bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Compounds from the Water Soluble Extract of Cinnamomum cassia Barks and Their Inhibitory Effects against High-Glucose-Induced Mesangial Cells
Authors: Luo Qi , Wang Shu-Mei , Lu Qing , Luo Jie , Cheng Yong-Xian
Published: September 2013

The difficulty of diabetic nephropathy (DN) treatment makes prevention the best choice. Cinnamomum cassia barks, known as Chinese cinnamon or Chinese cassia, is one of the most popular natural spices and flavoring agents in many parts of the World. Since previous reports indicated that Chinese cinnamon extract could be used for the treatment of diabetes, we proposed that this spice may be beneficial for the prevention of DN. However, the responsible compounds need to be further identified. In this study, we isolated three new phenolic glycosides, cinnacassosides A–C (1-3), together with fifteen known compounds from the water soluble extract of Chinese cinnamon. The structures of the new compounds were identified by comprehensive spectroscopic evidence. Eleven compounds (6-9, 11, 13-18) were isolated from this spice for the first time, despite extensive research on this species in the past, which added new facets for the chemical profiling of this spice. These isolates were purposely evaluated for their inhibitory effects on IL-6 and extracellular matrix production in mesangial cells which are definitely implicated in DN. The results showed that compounds 4-8 could inhibit over secretion of IL-6, collagen IV and fibronectin against high-glucose-induced mesangial cells at 10 mM, suggesting that Chinese cinnamon could be used as a functional food against DN.
Hub Height Ocean Winds over the North Sea Observed by the NORSEWInD Lidar Array: Measuring Techniques, Quality Control and Data Management
Authors: Hasager Charlotte , Stein Detlef , Courtney Michael , Peña Alfredo , Mikkelsen Torben , Stickland Matthew , Oldroyd Andrew
Published: September 2013

In the North Sea, an array of wind profiling wind lidars were deployed mainly on offshore platforms. The purpose was to observe free stream winds at hub height. Eight lidars were validated prior to offshore deployment with observations from cup anemometers at 60, 80, 100 and 116 m on an onshore met mast situated in flat terrain. The so-called “NORSEWInD standard” for comparing lidar and mast wind data includes the criteria that the slope of the linear regression should lie within 0.98 and 1.01 and the linear correlation coefficient higher than 0.98 for the wind speed range 4–16 m∙s−1. Five lidars performed excellently, two slightly failed the first criterion and one failed both. The lidars were operated offshore from six months to more than two years and observed in total 107 months of 10-min mean wind profile observations. Four lidars were re-evaluated post deployment with excellent results. The flow distortion around platforms was examined using wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics and it was found that at 100 m height wind observations by the lidars were not significantly influenced by flow distortion. Observations of the vertical wind profile shear exponent at hub height are presented.
Underwater Sensor Nodes and Networks
Authors: Lloret Jaime
Published: September 2013

Sensor technology has matured enough to be used in any type of environment. The appearance of new physical sensors has increased the range of environmental parameters for gathering data. Because of the huge amount of unexploited resources in the ocean environment, there is a need of new research in the field of sensors and sensor networks. This special issue is focused on collecting recent advances on underwater sensors and underwater sensor networks in order to measure, monitor, surveillance of and control of underwater environments. On the one hand, from the sensor node perspective, we will see works related with the deployment of physical sensors, development of sensor nodes and transceivers for sensor nodes, sensor measurement analysis and several issues such as layer 1 and 2 protocols for underwater communication and sensor localization and positioning systems. On the other hand, from the sensor network perspective, we will see several architectures and protocols for underwater environments and analysis concerning sensor network measurements. Both sides will provide us a complete view of last scientific advances in this research field.
L'homme d'acier, ἀδαμάντινος ἀνήρ. De l'Anonyme de Jamblique à Platon
Authors: Lacore Michelle
Published: September 2013

The presence of the adamant man metaphor both occurring in the Anonymus Iamblichi and in Plato, in spite of the textual difficulties connected with the transmission of the Anonymus' text, seems to be meaningful, specially if replaced in the history of the words adamas, adamantinos. It appears that Plato, while repeating and altering the image, emphasizes a revolution in the ideas about justice and arete.
Assessing the Viability of First-Time and Repeat Visitors to an International Jazz Festival in South Africa
Authors: Kruger Martinette , Saayman Melville
Published: September 2013

