bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A high-resolution model of the 100 ka ice-age
cycle
Authors: Tarasov L. , Peltier W. R.
Published: November 2017

Significant improvements to the representation of climate forcing and
mass-balance response in a coupled two-dimensional global energy balance
climate model (EBM) and vertically integrated ice-sheet model (ISM) have led
to the prediction of an ice-volume chronology for the most recent ice-age
cycle of the Northern Hemisphere that is close to that inferred from the
geological record. Most significant is that full glacial termination is
delivered by the model without the need for new physical ingredients. In
addition, a relatively close match is achieved between the Last Glacial
Maximum (LGM) model ice topography and that of the recently-described ICE-4G
reconstruction. These results suggest that large-scale climate system
reorganization is not required to explain the main variations of the North
American (NA) ice sheets over the last glacial cycle. Lack of sea-ice and
marine-ice dynamics in the model leaves the situation over the Eurasian (EA)
sector much more uncertain.

The incorporation of a gravitationally self-consistent description of the
glacial isostatic adjustment process demonstrates that the NA and EA bedrock
responses can be adequately represented by simpler damped-relaxation models
with characteristic time-scales of 3–5ka and 5 ka, respectively. These
relaxation times agree with those independently inferred on the basis of
postglacial relative sea-level histories.
Sensitivity of an atmospheric general circulation model to the
parameterization of leads in sea ice
Authors: Flato Gregory M. , Ramsden David
Published: November 2017

Open-water leads in sea ice dominate the exchange of heat between the ocean
and atmosphere in ice-covered regions, and so must be included in climate
models. A parameterization of leads used in one such model is compared to
observations and the results of a detailed Arctic sea-ice model. Such
comparisons, however, are hampered by the errors in observed lead fraction,
but the parameterization appears to compare better in winter than in summer.
Simulations with an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM), using
prescribed sea-surface temperatures and ice extent, are used to illustrate
the effect of parameterized lead fraction on atmospheric climate, and so
provide some insight into the importance of improved lead-fraction
parameterizations and observations. The effect of leads in the AGCM is
largest in Northern Hemisphere winter, with zonal mean surface-air
temperatures over ice increasing by up to 5 K when lead fraction is
increased from 1% to near 5%. The effect of leads on sensible heat loss in
winter is more important than the effect on radiative heat gain in summer.
No significant effect on sea-level pressure, and hence on atmospheric
circulation, is found, however. Indirect effects, due to feedbacks between
the atmosphere and ice thickness and extent, were not included in these
simulations, but could amplify the response.
On the impact of sea ice in a global ocean circulation
model
Authors: Stössel Achim
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates the long-term impact of sea ice on global climate
using a global sea-ice–ocean general circulation model (OGCM). The sea-ice
component involves state-of-the-art dynamics; the ocean component consists
of a 3.5° × 3.5° × 11 layer primitive-equation model. Depending on the
physical description of sea ice, significant changes are detected in the
convective activity, in the hydrographic properties and in the thermohaline
circulation of the ocean model. Most of these changes originate in the
Southern Ocean, emphasizing the crucial role of sea ice in this marginally
stably stratified region of the world's oceans. Specifically, if the effect
of brine release is neglected, the deep layers of the Southern Ocean warm up
considerably; this is associated with a weakening of the Southern Hemisphere
overturning cell. The removal of the commonly used “salinity enhancement”
leads to a similar effect. The deep-ocean salinity is almost unaffected in
both experiments. Introducing explicit new-ice thickness growth in partially
ice-covered gridcells leads to a substantial increase in convective
activity, especially in the Southern Ocean, with a concomitant significant
cooling and salinification of the deep ocean. Possible mechanisms for the
resulting interactions between sea-ice processes and deep-ocean
characteristics are suggested.
A multivariate comparison of two land-surface models integrated
into an Arctic Regional Climate System model
Authors: Lynch Amanda , McGinnis David , Chapman William L. , Tilley Jeffrey S.
Published: November 2017

Different vegetation models impact the atmospheric response of a regional
climate model in different ways, and hence have an impact upon the ability
of that model to match an observed climatology. Using a multivariate
principal-component analysis, we investigate the relationships between
several land-surface models (BATS, LSM) coupled to a regional climate model,
and observed climate parameters over the North Slope of Alaska. In this
application, annual cycle simulations at 20 km spatial resolution are
compared with European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF)
climatology. Initial results demonstrate broad agreement between all models;
however, small-scale regional variations between land-surface models
indicate the strengths and weaknesses of the land-surface treatments in a
climate system model. Specifically, we found that the greater
surface-moisture availability and temperature-dependent albedo formulation
of the LSM model allow for a higher proportion of low-level cloud, and a
later, more rapid transition from the winter to the summer regime. Crucial
to this transition is the seasonal cycle of incoming solar radiation. These
preliminary results indicate the importance of the land-surface hydrologic
cycle in modelling the seasonal transitions.
Sensible heat flux and local advection over a heterogeneous
landscape at an Arctic tundra site during snowmelt
Authors: Marsh P. , Pomeroy J.W. , Neumann N.
Published: November 2017

