bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fotografi Jalanan: Membingkai Kota dalam Cerita
Authors: Kusrini Kusrini
Published: March 2017

Fotografi jalanan (street photography) menjadi sarana bagi fotografer Erik Prasetya untuk menggambarkan kota Jakarta secara visual dalam buku foto Jakarta: Estetika Banal. Di dalamnya terdapat hasil kerja fotografi selama sekitar 20 tahun yang berisi cerita tentang Jakarta. Foto-foto tersebut dicermati secara keseluruhan untuk mengetahui gambaran umum tentang Jakarta yang diusung oleh fotografer. Fotofoto tersebut dipilih sesuai dengan deskripsi umum dan dibahas lebih lanjut untuk mendapatkan cerita tentang Jakarta pada 1990-2000’an. Dalam foto-foto tersebut, Jakarta merupakan kota dengan masyarakat yang dinamis. Jalanan tidak pernah sepi dan tidak tidur meskipun di waktu malam. Bangunan, transportasi, para pekerja, mobilitas yang tinggi, menjadi bagian dari visual Jakarta, yang sekaligus menceritakan masih adanya kesenjangan ekonomi dan sosial masyarakatnya. Di dalamnya ternyata masih juga terdapat tawa dan kegembiraan. Semangat bertahan hidup di ibukota menjadi bagian yang tidak terpisahkan dari cerita tentang Jakarta. Keindahan foto terlihat dari imaji yang ditampilkan mengeksplorasi teknik manual yang disesuaikan dengan kondisi dan situasi serta cerita yang hendak disampaikan. Keindahan lain dalam fotografi jalanan karya Erik Prasetya ini terdapat dari cerita visual yang tersaji. Fotografi jalanan tidak sekadar cerita tentang jalanan secara fisik, namun juga cerita tentang masyarakat di sepanjang jalan serta perjalanan kehidupan yang dilalui fotografer.  Street Photography: Framing City in Stories. Erik Prasetya is photographer who uses street photography (fotografi jalanan) to narrate visually Jakarta in a photo book titled Jakarta: Estetika Banal. There are photos of his work for 20 years about Jakarta. The photos are examined as a whole to know the general idea of Jakarta carried by the photographer. They are selected to get the general description and finally are studied further to get stories about Jakarta in late 1990-2000. In these photos, Jakarta is a city with a dynamic society. The streets are never quiet and do not sleep at night though. Building, transportation, greater mobility of workers, become parts of Jakarta visually, which also tell the persistence of economic and social discrepancy in society. However, there are laughter and exhilaration that we can find. The spirit to survive in the capital becomes an integral part of the story of Jakarta. The beauty of the photos came from the images are displayed exploring manual techniques adapted to the conditions and situations, and stories that would be submitted. Another beauty of street photography works by Erik Prasetya is that there is a visual story presented. Street photography is not just a story about the streets physically, but also stories of people found along them as well as the journey of life experienced by the photographer.
PENGEMBANGAN KOMPETENSI GURU BAHASA ARAB MELALUI IMLA SEBAGAI ORGANISASI PROFESI
Authors: Muradi Ahmad
Published: March 2017

This study aims to explain the role of IMLA in developing Arabic teacher competences. Indeed a teacher is a precious profession, carrying valuable tasks to educate and build character of the nation. Teacher is a precious profession to create a good life. Therefore, teacher should develop their competences including Arabic language teacher. The intended competences in Arabic language learning are language competence, communicative competence, and cultural competence. IMLA is the abbreviation of (Ittiha>d Mudarrisi al-Lughah al-‘Arabiyyah), a organization established to build and develop Arabic teachers’ competences in Indonesia. This opportunity is given to Arabic teachers in IMLA organization to affiliate with its agendas, management, and association in local, national, and international scope. There are many information will be gained through the various agendas to develop teachers’ competence. For the example is like attending seminars, workshops, and other trainings held by the organization. IMLA organization is able to connect local teachers and lecturers to the foreign ones especially from Arabic emirate countries.
STRATEGI PEMBELAJAR INDONESIA MENGIDENTIFIKASI MAKNA KATA BAHASA ARAB DALAM KONTEKS KALIMAT WACANA GEOGRAFI
Authors: Asrori Imam
Published: March 2017

This restrospective research studied the strategies employed by Indonesian students in identifiying the meaning of Arabic words in context. This study found: first, the students identified the word meaning using the following strategies: (a) using a billingual dictionaries (digital dictionary, printed dictionary, online dictionary), (b) asking friends, and (c) utilizing context. Second, students were able to identify the full context and identify the meaning of difficult words accurately. Third, relating meaningful context and accurate meaning which found four patterns of integrating context and accuracy of meaning, namely (a) full context and accurate meaning (F-A), (b) full context but innacurate meaning (F-NA), (c) incomplete context but accurate meaning ( NF-A), and (d) incomplete context and inacurate meaning  (NF-NA). The ability to identify full context tends to help students to identify the meaning of words accurately.
Biochemical changes in Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): A study in Nepalese Population
Authors: Maharjan Pooja , Khanal Puspa Raj , Parajuli Narayan Prasad , Joshi Govardhan , Parajuli Hridaya , Khanal Santosh , Bhatta Bibek , Pandeya Dipendra Raj
Published: March 2017

