bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of Salt-Stress-Induced Genes from the RNA-Seq Data ofReaumuria trigynaUsing Differential-Display Reverse Transcription PCR
Authors: Dang Zhen-hua , Qi Qi , Zhang Hui-rong , Li Hao-yu , Wu Shu-Biao , Wang Ying-chun
Published: November 2014

Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies have been used to generate huge amounts of sequencing data from many organisms. However, the correct choice of candidate genes and prevention of false-positive results computed from digital gene expression (DGE) of RNA-seq data are vital when using these genetic resources. We indirectly identified 18 salt-stress-inducedReaumuria trigynatranscripts from the transcriptome sequencing data using differential-display reverse transcription PCR (DDRT-PCR) combined with local BLAST searches. Highly consistent with the DGE results, the quantitative real-time PCR expression patterns of these transcripts showed strong upregulation by salt stress, suggesting that these genes may play important roles inR. trigyna’s survival under high-salt environments. The method presented here successfully identified responsive genes from the massive amount of RNA-seq data. Thus, we suggest that DDRT-PCR could be employed to mine NGS data in a wide range of applications in transcriptomic studies. In addition, the genes identified in the present study are promising candidates for further elucidation of the salt tolerance mechanisms inR. trigyna.
Delayed Diagnosis of Pharyngeal Perforation following Exploding Tyre Blast Barotrauma
Authors: Field Samantha M. , Manjaly Joseph G. , Ramdoo S. Krishan , Jones Huw A. S. , Tatla Taran S.
Published: November 2014

Introduction. Pharyngoesophageal perforation secondary to barotrauma is a rare phenomenon that can have serious complications if identified late. It is challenging to detect due to nonspecific symptoms. We present a case in which detection proved difficult leading to delayed diagnosis.Case Report. A 27-year-old mechanic presented with haemoptysis, dysphonia, and odynophagia after a car tyre exploded in his face. Flexible nasoendoscopy (FNE) revealed blood in the pharynx, thought to represent mucosal haemorrhage. Initial treatment consisted of IV dexamethasone and antibiotics. After 3 days, odynophagia persisted prompting a CT scan. This revealed a defect in the posterior hypopharynx and surgical emphysema in the deep neck tissues. Contrast swallow confirmed posterior hypopharyngeal leak. NG feeding was commenced until repeated contrast swallow confirmed resolution of the defect.Discussion. Prompt nonsurgical management of pharyngoesophageal perforation has good outcomes but untreated perforation can have serious complications. FNE should be performed routinely, but only a contrast swallow can diagnose a functional perforation. Clinicians should have a high index of clinical suspicion when patients present with barotrauma and odynophagia. Patients should be kept nil by mouth until perforation has been excluded.Conclusion. When faced with cases of facial barotrauma, clinicians should have a low threshold for further imaging to exclude pharyngoesophageal perforation.
Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Study of Thermally Treated Bismuth Subgallate
Authors: Ramos Paweł , Pilawa Barbara
Published: November 2014

Complex of bismuth, an anti-inflammatory drug, was studied by EPR spectroscopy. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations and properties of free radicals formed during thermal sterilization of bismuth subgallate according to pharmacopoeia norms to optimize its sterilization process. Different temperatures (160°C, 170°C, and 180°C) and times (120 minutes, 60 minutes, and 30 minutes) of sterilization were used. Interactions of bismuth subgallate with DPPH, the model free radical reference, were checked.g-Factors, amplitudes (A), integral intensities (I), and linewidths (ΔBpp) were obtained. Integral intensities were obtained by double integration of the first-derivative EPR lines. The influence of microwave power in the range of 2.2–70 mW on shape and parameters of the EPR spectra was examined. Thermal sterilization produced free radicals in bismuth subgallate in all tested cases. Strong interactions with free radicals were pointed out for all the analysed samples containing bismuth independent of sterilization conditions. Optimal conditions of thermal sterilization for bismuth subgallate with the lowest free radical formation are temperature 170°C and time of heating 60 minutes. Strong dipolar interactions exist in thermally sterilized bismuth subgallate. EPR spectroscopy is a useful method of examination of thermal sterilization conditions.
Ant Colony Optimization Approaches to Clustering of Lung Nodules from CT Images
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Ravichandran C. , Kuppusamy Veerakumar
Published: November 2014

Lung cancer is becoming a threat to mankind. Applying machine learning algorithms for detection and segmentation of irregular shaped lung nodules remains a remarkable milestone in CT scan image analysis research. In this paper, we apply ACO algorithm for lung nodule detection. We have compared the performance against three other algorithms, namely, Otsu algorithm, watershed algorithm, and global region based segmentation. In addition, we suggest a novel approach which involves variations of ACO, namely, refined ACO, logical ACO, and variant ACO. Variant ACO shows better reduction in false positives. In addition we propose black circular neighborhood approach to detect nodule centers from the edge detected image. Genetic algorithm based clustering is performed to cluster the nodules based on intensity, shape, and size. The performance of the overall approach is compared with hierarchical clustering to establish the improvisation in the proposed approach.
Modified Homotopy Perturbation Method for Solving Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Hemeda A. A.
Published: November 2014

