bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of a Stability Indicating RP-UPLC Method for Analysis of Imipramine Hydrochloride in Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Deepakumari H. N. , Vinay K. B. , Revanasiddappa H. D.
Published: August 2013

The objective of the current study was the development of a simple, rapid, and accurate isocratic reverse-phase ultra-performance liquid chromatographic (RP-UPLC) method for the routine control analysis of imipramine hydrochloride (IMH) in bulk drug and in pharmaceutical formulations. This work was carried out in order to reduce analysis time and maintaining good efficiency which in turn is focused on high-speed chromatographic separations. The method was developed using Waters Acquity BEH C18 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) with mobile phase consisting of a mixture of acetonitrile and ammonium acetate buffer of pH-5 (80 : 20, v/v/v). UV detection was performed at 220 nm for eluted compound. An excellent linearity was observed in the concentration range 0.2–3 µg/mL IMH with a regression coefficient () value of 0.9999. The method developed was validated and forced degradation was performed as per ICH guidelines. The limit of detection () was 0.2532 ng/mL and the limit of quantitation () was found to be 0.7672 ng/mL. The drug IMH was subjected to hydrolytic, acidic, basic, thermal, photolytic, and oxidative stress conditions according to ICH regulations. IMH was found to be stable in basic, thermal, and photolytic conditions and degrades in acidic, hydrolytic, and oxidative stress conditions.
Dual Differentiation-Exogenous Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy for Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Repair in a Murine Hemisection Model
Authors: Liu Hai , Schwarz Edward M. , Xie Chao
Published: August 2013

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) transplantation has shown tremendous promise as a therapy for repair of various tissues of the musculoskeletal, vascular, and central nervous systems. Based on this success, recent research in this field has focused on complex tissue damage, such as that which occurs from traumatic spinal cord injury (TSCI). As the critical event for successful exogenous, MSC therapy is their migration to the injury site, which allows for their anti-inflammatory and morphogenic effects on fracture healing, neuronal regeneration, and functional recover. Thus, there is a need for a cost-effective in vivo model that can faithfully recapitulate the salient features of the injury, therapy, and recovery. To address this, we review the recent advances in exogenous MSC therapy for TSCI and traumatic vertebral fracture repair and the existing challenges regarding their translational applications. We also describe a novel murine model designed to take advantage of multidisciplinary collaborations between musculoskeletal and neuroscience researchers, which is needed to establish an efficacious MSC therapy for TSCI.
Long-Term Regeneration and Functional Recovery of a 15 mm Critical Nerve Gap Bridged byTremella fuciformisPolysaccharide-Immobilized Polylactide Conduits
Authors: Hsu Shan-hui , Chan Shan-Ho , Weng Chih-tsung , Yang Shu-Hui , Jiang Ching-Fen
Published: August 2013

Novel peripheral nerve conduits containing the negatively chargedTremella fuciformispolysaccharide (TF) were prepared, and their efficacy in bridging a critical nerve gap was evaluated. The conduits were made of poly(D,L-lactide) (PLA) with asymmetric microporous structure. TF was immobilized on the lumen surface of the nerve conduits after open air plasma activation. The TF-modified surface was characterized by the attenuated total reflection Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopy and the scanning electron microscopy. TF modification was found to enhance the neurotrophic gene expression of C6 glioma cells in vitro. TF-modified PLA nerve conduits were tested for their ability to bridge a 15 mm gap of rat sciatic nerve. Nerve regeneration was monitored by the magnetic resonance imaging. Results showed that TF immobilization promoted the nerve connection in 6 weeks. The functional recovery in animals receiving TF-immobilized conduits was greater than in those receiving the bare conduits during an 8-month period. The degree of functional recovery reached ~90% after 8 months in the group of TF-immobilized conduits.
A Comprehensive Study on Gamma-Ray Exposure Build-Up Factors and Fast Neutron Removal Cross Sections of Fly-Ash Bricks
Authors: Singh Vishwanath P. , Badiger N. M.
Published: August 2013

Geometric progression (GP) method was utilized to investigate gamma-ray exposure build-up factors of fly-ash bricks for energies from 0.015 to 15 MeV up to 40 mfp penetration depth. The EBFs of the fly-ash bricks are dependent upon the photon energy, penetration depths, and the chemical compositions of the elements. Appreciable variations in exposure build-up factor (EBF) are noted for the fly-ash bricks. The EBFs were found to be small in low and high photon energy regions whereas very large in medium energy region. EBF of the bricks is inversely proportional to equivalent atomic number below 10 mfp for entire energy region of interest 0.015 to 15 MeV. The EBFs of fly-ash, brick of mud, and common brick were similar at 1.5 MeV photon energy. The EBF of the fly-ash bricks was found to be higher than that of the brick of mud, and common brick. The fast neutron removal cross sections of the fly-ash bricks, brick of mud, and common bricks were also calculated which were found to be in the same order. It is expected that this study should be very directly useful for shielding effectiveness of fly-ash brick materials and dose estimation.
A Method to Determine Basic Probability Assignment in Context Awareness of a Moving Object
Authors: Suh Donghyok , Yook Juhye
Published: August 2013

