bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Uncommon ST1224 NDM-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from the Bloodstream of a Leukemia Patient in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxiao , Du Jia , Zhou Cui , Cao Jianming , Lu Hong , Liu Haiyang , Bi Wenzi , Zhou Tieli
Published: May 2017

Aims: This study aimed to analyze the clinical data and characteristics of an NDM-1 (New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from the bloodstream of a leukemia patient. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was used for the clinical data of the patient. The modified Hodge test (MHT) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-disk synergy test were used for detecting metallo-β-lactamase. Antibiotic resistance was determined using the agar dilution method. PCR was used to identify resistance genes. S1-PFGE (S1 nuclease/pulsed-field gel electrophoresis) and Southern blot hybridization were performed to determine the location of blaNDM-1. A conjugation experiment was used to confirm the transferable characteristics of the resistant genes. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was also performed. Results: The patient developed bloodstream infections caused by this NDM-1-producing strain and died due to worsening of the condition. The strain was highly resistant to β-lactam antibiotics and coharbored blaNDM-1, qnrB, and blaCTX-M-9 genes. Southern blot confirmed that blaNDM-1 was located on a plasmid of approximately 55 kb and could be transferred to Escherichia coli J53. MLST analysis showed that this strain belonged to an uncommon sequence type ST1224. Conclusion: The coexistence of various resistant genes is the mechanism for resistance to most antibiotics. Additionally, infections caused by multi-drug resistant bacteria increase the mortality of patients with immunodeficiency, which alerts clinicians to establish a rational and effective combination drug therapy.
In vitro Growth Pattern of Primary Human Osteoblasts on Calcium Phosphate- and Polymethylmethacrylate-Based Bone Cement
Authors: Schauwecker Johannes , Bock Mark , Pohlig Florian , Mühlhofer Heinz , Tübel Jutta , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Kirchhoff Chlodwig
Published: May 2017

Background/Purpose: Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and calcium phosphate (Ca-P) cements are widely used for arthroplasty surgery and augmentation of bone defects. However, aseptic implant loosening in absence of wear-induced osteolysis indicates an unfavourable interaction between the cement surface and human osteoblasts. Our underlying hypothesis is that cement surfaces directly modify cell viability, proliferation rate, and cell differentiation. Methods: To test this hypothesis, we examined primary human osteoblasts harvested from six individuals. These cells were pooled and subsequently seeded directly on cement pellets prepared from Palacos® R, Palacos® R+G, and Norian® Drillable cements. After incubation for 24 and 72 h, cell viability, proliferation rate, apoptosis rate, and cell differentiation were analysed. Results: Upon cultivation of human osteoblasts on cement surfaces, we observed a significantly reduced cell viability and DNA content compared to the control. Analysis of the apoptosis rate revealed an increase for cells on Palacos R and Norian Drillable, but a significant decrease on Palacos R+G compared to the control. Regarding osteogenic differentiation, significantly lower values of alkaline phosphatase enzyme activity were identified for all cement surfaces after 24 and 72 h compared to cultivation on tissue culture plastic, serving as control. Conclusions: In summary, these data suggest a limited biocompatibility of both PMMA and Ca-P cements, necessitating further research to reduce unfavourable cell-cement interactions and consequently extend implant survival.
The Clinical Impact of Bet v 6 in Birch Pollen-Sensitized Patients
Authors: Gellrich Donata , Eder Katharina , San Nicoló Marion , Berghaus Alexander , Gröger Moritz
Published: May 2017

Background: Bet v 6, a minor birch pollen allergen, is commercially available for allergen-specific IgE antibody testing. However, there is hardly any literature on the clinical impact of Bet v 6. The aim of the present study was to analyze if testing specific IgE against Bet v 6 can add valuable benefit to the standard diagnostics of birch pollen-sensitized patients, especially in patients with unknown sensitization-eliciting allergens. Methods: Birch pollen-sensitized patients with missing IgE reactivity against Bet v 1, 2, and 4 were tested for specific IgE antibodies against Bet v 6. For comparison, an equal number of randomly selected patients with birch pollen sensitization, regardless of their individual sensitization patterns, were tested for specific anti-Bet v 6. Results: Of 57 cases with missing reactivity against the standard birch pollen allergens, 2 patients were positive for Bet v 6. In the representative sample, 3 patients showed specific IgE against Bet v 6 - resulting in a total prevalence of 5%. None of the Bet v 6-positive patients showed allergic symptoms after exposure to birch pollen or an oral allergy syndrome. An increased prevalence of asthma and a higher degree of sensitization were the only distinctive clinical features in Bet v 6-positive patients. Conclusions: Among birch pollen-sensitized patients, the prevalence of specific IgE against Bet v 6 is low. Further, sensitization to Bet v 6, which shows characteristics of a panallergen, remains clinically silent. Therefore, determination of anti-Bet v 6 is not considered useful in the clinical routine.
Cord Blood IL-16 Is Associated with 3-Year Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Perinatal Asphyxia and Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ahearne Caroline E. , Chang Ruby Y. , Walsh Brian H. , Boylan Geraldine B. , Murray Deirdre M.
Published: May 2017

