bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When infants talk, infants listen: pre‐babbling infants prefer listening to speech with infant vocal properties
Authors: Masapollo Matthew , Polka Linda , Ménard Lucie 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTo learn to produce speech, infants must effectively monitor and assess their own speech output. Yet very little is known about how infants perceive speech produced by an infant, which has higher voice pitch and formant frequencies compared to adult or child speech. Here, we tested whether pre‐babbling infants (at 4–6 months) prefer listening to vowel sounds with infant vocal properties over vowel sounds with adult vocal properties. A listening preference favoring infant vowels may derive from their higher voice pitch, which has been shown to attract infant attention in infant‐directed speech (IDS). In addition, infants' nascent articulatory abilities may induce a bias favoring infant speech given that 4‐ to 6‐month‐olds are beginning to produce vowel sounds. We created infant and adult /i/ (‘ee’) vowels using a production‐based synthesizer that simulates the act of speaking in talkers at different ages and then tested infants across four experiments using a sequential preferential listening task. The findings provide the first evidence that infants preferentially attend to vowel sounds with infant voice pitch and/or formants over vowel sounds with no infant‐like vocal properties, supporting the view that infants' production abilities influence how they process infant speech. The findings with respect to voice pitch also reveal parallels between IDS and infant speech, raising new questions about the role of this speech register in infant development. Research exploring the underpinnings and impact of this perceptual bias can expand our understanding of infant language development.
Dose‐ranging efficacy and safety study of ertugliflozin, a sodium‐glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor, in patients with type 2 diabetes on a background of metformin
Authors: Amin N. B. , Wang X. , Jain S. M. , Lee D. S. , Nucci G. , Rusnak J. M. 
Published: March 2015

AimTo investigate the efficacy and safety of ertugliflozin, in a phase II dose‐ranging study, in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) inadequately controlled on metformin.MethodsA total of 328 patients [mean T2DM duration, 6.3 years; mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), 8.1%] were randomized to once‐daily ertugliflozin (1, 5, 10, 25 mg), sitagliptin (100 mg) or placebo, for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was change from baseline to week 12 in HbA1c concentration and the secondary efficacy endpoints were changes from baseline to week 12 in body weight, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and systolic/diastolic blood pressure (SBP/DBP). Safety and tolerability were also monitored.ResultsErtugliflozin (1–25 mg/day) produced significant reductions in HbA1c concentration [placebo‐corrected least‐squares mean (LSM) −0.45% (1 mg) to −0.72% (25 mg); p ≤ 0.002, similar to sitagliptin (−0.76%; p = 0.0001)], FPG (LSM −1.17 to −1.90 mmol/l; p < 0.0001) and body weight (−1.15 to −2.15%; p < 0.0001). The LSM SBP decreased by −3.4 to −4.0 mmHg from baseline with ertugliflozin 5–25 mg/day. No reductions in body weight or blood pressure were observed with sitagliptin. After randomization, 2.7% of patients (9/328) withdrew because of adverse events (AEs); the frequency of AEs was evenly distributed across groups. No dose‐related increase in AE frequency occurred with ertugliflozin. Hypoglycaemia was reported in 5 (1.5%) randomized participants (all in the ertugliflozin group). The frequency of urinary tract infection was 3.2% for ertugliflozin (pooled across groups), 1.8% for sitagliptin, 7.4% for placebo, and the frequency of genital fungal infections was 3.7% for ertugliflozin (pooled) versus 1.9% for placebo.ConclusionErtugliflozin (1–25 mg/day) improved glycaemic control, body weight and blood pressure in patients with T2DM suboptimally controlled on metformin, and was well tolerated.
