bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis and Biological Actions of Pineal Neurosteroids in Domestic Birds
Authors: Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , Haraguchi Shogo , Hatori Megumi , Hirota Tsuyoshi , Fukada Yoshitaka
Published: September 2013

The central and peripheral nervous systems have the capacity of synthesizing steroids de novo from cholesterol, the so-called ‘neurosteroids'. De novo synthesis of neurosteroids from cholesterol appears to be a conserved property across the subphylum vertebrata. Until recently, it was generally believed that neurosteroids are produced in neurons and glial cells in the central and peripheral nervous systems. However, our recent studies on birds have demonstrated that the pineal gland, an endocrine organ located close to the brain, is an important site of production of neurosteroids de novo from cholesterol. 7α-Hydroxypregnenolone is a major pineal neurosteroid that stimulates locomotor activity of juvenile birds, connecting light-induced gene expression with locomotion. The other major pineal neurosteroid allopregnanolone is involved in Purkinje cell survival by suppressing the activity of caspase-3, a crucial mediator of apoptosis during cerebellar development. This review is an updated summary of the biosynthesis and biological actions of pineal neurosteroids.
The Novel Somatostatin Receptor 2/Dopamine Type 2 Receptor Chimeric Compound BIM-23A758 Decreases the Viability of Human GOT1 Midgut Carcinoid Cells
Authors: Zitzmann Kathrin , Andersen Sandra , Vlotides George , Spöttl Gerald , Zhang Shengwen , Datta Rakesh , Culler Michael , Göke Burkhard , Auernhammer Christoph J.
Published: September 2013

The majority of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the gastroenteropancreatic system coexpress somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) and dopamine type 2 receptors (D2R), thus providing a rationale for the use of novel SSTR2/D2R chimeric compounds in NET disease. Here we investigate the antitumor potential of the SSTR2/D2R chimeric compounds BIM-23A760 and BIM-23A758 in comparison to the selective SSTR2 agonist BIM-23023 and the selective D2R agonist BIM-53097 on human NET cell lines of heterogeneous origin. While having only minor effects on human pancreatic and bronchus carcinoid cells (BON1 and NCI-H727), BIM-23A758 induced significant antitumor effects in human midgut carcinoid cells (GOT1). These effects involved apoptosis induction as well as inhibition of mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt signaling. Consistent with their antitumor response to BIM-23A758, GOT1 cells showed relatively high expression levels of SSTR2 and D2R mRNA. In particular, GOT1 cells highly express the short transcript variant of D2R. In contrast to BIM-23A758, the SSTR2/D2R chimeric compound BIM-23A760 as well as the individual SSTR2 and D2R agonistic compounds BIM-23023 and BIM-53097 induced no or only minor antitumor responses in the examined NET cell lines. Taken together, our findings suggest that the novel SSTR2/D2R chimeric compound BIM-23A758 might be a promising substance for the treatment of NETs highly expressing SSTR2 and D2R. In particular, a sufficient expression of the short transcript variant of DR2 might play a pivotal role for effective treatment.
Impact of Octreotide Long-Acting Release on Tumour Growth Control as a First-Line Treatment in Neuroendocrine Tumours of Pancreatic Origin
Authors: Jann H. , Denecke T. , Koch M. , Pape U.F. , Wiedenmann B. , Pavel M.
Published: September 2013

Background: Somatostatin analogues (SSA) are widely used in the treatment of patients with functioning and non-functioning neuroendocrine tumours (NET). The aim of our investigation was to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of SSA in patients with pancreatic NET. Methods: We retrospectively analysed records of 43 patients with pancreatic NET treated at our clinic with octreotide long-lasting release as a first-line therapy. The aim of our study was to investigate the overall best response according to the RECIST criteria, overall best response defined as disease control rate (SD+PR), response and disease control rate at 12 months, and time to tumour progression (TTP). Results: The mean age (± SD) of the patients (16 female/27 male) at initial diagnosis was 54.7 ± 11.86 years. At the start of therapy, 39 of 43 patients were classified as stage IV according to ENETS-TNM. Tumours were graded, based on MiB-1/Ki67 staining, as G1 (n = 8), G2 (n = 30) or unknown (n = 5). The octreoscan was positive in 37 patients, negative in 2 and unknown in 4 cases. Nineteen patients had functioning tumours, 24 patients had non-functioning tumours. Median overall survival was 98 months, and median TTP was 13 months. Analysis of grading showed a statistically significant influence on TTP when comparing the median TTP for Ki67 >10% with Ki67 <5% (p = 0.009) and Ki67 5-10% (p = 0.036). Conclusion: SSA may be considered as a first-line treatment for antiproliferative purposes in metastatic NET of the pancreas. Patients with a proliferation index <10% displayed a more durable response compared to those with a higher proliferation index.
Aging-Related Genes in Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Mini-Review
Authors: Yu Kyung-Rok , Kang Kyung-Sun
Published: September 2013

