bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cabozantinib Suppresses Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by a Dual Blockade of VEGFR2 and MET
Authors: Xiang Qingfeng , Chen Weiqiang , Ren Meng , Wang Jingnan , Zhang Hongwu , Deng David Y.B. , Zhang Lei , Shang Changzhen , Chen Yajin
Published: April 2014

Purpose: MET signaling has been suggested a potential role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with prometastasis during antiangiogenesis therapy. We investigated the potential association between MET expression and therapeutic response to sorafenib in patients with HCC. Antitumor effects of cabozantinib, a dual inhibitor of MET and VEGFR2, were examined in cultured HCC cells as well as in vivo models.

Experimental Design: Total MET and phosphorylated MET (p-MET) were measured in 29 resected HCC specimens, and correlated with response to sorafenib as postoperative adjuvant therapy. In the second set of experiments using cultured HCC cells, and mouse xenograft and metastatic models, effects of cabozantinib were examined.

Results: High level of p-MET in resected HCC specimens was associated with resistance to adjuvant sorafenib therapy. In cultured HCC cells that expressed p-MET, cabozantinib inhibited the activity of MET and its downstream effectors, leading to G1-phase arrest. Cabozantinib inhibited tumor growth in p-MET–positive and p-MET–negative HCC by decreasing angiogenesis, inhibiting proliferation, and promoting apoptosis, but it exhibited more profound efficacy in p-MET–positive HCC xenografts. Cabozantinib blocked the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)–stimulated MET pathway and inhibited the migration and invasion of the HCC cells. Notably, cabozantinib reduced the number of metastatic lesions in the lung and liver in the experimental metastatic mouse model.

Conclusions: Patients with HCC with high level of p-MET are associated with resistance to adjuvant sorafenib treatment. The dual blockade of VEGFR2 and MET by cabozantinib has significant antitumor activities in HCC, and the activation of MET in HCC may be a promising efficacy-predicting biomarker. Clin Cancer Res; 20(11); 2959–70. ©2014 AACR.
Germline Polymorphisms in RNF31 Regulate Linear Ubiquitination and Oncogenic Signaling
Authors: Grumati Paolo , Dikic Ivan
Published: April 2014

Summary: A new study proposes that the cancerous behavior of B cells in a subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is caused by excessive activity of the linear ubiquitin chain assembly complex (LUBAC) complex, which underlies abnormal NF-κB signaling. Two rare germline single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the RNF31 gene have been identified as being responsible. The use of a small inhibiting peptide may downregulate the abnormal LUBAC activity and counteract neoplastic cell growth. Cancer Discov; 4(4); 394–6. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Yang et al., p. 480
Oncolytic Viruses and Their Application to Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Chiocca E. Antonio , Rabkin Samuel D.
Published: April 2014

Oncolytic viruses (OV) selectively replicate and kill cancer cells and spread within the tumor, while not harming normal tissue. In addition to this direct oncolytic activity, OVs are also very effective at inducing immune responses to themselves and to the infected tumor cells. OVs encompass a broad diversity of DNA and RNA viruses that are naturally cancer selective or can be genetically engineered. OVs provide a diverse platform for immunotherapy; they act as in situ vaccines and can be armed with immunomodulatory transgenes or combined with other immunotherapies. However, the interactions of OVs with the immune system may affect therapeutic outcomes in opposing fashions: negatively by limiting virus replication and/or spread, or positively by inducing antitumor immune responses. Many aspects of the OV–tumor/host interaction are important in delineating the effectiveness of therapy: (i) innate immune responses and the degree of inflammation induced; (ii) types of virus-induced cell death; (iii) inherent tumor physiology, such as infiltrating and resident immune cells, vascularity/hypoxia, lymphatics, and stromal architecture; and (iv) tumor cell phenotype, including alterations in IFN signaling, oncogenic pathways, cell surface immune markers [MHC, costimulatory, and natural killer (NK) receptors], and the expression of immunosuppressive factors. Recent clinical trials with a variety of OVs, especially those expressing granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), have demonstrated efficacy and induction of antitumor immune responses in the absence of significant toxicity. Manipulating the balance between antivirus and antitumor responses, often involving overlapping immune pathways, will be critical to the clinical success of OVs. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(4); 295–300. ©2014 AACR.
The Biology and Medical Implications of Interleukin-6
Authors: Tanaka Toshio , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: April 2014

Cytokines are soluble mediators, which aid cell-to-cell communication in immune responses, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a prototypical cytokine featuring redundant and pleiotropic activity. The complete elucidation of the IL-6–mediated signal transduction system has provided a molecular basis for the characteristic features of cytokines. When tissue damage or inflammation due to infections or injuries occurs, IL-6 synthesis is promptly induced, contributing to the host defense through the stimulation of acute-phase immune reactions and hematopoiesis. The production of IL-6 is terminated when tissue homeostasis is restored. The synthesis of IL-6 is tightly regulated transcriptionally and posttranscriptionally. However, the dysregulated continual synthesis of IL-6 has been implicated in the development of various diseases, including autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases and cancers. Clinical trials using the humanized anti–IL-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab have demonstrated the efficacy of IL-6 blockade for the treatment of refractory inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and Castleman disease. Moreover, favorable results from the off-label use of tocilizumab strongly suggest that it may be applicable for the treatment of other refractory immune-mediated diseases, including cancer. Therefore, the mechanisms for the dysregulated synthesis of IL-6 need to be elucidated to understand the pathogenesis of the resultant diseases and to facilitate the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Cancer Immunol Res; 2(4); 288–94. ©2014 AACR.
17α-Hydroxylase Deficiency Diagnosed in Early Infancy Caused by a Novel Mutation of the CYP17A1 Gene
Authors: Petri Christina , Wudy Stefan A. , Riepe Felix G. , Holterhus Paul-Martin , Siegel Jens , Hartmann Michaela F. , Kulle Alexandra E. , Welzel Maik , Grötzinger Joachim , Schild Ralf L. , Heger Sabine
Published: April 2014

