bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semicircular canal‐dependent developmental tuning of translational vestibulo‐ocular reflexes in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Branoner Francisco , Straka Hans 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTGaze stabilization during head/body movements is achieved to a large extent by vestibular‐evoked compensatory eye movements. These reflexes derive from semicircular canal and otolith organs and depend on the transformation of the respective sensory signals into extraocular motor commands. To elicit directionally and dynamically appropriate compensatory eye movements, extraocular motoneurons require spatiotemporally specific inputs from semicircular canals and regions of the utricular epithelium with matching directional sensitivity. The ontogenetic establishment and maturation of the directional tuning of otolith inputs in extraocular motoneurons was studied in Xenopus laevis tadpoles. In young larvae at stage 46–48, superior oblique (SO) extraocular motoneurons receive omnidirectional utricular signals during horizontal translational motion, indicating an absence of spatial tuning. In contrast, in older larvae beyond stage 49 these motoneurons were activated by directionally more restricted otolith inputs with an increasingly enhanced spatial tuning until stage 53. This developmental process limited the origin of otolith signals to a utricular epithelial sector with a hair cell sensitivity that is coaligned with the pulling direction of the SO eye muscle. The maturation of the otolith response vector was abolished by enzymatic prevention of semicircular canal formation in postembryonic tadpoles at stage 44, suggesting that functionally intact semicircular canals are causally responsible for the observed directional tuning of utricular responses. A likely mechanism by which semicircular canals might influence the tuning of the otolith responses includes stabilization of coactivated and centrally converging sensory signals from semicircular canal and spatially aligned epithelial utricular regions during natural head/body motion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 75: 1051–1067, 2015
Late‐onset hypogonadism in men with systolic heart failure: prevalence, clinical associates, and impact on long‐term survival
Authors: Jankowska Ewa A. , Tkaczyszyn Michał , Węgrzynowska‐Teodorczyk Kinga , Majda Jacek , von Haehling Stephan , Doehner Wolfram , Banasiak Waldemar , Anker Stefan D. , Ponikowski Piotr 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundMale ageing is characterized by diminished circulating androgens with several adverse psychosomatic consequences and can be aggravated by concomitant chronic diseases. According to the European Male Aging Study (EMAS) Group, late‐onset hypogonadism (LOH) refers to testosterone deficiency accompanied by sexual complaints.AimWe investigated the prevalence of LOH in men with systolic heart failure (HF), and its clinical determinants and prognostic consequences.MethodsAmong 201 men with systolic HF (age: 60 ± 11 years), serum total testosterone (TT) was assessed using an immunoassay, and estimated free testosterone (eFT) was calculated using Vermeulen's formula. LOH was diagnosed when TT &#60; 3.2 ng/mL and eFT &#60; 64 pg/mL were accompanied by three sexual symptoms (decrease in the number of morning erections, reduced potency, and low libido) of at least moderate severity assessed using the Aging Males' Symptoms Scale.ResultsDecreased frequency of morning erections, reduced potency, and low libido were experienced by 56%, 62%, and 55% of men with HF, respectively; whereas 67%, 61%, and 44% of subjects complained of at least one, two, and three symptoms, respectively. Hypogonadal TT and eFT were observed in 34% and 47% of patients, respectively; and in 33% subjects, both TT and eFT were reduced. Finally, 30 men with HF (15%) were diagnosed with LOH as compared with 2% in a European male population (EMAS). In a multivariable model, older age and higher serum uric acid were independently associated with greater LOH prevalence (both P &#60; 0.05). Among men aged ≤60 years (but not in those aged >60 years), LOH increased 5‐year all‐cause mortality in the univariable model; however, when adjusted for HF severity, the association lost its statistical significance.ConclusionsMen with systolic HF commonly report sexual complaints. LOH—the combination of sexual dysfunction and testosterone deficiency—occurs more frequently than in a general male population. LOH does not affect long‐term mortality, when adjusted for HF severity.
