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A primitive equation global zonally averaged general circulation model is used to study the effects of the topography on the atmospheric annual cycle. A smoothed zonally averaged topography that has a form similar to that observed was used. The control experiment showed that the model was capable of capturing the zonally averaged behavior of the annual cycle. The model is able to capture some characteristics of the monsoonlike circulation such as the seasonal wind reversal and the easterly jet in the boreal summer. Even in the absence of topography the model was able to reproduce the monsoonlike features. However, the circulation was weak and the position of its components was altered. This suggests that the topography has an important role in modifying the intensity and position of the monsoon circulation. Sensitivity tests were made in order to investigate the effects of high elevation and its steep southern slope. Two experiments were performed: 1) increasing the elevation of orography without...

Importance Several clinical reports have stated that patients with prefrontal lesions or patients with the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia share social cognition impairments. Moral reasoning is impaired in both conditions but there have been few investigations that directly compare this domain in the 2 groups. Observations This work compared the moral judgments of these patient groups using a task designed to disentangle the contributions of intentions and outcomes in moral judgment. For both disorders, patients judged scenarios where the protagonists believed that they would cause harm but did not as being more permissible than the control group. Moreover, patients with frontotemporal dementia judged harmful outcomes in the absence of harmful intentions as less permissible than the control participants. There were no differences between the 2 conditions. Conclusions and Relevance Both disorders involved impairments in integrating intention and outcome information for moral judgment. This study was the first, to our knowledge, to directly compare a social cognition domain in 2 frontal pathologies with different etiology. Our results highlighted the importance of comparing patients with vascular lesions and patients with neurodegenerative diseases Fil: Báez Buitrago, Sandra Jimena. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina "Santa María de los Buenos Aires"; Argentina Fil: Couto, Juan Blas Marcos. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina Fil: Torralva, Teresa. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile Fil: Sposato, Luciano. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Western University; Estados Unidos Fil: Huepe, David. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile Fil: Montañes, Patricia. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia. Universidad Nacional de Colombia; Colombia Fil: Reyes, Pablo. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia Fil: Matallana, Diana. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia Fil: Vigliecca, Nora Silvana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Filosofia y Humanidades; Argentina Fil: Slachevsky, Andrea. Hospital del Salvador. Santiago; Chile. Clínica Alemana. Santiago; Chile. Universidad de Chile; Chile Fil: Manes, Facundo Francisco. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Disorders; Australia Fil: Ibanez, Agustin. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Cognition and Disorders; Australia. Universidad Autonoma del Caribe. Barranquilla; Colombia

Gold nanoparticles deposited on an α-Fe2O3 substrate were prepared by different procedures including the deposition–precipitation in presence of urea or NaOH, and by the traditional wet impregnation followed by calcination. Metal loading and catalyst structures were determined by ICP-MS and XRD analyses while the size and electronic nature of Au nanoparticles were assessed using TEM and XPS. The effect of the catalyst preparation methodology was evaluated in the catalytic hydrogenation of nitrobenzene (NB) carried out in a batch reactor at 25 °C and 20 bar of H2 pressure. Among the catalysts studied, 1.0%Au/α-Fe2O3 prepared by deposition–precipitation with urea recorded the best performance (TOF = 4.6 s−1) and a selectivity toward aniline of 92%. The XRD and TEM data pointed out that the active sites are small gold particles (3.8 nm) highly dispersed on the substrate surface. Moreover, the effect of Au loading (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 wt.%) was investigated in the hydrogenation reaction of o-, m- and p-chloronitrobenzene (o, m- and p-CNB) to o-, m- and p-chloroaniline (o-, m- and p-CAN) (a batch reactor; T = 25 °C; P = 20 bar of H2) over Au/α-Fe2O3 catalysts prepared by deposition–precipitation with urea. Regardless of the CNB isomer, maximum activity was recorded for the catalyst with 0.5 wt.% Au loading (m-CNB conversion of 99.7%). At 6 h reaction time, the yields of o-CAN, m-CAN and p-CAN were 97, 93.7 and 91.7 mol.%, respectively. Catalytic activity decreases in the order: m-CNB > o-CNB > p-CNB, but this sequence does not depend on the Au loading. Other factors such as the electronic properties of Au nanoparticles and steric factors of Cl substitute appear to play a major role in the reaction., The authors thank the Project FONDECYT 1100259 for funding this research. C. Torres and C.H. Campos are grateful to CONICYT for their doctoral fellowship.