Background: Mutations of the CYP17A1 gene cause 17α-hydroxylase deficiency (17OHD) resulting in 46,XY disorder of sex development, hypertension, hypokalemia and absent pubertal development. It is a rare, autosomal recessive form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Patient: We report on a neonate with prenatally determined 46,XY karyotype. At 20 weeks of gestation, lack of development of male external genitalia was noticed. A phenotypically female child was born at 41 weeks of gestation. Results: Postnatal ultrasound revealed testes in both labia majora, an absence of uterus and normal adrenal glands. Steroid hormone analysis in serum revealed low basal levels of cortisol, testosterone and androstenedione in the presence of massively elevated corticosterone at the age of 2 weeks. The urinary steroid profile from spot urine showed excessive excretion of 17-desoxysteroids, decreased glucocorticoid metabolites and absent C19 steroids, thus proving 17OHD. Molecular analysis identified a novel mutation of the CYP17A1 gene: c.896T>A (p.I299N) in exon 5. Substitution with hydrocortisone was started. The child is raised as a girl and is developing well so far. Conclusion: Herein, we report the unusually early diagnosis of a newborn with the rare CAH form of 17OHD allowing an early start of treatment.
Epigenetic Mechanisms in the Pathogenesis of Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Zeng Jun , Chen Baihua
Published: April 2014

Diabetic retinopathy (DR), which arises as a result of an increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus, has gradually become a common disease. Due to its complex pathogenesis, the treatment means of DR are very limited. The findings of several studies have shown that instituting tight glycemic control in diabetic patients does not immediately benefit the progression of retinopathy, and the benefits of good control persist beyond the period of good glycemic control. This has led to the concept of persistent epigenetic changes. Epigenetics has now become an increasingly important area of biomedical research. Recently, important roles of various epigenetic mechanisms have been identified in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the epigenetics and epigenetic mechanisms in diabetes and diabetes complications, and the focus is on the emerging evidence for aberrant epigenetic mechanisms in DR.
Initially Lymphocytic Sweet's Syndrome in Male Patients with Myelodysplasia: A Distinguished Clinicopathological Entity? Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Kakaletsis Nikolaos , Kaiafa Georgia , Savopoulos Christos , Iliadis Fotios , Perifanis Vasilios , Tzalokostas Vasilios , Grekou Alexandra , Giannouli Angeliki , Hatzitolios Apostolos I.
Published: April 2014

Background: Sweet's syndrome (SS) is an acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis. It can occur as an idiopathic, drug-induced or malignancy-associated entity. SS is also seen in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) where it may present atypically, both clinically and histologically. In a few rare cases of MDS, lymphocytic infiltrates are the presenting feature of SS. Methods: MEDLINE and Scopus were the data sources for our review. Results: A clinicopathological subset emerged of 12 male SS patients with MDS and a mean age of 67.3 years in which the initial SS lesions were lymphocytic infiltrates. However, from 0.5 to 8 years later, sequential biopsies revealed neutrophilic dermal infiltration typical of SS. Conclusion: Initially lymphocytic infiltrates in this subset could be attributed either to an early timing of the biopsy concerning the age of the lesion or to the dysgranulopoiesis syndrome. A possible relationship between the dysfunction of the receptor of the granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, the gene of which is located on the pseudoautosomal X-Y region, may exist in MDS patients with initially lymphocytic SS. This could explain the male gender of this subset and might establish initially lymphocytic SS as a distinguished clinicopathological entity for predicting the occurrence and even the prognosis of MDS.
Normocaloric Diet Improves Asthma-Related Quality of Life in Obese Pubertal Adolescents
Authors: Luna-Pech Jorge Agustin , Torres-Mendoza Blanca Miriam , Luna-Pech Jose Antonio , Garcia-Cobas Cecilia Yvonne , Navarrete-Navarro Susana , Elizalde-Lozano Alejandro Manuel
Published: April 2014

Background: Restrictive, very low-energy diets focused on rapid weight loss have proven to be effective in improving asthma outcome in obese patients, but their use in children and pubescents is controversial due its potential consequences in growth. More conservative, normocaloric schemes are suggested as a more suitable dietary approach for these patients. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was run of 51 pubertal adolescents with asthma and obesity, who were allocated to either an interventional 28-week program of normocaloric diet based on normal requirements for height and meal planning (n = 26) or a non-interventional (free diet) control group (n = 25). Asthma-related quality of life (AR-QOL, assessed by the Standardized Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire, PAQLQ[S]) and clinical indicators of asthma control were measured before and after the intervention period. Results: Diet intervention was associated with a significant improvement in AR-QOL in relation to baseline (Δ PAQLQ[S] scores) compared with controls, both in overall score (p < 0.001) and its subdomains (activity limitation, p < 0.001; symptoms, p < 0.002; emotional function, p < 0.001). The group with normocaloric diet observed a significant decrease in body mass index z-score, which correlated positively with the improvement in AR-QOL (Spearman's r = 0.51, p < 0.01), in addition to have significantly fewer events of acute attacks of asthma and nighttime awakenings, plus a non-significant reduction in the use of inhaled corticosteroids. No significant changes were observed in the pulmonary function tests. Conclusion: The normocaloric dietary intervention was associated with improvement of AR-QOL and some aspects of asthma control. Such structured dietary programs could probably have a role as a complementary non-pharmacological therapeutic strategy in obese pubertal adolescents with asthma.
Computed Tomography Angiography in the Stroke Outcomes and Neuroimaging of Intracranial Atherosclerosis (SONIA) Study
Authors: Liebeskind David S. , Kosinski Andrzej S. , Saver Jeffrey L. , Feldmann Edward ,   for the SONIA Investigators
Published: April 2014

