bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Schwannomatosis, sporadic schwannomatosis, and familial schwannomatosis: a surgical series with long-term follow-up
Authors: Gonzalvo Augusto , Fowler Adam , Cook Raymond John , Little Nicholas Scott , Wheeler Helen , McDonald Kerrie L. , Biggs Michael Thomas
Published: October 2010

Object

The aim of this study was to provide disease-specific information about schwannomatosis in its different forms and to present 2 particular cases of malignant schwannomas in the context of familial schwannomatosis (FS).

Methods

The authors analyzed patients with pathologically defined schwannomas and identified those with varied forms of schwannomatosis. Each case was retrospectively analyzed for patient sex and age, number of operations and tumors excised, symptoms, location and size of tumors, extent of resection, nerve function pre- and postoperatively, complications, other nonsurgically treated tumors, malignancy, results of brain MR imaging, and follow-up data.

Results

One hundred fifty-eight patients underwent the excision of 216 schwannomas. One hundred forty-two patients presented with solitary schwannomas, 2 had neurofibromatosis Type 2 (NF2), and 14 presented with schwannomatosis. The average follow-up was 52 months. Six individuals had sporadic schwannomatosis, whereas 8 had the familial form of the disease. These 14 patients had an average age of 28.3 years at the time of disease onset (median 27.5 years) and 35.4 years at the time of the first operation (median 37 years) Thirteen of the 14 patients with schwannomatosis experienced pain as the first symptom. Eight (57%) of the 14 patients presented with at least 1 tumor in the spinal canal or attached to the spinal nerve roots. Malignant schwannomas developed in 2 patients from the same family during the follow-up.

Conclusions

Patients suffering from schwannomatosis tend to be younger than those presenting with solitary schwannomas. Therefore, individuals presenting at a young age with multiple schwannomas but not meeting the criteria for NF2 should prompt the physician to suspect schwannomatosis. Patients with schwannomatosis who report pain should be exhaustively examined. The spine is affected in the majority of patients, and MR imaging of the spine should be part of the routine evaluation. Rapid enlargement of schwannomas in the context of FS should raise suspicion of malignant transformation.
Dr. Henry Head and lessons learned from his self-experiment on radial nerve transection
Authors: Lenfest Stephen M. , Vaduva-Nemes Andreea , Okun Michael S.
Published: October 2010

In this paper the authors aim to review Dr. Henry Head's famous and dramatic nerve sectioning experiment. They discuss the implications of his experimental approach as well as the effect his experiment had on the field of neurology. Henry Head was a prominent British neurologist who contributed greatly to the understanding of the sensory examination through an experiment in which he had his own radial nerve transected. Head carefully documented the sensory changes following the sectioning. He hypothesized the existence of two separate sensory systems: protopathic and epicritic. Head was one of the first scientists to speculate on sensory dissociation, and his writings generated both enthusiasm and controversy. Although the ethical issue of self-experimentation was raised by his bold experiment and many aspects of his investigations and conclusions have been criticized, Head undoubtedly contributed important clinical lessons to neurology. Arguably, Henry Head's greatest contribution was the realization that the neurological portion of the sensory examination was anything but straightforward.
H1N1 (Pandemic) 2009 Influenza : Our Action Plan for Future
Authors: Azad KAK
Published: October 2010

DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6224Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 1-2
Patients' Interest in Shared Medical Records
Authors: Adhikary Minati , Wazed A , Ahmed Md Sharfuddin
Published: October 2010

To determine the proportion of patients who are interested in examining their medical records, the personal characteristics related to their interest, and the reasons for their interest. This descriptive cross sectional study was conducted among randomly selected 110 inpatients in a tertiary level hospital. Data were collected through face- to- face interview using one pretested semistructured questionnaire as the research instrument. Collected data were processed, and analyzed by using the SPSS software Version 11.0. The study was conducted in inpatients departments of Comilla Medical College Hospital during May- June2007. Male patients were more interested (85 out of 90) than female (7 out of 20) patients to anticipate the benefits of shared medical records and they were also somewhat more likely to anticipate problems with shared records. Significant predictors of sharing medical records by the patients were anticipation of improving the patient's adherence to their doctor's recommendations (90%) , improving understanding of own medical condition (88%), anticipation of increasing patient's trust in physicians(95%) and anticipation of being reassuring (85%). Shared medical records are almost universally endorsed across a broad range of socioeconomic groups. Patients' interest in reading their medical record is better predicted by their consumer approach to health care. A group of patients were also interested in Internet-accessible records. Key words: Shared medical records; patient access; physician-patient relation DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6225 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 3-6
Serum Zinc Level in Pre-eclamptic Pregnancies: Association with Clinical Complication
Authors: Ahsan Touhida , Begum Razia Sultana , Islam Sheikh Naznul
Published: October 2010

