bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Daʿwa is Our Identity’—Salafism and IslamNet’s Rationales for Action in a Norwegian Context
Authors: Bangstad Sindre , Linge Marius
Published: September 2015

This article examines the emergence of Salafism in Norway, a relatively new phenomenon in the country that manifests itself mainly through two Muslim organisations, namely IslamNet and the Prophet’s Ummah. Recent research has emphasised that the activism of IslamNet may be characterised as beingharaki, or “politically” orientated—a categorisation emerging out of the frequently cited so-called tripartite typology of transnational Salafism. While we agree that the model is useful as an ideal type, we argue that Salafi organisations such as IslamNet may adjust their orientation from puritanism to politics, depending on shifting social-political circumstances.
MAPPING EVENTS: CAMBIUM PHENOLOGY ACROSS THE LATITUDINAL DISTRIBUTION OF BLACK SPRUCE
Authors: Girard Marie-Josée , Rossi Sergio , Morin Hubert
Published: September 2015

This study used statistical models for describing the spatial patterns of variation in cambium phenology and xylem cell production across the entire latitudinal distribution of a species. The studied area extends over 600 km from the 48th to the 53rd parallel in the boreal forest of Quebec, Canada. Microcores were collected weekly from April to October 2012 from 50 Black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) BSP] trees in five stands. The dates of occurrence of the phases of cambium phenology were identified on histological sections and correlated to the latitude and altitude of the sites by means of linear and non-linear functions. The results were used to estimate the timings of xylem growth and cell production across the sampled region. Phenology was mostly represented by linear functions. The increase in latitude and altitude produced a proportional variation in the beginning and ending of xylem differentiation, thus leading to a shorter length of the period of wood formation. The phase of cell enlargement and cell production changed according to a non-linear pattern represented by a negative exponential curve. Latitude was the factor with the greatest impact on xylem phenology, while altitude had a slight or no effect, especially for nonlinear relationships. Xylem formation is a complex process composed of several phenological phases that change across a species distribution area according to either linear or non-linear patterns. Knowledge and quantification of these patterns are important for modelling the dynamics of tree growth across wide geographical areas and for predicting productivity of forest ecosystems under climate change scenarios.
FORENSIC ANALYSIS OF CITES-PROTECTED DALBERGIA TIMBER FROM THE AMERICAS
Authors: Espinoza Edgard O. , Wiemann Michael C. , Barajas-Morales Josefina , Chavarria Gabriela D. , McClure Pamela J.
Published: September 2015

Species identification of logs, planks, and veneers is difficult because they lack the traditional descriptors such as leaves and flowers. An additional challenge is that many transnational shipments have unreliable geographic provenance. Therefore, frequently the lowest taxonomic determination is genus, which allows unscrupulous importers to evade the endangered species laws. In this study we explore whether analysis of wood using a Direct Analysis in Real Time (DART) Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (TOFMS) can assist in making unequivocal species determinations of Dalbergia. DART TOFMS spectra were collected from the heartwood of eight species of Dalbergia and six other look-alike species. In all, fourteen species comprising of 318 specimens were analyzed and the species chemical profiles were examined by statistical analysis. Dalbergia nigra (CITES Appendix I) was differentiated from D. spruceana; D. stevensonii (Appendix II) was distinguished from D. tucurensis (Appendix III), and all the look-alike timbers could be readily distinguished. Surprisingly, D. retusa (Appendix III) could not be differentiated from D. granadillo, and we postulate that they are synonymous. We conclude that DART TOFMS spectra are useful in making species identifications of American Dalbergia species, and could be a valuable tool for the traditional wood anatomist.
NEW MIDDLE MIOCENE FOSSIL WOOD OF WATARIA (MALVACEAE) FROM SOUTHWEST CHINA
Authors: Li Yan-Jie , Oskolski Alexei A. , Jacques Frédéric M.B. , Zhou Zhe-Kun
Published: September 2015

This paper describes a new species of fossil wood, Wataria yunnanica Li et Oskolski, from the Dajie Formation of the middle Miocene in southern Yunnan province, China. This species shows the greatest similarity to the modern genus Reevesia Lindl. from the subfamily Helicteroideae of Malvaceae. The fossil specimen is ascribed to the genus Wataria Terada & Suzuki based on its combination of ring-porous wood and the presence of tile cells. It differs from other Wataria species because vessel groups are common in its latewood. This is the first record of Wataria in China. Other species of this genus have been reported from Oligocene and Miocene deposits in Japan, and from Miocene deposits in Korea. The occurrence of ring-porous wood in the Dajie Formation suggests that there may have been a seasonal (probably monsoonal) climate in southern Yunnan during the middle Miocene.
Mare Liberum
Authors: Chambers-Letson Joshua
Published: September 2015

