bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous determination and pharmacokinetics of five alkaloids in rat plasma by ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry after the oral administration of Corydalis bungeana Turcz extract
Authors: Liu Lu , Yu Xueli , Wang Zhibin , Sun Jiahui , Pan Rong , Yang Chunjuan , Wu Lijun
Published: November 2015

Pharmacokinetic studies were conducted on rats for protopine, corynoline, 7′‐(3′,4′‐dihydroxyphenyl)‐N‐[(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐ethyl]propenamide, acetylcorynoline, and 8‐oxocorynoline, five main active components from Corydalis bungeana Turcz (C. bungeana Turcz). An ultra high performance liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of these components in rat plasma. Chromatographic separation was achieved on an Agilent SB‐C18 column (1.8 μm, 150 × 2.1 mm) using a gradient elution program with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% acetic acid at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. The analytes were detected in the multiple reaction monitoring mode with positive electrospray ionization. Lower limits of quantification were >0.680 ng/mL and matrix effects ranged from 91.26 to 100.38%. The mean extraction recoveries of quality control samples were less than 79.32%, and the precision and accuracy were within the acceptable limits. All analytes were proven to be stable during sample storage and analysis procedures. The validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of five alkaloid components after oral administration of C. bungeana Turcz extract to rats. The obtained results may be helpful to reveal the mechanism of action and to guide the clinical application of C. bungeana Turcz.
TranQuill sling snoreplasty for snoring: A single‐arm pilot study for safety and effectiveness
Authors: Murphey Alexander W. , Nguyen Shaun A. , Fuller Colin , Weber Aimee C. , Camilon Marc P. , Gillespie M. Boyd
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Determine safety and efficacy of the TranQuill Sling Snoreplasty (TSS) (Surgical Specialties Corp., Vancouver, BC, Canada) for the treatment of snoring in adults with benign snoring or mild obstructive sleep apnea.

Study Design

Prospective, unblinded, single‐center pilot study.

Methods

From February 2014 to July 2014, 20 adult patients with chronic, disruptive snoring assessed by bed partner were recruited to undergo TSS. Subjects with apnea hypopnea index < 15, minimum oxygen saturation > 85%, and body mass index (BMI) < 32 were included. Outcomes were assessed comparing the results of quality‐of‐life questionnaires, bed partner‐assessed snoring, pain visual analog scales, WatchPAT (Itamar Medical Ltd, Caesarea Ind. Park, Israel) home sleep studies, and flexible endoscopy at baseline and 90‐day follow‐up.

Results

Thirteen males and seven females were enrolled. Average age was 49.1 (range 31–67) and BMI of 25.8 ± 2.66. TranQuill Sling Snoreplasty significantly reduced snoring symptom scores from 8.70 ± 4.27 to 6.42 ± 4.14, P = 0.012. Snoring visual analog scores demonstrated reduction of 17.8 mm (59.4 mm ± 22.1 to 41.6 mm ± 29.2), P = 0.0184. Thirty‐five percent (7/20) of subjects reported complications related to the trial, with no serious adverse events.

Conclusion

TranQuill Sling Snoreplasty is a safe therapy that improves snoring symptoms in most adult subjects with benign snoring or mild sleep apnea. Further study is required to better identify patients likely to respond to the therapy.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:243–248, 2016
Endoscopic cartilage tympanoplasty: A two‐handed technique using an endoscope holder
Authors: Khan Mubarak M. , Parab Sapna R.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Endoscopic ear surgery provides a minimally invasive approach to the middle ear. The disadvantage of endoscopic ear surgery is that it is a single‐handed surgical technique. The nondominant hand of the surgeon is utilized for holding and manipulating the endoscope. This necessitated the need for the development of an endoscope holder that would allow both hands to be free for surgical manipulation.

The aim of this article is to report our preliminary experience using our newly designed and developed endoscope holder, which allowed us to perform cartilage tympanoplasty utilizing both hands for surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective nonrandomized clinical study.

Methods

The endoscope holder was designed and developed to aid in endoscopic ear surgery and to overcome the disadvantage of single‐handed endoscopic surgery. The design of the endoscope holder is described in detail, along with instructions on how it can be used. A total of 179 endoscope holder‐assisted cartilage tympanoplasties were performed to evaluate the feasibility of a two‐handed technique and to evaluate the results of surgery.

Results

In an early follow‐up period ranging from 6 to 20 months, the graft take was seen in 174 ears, with one residual perforation and four recurrent perforations, giving a success rate of 97%. The endoscope holder eliminates the disadvantages of single‐handed surgery and is a good option for those who wish to perform endoscopic ear surgery using both hands.

Conclusion

The study reports the successful application and use of the endoscope holder in a two‐handed technique of endoscopic tympanoplasty.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1893–1898, 2016
Langerhans cell histiocytosis of the temporal bone: A review of 29 cases at a single center
Authors: Modest Mara C. , Garcia Joaquin J. , Arndt Carola S. , Carlson Matthew L.
Published: November 2015

Objectives/Hypothesis

Evaluate presentation, management, and clinical outcomes of patients with temporal bone Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH).

