bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary experimental study of a carbon fiber array cathode
Authors: Li An-kun , Fan Yu-wei
Published: August 2016

The preliminary experimental results of a carbon fiber array cathode for the magnetically insulated transmission line oscillator (MILO) operations are reported. When the diode voltage and diode current were 480 kV and 44 kA, respectively, high-power microwaves with a peak power of about 3 GW and a pulse duration of about 60 ns were obtained in a MILO device with the carbon fiber array cathode. The preliminary experimental results show that the shot-to-shot reproducibility of the diode current and the microwave power is stable until 700 shots. No obvious damage or deterioration can be observed in the carbon fiber surface morphology after 700 shots. Moreover, the cathode performance has no observable deterioration after 700 shots. In conclusion, the maintain-free lifetime of the carbon fiber array cathode is more than 700 shots. In this way, this carbon fiber array cathode offers a potential replacement for the existing velvet cathode.
Pacific oyster mortality syndrome: a marine herpesvirus active in Australia
Authors: Whittington Richard , Hick Paul , Evans Olivia , Rubio Ana , Dhand Navneet , Paul-Pont Ika
Published: August 2016

Genotypes of Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) known as microvariants cause the disease Pacific oyster mortality syndrome (POMS). Since its appearance in NSW in 2010, OsHV-1 microvariant has prevented the farming of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the affected estuaries near Sydney, following the initial massive outbreaks1,2. The arrival of the disease in southeast Tasmania in January 2016 has put the entire $53M industry in Australia in jeopardy3. The virus is a member of the Family Malacoherpesviridae4, which includes several invertebrate herpesviruses. The OsHV-1 genome consists of 207 439 base pairs, with organisation similar to that of mammalian herpesviruses. However, OsHV-1 contains two invertible unique regions (UL, 167.8 kbp; US, 3.4 kbp) each flanked by inverted repeats (TRL/IRL, 7.6 kbp; TRS/IRS, 9.8 kbp), with an additional unique sequence (X, 1.5 kbp) between IRL and IRS4. Unlike many herpesviruses which are host specific, OsHV-1 strains have been transmitted between marine bivalve species5 and the virus is transmitted indirectly. The virus may have relatively prolonged survival in the environment, has extremely high infection and case fatality rates, and latency is unproven. Along with pilchard herpesvirus6–8 and abalone ganglioneuritis virus9,10, it is part of a dawning reality that marine herpesviruses are among the most virulent of pathogens. Finding solutions for industry requires more than laboratory-based research.
Characteristics of gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men testing and retesting at Australia’s first shop-front rapid point-of-care HIV testing service
Authors: Ryan Kathleen E. , Wilkinson Anna L. , Leitinger David , El-Hayek Carol , Ryan Claire , Pedrana Alisa , Hellard Margaret , Stoové Mark
Published: August 2016

Background: HIV rapid point-of-care (RPOC) testing was approved in Australia in 2012 prompting new testing models. We describe gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men (GBM) testing in the first year of operations at Australia’s first shop-front, community-based RPOC testing service, PRONTO!, and characterise return testers and first-time testers. Methods: Univariable and multivariable logistic regression using data collected at clients’ first test at PRONTO! from 15 August 2013 to 14 August 2014 examined correlates of: 1) return-testing within 6 months of GBMs first test at PRONTO!; and 2) reporting a first ever HIV test at PRONTO!. Results: In the first year, 1226 GBM tested at PRONTO! (median age = 30.4 years, 60.2% Australian born). Condomless anal sex with casual or regular partners was reported by 45% and 66% of GBM, respectively. Almost one-quarter (23%) of GBM returned within 6 months of their first test. Return-testing was associated with being born overseas (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.10–2.0), reporting a regular check-up as reason to test (AOR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.01–2.30) and reporting a HIV test in the 6 months before first testing at PRONTO! (AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.09–2.73). Reporting first testing at PRONTO! (17.9%) was positively associated with younger age (<30 years; AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.18–2.71) and negatively associated with reporting a regular check-up as reason to test (AOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.29–0.71) and recent group sex (AOR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.23–0.59). Conclusion: Despite PRONTO! being designed to reduce barriers to HIV testing, return testing rates in the first year were low and not associated with client risk. Service refinements, including the provision of comprehensive sexually transmissible infection testing, are needed to increase testing frequency and enhance population HIV prevention benefits.
Analogy motor learning by young children: a study of rope skipping
Authors: Tse Andy C. Y. , Fong Shirley S. M. , Wong Thomson W. L. , Masters Rich
Published: August 2016

