bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of the Social-Media-based Blended Learning Course to Enhance Student Learning: A Case Study on a Social Science Course
Authors: Vanichvasin Patchara
Published: August 2018

The purposes of this research were: 1) to develop a social-media-based blended learning course 2) to study the overall effectiveness of the developed learning course and 3) to examine student learning toward the developed learning course. Purposive sampling was used to select a research sample of 16 students who were enrolled in the selected social science course under the Business and Computer Education Program at Kasetsart University. Data analysis was presented using the mean, standard deviation, t-test and content analysis. The findings indicated that the developed social-media-based blended learning course consisted of five key elements, namely, live events, online content, collaboration, assessments and reference material. It was verified by experts as being of very high quality in its content, learning and application. The overall effectiveness covered flexibility, interaction, learning process, learning climate and engagement. The effectiveness had an overall mean at a high level ( = 4.40, SD = 0.42). The results from open ended questions revealed that students considered that the developed course was an effective learning tool because it was interesting, easy to understand and convenient to study anytime and anywhere. In addition, they thought that blending a course with the most-used technology supported their learning as it helped them review content knowledge, promoted discussion in-class and online and developed good academic skills in terms of being responsible for their own learning and exchanging of ideas. However, some students with time constraints and busy schedules suggested a reduction in online learning activities. As a result, most students liked the developed social-media-based blended learning course used in their learning process while the results of student learning showed that there was significant improvement after using the developed blended learning course. The difference proved that its use contributed to student learning. It can be concluded that a well-blended learning course that is implemented with the fundamentals, key elements and key factors influencing blended learning can be integrated with widely and extensively used technology as part of the teaching and learning process to positively improve student learning.
Sign
Authors: Willard Mary Beth ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2018

I present a case study of the use of a table-top role-playing game in a mid-level course that presupposes no previous familiarity with philosophy. The course covered philosophical analyses of propaganda and language, and the pedagogical purpose of the game was to help students grasp the basics of philosophical and linguistic theories of assertion quickly. The game, Sign, directs players to create a signed language collaboratively, and thus forces them to pay attention to the subtle ways in which communication occurs.
Dois procedimentos para isolar sinaptossomas usando gradientes de Percoll
Authors: Rocha João Batista Teixeira da , Mello Carlos Fernando de , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Dias Renato Dutra , Leal Rodrigo Bainy
Published: August 2018

Recently, Percoll gradients have been successfully used for the isolation of synaptosomes. Te present report describes two procedures for isolating synaptosomes using discontinous Percoll gradients. One of them uses a superspeed centrifuge (Sorvall RC 2B, fixed-angle rotor SS-34), while the other uses an ultracentrifuge swinging bucket rotor (SW 50.1). Using this swinging rotor synaptosomes can be obtained from small tissue samples (100 mg). The partial caracterization of the fractions resulting from gradients demonstrated that intact synaptosomes were recovered from the 10%/15% and 10/16% Percoll interphases for the superspeed and ultracentrifuge, respectively. The mitochondrial contamination of the synaptosomal fractions was similar in both procedures and also similar to those reported in literature. The membrane contamination of the synaptosomal fraction obtained using the swinging roto r was very low, while the use of SS-34 roto r yield a fraction more contaminated with membranes. The results of the present study demonstrate that synaptosomes can be obtained by using relatively simple centrifuges (superspeed) or from small tissue sample (swinging rotor SW 50.1). The time of preparation range from 20 to 60 minutes.
Gotta Walk Them All: Mathematical Modeling and Pokémon Go
Authors: Dibbs Rebecca , Beach Janessa , Rios Daniel
Published: August 2018

First-year algebra students used their knowledge of mathematical modeling and rates to decide on the best possible buddy, discovering two models independently and a third, combined model in whole-class discussions.
Transcendental Functions and Tangent Circles
Authors: Neel Matthew
Published: August 2018

These are functions that are not algebraic. The set of transcendental functions includes the trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions, but it also includes a vast number of other functions that have never been named…. (Stewart 1999, p. 35)
Frustration with Understanding Variables Is Natural
Authors: Moss Diana L. , Czocher Jennifer A. , Lamberg Teruni
Published: August 2018

For these sixth graders, transitioning from arithmetic to algebraic thinking involved developing new meanings for symbols in expressions and equations.
Letters to the editor
Authors: Lott Johnny W.
Published: August 2018

Lyrics from the ever-so-popular 1980 song by Kool and the Gang seem to be a fitting way to kick off the twenty-fifth year of Teaching Children Mathematics (TCM). This milestone volume year will be one of joyous celebration as we commemorate the journal's numerous contributions to elementary school mathematics education during the past quarter of a century.
Revisiting the Bean Counting, Fog, and Snow problem
Authors: Demjanenko Tanya
Published: August 2018

The problem scenario explores analog clocks, a rich source of tasks associated with angles and angle measures. To access the full-size activity sheet, go to http://www.nctm.org/tcm, All Issues. Each month, this section of the Problem Solvers department showcases students' in-depth thinking and discusses the classroom results of using problems presented in previous issues of Teaching Children Mathematics.
Problem solving with the Greek gods
Authors: Fefolt Molly , Kurz Terri L.
Published: August 2018