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common liver problem in the western world and is a clinicopathologic entity increasingly recognized as a major health burden in developed countries. Different laboratory tests are extremely useful in achieving a better understanding of diseases, and thereby, allow making decision for better management. The examination of different biochemical parameters usually provides excellent clues to the cause of the disease. The present study was conducted with the aim to assess the biochemical markers in Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients in Nepalese population.Methods: The biochemical parameters were investigated in 75 NAFLD patients, and 70 normal participants. The diagnosis of hepatic steatosis was established by abdominal ultrasound examination. All patients diagnosed as NAFLD were investigated for biochemical parameters and see the relationship between NAFLD and control was studied.Results: The findings of all biochemical parameters were raised in NAFLD patients in comparison with non-fatty liver control group and the differences were found to be statistically (P value less than 0.005) significant.Conclusions: NAFLD is associated with changes in biochemical parameters in cases of NAFLD. Its early detection will help in modifying the disease course, delaying complications and will also play a major role in preventive cardiology.Ann. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(2);15-20
Gut Microbiome and their metabolic impact: New frontier
Authors: Pandeya Dipendra Raj
Published: March 2017

It has been shown that the dysbiosis of gut microbes may lead to obesity and other health complications. A combination of microbial sequencing and animal experiments may provide further insights into how the gut microbiota affects host metabolism and physiology and will aid in the diagnosis of microbiome related diseases and could potentially provide new means to prevent disease onset or to improve prognosis. The field of gut microbiome is rapidly developing and we expect that it will continue in the same pace in the years to come and the outcomes will help us to keep our life healthy.Ann. Clin. Chem. Lab. Med. 2016:2(2); 1-3
Effectiveness of Educational Intervention Programme on Knowledge Regarding Breast Self Examination Among Higher Secondary School Girls of Biratnagar
Authors: Sapkota D. , Parajuli P. , Kafle T.K.
Published: March 2017

Introduction Breast self-examination (BSE) is a self-generated, non-invasive and non-irradiative method of breast cancer detection. Self examination of the breasts each month after the menstrual cycle is the simplest yet extremely important way to detect early breast cancer. It has been observed that women can detect 95% of breast cancers and 65% of early minimal breast cancers themselves. This method is harmless, less time consuming and can be performed by any woman.Objective To assess the effectiveness of educational intervention programme regarding Breast Self Examination among girl students of study school.Methodology Pre experimental one group pre-test post-test design was adopted for this study. In total, 61 girls were included. The result were analysed by using both descriptive as well as inferential statistics.Results In pre-test 75.4% had inadequate and only 1.6% had adequate knowledge regarding Breast Self Examination, in contrast, after the intervention the adequate knowledge was increased to 62.3%. The overall mean score was increased from 33.07% to 85.14%. The test of significance revealed that the increment in BSE knowledge score due to program intervention was highly significant (P< 0.001).Conclusion The educational intervention programme on BSE was found to be highly effective as the knowledge score was significantly increased after intervention of the package among higher secondary school girls.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 13-19
Utilization of Maternal Health Care Services in Kihun Village Development Committee of Tanahun District of Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel B.R. , Parajuli S.B. , Khatiwada S. , Adhikari C.
Published: March 2017

Introduction Nepal had significant improvement to reduce the maternal mortality ratio. Still, the maternal deaths are common in rural areas. The proper utilization of maternal health care services is important to reduce maternal death in Nepal.Objective This study was conducted to know current maternal health care service utilization at Kihun Village Development Committee (VDC) of Tanahu District.Methodology A community based cross- sectional study was conducted from st th 1 Nov 2014 to 30 Dec 2014 among 570 household of Kihun VDC. The pretested semi-strutured questionnaire was used to collect the required information. The obtained data was enter into Microsoft excel analyzed.Results The majority (65%) of the family was nuclear. Majority (90.90%) had Hindu as a common religion. The major occupation was agriculture (68.95%). Age of marriage before 18 years was 44.70% and pregnancy below 18 years was 25.5%. The knowledge of ante natal care (ANC) check up was reported from 96.3% but only 93.20 % went for ANC check up. Almost 41% had 4 times ANC visit as suggested by world health organization (WHO). Majority (69.40% ) had home delivery and 56.8% of them, family members were involved to conduct such delivery. Though 31.20% were aware about post natal care (PNC) visit but only 22% had visited for PNC.Conclusion The ANC and PNC care practices were not up to the mark. For improvement of maternal health, we need to improve maternal health care service utilization.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 56-60
Esthetic Rehabilitation of Familial Hypodontia: A Case Report
Authors: Dali M. , Shrestha S. , Rajbanshi L.K.
Published: March 2017

Dental agenesis is the most common developmental anomaly in humans and is frequently associated with several other oral abnormalities. In the literature, some terms are used to describe missing teeth like oligodontia, anodontia and hypodontia. Hypodontia is the developmental absence of one or more teeth. It can be isolated or as a part of a syndrome such as in ectodermal dysplasia. The consequences of missing teeth include abnormal occlusion or altered facial appearance which can cause psychological distress in some patients. The present case report describes case of familial hypodontia in 14 years female patient with no apparent systemic abnormalities.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 71-74
Role of Lung Scan for Detection of Pneumothorax in Operation Theatre
Authors: Poudel S.C. , Rayamajhi A.J. , Bhattarai P.R. , Yadav R.K.
Published: March 2017