Background: The Stroke Outcomes and Neuroimaging of Intracranial Atherosclerosis (SONIA) study validated noninvasive imaging tests of intracranial atherosclerosis against catheter angiography in a prospective, blinded, multicenter setting. Critical evaluation of transcranial Doppler (TCD) and magnetic resonance angiography in the SONIA study standardized their performance and interpretation. We performed a similar analysis of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the detection of intracranial stenosis. Methods: Multicenter standardization of image acquisition and blinded, central interpretation of CTA performance were conducted in concert with the Warfarin-Aspirin Symptomatic Intracranial Disease (WASID) trial. Measurements of the intracranial arterial diameter were obtained to derive stenosis values. Correlation with catheter angiography was used to assess CTA performance characteristics. Results: CTA measurements of intracranial stenosis were obtained in 120 vessel segments, with angiographic correlation in 52. CTA was performed as a noninvasive study prior to conventional angiography. CTA stenoses of 50-99% or a flow gap were identified in 15 of 52 vessel segments, stenoses of <50% in 5 of 52, and normal arterial diameters in 32 of 52 vessel segments. Based on the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) stenosis defined as 50-99%, the positive predictive value (PPV) of CTA was only 46.7% (95% CI 21.3-73.4) and the negative predictive value (NPV) was 73.0% (95% CI 55.9-86.2). For DSA stenosis defined as 70-99%, the PPV of CTA was 13.3% (95% CI 1.7-40.5) and the NPV was 83.8% (95% CI 68.0-93.8). Conclusions: CTA can accurately rule out the presence of severe stenosis due to intracranial atherosclerosis and may eliminate the need for angiography in many cases. Further prospective, blinded evaluation of CTA and optimization of cutpoints to predict angiographic disease will facilitate future trials of intracranial atherosclerosis.
Endothelial PFKFB3 Plays a Critical Role in Angiogenesis
Authors: Xu Yiming , An Xiaofei , Guo Xin , Habtetsion Tsadik Ghebreamlak , Wang Yong , Xu Xizhen , Kandala Sridhar , Li Qinkai , Li Honggui , Zhang Chunxiang , Caldwell Ruth B. , Fulton David J. , Su Yunchao , Hoda Md Nasrul , Zhou Gang , Wu Chaodong , Huo Yuqing
Published: April 2014

Objective—

Vascular cells, particularly endothelial cells, adopt aerobic glycolysis to generate energy to support cellular functions. The effect of endothelial glycolysis on angiogenesis remains unclear. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-bisphosphatase, isoform 3 (PFKFB3) is a critical enzyme for endothelial glycolysis. By blocking or deleting PFKFB3 in endothelial cells, we investigated the influence of endothelial glycolysis on angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo.

Approach and Results—

Under hypoxic conditions or after treatment with angiogenic factors, endothelial PFKFB3 was upregulated both in vitro and in vivo. The knockdown or overexpression of PFKFB3 suppressed or accelerated endothelial proliferation and migration in vitro, respectively. Neonatal mice from a model of oxygen-induced retinopathy showed suppressed neovascular growth in the retina when endothelial PFKFB3 was genetically deleted or when the mice were treated with a PFKFB3 inhibitor. In addition, tumors implanted in mice deficient in endothelial PFKFB3 grew more slowly and were provided with less blood flow. A lower level of phosphorylated protein kinase B was observed in PFKFB3-knockdown endothelial cells, which was accompanied by a decrease in intracellular lactate. The addition of lactate to PFKFB3-knockdown cells rescued the suppression of endothelial proliferation and migration.

Conclusions—

The blockade or deletion of endothelial PFKFB3 decreases angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, PFKFB3 is a promising target for the reduction of endothelial glycolysis and its related pathological angiogenesis.
Determinants of Flow-Mediated Outward Remodeling in Female Rodents
Authors: Tarhouni Kahena , Guihot Anne-Laure , Vessières Emilie , Toutain Bertrand , Procaccio Vincent , Grimaud Linda , Loufrani Laurent , Lenfant Francoise , Arnal Jean-Francois , Henrion Daniel
Published: April 2014

Objective—

Flow (shear stress)-mediated outward remodeling (FMR) of resistance arteries is a key adaptive process allowing collateral growth after arterial occlusion but declining with age. 17-β-estradiol (E2) has a key role in this process through activation of estrogen receptor α (ERα). Thus, we investigated the impact of age and timing for estrogen efficacy on FMR.