Pre-eclampsia is one of the fatal complications in pregnancy. Zinc plays an important role in the course and eventual outcome of human pregnancy, and is essential for normal embryogenesis and fetal growth. Zinc deficiency in pregnancy is thought to be associated with pre-eclampsia. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the scum zinc level in pre-eclampsia and to examine its association (if any) with pre-eclampsia. A case control study was done among 45 pre-eclamptic and 35 normotensive pregnants at their third trimester. Serum zinc concentration was determined by Atomic Absorption Flame Spectrophotometric method. Correlative analysis was made to find any correlation, of serum zinc with blood Pressure. Results showed identical Maternal and gestational age, and different gravida distribution for the patients and controls, and significantly (P<0.005) higher blood pressures (systolic and diastolic) for pre-eclampsia. Serum zinc concentration were estimated 0.65±0.09mg/L in pre-eclamsia and 0.60±0.08mg/L in pregnant controls, difference of which was insignificant (p=0.284). Correlative analysis wowed that there was a linear correlation between serum level and diastolic blood pressure, but it was found to be insignificant (r=0.158, p=0.330). It was suggested that changes in zinc status may not be an etiological or contributory factor in pre-eclamsia. Key words: Serum zinc; pre-eclampsia; diastolic blood pressure DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6226 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 7-10
Role of Hysterosalpingography for Evaluation of Infertility
Authors: Haque Shahara
Published: October 2010

The patients investigated under this study have complaints of inability to conception and they were not responding to treatment. Patients with infertility were studied, the peak incidence of infertility was found in between 26-29 years of age group. Hysterosalpingography examination detected tubal and uterine pathology correctly in 26 cases (81.25%) out of 29 cases of complaining of infertility. Of 18 negative cases, 12 cases (80%) are diagnosed correctly as normal by Hysterosalpingography. After laparoscopic examination it was established that three (20%) were false positive and 6 cases were false negative. If a longer series are analyzed, these findings may vary slightly but still it is very useful diagnostic tool for detection of infertility. Hysterosalpingography will give utmost benefit to the patients of our country. In our study we found that Hysterosalpingography is still the best technique for intrauterine and tubal pathology. This study has established the fact that Hysterosalpingography should be the first approach in the diagnosis of infertility which gives valuable information about both uterine cavity and fallopian tubes at low risk and minimal hazards. As a result of our findings, it is our investigation of female infertility due to its potential accuracy and easy performance Keywords: Hysterosalpingography; Infertility. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6228 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 16-23
The H1N1 Influenza Pandemic: A Review of Recent Experience
Authors: Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Akhter Monira , Hossain Shaila
Published: October 2010

The world has recently experienced a pandemic caused by a novel virus named H1N1. This antigenetically shifted virus spread to 213 countries through human to human transmission. In Bangladesh 899 cases were occurred. Therefore, a proper and clear insight is urgently required to prevent an outbreak in the future and make preparations that may be planned well in advance. This review is an attempt to discuss the historical perspective of the swine flu virus, its epidemiology and route of transmission to better understand the various control measures that may be taken to fight the danger of another global pandemic. Key words: H1N1; Pandemic DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6231 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 31-39
Management of Hypertension: A Bangladeshi Perspective
Authors: Zaman SM Mustafa , Salman Mohammad , Fatema Kaniz
Published: October 2010

Hypertension is a silent killer. Bangladeshis are racially predisposed to cardiovascular disease, and the increasing burden of hypertension has only added to the problem. Economic constraints and the allure of additional benefits without adverse effects have made lifestyle modifications an attractive proposition in developing and developed countries alike. Blood pressure is a continuum and any increase above optimum level confers additional independent risk of cardiovascular disease. We review screening, diagnosis and management using lifestyle measures and pharmacotherapy. We then discuss the barriers and challenges to implementing this approach and what can be done regarding prevention, screening, lifestyle modification and pharmacotherapy in our country. By adopting a comprehensive population based approach including policy level interventions directed at promoting lifestyle changes; a healthy diet (appropriate calories, low in saturated fats and salt and rich in fruits and vegetables), increased physical activity, and a smoking free society, properly balanced with a high risk approach of cost effective clinical care, Bangladesh can effectively control hypertension and improve public health. DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6232 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 40-43
Pregnancy in a Non-Communicating Rudimentary Horn of Uterus: A Clinical Case Report
Authors: Chowdhury S , Chowdhury T , Azim E
Published: October 2010

Pregnancy in non-communicating rudimentary horn is extremely rare. It carries grave risk to mother and fetus due to rupture of rudimentary horn in second trimester of pregnancy. Here is a case of ruptured rudimentary horn pregnancy at gestation of 14 weeks. Laparotomy was done and the rudimentary horn was excised. Postoperative recovery was uneventful.   Keywords: Two unicornuate uteruses; rudimentary horn; rupture DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v39i1.6234 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2010; 39(1): 47-48
Recent Advances in Fragment-Based QSAR and Multi-Dimensional QSAR Methods
Authors: Myint Kyaw Zeyar , Xie Xiang-Qun
Published: October 2010

This paper provides an overview of recently developed two dimensional (2D) fragment-based QSAR methods as well as other multi-dimensional approaches. In particular, we present recent fragment-based QSAR methods such as fragment-similarity-based QSAR (FS-QSAR), fragment-based QSAR (FB-QSAR), Hologram QSAR (HQSAR), and top priority fragment QSAR in addition to 3D- and nD-QSAR methods such as comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA), comparative molecular similarity analysis (CoMSIA), Topomer CoMFA, self-organizing molecular field analysis (SOMFA), comparative molecular moment analysis (COMMA), autocorrelation of molecular surfaces properties (AMSP), weighted holistic invariant molecular (WHIM) descriptor-based QSAR (WHIM), grid-independent descriptors (GRIND)-based QSAR, 4D-QSAR, 5D-QSAR and 6D-QSAR methods.
Demospongic Acids Revisited
Authors: Kornprobst Jean-Michel , Barnathan Gilles
Published: October 2010