The late sodium current in heart failure: pathophysiology and clinical relevance
Authors: Horvath Balazs , Bers Donald M. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractLarge and growing body of data suggest that an increased late sodium current (INa,late) can have a significant pathophysiological role in heart failure and other heart diseases. The first goal of this article is to describe how INa,late functions under physiological circumstances. The second goal is to show the wide range of cellular mechanisms that can increase INa,late in cardiac disease, and also to describe how the up‐regulated INa,late contributes to the pathophysiology of heart failure. The final section of the article discusses the possible use of INa,late‐modifying drugs in heart failure, on the basis of experimental and preclinical data.
Rationale and design of the CONFIRM‐HF study: a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled study to assess the effects of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose on functional capacity in patients with chronic heart failure and iron deficiency
Authors: Ponikowski Piotr , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Comin‐Colet Josep , Ertl Georg , Komajda Michel , Mareev Viacheslav , McDonagh Theresa A. , Parkhomenko Alexander , Tavazzi Luigi , Levesque Victoria , Mori Claudio , Roubert Bernard , Filippatos Gerasimos , Ruschitzka Frank , Anker Stefan D. 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundIron deficiency (ID) is a common co‐morbidity associated with chronic heart failure (CHF), which has unfavourable clinical and prognostic consequences. In Ferinject Assessment in Patients with IRon Deficiency and Chronic Heart Failure (FAIR‐HF), the treatment with i.v. ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improved symptoms and quality of life over a 24 week period. Ferric CarboxymaltOse evaluatioN on perFormance in patients with IRon deficiency in coMbination with chronic Heart Failure (CONFIRM‐HF) was designed to test a simplifieddosage scheme of FCM during a longer follow‐up period.MethodsCONFIRM‐HF, a double‐blind, multi‐centre, prospective, randomized, two‐arm study, enrolled ambulatory patients with symptomatic CHF [New York Heart Association (NYHA) class II/III] with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%, BNP >100 pg/mL, or NT‐proBNP >400 pg/mL, presence of ID [defined as ferritin <100 ng/mL, or ferritin 100–300 ng/mL if transferrin saturation (TSAT) <20%], and haemoglobin (Hb) <15 g/dL. Patients were randomized 1:1 to treatment with FCM or placebo for 52 weeks. Primary endpoint is change in 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) distance from baseline to Week 24. Secondary endpoints are: change in 6MWT from baseline to Weeks 6, 12, 36, and 52; Patient Global Assessment score at Weeks 6, 12, 24, 36, and 52; and change from baseline to Weeks 6, 12, 24, 36, and 52 in NYHA class, fatigue score, and quality of life. Safety endpoints include overall safety over the treatment period of 52 weeks.Study medication was administered in single doses as undiluted bolus injection of up to 1000 mg of iron or normal saline at Day 0 and Week 6 up to iron repletion. Further doses of study medication could be administered at Weeks 12, 24, and 36 if a patient still had ID.ResultsOverall, 304 patients were recruited in 41 centres in nine countries.ConclusionThis study will provide further information on the efficacy and safety of iron therapy with i.v. FCM in CHF patients with ID over a 1 year period using a simplified dosing scheme.