During snowmelt over a continuous snow cover, the vertical turbulent
exchanges of sensible and latent energy are influenced by regional air-mass
characteristics, which exert a strong control on air temperature. In
high-latitude sites, the melting surface rapidly becomes heterogeneous, with
patches of snow and snow-free areas. Local advection occurs when
near-surface air layers are warmed due to sensible heal flux from the
snow-free areas, with the resulting heat transferred horizontally to
adjacent snowpatches. This advection greatly increases the rate of snowmelt
along the leading edges of the snowpatches. In order to estimate correctly
the average melt rates of the snowpatches and the bulk energy balance of the
entire landscape, it is necessary to estimate the local advection component.
To date, few studies have dealt with this problem. This paper reports
results from an Arctic tundra site located approximately 55 km northeast of
Inuvik, Northwest Territories, Canada. The importance of local advection is
estimated by comparing the sensible heat flux of the snowpatches to
estimates of sensible heat without local advection. This latter term is
derived from a relationship between upper air temperature and sensible heat
flux over a continuous snow cover. This work has important implications for
developing models that correctly represent the cryosphere of tundra regions,
and in developing appropriate scaling techniques for heterogeneous
landscapes.
Existence of an ice cap during the mid-Cretaceous period (120–90
Ma): an AGCM investigation
Authors: Ramstein G. , Fluteau F. , Masson V.
Published: November 2017

Many questions remain concerning whether or not an ice cap existed during
the mid-Cretaceous period (120–90 Ma). Other than data and observations from
ice-rafted materials, atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) may be
appropriate tools to investigate whether changes in atmospheric composition,
land-sea distribution, or oceanic circulation (used as boundary conditions
to constrain the model), provide the climatic conditions that enable ice
caps to be formed.

This study uses an AGCM developed by the Laboratoire de Météorologie
Dynamique (LMD) to perform a set of numerical sensitivity experiments to
investigate plate tectonics (land–sea distribution and orography),
CO2 partial pressure in the atmosphere and changes in
prescribed sea-surface temperatures. The main goals are to quantify the
effect of each forcing factor on the increase of Northern Hemisphere
high-latitude temperatures, and to investigate whether combining these
factors produce temperatures that would allow the ice-sheet formation.
Characteristics of the water balance of the Moshiri experimental
watershed, Japan
Authors: Ishikawa N. , Takeuchi Y. , Ishii Y. , Kodama Y.
Published: November 2017

Seasonal variations of water-balance components at an experimental watershed
were measured for three hydrologic years. Snowfall accounts for 47% of the
annual precipitation, and snowmelt runoff comprises 45% of the total runoff.
Evaporation changed markedly during the season; it increased during May to
August, decreased in September and October, and was negligibly small during
the period of snow cover in winter. Losses due to evaporation reached half
of the precipitation during summer, and total loss is about 26 % of the
annual precipitation.
Sensitivity of a two-layer model atmosphere to changes in
ice-sheet topography
Authors: Jackson Charles S.
Published: November 2017

Results are presented testing the sensitivity of a two-layer model to
changes in the Laurentide ice sheet’s geometry following the collapse of the
Hudson Bay ice dome. Since the ice sheet is thought to induce cooling over
the North Atlantic through its mechanical effect on atmospheric circulation,
the model shows a surprising result in that the removal of the Hudson Bay
ice dome led to a further cooling of 4°C over the North Atlantic. This
finding suggests that fluctuations in ice-sheet topography could have
contributed to the climate variability witnessed in the geologic record.
Further study is needed to understand the mechanism behind these
results.
Seasonal snow cover and climate change in the Hadley Centre
GCM
Authors: Essery Richard
Published: November 2017

Northern Hemisphere snow cover varies greatly through the year, and the
presence of snow has a large impact on interactions between the land surface
and the atmosphere. This paper outlines the representation of snow cover in
the Hadley Centre GCM, and compares simulated snow cover with satellite and
ground-based observations. Climate warming in a simulation with increased
concentrations of CO2 and sulphate aerosols is found to lead to
larger reductions in snow cover over North Ameriea and Europe than over
Asia.
Cryospheric data for model validations: requirements and
status
Authors: Barry R. G.
Published: November 2017

The general status of cryospheric datasets required in climate model studies
is reviewed. Datasets are necessary as boundary conditions, and for
validation purposes. The former application is decreasing as cryospheric
variables are increasingly being derived prognostically. By contrast, the
scope of cryospheric parameters that can be validated is expanding.
Cryospheric datasets suitable for validation studies are reported and areas
where data are lacking are identified.
How well can we parameterize past accumulation rates in polar
ice sheets?
Authors: Steig Eric J.
Published: November 2017

An important component of models of the cryosphere is the calculation of
accumulation rates over polar ice sheets. As a first-order approximation,
many models rely on the assumption that temperature is the main controlling
factor for precipitation. However, compilation of available ice-core data,
including a new core from Taylor Dome, East Antarctica, suggests that
precipitation is significantly decoupled from temperature for a large
proportion of both the Greenland and Antarctic ice sheets. While the
estimated glacial-to-interglacial change in temperature does not differ
greatly among ice cores from each ice sheet, the estimated change in
accumulation rate varies by more than a factor of 2. A simple vapor-pressure
parameterization gives reasonable estimates of accumulation in the ice-sheet
interior, but this is not necessarily the case close to the ice-sheet
margin, where synoptic weather systems are important.
Evaluation of the representation of Arctic sea ice in the U.K.
Hadley Centre GCM
Authors: Smith Douglas M. , Cooper Claire , Wingham Duncan J. , Laxon Seymour W.
Published: November 2017