The well-known fatty acids with a D5,9 unsaturation system were designated for a long period as demospongic acids, taking into account that they originally occurred in marine Demospongia sponges. However, such acids have also been observed in various marine sources with a large range of chain-lengths (C16–C32) and from some terrestrial plants with short acyl chains (C18–C19). Finally, the D5,9 fatty acids appear to be a particular type of non-methylene-interrupted fatty acids (NMA FAs). This article reviews the occurrence of these particular fatty acids in marine and terrestrial organisms and shows the biosynthetic connections between D5,9 fatty acids and other NMI FAs.
Metabolomic Investigations of American Oysters Using 1H-NMR Spectroscopy
Authors: Tikunov Andrey P. , Johnson Christopher B. , Lee Haakil , Stoskopf Michael K. , Macdonald Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2010

The Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) is a useful, robust model marine organism for tissue metabolism studies. Its relatively few organs are easily delineated and there is sufficient understanding of their functions based on classical assays to support interpretation of advanced spectroscopic approaches. Here we apply high-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabolomic analysis to C. virginica to investigate the differences in the metabolic profile of different organ groups, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to non-invasively identify the well separated organs. Metabolites were identified in perchloric acid extracts of three portions of the oyster containing: (1) adductor muscle, (2) stomach and digestive gland, and (3) mantle and gills. Osmolytes dominated the metabolome in all three organ blocks with decreasing concentration as follows: betaine > taurine > proline > glycine > ß-alanine > hypotaurine. Mitochondrial metabolism appeared most pronounced in the adductor muscle with elevated levels of carnitine facilitating ß-oxidation, and ATP, and phosphoarginine synthesis, while glycogen was elevated in the mantle/gills and stomach/digestive gland. A biochemical schematic is presented that relates metabolites to biochemical pathways correlated with physiological organ functions. This study identifies metabolites and corresponding 1H NMR peak assignments for future NMR-based metabolomic studies in oysters.
Domoic Acid - A New Toxin in the Croatian Adriatic Shellfish Toxin Profile
Authors: Ujević Ivana , Ninčević-Gladan Živana , Roje Romana , Skejić Sanda , Arapov Jasna , Marasović Ivona
Published: October 2010

This is the first study that presents concentrations of domoic acid detected in the whole shellfish tissue from breeding and harvesting areas along the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea during the period 2006 to 2008. Shellfish sample analyses after SAX cleaning procedures, using a UV-DAD-HPLC system, showed the presence of domoic acid in four species. The most prevalent of those species were the blue mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis), followed by European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis), Mediterranean scallop (Pecten jacobaeus) and proteus scallop (Flexopecten proteus). Domoic acid, a potentially lethal phycotoxin that causes amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP), was detected for the first time in January 2006 with the highest value of 6.5486 μg g-1 in whole shellfish tissue. Pseudo-nitzschia spp. bloom events preceded these high domoic acid concentrations. According to this study, retention of domoic acid in the blue mussel M. galloprovincialis is more than 42 days. This investigation indicates the first presence of domoic acid in Croatian shellfish, but in concentrations under the regulatory limit (20 μg g-1), therefore shellfish consumption was not found to endanger human health.
Dealing with Misfolded Proteins: Examining the Neuroprotective Role of Molecular Chaperones in Neurodegeneration
Authors: Ali Yousuf O. , Kitay Brandon M. , Zhai R. Grace
Published: October 2010

Human neurodegenerative diseases arise from a wide array of genetic and environmental factors. Despite the diversity in etiology, many of these diseases are considered "conformational" in nature, characterized by the accumulation of pathological, misfolded proteins. These misfolded proteins can induce cellular stress by overloading the proteolytic machinery, ultimately resulting in the accumulation and deposition of aggregated protein species that are cytotoxic. Misfolded proteins may also form aberrant, non-physiological protein-protein interactions leading to the sequestration of other normal proteins essential for cellular functions. The progression of such disease may therefore be viewed as a failure of normal protein homeostasis, a process that involves a network of molecules regulating the synthesis, folding, translocation and clearance of proteins. Molecular chaperones are highly conserved proteins involved in the folding of nascent proteins, and the repair of proteins that have lost their typical conformations. These functions have therefore made molecular chaperones an active area of investigation within the field of conformational diseases. This review will discuss the role of molecular chaperones in neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting their functional classification, regulation, and therapeutic potential for such diseases.
In Vitro Antioxidant Properties, HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase and Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Effects of Traditional Herbal Preparations Sold in South Africa
Authors: Ndhlala Ashwell R. , Finnie Jeffrey F. , Van Staden Johannes
Published: October 2010