The influence of the support on the surface properties and catalytic activity of finely divided ruthenium catalysts is reported. The catalysts were prepared using an organometallic precursor, Ru(acac)2, and three different supports, Al2O3, TiO2 and SiO2. In order to study the influence of the particle size on the catalytic performance, the effect of the calcination temperature was also evaluated. XPS suggests that the state of ruthenium is essentially Ru0, and chemisorption measurements indicate a decrease in metal dispersion from catalysts supported on Al2O3 > TiO2 > SiO2. The turnover number in the o-xylene hydrogenation showed significant differences depending on the support and on the particle size. Additionally, an increase in the selectivity to cis-dimethylcyclohexane with particle size was observed.

Presentamos una sinopsis de las 17 especies del género Pristimantis registradas en la Reserva Ecológica Río Zuñag. Esta reserva se ubica en la cuenca alta del río Pastaza, en la Cordillera Oriental de los Andes de Ecuador, entre 1400 y 2200 m de elevación. Incluimos la descripción de una nueva especie de Pristimantis caracterizada por su coloración en vida (dorso amarillo ámbar con marcas café-rojizas, y manchas anaranjadas bordeadas de amarillo en las ingles y en las superficies posteriores de los muslos) y la presencia de dos tubérculos pequeños sobre el párpado superior y un tubérculo interorbital pequeño. Estimamos que dentro del rango altitudinal de la reserva podrían existir 23 especies de Pristimantis, divididos en dos ensamblajes que se dividen aparentemente en la cota de 1800 m de elevación.

We present a synopsis of 17 species of the genus Pristimantis recorded at the Río Zuñag Ecological Reserve. This reserve is located at the upper Pastaza river basin, on the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes of Ecuador, between 1400 and 2200 m elevation. We include the description of a new species of Pristimantis characterized by its dorsal colouration in life (ambar yellow dorsum with reddish-brown marks, and orange-yellow spots on the groin and posterior surfaces of the thighs) and by the presence of two small tubercles on the upper eyelid and one small interorbital tubercle. We estimate that within the altitudinal range of the reserve may occur 23 species of Pristimantis, divided into two assamblages that get apparently separated at 1800 m elevation.

Social cognition impairments are pervasive in the frontotemporal dementias (FTD). These deficits would be triggered by (a) basic emotion and face recognition processes as well as by (b) higher level social cognition (e.g., theory of mind, ToM). Both emotional processing and social cognition impairments have been previously reported in the behavioral variant of FTD (bvFTD) and also in other versions of FTDs, including primary progressive aphasia. However, no neuroanatomic comparison between different FTD variants has been performed. We report selective behavioral impairments of face recognition, emotion recognition, and ToM in patients with bvFTD and progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA) when compared to controls. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) shows a classical impairment of mainly orbitofrontal (OFC), anterior cingulate (ACC), insula and lateral temporal cortices in patients. Comparative analysis of regional gray matter related to social cognition deficits (VBM) reveals a differential pattern of fronto-insulo-temporal atrophy in bvFTD and an insulo-temporal involvement in PNFA group. Results suggest that in spite of similar social cognition impairments reported in bvFTD and PNFA, the former represents an inherent ToM affectation whereas in the PNFA these deficits could be related to more basic processes of face and emotion recognition. These results are interpreted in the frame of the fronto-insulo-temporal social context network model (SCNM). Fil: Couto, Juan Blas Marcos. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Manes, Facundo Francisco. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Montañés, Patricia. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia Fil: Matallana, Diana. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia Fil: Reyes, Pablo. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana; Colombia Fil: Velasquez, Marcela. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Yoris Magnago, Adrián Ezequiel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Báez Buitrago, Sandra Jimena. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina Fil: Ibáñez Barassi, Agustín Mariano. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Favaloro; Argentina. Universidad Diego Portales; Chile

Recommendations for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) are available, although it is uncertain the degree of adherence to these measures. The aim of the study is to assess the adherence to recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS, seeking factors associated to the noncompliance with these recommendations.468 infants were enrolled in two maternity hospitals, one public and one private. Postpartum and 4-month assessments were performed. A questionnaire was used adapting a model validated by the International Child Care Practices Study.Adherence to obstetric recommendations was higher (75.4%) than to pediatric recommendations (53.3%). Regarding pediatric recommendations, a compliance decrease was detected after 4 months. Follow-ups showed decrease in breastfeeding (p0.001 84.9% vs 48.6%) and supine position (61.2% vs 21.2%, p0.001).The decreased adherence to recommendations for SIDS prevention was mainly observed in younger and less educated women, who were not in a relationship and living in poor housing quality and crowded environments.

