bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three Years Experience of Inguinal Hernia in Children in BSMMU
Authors: Alam Shoheli , Islam KM Didarul , Oli Ullah Abu Saleh Md , Siddiqui Md Tosaddeque Hossain , Amin Md Ruhul
Published: May 2016

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the management of inguinal hernias in children as a day case surgery in elective basis.Methods: From July 2011 to June 2014, 141 infants and children with inguinal hernias were seen, operated on, and followed up as outpatient procedure in the Department of Paediatric Surgery of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Dhaka, Bangladesh (BSMMU) Age, sex, side of hernia, presence of an associated hydrocele/ undescended testes/ VPshunt, occurrence of contralateral hernia, clinical aspects of these patients, type of surgery, mortality, and mobidity were studiedResults: The ages ranged from 2months to 14 years (mean age, 6.28 years) with a male-to female ratio of 3:1. There were 59.6% right, 34.8% left, and 5.7% bilateral hernias (all are indirect variety).The most common associated anomaly was hydrocele in 29(20.8%)patients, undescended testis in 9(6.5%) patients and in 4(2.8%) patients had ventriculoperitoneal shunt. The content of the hernial sac in 56(39.7%) patients were omentum and next were intestine in 30(21.3%) patients. Overall, there were 13 (9.2%) sliding hernias. Among them in five case of boys four (80%) patients contents were cecum and one (20%) patient was sigmoid colon. In case of girls, contents were ovaries in all eight patients. Contralateral groin exploration was not done of any patients at the initial hernia repair. There were recurrences in 2(1.4%) patients, 13(9%) patients developed wound infections, and 21(15%) patients had scrotal haematocele. There were no postoperative deaths. A contralateral hernia developed in three (2%) children within one year after the initial repair.Conclusions: Inguinal hernia is a common surgical condition in children. Elective surgery is associated with minimal morbidity. A routine contralateral groin exploration is not done at the initial hernia repairJ. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 6(2): 34-38, 2015 (July)
Spinal Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor in Children  A rare case report and literature review
Authors: Morshed AKM Amirul , Islam Shahnoor , Anwar Sayeeda
Published: May 2016

Primitive neuroectodectodermal tumor is a rare tumor in childhood. It is aggressive childhood malignancies and offer a significant challenge to treatment. An eleven year old female baby presented with fever, pain and neurologic manifestation. Initialy it was diagnose as TB vertebrae and treated accordingly but no improvment rather new metastatic swelling appear after few days. Diagnosis was made by MRI and local tissue biopsy and immunohistohistochemistry. As it is rare and highly invasssive malignancy with poor out come the case was presented along with literature review.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 6(2): 64-67, 2015 (July)
Quality gradient of salbutamol sulphate preparations available in Bangladesh markets
Authors: Islam Md Shariful , Muhsin Mohammad Didare Alam , Feroz Uddin AY Sk , Chowdhury Ahmed
Published: May 2016

Abstract not availableJahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 4(1): 85-89, 2015 (June)
Simulation of Reservoir Sediment Flushing of the Three Gorges Reservoir Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Li Xueying , Qiu Jun , Shang Qianqian , Li Fangfang
Published: May 2016

Reservoir sedimentation and its effect on the environment are the most serious world-wide problems in water resources development and utilization today. As one of the largest water conservancy projects, the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) has been controversial since its demonstration period, and sedimentation is the major concern. Due to the complex physical mechanisms of water and sediment transport, this study adopts the Error Back Propagation Training Artificial Neural Network (BP-ANN) to analyze the relationship between the sediment flushing efficiency of the TGR and its influencing factors. The factors are determined by the analysis on 1D unsteady flow and sediment mathematical model, mainly including reservoir inflow, incoming sediment concentration, reservoir water level, and reservoir release. Considering the distinguishing features of reservoir sediment delivery in different seasons, the monthly average data from 2003, when the TGR was put into operation, to 2011 are used to train, validate, and test the BP-ANN model. The results indicate that, although the sample space is quite limited, the whole sediment delivery process can be schematized by the established BP-ANN model, which can be used to help sediment flushing and thus decrease the reservoir sedimentation.
DETECTION OF LYMAN-ALPHA EMISSION FROM A TRIPLY IMAGED z = 6.85 GALAXY BEHIND MACS J2129.4−0741
Authors: Huang Kuang-Han , Lemaux Brian C. , Schmidt Kasper B. , Hoag Austin , Bradač Maruša , Treu Tommaso , Dijkstra Mark , Fontana Adriano , Henry Alaina , Malkan Matthew , Mason Charlotte , Morishita Takahiro , Pentericci Laura , Ryan Russell E. , Trenti Michele , Wang Xin
Published: May 2016

We report the detection of Lyα emission at ∼9538 Å in the Keck/DEIMOS and Hubble Space Telescope WFC3 G102 grism data from a triply imaged galaxy at

z
=
6.846
±
0.001

behind galaxy cluster MACS J2129.4−0741. Combining the emission line wavelength with broadband photometry, line ratio upper limits, and lens modeling, we rule out the scenario that this emission line is [O ii] at z = 1.57. After accounting for magnification, we calculate the weighted average of the intrinsic Lyα luminosity to be