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival is South Africa's most renowned jazz festival and, from quite modest beginnings, has grown into a successful international event. Since its inception in 2000, attendance figures have increased from the initial 14,000 to 32,000 in the past 9
years. The festival's winning formula of bringing more than 40 international and local artists to perform over 2 days on five stages has earned it the status of being the most prestigious event on the African continent. The festival is furthermore currently ranked as the number four jazz festival
in the world; even outshining events such as Switzerland's Montreux Festival and the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland. A research survey was done for the first time at the festival in 2009 where 432 visitor questionnaires were completed, and a second survey was conducted during the festival
in April 2010 where 420 questionnaires were administered. The aim of this research is to segment visitors to the Cape Town International Jazz Festival based on the frequency of visits to distinguish between first-time and repeat festival attendees. Both first-time and repeat visitor groups
play a fundamental role in the overall well-being and success of a festival and festival organizers must strive to achieve a balance between first-time and repeat visitors. Therefore, festival organizers should be aware of the festival attributes that differentiate between the first-time visitor
group and repeat visitors attending the festival. Two-way frequency tables and chi-square tests as well as ANOVAs and Tukey's multiple comparisons were used to analyze the data and segment firsttime and repeat visitors based on sociodemographics, behavioral characteristics, and overall satisfaction
and travel motivations. These differences should be considered when the festival program is designed and marketed. The latter will greatly contribute to the long-term sustainability of the festival.
Festivals, Identities, and Belonging
Authors: Jaeger Kari , Mykletun Reidar J.
Published: September 2013

Research has suggested that festivals may influence the identities of the people involved and the host community itself. This impact may be a result of the events functioning as occasions to express collective belonging to a group or a place, and provide opportunities to create united
histories, cultural practices, and ideals, but there is little evidence for this. Hence, this article seeks to investigate (1) how festivals influence individual and social identities, (2) what this influence on identities means for the people involved (collective identities)
and identity with a place (place belongingness), and (3) how festivals influence the self-image and place identity of the local community. The findings are based on a qualitative study with 32 in-depth interviews with festival organizers, operational festival workers,
municipality officers, and tourism firms related to three festivals in rural areas in Finnmark, Norway. These festivals provide core activities that build on or are displayed in a frame of local culture and heritage. The area has different challenges, in some ways related to a difficult climate,
lack of work, and different ethnicities, represented by Norwegian, Russian, Finnish, and Sami cultures. In line with the approach, it is concluded that festivals do influence the identities of people and place and that all processes related to festivals influence the need to belong.
A Portrait of the US Fair Sector
Authors: Lillywhite J.M. , Simonsen J. E. , Wilson B. J. H.
Published: September 2013

The viability of agricultural fairs as educational and outreach opportunities for American agriculture, as well as American traditions and social events, may depend on the ability of fair managers to adapt to trends that are driven by changing tastes and preferences in the US events
and attractions industry. Using data collected in a nationwide survey of fair managers, this article (1) creates a snapshot of US fairs that can be used to assist stakeholders with identifying fair challenges and opportunities, (2) explores how fair managers define success, and (3) identifies
current and future trends influencing the sector, as perceived by fair managers. The fairs represented in the survey are diverse in both scale and scope. Youth involvement and agricultural events remain prevalent in many of the fairs, despite an increased interest in non-agricultural-related
entertainment attractions.
A Stakeholder Approach to Attendee Segmentation: A Case Study of an Australian Christian Music Festival
Authors: Tkaczynski Aaron
Published: September 2013

Festivals provide many benefits to regions and communities such as tourism expenditure, community pride, and the celebration of culture. Whereas the literature has emphasized the need to incorporate stakeholders into the management of festivals, researchers have not considered how these stakeholders are segmenting their attendees. This article applies a stakeholder approach to attendee segmentation through the utilization of a case study approach with semistructured interviews to profile visitors to Easterfest, an Australian Christian music festival. The results suggest that stakeholders, although not actively segmenting visitors, share many similarities in their description of the characteristics and behavioral patterns of attendees to the festival. Limitations based on the findings are made while future opportunities are also outlined.
Ethyl diazoacetate synthesis in flow
Authors: Delville Mariëlle M E , van Hest Jan C M , Rutjes Floris P J T
Published: September 2013

Ethyl diazoacetate is a versatile compound in organic chemistry and frequently used on lab scale. Its highly explosive nature, however, severely limits its use in industrial processes. The in-line coupling of microreactor synthesis and separation technology enables the synthesis of this compound in an inherently safe manner, thereby making it available on demand in sufficient quantities. Ethyl diazoacetate was prepared in a biphasic mixture comprising an aqueous solution of glycine ethyl ester, sodium nitrite and dichloromethane. Optimization of the reaction was focused on decreasing the residence time with the smallest amount of sodium nitrite possible. With these boundary conditions, a production yield of 20 g EDA day−1 was achieved using a microreactor with an internal volume of 100 μL. Straightforward scale-up or scale-out of microreactor technology renders this method viable for industrial application.
Propiedades mecánicas de la mampostería de tabique rojo recocido utilizada en Chilpancingo, Gro (México)
Authors: Flores V. , Sánchez-Tizapa S. , Arroyo R. , Barragán R.
Published: September 2013