Determining basic probability assignment (BPA) is essential in multisensor data fusion by using Fussy Theory or Dempster-Shafer Theory (DST). The study presented a method to determine BPA through sensor data only reported by sensors without depending on preset information data modeled prior to actual events. This was used to determine BPA for multi-sensor data fusion so that a pedestrian, who walked or moved, could recognize a moving object. The method resulted from the study was to evaluate the changes of each sensor measurement as time passed. Each BPA of each focal element was normalized to evaluate the aspects of the changes by time and to meet the basic characteristics of BPA in DST. That is, BPA of each focal element after evaluating sensor data was ranged between 0 and 1, and the total amount of all focal elements was 1. The study showed that a pedestrian could recognize a moving object with the method of determining BPA through multi-sensor data fusion conducted in the study.
Effect ofPerilla frutescensFixed Oil on Experimental Esophagitis in Albino Wistar Rats
Authors: Arya Ekta , Saha Sudipta , Saraf Shubhini A. , Kaithwas Gaurav
Published: August 2013

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the effect ofPerilla frutescensfixed oil on experimental esophagitis in albino rats. A group of rats (n=6), treated with control vehicle (0.9% NaCl in double distilled water, 3 mL/kg, i.p.) andPerilla frutescensfixed oil (100%) (1, 2, and 3 mL/kg, i.p.), or pantoprazole (30 mg/kg, i.p.), were subjected to pylorus and forestomach ligation. Animals were sacrificed after 6 h and evaluated for the gastric pH, volume of gastric juices, total acidity, esophagitis index and free acidity. Esophageal tissues were further subjected to estimations of TBARS, GSH, catalase, and SOD. Treatment with fixed oil significantly inhibited the gastric secretion, total acidity, and esophagitis index. The oil also helped to restore the altered levels of oxidative stress parameters to normal. The present study also makes evident thein vitroantihistaminic and anticholinergic activity of alpha linolenic acid (ALA) (18 : 3,n−3) on isolated rat ileum preparation. The lipoxygenase inhibitory, histamine antagonistic, antisecretory (anticholinergic), and antioxidant activity of the oil was attributed for its efficacy in reflux esophagitis.
Molecular Pathways: Induction of Polyploidy as a Novel Differentiation Therapy for Leukemia
Authors: Krause Diane S. , Crispino John D.
Published: August 2013

Differentiation therapy has emerged as a powerful way to target specific hematologic malignancies. One of the best examples is the use of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), which has significantly improved the outcome for patients with this specific form of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In considering how differentiation therapy could be used in other forms of AML, we predicted that compounds that induce terminal differentiation of megakaryocytes would be effective therapies for the megakaryocytic form of AML, named acute megakaryocytic leukemia (AMKL). We also speculated that such agents would reduce the burden of abnormal hematopoietic cells in primary myelofibrosis and alter the differentiation of megakaryocytes in myelodysplastic syndromes. Using a high-throughput chemical screening approach, we identified small molecules that promoted many features of terminal megakaryocyte differentiation, including the induction of polyploidization, the process by which cells accumulate DNA to 32N or greater. As the induction of polyploidization is an irreversible process, cells that enter this form of the cell cycle do not divide again. Thus, this would be an effective way to reduce the tumor burden. Clinical studies with polyploidy inducers, such as aurora kinase A inhibitors, are under way for a wide variety of malignancies, whereas trials specifically for AMKL and PMF are in development. This novel form of differentiation therapy may be clinically available in the not-too-distant future. Clin Cancer Res; 19(22); 6084–8. ©2013 AACR.
Combining Erlotinib and Cetuximab Is Associated with Activity in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (Including Squamous Cell Carcinomas) and Wild-TypeEGFRor Resistant Mutations
Authors: Wheler Jennifer J. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Falchook Gerald S. , Zinner Ralph G. , Hong David S. , Fok Jansina Y. , Fu Siqing , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Naing Aung , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: August 2013

Preclinical data suggest that combined EGF receptor (EGFR) targeting with an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor and an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody may be superior over single-agent targeting. Therefore, as part of a phase I study, we analyzed the outcome of 20 patients with non–small cell lung cancer treated with the combination of erlotinib and cetuximab. EGFR mutation status was ascertained in a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment–approved laboratory. There were 10 men; median number of prior therapies was five. Overall, two of 20 patients (10%) achieved partial response (PR), one of whom had a TKI-resistant EGFR insertion in exon 20, time to treatment failure (TTF) = 24+ months, and the other patient had squamous cell histology (EGFR wild-type), TTF = 7.4 months. In addition, three of 20 patients (15%) achieved stable disease (SD) ≥6 six months (one of whom had wild-type EGFR and squamous cell histology, and two patients had an EGFR TKI-sensitive mutation, one of whom had failed prior erlotinib therapy). Combination therapy with ertotinib plus cetuximab was well tolerated. The most common toxicities were rash, diarrhea, and hypomagnesemia. The recommended phase II dose was erlotinib 150 mg oral daily and cetuximab 250 mg/m2 i.v. weekly. In summary, erlotinib and cetuximab treatment was associated with SD ≥ six months/PR in five of 20 patients with non–small cell lung cancer (25%), including individuals with squamous histology, TKI-resistant EGFR mutations, and wild-type EGFR, and those who had progressed on prior erlotinib after an initial response. This combination warrants further study in select populations of non–small cell lung cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(10); 2167–75. ©2013 AACR.
Reduced Aflatoxin Exposure Presages Decline in Liver Cancer Mortality in an Endemic Region of China
Authors: Chen Jian-Guo , Egner Patricia A. , Ng Derek , Jacobson Lisa P. , Muñoz Alvaro , Zhu Yuan-Rong , Qian Geng-Sun , Wu Felicia , Yuan Jian-Min , Groopman John D. , Kensler Thomas W.
Published: August 2013