Research in psychology suggests that provision of an instruction by analogy can enhance acquisition and understanding of knowledge. Limited research has been conducted to test this proposition in motor learning by children. The purpose of the present study was to examine the feasibility of analogy instructions in motor skill acquisition by children. Thirty‐two children were randomly assigned to one of the two instruction protocols: analogy and explicit instruction protocols for a two‐week rope skipping training. Each participant completed a pretest (Lesson 1), three practice sessions (Lesson 2–4), a posttest and a secondary task test (Lesson 5). Children in the analogy protocol displayed better rope skip performance than those in the explicit instruction protocol (p < .001). Moreover, a cognitive secondary task test indicated that children in the analogy protocol performed more effectively, whereas children in the explicit protocol displayed decrements in performance. Analogy learning may aid children to acquire complex motor skills, and have potential benefits related to reduced cognitive processing requirements.
Isolated (hypoxic) hepatic perfusion with high-dose chemotherapy in patients with unresectable liver metastases of uveal melanoma: results from two experienced centres
Authors: de Leede Eleonora M. , Burgmans Mark C. , Kapiteijn Ellen , Luyten Gre P.M. , Jager Martine J. , Tijl Fred G.J. , Hartgrink Henk H. , Grünhagen Dirk J. , Rothbarth Joost , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Verhoef Cornelis , Vahrmeijer Alexander L.
Published: August 2016

Uveal melanoma patients have a poor survival after the diagnosis of metastatic disease. Isolated hepatic perfusion (IHP) was developed to treat patients with unresectable metastases confined to the liver. This retrospective analysis focuses on treatment characteristics, complications, toxicity and survival after IHP. Patients with uveal melanoma metastases confined to the liver treated with IHP in two experienced hepato–pancreatic–biliary surgery centres (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute and Leiden University Medical Center) were included. Between March 1999 and April 2009, 30 patients were treated with IHP. The duration of surgery was 3.7 h (Erasmus MC Cancer Institute) versus 8.7 h (Leiden University Medical Center) and also the dosage of melphalan differed: 1 mg/kg body weight (n=12) versus a dose of 170–200 mg (n=18) or melphalan (100 mg) combined with oxaliplatin (50 or 100 mg) (n=3). The length of hospital stay was 10 days. Two patients developed occlusion of the hepatic artery and died, respectively, 3 days and 1.5 months after surgery. Progression-free survival was 6 (1–16) months and recurrences occurred mainly in the liver. The median overall survival was 10 (3–50) months. IHP is a potentially beneficial treatment modality resulting in a reasonable overall survival for uveal melanoma patients. Because of considerable morbidity related to the open procedure, a percutaneous system has been developed and is currently being investigated.
Learning Experiences of Nurses as Part of a European Union Project on Complementary Therapies
Authors: Boz İlkay , Özer Zeynep , Teskereci Gamze , Kavradim Selma Turan
Published: August 2016

The objectives of this study were to investigate learning experiences of the nurses who participated in transnational and multinational occupational training. A qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Data are clustered into 3 categories “occupational training,” “complementary care,” and “intercultural interaction.” This research has revealed many insights into the transnational training of nurses.
The Association of Chronic Topical Prostaglandin Analog Use With Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Mocan Mehmet C. , Uzunosmanoglu Enes , Kocabeyoglu Sibel , Karakaya Jale , Irkec Murat
Published: August 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate the association of long-term prostaglandin analog (PGA) use with meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) in medically treated glaucoma patients.

