bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of School Administration Autonomy Support on Students' Learning Motivation and Intentions to Drop out of Vocational School
Authors: Hang Bui Thi Thuy , Kaur Amrita , Patil Arun
Published: August 2015

This paper presents the results of a study on the impacts of school administration autonomy support on students` learning motivation and their intentions to persist in versus drop out of vocational school. The data was collected from 209 students of the industrial vocational college of Hanoi through self-reported questionnaires assessing school administration autonomy support, academic motivation and intentions to persist versus drop out. Students reported the college staff respected them, offered them opportunities, provided choices, and adequate and detailed information. This style of administration predicted students` self-determined learning motivation. Results from linear regression analysis reported that learning motivation predicted their intentions to stay in school. Conversely, amotivation predicted their intentions to quit school. However no relationship could be established between the school administration autonomy support and students` dropout or persistence intentions. The implications are discussed for school managers and administrators.
Learning by Simulations
Authors: Dongale Tukaram D. , Patil Sarita S. , Kamat Rajanish K.
Published: August 2015

Using a pedagogic case study in a traditional learning environment, in this paper, the authors demonstrate how an innovative yet practical computer-based simulation of a complex nano device was an effective tool that improved the learning outcomes of academically less-prepared Bachelor of Nanoscience students in an undergraduate engineering course in a rural university. The authors' case study presented in this paper strongly suggests that innovations in content delivery, and adaptive learning such as via simulations, can transform what it means to educate students in the 21st century.
Evaluation of Students' Satisfaction with Instructional Facilitation of a Technology Management Programme
Authors: Offor Ibebietei Temple , Bubou Gordon Monday , Okrigwe Festa Ndutimi , Bappah Abubakar Sadiq
Published: August 2015

Attaining student satisfaction is one of the most critical objectives in all higher educational institutions. This study presents the opinions of students on the evaluation of their satisfaction with the instructional facilitation of a postgraduate diploma in technology management programme in Nigeria. Data was collected with a modified version of the standardised Evaluation of Educational Quality Questionnaire (SEEQ) and analysed, using item mean rating. The survey which was undertaken in October, 2014 evaluated six out of the fifteen facilitators engaged for second semester of the 2013/2014. The objective of the study was to determine the effectiveness of facilitation of the programme based on students' viewpoints. Overall ratings from the grand mean score of 4.67 indicated “very good” performance. Students also rated facilitators higher than teachers/lecturers they had encountered in their previous studies which is an indication of their level of satisfaction with instructional facilitation at the Study Centre.
Stratigraphy and correlation of Lower Paleozoic formations, subsurface of Bathurst Island and adjacent smaller islands, Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Mayr U
Published: August 2015

Seven wells on Bathurst Island and adjacent smaller islands are correlated with each other and with selected surface sections on the basis of lithology and contained micro- and macrofossils. The wells penetrate Middle Ordovician to Upper Devonian strata. The
Allison River, Caledonian River and Young Inlet wells all bottom in the Cornwallis Group. The lower part of the Ordovician Bay Fiord Formation consists of diapiric halite and dolomite, which are overlain by about 400 m (1312 ft) of dolomite and limestone. The Thumb Mountain Formation comprises
dolomite in the lower part and limestone in the upper part and is 250 to 300 m (820-984 ft) thick. The Irene Bay Formation is up to 60 m (196 ft) thick and consists of limestone and shale . In contrast to the regionally persistent Cornwallis Group, the overlying formations show marked diachronism
and lateral lithological changes. The Silurian Cape Phillips Formation is variable in thickness, consists of shale, and is laterally equivalent to an unnamed dolomite, part of which is present in the bottom of the Bent Horn N-72 well. In the Cameron Island area, this dolomite is overlain by Lower
and Middle Devonian carbonates of the Disappointment Bay Formation and the economically important Blue Fiord Formation, whereas on Bathurst Island and Ile Vanier laterally equivalent fine elastics of the Bathurst Island, Stuart Bay and Eids Formations overlie the Cape Phillips Formation. The
transition zone between carbonates and terrigenous sediments is penetrated by the Hotspur well. The carbonates are overlain by Middle and Upper Devonian sandstone and shale, grading upward from marine to nonmarine. These sediments belong to the Cape De Bray, Bird Fiord, Hecla Bay, Beverley Inlet and
Parry Islands Formations and were encountered in the Cape Fleetwood, W. Bent Horn C-44 and Bent Horn N-72 wells.
Surficial geology of Rosetown map-area, Saskatchewan
Authors: Scott J S
Published: August 2015