Activation of the inflammatory pathway is increasingly recognized as an important mechanism of injury following neonatal asphyxia and encephalopathy. This process may contribute to the poor prognosis seen in some cases, despite therapeutic hypothermia. Our group has previously identified raised interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-16, measured in umbilical cord blood at birth, to be predictive of grade of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Our aim in this study was to examine the ability of these cytokines to predict the 3-year neurodevelopmental outcome in the same cohort. As part of a prospective, longitudinal cohort study set in a single tertiary maternity unit, term infants with biochemical and clinical evidence of perinatal asphyxia were recruited at birth. Umbilical cord blood was collected and analyzed for IL-6 and IL-16 using a Luminex assay. The neurodevelopmental outcome of these infants was assessed at 3 years using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Edition 3). Early cord blood measurement of IL-6 and IL-16 and long-term outcome were available in 33/69 infants. Median (IQR) IL-16 differentiated infants with a severely abnormal outcome (n = 6) compared to all others (n = 27), (646 [466-1,085] vs. 383.5 [284-494] pg/mL; p = 0.012). IL-16 levels were able to predict a severe outcome with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 0.827 (95% CI 0.628-1.000; p = 0.014). Levels ≥514 pg/mL predicted a severe outcome with a sensitivity of 83% and a specificity of 81%. IL-16 also outperformed other routine biochemical markers available at birth for the prediction of severe outcome. APGAR scores at 1 and 10 min were also predictive of a severe outcome (p = 0.022 and p = 0.036, respectively). A combination of IL-16 with these clinical markers did not improve predictive value, but IL-16 combined with electroencephalogram grading increased the area under the ROC curve. IL-6 did not show any association with 3-year outcome. This is the first report studying the association of IL-16 measured at birth with long-term outcome in a cohort of neonates with perinatal asphyxia. IL-16 may be an early biomarker of severe injury and aid in the long-term prognostication in infants with HIE.
Expression and Characterization of Functional Recombinant Bet v 1.0101 in the Chloroplast of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Hirschl Sonja , Ralser Claudia , Asam Claudia , Gangitano Alessandro , Huber Sara , Ebner Christof , Bohle Barbara , Wolf Martin , Briza Peter , Ferreira Fatima , Griesbeck Christoph , Wallner Michael
Published: May 2017

Background: Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) still plays a minor role in the treatment of allergic diseases. To improve the acceptance of AIT by allergic patients, the treatment has to become more convenient and efficacious. One possibility is the oral application of allergens or derivatives thereof. Therefore, we sought to produce a recombinant allergen in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii as a novel production platform. Methods: The major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1 was selected as candidate molecule, and a codon-optimized gene was synthesized and stably integrated into the microalga C. reinhardtii FUD50. Positive transformants were identified by PCR, cultured, and thereafter cells were disrupted by sonication. Bet v 1 was purified from algal total soluble protein (TSP) by affinity chromatography and characterized physicochemically as well as immunologically. Results: All transformants showed expression of the allergen with yields between 0.01 and 0.04% of TSP. Algal-derived Bet v 1 displayed similar secondary structure elements as the Escherichia coli-produced reference allergen. Moreover, Bet v 1 produced in C. reinhardtii showed binding comparable to human IgE as well as murine Bet v 1-specific IgG. Conclusion: We could successfully produce recombinant Bet v 1 in C. reinhardtii. As microalgae are classified as GRAS (generally recognized as safe), the pilot study supports the development of novel allergy treatment concepts such as the oral administration of allergen-containing algal extracts for therapy.
Clinicopathologic Study of Biliary Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Kim Hyo Jung , Kim Jae Seon , Kim Baek Hee , Bak Young-Tae
Published: May 2017

Backgrounds and Aims: Biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN) is a precursor of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and it has been associated with several chronic inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of BilIN in CC and its clinicopathological significance. Methods: Medical records of 193 patients with histologically confirmed CC were analyzed. We reviewed the pathology findings of 48 patients who underwent curative surgery for CC. Results: Of the 48 patients analyzed, 34 and 14 patients had extrahepatic and intrahepatic CC respectively. BilIN was detected in 28 patients (58%) and showed a significantly higher prevalence in extrahepatic CC (75%) than in intrahepatic CC (21%; p < 0.001). In the subgroup of 34 patients with extrahepatic CC, 25 and 9 patients were BilIN positive and negative respectively. Poor differentiation and T3 stage were significantly more common in the BilIN-negative group than in the BilIN-positive group (p < 0.05). The expression of MUC5AC, p53, and loss of Smad4 showed no difference between BilIN-positive CC and in BilIN-negative CC, but the Ki-67 expression was significantly higher (p < 0.05). Conclusion: BilIN-positive CC showed less invasiveness than negative cases. The Ki-67 expression was significantly higher in BilIN-positive CC.
Short-Term Clinical and Oncological Outcomes after Single-Incision Plus One Port Laparoscopic Anterior Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Hirano Yasumitsu , Hattori Masakazu , Douden Kenji , Shimada Mari , Hashizume Yasuo
Published: May 2017