Iatrogenic pneumothorax is life threatening complication that an anesthesiologist may encounter in operating room while performing various procedure such as central venous catheterization brachial plexus block paravertebral block or during surgery like pyelolithotomy, laparoscopic cholecystectomy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Ultrasound can be the diagnostic tool for prompt diagnosis and managementof these situations. As there is overwhelm use of ultrasound in emergency department and ICU setting, by understanding few ultrasonic terms like lines, modes, signs and points of lung scan it can be easily utilized in operation room. Likewise, lung ultrasounds in emergency (BLUE) and fluid administration by lung ultrasound (FALL) are recently being recommending to be used in emergency and ICU. We report two cases where lung scan was beneficial for management of pneumothorax in our operation theater.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 75-77
Sclerosing Stromal Tumor of Ovary: A Case Report
Authors: Rana R. , Kafle S.U. , Jha K.K. , Singh M. , Gautam P.
Published: March 2017

A case of 32 year old female of pelvic pain for one month and with past history of hysterectomy performed two year back. Clinical examination revealed palpable abdominal pelvic mass. Ultrasonography showed right pelvic mass arising from right adnexa measuring 15cm x 15 cm, predominantly solid with some cystic areas. The patient was suspected of having a malignant ovarian tumor and hence operated. A histopathological diagnosis revealed sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary. Sex cord-stromal tumors account for approximately 8% of all ovarian tumor and prevalence of sclerosing stromal tumor of ovary is 1.5% to 6% .This rare neoplasm is not always possible to predict pre-operatively on the basis of clinical and radiological findings. Histologically, it is characterized by several unique features including pseudolobulation, sclerosis, and prominent vascularity. Sclerosing stromal tumor is rare but possibility of this tumor should be considered in young patients with ovarian mass having the characteristic histopathological morphology.Birat Journal of Health Sciences 2016 1(1): 83-86
Nonenhancing peritumoral hyperintense lesion on diffusion-weighted imaging in glioblastoma: a novel diagnostic and specific prognostic indicator
Authors: Kolakshyapati Manish , Adhikari Rupendra B. , Karlowee Vega , Takayasu Takeshi , Nosaka Ryo , Amatya Vishwa J. , Takeshima Yukio , Akiyama Yuji , Sugiyama Kazuhiko , Kurisu Kaoru , Yamasaki Fumiyuki
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Glioblastoma differentials include intracranial tumors, like malignant lymphomas and metastatic brain tumors with indiscernible radiological characteristics. The purpose of this study was to identify a distinct radiological feature for the preoperative differentiation of glioblastoma from its differentials, which include malignant lymphomas and metastatic brain tumors.

METHODS

Preoperative MR images, including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) studies (b = 1000 and 4000 sec/mm2), obtained in patients with newly diagnosed malignant tumor, were analyzed retrospectively after receiving approval from the institutional review board. Sixty-four patients with histologically confirmed glioblastoma, 32 patients with malignant lymphoma, and 46 patients with brain metastases were included. The presence of a nonenhancing peritumoral DWI high lesion (NePDHL, i.e., hyperintense lesion in a nonenhancing peritumoral area on DWI) was confirmed in both DWI sequences. Gray matter lesions were excluded. Lesions were termed “definite” if present within 3 cm of the hyperintense tumor border with a signal intensity ratio ≥ 30% when compared with the contralateral normal white matter in both sequences. Discriminant analysis between the histological diagnosis and the presence of Definite-NePDHL was performed, as well as Kaplan-Meier survival analysis incorporating the existence of Definite-NePDHL.

RESULTS

In 25% of glioblastoma patients, Definite-NePDHL was present, while it was conspicuously absent in patients with malignant lymphoma and metastatic brain tumors. The specificity and positive predictive value were 100%. In the glioblastoma subset, a higher preoperative Karnofsky Performance Scale score (p = 0.0028), high recursive partitioning analysis class (p = 0.0006), and total surgical removal (p = 0.0012) were associated with better median overall survival. Patients with Definite-NePDHL had significantly early local (p = 0.0467) and distant/dissemination recurrence (p < 0.0001) and poor prognosis (p = 0.0007).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of Definite-NePDHL is very specific for glioblastoma and indicates poor prognosis. Definite-NePDHL is a significant indicator of early local and distant/dissemination recurrence in patients with glioblastoma. Studying peritumoral DWI and high–b-value DWI is useful for tumor differentiation.
Associations between clinical outcome and navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation characteristics in patients with motor-eloquent brain lesions: a combined navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation–diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking approach
Authors: Sollmann Nico , Wildschuetz Noémie , Kelm Anna , Conway Neal , Moser Tobias , Bulubas Lucia , Kirschke Jan S. , Meyer Bernhard , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) and diffusion tensor imaging fiber tracking (DTI FT) based on nTMS data are increasingly used for preoperative planning and resection guidance in patients suffering from motor-eloquent brain tumors. The present study explores whether nTMS-based DTI FT can also be used for individual preoperative risk assessment regarding surgery-related motor impairment.