The amount of Arctic sea ice predicted by the Hadley Centre Global Cilimate
Model (GCM) is evaluated using 15 years of passive-microwave data. While the
Hadley model reproduces the seasonal cycle reasonably well, it
underestimates the total area of sea ice by more than 3 × 106
km2 for most of the year. In the winter months, most of the
underestimate in ice area results from the prediction of far too little ice
in Hudson Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk, leading to an excess of up to 0.2 PW
heat input to the atmosphere from Hudson Bay alone. The surface-energy
budget of Hudson Bay is investigated using a mixture of surface observations
(POLES), satellite data (ATSR, SSM/I and ISCCP) and output from the Goddard
Data Assimilation Office analysis. Flux adjustments of the order of 200
Wm−2, resulting from anomalously high sea-surface temperatures
in the Levitus (1982) climatology,
are found to be the cause of the model’s underestimation of sea ice in both
Hudson Bay and the Sea of Okhotsk. The fact that flux adjustments based on
an inaccurate climatology will produce errors, even if the model physics is
correct, underlines the need both for improved climatologies and for models
accurate enough not to require flux adjustment.
Arctic precipitation as represented in the NCEP/NCAR
reanalysis
Authors: Serreze Mark C. , Maslanik James A.
Published: November 2017

Arctic precipitation as depicted in the National Center for Environmental
Prediction (NGEP) and the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR)
reanalysis effort is evaluated using 6 hourly model output for the period
1986–93 in conjunction with gauge-corrected climatologies. Climatological
fields from the model agree favorably with observations in terms of general
spatio-temporal patterns, but with some notable differences. In particular,
the precipitation maximum over the central Arctic (the region north of 70°N)
is depicted in July, one month too early. Values are too low from August
through December, resulting in underestimates of annual precipitation of
about 40 mm. Despite these shortcomings, the modeled precipitation fields
appear to be sufficiently realistic to represent a base for blending with
other data to provide gridded fields suitable for use in climate studies and
sea-ice models.
Atmospheric dust concentration record from the Hercules Névé firn core,
northern Victoria Land, Antarctica
Authors: Maggi V. , Petit J. -R.
Published: November 2017

During the ninth Italian Antarctic Expedition, a 22 m deep firn core was
drilled on the Hercules Névé (ΗΝ) in the Transantarctic Mountains, northern
Victoria Land, Antarctica, The continuous dust record from HN, spanning 70 years
from 1927 to 1994, displays sharp differences between the upper 15.5 m and the
bottom part. The background of dust concentration in the upper part is quite
homogeneous, with values around 6.5 x 103 particles g
−1 of water, and some peaks reaching maximum values of
1.0-1.5 x 104 particles g−1 of water. in
this part the volume-size distribution of particles shows a relative maximum
around 0.9 μm while a second maximum occurs for particles larger than 12 μm . The
larger particles are likely to have a local origin, while the small-size component
may be representative of long-range transport dust. Below 15.5 m the record shows
higher values in both background and peak concentration, with mean values of 1.6 x
104 particles g−1. The volume-size
distribution changes from 0.9 to 1.5μm in parallel with the increase of dust
concentration. The dust record suggests significant increases in concentration for
the periods 1932-42 and 1951-64. It suggests some correlations with precipitation
anomalies over South America and indirectly supports the hypothesis that
small-sized dust at HN may originate from South America.
Iron in ice cores from Law Dome, East Antarctica: implications for past
deposition of aerosol iron
Authors: Edwards R. , Sedwick P. N. , Morgan Vin , Boutron C. F. , Hong S.
Published: November 2017

Total-dissolvable iron has been measured in sections of three ice cores from
Law Dome, East Antarctica, and the results used to calculate atmospheric iron
deposition over this region during the late Holocene and to provide a preliminary
estimate of aerosol iron deposition during the Last Glaciol Maximum I LGM).
Ice-core sections dating from 56-2730 BP (late Holocene) and ~18000 BP (LGM) were
decontaminated using trace-metal clean techniques, and total-dissolvable iron was
determined in the acidified meltwatcrs by flow-injection analysis. Our results
suggest that the atmospheric iron flux onto the Law Dome region has varied
significantly over time-scales ranging from seasonal to Glaciol-interglaciol. The
iron concentrations in ice-core sections from the past century suggest (1) a 2
4-fold variation in the atmospheric iron flux over a single annual cycle, with the
highest flux occurring during the spring and summer, and (2) a nearly 7-fold
variation in the annual maximum atmospheric iron flux over a 14 year period. The
average estimated atmospheric iron flux calculated from our late-Holocene samples
is 0.056-0.14 mg m a−1, which agrees well with Holocene flux
estimates derived from aluminium measurements in inland Antarctic ice cores and a
recent order-of-magnitude estimate of present-day atmospheric iron deposition over
the Southern Ocean. The iron concentration of an ice-corc section dating from the
LGM was more than 50 times higher than in the late-Holocene ice samples. Using a
snow-accumulation rate estimate of 130 kg m −2
a−1 for this period, we calculate 0.87 mgm
−2 a−1 as a preliminary estimate of
atmospheric iron deposition during the LGM, which is 6-16 times greater than our
average late-Holocene iron flux. Our data are consistent with the suggestion that
there was a significantly greater flux of atmospheric iron onto the Southern Ocean
during the LGM than during then Holocene.
Evidence of recent climatic warming on the eastern Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Skvarca Pedro , Rack Wolfgang , Rott Helmut , Y Donángelo Teresa Ibarzábal
Published: November 2017