∼
1.3
×

10

42

erg

s

−
1

and Lyα equivalent width to be 74 ± 15 Å. Its intrinsic UV absolute magnitude at 1600 Å is −18.6 ± 0.2 mag and stellar mass

(
1.5
±
0.3
)
×

10

7

M

⊙

, making it one of the faintest (intrinsic

L

UV

∼
0.14

L

UV

*

) galaxies with Lyα detection at

z
∼
7

to date. Its stellar mass is in the typical range for the galaxies thought to dominate the reionization photon budget at

z
≳
7
;

the inferred Lyα escape fraction is high (

≳
10

%), which could be common for sub-L*

z
≳
7

galaxies with Lyα emission. This galaxy offers a glimpse of the galaxy population that is thought to drive reionization, and it shows that gravitational lensing is an important avenue for probing the sub-L* galaxy population.
The Association Between Serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D Level and Upper Leg Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis: Results of the Amsterdam Osteoarthritis Cohort
Authors: Koeckhoven Esmee , van der Leeden Marike , Roorda Leo D. , van Schoor Natasja M. , Lips Paul , de Zwart Arjan , Dekker Joost , van der Esch Martin , Lems Willem F.
Published: May 2016

Objective.

Vitamin D deficiency, which is common among elderly people, has been linked to muscle weakness. In patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), the association between muscle strength and serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D [25(OH)D] level has not been studied comprehensively. The aim of our study was to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D level and muscle strength in patients with knee OA.

Methods.

Data of the Amsterdam Osteoarthritis cohort from 319 participants with knee OA were used in a cross-sectional study. Serum 25(OH)D level (nmol/l) was measured by a competitive electrochemiluminescence method. Muscle strength (nm/kg) of the upper leg was measured isokinetically. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used to calculate the association between serum 25(OH)D level and muscle strength.

Results.

Serum 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with muscle strength (B = 0.036, 95% CI 0.017–0.054, p < 0.001), adjusted for season of blood collection. After adding body mass index (BMI) to the model, this association was no longer significant (B = 0.011, 95% CI −0.007 to 0.029, p = 0.214). Alcohol consumption, number of comorbidities, and sex were subsequently added and changed the model slightly. Without BMI, this model showed a significant association between serum 25(OH)D level and muscle strength (B = 0.029, 95% CI 0.014–0.043, p < 0.001).

Conclusion.

The observed association between a low serum 25(OH)D level and muscle weakness in patients with knee OA is attenuated by BMI. Further studies are needed to explain the associations among Vitamin D level, muscle strength, and adiposity in patients with knee OA.
Typhoid ileal perforation: a 13-year experience
Authors: Chaudhary Poras , Kumar Rajeev , Munjewar Chandrakant , Bhadana Utsav , Ranjan Gyan , Gupta Shailesh , Kumar Sanjay , Arora Mohinder P.
Published: May 2016

Typhoid fever is endemic in many developing countries with a high rate of complications. Aim of this study is to analyse epidemiological features, clinical presentations, complications and therapeutic outcomes of enteric perforation peritonitis diagnosed and treated in our hospital. Records of total number of 646 patients, who presented with perforation peritonitis due to enteric fever in the surgical emergency unit of Dr Ram Manohar Lohia hospital, New Delhi between January 2001 and December 2013, were reviewed retrospectively. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze the data. Out of 646 patients, 62 (9.59%) presented in shock. Stomal, peristomal, local and systemic complications were high in these patients. Primary closure was done in 212 (33.12) patients, primary ileostomy was created in 410 (64.06) patients, and resection and anastomosis was done in 24 (3.75) patients. Thirteen patients (2.01%) died of typhoid intestinal perforation. To prevent complications of typhoid fever, in addition to control sanitation, it is also important to control quackery and malpractices. Awareness and education about the disease, its nature and complications will also be of great help.
The mitochondrial housekeeping gene 16S is inappropriate as an internal standard in comparative studies of rare mitochondrial transcripts using S1-nuclease protection assays
Authors: Ebert Sandra , Breumlund Line , Nau Roland , Michel Uwe
Published: May 2016

The analysis of rare mitochondrial transcripts derived from the L-strand of the mitochondrial genome requires a sensitive method such as the S1-nuclease protection assay. We examined whether the ribosomal mitochon­drial transcript 16S is suitable as an internal standard in a multiplex S1-nuclease protection assay for the measurement of different mitochondrial transcripts. For reliable quantification of rare mitochondrial transcripts with the RNase protection assay, a minimum of 2 μg of total RNA is necessary. Standard curves of 16S RNA produced with total RNA from human kidney, liver, brain, and a human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) revealed dose-response relationships that were saturated already at less than 0.5 μg of total RNA. Therefore, 16S is inappropriate as an internal standard for analyzing mitochondrial transcripts with RNase protection assays when more than 0.5 μg of total RNA have to be analyzed.
What can we expect from grounded theory? a theoretical critique
Authors: Salsali Mahvash , Esmaeili Maryam , Valiee Sina
Published: May 2016