Effects of long‐term endurance and resistance training on diastolic function, exercise capacity, and quality of life in asymptomatic diastolic dysfunction vs. heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Nolte Kathleen , Schwarz Silja , Gelbrich Götz , Mensching Steffen , Siegmund Friederike , Wachter Rolf , Hasenfuss Gerd , Düngen Hans‐Dirk , Herrmann‐Lingen Christoph , Halle Martin , Pieske Burkert , Edelmann Frank 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe long‐term effects of exercise training (ET) in diastolic dysfunction (DD) and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are unknown. The present study compared the long‐term effects of ET on exercise capacity, diastolic function, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with DD vs. HFpEF.MethodsA total of n = 43 patients with asymptomatic DD (n = 19) or HFpEF [DD and New York Heart Association (NYHA) ≥II, n = 24] and left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50% performed a combined endurance/resistance training over 6 months (2–3/week) on top of usual care. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography, and QoL were obtained at baseline and follow‐up.ResultsPatients were 62 ± 8 years old (37% female). In the HFpEF group, 67% of patients were in NYHA class II (33% in NYHA III). Exercise capacity (peak oxygen consumption, peak VO2) differed at baseline (DD 29.2 ± 8.7 mL/min/kg vs. HFpEF 17.8 ± 4.6 mL/min/kg; P = 0.004). After 6 months, peak VO2 increased significantly (P < 0.044) to 19.7 ± 5.8 mL/min/kg in the HFpEF group and also in the DD group (to 32.8 ± 8.5 mL/min/kg; P < 0.002) with no overall difference between the groups (P = 0.217). E/e′ ratio (left ventricular filling index) decreased from 12.2 ± 3.5 to 10.1 ± 3.0 (P < 0.002) in patients with HFpEF and also in patients with DD (10.7 ± 3.1 vs. 9.5 ± 2.3; P = 0.03; difference between groups P = 0.210). In contrast, left atrial volume index decreased in the HFpEF group (P < 0.001) but remained stable within the DD group (difference between groups P = 0.015). After 6 months, physical QoL (Minnesota living with heart failure Questionnaire, 36‐item short form health survey), general health perception, and 9‐item patient health questionnaire score only improved in HFpEF (P < 0.05). In contrast, vitality improved in both groups (difference between groups P = 0.708).ConclusionA structured 6 months ET programme effectively improves exercise capacity and diastolic function in patients with DD and overt HFpEF. Therefore, controlled lifestyle modification with physical activity is effective both in DD and HFpEF.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Highly Crystallized Hexagonal Boron Nitride Sheets with Li3N as Additive Agent
Authors: Yuan Sheng , Toury Bérangère , Benayoun Stéphane , Chiriac Rodica , Gombault François , Journet Catherine , Brioude Arnaud 
Published: September 2014

AbstractHighly crystallized hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) sheets were obtained by a versatile method modifying the original synthesis by using an additive agent and, as a consequence, decreasing the temperature for the ceramization step (1200–1400 °C). This synthesis is based on the polymer‐derived ceramics (PDCs) route using liquid‐state polyborazylene (PBN) mixed with lithium nitride (Li3N) micropowders as additive agent. We have demonstrated that incorporation of Li3N as a crystallization promoter allows the onset of crystallization of h‐BN at lower temperatures. Consequently, a high crystallization rate can be obtained from 1000 °C for bulk boron nitride, whereas the temperature has to be 1600–1800 °C under classical conditions. A series of samples incorporating Li3N (5 wt.‐%) and annealed at various temperatures from 600 to 1400 °C was prepared and structurally characterized by Raman spectroscopy, XRD analyis, and TEM. Well‐crystallized sheets with thicknesses of nanometers can be easily obtained by applying this method.
Access to Difluoromethylated Alkynes through the Castro–Stephens Reaction
Authors: Besset Tatiana , Poisson Thomas , Pannecoucke Xavier 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAn efficient synthesis of difluoromethylated alkynes is described. A panel of readily available CuI acetylides undergo direct difluoromethylation by using BrCF2CO2Et, which is an inexpensive, easy to handle, commercially available fluorinated reagent. The reaction, which is based on a Castro–Stephens transformation, proceeds smoothly under mild conditions offering a new synthetic route for the direct introduction of the difluoromethylated group into alkynes that does not involve ozone‐depleting reagents. The resulting products were obtained with good yields by using CsOPiv and Cu(OAc)2 as additives.
Metallic Impurities in Graphene Screen‐Printed Electrodes Can Influence Their Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Smith Jamie P. , Foster Christopher W. , Metters Jonathan P. , Sutcliffe Oliver B. , Banks Craig E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractWe demonstrate that the electrochemical signatures of graphene screen‐printed electrodes towards hydrazine are not due to the reported benefits of graphene per se but rather it is the metallic impurities which can.