such as psychosis and aggression. Limitations from the literature on cognitivemarkers include limited number of subjects, inadequate control of potential confounding factors and short follow-up periods. Moreover, all of the previous studies used comprehensive neuropsychological battery, which cannot be easily implanted in a clinical setting. Recent data suggest that executive functions may predict the course of AD. In this study we sought to determine whether bedside executive function testing might be used to predict AD course, properly controlling for potential confounding factors. Methods: Subjects were all mild AD (MMSE 20-26) according to the NINCDS-ADRDA criteria. Executive functions testing included abstraction, categorical and letter fluency, Luria manual and graphical sequences, clock drawing and months backwards. Using Cox regression analyses we determined which of these executive tasks were associated with conversion from mild to moderate AD (MMSE< 20), controlling for demographic and clinical covariates. Results: 49 patients (19M/30F; mean age 1⁄4 71.0 years old; mean education 11.8 years) were included. In this sample, history of smoking and hypothyroidism were covariates of cognitive decline while age, gender, education, other cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia) and use of cholinesterase inhibitors were not. Controlling for covariates, letter fluency (p 1⁄40.001) and months backwards (p 1⁄40.001) predicted conversion to moderate AD. Based on ROC curves analyses, months backwards proved to be themost reliable predictor of cognitive decline (AUC 1⁄4 0.690) and the whole battery proved to have comparable predictive power to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (0.76 vs 0.806). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that simple add-on executive testing to the MMSE helps predict cognitive decline in mild AD. It supports previous literature on the executive function association with an unfavorable course and a dysexecutive phenotype of mild AD. These findings may have implications for the planning of patient care and caregiver support.

This review article is an analysis of the most recent published scientific articles about myxomatous valve degeneration (MVD) and was conducted over a five month period. The aim of this review is to consolidate information about the most recent medical developments in regards to myxomatous degeneration in the mitral valve. The authors of this article reached a consensus on both the development of the disease and the most effective type of diagnosis and treatment that is available today. Myxomatous valve degeneration is the most common heart disease in the canine population. It is identified by a loss of mechanical integrity in the heart due to structural changes in the valvular components. Degenerative changes occur due to an accumulation of mucopolysaccharides in the leaflets and chordae which affect the proper operation of the valve apparatus. This is caused by faulty coaptation of the leaflets, resulting in mitral or tricuspid regurgitation, dilated ventricles and annuli, which are lesions that eventually cause the rupture of the chordae tendineae, leading to complications or possibly death. Due to the gradual progression of the disease and the presence or absence of clinical signs, it is very important that veterinarians accurately diagnose and follow-up on these patients in order to achieve stabilization and provide a suitable prognosis and treatment plan. The current ideal treatment of the disease is a low-sodium diet, administration of the aceinhibitor (angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor) spironolactone and a diuretic in order to reduce the presence of pulmonary edema and avoid the progression of the disease to congestive heart failure.

Summary Objectives Incomplete glottal closure is one of the key clinical aspects of presbylarynx. The objective of the present study is to determine the diagnostic yield of several tests for the assessment of glottal competence in age-related dysphonia. Study Design Cross-sectional prospective. Methods One hundred and four healthy patients 65 years and older with a maximum phonation time below 12 seconds for women and 15 seconds for men were included. The glottal closure was assessed with laryngostroboscopy, and this observation was used as gold standard. Continuous light endoscopy, s/z ratio, electroglottography, and aerodynamic analysis of voice were performed, and their accuracy parameters for the diagnosis of the glottal gap in this context were calculated. Results A spindle-shaped gap was observed in 47 cases. Sensitivity of vocal fold bowing to predict glottal gap in phonation was 93.6% with a negative likelihood ratio of 0.15. Specificity of s/z ratio was 91.4% with a positive likelihood ratio of 6.17. Electroglottography and aerodynamic measurements of voice resulted to be inaccurate for the diagnosis of glottal insufficiency in phonation. Conclusions Conventional endoscopy and s/z ratio are good diagnostic tests for an initial assessment of glottal insufficiency in age-related dysphonia that would allow general otolaryngologists early identification and prompt treatment of this pathology.

The effect of Mo loading (10, 12, 15, 17 and 20 wt.%) on the physicochemical properties and reactivities of Mo(x)/ g-Al 2 O 3 sulfide catalysts for the conversion of 2-methoxyphenol at 573 K and 5 MPa of hydrogen pressure were studied. The catalysts were characterized by specific area (S BET ), electrophoretic migration (EM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and surface acidity techniques. The highest conversion observed for the catalyst with a Mo loading of 15 wt.% was attributed to an increase in the number of active sites due to highly dispersed Mo species. At higher Mo loadings, the formation of Mo aggregates led to lower guaiacol conversion. The differences in the phenol/catechol ratio were explained by the acid strengths of the sulfided catalysts. Keywords: hydrodeoxygenation, 2-methoxyphenol, MoS 2 , acid strength. 1. INTRODUCTION The increase in world energy demand during the 21 th century and the limited oil reserves, in part, have driven the industry to look for new and alternative energy sources. In this regard, biomass has generated considerable interests because of its renewability and its inertness with respect to CO