Patterns of use and outcome of inferior vena cava filters in a tertiary care setting
Authors: Rottenstreich Amihai , Spectre Galia , Roth Batia , Bloom Allan I. , Kalish Yosef 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundInferior vena cava (IVC) filter placement is increasing although the evidence to justify their use is limited. Many filters are left in place indefinitely, thereby exposing patients to long‐term complications.ObjectivesTo review indications, complications, and follow‐up data of patients undergoing IVC filter placement at our center.MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive admitted patients who underwent IVC filter insertion in a large university hospital with a level I trauma center. Thrombosis specialists retrospectively assessed the appropriateness of indication for IVC filter placement as well as referral for retrieval.ResultsOverall, 405 filters were inserted between 2009 and 2013. All filters were retrievable. IVC filter was placed as a primary prevention in 42% of patients. Fifty‐two patients (12.8%) experienced at least one filter‐related complication. The most common complication was deep vein thrombosis occurring in 6.9% of cases. Almost a third of all complications occurred in filters originally placed for prophylactic indications. Only 13.6% of filters were successfully removed. Nevertheless, according to our reviewers, an attempt for filter retrieval should have been made in 57% of all cases and in 86% of trauma patients. A significantly higher retrieval rate was found in patients followed at our thrombosis clinic (P < 0.01). During follow‐up, 95 patients (23.4%) died, most of them with active cancer.ConclusionsIVC filters are placed in many cases for prophylactic indications. Their low retrieval rates together with relatively high risk of long‐term complications, questions their extensive utilization. Prospective trials addressing the safety and efficacy of IVC filters are still warranted.
Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: a review
Authors: Devalet Bérangère , Mullier François , Chatelain Bernard , Dogné Jean‐Michel , Chatelain Christian 
Published: March 2015

AbstractParoxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is an acquired disorder of the hematopoietic stem cell that makes blood cells more sensitive to the action of complement. Patients experience intravascular hemolysis, smooth muscle dystonia, renal failure, arterial and pulmonary hypertension, recurrent infectious diseases and an increased risk of notably dreadful thrombotic complications. The diagnosis is made by flow cytometry. Efforts have been recently performed to improve the sensitivity and the standardization of this technique. PNH is frequently associated with aplastic anemia or low‐risk myelodysplasia and may be asymptomatic. Management of the classical form of PNH has been dramatically revolutionized by the development of eculizumab, which brings benefits in terms of hemolysis, quality of life, renal function, thrombotic risk, and life expectancy. Prophylaxis and treatment of arterial and venous thrombosis currently remain a challenge in PNH.
Orexin‐1 receptor signaling increases motivation for cocaine‐associated cues
Authors: Bentzley Brandon S. , Aston‐Jones Gary 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe orexin/hypocretin system is involved in multiple cocaine addiction processes that involve drug‐associated environmental cues, including cue‐induced reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking and expression of conditioned place preference. However, the orexin system does not play a role in several behaviors that are less cue‐dependent, such as cocaine‐primed reinstatement of extinguished cocaine seeking and low‐effort cocaine self‐administration. We hypothesized that cocaine‐associated cues, but not cocaine alone, engage signaling at orexin‐1 receptors (OX1Rs), and this cue‐engaged OX1R signaling increases motivation for cocaine. Motivation for cocaine was measured in Sprague–Dawley rats with behavioral‐economic demand curve analysis after pretreatment with the OX1R antagonist SB‐334867 (SB) or vehicle with and without light + tone cues. Demand for cocaine was higher when cocaine‐associated cues were present, and SB only reduced cocaine demand in the presence of these cues. We then investigated whether cocaine demand was linked to the cued reinstatement of cocaine seeking, as both procedures are partially driven by cocaine‐associated cues in an orexin‐dependent manner. SB blocked cue‐induced reinstatement behavior, and baseline demand predicted SB efficacy with the largest effect in high‐demand animals, i.e. animals with the greatest cue‐dependent behavior. We conclude that OX1R signaling increases the reinforcing efficacy of cocaine‐associated cues but not that of cocaine alone. This supports our view that orexin plays a prominent role in the ability of conditioned cues to activate motivational responses.