The antioxidant potentials for fourteen multipurpose traditional herbal preparations sold in South Africa were determined using the DPPH radical scavenging, ferric reducing power and β-carotene-linoleic acid model system, the anti-HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT) enzyme inhibitory effects using an ELISA kit and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibition using the microtitre plate assay. Nine of the herbal mixtures (Umzimba omubi, Umuthi wekukhwehlela ne zilonda, Mvusa ukunzi, Umpatisa inkosi, Imbiza ephuzwato, Vusa umzimba, Supreme one hundred, Sejeso herbal mixture Ingwe® and Ingwe® special muti) exhibited higher antioxidant potentials, while only four (Imbiza ephuzwato, Ingwe® muthi mixture, Sejeso herbal mixture Ingwe® and African potato extractTM) showed potent activity against the RT enzyme. Nine mixtures (Imbiza ephuzwato, Umpatisa inkosi, African potato extractTM, Sejeso herbal mixture Ingwe®, Vusa umzimba; Ingwe® muthi mixture, Ibhubezi™, Lion izifozonke Ingwe® and Ingwe® special muti) showed AChE enzyme inhibitory activity greater than 50%. The observed activity exhibited by some of the herbal mixtures gives some credence to the manufacturers’ claims and goes part of the way towards validating their use against certain conditions such as oxidative stress, HIV/AIDS proliferation and some mental conditions. It is however, desirable to carry out further studies to determine the effects of mixing plant species/parts in one mixture on the antioxidant potency as well as isolating active constituents from the herbal mixtures.
Prodigiosin Production by Serratia marcescens UCP 1549 Using Renewable-Resources as a Low Cost Substrate
Authors: Casullo de Araújo Helvia W. , Fukushima K. , Takaki Galba M. Campos
Published: October 2010

A new strain of Serratia marcescens UCP1459 isolated from a semi-arid soil produced the natural red pigment prodigiosin, characterized by an uncommon pyrrolylpyrromethane skeleton. Prodigiosin is a promising drug due to its reported antifungal, immunosuppressive and anti-proliferative activities. The objective of this work was to indentify a suitable medium to simultaneously enhance S. marcescens growth and pigment production using renewable resources obtained from industrial wastes. S. marcescens produced the highest level of prodigiosin (49.5 g/L) at 48 h of cultivation using 6% “manipueira” (cassava wastewater) supplemented with mannitol (2%) at pH 7 and 28 °C. Carbohydrates in “manipueira” and mannitol play a role in the enhanced cell growth and prodigiosin production. The purified pigment extracted from the biomass was analyzed by mass spectrophotometry and showed the expected molecular weight of 324 Da corresponding to prodigiosin. In conclusion, we have successfully designed a new, economically feasible medium supporting enhanced S. marcescens growth and a high yield production of prodigiosin.
Endocannabinoids and Schizophrenia
Authors: Desfossés Joëlle , Stip Emmanuel , Bentaleb Lahcen Ait , Potvin Stéphane
Published: October 2010

The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachydonoylglycerol (2-AG) are lipids naturally derived from membrane precursors which bind cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2). This endocannabinoid system is disturbed in schizophrenia. Indeed, there seems to be an association between schizophrenia and polymorphisms of the CB1 receptor gene. Moreover, CB1 receptors are found in higher density in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and basal ganglia of patients with schizophrenia. Similarly, anandamide levels are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in the serum of schizophrenia patients, including during the prodromal state, suggesting that they may play a protective role in psychosis homeostasis. Future studies are needed to further explore the role of the endocannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, Variation in Inflammatory Genes, and Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Reese Adam C. , Hardin Jill , Cheng Iona , Casey Graham , Witte John S.
Published: October 2010

Increasing evidence suggests that prostatic inflammation plays a key role in the development of prostate cancer. It remains controversial whether non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Here, we investigate how a previously reported inverse association between NSAID use and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer is modulated by variants in several inflammatory genes. We found that NSAIDs may have differential effects on prostate cancer development, depending on one’s genetic makeup. Further study of these inflammatory pathways may clarify the mechanisms through which NSAIDs impact prostate cancer risk.
Study and Evaluation of a PCB-MEMS Liquid Microflow Sensor
Authors: Petropoulos Anastasios , Kaltsas Grigoris
Published: October 2010

This paper presents the evaluation of a miniature liquid microflow sensor, directly integrated on a PCB. The sensor operation is based on the convective heat transfer principle. The heating and sensing elements are thin Pt resistors which are in direct electrical contact with the external copper tracks of the printed circuit board. Due to the low thermal conductivity of the substrate material, a high degree of thermal isolation is obtained which improves the operating characteristics of the device. The sensor is able to operate under both the hot-wire and the calorimetric principle. In order to fully exploit the temperature distribution in the flowing liquid, multiple sensing elements are positioned in various distances from the heater. A special housing was developed which allowed implementation of the sensor into tubes of various cross sectional areas. The sensor sensitivity and measurement range as a function of the sensing element distance were quantified. A minimum resolution of 3 μL/min and a measurement flow range up to 500 μL/min were achieved.
Synthesis of 3-(quinolin-2-yl)- and 3,6-bis(quinolin-2-yl)-9H-carbazoles
Authors: Li Yang , Gao Wentao
Published: October 2010