Background : (Introduction) The sustained increase of life expectancy that results from socioeconomic and health improvements has shifted health priorities. Most significant change arises from the increase of patients with chronic conditions and subsequent heightened socioeconomic burden on health systems. Comorbidities are common in institutionalized elderly; some of them can be classified as chronic complex patients(CCP). GeriatrICS project was originated by the need to improve care of these patients, with a reorganization of health care in Nursing Homes(NH) ensuring integrated care approach by primary care teams and all the stakeholders . Baseline conditions : The healthcare model in our setting was based on primary care teams providing on demand assistance when required by (NH). While the prevalence of dementia was known, comorbidity, dependency and frailty were under-registered. Indeed, these elderly patients often attended emergency services(ER) and experienced multiple preventable and avoidable hospital admissions. Medication was not adequately reviewed in terms of efficacy, safety, cost and adequacy of prescription. Project description : Aims : - Provide from Primary care quality health care to elderly in NH based on proactive and integrated care approach. - Develop a program based on patient safety, and review adequacy of treatments according health and dependency , based on efficacy, efficiency of prescription. - Connection computerized medical data record in NH. Access to electronic prescribing. - Coordination between Stakeholders: hospital, ER, community pharmacists, NH, etc., to ensure integrated care. - Streamlining healthcare resources, avoidable and preventable hospitalizations. Intervention : In 2012 a group (GPs, nurses, pharmacists and epidemiologist) was created. Intervention model was developed to ensure its consistency and to achieve healthcare objectives determined by proactive and integrated care formulae (comprehensive evaluation and requirements plan). CCP that required the intervention of nurse case managers were considered particularly important. Settings: 8743 institutionalized patients (IP) In north metropolitan area of Barcelona. Catalan Institute of Health. Catalonia. Methods. Multicenter intervention in 184 NH assigned to our primary care centers Target population: 8743(IP) living in NH. Identified with code (Z 59.3)ICD10 1 – Primary care teams reorganized in doctor-nurse units, with support of administrative staff; these teams acquired specific skills to assist IP in aim to provide proactivity care actions, decompensation prevention to prevent avoidable and preventable hospitalizations . The model also included the approach to a consistent quality end-of-life care based on screening with the NECPAL CCOMS-ICO©10 project criteria and a training of healthcare professionals to support the end-of-life process. 2- Creation and implementation of a therapeutic drug guide, criteria based on safety, effectiveness and efficiency, free access in blog format (https://farmageriatrics.wordpress.com/) to be shared for all physicians. Pharmacotherapeutic Guideline Farmageriatrics® was based on STOPP-START and Beers criteria 3 - Primary care electronic medical record (ECAP) has been installed and became accessible to professionals in NH, to facilitate the register of all clinical events and drug prescription. Results , outcomes and impact : Intervention was carried out in 184 NH, 8,743 IP . Patient’s profile: 77.3% were included in CRG (Clinical Risk Groups 3M©) 6-7 (2 or more chronic conditions), 42.9% have dementia diagnosis, 28.9% were CCP and 6% with Advanced Chronic Disease(ACD) Decreased of hospital admissions by 31.1% and 7.6% in attendance to ER; use of internal health resources has increased 20.4% (primary care emergency services). The cost/resident in pharmacy has decreased by 18.1% since 2012. Pfeiffer’s test was conducted in 74.3% of patients (29.9% in 2012), resulting in patients’ cognitive status of 6. Barthel test was administered to 74.8% of patients (36.2% in 2012) with mean score of 47.4. Highlights : Lessons learned : 1-A centered-person point of view the most valuable and powerful argument for all stakeholders involved put aside personal goals, sit around a table, work together to focus on the patient and his environment: family, etc. 2-Teamwork is essential and necessary to carry out this project. 3-Both the design process and during the implementation is very important don’t forget any of the parties. In this regard, it’s essential that both : those directly involved and those who are indirectly involved, sit in the project, and always, without losing sight of the common goal: the patient 4- Patient is only transferred to hospital when it’s strictly necessary 5- Highlight some difficulties in terms of administrative bureaucracy when facility installation of electronic medical record in NH. In our country health and social welfare depend on two different Departments.