Bringing a performance studies perspective to bear on the emergent area of oceanic studies, this essay theorizes the oceanic imaginary and its particular resonance for Asian American performance. It offers a study of the mare liberum, or free sea: an insovereign zone that belongs to no one because it is common to all. Organized around a reading of musician Karen O’s performances, the essay identifies the emancipatory kernel at the heart of her performance practice. Reading the oceanic aesthetic within Karen O’s performance practice and situating this within of a brief intellectual history of the free sea—and the work of early modern Dutch jurist Hugo Grotious, in particular—the author suggests that Karen O’s playful performance atop a figurative ocean stages the speculative emancipation of the body from the limits of racial and national subjection.
Ground-Based Temperature and Humidity Profiling Using Spectral Infrared and Microwave Observations. Part II: Actual Retrieval Performance in Clear-Sky and Cloudy Conditions
Authors: Blumberg W. G. , Turner D. D. , Löhnert U. , Castleberry S.
Published: September 2015

Although current upper-air observing systems provide an impressive array of observations, many are deficient in observing the temporal evolution of the boundary layer thermodynamic profile. Ground-based remote sensing instruments such as the multichannel microwave radiometer (MWR) and Atmospheric Emitted Radiance Interferometer (AERI) are able to provide profiles of temperature and water vapor through the boundary layer at 5-min resolution or better. Previous work compared these instruments through optimal-estimation retrievals on simulated clear-sky spectra to evaluate the retrieval accuracy and information content of each instrument. In this study, this method is duplicated using real observations from collocated MWR and AERI instruments from a field campaign in southwestern Germany. When compared with radiosondes, this study confirms the previous results that AERI retrievals are more accurate than MWR retrievals in clear-sky and below-cloud-base profiling. These results demonstrate that the AERI has nearly 2 times as much information as the MWR.
The Contribution of Reservoirs to Global Land Surface Water Storage Variations*
Authors: Zhou Tian , Nijssen Bart , Gao Huilin , Lettenmaier Dennis P.
Published: September 2015

Man-made reservoirs play a key role in the terrestrial water system. They alter water fluxes at the land surface and impact surface water storage through water management regulations for diverse purposes such as irrigation, municipal water supply, hydropower generation, and flood control. Although most developed countries have established sophisticated observing systems for many variables in the land surface water cycle, long-term and consistent records of reservoir storage are much more limited and not always shared. Furthermore, most land surface hydrological models do not represent the effects of water management activities. Here, the contribution of reservoirs to seasonal water storage variations is investigated using a large-scale water management model to simulate the effects of reservoir management at basin and continental scales. The model was run from 1948 to 2010 at a spatial resolution of 0.25° latitude–longitude. A total of 166 of the largest reservoirs in the world with a total capacity of about 3900 km3 (nearly 60% of the globally integrated reservoir capacity) were simulated. The global reservoir storage time series reflects the massive expansion of global reservoir capacity; over 30 000 reservoirs have been constructed during the past half century, with a mean absolute interannual storage variation of 89 km3. The results indicate that the average reservoir-induced seasonal storage variation is nearly 700 km3 or about 10% of the global reservoir storage. For some river basins, such as the Yellow River, seasonal reservoir storage variations can be as large as 72% of combined snow water equivalent and soil moisture storage.
Sexual Self-Schemas of Bisexual Men
Authors: Elder William B. , Morrow Susan L. , Brooks Gary R.
Published: September 2015

This qualitative study investigated the sexual self-schemas and masculinity ideologies of 20 bisexual men. Sexual self-schema was defined as a cognitive generalization about sexual aspects of the self, as derived from past experience and sociocultural context, which guides current experiences and facilitates the processing of sexual information. In-depth interviews, a focus group, documentary evidence, and grounded theory analysis were used. Categories were coded and analyzed, revealing two models. The first, the sexual self-schema of bisexual men, is an eight-category model of the bisexual male sexual self-schema describing men’s relationships with other men and with women, as well as attitudes about themselves. The second model, the process of emerging awareness of bisexual attraction, outlines how sexual and romantic relationship experiences lead to bisexual sexual orientation identity. The two theoretical models depict how bisexual men understand their own sexual self-schemas. Implications for counseling psychology research and practice are addressed.
Understanding the help-seeking decisions of sexual assault survivors: Implications for social work practice in Hong Kong
Authors: Leung Lai Ching
Published: September 2015

The study aims to adopt a social constructionist and feminist approach to explore the interactional factors that influence the decision of sexual violence survivors to seek help and disclose their sexual abuse experiences in Hong Kong. The study has adopted both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Results suggest that the decisions of sexual assault survivors to disclose their experiences or seek help are not characterized by a rational process based on thoughtful calculation or cost–benefit analysis. The survivors’ reactions are social construction processes that were shaped by social context through culture, interpersonal interactions, and support availability.
Gendered Occupational Shifts in the Transition to Parenthood: The Influence of Personal Networks
Authors: Giudici Francesco , Widmer Eric
Published: September 2015