Soil organic carbon and its fractions estimated by visible–near infrared transfer functions
Authors: Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Hicks W. S. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe capture and storage of soil organic carbon (OC) should improve the soil's quality and function and help to offset the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, to measure, model or monitor changes in OC caused by changes in land use, land management or climate, we need cheaper and more practical methods to measure it and its composition. Conventional methods are complex and prohibitively expensive. Spectroscopy in the visible and near infrared (vis–NIR) is a practical and affordable alternative. We used samples from Australia's Soil Carbon Research Program (SCaRP) to create a vis–NIR database with accompanying data on soil OC and its composition, expressed as the particulate, humic and resistant organic carbon fractions, POC, HOC and ROC, respectively. Using this database, we derived vis–NIR transfer functions with a decision‐tree algorithm to predict the total soil OC and carbon fractions, which we modelled in units that describe their concentrations and stocks (or densities). Predictions of both carbon concentrations and stocks were reliable and unbiased with imprecision being the main contributor to the models' errors. We could predict the stocks because of the correlation between OC and bulk density. Generally, the uncertainty in the estimates of the carbon concentrations was smaller than, but not significantly different to, that of the stocks. Approximately half of the discriminating wavelengths were in the visible region, and those in the near infrared could be attributed to functional groups that occur in each of the different fractions. Visible–NIR spectroscopy with decision‐tree modelling can fairly accurately, and with small to moderate uncertainty, predict soil OC, POC, HOC and ROC. The consistency between the decision tree's use of wavelengths that characterize absorptions due to the chemistry of soil OC and the different fractions provides confidence that the approach is feasible. Measurement in the vis–NIR range needs little sample preparation and so is rapid, practical and cheap. A further advantage is that the technique can be used directly in the field.
Nodule excitability in an animal model of periventricular nodular heterotopia: c‐fos activation in organotypic hippocampal slices
Authors: Doisy Emily T. , Wenzel H. Jürgen , Mu Yi , Nguyen Danh V. , Schwartzkroin Philip A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveAberrations in brain development may lead to dysplastic structures such as periventricular nodules. Although these abnormal collections of neurons are often associated with difficult‐to‐control seizure activity, there is little consensus regarding the epileptogenicity of the nodules themselves. Because one common treatment option is surgical resection of suspected epileptic nodules, it is important to determine whether these structures in fact give rise, or essentially contribute, to epileptic activities.MethodsTo study the excitability of aberrant nodules, we have examined c‐fos activation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures generated from an animal model of periventricular nodular heterotopia created by treating pregnant rats with methylazoxymethanol acetate. Using this preparation, we have also attempted to assess tissue excitability when the nodule is surgically removed from the culture. We then compared c‐fos activation in this in vitro preparation to c‐fos activation generated in an intact rat treated with kainic acid.ResultsQuantitative analysis of c‐fos activation failed to show enhanced nodule excitability compared to neocortex or CA1 hippocampus. However, when we compared cultures with and without a nodule, presence of a nodule did affect the excitability of CA1 and cortex, at least as reflected in c‐fos labeling. Surgical removal of the nodule did not result in a consistent decrease in excitability as reflected in the c‐fos biomarker.SignificanceOur results from the organotypic culture were generally consistent with our observations on excitability in the intact rat—as seen not only with c‐fos but also in previous electrophysiologic studies. At least in this model, the nodule does not appear to be responsible for enhanced excitability (or, presumably, seizure initiation). Excitability is different in tissue that contains a nodule, suggesting altered network function, perhaps reflecting the abnormal developmental pattern that gave rise to the nodule.