Math by the Month features collections of short activities focused on a monthly theme. These articles aim for an inquiry or problem-solving orientation that includes four activities each for grade bands K–2, 3–4, and 5–6. In this issue, students explore mathematical challenges within the context of the Greek gods. Activities are provided for elementary school children to support their exploration of mathematics in everyday situations.
Place Value as a Rate of Ten
Authors: Brickwedde James
Published: August 2018

Development of this multiplicative process involves unitizing within and across place.
Chewing on Meaningful Counting in Prekindergarten
Authors: Parks Amy Noelle , Wakabayashi Tomoko , Hardin Beth
Published: August 2018

Common preschool routines increase opportunities for children to develop important skills.
The mediating role of perceived social support in the relationships between general causality orientations and locus of control with psychopathological symptoms
Authors: Dağ İhsan , Şen Gamze
Published: August 2018

The main aim of this study is to investigate the mediator role of perceived social support in the relationship between general causality orientations and locus of control with psychopathological symptoms. Total 751 participants were consisted of 558 female ages between 17 and 36 (Female M = 19.03, SD = 0.09) (74.3%), 192 male ages between 17 and 37 (Male M = 20.71, SD = 0.17) (25.6%) and a participant who did not provide any gender information. We used the General Causality Orientations Scale (GCOS) and Locus of Control Scale (LOCS) in order to understand the basic motivation for the emergence of behavior. Beck depression Inventory (BDI) used to evaluate the psychological symptoms for depression, Maudsley Obsessive Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) for obsessive-compulsive symptomology and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) for overall psychological distress and finally to evaluate mediating role of social support used the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS). According to the results, having internal locus of control and autonomy orientation have shown positive effect to statistically significant predictors for psychological symptomology, having external locus of control and impersonal orientation have shown negative effect. Perceived social support was found to be suited for the role of partial mediator, and social support from friends was found to have more positive roles than social support from family. In conclusion, exceedingly considerable to conduct further research in order to contribute to the understanding of the mediating role of general causality orientations and locus of control with psychopathology symptomology.
OPTIMUM REINFORCEMENT AND SIZING OF CONCRETE CROSS SECTIONS SUBJECTED TO FLEXURAL AND AXIAL LOADING
Authors: TOMÁS ESPÍN ANTONIO , SANCHEZ  OLIVARES GREGORIO
Published: August 2018

Although the cross-section optimization problem has been sufficiently studied in the past, a disadvantage persists regarding the programming complexity, with the need to use methods which are not straightforward for the structural engineer in his/her routine work and require excessive computing time.
This contribution aims not so much as to obtain the dimensions of the section and the required reinforcement, which have already been solved, but to provide an automated design procedure for calculating the optimum dimensions and reinforcement. A simple optimization method has been programmed in a MATLAB® routine that is attached in the Appendix of this paper. Conventional-strength or high-strength concrete may be chosen, the minimum reinforcement area may be considered selecting the ACI 318 or Eurocode 2 standards, and the neutral axis depth may be constrained in order to guarantee a certain cross-sectional ductility.
Therefore, the interest of the proposal is focused on providing an automated procedure for optimizing the dimensions and reinforcement of a concrete cross-section, together with the corresponding calculation routine, in which the structural engineer may include certain design conditions.
Three examples are presented and comparisons between the results from different methods and standards are drawn.

Keywords: optimization, automated design, reinforced concrete, cross section dimensioning, flexural/axial loading
Sur les ondes transculturelles. La diversité (des expressions) culturelle(s) selon l’UNESCO
Authors: Rousseau Phillip
Published: August 2018