The research approach of grounded theory (henceforth as GT) is one of the common qualitative methodology in social sciences and lately in Nursing which has constantly been confronted with ambiguities regarding its application and particularly its operationalization. It is attempted in this article to offer the true nature, application and measures for a more suitable application of this approach by reviewing its relevant literature in different disciplines. This article is the result of reviewing different databases through 1990 to 2011 and also referring to the main texts in GT research. At the end, it must be mentioned that although the GT research approach is an appealing method, especially in Nursing and enjoys a lot of rigor with regard to dealing with the favorite phenomena of the nurses, the researcher’s expectations must be realistic about it. In addition, alongside clarification, which is a social process among a group of individuals, it can be used in presenting model and instrumentation by following the principles and also for providing examination and caring manuals and the required interventions by using the qualitative outcome analysis in order to operationalize it.
Sampling, prevalence and characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus on two Belgian pig farms
Authors: Dewaele Isabelle , Messens Winy , De Man Ingrid , Delputte Pierre , Herman Lieve , Butaye Patrick , Heyndrickx Marc , Rasschaert Geertrui
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the spread of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) on two Belgian pig farms. Pigs of different ages (from farrowing to slaughter age and sows) as well as the barn environment were screened extensively on two occasions three months apart. A subset of MRSA isolates was tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 16 antibiotics and was further characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Ninety-five percent and 77% of the tested pigs on farm A and farm B, respectively, were colonized with MRSA. MRSA positive animals were detected in all age categories sampled on each sampling day. Piglets were already colonized in the farrowing unit with the same or other MRSA strains than their mother. The prevalence of MRSA colonized pigs increased significantly after weaning and decreased during the fattening period. Pigs carried MRSA mainly in the nares, followed by the perineum and skin and to a lesser degree the rectum. A pig could be contaminated or colonized with different MRSA strains at the same time. The barn environment was also found to be contaminated with different MRSA strains, including the air inlet and outlet. All isolates tested on both farms were resistant to both tetracycline and trimethoprim, while they were susceptible to rifampicin, mupirocin and linezolid. There was a significant difference in resistance prevalence between the two farms for the antibiotics gentamicin, kanamycin, tobramycin, tylosin, lincomycin and quinupristin/dalfopristin. Furthermore, several antibiotic resistance profiles were observed within one farm. This study clearly indicates that several MRSA strains circulate on one farm, from the nursery unit to the fattening unit. This is important to consider when attempts are made to remediate these farms.
Simultaneous detection of LipL32 and LipL21 genes of pathogenic leptospira from serum samples of bovines by multiplex PCR
Authors: Meenambigai Timiri V. , Ravikumar Gopalakrishnan , Srithar Andy , Balakrishnan Govindan , Saranya Chidambaram , Muralimanohar Bakthavachalam
Published: May 2016

Leptospirosis is a worldwide zoonotic disease of cattle associated with pathogenic leptospiral infection. This study focuses in the use of a molecular tool to detect pathogenic leptospiral infection in bovines by targeting the outer membrane proteins LipL32 and LipL21 simultaneously in a multiplex PCR. Sixteen pathogenic reference strains and 10 bovine serum samples were analyzed for simultaneous detection of both genes at appropriate annealing conditions. These findings are suggestive of the fact that multiplex PCR can be used to detect major outer membrane proteins of pathogenic leptospira from serum samples. Further it aided in the differentiation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic species of leptospires too. This study will definitely serve as a valuable tool, as it suggests the importance of LipL32 genes as potential candidates for vaccine development to control animal Leptospirosis.
Study of brucellosis in serum of camels in southeast of Iran
Authors: Rafieipour Ahmad , Ziaei Nemat
Published: May 2016

This study was carried out in the town of Qalegange, located in southeast of Iran, home of about 3816 camels. To study brucellosis in these animals, serological examinations including rose Bengal plat test (RBPT), MRT and 2ME were performed on 3502 camel’s serum samples. Positive results were obtained in 245 (7%), 163 (4.66%) and 89 (7.92%) camels thus tested, respectively. Twenty three percent of the positive camels were adult 2 years old, 36% three years old, 22% four years old, 17% five years old and the remaining 3 percent were six years old. In the infected herds, abortion rates associated with the disease ranged from 10 to 39 percent. Other ailments observed associated with brucellosis were retention of the placenta, fetal death and mummification, delayed maturity and infertility. Recommendations for brucellosis control were given, in order to increase the awareness of shepherds, by suggesting regular testing, slaughtering of infected animals and vaccinations.
Morphological studies on the seasonal changes in the epididymal duct of the one-humped camel (camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Zayed Ahmed El-Zuhry , Aly Khaled Hamdy , Ibrahim Ismael Abdel-Aziz , Abd El-maksoud Fatma Mohammed
Published: May 2016