Air temperatures at the Marambio (MAR), Esperanza (ESP) and Matienzo (MAT) stations have been analyzed to investigate recent climate change on the eastern part of the Antarctic Peninsula. They are compared with data from the Oreadas station on the South Orkney Islands, the longest record available in Antarctica, and from the Faraday (FAR) station on the western coast of the Peninsula. Though the interannual variability is comparatively high and the stations are located in different climatic regimes, a pronounced warming trend shows up in all records. At MAR a temperature increase of 1.5°C has been observed since the beginning of the record in 1971. This is of similar magnitude to the increase at FAR on the west coast, which was 2.5°C for the longer period since 1945. The steady retreat and collapse of the northern Larsen Ice Shelf (LIS) coincided with this warming trend. of particular importance for the ice-shelf mass balance in this region are the summer temperatures which show a statistically significant warming trend at MAR and ESP. The representativity of the summer temperatures of MAR for northern LIS is confirmed by intercomparison with the parallel measurements at MAT which is located on the ice shelf.
On modeling sea-ice fracture and flow in numerical
investigations of climate
Authors: Hibler W. D. , Schulson Erland M.
Published: November 2017

Sea ice on the large scale is characterized by leads and ridges that
typically have a given orientation. Because of various flaws, we would
expect that the ice will form oriented leads and ice-thickness
characteristics that control the heat and moisture fluxes into the
atmosphere. Prediction of these oriented leads, ridges and slip lines is
relevant to understanding the role of ice mechanics in global climate change
as they can play a significant role in the ice-thickness distribution.

In this paper we develop a model for the dynamical treatment of leads and
oriented flaws in large-scale sea-ice models. Two particular isotropic
realizations of this model relevant to climate studies are examined: (a) an
isotropic composite with oriented leads in all directions imbedded in thick
ice, and (b) a simple "strain hardening" isotropic model where only oriented
leads having the potential to open rapidly are allowed. Under applied stress
both models yield preferential deformation along a symmetric pair of
intersecting leads or ridges with the intersection angles dependent on the
confinement stress. The "uniform-orientation" model results in a yield curve
that approximates a sine lens, while the "strain hardening" model has a
teardrop-like yield curve. How the resulting fracture-based yield curves and
non-normal flow rules may be cast in a form usable in numerical
investigations of climate is discussed.
Derrida in Prague: Poussin, Adami, Stoppard and the innocence of deconstruction
Authors: McQuillan Martin
Published: November 2017

This paper attends to the curious affair of Jacques Derrida in Prague when he was arrested by the Czechoslovakian police on charges of drug smuggling. It reads two images by Valerio Adami and Nicolas Poussin, entitled, ‘The Massacre of the Innocents’, Tom Stoppard's play, Professional Foul about dissident philosophers in Prague, and a section from Ken McMullen's film Ghost Dance on Kafka. It turns around the question of what ‘innocence’ might mean in politics and reading.
Synthesis of ergostane-type brassinosteroids with modifications in ring A
Authors: Zhabinskii Vladimir N , Osiyuk Darya A , Ermolovich Yuri V , Chaschina Natalia M , Dalidovich Tatsiana S , Strnad Miroslav , Khripach Vladimir A
Published: November 2017

Herein, we present a new strategy for the preparation of a broad range of brassinosteroid biosynthetic precursors/metabolites differing by the ring A fragment. The protocol is based on the use of readily available phytohormones of this class bearing a 2α,3α-diol moiety (epibrassinolide or epicastasterone) as starting materials. The required functionalities (Δ2-, 2α,3α- and 2β,3β-epoxy-, 2α,3β-, 2β,3α-, and 2β,3β-dihydroxy-, 3-keto-, 3α- and 3β-hydroxy-, 2α-hydroxy-3-keto-) were synthesized from 2α,3α-diols in a few simple steps (Corey–Winter reaction, epoxidation, oxidation, hydride reduction, etc.).
Is the tungsten(IV) complex (NEt4)2[WO(mnt)2] a functional analogue of acetylene hydratase?
Authors: Schreyer Matthias , Hintermann Lukas
Published: November 2017

