bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Editorial
Authors: Laude Patrick
Published: February 2015

Many of our most religious contemporaries have tended to focus on the beyond and hereafter, as well as its moral prerequisites, while paying relatively little attention to the natural environment. Thus, the environment is not uncommonly identified with a “here-below” that has to be transcended, if not overcome and mastered. This has held especially true as religious faithful read in the perspective of “nature lovers” and “environmentalists” an exclusive focus on this earth as a natural paradise and an end in itself, one that in fact obstructs any access to God.

Similarly, believers like to emphasize the All-Powerfulness of God, thereby belittling the power of man in the cosmic drama. Thus, an overemphasis on the “hand of God” might lead to the unfortunate consequence of a lack of sense of cosmic responsibility. This was illustrated to my dismay by the reflections of a conservative Evangelical Christian who, upon my mentioning the gravity of the current environmental crisis, could only respond with the words “don't be concerned, God will take care of it.” This tendency is, it must be said, reinforced by the spectacle of feverish activism and utter lack of awareness of God’s power over the cosmos that characterizes the secularized mind of the majority, even when it is self-identified as religious.

As understandable as they may circumstantially be, these attitudes are based on the ignorance, or at least the neglect, of two fundamental religious principles. The first teaches that the roots of nature are to be found in God: the beauty and majesty of virgin nature reflect the Divine Qualities, and must therefore be approached as sacred. The second lies in the responsibility with which mankind is entrusted by its Creator to care over nature. Mankind’s God-given privilege of “dominion” over nature is not a license to plunder it, no more than the parents’ God-given authority over their children can legitimize any abuse. Thus, a radical restoration of religious environmental consciousness would presuppose both a sense of the divine presence in the world, and an understanding of mankind’s metaphysical function in the cosmos. Short of an awareness of the anthropo-cosmic unity of God, mankind and nature, a measure of environmental consciousness is indeed possible --as we can observe interestingly in secular Northern Europe, but it misses the point of nature as a symbol and a presence, and condemns itself to remain superficially utilitarian, sentimental or moralistic.

Traditional religions have taught their faithful to be aware of both transcendence and immanence, both the Divine Beyond and the Divine Presence, both Divine power and human freedom and responsibility. Today’s believers need to realize more fully that the here-below proceeds from, and reflects, the Beyond, and that Divine Power does not abolish mankind’s capacities and duties, but in fact enhances them.
Aesthetic Foundations of Ecological Responsibility
Authors: Lakhani M Ali.
Published: February 2015

There can be no basis for ecological responsibility when we commodify the world and monetize our values. The true praxis of ecological responsibility, ethic of sacrifice – that is, "making things sacred". Our ecological responsibility is to treat life as sacred, to regard it as the expression of divine Beauty, and to respond to it out of the compassionate depths of our own primordial nature, which, like its substance, is intrinsically Good. It is by the restoration of our inner beauty that we can recover the outer equilibrium that is the goal of ecological responsibility. It is by discovering what is sacred within our souls that we can discover "the dearest freshness deep down things", and only then can we fulfil the burden of our Trust and restore our harmony with nature.
Human Conscience and “Cosmism” of Islam
Authors: Geoffroy Eric
Published: February 2015

There can be no basis for ecological responsibility when we commodify the world and monetize our values. The true praxis of ecological responsibility, ethic of sacrifice – that is, "making things sacred". Our ecological responsibility is to treat life as sacred, to regard it as the expression of divine Beauty, and to respond to it out of the compassionate depths of our own primordial nature, which, like its substance, is intrinsically Good. It is by the restoration of our inner beauty that we can recover the outer equilibrium that is the goal of ecological responsibility. It is by discovering what is sacred within our souls that we can discover "the dearest freshness deep down things", and only then can we fulfil the burden of our Trust and restore our harmony with nature.

KEYWORDS: Stewardship, unitive vision of beauty, seeing God everywhere, Gaian ecosystem, anthropocentrism, ethic of sacrifice.
Environmental Ethics in the Buddhist Jātaka Stories
Authors: Sahni Pragati
Published: February 2015

Exploring the presence of environmental ethics in the Buddhist Jātaka stories, from the
scriptures of the Theravāda tradition, is not a new idea. The Jātaka stories are a collection of birth-stories, or ‘folklore,’ that communicate appropriate models of comportment in
situations associated with environmental concern. The actors of these stories follow the
escapades of humans and non-humans (including animals, trees and spirits). Although
principally in agreement with this approach, in this paper I would like to explore a different
idea that may support the formation of an environmental ethics based on the stories. In so
doing the paper focuses on ‘moral tools’ and principles that can be used in practical decision
making, related to the environment; the virtues that can be taken from the stories, that serve
to attune us to environmental awareness and greater concern; and the innovative application
of virtues that could inspire hitherto ‘undefined’ responses to the environment. The paper
seeks to highlight the rich potential of the Jātaka stories—and their store of creative forms of morality— to further our understanding of early Buddhism and provide guidelines towards a
modern environmental virtue ethic.
Three Dimensions of Hindu Ecology: Soil, Soul and Society
Authors: Kumar Satish
Published: February 2015

