bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syntactic Complexity of EFL Chinese Students’ Writing
Authors: Wang Sue , Slater Tammy
Published: February 2016

Syntactic complexity as an indicator in the study of English learners’ language proficiency has been frequently employed in language development assessment. Using the Syntactic Complexity Analyzer, developed by Lu (2010), this article collected data representing the syntactic complexity indexes from the writing of Chinese non-English major students and from the writing of proficient users of English on a similar task. The results indicate that there is a significant difference in the use of complex nominals, the mean length of sentences, and the mean length of clauses between the writings of EFL Chinese students and more proficient users. This study provides suggestions for EFL writing teaching, particularly writing at the sentence level.
Patient-Centred Multidisciplinary Inpatient Care-Have Diagnosis-Related Groups an Effect on the Doctor-Patient Relationship and Patients’ Motivation for Behavioural Change?
Authors: Romeyke Tobias , Noehammer Elisabeth , Ch.Scheuer Hans , Stummer Harald
Published: February 2016

Introduction: The aim of this, the largest survey of patients performed to date, is to analyse the effects of diagnosis related groups (DRGs) on the doctor-patient relationship in the context of interdisciplinary patient-centered care. In addition, it is intended to investigate the possibility of motivating patients to change their behavioural patterns and lifestyle in the context of holistic therapy.

Methods: Over a period of five years, a continuous survey was performed of hospitalised patients who were exercising their entitlement to interdisciplinary therapy in an acute, inpatient setting.

Results: The therapy was evaluated as good to very good both with and without the conditions of the case tariff fee system. Effects of the diagnosis related groups on the quality of the doctor-patient relationship could not be demonstrated (Mann-Whitney U test, p>0,05). A clear trend was evident in the influence on motivation to change behavioural patterns and lifestyle (Fisher's exact test, p=0,000).

Conclusions: Studies of the effects of reimbursement systems in the context of interdisciplinary care are still in their infancy, despite the widespread use of diagnosis related groups. The mandatory character implicit in the case tariff fee system, which requires minimum qualitative standards for structural and procedural parameters in the context of providing interdisciplinary patient-centered care, can influence patients' behavioural patterns and lifestyle.
Efficacy of Eye Movements Desensitization and Reprocessing on the Quality of Life of the Patients with Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Salehian Tahmineh , Saeedinejad Saidzaker , Behnammoghadam Mohammad , Shafiee Mohsen , Mohammadhossini Sima , Behnammoghadam Zargham , Behnammoghadam Aziz , Ebrahimpour Soheil , Paymard Akvan
Published: February 2016

Myocardial infarction causes limitations in the physical activity and perturbation of quality of life.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of eye movements desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) on the quality of life of these patients. This study was conducted in two groups as the before and after while the effect of eye movements desensitization and reprocessing on the quality of life of the patients with Myocardial infarction. Sampling was done based on the purposive sampling. Patients were randomly divided into two experimental and control groups (30 patients in each group). Samples were assigned through randomized allocation. In the experimental group, the EMDR method was carried out on the patients in five 90-minute sessions over a two week period. In the control group no intervention was received. Data of Quality of life, pre-treatment, post-treatment were analyzed using SPSS. The results showed that the quality of life increase in all its dimensions of the experimental group, after performing the EMDR therapy significantly (P=0.001). Treatment what has already been stated, was effective on the quality of life in patients. Treatment team members can use this method as an effective intervention in order to improve the quality of life of their patients.
Self-Reported Oral Health Attitudes and Behavior of Dental and Medical students, Yemen
Authors: Halboub Esam S. , Al-Maweri Sadeq A. , Al-Jamaei Aisha A. , Al-wesabi Mohammed A. , Shamala Anas , Al-kamel Ahlam , Alsharani Amani , Eissa Nassar
Published: February 2016

Objectives: To assess self-reported oral health attitudes and behavior among undergraduate dental and medical students, and to analyze the variations in oral health attitudes based on gender, level of education, study discipline, academic average, and type of university.

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire based on the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioural Inventory (HU-DBI) was distributed to 1269 undergraduate dental and medical students at two universities (one public and one private) in Sana’a, Yemen.

Results: Overall, the mean questionnaire score for the total sample was markedly low (4.91±1.58), with no significant difference between dental and medical students (P>0.05). Females had better oral health attitudes and behavior, especially towards visiting the dentist, tooth-brushing habits and oral hygiene practices (P<0.05). Students attending the public university had better oral health attitudes and behaviors than those attending the private university (P=0.049). On the other hand, no significant associations were observed between students’ oral health attitudes/behavior and level of education and academic performance (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Yemeni dental and medical students have shown markedly poor oral health attitude and behavior. Further studies are required to reveal possible shortcoming in these schools’ education process. Dental and medical curricula should emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene, and further participation of medical and dental students in oral hygiene seminars is highly encouraged.
Pathology of Social Violence Phenomenon in Ardabil Province: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Habibzadeh Shahram , Poufarzi Farhad , Mehrtak Mohammad , Sadeghiyeh-Ahari Saied , Jafari-Oori Mehdi , Hajizadeh-Bastani Karim , Azari Arezoo
Published: February 2016

Introduction: In all human societies, domestic violence is known as a threat. Violence is imposing one's will on others through mental pressure and physical damage then can cause a feeling of anxiety and insecurity in them, especially for the weaker and more vulnerable groups such as women, children, elderly and minority groups who are the victims of oppression and socioeconomic inequalities. According to statistics, Ardabil, in comparison with other Iran’s provinces, has the most number of violent crimes. This qualitative research was conducted with the aim of exploring pathological phenomena of social violence in Ardabil province.