METHODS

Data derived from preoperative nTMS motor mapping and subsequent nTMS-based tractography in 86 patients were analyzed. All patients suffered from high-grade glioma (HGG), low-grade glioma (LGG), or intracranial metastasis (MET). In this context, nTMS-based DTI FT of the corticospinal tract (CST) was performed at a range of fractional anisotropy (FA) levels based on an individualized FA threshold ([FAT]; tracking with 50%, 75%, and 100% FAT), which was defined as the highest FA value allowing for visualization of fibers (100% FAT). Minimum lesion-to-CST distances were measured, and fiber numbers of the reconstructed CST were assessed. These data were then correlated with the preoperative, postoperative, and follow-up status of motor function and the resting motor threshold (rMT).

RESULTS

At certain FA levels, a statistically significant difference in lesion-to-CST distances was observed between patients with HGG who had no impairment and those who developed surgery-related transient or permanent motor deficits (75% FAT: p = 0.0149; 100% FAT: p = 0.0233). In this context, no patient with a lesion-to-CST distance ≥ 12 mm suffered from any new surgery-related permanent paresis (50% FAT and 75% FAT). Furthermore, comparatively strong negative correlations were observed between the rMT and lesion-to-CST distances of patients with surgery-related transient paresis (Spearman correlation coefficient [rs]; 50% FAT: rs = –0.8660; 75% FAT: rs = –0.8660) or surgery-related permanent paresis (50% FAT: rs = –0.7656; 75% FAT: rs = –0.6763).

CONCLUSIONS

This is one of the first studies to show a direct correlation between imaging, clinical status, and neurophysiological markers for the integrity of the motor system in patients with brain tumors. The findings suggest that nTMS-based DTI FT might be suitable for individual risk assessment in patients with HGG, in addition to being a surgery-planning tool. Importantly, necessary data for risk assessment were obtained without significant additional efforts, making this approach potentially valuable for direct clinical use.
Does clinical improvement of symptomatic degenerative lumbar disease impact obesity?
Authors: Joseph Jacob R. , Farooqui Zishaan , Smith Brandon W. , Kahn Elyne N. , Liu Xilin , La Marca Frank , Park Paul
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and low-back pain associated with degenerative spondylosis or spondylolisthesis are common comorbid conditions. Many patients report that the pain and disability associated with degenerative lumbar disease are key factors in their inability to lose weight. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine if there is an association between improved functional status and weight loss following a successful transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) procedure.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent single-level TLIF was performed. Inclusion criteria were preoperative body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2, achievement of minimum clinically important difference in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, defined as improvement of 15 points), and minimum 1-year postoperative followup BMI. Preoperative and postoperative BMI, ODI, and visual analog scale (VAS) scores were compared. A subgroup analysis of patients who achieved substantial clinical benefit (SCB, defined as a net improvement of 18.8 points on the ODI) was also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 56 patients met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the study population was 55.6 ± 13.7 years. The mean preoperative BMI was 34.8 ± 4.6 kg/m2, the mean preoperative ODI was 66.2 ± 10.1, and the mean preoperative VAS score was 7.1 ± 1.7. The mean change in ODI was −33.1 ± 13.5 (p < 0.01) and the mean change in the VAS score was −4.1 ± 2.1 (p < 0.01). The mean change in BMI was +0.15 ± 2.1 kg/m2 (range −4.2 to +6.5 kg/m2; p = 0.6). SCB was achieved in 46 patients on the ODI. The mean preoperative BMI for patients with SCB was 34.8 ± 4.8 kg/m2, and the mean postoperative BMI was 34.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2. The mean change in BMI was −0.03 ± 1.9 kg/m2 (p = 0.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite successful surgical intervention via TLIF with achievement of improved function and pain, obese patients did not have significant change in weight postoperatively.
A famine in Surat in 1631 and Dodos on Mauritius: a long lost manuscript rediscovered
Authors: Winters R. , Hume J. P. , Leenstra M.
Published: March 2017

In 1887 Dutch archivist A. J. Servaas van Rooijen published a transcript of a hand-written copy of an anonymous missive or letter, dated 1631, about a horrific famine and epidemic in Surat, India, and also an important description of the fauna of Mauritius. The missive may have been written by a lawyer acting on behalf of the Dutch East India Company (VOC). It not only gives details about the famine, but also provides a unique insight into the status of endemic and introduced Mauritius species, at a time when the island was mostly uninhabited and used only as a replenishment station by visiting ships. Reports from this period are very rare. Unfortunately, Servaas van Rooijen failed to mention the location of the missive, so its whereabouts remained unknown; as a result, it has only been available as a secondary source. Our recent rediscovery of the original hand-written copy provides details about the events that took place in Surat and Mauritius in 1631–1632. A full English translation of the missive is appended.
Mourning Life: William Wordsworth and Percy Bysshe Shelley
Authors: Lindstrom Eric
Published: March 2017