Este documento presenta los resultados de ensayes en especímenes de mampostería de tabique rojo recocido comúnmente utilizado para la construcción de muros de mampostería confinada en Chilpancingo (Estado de Guerrero, México). Un total de 68 ensayes, entre pilas y muretes, fueron realizados. Los valores medidos fueron la resistencia de diseño a compresión y cortante, los módulos de elasticidad y corte y la cohesión de la junta. También se obtuvieron expresiones para definir la curva esfuerzo-deformación en las pruebas de pilas y muretes. La comparación de los valores respecto a la norma de la ciudad de México, utilizada como referencia en el diseño y análisis, concluye que hay diferencias significativas para algunos de ellos.
Evaluating the quality of the Mexican fruit-fly, Anastrepha ludens, as host for the parasitoid Melittobia digitata
Authors: González J.M. , Aluja M. , Cusumano A. , Colazza S. , Vinson S.B.
Published: September 2013

We investigated the presence of Melittobia digitata (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and its associations with its natural hosts in Veracruz, Mexico. The parasitoid was confirmed to be present and found to attack prepupae of Trypoxylon and Sceliphron (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae and Sphecidae, respectively) mud daubers as well as pupae of the Mexican fruit fly Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae). Since A. ludens is a very important pest of citrus and mango in Mexico and Central America, we evaluated, in laboratory experiments, the quality of A. ludens as host of M. digitata comparing the development of the parasitoid in another unrelated fly species (Sarcophaga [Neobellieria] bullata) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) and in mud dauber wasps (Trypoxylon sp. and Sceliphron sp.). The Mexican fruit fly appears to be a good-quality host for M. digitata, and the results are discussed in the context of their possible interest as a natural enemy of A. ludens.
Wavefront optics and retinal image quality
Authors: Oliveira Cristina M. , Franco Sandra
Published: September 2013

With the increasing importance of optical aberrations in both vision research and clinical practice, it becomes necessary for vision scientists to have a thorough understanding of the concepts behind wavefront optics. Therefore, in this review, we provide some basic wave optics concepts useful to understand wavefront analysis, and describe the application of Zernike polynomials in the decomposition of aberrations. A general description of the human eye optical structure is given, followed by a more detailed analysis of the optical components of the eye and optical aberrations, and their secondary effect on overall optical quality. We further provide an overview of the current corneal and ocular wavefront sensing methods.
Exegesis seeking appropriation; appropriation seeking exegesis: Re-reading 2 Samuel 13:1−22 in search of redemptive masculinities
Authors: West Gerald
Published: September 2013

Exegesis in the traditional sense is concerned with generating as much (scientific) detail about a biblical text as possible. Whilst the two primary modes of biblical exegesis � socio-historical and literary-semiotic � do this differently, they share a common concern for the detail of the text as an ancient artefact. Critical distance is a key concept here, with the exegetes bracketing (for a moment) their own contexts and concerns. However, such bracketing is impossible to sustain, and so the exegetes� interests (shaped by their contexts and concerns) �leak� into the act of exegesis. Most exegetes today recognise this leakage, and whilst some still view such leakage as contaminating the exegesis, others, including the tradition of African biblical scholarship, actively identify the contextual concerns they bring to the task of exegesis, both respecting the detail of the text and desiring to be accountable to their contexts in which the Bible is a significant text. This article explored some of the dimensions of forms of exegesis that actively seek appropriation, using 2 Samuel 13:1�22 as an example. In this case, the article analysed the contextual shift from a focus on women as the victims of sexual violence to an emerging emphasis on masculinities. Reading the same text from these different contextual concerns �activates� particular details of the text, and so both draw on different elements of the text and thus guides the gaze of exegesis.
Just emotions: Reading the Sarah and Hagar narrative (Genesis 16, 21) through the lens of human dignity
Authors: Claassens Juliana
Published: September 2013

This article seeked to read the interconnected narratives of Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16, 21) in terms of the hermeneutical lens of human dignity. For the purpose of this article, recent studies on the performative nature of emotions, which considered the central role of emotions such as pain, disgust and hatred in shaping the lives of individuals as well as the ways in which people relate to one another, were helpful in contemplating the situations of dehumanisation faced by both Sarah and Hagar as well as the broader question regarding upholding human worth in a context of indignity. This article furthermore considered the role of emotions in a conversation on ethics and particularly the way in which the narrative offered a fruitful avenue for considering Israel�s relationship to their neighbours � a line of interpretation that holds potential for reflecting on complex interracial and interethnic relationships in today�s global context.
The historical understanding of the Old Testament in South Africa: Colenso, Le Roux and beyond
Authors: Bosman Hendrik L.
Published: September 2013