Materials and Methods:

This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at a single academic setting. In total, 70 eyes of 70 patients with a medical diagnosis of glaucoma who were on long-term (>12 mo) topical hypotensive medication(s) were included. Patients were classified based on whether they were on PGA or non-PGA class of medication(s). MGD was defined based on meibomian gland terminal duct obstruction and graded between 1 and 5 based on severity. For all subjects, ocular surface disease index questionnaire, break-up time, lissamine green staining, and Schirmer test (under topical anesthesia) was administered. Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and χ2 test was used in statistical evaluations. Forty-five age-matched healthy control subjects who were not on any topical medications were also included.

Results:

In total, 25 patients (35.7%) were on PGA monotherapy, 21 (30.0%) were treated with fixed or unfixed PGA combination regimens, and 24 (34.3%) were on non-PGA medications. MGD prevalence was higher in patients treated with PGA monotherapy (92.0%) compared with those receiving non-PGA therapy (58.3%) (P=0.02). Obstructive type of MGD was detected in the majority of patients treated with PGAs (95.7%). Grade 2 and 3 MGD was noted in 80.5% of patients on PGA. Patients on PGA had worse ocular surface disease index and ocular surface test results (P<0.001) compared with those of control subjects.

Conclusions:

Long-term administration of PGA is associated with obstructive type of MGD.
Randomized-controlled trial of rifaximin versus norfloxacin for secondary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Authors: Elfert Asem , Abo Ali Lobna , Soliman Samah , Ibrahim Shimaa , Abd-Elsalam Sherief
Published: August 2016

Background and aims

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is a serious complication of liver cirrhosis with a high recurrence rate and a marked increase in mortality. Norfloxacin is used widely for the secondary prophylaxis of SBP; however, its extensive long-term use has led to an increase in the incidence of quinolone-resistant and Gram-positive SBP. Rifaximin is a nonabsorbable broad-spectrum antibiotic and does not appear to promote emergence of resistance. The aim of this study was to compare the safety and efficacy of rifaximin versus norfloxacin for the secondary prevention of SBP in patients with liver cirrhosis and ascites.

Materials and methods

Two hundred and sixty two cirrhotic patients with ascites and a previous episode of SBP were assigned randomly to receive either 1200 mg rifaximin or 400 mg of norfloxacin daily for 6 months. All patients were monitored clinically each month and with ascitic fluid examination at the end of 2 and 6 months if not clinically suspected of recurrence earlier.

Results

Recurrence of SBP was significantly lower in the rifaximin group (3.88 vs. 14.13%) compared with the norfloxacin group (P=0.04). The mortality rate was significantly decreased in the rifaximin group (13.74 vs. 24.43%) compared with the norfloxacin group (P=0.044). The causes of death between the two groups did not show a significant difference (P=0.377), but encephalopathy-related deaths were three folds higher in the norfloxacin group. There was a significant decrease in the side effects in the rifaximin group versus the norfloxacin group (P=0.033).

Conclusion

Rifaximin was more effective than norfloxacin in the secondary prevention of SBP. Encephalopathy-related mortality and side effects were fewer in the rifaximin group.
Cost-Effectiveness of Dual Antimicrobial Therapy for Gonococcal Infections Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in the Netherlands
Authors: Xiridou Maria , Lugnér Anna , de Vries Henry J.C. , van Bergen Jan E.A.M. , Götz Hannelore M. , van Benthem Birgit H.B. , Wallinga Jacco , van der Sande Marianne A.B.
Published: August 2016

Background

In response to the rising threat of resistance to first-line antibiotics for gonorrhea, international guidelines recommend dual antimicrobial therapy. However, some countries continue to recommend monotherapy. We assess the cost-effectiveness of dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin compared with monotherapy with ceftriaxone, for control of gonorrhea among men who have sex with men in the Netherlands.