Approach and Results—

Female rats, 3 to 18 months old, were submitted to surgery to increase blood flow locally in 1 mesenteric artery in vivo. High-flow and normal-flow arteries were collected 2 weeks later for in vitro analysis. Diameter increased by 27% in high-flow arteries compared with normal-flow arteries in 3-month-old rats. The amplitude of remodeling declined with age (12% in 18-month-old rats) in parallel with E2 blood level and E2 substitution failed restoring remodeling in 18-month-old rats. Ovariectomy of 3-, 9-, and 12-month-old rats abolished FMR, which was restored by immediate E2 replacement. Nevertheless, this effect of E2 was absent 9 months after ovariectomy. In this latter group, ERα and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression were reduced by half compared with age-matched rats recently ovariectomized. FMR did not occur in ERα
−/−
mice, whereas it was decreased by 50% in ERα
+/−
mice, emphasizing the importance of gene dosage in high-flow remodeling.

Conclusions—

E2 deprivation, rather than age, leads to decline in FMR, which can be prevented by early exogenous E2. However, delayed E2 replacement was ineffective on FMR, underlining the importance of timing of this estrogen action.
Bim Regulates Alloimmune-Mediated Vascular Injury Through Effects on T-Cell Activation and Death
Authors: von Rossum Anna , Enns Winnie , Shi Yu P. , MacEwan Grace E. , Malekesmaeli Mehrnoush , Brinkman Ryan , Choy Jonathan C.
Published: April 2014

Objective—

Bim is a proapoptotic Bcl-2 protein known to downregulate immune responses and to also be required for antigen-induced T-cell activation. However, it is not known how the effect of Bim on these offsetting processes determines the outcome of allogeneic immune responses. We have defined the role of Bim in regulating alloantigen-driven T-cell responses in a model of vascular rejection.

Approach and Results—

Bim was required for proliferation of CD4 and CD8 T cells, and for interleukin-2 production, in T cells stimulated with alloantigen in vitro. Moreover, a partial reduction in Bim expression was sufficient to attenuate T-cell activation, whereas a complete elimination of Bim was required to prevent CD4 T-cell death in response to cytokine withdrawl. When alloimmune-mediated vascular rejection was examined using an aortic interposition model, there was significantly less intimal thickening in Bim
+/−
, but not Bim
−/−
, graft recipients. T-cell proliferation in response to allograft arteries was significantly reduced in both Bim
+/−
and Bim
−/−
mice, but cell death was attenuated only in Bim
−/−
animals.

Conclusions—

Bim controls both T-cell activation and death in response to alloantigen stimulation. These processes act cooperatively to determine the outcome of immune responses in allograft arteries.
Differential Effect of 3-Dimensional Color Doppler Echocardiography for the Quantification of Mitral Regurgitation According to the Severity and Characteristics
Authors: Choi Jaehuk , Heo Ran , Hong Geu-Ru , Chang Hyuk-Jae , Sung Ji Min , Shin Sang Hoon , Cho In Jeong , Shim Chi-Young , Chung Namsik
Published: April 2014

Background—

The aim of this study is to explore the differential effect of 3-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography for the quantification of mitral regurgitation (MR). Two-dimensional color Doppler echocardiography–based MR quantification has well-documented limitations.

Methods and Results—

We consecutively enrolled 221 patients with MR. Adequate image quality was obtained by 2D- and 3D-color Doppler echocardiography in 211 (95.5%) patients. The quantitative differences between the MR volumes obtained by 2D- and 3D-proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) were analyzed in various MR subgroups. In the validation cohort (n=52), MR volume obtained by 3D-PISA showed a better agreement with phase-contrast cardiac MRI than 2D-PISA (
r
=0.97 versus 0.84). In all 211 patients, 2D-PISA underestimated the MR volume when compared with 3D-PISA (52.4±19.6 versus 59.5±25.6 mL;
P
=0.005). A total of 33.3% with severe MR based on 3D-PISA were incorrectly assessed by 2D-PISA as having nonsevere MR. In the subgroup analysis, the MR severity (odds ratio, 6.96; 95% confidence interval, 3.04–15.94;
P
<0.001) and having an asymmetrical orifice (odds ratio, 11.48; 95% confidence interval, 3.72–35.4;
P
<0.001), and an eccentric jet (odds ratio, 3.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–11.48;
P
=0.017) were predictors of significant difference in MR volume (>15 mL) between 2D- and 3D-PISA methods.

Conclusions—

Quantification of MR by 3D-PISA method is clinically feasible and more accurate than the current 2D-PISA method. MR quantification by 2D-PISA significantly underestimated MR volume with severe, eccentric MR with an asymmetrical orifice. This article demonstrates that 3D-color Doppler echocardiography could be used as a valuable tool to confirm treatment strategy in patients with significant MR.
Building on Prior Knowledge: Schema-dependent Encoding Processes Relate to Academic Performance
Authors: van Kesteren Marlieke T. R. , Rijpkema Mark , Ruiter Dirk J. , Morris Richard G. M. , Fernández Guillén
Published: April 2014