Isaiah Berlin quoted Archilochus to distinguish between two styles of academic reasoning that, to some extent, summarises the transition of historiography from Modernism to Postmodernism: �The fox knows many things but the hedgehog knows one big thing.� The modernistic master narratives of the first half of the 20th century (quests for the �centre of the Old Testament� etc.) were in obvious decline during the second half of the 20th century and, triggered by the Annales school of historiography social scientific methods, were incorporated into the study of ancient Israel. Historiography became less of an art that depended on an informed imagination and more like a science that presupposed empirical or social scientific research and a multidisciplinary approach to describe and explain the past. Against this backdrop, the historical understanding of the Old Testament in South Africa was discussed, starting with one of its oldest exponents, Bishop J.W. Colenso (disproving the chronological priority of the �E source�, rejecting the �truth proving� function of archaeology and interpreting biblical texts within the historical context of its writing), and concluding with the current chair of the Old Testament Society of South Africa, Prof J.H. le Roux (influenced by Old Testament scholars such as G. von Rad and E. Otto and historiographers such as E. Troeltsch and R.G. Collingwood). The methodological principles of historiography suggested by Troeltsch (criticism, analogy and correlation) were adapted to describe and explain some trends in South African Old Testament historiography that go beyond a superficial division between maximalists and minimalists.
Some preliminary thoughts on epistemological transformation and the study of the Old Testament
Authors: Snyman S.D.
Published: September 2013

This contribution addressed the question of epistemological transformation in the study of the Old Testament in South Africa. Epistemological transformation entails the way in which we think of knowledge: what do we teach, why do we teach the knowledge that we teach and how do we teach? This contribution focused on the first and second aspects of knowledge. The aspect of transformation brings to mind the post�1994 situation in South Africa. In view of the major transition South Africa has made in terms of an inclusive democratic dispensation this new state of affairs, combined with the past we came from, necessitates a process of epistemological transformation in the study of the Old Testament. At the occasion of the retirement of a colleague it might be appropriate to look back and open up some possibilities for the future of Old Testament studies in South Africa.
Deuteronomy in the Second Temple period: Law and its developing interpretation
Authors: Paganini Simon
Published: September 2013

A fulfilled ethical life is a desire that in Israel is closely integrated with the observance of laws and legal instructions. The specific way, in which this aspect is concretised, is not the fundamental aspect for the biblical authors. In Pentateuch there are in fact a lot of legal codes. In prophetical writings these are often called into question and in the Second Temple period there are also attempts to correct biblical legislation, which are not in our biblical canon like the qumranic Temple Scroll. The differences between legal codes in the Bible and in the writings of the Second Temple period are above all witnesses that it is possible to correct, to interpret, to actualise and to rewrite laws, which remains authoritative for the people or for a part of it.
J.H. le Roux�s philosophy of religion
Authors: Gericke Jaco W.
Published: September 2013

J.H. le Roux had a passion for philosophy. His writings contain recourse to the history of philosophy in a way that bespeaks a deep underlying interest in the subject. This much is relatively well-known. This contribution, by contrast, aims at reconstructing something hitherto mostly covert: Le Roux�s philosophy of religion. Of interest is what his writings presuppose about the nature of religion, religious language, the nature of God, the existence of God, religious epistemology, the relation between religion and morality and the problem of religious pluralism.
Das Opfer nach der Sintflut f�r die Gottheit(en) des Alten Testaments und des Alten Orients: Eine neue Deutung
Authors: Baumann Gerlinde
Published: September 2013