Methods: this qualitative study was conducted with expert panel. Eighteen participants were selected with targeted sampling method from professors and the heads of the administrative offices who were linked to the phenomenon of social violence and have rich experiences with the social violence issues. After obtaining an informed consent from the participants, expert panel were conducted in two sessions of 150 minutes. At each session all discourse was recorded and after that, immediately transcribed verbatim. Then, the codes, sub-themes and the themes were obtained.

Results: The five main extracted themes included: social, historical and anthropological, cultural, economic and regional factors and 13 sub-themes were classified.

Conclusion: Social, economic, cultural and regional structure, which have been formed and institutionalized in the society over the years, can be influenced and changed by government policies and a variety of programs.
Association between Foot Posture Index and Ankle Sprain in Indoor Football Players
Authors: Cherati Afsaneh Safar , Dousti Masoud , Younespour Shima
Published: February 2016

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between foot type and ankle sprain incidence.

Method: In a prospective cohort study using the FPI, 68 adult male and female indoor football (Futsal) players were measured and their feet were classified according to foot posture index (FPI) as neutral, supinated and pronated. They were followed over 6 month as a one competition season and at the end, any injuries at the ankle during this period were detected.

Result: There was no significant association between FPI score (considering the total FPI score and its six components) and occurrence of ankle sprain. Also, no association was existed between gender, age, height, weight, BMI, duration of professional exercise, dominant foot and occurrence of ankle sprain. In this study, the history of previous ankle sprain was the only significant predictor of the occurrence of ankle sprain in the follow-up period. Participants with the positive history of previous ankle sprain were at higher risk of developing new ankle sprain (OR=6.02, 95% CI: (1.93, 18.84), p=0.002).

Conclusion: There was no significant association between FPI score and occurrence of ankle sprain.

Limitation: there was scarce of supinated foot in the study so evaluation of relationship between supinated feet and ankle sprain was not applicable.
Comparative Assessment of the Effects of Three Local Anesthetics: Lidocaine, Prilocaine, and Mepivacaine on Blood Pressure Changes in Patients with Controlled Hypertension
Authors: Hashemi Seyyed Hamed Jalalian , Ladez Shamsodin Rigi , Moghadam Somaye Ansari
Published: February 2016

Background: Given large number of patients with hypertension attending dental clinics and the profound effects of local anesthetics containing vasoconstrictors, this study aimed to compare the effects of lidocaine 2% + epinephrine, prilocaine 3% + felypressin0.03, and mepivacaine 3% on blood pressure changes.

Methods: The current study was carried out from May 2014 to February 2015.Patients with controlled hypertension (systolic blood pressure<159.94 mmHg before the injection) who attended Zahedan dental school (Zahedan , Iran) for the extraction of a mandibular tooth were selected and randomly allocated to three groups of 20. Groups 1-3 received lidocaine 2% + epinephrine, prilocaine 3% + felypressin 0.03 units, and mepivacaine3%, respectively. Patients were only included if they were injected with a maximum of two 1.8 ml cartridges (3.6 ml) for tooth extraction (maximum epinephrine dose of 0.04 mg was maintained in systemic patients).The collected data were analyzed using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) in SPSS 19.0. (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA)

Results: No significant differences were observed between the systolic and diastolic blood pressure of the three groups. The three evaluated local anesthetic solutions had similar effects in patients with controlled hypertension.

Conclusion: While no significant changes in blood pressure were observed in three groups, all dental procedures on the mentioned group of patients have to be performed under careful monitoring and aspiration. Moreover, the maximum epinephrine dose (0.04mg) should never be exceeded in these patients.
A Path Analysis of Factors Influencing the First Childbearing Decision-Making in Women in Shahrood in 2014
Authors: Kariman Nourossadat , Amerian Maliheh , Jannati Padideh , Salmani Fatemeh , Hamzekhani Mazlumeh
Published: February 2016

Background and Objectives: Normal fertility follows a set of biological, social and cultural rules and regulations; controlled fertility, however, follows the rules and regulations of the family. The present study was therefore conducted to identify the factors influencing the first childbearing decision-making in women living in Shahroud, Iran, in 2014.

Materials and Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 randomly-selected pregnant women admitted to health centers in Shahroud. The utilized data collection tools included a demographic and obstetrics questionnaire, a quality of life questionnaire, the ENRICH Marital Satisfaction Scale, the Snyder Hope Scale and the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were analyzed in SPSS-17 and the direct or inverse effects of the factors influencing the first childbearing decision-making were examined in AMOS-20.

Results: The results obtained revealed marital age to have the highest degree of correlation with the first childbearing decision-making in women (r=0.90 and P<0.001).Once the statistically insignificant paths were eliminated, marital age was found to have the highest direct effect (β=0.63) on the first childbearing decision-making, followed by other factors including economic status (β=0.07), hopefulness (β=-0.07) and quality of life (β=-0.05). The inverse effects of marital age (β=0.01), social support (β= -0.01) and quality of life (β=-0.01) on the first childbearing decision-making were found to be significant in women (P<0.001).