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Reviewed all patients with temporal bone LCH at a tertiary academic referral center between 1978 and 2014. Presentation, disease course, intervention, and clinical outcomes were analyzed.

Results

Between 1978 and 2014, 29 temporal bones in 20 patients (12 males; median age 32 years, range 1.3–88 years) were diagnosed with temporal bone LCH, representing 4% of all patients diagnosed with LCH at our institution during that time. Twelve (60%) patients presented purely with head and neck disease, nine (45%) with bilateral temporal bone involvement, seven (35%) with intracranial spread, and eight (40%) with multisystem disease. The most common presenting symptoms were otorrhea (n = 11; 55%) and subjective hearing loss (n = 10; 50%). Treatment included primary chemotherapy or radiation alone(n = 7; 35%), local resection alone (n = 2; 10%), and chemotherapy or radiation with surgery(n = 11; 55%). Ten patients suffered local or systemic relapse (50%; median 12 months). Median follow‐up for patients was 31 months. One patient died secondary to pulmonary complications of multisystem LCH.

Conclusions

LCH is an uncommon histiocytic disorder with a range of clinical manifestations and disease severity. Otologic involvement is rare, and frequently manifests with symptoms similar to otomastoiditis. Evaluation and close follow‐up of both ears is important. Bilateral simultaneous or sequential LCH can be seen in up to 45% of cases. Patients with temporal bone LCH should be managed by a multidisciplinary team with treatment tailored to the patient. Relapse is more common in patients with multisystem involvement. Even in subjects with isolated otologic involvement, long‐term follow‐up is critical, with relapses occurring years beyond treatment.

Level of Evidence

4. Laryngoscope, 126:1899–1904, 2016
Morphological Changes under Strain for Different Thermoplastic Polyurethanes Monitored by SAXS Related to Strain at Break
Authors: Stribeck Almut , Li Xuke , Zeinolebadi Ahmad , Pöselt Elmar , Eling Berend , Funari Sérgio
Published: November 2015

In tensile tests of six different hand‐cast thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) with a hard‐segment content = 0.51, the volume fraction of hard domains (vh) has been tracked. The materials exhibit a linear increase up to a strain of ≈0.5 (strain‐induced phase separation). Thereafter a linear decrease ofvhis indicated. When stretched by 100% about 25% of the initially present hard domains are destroyed. The extrapolation tovh= 0 is close to the elongation at break. Characteristic materials parameters are suggested by the found relation. The tests (maximum strain: 3) are monitored by small‐angle X‐ray scattering. The morphology is closer to particle scattering than that of machine‐processed material. Therefore the longitudinal scattering appears fittable by a 1D statistical model that separates the weak discrete scattering from the height distribution of hard domains, whose weight returns the variation ofvhwith the strain. All TPUs are based on 4,4′‐methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI). The other raw components are systematically varied. Two MDI units determine the height of the average hard domain. The variation ofvhwith strain is described by a tensile augmentation (in analogy to the tensile strength) which is realized at an end‐of‐growth strain. The following hard domain destruction is governed by a consumption factor. Deviations between extrapolated and measured strain at break may be related to the TPU composition.

image
Fast myelin water fraction estimation using 2D multislice CPMG
Authors: Akhondi‐Asl Alireza , Afacan Onur , Balasubramanian Mukund , Mulkern Robert V. , Warfield Simon K.
Published: November 2015

Purpose

T2 relaxometry based on multiexponential fitting to a single slice multiecho sequence has been the most common MRI technique for myelin water fraction mapping, where the short T2 is associated with myelin water. However, very long acquisition times and physically unrealistic models for T2 distribution are limitations of this approach. We present a novel framework for myelin imaging which substantially increases the imaging speed and myelin water fraction estimation accuracy.

Method

We used the 2D multislice Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill sequence to increase the volume coverage. To compensate for nonideal slice profiles, we numerically solved the Bloch equations for a range of T2 and B1 inhomogeneity scales to construct the bases for the estimation of the T2 distribution. We used a finite mixture of continuous parametric distributions to describe the complete T2 spectrum and used the constrained variable projection optimization algorithm to estimate myelin water fraction. To validate our model, synthetic, phantom, and in vivo brain experiments were conducted.

Results

Using the Bloch equations, we can model the slice profile and construct the forward model of the T2 curve. Our method estimated myelin water fraction with smaller error than the nonnegative least squares algorithm.

Conclusions

The proposed framework can be used for reliable whole brain myelin imaging with a resolution of
in
. Magn Reson Med 76:1301–1313, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current controversies in prenatal diagnosis 3: is there still a value in a nuchal translucency screening ultrasound in conjunction with maternal plasma non‐invasive cell‐free DNA testing?
Authors: Wilson R. Douglas , Poon Liona C. , Ghidini Alessandro
Published: November 2015

What's already known about this topic?

Nuchal translucency is an ultrasound measurement of the fetal physiological lymphatic development as it can identify both normal and abnormal lymphatic collections.

Abnormal or enlarged nuchal translucency measurements are nonspecific and heterogeneous in origin.

The source of maternal plasma cell free fetal DNA is placental apoptosis.