Cet article se penche sur le cas de la Convention sur la protection et la promotion de la diversité des expressions culturelles adoptée par une très grande majorité à l’UNESCO en 2005. Les pages qui suivent sont consacrées aux manières dont cette convention, qui joua un rôle d’interface, devint opérationnelle à travers un parcours sinueux au sein des organisations internationales. Je chercherai à mettre à l’avant-plan les divers engrenages nécessaires (idéels et matériels) ayant facilité son assemblage (et son acceptation) et qui tentent d’assurer aujourd’hui son fonctionnement. Nous verrons comment le problème de l’occupation de l’espace médiatique (notamment le problème de l’hégémonie américaine) est à la source de la promotion d’une certaine esthétique de la diversité culturelle précisément accordée aux supports et capacités médiatiques contemporaines.
Sharing Community Created Content in Support of Social Justice: The Dakota Access Pipeline LibGuide
Authors: Kostelecky Sarah R.
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION Using a known platform to share content which is often overlooked by scholarly communication networks, The Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) LibGuide from the University of New Mexico Libraries facilitates access to Native American perspectives on the #NODAPL movement through inclusion of social media content and primary source materials. This LibGuide highlights Native American voices and stories, content that is difficult for people outside Native American communities to find and shares a different view of the protest movement absent from most mainstream media coverage. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT Rather than a comprehensive listing, a majority of the guide content comes from Native American media outlets and Native American social media accounts by individuals and groups instead of library resources behind paywalls. Non-Native mainstream and alternative media sources are listed if authored by a Native American or if much of the source features a named individual using first-hand accounts. The DAPL LibGuide is the most viewed guide at UNM and was replicated at a small number of other academic libraries. NEXT STEPS Libraries can support the democratic process by highlighting similar types of community created content shared outside of scholarly communication networks, giving space to voices regularly unheard. The DAPL guide may be considered, along with similar social justice and topical guides as the beginnings of a new model which reimagines the possibilities of the LibGuide resource.
Mining the First 100 Days: Human and Data Ethics in Twitter research
Authors: Wheeler Jonathan
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION This case study describes data collection from Twitter, Inc. conducted with the intent of capturing conversations following from President Trump’s and others’ use of the #MAGA (“Make America Great Again”) hashtag in Twitter posts during the first 100 days of his presidential administration. DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM Data was collected between November 2016 and May 2017, using Twitter’s public search, user timeline, and streaming APIs. NEXT STEPS The article discusses the ethical implications of collecting data from Twitter and describes the impact of Twitter’s terms of service and API policies on data collection and research. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Librarians engaged with data literacy and research conduct programs can support researchers in developing awareness of the context sensitivities of social media research. Data librarians and others involved with data management planning can where applicable provide guidance and resources to support ethical social media data collection and management. Twitter and other social media datasets which may be published within library supported institutional or data repositories must meet policy requirements.
Plant data visualisation using network graphs
Authors: Mohamad-Matrol Afrina Adlyna , Chang Siow-Wee , Abu Arpah
Published: August 2018

Background

The amount of plant data such as taxonomical classification, morphological characteristics, ecological attributes and geological distribution in textual and image forms has increased rapidly due to emerging research and technologies. Therefore, it is crucial for experts as well as the public to discern meaningful relationships from this vast amount of data using appropriate methods. The data are often presented in lengthy texts and tables, which make gaining new insights difficult. The study proposes a visual-based representation to display data to users in a meaningful way. This method emphasises the relationships between different data sets.

Method

This study involves four main steps which translate text-based results from Extensible Markup Language (XML) serialisation format into graphs. The four steps include: (1) conversion of ontological dataset as graph model data; (2) query from graph model data; (3) transformation of text-based results in XML serialisation format into a graphical form; and (4) display of results to the user via a graphical user interface (GUI). Ontological data for plants and samples of trees and shrubs were used as the dataset to demonstrate how plant-based data could be integrated into the proposed data visualisation.

Results

A visualisation system named plant visualisation system was developed. This system provides a GUI that enables users to perform the query process, as well as a graphical viewer to display the results of the query in the form of a network graph. The efficiency of the developed visualisation system was measured by performing two types of user evaluations: a usability heuristics evaluation, and a query and visualisation evaluation.

Discussion

The relationships between the data were visualised, enabling the users to easily infer the knowledge and correlations between data. The results from the user evaluation show that the proposed visualisation system is suitable for both expert and novice users, with or without computer skills. This technique demonstrates the practicability of using a computer assisted-tool by providing cognitive analysis for understanding relationships between data. Therefore, the results benefit not only botanists, but also novice users, especially those that are interested to know more about plants.
Clinical significance of the globulin‐to‐albumin ratio for prediction of postoperative survival in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Hachiya Hiroyuki , Ishizuka Mitsuru , Takagi Kazutoshi , Iwasaki Yoshimi , Shibuya Norisuke , Nishi Yusuke , Aoki Taku , Kubota Keiichi
Published: August 2018

Aim

A previous study has revealed that the albumin/globulin ratio (GAR) before treatment is a predictor of cancer‐specific survival in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical significance of GAR for prediction of postoperative survival in patients with CRC.

Methods

Nine hundred and forty‐one patients who had undergone elective CRC surgery were enrolled. Uni‐ and multivariate analysis models were performed to detect the clinical characteristics that were most closely associated with overall survival (OS). All recommended cutoff values were defined using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analyses. Kaplan–Meier analysis was used to compare the OS curves between the high GAR (GAR > 0.83) and low GAR (GAR ≤ 0.83) groups.

Results

Multivariate analysis using eight clinical characteristics selected by univariate analyses showed that the GAR was associated with OS (>0.83/≤0.83) (hazard ratio [HR], 1.979; 95% CI, 1.321‐2.966; P = 0.001) along with carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA; >8.7/≤8.7, ng/mL; HR, 2.319; 95% CI, 1.569‐3.428; P < 0.001), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9; >18.5/≤18.5, U/mL; HR, 1.727; 95% CI, 1.178‐2.532; P = 0.005), and the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR; >2.9/≤2.9; HR, 2.132; 95% CI, 1.454‐3.126; P < 0.001), and the area under the ROC (AUROC) curve revealed that the GAR had the largest AUROC among these four clinical characteristics (GAR 0.711 > CEA 0.698 > CA19‐9 0.676 > NLR 0.635). A significant difference in OS was observed between patients with low GAR and those with high GAR (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Globulin‐to‐albumin ratio is a useful predictor of postoperative survival in patients with CRC.
Potassium Persulfate‐Promoted N‐Nitrosation of Secondary and Tertiary Amines with Nitromethane under Mild Conditions
Authors: Azeez Sadaf , Chaudhary Priyanka , Sureshbabu Popuri , Sabiah Shahulhameed , Kandasamy Jeyakumar
Published: August 2018