Surficial deposits of the Rosetown map-area consist of till in various morainic forms, proglacial lake deposits of silt, clay and sand, deltaic sand and gravel deposited at the mouths of meltwater channels and glacial lake spillways, and postPleistocene alluvial
and aeolian deposits of medium-grained sand. Boreholes show multiple layers of till separated by stratified sediments but these deposits, which have an aggregate thickness exceeding 600 feet in places, cannot be correlated within the area. Radiocarbon dates from within the area and surrounding areas
indicate the Pleistocene sediments are of Late Wisconsin age. Recession of the glacier, to the north in the direction of the consequent slope, was accomplished primarily by stagnation and downwasting by melting. Minor readvances of the glacier occurred during the general recession. Postglacial
uplift in the area has been in excess of 100 feet as indicated by alluvial infilling in the valley of South Saskatchewan River.
Geology of the Annapolis, St. Marys Bay map area, Nova Scotia [21A; 21B East Half]
Authors: Taylor F C
Published: August 2015

Annapolis - St. Marys Bay map-area covers about 5,800 square miles of southwestern Nova Scotia and embraces two upland and two lowl and physiographic units. The oldest rocks make up the Meguma Group, which is divided into two formations. The lower of these two,
the Goldenville Formation, consists predominantly of light to medium grey, medium-grained greywacke with small amounts of slate, schist, and conglomerate. These rocks are conformably overl ain by thinly laminated, dark to light grey, rarely black slates of the Halifax Formation of Early Ordovician
age. The White Rock Formation (post-Early Ordovician and pre-Late Silurian) , consisting of diverse sedimentary and volcanic rock types, overlies the Halifax Formation at several localities in the western and northwestern parts of the area. It in turn is overlain conformably in some places by shale,
siltstone, and slate of the Upper Silurian Kentville Formation. Near the north boundary the New Canaan Formation may be present also. In the Digby and Nictaux-Torbrook districts fossiliferous Lower Devonian sedimentary strata of the Torbrook Formation conformably overlie the Kentville Formation.
Granitic rocks, in batholithic proportions, intruded the Lower Palaeozoic rocks commencing in the Devonian Period and possib ly extending into Carboniferous time. Basic intrusive rocks, both pre- and post-granitic, occur locally. Mississippian sed imentary rocks, forming the Horton and Windsor
Groups, lie unconformably on the older rocks in the Windsor and Mahone Bay districts. The northwest part of the area is underlain by Triassic sedimentary and volcanic rocks that lie unconformably on the older rocks. During the Pleistocene Epoch an ice-sheet covered the area leaving extensive drift
and proglacial deposits. Recent sea encroachment has drowned forests at several coastal points. Most of the Lower Palaeozoic rocks have been regionally metamorphosed to the greenschist facies. South of Lake Rossignol a small area has been metamorphosed to the almandine-amphi0olite facies. Evidence
of contact metamorphism is visible locally. During the Acadian orogeny the Lower Palaeozoic rocks were folded into northeasterly trending folds. Faults are rare and the few present are chiefly of two agespost- Mississippian but pre-Triassic, and post-Triassic. The Windsor district provides a large
part of the Canadian production of gypsum and anhydrite; building stone and some limestone for the paper industry are also produced.
Class III Receptor Tyrosine Kinases in Acute Leukemia – Biological Functions and Modern Laboratory Analysis
Authors: Berenstein Rimma
Published: August 2015

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex disease caused by deregulation of multiple signaling pathways. Mutations in class III receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have been implicated in alteration of cell signals concerning the growth and differentiation of leukemic cells. Point mutations, insertions, or deletions of RTKs as well as chromosomal translocations induce constitutive activation of the receptor, leading to uncontrolled proliferation of undifferentiated myeloid blasts. Aberrations can occur in all domains of RTKs causing either the ligand-independent activation or mimicking the activated conformation. The World Health Organization recommended including RTK mutations in the AML classification since their detection in routine laboratory diagnostics is a major factor for prognostic stratification of patients. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based methods are well-validated for the detection of fms-related tyrosine kinase 3 ( FLT3) mutations and can easily be applied for other RTKs. However, when methodological limitations are reached, accessory techniques can be applied. For a higher resolution and more quantitative approach compared to agarose gel electrophoresis, PCR fragments can be separated by capillary electrophoresis. Furthermore, high-resolution melting and denaturing high-pressure liquid chromatography are reliable presequencing screening methods that reduce the sample amount for Sanger sequencing. Because traditional DNA sequencing is time-consuming, next-generation sequencing (NGS) is an innovative modern possibility to analyze a high amount of samples simultaneously in a short period of time. At present, standardized procedures for NGS are not established, but when this barrier is resolved, it will provide a new platform for rapid and reliable laboratory diagnostic of RTK mutations in patients with AML. In this article, the biological and physiological role of RTK mutations in AML as well as possible laboratory methods for their detection will be reviewed.
Bedside–to-Bench Translational Research for Chronic Heart Failure: Creating an Agenda for Clients who do Not Meet Trial Enrollment Criteria
Authors: Iyngkaran P. , Thomas M.
Published: August 2015