The embryonic and cellular development of the placenta can have true chromosomal mosaicism (involves fetus and placenta) orconfined placental mosaicism (CPM) (placenta only).

CPM is present in 1–2% of placentas and can cause false positive results for diagnostic chorionic villus sampling and maternalplasma cell free DNA prenatal aneuploidy screening resultswhile false negative placental results are much less common at 1 per 3000.

What does this study add?

This report summarizes an oral debate presented at the 19th International Conference on Prenatal Diagnosis and Therapy inWashington, DC, USA, on 14 July 2015.

This study compares the fetal aneuploidy screening and detection process with the ultrasound nuchal translucency aneuploidy-geneticpathology screening test/measurement and the more recent maternal plasma cell free DNA aneuploidy only screening test when used in conjunction or separately.

Informed consent and patient understanding of the aneuploidy screening options and techniques is an important counselling principle for the variety of aneuploidy and genetic screening protocols.
Online Stakeholder Interactions in the Early Stage of a Megaproject
Authors: Williams Nigel L. , Ferdinand Nicole , Pasian Beverly
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this article is to examine the network structure of online stakeholder discussions in the planning stage of a UK public megaproject, High Speed Rail 2. By providing new rail connections between London, Birmingham, and Manchester, this project is highly complex as it is embedded in a network of stakeholder relationships that may support or oppose the project. Data drawn from Twitter were analyzed using Social Network Analysis and inductive analysis of user profiles and content. Findings indicate that the majority of online stakeholders oppose the project and form stable clusters. Larger clusters within this network may attempt to deploy power directly in the form of a manipulation strategy, whereas smaller clusters may seek to ally themselves with more powerful groups, a pathway strategy. Overall, the methodology is a useful complement to existing methods and may provide real-time insights into the complex, evolving discussions around megaprojects.
Effect of Al vacuum annealing prior to a‐Si deposition on aluminum‐induced crystallization
Authors: Tankut Aydin , Karaman Mehmet , Yildiz Ilker , Canli Sedat , Turan Rasit
Published: November 2015

Aluminum‐induced crystallization (AIC) experiments were carried out in order to investigate the influence of vacuum annealing of the Al layer at 500 °C prior to deposition of e‐beam evaporated amorphous silicon (a‐Si). A control sample set using the identical deposition sequences but without the Al vacuum anneal was also produced as reference. Analysis revealed that after vacuum annealing, the Al grain size increases significantly. The surface Al‐oxide layer thickness is reduced, however, the Al‐oxide to metallic Al ratio is increased in this layer. Following a‐Si deposition, the a‐Si/Al/SiNx/glass stacked samples were annealed in N2 atmosphere at temperatures between 420 and 450 °C. It was seen that the crystal growth rate in the samples with vacuum‐annealed Al is significantly reduced compared to the control samples, due to the reduction of Al grain boundary density.
Chemical and ionization potentials: Relation via the Pauli potential and NOF theory
Authors: Piris M. , March N. H.
Published: November 2015

Hartree‐Fock (HF) theory makes the prediction that for neutral atoms the chemical potential (μ) is equal to minus the ionization potential (I). This has led us to inquire whether this intimate relation is sensitive to electron correlation. We present here therefore some discussion of the predictions for neutral atoms and atomic ions, and some homonuclear diatomic molecules. An account of fairly recent progress in obtaining the HF ionization potentials for the isoelectronic series of He, Be, Ne, Mg, and Ar‐like atomic ions is first considered. The
expansion for total non‐relativistic energy of atomic ions evokes that
is not very sensitive to the introduction of electron correlation. The connection between μ and I for neutral atoms via the Pauli potential (VP) is then examined. We focus on the relation of VP to more recent advances in density functional theory (DFT) plus low‐order density matrix theory. In this context, the example of nonrelativistic Be‐like atomic ions is treated. Afterward, we introduce the bosonized equation for the density amplitude
, which emphasizes the major role that plays
in DFT. For spherical atomic densities, the bosonized potential argument strongly suggests also that
remains valid in the presence of electron correlation. Finally, numerical estimates of μ and I from natural orbital functional (NOF) theory are presented for neutral atoms ranging from H to Kr. The predicted vertical I by means of the extended Koopmans' theorem are in good agreement with the corresponding experimental data. However, the NOF theory of μ lowers the experimental values considerably as we approach to noble gas atoms though oscillatory behavior is in evidence. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparing ion‐pairing reagents and counter anions for ion‐pair reversed‐phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry analysis of synthetic oligonucleotides
Authors: Gong Lingzhi
Published: November 2015

Rationale

Ion‐pair reversed‐phase liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS) has been widely used for the quality control of oligonucleotides. However, researchers are still looking to improve mobile phase systems for IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS analysis of oligonucleotides. This study compared the performance of six ion‐pairing reagents with three different counter anions for IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS analysis of oligonucleotides.