Aim: In the past, we developed and reported single-incision plus one port laparoscopic anterior resection (SILS + 1-AR) of the rectum. In this study, we reviewed our experiences with 141 consecutive patients admitted in a community hospital for undergoing SILS + 1-AR for rectal cancer and evaluated the short-term clinical and oncological outcomes. Methods: A lap protector (LP) was inserted through a 2.5 cm transumbilical incision; an EZ-access was mounted to the LP and three 5-mm ports were placed. A 12-mm port was inserted in the right lower quadrant. Results: One hundred thirty-six patients (96.5%) completed their treatment with SILA+1-AR. The number of tumor locations in the rectosigmoid, rectum area above the peritoneal reflection (Ra), and rectum area below the peritoneal reflection (Rb) were 44, 63, and 29 respectively. Six (5.6%) tumor recurrences or metastasis occurred in 107 patients with stages I-III disease with a median follow-up of 30 months. One patient with a positive surgical margin rejected additional resection of the positive margin and died of recurrent disease. Conclusion: Our initial experiences suggested that SILS + 1-AR is a feasible and a safe treatment option for rectal cancer patients treated by experienced surgeons specialized in SILS. However, further studies are needed to demonstrate the advantages of this procedure compared to the benefits of conventional laparoscopic AR.
Long Noncoding RNA CRNDE Promotes Proliferation of Gastric Cancer Cells by Targeting miR-145
Authors: Hu Cheng En , Du Pei Zhun , Zhang Hui Dong , Huang Guang Jian
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed (CRNDE) gene is a long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs) that is upregulated in colorectal cancer and glioma. Here, we investigated the regulatory function of CRNDE in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: CRNDE and miR-145 expression were assayed by qRT-PCR, and E2F3 protein expression was measured by western blotting. A luciferase reporter assay was used to detect the direct regulation of miR-145 by CRNDE. Cell viability and colony formation of human GC cells were detected using MTT and colony formation assay, respectively. Results: CRNDE was highly expressed in GC cell lines and tissues; overexpression of CRNDE increased GC cell viability and promoted colony formation. Knockdown of CRNDE did not result in loss of expression-related effects on cell proliferation and colony formation. Further investigation revealed that the miR-145 target gene E2F3 was strongly expressed following CRNDE competitive molecular sponging of miR-145. Conclusion: CRNDE acted as a growth-promoting lncRNA in GC and maybe a potential target of GC treatment.
Salidroside Attenuates Ventilation Induced Lung Injury via SIRT1-Dependent Inhibition of NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Wang Yan , Xu Chu-Fan , Liu Yu-Jian , Mao Yan-Fei , Lv Zhou , Li Si-Yuan , Zhu Xiao-Yan , Jiang Lai
Published: May 2017

Background: Salidroside (SDS) is the main effective ingredient of Rhodiola rosea L with a variety of pharmacologic properties. We aim to investigate the effects of SDS on ventilation induced lung injury (VILI) and explore the possible underlying molecular mechanism. Methods: Lung injury was induced in male ICR mice via mechanical ventilation (30 ml/kg) for 4h. The mice were divided in four groups:(1) Control group; (2) Ventilation group; (3) SDS group; (4) Ventilation with SDS group. SDS (50 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 1h before operation. Mouse lung vascular endothelial cells (MLVECs) were subjected to cyclic stretch for 4h. Results: It was found that SDS attenuated VILI as shown in HE staining, cell count and protein content levels in BAL fluid, W/D and Evans blue dye leakage into the lung tissue. SDS treatment inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and subsequent caspase-1 cleavage as well as interleukin (IL)-1β secretion both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, SDS administration up-regulated SIRT1 expression. Importantly, knockdown of SIRT1 reversed the inhibitory effect of SDS on NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings indicate that SDS may confer protection against ventilation induced lung injury via SIRT1-de-pendent inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Immunoregulatory Role of MicroRNA-21 in Macrophages in Response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin Infection Involves Modulation of the TLR4/MyD88 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xue Xin , Qiu Yi , Yang Hong-Li
Published: May 2017