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition usually without cure. Significant developments, particularly those addressing pathophysiology, mainly started at the bench. This approach has seen many clinical observations initially explored at the bench, subsequently being trialed at the bedside, and eventually translated into clinical practice. This evidence, however, has several limitations, importantly the generalizability or external validity. We now acknowledge that clinical management of CHF is more complicated than merely translating bench-to-bedside evidence in a linear fashion. This review aims to help explore this evolving area from an Australian perspective. We describe the continuation of research once core evidence is established and describe how clinician–scientist collaboration with a bedside-to-bench view can help enhance evidence translation and generalizability. We describe why an extension of the available evidence or generating new evidence is occasionally needed to address the increasingly diverse cohort of patients. Finally, we explore some of the tools used by basic scientists and clinicians to develop evidence and describe the ones we feel may be most beneficial.
Image Denoising via Residual Kurtosis Minimization
Authors: Hearn Tristan A. , Reichel Lothar
Published: August 2015

A new algorithm for the removal of additive uncorrelated Gaussian noise from a digital image is presented. The algorithm is based on a data driven methodology for the adaptive thresholding of wavelet coefficients. This methodology is derived from higher order statistics of the residual image, and requires no a priori estimate of the level of noise contamination of an image.
Sensitivities of UK PM2.5 concentrations to emissions reductions
Authors: Vieno M. , Heal M. R. , Williams M. L. , Carnell E. J. , Stedman J. R. , Reis S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The reduction of ambient concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a key objective for air pollution control policies in the UK and elsewhere. Long-term exposure to PM2.5 has been identified as a major contributor to adverse human health effects in epidemiological studies and underpins ambient PM2.5 legislation. As a range of emission sources and atmospheric chemistry transport processes contribute to PM2.5 concentrations, atmospheric chemistry transport models are an essential tool to assess emissions control effectiveness. The EMEP4UK atmospheric chemistry transport model was used to investigate the impact of reductions in UK anthropogenic emissions of primary PM2.5, NH3, NOx, SOx or non-methane VOC on surface concentrations of PM2.5 in the UK for a recent year (2010) and for a future current legislation emission scenario (2030). In general, the sensitivity to UK mitigation is rather small. A 30 % reduction in UK emissions of any one of the above components yields (for the 2010 simulation) a maximum reduction in PM2.5 in any given location of ~ 0.6 μg m−3 (equivalent to ~ 6 % of the modelled PM2.5). On average across the UK, the sensitivity of PM2.5 concentrations to a 30 % reduction in UK emissions of individual contributing components, for both the 2010 and 2030 CLE baselines, increases in the order NMVOC, NOx, SOx, NH3 and primary PM2.5, but there are strong spatial differences in the PM2.5 sensitivities across the UK. Consequently, the sensitivity of PM2.5 to individual component emissions reductions varies between area and population weighting. Reductions in NH3 have the greatest effect on area-weighted PM2.5. A full UK population weighting places greater emphasis on reductions of primary PM2.5 emissions, which is simulated to be the most effective single-component control on PM2.5 for the 2030 scenario. An important observation is that weighting corresponding to the Average Exposure Indicator metric (using data from the 45 model grids containing a monitor whose measurements are used to calculate the UK AEI) further increases the emphasis on the effectiveness of primary PM2.5 emissions reductions (and of NOx emissions reductions) relative to the effectiveness of NH3 emissions reductions. Reductions in primary PM2.5 have the largest impact on the AEI in both 2010 and the 2030 CLE scenario. The summation of the modelled reductions to the UK PM2.5 AEI from 30 % reductions in UK emissions of primary PM2.5, NH3, SOx, NOx and VOC totals 1.17 and 0.82 μg m−3 for the 2010 and 2030 CLE simulations, respectively.
How to most effectively expand the global surface ozone observing network
Authors: Sofen E. D. , Bowdalo D. , Evans M. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Surface ozone observations with modern instrumentation have been made around the world for almost 50 years. Some of these observations have been made as one-off activities with short term, specific science objectives and some have been made as part of wider networks which have provided a foundational infrastructure of data collection, calibration, quality control and dissemination. These observations provide a fundamental underpinning to our understanding of tropospheric chemistry, air quality policy, atmosphere-biosphere interactions, etc. Sofen et al. (2015) brought together 8 of these networks to provide a single dataset of surface ozone observations. We investigate how representative this combined dataset is of global surface ozone using the output from a global atmospheric chemistry model. We estimate that on an area basis, 25 % of the globe is observed (34 % land, 21 % ocean). Whereas Europe and North America have almost complete coverage, other continents such as Africa, South America and Asia (12–17 %) show significant gaps. Antarctica is surprisingly well observed (78 %). Little monitoring occurs over the oceans with the tropical and southern oceans particularly poorly represented. The surface ozone over key biomes such as tropical forests and savanna is almost completely unmonitored. A chemical cluster analysis suggests that a significant number of observations are made of polluted air masses, but cleaner air masses whether over the land or ocean (especially again in the tropics) are significantly under observed. The current network is unlikely to see the impact of ENSO but may be capable of detecting other planetary scale signals. Model assessment and validation activities are hampered by a lack of observations in regions where they models differ substantially, as is the ability to monitor likely changes in surface ozone over the next century. Using our methodology we are able to suggest new sites which would help to close the gap in our ability to measure global surface ozone. An additional 20 surface ozone monitoring sites (a 20 % increase in the WMO GAW ozone sites or a 1 % increase in the total background network) located on 10 islands and in 10 continental regions would almost double the area observed. The cost of this addition to the network is small compared to other expenditure on atmospheric composition research infrastructure and would provide a significant long term benefit to our understanding of the composition of the atmosphere and in the development of policy.
Conceptual design of a measurement network of the global change