Primary liver cancer (PLC) is the third leading cause of cancer mortality globally. In endemic areas of sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, PLC largely arises from chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and ingestion of aflatoxins. Although synergistic interactions between these two risk factors have been observed in cohort studies in China, here we determined the impact of agricultural reforms in the 1980s leading to diminished maize consumption and implementation of subsidized universal vaccination against HBV in the 2000s on PLC primary prevention. A population-based cancer registry was used to track PLC mortality in Qidong, China and was compared with the timeline of HBV immunization. Randomly selected serum samples from archived cohort collections from the 1980s to present were analyzed for aflatoxin biomarkers. More than 50% reductions in PLC mortality rates occurred across birth cohorts from the 1960s to the 1980s for Qidongese less than 35 years of age although all were born before universal vaccination of newborns. Median levels of the aflatoxin biomarker decreased from 19.3 pg/mg albumin in 1989 to undetectable (<0.5 pg/mg) by 2009. A population attributable benefit of 65% for reduced PLC mortality was estimated from a government-facilitated switch of dietary staple from maize to rice; 83% of this benefit was in those infected with HBV. Food policy reforms in China resulted in a dramatic decrease in aflatoxin exposure, which, independent of HBV vaccination, reduced liver cancer risk. The extensive HBV vaccine coverage now in place augurs even greater risk reductions in the future. Cancer Prev Res; 6(10); 1038–45. ©2013 AACR.
Acral Purpura as Leading Clinical Manifestation of Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Report of Two Adult Cases with a Review of the Literature
Authors: Tu Honggang , Parmentier Laurent , Stieger Marco , Spanou Zoe , Horn Michael , Beltraminelli Helmut , Borradori Luca
Published: August 2013

Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is an autoimmune disease that clinically manifests as pruritic vesicles and papules. The diagnosis of DH is often challenging because of its wide spectrum of clinical presentations. We here report 2 patients with DH in whom finger petechiae represented the initial and leading manifestation of the disease, and the confirmed diagnosis critically relied on immunopathological studies. Therefore, besides the classic causes, clinicians should also consider DH in the differential diagnosis of acral purpura, even in patients only presenting with discrete acral petechial lesions. We also review the recent literature regarding the rare cases of petechiae in adult DH patients.
Influence of Disease Severity on Fatigue in Patients with Parkinson's Disease Is Mainly Mediated by Symptoms of Depression
Authors: van Dijk Jitse P. , Havlikova Eva , Rosenberger Jaroslav , Nagyova Iveta , Skorvanek Matej , Gdovinova Zuzana , Lok Willem , Groothoff Johan W. , Middel Berrie
Published: August 2013

Purpose: Fatigue is a frequent non-motor complaint of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite increasing knowledge on fatigue, the factors leading to its development are still not recognised. The aim of this investigation was to test, using structural equation modelling, the hypothesis that the influence of disease severity on fatigue is mediated by symptoms of depression in patients with PD. Method: The sample consisted of 190 PD patients (93 men, 48.9%, mean age 68.2 ± 9.3 years, mean disease duration 6.4 ± 4.7 years) recruited from hospitals and outpatient clinics in the East Slovakia region. The Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale were used. LISREL was used to analyse the data. Results: Disease severity was directly associated with symptoms of depression (β = 0.26) and directly affected fatigue in terms of increased levels of general fatigue (β = 0.35), physical fatigue (β = 0.22), reduced activity (β = 0.31) and mental fatigue (β = 0.29), but did not directly influence reduced motivation. Symptoms of depression mediated the impact of disease severity on general fatigue (β = 0.25), on reduced activity (β = 0.31) and on mental fatigue (β = 0.28), but not on physical fatigue. Reduced motivation was not mediated, but directly influenced by more symptoms of depression (β = 0.82). Discussion: Since increased symptoms of depression mediate the impact of disease severity on three domains of fatigue in PD patients, disease management should focus on the treatment of PD and symptoms of depression.
Efficient Prevention Strategy against the Development of a Palmar-Plantar Erythrodysesthesia during Chemotherapy
Authors: Lademann Juergen , Martschick Anja , Kluschke Franziska , Richter Heike , Fluhr Joachim W. , Patzelt Alexa , Jung Sora , Chekerov Radoslav , Darvin Maxim E. , Haas Norbert , Sterry Wolfram , Zastrow Leonhard , Sehouli Jalid
Published: August 2013

Background: Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) is a highly efficient chemotherapeutic; however, it induces dermal side effects such as palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia (PPE) in up to 80% of cases, probably by being emitted with the sweat onto the skin surface. Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine whether a topically applied ointment containing antioxidants with a high radical protection factor is able to prevent the formation of PPE. Methods: Twenty patients suffering from ovarian carcinoma and treated with PLD were observed. Results: 60% of the patients tolerated the regular application of the cream and developed no PPE. The remaining 40% interrupted the application. Six of them developed PPE and resumed ointment application thereafter. In these cases the PPE disappeared or was strongly reduced. Conclusion: The results of the observation clearly demonstrate that topical application of the ointment is an efficient strategy against the development of PPE during chemotherapy with PLD.
Fruit and Vegetables: Intake and Sociodemographic Determinants among Portuguese Mothers
Authors: Franchini Bela , Poínhos Rui , Klepp Knut-Inge , Vaz de Almeida Maria Daniel
Published: August 2013

