bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Red Cell Genotyping by Multiplex PCR Identifies Antigen-Matched Blood Units for Transfusion-Dependent Thai Patients
Authors: Intharanut Kamphon , Bejrachandra Sasitorn , Nathalang Siriporn , Leetrakool Nipapan , Nathalang Oytip
Published: May 2017

Background: Antigen-negative red cell transfusion is required for transfusion-dependent patients. We developed multiplex PCR for red cell genotyping and calculated the possibility of finding compatible predicted phenotypes in Thai blood donor populations according to red cell alloantibodies found among Thai patients. Methods: 600 DNA samples obtained from unrelated healthy central and northern Thai blood donors were tested with the newly developed multiplex PCR for FY*A, FY*B, JK*A, JK*B, RHCE*e, RHCE*E, DI*A and GYP*Hut, GYP*Mur, GYP*Hop, GYP*Bun, and GYP*HF allele detections. Additionally, the possibility of finding compatible predicted phenotypes in two Thai blood donor populations was calculated to estimate the minimal number of tests needed to provide compatible blood. Results: The validity of multiplex PCR using known DNA controls and the phenotyping and genotyping results obtained by serological and PCR-SSP techniques were in agreement. The possibility of finding at least one compatible blood unit for patients with multiple antibodies was comparable in Thai populations. Conclusions: The multiplex PCR for red cell genotyping simultaneously interprets 7 alleles and 1 hybrid GP group. Similar strategies can be applied in other populations depending on alloantibody frequencies in transfusion-dependent patients, especially in a country with limited resources.
Capillary Dropout: A Novel Fluorescein Angiography Finding in Primary Vitreoretinal Lymphoma
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Gurav Prachi , Abhishek Dave Prachi , Gandhi Arpan
Published: May 2017

Tissue diagnosis with vitreous and/or retinal biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis of primary vitreoretinal lymphoma. Multiple imaging modalities like fundus fluorescein angiography, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography have been used to support the diagnosis of vitreoretinal lymphoma. We report a case of a 74-year-old lady diagnosed with primary vitreoretinal lymphoma showing a novel fluorescein angiographic finding of capillary dropout. We hypothesize that this clinical finding on the fluorescein angiogram may be due to the occlusion of the retinal vasculature by the malignant tumor cells. This finding also suggests the possible intraocular invasion of the malignant lymphomatous cells into the inner retinal layers.
The Novel Ser18del AVP Variant Causes Inherited Neurohypophyseal Diabetes Insipidus by Mechanisms Shared with Other Signal Peptide Variants
Authors: Toustrup Lise Bols , Kvistgaard Helene , Palmfeldt Johan , Bjerre Charlotte Kjær , Gregersen Niels , Rittig Søren , Corydon Thomas Juhl , Christensen Jane H.
Published: May 2017

Background/Aim: Variability in the severity and age at onset of autosomal dominant familial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus (adFNDI) may be associated with certain types of variants in the arginine vasopressin (AVP) gene. In this study, we aimed to describe a large family with an apparent predominant female occurrence of polyuria and polydipsia and to determine the underlying cause. Methods: The family members reported their family demography and symptoms. Two subjects were diagnosed by fluid deprivation and dDAVP challenge tests. Eight subjects were tested genetically. The identified variant along with 3 previously identified variants in the AVP gene were investigated by heterologous expression in a human neuronal cell line (SH-SY5Y). Results: Both subjects investigated clinically had a partial neurohypophyseal diabetes insipidus phenotype. A g.276_278delTCC variant in the AVP gene causing a Ser18del deletion in the signal peptide (SP) of the AVP preprohormone was perfectly co-segregating with the disease. When expressed in SH-SY5Y cells, the Ser18del variant along with 3 other SP variants (g.227G>A, Ser17Phe, and Ala19Thr) resulted in reduced AVP mRNA, impaired AVP secretion, and partial AVP prohormone degradation and retention in the endoplasmic reticulum. Impaired SP cleavage was demonstrated directly in cells expressing the Ser18del, g.227G>A, and Ala19Thr variants, using state-of-the-art mass spectrometry. Conclusion: Variants affecting the SP of the AVP preprohormone cause adFNDI with variable phenotypes by a mechanism that may involve impaired SP cleavage combined with effects at the mRNA, protein, and cellular level.
Local Service Learning in Teacher Preparation Program
Authors: Nuangchalerm Prasart
Published: May 2017

The local knowledge is a simply integrated in education and learning process. This study aims to promote local knowledge in school through service learning. The learning process is employed herbal plants to reinforce students learn how to sustain local knowledge with modern life and 21st century classroom. Participants consisted of 42 preservice teachers, 11 inservice teachers, and 50 secondary students. Findings revealed that service learning is significantly promoted public mind, self-efficacy, learning satisfaction, and learning process in local knowledge.
Survey of Education, Engineering, and Information Technology Students Knowledge of Green Computing in Nigerian University
Authors: Shittu Tajudeen Ahmed , Gambari Amosa Isiaka , Thomas Alabi Omotayo
Published: May 2017