The Sacrifice for (the) God(s) after the Flood in Ancient Israel and the Ancient Near East: A New Interpretation. The experience of a large, devastating flood is part of the cultural heritage of mankind. The famous �texts of the deluge� come from Mesopotamia. Here, the flood tradition dates back to the 3rd Millennium. The longest and most traditional of these texts, which � amongst other things � deal with the interpretation of these events, is the Atramḫasis myth. The literary-dependent text is the Gilgamesh epic, and the Old Testament version is the story of the Flood that is found in Genesis 6�9. For a long time the similarities and differences between these three texts have been known. However, so far little attention was given to a passage that all three texts share: the sacrifice of the surviving humans after the Flood. The reaction of the deity(ies) differs in these three texts. In this article I would like to consider the similarities and differences between the texts in order to evaluate the significance of the Old Testament text. This is against the background of recent insights in the field of ancient Israelite sacrifice, related to cultural anthropology. These three passages are first considered in their context and then compared to the relevant aspects of each other before a conclusion is drawn.
The magnitude and causes of uncertainty in global model simulations of cloud condensation nuclei
Authors: Lee L. A. , Pringle K. J. , Reddington C. L. , Mann G. W. , Stier P. , Spracklen D. V. , Pierce J. R. , Carslaw K. S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Aerosol–cloud interaction effects are a major source of uncertainty in climate models so it is important to quantify the sources of uncertainty and thereby direct research efforts. However, the computational expense of global aerosol models has prevented a full statistical analysis of their outputs. Here we perform a variance-based analysis of a global 3-D aerosol microphysics model to quantify the magnitude and leading causes of parametric uncertainty in model-estimated present-day concentrations of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN). Twenty-eight model parameters covering essentially all important aerosol processes, emissions and representation of aerosol size distributions were defined based on expert elicitation. An uncertainty analysis was then performed based on a Monte Carlo-type sampling of an emulator built for each model grid cell. The standard deviation around the mean CCN varies globally between about ±30% over some marine regions to ±40–100% over most land areas and high latitudes, implying that aerosol processes and emissions are likely to be a significant source of uncertainty in model simulations of aerosol–cloud effects on climate. Among the most important contributors to CCN uncertainty are the sizes of emitted primary particles, including carbonaceous combustion particles from wildfires, biomass burning and fossil fuel use, as well as sulfate particles formed on sub-grid scales. Emissions of carbonaceous combustion particles affect CCN uncertainty more than sulfur emissions. Aerosol emission-related parameters dominate the uncertainty close to sources, while uncertainty in aerosol microphysical processes becomes increasingly important in remote regions, being dominated by deposition and aerosol sulfate formation during cloud-processing. The results lead to several recommendations for research that would result in improved modelling of cloud–active aerosol on a global scale.
Climate change and ocean acidification impacts on lower trophic levels and the export of organic carbon to the deep ocean
Authors: Yool A. , Popova E. E. , Coward A. C. , Bernie D. , Anderson T. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Most future projections forecast significant and ongoing climate change during the 21st century, but with the severity of impacts dependent on efforts to restrain or reorganise human activity to limit carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. A major sink for atmospheric CO2, and a key source of biological resources, the World Ocean is widely anticipated to undergo profound physical and – via ocean acidification – chemical changes as direct and indirect results of these emissions. Given strong biophysical coupling, the marine biota is also expected to experience strong changes in response to this anthropogenic forcing. Here we examine the large-scale response of ocean biogeochemistry to climate and acidification impacts during the 21st century for Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5 using an intermediate complexity global ecosystem model, MEDUSA-2.0. The primary impact of future change lies in stratification-led declines in the availability of key nutrients in surface waters, which in turn leads to a global decrease (1990s vs. 2090s) in ocean productivity (−6.3%). This impact has knock-on consequences for the abundance of the low trophic level biogeochemical actors modelled by MEDUSA-2.0 (−5.8%), and these would be expected to similarly impact higher trophic level elements such as fisheries. Related impacts are found in the flux of organic material to seafloor communities (−40.7% at 1000 m), and in the volume of ocean suboxic zones (+12.5%). A sensitivity analysis removing an acidification feedback on calcification finds that change in this process significantly impacts benthic communities, suggesting that a~better understanding of the OA-sensitivity of calcifying organisms, and their role in ballasting sinking organic carbon, may significantly improve forecasting of these ecosystems. For all processes, there is geographical variability in change – for instance, productivity declines −21% in the Atlantic and increases +59% in the Arctic – and changes are much more pronounced under RCP 8.5 than the RCP 2.6 scenario.
Mechanism for initiation of the offshore phytoplankton bloom in the Taiwan Strait during winter: a physical–biological coupled modeling study
Authors: Wang J. , Hong H. , Jiang Y. , Yan X.-H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In situ observations showed phytoplankton blooms appear during winter in the Taiwan Strait (TWS), but the mechanism for bloom initiation was unclear. With the use of a coupled physical–biological numerical model, we find the winter bloom is triggered by the relaxation of the northeasterly monsoon. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism for bloom formation using the model. The model results show the weakening of the northeasterly wind generates a current that carries the fresh eutrophic Min-Zhe coastal water (MZCW) off the west coast of the TWS; then a stable stratification is formed in the upper ocean of the western strait, which significantly limits the turbulence. Via diagnostic analysis of the model output, we illustrate that the reduced turbulence allows the phytoplankton to accumulate within the upper layer of the western strait, which leads to an increase in chlorophyll. The analysis is further verified by the critical turbulence theory about the bloom. In addition to reduced turbulence, the lag between zooplankton and phytoplankton responses to the offshore extension of the MZCW is responsible for the formation of the bloom at the front. Therefore, we propose the observed offshore bloom in winter in the TWS is induced by the stable water stratification and the biological processes during the relaxation of the northeasterly wind.
Regional and local patterns in depth to water table, hydrochemistry and peat properties of bogs and their laggs in coastal British Columbia
Authors: Howie S. A. , van Meerveld H. J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In restoration planning for damaged raised bogs, the lagg at the bog margin is often not given considerable weight and is sometimes disregarded entirely. However, the lagg is critical for the proper functioning of the bog, as it supports the water mound in the bog. In order to include the lagg in a restoration plan for a raised bog, it is necessary to understand the hydrological characteristics and functions of this rarely studied transition zone. We studied 13 coastal British Columbia (BC) bogs and identified two different gradients in depth to water table, hydrochemistry and peat properties: (1) a local bog expanse–bog margin gradient, and (2) a regional gradient related to climate and proximity to the ocean. Depth to water table generally increased across the transition from bog expanse to bog margin. In the bog expanse, pH was above 4.2 in the Pacific Oceanic wetland region (cooler and wetter climate) and below 4.3 in the Pacific Temperate wetland region (warmer and drier climate). Both pH and pH-corrected electrical conductivity increased significantly across the transition from bog expanse to bog margin, though not in all cases. Na+ and Mg2+ concentrations were generally highest in exposed, oceanic bogs and lower in inland bogs. Ash content in peat samples increased across the bog expanse–bog margin transition, and appears to be a useful abiotic indicator of the location of the bog margin. The observed variation in the hydrological and hydrochemical gradients across the bog expanse–bog margin transition highlights both local and regional diversity of bogs and their associated laggs.
An ALK translocation positive carcinoma of the lung presenting as uremia due to bilateral
Authors: Rosenberg Shilo , Katz Ran , Pode Dov , Gofr N. Ofer
Published: September 2013