Methods

The study was performed using a Waters ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC®) system coupled to a Waters LCT Premier XE mass spectrometer by using a UPLC® OST column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.7 µm). Buffer systems containing acetate, bicarbonate, and hexafluoroisopropanolate salts of six ion‐pairing reagents (triethylamine, tripropylamine, hexylamine, N,N‐dimethylbutylamine, dibutylamine, N,N‐diisopropylethylamine), respectively, were optimized for IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS analysis of oligonucleotides, and then the optimized conditions were applied for the separation of oligonucleotides.

Results

Counter anions definitely play a role in IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS analysis of oligonucleotides. Buffer containing 30 mM diisopropylethylamine and 200 mM hexafluoroisopropanol provided the highest separation of unmodified heterogeneous oligonucleotides, but tripropylammonium hexafluoroisopropanolate achieved the most enhanced separation of sequence isomers. However, triethylammonium acetate and bicarbonate had equally the highest separation for positional isomers.

Conclusions

IP‐RP‐LC/ESI‐MS separation of oligonucleotides is mainly sequence dependent, but it is also dependent on both the type of ion‐pairing reagent and counter anion present in the mobile phase. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synchronization and tracking control for multi‐motor driving servo systems with backlash and friction
Authors: Zhao Wei , Ren Xuemei , Gao Xuehui
Published: November 2015

This paper presents a novel switching controller incorporated with backlash and friction compensations, which is utilized to achieve speed synchronization among multi‐motor and load position tracking. The proposed controller consists of two parts: synchronization and tracking control in contact mode and robust control in backlash mode, where a function characterizing whether backlash occurs is used for switching between two modes. Using the proposed switching controller, several control objectives are achieved. Firstly, the coupling problem of speed synchronization and load tracking in contact mode is addressed by introducing a switching plane. Secondly, based on the switching plane, an improved prescribed performance function is introduced to attain load tracking with prescribed performances, and L∞ performance of speed synchronization is guaranteed by initialization method, maintaining the transient performance of synchronization behavior. Thirdly, the lumped uncertain nonlinearity including friction and other uncertain functions is compensated by Chebyshev neural network in contact mode. Furthermore, a robust control is adopted in backlash mode to make system traverse backlash at an exponential rate and simultaneously eliminate low‐speed crawling phenomenon of LuGre friction. Finally, comparative simulations on four‐motor driving servo system are provided to verify the effectiveness and reliability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of orthoses and gait analysis in children with AMC
Authors: Bartonek Åsa
Published: November 2015

Purpose

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) can be described as a complex condition characterized by deformed joints with an intact sensory system. Consequences of muscle weakness and joint contractures in the lower limbs influence walking ability. With orthoses most children achieve functional ambulation. Based on four studies, the aim of this article was to describe gait pattern wearing habitual orthoses, to quantify quiet standing, to test and describe a new orthosis and compare gait differences with regular orthoses, in children with AMC.

Methods

In total 83 children, of which 35 with AMC took part in the studies. All children had underwent clinical examination. Based on joint range of motion and muscle strength they had been prescribed various orthosis types, ranging from insoles to knee–ankle–foot orthoses with locked knee joints. 3D gait and motion analysis was performed during standing and walking with 34 reflective markers aligned with anatomical landmarks.

Results

The findings are presented with respect to each of the included studies.

Conclusions

According to the positive subjective impressions from parents and children, the clinical experiences of our research group, and the objective results from the gait assessments, continuously wearing of orthoses in persons with AMC is recommended.
A qualitative study of adolescents with medically unexplained symptoms and their parents. Part 1: Experiences and impact on daily life
Authors: Moulin Virginie , Akre Christina , Rodondi Pierre‐Yves , Ambresin Anne‐Emmanuelle , Suris Joan‐Carles
Published: November 2015

Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are common among adolescents and are frequently encountered in primary care. Our aim was to explore how these adolescents and their parents experience the condition and its impact on their daily lives and to provide recommendations for health professionals. Using a qualitative approach, six focus groups and two individual interviews were conducted. These involved a total of ten adolescents with different types of MUS and sixteen parents. The respondents were recruited in a university hospital in Switzerland. A thematic analysis was conducted according to the Grounded Theory. The analysis of the data highlighted four core themes: disbelief, being different, concealing symptoms, and priority to adolescent's health. Transcending these themes was a core issue regarding the discrepancy between the strategies that adolescents and their parents use to cope with the symptoms. Health professionals should be made aware of the emotional needs of these patients and their families.
Everywhere differentiability of viscosity solutions to a class of Aronsson's equations
Authors: Siljander Juhana , Wang Changyou , Zhou Yuan
Published: November 2015

We show the everywhere differentiability of viscosity solutions to a class of Aronsson equations in

\mathbb{R}^{n}

for

n \geq 2

, where the coefficient matrices

A

are assumed to be uniformly elliptic and

C^{1,1}

. Our result extends an earlier important theorem by Evans and Smart [18] who have studied the case

A = I_{n}

which correspond to the

∞

-Laplace equation. We also show that every point is a Lebesgue point for the gradient.

In the process of proving the results we improve some of the gradient estimates obtained for the infinity harmonic functions. The lack of suitable gradient estimates has been a major obstacle for solving the

C^{1,\alpha }

problem in this setting, and we aim to take a step towards better understanding of this problem, too.