This study evaluates the planetary boundary layer (PBL) by the sensitivity of different PBL parameterizations for the Alcântara Rocket Launch Center (CLA). The study was produced using two distinct databases, an observational and other numeric. The observational data in surface and radiosondes were of the CHUVA Project for the Alcantara campaign and applied in comparison with the WRF-SCM integrations. These integrations were obtained using five PBL parameterizations (YSU, MYJ, QNSE, MYNN2 and TEMF) in the WRF model (3.7.1) in its version of Single-Column Model (SCM), with initial condition of NCEP’s global model final analysis (FNL/GFS) for 18Z on March 5, 2010, integrating for 30 hours simulations considering spin-up (6 + 24 hours). The overall results do not highlight a standardization of quality of some parameter, despite the MYNN, QNSE and YSU schemes have been closer to the observations at different situations. The PBL height determination was better simulated with YSU and QNSE schemes, and with MYJ to air temperature at 2m. Importantly, the dynamic limitations that an SCM model has also adding the complexity of the Alcântara site and its coastal features of meso and large scale (eg breezes and ITCZ). These problems motivates the future studies, for example, with three-dimensional microscale models such as LES.

e18555Background: MDS is a heterogeneous group of clonal acquired hematologic disorders which is prevalent in the elderly population. Despite an intensive prognostic scoring system (IPSS-R) there a...

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) has become increasingly important in the assessment of mitral valve prosthetic dysfunction. We report on three patients who developed medically refractory hemolytic anemia after St. Jude mitral valve replacement secondary to perivalvular mitral prosthetic regurgitation. Two of the three cases had corrective surgical intervention that resolved the hemolytic process. Careful transesophageal echocardiographic evaluations of the perivalvular area proved diagnostic and resulted in appropriate management decisions.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered I.P. increases significantly the activation of c-Fos in neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), which in turn activates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The vagus nerve appears to play a role in conveying cytokines signals to the central nervous system (CNS), since -in rodent models of sepsis- bilateral vagotomy abolishes increases in plasmatic glucocorticoid levels, but does not suppress c-Fos NTS activation. Considering that NTS also receives sensory inputs from carotid body chemoreceptors, we evaluated c-Fos activation and plasmatic cortisol levels 90 min after I.P. administration of 15 mg/kg LPS. Experiments were performed in male Sprague-Dawley rats, in control conditions and after bilateral carotid neurotomy (BCN). LPS administration significantly increases the number of c-Fos positive NTS neurons and plasmatic cortisol levels in animals with intact carotid/sinus nerves. When LPS was injected after BCN, the number of c-Fos positive NTS neurons, and plasmatic cortisol levels were not significantly modified. Our data suggest that carotid body chemoreceptors might mediate CNS activation during sepsis.

The gasification of biomass followed by a Fischer–Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) is a good alternative for synthesis of gasoline and/or diesel. However, this process may be considered as a high-cost technology, depending on crude oil and biomass raw material prices. The viability may be increased depending on the value of biomass, cost of transportation of biomass and the separation (conditioning) of gases produced in the gasification (elimination of CO2, CH4, N2 and others). Nevertheless, this gas mixture “called biosyngas” may be used in the FTS without pre-conditioned for producing gasoline and/or diesel. The main focus of this chapter will be on the latest investigations in the FTS carried out in a microreactor from a simulated biosyngas (without conditioning), as an alternative to decrease the cost of this process. This chapter reports results of catalytic activity and characterization of Fe/SiO2 and Co/SiO2 catalysts and Cu, Re, Ru and Zn promoted Co/SiO2 catalysts.

Five new species of frogs from the genus Pristimantis are reported for Ecuador, thus extending the distribution range for these species, previously described only for the southern Andes of Colombia and the northern Andes of Peru. The diversity of Pristimantis in Ecuador increases to 148 species, adding five additional species to the total of 508 anurans already described for Ecuador.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administered i.p. increases significantly the activation of c-Fos in neurons of the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), which in turn activates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. The vagus nerve appears to play a role in conveying cytokines signals to the central nervous system (CNS), since -in rodent models of sepsis- bilateral vagotomy abolishes increases in plasmatic glucocorticoid levels, but does not suppress c-Fos NTS activation. Considering that NTS also receives sensory inputs from carotid body chemoreceptors, we evaluated c-Fos activation and plasmatic cortisol levels 90 min after i.p. administration of 15 mg/kg LPS. Experiments were performed in male Sprague–Dawley rats, in control conditions and after bilateral carotid neurotomy (BCN). LPS administration significantly increases the number of c-Fos positive NTS neurons and plasmatic cortisol levels in animals with intact carotid/sinus nerves. When LPS was injected after BCN, the number of c-Fos positive NTS neurons, and plasmatic cortisol levels were not significantly modified. Our data suggest that carotid body chemoreceptors might mediate CNS activation during sepsis.

We describe a new species of Pristimantis, known from cloud forests of the eastern slopes of central Ecuadorian Andes. The new species is characterized by having distinctive white spots on black venter, green dorsum, conical tubercles on eyelid, interorbital tubercle, and row of ulnar and tarsal tubercles. Efforts to conserve this species are focused on two protected areas within the Llanganates-Sangay corridor, a hotspot that protects endemic and unknown populations of frogs. Describimos una nueva especie de Pristimantis conocida del bosque nublado de las estribaciones orientales de los Andes centrales de Ecuador. La nueva especie se caracteriza por tener un distintivo patrón de manchas irregulares blancas sobre el vientre negro, dorso verde, tubérculos cónicos en el párpado, tubérculo interorbital, e hilera de tubérculos ulnares y tarsales. Esfuerzos por conservar esta especie se han cristalizado en dos áreas protegidas dentro del corredor Llanganates Sangay, un punto caliente de diversidad que resguarda poblaciones de ranas endémicas y todavía desconocidas.