The use of computer system is growing rapidly and there is growing concern on the environmental hazard associated with its use. Thus, the need for every user’s to possess the knowledge of using computer in an environmental friendly manner.  This study therefore, investigated the knowledge of green computing possessed by university students in Nigeria. To achieve this, survey method was employed to carry out the study. The study involved students from three schools (Computer Science, Engineering, and Education). Purposive sampling method was used to draw three hundred (300) respondents that volunteer to answer the questionnaire administered for gathering the data of the study. The instrument used was adapted but modify and subjected to pilot testing to ascertain its validity and internal consistency. The reliability of the instrument showed a .75 Cronbach alpha level.  The first research question was answer with descriptive statistic (perecentage).  T-test and ANOVA was used to answer question two and three. The findings showed that the students do not possess adequate knowledge on conscious use of computing system. Also, the study showed that there is no significant difference in the green computing knowledge possesses among male and female as well as among student from the three schools. Based on these findings, the study suggested among other an aggressive campaign on green computing among university communities.
Research on Social Participation Level of Religious Culture and Ethics Teacher Candidates in Turkey
Authors: Cekin Abdulkadir
Published: May 2017

Social participation is a very important skill in the context of socializing students. With the crucial process is likely to be related to students' social abilities, it is known social participation to be required some special educational activities. The aim of the research is to examine the social participation level of religious culture and ethics teacher candidates and to determine whether this level changes or not related to gender and high school graduation. The sample of the study is 222 teacher candidates at Kastamonu University, Faculty of Education, Department of Religious Culture and Ethics Teaching. General scanning method was used in this research. At the end of the research, it was found that the teacher candidates' social participation levels are high, they have confidence in themselves about the participation in social activities, there has occurred a significant differentiation in this level with regard to gender, but hasn't occurred a significant differentiation with regard to high school graduation.
Teaching Grade Eight Science with Reference to the Science Curriculum
Authors: Babu Rasel
Published: May 2017

A mixed methodological approach was used to explore to what extent the science curriculum was being reflected in science teaching-learning of grade VIII students in Bangladesh. 160 students were randomly selected and 10 science teachers were purposively selected as study respondents. Fifteen science lessons were observed. Data were collected via student questionnaires, teacher interviews, and classroom observation checklists. Grade VIII science teaching-learning activities were not conducted according to the instructions of the science curriculum. Most teachers did not adhere to the curriculum and teacher's guide. Teachers mainly depended on lecture methods for delivering lessons. Learning by doing, demonstrating experiments, scientific inquiry, rational thinking, and analysing cause-effect relationships were noticeably absent. Teachers reported huge workloads and a lack of ingredients as reasons for not practising these activities. Teachers did not use teaching aids properly. Science teaching-learning was fully classroom centred, and students were never involved in any creative activities.
Model Development Study of Historical Object for Non-Education Program History
Authors: Gunawan Rudy
Published: May 2017

Study of historical objects in the beginning is one of the subjects in the study program of the Faculty of History Teaching and Education University of Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka Jakarta. But then became subjects featured because every student can immediately know the attractions and historical objects that have just exist in books or on the internet.  The experience gained by the students not only knowledge but more important is the emergence of a sense of love and pride for the historical objects visited and implications for the love of the homeland Indonesia. Besides visiting historical object, also conducted comparative studies with historical education courses that are in the city to share experiences and exchange ideas on the development of education courses in Indonesian history.  Therefore, the study of the historical objects need to be developed not only involves students of history education but also students from other courses, so as to form the character of patriotism in all students.
Bereavement, Level Stress and Coping Mechanism among Teacher Education Students of Samar State University: College Bereavement Study
Authors: Domingo Perlito Sabulaan , G. Labine Archie , V. Capoqauin Trixie Joyce
Published: May 2017

Bereavement is a severe stressor that should be addressed properly. The study of Teacher education is very tight as it prepares soon to educator that will light the future of other young children. This study sought to determine the Level of Stress and Coping Mechanism on Bereavement among Teacher Education Students of Samar State University. It tested some assumption using the descriptive survey method on 76 identified students who experienced bereavement. It shows that respondent manifested highly emotional and physical stress rather than behavioral stress. It shows that social support is coping mechanism. The said study being the first bereavement research in the city could provide baseline information in the field of bereavement.
Rethinking Education Research methodologies-Dominance of Western perspectives?
Authors: Ong Yu Sing
Published: May 2017

This paper examines the different approaches and methods in comparative education research. It begins with a broad overview of the influences of Western philosophies and how Western education researchers approach social situations. Its differences with Chinese philosophies were highlighted with the concept of dao and Confucianism. More than just an epistemological discussion, this paper argues that Western researchers’ biasness towards Asian researchers may be due to their failure or lack of experience in making the connections with Asian social systems. It attempts to provide some plausible explanations of the prevalence of biasness by peer reviewers of Western journals.
Teaching and Learning Method in Inclusive Classroom: A Case Study in EAP Class at Sampoerna University
Authors: Steven Anddy , Utami Athifah , Sahidin Rangga Akbar , Desetyadi Victor Hutomo
Published: May 2017