This article investigates the influence of personal networks on changes of occupational rates of men and women becoming parents. It discusses and measures the effects of various interconnected dimensions of network structures and compositions, such as density, degree of overlap between partners’ networks, geographical distance between network members, and types of relations (family, friendship, or others). A set of longitudinal analyses on 235 couples becoming parents in Switzerland shows that for women, higher density in emotional support triggers a reduction in occupational rates once the first child is born, while for men, a higher density in practical support is associated with an increase of occupational rates, with a resulting increase of gender inequalities in the division of paid labour. Results are valid both for intended changes and for changes observed in the transition, and they hold when controlling for parents’ educational level, income and personal values about gender equality.
In spirituality
Authors: Guenther Zenita , Németh-Torres Geovani
Published: September 2015

The concept of spirituality is influenced by culture and the values and mores of Brazil, and though not directly linked to religion it actually grows from the same roots. This paper examines spirituality in education from the perspective of a humanistic psychology framework expressed as an ideal of the adequate personality or healthy personality. An exploratory study conducted by the Potential and Talent Devenlopment Center (CEDET) is discussed in which students responded to two major themes: idea of God; and where is the Soul? The idea-units of the students were grouped as themes and sub-themes around the definition of spiritual intelligence of Sisk and Torrance and humanistic psychology.
Capitalism, regulation theory and Australian labour law: Towards a new theoretical model
Authors: Heino Brett
Published: September 2015

This article employs the methodology of the Parisian regulation approach to periodise Australian capitalism into distinct models of development. Within such models, labour law plays a key role in articulating the abstract capitalist need to commodify labour-power with the concrete realities of class struggle. Given the differential ordering of social contradictions and the distinct relationship of social forces within the fabric of each model of development, such formations will crystallise distinct regimes of labour law. This is demonstrated by a study of the two successive models of development that have characterised Australian political economy since the post-Second World War era: antipodean Fordism (1945 to mid-1970s) and liberal-productivism (late-1980s to the present). The result of this examination is a model of legal analysis that, although tailored to the Australian experience, is capable of application in other contexts.
Identifying a need for more focused treatment of chlamydia and gonorrhoea in the emergency department
Authors: Wilson Sean P , Knych McKenna , Iordanova Rossitza , Mahan Meredith , Vohra Taher
Published: September 2015

The indolent nature of chlamydia and gonorrhoea, along with the time delay associated with current diagnostic testing, makes definitive diagnosis while in the emergency department impossible. We therefore sought to determine the proportion of patients who receive accurate, presumptive antimicrobial treatment for these infections. A retrospective chart review was performed on all patient encounters that underwent chlamydia and gonorrhoea testing at an urban emergency department during a single month in 2012. Each encounter was reviewed for nucleic acid amplification test results and whether presumptive antibiotics were given during the initial visit. A total of 639 patient encounters were reviewed; 87.2% were female and the mean age was 26.7 years. Chlamydia was present in 11.1%, with women and men having similar infection rates: 10.6% vs. 14.6% ( p = 0.277). Gonorrhoea was present in 5.0%, with a lower prevalence among women than men: 3.2% vs. 17.1% ( p < 0.001). Women received presumptive treatment less often than men: 37.7% vs. 82.9% ( p < 0.001). Presumptive treatment was less accurate in women than men: 7.9% vs. 25.6% ( p < 0.001). After combining genders, 10.2% received accurate presumptive treatment; 33.3% were overtreated and 4.4% missed treatment. Presumptive treatment for chlamydia and gonorrhoea was more frequent and more accurate in men than in women. Overall, one-third of patients received unnecessary antibiotics, yet nearly 5% missed treatment. Better methods are needed for identifying patients who need treatment.
Foreign Equity Flows and Market Return Linkages: Evidence of Malaysian Stock Market
Authors: Sapian Ros Zam Zam , Auzairy Noor Azryani
Published: September 2015

This study examines the linkages between foreign equity flows and stock market returns of Bursa Malaysia. Specifically this article intends to investigate whether past stock returns influence foreign equity flows or vice versa in a short-term time horizon. To explore the linkages between these two variables, this study employs bivariate vector autoregressive (VAR) model. In addition, to determine the causal relation between stock returns and foreign equity flows, this study utilizes VAR Granger causality test. The findings of this study provide evidence that foreign institutional investors are momentum traders, while foreign retail investors are contrarian traders with regard to the return of Malaysian equity market. Another main finding is that domestic equity returns have an effect on fund flows of foreign retail investors and vice versa; meanwhile, there is a positive causal relation between domestic equity returns and foreign institutional fund flows.
Stock Market Volatility and Equity Trading Volume: Empirical Examination from Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC)
Authors: Naik Pramod Kumar , Padhi Puja
Published: September 2015

This study empirically examines the relationship between equity market volatility and trading volume using equity market indices of four emerging economies, such as, Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC) over the period from 2008 to 2013. Using daily data of their respective stock market indices, we estimate an exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model to confirm the volatility asymmetry, and then we examine the volume–volatility relationship by augmenting contemporaneous and lagged trading volume in the EGARCH model. The results indicate substantial volatility asymmetry across the BRIC equity markets. We find that contemporaneous trading volumes are significantly associated with equity market volatility for all the four markets studied, supporting the mixture of distribution hypothesis. Lagged trading volumes are found to be insignificant in explaining conditional volatility. However, it is evident that trading volume fails to attenuate the degree of volatility persistence. The persistence level remains high across the BRIC markets even after incorporating trading volumes in the volatility model.
Understanding Dynamic Relationship among Gold Price, Exchange Rate and Stock Markets: Evidence in Indian Context
Authors: Shiva Atul , Sethi Monica
Published: September 2015