Adult stem cells in mammalian organs play pivotal roles in the maintenance and repair of these organs throughout the life of the adult and maintain the proper homeostasis of a tissue or organ. Among the adult stem cells described to date, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are highlighted for clinical applications because MSCs have many advantages for cell therapy, including multilineage differentiation, homing, immune modulation and wound-healing effects. However, as the aging of MSCs leads to an age-associated decline in their number and function, it is important to clarify the age-associated factors and regulatory mechanism associated with the MSC aging process. In this review, we amass and discuss the recent data related to age-associated genes in MSCs. In particular, the activities of epigenetic regulatory factors, including histone acetylase and DNA methyltransferase, modulate gene expression and crosstalk with each other during the MSC senescence process. p16INK4A and high-mobility group A2 play important age-associated roles in the regulation of MSC stemness, and lamin A- and prelamin A-dependent nuclear abnormalities have significant biological relevance in MSC aging. Taken together, the information described here, including the epigenetic regulatory factors, transcription factors and cell signaling, could be used toward the development of treatments for MSC aging and related defects.
Image-Based Evaluation of Vascular Function and Hemodynamics
Authors: Lee Jongmin
Published: September 2013

The noticeable characteristics of the blood vascular structure are the inconsistent viscosity of blood and the stiffness of the vascular wall. If we can control these two factors, we can solve more problems related to hemodynamics and vascular wall function. Understanding the properties of hemodynamics and vascular wall function may provide more information applicable to clinical practice for cardiovascular disease. The bedside techniques evaluating vascular function usually measure indirect parameters. In contrast, some medical imaging techniques provide clear and direct depictions of functional cardiovascular characteristics. In this review, image-based evaluation of hemodynamic and vascular wall functions is discussed from the perspective of blood flow velocity, flow volume, flow pattern, peripheral vascular resistance, intraluminal pressure, vascular wall stress, and wall stiffness.
A Four-Year, Open-Label, Multi-Center, Randomized, Two-Arm Study of Genotropin® in Patients with Idiopathic Short Stature: Comparison of an Individualized, Target-Driven Treatment Regimen to Standard Dosing of Genotropin® - Analysis of Two-Year Data
Authors: Counts D.R. , Silverman L.A. , Geffner M.E. , Rajicic N. , Hey-Hadavi J. , Thornton P.S. , Wajnrajch M.P. ,   and the ISS Study Group
Published: September 2013

Background: Several models have been developed to predict growth response to growth hormone (GH) based on auxological and biochemical parameters for children with non-GH-deficient, idiopathic short stature (ISS). Objective: To demonstrate if an individualized, formula-based, target-driven GH regimen for children with ISS would lead to a height (Ht) gain to -1.3 SDS during the first 24 months of treatment of this 4-year study, with less variability than with standard weight-based dosing. Methods: A 4-year, open-label, multi-center, randomized, two-arm study comparing formula-based dosing of Genotropin® GH from 0.18 to 0.7 mg/kg/week versus standard FDA-approved ISS dosing of Genotropin® (0.37 mg/kg/week). Subjects (n = 316, 89 females) were prepubertal, 3-14 years of age, bone age 3-10 years (m) and 3-9 years (f), naive to GH treatment, Ht SDS -3 to -2.25, Ht velocity <25th percentile for bone age, and peak GH >10 ng/ml. Results: The majority (83%) of subjects had Ht SDS within the normal range by 2 years. All subjects displayed catch-up growth consistent with other studies of GH treatment of ISS. Conclusion: The formula-based therapy did not meet the primary endpoint achieving targeted gain with lower variability. No new safety concerns were found.
G-CSF in Healthy Allogeneic Stem Cell Donors
Authors: Hölig Kristina
Published: September 2013

Mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) in healthy volunteers with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is currently carried out at many institutions worldwide. This report presents the experience of the Dresden center regarding donor evaluation and mobilization schedule. Data regarding efficacy, short- and long-term safety of G-CSF treatment gained from 8290 PBSC collections in healthy donors are outlined. These results are discussed against the background of the available evidence from the literature. Although established as a standard procedure, G-CSF application to allogeneic donors will always be a very delicate procedure and requires the utmost commitment of all staff involved to ensure maximum donor safety.
Cognitive Psychosocial Intervention in Dementia: A Systematic Review
Authors: Carrion Carme , Aymerich Marta , Baillés Eva , López-Bermejo Abel
Published: September 2013

Background: The evolution of dementia depends on the underlying pathology, early diagnosis and the availability of effective treatment for some of the symptoms that interfere with the patients' or caregivers' quality of life. Even though there is no specific treatment to reverse dementia, some interventions such as reality orientation and skills training can retard cognitive impairment. Aim: To review existing scientific evidence regarding the efficacy of therapies included in the category of cognition-oriented approaches for people suffering from dementia. Methods: Papers were retrieved from several bibliographic databases (last publication date: 2009) with pre-specified selection criteria, data extraction and methodological quality assessment. Results: Nine reality orientation and 8 skills training trials were identified as meeting the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: Stimulation of cognitive functions, especially by means of reality orientation, improves overall cognitive function in patients suffering from dementia.
Successful Mobilization, Intra-Apheresis Recruitment, and Harvest of Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells by Addition of Plerixafor and Subsequent Large-Volume Leukapheresis
Authors: Humpe Andreas , Buwitt-Beckmann Ute , Schub Natalie , Gramatzki Martin , Günther Andreas
Published: September 2013