This paper outlines a tripartite approach to ecology, based on the ancient Hindu text, the
Bhagavad Gita. It proposes a holistic approach to life based on a philosophical trinity that
encompasses: ecology, spirituality and humanity. This trinity is sourced from and outlined in
the Sanskrit concepts of human/nature relationships (yagna), human/divine relationships
(tapas) and human/human relationships (dana). These terms are translated into the
conceptual themes of ‘Soil’, ‘Soul’ and ‘Society’, and explored in light of current
environmental issues and trends. Taking inspiration from the Hindu text, it is proposed: that
we must realise, rather than being separate, we are interdependent and part of nature (Soil);
that we must reconnect with our souls, and become at peace with ourselves if we are to have
a harmonious relationship with nature (Soul); and that a movement is needed to create fairer
conditions for humanity, that foster social harmony, and align with care for the earth and our
own souls (Society). It is argued that each element of this tripartite philosophy must be
applied together because they are interdependent; only in this way can we solve the
disharmony, violence and destruction being caused to humanity and the environment.
Islam and the environment
Authors: Windsor HRH Charles
Published: February 2015

Vice Chancellor, Your Royal Highnesses, Director, Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is a very great pleasure for me to be here today to help you celebrate the Oxford Centre's twenty-fifth anniversary. Whereas bits of your Patron are dropping off after the past quarter of a century, I find quite a few bits of the Centre still being added! However, I cannot tell you how encouraged I am that in addition to the Prince of Wales Fellowship, the number of fellowships you now offer continues to grow and also that this Summer you will welcome the fifth group of young people on your Young Muslim Leadership programme which is run in association with my charities. This is a vital contribution to the process of boosting the self-esteem of young Muslims – about whom I care deeply.

I am slightly alarmed that it is now seventeen years since I came here to the Sheldonian to deliver a lecture for the Centre that tried to do just this. I called it “Islam and the West” and, from what I can tell, it clearly struck a chord, and not just here in the U.K. I am still reminded of what I said, particularly when I travel in the Islamic world – in fact, because it was printed, believe it or not, it is the only speech I have ever made which continues to produce a small return!

I wanted to give that lecture to address the dangers of the ignorance and misunderstanding that I felt were growing between the Islamic world and the West in the aftermath of the Cold War. Since then, the situation has both improved and worsened, depending on where you look. Certainly the sorts of advances made by the Oxford Centre have helped to build confidence and understanding, but we all know only too well how some of the things I warned of in that lecture have since come to pass, both here and elsewhere in the world. So it is tremendously important that we continue to work to heal the differences and overcome the misconceptions that still exist. I remain confident that this is possible because there are many values we all share that have the powerful capacity to bind us, rather than what happens when those values are forgotten – or purposefully ignored.

Healing division is also my theme today, but this time it is not the divisions between cultures I want to explore. It is the division that poses a much more fundamental threat to the health and well-being of us all. It is the widening division we are seeing in so many ways between humanity and Nature.
New Heaven, New Earth: Christian Theology and Ecological Worldview
Authors: Chryssavgis John
Published: February 2015

For over two decades, the head of the Orthodox Church, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, has been one of the most outspoken religious leaders on the ecological crisis and its moral dimension. In alignment with this view, I explore the key themes of the Orthodox spiritual perspective of environmental awareness and action as embodied within the three fundamental principles of icons (religious images), liturgy (religious ritual) and ascesis (religious renunciation). I provide three models of caring for the earth that form the core Biblical message to care for the vulnerable in creation; the ascetic practices of renunciation, responsibility and repentance; and the sacramental concept of mystical communion with God through nature. I conclude the paper by emphasizing the critical importance of frugality and simplicity for all.
Indigenous Religious Environmentalism in Africa
Authors: Botchway De-Valera , Sarkodie Agyemang Yaw
Published: February 2015

For centuries, the Westernisation of Ghana has lead to the devaluation of indigenous ways of life, thought and spirituality or ‘Indigenous Knowledge Systems’ (I.K.S.). It is argued that in general Western thought has also decoupled nature from humankind, which has led to the environmental crisis. Due to the limitations of modern technological and scientific solutions— which originate from the same cultural mindset that caused the destruction to our planet in the first place—it is argued that indigenous religious environmentalism could provide effective solutions. Exploring the case of the Asante Sekyere people of Southern Ghana, this paper shows that I.K.S. still preserved in their native culture is a source of environmental ethics that is inspired by their spiritual cosmology, values and traditional ways of life. The paper outlines how their ‘ecocentric’, environmentally orientated culture is informed by their multifarious spiritual beliefs, encompassing: belief in a transcendent God or Gods; the veneration of ancestors; nature spirits that animate the natural environment (animism); and totemic beliefs based around a sacred identification with an animal, plant or natural phenomenon. These beliefs inform the Sekyere’s core environmental values— respect, cooperation, communalism, care and reciprocity— that manifest in regulatory taboos that conserve natural resources. The paper concludes that alternative ways to solve environmental degradation can be sought in the cultural resources of indigenous people like the Sekyere.
Geometric aljamía: A visual transliteration
Authors: Benitez Jorge Miguel
Published: February 2015