Background: Fruit and vegetable intake is crucial in health promotion and disease prevention. Inadequate intake is found among adult populations worldwide. Aims: To assess fruit and vegetable intake among Portuguese mothers and to examine its association with sociodemographic determinants. Methods: A national cross-sectional survey was performed in Portugal as part of the Pro Children study. Data from self-administrated precoded 24-hour recall and food frequency questionnaires answered by 1,853 mothers of 11- to 13-year-old children were analyzed. Descriptive analysis of the data was followed by logistic regression to assess associations between daily fruit and vegetable intake and sociodemographic determinants. Results: The mean fruit and vegetable intake was 221.2 and 170.0 g/day, respectively. Only 46% of the mothers met the WHO recommendations (≥400 g fruit and vegetables/day). Daily fruit intake was significantly higher among mothers who live with a spouse/partner, and who belong to a higher social class. For vegetables, daily intake was significantly higher among mothers with a higher education and social class. Conclusions: This study shows that the mean intake of fruit and vegetables among Portuguese mothers is far below international recommendations. Effective strategies to promote fruit and vegetable intake are needed, especially for mothers belonging to lower social classes and educational levels.
The Pallium and Mind/Behavior Relationships in Teleost Fishes
Authors: Demski Leo S.
Published: August 2013

Three interrelated pallial areas mediate behaviors reflective of the cognitive and emotional aspects of the teleost mind. The dorsocentral area (Dc) has specific associations with both of the other pallial areas and projects to major lower sensorimotor centers. While Dc generally functions as an output or modulatory component of the pallium, it probably also has integrative features important for certain behaviors. The dorsolateral region (Dl) has dorsal (Dld) and ventral (Dlv) divisions. In association with the dorsal part of Dc, Dld processes visual information via a ‘tectal loop' which is hypertrophied in certain coral reef species. The region also receives afferents related to other modalities. Functionally, Dld resembles the tetrapod sensory neocortex. Anatomical and behavioral data (i.e. involvement in spatial and temporal learning) strongly suggest that Dlv is homologous to the tetrapod hippocampus. The dorsal part of the dorsomedial area (Dmd) processes acoustic, lateral line, gustatory, and multimodal information. It has reciprocal connections with Dld such that the Dmd and Dld together can be considered the teleost nonolfactory ‘sensory pallium'. Behavioral studies indicate that Dmd creates the ‘fear' necessary for defense/escape and avoidance behaviors and controls several components of species-typical sexual and aggressive behavior (responsiveness, behavioral sequencing, and aspects of social cognition). While the functional results generally support the anatomical evidence that Dmd is homologous to the tetrapod amygdala, a case can also be made that Dmd has ‘sensory neocortex-like' features. Understanding the interrelationships of Dl, Dmd, and Dc seems a necessary ‘next step' in the identification of the neural processes responsible for mental experiences such as those of a unified sensory experience (Umwelt) or of feelings of discomfort versus well- being.
Bird Brains and Tool Use: Beyond Instrumental Conditioning
Authors: Striedter Georg F.
Published: August 2013

Few displays of complex cognition are as intriguing as nonhuman tool use. Long thought to be unique to humans, evidence for tool use and manufacture has now been gathered in chimpanzees, dolphins, and elephants. Outside of mammals, tool use is most common in birds, especially in corvids and parrots. The present paper reviews the evidence for avian tool use, both in the wild and in laboratory settings. It also places this behavioral evidence in the context of longstanding debates about the kinds of mental processes nonhumans can perform. Descartes argued that animals are unable to think because they are soulless machines, incapable of flexible behavior. Later, as human machines became more sophisticated and psychologists discovered classical and instrumental conditioning, skepticism about animal thinking decreased. However, behaviors that involve more than simple conditioning continued to elicit skepticism, especially among behaviorists. Nonetheless, as reviewed here, strong behavioral data now indicate that tool use in some birds cannot be explained as resulting entirely from instrumental conditioning. The neural substrates of tool use in birds remain unclear, but the available data point mainly to the caudolateral nidopallium, which shares both functional and structural features with the mammalian prefrontal cortex. As more data on the neural mechanisms of complex cognition in birds accrue, skepticism about those mental capacities should continue to wane.
Needle Knife Precut Papillotomy and Fistulotomy for Difficult Biliary Cannulation during Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography
Authors: Zhang Qisheng S. , Han Bing , Xu Jianhua H. , Bao Wenmin M. , Tao Jieli L. , Zhang Yun
Published: August 2013

Background: Although needle knife precut papillotomy and needle knife fistulotomy have been considered useful alternatives for achieving selective biliary cannulation, controversies remain regarding the technical proficiency for performing this procedure and safety concerns. Aim: This retrospective study evaluates the feasibility and safety of combining needle knife precut papillotomy and fistulotomy (NKPPF) to assist endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for difficult biliary cannulation. Methods: Data were collected and analyzed for 48 patients who underwent NKPPF between January 2008 and September 2012 at our center. The operation success rate, mean procedure time, and post-ERCP complications were investigated and compared with those of standard cannulation. Results: The success rate for NKPPF was 96% (46/48) and the mean procedure time was 4.5 ± 1.6 min based on our data set. The major complications included pancreatitis, which occurred in 2 of the 48 patients (4%), and acute cholangitis, which was observed in 1 patient (2%). There was no significant difference between the complication rate of NKPPF (6%) and standard cannulation therapeutic ERCP (4%). Conclusion: NKPPF is an effective method for accessing the biliary system after failed standard cannulation and is not associated with an increased risk of complications.
The Evolutions of Large Brain Size in Mammals: The ‘Over-700-Gram Club Quartet'
Authors: Manger Paul R. , Spocter Muhammad A. , Patzke Nina
Published: August 2013