Background: In patients failing successful conventional mobilization of hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) plerixafor (Mozobil®) seems to be an alternative. We report a series of 14 patients with multiple myeloma or NHL successfully mobilized and harvested by plerixafor together with large-volume leukaphereses (LVL). Methods: In a first series (GI), 5 patients were mobilized with G-CSF and plerixafor. In the second series (GII), 9 patients were mobilized by chemotherapy, G-CSF, and plerixafor. Results: In GI and GII, addition of plerixafor led to a significant (p < 0.01) increase of leukocytes and CD34+ cells in peripheral blood (PB). In GII, the median number of CD34+ cells in PB before and after addition of plerixafor was significantly (p = 0.019) higher compared to GI (9 vs. 5 and 50 vs. 24 cells/µl, respectively). In GI and GII, a median number of three or one aphereses was performed. In GII, the median yield (6.7 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg) of the first apheresis and the median intra-apheresis recruitment of CD34+ cells were significantly (p < 0.05) higher compared to GI (2.94 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg). All patients transplanted, 5 in GI and 8 in GII, exhibited successful engraftment. Conclusions: Plerixafor and G-CSF mobilization or the addition of plerixafor during non-optimal chemotherapy and G-CSF mobilization together with LVL enabled, independent of leukocyte count and even without detectable CD34+ cells before addition of plerixafor, sufficient harvest of HPC numbers for transplantation. Addition of plerixafor during chemotherapy and G-CSF mobilization led to an increased intra-apheresis recruitment and a significantly higher yield of CD34+ cells compared to plerixafor and G-CSF steady-state mobilized patients.
Use of Prolactin Receptor Antagonist to Better Understand Prolactin Regulation of Pituitary Homeostasis
Authors: Ferraris Jimena , Bernichtein Sophie , Pisera Daniel , Goffin Vincent
Published: September 2013

The anterior pituitary is permanently regulated by processes of apoptosis and proliferation in order to maintain tissue homeostasis. Several factors have been implicated in this regulation and lately, prolactin (PRL) has been included into that list. However, since PRL is secreted by anterior pituitary lactotropes, the actual outcome of its autocrine/paracrine actions on pituitary cells has remained difficult to assess. The availability of the pure PRL receptor antagonist Del1-9-G129R-hPRL has been helpful to circumvent this problem. While PRL has been traditionally associated with increased cell proliferation, recent studies revealed that this hormone actually induces apoptosis and decreases proliferation of anterior pituitary cells, by mechanisms involving the PRL receptor. The aim of this short review is to overview our current understanding of the regulation of pituitary homeostasis by PRL. Moreover, studies involving Del1-9-G129R-hPRL have helped anticipate to what extent future treatments involving PRL receptor inhibitors may interfere with processes regulated by PRL at the central level.
Growing Evidence about the Relationship between Vessel Dissection and Scuba Diving
Authors: Brajkovic Simona , Riboldi Giulietta , Govoni Alessandra , Corti Stefania , Bresolin Nereo , Comi Giacomo Pietro
Published: September 2013

Carotid and vertebral artery dissection are relatively frequent and risky conditions. In the last decade, different patients with extracranial (and in 1 case also intracranial) dissections associated with the practice of scuba diving were reported. The connection between the two conditions has not been fully explained so far. In the present article, we report the case of a patient presenting with Claude Bernard-Horner syndrome and homolateral XII cranial nerve palsy, manifesting a few days after diving in the cold water of a lake. The patient ended up having internal carotid artery dissection associated with the formation of a pseudoaneurysm. Here, we offer a summary of all cases reported in the literature about scuba diving and arterial dissection, and provide a critical discussion about which scuba diving-related factors can trigger the dissection of cervical vessels.
Complete Response to Trastuzumab-Based Chemotherapy in a Patient with Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2-Positive Metastatic Salivary Duct Carcinoma ex Pleomorphic Adenoma
Authors: Kadowaki Shigenori , Yatabe Yasushi , Hirakawa Hitoshi , Komori Azusa , Kondoh Chihiro , Hasegawa Yasuhisa , Muro Kei
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA) of the salivary glands has often a salivary duct carcinoma (SDC) component, which resembles ductal carcinoma of the breast and frequently overexpresses human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). We report a case of metastatic CXPA with SDC component who was treated with trastuzumab-based chemotherapy and has had a durable complete response. Case Report: A 74-year-old man was diagnosed with CXPA of the right parotid gland. The resected tumor was histologically diagnosed as CXPA with a predominant SDC component that showed strong positivity for HER2 protein and HER2 gene amplification. Multiple pulmonary metastatic lesions were detected after surgery, and combination chemotherapy with paclitaxel and trastuzumab was initiated. A complete response was confirmed after 7 treatment cycles, and no evidence of disease progression has been observed after 13 months of initiation of therapy. Conclusions: This report suggests a potential utility of trastuzumab-based chemotherapy for HER2-positive CXPA.
A Role for Neurokinin B in Pulsatile GnRH Secretion in the Ewe
Authors: Goodman Robert L. , Coolen Lique M. , Lehman Michael N.
Published: September 2013