Conclusion: Many factors are involved in the process of childbearing decision-making, including individual factors (marital age, hopefulness and quality of life), familial factors (marital satisfaction) and social factors (social support). Healthcare institutions and policymakers should adopt strategies that can help couples bear their desired number of children within an appropriate time frame through ameliorating their social, economic and familial conditions.
Developing a Mathematics Instructional Practice Survey: Considerations and Evidence
Authors: Carney Michele B. , Brendefur Jonathan L. , Hughes Gwyneth R. , Thiede Keith
Published: February 2016

As mathematics teacher educators, it is imperative that we have high-quality tools that conceptualize and operationalize mathematics instruction for large-scale examination. We first describe existing instructional practice survey scales, including their conceptualization of practice and related validity evidence. We then present the framework and initial validity evidence for our mathematics instructional practice survey. Survey participants were inservice teachers in a statewide mandated mathematics professional development course. Statistical analyses indicate the items measure two constructs: social-constructivist and transmission-based instructional practice. Of particular interest is the result that these two constructs were negligibly correlated. This is in contrast to the generally accepted notion that social-constructivist and transmission-based instructional practices are the two polar ends of a single construct for describing instructional practice.
Buitinių patogumų pokyčiai Vilniaus pirklių namuose XIX a. antrojoje pusėje
Authors: Ambrulevičiūtė Aelita
Published: February 2016

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama Vilniaus pirklių – pasiturinčių miestiečių su mažiau ribotomis finansinėmis galimybėmis – buities organizavimo pokyčiai XIX a. antrojoje pusėje, susiję su naujų buitinių patogumų formų plitimu, būstų erdvės reorganizavimu.
Mitinis vandens kodas Antano Vaičiulaičio novelėje „Akmenų laukas“
Authors: Bankauskaitė-Sereikienė Gabija
Published: February 2016

Straipsnyje mitopoetiniu aspektu tiriant vandens hierofaniją analizuojama Antano Vaičiulaičio novelė „Akmenų laukas“. Novelė konstruojama kaip viena iš pagrindinio veikėjo vaikystės istorijų, „kelionė į save“, į momentą, kai prarandamas „rojus“ ir prieš akis atsiveria „mirties vartai“. Archetipinę funkciją čia atlieka vanduo, kuris yra gyvybės, mirties, moteriškumo išraiška, kuris skatina prisiminimus, išreiškia ciklišką gyvybės rato judesį, atlieka atminties ir pranašo, apvalymo ir atnaujinimo, išeities ir gelbėjimo funkciją, simbolizuoja ribą ir kliūtį, jausmus ir svajones, kovą bei neįsisąmonintą pasaulėkūros procesą. Kasdienybės ir ribinių situacijų permąstymas, lūžių ir permainų išgyvenimas atšaukus pasaulietinį laiką, sugrįžus į kritinį momentą per kartotę ir ritualą leidžia pakylėti A. Vaičiulaičiui gyvenimo tikrovę virš buities, suteikti vaizduojamiems įvykiams mitinį kodą ir visuotinę vertę.
Karakterisation af oversættelse for de til Chomsky-hierarkiet hørende automater
Authors: Schmidt Erik Meineche
Published: February 2016

This publication is the author's master's thesis. It treats the following problem: If one takes a ''Chomsky-automaton'' (i. e. a finite state automaton, a push-down automaton, a linear bounded automaton or a Turing Machine) and equips it with output one obtains the corresponding translator. Define the graph of a translator as the set of pairs (x, y) where input x belongs to the language accepted by the automaton and y is the ouput produced while processing x . How can such graphs be characterized ?

A characterization is given for all Chomsky types in terms of pair grammars generating the graphs as well as in terms of homomorphic images of a language of corresponding type. The publication was intended to be used as material in connection with a course on automata theory and hence it contains proofs of theorems appearing elsewhere in the literature.
Appendix B til Specialeopgaven: Konstruktion og Implementering af interaktivt theorem proving system: Brugervejledning
Authors: Mathiesen Willy
Published: February 2016

This is a user manual for a truly interactive theorem-proving program. The program treats logic as a natural deduction system, is written in PASCAL, and runs on the CDC 6400 at RECAU in Aarhus.
A Computer Solution of Polygonal Jigsaw-Puzzles
Authors: Lynning Ejvind
Published: February 2016

This paper describes a program to solve any jigsaw-puzzle involving pieces of polygonal shape. An efficient solution has been found to depend on a number of ad hoc strategies which are described in detail in the paper. The puzzles are solved by successively placing individual pieces in the region to be covered using a depth-first tree search algorithm. A formal representation of regions, pieces, and placings of pieces is defined. The main idea behind the chosen representation is to orient clockwise the Dolygons making up a region, and to orient counterclockwise the pieces to be placed. Placing a piece means computing a valid new region, i. e., one or more clockwise oriented polygons, constructed from the previous one by removing the part corresponding to the piece which is placed. The data structure and the procedures required to examine where pieces can be placed and to perform the placings are also described. All the puzzles that have so far been presented to the program have been successfully solved in a resonable time.
Når TV-kokken ofrer lam. Maskulinitetsforhandlinger via lammekroppe i "autentiske" miljøer i Jamie's Italian Escape og Le chef en France.
Authors: Leer Jonathan
Published: February 2016