The current paper details our developing understanding of the evolution of large brains in mammals. In order to do this, we first define brains that we consider to be large - those that have passed the apparent 700-gram ceiling on brain mass evolution in the class Mammalia. The over-700-gram club includes certain species within the genus Homo, order Cetacea, order Proboscidea, and suborder Pinnipedia. Our analysis suggests that selection for body size appears to be the most important factor in the evolution of large brain size, but there also appear to be internal morphophysiological constraints on large brain size evolution that need to be overcome in order for brains to break the 700-gram barrier. These two aspects appear to be common themes in the evolution of large brains. This significantly diminishes the explanatory value of selection for greater cognitive capacities as a principal factor in the evolution of enlarged brain sizes above the 700-gram threshold.
Ureterocele: Antenatal Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Godinho Ana Beatriz , Nunes Carla , Janeiro Marta , Carvalho Rui , Melo Maria Antonieta , da Graça Luís Mendes
Published: August 2013

Ureteroceles are cystic dilations of the intravesical submucosal ureter. Most cases are associated with complete ureteral and renal duplication, and association with ureterohydronephrosis is frequent. The authors describe the 4 cases of fetal ureterocele diagnosed from March 2008 to March 2012. Mean gestational age at diagnosis was 23 weeks (16-34 weeks). One of 4 cases progressed to severe hydronephrosis with megacystis and was referred to a Fetal Medicine Center for fetoscopy and laser ureterocelotomy. The remaining 3 cases did not need fetal therapy. Mean gestational age at delivery was 37 weeks. One case abandoned follow-up; 2 children were submitted to cystoscopic ureterocele incision and the child submitted to fetal therapy needed heminephrectomy due to recurrent urinary tract infections. In those 3 cases renal function was preserved. When a fetal ureterocele is diagnosed, close sonographic surveillance should be offered to monitor the possible urinary tract obstruction and assess the need for prenatal intervention. Fetal diagnosis is important to program the timing of delivery and postnatal care.
How Nervous Systems Evolve in Relation to Their Embodiment: What We Can Learn from Octopuses and Other Molluscs
Authors: Hochner Binyamin
Published: August 2013

Cephalopods such as the octopus show the most advanced behavior among invertebrates, which they accomplish with an exceptionally flexible body plan. In this review I propose that the embodied organization approach, developed by roboticists to design efficient autonomous robots, is useful for understanding the evolution and development of the efficient adaptive interaction of animals with their environment, using the octopus as the leading example. The embodied organization approach explains adaptive behavior as emerging from the continuous dynamical and reciprocal physical and informational interactions between four elements: the controller, the mechanical and the sensory systems and the environment. In contrast to hierarchical organization, in embodied organization, self-organization processes can take part in the emergence of the adaptive properties. I first discuss how the embodiment concept explains covariation of body form, nervous system organization, and level of behavioral complexity using the Mollusca as an example. This is an ideal phylum to test such a qualitative correlation between body/brain/behavior, because they show the greatest variations of body plan within a single phylum. In some cases the covariation of nervous system and body structure seems to arise independently of close phylogenetic relationships. Next, I dwell on the octopus as an ideal model to test the embodiment concept within a single biological system. Here, the unusual body morphology of the octopus exposes the uniqueness of the four components comprising the octopus' embodiment. Considering together the results from behavioral, physiological, anatomical, and motor control research suggests that these four elements mutually influence each other. It is this mutual interactions and self-organization which have led to their unique evolution and development to create the unique and highly efficient octopus embodiment.
Hydrogen Peroxide–Mediated SERCA Cysteine 674 Oxidation Contributes to Impaired Cardiac Myocyte Relaxation in Senescent Mouse Heart
Authors: Qin Fuzhong , Siwik Deborah A. , Lancel Steve , Zhang Jingmei , Kuster Gabriela M. , Luptak Ivan , Wang Lei , Tong Xiaoyong , Kang Y. James , Cohen Richard A. , Colucci Wilson S.
Published: August 2013

Background

A hallmark of aging of the cardiac myocyte is impaired sarcoplasmic reticulum (
SR
) calcium uptake and relaxation due to decreased
SR
calcium
ATP
ase (
SERCA
) activity. We tested the hypothesis that H
2
O
2
‐mediated oxidation of
SERCA
contributes to impaired myocyte relaxation in aging.

Methods and Results

Young (5‐month‐old) and senescent (21‐month‐old)
FVB
wild‐type (WT) or transgenic mice with myocyte‐specific overexpression of catalase were studied. In senescent mice, myocyte‐specific overexpression of catalase (1) prevented oxidative modification of
SERCA
as evidenced by sulfonation at Cys674, (2) preserved
SERCA
activity, (3) corrected impaired calcium handling and relaxation in isolated cardiac myocytes, and (4) prevented impaired left ventricular relaxation and diastolic dysfunction. Nitroxyl, which activates
SERCA
via
S
‐glutathiolation at Cys674, failed to activate
SERCA
in freshly isolated ventricular myocytes from senescent mice. Finally, in adult rat ventricular myocytes in primary culture, adenoviral overexpression of
SERCA
in which Cys674 is mutated to serine partially preserved
SERCA
activity during exposure to H
2
O
2
.