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study is to explore the immunoregulatory role of microRNA-21 (miR-21) targeting of the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway in macrophages in response to Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) infection. Methods: After infection with BCG, mouse RAW246.7 cells were assigned into control, BCG, miR-21 mimic + BCG, mimic-negative control (NC) + BCG, miR-21 inhibitor + BCG, inhibitor-NC + BCG, BCG + TAK242 (an inhibitor of the TLR4 signaling pathway), and miR-21 inhibitor + TAK242 + BCG groups. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the expression of miR-21, TLR4 and MyD88. The levels of TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10 were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cell viability was measured using an MTT assay. Cell apoptosis and necrosis rates were detected using flow cytometry. Results: Compared with the control group, miR-21 expression and levels of TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10, as well as cell apoptosis and necrosis rates, were elevated, while expression of TLR4 and MyD88, as well as cell viability, were reduced in BCG infection groups. Compared with the BCG group, miR-21 expression was increased in the miR-21 mimic + BCG group but decreased in the miR-21 inhibitor + BCG and miR-21 inhibitor + TAK242 + BCG groups. The expression of TLR4 and MyD88, as well as the cell viability, were decreased, while levels of TNF-a, IL-6 and IL-10, as well as cell apoptosis and necrosis rates, were increased in the miR-21 mimic + BCG and TAK242 + BCG groups. The opposite trends were found in the miR-21 inhibitor + BCG group. Compared with the TAK242 + BCG group, the miR-21 inhibitor + TAK242 + BCG group had higher expression of TLR4 and MyD88 as well as higher cell viability and lower levels of TNF-a, IL-6, IL-10, cell apoptosis and necrosis rates. However, the miR-21 inhibitor + TAK242 + BCG group exhibited the opposite trends when compared with the miR-21 inhibitor + BCG group. Conclusion: Our results suggest that miR-21 can negatively modulate the TLR4/MyD88 signaling pathway, resulting in decreased cell viability, increased cell apoptosis and increased levels of inflammatory factors following BCG infection in macrophages.
Incorporating Sustainability and Green Design Concepts into Engineering and Technology Curricula
Authors: Belu Radian G. , Chiou Richard , Cioca Lucian Ionel , Tseng Bill
Published: May 2017

Human society is facing an uncertain future due to the present day unsustainable use of natural resources and the growing imbalance with our natural environment. Sustainability is an endeavour with uncertain outcomes requiring collaboration, teamwork, and abilities to work with respect and learn from other disciplines and professions, as well as with governments, local communities, political and civic organizations. The creation of a sustainable society is a complex and multi-stage endeavour that will dominate twenty first century.  Sustainability has four basic aspects: environment, technology, economy, and societal organization. Schools with undergraduate engineering or engineering technology programs are working to include sustainability and green design concepts into their curricula. Teaching sustainability and green design has increasingly become an essential feature of the present day engineering education. It applies to all of engineering, as all engineered systems interact with the environment in complex and important ways. Our project main goals are to provide the students with multiple and comprehensive exposures, to what it mean to have a sustainable mindset and to facilitate the development of the passion and the skills to integrate sustainable practices into engineering tools and methods. In this study we are describing our approaches to incorporating sustainability and green design into our undergraduate curricula and to list a variety of existing resources that can easily be adopted or adapted by our faculty for this purpose. Our approaches are: (1) redesigning existing courses through development of new curricular materials that still meet the objectives of the original course and (2) developing upper division elective courses that address specific topics related to sustainability, green design, green manufacturing and life-cycle assessment.
Exploring the Effect of Morphological Instruction on Vocabulary Learning among Iranian EFL Learners
Authors: Khoshkhoonejad Amirali , Farid Khalifelu Seyyed , Abdipour Sahabeh
Published: May 2017

Vocabulary knowledge plays a crucial role in academic development and therefore scholastic success (National Reading Panel, 2000). Also, students' vocabulary knowledge expands through a variety of ways. One of the most practicable strategies in vocabulary learning supported by many researchers is using affix knowledge. The purpose of present study is to investigate the effect of morphological instructions on vocabulary learning among Iranian secondary school students. Participants in this study were sixty Iranian secondary school students who were assigned to control group (30) and experimental group (30). A pre-test and post-test comprising two vocabulary tests measuring students’ morphemic analysis of general English words were administered. The data were analyzed using the Independent Sample T-test to determine if there were improvements made in the two measures within each group, and subsequently whether the magnitude of improvement between the two groups were significant. The results indicated that the experimental group outperformed the control group in the process of guessing the meanings of complex words depending on the morphological analysis.  Furthermore, the results did not show significant differences between Morphological Relatedness Strategy and Morphological Structure Strategy in terms of students' achievements.
Effects of Reading Skills on Students’ Performance in Science and Mathematics in Public and Private Secondary Schools
Authors: A. Imam Ombra
Published: May 2017

In the Philippine education system, reading, mathematics, and science formed part of the core areas of basic education curriculum. For the last decade, the quality of Philippine education was put into a big question due to poor performance of students in mathematics and science tests both local and abroad. The initial result of current efforts of the government by adopting K-12 curriculum didn’t do much to change the status quo. The purpose of this study is to determine the reading predictors of students’ performance in Mathematics and Science and identify its effects to such performance. A total of 660 freshmen students from public and private high schools in Cotabato City, Philippines were taken as sample. A validated and reliable 150-item test in reading comprehension skills, mathematics and science was used to get primary data to perform correlation and regression analysis. Findings showed that only making inference and getting main idea were predictors of mathematics performance of students in public school and private schools, respectively.  Data analysis also revealed that two reading skills such as noting details and making inference had an influence on science performance of students in public school while skills in getting main idea and drawing conclusion influenced science performance of students in private schools.  However, there was only one skill such as vocabulary in context which was predictor of overall science performance of all students. Moreover, separate effects of making inference, identifying main idea explained only 1.8 percent and 1.3 percent of students’ math performance while their combined effects provided only .1 percent or nearly zero percent. Furthermore, the study found out that separate effects of noting details contributed 3.3 percent and its combined effects with making inference explained 4.2 percent of science performance of students in public schools. In terms of effects of reading to science performance in private schools, making inference provided 1.2 percent of separate effect; making inference and drawing conclusion influenced 2.8 percent of combined effect; understanding vocabulary in context has overall one percent of separate effect.
Teachers Awareness of Students’ Anxiety in Math Classroom: Teachers’ Treatment VS Students’ Anxiety
Authors: Yanuarto Wanda Nugroho
Published: May 2017