The recent description of infertility in humans with loss-of-function mutations in genes for neurokinin B (NKB) or its receptor (NK3R) has focused attention on the importance of this tachykinin in the control of GnRH secretion. In a number of species, NKB neurons in the arcuate nucleus also produce two other neuropeptides implicated in the control of GnRH secretion: (1) kisspeptin, which is also essential for fertility in humans, and (2) dynorphin, an inhibitory endogenous opioid peptide. A number of characteristics of this neuronal population led to the hypothesis that they may be responsible for driving synchronous release of GnRH during episodic secretion of this hormone, and there is now considerable evidence to support this hypothesis in sheep and goats. In this article, we briefly review the history of work on the NKB system in sheep and then review the anatomy of NKB signaling in the ewe. We next describe evidence from a number of species that led to development of a model for the role of these neurons in episodic GnRH secretion. Finally, we discuss recent experiments in sheep and goats that tested this hypothesis and led to a modified version of the model, and then broaden our focus to briefly consider the possible roles of NKB in other species and systems.
Barriers and Facilitators to Learning and Performing Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Neighborhoods With Low Bystander Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Prevalence and High Rates of Cardiac Arrest in Columbus, OH
Authors: Sasson Comilla , Haukoos Jason S. , Bond Cindy , Rabe Marilyn , Colbert Susan H. , King Renee , Sayre Michael , Heisler Michele
Published: September 2013

Background—

Residents who live in neighborhoods that are primarily black, Latino, or poor are more likely to have an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, less likely to receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and less likely to survive. No prior studies have been conducted to understand the contributing factors that may decrease the likelihood of residents learning and performing CPR in these neighborhoods. The goal of this study was to identify barriers and facilitators to learning and performing CPR in 3 low-income, high-risk, and predominantly black neighborhoods in Columbus, OH.

Methods and Results—

Community-Based Participatory Research approaches were used to develop and conduct 6 focus groups in conjunction with community partners in 3 target high-risk neighborhoods in Columbus, OH, in January to February 2011. Snowball and purposeful sampling, done by community liaisons, was used to recruit participants. Three reviewers analyzed the data in an iterative process to identify recurrent and unifying themes. Three major barriers to learning CPR were identified and included financial, informational, and motivational factors. Four major barriers were identified for performing CPR and included fear of legal consequences, emotional issues, knowledge, and situational concerns. Participants suggested that family/self-preservation, emotional, and economic factors may serve as potential facilitators in increasing the provision of bystander CPR.

Conclusions—

The financial cost of CPR training, lack of information, and the fear of risking one’s own life must be addressed when designing a community-based CPR educational program. Using data from the community can facilitate improved design and implementation of CPR programs.
The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) Study Protocol
Authors: Woo Daniel , Rosand Jonathan , Kidwell Chelsea , McCauley Jacob L. , Osborne Jennifer , Brown Mark W. , West Sandra E. , Rademacher Eric W. , Waddy Salina , Roberts Jamie N. , Koch Sebastian , Gonzales Nicole R. , Sung Gene , Kittner Steven J. , Birnbaum Lee , Frankel Michael , Testai Fernando Daniel , Hall Christiana E. , Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Flaherty Matthew , Coull Bruce , Chong Ji Y. , Warwick Tanya , Malkoff Marc , James Michael L. , Ali Latisha K. , Worrall Bradford B. , Jones Floyd , Watson Tiffany , Leonard Anne , Martinez Rebecca , Sacco Ralph I. , Langefeld Carl D.
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—

Epidemiological studies of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) have consistently demonstrated variation in incidence, location, age at presentation, and outcomes among non-Hispanic white, black, and Hispanic populations. We report here the design and methods for this large, prospective, multi-center case–control study of ICH.

Methods—

The Ethnic/Racial Variations of Intracerebral Hemorrhage (ERICH) study is a multi-center, prospective case–control study of ICH. Cases are identified by hot-pursuit and enrolled using standard phenotype and risk factor information and include neuroimaging and blood sample collection. Controls are centrally identified by random digit dialing to match cases by age (±5 years), race, ethnicity, sex, and metropolitan region.

Results—

As of March 22, 2013, 1655 cases of ICH had been recruited into the study, which is 101.5% of the target for that date, and 851 controls had been recruited, which is 67.2% of the target for that date (1267 controls) for a total of 2506 subjects, which is 86.5% of the target for that date (2897 subjects). Of the 1655 cases enrolled, 1640 cases had the case interview entered into the database, of which 628 (38%) were non-Hispanic black, 458 (28%) were non-Hispanic white, and 554 (34%) were Hispanic. Of the 1197 cases with imaging submitted, 876 (73.2%) had a 24 hour follow-up CT available. In addition to CT imaging, 607 cases have had MRI evaluation.

Conclusions—

The ERICH study is a large, case–control study of ICH with particular emphasis on recruitment of minority populations for the identification of genetic and epidemiological risk factors for ICH and outcomes after ICH.
Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients Transferred to a Regional Comprehensive Stroke Center for Tertiary Care
Authors: Ali Syed F. , Singhal Aneesh B. , Viswanathan Anand , Rost Natalia S. , Schwamm Lee H.
Published: September 2013

Background and Purpose—

Many patients are transferred to comprehensive stroke centers for advanced acute ischemic stroke care, especially after intravenous tissue plasminogen activator. We sought to determine differences in the baseline characteristics and outcomes between patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting directly to our academic stroke center’s front door versus transfers-in from another acute care hospital.

Methods—

Using our institutional Get With The Guidelines (GWTG)-Stroke registry, we analyzed all 3660 consecutively admitted patients with acute ischemic stroke (January 2005–June 2012). Univariate and multivariable models explored differences in front door versus transfer-in patients.