The present work was carried out on 20 testes and epididymis of sexually mature camels to elucidate the gross anatomical, morphometerical, light microscopical and scanning electron microscopical features of the epididymis in different seasons. Anatomically, the epididymal duct of a camel consists of three parts head, body and tail. Histomorphologically, the epididymal duct is subdivided into initial, middle and terminal segments, of which the middle segment is further subdivided into proximal, intermediate and distal parts. There is a gradual decrease in the epithelial height of the epididymal duct from the initial to the terminal segments. This mechanically facilities passage of the sperms toward the terminal segment. High epithelium in the initial segment may indicate a more absorptive power of the epithelium in this segment. The seasonal reproductivety of the epididymal duct in the camel expressed by variations in the weight and volume of the epididymis, total diameter of the epididymal duct, epithelial height, length of the stereocilia, thickness of the muscular coat and cellular distributions in different segments. The spring months offer ideal circumstances for maximal reproductive activity in this species. The cellular components of the epididymal duct epithelium of the camel displays important morphological changes from season to another showing signs of increasing activity during spring in comparison to decreasing activity in other seasons. PAS positive granules are demonstrated in different segments of the epididymal duct and intraepithelial glands in different seasons. These granules are relatively more numerous in spring. The lamina propria surrounding the epididymal duct contains a layer of the elastic fibers which is very thick in winter, thick in spring and thin in other seasons. This increase in thickness of the elastic fibers predisposes for the increase in the total diameter of the epididymal duct in spring. It was conclude that the muscular coat of the middle and terminal segments is the thickest in spring that may be helpful for powerful ejaculation.
Does reclaimed water induce morphological changes in midguts of honeybees (Apis mellifera syriaca)?
Authors: Hananeh Wael , Al-Ghzawi Abd Al-Majeed , Zaitoun Shahera
Published: May 2016

The purpose of this study was to assess the death rate and morphological changes in the midgut of honey worker bees when reclaimed water was the only source of drinking compared with the case when fresh water was the normal source of drinking. Two feeding solutions were implemented: fresh water sugar solution and reclaimed water sugar solution for eight consecutive days. The cages were inspected daily for any deaths of the honeybees. At the end of the experiments, midguts were removed; processed and pathological changes of the midguts were reported. The usage of reclaimed water as a drinking water had negative impacts on the average deaths of the honeybee colonies as well as the morphology of their midguts. To the best of our knowledge, no such studies have been conducted before and this is the first study that addresses the usage of reclaimed water as a sole source drinking water for honeybee colonies.
Clinical and Biochemical Characteristics of Diabetes Ketoacidosis in a Tertiary Hospital in Riyadh
Authors: Almalki Mussa H. , Buhary Badurudeen Mahmood , Khan Shawana Abdulhamid , Almaghamsi Abdulrahman , Alshahrani Fahad
Published: May 2016

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a life-threatening acute complication of diabetes. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical and biochemical characteristics of DKA among 400 patients admitted to hospital, most of whom had type 1 diabetes ( n = 372; 93%). Vomiting ( n = 319; 79.8%), nausea ( n = 282; 70.5%), and abdominal pain ( n = 303; 75.8%) were the presenting symptoms most commonly experienced by the patients. Tachycardia was the most common clinical sign noted in the patients on admission ( n = 243; 61.8%). The predominant precipitating cause of DKA was noncompliance to an insulin regimen ( n = 215; 54.2%). Recurrent DKA admissions in type 1 diabetes patients was higher than those with type 2 diabetes ( n = 232 versus n = 9, respectively; P = 0.002). Recurrent DKA admissions in female patients were higher than in male patients ( n = 167 versus n = 74, respectively; P = 0.002). Continued diabetic education (given to n = 384; 94%) and counseling on the importance of adhering to the recommended medical regime, addressing the social and cultural barriers that precipitate DKA, as well as the provision of timely medical attention may greatly reduce DKA episodes and their associated complications.
Pricing methodologies for congestion management in a deregulated electricity market: A bibliographical survey
Authors: Singh Manish Kumar , Mukharjee V , Tiwari Prabhakar
Published: May 2016

Exhaustive research has been done for addressing the problems arising out of unbundling and restructuring of power market. The prime objective of every research was oriented towards managing the congestion in transmission corridors as well as providing cost effective production to utilities and low tariff energy to the end consumers. The key factors involved in the pricing of energy identified till now are network security, reliability, transmission losses allocation, technical, and social issues. This bibliographical survey was an attempt towards summarizing the recognized works and publications oriented towards pricing of electricity market. The purpose of this survey was to collect information from the previous literatures to help those, currently, working towards establishing a novel pricing scheme.Keywords: Congestion, Deregulation, Power market, Pricing, Restructuring, Unbundling
Observation on Developmental Changes during the Sexual Reproductive Period of Sargassum thunbergii
Authors: Xu Ningning , Tan Haili
Published: May 2016

