bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Problems in Language Teachers’ Action Research
Authors: Han Ligang
Published: October 2017

In-service language teachers’ professional development is a crucial factor that influences the teaching and learning effectiveness. Educational action research is considered by many researchers and scholars as an effective way or approach for language teachers’ professional development. This article reports a case study of in-service English language teachers doing action research within a collaborative action research project. The focus of the case study is upon investigating the problems and difficulties that English language teachers encounter in doing action research and some solutions to the problems are provided. This research sheds light on the practice and application of educational action research.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 10, No. 11
Authors: Lee Chris
Published: October 2017

Reviewer acknowledgements for International Education Studies, Vol. 10, No. 11, 2017.
Physical Education Teachers’ Views about Character Education
Authors: Tutkun Erkut , Gorgut Ilyas , Erdemir Ibrahim
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this study is to find out the views of teachers of physical education about how they define character education, whether they think national education curriculum and the curriculum of private schools are suitable for character education and whether they think character education can be applied in physical education lessons. Case report design was used in this study which was prepared with qualitative research method. The sample group of the study consists of 6 physical education teachers working in 3 secondary schools and 2 high schools of Kutahya city center which were determined with easily accessible case sampling method, which is one of the purposive sampling methods. Individual interviews which lasted for an average of 15-20 minutes were conducted with physical education teachers within the context of semi-structured interview technique. The participants were informed that the interviews would be voice recorded and later their expressions would be written down to avoid data loss and after necessary permissions were taken, the interviews were recorded. Descriptive and content analysis methods were used to analyze the expressions which were converted into text. The results of the analyses showed that physical education teachers defined character education as changes that occurred in individuals’ behaviors first in the family, then at school and the education conducted to teach individuals socially accepted and correct behaviors. In addition, it was found that the teachers stated that the current curriculum of the country and also physical education curriculum were not suitable for character education; however, since it is a social lesson and since participants are continuously active and in communication, physical education lessons can be more effective than other lessons in terms of character development.
The Punitive Authorities of Independent Administrative Bodies and Its Role in Widening the Circle of Criminality
Authors: Atour Rana
Published: October 2017

The punitive authorities of independent administrative bodies and their role in the widening circle of criminality have been the main focus of the study. The study has evaluated the criminal justice agencies, such as the French Constitutional Council and the European Court of Human Rights. Some domestic courts have been playing a vital role in enhancing the criminal proceedings for administrative offences. The role of penal legislation is essential to find, so the study reviewed the role of punitive authorities of independent administrative bodies in widening the circle of criminality. The independent administrative bodies in the economic activity lack legal guarantees and consecration that may be deliberated, and practiced under the guise of flexibility and speed to ensure effective economic state. Penal legislator should punish the offenders following the acts of disciplinary sanctions and administrative bodies. It has been observed that there are still some differences and imperfections in nature among countries concerning the national legislations. Decisions and judgments are issued by the administrative bodies; whereas, some large administrative bodies are found in the areas with greater economic activities. It has been found that there is lack of legal guarantees and consecration, which may be practiced to ensure the efficient economic state. The independent administrative authorities do not violate the legal provisions, which governs the sectors. The study has concluded that the power of punishment is no longer effective to the criminal judge. The independent administrative authorities do not violate the constitution and the legal provisions, governing the sectors.
Ownership and Control of Natural Resources under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 and Its Implications for Environmental Law and Practice
Authors: Okonkwo Theodore
Published: October 2017

The right to ownership and control of natural resources under the Nigerian law is constitutional. The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) section 44 (3) and item 39 Schedule II of the Exclusive Legislative List vests the control and management of the natural resources and hydrocarbon operations on the federal government for the common good and benefit of the citizens. This article aims at examining the constitutional provisions and its implications for environmental law and practice. It examines some theories of ownership of mineral resources and analyses the decisions of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the subject, particularly the case of Attorney-General of the Federation v. Attorney General of Abia State & 35 Others (No. 2) (2002) 6 NWLR (Part 764) 542 where the Supreme Court of Nigeria made several judicial pronouncements on the constitutional question of the derivation principle and ownership and control of natural resources in the Nigeria Federation. This article concludes by advocating for reforms and further research on the subject matter. It recommends the adoption of what is obtainable in other jurisdictions like Canada and South Africa.
Pulmonary Prevention Program in the Proszowice County: Description and Results
Authors: Skucha Wojciech , Mejza Filip , Nastałek Paweł , Doniec Zbigniew
Published: October 2017