Results—

Fifty percent of all patients with acute ischemic stroke were transfer-in. Compared with front door patients, transfer-in were younger (67±16 versus 71±15 years;
P
<0.001), had worse median initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (7.0 versus 4.0;
P
<0.001), more often had limb weakness (35% versus 27%;
P
<0.001) or aphasia (16% versus 11%;
P
<0.001), and received intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (29% versus 13%;
P
<0.001). Despite a trend toward higher in-hospital mortality in transfer-in patients, the difference was not statistically significant (13% versus 11%;
P
=0.08) between the 2 groups. Transfer-in patients had a longer hospital length of stay (5 versus 4 days;
P
<0.001) and were more often discharged to inpatient rehabilitation (48% versus 34%;
P
<0.001). Independent predictors of in-hospital mortality were increasing age (odds ratio [OR], 1.38 per decade [1.23–1.55];
P
<0.001), atrial fibrillation (OR, 1.47 [1.12–1.93];
P
=0.006), coronary artery disease (OR, 2.02 [1.53–2.67];
P
<0.001), and initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (OR, 1.20 per point [1.18–1.23];
P
<0.001). Transfer status was not independently associated with in-hospital mortality (OR, 0.99 [0.76–1.29];
P
=0.928).

Conclusions—

Despite having more severe strokes on arrival at our hospital, transfer-in patients had similar in-hospital mortality versus front door patients and were more likely to be discharged to rehabilitation. These outcomes lend support to the concept of regionalized stroke care and concentrating patients who are more disabled at more advanced stroke care centers.
Knowledge and Attitudes of European Kosher Consumers as Revealed through Focus Groups
Authors: Bergeaud-Blackler Florence , Zivotofsky Ari Z. , Miele Mara
Published: September 2013

Abstract

There is a very small, yet important minority within the community of European Union kosher consumers. There is a great deal of research regarding objective aspects of the kosher religious as well as civil laws and their implementation, but comparatively little research about the subjective attitudes, opinions, and concerns of those who actually purchase and consume kosher food. Such information can be important for a variety of interested parties including suppliers, distributors, regulatory agencies, legislators, and certifying agencies as well as religious authorities. We collected relevant data by organizing hour-long Focus Groups (FG) in five European cities and a suburb of Tel Aviv. The FG addressed consumer attitudes related to shopping practices, commitment, trust, and certification as well as their knowledge and opinions regarding nonhuman animal welfare as it relates to shechita (kosher slaughter) and knowledge of the issue of stunning animals at the time of killing. One of the significant findings was a high level of secularization among Jews that translates to a low level of commitment to eating kosher. But this was accompanied by assertions that eating kosher was an important religious obligation and complaints of low availability and high cost. There was a strong feeling, even among those less committed to eating kosher, that shechita was the preferred method of slaughtering an animal (more animal friendly) and a strong suspicion of anti-Semitism as a motivation for any attempt to impose a stunning obligation.
Reproductive stages of the Ponto-Caspian amphipod, Pontogammarus maeoticus (Sowinsky, 1894) (Amphipoda, Pontogammaridae)
Authors: Nazarhaghighi F. , Shabanipour N. , Zarghami M. , Etemadi-Deylami E.
Published: September 2013

The series of reproductive events in various species of Gammaridae can be described as precopula, copula, egg deposition and fertilization, hatching of the newborn, and the presence of young individuals. The stages of Pontogammarus maeoticus were explored in the laboratory. Amphipod samples were collected on the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea (Jefrood Beach). The animals were transferred to the laboratory along with sediment from their habitat. The samples were maintained under controlled laboratory conditions at a temperature of 25 ± 1°C, a salinity of 9 ± 0.5‰ and in a 12 : 12 h light/dark regime for about six weeks. In this study, we examined the species’ reproductive sequence. The average time spent in the precopula stage was approx. 2.6 ± 0.91 days and embryonic development took about 8.5 ± 1.1 days. Fecundity was estimated as the number of fertilized eggs existing in the brood pouch of each female (average 14.12). The average length of females was recorded as 12.21 mm. The first precopula was observed about 40 days after hatching. The species has a relatively short reproductive cycle and the generations are able to reproduce after a short period (about 40 days). Hence, this species seems to be a good choice for potential use in aquaculture.
A new stygobiotic species of Diacyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Copepoda, Cyclopidae) from caves in New Mexico, United States
Authors: Suárez-Morales Eduardo , Mercado-Salas Nancy F. , Barlow Rachel
Published: September 2013

A new species of the freshwater cyclopine copepod genus Diacyclops is described from a North American cave system in SE New Mexico, U.S.A. The new species, D. nikolasarburni n. sp., differs from its congeners by its having of a unique combination of characters including: 17-segmented antennules, three-segmented rami in legs 1-4, a basic 2333 spinal formula with a highly variable pattern, naked inner margin of caudal rami, but dorsal surface with spinules, subequal terminal spines of leg 4 endopod, and inner spine of fifth leg about as long as bearing segment. This species has also a variable length/width ratio of the caudal ramus (4.6-6.0, average 5.0); the lateral caudal seta is inserted on the distal one-quarter of ramus. The 2333 spinal formula was dominant (55%) in the population but other patterns were also present. The new species belongs to Group 1 species of Diacyclops (sensu Reid & Strayer, 1994). The local population of this stygobiotic species probably resulted from radiation-stranding processes of epigean forms of widely distributed Diacyclops and is probably endemic to this cave system.
Pinellia hunanensis (Araceae), a new species supported by morphometric analysis and DNA barcoding
Authors: Newmaster Steven G , LIU YU-JING , WU XIAN-JIN , LIU YUE , Ragupathy Subramanyam , MOTLEY TIMOTHY , LONG CHUN-LIN
Published: September 2013