Math anxiety is a common phenomenon which can have a negative impact on numerical and arithmetic performance. However, so far little is known about the underlying neurocognitive mechanisms. This mini review provides an overview of studies investigating the neural correlates of math anxiety which provide several hints regarding its influence on math performance: while behavioral studies mostly observe an influence of math anxiety on difficult math tasks, neurophysiological studies show that processing efficiency is already affected in basic number processing. The purpose of this study is to provide some treatments to overcome students’ anxiety in math classroom at The University of Muhammadiyah Purwokerto, Indonesia especially in Math Department, but before it has attempted to investigate the factors that students’ anxiety can possibly stem from, both within the classroom environment and out of classroom in the wilder social context.
A Combinational Digital Logic Design Tool for Practice and Assessment in Engineering Education
Authors: Morsi Rasha
Published: May 2017

As technology advances, computers are being used almost everywhere. In a 2013 US Census report (File and Ryan, 2014), 83.8% (up from 78.9% in 2012) of U.S. households reported owning a computer with 74.4% reporting internet use (73.4% high speed internet). In recent years, the shift in educational technologies has been moving towards gaming, more specifically serious gaming. Although this is an important trend, there is still much to be said about e-learning through a step-by-step interactive process using an online practice tool. This paper presents a detailed description of the Combinational Logic Design Tool (CLDT) (Morsi and Russell (2007). CLDT was designed and developed under the CCLI project, #0737242, funded by the National Science Foundation, which aimed to develop and disseminate a novel online practice tool for on demand review and assessment in Electrical and Computer Engineering education. The paper also reports on a formal assessment conducted in a Digital Logic Design Classroom and presents the results of this assessment.
Students’ Perception towards English Teacher’s Interpersonal Communication Skill
Authors: M. Malaimakuni Nirmalasari
Published: May 2017

The students’ perceptions to their teacher’ interpersonal communication skill at Junior High School (SMP N 3 Kupang). This study aims at knowing: 1) the teacher’s interpersonal communication skill perceived students; 2) the difference of male and female students’ perception to their teacher’s interpersonal communication skill. The research uses descriptive quantitative method. The research subjects of this study are 27 male and 27 female students which are choosen randomly with precision 16% out of 178 for female students and 15% out of 185 male students. The result shows that the teacher’ interpersonal communication skill which includes openness, empathy, supportiveness, positiveness, and equality. The male students perceived their teacher’s interpersonal communication skill in which equality is as highest position at score with 18.51% usually, then positiveness at 17.90%, followed by supportiveness at 15.34% and empathy at 15.27%, and the lowest position is openness at 14.19%. Meanwhile, female students have perception, such as; empathy takes place in the highest position at 17.12% on usually performance of teacher’s interpersonal communication skill compared with supportiveness, positiveness, openness, and equality (16.40%, 14.81%, 13.27%, and 12.16%, respectively). Then, on sometimes perception, female students perceived that supportiveness is the highest score with 53.96%. Then followed by equality with 51.85%, empathy with 50.46%, openness with 49.69% and the lowest score is positiveness with 42.59%. Meanwhile, seldom perception is on the level of 42.59% at positiveness, 37.03% at openness, 35.97% at equality, 32.40% at empathy, and supportiveness at 29.62%.
Blended Learning-Based Self-directed Learning on Classroom Action Research Training to Improve Teacher Competency Research
Authors: Sunardi Gunawan Setiadi , Joyoatmojo Soetarno , Sajidan Sajidan , Soeharto Soeharto
Published: May 2017

Abstract: Although classroom action research (CAR) is considered useful for teacher development but this activity has not been implanted yet effectively in Indonesia. In this paper, we report the alternative way to overcome this problem. It addresses how blended learning support self-directed learning and enhance teacher competency research. Through questionnaire, interview and document analysis, the result showed that blended learning-based self-learning can improve teachers performance in conducting classroom action research (CAR) and enhance their ability in compiling the research report.
There is More to the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics Than the Use of Local Languages: Mathematics Teacher Practices
Authors: Chitera Nancy , Kasoka Dun , Thomo E.
Published: May 2017