Introduction: In the Proszowice county, both lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are more common in comparison with other regions of Poland. The purpose of this paper was to provide a report on a prevention program carried out in the area to reduce the burden of COPD and lung cancer in the region. Material and methods: The program consisted of the following: active prevention―questionnaire survey offered to every county inhabitant aged at least 40 and chest X-ray and spirometry performed in selected subjects; and passive prevention―covering multiple educational activities promoting healthy lifestyle. Data obtained from questionnaire survey and spirometry were further analyzed. Results: Education program covered all local children aged 13–15, a majority of adolescents and a significant proportion of adult inhabitants of the county. Questionnaire data were obtained from 14,455 subjects (about 70% of county inhabitants). On the basis of the questionnaire results, the participants were selected to undergo spirometry (5816 subjects) and chest X-ray (5514 subjects). Current smokers constituted 24.2% of the total number of participants (33.3% of men and 16.8% of women). Electronic cigarettes were currently used by 0.65% of the subjects. Negative impact of occupational exposures (including farming) on lung function and the presence of respiratory symptoms was observed. Basing on post-bronchodilator spirometry, COPD was diagnosed in 13.2% of the subjects. Physician’s diagnosis of asthma was reported by 7.2%. Conclusion: Educational activities and questionnaire-based study were targeted at and reached the majority of the county inhabitants. The study provided data on the prevalence and risk factors of COPD, asthma and respiratory symptoms in the Proszowice region.
Eosinophilic COPD―A Distinct Phenotype of the Disease
Authors: Tworek Damian , Antczak Adam
Published: October 2017

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has been traditionally associated with neutrophilic inflammation of the bronchi. Studies from the early 1990s demonstrated that eosinophils may also migrate into the lower airways of patients with COPD and their increased numbers can be noticed during exacerbations as well as stable disease. Eosinophilic phenotype of COPD is characterized by several unique features, i.e., a specific pattern of airway inflammation and distinct clinical course or susceptibility to corticosteroid treatment. In this paper, we present an up-to-date review of the literature on clinical characteristics of eosinophilic COPD, as well as the role of eosinophils as a biomarker-guided therapy in COPD.
Local Security Management in Terms of a Country’s Internal Security with Poland as an Example
Authors: Kubiak Mariusz , Gawłowski Robert
Published: October 2017

The weakening role of national states in the international arena and increasing importance of cities at the economic and political levels gave rise to increased interest in the issue of local security. The aim of this paper is to present the way local security is organised and managed in the context of its functioning as part of Poland’s internal security. It is concluded by indication of future directions of the development of security management.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19336
Job Satisfaction in the Civil Service Department of Lithuania: Analysis of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Factors
Authors: Vaidelytė Eglė , Sodaitytė Evelina
Published: October 2017

Academic literature identifies job satisfaction as an important determinant of effective organisational performance, though the contemporary attention of theorists and practitioners for job satisfaction of individuals working in Lithuanian civil service is still fragmented. The article discusses the concept of job satisfaction, examines the significance of various motivational factors for civil servants’ job satisfaction and analyses the determinants of job satisfaction in the Civil Service Department of Lithuania. The empirical analysis is based on the results of quantitative research conducted in 2017. The research results revealed that job satisfaction of individuals working in the above mentioned institution is more determined by intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivational factors. Higher levels of job satisfaction are associated with sense of achievement arising from work, interesting, exciting job content and adequate promotional opportunities.  The research finding also proposed the challenging trend indicating the negative correlation between job satisfaction and possibilities for to grow personal skills. This paradox is possibly explained by Simon’s bounded rationality theory, as well as by methodological specificity, and eventually opens wide platform for further research in public sector. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19337
Factors Determining Trust in Civil Service in Lithuania
Authors: Čepeliauskaitė Gabrielė , Petrauskienė Rūta
Published: October 2017

Trust in civil service is considered as the main condition for progress and prosperity in every country. The article analyzes civil service, which has a special legal status and the main responsibility for public administration in Lithuania. According to theoretical insights, trust in civil service can be defined as institutional level trust of civil servants, who have a legal status and implements public administration; it is formed on the use of public/administrative services or non-use basis and is characterized by low (civil servant vs. user) mutual knowledge, dependence and continuity. The main factors, which affects trust in civil service is honesty, interest, openness, justice, obligations and competence. The answers of EUPAN country experts showed that the main factors determining trust in civil service in European countries (Latvia, Estonia, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Croatia and the European Commission) is the image of civil service, the future prospects for cooperation, the pursuance of Code of Ethics, honesty, economic and social environment variability, suitability of civil servants to hold public office, quality of services, efficiency and dissemination of information. The factors found in the answers in the first part of the study were checked statistically with the public survey data in the case of Lithuania. The correlational analysis revealed that in Lithuania statistically significant correlations between trust other variables are observed in case of the image of civil service, economic situation of the country, suitability of civil servants to hold public office, the quality of services, integrity and dissemination of information. Meanwhile statistically insignificant factors were found to be cooperation and the pursuance of Code of Ethics, the country's social situation and contacting a public servant.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19339
Professional Discretion of Civil Servants in Serving the Customers of Public Employment Intermediation Agency: The Case of Lithuanian Labour Exchange
Authors: Pivoras Saulius , Gončiarova Natalja
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is to analyze and identify to which extent changes in serving and counselling customers in public employment intermediation agency in Lithuania that is in subdivisions of Lithuanian Labour Exchange under the Ministry of Social Security and Labour, are based on strengthening empowerment of civil servants and development of their professional discretion. It also aims to evaluate civil servants’ expectations related to broader factual usage of professional discretion. The aim of the article is realized analyzing academic literature and data of conducted empirical research, which discover practical usage of professional discretion in the best way when implementing the new customer service model.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19340
Analysis of Opportunities for Tourism Development Policy in Lithuania
Authors: Junevičius Algis , Albrektas Edvinas
Published: October 2017