The tungsten(IV) complex (Et4N)2[W(O)(mnt)2] (1; mnt = maleonitriledithiolate) was proposed (Sarkar et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1997, 119, 4315) to be a functional analogue of the active center of the enzyme acetylene hydratase from Pelobacter acetylenicus, which hydrates acetylene (ethyne; 2) to acetaldehyde (ethanal; 3). In the absence of a satisfactory mechanistic proposal for the hydration reaction, we considered the possibility of a metal–vinylidene type activation mode, as it is well established for ruthenium-based alkyne hydration catalysts with anti-Markovnikov regioselectivity. To validate the hypothesis, the regioselectivity of tungsten-catalyzed alkyne hydration of a terminal, higher alkyne had to be determined. However, complex 1 was not a competent catalyst for the hydration of 1-octyne under the conditions tested. Furthermore, we could not observe the earlier reported hydration activity of complex 1 towards acetylene. A critical assessment of, and a possible explanation for the earlier reported results are offered. The title question is answered with "no".
Pomalidomide in Patients with Interstitial Lung Disease due to Systemic Sclerosis: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel-group Study
Authors: Hsu Vivien M. , Denton Christopher P. , Domsic Robyn T. , Furst Daniel E. , Rischmueller Maureen , Stanislav Marina , Steen Virginia D. , Distler Jörg H.W. , Korish Shimon , Cooper Alyse , Choi Suktae , Schafer Peter H. , Horan Gerald , Hough Douglas R.
Published: November 2017

Objective.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of pomalidomide (POM) on forced vital capacity (FVC), modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), and gastrointestinal (GI) symptomatology over 52 weeks of treatment in patients with interstitial lung disease due to systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods.

Twenty-three adult patients diagnosed with SSc were randomized 1:1 POM:placebo (PBO).

Results.

Mean change at Week 52 from baseline in predicted FVC% −5.2 and −2.8; mRSS −2.7 and −3.7; and UCLA Scleroderma Clinical Trial Consortium Gastrointestinal Tract (SCTC GIT 2.0) score 0.1 and 0.0, with POM and PBO, respectively. Statistical significance was not achieved for any of these 3 primary endpoints at 52 weeks.

Conclusion.

Because of recruitment challenges, subject enrollment was discontinued early. In an interim analysis, the study did not meet its Week 52 primary endpoints. Therefore, a decision was made to terminate all study phases. POM was generally well tolerated, with an adverse event profile consistent with the known safety and tolerability profile of POM in other diseases. Study results were neither positive nor negative because too few subjects were enrolled to make meaningful conclusions. Clinical Trials number:NCT01559129.
Computer-Based Testing: Score Equivalence and Testing Administration Mode Preference in a Comparative Evaluation Study
Authors: Khoshsima Hooshang , Hashemi Toroujeni Seyyed Morteza
Published: November 2017

The empirical evidences show that two identical Computer-Based Testing (henceforth CBT) and Paper-and-Pencil-Based Testing (henceforth PBT) do not always result in the same scores. Such conclusions are referred to as “the effect of testing administration mode” or “testing mode effect”. Moderators such as individual differences (e.g., prior computer experience or computer attitude) have been investigated [4] to see if they influence test takers’ performance. The Guidelines for Computer-Based Tests and Interpretations [1] recommended eliminating the possible effects of some moderator variables on test takers performance. This research was conducted to provide the required empirical evidences on the existence of distinctive effects caused by changing administration mode from conventional PBT to modern CBT. The relationship between testing mode preference on test takers’ CBT performance was also examined. Two equivalent tests and two questionnaires were used. Using descriptive statistics and ANOVA, the findings demonstrated that two CBT and PBT sets of scores were comparable. Additionally, prior testing mode preference and gender had no significant effect on test takers’ CBT score, and they were not considered the variables that might affect the performance on CBT.
E-Learning through Single Hand and Two Hand Sign Language
Authors: Sir Vinoth , Nirmala K.
Published: November 2017

E-learning is commonly referred to the intentional use of networked information and communications technology for teaching and learning. e-Learning exploits interactive technologies and communication systems to improve the learning experience. It has the potential to transform the way we teach and learn across the board. It can raise standards, and widen participation in lifelong learning. E-learn is useful method that has contributed in facilitating education for deaf mute people. Deaf mute people are able to get benefit from this technology by increasing their skills and improving their knowledge. They can use the mobility feature to learn anywhere and at any time. Most of the deaf students easily learn and develop skill and knowledge in e-learning method. Now a day’s e-learning tools are mostly used in learning method. E-learning includes computer and electronically supported learning and teaching methods. E-learning used in Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual based learning and digital technology. In this paper we study which type of sign language is best for learning.
“What’s the Tab’s Apps?”: Piloting Low-Priced-Tablet-Aided Course Delivery in Teacher Education
Authors: Cacho Reynald M , Avila Roel V , Villaseñor Edgardo S
Published: November 2017

Mobile learning generally offers delivery of blended learning or simply as tool for course enhancement in university setting. A small teacher education institution piloted a low-priced-tablet-aided instruction in its language courses via exploratory case study. Through focus groups and journal writings, students favorably reported most aspects of mobile-aided learning experiences and confirmed some challenging technical issues. Moreover, qualitative analyses on the device, learners’ engagement and course-activities revealed these five key categories: (1) tableting pros and cons; (2) making adjustments and connectivity issues; (3) moodling, googling and strategizing use; (4) trending apps and functionalities; and (5) changing views on technologies and pedagogies. Finally, lessons learned and future works on the tablet adoption, applications and strategic implementation in aid of teacher education course delivery and related disciplines are suggested.
Appropriate Thai High School Student Internet Behaviour: A Hierarchical Linear Model Analysis
Authors: Leekitchwatana Punnee , Pimdee Paitoon
Published: November 2017