The modified homotopy perturbation method is extended to derive the exact solutions for linear (nonlinear) ordinary (partial) differential equations of fractional order in fluid mechanics. The fractional derivatives are taken in the Caputo sense. This work will present a numerical comparison between the considered method and some other methods through solving various fractional differential equations in applied fields. The obtained results reveal that this method is very effective and simple, accelerates the rapid convergence of the series solution, and reduces the size of work to only one iteration.
The Altered Water System: Excess Levels of Free Radicals Contribute to Carcinogenesis by Altering Arginine Vasopressin Production and Secretion and Promoting Dysregulated Water Homeostasis in Concert with Other Factors
Authors: Beutler Amy Marie , Strand Bradford N.
Published: November 2014

A large body of evidence accumulated during the last decade has revealed diverse roles of dysregulated water homeostasis in tumorigenesis. In particular, many tumors hypersecrete arginine vasopressin (AVP) causing hypoosmolar conditions associated with different cancers. Excess levels of free radicals and nonosmotic stimuli may act as signals in water homeostasis and induce the production and secretion of AVP. Hypoosmolar conditions cause alterations in the expression of many genes. Other alterations in hydration patterns may induce mutations and increase the levels of protein kinases to contribute to oncogenesis. Furthermore, AVP regulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and angiogenesis, and its overproduction may contribute to tumor growth and metabolism. This review article describes a mechanism by which oxygen radical species and other free radicals act as signaling molecules that, in concert with increased AVP production and secretion, pleiotropically affect tumor growth and metabolism, resulting in dysregulated proliferation, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and genomic instability.
Improved Synthesis of Global Irradiance with One-Minute Resolution for PV System Simulations
Authors: Hofmann Martin , Riechelmann Stefan , Crisosto Cristian , Mubarak Riyad , Seckmeyer Gunther
Published: November 2014

High resolution global irradiance time series are needed for accurate simulations of photovoltaic (PV) systems, since the typical volatile PV power output induced by fast irradiance changes cannot be simulated properly with commonly available hourly averages of global irradiance. We present a two-step algorithm that is capable of synthesizing one-minute global irradiance time series based on hourly averaged datasets. The algorithm is initialized by deriving characteristic transition probability matrices (TPM) for different weather conditions (cloudless, broken clouds and overcast) from a large number of high resolution measurements. Once initialized, the algorithm is location-independent and capable of synthesizing one-minute values based on hourly averaged global irradiance of any desired location. The one-minute time series are derived by discrete-time Markov chains based on a TPM that matches the weather condition of the input dataset. One-minute time series generated with the presented algorithm are compared with measured high resolution data and show a better agreement compared to two existing synthesizing algorithms in terms of temporal variability and characteristic frequency distributions of global irradiance and clearness index values. A comparison based on measurements performed in Lindenberg, Germany, and Carpentras, France, shows a reduction of the frequency distribution root mean square errors of more than 60% compared to the two existing synthesizing algorithms.
Fuzzy Based PC‐PUSH in CR‐MANETs
Authors: Nejatian S. , Syed Yusof S. K. , Abdul Lattif N. M. , Rezaie V. , Asadpour V.
Published: November 2014

In cognitive radio (CR), the secondary user (SU) needs to hand off its ongoing communication to an idle channel in order to avoid interference to the primary user (PU). Spectrum hand off issue becomes challenging in CR mobile ad hoc networks (CR‐MANETs) because of the uncertainty in spectrum availability, broad range of spectrum bands and lack of central entity. The purpose of this study is to design a unified spectrum handoff (USH) scheme for CR‐MANETs that considers the spectrum heterogeneity and its availability over time and space. A local flow hand off is performed when spectrum hand off cannot be carried out due to the SUs mobility. To improve further USH, preemptive unified spectrum handoff (PUSH) algorithm is proposed in which two different preemptive hand off threshold regions are defined. The PUSH algorithm also predicts the cognitive link availability considering the PU interference boundary. Although the PUSH scheme improves the hand off performance, the number of spectrum hand offs due to the PU activity should be reduced in this scheme. Therefore, the PC‐PUSH (Power Controller‐PUSH) scheme is proposed in which the fuzzy logic is used to improve the PUSH in terms of the number of spectrum handoffs because of the PU activity. The PC‐PUSH decreases the interference to the PUs, while reducing the number of spectrum handoffs. The results show that the proposed scheme improves the link maintenance probability, decreases the hand off delay, and reduces the number of spectrum handoffs.
Temperature Effects on the Magnetic Properties of Silicon-Steel Sheets Using Standardized Toroidal Frame
Authors: Wu Cheng-Ju , Lin Shih-Yu , Chou Shang-Chin , Tsai Chia-Yun , Yen Jia-Yush
Published: November 2014