What does it mean that Shelley publicly mourns the death a living Wordsworth in his poetry? This essay argues that Percy Bysshe Shelley's renunciation of a narrow concept of selfhood not only informs, but germinates, his psychological and political principles, and in the process shapes his response to William Wordsworth—not as an “egotistical” poet, but as one who paradoxically and enviably escapes mutability by being ontologically identified with forms of non-life. I argue that Shelley brilliantly (and correctly) attributes this position to Wordsworth's poetic thought through his own poetic thinking in works such as Peter Bell the Third, and that Shelley also finds such an alignment incomprehensible. His construction of Wordsworth is a skeptical dialectician's disavowal of mute or dull inclusion. The essay attends to Shelley's treatment of Wordsworth in connection to Shelley's performative speech acts of inversion: life-death; heaven-hell; blessing-curse. Shelley abjures Wordsworth for excessive love for otherwise inanimate things; for ‘ma[king] alive | The things it wrought on’ and awakening slumberous ‘thought in sense’.
Pilgrimage to Waterloo: Lake Poets and the Duke
Authors: Andrews Stuart
Published: March 2017

Southey's 2000-line poem, The Poet's Pilgrimage to Waterloo, was published two centuries ago, in 1816. It does not offer a narrative of the battle, but rather reflections on war – prompted by a visit to the battlefield. Yet in another sense, Coleridge, Southey and Wordsworth all made a pilgrimage to Waterloo in their changing assessment of Arthur Wellesley, first Duke of Wellington, starting with his involvement in Spain's Guerra de la Independencia – Britain's Peninsular War. Elsewhere I have addressed the Lake Poets’ enduring commitment to the libertarian cause of the Spanish and Portuguese peoples – a decade after all three had supposedly abandoned their youthful liberal principles. This article draws on the Lake Poets’ poetry, polemical prose and correspondence in order to trace their shifting judgments on the Duke from his part in the notorious Convention of Cintra (1808) to his victory at Waterloo seven years later.
Tangible User Interface and Mu Rhythm Suppression: The Effect of User Interface on the Brain Activity in Its Operator and Observer
Authors: Isoda Kazuo , Sueyoshi Kana , Miyamoto Ryo , Nishimura Yuki , Ikeda Yuki , Hisanaga Ichiro , Orlic Stéphanie , Kim Yeon-kyu , Higuchi Shigekazu
Published: March 2017

The intuitiveness of tangible user interface (TUI) is not only for its operator. It is quite possible that this type of user interface (UI) can also have an effect on the experience and learning of observers who are just watching the operator using it. To understand the possible effect of TUI, the present study focused on the mu rhythm suppression in the sensorimotor area reflecting execution and observation of action, and investigated the brain activity both in its operator and observer. In the observer experiment, the effect of TUI on its observers was demonstrated through the brain activity. Although the effect of the grasping action itself was uncertain, the unpredictability of the result of the action seemed to have some effect on the mirror neuron system (MNS)-related brain activity. In the operator experiment, in spite of the same grasping action, the brain activity was activated in the sensorimotor area when UI functions were included (TUI). Such activation of the brain activity was not found with a graphical user interface (GUI) that has UI functions without grasping action. These results suggest that the MNS-related brain activity is involved in the effect of TUI, indicating the possibility of UI evaluation based on brain activity.
Assessment of Long-Term Spatio-Temporal Rainfall Variability over Ghana using Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Baidu Michael , Amekudzi Leonard K. , Aryee Jeffery , Annor Thompson
Published: March 2017

Rainfall variability has strong impact on food security, livelihood and socio-economic activities as farming in West Africa is mainly rain-fed. The annual, seasonal and decadal rainfall variability over Ghana has been studied and their periodicities analysed using wavelet analysis. A rainfall time series from 1901–2010 from the Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC) was used in this analysis. It was observed that high mean annual rainfall totals ranging from 900–1900mm are recorded over the entire country. In addition, very high totals between 1500–1900mmare recorded at the South-Western part of the country whereas low totals (900–1200 mm) are recorded in the Savannah and East coast of the country. In general, a decreasing trend was observed for the annual rainfall over all the agro-ecological zones except for the coastal zone, where a slight increasing trend of 0.1600mm per year was seen. The seasonal trend analysis revealed a significant decreasing trend at 0.01 significance level in all the agro-ecological zones except for the Savannah during the DJF season indicating an intensification of the Harmattan. The Coastal zone recorded the lowest mean rainfall values for all seasons with the highest of about 150 mm in MAM. The Forest zone on the other hand recorded very high rainfall values for all seasons with the maximum of about 200 mm in JJA. The Transition zone, however, recorded almost quite stable rainfall amount for all seasons except for DJF. On the decadal time scale, below normal rainfall values were observed between the 1901–1920 and 1980–2010 periods for almost all the agro-ecological zones except for the Savannah which showed above normal rainfall values within the 1901–1940 period. Indicating that, the decreasing trend observed in recent years is not solely due to antropogenic factors but have a strong contribution from a natural climate variability. The wavelet analysis also revealed a strong annual periodicity over all the agro-ecological zones except for the Coastal and Forest zones where the annual periodicity was accompanied by 4–8 months signal. The results of both the 5 year moving average and the decadal anomaly confirm a significant decrease in rainfall amount. This will have negative consequences on agricultural practices, water resource management and food security.
Enhanced Framework Rigidity of a Zeolitic Metal-Azolate via Ligand Substitution
Authors: Gao Hongqiang , Wei Wenjuan , Dong Liyuan , Feng Guoqiang , Jiang Xingxing , Wu Rong , Lin Zheshuai , Li Wei
Published: March 2017