A simple and efficient route for the N‐nitrosation of various secondary amines with nitromethane is described in the presence of potassium persulfate and DBU. Under optimized condition, tertiary amines underwent a dealkylative N‐nitrosation with good yields. Inexpensive reagents, broad substrate scope and efficient conversion make the current protocol more attractive in organic synthesis.
Corneal endothelial cell density and cardiovascular mortality
Authors: Scherer Warren J.
Published: August 2018

Based on embryological commonalities between eye and heart development, a global, country‐specific meta‐analysis of normal, adult corneal endothelial cell density (ECD) was performed and correlated against mortality rates secondary to diseases affecting cardiac neural crest cell (CNCC)‐derived cardiovascular structures. A country‐specific survey of ECD was performed by searching PubMed for studies reporting ECD datasets from normal adults. All eligible datasets were assigned a country of origin. Country‐specific weighted mean ECD were calculated based on dataset n. Country‐specific disease mortality rates were obtained from the World Health Organization. The correlations between weighted mean ECD and mortality rates secondary to diseases affecting CNCC‐derived cardiovascular structures were calculated. As controls, correlations between ECD and noncardiovascular disease mortality were examined. Pearson correlation coefficients (r) corresponding to P‐value < 0.05 were considered significant. Three hundred ninety‐two datasets (39,762 eyes) from 267 source‐studies were assigned to 42 countries. Significant correlations were found between ECD and mortality due to coronary heart disease (r = −0.39, P = 0.011), hypertension (r = −0.33, P = 0.033), and all‐cause cardiac disease (r = −0.36, P = 0.019). No significant correlations were found between ECD and mortality secondary to the control conditions: inflammatory heart disease (mesoderm‐derived tissues) (r = −0.12, P = 0.45), diabetes (r = −0.13, P = 0.41), lung disease (r = −0.21, P = 0.18), liver disease (r = −0.13, P = 0.41), renal disease (r = −0.10, P = 0.53), lung cancer (r = 0.02, P = 0.90), pancreatic cancer (r = 0.24, P = 0.13), malnutrition (r = −0.07, P = 0.66), or all‐cause mortality (r = 0.04, P = 0.81). Negative correlations exist between ECD and mortality due to coronary artery disease and hypertension. On a population‐based level, adult ECD is correlated to mortality from certain cardiovascular diseases. Clin. Anat. 31:927–936, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Metal‐Free Synthesis of β‐Bromoalkenyl Sulfides via Deoxygenative Bromination/Olefination/Sulfenylation of Ketones with Sulfonyl Hydrazides and Pyridinium Tribromide
Authors: Bao Yishu , Zhong Lingyu , Hou Qiaodan , Zhou Qingfa , Yang Fulai
Published: August 2018

A novel metal‐free method for synthesis of β‐bromoalkenyl sulfides via deoxygenative bromination/olefination/sulfenylation process using commercially available ketones, sulfonyl hydrazides and pyridinium tribromide as starting materials has been developed. In this reaction, pyridinium tribromide plays the role of oxidant and substrate, wherein water and molecular nitrogen are generated as environmentally benign by‐products. Preliminary investigation revealed that vinyl bromides were critical intermediate. Importantly, this protocol not only obviates the use of alkynes and traditional sulfenylating agents, but also reveals that ketones can be used as precursors of vinyl bromides.
Photophysics of a Bis‐Furan‐Functionalized 4,7‐bis(Phenylethynyl)‐2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole: A Building Block for Dynamic Polymers
Authors: Micheel Mathias , Ahner Johannes , Frey Martha , Neumann Clara , Hager Martin D. , Dietzek Benjamin
Published: August 2018

Dynamically linked polymers (dynamers) have attracted attention as a versatile building block for self‐healing polymers, for example. However, research on combining optically active materials with dynamic chemistry is still in its infancy. Here, we report a highly emissive arylene ethynylene oligomer bearing a bis‐furan functionalization, which makes it suitable for utilization in Diels−Alder dynamers. By combining steady‐state and time‐resolved absorption and emission spectroscopy from the femto‐ to the nanosecond timescale, the molecular dynamics of the excited state of the monomeric building block and the corresponding Diels−Alder polymer have been investigated in detail. Although in solution no pronounced differences in their photophysics were observed, thin films of the polymer exhibit a distinct dual emission with single chromophore and excimer character, respectively.
In situ seismic testing of a reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete building
Authors: Binici Baris , Gokmen Furkan , Canbay Erdem , Aldemir Alper , Ogdu Mustafa Kagan , Uzgan Ugur , Eryurtlu Zafer , Ozdemir Gulay
Published: August 2018

Autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) reinforced panels are used to construct easily erected, energy efficient, low‐rise prefabricated buildings. This study aims to contribute to the understanding of the seismic response of reinforced‐AAC‐wall‐panel buildings. For this purpose, a full‐scale two‐story building constructed on a building site by using reinforced AAC panels was tested under two‐way cyclic displacement excursions up to near collapse. The test results showed that the test building had a lateral load capacity of 1.6 times its weight with a global displacement ductility of about 3.5. The first story of the building sustained significant damage due to the rocking of the building followed by panel crushing. The slab–wall connections did not sustain any damage during the test. Afterward, numerical models of AAC panels were calibrated by using component test results from the literature. Nonlinear static analysis was conducted on the test building by using the proposed modeling approach. A reasonably good agreement was observed between the test results and numerical model estimations both for the envelope and the cyclic response. Finally, incremental dynamic analyses were conducted on the test building in order to observe the response of the building under severe earthquake motions. The dynamic analyses results showed that AAC buildings are expected to behave in their pre‐yielding regions under design earthquakes. Furthermore, the reserved ductility and available over strength can enable AAC buildings survive the maximum considered earthquakes without collapse.
Rapid buildup of sympatric species diversity in Alpine whitefish
Authors: Doenz Carmela J. , Bittner David , Vonlanthen Pascal , Wagner Catherine E. , Seehausen Ole
Published: August 2018

Adaptive radiations in postglacial fish offer excellent settings to study the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the rapid buildup of sympatric species diversity from a single lineage. Here, we address this by exploring the genetic and ecological structure of the largest Alpine whitefish radiation known, that of Lakes Brienz and Thun, using microsatellite data of more than 2000 whitefish caught during extensive species‐targeted and habitat‐randomized fishing campaigns. We find six strongly genetically and ecologically differentiated species, four of which occur in both lakes, and one of which was previously unknown. These four exhibit clines of genetic differentiation that are paralleled in clines of eco‐morphological and reproductive niche differentiation, consistent with models of sympatric ecological speciation along environmental gradients. In Lake Thun, we find two additional species, a profundal specialist and a species introduced in the 1930s from another Alpine whitefish radiation. Strong genetic differentiation between this introduced species and all native species of Lake Thun suggests that reproductive isolation can evolve among allopatric whitefish species within 15,000 years and persist in secondary sympatry. Consistent with speciation theory, we find stronger correlations between genetic and ecological differentiation for sympatrically than for allopatrically evolved species.
Foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx populations in southwest Asia: Conservation implications for a diet specialist
Authors: Mengüllüoğlu Deniz , Ambarlı Hüseyin , Berger Anne , Hofer Heribert
Published: August 2018

Intraspecific variation in key traits of widespread species can be hard to predict, if populations have been very little studied in most of the distribution range. Asian populations of the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), one of the most widespread felids worldwide, are such a case in point. We investigated the diet of Eurasian lynx from feces collected Mediterranean, mixed forest‐steppe, and subalpine ecosystems of Turkey. We studied prey preferences and functional responses using prey densities obtained from Random Encounter Modelling. Our analysis revealed that the main prey was brown hare (Lepus europaeus) in all three areas (78%–99% of biomass consumed) and lynx showed a strong preference for brown hare (Chesson's selectivity index, α = 0.90–0.99). Cannibalism contributed at least 5% in two study areas. The type II functional response of lynx populations in Turkey was similar to the Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) and daily food intake in grams per lynx matched that of Canada lynx and Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus), both lagomorph specialists, rather than those of Eurasian lynx from Europe. Therefore, lynx in Turkey may be better described as a lagomorph specialist even though it coexists with ungulate prey. We suggest that ungulate‐based foraging ecology of Eurasian lynx in Europe may be a recent adjustment to the availability of high densities of ungulates and cannot be representative for other regions like Turkey. The status of lagomorphs should become an essential component of conservation activities targeted at Eurasian lynx or when using this species as a flagship species for landscape preservation.
Range‐wide population genetic structure of the Caribbean marine angiosperm Thalassia testudinum
Authors: van Dijk Kor‐jent , Bricker Eric , van Tussenbroek Brigitta I. , Waycott Michelle
Published: August 2018

Many marine species have widespread geographic ranges derived from their evolutionary and ecological history particularly their modes of dispersal. Seagrass (marine angiosperm) species have ranges that are unusually widespread, which is not unexpected following recent reviews of reproductive strategies demonstrating the potential for long‐distance dispersal combined with longevity through clonality. An exemplar of these dual biological features is turtle grass (Thalassia testudinum) which is an ecologically important species throughout the tropical Atlantic region. Turtle grass has been documented to have long‐distance dispersal via floating fruits and also extreme clonality and longevity. We hypothesize that across its range, Thalassia testudinum will have very limited regional population structure due to these characteristics and under typical models of population structure would expect to detect high levels of genetic connectivity. There are very few studies of range‐wide genetic connectivity documented for seagrasses or other sessile marine species. This study presents a population genetic dataset that represents a geographic area exceeding 14,000 km2. Population genetic diversity was evaluated from 32 Thalassia testudinum populations sampled across the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Genotypes were based on nine microsatellites, and haplotypes were based on chloroplast DNA sequences. Very limited phylogeographic signal from cpDNA reduced the potential comparative analyses possible. Multiple analytical clustering approaches on population genetic data revealed two significant genetic partitions: (a) the Caribbean and (b) the Gulf of Mexico. Genetic diversity was high (HE = 0.641), and isolation by distance was significant; gene flow and migration estimates across the entire range were however modest, we suggest that the frequency of successful recruitment across the range is uncommon. Thalassia testudinum maintains genetic diversity across its entire distribution range. The genetic split may be explained by genetic drift during recolonization from refugia following relatively recent reduction in available habitat such as the last glacial maxima.
Integrating complementary methods to improve diet analysis in fishery‐targeted species
Authors: Matley Jordan K. , Maes Gregory E. , Devloo‐Delva Floriaan , Huerlimann Roger , Chua Gladys , Tobin Andrew J. , Fisk Aaron T. , Simpfendorfer Colin A. , Heupel Michelle R.
Published: August 2018