Authors: Hari P. , Petäjä T. , Bäck J. , Kerminen V.-M. , Lappalainen H. K. , Vihma T. , Laurila T. , Viisanen Y. , Vesala T. , Kulmala M.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The global environment is changing rapidly due to anthropogenic emissions and actions. Such activities modify aerosol and greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, leading to regional and global climate change and affecting e.g. food and fresh-water security, sustainable use of natural resources and even demography. Here we present a conceptual design of a global, hierarchical observation network that can provide tools and increased understanding to tackle the inter-connected environmental and societal challenges that we will face in the coming decades. The philosophy behind the conceptual design relies on physical conservation laws of mass, energy and momentum, as well as on concentration gradients that act as driving forces for the atmosphere-biosphere exchange. The network is composed of standard, flux/advanced and flagship stations, each of which having specific and identified tasks. Each ecosystem type on the globe has its own characteristic features that have to be taken into consideration. The hierarchical network as a whole is able to tackle problems related to large spatial scales, heterogeneity of ecosystems and their complexity. The most comprehensive observations are envisioned to occur in flag ship stations, with which the process-level understanding can be expanded to continental and global scales together with advanced data analysis, earth system modelling and satellite remote sensing. The denser network of the flux and standard stations allow application and up-scaling of the results obtained from flag ship stations to the global level.
A case study on generation mechanisms of a sporadic sodium layer above Tromsø (69.6° N) during a night of high auroral activity
Authors: Takahashi T. , Nozawa S. , Tsuda T. T. , Ogawa Y. , Saito N. , Hidemori T. , Kawahara T. D. , Hall C. , Fujiwara H. , Matuura N. , Brekke A. , Tsutsumi M. , Wada S. , Kawabata T. , Oyama S. , Fujii R.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We have quantitatively evaluated generation mechanisms of a sporadic sodium layer (SSL) based on observational data obtained by multiple instruments at a high-latitude station: Ramfjordmoen, Tromsø, Norway (69.6° N, 19.2° E). The sodium lidar observed an SSL at 21:18 UT on 22 January 2012. The SSL was observed for 18 min, with a maximum sodium density of about 1.9 × 1010 m−3 at 93 km with a 1.1 km thickness. The European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) UHF radar observed a sporadic E layer (Es layer) above 90 km from 20:00 to 23:00 UT. After 20:00 UT, the Es layer gradually descended and reached 94 km at 21:18 UT when the SSL appeared at the same altitude. In this event, considering the abundance of sodium ions (10 % or less), the Es layer could provide only about 37 % or less of the sodium atoms to the SSL. We have investigated a temporal development of the normal sodium ion layer with a consideration of chemical reactions and the effect of the (southwestward) electric field using observational values of the neutral temperature, electron density, horizontal neutral wind, and electric field. This calculation has shown that those processes, including contributions of the Es layer, would provide about 88 % of sodium atoms of the SSL. The effects of meteor absorption and auroral particle sputtering appear to be less important. Therefore, we have concluded that the major source of the SSL was sodium ions in a normal sodium ion layer. Two processes – namely the downward transportation of sodium ions from a normal sodium ion layer due to the electric field and the additional supply of sodium ions from the Es layer under relatively high electron density conditions (i.e., in the Es layer) – played a major role in generating the SSL in this event. Furthermore, we have found that the SSL was located in a lower-temperature region and that the temperature inside the SSL did not show any remarkable temperature enhancements.
Observation of the Cosmic-Ray Shadow of the Moon and Sun with IceCube
Authors: Bos F. , Tenholt F. , Becker Tjus J. , Westerhoff S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Moon shadow analyses are standard methods to calibrate cosmic-ray detectors. We report on a three-year observation of cosmic-ray Moon and Sun shadows in different detector configurations. The cosmic-ray Moon shadow was observed with high statistical significance (> 6σ) in previous analyses when the IceCube detector operated in a smaller configuration before it was completed in December 2010. This work shows first analyses of the cosmic-ray Sun shadow in IceCube. A binned analysis in one-dimension is used to measure the Moon and Sun shadow with high statistical significance greater than 12σ.
Deriving seasonal dynamics in ecosystem properties of semi-arid savanna grasslands from in situ-based hyperspectral reflectance
Authors: Tagesson T. , Fensholt R. , Huber S. , Horion S. , Guiro I. , Ehammer A. , Ardö J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. This paper investigates how hyperspectral reflectance (between 350 and 1800 nm) can be used to infer ecosystem properties for a semi-arid savanna grassland in West Africa using a unique in situ-based multi-angular data set of hemispherical conical reflectance factor (HCRF) measurements. Relationships between seasonal dynamics in hyperspectral HCRF and ecosystem properties (biomass, gross primary productivity (GPP), light use efficiency (LUE), and fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by vegetation (FAPAR)) were analysed. HCRF data (ρ) were used to study the relationship between normalised difference spectral indices (NDSIs) and the measured ecosystem properties. Finally, the effects of variable sun sensor viewing geometry on different NDSI wavelength combinations were analysed. The wavelengths with the strongest correlation to seasonal dynamics in ecosystem properties were shortwave infrared (biomass), the peak absorption band for chlorophyll a and b (at 682 nm) (GPP), the oxygen A band at 761 nm used for estimating chlorophyll fluorescence (GPP and LUE), and blue wavelengths (ρ412) (FAPAR). The NDSI with the strongest correlation to (i) biomass combined red-edge HCRF (ρ705) with green HCRF (ρ587), (ii) GPP combined wavelengths at the peak of green reflection (ρ518, ρ556), (iii) LUE combined red (ρ688) with blue HCRF (ρ436), and (iv) FAPAR combined blue (ρ399) and near-infrared (ρ1295) wavelengths. NDSIs combining near infrared and shortwave infrared were strongly affected by solar zenith angles and sensor viewing geometry, as were many combinations of visible wavelengths. This study provides analyses based upon novel multi-angular hyperspectral data for validation of Earth-observation-based properties of semi-arid ecosystems, as well as insights for designing spectral characteristics of future sensors for ecosystem monitoring.
Thermo-erosion gullies boost the transition from wet to mesic vegetation