A key tool in our approach is to study the problem in a suitable intrinsic geometry induced by the coefficient matrix

A

. Heuristically, this corresponds to considering the question on a Riemannian manifold whose the metric is given by the matrix

A

.
Effect of hyperemesis gravidarum on gestational diabetes mellitus screening
Authors: Ohara Rena , Obata‐Yasuoka Mana , Abe Kanako , Yagi Hiroya , Hamada Hiromi , Yoshikawa Hiroyuki
Published: November 2015

Objective

To clarify the effect of starvation due to hyperemesis gravidarum on the screening of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken of pregnant women who delivered at Tsukuba University Hospital, Japan, between October 1, 2010, and September 30, 2013. GDM screening was performed in the first trimester using the random blood glucose test with a cutoff value of 5.2 mmol/L and in the second trimester using a 50‐g glucose challenge test with a cutoff value of 7.8 mmol/L. If the screening was positive, a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test was performed for a definite diagnosis.

Results

Among 2112 eligible women, 33 (1.6%) required hospitalization for hyperemesis; the remaining 2079 women formed the control group. In the first trimester, the positive GDM screening rate was significantly higher in the hyperemesis group than in the control group (13 [39.4%] vs 115 [5.5%]; P < 0.001). Additionally, the positive predictive value was significantly lower in the hyperemesis group (23.1% vs 73.9%; P < 0.001). In the second trimester, no significant differences were observed between groups.

Conclusion

Hyperemesis gravidarum affects the positive GDM screening rate in the first trimester.
Empowering adolescent girls in Sub‐Saharan Africa to prevent unintended pregnancy and HIV: A critical research gap
Authors: Phillips Sharon J. , Mbizvo Michael T.
Published: November 2015

The need to prevent early pregnancy and HIV among adolescent girls in Sub‐Saharan Africa has been recognized increasingly over recent years. Although extensive work has been done to determine appropriate interventions for girls in high‐income countries, very little evidence is available to guide programmatic interventions in Sub‐Saharan Africa. The available evidence has been equivocal regarding improved outcomes. While knowledge and self‐reported behaviors frequently change with interventions, including those performed at the community level, educational programs, and direct contraceptive provision, downstream outcomes rarely reflect a significant effect of the interventions; however, provision of financial or other interventions to incentivize continued school enrollment are a promising development. We suggest directions for future research to fill this critical gap in the literature.
Robotic partial nephrectomy for clinical stage T1 tumors: Experience in 42 cases
Authors: Ener Kemal , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Altinova Serkan , Atmaca Ali Fuat , Alkan Erdal , Asil Erem , Ozcan Muhammet Fuat , Akbulut Ziya , Balbay Mevlana Derya
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes of robotic partial nephrectomy (RAPN) procedures. At two centers, 42 patients underwent RAPN. Radius, Exo/Endophytic, Nearness, Anterior/Posterior, Location (R.E.N.A.L.) nephrometry and PADUA scores of patients were calculated by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Intra‐ and perioperative (0–30 days) complications were evaluated using modified Clavien classification. A four‐arm da Vinci‐S robotic surgical system was used and outcomes were evaluated retrospectively. Mean age of the patients was 52.3 ± 6.5 years. Mean tumor size was 3.1 ± 1.0 (1.4–6.6) cm. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry and PADUA scores were 6.0 ± 1.5 and 7.5 ± 0.9, respectively. Mean surgical time was 127.7 ± 18.7 minutes and estimated blood loss was 100 ± 18.1 cc. Mean warm ischemia time was 16.0 ± 8.9 (0–30) minutes. Intraoperative complications did not develop in any patient. Median hospital stay was 3.0 (2–6) days. Except for 17 patients, hilar clamping was performed in 25 patients. Histopathology results included 34 renal cell carcinoma (22 clear cell, 7 chromophobe cell, 4 papillary cell, and 1 clear papillary cell). Oncocytoma (n = 4), adenoma (n = 1), fibroadipose tissue (n = 1), papillary epithelial hyperplasia (n = 1), and chronic pyelonephritis (n = 1) were present. Surgical margins were negative in all patients. During a median follow‐up period of 15.5 ± 10.9 (3–46) months, neither local recurrence nor distant metastasis was detected. In conclusion, RAPN is a safe, minimally invasive surgical approach, with excellent surgical and oncological outcomes in T1 kidney tumors. Zero ischemia off‐clamp RAPN is also safe in selected masses with the advantage of avoiding complete renal ischemia.
The relationship between the neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio and disease activity in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Demir Ayse Kevser , Demirtas Ahmet , Kaya Suheyla Uzun , Tastan Ibrahim , Butun Ilknur , Sagcan Mustafa , Sahin Safak , Tasliyurt Turker , Yilmaz Abdulkerim
Published: November 2015