Methods

We developed a transmission model and calculated the numbers of new gonorrhea infections, consultations at health care specialists, tests, and antibiotic doses. With these numbers, we calculated costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) with each treatment; and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of dual therapy compared to monotherapy. The impact of gonorrhea on human immunodeficiency virus transmission was not included in the model.

Results

In the absence of initial resistance, dual therapy can delay the spread of ceftriaxone resistance by at least 15 years, compared to monotherapy. In the beginning, when there is no resistance, dual therapy results in high additional costs, without any QALY gains. When resistance spreads over time, the additional costs of dual therapy decline, the gained QALYs increase, the ICER drops off and, after 50 years, falls below €20,000 per QALY gained. If azithromycin resistance is initially prevalent, resistance to the first-line treatment rises almost equally fast with both treatment strategies and the ICER remains extremely high.

Conclusions

Compared with ceftriaxone monotherapy, dual therapy with ceftriaxone and azithromycin can considerably delay the spread of ceftriaxone resistance, but may only be cost-effective in the long run and in the absence of initial resistance.
Earlier Detection of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Through Routine Hepatitis C Virus Antibody Screening of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Men Who Have Sex With Men Attending A Sexually Transmitted Infection Outpatient Clinic: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: van Rooijen Martijn , Heijman Titia , de Vrieze Nynke , Urbanus Anouk , Speksnijder Arjen , van Leeuwen Petra , de Vries Henry , Prins Maria
Published: August 2016

Background

In 2007, routine hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody testing was introduced for men who have sex with men (MSM) with a human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive or unknown status attending a Dutch sexually transmitted infection (STI) outpatient clinic. We evaluated whether this screening resulted in additional and earlier HCV diagnoses among MSM who also attend HIV clinics.

Methods

At first STI consultation, HIV-positive MSM and MSM opting-out of HIV testing (HIV-status-unknown) were tested for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV). During follow-up consultations, only previously HCV-negative men were tested. Retrospectively, STI clinic and HIV clinic HCV diagnosis dates were compared.

Results

One hundred twelve (6.4%) of 1742 (95% confidence interval [CI], 5.3–7.6%) HIV-positive and 3 (0.7%) of 446 (95% CI, 0.2–2.0%) HIV-status-unknown MSM tested anti–HCV-positive at first consultation. During follow-up consultations, 32 HIV-positive (incidence HCV-positive: 2.35/100 person years (PY) (95% CI, 1.66–3.33)) and 0 (1-sided, 97.5% CI, 0.0–3.76) HIV-status-unknown MSM became anti–HCV-positive. Four (11.8%) of 34 HIV-positive MSM notified by their sexual partner of HCV tested anti–HCV-positive.

Of 163 HIV-positive MSM with HCV antibodies, 78 reported a history of HCV. HCV diagnosis data at the HIV clinic was requested for the remaining 85 MSM and available for 54 MSM. Of these 54 MSM, 28 (51.9%) had their first HCV diagnosis at the STI clinic, of whom 7 concurrently with HIV. At their next scheduled HIV clinic consultation, 3 HCV cases probably would have been missed.

Conclusions

The introduction of routine anti-HCV testing at the STI outpatient clinic resulted in additional and earlier HCV detection among HIV-positive MSM. Testing should be continued among HIV-positive MSM, at least for those not (yet) under the care of an HIV clinic and those notified of HCV by their sexual partner.
Admission Pao 2 and Mortality in Critically Ill Children: A Cohort Study and Systematic Review
Authors: Raman Sainath , Prince Nicholas J. , Hoskote Aparna , Ray Samiran , Peters Mark J.
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To describe the relationship between Pao
2 at intensive care admission and mortality in critically ill children and to review systematically the literature describing this relationship.