The research used a hierarchical linear model to develop a model to study the variables of appropriate Internet use of 2,400 Thai high school students from 48 high schools. Furthermore, the groups were divided into one group of 1,200 students in science related programs, while the second group of 1,200 students were in a non-science related program. The data collection instrument was a reliability questionnaire which was determined to range between 0.75-0.97. Data were analysed using statistical averages, standard deviation, and analysis of hierarchical linear models (HLM). The research found that Thai high school students have appropriate Internet use behaviour at a very appropriate level, while the HLM of appropriate Internet use behaviour of students contained two predictive variables at both the student level and school level. These included the four student predictive variables of ability, characteristic, family, and student grade point average (GPA). At the school level in the HLM, there were two predictor variables including friends and schools, which had a direct influence and an indirect influence, respectively. There were also six capacity variables having both positive influence and statistical significance.
La traduction automatique comme outil d’aide à la rédaction scientifique en anglais langue seconde : résultats d’une étude exploratoire sur la qualité linguistique
Authors: Goulet Marie-Josée , Simard Michel , Parra Escartín Carla , O’Brien Sharon
Published: November 2017

Nous explorons dans cet article la pertinence d’utiliser la traduction automatique (TA) comme outil d’aide à la rédaction scientifique en anglais langue seconde (ALS). L’expérience, à laquelle ont participé dix chercheurs, comprenait deux tâches : la rédaction d’un texte en ALS et la rédaction d’un texte en langue maternelle. Ce dernier a ensuite été traduit automatiquement et post-édité par le participant. Par la suite, nous avons évalué la qualité linguistique des textes produits dans les deux situations, à partir d’une analyse des modifications linguistiques effectuées par une réviseure professionnelle. Selon nos résultats, la qualité linguistique des textes est sensiblement la même dans les deux situations, tandis que des différences apparaissent dans les dimensions linguistiques et dans les types d’unités touchées. L’article se termine par une réflexion sur les facteurs pouvant influencer ces résultats. Nous concluons en réitérant la pertinence d’étudier l’utilisation de la TA pour la rédaction d’articles en anglais de spécialité.
Regard épistémologique sur la norme en anglais de spécialité : analyse exploratoire des registres au travers de deux ouvrages théoriques
Authors: Jandrain Tiffany
Published: November 2017

Étant donné que l’anglais de spécialité (ASP) se construit sur la base de normes langagières, liées à des conventions, et qu’il se décline en fonction de registres tels que définis par la linguistique systémique fonctionnelle (SFL), qui déterminent sa lexico-grammaire et ses usages, la question se pose de savoir dans quelle mesure les normes interviennent dans les explications théoriques des registres en ASP. Cette note présente l’étude de deux ouvrages de référence sur l’analyse du discours afin d’apporter des éléments de réponse à cette question. Elle fait apparaître que, dans ces deux livres, les notions de norme et d’usage sont rarement mentionnées et, quand elles le sont, la norme semble l’emporter sur l’usage, sauf lorsque la dimension diachronique est prise en compte, ouvrant dès lors la voie à de nouvelles perspectives d’analyse. La note se conclut par une approche des normes en traduction en vue de fournir de nouvelles pistes de recherche.
Vitamin D and vitamin D receptor in patients with ophthalmic pterygium
Authors: Maxia Cristina , Murtas Daniela , Corrias Michela , Zucca Ignazio , Minerba Luigi , Piras Franca , Marinelli Cristiana , Perra Maria Teresa
Published: November 2017

Pterygium, an ultraviolet radiation (UV)-related disease, is a relatively benign process, but since it displays tumor-like features, it has been proposed to be a neoplastic- like growth disorder. Vitamin D performs a number of functions in addition to calcium homeostasis, as inhibition of cell proliferation, activation of apoptotic pathways, and inhibition of angiogenesis. Since the antitumor actions of vitamin D are mediated primarily through the nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR), the aim of the present study was to investigate vitamin D status in patients with pterygium and in control subjects, and VDR immunohistochemical expression in samples of pterygium and normal conjunctiva in order to evaluate a possible role of vitamin D pathway in the pathogenesis of the disease. Serum vitamin D concentration was measured among 41 patients with pterygium and 47 volunteers by an automated chemiluminescence immunoassay. Moreover, 23 formalin- fixed and paraffin-embedded pterygium biopsy samples and 24 conjunctiva specimens were treated for the immunohistochemical demonstration of VDR using the streptavidin-biotin alkaline phosphatase method. No differences were observed about vitamin D level between patient with pterygium and control group, but significant differences between VDR immunolocalization in pterygium and normal conjunctiva were observed (P=0.00001). In conjunctiva, the immunoreactivity, localized mainly in cytoplasm of epithelial cells, may probably demonstrate VDR regulation of cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, while in pterygium VDR co-localization in the nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells may indicate alternative nuclear pathways by which vitamin D might exert its antiinflammatory and anti-proliferative effects by the regulation of gene expression.
MIAQuant, a novel system for automatic segmentation, measurement, and localization comparison of different biomarkers from serialized histological slices
Authors: Casiraghi Elena , Cossa Mara , Huber Veronica , Rivoltini Licia , Tozzi Matteo , Villa Antonello , Vergani Barbara
Published: November 2017