This study designed a detachable and standardized toroidal test frame to measure the electromagnetic characteristic of toroidal laminated silicon steel specimens. The purpose of the design was to provide the measurements with standardized and controlled environment. The device also can withstand high temperatures (25–300°C) for short time period to allow high temperature tests. The accompanying driving circuit facilitates testing for high frequency (50–5,000 Hz) and high magnetic flux (0.2–1.8 T) conditions and produces both sinusoidal and nonsinusoidal test waveforms. The thickness of the stacked laminated silicon-steel sheets must be 30~31 mm, with an internal diameter of 72 mm and an outer diameter of 90 mm. With the standardized setup, it is possible to carry out tests for toroidal specimen in high temperature and high flux operation. The test results show that there is a tendency of increased iron loss under high temperature operation. The test results with various driving waveforms also provide references to the required consideration in engineering designs.
Interobserver Agreement in Describing the Ultrasound Appearance of Adnexal Masses and in Calculating the Risk of Malignancy Using Logistic Regression Models
Authors: Sladkevicius Povilas , Valentin Lil
Published: November 2014

Purpose: To estimate interobserver agreement with regard to describing adnexal masses using the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) terminology and the risk of malignancy calculated using IOTA logistic regression models LR1 and LR2, and to elucidate what explained the largest interobserver differences in calculated risk of malignancy.

Experimental Design: One hundred and seventeen women with adnexal masses were examined with transvaginal gray scale and power Doppler ultrasound by two independent experienced sonologists who described the masses using IOTA terminology. The risk of malignancy was calculated using LR1 and LR2. A predetermined risk of malignancy cutoff of 10% indicated malignancy.

Results: There were 94 benign, four borderline, and 19 invasively malignant tumors. There was substantial variability between the two sonologists in measurement results and some variability in assessment of categorical variables (agreement 40%–98%, Kappa 0.30–0.91). Interobserver agreement when classifying tumors as benign or malignant was 84% (98/117), Kappa 0.68 for LR1, and for LR2 85% (99/117), Kappa 0.68. When using LR1 and LR2, the interobserver difference in calculated risk was ≥25 percentage units in 9% (11/117) and 12% (14/117) of tumors, respectively. Differences in assessment of wall irregularity, acoustic shadowing, color score, and color flow in papillary projections explained most of these largest differences.

Conclusions: Interobserver agreement in classifying tumors as benign or malignant using the risk of malignancy cutoff of 10% for LR1 and LR2 was good. However, because risk estimates may differ substantially between sonologists, one should be cautious with using the risk value for counseling patients about their individual risk. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 594–601. ©2014 AACR.
Phase II Clinical and Exploratory Biomarker Study of Dacomitinib in Patients with Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
Authors: Kim Han Sang , Kwon Hyeong Ju , Jung Inkyung , Yun Mi Ran , Ahn Myung-Ju , Kang Byung Woog , Sun Jong-Mu , Kim Sung Bae , Yoon Dok-Hyun , Park Keon Uk , Lee Se-Hoon , Koh Yoon Woo , Kim Se Hun , Choi Eun Chang , Koo Dong Hoe , Sohn Jin Hee , Kim Bomi , Kwon Nak-Jung , Yun Hwan Jung , Lee Min Goo , Lee Ji Hyun , Kim Tae-Min , Kim Hye Ryun , Kim Joo Hang , Paik Soonmyung , Cho Byoung Chul
Published: November 2014

Purpose: The goals of this study were to investigate the clinical activity, safety, and biomarkers of dacomitinib, an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor of EGFR, HER2, and HER4, in recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M-SCCHN).

Experimental Design: Patients were eligible if the diseases were not amenable to curative treatment and had progressed on platinum-based chemotherapy, and were treated with dacomitinib 45 mg/day. The primary endpoint was objective response rate by RECISTv1.1. Exploratory analysis included the characterization of somatic mutation, gene copy number, gene expression, p16INK4A expression by IHC, and investigation of their relationship with clinical outcomes.

Results: Forty-eight patients were evaluable for efficacy and toxicity. Ten patients (20.8%) had partial responses and 31 patients (65%) had stable diseases. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 3.9 months [95% confidence interval (CI), 2.9–5.0] and 6.6 months (95% CI, 5.4–10.3). Adverse events were mostly grade 1–2. Mutations in the PI3K pathway (PIK3CA, PTEN) and high expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL8, IL1A, IL1B, IL4, and TNF) were significantly associated with shorter PFS (2.9 vs. 4.9 months without mutations, P = 0.013; 2.8 vs. 9.9 months with low expression, P = 0.004). Those harboring PI3K pathway mutations or high inflammatory cytokine expression had shorter median OS (6.1 vs. 12.5 months lacking PI3K pathway mutations and with low inflammatory cytokine expression, P = 0.005).