In today's world, growing cultural integration has a direct impact on the development of tourism, which is important from the economic as well as the social, political or ecological perspective. Given the rapid expansion of tourism on the global market and the ever-increasing competitiveness of the tourism sector, it is important to assess the state of the tourism sector in Lithuania and determine the potential for its development. The results of the qualitative research have demonstrated that the policy options that could allow for the smooth development of Lithuanian tourism have eluded clear identification owing to the less than appropriate regulation of this area and the absence of effective tourism management. It has been discovered that the legal framework so far remains underdeveloped. In addition, when it comes to tourism policy management, the relevant functions tend to not be performed properly. Moreover, there is a lack of cooperation among the institutions responsible for tourism coordination or otherwise indirectly connected to the area, whereas cooperation between the local and the national level is minimal. This shows that a number of areas may require improvement in order for the country’s tourism development policy to become more effective. However, if the country manages to perform a targeted elimination of the problematic areas and makes proper use of its strengths and existing potential in the tourism sector, such as the favorable geographical location, a well-developed sector of tourism-related services, rich recreational resources, or an attractive ratio between the quality and price of tourism products, the effective development of tourism in Lithuania will become possible in the long term.
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.19341
An erratum to this article is available at:
DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ppaa.16.3.24730
Avaliação de um kit didático que reproduz tatilmente ilustrações no Ensino de Física
Authors: Torres Josiane Pereira , Mendes Enicéia Gonçalves
Published: October 2017

Nesse trabalho apresentamos resultados de uma pesquisa de mestrado cujo objetivo foi desenvolver e avaliar um kit didático, denominado de KitFis, que reproduz tatilmente ilustrações de fenômenos e situações no ensino da Física. Após o desenvolvimento do kit, foi realizado uma avaliação na qual três professores de física ministraram uma aula de determinado tema de física à um estudante cego, apenas com o apoio do kit. As aulas foram filmadas a fim de analisar o manuseio do kit pelos participantes e após as aulas os participantes foram entrevistados no intuito de levantarmos suas impressões com relação ao uso do kit. Os resultados mostraram que o kit permite a construção de uma quantidade significativa de ilustrações de situações físicas e ainda o estudante relatou que tais ilustrações foram percebidas com facilidade pelo tato, o que evidencia a qualidade tátil das peças do KitFis. O KitFis pode contribuir consideravelmente com práticas mais inclusivas no ensino regular possibilitando que estudantes cegos tenham acesso ao currículo assim como os demais estudantes.
Inclusão em foco: um estudo de caso sobre um deficiente que possui surdocegueira no ensino regular
Authors: Bressan Luiza Liene , Buss Beatriz Schueroff , Lewcowicz Alexandra Aline
Published: October 2017

O presente trabalho aborda o seguinte tema: Inclusão em foco: um estudo de caso sobre um deficiente que possui surdocegueira no ensino regular. Quando se enfatiza esta temática tem-se interesse no estudo sobre a inclusão das pessoas com deficiência. Assim, a questão primordial é buscar conhecer como ocorre o processo de inclusão de uma criança surdocega no ensino regular. Para isso estabelecemos como objetivos deste estudo: Compreender o processo de inclusão de uma criança surdocega no ensino regular; fazer um breve estudo da trajetória histórica da deficiência, verificando de que forma se dá o processo de inclusão no ensino regular. A pesquisa é do tipo descritivo com estudo de caso. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário e as respostas foram analisadas, confrontando os aspectos teóricos da inclusão e a realidade escolar. A pesquisa apontou alguns resultados que merecem maiores reflexões, pois ainda há resistência por parte dos docentes, quando o tema é inclusão. A mudança precisa acontecer no ambiente escolar para que ela se torne de fato uma realidade e não apenas um ato legal.
Educação inclusiva: uma escola para todos
Authors: Silva Neto Antenor De Oliveira , Ávila Éverton Gonçalves , Sales Tamara Regina Reis , Amorim Simone Silveira , Nunes Andréa Karla Ferreira , Santos Vera Maria
Published: October 2017