A new challenge has appeared for Indonesian higher education to accommodate inclusive education. This study explored and compared the existing theories related with teaching and learning for inclusive education and teacher strategies applied in teaching hard of hearing students. From an observation in English for academic purposes classroom (EAP) course at Sampoerna University, this study evaluated the teaching and learning methods applied in the inclusive classroom and the students’ perspective upon the lesson. Through interviews conducted with the EAP lecturer, hard of hearing students, and a lecturer who is an expert in inclusive education, it can be seen that the usage of first language, written instructions, different types of instruction, and visualization through pictures, were able to facilitate the teaching and learning process for the hard of hearing students.
Obstacles to the Spread of E-Learning in the Arab Countries
Authors: Abbas Harith Abood
Published: May 2017

This study aimed at investigating the obstacles hindering the spread of e-learning in the Arab countries. 400 of Arab universities teaching staff members were randomly selected to give their opinion on 48 statements of a questionnaire. The results showed that the main obstacles are: the need for face-to-face communication between teachers and students, lack of English and computer skills, as well as the lack of technological infrastructure and a legal framework that may let the adoption of this kind of education be possible.
Student Advising and Retention Application in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: S Hura Gurdeep , Akwenuke Ofejiro
Published: May 2017

This paper proposes a new user-friendly application enhancing and expanding the current advising services of Gradesfirst currently being used for advising and retention by the Athletic department of UMES with a view to implement new performance activities like mentoring, tutoring, scheduling, and study hall hours into existing tools. This application includes various measurements that can be used to monitor and improve the performance of the students in the Athletic Department of UMES by monitoring students’ weekly study hall hours, and tutoring schedules. It also supervises tutors’ login and logout activities in order to monitor their effectiveness, supervises tutor-tutee interaction, and stores and analyzes the overall academic progress of each student. A dedicated server for providing services will be developed at the local site. The paper has been implemented in three steps. The first step involves the creation of an independent cloud computing environment that provides resources such as database creation, query-based statistical data, performance measures activities, and automated support of performance measures such as advising, mentoring, monitoring and tutoring. The second step involves the creation of an application known as Student Advising and Retention (SAR) application in a cloud computing environment. This application has been designed to be a comprehensive database management system which contains relevant data regarding student academic development that supports various strategic advising and monitoring of students. The third step involves the creation of a systematic advising chart and frameworks which help advisors. The paper shows ways of creating the most appropriate advising technique based on the student’s academic needs. The proposed application runs in a Windows-based system. As stated above, the proposed application is expected to enhance and expand the current advising service of Gradesfirst tool. A brief demonstration of the proposed application will highlight the main features of the existing tool (Gradefirst).
Students’ Perspectives on Speaking Anxiety in the English Foreign Language Classroom
Authors: Khusnia Aulia Nisa
Published: May 2017

Anxious students are often concerned about the impressions that others form of them. When such students are confronted in a classroom with a learning situation that makes them uncomfortable, they may choose to withdraw from the activity. Some learners believe they cannot perform in English and consequently form negative expectations, which in turn lead to decreased effort and the avoidance of opportunities to enhance their communication skills. The goal of this study was to identify those factors, as perceived by students, that may contribute to anxiety, and those factors that may reduce anxiety in an attempt to understand more fully the role that anxiety may play in learning a foreign language.
Deaf Students Higher Education System Using E-Learning
Authors: Vinoth N. , Nirmala K.
Published: May 2017

E-learning includes computer and electronically supported learning and teaching methods. E-learning used in Web-based learning, computer-based learning, virtual based learning and digital technology. It is a computer and network-enabled transfer of knowledge. it is the combination of learning and knowledge management.  It is also a useful tool that has contributed in facilitating education for deaf people. Deaf people are able to get benefit from this technology by increasing their knowledge and improving their skills. They can utilize the mobility feature to learn anywhere and at any time. E- Learn is an important one in higher education. Most of the students easily learn and develop skill and knowledge in e-learning method. Now a day’s e-learning tools are mostly used in learning method. In this paper we study about how deaf students used e-learning system in higher education institutions in and around  Chennai.
An Epistemological Study on Somantri’s Thought about the Social Studies as a Synthetic Discipline
Authors: Farisi Mohammad Imam , S. Winataputra Udin , Wardhani I.G.A.K.
Published: May 2017