The elastic properties of a zeolitic metal-azolate framework, Zn(mtz)2 (MAF-7, mtz− = 3-methyl-1,2,4-triazolate), have been examined from the view point of the first principles calculations and experiments. Our results demonstrate that the three independent elastic constants of MAF-7 are about 5.0–73.3% higher than those of ZIF-8, though they are isomorphic. The electron-donating effect of the nitrogen atom at the 2-position in mtz- ring dominantly accounts for such a prominent difference. The detailed analysis of the full elastic tensors reveals that the volume moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratios of MAF-7 are about 3.4% to 20.1%, 3.2% to 20.6%, and −30.3% to 12.3% higher than those of ZIF-8. The underlying structural reasons were discussed to explain the anisotropic difference of those properties. Moreover, the conclusion deduced from first-principle calculations was also been verified by nanoindentation and high-pressure synchrotron X-ray diffraction measurements.
Ecological and Functional Traits in 99 Bird Species over a Large-Scale Gradient in Germany
Authors: Renner Swen C. , Hoesel Willem van
Published: March 2017

A gap still exists in published data on variation of morphological and ecological traits for common bird species over a large area. To diminish this knowledge gap, we report here average values of 99 bird species from three sites in Germany from the Biodiversity Exploratories on 24 ecological and functional traits. We present our own data on morphological and ecological traits of 28 common bird species and provide additional measurements for further species from published studies. This is a unique data set from live birds, which has not been published and is available neither from museum nor from any other collection in the presented coverage. Dataset: available as the supplementary file. Dataset license: CC-BY
Should Undergraduate Lectures be Compulsory? The Views of Dental and Medical Students from a UK University
Authors: Daud Alaa , Bagria Aaron , Shah Kushal , Puryer James
Published: March 2017

Formal lectures have been a traditional part of medical and dental education, but there is debate as to their compulsory status. This study was designed to explore dental and medical students’ views on compulsory lectures and the use of Video-Recorded Lectures (VRL). A cross-sectional study of University of Bristol students in Years 2 to 4 was conducted using an online questionnaire. The majority of both dental (76%) and medical (66%) students felt lectures should be non-compulsory. The most common learning resources used by both dental and medical students were live lectures, lecture handouts and VRL. The majority of both dental (84%) and medical (88%) students used VRL. Most students attended lectures all of the time both before and after the introduction of VRL, even though most dental and medical students believe lectures should be non-compulsory. VRL is a popular learning resource. These findings tie-in with General Dental Council and General Medical Council recommendations that encourage self-directed learning. Dental and Medical schools should offer a range of learning resources and make use of current technology, including the use of VRL.
High Throughput Characterization of Epitaxially Grown Single-Layer MoS2
Authors: Ghasemi Foad , Frisenda Riccardo , Dumcenco Dumitru , Kis Andras , Perez de Lara David , Castellanos-Gomez Andres
Published: March 2017

The growth of single-layer MoS2 with chemical vapor deposition is an established method that can produce large-area and high quality samples. In this article, we investigate the geometrical and optical properties of hundreds of individual single-layer MoS2 crystallites grown on a highly-polished sapphire substrate. Most of the crystallites are oriented along the terraces of the sapphire substrate and have an area comprised between 10 µm2 and 60 µm2. Differential reflectance measurements performed on these crystallites show that the area of the MoS2 crystallites has an influence on the position and broadening of the B exciton while the orientation does not influence the A and B excitons of MoS2. These measurements demonstrate that differential reflectance measurements have the potential to be used to characterize the homogeneity of large-area chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown samples.
On the Effect of Thinning on Tree Growth and Stand Structure of White Birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev) and Siberian Larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) in Mongolia
Authors: Gradel Alexander , Ammer Christian , Ganbaatar Batsaikhan , Nadaldorj Ochirrragchaa , Dovdondemberel Batdorj , Wagner Sven
Published: March 2017

The forests of North Mongolia are largely dominated either by larch (Larix sibirica Ledeb.) or birch (Betula platyphylla Sukaczev). The increasing demand for timber and firewood is currently met by removal of wood from these forest stands. Therefore, silvicultural approaches that account for both utilization and protection are needed. Thinning trials were established in the research area Altansumber, in the mountain forest steppe west of the town of Darkhan. We analyzed the response of non-spatial and spatial structure and growth of birch and larch stands on thinning. Before thinning, spatial tree distribution was largely clumped. Thinning promoted regular tree distribution. Ingrowth of new stems after thinning tended to redirect stand structure towards clumping. Both relative and absolute tree growth and competition were evaluated before, directly after, and three years after the thinning. Competition played a significant role in tree growth before thinning. A reduction in competition after thinning triggered significantly increased growth of both birch and larch. The observed positive growth response was valid in absolute and relative terms. A methodically based forest management strategy, including thinning operations and selective cuttings, could be established, even under the harsh Mongolian conditions. Our findings could initiate the development of broader forest management guidelines for the light-taiga dominated stands.
Biophysical and Economic Analysis of Black Spruce Regeneration in Eastern Canada Using Global Climate Model Productivity Outputs
Authors: Lee Jung , McKenney Daniel , Pedlar John , Arain M.
Published: March 2017