Conclusion

Oxidative modification of
SERCA
at Cys674 contributes to decreased
SERCA
activity and impaired myocyte relaxation in the senescent heart. Strategies to decrease oxidant levels and/or protect target proteins such as
SERCA
may be of value to preserve diastolic function in the aging heart.
Myocardial Tissue Remodeling in Adolescent Obesity
Authors: Shah Ravi V. , Abbasi Siddique A. , Neilan Tomas G. , Hulten Edward , Coelho‐Filho Otavio , Hoppin Alison , Levitsky Lynne , de Ferranti Sarah , Rhodes Erinn T. , Traum Avram , Goodman Elizabeth , Feng Henry , Heydari Bobak , Harris William S. , Hoefner Daniel M. , McConnell Joseph P. , Seethamraju Ravi , Rickers Carsten , Kwong Raymond Y. , Jerosch‐Herold Michael
Published: August 2013

Background

Childhood obesity is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Although ventricular remodeling has been reported in obese youth, early tissue‐level markers within the myocardium that precede organ‐level alterations have not been described.

Methods and Results

We studied 21 obese adolescents (mean age, 17.7±2.6 years; mean body mass index [
BMI
], 41.9±9.5 kg/m
2
, including 11 patients with type 2 diabetes [T2D]) and 12 healthy volunteers (age, 15.1±4.5 years;
BMI
, 20.1±3.5 kg/m
2
) using biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (
CMR
) to phenotype cardiac structure, function, and interstitial matrix remodeling by standard techniques. Although left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrial volumes were similar in healthy volunteers and obese patients (and within normal body size‐adjusted limits), interstitial matrix expansion by
CMR
extracellular volume fraction (
ECV
) was significantly different between healthy volunteers (median, 0.264; interquartile range [IQR], 0.253 to 0.271), obese adolescents without T2D (median, 0.328; IQR, 0.278 to 0.345), and obese adolescents with T2D (median, 0.376; IQR, 0.336 to 0.407;
P
=0.0001).
ECV
was associated with
BMI
for the entire population (
r
=0.58,
P
<0.001) and with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (
r
=0.47,
P
<0.05), serum triglycerides (
r
=0.51,
P
<0.05), and hemoglobin A1c (
r
=0.76,
P
<0.0001) in the obese stratum.

Conclusions

Obese adolescents (particularly those with T2D) have subclinical alterations in myocardial tissue architecture associated with inflammation and insulin resistance. These alterations precede significant left ventricular hypertrophy or decreased cardiac function.
Mortality After Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Brammås Anna , Jakobsson Stina , Ulvenstam Anders , Mooe Thomas
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increases the risk of ischemic stroke, and mortality among these patients is high. Here, we aimed to estimate the 1-year mortality reliably after AMI complicated by ischemic stroke. We also aimed to identify trends over time for mortality during 1998–2008, as well as factors that predicted increased or decreased mortality.

Methods—

Data for 173 233 unselected patients with AMI were collected from the Swedish Register of Information and Knowledge about Swedish Heart Intensive Care Admissions registry for 1998–2008. Specifically, we analyzed 1-year follow-up and mortality data for patients with AMI with and without ischemic stroke. Kaplan–Meyer analysis was used to analyze mortality trends over time, and Cox regression analysis was used to identify uni- and multivariate predictors of mortality.

Results—

The 1-year mortality was 36.5% for AMI complicated by ischemic stroke and 18.3% for AMI without stroke. Mortality decreased over time in patients with and without ischemic stroke. The absolute decreases in mortality were 9.4% and 7.5%, respectively. Reperfusion and secondary preventive therapies were associated with a decreased mortality rate.

Conclusions—

Mortality after AMI complicated by an ischemic stroke is very high but decreased from 1998 to 2008. The increased use of evidence-based therapies explains the improved prognosis.
Higher Risk of Recurrent Ischemic Events in Patients With Intracranial In-Stent Restenosis
Authors: Jin Min , Fu Xian , Wei Yuzhen , Du Bin , Xu Xiao-Tong , Jiang Wei-Jian
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

Reliable data concerning prognosis of patients with intracranial in-stent restenosis (ISR) is lacking. We prospectively studied long-term outcomes of patients with and without a catheter angiography-verified ISR.

Methods—

Between September 2001 and May 2009, 540 consecutive patients with symptomatic intracranial atherosclerosis received stenting treatment at our institute. Of them, 226 patients with 233 stented arteries had catheter angiography follow-up after stenting and were enrolled into this study. They were clinically followed up until the end of December 2011. Primary end point was ischemic stroke or transient ischemic attack in the territory of the stented artery after the catheter angiography follow-up. ISR was defined as a catheter angiography-verified stenosis of ≥50% within or immediately adjacent (within range of 3 mm) to the implanted stent.