This study examines Somantri’s thought about the epistemology of social studies as a scientific discipline. The Study is a qualitative-interpretive (philosophical inquiry) using his academic works as a primary source, and related expertise references as secondary sources selected by annotated bibliography and literature review techniques; then analyzed by a qualitative content analysis technique. The results of the study show, epistemologically, the social studies within Somantri’s thought conceptualized as a synthetic discipline and an integrated educational program, a product of synergistic reengineering from two or more disciplines equivalent for the social studies purposes. The synthetic discipline is the nature, identity, and a culture of faculty and postgraduate of the social studies. It has four academic status namely ‘advance knowledge’, ‘middle-studies’, ‘primary structure’; and ‘integrated educational program’ developed at all levels of the school and teachers’ college.
Perspectives of Implementers on the Student Teacher Practicum Program of a Philippine University: Inputs for Program Improvement
Authors: N. Mazo Generoso
Published: May 2017

This study sought to determine the perspectives of the 316 program implementers of the Student Teacher Practicum Program in the Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City. Using the descriptive survey method the inquiry focused on the importance, objectives, relevance, and competencies of the program. The Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to test the level of significance between the perspectives of “in-campus” and “off-campus” respondents. The implementers construed the program as Very Important, Very Effective in attaining its objectives, Very Relevant, and the competencies Very Useful. The null hypotheses were not rejected on the aspects of importance, attaining the objectives and competencies while on the aspect of relevance it was rejected.
Inovação em Turismo e Competitividade Regional: abordagem conceitual e ensaio de aplicação
Authors: Mazaro Rosana Mara
Published: May 2017

Embora o número de estudos sobre competitividade e inovação regional tenha crescido consideravelmente na literatura, ainda persiste uma notável ausência de pesquisas que abordem a convergência entre os dois temas, especialmente no que trata da simetria entre os atributos, dimensões e escala de aplicação de cada constructo. Tendo como premissa que a inovação é um fator de competitividade para os destinos e regiões turísticas e que, portanto, são assuntos que devem ser tratados concomitantemente, este estudo aborda essa lacuna e sugere um constructo único que congregue fatores que condicionem a capacidade de inovação e a competitividade dessas regiões. A análise qualitativa do conteúdo dos diferentes modelos de competitividade de destinos em comparação com os modelos de inovação gerou resultados significativos, dentre esses a identificação de importante convergência entre fatores que condicionam ambos os fenômenos, a classificação dos fatores entre convergentes e complementares, e a proposição de um modelo holístico de inovação para análise em escala regional com recorte específico para o turismo.
Extracellular Vesicles in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Martínez M. Carmen , Andriantsitohaina Ramaroson
Published: May 2017

Metabolic syndrome defines a cluster of interrelated risk factors for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. These factors include metabolic abnormalities, such as hyperglycemia, elevated triglyceride levels, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and obesity, mainly central adiposity. In this context, extracellular vesicles (EVs) may represent novel effectors that might help to elucidate disease-specific pathways in metabolic disease. Indeed, EVs (a terminology that encompasses microparticles, exosomes, and apoptotic bodies) are emerging as a novel mean of cell-to-cell communication in physiology and pathology because they represent a new way to convey fundamental information between cells. These microstructures contain proteins, lipids, and genetic information able to modify the phenotype and function of the target cells. EVs carry specific markers of the cell of origin that make possible monitoring their fluctuations in the circulation as potential biomarkers inasmuch their circulating levels are increased in metabolic syndrome patients. Because of the mixed components of EVs, the content or the number of EVs derived from distinct cells of origin, the mode of cell stimulation, and the ensuing mechanisms for their production, it is difficult to attribute specific functions as drivers or biomarkers of diseases. This review reports recent data of EVs from different origins, including endothelial, smooth muscle cells, macrophages, hepatocytes, adipocytes, skeletal muscle, and finally, those from microbiota as bioeffectors of message, leading to metabolic syndrome. Depicting the complexity of the mechanisms involved in their functions reinforce the hypothesis that EVs are valid biomarkers, and they represent targets that can be harnessed for innovative therapeutic approaches.
Lifestyle and Risk of Screening‐Detected Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm in Men
Authors: Stackelberg Otto , Wolk Alicja , Eliasson Ken , Hellberg Anders , Bersztel Adam , Larsson Susanna C. , Orsini Nicola , Wanhainen Anders , Björck Martin
Published: May 2017

Background

Modifiable lifestyle‐related factors associated with risk of abdominal aortic aneurysm (
AAA
) are rarely investigated with a prospective design. We aimed to study possible associations among such factors and comorbidities with mean abdominal aortic diameter (
AAD
) and with risk of
AAA
among men screened for the disease.