The purpose of research in this article is to investigate the relationship among gold prices, Bombay Stock Exchange’s Sensex, National Stock Exchange’s Standard and Poor’s (S&P) Financial Services LLC CNX NIFTY1 (S&P CNX NIFTY) and US dollar/Indian rupee (USD/INR) exchange rate for the period January 1998–April 2014. The relationship among these variables has been studied by applying vector error correction model (VECM) in order to check the long-run and short-run causality. Johansen cointegration test has been applied to find out the long-term cointegration among variables in the study. In further analysis, Wald’s coefficient diagnosis and residual analysis revealed that gold prices, SENSEX, USD/INR and S&P CNX NIFTY are in equilibrium in the short run and long run. Granger causality test finally confirms the presence of unidirectional causality that runs from gold prices to S&P CNX NIFTY and also from gold prices to USD/INR exchange rate at current prices.
Arthroscopic Debridement After Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Devos Bevernage Bernhard , Deleu Paul-André , Birch Ivan , Gombault Vincent , Maldague Pierre , Leemrijse Thibaut
Published: September 2015

Background:

Residual pain due to impingement after ankle arthroplasty can be addressed with arthroscopic debridement. Literature focusing on the effectiveness of arthroscopic debridement after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) is scarce. The authors report a case series of 12 patients complaining of anterior or posterior impingement pain, 11 of which were in the absence of malalignment which were treated by arthroscopy.

Methods:

Of the 106 TAAs performed between 2003 and 2012, a total of 12 subjects reported postoperative pain resulting from anterior or anteromedial impingement, medial and/or lateral gutter impingement, posterior impingement, and/or ankylosis. All patients were reviewed on a regular basis through chart review, clinical examination, and radiologic evaluation. The average time to final follow-up was 58.8 months. The average period from the original TAA to the arthroscopic debridement was 38.2 months.

Results:

The median AOFAS hindfoot score was significantly ( P < .05) improved from 64.6 preoperatively to 73.5 postoperatively. Eight subjects reported good pain relief after the arthroscopic debridement, and partial pain relief was reported by 4 subjects. Three patients with painful ankylosis had no improvement in the total range of motion of the TAA implant after the arthroscopic debridement.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that arthroscopic debridement in patients with residual pain due to impingement syndromes after TAA was effective in 8 of the 12 cases at 2 years’ follow-up. However, the results suggest that arthroscopic debridement in the presence of painful ankylosis associated with or without impingement syndromes results only in partial pain relief and does not improve the range of motion.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Comorbidity of ADHD and Anxiety Disorders in School-Age Children: Impact on Sleep and Response to a Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment
Authors: Bériault Maxime , Turgeon Lyse , Labrosse Mélanie , Berthiaume Claude , Verreault Martine , Berthiaume Caroline , Godbout Roger
Published: September 2015

Objective: This exploratory study measured the impact of comorbid anxiety disorders on sleep in children with ADHD and tested the effect of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) on these measures. Method: Fifty-seven children (8-12 years old) were assessed with the Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire. Four groups were formed: ADHD ( n = 20), ADHD + Anxiety ( n = 20), Anxiety ( n = 8), and Healthy Controls ( n = 9). A subgroup of 10 children with ADHD + Anxiety underwent CBT for anxiety. Results: The results showed that sleep difficulties were better associated with anxiety than with ADHD. CBT reduced sleep onset latency and marginally decreased the total amount of sleep problems. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that comorbid anxiety in ADHD children is linked with specific sleep disturbances and is sensitive to CBT aimed at reducing anxiety.
Insights into the effect of thermocapillary migration of droplet on lubrication
Authors: Ke Heji , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: September 2015

Thermocapillary migration, as a liquid lubricant loss mechanism, will lead to the failures of moving mechanical assemblies due to lack of lubricant. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of thermocapillary migration of droplet on surface lubrication properties. An experimental set-up was designed to investigate the migration behavior of paraffin oil driven by temperature gradient. Friction tests were carried out to evaluate the influences of lubricant migration on tribological performance. Aspects of the temperature gradient, oil volume and initial migrating time were taken into account. The experimental results showed that the increment of temperature gradient and oil drop volume can both enhance the average velocity of drop migration, while the average velocity decreases over time. Temperature gradient exhibits the dominated effect on surface lubrication properties and starvation first takes place at the highest temperature gradient. In addition, a transition of wear mechanism from an abrasive to adhesion wear is observed in particular situations.
Musings on the puzzle piece
Authors: Goin-Kochel Robin P
Published: September 2015