The study of the initial effects of a sudden and brief replacement of air by pure oxygen has been proposed as a tool (Dejours’ test) to determine the tonic influence that arterial (peripheral) chemoreceptors were exerting upon ventilation under previous normoxic conditions. Therefore, the acute ventilatory response to transient hyperoxia should be used to assess the level of hypoxic chemosensory drive. In spontaneously ventilated pentobarbitone-anesthetized cats, we observed that the degree of ventilatory depression provoked by hyperoxia was correlated to the degree of previous hypoxia. Minimal tidal volumes (VT) or transient apnea were reached between second to fourth cycles after switching from 5% to 100% O2 breathing. Continuous recordings of chemosensory discharges from one carotid (sinus) nerve allowed correlation of the falls in frequency of chemosensory discharges to the degree of hyperoxia-induced ventilatory depression and provided an accurate measure of the prevailing chemosensory drive of ventilation exerted during hypoxic steady-state conditions.

BACKGROUND: Tools are lacking to assess the individual risk of severe toxicity from chemotherapy. Such tools would be especially useful for older patients, who vary considerably in terms of health status and functional reserve. METHODS: The authors conducted a prospective, multicentric study of patients aged ≥70 years who were starting chemotherapy. Grade 4 hematologic (H) or grade 3/4 nonhematologic (NH) toxicity according to version 3.0 of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events was defined as severe. Twenty-four parameters were assessed. Toxicity of the regimen (Chemotox) was adjusted using an index to estimate the average per-patient risk of chemotherapy toxicity (the MAX2 index). In total, 562 patients were accrued, and 518 patients were evaluable and were split randomly (2:1 ratio) into a derivation cohort and a validation cohort. RESULTS: Severe toxicity was observed in 64% of patients. The Chemotherapy Risk Assessment Scale for High-Age Patients (CRASH) score was constructed along 2 subscores: H toxicity and NH toxicity. Predictors of H toxicity were lymphocytes, aspartate aminotransferase level, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living score, lactate dehydrogenase level, diastolic blood pressure, and Chemotox. The best model included the 4 latter predictors (risk categories: low, 7%; medium-low, 23%; medium-high, 54%; and high, 100%, respectively; Ptrend < .001). Predictors of NH toxicity were hemoglobin, creatinine clearance, albumin, self-rated health, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance, Mini-Mental Status score, Mini-Nutritional Assessment score, and Chemotox. The 4 latter predictors provided the best model (risk categories: 33%, 46%, 67%, and 93%, respectively; Ptrend < .001). The combined risk categories were 50%, 58%, 77%, and 79%, respectively; Ptrend < .001). Bootstrap internal validation and independent sample validation demonstrated stable risk categorization and Ptrend < .001. CONCLUSIONS: The CRASH score distinguished several risk levels of severe toxicity. The split score discriminated better than the combined score. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first score systematically integrating both chemotherapy and patient risk for older patients and has a potential for future clinical application. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.

Deoxyribozymes (DXZs) are catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides capable of performing diverse functions including the specific cleavage of a target RNA. These molecules represent a new type of therapeutic oligonucleotides combining the efficiency of ribozymes and the intracellular endurance and simplicity of modified antisense oligonucleotides. Commonly used DXZs include the 8-17 and 10-23 motifs, which have been engineered to destroy disease-associated genes with remarkable efficiency. Targeting DXZs to disease-associated transcripts requires extensive biochemical testing to establish target RNA accessibility, catalytic efficiency, and nuclease sensibility. The usage of modified nucleotides to render nuclease-resistance DXZs must be counterweighted against deleterious consequences on catalytic activity. Further intracellular testing is required to establish the effect of microenvironmental conditions on DXZ activity and off-target issues. Application of modified DXZs to cervical cancer results in specific growth inhibition, cell death, and apoptosis. Thus, DXZs represent a highly effective antisense moiety with minimal secondary effects.