Conclusions: Dacomitinib demonstrated clinical efficacy with manageable toxicity in platinum-failed R/M-SCCHN patients. Screening of PI3K pathway mutation and inflammatory cytokine expression may help identify which R/M-SCCHN patients are likely to gain benefit from dacomitinib. Clin Cancer Res; 21(3); 544–52. ©2014 AACR.
Phase I Trial of Cyclophosphamide as an Immune Modulator for Optimizing Oncolytic Reovirus Delivery to Solid Tumors
Authors: Roulstone Victoria , Khan Khurum , Pandha Hardev S. , Rudman Sarah , Coffey Matt , Gill George M. , Melcher Alan A. , Vile Richard , Harrington Kevin J. , de Bono Johann , Spicer James
Published: November 2014

Purpose: Reovirus is a wild-type oncolytic virus that is ubiquitous in the environment; most patients are therefore preimmune. Therapeutic administration leads to an increase in neutralizing antireovirus antibody (NARA) titer. We hypothesized that if NARA limited reovirus antitumor activity, the effect might be attenuated by coadministration of cyclophosphamide.

Experimental design: In a phase I study, patients with advanced cancer received cyclophosphamide 3 days before intravenous reovirus serotype 3 Dearing (RT3D). The primary objective was to reduce the resulting rise in NARA titer. Cyclophosphamide dose was escalated from 25–1,000 mg/m2 through nine cohorts; we aimed to define a well-tolerated immunomodulatory dose.

Results: The combination was well tolerated in 36 patients, with grade 3/4 toxicities only seen at or above the maximum tolerated dose of cyclophosphamide, which was 800 mg/m2 combined with reovirus. Immunosuppressive effect, defined as maintaining NARA titer rise below a predefined threshold, was observed in only one patient. Furthermore, despite expected myelosuppression seen at higher cyclophosphamide doses, no changes in T-cell subsets, including Tregs, occurred with dose escalation. Viable virus was detected in association with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 14% of patients 10 days after the last RT3D injection, despite high plasma NARA titer, demonstrating a potential mechanism for prolonged evasion of neutralization by reovirus.

Conclusions: Coadministration of cyclophosphamide with reovirus is safe, but does not attenuate host antiviral responses. Alternative immunomodulation approaches should be explored, but association with PBMCs may allow reovirus to persist and evade even high levels of neutralizing antibodies. Clin Cancer Res; 21(6); 1305–12. ©2014 AACR.
Identifying Rare Events in Rare Diseases
Authors: Attiyeh Edward F. , Maris John M.
Published: November 2014

Utilizing genomic signatures from diagnostic tumor samples to forecast clinical behavior and response to therapy has long been a goal, and we are now poised to further refine how we can identify the relatively rare patients with aggressive neuroblastoma masquerading as patients with a more benign form of the disease. Clin Cancer Res; 21(8); 1782–5. ©2014 AACR.

See related article by Oberthuer et al., p. 1904
Atypical Presentation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Mariotti Cesare , Giovannini Alfonso , Reibaldi Michele , Saitta Andrea , Viti Francesca , Nicolai Michele
Published: November 2014

We report an atypical presentation of Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with concomitant subhyaloid hemorrhage, engorged and tortuous retinal veins, intraretinal hemorrhages, and cotton wool spots in a 38-year-old female. Medical treatment was preferred to any invasive treatment. The subhyaloid hemorrhage resolved spontaneously and the patient recovered a visual acuity of 20/20 in her right eye 3 months after the initial episode. A prompt diagnosis of this condition is fundamental to consider a systemic treatment to avoid any further thrombosis.
Clinical Consequences of Untreated Dental Caries Evaluated with the Pulpal Involvement-Roots-Sepsis Index in the Primary Dentition of School Children from the Raipur and Durg Districts, Chhattisgarh State, India
Authors: Tiwari Sansriti , Dubey Alok , Singh Bimaldeep , Avinash Alok
Published: November 2014

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries in primary dentition among 6- to 8-year-old children using the prs [pulpal involvement (p), roots (r) and sepsis (s)] index and record the distribution of prs among boys and girls.Subjects and Methods: The study included a sample of 371 children aged 6-8 years with at least one carious primary molar tooth, who had been randomly selected from schools in the districts of Raipur and Durg, Chhattisgarh State, India. We recorded the presence of decayed, extracted and filled (i.e. def) teeth. The prevalence of the consequences of untreated dental caries was evaluated using the prs index. The data were statistically analyzed to express the prevalence of prs among boys and girls and the distribution of individual prs codes in the sample population. Results: The prevalence of carious lesions was very high (87%) and teeth with clinical consequences of untreated dental caries were found in 49.3% of the children. The prs distribution in children who were 8 years old (40.9%) was higher than in the 6-year-old children (25.6%). In the group of 8-year-olds, the occurrence of prs was greater among the boys whereas in the 6- and 7-year-old group, it was greater among the girls. Conclusion: The prs index is a valuable tool for measuring the clinical consequences of untreated dental caries. It could be useful for epidemiological studies and provide relevant information regarding treatment needs.
Medical Prevention of Breast Cancer
Authors: Stubert Johannes , Dieterich Max , Gerber Bernd
Published: November 2014