Preliminary evidence suggests that a higher neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) may be an indicator of active ulcerative colitis (UC). However, it is not clear whether the NLR is a useful and simple indicator of clinical activity in UC after adjusting for the other inflammatory markers. We designed a retrospective study to evaluate the role of the NLR in estimating disease severity in UC patients. The study consisted of 71 patients with UC and 140 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy individuals (control group). The NLR, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein, and white blood cell count were measured. The NLR values of the active UC group were elevated compared with those of the patients with inactive UC and the controls (2.59 ± 1.47, 2.03 ± 1.07, and 1.98 ± 0.85, respectively; p = 0.005). The receiver operating characteristic revealed that the optimum NLR cut‐off point for active UC was 2.39. A multivariable logistic analysis showed that of the parameters studied, C‐reactive protein was the only parameter able to significantly discriminate active from inactive UC (B: 0.222; p = 0.017; odds ratio: 1.248; 95% confidence interval: 1.041–1.497).
Differential expression of miRNAs in pancreatobiliary type of periampullary adenocarcinoma and its associated stroma
Authors: Sandhu V. , Bowitz Lothe I.M. , Labori K.J. , Skrede M.L. , Hamfjord J. , Dalsgaard A.M. , Buanes T. , Dube G. , Kale M.M. , Sawant S. , Kulkarni-Kale U. , Børresen-Dale A.-L. , Lingjærde O.C. , Kure E.H.
Published: November 2015

Periampullary adenocarcinomas can be of two histological subtypes, intestinal or pancreatobiliary. The latter is more frequent and aggressive, and characterized by a prominent desmoplastic stroma, which is tightly related to the biology of the cancer, including its poor response to chemotherapy. Whereas miRNAs are known to regulate various cellular processes and interactions between cells, their exact role in periampullary carcinoma remains to be characterized, especially with respect to the prominent stromal component of pancreatobiliary type cancers. The present study aimed at elucidating this role by miRNA expression profiling of the carcinomatous and stromal component in twenty periampullary adenocarcinomas of pancreatobiliary type. miRNA expression profiles were compared between carcinoma cells, stromal cells and normal tissue samples. A total of 43 miRNAs were found to be differentially expressed between carcinoma and stroma of which 11 belong to three miRNA families (miR‐17, miR‐15 and miR‐515). The levels of expression of miRNAs miR‐17, miR‐20a, miR‐20b, miR‐223, miR‐10b, miR‐2964a and miR‐342 were observed to be higher and miR‐519e to be lower in the stromal component compared to the carcinomatous and normal components. They follow a trend where expression in stroma is highest followed by carcinoma and then normal tissue. Pathway analysis revealed that pathways regulating tumor–stroma interactions such as ECM interaction remodeling, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, focal adhesion pathway, TGF‐beta, MAPK signaling, axon guidance and endocytosis were differently regulated. The miRNA‐mRNA mediated interactions between carcinoma and stromal cells add new knowledge regarding tumor‐stroma interactions.
Direct Shear Mapping: Prospects for Weak Lensing Studies of Individual Galaxy–Galaxy Lensing Systems
Authors: de Burgh-Day C. O. , Taylor E. N. , Webster R. L. , Hopkins A. M.
Published: November 2015

Using both a theoretical and an empirical approach, we have investigated the frequency of low redshift galaxy-galaxy lensing systems in which the signature of 3D weak lensing might be directly detectable. We find good agreement between these two approaches. Using data from the Galaxy and Mass Assembly redshift survey we estimate the frequency of detectable weak lensing at low redshift. We find that below a redshift of z ~ 0.6, the probability of a galaxy being weakly lensed by γ ⩾ 0.02 is ~ 0.01. We have also investigated the feasibility of measuring the scatter in the M* − Mh relation using shear statistics. We estimate that for a shear measurement error of Δγ = 0.02 (consistent with the sensitivity of the Direct Shear Mapping technique), with a sample of ~$50,000 spatially and spectrally resolved galaxies, the scatter in the M* − Mh relation could be measured. While there are currently no existing IFU surveys of this size, there are upcoming surveys that will provide this data (e.g The Hobby-Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX), surveys with Hector, and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)).
‘Morals can not be drawn from facts but guidance may be’: the early life of W.D. Hamilton's theory of inclusive fitness
Authors: SWENSON SARAH A.
Published: November 2015

W.D. Hamilton's theory of inclusive fitness saw the evolution of altruism from the point of view of the gene. It was at heart a theory of limits, redefining altruistic behaviours as ultimately selfish. This theory inspired two controversial texts published almost in tandem, E.O. Wilson's Sociobiology: The New Synthesis (1975) and Richard Dawkins's The Selfish Gene (1976). When Wilson and Dawkins were attacked for their evolutionary interpretations of human societies, they claimed a distinction between reporting what is and declaring what ought to be. Can the history of sociobiological theories be so easily separated from its sociopolitical context? This paper draws upon unpublished materials from the 1960s and early 1970s and documents some of the ways in which Hamilton saw his research as contributing to contemporary concerns. It pays special attention to the 1969 Man and Beast Smithsonian Institution symposium in order to explore the extent to which Hamilton intended his theory to be merely descriptive versus prescriptive. From this, we may see that Hamilton was deeply concerned about the political chaos he perceived in the world around him, and hoped to arrive at a level of self-understanding through science that could inform a new social order.
(Dis)unity in Diversity: How Common Beliefs about Ethnicity Benefit the White Mauritian Elite
Authors: Salverda Tijo
Published: November 2015