Aljamía is a Castilian word for the transliteration of Iberian Romance languages through Arabic script that also addresses the investigative collaborations that took place in Spain between Christian, Muslim and Jewish scholars during the Middle Ages. The concept of aljamía can also be extended to the development of linear perspective in Florence as a transliteration of Islamic science and mathematics into Western visual expression. This paper addresses the cross-cultural currents between the medieval Muslim and Christian worlds as a series of transliterations that overlapped and eventually diverged only to be reconciled in an emerging global civilization in the twenty-first century.
Hybrid-learning for social design
Authors: Emans Denielle , Hempel Adina
Published: February 2015

Underlying causes of conflict, inequity, and injustice remain deeply entrenched in the lives of people ranging from impoverished villages to overpopulated megalopolises. To help address these complex issues, social design brings together designers from varying disciplines to address the needs of the community. While universities across the world recognize the need to introduce social design pedagogy into their curriculum, many programs remain confined within Western post-graduate education. In response, two multidisciplinary professors initiated a team-taught ‘Design for Social Change’ course in an undergraduate design program in Dubai, UAE. Open to students across disciplines, the course followed a hybrid-learning approach to planning, conducting, and evaluating learning activities. The methodology empowered students to determine their project interest, cooperatively build research, and value their diverse skills. This paper introduces the notion of hybrid-learning, collabor-active team-teaching in an interdisciplinary classroom, and applies the methodology to a social design course in the MENA region.

This paper has been presented as part of the Tasmeem Exploration Platform during Tasmeem Conference, Doha, 2013.
Smoke free site and service awareness amongst hospital staff: a survey in an acute cancer centre
Authors: Mackereth Peter , Paula Maycock , Linda Orrett
Published: February 2015

The purpose of our survey was to identify the awareness of the smoking cessation policy and smoking habits of staff within the hospital. Hospital employees were asked to complete a short questionnaire on their awareness of the smoking cessation policy and their smoking habits. A total of 325 members of staff completed the questionnaires. 99% of respondents were aware of the hospital site being smoke free. There was less awareness around smoking cessation services for staff, patients and caregivers. There were 23 current smokers, of which 12 expressed interest in stopping smoking. The sample was 13% of the total workplace and our plans are to promote and repeat the survey in 2015.
Indicación geográfica de productos agrícolas: situación y perspectivas para la pequeña explotación familiar en Brasil
Authors: Goulart Rocha Fernando , Tulla Antoni F.
Published: February 2015

La indicación geográfica es un mecanismo de protección para los productos vinculados a zonas geográficas específicas. Se trata de una estrategia de los productores agrarios con el fin de que la producción y comercialización de sus mercancías continúen siendo viables. La región de Vale dos Vinhedos, en el estado brasileño de Rio Grande do Sul, es la primera con indicación geográfica reconocida. Actualmente, hay treinta productos en el país con indicación de procedencia y ocho con indicación de origen. La expansión de los registros de certificación de productos agrícolas, principalmente de las pequeñas explotaciones familiares, se considera como una estrategia importante para la regeneración productiva y económica de las zonas rurales. Para los pequeños productores, la obtención de una indicación geográfica se relaciona con la buena reputación entre los consumidores de los productos certificados. En el ámbito territorial, la indicación geográfica ha contribuido a través de la gobernanza cooperativa en la creación de políticas regionales de desarrollo rural.
Cofilin-induced unidirectional cooperative conformational changes in actin filaments revealed by high-speed atomic force microscopy
Authors: Ngo Kien Xuan , Kodera Noriyuki , Katayama Eisaku , Ando Toshio , Uyeda Taro QP
Published: February 2015

High-speed atomic force microscopy was employed to observe structural changes in actin filaments induced by cofilin binding. Consistent with previous electron and fluorescence microscopic studies, cofilin formed clusters along actin filaments, where the filaments were 2-nm thicker and the helical pitch was ∼25% shorter, compared to control filaments. Interestingly, the shortened helical pitch was propagated to the neighboring bare zone on the pointed-end side of the cluster, while the pitch on the barbed-end side was similar to the control. Thus, cofilin clusters induce distinctively asymmetric conformational changes in filaments. Consistent with the idea that cofilin favors actin structures with a shorter helical pitch, cofilin clusters grew unidirectionally toward the pointed-end of the filament. Severing was often observed near the boundaries between bare zones and clusters, but not necessarily at the boundaries.
Application of meta‐ and para‐Phenylenediamine as Enhanced Oxime Ligation Catalysts for Protein Labeling, PEGylation, Immobilization, and Release
Authors: Mahmoodi Mohammad M. , Rashidian Mohammad , Zhang Yi , Distefano Mark D.
Published: February 2015

Meta‐ and para‐phenylenediamines have recently been shown to catalyze oxime and hydrazone ligation reactions at rates much faster than aniline, a commonly used catalyst. Here, we demonstrate how these new catalysts can be used in a generally applicable procedure for fluorescent labeling, PEGylation, immobilization, and release of aldehyde‐ and ketone‐ functionalized proteins. The chemical orthogonality of phenylenediamine‐catalyzed oxime ligation versus copper‐catalyzed click reaction has also been harnessed for simultaneous dual labeling of bifunctional proteins containing both aldehyde and alkyne groups in high yield. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Adriamycin Nephropathy in BALB/c Mice
Authors: Wang Yuan Min , Wang Yiping , Harris David C. H. , Alexander Stephen I. , Lee Vincent W. S.
Published: February 2015