Methods and Results

Self‐reported lifestyle‐related exposures were assessed at baseline (January 1, 1998) among 14 249 men from the population‐based Cohort of Swedish Men, screened for
AAA
between 65 and 75 years of age (mean 13 years after baseline). Multivariable prediction of mean
AAD
was estimated with linear regression, and hazard ratios (
HRs
) of
AAA
(
AAD
≥30 mm) with Cox proportional hazard regression. The
AAA
prevalence was 1.2% (n=168). Smoking, body mass index, and cardiovascular disease were associated with a larger mean
AAD
, whereas consumption of alcohol and diabetes mellitus were associated with a smaller mean
AAD
. The
HR
of
AAA
was increased among participants who were current smokers with ≥25 pack‐years smoked compared with never smokers (
HR
15.59, 95%
CI
8.96–27.15), those with a body mass index ≥25 versus <25 (
HR
1.89, 95%
CI
, 1.22–2.93), and those with cardiovascular disease (
HR
1.77, 95%
CI
, 1.13–2.77), and hypercholesterolemia (
HR
1.59, 95%
CI
1.08–2.34). Walking or bicycling for >40 minutes/day (versus almost never) was associated with lower
AAA
hazard (
HR
0.59, 95%
CI
0.36–0.97) compared with almost never walking or bicycling.

Conclusions

This prospective study confirms that modifiable lifestyle‐related factors are associated with
AAD
and with
AAA
disease.
Patients With Heart Failure Readmitted to the Original Hospital Have Better Outcomes Than Those Readmitted Elsewhere
Authors: McAlister Finlay A. , Youngson Erik , Kaul Padma
Published: May 2017

Background

Up to one fifth of readmissions after a heart failure hospitalization occur at a different hospital. This negatively impacts information continuity, but whether site of readmission impacts subsequent outcomes is unclear.

Methods and Results

Retrospective cohort study of all patients discharged with a primary diagnosis of heart failure in Canada between April 2004 and December 2013. We compared patients readmitted within 30 days to the original hospital versus a different hospital. Of the 217 039 heart failure patients (mean age, 76.8 years, 50.1% male), 39 368 (18.1%) were readmitted within 30 days—32 771 (83.2%) to the original hospital and 6597 (16.8%) to a different hospital (increasing over time from 15.6% in 2004 to 18.5% by 2013;
P
for trend=0.001). Patients readmitted to different hospitals were younger and were more likely to be male, have a rural residence, a more‐recent discharge year, an index hospitalization at a teaching hospital, and to be brought in by ambulance at the time of the readmission. Readmissions to the original hospital were substantially shorter (mean, 10.4 days [95%
CI
, 10.3–10.6] versus 11.6 days [95%
CI
, 11.3–12.0]; adjusted means, 11.0 versus 12.0;
P
<0.0001) and had lower mortality (14.4% versus 15.0%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.89; 95%
CI
, 0.82–0.96) than readmissions to different hospitals.

Conclusions

Readmissions to a different hospital are becoming more frequent over time and are associated with longer stays and higher mortality rates than readmissions to the original hospital. Our findings provide further evidence that care fragmentation may be deleterious for patients with heart failure.
An Anglo-Norman Reader
Authors: Bliss Jane
Published: May 2017

This book is an anthology with a difference. It presents a distinctive variety of Anglo-Norman works, beginning in the twelfth century and ending in the nineteenth, covering a broad range of genres and writers, introduced in a lively and thought-provoking way. Facing-page translations, into accessible and engaging modern English, are provided throughout, bringing these texts to life for a contemporary audience.

The collection offers a selection of fascinating passages, and whole texts, many of which are not anthologised or translated anywhere else. It explores little-known byways of Arthurian legend and stories of real-life crime and punishment; women’s voices tell history, write letters, berate pagans; advice is offered on how to win friends and influence people, how to cure people’s ailments and how to keep clear of the law; and stories from the Bible are retold with commentary, together with guidance on prayer and confession.

Each text is introduced and elucidated with notes and full references, and the material is divided into three main sections based on Dean’s Catalogue: Story (a variety of narrative forms), Miscellany (including letters, law and medicine, and other non-fiction), and Religious (saints' lives, sermons, Bible commentary, and prayers). Passages in one genre have been chosen so as to reflect themes or stories that appear in another, so that the book can be enjoyed as a collection or used as a resource to dip into for selected texts.

This anthology is essential reading for students and scholars of Anglo-Norman and medieval literature and culture. Wide-ranging and fully referenced, it can be used as a springboard for further study or relished in its own right by readers interested to discover Anglo-Norman literature that was written to amuse, instruct, entertain, or admonish medieval audiences.
Increased Chances of Drought in Southeastern Periphery of the Tibetan Plateau Induced by Anthropogenic Warming
Authors: Ma Shuangmei , Zhou Tianjun , Angélil Oliver , Shiogama Hideo
Published: May 2017