Design:

Cohort study: A review of consecutive tertiary pediatric intensive care admissions (January 2004 to December 2014) in a single center. The relationship between admission Pao2 and crude and standardized mortality was explored using nonlinear regression. Systematic review: A search of MEDLINE (1950 to January 2015), EMBASE (1980 to January 2015), Cochrane and Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects databases was undertaken using the following terms: “hyperoxia,” “hypoxia,” “critically ill children,” “pediatric intensive care,” “mortality,” and/or “survival.”

Setting:

Tertiary PICU.

Patients:

Patients younger than 18 years of age.

Interventions:

The association of hyperoxia (Pao
2, > 300 torr [40 kPa]) and hypoxia (Pao
2, < 60 torr [8 kPa] or peripheral oxygen saturations, < 90%) to mortality in critically ill children was explored.

Measurements and Main Results:

Cohort study: Of 14,321 admissions, 7,410 children had recorded Pao
2 and Fio
2 at admission. Crude mortality was 7.4% (555/7,410). This varied with admission Pao
2 from 15.4% (204/1,324) in the hypoxia group (< 8 kPa) to 5.3% (287/5,385) with normoxia and 9.1% (64/701) in the hyperoxic group (> 40 kPa). Nonlinear regression displayed a “U-shaped” relationship between Pao
2 and crude and case-mix adjusted mortality. Systematic review: Fourteen studies and one conference abstract were eligible for inclusion. Eleven studies (n = 5,280) relate to hypoxia with combined odds ratio for death, of 3.13 (95% CI, 1.79–5.48; p < 0.001) compared to normoxia. Six studies (n = 2,012) relate to hyperoxia and suggest no effect on mortality compared to normoxia (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 0.42–3.17; p = 0.77).

Conclusions:

Hypoxia at admission is associated with increased mortality in critically ill children, whereas the association with hyperoxia is less clear. The cohort study demonstrated a U-shaped association between admission Pao
2 and mortality. Further examination is needed to explore the effect of hyperoxia upon mortality prediction accuracy.
Thin HSIL of the Cervix: Detecting a Variant of High-grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesions With a p16INK4a Antibody
Authors: Reich Olaf , Regauer Sigrid
Published: August 2016

The WHO defines thin high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) as a high-grade intraepithelial lesion of the cervix that is usually ≤9 cells thick. These lesions usually develop in early metaplastic squamous epithelium without anteceding low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL). The prevalence of thin HSIL is not well documented. We evaluated different characteristics of thin HSIL at time of treatment. We studied 25 formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded conization specimens processed as step-serial sections. HSIL≤9 cells thick were classified as thin HSIL. HSIL≥10 cells thick were classified as classic HSIL. Immunohistochemical p16INK4a staining was used to confirm lesions of thin HSIL. Overall, 19 (76%) specimens contained both thin HSIL and classic HSIL, 4 (16%) contained thin HSIL only, 1 (4%) contained classic-type HSIL only, and 1 (4%) contained thin HSIL and LSIL. Thin HSILs developed in both the columnar surface epithelium and deep cervical glandular epithelium. Most thin HSILs were 5 cells thick. All HSILs (thin and classic) were located inside the transformation zone and had a median horizontal extension of 8 mm (range, 0.3 to 21 mm). Our findings suggest that thin HSILs are frequent findings, that they coexist with classic HSIL, and preferably arise in the exposed parts of the transformation zone including the glandular crypts.
Evidence for ship noise impacts on humpback whale foraging behaviour
Authors: Blair Hannah B. , Merchant Nathan D. , Friedlaender Ari S. , Wiley David N. , Parks Susan E.
Published: August 2016