A simple and efficient synthesis of novel 3-(quinolin-2-yl)- and 3,6-bis(quinolin-2-yl)-9H-carbazoles, utilizing sodium ethoxide as a catalyst via a Friedländer condensation reaction between 3-acetyl-9-ethyl-9H-carbazole or 3,6-diacetyl-9-ethyl-9H-carbazole and β-aminoaldehydes or β-aminoketones is described. All of the title compounds were obtained in good yields of 52–72% and their structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, MS, and elemental analysis.
Bed load size distribution and flow conditions in a high mountain catchment of Central Pyrenees
Authors: Martínez-Castroviejo Ricardo
Published: October 2010

[es] En una cuenca de alta montaña localizada en el alto valle del río Gallego (Pirineo central) se comparan las distribuciones por tamaños de los acarreos movilizados por diferentes tipos de caudal. Tres tipos de eventos hidrológicos han podido ser caracterizados: los ocasionados por intensas lluvias de otoño, los originados por tormentas estivales aisladas y los producidos por la fusión de la nieve acumulada durante el invierno. Se concluye que cada uno de ellos lleva asociada una distribución por tamaños típica de la carga de fondo. Así, se ha comprobado que las fracciones más gruesas consideradas -superiores a los 30 mm de diámetro- son hasta seis veces más abundantes -en porcentaje sobre el peso total- en las exportaciones causadas por lluvias de gran intensidad que en las generadas por caudales de fusión. A su vez, las descargas ocasionadas por la fusión arrastran principalmente gravas de calibre medio y fino -entre 2y8 mm- que llegan a suponer el 60 % en peso del volumen movilizado. Este artículo discute las razones que provocan tales desigualdades en la composición granulométrica de la carga de fondo.
[fr] Dans un bassin de haute montagne placé sur le Haut Gallego (Pyrénées aragonaises) on mis en rapport la distribution pour tailles de la charge de fond mobilisée par divers types de débit. Nous avons caractérisé trois types d'épisodes hydrologiques: en relation avec les précipitations les plus intenses de l'automne, avec quelques orages d'été et avec la fonte des neiges. Chaque épisode hydrologique est en rapport avec une distribution pour tailles de la charge de fond. Ainsi, nous avons observé que les graviers les plus grossières considérées (> 30 mm) ils sont Jusqu'à six fois plus abondantes -en % sur les poids total- dans les exportations occasionnées par précipitations très Intensives que dans les occasionnées par débits de la fonte. Après, les exportations occasionnées par la fonte de la neige sont en rapport avec le transport de graviers de taille moyenne -comprise entre 2 et 8 mm-, ce que suppose Jusqu'à le 60 % en poids du volume mobilisé.
The role of soil physics in fighting soil degradation. A case study in the Valencia Region, Spain
Authors: Ingelmo-Sánchez Florencio
Published: October 2010

[es] Teniendo en cuenta las características peculiares del clima, topografía, geología, suelos y sistemas de manejo en la Región Valenciana, se exponen algunos hechos probados como suficientemente generales en la Física de suelos y algunos de los avances más significativos de dicha disciplina, enmarcando al mismo tiempo aspectos que necesitan ser Investigados, como base para la aplicación de un modelo conceptual de actuación para el control de los procesos de degradación del suelo. La exposición queda dividida, por consideraciones didácticas, en dos apartados. El primero, más extenso, se dedica al estudio de los procesos hidrológicos y erosivos, implicando a la Física del Suelo en la explicación de algunos comportamientos y mecanismos. En el segundo, se exponen los diferentes mecanismos de degradación física que conducen a la compactación del suelo, identificándose las principales causas y las repercusiones.
[fr] Compte tenu des particulières caractéristiques du climat, topographie, géologie, sols et systèmes d'aménagement des sols dans la Région de Valence, on expose Ici quelques sujets bien connus, sur la Physique du Sol, et on signale certains rapports qui doivent être recherchés pour l'application d'un modèle conceptuel dans la prévision rational des processus de dégradation du sol. Le travail est divisé en deux parties: dans la première on étude les processus hydrologiques et les processus érosifs, en impliquant la Physique du Sol dans la recherche des mécanismes des conduites. Dans la deuxième partie on présente les mécanismes de la dégradation physique du sol -notamment le compactage et le scellage du sol- et on identifie les causes principales menant à leur prévision, les effets de la conduite du sol, et quelques lignes de recherche applicables à la minimisation des risques de dégradation physique du sol.
El glaciar noroccidental del Besiberri (Pirineo de Lérida)
Authors: Serrano E. , Martínez de Pisón E. , Martínez R. , Cantarino I. , Navarro J.
Published: October 2010