We describe an unusual presentation of metastatic lung adenocarcinoma as malignant retroperitoneal fibrosis (MRPF). The diagnostic challenge, due to the small solitary lung mass and absence of a discrete retroperitoneal mass, was overcome by diagnostic laparoscopy. Molecular analysis of tissue acquired was positive for ALK gene rearrangement. Treatment of the patient with crizotinib reversed MRPF. He was weaned off the nephrostomy tubes and is with stable renal function 11 months after diagnosis.
Does routine ultrasound change management in the follow-up of patients with vesicoureteral reflux?
Authors: Rudzinski Jan K. , Weber Bryce , Wildgoose Petra , Lorenzo Armando , Bagli Darius , Harvey Elizabeth , Pippi Salle Joao Luiz
Published: September 2013

Introduction: Children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) usually need a renal ultrasound (RUS). There is little data on the role of follow-up RUS in VUR. We evaluated the impact of follow-up RUS on the change in clinical management in patients with VUR.Methods: We prospectively analyzed children with a previous diagnosis of VUR seen in the outpatient clinic with a routine follow-up RUS within 4 months. Variables collected included: demographic data, VUR history, dysfunctional voiding symptoms and concurrent ultrasound findings. Change in management was defined as addition of new medication, nurse counselling, surgery or further investigations.Results: The study included 114 consecutive patients. The mean patient age was 4.5 years old, mean age of VUR diagnosis was 1.7 years, with average follow-up of 2.8 years. A change in management with stable RUS occurred in 14 patients, in which the change included ordering a DMSA in 9, nurse counselling for dysfunctional voiding in 3, and booking surgery in 2 patients. Change on RUS was seen in 4 patients. Multivariable analysis showed that history of urinary tract infection (UTI) since the last follow-up visit was more significant than RUS findings.Conclusions: The RUS findings in most patients followed for VUR remain stable or with minimal changes. The variable showing a significant effect on change in management in our study was history of UTI since the last follow-up visit rather than RUS findings. The value of follow-up RUS for children with VUR may need to be revisited.
Retubularization of the ileocystoplasty patch for conversion into an ileal conduit
Authors: Massaro Peter A. , Gajewski Jerzy B. , Bailly Greg
Published: September 2013

Introduction: We present the outcomes and long-term follow-up of patients who underwent conversion to an ileal conduit urinary diversion using the retubularized patch from the initial augmentation ileocystoplasty.Methods: We reviewed the charts of all patients who underwent this surgery at our centre. The indications for surgery, workup, clinical outcomes and complication rates were assessed. Patient reported symptom response based on global response assessment (GRA) was determined and used as a subjective measure of overal ltreatment effectiveness.Results: Thirteen patients with either bladder pain syndrome/interstitialcystitis (BPS/IC) (n = 11) or neurogenic bladder (n = 2) were followed for a mean of 80 months. The most common indication for surgical conversion was persistent lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) or bladder pain. Late complications were frequent, typically low-grade, and usually manageable with conservative therapy; the most common were urinary tract infections (n = 6) and parastomal hernias (n = 5). Two patients developed ureteric strictures. Nine of 13 patients required additional surgery to manage complications or persistent symptoms. Only 5 of 11 GRA respondents reported a successful therapeutic outcome and BPS/IC patients who underwent concurrent cystourethrectomy tended to be most satisfied (2/3). Nevertheless, several patients still achieved symptom control when no other treatment options were available to them.Conclusion: Conversion to an ileal conduit using the retubularized ileocystoplasty patch offers several technical and therapeutic advantages over creating a urinary diversion from a new bowel segment. It should therefore be considered a viable treatment option in patients who have exhausted more conservative management of their LUTS.
Unilateral complete ureteral duplication with distal ureteral stone: A rare entity
Authors: Karakose Ayhan , Aydogdu Ozgu , Atesci Yusuf Ziya
Published: September 2013

Complete duplex ureters opening separately into the urinary bladder is extremely rare; they can be embryologically explained as a development of two ureteral buds separately from a single mesonephric duct. We describe a case of unilateral complete ureteral duplication with distally localized ureteral stone in a 49-year-old male who presented with right flank pain.
L'explosion intravesicale au cours des procedures de resection endoscopique: Un incident dangereux qui peut être évité
Authors: El Anzaoui Jihad , Abakka Najib , El harrech Younes , Ghoundale Omar , Touiti Driss , Lahkim Mohammed , Fihri Jawad Fassi , Bakzaza Walid , Mejdane Mohammed
Published: September 2013