Injections of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have been used to produce the signs of sepsis and study their underlying mechanisms. Intravenous (IV) injections of LPS in anesthetized cats induce tachypnea, tachycardia and hypotension, but ventilatory changes are suppressed after sectioning carotid and aortic nerves. Otherwise, LPS increases the basal frequency of carotid chemosensory discharges, but reduces ventilatory and chemosensory responses to hypoxia and nicotine injections. Increases in cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) are observed in plasma and tissues after injecting LPS. In carotid bodies perfused in vitro, TNF-α reduces chemosensory discharges induced by hypoxia. The rat carotid body and its sensory ganglion constitutively express LPS canonical receptor, TLR4, as well as TNF-α and its receptors (TNF-R1 and TNF-R2). Increases of TNF-α and TNF-R2 expression occur after LPS administration. The activation of peripheral and central autonomic pathways induced by LPS or IL's is partly dependent on intact vagus nerves. Thus, the carotid and vagus nerves provide routes between the immune system and CNS structures involved in systemic inflammatory responses.

Deoxyribozymes (DXZs) are catalytic oligodeoxynucleotides capable of performing diverse functions including the specific cleavage of a target RNA. These molecules represent a new type of therapeutic oligonucleotides combining the efficiency of ribozymes and the intracellular endurance and simplicity of modified antisense oligonucleotides. Commonly used DXZs include the 8-17 and 10-23 motifs, which have been engineered to destroy disease-associated genes with remarkable efficiency. Targeting DXZs to disease-associated transcripts requires extensive biochemical testing to establish target RNA accessibility, catalytic efficiency, and nuclease sensibility. The usage of modified nucleotides to render nuclease-resistance DXZs must be counterweighted against deleterious consequences on catalytic activity. Further intracellular testing is required to establish the effect of microenvironmental conditions on DXZ activity and off-target issues. Application of modified DXZs to cervical cancer results in specific growth inhibition, cell death, and apoptosis. Thus, DXZs represent a highly effective antisense moiety with minimal secondary effects.

Rhodium supported on NaY and NaH(x)Y zeolites with variable proton exchange (x= 10-30% eq.) have been used used for benzene hydrogenation and for the hydrogenolysis of n-butane. The catalysts containing 2 wt.-% rhodium showed differences in metal reducibility, metal dispersion, metal location into the zeolite and catalytic activity. All the data reported suggest that the differences in catalytic performance of the partially exchanged Rh/NaH(x)Y zeolites can be explained in terms of electron deficient rhodium clusters generated upon hydrogen reduction.

Describimos a Pristimantis loujosti sp. nov. de la cuenca alta del río Pastaza. La especie se caracteriza por su tamaño corporal grande, piel glandular gruesa, coloración de las superficies ocultas de las patas e ingles de color naranja, un pliegue prominente en la superficie superior de la base de la mano, uno a tres tubérculos aplanados en la superficie anterior del antebrazo e iris fuertemente reticulado. La presencia del pliegue en la mano no ha sido reportado antes en otros Pristimantis aunque no parece ser exclusivo de Pristimantis loujosti, ya que también ha sido observado en P pycnodermis, con la cual la nueva especie parece estar estrechamente relacionada.

Presentamos nueva información que extiende la distribución latitudinal y altitudinal de cinco especies de ranas de cristal recientemente descritas y poco conocidas de la región oriental de Ecuador. Incluimos datos novedosos sobre su tamaño corporal e historia natural. Se discute información sobre la diversidad y biogeografía de ranas centrolenidas del oriente de Ecuador, encontrando que se encuentran asociadas con seis formaciones vegetales comprendidas entre las estribaciones orientales y la baja Amazonia. Identificamos tres importantes zonas de diversidad y endemismo en la región oriental de Ecuador asociadas con las cuencas hidrográficas de los ríos Napo, Pastaza y Santiago. Los ecosistemas de bosques Montano Bajos y Piemontanos concentran la mayor diversidad y endemismo para ranas centrolenidas, sin embargo 77% de ellas están amenazadas. Es trascendental juntar todos los esfuerzos posibles para investigar y conservar este substancial grupo de la fauna ecuatoriana.

Describimos tres nuevas especies de ranas Pristimantis del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito basados en material colectado durante experidiciones del Museo Ecuatoriano Ciencias Naturales. Las nuevas especies son asignadas a los grupos-de-especies P unistrigatus, P devillei y P myersi, y pueden distinguirse fácilmente de otras especies similares por su morfología externa y patrones de coloración distintivos. Las tres nuevas especies fueron descubiertas en los extensos e inexplorados bosques en las estribaciones norte y suroccidentales del volcán Pichincha, que preservan una fauna endémica y todavía poco conocida.

We present new information on the latitudinal and altitudinal distribution of five species of recently-described or poorly-known glassfrogs from eastern Ecuador. We include novel data on its body size and natural history. Information on the diversity and biogeography of the centrolenid frogs of Eastern Ecuador is discussed, finding them associated with six vegetation formations distributed between the eastern Andean slopes and lowland Amazonia. We identify three important zones of diversity and endemism in Eastern Ecuador associated with the Napo, Pastaza, and Santiago river basins. The ecosystems of Low Montane and Foothill forests have the largest diversity and endemism of centrolenid frogs, however, 77% are threatened. It is vital to join effort to research and preserve this particular group of the Ecuadorian fauna.