Autobiographical Memory in Adolescent Girls with Anorexia Nervosa
Authors: Bomba Monica , Marfone Mirella , Brivio Elisa , Oggiano Silvia , Broggi Fiorenza , Neri Francesca , Nacinovich Renata 
Published: September 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study is to investigate deficits in autobiographical memory in adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN).MethodsSixty female individuals with AN and 60 healthy volunteers with an age range of 11–18 years were enrolled. The Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT), the Eating Disorder Inventory‐3, the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 for the evaluation of alexithymia and Children's Depression Inventory to evaluate depressive traits were administered. In addition to classical AMT words, we proposed seven experimental cues, chosen from words often used by individuals with eating disorders in daily life.ResultsGirls with AN showed a massive overgeneral memory effect. This effect was not related to the presence of depression or alexithymia but increased with the duration of the disorder rather than with its severity.DiscussionThe alteration of autobiographical memory manifests in adolescence. Girls with AN showed a dysregulation of both negative and positive emotional experiences that seemed to be influenced by the disease duration. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Medium access control techniques in M2M communication: survey and critical review
Authors: Hussain Fatima , Anpalagan Alagan , Vannithamby Rath 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMachine‐to‐machine (M2M) communication has received increasing attention in recent year. An M2M network exhibits some salient features such as large number of machines/devices, low data rates, delay tolerant/sensitive, small packets, energy constrained and low or no mobility. A large number of M2M terminals may exist in a small area with many trying to simultaneously and randomly access for channel resources, which will result in overload and access problem. This increased signalling overhead and diverse requirements of machine‐type communication (MTC) devices call for the development of flexible and efficient scheduling and random access techniques. In an M2M scenario, where the network is operating at high offered load with a large number of contending transmitters, distributed random access techniques are more appropriate than centralised scheduling techniques because of less control messages and better channel utilisation. There is a need for comparison of various medium access methods that can be used in the development of an efficient hybrid M2M and human to human network. In this article, we review and compare various scheduling and random access techniques in cellular networks, particularly in Long‐Term Evolution. We also discuss how successful they are to fulfill the unique requirements of M2M communication and networking. Resource management in M2M networks with a large number of MTC devices is also discussed from the access point of view. Energy efficiency, being one of the main challenges of quality‐of‐service‐constrained M2M communication, is also discussed. Minimisation of the energy consumption is tightly bound to channel access and hence considered in the comparison of various medium access control protocols. Finally, some potential research directions related to access control and resource allocation are presented for future work. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preventive Effects of Zingerone on Altered Lipid Peroxides and Nonenzymatic Antioxidants in the Circulation of Isoproterenol‐Induced Myocardial Infarcted Rats
Authors: Hemalatha K. L. , Prince P. Stanely Mainzen 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe present study was designed to evaluate the preventive effects of zingerone on circulatory lipid peroxides and nonenzymatic antioxidants in isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarcted rats. Rats were pretreated with zingerone (6 mg/kg body weight) daily for a period of 14 days and were then induced myocardial infarction with isoproterenol (100 mg/kg body weight) on 15th and 16th day. Increased intensities of serum lactate dehydrogenase isoenzymes 1 and 2 bands enhanced plasma lipid peroxidation products and lowered nonenzymatic antioxidant system were noted in isoproterenol‐induced rats. Pretreatment with zingerone daily for 14 days revealed significant preventive effects on the electrophoretic and biochemical parameters evaluated in isoproterenol‐induced rats. Furthermore, the in vitro study confirmed the potent antioxidant activity of zingerone. The results of our study showed that zingerone protected the rat's heart against isoproterenol‐induced myocardial infarction by its antioxidant effect.
Summer droughts in the northern Yellow River basin in association with recent Arctic ice loss
Authors: Zhang Jie , Li Laurent , Li Dongliang , Deng Weitao 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTDrought is one of the most devastating natural disasters occurring in the Yellow River basin (YRB) in Central and North China, with strong impacts on human societies and natural environments. Based on datasets from ECMWF/ERA‐Interim on atmospheric circulation and sea level pressure and on rainfall data from meteorological networks from 1979 to 2013, droughts in the YRB are investigated in the present work. Rainfall in summer in the northern YRB (semi‐arid and semi‐humid zones) has been low since 1990, which is associated with an anomaly of planetary waves around Lake Baikal. These waves are significantly affected by Arctic ice loss (particularly in the eastern Arctic) among other factors. Eastern Arctic ice loss results in a warmer surface and increases air temperatures over the Arctic and northern Siberia. These conditions are favourable for cyclonic anomalies in the lower troposphere, generating an ascending flow anomaly over the eastern Arctic and a positive anomaly of meridional wind in the low troposphere between high latitudes and the Arctic. This situation results in a weaker Polar cell and a stronger Ferrel cell in the three‐cell latitudinal circulation, due to increasing the ascending flow at approximately 60°N as well as the descending flow at approximately 35°–53°N. These conditions favour reinforcement as well as the width of subtropical high pressures, meridional shifts or northward elongation, the anomaly of planetary wave ridges around Lake Baikal, finally, more severe droughts in the northern YRB. Simulations performed with an atmospheric general circulation model confirm that Arctic sea ice loss can induce a northward shift and enhancement of subtropical high pressures, together with decreasing rainfall in the mid‐latitudes of both North America and East Asia, especially in the northern YRB.