Developing efficient, reliable, cost‐effective ways to identify diet is required to understand trophic ecology in complex ecosystems and improve food web models. A combination of techniques, each varying in their ability to provide robust, spatially and temporally explicit information can be applied to clarify diet data for ecological research. This study applied an integrative analysis of a fishery‐targeted species group—Plectropomus spp. in the central Great Barrier Reef, Australia, by comparing three diet‐identification approaches. Visual stomach content analysis provided poor identification with ~14% of stomachs sampled resulting in identification to family or lower. A molecular approach was successful with prey from ~80% of stomachs identified to genus or species, often with several unique prey in a stomach. Stable isotope mixing models utilizing experimentally derived assimilation data, identified similar prey as the molecular technique but at broader temporal scales, particularly when prior diet information was incorporated. Overall, Caesionidae and Pomacentridae were the most abundant prey families (>50% prey contribution) for all Plectropomus spp., highlighting the importance of planktivorous prey. Less abundant prey categories differed among species/color phases indicating possible niche segregation. This study is one of the first to demonstrate the extent of taxonomic resolution provided by molecular techniques, and, like other studies, illustrates that temporal investigations of dietary patterns are more accessible in combination with stable isotopes. The consumption of mainly planktivorous prey within this species group has important implications within coral reef food webs and provides cautionary information regarding the effects that changing resources could have in reef ecosystems.
Weak population structure of the Spot‐tail shark Carcharhinus sorrah and the Blacktip shark C. limbatus along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula, Pakistan, and South Africa
Authors: Almojil Dareen , Cliff Geremy , Spaet Julia L. Y.
Published: August 2018

The increase in demand for shark meat and fins has placed shark populations worldwide under high fishing pressure. In the Arabian region, the spot‐tail shark Carcharhinus sorrah and the Blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus are among the most exploited species. In this study, we investigated the population genetic structure of C. sorrah (n = 327) along the coasts of the Arabian Peninsula and of C. limbatus (n = 525) along the Arabian coasts, Pakistan, and KwaZulu‐Natal, South Africa, using microsatellite markers (15 and 11 loci, respectively). Our findings support weak population structure in both species. Carcharhinus sorrah exhibited a fine structure, subdividing the area into three groups. The first group comprises all samples from Bahrain, the second from the UAE and Yemen, and the third from Oman. Similarly, C. limbatus exhibited population subdivision into three groups. The first group, comprising samples from Bahrain and Kuwait, was highly differentiated from the second and third groups, comprising samples from Oman, Pakistan, the UAE, and Yemen; and South Africa and the Saudi Arabian Red Sea, respectively. Population divisions were supported by pairwise FST values and discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), but not by STRUCTURE. We suggest that the mostly low but significant pairwise FST values in our study are suggestive of fine population structure, which is possibly attributable to behavioral traits such as residency in C. sorrah and site fidelity and philopatry in C. limbatus. However, for all samples obtained from the northern parts of the Gulf (Bahrain and/or Kuwait) in both species, the higher but significant pairwise FST values could possibly be a result of founder effects during the Tethys Sea closure. Based on DAPC and FST results, we suggest each population to be treated as independent management unit, as conservation concerns emerge.
Safety Performance of 5 Ah Lithium Ion Battery Cells Containing the Flame Retardant Electrolyte Additive (Phenoxy) Pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene
Authors: Dagger Tim , Meier Vladislav , Hildebrand Stephan , Brüggemann Daniel , Winter Martin , Schappacher Falko M.
Published: August 2018