Following is a brief musing on Roy Grinker’s discussion of what the puzzle piece symbolizes for autism during his presentation at the 2015 International Meeting for Autism Research. In his words, “The puzzle piece is ubiquitous.” It likely holds a different meaning for each of us, and this is how one autism researcher sees it.
Durability of textile facing materials for construction: Operating accelerated ageing protocol results in basic medium for lifetime estimation in conditions of use
Authors: Krimi Imane , Ducoulombier Laure , Dakhli Zakaria , Lafhaj Zoubeir
Published: September 2015

The building industry is now evolving in a rapid pace due to the massive need to build and rebuild the cities. While designing the building, the owner appreciates the esthetic aspects, whereas the contractor is more interested in a performance-based approach for its construction. The current study investigates the integration of industrial textiles in buildings. For that, life spawn estimation of textile materials is crucial due to the different existing French regulations that set a minimum durability criterion. The paper presents a methodology for lifetime estimation and an application to two fabrics intended for use as facing materials for buildings. A series of aging tests were carried out and extrapolations were made to reach the research goal. The results of tests that were carried out indicate the feasibility of the textiles’ lifetime estimation methodology used.
Laminar mixed convection boundary layer flow induced by a permeable surface stretched with prescribed skin friction boundary conditions
Authors: Ali Mohamed , Alabdulkarem Abdullah
Published: September 2015

The mixed laminar boundary layer flow and heat transfer on a permeable stretched surface moving with prescribed skin friction are studied. Three major cases, which correspond to complete similarity solutions, are considered. The cases are combinations of power law indices n and m representing temperature and skin friction distributions, respectively. The first case ( n = 0, m = 0.5) corresponds to isothermal stretched surface with skin friction at the surface scales as x1/4. The second case ( n = 1, m = 1) is a linear temperature and skin friction distribution along the vertical stretched surface. The third case ( n = −1, m = 0) represents inverse temperature variation along the surface with prescribed skin friction of the order of x−1/2. Similarity solutions are obtained for the surface stretched in a stagnant air with Prandtl number = 0.72. The effect of suction/injection velocity ( fw) and the buoyancy parameter ( λ) is studied in detail. The results show that the heat transfer coefficient along the surface is enhanced for assisting flow ( λ > 0) at any value of fw for the first and second cases, while it is reduced for the third case. However, the opposite is true for the opposing flow ( λ < 0). Furthermore, suction enhances the heat transfer coefficient, whereas injection degrades it at any fixed λ for the first and second prescribed skin friction boundary conditions, and the opposite is true for the third case.
Genetic characterization of interleukins (IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-15 and IL-18) with relevant biological roles in lagomorphs
Authors: Neves Fabiana , Abrantes Joana , Almeida Tereza , de Matos Ana Lemos , Costa Paulo P , Esteves Pedro J
Published: September 2015

ILs, as essential innate immune modulators, are involved in an array of biological processes. In the European rabbit ( Oryctolagus cuniculus) IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12A, IL-12B, IL-15 and IL-18 have been implicated in inflammatory processes and in the immune response against rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus and myxoma virus infections. In this study we characterized these ILs in six Lagomorpha species (European rabbit, pygmy rabbit, two cottontail rabbit species, European brown hare and American pika). Overall, these ILs are conserved between lagomorphs, including in their exon/intron structure. Most differences were observed between leporids and American pika. Indeed, when comparing both, some relevant differences were observed in American pika, such as the location of the stop codon in IL-1α and IL-2, the existence of a different transcript in IL8 and the number of cysteine residues in IL-1β. Changes at N-glycosylation motifs were also detected in IL-1, IL-10, IL-12B and IL-15. IL-1α is the protein that presents the highest evolutionary distances, which is in contrast to IL-12A where the distances between lagomorphs are the lowest. For all these ILs, sequences of human and European rabbit are more closely related than between human and mouse or European rabbit and mouse.
Evolving Cultural Identities in a Planetary Era
Authors: Motti Victor Vahidi
Published: September 2015

We are often told that the biotechnology era is coming. Equally important but less clear is that the planetary era is coming too. A whole range of possibilities lie ahead of us. Our forward-looking plan should be to influence the imagination and knowledge imprinted in the mind of people to facilitate a transformation toward the next level of global cultural and cosmic evolution. We need to encourage more creativity and innovation, including in our identities, and we need a pragmatic mind set to launch the “planetary era.” Communities around the world, if they want to survive, need to make better sense of how the planetary era is possible and what are its basic characteristics. State-of-the-art in biotechnology and brain research is the major enabler of this great transformation. This article examines possible answers to a simple yet deep question: what are the main characteristics of a planetary era, how might cultural identities evolve in a planetary era, and how best can we prepare to shift human nature and minds into high gear? Different scenarios explore this question.
Standards-Based Grading Practices Among Practicing Music Educators
Authors: St. Pierre Nathan A. , Wuttke Brian C.
Published: September 2015

