,   the National Dental PBRN Collaborative Group
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to quantify, within the National Dental Practice‐Based Research Network, current utilization of dental hygienists and assistants with expanded functions and quantify network dentists' attitudes toward a new nondentist provider model – the dental therapist.MethodsNational Dental Practice‐Based Research Network practitioner–investigators participated in a single, cross‐sectional administration of a questionnaire.ResultsCurrent nondentist providers are not being utilized by network practitioner–investigators to the fullest extent allowed by law. Minnesota practitioners, practitioners in large group practices, and those with prior experience with expanded‐function nondentist providers delegate at a higher rate and had more‐positive perceptions of the new dental therapist model.ConclusionsExpanding scopes of practice for dental hygienists and assistants has not translated to the maximal delegation allowed by law among network practices. This finding may provide insight into dentists' acceptance of newer nondentist provider models.
Efficacy of Flibanserin in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder: Results from the BEGONIA Trial
Authors: Katz Molly , DeRogatis Leonard R. , Ackerman Ronald , Hedges Parke , Lesko Lynna , Garcia Miguel , Sand Michael 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) is characterized by low sexual desire that causes marked distress or interpersonal difficulty.

Aim
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the 5-HT1A agonist/5-HT2A antagonist flibanserin in premenopausal women with HSDD.

Methods
This was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial in which premenopausal women with HSDD (mean age: 36.6 years) were treated with flibanserin 100 mg once daily at bedtime (qhs) (n = 542) or placebo (n = 545) for 24 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures
Coprimary end points were the change from baseline to study end in Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) desire domain score and in number of satisfying sexual events (SSE) over 28 days. Secondary end points included the change from baseline in FSFI total score, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised (FSDS-R) total score, and FSDS-R Item 13 score.

Results
Compared with placebo, flibanserin led to increases in mean (standard deviation) SSE of 2.5 (4.6) vs. 1.5 (4.5), mean (standard error [SE]) FSFI desire domain score of 1.0 (0.1) vs. 0.7 (0.1), and mean (SE) FSFI total score of 5.3 (0.3) vs. 3.5 (0.3); and decreases in mean (SE) FSDS-R Item 13 score of −1.0 (0.1) vs. −0.7 (0.1) and mean (SE) FSDS-R total score of −9.4 (0.6) vs. −6.1 (0.6); all P ≤ 0.0001. The most frequently reported adverse events in the flibanserin group were somnolence, dizziness, and nausea, with adverse events leading to discontinuation in 9.6% of women receiving flibanserin vs. 3.7% on placebo.

Conclusion
In premenopausal women with HSDD, flibanserin 100 mg qhs resulted in significant improvements in the number of SSE and sexual desire (FSFI desire domain score) vs. placebo. Flibanserin was associated with significant reductions in distress associated with sexual dysfunction (FSDS-R total score) and distress associated with low sexual desire (FSDS-R Item 13) vs. placebo. There were no significant safety concerns associated with the use of flibanserin for 24 weeks.