In the clinical practice, automatic image analysis methods quickly quantizing histological results by objective and replicable methods are getting more and more necessary and widespread. Despite several commercial software products are available for this task, they are very little flexible, and provided as black boxes without modifiable source code. To overcome the aforementioned problems, we employed the commonly used MATLAB platform to develop an automatic method, MIAQuant, for the analysis of histochemical and immunohistochemical images, stained with various methods and acquired by different tools. It automatically extracts and quantifies markers characterized by various colors and shapes; furthermore, it aligns contiguous tissue slices stained by different markers and overlaps them with differing colors for visual comparison of their localization. Application of MIAQuant for clinical research fields, such as oncology and cardiovascular disease studies, has proven its efficacy, robustness and flexibility with respect to various problems; we highlight that, the flexibility of MIAQuant makes it an important tool to be exploited for basic researches where needs are constantly changing. MIAQuant software and its user manual are freely available for clinical studies, pathological research, and diagnosis.
The career youth pastor: A contemporary reflection
Authors: Aziz Garth , Nel Malan , Davis Ronnie
Published: November 2017

There has been an increase of discussion and focus on matters of theological significance in the area of youth ministry. An area that remains neglected concerns the professional youth worker in Southern Africa. This focus on professional youth work has gained a great amount of urgency from the office of the presidency of Southern Africa, who in collaboration with the Commonwealth desk have prioritised the focus on youth work in South Africa. Unfortunately, the focus on the professional youth worker, the career youth pastor, within the church in Southern Africa fails to receive a similar amount of attention. The article will highlight the need to pursue a theological articulation around the office of the career youth pastor by building a practical theological argument for the office of career youth pastor. The article will address a case study of a mainline evangelical denomination regarding its theological articulation of the career youth pastor.
The status of rhinoceroses in South African National Parks
Authors: Ferreira Sam M. , Bissett Charlene , Cowell Carly R. , Gaylard Angela , Greaver Cathy , Hayes Jessica , Hofmeyr Markus , Moolman-van der Vyver Lizette , Zimmermann David
Published: November 2017

African rhinoceroses (rhinos) experienced a poaching onslaught since 2008 with the epicentre in South Africa where most of the world’s rhinos occur. South African national parks, under the management of South African National Parks (SANParks), are custodian to 49% of South Africa’s white and 31% of the country’s black rhinos. We collated information on rhino population sizes in seven national parks from 2011 to 2015. We include and report on rhino surveys in Kruger National Park during 2014 and 2015. Southwestern black rhinos increased over the study period, which allows SANParks to achieve its contribution to South Africa’s 2020 target of 260 individuals. South-central black rhinos declined over the study period because of poaching in the Kruger National Park, making it difficult for SANParks to realise a 9% increase per annum for its expected contribution to the South African target of 2800 individuals. For southern white rhinos, SANParks requires 5% annual growth for its contribution to the South African target of 20 400 individuals. To continue to evaluate the achievement of these targets, SANParks needs annual population estimates relying on total counts, mark-recapture techniques and block-based sample counts to track trends in rhino populations. SANParks’ primary challenge in achieving its contribution to South Africa’s rhino conservation targets is associated with curbing poaching in Kruger National Park.Conservation implications: The status and trends of rhino species in SANParks highlight key challenges associated with achieving the national targets of South Africa. Conservation managers will need to improve the protection of southern white rhino, while the Department of Environmental Affairs need to be made aware of the challenges specifically associated with not achieving targets for south-central black rhino. Outcomes for south-western black rhino have already realised and the good conservation efforts should continue.
The HIV manifestations within the gastrointestinal tract: A pictorial review
Authors: Renn Alexandra , Kazmi Farhat , Khan Nasir , Rawal Bhavin , O’Boyle Elaine
Published: November 2017

The aim of the pictorial review are to review the HIV manifestations within the gastrointestinal tract. We have detailed five conditions, with reference to the patients’ CD4 count – gastrointestinal tuberculosis, Kaposi’s sarcoma, small bowel lymphoma, cytomegalovirus colitis and anal carcinoma.
Relationship between Perceived Sleep Problems and Thalamic Size in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Compared to Non-Fatigued Controls: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Begré Stefan , Lütgert Tobias , Remonda Luca , Wiest Roland , Kiefer Claus , Von Känel Roland
Published: November 2017