We describe Pristimantis loujosti sp. nov. from the upper River Pastaza basin. This species is characterised by its large body size, thick glandular skin, orange hidden surfaces of legs, prominent hand fold, one to three wart on the upper surface of the arm, and strongly reticulated iris. The presence of the hand fold has not been previously reported in other Pristimantis, althoug it seems to be shared with P pycnodermis, species that seems to be closely related.

We describe three new species of frogs Pristimantis from the Distrito Metropolitano de Quito based on material collected by expedition of the Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales. The new species are assigned to the P unistrigatus, P devillei and P myersi species-groups, and can be distinguished easily from similar species by external morphology and distinctive coloration patterns. The three new species were discovered in the extensive and unexplored forests on the northern and southwestern slopes of the Pichincha volcano, which preserves an endemic and still poorly-known fauna.

TiO2 supported Ag nanoparticles with metal loading ranging from 2.0 to 12.0 wt.% have been prepared by reduction of a silver precursor with formic acid under mild conditions. XPS showed that silver remains in a reduced state and TEM has demonstrated that the procedure was effective to produce silver nanoparticles. Only small changes in the metal particle size from 2.0-3.4 nm occurs when the Ag content increases from 2.0 to 12.0 wt.%. O2 TPD has revealed the presence of different types of adsorbed oxygen species being the one assigned to the active specie called Ob which one displayed the highest proportion in the catalysts with higher metal loading. Catalytic activity in the conversion of methanol to formaldehyde showed that those samples with metal loading higher than 7.0 wt% displays higher yields compared to the unsupported silver catalyst.

Wood chips of Pinus radiata softwood were biotreated with the brown rot fungus (BRF) Gloeophyllum trabeum for periods from 4 and 12 weeks. Biodegradation by BRF leads to an increase in cellulose depolymerization with increasing incubation time. As a result, the intrinsic viscosity of holocellulose decreased from 1,487 cm(3)/g in control samples to 783 and 600 cm(3)/g in 4- and 12-week decayed wood chips, respectively. Wood weight and glucan losses varied from 6 to 14% and 9 to 21%, respectively. Undecayed and 4-week decayed wood chips were delignified by alkaline (NaOH solution) or organosolv (ethanol/water) processes to produced cellulosic pulps. For both process, pulp yield was 5-10% lower for decayed samples than for control pulps. However, organosolv bio-pulps presented low residual lignin amount and high glucan retention. Chemical pulps and milled wood from undecayed and 4-week decayed wood chips were pre-saccharified with cellulases for 24 h at 50 degrees C followed by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) with the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae IR2-9a at 40 degrees C for 96 h for bioethanol production. Considering glucan losses during wood decay and conversion yields from chemical pulping and SSF processes, no gains in ethanol production were obtained from the combination of BRF with alkaline delignification; however, the combination of BRF and organosolv processes resulted in a calculated production of 210 mL ethanol/kg wood or 72% of the maximum theoretically possible from that pretreatment, which was the best result obtained in the present study.

Deoxyribozymes (DXZs) are small oligodeoxynucleotides capable of mediating phosphodiester bond cleavage of a target RNA in a sequence-specific manner. These molecules are a new generation of artificial catalytic nucleic acids currently used to silence many disease-related genes. The present study describes a DXZ (Dz1023-434) directed against the polycistronic mRNA from the E6 and E7 genes of human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV-16), the main etiological agent of cervical cancer. Dz1023-434 showed efficient cleavage against a bona fide antisense window at nt 410-445 within HPV-16 E6/E7 mRNA even in low [Mg(2+)] conditions. Using a genetic analysis as guidance, we introduced diverse chemical modifications within Dz1023-434 catalytic core to produce a stable locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified DXZ (Dz434-LNA) with significant cleavage activity of full E6/E7 transcripts. Cell culture testing of Dz434-LNA produced a sharp decrement of E6/E7 mRNA levels in HPV-16-positive cells resulting in decreased proliferation and considerable cell death in a specific and dose-dependent manner. No significant effects were observed with inactive or scrambled control DXZs nor from using HPV-negative cells, suggesting catalysis-dependent effect and high specificity. The biological effects of Dz434-LNA suggest a potential use for the treatment of cervical cancer.

Self-ventilated, variable speed, induction motors cannot be protected using standard overload relays. At reduced operating speeds, the heat loss dissipation capability is deteriorated, and the motor could be subjected to overheating, even with operating currents below the rated value. The practical solution generally employed is to oversize the motor in order to avoid overheating at reduced speeds.