Authors: Perreault N. , Lévesque E. , Fortier D. , Lamarque L. J.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Continuous permafrost zones with well-developed polygonal ice-wedge networks are particularly vulnerable to climate change. Thermo-mechanical erosion can initiate the development of gullies that lead to substantial drainage of adjacent wet habitats. How vegetation responds to this particular disturbance is currently unknown but has the potential to strongly disrupt function and structure of Arctic ecosystems. Focusing on three major gullies of Bylot Island, Nunavut, we aimed at estimating the effects of thermo-erosion processes in shaping plant community changes. Over two years, we explored the influence of environmental factors on plant species richness, abundance and biomass studying 197 polygons that covered the whole transition from intact wet to disturbed and mesic habitats. While gullying decreased soil moisture by 40 % and thaw front depth by 10 cm in breached polygons, we observed a gradual vegetation shift within five to ten years with mesic habitat plant species such as Arctagrostis latifolia and Salix arctica replacing wet habitat dominant Carex aquatilis and Dupontia fisheri. This transition was accompanied by a five time decrease in graminoid above-ground biomass in mesic sites. Our results illustrate that wetlands are highly vulnerable to thermo-erosion processes that may rapidly promote the decrease of food availability for herbivores and reduce methane emissions of Arctic ecosystems.
Perceived temperature in the course of climate change: an analysis of global heat index from 1979 to 2013
Authors: Lee D. , Brenner T.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The increase in global mean temperatures resulting from climate change has wide reaching consequences for the earth's ecosystems and other natural systems. Many studies have been devoted to evaluating the distribution and effects of these changes. We go a step further and propose the use of the heat index, a measure of the temperature as perceived by humans, to evaluate global changes. The heat index, which is computed from temperature and relative humidity, is more important than temperature for the health of humans and animals. Even in cases where the heat index does not reach dangerous levels from a health perspective, it has been shown to be an important factor in worker productivity and thus in economic productivity. We compute the heat index from dew point temperature and absolute temperature 2 m above ground from the ERA-Interim reanalysis data set for the years 1979–2013. The described data set provides global heat index aggregated to daily minima, means and maxima per day (doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.841057). This paper examines these data, as well as showing aggregations to monthly and yearly values. Furthermore, the data are spatially aggregated to the level of countries after being weighted by population density in order to facilitate the analysis of its impact on human health and productivity. The resulting data deliver insights into the spatiotemporal development of near-ground heat index during the course of the past three decades. It is shown that the impact of changing heat index is unevenly distributed through space and time, affecting some areas differently than others. The data can serve as a basis for evaluating and understanding the evolution of heat index in the course of climate change, as well as its impact on human health and productivity.
Carbon isotopes in the ocean model of the Community Earth System Model (CESM1)
Authors: Jahn A. , Lindsay K. , Giraud X. , Gruber N. , Otto-Bliesner B. L. , Liu Z. , Brady E. C.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Carbon isotopes in the ocean are frequently used as paleoclimate proxies and as present-day geochemical ocean tracers. In order to allow a more direct comparison of climate model results with this large and currently underutilized data set, we added a carbon isotope module to the ocean model of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), containing the cycling of the stable isotope 13C and the radioactive isotope 14C. We implemented the 14C tracer in two ways: in the "abiotic" case, the 14C tracer is only subject to air–sea gas exchange, physical transport, and radioactive decay, while in the "biotic" version, the 14C additionally follows the 13C tracer through all biogeochemical and ecological processes. Thus, the abiotic 14C tracer can be run without the ecosystem module, requiring significantly fewer computational resources. The carbon isotope module calculates the carbon isotopic fractionation during gas exchange, photosynthesis, and calcium carbonate formation, while any subsequent biological process such as remineralization as well as any external inputs are assumed to occur without fractionation. Given the uncertainty associated with the biological fractionation during photosynthesis, we implemented and tested three parameterizations of different complexity. Compared to present-day observations, the model is able to simulate the oceanic 14C bomb uptake and the 13C Suess effect reasonably well compared to observations and other model studies. At the same time, the carbon isotopes reveal biases in the physical model, for example, too sluggish ventilation of the deep Pacific Ocean.
Multiscale evaluation of the standardized precipitation index as a groundwater drought indicator
Authors: Kumar R. , Musuuza J. L. , Van Loon A. F. , Teuling A. J. , Barthel R. , Ten Broek J. , Mai J. , Samaniego L. , Attinger S.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. The lack of comprehensive groundwater observations at regional and global scales has promoted the use of alternative proxies and indices to quantify and predict groundwater droughts. Among them, the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) is commonly used to characterize droughts in different compartments of the hydro-meteorological system. In this study, we explore the suitability of the SPI to characterize local and regional scale groundwater droughts using observations at more than 2000 groundwater wells in geologically different areas in Germany and the Netherlands. A multiscale evaluation of the SPI is performed using the station data and their corresponding 0.5° gridded estimates to analyze the local and regional behavior of groundwater droughts, respectively. The standardized anomalies in the groundwater heads (SGI) were correlated against SPIs obtained using different accumulation periods. The accumulation periods to achieve maximum correlation exhibited high spatial variability (ranges 3 to 36 months) at both scales, leading to the conclusion that an a priori selection of the accumulation period (for computing the SPI) would result in inadequate characterization of groundwater droughts. The application of the uniform accumulation periods over the entire domain significantly reduced the correlation between SPI and SGI (≈ 21–66 %) indicating the limited applicability of SPI as a proxy for groundwater droughts even at long accumulation times. Furthermore, the low scores of the hit rate (0.3–0.6) and high false alarm ratio (0.4–0.7) at the majority of the wells and grid cells demonstrated the low reliability of groundwater drought predictions using the SPI. The findings of this study highlight the pitfalls of using the SPI as a groundwater drought indicator at both local and regional scales, and stress the need for more groundwater observations and accounting for regional hydrogeological characteristics in groundwater drought monitoring.
Inversion kinematics at deep-seated gravity slope deformations: a paleoseismological perspective
Authors: Pasquarè Mariotto F. , Tibaldi A.
Published: August 2015