[es] El aparato estudiado constituye un sistema glaciar de derrubios en el que se diferencian tres sectores: superior, con núcleo de hielo, cobertura de clastos, y procesos periglaciares muy activos; medio, glaciar negro, con un sector de glaciar sucio o semicubierto; e inferior, en el frente del sistema, constituye una forma de glaciar rocoso estricto.
Dada la frescura de las formas conservadas y la lenta respuesta de los sistemas de derrubios glaciares a los cambios climáticos, así como la presencia de sendas morrenas atribuidas a la Pequeña Edad de Hielo que enmarcan el aparato, puede que el momento de detenimiento de la dinámica que generó el frente rocoso del Besiberri noroccidental no exceda de unas decenas de años.
[fr] L'ensemble étudié constitue un système glaciaire de terrains affouillés où l'on distingue trois parties: la partie supérieure, avec noyau de glace, couverture de roches clastiques et processus périglaciaires très actifs; la partie moyenne: glacier noir, avec zone glaciaire sale ou semi-recouverte; et la partie inférieure, sur le front du système, qui constitue une forme stricte de glacier rocheux.
Étant donné la fraîcheur des formes conservées et la réponse lente des systèmes d'affouillement glaciaires face aux modifications climatiques, ainsi que la présence des moraines correspondantes, que l'on a datées au Petit Age Glaciaire et qui encadrent l'ensemble, il est possible que la dynamique qui a produit le front rocheux du Besiberri nord-occidental n'ait été stoppée que quelques dizaines d'années plus tôt.
Soil formation on Holocene moraines in the cirque de Troumouse, Pyrenees
Authors: Parkinson Robert , Gellatly Anne
Published: October 2010

[es] Se discuten los factores que afectan a las tasas y al grado de formación del suelo en morrenas Holocenas, con referencia a la secuencia de morrenas en el Circo de Troumouse, Pirineo francés. En particular, se evalúa el papel del tiempo, la posición de la pendiente y la historia postdeposicional para tres morrenas ordenadas en edad desde c. 5000 a c. 1000 años BP. El desarrollo del perfil del suelo, determinado por criterios visuales, indica diferencias de desarrollo del suelo entre morrenas de diferente edad así como entre suelos desarrollados en la misma morrena, pero ocupando diferentes posiciones de la pendiente. Análisis granulométricos y químicos del suelo confirman que la microtopografía ejerce un fuerte control en la extensión y en la tasa de formación del suelo y, por tanto, deberla ser tenida en cuenta en los muéstreos y descripciones de las cronosecuencias del suelo en morrenas glaciares.
[fr] On discute les facteurs qui affectent les taux et le degré de formation du sol en moraines Holocènes, avec référence à la séquence de moraines du Cirque de Troumouse, Pyrénées français. En particulier, on évalue le rôle du temps, la position de la pente et l'histoire postdépositionelle pour trois moraines ordonnées chronologiquement de c. 5000 à 1000 ans av. J.C.. Le développement du profil du sol, déterminé selon des critères visuels, ' signale des différences de développement du sol entre des moraines d'âge différent de même qu'entre des sols formés dans la même moraine, mais qui occupent différentes positions de la pente. Des analyses granulométriques et chimiques du sol confirment que la microtopographie exerce une forte influence sur l'étendue et les taux de formation du sol et par conséquent, elle devrait entrer en ligne de compte dans les échantillonnages et les descriptions des chronoséquences du sol en moraines glaciaires.
Le recul de l'espace agro-pastoral dans les Préalpes du Sud et ses conséquences sur le paysage de la moyenne montagne
Authors: De Reparaz G. A.
Published: October 2010

[fr] Dans les Préalpes du Sud, zone désertifiée aux très faibles densités (5 h/km2), les friches héritées des anciennes zones cultivées ou des anciennes pâtures de l'agriculture traditionnelle, couvrent des espaces considérables (près de 60% du territoire). Les agriculteurs-éleveurs très rares et vieillissants qui subsistent dans cet espace ne peuvent aménager ou entretenir celui-ci, et le saltus qui progresse encore actuellement prend des formes très diverses analysées ici. Une typologie communale évolutive des paysages de saltus, fonction de leurs origines diverses, est présentée. Les nouveaux habitants et les nouvelles fonctions de cet espace: tourisme 'vert', résidences secondaires nombreuses, posent le problème des formes nouvelles de l'aménagement et de l'Importance des acteurs extérieurs (État et reboisement massif, collectivités régionales, structures du tourisme).
[es] En los Prealpes del sur, zona desertificada de muy bajas densidades (5 h/km2), los eriales heredados de las zonas anteriormente cultivadas o pastadas en el marco de la agricultura tradicional ocupan una amplia extensión (cerca de 60% del territorio). Los agricultores—pastores, muy escasos, envejecidos, y en disminución, subsisten difícilmente en este espacio; no pueden conservar ni gestionar adecuadamente el territorio rural. Los eriales, pues, siguen progresando en formas diversas, analizadas aquí, con una tipología evolutiva de los saltus en las "communes".. según sus orígenes.
Los nuevos habitantes y las nuevas funciones de este espacio: turismo "verde", segundas residencias numerosas, plantean el problema de las nuevas formas de la ordenación rural y de la importancia de los actores exteriores (Estado, región, reforestación masiva, estructuras del turismo).
A prophet of old: Jesus the ‘public theologian’
Authors: Van Eck Ernest
Published: October 2010

In this article the argument is put forward that Jesus’ parables portray him as a social prophet, as many of the issues addressed by Old Testament prophets (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, Amos and Hosea) are common themes in Jesus’ parables. As proof for and further elaboration on the abovementioned argument, two of these themes from Jesus’ parables, religious inclusivity and social injustice, are discussed. It is concluded that if public theology is understood as public theologians doing theology in public, Jesus was a ‘public theologian’ par excellence.
Is prophetic witness the appropriate mode of public discourse on the global economy?
Authors: Masango Maake J.
Published: October 2010