White Africans are particularly associated with the troubles South Africa and Zimbabwe have faced throughout their histories. The story of the Franco-Mauritians, the white elite of Mauritius, and how they have fared during more than forty years since the Indian Ocean island gained independence, is much less known. However, their case is relevant as a distinctive example when attempting to understand white Africans in postcolonial settings. Unlike whites elsewhere on the continent, Franco-Mauritians did not apply brute force in order to defend their position in the face of independence. Yet the society that emerged from the struggle over independence is one shaped by dominant beliefs about ethnicity. As this article shows, despite a number of inverse effects Franco-Mauritians have benefited from this unexpected twist, and part of the explanation for their ability to maintain their elite position lies therefore in the complex reality of ethnic diversity in postcolonial Mauritius.
The Explorers from Hopevale
Authors: Scheiwe Don
Published: November 2015

Increasing numbers of schools arrange excursions for their Aboriginal pupils. Excursions such as the one described by Mr. Scheiwe can be a delight to both pupils and teachers. The gains are varied.

Perhaps teachers who have tried other approaches would like to share their experiences with readers of the Journal.
Education in a Multi-Cultural Community
Authors: Pattenden J.
Published: November 2015

Traeger Park Primary School is situated in a community composed of white and Aboriginal cultures and sub-cultures. The enrolment is approximately three hundred and eighty and of this more than half the children are of Aboriginal descent. Approximately sixty of these Aboriginal children live in cottage homes because they come from cattle stations or they are state wards. The various sub-cultures would include –

1. Stable middle-class part-Aboriginal group.

2. Lower socio-economic group of part-Aboriginal people living in town.

3. Full blood Aboriginal people in fringe-dwelling situations

4. A transient white group who live at caravan parks.

5. People employed by railways.

6. A small group of middle-class whites.

Within the white cultures, there are many disadvantaged children from broken or disturbed homes. All these sub-cultures within the school have tended to make the middle-class white group disadvantaged. We are faced with the problem of keeping these children up to the academic standard expected by parents. In the fringe-dwelling group there are twenty-five children from one particular camp and thirty-five from other camp situations all around the town. Many of these people see this school as theirs even though they live much closer to other primary schools. The principal aim of the school is to develop in the children an awareness of themselves and their place in the community, and a self-concept that enables them to live a full and satisfying existence in the environment of their own choice.
Pre-reading Program at Milingimbi
Authors: Christie M.
Published: November 2015

The Pre-reading program for Gupapuyngu speaking children was largely based upon the lectures of Sarah Gudschinsky given in Darwin in early 1973.

The first part of the pre-reading program involved helping the children to learn exactly what reading (and writing) is. In a European culture children often come to school with this understanding, but many Aboriginal children take some time to register the basic principles involved. This aim was achieved as much in incidental teaching as in planned lessons. The children were read to in their own language. When they were read to, the teacher often pointed to the words as he read them. The children were shown the relationship between the figures on the page and what was being read. Every day, after morning news, we wrote down what one child had said (and a picture was drawn). Later on the short story or phrase was read back to the children. When the children were sent on messages, the teacher read out what he had written down. The children learnt the communicative value of writing and reading. Children who, when they arrived at school, thought that reading involved showing a picture and making up the story, soon learnt what the words were for, and thus were motivated to learn to read.
Some Thoughts about Classroom Assistants in Our Schools
Authors: Dyer Wayne
Published: November 2015

“How do you use them?” is a question I have heard often. It is asked by teachers with reference to their classroom assistants in schools on Aboriginal communities. A seemingly simple question yet it points to a whole complex of issues, all relatively minor in themselves but which in sum are apparently a cause for concern for many in these schools.

In this brief article I intend to look only at those issues which directly affect the place of the indigenous classroom assistants in education. I am concerned that although the potential value of such resource personnel in our schools could be limitless, we appear not, in fact, to be scratching even the surface of such potential in many of these schools. Ultimate opportunity and responsibility to ensure that the role of these auxiliaries is a viable and effective one is ours as teachers.
Audio-Visual Equipment Home Borrowing Program
Authors: Litzow J.
Published: November 2015

The following article discusses a program introduced at Millchester State School to allow children to borrow audio-visual equipment for home use. The principal, Mr. Jim Litzow, notes that,

“We seem to have prevented any problems to date by setting out clearly all procedures and rules. We have just over 50% indigenous children at the school and…these children are participating in the scheme in greater numbers and with more enthusiasm than the other children.”
Strelley: An Alternative in Aboriginal Education
Authors: Bucknall J.R.
Published: November 2015

Towards the end of last year I wrote a somewhat optimistic article for the West Australian Newsletter of the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, under the heading, ‘A Plea for Alternatives in Aboriginal Education’.
Reading Without Tears at Milingimbi School
Authors: Christie M.
Published: November 2015

Something had to be done. The Gudschinsky approach, which we had been using for two years in our bilingual program, was working well with a group of children who happened to be both bright and making it to school five days a week. However, a large group had tried with the Gudschinsky method and, either because they were not yet ready for this approach to reading, or through irregular attendance, simply never got off the ground. The other children, in the middle, were off the ground but fluttering precariously.