Investigations on the effect of flame retardant additives (FRs) on the abuse tolerance of large scale lithium ion battery (LIB) cells (5 Ah) are of high relevance in battery science and industry but rarely performed as they are cost and time consuming. In addition, even though FRs are frequently investigated, their positive effect on the safety properties of larger full LIB cells under abusive condition has not been proven yet. The promising FR (phenoxy) pentafluorocyclotriphosphazene (FPPN) is known to exhibit excellent flame retardant‐ and electrochemical properties at the same time. Therefore, FPPN is investigated towards abuse tolerance in 5 Ah LIB cells in this study. Calorimetric investigations show that a mass percentage of 5 wt % FPPN mixed to a standard electrolyte, significantly reduces the self‐heating rate of 5 Ah cells in the temperature range from 80 °C to 110 °C. While nail penetration and external short circuit experiments provide no significant difference between standard and FPPN‐containing cells, an increased overcharge tolerance and a favorable thermal stability at ≈120 °C in overcharge and oven experiments could be shown.
Thriving on chaos: Proactive detection of command and control domains in internet of things‐scale botnets using DRIFT
Authors: Spaulding Jeffrey , Park Jeman , Kim Joongheon , Nyang DaeHun , Mohaisen Aziz
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce DRIFT, a system for detecting command and control (C2) domain names in Internet of Things–scale botnets. Using an intrinsic feature of malicious domain name queries prior to their registration (perhaps due to clock drift), we devise a difference‐based lightweight feature for malicious C2 domain name detection. Using NXDomain query and response of a popular malware, we establish the effectiveness of our detector with 99% accuracy and as early as more than 48 hours before they are registered. Our technique serves as a tool of detection where other techniques relying on entropy or domain generating algorithms reversing are impractical.
Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tumor Stage at Diagnosis in the 1945‐1965 Birth Cohort Reflects Poor Use of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Screening
Authors: Robinson Ann , Tavakoli Hesam , Liu Benny , Bhuket Taft , Wong Robert J.
Published: August 2018

Individuals from the 1945‐1965 birth cohort account for the majority of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in the United States. Understanding trends in HCC among this birth cohort is vital given the increasing burden of chronic liver disease among this group. We retrospectively evaluated trends and disparities in HCC tumor stage at the time of diagnosis among the 1945‐1965 birth cohort in the United States using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry. Tumor stage at the time of HCC diagnosis was assessed using Milan criteria and SEER HCC staging systems. Among 38,045 patients with HCC within the 1945‐1965 birth cohort (81.6% male, 50.1% non‐Hispanic white, 16.2% African American, 12.6% Asian, 19.8% Hispanic), 66.2% had Medicare or commercial insurance, 27.2% had Medicaid, and 6.6% were uninsured. During the period 2004‐2006 to 2013‐2014, the number of patients with HCC from the 1945‐1965 birth cohort increased by 58.7% (5.9% increase per year). While the proportion of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria increased with time (36.4% in 2003‐2006 to 46.3% in 2013‐2014; P < 0.01), less than half were within the Milan criteria. On multivariate analysis within the Milan criteria, men were 12% less likely to have HCC compared to women, and African Americans were 27% less likely to have HCC compared to non‐Hispanic whites (odds ratio, 0.73; 95% confidence interval, 0.68‐0.78; P < 0.01). Conclusion: From 2004 to 2014, the burden of newly diagnosed HCC among the 1945‐1965 birth cohort increased by 5.9% per year. While improvements in earlier staged HCC at diagnosis were observed, the majority of patients with HCC among the 1945‐1965 birth cohort were beyond the Milan criteria at diagnosis; this may reflect poor utilization or suboptimal performance of HCC screening tests.
Somatostatin receptor 2 signaling promotes growth and tumor survival in small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Lehman Jonathan M. , Hoeksema Megan D. , Staub Jeremy , Qian Jun , Harris Bradford , Callison J. Clay , Miao Jennifer , Shi Chanjuan , Eisenberg Rosana , Chen Heidi , Chen Sheau‐Chiann , Massion Pierre P.
Published: August 2018

Somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) is overexpressed in a majority of neuroendocrine neoplasms, including small‐cell lung carcinomas (SCLCs). SSTR2 was previously considered an inhibitory receptor on cell growth, but its agonists had poor clinical responses in multiple clinical trials. The role of this receptor as a potential therapeutic target in lung cancer merits further investigation. We evaluated the expression of SSTR2 in a cohort of 96 primary tumors from patients with SCLC and found 48% expressed SSTR2. Correlation analysis in both CCLE and an SCLC RNAseq cohort confirmed high‐level expression and identified an association between NEUROD1 and SSTR2. There was a significant association with SSTR2 expression profile and poor clinical outcome. We tested whether SSTR2 expression might contribute to tumor progression through activation of downstream signaling pathways, using in vitro and in vivo systems and downregulated SSTR2 expression in lung cancer cells by shRNA. SSTR2 downregulation led to increased apoptosis and dramatically decreased tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in multiple cell lines with decreased AMPKα phosphorylation and increased oxidative metabolism. These results demonstrate a role for SSTR2 signaling in SCLC and suggest that SSTR2 is a poor prognostic biomarker in SCLC and potential future therapeutic signaling target.
Precipitation and air temperature extremes in the Amazon and northeast Brazil
Authors: Da Silva Pollyanne Evangelista , Santos e Silva Cláudio Moisés , Spyrides Maria Helena Constantino , Andrade Lára de Melo Barbosa
Published: August 2018