Results—

During a mean follow-up of 38.9 months, 27 (11.6%, 27/233) primary end point events were recorded. The risk of primary end point in ISR group was higher compared with non-ISR group (21.1% [12/57] versus 8.5% [15/176]; hazard ratio, 2.94; 95% confidence interval, 1.37–6.30;
P
=0.005). Multivariable analysis showed that the ISR was an independent risk factor for the primary end point (hazard ratio, 2.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.20–6.49;
P
=0.017). The median occurrence time of primary end point was 9.9 (interquartile range, 5.0, 21.1) months in ISR group, earlier than that in non-ISR group (26.6 [13.1, 52.9] months;
P
=0.01).

Conclusions—

In-stent restenosis after stenting of intracranial atherosclerosis is significantly associated with an increased risk and an earlier occurrence of recurrent ischemic events in the territory of the stented intracranial artery.
New Model for Predicting Surgical Feeding Tube Placement in Patients With an Acute Stroke Event
Authors: Dubin Perry H. , Boehme Amelia K. , Siegler James E. , Shaban Amir , Juengling Jenifer , Albright Karen C. , Martin-Schild Sheryl
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

The need for surgical feeding tube placement after acute stroke can be uncertain and associated with further morbidity.

Methods—

Retrospective data were recorded and compared across patients with acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage. We identified all feeding tubes placed as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. A prediction score for PEG tube placement was developed separately for patients with acute ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage using logistic regression models of variables known by 24 hours from admission.

Results—

Of 407 patients included, 51 (12.5%) underwent PEG tube placement (25 acute ischemic stroke and 26 intracerebral hemorrhage). The odds of a patient with acute ischemic stroke with PEG score ≥3 of getting a PEG are greater than those with PEG score <3 (odds ratio, 15.68; 95% confidence interval, 4.55–54.01). The odds of a patient with intracerebral hemorrhage with PEG score ≥3 of getting a PEG are greater than those with PEG score <3 (odds ratio, 12.49; 95% confidence interval, 1.54–101.29).

Conclusions—

The PEG score, comprised by variables known within the first day of admission, may be a powerful predictor of PEG placement in patients with acute stroke.
Intensity of Anticoagulation and Clinical Outcomes in Acute Cardioembolic Stroke
Authors: Nakamura Asako , Ago Tetsuro , Kamouchi Masahiro , Hata Jun , Matsuo Ryu , Kuroda Junya , Kuwashiro Takahiro , Sugimori Hiroshi , Kitazono Takanari
Published: August 2013

Background and Purpose—

The relationship between the intensity of anticoagulation at the onset of acute cardioembolic stroke and clinical outcome after stroke is unclear. Here, we elucidated the relationship between prothrombin time–international normalized ratio (PT-INR) values on admission and clinical outcomes in patients with acute cardioembolic stroke.

Methods—

A total of 602 patients from the Fukuoka Stroke Registry in Japan who had been treated with warfarin but developed cardioembolic stroke were enrolled. The patients were classified into 3 groups according to their PT-INR values on admission: PT-INR <1.50, 411 patients; PT-INR 1.50 to 1.99, 146 patients; and PT-INR ≥2.00, 45 patients. The associations between PT-INR categories and severe neurological deficits (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale ≥10) on admission and poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale 4–6) at discharge were investigated using a logistic regression analysis.

Results—

Neurological deficits on admission were less severe, and functional outcome at discharge was more favorable as the PT-INR level on admission increased. The multivariate analysis revealed that severe neurological deficits were inversely associated with PT-INR on admission (PT-INR 1.50–1.99: odds ratio, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.43–1.00; PT-INR ≥2.00: odds ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.20–0.83; compared with a reference group of PT-INR <1.50). Poor functional outcome was less likely in patients with PT-INR ≥2.00 (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.06–0.55) after adjustment for confounders.

Conclusions—

Prestroke PT-INR ≥2.0 is associated with favorable clinical outcomes after acute cardioembolic stroke.
Rediscovery of Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae) and Entada polystachya var. polyphylla (Fabaceae) in Puerto Rico
Authors: CARABALLO-ORTIZ MARCOS A.
Published: August 2013

In this contribution the rediscovery of the lianas Arrabidaea chica (Bignoniaceae) and Entada polystachya var. polyphylla (Fabaceae-Mimosoideae) in Puerto Rico is reported. These species were first collected during the 1880s and subsequently considered extirpated. Their current status in Puerto Rico is discussed, and recommendations for their conservation are offered.
Corrections to Phytotaxa 112: Update on the systematics of Benstonea (Pandanaceae)
Authors: CALLMANDER MARTIN W. , BUERKI SVEN
Published: August 2013

After the publication of our Update on the systematics of Benstonea (Pandanaceae): When a visionary taxonomist foresees phylogenetic relationships (Callmander, Booth, Beentje & Buerki 2013), an error was brought to our attention:
A new species of Fageapseudes (Crustacea: Peracarida: Tanaidacea) from California, with comments on the systematics of the family Apseudidae
Authors: DRUMM DAVID T. , BAMBER ROGER N.
Published: August 2013

Examination of material housed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History revealed a new species of Fageapseudes from 4100 m depth off California, the first record of the genus in the eastern North Pacific. Fageapseudes pluma n. sp. is very similar to the Japanese species Fageapseudes brachyomos Bamber, but can be distinguished by differences in setation and by having fewer articles in the antennal flagellum and uropodal exopodite. It is unique for the genus and subfamily in having the inner caudo-distal seta of the maxillipedal endite “feather-like” instead of “leaf-like” or simply setulose. Problems with the current classification of the Apseudidae are briefly discussed, and new diagnoses are established for the subfamily Leviapseudinae and the genus Fageapseudes.
Redescription of Eremiascincus fasciolatus (Günther, 1867) (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) with clarification of its synonyms and the description of a new species
Authors: MECKE SVEN , DOUGHTY PAUL , DONNELLAN STEPHEN C.
Published: August 2013