The growth, development, and sexual reproduction of Sargassum thunbergii, which collected from Dongtou, Zhejiang Province were studied under controlled lab conditions, and its early developmental process were recorded. Results showed that: (1) The first appearance of receptacle on S. thunbergii in the present study was in the mid-May and became matured in about late of June, and the eggs and sperms were realeased from female and male receptacles respectively. The released eggs attached to the surface of female receptacles and were fertilized by sperms to form zygotes. A clearly correlationship between the length of receptacle and its maturing level was observed, which was helpful for the artificial breeding of S. thunbergii. Moreover, temperature and salinity had obviously effect on the growth of receptacles, and temperature seemed more essential as compared to the salinity. The optimal condition combination basing on the orthogonal analysis for the receptacle’s growth was 22 ℃ and salinity 30. (2)The fertilized eggs began its first cell division at 1 hour after fertilization and the continuous 2 times of divisions would result in a four-cell structure. Cellular division occured every 2~3 h thereafter and finally formed the multi-cell germling. The germlings would stick to the substrates for adherence, and their lengths increased steadily with some side heaves observed within 23 days. They grew well with a coarse surface and darkened color. Results in the present study inferred that the combination of germling breeding and sexual reproduction for the artificial cultivation of S. thunbergii was feasible.
Inclusion of Marginalized Boys: A Survey of a Summer School Using Positive Psychology Interventions
Authors: Andersen Frans Ørsted , Nissen Poul , Poulsen Line
Published: May 2016

Marginalized boys at risk of dropping out of high school have for a long time been a problem in the Western world. 100 such Danish 14-16 year old boys were in the summers of 2013, 2014 and 2015 exposed to a new school program, The Boys Academy, inspired by Seligman and the American KIPP schools suggesting seven character strengths to be put into action along with academic education: self-control, commitment, perseverance, social intelligence, curiosity, gratitude, and optimism. During these three-week summer school periods a study has been conducted by the authors, looking closer at the effects of the program. Academic performance, well-being, motivation and personal development within the seven character strengths were measured. Data consists of interviews, learning scales and different test scores. The results of the study show that all the boys improved substantially in reading, spelling, math, well-being and school motivation during the three week summer school.
The Sino-African Cooperation: A Taiwanese Viewpoint
Authors: Lin Ching-Chung , Faustino Hyacintha O. , Chan Shih-Ju
Published: May 2016

The study is to examine the contemporary trends of the Taiwanese economic involvement in
Africa and includes both Taiwanese and Chinese policy toward Africa. Emerging countries
are standing side by side in so-called “South-South” cooperation, and are taking advantage of
the decreasing image of Western nations following the economic crisis. We are challenging
the biased opinion portrayed by the Western press, which is negative toward Asian
involvement in African states, and that states the investors (China and Taiwan) are only
gaining from their investments. The ambitions on the continent are far from innocent, and
nations, such as China are looking to fulfill their demands for natural resources. We intend to
emphasize on whether the Chinese presence in Africa is purely resource-based, or if this
cooperation is bearing fruit in the future development of African states. The originality of this
study lies in its focus on a triangular (China, Taiwan, and Africa) view point of economic
interactions and implications because it includes Taiwanese economic involvement in African
markets. We hope that these findings, based on sources other than controversial Western
articles enable the reader to obtain a better understanding of the current situation, and form
their own opinion.
The Relationship between Critical Thinking and EFL Learners’ Speaking Ability
Authors: Ramezani Raana , Larsari Ebrahim Ezzati , Kiasi Mohammad Aghajanzadeh
Published: May 2016

The current study sought to investigate the relationship between critical thinking and speaking ability among EFL students at Payame Noor University (PNU) of Rasht. This research concerned determining the fact that whether language students who are as critical thinker, perform better in their speaking ability or not. In order to answer the research question and test the hypothesis, 100 PNU English students were selected by applying IELTS speaking test as the samples of this study. Then in order to figure out critical and uncritical learners, Lauren Starkey Critical Thinking Test including 30-multiple choice item was administered to the participants. After that, based on the obtained data and due to lack of normal distribution, Spearman non-parametric correlation was employed. The findings of the current study revealed a significant correlation coefficient among these two major variables. In fact, those English learners who were recognized as critical thinkers performed better in their speaking.
The Effectiveness of Corpus- Based Approach to Language Description in Creating Corpus-Based Exercises to Teach Writing Personal Statements
Authors: Almutairi Norah Dhawi
Published: May 2016

Using corpora in language teaching has revolutionized language research with its ‘authentic’ appeal. Corpus tools have enabled linguistic researchers and teachers to investigate actual usages and the characteristics of certain genres in order to improve syllabus design and infer more effective classroom exercises. From this perspective, this paper attempts to use corpus tools to investigate the characteristics of one of the most important requirements of university programs admissions which is the personal statement. Despite the immense importance of writing a personal statement in the lives of students wanting to enroll in universities, little research has been conducted on its instructions. More importantly, teaching its features to university students has been neglected although personal statements are an essential genre that should be emphasized in academic writing classes or university preparation courses. The paper aims to investigate if compiling a corpus of personal statements can lead to creating an effective corpus-based activities to be taught in teaching writing a personal statement. Then the paper attempts to evaluate the pedagogical implications of using corpus-based activities and criticized the weaknesses and strengths of corpora as a resource in language teaching. This paper chose to focus on personal statements collected from law students due to the high demand on law colleges in Saudi Arabia and the difficulty of admission requirements. This study used Sketch Engine® to complie a corpus of sixty-seven personal statement with a total word count of 50, 691, then analysed the lexio-grammatical features. The results were used to create corpus-based excersises to be taught in writing courses teaching personal statements.
The Relationship between Teachers’ Beliefs of Grammar Instruction and Classroom Practices in the Saudi Context
Authors: Alghanmi Bayan , Shukri Nadia
Published: May 2016