Chronic proteinuric renal injury is a major cause of end stage renal disease. Adriamycin nephropathy (AN) is a murine model of chronic proteinuric renal disease whereby chemical injury is followed by immune and structural changes that mimic human disease. This unit describes the method of AN induced by a single injection of adriamycin (ADR) in BALB/c mice. After the initial toxic injury, an immune‐mediated chronic proteinuric renal disease that resembles human focal segmental glomerulosclerosis develops. The clinic pathological features of AN are nephrotic syndrome, focal glomerulosclerosis, tubular injury, and interstitial compartment expansion with mononuclear cell infiltrates that are composed largely of macrophages and T cells. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Animal Models for the Analysis of Immune Responses to Leishmaniasis
Authors: Sacks David L. , Melby Peter C.
Published: February 2015

This unit focuses on the murine model of cutaneous leishmaniasis and models of visceral leishmaniasis in mice and hamsters. Each basic protocol describes the methods used to inoculate parasites and to evaluate infections with regard to lesion progression and visceralization, and quantification of parasite load. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantifying global dust devil occurrence from meteorological analyses
Authors: Jemmett‐Smith Bradley C. , Marsham John H. , Knippertz Peter , Gilkeson Carl A.
Published: February 2015

Dust devils and nonrotating dusty plumes are effective uplift mechanisms for fine particles, but their contribution to the global dust budget is uncertain. By applying known bulk thermodynamic criteria to European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) operational analyses, we provide the first global hourly climatology of potential dust devil and dusty plume (PDDP) occurrence. In agreement with observations, activity is highest from late morning into the afternoon. Combining PDDP frequencies with dust source maps and typical emission values gives the best estimate of global contributions of 3.4% (uncertainty 0.9–31%), 1 order of magnitude lower than the only estimate previously published. Total global hours of dust uplift by dry convection are ~0.002% of the dust‐lifting winds resolved by ECMWF, consistent with dry convection making a small contribution to global uplift. Reducing uncertainty requires better knowledge of factors controlling PDDP occurrence, source regions, and dust fluxes induced by dry convection.
Efficient and Scalable Culture of Single Dissociated Human Pluripotent Stem Cells Using Recombinant E8 Fragments of Human Laminin Isoforms
Authors: Miyazaki Takamichi , Kawase Eihachiro
Published: February 2015

This unit describes a protocol for efficient expansion of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). A key feature of this method is subculture of hPSCs by single‐cell dissociation passaging on substrates coated with recombinant E8 fragments of human laminin isoforms (LM‐E8s). LM‐E8s, provide superior adhesion over intact laminin isoforms and Matrigel. Single hPSCs seeded on LM‐E8s show accelerated migration and rapid reconstruction of clusters, resulting in robust survival and proliferation. This protocol yields 200‐fold more hPSCs than conventional subculture methods in 1 month of culture. Furthermore, this protocol can be easily adapted to most hPSC lines in combination with the use of various xeno‐free, defined culture media, and large‐scale expansion of hPSCs is easily achievable to facilitate the practical applications of hPSCs. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
pH‐Responsive Reversible PEGylation Improves Performance of Antineoplastic Agent
Authors: Sun Diankui , Ding Jianxun , Xiao Chunsheng , Chen Jinjin , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi
Published: February 2015

The reversible PEGylation endows antitumor drugs with various fascinating advantages, including prolonged circulation time in blood, enhanced accumulation in tumor tissue, increased cellular uptake, and promoted intracellular drug release, to improve the therapeutic efficacy and security. Here, the obtained succinic anhydride (SA)‐functionalized DOX (SAD) (i.e., insensitive succinic anhydride‐functionalized doxorubicin (DOX)) and aconitic anhydride (CA)‐modified DOX (CAD) (i.e., acid‐sensitive cis‐aconitic anhydride‐modified DOX) are conjugated to the terminal of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) yielding the unresponsive SAD‐PEG‐SAD and pH‐responsive CAD‐PEG‐CAD prodrugs, respectively. The prepared prodrugs can self‐assemble into micelles in aqueous solution. Both micelles are sufficiently stable at normal physiological pH (i.e., 7.4), while CAD‐PEG‐CAD micelle gradually swells and finally disassembles at intratumoral (i.e., 6.8) and especially endosomal pHs (i.e., 5.5). DOX release from CAD‐PEG‐CAD at pH 7.4 is efficiently inhibited, whereas it is significantly accelerated by the rapid cleavage of amide bond at pH 5.5. In addition, CAD‐PEG‐CAD exhibits more efficient cellular uptake and potent cytotoxicity in vitro, as well as improved tissue distribution and superior tumor suppression in vivo than free DOX and SAD‐PEG‐SAD. More importantly, the PEGylated DOX exhibits favorable security in vivo. In brief, the smart CAD‐PEG‐CAD with enhanced antitumor efficacy and decreased side effects shows as a promising powerful platform for the clinical chemotherapy of malignancy.
Prospective randomized trial of sclerotherapy vs standard treatment for epistaxis due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Boyer Holly , Fernandes Patricia , Le Chap , Yueh Bevan
Published: February 2015

Background

Our previous studies have demonstrated the tolerability and low side‐effect profile of office‐based sclerotherapy with sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) for treating recurrent epistaxis due to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT). The objective of this study was to use a prospective randomized trial to determine the effectiveness of sclerotherapy with STS vs standard treatment.