O presente trabalho trata da inserção de alunos com deficiência nas escolas de ensino regular. Assim, realizamos um resgate histórico das pessoas com deficiência e destacamos quatro fases: “fase da exclusão”, “fase da segregação”, “fase da integração”, e fase da “inclusão total”. O objetivo desta pesquisa buscou compreender o processo histórico da educação especial e da educação inclusiva para entender o movimento atual da inclusão escolar. A metodologia deste estudo ancora-se numa pesquisa bibliográfica, qualitativa e descritiva. Desenvolvido a partir da primeira seção da dissertação de Mestrado em Educação da Universidade Tiradentes, intitulada: “Educação Física e Capoeira como agentes de inclusão para alunos cegos: um estudo de caso”. Tivemos como base os autores, Carvalho (2007), Cunha (2015), Mantoan (2003), Stainback & Stainback (1999), Lima (2006), Sassaki (1998), Glat, Pletsch e Fontes (2007), Rodrigues (2006), entre outros. A inclusão escolar plena não é uma tarefa fácil, são necessárias uma estruturação progressiva e uma mudança significativa no sistema educacional e na concepção de inclusão por parte da sociedade em geral, e principalmente dos profissionais escolares.
Deep transcriptome annotation enables the discovery and functional characterization of cryptic small proteins
Authors: Samandi Sondos , Roy Annie V , Delcourt Vivian , Lucier Jean-François , Gagnon Jules , Beaudoin Maxime C , Vanderperre Benoît , Breton Marc-André , Motard Julie , Jacques Jean-François , Brunelle Mylène , Gagnon-Arsenault Isabelle , Fournier Isabelle , Ouangraoua Aida , Hunting Darel J , Cohen Alan A , Landry Christian R , Scott Michelle S , Roucou Xavier
Published: October 2017

Recent functional, proteomic and ribosome profiling studies in eukaryotes have concurrently demonstrated the translation of alternative open-reading frames (altORFs) in addition to annotated protein coding sequences (CDSs). We show that a large number of small proteins could in fact be coded by these altORFs. The putative alternative proteins translated from altORFs have orthologs in many species and contain functional domains. Evolutionary analyses indicate that altORFs often show more extreme conservation patterns than their CDSs. Thousands of alternative proteins are detected in proteomic datasets by reanalysis using a database containing predicted alternative proteins. This is illustrated with specific examples, including altMiD51, a 70 amino acid mitochondrial fission-promoting protein encoded in MiD51/Mief1/SMCR7L, a gene encoding an annotated protein promoting mitochondrial fission. Our results suggest that many genes are multicoding genes and code for a large protein and one or several small proteins.
Towards PubMed 2.0
Authors: Fiorini Nicolas , Lipman David J , Lu Zhiyong
Published: October 2017

Staff from the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the US describe recent improvements to the PubMed search engine and outline plans for the future, including a new experimental site called PubMed Labs.
Inappropriate Use of Homeostasis Model Assessment Cutoff Values for Diagnosing Insulin Resistance in Pediatric Studies
Authors: Fox Carrie , Bernardino Lourdes , Cochran Jill , Essig Mary , Bridges Kristie Grove
Published: October 2017

Background

Assessing pediatric patients for insulin resistance is one way to identify those who are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus. The homoeostasis model assessment (HOMA) is a measure of insulin resistance based on fasting blood glucose and insulin levels. Although this measure is widely used in research, cutoff values for pediatric populations have not been established.

Objective

To assess the validity of HOMA cutoff values used in pediatric studies published in peer-reviewed journals.

Methods

Studies published from January 2010 to December 2015 were identified through MEDLINE. Initial screening of abstracts was done to select studies that were conducted in pediatric populations and used HOMA to assess insulin resistance. Subsequent full-text review narrowed the list to only those studies that used a specific HOMA score to diagnose insulin resistance. Each study was classified as using a predetermined fixed HOMA cutoff value or a cutoff that was a percentile specific to that population. For studies that used a predetermined cutoff value, the references cited to provide evidence in support of that cutoff were evaluated.

Results

In the 298 articles analyzed, 51 different HOMA cutoff values were used to classify patients as having insulin resistance. Two hundred fifty-five studies (85.6%) used a predetermined fixed cutoff value, but only 72 (28.2%) of those studies provided a reference that supported its use. One hundred ten studies (43%) that used a fixed cutoff either cited a study that did not mention HOMA or provided no reference at all. Tracing of citation history indicated that the most commonly used cutoff values were ultimately based on studies that did not validate their use for defining insulin resistance.

Conclusion

Little evidence exists to support HOMA cutoff values commonly used to define insulin resistance in pediatric studies. These findings highlight the importance of validating study design elements when training medical students and novice investigators. Using available data to generate population ranges for HOMA would improve its clinical utility.
Effects of Group Fitness Classes on Stress and Quality of Life of Medical Students
Authors: Yorks Dayna M. , Frothingham Christopher A. , Schuenke Mark D.
Published: October 2017

Context

Medical school can produce intense psychological distress in its students; however, there is a paucity of research exploring potential means of improving medical students’ well-being.

Objective

To investigate the relationship between physical exercise and stress and quality of life (QOL) in a medical student population.