Long‐Term Symptoms and Posttraumatic Growth in Traumatised Adolescents: Findings From a Specialised Outpatient Clinic
Authors: Vloet Andrea , Simons Michael , Vloet Timo D. , Sander Melanie , Herpertz‐Dahlmann Beate , Konrad Kerstin 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAlthough traumatic experiences are associated with an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders, little is known regarding the long‐term outcomes of traumatised adolescents. In the current study, 42 traumatised adolescents who had been referred to a specialised health service were reassessed 2 to 5 years after the traumatic event. The course of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychiatric symptoms, the development of posttraumatic growth (PTG), and parental PTSD were analysed. The rate of PTSD (full and partial) declined from 59.5% to 11.9% between the first assessment and the follow‐up. On average, low levels of PTG were reported by the adolescents at follow‐up. Sexual abuse was associated with most severe PTSD symptoms at initial assessment (η2 = .18) and the highest PTG (η2 = .12). Adolescents with psychotherapeutic support showed the largest symptom reduction (η2 = .15). Adolescent PTSD at follow‐up was shown to be correlated with both PTG (r = .34) and parental PTSD (r = .58). The results highlight the need for psychotherapeutic support for traumatised adolescents and their parents to prevent long‐term psychological impairment. The development of PTG should be considered in the aftermath of trauma and its relevance for posttraumatic recovery should be addressed in future studies.
Prior Exposure to Interpersonal Violence and Long‐Term Treatment Response for Boys With a Disruptive Behavior Disorder
Authors: Shenk Chad E. , Dorn Lorah D. , Kolko David J. , Rausch Joseph R. , Insana Salvatore P. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractInterpersonal violence (IPV) is common in children with a disruptive behavior disorder (DBD) and increases the risk for greater DBD symptom severity, callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and neuroendocrine disruption. Thus, IPV may make it difficult to change symptom trajectories for families receiving DBD interventions given these relationships. The current study examined whether IPV prior to receiving treatment for a DBD predicted trajectories of a variety of associated outcomes, specifically DBD symptoms, CU traits, and cortisol concentrations. Boys with a DBD diagnosis (N = 66; age range = 6–11 years; 54.5% of whom experienced IPV prior to treatment) of either oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder participated in a randomized clinical trial and were assessed 3 years following treatment. Multilevel modeling demonstrated that prior IPV predicted smaller rates of change in DBD symptoms, CU traits, and cortisol trajectories, indicating less benefit from intervention. The effect size magnitudes of IPV were large for each outcome (d = 0.88–1.07). These results suggest that IPV is a predictor of the long‐term treatment response for boys with a DBD. Including trauma‐focused components into existing DBD interventions may be worth testing to improve treatment effectiveness for boys with a prior history of IPV.
Polymerization of Norbornene Using Chiral Bis(phenolate) Zirconium Catalysts
Authors: Tschage Marie , Jung Seungwhan , Spaniol Thomas P. , Okuda Jun 
Published: September 2014

Norbornene is polymerized by employing zirconium catalysts with (OSSO)‐type bis(phenolate) ligands. The racemic precatalyst rac‐1 produces high molecular weight poly(norbornene) with slight optical activity. Enantiopure precatalysts (S,S)‐1 and (R,R)‐1 are used to study the optical induction in the poly(norbornene)s formed. To overcome the insolubility of poly(norbornene)s in common solvents, their microstructure is studied using copolymers with ethylene as well as hydrooligomers. The crystal structure of a norbornene tetramer is reported.
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