Abstract. We compare data from three deep-seated gravity slope deformations (DSGSDs) where paleoseismological techniques were applied in artificial trenches. At all trenches, located in metamorphic rocks of the Italian Alps, there is evidence of extensional deformation given by normal movements along slip planes dipping downhill or uphill, and/or fissures, as expected in gravitational failure. However, we document and illustrate – with the aid of trenching – the evidence of reverse movements. The reverse slips occurred mostly along the same planes along which normal slip occurred, and produced drag folds in unconsolidated Holocene sediments as well as the superimposition of substrate rocks on Holocene sediments. Since trenches are located in different positions with respect to the slope affected by the DSGSD, it is possible to suggest that reverse slip might occur both at the toe portions of DSGSDs and in their central-upper portions. When the age relationships between the two deformation kinematics can be sorted out, they clearly indicate that reverse slips postdate normal ones. Our data suggest that during the development of long-lived DSGSDs, inversion kinematics may occur in different sectors of the unstable rock mass. The inversion is interpreted as either due to locking of the frontal blocks of a DSGSD, or the relative decrease in the rate of downward movement in the frontal blocks with respect to the rear blocks.
Not to be European would not be 'to be European still': Undoing Eurocentrism in Levinas and others
Authors: Alpert Avram
Published: August 2015