Les explosions survenant au cours des manoeuvres endoscopiques urologiques sont rares et dangereuses. Elles sont dues à une production d’hydrogène par hydrolyse de l’eau lors des procédés decoagulation et de section. L’hydrogène devient très combustible une fois mélangé avec l’oxygène ambiant. Nous rapportons un cas d’explosion intravésicale au cours d’une résection transurethrale d’une tumeur de la vessie et nous exposons, par une revue de littérature, les différentes théories physiopathologiques et les moyens de prévention.
Suicide des jeunes et homophobie en France : présentation d’une enquête et d’actions de prévention
Authors: Pugniere Jean-Michel
Published: September 2013

De nombreuses recherches ont mis en évidence un lien significatif entre orientation sexuelle et suicide des adolescent-e-s / jeunes adultes (Beck et al., 2010). L’homophobie à laquelle les jeunes homo/bisexuel-le-s sont exposé-e-s est considérée comme l’hypothèse la plus sérieuse pour expliquer ce lien, mais, jusqu’ici, cette hypothèse n’avait jamais fait l’objet d’une recherche quantitative en France. Nous l’avons prise en compte dans le cadre d’une enquête réalisée sur la base d’un questionnaire informatisé auto-administré auquel ont répondu 475 filles et 426 garçons, âgé-e-s de 18 à 24 ans. Les résultats confirment la sursuicidalité des jeunes homo/bisexuelle-le-s et mettent en évidence l’impact de l’intimidation homophobe en milieu scolaire chez les adolescents et jeunes adultes de sexe masculin. Ce constat nous amène à évoquer le travail de prévention mené par les associations, notamment l’aide aux familles et les interventions en milieu scolaire proposées par l’association Contact.
Estimates of Minimum Population Size for Walrus near Southeast Baffin Island, Nunavut
Authors: Stewart Robert EA , Born Erik W , Dietz Rune , Ryan Anna K
Published: September 2013

To support management objectives in Canada and Greenland, joint research between the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Greenland Institute of Natural Resources was begun in 2005. Direct counts were used to determine the Minimum Counted Population (MCP) in summer around SE Baffin Island. Aerial surveys examined the coast from roughly the Saddleback Island in northern Hudson Strait to Isabella Bay on eastern Baffin Island but concentrated on the area between Loks Land and Cape Dyer. The maximum count was obtained on 3–4 September 2007 during boat surveys. The MCP ranged from 716 (in 2006) to 1,056 (2007). Using the largest MCP adjusted with published maximum estimates of the proportion of walrus hauled out concurrently, we estimated 1,420 (95% CI: 1,219–1,622) walrus were present. In addition, four walrus had been fitted with satellite relayed data logger tags prior to the maximum counts in 2007. Using the simple proportion of ‘tags dry’ on 3 September to adjust counts on 3 and 4 September 2007 provided an estimate of 2,102 (CI = MCP-4,482). Using the proportion of time dry immediately preceding the survey to adjust the maximum count produced an estimate of 2,502 (CI = 1,660–3,345) walrus were present in Hoare Bay. We conclude approximately 2,100–2,500 walrus were present in Hoare Bay in late summer 2007. This number is a negatively biased estimator of the population of walrus around SE Baffin Island and in the Hudson Bay–Davis Strait stock as a whole. Broader survey coverage in a short period and more detailed information on the movement of walrus between Greenland and Canada and the summer dispersal of these animals within Canada are required to improve population estimates.
Naphthyridyl‐Substituted 4,4‐Difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) Luminophores: Photophysics and Application as Molecular Imaging Probes in Live Cells
Authors: Martin Aaron , Moriarty Roisin D. , Long Conor , Forster Robert J. , Keyes Tia E.
Published: September 2013

The synthesis, optical properties, and cellular uptake of a family of 4,4‐difluoro‐4‐bora‐3a,4a‐diaza‐s‐indacene (BODIPY) derivatives that incorporate a naphthyridine substituent at the 8‐position of the BODIPY core and either alkyl, bromo, or dimethylamino aryl groups at the 2‐ and 6‐positions are described. The family of compounds is classified, based on their optical properties, into two types; Class I, compounds with alkyl substituents at the 2‐ and 6‐positions show intense solvent‐independent emission, which arises from the BODIPY core with no involvement of the naphthyridine. Class II, the dimethylaminoaryl‐containing compounds exhibit charge transfer transitions that lead to NIR fluorescence and remarkably large Stokes shifts, which make them potentially attractive in bioimaging. Class II compounds exhibit complex solvent dependence. There is evidence for dual fluorescence from multiple rotamers; this is rationalized with the aid of time‐dependant density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations. A representative compound from each class was PEGylated, which rendered them water soluble, but their photophysical properties were maintained in aqueous buffered media. The uptake of the PEGylated BODIPY compounds and the nonPEGylated parent compounds by live mammalian cells was compared by using confocal fluorescence microscopy and resazurin blue cytotoxicity assays were performed. All compounds tested exhibited good cell uptake, were largely nuclear excluding, and had low toxicity at 10 μM. This is to our knowledge the first demonstration of such a mega‐Stokes‐shifted BODIPY probe in cell imaging.
Gestures and social‐emotional communicative development in chimpanzee infants
Authors: Bard Kim A. , Dunbar Sophie , Maguire‐Herring Vanessa , Veira Yvette , Hayes Kathryn G. , McDonald Kelly
Published: September 2013