Pinellia hunanensis, a new species from China, is described and illustrated. A key for the identification of all Pinellia species in China, Korea and Japan is included. A detrended correspondence analysis identified 6 groups of taxa including the new species. From the 20 samples, analyzing 38 morphological characters. A discriminant function analysis was used to rigorously test the classification of specimens provided in the cluster analysis. DNA barcoding provided phylogenetic support using NJ and Bayesian methods to distinguish all six taxa including the putative new species. This study provides preliminary evidence of morphometric variation within and among species of Pinellia, which allows further development of hypothesis concerning species boundaries. Discussions concerning medicinal product substitution within the genus Pinellia are presented in the context of conservation initiatives of species in China.
A new species of Renealmia (Zingiberaceae) from Colombia
Authors: OSPINA JUAN C. , POZNER RAÚL E.
Published: September 2013

Renealmia elianae (Zingiberaceae), a new species from the Central Andes of Colombia is described and illustrated. Renealmia elianae is morphologically close to R. puberula, differing by the inflorescence position, corolla size, labellum texture, surface and color, and size of the epigynous glands.
Correction to Phytotaxa 61: A synopsis of the species of Cyathea (Cyatheaceae-Polypodiopsida) with pinnate to pinnate-pinnatifid fronds
Authors: Lehnert Marcus
Published: September 2013

After the publication of the synopsis of simply pinnate species of Cyathea (Lehnert 2012), it was brought to my attention that I erroneously used Hemitelia munita Kuhn (1869: 162) as basionym for a variety in Cyathea grandifolia Willdenow (1810: 490) while there already was a validly published varietal name available that takes priority within that rank
A new shrub frog in the genus Platymantis (Ceratobatrachidae) from the Nakanai Mountains of eastern New Britain Island, Bismarck Archipelago
Authors: BROWN RAFE M. , RICHARDS STEPHEN J. , Broadhead Taylor S.
Published: September 2013

We describe a new species of high elevation rainforest shrub frog (genus Platymantis) from the Nakanai Mountains of eastern New Britain (Bismarck Archipelago), Papua New Guinea.  The distinctive new species possesses a moderate body size (29.5–32.2 mm in four males), widely expanded finger and toe disks, smooth to slightly granular dorsal skin, low but distinctly protuberant supraocular and tarsal tubercles, a conspicuous series of bright yellow flank areolations, a low but distinct intraocular sagittal crest, bronze-brown iris, and a unique advertisement call.  We compare the new species with congeneric New Britain taxa and to other phenotypically similar species from the Solomon-Bismarck-Admiralty archipelagos. The new species is phenotypically most similar to P. macrosceles Zweifel 1975, and has been collected at only one high elevation site (Tompoi Camp).  The available data suggest that the new species, known from 1700 m, is elevationally segregated from P. macroscles (to date, only recorded from 800–900 m in the Nakanai Mountains).  New Britain Island has emerged as a major center of endemic ceratobatrachid species diversity. Additional species are anticipated to result from ongoing field work, especially in the western portion of the island, which remains largely unexplored.
Feather mites of the genus Zachvatkinia Dubinin, 1949 (Astigmata: Analgoidea: Avenzoariidae) from Saudi Arabia: A new species and two new records
Authors: NEGM MOHAMED W. , NASSER MOHAMED G.E.-D. , ALATAWI FAHAD J. , AHMAD AZZAM M.AL , SHOBRAK MOHAMMED
Published: September 2013

Feather mites of the family Avenzoariidae (Acari: Astigmata: Analgoidea) are recorded for the first time in Saudi Arabia. A new avenzoariid species, Zachvatkinia (Zachvatkinia) repressae sp. n. (Avenzoariidae: Bonnetellinae), is described from the White-cheeked Tern, Sterna repressa Hartert, 1916 (Charadriiformes: Sternidae). The new species belongs to the sternae group and is closely related to Z. (Z.) chlidoniae Mironov, 1989a. Two more species, Z. (Z.) dromae Mironov, 1992 and Z. (Z.) sternae (Canestrini & Fanzago, 1876), were collected from the Crab Plover Dromas ardeola Paykull, 1805 (Charadriiformes: Dromadidae) and the Sooty Gull Ichthyaetus hemprichii (Bruch, 1853) (Charadriiformes: Laridae), respectively. Among the 18 described species of Zachvatkinia Dubinin, 1949, including the new species, this is the fifth species recorded from a sternid host. The remaining 13 nominal species are associated with birds of the families Diomedeidae, Dromadidae, Hydrobatidae, Laridae, Pelecanoididae, Procellariidae and Stercorariidae. A checklist of world species of Zachvatkinia with data on their distribution and type hosts is also provided.
A new species of Kaloula (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae)
from southern Guangxi, China
Authors: MO YUNMING , ZHANG WEI , ZHOU SHICHU , CHEN TIANBO , TANG HUAXING , MENG YUANJUN , CHEN WEICAI
Published: September 2013