Teacher cognition (Borg, 2015) of grammar instruction is a relatively new phenomenon that has yet to be explored in the Saudi context. While many studies have focused on the teaching of grammar in general (Ellis, 2006; Corzo, 2013; Braine, 2014), further research needs to be done - particularly when it comes to understanding teachers’ beliefs of grammar and grammar instruction as well as their practices in the classroom. This case study investigates the relationship between teachers’ beliefs of grammar and grammar instruction and their instructional practices. In the first stage, a sample of 30 teaching faculty members at the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Jeddah (UJ), in Saudi Arabia completed a survey discussing their beliefs related to grammar instruction. In the second stage, ten of these teachers were observed in classroom in order to explore the relationship between their beliefs and practices. In the third and final stage, open-ended questions were distributed to the teachers after the observations to better understand the factors that influence their beliefs. The findings reveal that teachers’ beliefs are indeed reflected in their classroom practices. Students’ proficiency level, attitudes toward the language, needs, learning styles, classroom environment, and teacher development are six factors that influence the transformation of teachers’ beliefs regarding grammar and grammar instruction into practices. These findings will help broaden the discussion on how to improve the quality of grammar teaching, particularly in the Saudi EFL classroom.
Structure–function analysis for the hydroxylation of Δ4 C21‐steroids by the myxobacterial CYP260B1
Authors: Salamanca‐Pinzon Sandra Giovanna , Khatri Yogan , Carius Yvonne , Keller Lena , Müller Rolf , Lancaster C. Roy D. , Bernhardt Rita
Published: May 2016

Myxobacterial CYP260B1 from Sorangium cellulosum was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. The in vitro conversion of a small focused substrate library comprised of Δ4 C21‐steroids and steroidal drugs using surrogate bovine redox partners shows that CYP260B1 is a novel steroid hydroxylase. CYP260B1 performs the regio‐ and stereoselective hydroxylation of the glucocorticoid cortodoxone (RSS) to produce 6β‐OH‐RSS. The substrate‐free crystal structure of CYP260B1 (PDB 5HIW) was resolved. Docking of the tested ligands into the crystal structure suggested that the C17 hydroxy moiety and the presence of either a keto or a hydroxy group at C11 determine the selectivity of hydroxylation.
Voyager 2 solar plasma and magnetic field spectral analysis for intermediate data sparsity
Authors: Gallana Luca , Fraternale Federico , Iovieno Michele , Fosson Sophie M. , Magli Enrico , Opher Merav , Richardson John D. , Tordella Daniela
Published: May 2016

The Voyager probes are the furthest, still active, spacecraft ever launched from Earth. During their 38 year trip, they have collected data regarding solar wind properties (such as the plasma velocity and magnetic field intensity). Unfortunately, a complete time evolution of the measured physical quantities is not available. The time series contains many gaps which increase in frequency and duration at larger distances. The aim of this work is to perform a spectral and statistical analysis of the solar wind plasma velocity and magnetic field using Voyager 2 data measured in 1979, when the gap density is between the 30% and 50%. For these gap densities, we show the spectra of gapped signals inherit the characteristics of the data gaps. In particular, the algebraic decay of the intermediate frequency range is underestimated and discrete peaks result not from the underlaying data but from the gap sequence. This analysis is achieved using five different data treatment techniques coming from the multidisciplinary context: averages on linearly interpolated subsets, correlation without data interpolation, correlation of linearly interpolated data, maximum likelihood data reconstruction, and compressed sensing spectral estimation. With five frequency decades, the spectra we obtained have the largest frequency range ever computed at five astronomical units from the Sun; spectral exponents have been determined for all the components of the velocity and magnetic field fluctuations. Void analysis is also useful in recovering other spectral properties such as micro and integral scales.
Enhancement of aerosol responses to changes in emissions over East Asia by gas‐oxidant‐aerosol coupling and detailed aerosol processes
Authors: Matsui H. , Koike M.
Published: May 2016