Siden årtusindeskiftet har man set en synliggørelse af slagtning i madprogrammer med mandlige værter. Denne artikel kaster et kønsperspektiv på denne fornyede interesse blandt mandlige kendiskokke for at deltage i og vise dyreslagtning. Dette bliver gjort gennem nærlæsninger af Jamie Oliver programmet Jamie’s Italian Escape (Channel 4, 2006) og det franske madprogram Le Chef en France (M6, 2012) med kokken Cyril Lignac. De to analyseeksempler har det til fælles, at det i begge tilfælde er lam, der slås ihjel og tilberedes. I artiklen analyseres, hvordan slagtningerne i disse madprogrammer bliver en del af en kompleks maskulinitetsforhandling omkring lammekroppen, hvori forskellige maskulinitetsdiskurser brydes via en række andre diskurser, ikke mindst en autenticitetsdiskurs, som er tydelig i begge eksempler. Analysen forsøger at komme med et nuanceret billede af, hvordan dyreslagtning – med tilhørende forestillinger om autenticitet – på fragmentariske og modsætningsfyldte måder integreres i aktuelle maskulinitetskonstruktioner.
Kvote og fisk på det frie marked
Authors: Høst Jeppe
Published: February 2016

Et af de centrale redskaber i forvaltningen af dansk fiskeri har siden 1970erne været fiskekvoter. Kvoterne satte en øvre grænse for, hvor store mængder fisk Danmark måtte udtage af sine farvande, og blev dermed det centrale bindeled mellem naturressourcen, fiskere og forvaltning. Disse kvoter blev forvaltet som et fælles gode, indtil de fra omkring 2001 blev opdelt, privatiseret og tildelt de individuelle fartøjsejere. Denne artikel undersøger først kvotesystemets historiske oprindelse, som findes i et spænd mellem havbiologi, mellemstatsligt samarbejde og fiskernes fangstpraksisser. Herefter fokuserer jeg i artiklen på konsekvenserne af privatiseringen af fiskeressourcerne og gennem empirisk materiale udfoldes en række eksempler, der viser, hvordan markedet, forvaltningen og de forskellige fangstpraksisser sameksisterer med fiskekvoten som det centrale omdrejningspunkt. Et grundlæggende spørgsmål bliver for kvoteejerne – og for artiklen – at finde grundlaget for kvoternes værdi samt at forstå, hvordan kvoter som handelsvare knytter fisken som naturressource sammen med både marked og fiskere.
Rage narcissique et réussite scolaire chez des adolescents haïtiens issus des milieux sociaux défavorisés à Port-au-Prince
Authors: Billy Raynold , Jean Jacques Ronald , Derivois Daniel
Published: February 2016

La réussite scolaire constitue un enjeu important pour les familles et les adolescents haïtiens issus des milieux socio-économiquement défavorisés. Elle représente un passage nécessaire pour échapper aux conditions de vie difficiles et parvenir à une certaine ascension sociale. Tout échec de ces adolescents sur le plan scolaire risque de leur faire connaître un sort encore plus difficile que celui de leurs parents. Il est alors important de s’interroger sur les facteurs qui expliquent le succès scolaire de certains jeunes évoluant en milieu précaire. Cet article se propose d’analyser, dans une perspective psychosociale clinique, les résultats d’une étude qualitative réalisée auprès de huit (8) adolescents haïtiens scolarisés vivant dans certains quartiers défavorisés de Port-au-Prince. L’accent est mis sur la construction de la rage narcissique de ces jeunes comme mobilisation de l’énergie psychique au service d’un soi blessé, résultant dans le cas de ces sujets, de certaines pratiques éducatives de leurs parents et d’une prise de conscience progressive des conditions socio-économiques précaires qui caractérisent leur vie ainsi que des différents affronts symboliques, humiliations et mépris associés à ces conditions précaires. Ainsi, l’analyse, montre comment cette soif insatiable de vengeance et de réparation de soi, liées aux blessures narcissiques dont sont l’objet ces adolescents, constituent un élément déterminant de leur investissement scolaire.
Impact des changements climatiques sur les interactions moléculaires entre le nématode à kyste du soya (Heterodera glycines) et son hôte principal, le soya (Glycine max)
Authors: Gendron St-Marseille Anne-Frédérique , Bélair Guy , Brodeur Jacques , Bourgeois Gaétan , Mimee Benjamin
Published: February 2016

Au Canada, le nématode à kyste du soya,Heterodera glycines(NKS), a d’abord été détecté en Ontario en 1988 et plus récemment au Québec en 2013. Il est la principale cause des pertes économiques associées à la production de soya au Canada et aux États-Unis. Les moyens de lutte contre ce ravageur sont limités et reposent essentiellement sur l’exploitation des gènes de résistance naturels du soya. II est primordial d’étudier la réponse du NKS ainsi que celle de son hôte sous le climat du Québec afin de développer des stratégies de lutte efficaces. De plus, les fluctuations de température associées aux changements climatiques modifieront les traits biologiques du NKS, la phénologie de son hôte et leur interaction. Cela pourrait ainsi affecter l’efficacité et la durabilité des outils de gestion. Dans ce contexte, l’impact des changements climatiques anticipés sur les interactions entre le nématode à kyste du soya et son hôte principal, le soya, sera présenté.
Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN enhancement-mode MOS high-electron-mobility transistors with Al2O3 dielectric obtained by ozone water oxidization method
Authors: Lee Ching-Sung , Hsu Wei-Chou , Liu Han-Yin , Tsai Jung-Hui , Huang Hung-Hsi
Published: February 2016