The ‘never-off-the-ground’ group was given to me. It comprised over twenty children, about ten of whom would be at school on any one day. They were second and third year infants with whom I had an hour and a half every day in an open classroom. The children knew me well and I could speak to them in Gupapuyju (or in English to the one or two children from other settlements whose language was not Gupapuyju). Gupapuyju speaking children read in Gupapuyju, the others in English. Elements from the Ashton-Warner approach and the Language Experience approach were used.
Treat Yourself to a Reading and Writing Explosion
Authors: Edwards G.H.
Published: November 2015

Engaged as we are in the essential task of assisting Aboriginal children to decode and encode a language which presents many problems to them, it behoves us to strive for the one aspect that many teachers – particularly those new to the field of Aboriginal education, and those charged with the teaching of reading to our school beginners – appear to miss. The reference, of course, is to relevancy.

How many of us, in retrospect, have been guilty of peddling irrelevant or “foreign” reading materials during our careers? Are we still guilty? Do your children readily relate to the books you present for their use? If not, then the following thoughts and suggestions may have some value in your situation, be it one where a tribal language is still the main means of communication, one where a bi-lingual program is in force, or where English (or a non-standard form of it) is the main communication medium.
Schooling at Yarralin Outstation
Authors: Boekel Con
Published: November 2015

Victoria River Downs (VRD) is an area of prolonged contact. Early contact, in particular, was marked by fatal violence and disease. The effect of this time is still apparent in the stories of atrocity told by both whites and Aboriginals. If you believed everything you were told there would be a skeleton per square mile. In time the gunsmoke settled down. The people now at Yarralin are survivors. The Karanga tribe is represented by three old men and about seven other linguistic groups are there.

The Aboriginals came to live in camp at VRD, “the station”. They were employed as domestics and stockmen in a paternalistic situation. Why they eventually left the station in the Wattie Creek Walkout I don’t know. In doing this, however, they placed themselves beyond redemption in the eyes of many of the Europeans. When they then left Wattie Creek, they returned to VRD, but to set up an out-station at Yarralin, about twelve miles from the homestead. Some returned for work, others to be near medical treatment. One man was expelled from Yarralin for trouble-making.

Many of the children had been to school at VRD and then at Wave Hill. While at Yarralin they received no schooling.
Education for Alienation – or for Self-determination
Authors: Ingram John , Randall Bob
Published: November 2015

I suppose I have to admit that I could have used Paulo Freire’s terms and said “Education for Domination – or Education for Liberation” since most people acquainted with cross-cultural education and education in developing societies would know them. And I certainly do have to admit that there is not much that I have to say that is particularly novel in education. But what I am sure is new in Australia is the deliberate, conscious and consistent effort to apply these ideas in practice in the area of cross-cultural education, in all facets of the curriculum for an educational institution. And so I can give one guarantee about what I say: it may be verbose, and it may even sound abstract, but in the Aboriginal Community College we are trying to do it – and with some success.

But I do not intend merely to give yet another description of the Aboriginal Community College. Frankly, I’m tired of talking about it, constantly repeating myself until I begin to sound like a rather long nursery rhyme. But I am “wrapped” in what we are doing and find this program more stimulating professionally and personally and hence more challenging than anything else I have worked in. I want to deal more generally than merely about this College, because I believe that what we have learnt applies to education in a cross-cultural situation anywhere in Australia and with any minority groups. If I draw my examples from this College, I hope you will tolerate it, and draw your examples from other situations if they are more meaningful to you.
Listening: An Experimental Study
Authors: Boyd R.M.
Published: November 2015

A listening program geared to the interests of rural Aboriginal children was prepared and sent out to two Year S classes in the north-west of New South Wales. The class, with 19 Aboriginals and 4 whites showed measurable gains in listening comprehension at the end of the program. The Experimental Class with one Aboriginal girl and 10 white children did not show improvements in listening until the Aboriginally oriented listening program was terminated. The significance of these results, particularly for minority groups in a classroom, are discussed.
Hearing Loss in Aboriginal Children – What Every Teacher should know
Authors: Harris John W.
Published: November 2015

Aboriginal children are particularly susceptible to ear disease and therefore to loss of hearing. In fact, it is a reasonable generalization that at any one time, around 25% of Aboriginal children have significant hearing loss. All teachers should know something about hearing disorders and classroom management. It is even more important for those of us who teach Aboriginal children. I want to do three things, Firstly, I want to look at ear disease itself, because we must understand what we are talking about. Secondly, I want to talk about the implications for classroom management. Thirdly, and somewhat less importantly, I want to provide some medical statistical data, for those who perhaps in some other context may feel the need to justify concern in this matter.
Home/School Aide Program – Garbutt, 1976
Authors: Kennedy E. , Ling C.
Published: November 2015

It is intended that this program will be in keeping with the recommendations of the Report to the Schools Commission by the Aboriginal Consultative Group. In particular we refer to Recommendation 8:-

“We recommend that a variety of means be examined for involving Aboriginal parents in their children’s education.”