We quantify the responses of aerosols to changes in emissions (sulfur dioxide, black carbon (BC), primary organic aerosol, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and volatile organic compounds) over East Asia by using simulations including gas‐oxidant‐aerosol coupling, organic aerosol (OA) formation, and BC aging processes. The responses of aerosols to NOx emissions are complex and are dramatically changed by simulating gas‐phase chemistry and aerosol processes online. Reduction of NOx emissions by 50% causes a 30–40% reduction of oxidant (hydroxyl radical and ozone) concentrations and slows the formation of sulfate and OA by 20–30%. Because the response of OA to changes in NOx emissions is sensitive to the treatment of emission and oxidation of semivolatile and intermediate volatility organic compounds, reduction of the uncertainty in these processes is necessary to evaluate gas‐oxidant‐aerosol coupling accurately. Our simulations also show that the sensitivity of aerosols to changes in emissions is enhanced by 50–100% when OA formation and BC aging processes are resolved in the model. Sensitivity simulations show that the increase of NOx emissions from 1850 to 2000 explains 70% (40%) of the enhancement of aerosol mass concentrations (direct radiative effects) over East Asia during that period through enhancement of oxidant concentrations and that this estimation is sensitive to the representation of OA formation and BC aging processes. Our results demonstrate the importance of simultaneous simulation of gas‐oxidant‐aerosol coupling and detailed aerosol processes. The impact of NOx emissions on aerosol formation will be a key to formulating effective emission reduction strategies such as BC mitigation and aerosol reduction policies in East Asia.
The formation of the South Tharsis Ridge Belt: Basin and Range‐style extension on early Mars?
Authors: Karasözen Ezgi , Andrews‐Hanna Jeffrey C. , Dohm J. M. , Anderson R. C.
Published: May 2016

The South Tharsis Ridge Belt (STRB) is located along the northeastern edge of Terra Sirenum and partially surrounds the southwestern part of Tharsis in an arc. It consists of 29 large ridges separated by distances 130 to 260 km, with average relief of 1.5 km above the surrounding plains. Because the STRB is among the oldest tectonic features associated both spatially and developmentally with Tharsis, it may provide key information on the early evolution of Tharsis and possibly pre‐Tharsis processes. Earlier studies concluded that the ridges formed through compressional tectonism. However, the shape, size, and separation of the ridges support the interpretation that the STRB resembles the extensional Basin and Range Province on Earth. Both regions are characterized by series of parallel mountain ranges separated by broad valleys. In this study, we evaluate both extensional and compressional hypotheses for the origin of the ridges using evidence from topography, deformed craters, crustal thickness models, and strain modeling. Though neither interpretation explains all aspects of the ridges, the topography of the ridges and crustal thinning associated with the western part of the ridge belt support an extensional origin. Strain models predict that Basin and Range‐style wide rifting would be expected for early Martian conditions. This extension may have been initiated by plume‐induced uplift in the early stages of Tharsis formation, but the large amount of extensional strain inferred in the western STRB must have been accommodated by compression elsewhere, possibly in the heavily deformed craters of western Terra Sirenum.
Spring bloom dynamics in a subarctic fjord influenced by tidewater outlet glaciers (Godthåbsfjord, SW Greenland)
Authors: Meire Lorenz , Mortensen John , Rysgaard Søren , Bendtsen Jørgen , Boone Wieter , Meire Patrick , Meysman Filip J. R.
Published: May 2016

In high‐latitude fjord ecosystems, the spring bloom accounts for a major part of the annual primary production and thus provides a crucial energy supply to the marine food web. However, the environmental factors that control the timing and intensity of these spring blooms remain uncertain. In 2013, we studied the spring bloom dynamics in Godthåbsfjord, a large fjord system adjacent to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Our surveys revealed that the spring bloom did not initiate in the inner stratified part of the fjord system but only started farther away from tidewater outlet glaciers. A combination of out‐fjord winds and coastal inflows drove an upwelling in the inner part of the fjord during spring (April–May), which supplied nutrient‐rich water to the surface layer. This surface water was subsequently transported out‐fjord, and due to this circulation regime, the biomass accumulation of phytoplankton was displaced away from the glaciers. In late May, the upwelling weakened and the dominant wind direction changed, thus reversing the direction of the surface water transport. Warmer water was now transported toward the inner fjord, and a bloom was observed close to the glacier terminus. Overall, our findings imply that the timing, intensity, and location of the spring blooms in Godthåbsfjord are controlled by a combination of upwelling strength and wind forcing. Together with sea ice cover, the hydrodynamic regime hence plays a crucial role in structuring food web dynamics of the fjord ecosystem.
Wave optics‐based LEO‐LEO radio occultation retrieval
Authors: Benzon Hans‐Henrik , Høeg Per
Published: May 2016