Breast cancer is the most common cancer of women in Western Europe and North America. Effective strategies of medical prevention could reduce the burden of breast cancer mortality. The best evidence for a risk reduction exists for hormonal agents such as tamoxifen and raloxifene (22-72%) or aromatase inhibitors (50-65%). However, the severity of side effects and the lack of evidence for an improved survival compromise the risk/benefit balance. In this review the results of chemoprevention studies, including new treatment approaches, are summarized with critical discussion of their use in clinical practice.
Students' Self-Esteem at School: The Risk, the Challenge, and the Cure
Authors: Kususanto Prihadi , Chua Melissa
Published: November 2014

As one of the most important elements in students’ psychological well-being, self-esteem is often neglected at school. In schools where students are grouped based on their academic abilities (Between Class Ability Grouping or BCAG, or tracking), teachers are likely to have different expectancies toward different group of students; towards high-achieving students, they tend to be academically supportive, while towards low-achieving students, they tend to control students’ behavior in order to avoid disciplinary problems. In turn, students observe their teachers’ classroom behavior and develop different perception towards their teachers’ expectancy. Eventually, self-esteem of the students is affected by their perceived teachers’ expectancy (PTE), where the effect is not always positive. In other words, while most teachers would rather not to teach in mixed classrooms, the practice of BCAG might contribute negative effect to students’ self-esteem. Therefore, any strategy to improve students’ self-esteem might not be able to produce long-lasting result, because teachers’ expectancy towards the students is strongly influenced by the classroom segregation. However, it was discovered recently that Locus of Control (LoC) mediates the effect of PTE on students’ self-esteem. In the light of that, there is a hope to develop or maintain students’ self-esteem levels by developing some strategies based on Behavior Modification Theories to alter students’ LoC.
Model Kepemimpinan Modern di Program Pascasarjana Universitas Ahmad Dahlan
Authors: Sulisworo Dwi
Published: November 2014

In the management of higher education, demand a change can be done effectively when the leadership and management are well developed. In general, internal conflicts in the education management occurred due to poor leadership. This study is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach. The subject of the study is Graduate Program of University Ahmad Dahlan which manages five master programs. Determination of each of people which considers his/her competence, knowledge, experience and personal attributes will affect to performance and operational leadership roles, organizational, and public. Cross-departmental activities and external parties become a focus for leadership in achieving the vision and mission of the organization.
Barriers To Successful Implementation of STEM Education
Authors: Ejiwale James A.
Published: November 2014

The implementation of STEM education in schools across the globe is to prepare the future workforce with strong scientific and mathematical backgrounds to enhance skills development across STEM disciplines. However, for STEM education to achieve its goals and objectives, addressing the barriers to STEM education should start by fixing the problems at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels; the grassroots and potential feeders to colleges and universities. Since many nations including the United States of America is in dire need of the workforce with adequate preparation in science and mathematics to help address the nation’s economy that is in shambles, the barriers to its successful implementation should be identified and addressed. In this paper, (a) the definition of STEM education and (b) some barriers to successful implementation of STEM education are discussed and elaborated.
A Drama Textbook with Sociodrama Method: Research and Development in Linguistic Education Study Program in Central Java
Authors: Widyahening Evy Tri
Published: November 2014

This research was aimed to determine: (1) the quality of drama textbook which is used in Study Program of Language Education in Private Universities in Central Java; (2) how the development of drama textbook with sociodrama method; (3) the effectiveness of drama textbook with sociodrama method which have been developed by sociodrama.
Spatial Correlation Analysis on the Resource Allocation Efficiency of Regional Higher Education in China
Authors: Yuanjing Li , Chengzhang Wang
Published: November 2014

This analysis may promote the regional development of higher education, resolve problems associated with inadequate resources, and improve efficiency of resource allocation. In this study, we examined the efficiency of resource allocation for higher education in 31 Chinese provinces using data envelopment analysis (DEA); spatial correlation was used concurrently for analytical purposes. Our aims through this study are to promote the optimal allocation of resources and healthy development of higher education.
The Decision to Home School Children; Primary Parental Motivators; Primary Student Motivators
Authors: Smith Wade Clay
Published: November 2014

In the USA the many parents decide to teach their children in their home. This paper explores the factors that influenced the parents’ and the students’ decisions to home school. The author conducted a series of one to one interviews with the parents and students seven factors were revealed. Once the interviews were completed and coded, each parent received a summary of her/his interview and de-identified summaries of all other interviews. Then as a group these areas of concern were discussed. The first result of these group discussions was the development of consensus definitions for the above factors and secondly an ordinal ranking of these defined factors was created.
Improving the Learning Result of the Integer Number Operation Using Card Model
Authors: Musriani Andi , Mustamin Mustamin
Published: November 2014