Al0.25Ga0.75N/GaN enhancement-mode (E-mode) metal–oxide–semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistors (MOS-HEMTs) obtained by the ozone water oxidization method are investigated in this work. Decreased gate leakage and reduced channel depletion are obtained by forming the Al2O3 dielectric layer of the MOS gate structure by a cost-effective oxidization method. Pulse current–voltage (I–V), low-frequency noise, and Hooge coefficient measurements are compared to verify the interface quality improved by the oxide passivation effect. In comparison, a conventional Schottky-gate HEMT device is also fabricated on the same epitaxial sample. Enhanced device gain, current drive density, breakdown, on/off current ratio, and high-temperature stability up to 450 K are also investigated in this work.
GaNSb alloys grown with H2 and N2 carrier gases
Authors: Komori Daisuke , Takarabe Kaku , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Miyajima Takao , Kamiyama Satoshi , Iwaya Motoaki , Akasaki Isamu
Published: February 2016

We grew GaNSb layers with H2 and N2 carrier gases by metalorganic vapor phase epitaxy. We estimated the GaSb molar fraction in a GaNSb layer grown with H2 by Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy. A 0.8% GaSb molar fraction was obtained, which was consistent with the value obtained by secondary ion mass spectroscopy. We correlated the obtained GaSb molar fraction with the c-axis lattice constant of GaSb estimated from an X-ray diffraction pattern. We investigated GaSb molar fractions in GaNSb grown with H2 and N2 at various growth temperatures. While GaSb molar fractions in the H2 case showed a plateau at 0.8% at less than 800 °C, those in the N2 case increased to 1.1% with a decrease in the growth temperature to 750 °C. Sb incorporation into GaNSb could be further improved by carrying out growth under N2, similar to the case of GaInN growth.
Impact of Molinate Exposure on Male Courtship Behavior and Acetylcholinesterase Activity in Zebrafish, Danio rerio
Authors: Sullivan Shannon L. , Salek Stephen J. , Chao Shirley L.
Published: February 2016

Molinate, a thiocarbamate herbicide, is used to control broad-leaf and grassy weeds. Studies have shown that molinate alters a range of animal behaviors to produce the following symptoms following exposure: lethargy, erratic swimming, and tremors. Fish, in particular, showed variability in sensitivity to molinate. Possible mechanism of action in such observed behavior is alteration in the cholinergic nervous system responsible for messenger transmission in the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. The current study examined the possible disruption of spawning behavior in zebrafish (Danio rerio) following molinate exposure. Findings indicate that while various forms of spawning behavior were not altered significantly in fish exposed to molinate, a significant difference was observed in the total number of eggs produced; control fish produced approximately twice as many eggs compared to molinate-treated fish. Furthermore, significantly higher levels of acetylcholinesterase activity were observed in male fish, indicating a compensatory mechanism following toxic insult. In conclusion, while molinate does not appear to impact male courtship behavior in zebrafish, the pesticide does appear to alter acetylcholinesterase activity in males, suggesting disruption of the nervous system in males.
Evaluation of Underlying Lymphocytic Thyroiditis With Histogram Analysis Using Grayscale Ultrasound Images
Authors: Kim Ga Ram , Kim Eun-Kyung , Kim Soo Jin , Ha Eun Ju , Yoo Jaeheung , Lee Hye Sun , Hong Jung Hwa , Yoon Jung Hyun , Moon Hee Jung , Kwak Jin Young
Published: February 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to evaluate diagnostic performance of histogram analysis using grayscale ultrasound (US) images in the diagnosis of lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Methods

Three radiologists reviewed a total of 505 US images and classified the images according to the presence/existence of lymphocytic thyroiditis. After 2 months, each reviewer repeated the process with the same 505 images in a randomly mixed order. The intraobserver and interobserver variability was analyzed with a generalized κ value. Four histogram parameters (mean value, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis) were obtained, and an index was calculated from principal component analysis. Diagnostic performances were compared.

Results

Of 505 patients, 125 (24.8%) had lymphocytic thyroiditis, and 380 (75.2%) had normal thyroid parenchyma on pathologic analysis. The κ value for intraobserver variance ranged from −0.002 to 0.781, and the overall κ values for interobserver variance were 0.570 and 0.214 in the first and second tests, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for the 3 reviewers versus the principal component analysis index were 28.0% to 83.2%, 43.7% to 82.6%, 53.5% to 79.0%, 24.6% to 56.2%, and 75.2% to 88.9% versus 58.4%, 72.4%, 68.9%, 41.0%, and 84.1%.