We explore the biophysical potential and economic attractiveness of black spruce (Picea mariana) regeneration in eastern Canada under the high greenhouse gas emission scenario (RCP 8.5) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). The study integrates net primary productivity and net ecosystem productivity estimates from three major global climate models (GCMs), growth and yield equations specific to black spruce, and economic analyses to determine spatially varying investment values of black spruce regeneration—both including and excluding carbon sequestration benefits. Net present value (NPV) was used to represent financial attractiveness. It was assumed that stands would not be harvested at volumes less than 80 m3·ha−1. A baseline case with the stumpage price set to $20 m−3, stand establishment cost $500 ha−1, and the discount rate 4%, was used with wide-ranging sensitivity analyses conducted around these assumptions. These values represent the wide range of choices and outcomes possible with black spruce regeneration investments. The results indicated a latitudinal gradient in economic attractiveness, with higher forest productivity and NPVs in the southern portion of the study area; however, black spruce regeneration was not economically attractive unless regeneration costs were very low (representing something closer to a natural regeneration type scenario) and/or carbon sequestration benefits of at least $5 ton−1 CO2 were realized. In general, the optimal harvest rotation age increased with increasing carbon price by approximately 9 to 18 years. Results of this study highlight the importance of future price and yield expectations and establishment costs in evaluating forest investments.
The Emotional Moves of a Rational Actor: Smiles, Scowls, and Other Credible Messages
Authors: Reed Lawrence , DeScioli Peter
Published: March 2017

Many scholars turn to emotions to understand irrational behavior. We do the opposite: we turn to rationality and game theory to understand people’s emotions. We discuss a striking theory of emotions that began with the game theory of credible threats and promises, then was enriched by evolutionary biology and psychology, and now is being tested in psychological experiments. We review some of these experiments which use economic games to set up strategic situations with real payoffs. The experiments test whether a player’s emotional expressions lend credibility to promises, threats, and claims of danger or hardship. The results offer insights into the hidden strategies behind a warm smile, an angry scowl, a look of terror, and eyes of despair.
Targeting MYC Dependence by Metabolic Inhibitors in Cancer
Authors: Sabnis Himalee S. , Somasagara Ranganatha R. , Bunting Kevin D.
Published: March 2017

Abstract: MYC is a critical growth regulatory gene that is commonly overexpressed in a wide range of cancers. Therapeutic targeting of MYC transcriptional activity has long been a goal, but it has been difficult to achieve with drugs that directly block its DNA-binding ability. Additional approaches that exploit oncogene addiction are promising strategies against MYC-driven cancers. Also, drugs that target metabolic regulatory pathways and enzymes have potential for indirectly reducing MYC levels. Glucose metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation, which can be targeted by multiple agents, promote cell growth and MYC expression. Likewise, modulation of the signaling pathways and protein synthesis regulated by adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) can also be an effective route for suppressing MYC translation. Furthermore, recent data suggest that metabolism of nucleotides, fatty acids and glutamine are exploited to alter MYC levels. Combination therapies offer potential new approaches to overcome metabolic plasticity caused by single agents. Although potential toxicities must be carefully controlled, new inhibitors currently being tested in clinical trials offer significant promise. Therefore, as both a downstream target of metabolism and an upstream regulator, MYC is a prominent central regulator of cancer metabolism. Exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities of MYC-driven cancers is an emerging research area with translational potential.
A Risk Assessment Matrix for Public Health Principles: The Case for E-Cigarettes
Authors: Saitta Daniela , Chowdhury Azim , Ferro Giancarlo , Nalis Federico , Polosa Riccardo
Published: March 2017

Besides nicotine replacement therapies, a realistic alternative for smoking cessation or for smoking substitution may come from electronic cigarettes (ECs), whose popularity has been steadily growing. As for any emerging behaviour associated with exposure to inhalational agents, there is legitimate cause for concern and many health organizations and policy makers have pushed for restrictive policy measures ranging from complete bans to tight regulations of these products. Nonetheless, it is important to reframe these concerns in context of the well-known harm caused by cigarette smoking. In this article, we discuss key public health principles that should be considered when regulating ECs. These include the concept of tobacco harm reduction, importance of relative risk and risk continuum, renormalization of smoking, availability of low-risk product, proportionate taxation, and reassessment of the role of non-tobacco flavours. These public health principles may be systematically scrutinized using a risk assessment matrix that allows: (1) to determine the measure of certainty that a risk will occur; and (2) to estimate the impact of such a risk on public health. Consequently, the ultimate goal of responsible ECs regulation should be that of maximizing the favourable impact of these reduced-risk products whilst minimizing further any potential risks. Consumer perspectives, sound EC research, continuous post-marketing surveillance and reasonable safety and quality product standards should be at the very heart of future regulatory schemes that will address concerns while minimizing unintended consequences of ill-informed regulation.
Individual and Store Characteristics Associated with Brand Choices in Select Food Category Redemptions among WIC Participants in Virginia
Authors: Zhang Qi , Tang Chuanyi , McLaughlin Patrick , Diggs Leigh
Published: March 2017