This article critically addressed various aspects of prophetic ministry and its impact on public life, especially within the context of the global village. Prophetic ministry was shaped by Jesus’ prophetic role in his own ministry, which was portrayed in language by Luke, who wrote that Jesus began his ministry by saying: ‘The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to preach the good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to captives, and recovery of sight to blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed’ (Lk 4:18). These words open up a way of challenging ministers in engaging in prophetic ministry in the public arena. Prophets always address injustices that isolate and destroy God’s image in others. In other words, the role of prophetic ministry becomes an important element that needs to be addressed, especially with regard to the economic structures that oppress the poor in the global village of today. This kind of ministry also focuses on the often unheard voice of the oppressed. Finally, the main question that this article posed was whether prophets can play an important role in today’s community.
Is prophetic witness the appropriate mode of Christian participation in public discourse in the Netherlands?
Authors: De Kruijf Gerrit G.
Published: October 2010

Dutch Protestantism is characterised by a hidden tension between a theocratic tradition and the endorsement of democracy. In this article it is argued that the idea of prophetic witness has its roots in the theocratic tradition, and that it is not compatible with the endorsement of democracy.
Prophetic witness and public discourse in European societies – a German perspective
Authors: Bedford-Strohm Heinrich
Published: October 2010

The role of prophetic witness of the churches in the public discourse of modern civil societies is analysed on the basis of three public memorandums of the German Protestant churches on economic questions and their impact on the public. Among the ten systematic conclusions which are drawn from this case study is the importance of the specific context for the role of prophetic statements. The article tries to show how prophetic witness is a necessary element of a public theology, which is not based on fundamental criticism, but develops both critical and constructive perspectives for politics and society. If such public theology is liberation theology for a democratic society it is the task of the church to get involved in the public debate in a ‘bilingual’ way, that is, on the basis of its biblical-theological sources but at the same time with the ability to engage in the secular language of pluralistic societies.
The prophetic witness of the church as an appropriate mode of public discourse in African societies
Authors: Nyiawung Mbengu D.
Published: October 2010

A discussion on the prophetic witness of the church is relevant in many respects. Firstly, most African countries have embraced democracy, without defining its contents; hence, democracy practised in Africa varies from one country to another. Secondly, democracy, itself, has left unpredictable consequences in African societies, where its leaders have cherished what they gain from leadership, rather than thinking in terms of community development. Thirdly, many people have lost confidence in the church in times of misery. The need for a solution to social crisis has created room for alternative modes of public discourse that compete with the church’s prophetic voice of: ‘Thus says the Lord’. Fourthly, churches seem to have established a dichotomy between theology and societal realities. Fifthly, the church has, so far, concentrated most of its efforts on evangelising to the regular faithful who attend the Sunday service and other meetings and have rather neglected those on the streets. Lastly, ‘armchair sermons’, coupled with the effect of democracy seem to have moulded passive and expectant citizens, rather than challenge them to strive for a committed and responsible stewardship. These reasons, and others, account for the situation of misery and underdevelopment of African societies; hence, the need for the development of a ‘relevant theology’ that marches with African realities.
Synoptic and dynamic characteristics of the depressions that affected the area of Cyprus during the winter of 2007–2008
Authors: Nicolaides K. , Savvidou K. , Michaelides S. , Tsitouri M.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. The hydrological year 2007–2008 is the second drier in Cyprus since records are kept, for more than one hundred years. Since most of the rainfall is associated with depressions that affect the area during the cold months of the year, a study was carried out to investigate the characteristics of these synoptic-scale systems. The study comprises a statistical analysis of the synoptic and dynamic characteristics of the depressions that affected the area of Cyprus during the winter of 2007–2008.
Evapotranspiration modelling at large scale using near-real time MSG SEVIRI derived data
Authors: Ghilain N. , Arboleda A. , Gellens-Meulenberghs F.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. We present an evapotranspiration (ET) model developed in the framework of the EUMETSAT "Satellite Application Facility" (SAF) on Land Surface Analysis (LSA). The model is a simplified Soil-Vegetation-Atmosphere Transfer (SVAT) scheme that uses as input a combination of remote sensed data and atmospheric model outputs. The inputs based on remote sensing are LSA-SAF products: the Albedo (AL), the Downwelling Surface Shortwave Flux (DSSF) and the Downwelling Surface Longwave Flux (DSLF). They are available with the spatial resolution of the MSG SEVIRI instrument. ET maps covering the whole MSG field of view are produced by the model every 30 min, in near-real-time, for all weather conditions. This paper presents the adopted methodology and a set of validation results. The model quality is evaluated in two ways. First, ET results are compared with ground observations (from CarboEurope and national weather services), for different land cover types, over a full vegetation cycle in the Northern Hemisphere in 2007. This validation shows that the model is able to reproduce the observed ET temporal evolution from the diurnal to annual time scales for the temperate climate zones: the mean bias is less than 0.02 mm h−1 and the root-mean square error is between 0.06 and 0.10 mm h−1. Then, ET model outputs are compared with those from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) and the Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS). From this comparison, a high spatial correlation is noted, between 80 to 90%, around midday time frame. Nevertheless, some discrepancies are also observed and are due to the different input variables and parameterisations used.
Climate model bias correction and the role of timescales
Authors: Haerter J. O. , Hagemann S. , Moseley C. , Piani C.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. It is well known that output from climate models cannot be used to force hydrological simulations without some form of preprocessing to remove the existing biases. In principle, statistical bias correction methodologies act on model output so the statistical properties of the corrected data match those of the observations. However the improvements to the statistical properties of the data are limited to the specific time scale of the fluctuations that are considered. For example, a statistical bias correction methodology for mean daily values might be detrimental to monthly statistics. Also, in applying bias corrections derived from present day to scenario simulations, an assumption is made of persistence of the bias over the largest timescales. We examine the effects of mixing fluctuations on different time scales and suggest an improved statistical methodology, referred to here as a cascade bias correction method, that eliminates, or greatly reduces, the negative effects.
ROMA (Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analyses) of intermittency in space plasmas – a brief tutorial review
Authors: Chang T. , Wu C. C. , Podesta J. , Echim M. , Lamy H. , Tam S. W. Y.
Published: October 2010