The southeastern periphery of the Tibetan Plateau (SEPTP) was hit by an extraordinarily severe drought in the autumn of 2009. Overall, the SEPTP has been gripped by a sustained drought for six consecutive years. To better understand the physical causes of these types of severe and frequent droughts and thus to improve their prediction and enhance the ability to adapt, many research efforts have been devoted to the disastrous droughts in the SEPTP. Nonetheless, whether the likelihood and strength of the severe droughts in the SEPTP, such as that in the autumn of 2009, have been affected by anthropogenic climate change remains unknown. This study first identifies the atmospheric circulation regime responsible for the SEPTP droughts and then explores how human-induced climate change has affected the severe droughts in the SEPTP. It is found that the drought conditions in the SEPTP have been driven by the Indian–Pacific warm pool (IPWP) sea surface temperature (SST) through strengthening of the local Hadley circulation and anomalously cyclonic motion over the South China Sea. Ensemble simulations of climate models demonstrate a robust increase in the dry and warm meteorological conditions seen during the 2009 SEPTP autumn drought due to anthropogenic global warming. Given that warming is expected to continue into the future, these results suggest that it is likely that drought conditions will become more common in the SEPTP.
Warming Water in Arctic Terrestrial Rivers under Climate Change
Authors: Park Hotaek , Yoshikawa Yasuhiro , Yang Daqing , Oshima Kazuhiro
Published: May 2017

Recent years have seen an obvious warming trend in the Arctic. Streamflow and water temperature Tw are important parameters representing the changes of Arctic rivers under climate change. However, few quantitative assessments of changes in river Tw have been conducted at the pan-Arctic scale. To carry out such an assessment, this study used a modeling framework combining a land process model [the coupled hydrological and biogeochemical model (CHANGE)] with models of river discharge Q, ice cover, and Tw dynamics. The Tw model was improved by incorporating heat exchange at the air–water interface and heat advection from upstream through the channel network. The model was applied to pan-Arctic terrestrial rivers flowing into the Arctic Ocean over the period 1979–2013 and quantitatively assessed trends of Tw at regional and pan-Arctic scales. The simulated Tw values were consistent with observations at the mouths of major pan-Arctic rivers. The model simulations indicated a warming trend of Tw by 0.16°C decade−1 at the outlets of the pan-Arctic rivers, including widespread spatial warming consistent with increased air temperature Ta. The strong impact of Ta on Tw was verified by model sensitivity analysis based on various scenarios involving changes in the Ta and Q forcings. Finally, this study demonstrated the warming of Tw in Arctic rivers induced by Ta warming, suggesting the potential for warming Tw of Arctic rivers under future climate change scenarios.
An Optimization Strategy for Identifying Parameter Sensitivity in Atmospheric and Oceanic Models
Authors: Wang Qiang , Tang Youmin , Dijkstra Henk A.
Published: May 2017

A new optimization strategy is proposed to identify the sensitivities of simulations of atmospheric and oceanic models to uncertain parameters. The strategy is based on a nonlinear optimization method that is able to estimate the maximum values of specific parameter sensitivity measures; meanwhile, it takes into account interactions among uncertain parameters. It is tested using the Lorenz’63 model and an intermediate complexity 2.5-layer shallow-water model of the North Pacific Ocean. For the Lorenz’63 model, it is shown that the parameter sensitivities of the model results depend on the initial conditions. For the 2.5-layer shallow-water model used to simulate the Kuroshio large meander (KLM) south of Japan, the optimization strategy reveals that the prediction of the KLM path is insensitive to the uncertainties in the bottom friction coefficient, the interfacial friction coefficient, and the lateral friction coefficient. Rather, the KLM prediction is relatively sensitive to the uncertainties of the reduced gravity representing ocean stratification and the wind stress coefficient.
The Challenge of 2 Peter and the Call to Theosis
Authors: Brown Sherri
Published: May 2017

Second Peter is notoriously challenging for Christians, and has been from its earliest reception. The task for interpreters, therefore, is to find the practical method in the madness. As a farewell address, the purpose of the letter is to give testament to the author’s life and urge a particular ethical action in the face of revelations about the future, and its Asiatic style presents a strong rhetorical flair meant to affirm and persuade the audience. A closer look at the content of the positive appeals found in the treatise also reveals that in the midst of his vitriolic condemnation of teachers who fracture both the tradition and the community, the author calls for unity through participation in the divine nature of God. This summons contains the raw material of a concept known as theosis; and this is what allows 2 Peter to speak to audiences across the ages.
Tailoring Multicomponent Writing Interventions: Effects of Coupling Self-Regulation and Transcription Training
Authors: Limpo Teresa , Alves Rui A.
Published: May 2017

Writing proficiency is heavily based on acquisition and development of self-regulation and transcription skills. The present study examined the effects of combining transcription training with a self-regulation intervention (self-regulated strategy development [SRSD]) in Grade 2 (ages 7–8). Forty-three students receiving self-regulation plus transcription (SRSD+TR) intervention were compared with 37 students receiving a self-regulation only (SRSD only) intervention and 39 students receiving the standard language arts curriculum. Compared with control instruction, SRSD instruction—with or without transcription training—resulted in more complex plans; longer, better, and more complete stories; and the effects transferred to story written recall. Transcription training produced an incremental effect on students’ composing skills. In particular, the SRSD+TR intervention increased handwriting fluency, spelling accuracy for inconsistent words, planning and story completeness, writing fluency, clause length, and burst length. Compared with the SRSD-only intervention, the SRSD+TR intervention was particularly effective in raising the writing quality of poorer writers. This pattern of findings suggests that students benefit from writing instruction coupling self-regulation and transcription training from very early on. This seems to be a promising instructional approach not only to ameliorate all students’ writing ability and prevent future writing problems but also to minimize struggling writers’ difficulties and support them in mastering writing.
Companion Animal Death
Authors: Reisbig Allison M. J. , Hafen McArthur , Siqueira Drake Adryanna A. , Girard Destiny , Breunig Zachary B.
Published: May 2017