Pendidikan merupakan suatu rekayasa teaching untuk mengendalikan learning untuk mencapai tujuan secara efektif dan efisien. Konsep tersebut menjadi asas bagi guru untuk senantiasa melakukan inovasi dalam proses pembelajaran, khususnya mata pelajaran matematika yang dianggap sulit oleh sebagian besar siswa. Sebagai contoh, berdasarkan hasil pretest yang dilakukan oleh penulis sebagian besar mereka salah dalam menentukan hasil operasi dari -3 + (-2) and -3 – (-2). Hasil penelitian tindakan kelas ini menunjukkan bahwa terdapat peningkatan hasil belajar operasi bilangan bulat dengan menggunakan model kartu dari siklus I dengan rata – rata 7,40 menjadi 9,30 pada siklus II. Oleh itu, metode penggunaan model kartu ini bisa menjadi satu inovasi pembelajaran operasi bilangan bulat khususnya pada sekolah dasar.
Effects of Private Tuition on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Subject of Mathematics in Kohat Division, Pakistan
Authors: Suleman Qaiser , Hussain Ishtiaq
Published: November 2014

Research reveals that private or home tuition after school time plays a crucial role in strengthening and improving studentâ€™s academic achievement. The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Government High School Ahmadi Banda Karak only. Fifty students of class 09 were selected as sample of the study. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group by equating them on the basis of their previous knowledge in subject of mathematics as determined through a pre-test. Each group was composed of 25 students. Students of the experimental group were engaged in tuition for two hours after school time. The study was experimental in nature therefore, â€œThe pre-test-post-test Equivalent Groups Designâ€ was used for the collection of data. Statistical tools i.e. the mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of both the experimental and control groups on the variable of pre-test and post test scores was tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that there is significant positive effect of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should arrange private tuition for their children to move up their achievement level in subject of mathematics.
User Acceptance Test of Computer-Assisted Problem-Based Learning Assessment Tool (CAPBLAT)
Authors: Qomaruddin Muhammad , Abdul Rahman Azizah , A.Iahad Noorminshah
Published: November 2014

Problem-based Learning (PBL) is an instructional design method that is used by many lecturers to create more efficient and meaningful learning experiences. PBL emphasizes the lecturer in facilitating in collaborative learning. They conventionally play a little role in the formal assessment process. Peer-assessment and self-assessment are the most frequent methods of assessment employed by the lecturers in conducting PBL approach. This paper presents acceptance testing of a computer-based tool for peer-assessment and self-assessment in PBL approach, which called Computer-Assisted Problem-Based Learning Assessment Tool (CAPBLAT). The tool was designed to assist a lecturer in conducting PBL teaching method and assess students learning progress. Two PBL classes participated in the testing of the tool. During the study, questionnaires were administered to students. The results concerning the assessment tool acceptance demonstrate that using CAPBLAT in the PBL assessment process received better acceptance from both the students and lecturers.
Strengthening Teacher Education Program: Keys to Develop through Teacher Assessment
Authors: Yoon Tecnam
Published: November 2014

Teacher performance assessment is a part of a global trend based on teacher education program. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the American Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) program, to identify some of the features in creating a system for pre-service teachers in developing countries, and to suggest an ideal TPA model for strengthening the teacher education program.
Deciphering Traditional African Education in R.S. Petersâ€™ Education as Initiation
Authors: Ndofirepi Amasa P.
Published: November 2014

In this theoretical paper, I examine education in traditional African societies in the context of R.S. Petersâ€™ (1966) conception of â€œEducation as Initiationâ€. Philosophers of education have developed a concern and insight into the notion of education primarily by addressing the question of conceptual analysis:Â  what do we mean by education and add a justificatory question: how do we know that education is valuable? Traditional conceptions of education have viewed education as the process of initiation of new entrants into the practices of a given social group. This paper focuses special interest on the extent to which traditional African view of education is defensible within the R.S. Peterâ€™s conception of education. I draw some philosophical insights by interrogating some perspectives on indoctrination and initiation in the understanding of the notion of the aim of education.
An Intervention Study in Grade 3 Based Upon Reciprocal Teaching
Authors: Reichenberg Monica , LÃ¶fgren Kent
Published: November 2014

This article reports the results of a twelve-week intervention study in which 30 students in the third grade in a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood received training in a reciprocal teaching reading programme twice a week. Previously, (a) no study of the effects of reciprocal teaching had been conducted in a Swedish context under the conditions of larger groups in grade 3 or (b) in a socially disadvantaged neighbourhood. In the present study, the students were instructed in â€˜text talkâ€™ in large groups, with 15 participants in each group. Each session lasted 15 to 20 minutes. Some text talks were video recorded. The video recordings were analysed qualitatively. The studentsâ€™ reading comprehension was tested before the intervention, immediately after completing the intervention, and three months after completing the intervention. The results presented suggest that the studentsâ€™ reading comprehension significantly increased. In the conclusion, the study indicates that reciprocal teaching had a positive effect on students in grade 3 in a Swedish context; however, uncontrolled intervening variables cannot be ruled out.
Challenges for Teachers in Developing their Teaching Professionalism: A Case Study of Secondary School in Makassar, Indonesia
Authors: Tanang Hasan , Djajadi Muhammad , Abu Baharin , Mokhtar Mahani
Published: November 2014