The acquisition and retention of conceptual knowledge is more effective in well-structured curricula that provide an optimal conceptual framework for learning new material. However, the neural mechanisms by which preexisting conceptual schemas facilitate learning are not yet well understood despite their fundamental importance. A preexisting schema has been shown to enhance memory by influencing the balance between activity within the medial-temporal lobe and the medial pFC during mnemonic processes such as encoding, consolidation, and retrieval. Specifically, correctly encoding and retrieving information that is related to preexisting schemas appears rather related to medial prefrontal processing, whereas information unrelated or inconsistent with preexisting schemas rather relates to enhanced medial temporal processing and enhanced interaction between these structures. To further investigate interactions between these regions during conceptual encoding in a real-world university setting, we probed human brain activity and connectivity using fMRI during educationally relevant conceptual encoding carefully embedded within two course programs. Early second-year undergraduate biology and education students were scanned while encoding new facts that were either related or unrelated to the preexisting conceptual knowledge they had acquired during their first year of study. Subsequently, they were tested on their knowledge of these facts 24 hr later. Memory scores were better for course-related information, and this enhancement was associated with larger medial-prefrontal, but smaller medial-temporal subsequent memory effects. These activity differences went along with decreased functional interactions between these regions. Furthermore, schema-related medial-prefrontal subsequent memory effects measured during this experiment were found to be predictive of second-year course performance. These results, obtained in a real-world university setting, reveal brain mechanisms underlying acquisition of new knowledge that can be integrated into preexisting conceptual schemas and may indicate how relevant this process is for study success.
Music and Language Expertise Influence the Categorization of Speech and Musical Sounds: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Measurements
Authors: Elmer Stefan , Klein Carina , Kühnis Jürg , Liem Franziskus , Meyer Martin , Jäncke Lutz
Published: April 2014

In this study, we used high-density EEG to evaluate whether speech and music expertise has an influence on the categorization of expertise-related and unrelated sounds. With this purpose in mind, we compared the categorization of speech, music, and neutral sounds between professional musicians, simultaneous interpreters (SIs), and controls in response to morphed speech–noise, music–noise, and speech–music continua. Our hypothesis was that music and language expertise will strengthen the memory representations of prototypical sounds, which act as a perceptual magnet for morphed variants. This means that the prototype would “attract” variants. This so-called magnet effect should be manifested by an increased assignment of morphed items to the trained category, by a reduced maximal slope of the psychometric function, as well as by differential event-related brain responses reflecting memory comparison processes (i.e., N400 and P600 responses). As a main result, we provide first evidence for a domain-specific behavioral bias of musicians and SIs toward the trained categories, namely music and speech. In addition, SIs showed a bias toward musical items, indicating that interpreting training has a generic influence on the cognitive representation of spectrotemporal signals with similar acoustic properties to speech sounds. Notably, EEG measurements revealed clear distinct N400 and P600 responses to both prototypical and ambiguous items between the three groups at anterior, central, and posterior scalp sites. These differential N400 and P600 responses represent synchronous activity occurring across widely distributed brain networks, and indicate a dynamical recruitment of memory processes that vary as a function of training and expertise.
The Neural Basis of Involuntary Episodic Memories
Authors: Hall Shana A. , Rubin David C. , Miles Amanda , Davis Simon W. , Wing Erik A. , Cabeza Roberto , Berntsen Dorthe
Published: April 2014

Voluntary episodic memories require an intentional memory search, whereas involuntary episodic memories come to mind spontaneously without conscious effort. Cognitive neuroscience has largely focused on voluntary memory, leaving the neural mechanisms of involuntary memory largely unknown. We hypothesized that, because the main difference between voluntary and involuntary memory is the controlled retrieval processes required by the former, there would be greater frontal activity for voluntary than involuntary memories. Conversely, we predicted that other components of the episodic retrieval network would be similarly engaged in the two types of memory. During encoding, all participants heard sounds, half paired with pictures of complex scenes and half presented alone. During retrieval, paired and unpaired sounds were presented, panned to the left or to the right. Participants in the involuntary group were instructed to indicate the spatial location of the sound, whereas participants in the voluntary group were asked to additionally recall the pictures that had been paired with the sounds. All participants reported the incidence of their memories in a postscan session. Consistent with our predictions, voluntary memories elicited greater activity in dorsal frontal regions than involuntary memories, whereas other components of the retrieval network, including medial-temporal, ventral occipitotemporal, and ventral parietal regions were similarly engaged by both types of memories. These results clarify the distinct role of dorsal frontal and ventral occipitotemporal regions in predicting strategic retrieval and recalled information, respectively, and suggest that, although there are neural differences in retrieval, involuntary memories share neural components with established voluntary memory systems.
Attention Allocation and Task Representation during Joint Action Planning
Authors: Kourtis Dimitrios , Knoblich Günther , Woźniak Mateusz , Sebanz Natalie
Published: April 2014

We investigated whether people take into account an interaction partner's attentional focus and whether they represent in advance their partner's part of the task when planning to engage in a synchronous joint action. The experiment involved two participants planning and performing joint actions (i.e., synchronously lifting and clinking glasses), unimanual individual actions (i.e., lifting and moving a glass as if clinking with another person), and bimanual individual actions. EEG was recorded from one of the participants. We employed a choice reaction paradigm where a visual cue indicated the type of action to be planned, followed 1.5 sec later by a visual go stimulus, prompting the participants to act. We studied attention allocation processes by examining two lateralized EEG components, namely the anterior directing attention negativity and the late directing attention positivity. Action planning processes were examined using the late contingent negative variation and the movement-related potential. The results show that early stages of joint action planning involve dividing attention between locations in space relevant for one's own part of the joint action and locations relevant for one's partner's part of the joint action. At later stages of joint action planning, participants represented in advance their partner's upcoming action in addition to their own action, although not at an effector-specific level. Our study provides electrophysiological evidence supporting the operation of attention sharing processes and predictive self/other action representation during the planning phase of a synchronous joint task.
When Events Change Their Nature: The Neurocognitive Mechanisms Underlying Aspectual Coercion
Authors: Paczynski Martin , Jackendoff Ray , Kuperberg Gina
Published: April 2014