Noise from shipping activity in North Atlantic coastal waters has been steadily increasing and is an area of growing conservation concern, as it has the potential to disrupt the behaviour of marine organisms. This study examines the impacts of ship noise on bottom foraging humpback whales (
Megaptera novaeangliae
) in the western North Atlantic
.
Data were collected from 10 foraging whales using non-invasive archival tags that simultaneously recorded underwater movements and the acoustic environment at the whale. Using mixed models, we assess the effects of ship noise on seven parameters of their feeding behaviours. Independent variables included the presence or absence of ship noise and the received level of ship noise at the whale. We found significant effects on foraging, including slower descent rates and fewer side-roll feeding events per dive with increasing ship noise. During 5 of 18 ship passages, dives without side-rolls were observed. These findings indicate that humpback whales on Stellwagen Bank, an area with chronically elevated levels of shipping traffic, significantly change foraging activity when exposed to high levels of ship noise. This measureable reduction in within-dive foraging effort of individual whales could potentially lead to population-level impacts of shipping noise on baleen whale foraging success.
Intruder colour and light environment jointly determine how nesting male stickleback respond to simulated territorial intrusions
Authors: Bolnick Daniel I. , Hendrix Kimberly , Jordan Lyndon Alexander , Veen Thor , Brock Chad D.
Published: August 2016

Variation in male nuptial colour signals might be maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection. This can occur if males are more aggressive towards rivals with locally common colour phenotypes. To test this hypothesis, we introduced red or melanic three-dimensional printed-model males into the territories of nesting male stickleback from two optically distinct lakes with different coloured residents. Red-throated models were attacked more in the population with red males, while melanic models were attacked more in the melanic male lake. Aggression against red versus melanic models also varied across a depth gradient within each lake, implying that the local light environment also modulated the strength of negative frequency dependence acting on male nuptial colour.
The dynamics of emotions in online interaction
Authors: Garcia David , Kappas Arvid , Küster Dennis , Schweitzer Frank
Published: August 2016

We study the changes in emotional states induced by reading and participating in online discussions, empirically testing a computational model of online emotional interaction. Using principles of dynamical systems, we quantify changes in valence and arousal through subjective reports, as recorded in three independent studies including 207 participants (110 female). In the context of online discussions, the dynamics of valence and arousal is composed of two forces: an internal relaxation towards baseline values independent of the emotional charge of the discussion and a driving force of emotional states that depends on the content of the discussion. The dynamics of valence show the existence of positive and negative tendencies, while arousal increases when reading emotional content regardless of its polarity. The tendency of participants to take part in the discussion increases with positive arousal. When participating in an online discussion, the content of participants' expression depends on their valence, and their arousal significantly decreases afterwards as a regulation mechanism. We illustrate how these results allow the design of agent-based models to reproduce and analyse emotions in online communities. Our work empirically validates the microdynamics of a model of online collective emotions, bridging online data analysis with research in the laboratory.
Oldest fossil remains of the enigmatic pig-footed bandicoot show rapid herbivorous evolution
Authors: Travouillon Kenny J.
Published: August 2016

The pig-footed bandicoot,
Chaeropus ecaudatus,
is one of the most enigmatic Australian marsupials, which went extinct in the late 1950s probably as a result of European colonization. It is unusual in being the only marsupial to have evolved reduction of digits on both fore and hind feet, with the forefeet being pig-like (two toes) and the hind feet being horse-like (one toe). According to molecular phylogenetic analyses,
Chaeropus
diverged from other bandicoots (Peramelidae), and the bilbies (Thylacomyidae) by the mid-Late Oligocene. This is considerably earlier than suggested by the fossil record, with the current oldest specimens being Late Pleistocene in age. Here, I report the oldest fossils of
Chaeropus,
representing a new species,
Chaeropus baynesi
from the Late Pliocene to Early Pleistocene (2.47–2.92 Ma) Fisherman's Cliff Local Fauna, Moorna Formation, New South Wales, Australia, and extending the fossil record of the genus and family by at least 2 million years.
Chaeropus baynesi
is less high crowned than
C. ecaudatus
and lacks lateral blade development on lower molars, suggesting that it was unlikely to be grazing. This suggests that
Chaeropus
must have adapted rapidly to the drying conditions and changes in environments, and would have become a grazer in a very short period of time.
Divergent morphological and acoustic traits in sympatric communities of Asian barbets
Authors: Krishnan Anand , Tamma Krishnapriya
Published: August 2016