Human–animal relationships are increasingly incorporated into families as a normal part of family life. Despite this, relationships with animals are often viewed as inferior to human relationships. This becomes problematic during times of loss and grief when members of a grieving companion animal owner's support system do not understand the salience of the relationship with the animal. Veterinary and other helping professionals need basic information about the experience of companion animal loss in order to help support and normalize the experiences of grieving companion animal owners. The present study qualitatively describes human–animal relationships and the subsequent loss and coping experienced by owners of beloved companion animals. Comparison with human and other types of loss and factors unique to companion animal loss are discussed, and practical applications for veterinary and other helping professionals are provided.
Biodegradable poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene succinate) fibers with high elongation for health care products
Authors: Hassan Elwathig AM , Elarabi Salah Eldin , Wei You , Yu Muhuo
Published: May 2017

Poly (lactic acid)/poly (butylene succinate) (PLA/PBS) blend fibers with high miscibility and improved elongation with comparable mechanical strength were fabricated using the melt spinning process in order to reduce the impact on the environment by long-lasting plastics-based composites. The PLA/PBS blend fibers produced in different ratios have revealed high miscibility, which has been confirmed by morphological studies. The thermal properties showed the melting temperature of PLA at 167.13℃ and PLA/PBS blends at 169.18℃, and an increased content of PBS in blends also led to improved crystallinity. Importantly, during tensile testing, it is observed that the fracture behavior of the specimen changed from brittle fracture of neat PLA to ductile fracture of the blends, as demonstrated by the significant increase in the elongation at break with comparable tensile strength and modulus. Furthermore, the washing fastness, rubbing fastness, exhaustion values, strength loss, and shade depth ( K/ S value) for the knitted and dyed fibers were explored. It was found that the exhaustion and K/ S value increased when the temperature increased, but the strength decreased. The exhaustion and K/ S value of PLA/PBS blend fabrics improved compared to pure PLA fabric, with excellent washing and rubbing fastness.
Interpretivism, First-Person Authority, and Confabulation
Authors: Balsvik Eivind
Published: May 2017

Psychological experiments allegedly show that people have a tendency to confabulate explanations of their behavior, because their conscious selves do not know why they do what they do, and therefore create the explanations that make most sense. This article explains why confabulation is neither a threat to interpretivist social science nor a threat to the presumption of first-person authority in Davidson’s interpretation theory. The reason is that the interpretative endeavor, which is necessary in order to identify and provide evidence for confabulation is governed by a presumption of first-person authority. Explanations of confabulation thus depend on prior interpretations.
Combining Aggregate Data and Exit Polls for the Estimation of Voter Transitions
Authors: Klima André , Schlesinger Thomas , Thurner Paul W. , Küchenhoff Helmut
Published: May 2017

Our objective is the estimation of voter transitions between two consecutive parliamentary elections. Usually, such analyses have been based either on individual survey data or on aggregated data. To move beyond these methods and their respective problems, we propose the application of so-called hybrid models, which combine aggregate and individual data. We use a Bayesian approach and extend a multinomial-Dirichlet model proposed in the ecological inference literature. Our new hybrid model has been implemented in the R-package eiwild (= Ecological Inference with individual-level data). Based on extensive simulations, we are able to show that our new estimator exhibits a very good estimation performance in many realistic scenarios. Application case is the voter transition between the Bavarian Regional election and the German federal elections 2013 in the Metropolitan City of Munich. Our approach is also applicable to other areas of electoral research, market research, and epidemiology.
A voltage measurement system based on fiber loop cavity ring-down technology using polymer dispersed liquid crystal film as sensing device
Authors: Wang Qi , Zhao Wanming , Li Jin , Hu Haifeng , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2017

This paper proposed and experimentally demonstrated a high-resolution voltage measurement method based on fiber loop cavity ring-down (FLCRD) technology and polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film as the sensing device. In this measurement system, PDLC is made into a film structure used as sensing device to measure external voltage changes, and the experiments were carried out to measure the relationships between light transmittivity of PDLC film and the external voltage. The FLCRD system with optimized structure parameters is obtained by numerical simulation, and the splitting ratios of fiber couplers used in the sensing system are optimized, and an erbium-doped fiber amplifier is used to compensate system signal loss, which has made a lot of improvement in the signal noise ratio and sensitivity. Finally, the experimental results show that the resolution of voltage measurement is 0.29 mV (0.0015%) in the range of 0-60V, which improved the resolution by 10 times compared with the current methods.
A KCMAC-PD controller with reduced memory and optimized mapping for the torque control of electric load simulator
Authors: Yang Bo , Bao Ran , Zhang Meng , Wei Qifan , Gao Tao
Published: May 2017