A new species of narrow-mouthed frog of Kaloula is described in the Nonggang National Nature Reserve, Sino-Vietnamese border region of southern China. Kaloula nonggangensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium size (SVL 41.4–52.7 mm in 18 adult males, 52.2 mm in 1 female); smooth or slightly rough olive dorsum with irregular dark-green marks and brown spots; tips of the fingers widely dilated and truncated; males with nearly fully webbed toes; males with two side protuberant osseous tubercles on the upper surface of the tips of fingers and chest beige with small lemon-colored spots. K. nonggangensis sp. nov. is found in habitats ranging from cultivated fields adjacent to the forest to primary evergreen forest in karst habitats. Based upon a 16S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene fragment, K. nonggangensis sp. nov. is embedded within the K. verrucosa group (including K. borealis, K. rugifera and K. verrucosa), and displays a low genetic distance to these species (< 3%). Considering the distinct morphology and karyotype we nevertheless suggest a status as separate species for these allopatrically distributed lineages.
The identity of Cancer thunborgii Euphrasén, 1795, a senior synonym of Cronius ruber (Lamarck, 1818) (Crustacea: Brachyura: Portunidae)
Authors: Ng Peter K.L. , NYBERG GUDRUN
Published: September 2013

One of the most poorly known books on natural history was a volume by Bengt Andersson Euphrasén in 1795 that gave an account of the fauna of Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean Lesser Antilles (ca. 17°53′52.47″N 62°51′2.0″W). The only taxon he reported that has been recognized as an original description is a plant, Iresine angustifolia (Euphrasén, 1795) (family Amaranthaceae), and this only happened because the species was highlighted by Swedish botanist Johan Wikström in the early 1800s. The zoology in Euphrasén’s book has not been considered by most workers. Euphrasén had hoped that the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences would publish his manuscript, but well-known Swedish naturalist Anders Sparrman, who was a disciple of Carolus Linnaeus and the keeper of the natural history collections in the academy (see Broberg et al. 2012), advised against it, stating that a description of Cancer was the only thing new in it (and without any illustration as well) (Nyberg 2013). Clearly, Sparrman was wrong about Iresine angustifolia, as well as a few other species (Nyberg 2013). There are in any case, over 200 plants and 111 animals listed in his book. Euphrasén eventually had the book printed by a private publisher in 1795, a year before he died in misery (Nyberg 2013). In general, Euphrasén's (1795) book is only mentioned in passing or with some passages quoted in history books on Saint Barthélemy, or St. Barth, as a Swedish colony. Few people have seen Euphrasén’s book and still fewer have read it. A German translation was printed in 1798, but has remained as neglected as the original.
Advertisement and aggressive calls of Ischnocnema oea (Heyer, 1984) (Anura, Brachycephalidae)
Authors: HEPP FABIO , CANEDO CLARISSA
Published: September 2013

Ischnocnema oea (Heyer, 1984) is one of the 10 species recognized within the I. guentheri series (Canedo & Haddad 2012). Within this series, the advertisement call is known for: I. gualtheri (Heyer 1984); I. guentheri (Heyer 1984, Heyer 1990, Kwet & Solé 2005, and Gehara et al. 2013); I. henselii (Kwet & Solé 2005, and Gehara et al. 2013); I. izecksohni (Taucce et al. 2012); and I. nasuta (Heyer 1984). The aggressive call is known for I. guentheri and I. henselii (Kwet & Solé 2005). Here, we provide the first description of the advertisement and aggressive calls of I. oea.
Self-parody in Pasolini’s La ricotta and Appunti per un’Orestiade africana
Authors: Syrimis Michael
Published: September 2013

This article explores the practice of self-parody in Pier Paolo Pasolini’s films La ricotta (1963) and Appunti per un’Orestiade africana (1970). A rarely addressed aspect of Pasolini’s work, self-parody challenges the reverential view of Pasolini as one of Italy’s most influential artists. It refers not merely to self-mockery but to the filmmaker’s wish to perplex the viewer by proposing competing ideological standpoints. The viewer is encouraged to distrust Pasolini’s discourse but also to re-examine his/her own ideological investment in the work and engage in a process of self-reflection. In La ricotta, Orson Welles’s role as a film director who is making a film about Christ’s Passion provides a caricature of Pasolini’s auteur status. Appunti is a documentary-like film on Africa the aestheticism of which Pasolini subjects to criticism through the interplay of diverse formal elements. As two films that deviate from the feature-length narrative structure that predominates in Pasolini’s cinema, La ricotta and Appunti allow the filmmaker the flexibility to experiment with specific elements of film form – parallel editing, color or black and white, standard speed or fast-motion, staged or documentary footage, and a rupture between sound and image – toward the articulation of his competing voices.
Racial-Ethnic Disparities in Maternal Parenting Stress
Authors: Nomaguchi Kei , House Amanda N.
Published: September 2013