Conclusions

Histogram analysis of grayscale US images provided confirmable and quantitative information about lymphocytic thyroiditis and was comparable with performers’ assessments in diagnostic performance.
Structure of serum amyloid A suggests a mechanism for selective lipoprotein binding and functions: SAA as a hub in macromolecular interaction networks
Authors: Frame Nicholas M. , Gursky Olga
Published: February 2016

Serum amyloid A is a major acute‐phase plasma protein that modulates innate immunity and cholesterol homeostasis. We combine sequence analysis with x‐ray crystal structures to postulate that SAA acts as an intrinsically disordered hub mediating interactions among proteins, lipids and proteoglycans. A structural model of lipoprotein‐bound SAA monomer is proposed wherein two α‐helices from the N‐domain form a concave hydrophobic surface that binds lipoproteins. A C‐domain, connected to the N‐domain via a flexible linker, binds polar/charged ligands including cell receptors, bridging them with lipoproteins and rerouting cholesterol transport. Our model is supported by the SAA cleavage in the interdomain linker to generate the 1–76 fragment deposited in reactive amyloidosis. This model sheds new light on functions of this enigmatic protein.
Multiparametric observation of volcanic lightning: Sakurajima Volcano, Japan
Authors: Cimarelli C. , Alatorre‐Ibargüengoitia M. A. , Aizawa K. , Yokoo A. , Díaz‐Marina A. , Iguchi M. , Dingwell D. B.
Published: February 2016

We recorded volcanic lightning generated by Vulcanian explosions at Sakurajima Volcano using a synchronized multiparametric array. Physical properties of lightning are related to plume dynamics, and associated electromagnetic field variations are revealed by video observations (high speed and normal speed) together with infrasound and high sampling rate magnetotelluric signals. Data show that volcanic lightning at Sakurajima mainly occurs in the plume gas thrust region at a few hundred meters above the crater rim, where the overpressure of the turbulent volcanic jets determines the electrification of particles generating a complex charge structure in the growing plume. Organization of charges may be achieved at later stages when the plume transitions from the jet phase to the convective phase. Comparison with atmospheric sounding and maximum plume height data show that the effect of hydrometeors on flash generation at Sakurajima is negligible and can be more prudently considered as an additional factor contributing to the electrification of volcanic plumes.
Transport and chemical loss rates in Saturn's inner plasma disk
Authors: Holmberg M. K. G. , Wahlund J.‐E. , Vigren E. , Cassidy T. A. , Andrews D. J.
Published: February 2016

The Kronian moon Enceladus is constantly feeding its surrounding with new gas and dust, from cryovolcanoes located in its south polar region. Through photoionization and impact ionization of these neutrals, a plasma disk is created, which mainly contains hydrogen ions and water group ions. This paper investigates the importance of ion loss by outward radial transport and ion loss by dissociative recombination, which is the dominant chemical loss process in the inner plasma disk. We use plasma densities derived from several years of measurements by the Cassini Radio and Plasma Wave Science electric field power spectral density and Langmuir probe to calculate the total flux tube content NL2. Our calculation shows that NL2 agrees well with earlier estimates within dipole L shell 8. We also show that loss by transport dominates chemical loss between L shells 4 and 10. Using extrapolation of available measurements, we extend the study to include L shells 2.5 to 4. The results indicate that loss by transport dominates chemical loss also between L shells 2.5 and 4. The loss rate by transport is around five times larger at L shell 5, and the difference increases as L7.7 beyond L = 5, for the net ion population. Chemical loss may still be important for the structure of the plasma disk in the region closest to Enceladus (around ±0.5 RS) at 3.95 RS (1 RS = Saturn's equatorial radius = 60,268 km), since the transport and chemical loss rates only differ by a factor of ∼2 in this region. We also derive the total plasma content of the plasma disk between L shells 4 and 10 to be 1.9 × 1033 ions and the total ion source rate for the same region to be 5.8 × 1027 s−1. The estimated equatorial ion production rate P ranges from 2.6 × 10−5 cm−3 s−1 (at L = 10) to 1.1 × 10−4 cm−3 s−1 (at L = 4.8). The net mass loading rate is derived to be 123 kg/s for L shells 4 to 10.
Electrodynamic structure of the morning high‐latitude trough region
Authors: Vanhamäki H. , Aikio A. , Voiculescu M. , Juusola L. , Nygrén T. , Kuula R.
Published: February 2016

We describe the electrodynamics of a postmidnight, high‐latitude ionospheric trough, observed with the European Incoherent Scatter radar in northern Scandinavia on 24–25 June 2003 around 22:00–02:30 UT during quiet conditions. The UHF radar made meridian scans with a 30 min cadence resulting in nine cross sections of ionospheric parameters. The F region electric field was also determined with the tristatic system. Ionospheric equivalent currents, calculated from ground magnetometer data, mostly show an electrojet‐like current that is reasonably uniform in the longitudinal direction. Combined analysis of the conductances and equivalent current with a local Kamide‐Richmond‐Matsushita (KRM) method yields the ionospheric electric field and field‐aligned current (FAC) in a 2‐D (latitude‐longitude) area around the radar. We conclude that the most likely scenario is one where the trough is initially created poleward of the auroral oval by downward FAC that evacuates the F region, but as the trough moves to lower latitudes during the early morning hours, it becomes colocated with the westward electrojet. There the electron density further decreases due to increased recombination caused by enhanced ion temperature, which in turn is brought about by a larger convection speed. Later in the morning the convection speed decreases and the trough is filled by increasing photoionization.
Measurement and modeling of the refilling plasmasphere during 2001
Authors: Krall J. , Huba J. D. , Jordanova V. K. , Denton R. E. , Carranza T. , Moldwin M. B.
Published: February 2016