In this essay I return to the difficult relation between the ethics and politics of Emmanuel Levinas through his critique of "paganism" and "primitivism." I argue that Levinas' central philosophical claims are fundamentally constituted by his problematic conceptions of so-called primitive life. Thus unlike current scholarship which has tried to put a wedge between Levinas' ethics and his politics (a wedge I aim to refute in the beginning of the essay), I suggest that one way to make Levinas' contributions meaningful in a global world is to unhinge the philosophy from the beginning. Building on the dialogue between Levinas and Derrida, as well as contemporary anthropology, I argue that we can make an orginary agnostic moment prior to his work, which might allow us to think through a plurality of ethical subjectivities.
Immunoadsorption and Hemodialysis as a Tandem Procedure: A Single-Center Experience of More than 60 Procedures
Authors: Maggioni Sébastien , Allal Asma , Kamar Nassim , Hermelin Martine , Faubel Eric , Rostaing Lionel
Published: August 2015

Purpose

We have designed a desensitization program that gives good results and is cost effective for kidney-transplant patients who have a potential living donor, who are ABO incompatible (ABOi), and who may or may not have donor-specific alloantibodies (DSAs).

Methods

Desensitization at pretransplant is based on immunosuppressants (such as rituximab, tacrolimus, and mycophenolic acid) and apheresis to retrieve potentially detrimental isoagglutinins and DSAs from blood. In 2011, we implemented immunoadsorption (IA) instead of plasmapheresis in our center as part of the desensitization protocol. Because IA is very tedious and time-consuming, we decided to perform IA and hemodialysis (HD) in tandem instead of performing these methods sequentially. Herein, we report on more than 100 of these tandem procedures and compare the results to those obtained when IA was performed before a HD session.

Results

The tandem process resulted in nursing time being cut by half: from almost 10h30 min/patient to 6 h/patient. When IA was performed alone, body-weight gain was 1 kg (range 0 to 1.75) and the median volume of plasma treated per session was 6500 mL (range 4500 to 10 600). Conversely, during a tandem IA + HD session, the net median weight gain was −1.5 kg (range −4.1 to 0) and the median volume of plasma treated per session was 5000 mL (range 4000 to 8600). In addition, the tandem procedure was as well tolerated as that for IA followed by HD.

Conclusions

Tandem IA plus HD is a safe and cost-effective procedure.
Ethics of embryonic stem cell research according to Buddhist, Hindu, Catholic, and Islamic religions: perspective from Malaysia
Authors: Sivaraman Mathana Amaris Fiona , Noor Siti Nurani Mohd
Published: August 2015

Background: The use of embryos in embryonic stem cell research (ESCR) has elicited ethical controversies as it entails the destruction of 5-day old human embryos to harvest stem cells.

Objective: To explore the ethical positions of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Catholicism concerning the use of (1) left-over embryos from in vitro fertilization (IVF) also known as ‘surplus’ embryos and (2) ‘research embryos’ which are created by scientists to conduct research using embryonic stem cells.

Methods: The opinions of religious leaders of Buddhist, Hindu, and Catholic faiths in Malaysia pertaining to ESCR were examined via in-depth, semi-structured interviews while Islamic responses are collected from local writings related to the derivation of fatwa on this issue. Participants’ responses on the ethics of human stem cell research are presented as a reflection of various scriptural texts of these four religions. These are presented and supported with the help of international bioethics literature and focus on the use of ‘surplus’ embryos and ‘research’ embryos.

Results: Islamic ethics deviate from Hindu and Buddhist teachings regarding saving of research embryos that have been created specifically for research and are considered as human lives only after 120 days fertilization. Hindu and Buddhists also underscore the sanctity of human life, but give priority to the alleviation of suffering in living adult humans. They generally encourage ESCR. Research is a knowledge-seeking endeavor considered noble by Islam. This is also a concept within Hindu and Buddhist philosophy; in particular, when potentially beneficial research goals are the basis. Catholicism also emphasizes sanctity of human life, but stresses also the inviolability of embryos from the moment of conception.

Conclusion: Embryonic stem cell research is permissible and encouraged according to Hindu and Buddhist perspectives in view of the potential benefits of such research to society, with some reservations. This is similar to Islamic views on the ethics of ESCR. However, Catholicism differs from all the other three religions; it appears to discourage research in this field because of the likely violation of a sacred principle in Catholic teachings.
Use of rabies immune globulin in seven urban emergency rooms in Pakistan
Authors: Salahuddin Naseem , Mubashar Khadija , Baig-Ansari Naila
Published: August 2015

Background: Human rabies is a fatal infectious disease that is entirely preventable if correct and timely postexposure prophylaxis is given. Unfortunately, rabies immune globulin (RIG) administration, a life-saving biological, is often avoided by Emergency Room health care providers (HCPs).

Objective: To understand the practices of HCPs for administration of RIG in severe dog-bite exposures, which are common causes of emergency room visits in Pakistan.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 103 HCPs working in seven hospitals in three cities of Pakistan.

Results: Of 103 HCPs who responded to the questionnaires, 97.1% had administered rabies vaccine and 31.1% had administered ERIG in the past three years of their practice; three quarters said they would prefer to use HRIG if available; 35% said they would not inject wounds at all, 24.3% would only vaccinate a patient with severe dog bites, but not administer RIG. More than 55% were concerned about the cost of human and equine RIG.

Conclusion: Although there is awareness about use of RIG, this life saving biological is grossly underused because of poor availability in Emergency Rooms (ERs) even though stocked by local dealers. Animal bite centers must make RIG available for severe exposures.
Using a 360-degree assessment of pediatric residency training: experience at Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Authors: Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Khotchasing Wassana
Published: August 2015

Background: The Department of Pediatrics, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) with 7-10 pediatric residents per year has implied a 360-degree evaluating instrument for residency training since 2007.

Objective: We determined the competency ratings of pediatric residents during their training.