Abstract. Intermittent fluctuations are the consequence of the dynamic interactions of multiple coherent or pseudo-coherent structures of varied sizes in the stochastic media (Chang, 1999). We briefly review here a recently developed technique, the Rank-Ordered Multifractal Analysis (ROMA), which is both physically explicable and quantitatively accurate in deciphering the multifractal characteristics of such intermittent structures (Chang and Wu, 2008). The utility of the method is demonstrated using results obtained from large-scale 2-D MHD simulations as well as in-situ observations of magnetic field fluctuations from the interplanetary and magnetospheric cusp regions, and the broadband electric field oscillations from the auroral zone.
Effects of Manduca sexta allatostatin and an analogue on the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae (hemiptera: aphididae) and degradation by enzymes in the aphid gut
Authors: Matthews H. June , Down Rachel E. , Audsley Neil
Published: October 2010

The oral toxicity of the C‐type allatostatin, Manduca sexta allatostatin (Manse‐AS) and the analogue δR3δR5Manse‐AS, where R residues were replaced by their D‐isomers, were tested against the peach‐potato aphid Myzus persicae by incorporation into an artificial diet. Both peptides had significant dose‐dependent effects on mortality, growth, and fecundity compared with control insects. The analogue, δR3δR5Manse‐AS, had an estimated LC50 of 0.31 µg/µl diet and was more potent than Manse‐AS (estimated LC50 of 0.58 µg/µl diet). At a dose of 0.35 µg δR3δR5Manse‐AS/µl diet, 76% of the aphids were dead after 6 days and all were dead after 10 days. In comparison, three times the dose of Manse‐AS was required to achieve 74% mortality after 8 days and 98% mortality after 16 days. The degradation of both peptides by extracts prepared from the gut of M. persicae was investigated. The estimated half‐life of Manse‐AS, when incubated with the gut extract from M. persicae, was 31 min. Degradation was due to a cathepsin L‐like cysteine protease, carboxypeptidase‐like activity, endoprotease activity with glutamine specificity, pyroglutamate aminopeptidase activity, and possibly trypsin‐like proteases. The half‐life of the δR3δR5 Manse‐AS analogue was enhanced (73 min) with the D‐isomers of R appearing to prevent cleavage around the R residues by cathepsin L‐like cysteine proteases or from trypsin‐like proteases. The greater stability of the analogue may explain its increased potency in M. persicae. This work demonstrates the potential use of Manse‐AS and analogues, with greater resistance to enzymatic attack, in aphid control strategies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cigarette smoking in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Hudson Marie , Lo Ernest , Lu Ying , Hercz Daniel , Baron Murray ,   Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, Steele Russell
Published: October 2010

Objective

To determine the effects of cigarette smoking on vascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory outcomes in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods

Subjects were patients enrolled in the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group cohort. Smoking history was obtained by patient self‐report. The effect of smoking was assessed using multiple regression analysis of each SSc clinical outcome of interest (vascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory). Smoking was modeled both as categorical variables (current, past, and never) and using the Comprehensive Smoking Index (CSI), which integrates smoking intensity, duration of smoking, and time since cessation into a single covariate of smoking effect. All regression models were adjusted for age, sex, disease duration, and limited or diffuse skin involvement.

Results

This study included 606 patients with SSc, of whom 87% were women and 90% were white, and the mean age was 55 years, mean disease duration was 11 years, and 36% had diffuse disease. Of these patients, 16% were current smokers, 42% were past smokers, and 42% were never smokers. The regression analyses showed that smoking had a significant negative effect on almost all vascular, gastrointestinal, and respiratory outcomes. The effects of smoking were in some cases long‐lasting (e.g., persistent respiratory abnormalities), and smoking cessation appeared beneficial with respect to some outcomes (e.g., reduced severity of Raynaud's phenomenon).

Conclusion

Physicians caring for patients with SSc should prioritize smoking cessation as a recommendation to patients, and resources directed to supporting smoking cessation in patients with SSc should be more readily available.