Although researchers contend that racial-ethnic minorities experience more stress than whites, knowledge of racial-ethnic disparities in parenting stress is limited. Using a pooled time-series analysis of data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 1998–99 ( n = 11,324), we examine racial-ethnic differences in maternal parenting stress, with a focus on structural and cultural explanations and variations by nativity and child age. In kindergarten, black mothers, albeit U.S.-born only, report more parenting stress than white mothers due to structural disadvantages and authoritarian parenting values. The black-white gap increases from kindergarten to third grade, and in third grade, U.S.-born black mothers’ higher stress than white mothers’ persists after controlling for structural and parenting factors. Hispanic and Asian mothers, albeit foreign-born only, report more stress than white mothers at both ages due to structural disadvantages and authoritarian values. Despite structural disadvantages, American Indian mothers report less stress.
Identity Expression and Bedroom Personalization by Urban Adolescents in Botswana
Authors: Fidzani Lily C. , Read Marilyn A.
Published: September 2013

Identity expression through the design of urban adolescents’ bedrooms in Gaborone, Botswana, was the focus of this qualitative study. Interviews were conducted to determine the manner in which decorative and personal items played a role in identity exploration and expression. The findings indicated a clear interplay between personalization and identity formation for adolescents. Identities expressed through personalization of bedrooms were private self, gender identity, age identity, family/social identity, and relationships; past, present, and future roles/identities; and religious identity. In addition to these, boys clearly expressed sport identity, self-image, creative self, and achievements through their bedroom personalization. A model is presented that illustrates the interplay between personalization and identity formation.
Children With Central and Peripheral Neurologic Disorders Have Distinguishable Patterns of Dysphagia on Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study
Authors: van den Engel-Hoek Lenie , Erasmus Corrie E. , van Hulst Karen C. M. , Arvedson Joan C. , de Groot Imelda J. M. , de Swart Bert J. M.
Published: September 2013

To determine whether findings on videofluoroscopic swallow studies reveal different patterns of dysphagia between children with central and peripheral neurologic disorders, a retrospective study of 118 videofluoroscopic swallow studies was completed. There were 3 groups: cerebral palsy with only spastic features (n = 53), cerebral palsy with dyskinetic features (n = 34), and neuromuscular disorders (myotonic dystrophy I, n = 5; spinal muscular atrophy I-II, n = 8; Duchenne muscular dystrophy, n = 8; other neuromuscular disorder, n = 10). Interpretation of the videofluoroscopic swallow studies was not blinded. The video fluoroscopic swallow study findings were compared dichotomously between the groups. Children with cerebral palsy demonstrated dysphagia in 1 or all phases of swallowing. In neuromuscular disorder, muscle weakness results in pharyngeal residue after swallow. The underlying swallowing problem in neuromuscular disorder is muscle weakness whereas that in cerebral palsy is more complex, having to do with abnormal control of swallowing. This study serves as a first exploration on specific characteristics of swallowing in different neurologic conditions and will help clinicians anticipate what they might expect.
Using the F-Word
Authors: Brown Grace , Western Deborah , Pascal Janice
Published: September 2013

This article reports on the ways in which feminism has led to and influenced the unfolding of our three separate doctoral research journeys. In writing about this choice, we suggest that the epistemology of feminism is compatible with qualitative methods, as well as with the social work discipline, within which we all practice. The article reports on the impact of feminism on this journey from the perspective of three different stages of doctoral research, beginning, middle, and ending.
Talking to Children Matters
Authors: Weisleder Adriana , Fernald Anne
Published: September 2013

Infants differ substantially in their rates of language growth, and slow growth predicts later academic difficulties. In this study, we explored how the amount of speech directed to infants in Spanish-speaking families low in socioeconomic status influenced the development of children’s skill in real-time language processing and vocabulary learning. All-day recordings of parent-infant interactions at home revealed striking variability among families in how much speech caregivers addressed to their child. Infants who experienced more child-directed speech became more efficient in processing familiar words in real time and had larger expressive vocabularies by the age of 24 months, although speech simply overheard by the child was unrelated to vocabulary outcomes. Mediation analyses showed that the effect of child-directed speech on expressive vocabulary was explained by infants’ language-processing efficiency, which suggests that richer language experience strengthens processing skills that facilitate language growth.
Pulse width modulation–based temperature tracking for feedback control of a shape memory alloy actuator
Authors: Ayvali Elif , Desai Jaydev P
Published: September 2013

This study presents a temperature-feedback approach to control the radius of curvature of an arc-shaped shape memory alloy wire. The nonlinear properties of the shape memory alloy such as phase transformation and its dependence on temperature and stress make shape memory alloy actuators difficult to control. Tracking a desired trajectory is more challenging than controlling just the position of the shape memory alloy actuator since the desired path is continuously changing. Consequently, tracking the desired strain directly or tracking the parameters such as temperature and electrical resistance that are related to strain with a model is a challenging task. Temperature-feedback is an attractive approach when direct measurement of strain is not practical. Pulse width modulation is an effective method for shape memory alloy actuation, and it can be used along with a compensator to control the temperature of the shape memory alloy. Using the constitutive model of the shape memory alloy, the desired temperature profile can be obtained for a given strain trajectory. A pulse width modulation–based nonlinear proportional–integral–derivative controller with a feed-forward heat transfer model is proposed to use temperature-feedback for tracking a desired temperature trajectory. The proposed controller is used during the heating phase of the shape memory alloy actuator. The controller proves to be effective in tracking stepwise and continuous trajectories.