The verb “pounce” describes a single, near-instantaneous event. Yet, we easily understand that, “For several minutes the cat pounced…” describes a situation in which multiple pounces occurred, although this interpretation is not overtly specified by the sentence's syntactic structure or by any of its individual words—a phenomenon known as “aspectual coercion.” Previous psycholinguistic studies have reported processing costs in association with aspectual coercion, but the neurocognitive mechanisms giving rise to these costs remain contentious. Additionally, there is some controversy about whether readers commit to a full interpretation of the event when the aspectual information becomes available, or whether they leave it temporarily underspecified until later in the sentence. Using ERPs, we addressed these questions in a design that fully crossed context type (punctive, durative, frequentative) with verb type (punctive, durative). We found a late, sustained negativity to punctive verbs in durative contexts, but not in frequentative (e.g., explicitly iterative) contexts. This effect was distinct from the N400 in both its time course and scalp distribution, suggesting that it reflected a different underlying neurocognitive mechanism. We also found that ERPs to durative verbs were unaffected by context type. Together, our results provide strong evidence that neural activity associated with aspectual coercion is driven by the engagement of a morphosyntactically unrealized semantic operator rather than by violations of real-world knowledge, more general shifts in event representation, or event iterativity itself. More generally, our results add to a growing body of evidence that a set of late-onset sustained negativities reflect elaborative semantic processing that goes beyond simply combining the meaning of individual words with syntactic structure to arrive at a final representation of meaning.
Three new species of crustose Physciaceae from Guatemala, with notes on some additional species
Authors: Giralt Mireia , BOOM PIETER P. G. VAN DEN , MAYRHOFER HELMUT , ELIX JOHN A.
Published: April 2014

Three crustose species of Physciaceae from Guatemala are reported as new to science, the saxicolous Buellia rugosissima and Dimelaena subsquamulosa and the corticolous Sculptolumina conradiae. Detailed descriptions of these species are presented together with notes on their chemistry, distribution, ecology and taxonomy. Additional information is given for a further ten species of Physciaceae, nine of which are new records for the country.
Three new species of Calliandra in section Monticola (Leguminosae, Mimosoideae) from Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil
Authors: Souza Elvia Rodrigues , Lima Adelina Vitória Ferreira , Queiroz Luciano Paganucci , Santos Francisco A. Ribeiro
Published: April 2014

Three new species of Calliandra section Monticola are described and illustrated: C. bromelioides, C. lewisii and C. oroboensis. All of them are endemic to the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. In addition we present a study of the pollen morphology using light microscopy and scanning electron micrographs. An identification key for the three new species and the most morphologically similar species in section Monticola is also provided.
Revision of the new world species of Hylurgops LeConte, 1876 with the description of a new genus in the Hylastini Coleoptera: Scolytinae) and comments on some Palearctic species
Authors: MERCADO-VÉLEZ JAVIER E.
Published: April 2014

The New World species of the genus Hylurgops LeConte are revised and Hylurgops subcostulatus Mannerheim is transferred to the new genus Pachysquamus. A revised key to the tribe Hylastini which can be used for the world fauna is presented to include Pachysquamus. Our studies suggest that the Nearctic species H. knausi Swaine is a valid taxon, distinguishable from the Mesoamerican H. planirostris Chapuis. The subspecies H. rugipennis rugipennis Mannerheim and H. r. pinifex Fitch are considered distinct species. A key to Hylurgops species of the New World is provided to accommodate the restituted species. Due to their broadly separated procoxae the Palearctic species H. bonvouloiri and H. inouyei do not agree with the genus Hylurgops.
Plectranthias alcocki, a new anthiine fish species (Perciformes: Serranidae) from the Arabian Sea, off southwest India
Authors: BINEESH K. K. , AKHILESH K. V. , GOPALAKRISHNAN A. , JENA J. K.
Published: April 2014

A new species of anthiine fish, Plectranthias alcocki n. sp. is described and illustrated based on two specimens, (63.7–72.5 mm SL), recently collected from deep-waters of the Arabian Sea, off Kollam, Kerala, India. The following combination of characters distinguishes it from all other congeners: Dorsal-fin rays X, 15; anal-fin rays III, 7; pectoral-fin rays 14, all unbranched; pelvic-fin rays I, 5; lateral-line complete, the pored lateral-line scales 28; scales above lateral line to origin of dorsal fin 1; scales dorsally on head extending to posterior nostrils; no scales on maxilla or chin; gill rakers 5 + 11 (2 + 7 developed); circumpeduncular scales 10; fourth dorsal spine longest, 2.8 (2.6) in head length (HL), longest dorsal-fin soft ray (second)  2.4 (2.7) in head length; body depth 34.4 (35)% SL; head length 46 (49.8)% SL; orbital length 8.6 in SL; margin of preopercle finely serrate, the serrae 33 (28), ventral edge without antrorse spines; dorsal fin continuous and notched; first anal-fin spine 4.9 (5.6) in HL, second anal-fin spine 2.2 (2.6) in HL; pelvic fins relatively short, 4.0–4.3 in SL; the dorsal fin with a black blotch at base of fourth to eighth spines, one at base of the last three spines, and two at base of soft portion of fin, the dark pigment extending onto adjacent body.
Latin abbreviations and words used in scale insect literature
(Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea)
Authors: WILLIAMS DOUGLAS J. , PELLIZZARI GIUSEPPINA
Published: April 2014