The opposing effects of environmental filtering and competitive interactions may influence community assembly and coexistence of related species. Competition, both in the domain of ecological resources, and in the sensory domain (for example, acoustic interference) may also result in sympatric species evolving divergent traits and niches. Delineating these scenarios within communities requires understanding trait distributions and phylogenetic structure within the community, as well as patterns of trait evolution. We report that sympatric assemblages of Asian barbets (frugivorous canopy birds) consist of a random phylogenetic sample of species, but are divergent in both morphological and acoustic traits. Additionally, we find that morphology is more divergent than expected under Brownian evolution, whereas vocal frequency evolution is close to the pattern expected under Brownian motion (i.e. a random walk). Together, these patterns are consistent with a role for competition or competitive exclusion in driving community assembly. Phylogenetic patterns of morphological divergence between related species suggest that these traits are key in species coexistence. Because vocal frequency and size are correlated in barbets, we therefore hypothesize that frequency differences between sympatric barbets are a by-product of their divergent morphologies.
Tool bending in New Caledonian crows
Authors: Rutz Christian , Sugasawa Shoko , van der Wal Jessica E. M. , Klump Barbara C. , St Clair James J. H.
Published: August 2016

‘Betty’ the New Caledonian crow astonished the world when she ‘spontaneously’ bent straight pieces of garden wire into hooked foraging tools. Recent field experiments have revealed that tool bending is part of the species' natural behavioural repertoire, providing important context for interpreting Betty's iconic wire-bending feat. More generally, this discovery provides a compelling illustration of how natural history observations can inform laboratory-based research into the cognitive capacities of non-human animals.
REMNANT AMERICAN CHESTNUT (CASTANEA DENTATA(MARSH.) BORKH.; FAGACEAE) IN UPLAND FORESTS OF NORTHWESTERN NEW YORK
Authors: Laport Robert G.
Published: August 2016

The American chestnut (Castanea dentata[Marsh.] Borkh.; Fagaceae) was an historically important hardwood species in eastern deciduous forests of the United States and Canada prior to being nearly eradicated by chestnut blight (Cryphonectria parasitica(Murr.) Barr). Several remnant populations have been identified persisting across fragmented parts of the historical range. The identification and characterization of remnantC. dentatapopulations is important for breeding and conservation efforts, as they may represent potential genetic sources of local adaptation or blight resistance, but much of the historical range remains unsurveyed. Here, I report the locations, blight infection status, and reproductive status of remnant American chestnut in upland forested areas of western New York, finding several reproductive/potentially reproductive trees.
HMeta-d: Hierarchical Bayesian estimation of metacognitive efficiency from confidence ratings
Authors: Fleming Stephen M.
Published: August 2016

Metacognition refers to the ability to reflect on and monitor one’s cognitive processes, such as perception, memory and decision-making. Metacognition is often assessed in the lab by whether an observer’s confidence ratings are predictive of objective success, but simple correlations between performance and confidence are susceptible to undesirable influences such as response biases. Recently an alternative approach to measuring metacognition has been developed (Maniscalco & Lau, 2012) that characterises metacognitive sensitivity (meta-d′) by assuming a generative model of confidence within the framework of signal detection theory. However, current estimation routines require an abundance of confidence rating data to recover robust parameters, and only provide point estimates of meta-d’. In contrast, hierarchical Bayesian estimation methods provide opportunities to enhance statistical power, incorporate uncertainty in group-level parameter estimates and avoid edge-correction confounds. Here I introduce such a method for estimating metacognitive efficiency (meta-d’/d’) from confidence ratings and demonstrate its application for assessing group differences. A tutorial is provided on both the meta-d’ model and the preparation of behavioural data for model fitting. Through numerical simulations I show that a hierarchical approach outperforms alternative fitting methods in situations where limited data are available, such as when quantifying metacognition in patient populations. In addition, the model may be flexibly expanded to estimate parameters encoding other influences on metacognitive efficiency. MATLAB software and documentation for implementing hierarchical meta-d’ estimation (HMeta-d) can be downloaded athttps://github.com/smfleming/HMeta-d.
Similar ratios of introns to intergenic sequence across animal genomes
Authors: Francis Warren R. , Wörheide Gert
Published: August 2016