Methods

This prospective randomized trial (conducted from November 1, 2011, through January 31, 2014) involved 17 patients with recurrent epistaxis due to HHT. We defined standard treatment as continuation of any treatment that the patient had previously undergone, such as moisturization, packing, and cautery. We used a crossover design, so study participants were randomized to either sclerotherapy or standard treatment during the first time period, and then to the other during the second period. The primary outcome measure was frequency and severity of epistaxis, as measured by the epistaxis severity score (ESS). The ESS is a 10‐point scale, with higher scores corresponding to more bleeding.

Results

After controlling for treatment order, bleeding was substantially better controlled after sclerotherapy; the ESS after sclerotherapy was nearly one point lower than after standard treatment (−0.95, 1‐sided p = 0.027). Treatment order, baseline ESS, the number of lesions, moisturization practices, and a history of previous blood transfusions did not significantly affect the results.

Conclusion

This trial demonstrated that sclerotherapy with STS (vs standard treatment) significantly reduced epistaxis due to HHT.
Clinical predictors of neo‐osteogenesis in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Huang Zhenxiao , Hajjij Amal , Li Gang , Nayak Jayakar V. , Zhou Bing , Hwang Peter H.
Published: February 2015

Background

Neo‐osteogenesis of the paranasal sinuses is a radiologic finding of unclear clinical significance. Although current evidence suggests that these bony changes represent an inflammatory response rather than an infectious osteitis, bacteria associated with the sinonasal mucosa may induce inflammatory mediators as a mechanism of neo‐osteogenesis. The objectives of this study were (1) to determine whether there is an association between bacteria isolated on sinus culture and neo‐osteogenesis, and (2) to identify other predictive factors for neo‐osteogenesis.

Methods

Ninety patients undergoing sinus surgery for medically refractory CRS were recruited. Radiologic evidence of neo‐osteogenesis was assessed by the Global Osteitis Scoring Scale (GOSS) and mucosal disease severity was assessed by the Lund‐Mackay score (LMS). Bacterial culture was obtained endoscopically at the preoperative office visit or during surgery. Multiple and logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between the types of bacterial species isolated, number of previous surgeries, and severity of neo‐osteogenesis.

Results

Thirty of the 90 (33.3%) patients had radiologic evidence of neo‐osteogenesis. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was significantly associated with neo‐osteogenesis (odds ratio [OR], 3.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12 to 13.56), whereas Staphylococcus aureus was not. The number of previous surgeries, especially 2 or more previous surgeries, was associated with the extent of neo‐osteogenesis (OR, 3.48; 95% CI, 1.14 to 10.51). The LMS was also significantly associated with the extent of neo‐osteogenesis.

Conclusion

The presence of P. aeruginosa in the sinuses is an independent predictor of neo‐osteogenesis, whereas S. aureus is not. The number of previous surgeries and the LMS are also independently associated with the severity of neo‐osteogenesis.
Making large class basic histology lectures more interactive: The use of draw‐along mapping techniques and associated educational activities
Authors: Kotzé Sanet Henriët , Mole Calvin Gerald
Published: February 2015

At Stellenbosch University, South Africa, basic histology is taught to a combination class of almost 400 first‐year medical, physiotherapy, and dietetic students. Many students often find the amount of work in basic histology lectures overwhelming and consequently loose interest. The aim was to determine if a draw‐along mapping activity would focus students during large class lectures. After each lecture on three basic histology tissues, a guided draw‐along mapping session covering the work from the lecture was introduced in the form of a click‐advance PowerPoint presentation which was used to demonstrate the unfolding of an “ideal” map. The lecturer simultaneously drew a similar map using an overhead projector allowing the students to draw their own maps on blank sheets of paper along with the lecturer. Students remained attentive during the activity and many participated in answering informal questions posed by the lecturer as the map‐making session progressed. After the last session, students completed an anonymous, voluntary questionnaire (response rate of 78%). The majority of students found the draw‐along maps useful (94%) and believed that its use should be continued in the future (93%). A significant increase (P < 0.001) was found in the test results of student cohorts who were given the current intervention compared to cohorts from previous years who were given mind maps as handouts only or had no intervention. The use of the draw‐along mapping sessions were successful in focusing students during large class lectures while also providing them with a useful tool for their studies. Anat Sci Educ 8: 463–470. © 2015 American Association of Anatomists.
Observer‐Based H∞ Control for Continuous‐Time Networked Control Systems
Authors: Wang Tian‐Bao , Wang Yu‐Long , Wang Heng , Zhang Jian
Published: February 2015