Methods

This nonrandomized, controlled, 12-week study used a survey research design. First- and second-year osteopathic medical students at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine were recruited to participate in 1 of 3 groups: (1) students participating in 30-minute CXWORX (Les Mills International LTD) group fitness classes; (2) students exercising alone or with up to 2 additional partners regularly (eg, running, weight lifting), henceforth called the health-enhancement group; and (3) students in a control group who did not engage in regular exercise. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale survey once every 4 weeks, as well as visual analog scale surveys to assess physical, mental, and emotional QOL weekly during the course of the study. Statistical significance was defined as P<.05.

Results

Sixty-nine participants met the inclusion criteria and completed the study protocol, with 25 in the fitness class group, 29 in the health-enhancement group, and 15 in the control group. Compared with baseline values, the fitness class group demonstrated decreased perceived stress (P=.038) and increased physical QOL (P=.007), mental QOL (P=.046), and emotional QOL (P=.004) after 12 weeks. Participants in the health-enhancement and control groups showed no statistically significant changes between baseline and week 12 for any of these parameters, with the exception of mental QOL, which improved in the health-enhancement group (P=.023).

Conclusion

Participation in regular group fitness classes led to a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress and an increase in physical, mental, and emotional QOL compared with exercising regularly on one's own or not engaging in regular exercise. Attending weekly group fitness classes could be a solution to improving the emotional well-being and stress level of medical students.
Comparative genomic analysis of the PKS genes in five species and expression analysis in upland cotton
Authors: Su Xueqiang , Sun Xu , Cheng Xi , Wang Yanan , Abdullah Muhammad , Li Manli , Li Dahui , Gao Junshan , Cai Yongping , Lin Yi
Published: October 2017

Plant type III polyketide synthase (PKS) can catalyse the formation of a series of secondary metabolites with different structures and different biological functions; the enzyme plays an important role in plant growth, development and resistance to stress. At present, the PKS gene has been identified and studied in a variety of plants. Here, we identified 11 PKS genes from upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) and compared them with 41 PKS genes inPopulus tremula,Vitis vinifera,Malus domesticaandArabidopsis thaliana. According to the phylogenetic tree, a total of 52 PKS genes can be divided into four subfamilies (I–IV). The analysis of gene structures and conserved motifs revealed that most of the PKS genes were composed of two exons and one intron and there are two characteristic conserved domains (Chal_sti_synt_N and Chal_sti_synt_C) of the PKS gene family. In our study of the five species, gene duplication was found in addition toArabidopsis thalianaand we determined that purifying selection has been of great significance in maintaining the function of PKS gene family. From qRT-PCR analysis and a combination of the role of the accumulation of proanthocyanidins (PAs) in brown cotton fibers, we concluded that five PKS genes are candidate genes involved in brown cotton fiber pigment synthesis. These results are important for the further study of brown cotton PKS genes. It not only reveals the relationship between PKS gene family and pigment in brown cotton, but also creates conditions for improving the quality of brown cotton fiber.
Notes on the family Gloiosiphoniaceae (Cryptonemiales, Rhodophyta) for the Mexican Pacific coast
Authors: Aguilar-Rosas LE , Aguilar-Rosas R
Published: October 2017

Gloiosiphonia verticillata Farlow is reported for the first time for the Mexican Pacific. New populations of Gloiosiphonia californica (Farlow) J. Agardh and Schimmelmannia plumosa (Setchell) Abbott are also reported. This report for S. plumosa extends the southern limit of this species on the Pacific Mexican coast.
Tidal effect on organic primary productivity in a coastal lagoon of Ballenas Channel, Gulf of Californla
Authors: Bustos-Serrano H , Millán-Nuñez R , Cajal-Medrano R
Published: October 2017

Phytoplankton organic primary productivity (POP) and nutrient time series were generated in a coastal lagoon of the Gulf of California from 6 to 12 August 1986 to estimate the influence of Ballenas Channel during spring and neap tides. Ocean water temperature and salinity varied from 26 to 30°C and from 35.54 to 35.63%0, respectively. Oxygen was unsaturated at 85% in more than 70% of the data collected. Values of supersaturated oxygen were obtained during daylight hours only, which increased during neap tides due to the conditioning of the phytoplankton, resulting in greater photosynthesis. It can be inferred from the marked unsaturation that this is an area of high oxygen consumption and CO2 production. The nutrients (nitrate, phosphate and silicate), chlorophyll a and POP show high values, similar to coastal lagoons of the Pacific coast of Baja California in upwelling conditions. POP maximums were as high as 80 mgC·m–3·h–1 in neap tides. It is deduced from the calculated photosynthetic quotient (PQ) and POP that photosynthesis is supported mainly by nitrates. Based on the 14C method, the assimilation ratio varied from 10 to 25 mgC·mgCha–1·h–1. These values are close to the theoretical maximums reported; however, the assimilation ratio using the oxygen method and PQ = 1.25 varied from 1.6 to 35.6 mgC·mgCha–1·h–1 and, with the calculated PQ, it varied from 1.0 to 7.2 mgC·mgCha–1·h–1. It is also deduced that this coastal lagoon is greatly influenced by the nutrient concentrations (mainly nitrate and silicate) from Ballenas Channel during spring tides. There is also an important increment of POP during neap tides.
Chemical composition of the green alga Ulva lactuca
Authors: Castro-González MI , Pérez-Gil F , Pérez-Estrella S , Carrillo-Domínguez S
Published: October 2017