This study sought to describe the prevalence of Standards-based grading (SBG) among practicing music teachers and report the rationale teachers provided for or against its use. Participants were music educators ( N = 96) responsible for grading students. Most participants (52.08%, n = 50) indicated that they were not familiar with SBG. Many participants (46.86%, n = 45) reported familiarity and reported using SBG completely or partially in practice. These participants provided definitions of SBG to validate their self-reports. Definitions were scored using a 4-point rubric. Some of the participants ( n = 7) who said they were using SBG in their teaching provided definitions demonstrating no understanding of SBG. Therefore, these results indicate that 39.58% ( n = 38) of the total participants ( N = 96) were using SBG. Overwhelmingly, when asked to provide the reason(s) why they did not use SBG, teachers described lack of knowledge about SBG as the reason. The most prevalent rationale the teachers gave for using SBG was that teachers were required to do so.
Evidence for variable grounding-zone and shear-margin basal conditions across Thwaites Glacier, West Antarctica
Authors: Schroeder Dustin M. , Grima Cyril , Blankenship Donald D.
Published: September 2015

Definitive interpretation of ice-sheet basal conditions from radar-sounding data beneath outlet-glacier grounding zones and shear margins can be problematic due to poorly constrained and spatially variable englacial attenuation rates and losses from propagation through a rough ice surface. To correct for spatially variable attenuation rates, we developed a novel radar analysis approach that provided improved empirical attenuation correction by fitting linearly variable attenuation rates along radar-sounding profiles from the ice-sheet interior to the grounding zone. We also corrected for ice-surface propagation losses by using surface echo amplitude distributions to constrain the loss of coherent power for surface reflections and two-way propagation through a rough ice surface. By applying this approach to airborne radar-sounding observations of the Thwaites Glacier catchment in West Antarctica, we produced relative reflectivity profiles, which show grounding-zone basal conditions varying across the Amundsen Sea Embayment. Additionally, these techniques provided improved characterization of basal conditions across shear margins, showing that — contrary to previous interpretations — the eastern shear margin of Thwaites Glacier corresponded to a change in basal conditions consistent with a transition from frozen to thawed bed.
Monitoring of ground surface and subsurface deformations at oil sands using radar interferometry
Authors: Baek Jin , Kim Sang-Wan , Kim Jeong Woo
Published: September 2015

Conventional monitoring methods, such as surveying and tiltmeter, require labor-intensive and time-consuming fieldwork, and they are limited to specific locations, either survey stations or an array of tiltmeters. Furthermore, none of the studies about the geomechanical inversion of cumulative surface deformations for the inference of subsurface volumetric changes in Canadian oil sands has yet been published. Radar interferometry has been widely used for monitoring surface deformations over a large area in all weather conditions with high accuracy. We have developed a method to detect surface deformations by radar interferometry techniques and to estimate subsurface volumetric changes by geomechanical inversion of surface deformation measurements. Differential interferometric synthetic aperture radar was implemented using first advanced land observation satellite phased array type L-band synthetic aperture radar data; the resulting interferograms indicated the vertical surface deformations between July 2007 and March 2011. An additional investigation into the detected surface deformations was performed to retrieve time-series maps of cumulative surface deformations, which accounted for the temporal evolution of the changes in surface elevation. The temporal analysis confirmed that the ground surface experienced nonlinear time-varying vertical deformations, reaching up to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for a 3.7 year time period starting in July 2007. The surface deformations were interpreted using cubic polynomial regression with historical information on fluid injection and withdrawal. The positive curvilinear relationships between the fluid volume changes, which were caused by steam injection and bitumen/water production, and the surface deformations, were found with an [Formula: see text] of greater than 0.73. The fractional volumetric changes in the reservoir were examined by applying geomechanical inversion to surface deformation measurements. The fractional volumetric changes ranged from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] with respect to the initial reservoir volume for the 3.7 year period. A positive linear relationship between fluid volume changes and subsurface volumetric changes was determined with [Formula: see text] ranging from 0.515 to 0.992.
Dynamic transcriptional symmetry-breaking in pre-implantation mammalian embryo development revealed by single-cell RNA-seq
Authors: Shi Junchao , Chen Qi , Li Xin , Zheng Xiudeng , Zhang Ying , Qiao Jie , Tang Fuchou , Tao Yi , Zhou Qi , Duan Enkui
Published: September 2015

During mammalian preimplantation embryo development, when the first asymmetry emerges and how it develops to direct distinct cell fates remain longstanding questions. Here, by analyzing single-blastomere transcriptome data from mouse and human pre-implantation embryos, we revealed that the initial blastomere-to-blastomere biases emerge as early as the first embryonic cleavage division, following a binominal distribution pattern. The following zygotic transcriptional activation further elevated overall blastomere-to-blastomere biases during 2- to 16-cell embryo stages, whereas the trends of transcriptional asymmetry fall into two distinct patterns: some genes tends to minimize the extent of asymmetry between blastomeres (monostable pattern); while other genes, including those known lineage specifiers, showed ever-increasing asymmetry between blastomeres (bistable pattern), supposedly controlled by negative or positive feedbacks. Moreover, our analysis supports a scenario that opposing lineage specifiers within an early blastomere constantly compete with each other based on their relative ratio, forming a inclined “lineage strength” that push the blastomere onto predisposed, yet flexible lineage track before morphological distinction.
The Ecdysteroidome of Drosophila: influence of diet and development
Authors: Lavrynenko Oksana , Rodenfels Jonathan , Carvalho Maria , Dye Natalie A. , Lafont Rene , Eaton Suzanne , Shevchenko Andrej
Published: September 2015