This paper is concerned with the observer‐based H∞ control for continuous‐time networked control systems (NCSs) considering packet dropouts and network‐induced delays. The packet dropouts and network‐induced delays in the sensor‐to‐controller (S‐C) channel and network‐induced delays in the controller‐to‐actuator (C‐A) channel are taken into full consideration. By taking the non‐uniform distribution characteristic of the arrival instants of actually adopted controller inputs into account, a new model for continuous‐time NCSs is established. To reduce the conservatism of modelling, a linear estimation‐based measurement output estimation method is introduced. Based on the newly established model and a Lyapunov functional, new controller design methods are proposed. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness and merits of the derived results.
Terminal innervation of female genitalia, cutaneous sensory receptors of the epithelium of the labia minora
Authors: Schober Justine , Aardsma Nathan , Mayoglou Lazarus , Pfaff Donald , Martín‐Alguacil Nieves
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Little information is available regarding the sensory nerve endings within the glabrous skin of the external female genitalia. The diversity of possible sensations suggests a variety of receptor types. Comprehensive knowledge of the sensory stimuli, including stimulus position, changes in temperature, pressure and pain, is critical for addressing pain and sexual function disorders clinically. The aim of this neuro‐histological study is document the presence and characteristics of cutaneous sensory receptors in female genital tissue.

Materials and Methods

Labial skin samples were obtained from ten normal girls (aged 1–9 years). The specimens were waste tissue obtained during surgical intervention. They were all obtained by the senior investigator, a pediatric urologist, after the parent or legal guardian had given informed consent. The specimens were stained by Cajal‐type silver impregnation and by immunocytochemistry against protein gene product (PGP) 9.5 and neuron‐specific enolase (NSE).

Results

PGP 9.5 was the most sensitive neural marker for identifying cutaneous sensory receptors. Free nerve endings (FNEs) in the papillary dermis appeared as thin fibers, varicose, branched or single processed, straight or bent. In the labia minora, FNEs were identified in the strata basale, spinosum and granulosum of the epidermis. Non‐capsulated (Meissner‐like) corpuscles in the dermal papillae interdigitated with epidermal ridges of the skin. Capsulated corpuscles protruded from the deep dermis into the epidermis. Encapsulated corpuscles and cells located in the inner and outer cores were strongly positive for PGP 9.5.

Conclusions

FNEs, Meissner's corpuscles and Pacinian corpuscles are present in the female labia minora and exhibit characteristic staining patterns. Clin. Anat. 28:392–398, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The lumbar arteries and veins: Quantification of variable anatomical positioning with application to retroperitoneal surgery
Authors: Beveridge Tyler S. , Power Adam , Johnson Marjorie , Power Nicholas E. , Allman Brian L.
Published: February 2015

The lumbar arteries and veins are segmentally arranged vessels in the abdomen that supply the vertebrae and posterior abdominal/paravertebral muscles. Recent studies have indicated that these vessels have a tendency to vary from the classical description of bilateral pairing. The objective of this study was to more accurately characterize the anatomy of the lumbar vessels through the dissection of 22 cadaveric specimens and examination of 41 patients' computed tomography angiography scans. The positions of the lumbar vessels were measured in reference to the bifurcation/confluence of the common iliac arteries/veins. In 22 cadaveric specimens, the course of the lumbar veins was dissected to the psoas major muscle to characterize venous tributaries. Our results indicate that the lumbar veins were rarely paired, segmentally diverged closer to the iliocaval confluence, and preferentially drained into the left side of the IVC. Several types of lumbar veins were additionally characterized based on their consistent coursing patterns. In contrast, the lumbar arteries exhibited pairing, and these successive pairs were found to be equally spaced along the length of the infrarenal abdominal aorta. In specimens where the median sacral artery and 4th lumbar artery pair arose from a trifurcating common trunk, the positions of the 3rd and 4th lumbar arteries were significantly inferior (P < 0.05) compared to those with independent median sacral arteries. Clinically, proper management of the anatomical patterns described in this study may be pivotal in reducing the incidence of intraoperative damage to the lumbar vessels, and may help in the treatment of vascular diseases. Clin. Anat. 28:649–660, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
PIK3CA mutations predict recurrence in localized microsatellite stable colon cancer
Authors: Manceau Gilles , Marisa Laetitia , Boige Valérie , Duval Alex , Gaub Marie‐Pierre , Milano Gérard , Selves Janick , Olschwang Sylviane , Jooste Valérie , le Legrain Michè , Lecorre Delphine , Guenot Dominique , Etienne‐Grimaldi Marie‐Christine , Kirzin Sylvain , Martin Laurent , Lepage Come , Bouvier Anne‐Marie , Laurent‐Puig Pierre
Published: February 2015