In this article, we present a discussion about the type of mathematical discourse that is being produced in classrooms where the language of learning and teaching is local languages.  We also further explore the tensions in the mathematical discourse being produced. The study sample was 4 mathematics teachers from a semi-urban primary school in Malawi. The methods of data collection included classroom observations, pre-observation focus group discussions and reflective interviews. The results show that even though both students and teachers were able to communicate freely in local languages in the mathematics classroom, the mathematical discourse that came was distorted. This is mainly caused by lack of a well-developed mathematical discourse in local languages, which in turn takes away the confidence of mathematics teachers in the classroom. As a result, the mathematics classrooms are still being characterized by teachers not being creative, use of word by word from books, focus more on procedural than conceptual and thus teacher centered is still dominant in these classrooms. Furthermore, it is found that there are tensions between the formal and informal mathematical language in local languages. These results in turn have promoted a more in-depth understanding to the teaching and learning of mathematics when local language is the language of learning and teaching. Therefore, this article argues for a well-balanced approach when it comes to teaching and learning of mathematics rather than just focusing on the use of local languages.
The effect of overcrowding in the US school System, A simulation approach
Authors: Banisakher Mubarak , McCauley Pamela
Published: May 2017

This study applies a simulation to analyze overcrowding (congestion) in a school system. This work aims to analyze the overcrowding and to describe a decision support system that needs to be developed to help in assessing the need for classrooms in different schools and to develop a systematic approach to improve such overcrowding. Education leaders face extraordinary challenges as the nation’s schools struggle to rise to the challenge of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. Education leaders are now expected to be instructional leaders, show a strong commitment to closing the achievement gap between majority and minority students, and use data to improve teaching and learning. All of this is in addition to the logistics of running a school system such as making sure that busing and meal services operate smoothly. Some researchers stated that education leadership must do much more than it has in the past (Davis, S.; Darling-Hammond, L.; LaPointe, M.; Meyerson, D. (2005)..
The Student’s Reflective-Inquiry Competencies on Problem Solving
Authors: Farisi Mohammad Imam , Sambada Dwi , Prakoso Teguh
Published: May 2017

This study describes student’s reflective-inquiry competencies on problem solving at Tuton assignments, majoring Curriculum and Materials of Citizenship Education (PKNI 4313). This study is conducted in two Tuton periods, 2015.1 and 2015.2 by using four stages of Research and Development. As the research subject, this study is involving 39 student participants. The reflective-inquiry contents are presented in real social or public problems, cases or issues, which give any challenge to the student to think by reflective-inquiry. The student’s reflective-inquiry competency is collected by Practical Inquiry Model instrument is used to assess the student’s cognitive, social, and teaching presence in the online learning context or computer conference. Generally, results of the study shown that student’s reflective-inquiry competency in the problem solving at Tuton assignments are “not satisfy” especially in the steps : (1) reflective-inquiry process, such as the ability of reviewing, examining, exploring, or analyzing all the consideration to reach the explication and clarification from the problem; building the relation of valuable linkages and finding the possibility explication; (2) reflective-inquiry post, such as the ability in making resolution or conclusion; and taking a projected decision that they have been clarified, combined, or solved.
Teacher Resilience in Remote Islands Area: A Case Study in Small Pagerungan Island Sumenep Regency, Indonesia
Authors: Nurwidodo Nurwidodo , Rahardjanto Abdulkadir , Husamah Husamah , Mas'odi Mas'odi , Mufrihah Arina
Published: May 2017

This study aims to describe resilience teacher at Elementary school III at Small Pagerungan Island. Aspects of resilience in this study are phase of resilience refers to Patterson Kelleher (2005) and the strategy of resilience refers to Diah Pradna (2012). This type of research is descriptive qualitative with case study approach. The subjects were 5 teachers (Subject I: government employee (PNS) teachers senior and immigrant from Java, Subject II: government employee (PNS)  teachers senior natives, subject III: temporary teacher who has taught more than 10 years, Subject IV: new civil servant teachers a few years removed, and subject V: new no permanent teachers who teach less than 5 years). Data collected through in-depth interviews with each subject of study. Analysis of data using thematic analysis approach hybrid refers to Fereday Muir-Cochrane version. The results showed that the phase of resilience to be taken by each teacher is different. Subjects I and II has reached growing phase. Subject IV and V are still at the stage of deteriorating phase, while the subject III only at adapting phase. Subjects I and II have an optimistic view and gave rise to 7 points strategy of resilience, which is a positive attitude to face difficulties, focusing on the core value, versatile in the running for the purpose, willing to take concrete steps to face difficulties, create conditions of self and supportive environment, maintain hope and expectation is high, and develop an attitude of participation and responsibility. Subject IV and V are relatively more optimistic, but because the teaching experience is still limited cause-point strategy of resilience that appears only reached 4, which is flexible in an effort to achieve goals, create conditions of self and supportive environment, maintain hope and expectation is high, and develop an attitude of participation and responsibility. Subject III is more pessimistic and pragmatic look at the future of the profession so that a strategy of resilience that comes only three, namely flexible in an effort to achieve the goal, to create the conditions themselves and a supportive environment, and develop an attitude of participation and responsibility. Point’s resilience strategy that appears, consciously or not by the fifth subject, has been assisting survive to teach at Elementary school III Small Pagerungan Island belonging to the category of remote schools, schools with limited resources, and minimal attention from government.
Effects of Child Marriage on Girls’ Education and Empowerment
Authors: Mim Shamnaz Arifin
Published: May 2017