Ecdysteroids are the hormones regulating development, physiology and fertility in arthropods, which synthesize them exclusively from dietary sterols. But how dietary sterol diversity influences the ecdysteroid profile, how animals ensure the production of desired hormones and whether there are functional differences between different ecdysteroids produced in vivo, remains unknown. This is because currently there is no analytical technology for unbiased, comprehensive and quantitative assessment of the full complement of endogenous ecdysteroids. We developed a new LC-MS/MS method to screen the entire chemical space of ecdysteroid-related structures and to quantify known and newly discovered hormones and their catabolites. We quantified the ecdysteroidome in Drosophila melanogaster and investigated how the ecdysteroid profile varies with diet and development. We show that Drosophila can produce 4 different classes of ecdysteroids, which are obligatorily derived from 4 types of dietary sterol precursors. Drosophila produces makisterone A from plant sterols and epi-makisterone A from ergosterol, the major yeast sterol. However they prefer to selectively utilize scarce ergosterol precursors to make a novel hormone 24,28-dehydromakisterone A and trace cholesterol to synthesize 20-hydroxyecdysone. Interestingly, epi-makisterone A supports only larval development, while all other ecdysteroids allow full adult development. We suggest that evolutionary pressure against producing epi-C24 ecdysteroids may explain selective utilization of ergosterol precursors and the puzzling preference for cholesterol.
A novel germ cell determinant reveals parallel pathways for germ line development inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Mainpal Rana , Nance Jeremy , Yanowitz Judith L.
Published: September 2015

Despite the central importance of germ cells for transmission of genetic material, our understanding of the molecular programs that control primordial germ cell (PGC) specification and differentiation are limited. Here, we present findings that X nondisjunction factor-1 (xnd-1), known for its role in regulating meiotic crossover formation, is an early determinant of germ cell fates in Caenorhabditis elegans. xnd-1 mutant embryos display a novel “one PGC” phenotype due to G2 cell cycle arrest of the P4 blastomere. Larvae and adults display smaller germ lines and reduced brood sized consistent with a role for XND-1 in germ cell proliferation. Maternal XND-1 proteins are found in P4 and exclusively localized to the nucleus in the PGCs, Z2 and Z3. Zygotic XND-1 turns on shortly thereafter, at the ∼300-cell stage, making XND-1 the earliest zygotically-expressed gene in the worm PGCs. Strikingly, a subset of xnd-1 mutants lack germ cells, a phenotype shared with nos-2, a member of the conserved Nanos family of germline determinants. We generated a nos-2 null allele and show that nos-2; xnd-1 double mutants display synthetic sterility. Further removal of nos-1 leads to almost complete sterility, with the vast majority of animals without germ cells. The sterility in xnd-1 mutants is correlated with an increase in the transcriptional activation-associated histone modification and aberrant expression of somatic transgenes. Together, these data strongly suggest that xnd-1 defines a new branch for PGC development that functions redundantly with nos-2 and nos-1 to promote germline fates by maintaining transcriptional quiescence and regulating germ cell proliferation.
Revising the embryonic origin of thyroid C cells
Authors: Johansson Ellen , Andersson Louise , Örnros Jessica , Carlsson Therese , Ingeson-Carlsson Camilla , Liang Shawn , Dahlberg Jakob , Jansson Svante , Parrillo Luca , Zoppoli Pietro , Barila Guillermo O. , Altschuler Daniel L. , Padula Daniela , Lickert Heiko , Fagman Henrik , Nilsson Mikael
Published: September 2015

Current understanding infers a neural crest origin of thyroid C cells, the major source of calcitonin in mammals and ancestors to neuroendocrine thyroid tumors. The concept is primarily based on investigations in quail-chick chimeras involving fate-mapping of neural crest cells to the ultimobranchial glands that regulate Ca2+ homeostasis in birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes, but whether mammalian C cell development implicates a homologous ontogenetic trajectory has not been experimentally verified. With lineage tracing we now provide direct evidence that Sox17+ anterior endoderm is the only source of differentiated C cells and their progenitors in mice. In similarity with many gut endoderm derivatives embryonic C cells were found to co-express pioneer factors forkhead box (Fox) a1 and Foxa2 before neuroendocrine differentiation takes place. In the ultimobranchial body epithelium emerging from pharyngeal pouch endoderm in early organogenesis differential Foxa1/Foxa2 expression distinguished two spatially separated pools of C cell precursors with different growth properties. A similar expression pattern was recapitulated in medullary thyroid carcinoma cells in vivo consistent with a growth-promoting role of Foxa1. Contrasting embryonic precursor cells, C cell-derived tumor cells invading the stromal compartment down-regulated Foxa2 foregoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition designated by loss of E-cadherin; both Foxa2 and E-cadherin were re-expressed at metastatic sites. These findings revise mammalian C cell ontogeny, expand the neuroendocrine repertoire of endoderm, and redefine the boundaries of neural crest diversification. The data further underpin distinct functions of Foxa1 and Foxa2 in both embryonic and tumor development.
Control ofDrosophilatype I and type II central brain neuroblast proliferation bybantammicroRNA
Authors: Weng Ruifen , Cohen Stephen M.
Published: September 2015