Identifying challenges for teachers in developing their professionalism in teaching to improve studentsâ€™ learning outcomes. The focus was addressed on the development of teaching professionalism in improving knowledge and skills of Junior High School teachers in Makassar Indonesia. This study employed qualitative methods through a case study to identify the barriers of professionalism in teaching. 36 samples for open-ended questionnaire and nine of them are selected purposively to be interviewed. The data was analyzed by coding based on themes related to constraints in teaching management. The results showed four obstacles experienced by teachers in developing their professionalism, namely constraints on textbooks and student worksheets, school laboratory usage, ICT-based media, and the students themselves. The identification could encourage the community and parents support to finance the development of professionalism in teaching and to help the teachers work effectively
The Relationship between Personal Mastery and Teachers’ Competencies at Schools in Indonesia
Authors: Algi Settaraming , Abdul Rahman Mohd Anuar
Published: November 2014

The purpose of the present research is to study the relationships between indicators of personal mastery and indicators of teachers’ competencies at Junior Secondary State Bone district in Indonesia. The respondents of the research consists of all the Junior Secondary State teachers of the Bone district including 200 teachers (80 males 120 females). The obtained data was analyzed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The results have indicated that there exists  a significant correlation between personal mastery and teachers’ competencies at the 0.05 significance level. Further, a significant positive correlation was observed between the indicators of personal mastery (personal vision, creative tension, commitment, trust, and consciousness) and indicators of teachers’ competencies (pedagogic, professional, personality, and social).
Transforming epistemologies in the postcolonial African university? The challenge of the politics of knowledge
Authors: Ndofirepi Amasa Philip , Cross Michael
Published: November 2014

The process of knowledge production, dissemination and consumption has captured much scholarly attention from a political viewpoint in recent times. Discourses on development, empowerment, transformation and democracy have revolved around knowledge and power and more precisely on the politics of knowledge. Institutions of higher learning, especially universities, globally, as nerve centres of knowledge production and distribution, have not been spared from the challenges of the politics of knowledge. In this conceptual paper, we theorise the dynamics of the challenges and opportunities of the politics of knowledge in the context of the postcolonial African university’s endeavour to transform epistemologies in higher education in the 21st century Africa. Our case is premised on three claims, namely that 1) the production and mediation of knowledge is a genuinely political process(Weiler, 2011b) 2) universities can be considered among the most political institutions in society (Ordorika, 1999) and 3) recontextualisation and transformation of university epistemologies (Weiler, 2011a) is a prerequisite for an authentic postcolonial African university.
Muslim Women in Past and Present Governmental Leadership: Case of Rulers of the Sultanate of Aceh and the Fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia
Authors: Ahyat Ita Syamtasiyah
Published: November 2014

A Muslim woman is a woman who believes in Islam.  In its historical path, Indonesia has been led by Muslim women along with the development of Islam in the Archipelago in the 17th century. A case example among others is the Sultanate of Aceh during the colonial period. During the independence period, Indonesia was also led by a Muslim woman as the fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia around the early 21st century. In these case examples of Muslim women as rulers, they received criticism during their reigns from men who viewed the matter from the perspective of Islam. This made an impact on the ongoing governance and the people.  The article discusses how Muslim women leaders faced these criticisms from men who viewed the matter from the point of view of Islam and how it affected their governmental administration. Therefore, the article is expected to be able to reconstruct how Muslim women leaders face criticism from men who viewed the matter from the perspective of Islam. Research in this paper is conducted through historical method actions, preceded by source collection, selection and interpretation along with the reconstruction of the intended events, which is referred to as historiography. The study is also based on local sources, documents, and writings of related critics on the issue.
Elaboration of Integrated Arabic Lesson for Increasing Expertness of Arabic Mastery of Islamic University Students
Authors: Nurbayan, M.A Yayan
Published: November 2014

This study was based on scarcity of Arabic text books which is used in Islamic university. The aim of this study was to produce integrated Arabic textbooks including muthalaa, muhadatsah, kitabah and qiraah in one discourse. This study was using Research and Development method (RD) started by conception of Integrated Arabic Lesson textbook, followed by limited testing and revision, finished by producing the textbooks pass through revisions and discussions with UPI and UIN Arabic experts and lecturers. This study involved 14 students of STIT and 2 Arabic lecturers of UIN and UPI who were lecturing at that place. It was concluded that competence mean of freshman before using the textbooks were 31, whereas after using it, they got average value 55. The difference was 23.
Environmental Factors and Students’ Learning Approaches: A Survey on Malaysian Polytechnics Students
Authors: Mustapha Ramlee , Mokhtar Seri Bunian , Rahman Saemah , Husain Mohd Yusof , Ahamad Bahtiar Rahayu
Published: November 2014