Although Convention on the Rights of Child declared that any marriage of an under 18 child will be considered as “Child Marriage”, the age limit of girls’ marriage was proposed to change from 18 to 16 in the draft Child Marriage Restraint Act Bangladesh 2014. This paper aims to analyse the effects of child marriage on Bangladeshi village girls’ formal education and empowerment which hopefully will lead to bring awareness among the patriarchal societies. Rangpur region was purposively selected to design this study in a case study approach. The concept of empowerment was used with an interpretive methodological approach which allowed to consciously interpreting the data from secondary relevant sources. The findings of this review article revealed the ways in which child marriages hinder the opportunity of girls to be educated and push them back to not being empowered in the patriarchal society. The study’s implication for policy and practice rooted deeply on the collaboration of NGO programmes, government interventions and family support.
The Impact of Adopting and Using Technology by Children
Authors: Mashrah Hind Talal
Published: May 2017

Nowadays, information communication technology is becoming an essential part of our life. We find technology everywhere to facilitate teaching and learning, especially in schools and homes.  It always comes along with interactive and interacting approaches to help children learn math and science and so on.  This paper, however, discusses the downside effects of using technology to children from age 2 to 17 years old. There are some earlier studies with some statistics indicate the percentage of children who use different kinds of technology in their daily life.  Then the paper will be demonstrated the social, cognitive, and physical impacts of using too much technology. Then it will be specified three types of technology as it is common among children: playing video games, surfing websites, and communicating via the internet.  Finally, some regulations and guidance are mentioned to protect children throughout giving them better methods to use technology in proper ways and involving children in social, cognitive, and physical activities alongside.
Blended Project Based Learning: Metacognitive Awareness of Biology Education New Students
Authors: Husamah Husamah
Published: May 2017

This study aims to analyse the difference of metacognitive awareness of treatment (using Blended Project Based Learning) and control class. This is a quasi-experimental research with Non-equivalent Control Group Design. This research was conducted at Department of Biology Education, University of Muhammadiyah Malang, in the first semester of the academic year 2014/2015.  Metacognitive awareness of treatment class and control class was measured by using Metacognitive Awareness Inventory. Metacognitive awareness difference analysed with One-way ANOVA, processed with SPSS 22 for Windows. The results showed that there were difference Mean values in metacognitive awareness (knowledge about cognition and regulation of cognitive) between treatment and control. Mean value of treatment class was higher than control class. It means that Blended Project Based Learning effectively to develop and stimulation metacognitive awareness of new students (Biology teachers candidates).
Preparing STEM Teachers for Integration of NGSS: A Summer Workshop Development
Authors: Altuger-Genc Gonca , Issapour Marjaneh
Published: May 2017

The increasing emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in United States and across the world created the demand for STEM education to start as early as elementary school. Especially in the past decade, the demand for middle schools and high schools to increase the involvement of the STEM components in their curriculum has been on the rise.  The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)(http://www.nextgenscience.org/) are testimonial to this demand and need.  With the fast-pace the NGSS are being adopted by different states, the expectations from science, engineering, and technology teachers to develop and design their courses to reflect the new standards and meet the updated goals increased.  To support teachers with the necessary resources and training, a Summer STEM training program and a set of STEM training modules have been developed by a 4-year accredited State College.   This paper provides an overview of the STEM initiatives and a step-by-step approach of the design and development of the STEM modules to train K-12 teachers.
Comparing the Effect of Inquiry-Based Multiple Intelligence Approach and Non-Inquiry Based Multiple Intelligence Approach on Achievement in Science
Authors: Ali Samsudin Mohd , Subramaniam Vasugi , Moses Irekpita Simeon
Published: May 2017

The paper focused attention on comparing the effect of inquiry based multiple intelligence approach and non-inquiry based multiple intelligence approach on achievement of pupils in some selected primary schools. Two primary schools were selected purposively with one intact class from each school. Each intact class of thirty (30) pupils was randomly assigned to the two groups used for the study. A total of sixty (60) pupils were used in the study. The two groups were assigned each to the inquiry based multiple intelligence approach group and the non- inquiry based multiple intelligence approach group. The research design was a quasi-experimental design, involving a pretest and post-test in achievement of students. The reliability of the test instrument was established at 0.75 which was considered adequate. A pretest- was administered to the pupils .The pupils were taught science concepts based on the curriculum of the ministry of education for a period of eight (8) weeks using the inquiry- based multiple intelligence approach and non- inquiry multiple intelligence approach for group A and B respectively after which the post-test- was administered. . Findings using the statistical tools of mean, median, standard deviation the one way analysis of covariant (ANCOVA) were used to proffer answers to the generated research questions and hypotheses revealed that there was significant difference between the achievement scores of pupils in science for the use of non- inquiry based multiple intelligence approach and non- inquiry based multiple intelligence approach on. It was also statistically established that the effect of inquiry based multiple intelligence approach was on achievement is science was better. Conclusion and recommendations such as introducing and enhancing the use of inquiry based multiple intelligence approach in primary and secondly schools were made.
Affirmative Action Application or Black and White in South Africa Higher Education Institutions: Is it the way forward or not?
Authors: Maria van der Bank Christiena , Mphahlani Jafta , C Moloi Kholeka
Published: May 2017