A chemical study was conducted on the marine alga Ulva luctuca, collected during the summer of 1994 in La Paz, B.C.S. (Mexico). The results were as follows: crude protein, 10.7%; carbohydrates, 30.9%; ashes, 53.2%; crude fiber, 4.8%; in vitro digestibility, 64.6%; multienzymatic digestibility, 86.5%. Precipitation was detected in the qualitative analysis of the alkaloids. The minerals analyzed were: calcium (0.84%), iron (0.66%), phosphorous (0.14%) and chloride (9.8%). Ulva lactuca is found in great abundance in the area and it is concluded that, due to its chemical composition and high mineral content, it can be used as a mineral supplement for poultry.
The edge effect in the Northeast North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Foerster JW
Published: October 2017

During April 1989, an intensive, short-term study of oceanic zooplankton tested the hypothesis that multidimensional distribution (patchiness, diffusion, layering) reflects the water mass interaction in the Northeast North Pacific Ocean (NENPO) during the spring season. The mixing water masses created an edge effect to which the biota responded. A dual frequency sonar array (38 kHz, 200 kHz), towing in tandem with an oceanographic sensor system, recorded zooplankton and environmental changes across various water masses. The tandem sensor system was a method to synoptically map the NENPO at the beginning of the productive period of early spring over an area of 3.3 × 105 km, 125 m in depth. Results from the plankton data showed patchiness and layers conforming to oceanographic physical features. These patterns appeared to define the interactions of the water masses and confirm the hypothesis.
Additional gastropod records from the continental shelf off Jalisco and Colima, Mexico
Authors: Ríos-Jara E , Pérez-Peña M , Lizárraga-Chávez L , Michel-Morfin JE
Published: October 2017

This study reports the first record of 17 species of gastropods collected on the continental shelf off Jalisco and Colima, Mexico, in August 1988. Samples were taken with a Van Veen grab and net trawls at depths between 40 and 98 m. Substrates consisted of medium sand, sandy silt and silty clay. Previous range distributions of eight species (Cosmiconcha rehderi, Cyclostremiscus planospira, Knefastia howelli, Kurtzia elenensis, Leptadrillia fìrmichorda, Mirachelus galapagensis, Nassarina perata and Phos fusoides) included localities between Guerrero, Mexico, and Ecuador. Previous records of the other nine species (Parvanachis albodonosa, Atilliosa carmen, Knefastia walkeri, Kylix paziana, Mitrella dorma, M. xenia, Strombina solidula, Sulcoretusa paziana and Turritela anactor) included localities in the Gulf of California, Sinaloa and Nayarit, Mexico. These species belong to two subclasses, four orders, eight families and fifteen genera of gastropods. Information on abundance, distribution with respect to depth and type of substratum and range distribution is also provided.
On the conditions of internal tide wave generation along the west coast of Mexico
Authors: Filonov AE , Monzón C , Tereshschenko L
Published: October 2017

Baines’ (1982) model was used to calculate the energy flux of the barotropic M2 waves to internal waves. An estimation of their amplitudes in a section where the continental shelf declines was calculated. Fluxes and amplitudes of the internal waves are shown to be not only dependent on the barotropic tide intensity but also on its arrival angle to the shelf, which changes greatly. By using the vertical distribution of the Brunt-Väisälä frequency in the region of study, the trajectories of the energy flux (y) of the internal waves were calculated. By using bathymetric maps, the inclination of the shelf relief (α) was obtained. Our results show that α/y ≈ l is true for most of the sections in the continental slope, indicating optimum conditions for the generation of internal tides close to the Mexican Pacitic coast. According to the linear model of internal waves, an estimation of the parameters of the semidiurnal internal tides close to the continental slope and on the shelf was made.
X‐ray crystal structure of Escherichia coli HspQ, a protein involved in the retardation of replication initiation
Authors: Abe Yoshito , Shioi Seijiro , Kita Shunsuke , Nakata Hikaru , Maenaka Katsumi , Kohda Daisuke , Katayama Tsutomu , Ueda Tadashi
Published: October 2017

The heat shock protein HspQ (YccV) of Escherichia coli has been proposed to participate in the retardation of replication initiation in cells with the dnaA508 allele. In this study, we have determined the 2.5‐Å‐resolution X‐ray structure of the trimer of HspQ, which is also the first structure of a member of the YccV superfamily. The acidic character of the HspQ trimer suggests an interaction surface with basic proteins. From these results, we discuss the cellular function of HspQ, including its relationship with the DnaA508 protein.
Quantifying the Release of Climate‐Active Gases by Large Meteorite Impacts With a Case Study of Chicxulub
Authors: Artemieva Natalia , Morgan Joanna ,   Expedition 364 Science Party
Published: October 2017