The Naval Research Laboratory SAMI3 (Sami3 is Also a Model of the Ionosphere) and the RAM‐CPL (Ring current Atmosphere interaction Model‐Cold PLasma) codes are used to model observed plasmasphere dynamics during 25 November 2001 to 1 December 2001 and 1–5 February 2001. Model results compare well to plasmasphere observations of electron and mass densities. Comparison of model results to refilling data and to each other shows good agreement, generally within a factor of 2. We find that SAMI3 plasmaspheric refilling rates and ion densities are sensitive to the composition and temperature of the thermosphere and exosphere, and to photoelectron heating. Results also support our previous finding that the wind‐driven dynamo significantly impacts both refilling rates and plasmasphere dynamics during quiet periods.
Systematic assessment of the static stress triggering hypothesis using interearthquake time statistics
Authors: Nandan Shyam , Ouillon Guy , Woessner Jochen , Sornette Didier , Wiemer Stefan
Published: February 2016

A likely source of earthquake clustering is static stress transfer between individual events. Previous attempts to quantify the role of static stress for earthquake triggering generally considered only the stress changes caused by large events and often discarded data uncertainties. We conducted a robust twofold empirical test of the static stress change hypothesis by accounting for all events of magnitudeM ≥ 2.5 and their location and focal mechanism uncertainties provided by catalogs for Southern California between 1981 and 2010, first after resolving the focal plane ambiguity and second after randomly choosing one of the two nodal planes. For both cases, we find compelling evidence supporting the static triggering with stronger evidence after resolving the focal plane ambiguity above significantly small (about 10 Pa) but consistently observed stress thresholds. The evidence for the static triggering hypothesis is robust with respect to the choice of the friction coefficient, Skempton's coefficient, and magnitude threshold. Weak correlations between the Coulomb index (fraction of earthquakes that received positive Coulomb stress change) and the coefficient of friction indicate that the role of normal stress in triggering is rather limited. Last but not the least, we determined that the characteristic time for the loss of the stress change memory of a single event is nearly independent of the amplitude of the Coulomb stress change and varies between ~95 and ~180 days implying that forecasts based on static stress changes will have poor predictive skills beyond times that are larger than a few hundred days on average.
Plume‐orogenic lithosphere interaction recorded in the Haladala layered intrusion in the Southwest Tianshan Orogen, NW China
Authors: He Peng‐Li , Huang Xiao‐Long , Xu Yi‐Gang , Li Hong‐Yan , Wang Xue , Li Wu‐Xian
Published: February 2016

The plume‐orogenic lithosphere interaction may be common and important for the generation of large igneous provinces. The information regarding such a process is recorded by the Haladala gabbroic intrusion (~300 Ma), the largest layered ultramafic‐mafic intrusion hosting V‐Ti magnetite deposits in the Southwest Tianshan Orogen, NW China. The Haladala gabbros exhibit unfractionated chondrite‐normalized rare earth element patterns with negative Nb and Ta anomalies and positive Pb anomaly on the primitive mantle‐normalized multielement variation diagram. They are characterized by low initial Sr isotopes, slightly decoupled but high positive bulk rock εNd(t) and εHf(t), and high 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb relative to 206Pb/204Pb, delineating a DUPAL signature in the sources. The Haladala gabbros cannot be arc or postcollisional magmatism, given the lack of hydrous minerals and low K contents, respectively. This is further supported by the relatively low oxygen fugacity required for the gradual enrichment of V‐Ti magnetite during the magma fractionation and by an overall anhydrous mantle source suggested by troctolite mineral assemblage (olivine + plagioclase). The emplacement age of the Haladala gabbros is identical to that of the Wajilitag kimberlites in the Tarim's interior, which have been interpreted as the first magmatic expression of the Tarim mantle plume. We thus propose that the Haladala gabbroic intrusion was generated in a hybrid geodynamic setting in which the Southwest Tianshan Orogen was impacted by an upwelling mantle plume. In this sense, the Haladala layered gabbroic intrusion records the early phase of magmatism of the Tarim plume, which was preferentially emplaced in a lithospheric weak zone.
Poleward propagation of parametric subharmonic instability‐induced inertial waves
Authors: Xie Xiaohui , Liu Qian , Shang Xiaodong , Chen Guiying , Wang Dongxiao
Published: February 2016

This study presents two sets of current records obtained from the South China Sea and satellite altimeter data, and it suggests that near‐inertial waves induced by parametric subharmonic instability (PSI) associated with internal tides can be transported poleward beyond their critical latitude φc by background geostrophic flow (BGF). The two mooring locations were poleward of φc (≈14°N) for diurnal subharmonics (0.5D1; half diurnal frequency D1); however, both of the current records revealed clear signals at 0.5D1. The enhanced subinertial motion at 0.5D1 exhibited a fortnightly spring‐neap cycle but did not agree with that of D1, indicating that it may not be generated via PSI associated with the local D1. Observations from the altimeter data and a ray‐tracing simulation suggested that these nonlocally generated 0.5D1 waves may be excited near their φc, after which they propagated poleward under the role of the BGF to the observation site with a latitude higher than φc. The poleward propagation of near‐inertial waves can produce elevated vertical shears; thus, it may play an important role in enhancing the local turbulent mixing.
Quantifying the impacts of land surface schemes and dynamic vegetation on the model dependency of projected changes in surface energy and water budgets
Authors: Yu Miao , Wang Guiling , Chen Haishan
Published: February 2016