We will, demonstrate what affirmative action entails, its origin and the relationship with discrimination and equality. The paper will also highlight the implementation of affirmative action in the Higher Education sector in South Africa.  Affirmative action or black and white are the additional corrective steps which must be taken in order that those who have been historically disadvantage by unfair discrimination before 1994 are able to derive full benefits from an equitable employment environment. While there has been a significant increase in the number of women appointed into management positions, the proportion in relation to the total number of women in senior posts such as those of Vice Chancellors, Deputy-Vice Chancellors and Executive Deans still remains problematic. Considerations should be taken with regard to issues of access, equity and relevance.  Indeed, affirmative action should be located within a rigorous process that will ensure that those who are for example, promoted to senior positions both in private and public sectors are able to demonstrate strategic thinking and action, quality execution of tasks, efficiency and effectiveness in achieving organisational goals.  This will also be followed by a brief South Africa’s case study of different entities (South African Breweries and Sowetan Newspaper).  A comparison of USA’s affirmative action and whether “there is a light at the end of a tunnel – affirmative action” will be done.
Coagulation factor XI improves host defence during murine pneumonia-derived sepsis independent of factor XII activation
Authors: Stroo Ingrid , Zeerleder Sacha , Ding Chao , Luken Brenda , Roelofs Joris , de Boer Onno , Meijers Joost , Castellino Francis , van ’t Veer Cornelis , van der Poll Tom
Published: May 2017

Bacterial pneumonia, the most common cause of sepsis, is associated with activation of coagulation. Factor XI (FXI), the key component of the intrinsic pathway, can be activated via factor XII (FXII), part of the contact system, or via thrombin. To determine whether intrinsic coagulation is involved in host defence during pneumonia and whether this is dependent on FXII activation, we infected in parallel wild-type (WT), FXI knockout (KO) and FXII KO mice with two different clinically relevant pathogens, the Gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae, via the airways. FXI deficiency worsened survival and enhanced bacterial outgrowth in both pneumonia models. This was accompanied with enhanced inflammatory responses in FXI KO mice. FXII KO mice were comparable with WT mice in Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. On the contrary, FXII deficiency improved survival and reduced bacterial outgrowth following infection with Klebsiella pneumoniae. In both pneumonia models, local coagulation was not impaired in either FXI KO or FXII KO mice. The capacity to phagocytose bacteria was impaired in FXI KO neutrophils and in human neutrophils where activation of FXI was inhibited. Deficiency for FXII or blocking activation of FXI via FXIIa had no effect on phagocytosis. Taken together, these data suggest that FXI protects against sepsis derived from Streptococcus pneumoniae or Klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia at least in part by enhancing the phagocytic capacity of neutrophils by a mechanism that is independent of activation via FXIIa.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Imagem Cognitiva e Imagem Afetiva: um estudo do destino Blumenau, SC, Brasil
Authors: Meira Jessica Vieira de Souza , Zucco Fabrícia Durieux , Santos Thiago dos
Published: May 2017

Nos últimos anos, observou-se um aumento considerável de destinos que almejam desenvolver a atividade turística com o objetivo de alavancar a economia local. Concomitante a esta situação, surgiram estudos voltados à competitividade de destinos, englobando as mais diversas temáticas, voltadas principalmente ao marketing e à gestão. A imagem de destinos é abordada com bastante frequência nesses estudos, uma vez que, por meio dela, um destino pode diferenciar-se de seus concorrentes. Em virtude desse cenário, este estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma análise comparativa entre a imagem cognitiva e a imagem afetiva do destino Blumenau (SC, Brasil). A pesquisa caracteriza-se por ser exploratória, descritiva e comparativa, com abordagem qualiquantitativa. Para descrever a imagem cognitiva, realizou-se uma análise morfológica e de conteúdo das 579 palavras e 117 imagens encontradas nos folders e no site promocional da cidade. Posteriormente, aplicou-se aos dados a Modelagem de Equação Estrutural (MEE) e testes de correlação (Coeficiente de Spearman). Para descrever a imagem afetiva, utilizou-se o estudo realizado por Reis et al., que analisa a marca Blumenau a partir da perspectiva dos seus residentes. Os resultados demonstram que a imagem cognitiva corresponde à afetiva, uma vez que a comunicação publicitária de Blumenau promove a cultura germânica, elemento fundamental da autoimagem dos residentes do município.