This paper describes the theory for performing retrieval of radio occultations that use probing frequencies in the XK and KM band. Normally, radio occultations use frequencies in the L band, and GPS satellites are used as the transmitting source, and the occultation signals are received by a GPS receiver on board a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite. The technique is based on the Doppler shift imposed, by the atmosphere, on the signal emitted from the GPS satellite. Two LEO satellites are assumed in the occultations discussed in this paper, and the retrieval is also dependent on the decrease in the signal amplitude caused by atmospheric absorption. The radio wave transmitter is placed on one of these satellites, while the receiver is placed on the other LEO satellite. One of the drawbacks of normal GPS‐based radio occultations is that external information is needed to calculate some of the atmospheric products such as the correct water vapor content in the atmosphere. These limitations can be overcome when a proper selected range of high‐frequency waves are used to probe the atmosphere. Probing frequencies close to the absorption line of water vapor have been included, thus allowing the retrieval of the water vapor content. Selecting the correct probing frequencies would make it possible to retrieve other information such as the content of ozone. The retrieval is performed through a number of processing steps which are based on the Full Spectrum Inversion (FSI) technique. The retrieval chain is therefore a wave optics‐based retrieval chain, and it is therefore possible to process measurements that include multipath. In this paper simulated LEO to LEO radio occultations based on five different frequencies are used. The five frequencies are placed in the XK or KM frequency band. This new wave optics‐based retrieval chain is used on a number of examples, and the retrieved atmospheric parameters are compared to the parameters from a global European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts analysis model. This model is used in a forward propagator that simulates the electromagnetic field amplitudes and phases at the receiver on board the LEO satellite. LEO‐LEO cross‐link radio occultations using high frequencies are a relatively new technique, and the possibilities and advantages of the technique still need to be investigated. The retrieval of this type of radio occultations is considerably more complicated than standard GPS to LEO radio occultations, because the attenuation of the probing radio waves is used in the retrieval and the atmospheric parameters are found using a least squares solver. The best algorithms and the number of probing frequencies that is economically viable must also be determined. This paper intends to answer some of these questions using end‐to‐end simulations.
Low‐latitude ionospheric effects on SBAS
Authors: Arenas J. , Sardón E. , Sainz A. , Ochoa B. , Magdaleno S.
Published: May 2016

Satellite‐based augmentation systems (SBAS) provide augmentation to Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) users in three areas: (1) broadcasting accurate corrections to GNSS satellite ephemeris, (2) providing a real‐time empirical ionospheric model in the service area, and (3) providing integrity information in the form of estimates of the confidence of the ephemeris corrections and ionospheric delays. Ionospheric effects on SBAS are twofold: (a) the input data used by the SBAS will be affected by ionospheric effects, and (b) the more perturbed the ionosphere is, the more difficult it will be to provide accurate and reliable ionospheric information to the users. The ionosphere at low latitudes presents larger variability and more intense phenomena than at midlatitudes. Therefore, SBAS providing service to low‐latitude regions will be more affected than those at other latitudes. From the different low‐latitude ionospheric effects, this paper will focus on those having the largest impact on SBAS, which are total electron content temporal and spatial gradients, ionospheric scintillations, and depletions. This paper will present the impact of these effects on EGNOS (European Global Navigation Overlay System), the European SBAS. Although EGNOS can be considered as a midlatitude SBAS, it has to provide coverage down to rather low latitudes, so sometimes low‐latitude ionospheric effects are observed in the EGNOS data. It will be shown how EGNOS performs under nominal conditions and how its performance is degraded when low‐latitude ionospheric phenomena occur. Real EGNOS data affected by low‐latitude ionospheric phenomena will be used.
The Five‐hundred‐meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope project
Authors: Li Di , Pan Zhichen
Published: May 2016

The Five‐hundred‐meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) is a Chinese megascience project funded by the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) of the People's Republic of China. The National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) is in charge of its construction and subsequent operation. Upon its expected completion in September 2016, FAST will surpass the 305 m Arecibo Telescope and the 100 m Green Bank Telescope in terms of absolute sensitivity in the 70 MHz to 3 GHz bands. In this paper, we report on the project, its current status, the key science goals, and plans for early science.
The DST group ionospheric sounder replacement for JORN
Authors: Harris T. J. , Quinn A. D. , Pederick L. H.
Published: May 2016

The Jindalee Over‐the‐horizon Radar Network (JORN) is an integral part of Australia's national defense capability. JORN uses a real‐time ionospheric model as part of its operations. The primary source of data for this model is a set of 13 vertical‐incidence sounders (VIS) scattered around the Australian coast and inland locations. These sounders are a mix of Lowell digisonde portable sounder (DPS)‐1 and DPS‐4. Both of these sounders, the DPS‐1 in particular, are near the end of their maintainable life. A replacement for these aging sounders was required as part of the ongoing sustainment program for JORN. Over the last few years the High‐Frequency Radar Branch (HFRB) of the Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group, Australian Department of Defence, has been developing its own sounders based on its successful radar hardware technology. The DST Group VIS solution known as PRIME (Portable Remote Ionospheric Monitoring Equipment) is a 100% duty cycle, continuous wave system that receives the returned ionospheric signal while it is still transmitting and operates the receiver in the near field of the transmitter. Of considerable importance to a successful VIS is the autoscaling software, which takes the ionogram data and produces an ionogram trace (group delay as a function of frequency), and from that produces a set of ionospheric parameters that represent the (bottomside) overhead electron density profile. HFRB has developed its own robust autoscaling software. The performance of DST Group's PRIME under a multitude of challenging ionospheric conditions has been studied. In December 2014, PRIME was trialed at a JORN VIS site collocated with the existing Lowell Digisonde DPS‐1. This side‐by‐side testing determined that PRIME was fit for purpose. A summary of the results of this comparison and example PRIME output will be discussed. Note that this paper compares PRIME with the 25 year old Lowell Digisonde DPS‐1, which is planned to be replaced. Our future plans include PRIME comparisons with the much newer Digisonde DPS‐4D located at Learmonth in Western Australia.