Post-transcriptional regulation of stem cell self-renewal by microRNAs is emerging as an important mechanism controlling tissue homeostasis. In this report, we provide evidence that the bantam microRNA controls neuroblast number and proliferation in the Drosophila central brain. bantam also supports proliferation of the transit-amplifying intermediate neural progenitor cells in type II neuroblast lineages. The stem cell factors brat, prospero are identified as bantam targets acting on different aspects of these processes. Thus bantam appears to act in multiple regulatory steps in the maintenance and proliferation of neuroblasts and their progeny to regulate growth of the central brain.
Polarized Rac-dependent protrusions drive epithelial intercalation in the embryonic epidermis of C. elegans
Authors: Walck-Shannon Elise , Reiner David , Hardin Jeff
Published: September 2015

Cell intercalation is a fundamental, coordinated cell rearrangement process that shapes tissues throughout animal development. Studies of intercalation within epithelia have focused almost exclusively on the localized constriction of specific apical junctions. Another widely deployed yet poorly understood alternative mechanism of epithelial intercalation relies on basolateral protrusive activity. Using the dorsal embryonic epidermis of C. elegans, we have investigated this alternative mechanism using high-resolution live cell microscopy and genetic analysis. We find that as dorsal epidermal cells migrate past one another, they produce F-actin rich protrusions polarized at their extending (medial) edges. These protrusions are controlled by the C. elegans Rac and RhoG orthologs, CED-10 and MIG-2, which function redundantly to polarize actin polymerization upstream of the WAVE complex and WASP, respectively. We also identify UNC-73, the C. elegans ortholog of Trio, as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) upstream of both CED-10/Rac and MIG-2/RhoG. Further, we identify a novel polarizing cue, CRML-1, the ortholog of human Capping Arp2/3 Myosin I Linker (CARMIL), that localizes to the nonprotrusive lateral edges of dorsal cells. CRML-1 genetically suppresses UNC-73/Trio function, and indirectly, actin polymerization. This network identifies a novel, molecularly conserved cassette that regulates epithelial intercalation via basolateral protrusive activity.
Repository of mutations from Oman: The entry point to a national mutation database
Authors: Rajab Anna , Hamza Nishath , Al Harasi Salma , Al Lawati Fatma , Gibbons Una , Al Alawi Intesar , Kobus Karoline , Hassan Suha , Mahir Ghariba , Al Salmi Qasim , Mons Barend , Robinson Peter
Published: September 2015

The Sultanate of Oman is a rapidly developing Muslim country with well-organized government-funded health care services, and expanding medical genetic facilities. The preservation of tribal structures within the Omani population coupled with geographical isolation has produced unique patterns of rare mutations. In order to provide diagnosticians and researchers with access to an up-to-date resource that will assist them in their daily practice we collated and analyzed all of the Mendelian disease-associated mutations identified in the Omani population. By the 1st of August 2015, the dataset contained 300 mutations detected in over 150 different genes. More than half of the data collected reflect novel genetic variations that were first described in the Omani population, and most disorders with known mutations are inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion. A number of novel Mendelian disease genes have been discovered in Omani nationals, and the corresponding mutations are included here. The current study provides a comprehensive resource of the mutations in the Omani population published in scientific literature or reported through service provision that will be useful for genetic care in Oman and will be a starting point for variation databases as next-generation sequencing technologies are introduced into genetic medicine in Oman.
Model of utility services payment setting
Authors: Ланкин Виктор , Lankin Viktor , Глод Ольга , Glod Olga
Published: September 2015

The work is dedicated to the development of a model to establish the size of payment for utility services. On the basis of theoretical and empirical data relating to issues of payment of utility services, a model of establishing the amount of payment for services rendered. The model includes the formalization of the parameters on the basis of expert opinion.
A multidisciplinary model of scientific management
Authors: Эрштейн Леонид , Ershteyn Leonid
Published: September 2015

The article shows that one of the most significant phenomena of social reality is the scientific management. We prove that the scientific management should be studied in several interrelated disciplines of different levels. On the level of general theoretical it is philosophy. On the theoretical level they are sociology and economics. At the application level they are pedagogy and psychology. The role and place of each discipline in the study of scientific management are described. Multidisciplinary model of scientific management is given.