Several studies have shown the impact of environmental factors on student learning approaches. Despite the importance of such studies, studies on technical learners are few. Thus, this study aimed to determine the influence of learning environment on Polytechnics students’ learning approaches in Malaysia. Learning environment plays an important role in the cognitive, effective and social domains of students because it could improve students’ learning outcomes.  Learning approaches refer to the ways students deal with academic tasks that are related to learning outcomes.  This study used Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) and Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (RSPQ-2F) to collect the research data.  Data were analyzed using AMOS Version 18.  Multiple regressions were conducted to predict learning environment factors that influenced the level of students’ learning approaches.  The result shows that effective teaching is a major factor that influences students' deep approach followed by the assessment, learning resources and clear objectives.
Possible Involvement of Minor Lysophospholipids in the Increase in Plasma Lysophosphatidic Acid in Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Suzuki Akiko , Inoue Asuka , Tokuhara Yasunori , Kano Kuniyuki , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Igarashi Koji , Ohkawa Ryunosuke , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Dohi Tomotaka , Miyauchi Katsumi , Daida Hiroyuki , Tsukamoto Kazuhisa , Ikeda Hitoshi , Aoki Junken , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: November 2014

Objective—

Lysophosphatidic acids (LPA) have important roles in the field of vascular biology and are derived mainly from lysophosphatidylcholine via autotaxin. However, in our previous study, only the plasma LPA levels, and not the serum autotaxin levels, increased in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The aim of this study was to elucidate the pathway by which LPA is increased in patients with ACS.

Approach and Results—

We measured the plasma lysophospholipids species in 141 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography (ACS, n=38; stable angina pectoris, n=71; angiographically normal coronary arteries, n=32) using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis. Among the ACS subjects, notable increases in the 22:6 LPA, 18:2 LPA, and 20:4 LPA levels were observed. The in vitro experiments revealed that serum incubation mainly increased the 18:2 LPA level, whereas platelet activation increased the 20:4 LPA level. Minor lysophospholipids other than LPA were also elevated in ACS subjects and were well correlated with the corresponding LPA species, including 22:6 LPA. A multiple regression analysis also revealed that lysophosphatidylinositol, lysophosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylethanolamine, and lysophosphatidylglycerol were independent explanatory variables for several LPA species.

Conclusions—

Specific LPA species, especially long-chain unsaturated LPA, were elevated in ACS patients, along with the corresponding minor lysophospholipids. The elevation of these LPA species might be mainly caused by presently unidentified LPA-producing pathway(s). Minor lysophospholipids might be involved in the generation of LPA, especially 22:6 LPA, and in the pathogenesis of ACS.
Identification of Hospital Outliers in Bleeding Complications After Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Hess Connie N. , Rao Sunil V. , McCoy Lisa A. , Neely Megan L. , Singh Mandeep , Spertus John A. , Krone Ronald J. , Weaver W. Douglas , Peterson Eric D.
Published: November 2014

Background—

Post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) bleeding complications are an important quality metric. We sought to characterize site-level variation in post-PCI bleeding and explore the influence of patient and procedural factors on hospital bleeding performance.

Methods and Results—

Hospital-level bleeding performance was compared pre- and postadjustment using the newly revised CathPCI Registry
®
bleeding risk model (c-index, 0.77) among 1292 National Cardiovascular Data Registry
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hospitals performing >50 PCIs from 7/2009 to 9/2012 (n=1 984 998 procedures). Using random effects models, outlier sites were identified based on 95% confidence intervals around the hospital’s random intercept. Bleeding 72 hours post-PCI was defined as: arterial access site, retroperitoneal, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary bleeding; intracranial hemorrhage; cardiac tamponade; nonbypass surgery–related blood transfusion with preprocedure hemoglobin ≥8 g/dL; or absolute decrease in hemoglobin value ≥3 g/dL with preprocedure hemoglobin ≤16 g/dL. Overall, the median unadjusted post-PCI bleeding rate was 5.2% and varied among hospitals from 2.6% to 10.4% (5th, 95th percentiles). Center-level bleeding variation persisted after case-mix adjustment (2.8%–9.5%; 5th, 95th percentiles). Although hospitals’ observed and risk-adjusted bleeding ranks were correlated (Spearman ρ: 0.88), individual rankings shifted after risk-adjustment (median Δ rank order: ±91.5; interquartile range: 37.0, 185.5). Outlier classification changed postadjustment for 29.3%, 16.1%, and 26.5% of low-, non-, and high-outlier sites, respectively. Hospital use of bleeding avoidance strategies (bivalirudin, radial access, or vascular closure device) was associated with risk-adjusted bleeding rates.

Conclusions—

Despite adjustment for patient case-mix, there is wide variation in rates of hospital PCI-related bleeding in the United States. Opportunities may exist for best performers to share practices with other sites.