Methods: During 2007-2011, 23 pediatric residents finished the pediatric residency program. At each ward rotation, each pediatric resident was rated for competency skills by four different categories of raters: attending staff, nurses, medical students, and the patients’ parents. The average score of each competency given by each category of raters was calculated, and was compared to scores of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and constructed response questions (CRQ) of Thai Board of Pediatric Examination.

Results: The mean overall scores of each resident rated by the attending staff, nurses, medical students, and patients’ parents increased with year of residency training. The mean overall scores of each resident rated by attending physicians were positively correlated with the MCQ (r = 0.42, p = 0.04) and CRQ (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) scores of the Thai Board of Pediatrics Examination.

Conclusion: The 360-degree assessments with ratings by attending physicians during the pediatric training are reliable for assessment the medical knowledge of the residents.
Behcet’s disease: from heat shock proteins to infections
Authors: Dabbagh Fatemeh , Haghighi Afshin Borhani , Ghasemi Younes
Published: August 2015

Background: Behcet’s disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory multisystemic condition of unknown etiology. Although the cause of BD is not clear, it is believed to be the result of an autoimmune process triggered by an infectious or environmental agent (possibly local to a geographic region) in a genetically predisposed individual.

Objective: To detail current knowledge of the role of microorganisms in the pathogenesis of BD and review the infectious etiology of this disease.

Methods: The review based on publication in SCOPUS, Science direct, and PubMed.

Results: A microbial infection has been implicated in the development of the disease to explain the strong inflammatory reactions observed, the activation of monocytes and macrophages, and the induction of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines detected. Common factors linking some of the possible pathogenetic agents are extrinsically induced tissue stress or heat shock proteins, which react with host tissues and elicit significant T-helper type 1 cell responses.

Conclusion: Based on collected data, we conclude that the microorganisms discussed seem to participate and, at least in part, act as triggers during the course of BD. By clarifying the microbial associations of BD and finding its etiology, particularly the causative antigens leading to BD, it would be easier to suggest more effective treatment and preventive strategies for this disease.
Improved insulin sensitivity, central systolic pressure and inflammatory indicators achieved with minor weight reduction in overweight and obese subjects given education on lifestyle modification
Authors: Ariffin Farah Diana , Ismail A. A. A. , Sean Vina Tan Phei , Yusoff Zurkurnai , Awang Siti Azima , Rani Wan Rimei Wan Abdul , Rasool Hanum Ghulam
Published: August 2015

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic disease; lifestyle modification is an approach in the prevention and management of obesity.

Objective: We determined the effects of education on modified lifestyle intervention on arterial stiffness, metabolic and inflammatory markers.

Methods: Twenty-five generally healthy overweight and obese subjects completed nine months education on modified lifestyle intervention at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kota Bharu. Subjects were regularly counselled to increase physical activity and modify their diet during intervention. Arterial stiffness was measured noninvasively using carotid femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and pulse wave analysis (PWA). Anthropometric measurements, body fat percentage and visceral fat, central and brachial blood pressures, lipid profile, the inflammatory marker high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) and insulin sensitivity were also recorded.

Results: After nine months, a significant weight loss of 2.2 kg was observed associated with significant reductions in waist and hip circumference, aortic systolic blood pressure, serum fasting insulin, insulin resistance, and hsCRP levels. Insulin sensitivity was increased, while body fat and visceral fat percentages were marginally reduced (p = 0.058 and p = 0.059). No significant differences were seen in arterial stiffness, fasting plasma glucose and lipid profile.

Conclusion: Education on modified lifestyle intervention improved insulin sensitivity and resistance, reduced hsCRP and aortic systolic blood pressure despite the small weight reduction achieved.
Prognostic significance of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax in oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Thongsuksai Paramee , Pruegsanusak Kowit , Boonyaphiphat Pleumjit
Published: August 2015

Background: The proteins p16, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax are important cell cycle and apoptotic regulators involved in carcinogenesis and found to have prognostic significance in various cancers. However, the data for squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity (OSCC) and of oropharynx (OPSCC) are conflicting.

Objective: We sought to determine if expression of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax expression are associated with 5-year overall survival (OS) of patients with OSCC and OPSCC.

Methods: One-hundred thirty-seven cases of OSCC and 140 cases of OPSCC diagnosed from January 2002 to December 2004 at Songklanagrind Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand, were analyzed using a Cox proportional hazards model for 5-year OS in relation to immunohistochemical detection of Bcl-2, Bax, p53, and p16 proteins.

Results: The frequencies of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax expression in OSCC were 13%, 45%, 4%, and 66%, and in OPSCC were 18%, 53%, 22%, and 75%, respectively. In univariate analysis, clinical variables including T stage, N stage and treatment were significantly associated with survival. In multivariate Cox regression, Bax overexpression was significantly associated with poor survival both in OSCC (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.04-3.01) and in OPSCC (HR 2.21, 95% CI 1.00-4.85). We found no significant association of p16, Bcl-2, and p53 expression with survival.

Conclusion: The expression pattern of p16, p53, Bcl-2, and Bax are similar in OSCC and OPSCC. Only Bax expression has prognostic significance for both tumor sites.