Assessing and quantifying the uncertainties in projected future changes of energy and water budgets over land surface are important steps toward improving our confidence in climate change projections. In this study, the contribution of land surface models to the inter‐GCM variation of projected future changes in land surface energy and water fluxes are assessed based on output from 19 global climate models (GCMs) and offline Community Land Model version 4 (CLM4) simulations driven by meteorological forcing from the 19 GCMs. Similar offline simulations using CLM4 with its dynamic vegetation submodel are also conducted to investigate how dynamic vegetation feedback, a process that is being added to more earth system models, may amplify or moderate the intermodel variations of projected future changes. Projected changes are quantified as the difference between the 2081–2100 period from the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) future experiment and the 1981–2000 period from the historical simulation. Under RCP8.5, projected changes in surface water and heat fluxes show a high degree of model dependency across the globe. Although precipitation is very likely to increase in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere, a high degree of model‐related uncertainty exists for evapotranspiration, soil water content, and surface runoff, suggesting discrepancy among land surface models (LSMs) in simulating the surface hydrological processes and snow‐related processes. Large model‐related uncertainties for the surface water budget also exist in the Tropics including southeastern South America and Central Africa. These uncertainties would be reduced in the hypothetical scenario of a single near‐perfect land surface model being used across all GCMs, suggesting the potential to reduce uncertainties through the use of more consistent approaches toward land surface model development. Under such a scenario, the most significant reduction is likely to be seen in the Northern Hemisphere high latitudes. Including representation of vegetation dynamics is expected to further amplify the model‐related uncertainties in projected future changes in surface water and heat fluxes as well as soil moisture content. This is especially the case in the high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere (e.g., northwestern North America and central North Asia) where the projected vegetation changes are uncertain and in the Tropics (e.g., the Amazon and Congo Basins) where dense vegetation exists. Findings from this study highlight the importance of improving land surface model parameterizations related to soil and snow processes, as well as the importance of improving the accuracy of dynamic vegetation models.
The combined influences of autumnal snow and sea ice on Northern Hemisphere winters
Authors: Furtado J. C. , Cohen J. L. , Tziperman E.
Published: February 2016

Past studies have demonstrated a significant relationship between the phase and amplitude of the Northern Annular Mode (NAM) and both Arctic sea ice and high‐latitude snow cover during boreal autumn. However, those studies have considered these forcings separately. Here we consider the collective effect of Arctic sea ice and snow cover variability for producing skillful subseasonal forecasts for Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter conditions. We find that these two cryospheric elements interact with the extratropical atmosphere differently through the cold season. Sea ice extent minima during November play a role in stratospheric and tropospheric circulation anomalies during November/December with a secondary maximum in late January/February. October snow cover anomalies, however, have impacts on the NAM primarily during middle to late winter. These timing differences are likely tied to differences in anomalous wave driving between the two cases, though other processes may be in play. We exploit these different influences to produce a skillful forecast model of subseasonal NH surface temperatures using both sea ice and snow cover as predictors, with large gains in skills in January. Overall, our study suggests that the Arctic has a demonstrable and detectable influence on midlatitude winter weather in the present and likely future climate.
The association between AIDS‐related stigma and aggression toward gay men and lesbians
Authors: Vincent Wilson , Peterson John L. , Parrott Dominic J.
Published: February 2016

This study examined whether self‐identified race and prior contact with a gay man or lesbian moderate the association between AIDS‐related stigma and aggression toward gay men and lesbians when controlling for sexual prejudice. A regional, community‐recruited sample of 194 heterosexual men (50% Black, 50% White) completed measures of AIDS‐related stigma, sexual prejudice, and prior contact with gay men and lesbians. Regression analyses showed that AIDS‐related stigma was positively associated with aggression toward gay men and lesbians among White men who reported no prior contact, but not among White men who endorsed prior contact and Black men regardless of prior contact. Findings suggest that intergroup contact may be a key component to reducing the effects of AIDS‐related stigma towards stigmatized groups. Implications for aggression theory and intervention are discussed. Aggr. Behav. 42:542–554, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Flexible Magnetic Filaments and their Applications
Authors: Cebers Andrejs , Erglis Kaspars
Published: February 2016

This review of the properties of flexible magnetic filaments covers the problems of their buckling under the action of a magnetic field. The dependence of the buckling on the magnetic properties of the filaments is considered. It is shown that these filaments may be used as artificial analogues of structures with important roles in the living world: cilia, elastic tails of self‐propelling microorganisms etc. The main methods used to study the relevant phenomena are considered: models, numerical simulation algorithms, and the results of linear stability analysis. Special emphasis is placed on the possible uses of the flexible magnetic filaments as model systems to study the dynamics of magnetic fields using magnetometers based on optical detection of the magnetic resonance of centers in diamonds.