An electric load simulator requires high demand on control precision and dynamic performance due to its inherent non-linearity and external interference of surplus torque. The cerebellar model articulation controller (CMAC) is a simple, fast and promising neural network with good performance. However, there still exist some problems in the CMAC network, such as large memory, over-learning and complex mapping. This paper introduces the kernel method in CMAC to form KCMAC, by using a third-order B-spline as a kernel function, so that the mapping of CMAC is transferred from the feature space to the kernel space. This method may effectively reduce the storage space as well as the computational complexity. A compound controller with KCMAC and PD (proportional–derivative) is designed with improvement on learning speed for the torque control of an electric load simulator. Compared with the conventional CMAC-PD control strategy, the KCMAC-PD has improved the control precision by 40.4%, 40.8%, 14.1% and 30.5% at a loading frequency of 0.5 Hz, 1 Hz, 1.5 Hz and 2 Hz in the experiments, respectively. The dynamic simulation and experimental results of KCMAC-PD show that this control strategy may ensure loading precision and avoid over-learning of CMAC. They also demonstrate that KCMAC has ability to smooth control output and restrain external disturbances.
Global frictions and the production of locality in Kenya’s music video industry
Authors: Ekdale Brian
Published: May 2017

This article explores the relationship between global imaginaries, frictions, and the production of locality through an examination of the Kenyan music video industry. Localities are constructed, in part, through the constitutive work of the imagination. Friction occurs when divergent constructions of the global imaginary become entangled with each other. Through an examination of the production, distribution, and reception of Kenyan music videos, this study identifies three types of friction that occur in cultural production: collaborative frictions, in which collectivities work across differences toward a common cause; combative frictions, in which collectivities are positioned in direct opposition to each other; and competitive frictions, in which the interests of different collectivities conflict at times and align at others. This study contributes to scholarship on cultural production in non-Western contexts by articulating hybridity as both an antecedent to and outcome of transcultural exchange.
Modal media: connecting media ecology and mobilities research
Authors: Hildebrand Julia M
Published: May 2017

Following Emily Keightley and Anna Reading in their conceptualization of ‘mediated mobilities’, I illuminate useful connections between media ecology and mobilities research and make the case for a combined modal medium theory. Both fields align clearly in their interest in technology and technique, media and modes, and messages and moods. A fruitful starting point in the suggested transdisciplinary theoretical and methodological framework is the exploration of the specific medium along with its materialities. In the second step, different kinds of environments and possible choreographies the medium affords ask to be considered. In a broader conceptualization, the term ‘medium’ refers not only to technological entities but also to subjects (tourists), practices (dancing), and places (cities), which likewise prompt different messages and moods. Ideally, research occurs on a synchronous level by following the routes of media and modes across space, and on a diachronous level by exploring the roots of media and modes across time. The objective is to promote a material medium literacy that questions capacities and agencies of forms and materials in their respective contexts.
Development of indication criteria for preoperative examination in lung cancer
Authors: Nakao Masayuki , Matsuura Yosuke , Uehara Hirofumi , Mun Mingyon , Nakagawa Ken , Nishio Makoto , Ishikawa Yuichi , Okumura Sakae
Published: May 2017

Background

Systemic examination for distant metastases is generally recommended for all lung cancer patients. However, this approach rarely detects distant metastases in typically resectable cT1-2N0 non-small-cell lung cancer. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with distant metastases and develop indication criteria for preoperative systemic examination in patients with cT1-2N0 non-small-cell lung cancer, with a particular focus on computed tomography imaging of primary lesions.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed non-small-cell lung cancer patients treated at our institute between 2005 and 2013. Data were extracted and compared between two groups: patients diagnosed as cT1-2N0M0 who underwent complete resection (M0 group, n = 1530) and those diagnosed as cT1-2N0M1b who received systemic chemotherapy (M1 group, n = 26).

Results

The median age at diagnosis was significantly lower in the M1 group ( p = 0.015). Although carcinoembryonic antigen levels were significantly higher in the M1 group ( p < 0.001), 42% had normal levels. Tumor diameters in lung and mediastinal windows on chest computed tomography were significantly larger, and the proportion (mediastinal/lung window tumor diameter ratio) was higher in the M1 group ( p < 0.001). All 26 patients in the M1 group had a tumor diameter >15 mm and mediastinal/lung window ratio >0.75.

Conclusions

Preoperative systemic examination is not necessary in cT1-2N0 non-small-cell lung cancer patients when tumor diameters are ≤15 mm and mediastinal/lung window ratios are ≤0.75. According to these criteria, systemic examinations would have been reduced by 40% in our cohort.