Latin abbreviations and words have been used in the zoological literature since Linnaeus (1758), although some are now rare but were in common usage in the 18th and 19th centuries. The following list of Latin abbreviations and words is prepared to help students of scale insects who are not acquainted with Latin and those who may be just beginning to learn about the study of scale insects with its vast literature. There are many more abbreviations in zoological literature but the list concentrates on those used in scale insect literature.
Two new scorpion species from Paposo, in the Coastal desert of Taltal, Chile (Scorpiones, Bothriuridae, Brachistosternus)
Authors: OJANGUREN-AFFILASTRO ANDRÉS A. , PIZARRO-ARAYA JAIME
Published: April 2014

Brachistosternus paposo n. sp. and Brachistosternus barrigai n. sp. are described from Paposo, in the coastal transitional desert of northern Chile. Brachistosternus paposo n. sp. is closely related to Brachistosternus roigalsinai Ojanguren-Affilastro 2002, and B. barrigai n. sp. is closely related with Brachistosternus kamanchaca Ojanguren-Affilastro, Mattoni & Prendini 2007.
Two new species of free-living marine nematodes (Nematoda: Oncholaimida: Enchelidiidae) from Maemul Island, Korea
Authors: HONG JUNG-HO , LEE WONCHOEL
Published: April 2014

Two new species of the family Enchelidiidae Filipjev, 1918 were collected from marine sediments near Maemul Island in South Korea: a new species of Abelbolla Huang & Zhang, 2004 and a new species of Ledovitia Filipjev, 1927. Abelbolla maemulensis sp. nov. is characterized by its small size (1,493 × 38 µm, body length × maximum body diameter); the presence of a circular amphid; the gubernacular apophysis with swollen distal tip; and the complex structure of the gubernaculum. It is close to Abelbolla huanghaiensis Huang & Zhang, 2004, but differs by the structure of gubernacular apophysis and body length (1,493 vs 2,303 µm). Ledovitia brevis sp. nov. can be separated from its congeners by its small size of body, the length of gubernacular apophysis, and the length of the spicules. It is close to Ledovitia pharetrata Wieser, 1953a, but differs by the length of the body (1,699 vs 2,640 µm) and the spicules (40 vs 100 µm).
Replacement names and nomenclatural comments for problematic species-group names in Europe's Neogene freshwater Gastropoda
Authors: NEUBAUER THOMAS A. , HARZHAUSER MATHIAS , GEORGOPOULOU ELISAVET , MANDIC OLEG , KROH ANDREAS
Published: April 2014

Over the last 250 years of taxonomic descriptions of freshwater gastropods a large number of primary and secondary homonyms were produced. Several of them have now been uncovered in the course of a new database project. To overcome the associated nomenclatural problems we propose 10 replacement names: Theodoxus pseudodacicus nom. nov., Theodoxus stoicai nom. nov., Viviparus deleeuwi nom. nov., Viviparus lubenescuae nom. nov., Viviparus wesselinghi nom. nov., Melanopsis anistratenkoi nom. nov., Melanopsis gearyae nom. nov., Melanopsis magyari nom. nov., Melanopsis vrcinensis nom. nov., and Pyrgula rusti nom. nov. Additionally, we discuss taxa that might become secondary homonyms because of uncertain genus attributions. The genera Melanoptychia Neumayr, 1880 and Boistelia Cossmann, 1909 are synonymized with Melanopsis Férussac, 1807 in Férussac & Férussac, 1807 based on the lack of sufficient separation criteria. Involved combinations are expounded and recombined accordingly. The nomenclatural problems regarding Melanopsis costata Fuchs, 1870 (non Olivier, 1804) and Planorbis varians Fuchs, 1870 sensu Bandel (2010) are discussed.
Insular species swarm goes underground: two new troglobiont
Cylindroiulus millipedes from Madeira (Diplopoda: Julidae)
Authors: REBOLEIRA ANA SOFIA P.S. , ENGHOFF HENRIK
Published: April 2014

Two new species of the genus Cylindroiulus Verhoeff, 1894, C. julesvernei and C. oromii, are described from the subterranean ecosystem of Madeira Island, Portugal. Species are illustrated with photographs and diagrammatic drawings. The new species belong to the Cylindroiulus madeirae-group, an insular species swarm distributed in the archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands. We discuss the differences between the new species and their relatives and present information on the subterranean environment of Madeira. An updated overview of the subterranean biodiversity of millipedes in Macaronesia is also provided.
„Niewolnicy świętego Mikołaja”. Eskalacja debaty społecznej wokół holenderskiej tradycji
Authors: Kargól Marta
Published: April 2014