mTOR inhibition suppresses established epilepsy in a mouse model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Nguyen Lena H. , Brewster Amy L. , Clark Madeline E. , Regnier‐Golanov Angelique , Sunnen C. Nicole , Patil Vinit V. , D'Arcangelo Gabriella , Anderson Anne E. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryObjectiveHyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR; also known as mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway has been demonstrated in human cortical dysplasia (CD) as well as in animal models of epilepsy. Although inhibition of mTOR signaling early in epileptogenesis suppressed epileptiform activity in the neuron subset‐specific Pten knockout (NS‐Pten KO) mouse model of CD, the effects of mTOR inhibition after epilepsy is fully established were not previously examined in this model. Here, we investigated whether mTOR inhibition suppresses epileptiform activity and other neuropathological correlates in adult NS‐Pten KO mice with severe and well‐established epilepsy.MethodsThe progression of epileptiform activity, mTOR pathway dysregulation, and associated neuropathology with age in NS‐Pten KO mice were evaluated using video–electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. A cohort of NS‐Pten KO mice was treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (10 mg/kg i.p., 5 days/week) starting at postnatal week 9 and video–EEG monitored for epileptiform activity. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the effects of rapamycin on the associated pathology.ResultsEpileptiform activity worsened with age in NS‐Pten KO mice, with parallel increases in the extent of hippocampal mTOR complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2, respectively) dysregulation and progressive astrogliosis and microgliosis. Rapamycin treatment suppressed epileptiform activity, improved baseline EEG activity, and increased survival in severely epileptic NS‐Pten KO mice. At the molecular level, rapamycin treatment was associated with a reduction in both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and decreased astrogliosis and microgliosis.SignificanceThese findings reveal a wide temporal window for successful therapeutic intervention with rapamycin in the NS‐Pten KO mouse model, and they support mTOR inhibition as a candidate therapy for established, late‐stage epilepsy associated with CD and genetic dysregulation of the mTOR pathway.
Males Benefit from Mating with Outbred Females in Drosophila littoralis: Male Choice for Female Genetic Quality?
Authors: Ala‐Honkola Outi , Laine Lily , Pekkala Nina , Kotiaho Janne S. , Honkola Terhi , Puurtinen Mikael 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe evolution and expression of mate choice behaviour in either sex depends on the sex‐specific combination of mating costs, benefits of choice and constraints on choice. If the benefits of choice are larger for one sex, we would expect that sex to be choosier, assuming that the mating costs and constraints on choice are equal between sexes. Because deliberate inbreeding is a powerful genetic method for experimental manipulation of the quality of study organisms, we tested the effects of both male and female inbreeding on egg and offspring production in Drosophila littoralis. Female inbreeding significantly reduced offspring production (mostly due to lower egg‐to‐adult viability), whereas male inbreeding did not affect offspring production (despite a slight effect of paternal inbreeding on egg‐to‐adult viability). As inbreeding depressed female quality more than male quality, the benefits of mate choice were larger for males than for females. In mate choice experiments, inbreeding did not affect male mating success (measured as a probability to be accepted as a mate in a large group), suggesting that females did not discriminate among inbred and outbred males. In contrast, female mating success was affected by inbreeding, with outbred females having higher mating success than inbred females. This result was not explained by lower activity of inbred females. Our results show that D. littoralis males benefit from mating with outbred females of high genetic quality and suggest adaptive male mate choice for female genetic quality in this species. Thus, patterns of mating success in mate choice trials mirrored the benefits of choice: the sex that benefited more from choice (i.e. males) was more choosy.
Riparian plant community responses to increased flooding: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Garssen Annemarie G. , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Verhoeven Jos T. A. , Soons Merel B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA future higher risk of severe flooding of streams and rivers has been projected to change riparian plant community composition and species richness, but the extent and direction of the expected change remain uncertain. We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize globally available experimental evidence and assess the effects of increased flooding on (1) riparian adult plant and seedling survival, (2) riparian plant biomass and (3) riparian plant species composition and richness. We evaluated which plant traits are of key importance for the response of riparian plant species to flooding. We identified and analysed 53 papers from ISI Web of Knowledge which presented quantitative experimental results on flooding treatments and corresponding control situations. Our meta‐analysis demonstrated how longer duration of flooding, greater depth of flooding and, particularly, their combination reduce seedling survival of most riparian species. Plant height above water level, ability to elongate shoots and plasticity in root porosity were decisive for adult plant survival and growth during longer periods of flooding. Both ‘quiescence’ and ‘escape’ proved to be successful strategies promoting riparian plant survival, which was reflected in the wide variation in survival (full range between 0 and 100%) under fully submerged conditions, while plants that protrude above the water level (>20 cm) almost all survive. Our survey confirmed that the projected increase in the duration and depth of flooding periods is sufficient to result in species shifts. These shifts may lead to increased or decreased riparian species richness depending on the nutrient, climatic and hydrological status of the catchment. Species richness was generally reduced at flooded sites in nutrient‐rich catchments and sites that previously experienced relatively stable hydrographs (e.g. rain‐fed lowland streams). Species richness usually increased at sites in desert and semi‐arid climate regions (e.g. intermittent streams).