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) often allows participants to redeem food benefits for various brands at different costs. To aid the program’s food cost containment efforts, it is important to understand the individual and store characteristics associated with brand choices. This study used the WIC Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) data for 239,062 Virginia WIC participants’ brand choices in infant fruits and vegetables (F&Vs) and whole grain bread in May 2014–February 2015, one of the first such data sets available in the U.S. for research purposes. Mixed effects logistic regression models were used to analyze the choice of higher-priced brands over lower-priced brands. Minority participants were significantly more likely to redeem higher-priced brands of infant F&Vs, but more likely to choose lower-priced brands of bread. Participants shopping in urban stores or midsized stores (with 5–9 registers) were less likely to choose higher-priced brands compared to rural stores or large stores (with 9+ registers). Race/ethnicity and store characteristics may be significant factors in participants’ brand choices. The results can help develop interventions that encourage targeted participants to redeem lower-priced but equivalently healthy brands. This may not only help contain WIC program costs, but help participants manage their own non-WIC food expenses as well.
Proactive Approach for Safe Use of Antimicrobial Coatings in Healthcare Settings: Opinion of the COST Action Network AMiCI
Authors: Ahonen Merja , Kahru Anne , Ivask Angela , Kasemets Kaja , Kõljalg Siiri , Mantecca Paride , Vinković Vrček Ivana , Keinänen-Toivola Minna , Crijns Francy
Published: March 2017

Infections and infectious diseases are considered a major challenge to human health in healthcare units worldwide. This opinion paper was initiated by EU COST Action network AMiCI (AntiMicrobial Coating Innovations) and focuses on scientific information essential for weighing the risks and benefits of antimicrobial surfaces in healthcare settings. Particular attention is drawn on nanomaterial-based antimicrobial surfaces in frequently-touched areas in healthcare settings and the potential of these nano-enabled coatings to induce (eco)toxicological hazard and antimicrobial resistance. Possibilities to minimize those risks e.g., at the level of safe-by-design are demonstrated.
Investigation of the Structures and Energy Landscapes of Thiocyanate-Water Clusters
Authors: Smeeton Lewis , Hey John , Johnston Roy
Published: March 2017

The Basin Hopping search method is used to find the global minima (GM) and map the energy landscapes of thiocyanate-water clusters, (SCN−)(H2O)n with 3–50 water molecules, with empirical potentials describing the ion-water and water-water interactions. (It should be noted that beyond n = 23, the lowest energy structures were only found in 1 out of 8 searches so they are unlikely to be the true GM but are indicative low energy structures.) As for pure water clusters, the low energy isomers of thiocyanate-water clusters show a preponderance of fused water cubes and pentagonal prisms, with the weakly solvated thiocyanate ion lying on the surface, replacing two water molecules along an edge of a water polyhedron and with the sulfur atom in lower coordinated sites than nitrogen. However, by comparison with Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, the empirical potential is found to overestimate the strength of the thiocyanate-water interaction, especially O–H⋯S, with low energy DFT structures having lower coordinate N and (especially) S atoms than for the empirical potential. In the case of these finite ion-water clusters, the chaotropic (“disorder-making”) thiocyanate ion weakens the water cluster structure but the water molecule arrangement is not significantly changed.
Research Advances of Microencapsulation and Its Prospects in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: Hu Miaomiao , Guo Jintang , Yu Yongjin , Cao Lei , Xu Yang
Published: March 2017

Additives in the petroleum industry have helped form an efficient system in the past few decades. Nowadays, the development of oil and gas has been facing more adverse conditions, and smart response microcapsules with the abilities of self-healing, and delayed and targeted release are introduced to eliminate obstacles for further exploration in the petroleum industry. However, limited information is available, only that of field measurement data, and not mechanism theory and structural innovation data. Thus we propose that the basic type, preparation, as well as mechanism of microcapsules partly depend on other mature fields. In this review, we explore the latest advancements in evaluating microcapsules, such as X-ray computed tomography (XCT), simulation, and modeling. Finally, some novel microencapsulated additives with unparalleled advantages, such as flexibility, efficiency, and energy-conservation are described.
Biodegradable Poly(Amino Ester) with Aromatic Backbone as Efficient Nonviral Gene Delivery Vectors
Authors: Liu Qiang , Su Rong-Chuan , Yi Wen-Jing , Zhao Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2017

The development of gene delivery vectors with high efficiency and biocompatibility is one of the critical points of gene therapy. Two biodegradable poly(amino ester)s were synthesized via ring-opening polymerization between low molecular weight (LMW) PEI and diepoxide. The molecular weights of poly(amino ester)s were measured by GPC. Agarose gel retardation assays showed that these materials have good DNA-binding ability and can retard the electrophoretic mobility of plasmid DNA (pDNA) at a weight ratio of 1. The formed polyplexes have proper sizes of around 200 nm and zeta-potential values of about 30–40 mV for cellular uptake. In vitro experiments revealed that polymer P2 gave higher transfection efficiency than PEI 25KDa and Lipofectamine 2000 with less toxicity, especially in 293 cells. Results demonstrate that such a type of degradable poly(amino ester) may serve as a promising non-viral gene vector.