The occurrence of extreme climate events (ECEs) in the Amazon basin (AMZ) and northeast Brazil (NEB), such as torrential rains and severe droughts, varies in both spatial and temporal scales. Spatial analysis of trends allows observing changes in behaviour and determining in which regions a particular variable has been experiencing changes over time. Thus, the objective of this study is to analyse trends of 21 climate extremes indices, relative to maximum and minimum precipitation and temperature, as defined by the World Meteorological Organization, for the AMZ and NEB. The 21 indices were selected according to meteorological and climate characteristics of the regions. Through annual analysis it was possible to observe an increase in most of the climate extremes indices for air temperature in all AMZ and NEB subregions. As for extreme precipitation, only a few of the selected indices presented significant increase and/or decrease in their values. Overall, the eastern Amazon subregion in the AMZ presented the highest significant indices for temperature and precipitation. In NEB, both Northern Coast and Southern Coast subregions presented substantial increase or decrease in precipitation and temperature indices.
Relaxing leaf‐motion restrictions in dynamic multileaf collimator leaf sequencing
Authors: Mirzapour Seyed Ali , Salari Ehsan
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Traditionally, unidirectional leaf‐sweeping schemes have been employed to deliver IMRT plans using the dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) technique. The goal of this research is to investigate the potential impact of relaxing the leaf‐motion restrictions in DMLC IMRT on the beam‐modulation quality and the delivery efficiency.

Methods

This research relaxes the initial and final leaf‐position constraints as well as the unidirectional leaf‐motion restriction that have been traditionally imposed on DMLC leaf sequencing and develops exact and heuristic solution approaches to allow for an unconstrained and bidirectional leaf motion. The exact approach employs mixed‐integer programming (MIP) techniques and the proposed heuristic method uses stochastic search algorithms while utilizing the special structure of the problem. The trade‐off between beam‐modulation quality and delivery efficiency is quantified and compared to that of unidirectional leaf‐sweeping schemes.

Results

The performance of the developed approaches is tested on liver and head‐and‐neck cancer cases. Results validate that unconstrained leaf trajectories can significantly improve the beam‐modulation quality at small beam‐on time values. However, this gain reduces as the available beam‐on time increases. Additionally, the proposed heuristic approach can achieve near‐optimal solutions with significantly smaller computational effort compared to the MIP solution approach.

Conclusions

Unconstrained leaf trajectories have the potential to enhance the fluence‐modulation quality for cases in which the available beam‐on time is limited. This gain is primarily attributed to the relaxation of the initial and final leaf positions. The unidirectionality restriction alone does not appear to be a limiting factor.
Feasibility of Muscle Activity Assessment With Surface Electromyography During Bed Cycling Exercise In Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Sommers Juultje , Van Den Boorn Michelle , Engelbert Raoul H.H. , Nollet Frans , Van Der Schaaf Marike , Horn Janneke
Published: August 2018

Introduction: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients often develop weakness. Rehabilitation is initiated early to prevent physical deterioration, but knowledge of optimal training schedules is lacking. A reliable method to assess muscle activity during exercise is needed. In this study we explored the feasibility of electrical activity measurement by surface electromyography (sEMG) during bed cycling in ICU patients. Methods: SEMG was performed in 9 ICU patients and 6 healthy controls. A standardized 1‐minute incremental resistance bedside cycle ergometer protocol was used. Results: The median cycle time was 5.3 minutes in patients and 12.0 minutes in controls. The maximum sEMG increased in both groups; the minimal sEMG activity remained the same in patients, whereas an increase in the control group was found. Discussion: sEMG is feasible and can detect muscle activity during bed cycling in ICU patients. It may be a useful monitoring tool. Repeated measurements could possibly provide information on the effects of training. Muscle Nerve 58: 688–693, 2018
Solvent Engineering to Balance Light Absorbance and Transmittance in Perovskite for Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Shijie , Hou Fuhua , Huang Wei , Yao Xin , Shi Biao , Ren Qianshang , Chen Junfan , Yan Lingling , An Shichong , Zhou Zhongxin , Ren Huizhi , Wei Changchun , Huang Qian , Li Yuelong , Hou Guofu , Chen Xinliang , Ding Yi , Wang Guangcai , Li Baozhang , Zhao Ying , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: August 2018

Owing to their rational distribution and adequate use of the solar spectrum and a high open‐circuit voltage, perovskite/silicon‐heterojunction (SHJ) tandem solar cells can exceed the theoretical limit of efficiency for crystalline silicon solar cells. To improve the performance of perovskite/SHJ tandem solar cells, the distribution of the solar spectrum and current matching between sub‐cells must be examined and optimized. This study employs mixed perovskite as the top cell, which is prepared with pure N, N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF), pure dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and mixtures of these components in different volume ratios. The effect of different solvents on surface structure and the photoelectric properties of FACs perovskite materials are systematically examined. When the volume fraction of DMSO is 40%, a smooth, well passivated, high‐quality perovskite film is obtained. Most importantly, light absorbance and transmittance are balanced by applying solvent engineering to optimize perovskite films in the tandem devices. This method can be further extended to a more complicated FAMACs perovskite/SHJ by delivering a power conversion efficiency of 22.80%. This study concludes that solvent engineering is an effective and simple method for modifying the performance of monolithic perovskite/silicon tandem devices.