Communicative skills of chimpanzees are of significant interest across many domains, such as developmental psychology (how does communication emerge in prelinguistic beings?), evolution (e.g., did human language evolve from primate gestures?), and in comparative psychology (how does the nonverbal communication of chimpanzees and humans compare?). Here we ask about how gestures develop in chimpanzee infants (n = 16) that were raised in an interactive program designed to study skill development. Data on socio‐communicative development were collected following 4 hr of daily interaction with each infant, longitudinally from birth through the first year of life. A consistent and significant developmental pattern was found across the contexts of tickle play, grooming, and chase play: Infant chimpanzees first engaged in interactions initiated by others, then they initiated interactions, and finally, they requested others to join them in the interaction. Gestures were documented for initiating and requesting tickle play, for initiating and requesting grooming, and for initiating and requesting chase play. Gestural requests emerged significantly later than gestural initiations, but the age at which gestures emerged was significantly different across contexts. Those gestures related to hierarchical rank relations, that is, gestures used by subordinates in interaction with more dominant individuals, such as wrist presenting and rump presenting, did not emerge in the same manner as the other gestures. This study offers a new view on the development of gestures, specifically that many develop through interaction and communicate socio‐emotional desires, but that not all gestures emerge in the same manner. Am. J. Primatol. 76:14–29, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geometric morphometric 3D shape analysis and covariation of human mandibular and maxillary first molars
Authors: Polychronis Georgios , Christou Panagiotis , Mavragani Maria , Halazonetis Demetrios J.
Published: September 2013

Dental casts of 160 Greek subjects (80 males, 80 females) were scanned by a structured‐light scanner. The upper and lower right first molar occlusal surface 3D meshes were processed using geometric morphometric methods. A total of 265 and 274 curve and surface sliding semilandmarks were placed on the upper and lower molar surfaces, respectively. Principal component analysis and partial least square analysis were performed to assess shape parameters. Molars tended to vary between an elongated and a more square form. The first two principal components (PCs), comprising almost 1/3 of molar shape variation, were related to mesiodistal–buccolingual ratios and relative cusp position. Distal cusps displayed the greatest shape variability. Molars of males were larger than those of females (2.8 and 3.2% for upper and lower molars respectively), but no shape dimorphism was observed. Upper and lower molar sizes were significantly correlated (r2 = 0.689). Allometry was observed for both teeth. Larger lower molars were associated with shorter cusps, expansion of the distal cusp, and constriction of the mesial cusps (predicted variance 3.25%). Upper molars displayed weaker allometry (predicted variance 1.59%). Upper and lower molar shape covariation proved significant (RV = 17.26%, P < 0.0001). The main parameter of molar covariation in partial least square axis 1, contributing to 30% of total covariation, was cusp height, in contrast to the primary variability traits exhibited by PC1 and PC2. The aim of this study was to evaluate shape variation and covariation, including allometry and sexual dimorphism, of maxillary and mandibular first permanent molar occlusal surfaces. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:186–196, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of airflow into the maxillary sinuses before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery
Authors: Frank Dennis O. , Zanation Adam M. , Dhandha Vishal H. , McKinney Kibwei A. , Fleischman Gitanjali M. , Ebert Charles S. , Senior Brent A. , Kimbell Julia S.
Published: September 2013

Background

The effects of increases in maxillary sinus (MS) airflow following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are unknown. The goal of this study was to quantify the effects of FESS on airflow into the MS in a cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and compare MS flow rate with patient‐reported outcome measures.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in which preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans of 4 patients undergoing bilateral or unilateral FESS were used to create 3‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the nasal airway and paranasal sinuses using Mimics™ (Materialise, Inc.). The size of the maxillary antrostomies post‐FESS ranged from 107 to 160 mm2. Computational meshes were generated from the 3D reconstructions, and steady‐state, laminar, inspiratory airflow was simulated in each mesh using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software Fluent™ (ANSYS, Inc.) under physiologic, pressure‐driven conditions. Airflow into the MS was estimated from the simulations and was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition, patients completed preoperative and postoperative Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure‐31 (RSOM‐31) questionnaires and scores were compared with MS airflow rates.

Results

CFD simulations predicted that average airflow rate into post‐FESS MS increased by 18.5 mL/second, and that average flow velocity into the MS more than quadrupled. Simulation results also showed that MS flow rate trended with total RSOM‐31 and all domain scores.

Conclusion

CFD simulations showed that the healed maxillary antrostomy after FESS can greatly enhance airflow into the MS. Our pilot study suggests that to some extent, increasing airflow into the MS may potentially improve chronic rhinosinusitis patients’ quality of life pre‐FESS and post‐FESS.