PIK3CA, which encodes the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3Kα, is one of the most frequently altered oncogenes in colon cancer (CC), but its prognostic value is still a matter of debate. Few reports have addressed the association between PIK3CA mutations and survival and their results are controversial. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the prognostic impact of PIK3CA mutations in stage I–III CC according to mismatch repair status. Fresh frozen tissue samples from two independent cohorts with a total of 826 patients who underwent curative surgical resection of CC were analyzed for microsatellite instability and screened for activating point mutations in exon 9 and 20 of PIK3CA by direct sequencing. Overall, 693 tumors (84%) exhibited microsatellite stability (MSS) and 113 samples (14%) harbored PIK3CA mutation. In the retrospective training cohort (n = 433), patients with PIK3CA‐mutated MSS tumors (n = 47) experienced a significant increased 5‐year relapse‐free interval compared with PIK3CA wild‐type MSS tumors (n = 319) in univariate analysis (94% vs. 68%, Log‐rank P = 0. 0003) and in multivariate analysis (HR = 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.029–0.48; P = 0.0027). In the prospective validation cohort (n = 393), the favorable prognostic impact of PIK3CA mutations in MSS tumors (n = 327) was confirmed (83% vs. 67%, Log‐rank P = 0.04). Our study showed that PIK3CA mutations are associated with a good prognosis in patients with MSS stage I–III CC.
An Old Friend in a New Guise–Recent Trends in Homogeneous Transition Metal Catalysis
Authors: Behr Arno , Vorholt Andreas J. , Seidensticker Thomas
Published: February 2015

The present contribution surveys recent developments and trends in homogeneous transition metal catalysis (HTMC). Emphasis is on industrially relevant reactions, such as hydroformylations, carbonylations, hydrogenations, oxidations, aminations, metatheses, and related tandem reactions. Besides classical petrochemical feedstocks, transformations of renewable resources are also taken into account. Additionally, examples of homogeneous catalysis in continuously operated miniplants are disclosed.
The Edwards Valeo lifestents in the treatment and palliation of congenital heart disease in infants and small children
Authors: Butera Gianfranco , Giugno Luca , Basile Domenica , Piazza Luciane , Chessa Massimo , Carminati Mario
Published: February 2015

Background

Intravascular stenting is the procedure of choice in the treatment of vascular stenoses. However, in infants and small children large sheaths are needed, and adult‐size stents cannot be implanted. The Valeo Biliary Lifestent (Edwards Lifesciences Irvine, CA) is low profile and can be dilated up to 18‐20 mm. We aimed to report on early and mid‐term results with the use of Valeo stents in infants and children with congenital heart disease.

Methods

Twenty‐five subjects were treated in our experience. Mean age and weight were 39 ± 35 months (range 1–132) and 10.4 ± 6.7 kg (range 3–30), respectively. Two groups of patients were: Group A: patients with pulmonary artery stenosis (21 subjects); Group B subjects in whom stenting was applied in other vessel or heart sites (four subjects).

Results

A total of 35 stents were successfully used. Fluoroscopy time was 32 ± 11 min. No intra‐operative death or hospital mortality was recorded. Stent post dilatation was performed in nine patients. The incidence of complication was 12% (3/25) (two subjects developed transient hypotension and bradycardia which required inotropic treatment, 1 patient developed mild lung bleeding). There was a significant improvement of angiographic appearance and RV pressure (RV/AO systolic pressure ratio before 1 ± 02 (range 0.8–1.5) versus after the procedure 0.6 ± 0.2 (range 0.4–0.9) P < 0.001). In group B stents were successfully implanted in aortic recoarctation, interatrial septum and in two modified BT shunts. At a median follow‐up of 18 months (range 1–24 months) results remained stable and no complications occurred. In particular no stent fractures were seen. Furthermore, redilation was performed safely and successfully in three subjecs up to 18 months after the first implantation.

Conclusions

In our series, Valeo Lifestents have proven to be effective and with low incidence of complication in various anatomical settings, in low weight infants and in early post‐operative course. Large series and longer follow‐up are mandatory. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Finding the elusive and causative autoantibody: An atypical case of autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Authors: Fetzko Stephanie , Ahmed Asra , Cooling Laura
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

An isolated IgA‐mediated autoimmune hemolytic anemia can present a diagnostic challenge. When a routine direct antiglobulin test (DAT) is negative but clinical suspicion remains high, further testing with monospecific antisera should be performed. As with IgG‐mediated WAIHA, steroids are first‐line treatment, though splenectomy is often required to achieve a durable treatment response.
Expulsion of a uterine myoma in a patient treated with ulipristal acetate
Authors: Chantraine Frederic , Poismans Gaelle , Nwachuku Julia , Bestel Elke , Nisolle Michelle
Published: February 2015

Key Clinical Message

Description of a spontaneous expulsion of a submucosal myoma in a patient treated with ulipristal acetate.
Nitrogen‐Doped Annealed Nanodiamonds with Varied sp2/sp3 Ratio as Metal‐Free Electrocatalyst for the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhu Yansong , Lin Yangming , Zhang Bingsen , Rong Junfeng , Zong Baoning , Su Dang Sheng
Published: February 2015

Nitrogen‐doped nanocarbon materials as metal‐free electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) have attracted great attention, owing to their catalytic activity close to Pt/C in alkaline media. Annealed nanodiamonds (AND) possess a special structure, because we can finely control the carbon sp2/sp3 ratio. This provides a good opportunity to study the relationship between ORR performance (activity and stability) and the special structure of AND. We have used nitrogen‐doped annealed nanodiamonds (NAND) with varied carbon sp2/sp3 ratio as metal‐free electrocatalysts for ORR in alkaline media. NAND showed higher catalytic activity for ORR with higher content of sp2 carbon and larger amount of nitrogen species present as pyridinic groups. More importantly, NAND displayed stability superior to other nitrogen‐doped nanocarbon materials as a result of transformation of carbon from sp3 to sp2 during electrochemical cycling.
Metallogels Self‐Assembled from Linear Rod‐Like Platinum Complexes: Influence of the Linkage
Authors: Chen Mingming , Wei Chengsha , Wu Xibo , Khan Majid , Huang Ningdong , Zhang Guobin , Li Liangbin
Published: February 2015