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by disabling fatigue of unknown etiology. The thalamus is a key subcortical structure in sleep disorders and certain cognitive functions previously shown to be impaired in CFS patients. We investigated the association between subjective sleep quality and thalamic size in CFS. Twelve right-handed CFS patients and 12 age-, gender-, and handedness-matched healthy controls completed the Jenkins Sleep Questionnaire in order to assess subjective sleep problems. Thalamic size was determined by MR-based volumetry. More sleep problems correlated with greater total thalamic volume in patients (rP = 0.62, 95% CI 0.07–0.88, p = 0.032) but not in controls (rP = −0.034, p = 0.30). In post hoc analysis, more sleep problems correlated with right thalamic size in patients (rP = 0.70, 95% CI 0.21–0.91, p = 0.012) but not in controls (rP = −0.080, p = 0.81). Our preliminary results provide a basis for further studies on a possible role of the thalamus in sleep complaints and fatigue of patients with CFS.
A Novel High-Throughput Technique for Identifying Monoclonal Antibodies capable of Death Receptor Induced Apoptosis
Authors: Kwok Hang Fai , Gormley Julie A. , Scott Christopher J. , Johnston James A. , Olwill Shane A.
Published: November 2017

The study of death receptor family induced apoptosis has gained momentum in recent years with the knowledge that therapeutic antibodies targeting DR4 and DR5 (death receptor's 4 and 5) have proved efficacious in multiple clinical trials. The therapeutic rationale is based on targeting and amplifying a tumour tissues normal cell death programme (apoptosis). While advances in the targeting of DR4 and DR5 have been successful the search for an agonistic antibody to another family member, the Fas receptor, has proven more elusive. This is partly due to the differing in vitro and in vivo characteristics of individual antibodies. In order to induce Fas targeted cell death an antibody must be capable of binding to and trimerising the receptor. It has been shown that antibodies capable of performing this function in vivo, with the assistance of tumour associated cells, do not always induce apoptosis in vitro. As a result the use of current methodologies to detect functional antibodies in vitro may have dismissed potential therapeutic candidates ('false negative'). Here we report a novel high throughput screening technique which artificially cross-links antibodies bound to the Fas receptor. By combining this process with Annexin-V and Prodidium Iodide (PI) staining we can select for antibodies which have the potential to induce apoptosis in vivo.
Comparisons of spectral aerosol absorption in Seoul, South Korea
Authors: Mok Jungbin , Krotkov Nickolay A. , Torres Omar , Jethva Hiren , Li Zhanqing , Kim Jhoon , Koo Ja-Ho , Go Sujung , Irie Hitoshi , Labow Gordon , Eck Thomas F. , Holben Brent N. , Herman Jay , Loughman Robert P. , Spinei Elena , Lee Seoung Soo , Khatri Pradeep , Campanelli Monica
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Quantifying the aerosol absorption at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths is important for monitoring air pollution using current (e.g., Aura/OMI) and future (e.g., TROPOMI, TEMPO, GEMS, and Sentinel-4) satellite measurements. Measurements of column atmospheric aerosol absorption (i.e., column effective imaginary refractive index (k), single scattering albedo (SSA), and aerosol absorption optical depth (AAOD)) are performed on the ground by the NASA AERONET in the visible (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths and in the UV-VIS-NIR by the SKYNET networks. Previous comparison studies have focused on visible and NIR wavelengths due to the lack of co-incident measurements of aerosol and gaseous absorption properties in the UV. This study compares the SKYNET-retrieved SSA in the UV with the SSA derived from a combination of AERONET, MFRSR, and Pandora (AMP) retrievals in Seoul, South Korea in spring and summer of 2016. The results show that the spectrally invariant surface albedo assumed in the SKYNET SSA retrievals leads to underestimated SSA compared to AMP values at near UV wavelengths. Re-processed SKYNET inversions using spectrally varying surface albedo, consistent with the AERONET retrieval improves agreement with AMP SSA. The combined AMP inversions allow for separating aerosol and gaseous (NO2 and O3) absorption and provides aerosol retrievals from the shortest UVB (305 nm) through visible to NIR wavelengths (870 nm).
Effects of the interaction of ocean acidification, solar radiation, and warming on biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds cycling in the Changjiang River Estuary
Authors: Jian Shan , Zhang Jing , Zhang Hong-Hai , Yang Gui-Peng
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Ocean acidification (OA) affects marine primary productivity and community structure, and therefore may influence the biogeochemical cycles of volatile biogenic dimethyl sulfide (DMS) and its precursor dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) and photochemical oxidation product dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). A 23-day incubation experiment on board was conducted to investigate the short-term response of biogenic sulfur compounds production and cycling to OA in the Changjiang River Estuary and further understand its effects on biogenic sulfur compounds. Result showed that phytoplankton abundance and species presented remarkable differences under three different pH levels in the late stage of the experiment. A significant reduction in chlorophyll a (Chl-a), DMS, particulate DMSP (DMSPp), and dissolved DMSO (DMSOd) concentrations was identified under high CO2 levels. Moreover, minimal change was observed in the production of dissolved DMSP (DMSPd) and particulate DMSO (DMSOp) among treatments. The ratios of DMS, total DMSP (DMSPt), and total DMSO (DMSOt) to Chl-a were also not affected by a change in pH. In addition, DMS and DMSOd were highly related to mean bacterial abundance under three pH levels. Additional incubation experiments on light and temperature showed that the influence of pH on productions of dimethylated sulfur compounds also depended on solar radiation and temperature conditions. DMS photodegradation rate increased with decreasing pH under full-spectrum natural light and UVB light. Thus, OA may lead to decreasing DMS concentrations in the surface seawater. Light and temperature conditions also play an important role in the production and cycling of biogenic sulfur compounds.