The slaves of Sinterklaas. The escalation of the public debate on Dutch traditionThis paper examines the public debate about Dutch tradition of Sinterklaas (Saint-Nicolas) and particularly the character of Zwarte Piet, the black-faced helper. His apparent racist nature has been subject of debate in Dutch media for years. However, in 2013 the debate escalated and provoked social conflicts and verbal aggression. The paper gives some explanations why this happened. The case of Zwarte Piet is noteworthy because it shows that Dutch society, well-known for being tolerant and open-minded, is not entirely free of ethnic and national tensions. This Old Dutch tradition that had been shaped in the times of colonialism and slavery, has become a hot issue in todays’ multicultural society. The paper includes considerations concerning the emergence of social conflicts and the meaning of postmodern national and ethnic identity. Additionally, it discusses the role of social media in fuelling the debate. Conclusions are based on analysis of social media content (television, Internet) and publications in the Dutch press from October to December 2013. „Niewolnicy świętego Mikołaja”. Eskalacja debaty społecznej wokół holenderskiej tradycjiArtykuł dotyczy debaty społecznej toczącej się wokół holenderskiej tradycji Sinterklaasa (świętego Mikołaja), a szczególnie wokół postaci Zwarte Piet – pomocnika z uszminkowaną na czarno twarzą. Jego wyraźnie negroidalny wygląd rodzi oskarżenia o rasizm i dlatego od wielu już lat wywołuje dyskusje w holenderskich mediach. W roku 2013 miała miejsce szczególnie ostra dyskusja, która prowadziła do konfliktów oraz agresji słownej. W artykule podjęto próbę wyjaśnienia przyczyny tej sytuacji. Problem postaci Zwarte Piet jest godny uwagi, ponieważ pokazuje, że społeczeństwo holenderskie, uchodzące za tolerancyjne i otwarte, nie jest całkowicie wolne od napięć o charakterze etnicznym i narodowym. Dawna holenderska tradycja, która ukształtowała się w czasach kolonializmu i niewolnictwa, stała się poważnym problemem we współczesnym wielokulturowym społeczeństwie. Artykuł zawiera rozważania na temat powstawania konfliktów społecznych oraz nowoczesnej świadomości etnicznej i narodowej. Ponadto porusza zagadnienie roli mediów w zaostrzaniu dyskusji i towarzyszącej jej agresji. Wnioski zostały oparte o analizę treści medialnych (telewizja, internet) oraz artykułów prasowych, które pojawiały się od października do grudnia 2013 roku.
Symbolika leszczyny w polskiej kulturze ludowej. Fragment definicji kognitywnej
Authors: Kielak Olga
Published: April 2014

The symbolism of hazel in Polish folk culture. A fragment of cognitive definitionThe article discusses the symbolism of the hazel plant which constitute a segment (one facet) of the cognitive definition of a hazel bush. The symbolism of the hazel is a category which terminate and gather in together other facets constituting the entry ‘Hezel’ in the Lublin ethnolinguistics dictionary (Słownik stereotypów i symboli ludowych, red. J. Bartmiński, S. Niebrzegowska-Bartmińska): i.e. the plants’ provenance, image, time and place of flourishing; its magical, apotropaical, therapeutical, ritual and practical use etc. The symbol is thus – next to the stereotype – the second key concept in this dictionary. The author shows the different symbolic meanings attributed to hazel in Polish folk culture – the symbolism of the space tree, the symbolism of sacredness, a symbol of life, duration, recovery and growth; symbol of power and health, the symbolism of fertility and abundance, and a symbol of girl. Symbolika leszczyny w polskiej kulturze ludowej. Fragment definicji kognitywnejW artykule omówiona została symbolika leszczyny stanowiąca wycinek (jedną fasetę) definicji kognitywnej leszczynowego krzewu. Symbolika leszczyny jest kategorią, która wieńczy hasło, bazując na pozostałych fasetach - dotyczących m. in. pochodzenia, wyglądu, czasu i miejsca kwitnienia, zastosowania apotropeicznego, magicznego, leczniczego, obrzędowego i praktycznego - spina je wspólną klamrą. Symbol jest bowiem, obok stereotypu, drugim kluczowym pojęciem w lubelskim słowniku etnolingwistycznym (Słownik stereotypów i symboli ludowych, red. J. Bartmiński, S. Niebrzegowska-Bartmińska). Autorka prezentuje różne sensy symboliczne przypisywane w polskiej kulturze ludowej leszczynie – symbolikę drzewa kosmicznego; symbolikę świętości; symbol życia, trwania, regeneracji i wzrastania; symbol mocy i zdrowia, symbolikę płodności i obfitości oraz symbol dziewczyny.
Lagrangian Mixing Dynamics at the Cloudy–Clear Air Interface
Authors: Kumar Bipin , Schumacher Jörg , Shaw Raymond A.
Published: April 2014

The entrainment of clear air and its subsequent mixing with a filament of cloudy air, as occurs at the edge of a cloud, is studied in three-dimensional direct numerical simulations that combine the Eulerian description of the turbulent velocity, temperature, and vapor fields with a Lagrangian cloud droplet ensemble. Forced and decaying turbulence is considered, such as when the dynamics around the filament is driven by larger-scale eddies or during the final period of the life cycle of a cloud. The microphysical response depicted in nd − 〈r3〉 space (where nd and r are droplet number density and radius, respectively) shows characteristics of both homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixing, depending on the Damköhler number. The transition from inhomogeneous to homogeneous mixing leads to an offset of the homogeneous mixing curve to larger dilution fractions. The response of the system is governed by the smaller of the single droplet evaporation time scale and the bulk phase relaxation time scale. Variability within the nd − 〈r3〉 space increases with decreasing sample volume, especially during the mixing transients. All of these factors have implications for the interpretation of measurements in clouds. The qualitative mixing behavior changes for forced versus decaying turbulence, with the latter yielding remnant patches of unmixed cloud and stronger fluctuations. Buoyancy due to droplet evaporation is observed to play a minor role in the mixing for the present configuration. Finally, the mixing process leads to the transient formation of a pronounced nearly exponential tail of the probability density function of the Lagrangian supersaturation, and a similar tail emerges in the droplet size distribution under inhomogeneous conditions.