Two linear rod‐like platinum complexes, which only differed in the linkage, were prepared. They both self‐assemble into metallogels in nonpolar solvents; however, a very big contrast was observed. Unexpectedly, a much weaker gel was acquired upon replacing the ester linkage by an amide group. The intermolecular hydrogen bonding offered by the amide motif leads to a different stacking fashion and mechanism. The results demonstrated herein contribute to the rational design of metallogels as well as other functional supramolecular materials.
Hydrothermale Karbonisierung: 3. Kinetisches Modell
Authors: Kruse Andrea , Grandl Robert
Published: February 2015

Basierend auf Experimenten im Mikroautoklaven wurde ein einfaches kinetisches Modell für die hydrothermale Karbonsierung entwickelt. Dieses Modell wurde zur Beschreibung der Umsetzung von zehn verschiedenen Biomassen mit unterschiedlichem Ligningehalt und mit guter Übereinstimmung zu gemessenen Daten eingesetzt. Dabei wurde angenommen, dass die Anwesenheit von Lignin den ersten Reaktionsschritt, die Hydrolyse von Biomasse, verlangsamt. Ein direkter Zusammenhang zwischen dem Ligningehalt und der geringeren Reaktionsgeschwindigkeit bei ligninhaltigen Biomassen konnte allerdings nicht hergestellt werden.
Global Existence of Smooth Solutions and Convergence to Barenblatt Solutions for the Physical Vacuum Free Boundary Problem of Compressible Euler Equations with Damping
Authors: Luo Tao , Zeng Huihui
Published: February 2015

For the physical vacuum free boundary problem with the sound speed being C1/2‐Hölder continuous near vacuum boundaries of the one‐dimensional compressible Euler equations with damping, the global existence of the smooth solution is proved, which is shown to converge to the Barenblatt self‐similar solution for the porous media equation with the same total mass when the initial datum is a small perturbation of the Barenblatt solution. The pointwise convergence with a rate of density, the convergence rate of velocity in the supremum norm, and the precise expanding rate of the physical vacuum boundaries are also given. The proof is based on a construction of higher‐order weighted functionals with both space and time weights capturing the behavior of solutions both near vacuum states and in large time, an introduction of a new ansatz, higher‐order nonlinear energy estimates, and elliptic estimates.© 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A CD45‐based barcoding approach to multiplex mass‐cytometry (CyTOF)
Authors: Lai Liyun , Ong Raymond , Li Juntao , Albani Salvatore
Published: February 2015

CyTOF enables the study of the immune system with a complexity, depth, and multidimensionality never achieved before. However, the full potential of using CyTOF can be limited by scarce cell samples. Barcoding strategies developed based on direct labeling of cells using maleimido‐monoamide‐DOTA (m‐DOTA) provide a very useful tool. However, using m‐DOTA has some inherent problems, mainly associated with signal intensity. This may be a source of uncertainty when samples are multiplexed. As an alternative or complementary approach to m‐DOTA, conjugating an antibody, specific for a membrane protein present on most immune cells, with different isotopes could address the issues of stability and signal intensity needed for effective barcoding. We chose for this purpose CD45, and designed experiments to address different types of cultures and the ability to detect extra‐ and intra‐cellular targets. We show here that our approach provides an useful alternative to m‐DOTA in terms of sensitivity, specificity, flexibility, and user‐friendliness. Our manuscript provides details to effectively barcode immune cells, overcoming limitations in current technology and enabling the use of CyTOF with scarce samples (for instance precious clinical samples). © 2015 The Authors. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A scheme of access service recommendation for the Social Internet of Things
Authors: Chen Zhikui , Ling Ruochuan , Huang Chung‐Ming , Zhu Xu
Published: February 2015

The rapid increase in the complexity and the extent of personalization of services in the Internet of Things (IoT) has led to a greater demand for frequent collaboration among heterogeneous devices. Moreover, with the inseparable relations between human and devices, the paradigm of Social IoT (SIoT) is gaining popularity in recent years. How to effectively facilitate the access to quality services and credible devices in large‐scale networks via defining, establishing, and managing social architectures among things has become a critical issue. In this paper, a scheme of access service recommendation for the SIoT is presented with the understanding of inherent constraints and factors that influence the security and stability of IoT networks. In which, timeliness properties are considered in each transaction for dynamic performance enhancements. With the benefits of promoting service discovery and composition, social relationships among things are introduced in the proposed scheme. An energy‐aware mechanism is also utilized as a restrictive factor in trustworthiness evaluation. Finally, the recommendation is based not only on the past performance but also on the social relationship and the energy status of nodes. Simulation experiments demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of our scheme from three aspects including rating accuracy, dynamic behavior, and network stability. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.