Does the presence of an arteriovenous fistula alter changes in body water following hemodialysis as determined by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessment?
Authors: Panorchan Kwanpeemai , Nongnuch Arkom , El‐Kateb Sally , Goodlad Cate , Davenport Andrew 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMultifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessments (MFBIAs) aid clinical assessment of hydration status for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Many MFBIA devices are restricted to whole body measurements and as many patients dialyze using arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), we wished to determine whether AVFs affected body water measurements. We reviewed pre‐ and post‐HD segmental MFBIA measurements in 229 patients attending for midweek HD sessions. Up to 144 were dialyzed with a left arm AVF (L‐AVF), 42 with a right arm AVF (R‐AVF), and 43 by central venous access catheter (CVC). Water content and lean tissue were greater in the left compared to right arm in those patients with L‐AVFs both pre and post dialysis (pre 2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7 L, and post 1.9 ± 0.6 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 L and pre 2.65 ± 0.9 vs. 2.56 ± 0.8 kg, and post 2.34 ± 0.8 vs. 2.48 ± 0.8 vs. 2.34 ± 0.8 kg, respectively) and were also greater in the right compared to left arm for those patients dialyzing with R‐AVFs (pre‐HD 1.92 ± 0.5 vs. 1.86 ± 0.6 L and post‐HD 1.79 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 L, and pre‐HD 2.47 ± 0.6 vs. 2.38 ± 0.7 kg and post‐HD 2.3 ± 0.74 vs. 1.28 ± 0.7 kg, respectively), all Ps < 0.05. There were no significant differences in arm volumes or composition pre or post dialysis in those dialyzing with CVCs. Segmental MFBIA detects differences in arm water and lean mass in patients with AVFs. The presence on an AVF increases the water content in the ipsilateral arm both pre and post HD. This increased water content of the fistula arm will not be detected by whole body bioimpedance devices.
Is There Any Difference in the Eradication Rate of Helicobacter pylori Infection According to the Endoscopic Stage of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Authors: Seo Seung In , Kim Sung Jun , Kim Hyoung Su , Shin Woon Geon , Kim Kyung Ho , Jang Myoung Kuk , Lee Jin Heon , Kim Hak Yang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be affected by the degree of inflammation of gastric mucosa represented by the endoscopic stage of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The aims of this study were to evaluate the eradication rates of H. pylori infection according to the endoscopic stage of PUD and to document whether early eradication in the active stage could yield a higher eradication rate in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).Materials and MethodsA total of 1,177 patients with PUD (380 gastric ulcer, 710 duodenal ulcer, and 87 combined ulcer) who received proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapy were included, and the eradication rates were compared by ulcer stage. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing eradication rate. In PUB, the eradication rates between the early eradication group (≤7 days) and the late eradication group (>7 days) were compared.ResultsThe eradication rates according to endoscopic stage were significantly different in gastric ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 84.8% vs 82.7% vs 70.6%, p = .014, respectively), but there were no significant differences in duodenal ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 87.6% vs 80.9%% vs 80.9% p = .169, respectively). In multivariate analyses, active ulcer as well as age younger than 50 was a significantly independent predictor of successful eradication (Odds ratio; 2.799, 95% CI; 1.659–4.723, p = .0001). The eradication rate of the early eradication group was significantly higher than the late eradication group in PUB (89.2% vs 71.9%, 95% CI; 1.265–8.269, p = .011).ConclusionsThere was a significant difference in the eradication rate according to the endoscopic stage of gastric ulcer. Active ulcer was an independent predictor of successful eradication. Furthermore, early H. pylori eradication should be considered in patients with PUB to yield a higher eradication rate.