Potentially hazardous asteroids and comets have hit Earth throughout its history, with catastrophic consequences in the case of the Chicxulub impact. Here we reexamine one of the mechanisms that allow an impact to have a global effect—the release of climate‐active gases from sedimentary rocks. We use the SOVA hydrocode and model ejected materials for a sufficient time after impact to quantify the volume of gases that reach high enough altitudes (> 25 km) to have global consequences. We vary impact angle, sediment thickness and porosity, water depth, and shock pressure for devolatilization and present the results in a dimensionless form so that the released gases can be estimated for any impact into a sedimentary target. Using new constraints on the Chicxulub impact angle and target composition, we estimate that 325 ± 130 Gt of sulfur and 425 ± 160 Gt CO2 were ejected and produced severe changes to the global climate.
MMS Observation of Magnetic Reconnection in the Turbulent Magnetosheath
Authors: Vörös Z. , Yordanova E. , Varsani A. , Genestreti K. J. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Li W. , Graham D. B. , Norgren C. , Nakamura R. , Narita Y. , Plaschke F. , Magnes W. , Baumjohann W. , Fischer D. , Vaivads A. , Eriksson E. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Marklund G. , Ergun R. E. , Leitner M. , Leubner M. P. , Strangeway R. J. , Le Contel O. , Pollock C. , Giles B. J. , Torbert R. B. , Burch J. L. , Avanov L. A. , Dorelli J. C. , Gershman D. J. , Paterson W. R. , Lavraud B. , Saito Y.
Published: October 2017

In this paper we use the full armament of the MMS (Magnetospheric Multiscale) spacecraft to study magnetic reconnection in the turbulent magnetosheath downstream of a quasi‐parallel bow shock. Contrarily to the magnetopause and magnetotail cases, only a few observations of reconnection in the magnetosheath have been reported. The case study in this paper presents, for the first time, both fluid‐scale and kinetic‐scale signatures of an ongoing reconnection in the turbulent magnetosheath. The spacecraft are crossing the reconnection inflow and outflow regions and the ion diffusion region (IDR). Inside the reconnection outflows D shape ion distributions are observed. Inside the IDR mixing of ion populations, crescent‐like velocity distributions and ion accelerations are observed. One of the spacecraft skims the outer region of the electron diffusion region, where parallel electric fields, energy dissipation/conversion, electron pressure tensor agyrotropy, electron temperature anisotropy, and electron accelerations are observed. Some of the difficulties of the observations of magnetic reconnection in turbulent plasma are also outlined.
The Effect of Solar Wind Variations on the Escape of Oxygen Ions From Mars Through Different Channels: MAVEN Observations
Authors: Dubinin E. , Fraenz M. , Pätzold M. , McFadden J. , Halekas J. S. , DiBraccio G. A. , Connerney J. E. P. , Eparvier F. , Brain D. , Jakosky B. M. , Vaisberg O. , Zelenyi L.
Published: October 2017

We present multi‐instrument observations of the effects of solar wind on ion escape fluxes on Mars based on the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) data from 1 November 2014 to 15 May 2016. Losses of oxygen ions through different channels (plasma sheet, magnetic lobes, boundary layer, and ion plume) as a function of the solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field variations were studied. We have utilized the modified Mars Solar Electric (MSE) coordinate system for separation of the different escape routes. Fluxes of the low‐energy (≤30 eV) and high‐energy (≥30 eV) ions reveal different trends with changes in the solar wind dynamic pressure, the solar wind flux, and the motional electric field. Major oxygen fluxes occur through the tail of the induced magnetosphere. The solar wind motional electric field produces an asymmetry in the ion fluxes and leads to different relations between ion fluxes supplying the tail from the different hemispheres and the solar wind dynamic pressure (or flux) and the motional electric field. The main driver for escape of the high‐energy oxygen ions is the solar wind flux (or dynamic pressure). On the other hand, the low‐energy ion component shows the opposite trend: ion flux decreases with increasing solar wind flux. As a result, the averaged total oxygen ion fluxes reveal a low variability with the solar wind strength. The large standard deviations from the averages values of the escape fluxes indicate the existence of mechanisms which can enhance or suppress the efficiency of the ion escape. It is shown that the Martian magnetosphere possesses the properties of a combined magnetosphere which contains different classes of field lines. The existence of the closed magnetic field lines in the near‐Mars tail might be responsible for suppression of the ion escape fluxes.
Ambient Seismic Source Inversion in a Heterogeneous Earth: Theory and Application to the Earth's Hum
Authors: Ermert Laura , Sager Korbinian , Afanasiev Michael , Boehm Christian , Fichtner Andreas
Published: October 2017