We present an assessment of the systematic status of populations currently assigned to Eremiascincus fasciolatus across Australia using morphological data. Our analyses show that these populations actually comprise four species: a large and robust, narrow-banded taxon from eastern Queensland and three slender, desert-dwelling taxa from the western, northern, and south-eastern Australian arid zone respectively. These data necessitate: 1) the redescription of E. fasciolatus, a species endemic to the dry forests of eastern Queensland, 2) the resurrection of E. pallidus for the western taxon, 3) the resurrection of E. intermedius for the northern taxon, and 4) the description of the south-eastern desert-dwelling taxon, which largely occurs in the Lake Eyre Basin, as a new species. The new species, Eremiascincus phantasmus sp. nov., can be distinguished from congeners by its large size, pale color, depressed snout, and small circular ear opening, as well as by several scale characteristics. Body proportions, a depressed snout, small ear opening, and pale color suggest that this species is fossorial and predominantly occurs in habitats with loose substrate, such as dune systems and sandy plains. A synopsis of each species and a key to the narrow-banded species of Eremiascincus are provided.
Thalassomya gutae sp. n., a new marine chironomid (Diptera: Chironomidae: Telmatogetoninae) from the Brazilian coast
Authors: DE OLIVEIRA CAROLINE SILVA NEUBERN , DA SILVA FABIO LAURINDO , TRIVINHO-STRIXINO SUSANA
Published: August 2013

One new species of Thalassomya Schiner, 1856 (Diptera: Chironomidae: Telmatogetoninae), T. gutae sp. n. is described and figured as male, pupa and larva. The specimen was collected in the marine zone between tide-marks, in southeastern Brazilian coast and is the first species of this genus recorded to Brazil.
Urban Emissions of CO2 from Davos, Switzerland: The First Real-Time Monitoring System Using an Atmospheric Inversion Technique
Authors: Lauvaux Thomas , Miles Natasha L. , Richardson Scott J. , Deng Aijun , Stauffer David R. , Davis Kenneth J. , Jacobson Gloria , Rella Chris , Calonder Gian-Paul , DeCola Philip L.
Published: August 2013

Anthropogenic emissions from urban areas represent 70% of the fossil fuel carbon emitted globally according to carbon emission inventories. The authors present here the first operational system able to monitor in near–real time daily emission estimates, using a mesoscale atmospheric inversion framework over the city of Davos, Switzerland, before, during, and after the World Economic Forum 2012 Meeting (WEF-2012). Two instruments that continuously measured atmospheric mixing ratios of greenhouse gases (GHGs) were deployed at two locations from 23 December 2011 to 3 March 2012: one site was located in the urban area and the other was out of the valley in the surrounding mountains. Carbon dioxide, methane, and carbon monoxide were measured continuously at both sites. The Weather Research and Forecasting mesoscale atmospheric model (WRF), in four-dimensional data assimilation mode, was used to simulate the transport of GHGs over the valley of Davos at 1.3-km resolution. Wintertime emissions prior to the WEF-2012 were about 40% higher than the initial annual inventory estimate, corresponding to the use of heating fuel in the winter. Daily inverse fluxes were highly correlated with the local climate, especially during the severe cold wave that affected most of Europe in early February 2012. During the WEF-2012, emissions dropped by 35% relative to the first month of the deployment, despite similar temperatures and the presence of several thousand participants at the meeting. On the basis of composite diurnal cycles of hourly CO/CO2 ratios, the absence of traffic peaks during the WEF-2012 meeting indicated that change in road emissions is potentially responsible for the observed decrease in the city emissions during the meeting.
Changes in Seasonal Predictability due to Global Warming
Authors: DelSole Timothy , Yan Xiaoqin , Dirmeyer Paul A. , Fennessy Mike , Altshuler Eric
Published: August 2013

The change in predictability of monthly mean temperature in a future climate is quantified based on the Community Climate System Model, version 4. According to this model, the North Atlantic overtakes the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) as the dominant area of seasonal predictability by 2095. This change arises partly because ENSO becomes less variable and partly because the ENSO teleconnection pattern expands into the Atlantic. Over land, the largest change in temperature predictability occurs in the tropics and is predominantly due to a decrease in ENSO variability. The southern peninsula of Africa and northeast South America are predicted to experience significant drying in a future climate, which decreases the effective heat capacity and memory, and hence increases variance independently of ENSO changes. Extratropical land areas experience enhanced precipitation in a future climate, which decreases temperature variance by the same mechanism. Finally, the model predicts that surface temperatures near the poles will become more predictable and less variable in a future climate, primarily because melting sea ice exposes the underlying sea surface temperature, which is more predictable owing to its longer time scale. Some of these results, especially the change in ENSO variance, are known to be model dependent. This paper also advances the use of information theory to quantify predictability, including 1) deriving a quantitative relation between predictability of the first and second kinds; 2) showing how differences in predictability can be decomposed in two dramatically different ways, facilitating physical interpretation; and 3) proposing a sample estimate of mutual information whose significance can be tested using standard techniques.