The sources of ambient seismic noise are extensively studied both to better understand their influence on ambient noise tomography and related techniques, and to infer constraints on their excitation mechanisms. Here we develop a gradient‐based inversion method to infer the space‐dependent and time‐varying source power spectral density of the Earth's hum from cross correlations of continuous seismic data. The precomputation of wavefields using spectral elements allows us to account for both finite‐frequency sensitivity and for three‐dimensional Earth structure. Although similar methods have been proposed previously, they have not yet been applied to data to the best of our knowledge. We apply this method to image the seasonally varying sources of Earth's hum during North and South Hemisphere winter. The resulting models suggest that hum sources are localized, persistent features that occur at Pacific coasts or shelves and in the North Atlantic during North Hemisphere winter, as well as South Pacific coasts and several distinct locations in the Southern Ocean in South Hemisphere winter. The contribution of pelagic sources from the central North Pacific cannot be constrained. Besides improving the accuracy of noise source locations through the incorporation of finite‐frequency effects and 3‐D Earth structure, this method may be used in future cross‐correlation waveform inversion studies to provide initial source models and source model updates.
Visualization of 4D multimodal imaging data and its applications in radiotherapy planning
Authors: Schlachter Matthias , Fechter Tobias , Adebahr Sonja , Schimek‐Jasch Tanja , Nestle Ursula , Bühler Katja
Published: October 2017

Purpose

To explore the benefit of using 4D multimodal visualization and interaction techniques for defined radiotherapy planning tasks over a treatment planning system used in clinical routine (C‐TPS) without dedicated 4D visualization.

Methods

We developed a 4D visualization system (4D‐VS) with dedicated rendering and fusion of 4D multimodal imaging data based on a list of requirements developed in collaboration with radiation oncologists. We conducted a user evaluation in which the benefits of our approach were evaluated in comparison to C‐TPS for three specific tasks: assessment of internal target volume (ITV) delineation, classification of tumor location in peripheral or central, and assessment of dose distribution. For all three tasks, we presented test cases for which we measured correctness, certainty, consistency followed by an additional survey regarding specific visualization features.

Results

Lower quality of the test ITVs (ground truth quality was available) was more likely to be detected using 4D‐VS. ITV ratings were more consistent in 4D‐VS and the classification of tumor location had a higher accuracy. Overall evaluation of the survey indicates 4D‐VS provides better spatial comprehensibility and simplifies the tasks which were performed during testing.

Conclusions

The use of 4D‐VS has improved the assessment of ITV delineations and classification of tumor location. The visualization features of 4D‐VS have been identified as helpful for the assessment of dose distribution during user testing.
Coordinated semi‐adaptive closed‐loop control for infusion of two interacting medications
Authors: Jin Xin , Kim Chang‐Sei , Shipley Steven T. , Dumont Guy A. , Hahn Jin‐Oh
Published: October 2017

This paper presents a coordinated and semi‐adaptive closed‐loop control approach to the infusion of 2 interacting medications. The proposed approach consists of an upper‐level coordination controller and a lower‐level semi‐adaptive controller. The coordination controller recursively adjusts the reference targets based on the estimated dose‐response relationship of a patient to ensure that they can be achieved by the patient. The semi‐adaptive controller drives the patient outputs to the reference targets while estimating the patient's dose‐response relationship online. In this way, the controller is resilient to unachievable caregiver‐specified reference targets and responsive to the medication needs of individual patients. To establish the proposed approach, we developed the following: (1) a linear two‐input–two‐output dose‐response model; (2) a two‐input–two‐output semi‐adaptive controller to regulate the patient outputs while adapting high‐sensitivity parameters in the patient model; and (3) a coordination controller to adjust the reference targets that reconcile caregiver inputs and medication use. The proposed approach was applied to an example scenario in which cardiac output and respiratory rate are regulated via infusion of propofol and remifentanil in an in silico simulation setting. The results show that the coordinated semi‐adaptive control could (1) track achievable reference targets with consistent transient and steady‐state performance and (2) resiliently adjust the unachievable reference targets to achievable ones.
Robust time‐varying Kalman estimators for systems with packet dropouts and uncertain‐variance multiplicative and linearly correlated additive white noises
Authors: Chunshan Yang , Zili Deng
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with robust estimation problem for a class of time‐varying networked systems with uncertain‐variance multiplicative and linearly correlated additive white noises, and packet dropouts. By augmented state method and fictitious noise technique, the original system is converted into one with only uncertain noise variances. According to the minimax robust estimation principle, based on the worst‐case system with conservative upper bounds of uncertain noise variance, the robust time‐varying Kalman estimators (filter, predictor, and smoother) are presented. A unified approach of designing the robust Kalman estimators is presented based on the robust Kalman predictor. Their robustness is proved by the Lyapunov equation approach in the sense that their actual estimation error variances are guaranteed to have the corresponding minimal upper bounds for all admissible uncertainties. Their accuracy relations are proved. The corresponding robust steady‐state Kalman estimators are also presented, and the convergence in a realization between the time‐varying and steady‐state robust Kalman estimators is proved. Finally, a simulation example applied to uninterruptible power system shows the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed results.