One central goal of genome biology is to understand how the usage of the genome differs between organisms. Our knowledge of genome composition, needed for downstream inferences, is critically dependent on gene annotations, yet problems associated with gene annotation and assembly errors are usually ignored in comparative genomics. Here we analyze the genomes of 68 species across 12 animal phyla and some single-cell eukaryotes for general trends in genome composition and transcription, taking into account problems of gene annotation. We show that, regardless of genome size, the ratio of introns to intergenic sequence is comparable across essentially all animals, with nearly all deviations dominated by increased intergenic sequence. Genomes of model organisms have ratios much closer to 1:1, suggesting that the majority of published genomes of non-model organisms are underannotated and consequently omit substantial numbers of genes, with likely negative impact on evolutionary interpretations. Finally, our results also indicate that most animals transcribe half or more of their genomes arguing against differences in genome usage between animal groups, and also suggesting that the transcribed portion is more dependent on genome size than previously thought.
Excitability in the p53 network mediates robust signaling with tunable activation thresholds in single cells
Authors: Moenke Gregor , Christiano Elena , Finzel Ana , Friedrich Dhana , Herzel Hanspeter , Falcke Martin , LÖewer Alexander
Published: August 2016

Cellular signaling systems precisely transmit information in the presence of molecular noise while retaining flexibility to accommodate the needs of individual cells. To understand design principles underlying such versatile signaling, we analyzed the response of the tumor suppressor p53 to varying levels of DNA damage in hundreds of individual cells and observed a switch between distinct signaling modes characterized by isolated pulses and sustained oscillations of p53 accumulation. Guided by dynamic systems theory we show that this requires an excitable network structure comprising positive feedback and provide experimental evidence for its molecular identity. The resulting data-driven model reproduced all features of measured signaling responses and is sufficient to explain their heterogeneity in individual cells. We present evidence that heterogeneity in the levels of the feedback regulator Wip1 sets cell-specific thresholds for p53 activation, providing means to modulate its response through interacting signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate how excitable signaling networks can provide high specificity, sensitivity and robustness while retaining unique possibilities to adjust their function to the physiology of individual cells.
A new method of calculating planar density: the position-duplication-number method
Authors: Fan Quncheng
Published: August 2016

The traditional method of calculating planar density requires an auxiliary sectional view showing the arrangement of atoms on the plane, this being very difficult for those planes with higher indices. In the present paper, a new position-duplication-number method is developed to calculate the planar density of all Bravais lattices and all crystal structure types using the formula ρ(hkl)
(m/q) = N
(hkl)
(m/q)
d′(hkl)/V
cell. The new method is illustrated for calculating planar densities of the (110) and (579) planes of the β-cristobalite SiO2 structure, with additional examples in hexagonal close-packed, face-centred cubic and body-centred cubic systems. These examples show the advantages of the new method: it does not require any auxiliary sectional view, and it is suitable for all crystal structures and all plane indices.
E-LEARNING CHALLENGES AS PERCEIVED BY COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE: OPEN UNIVERSITY MALAYSIA'S EXPERIENCES
Authors: Kaur Abtar , Ahmed Ansary
Published: August 2016

E-learning has become ingrained in conversations that border around learning, however, how much and how effectively e-learning is practiced and understood is an issue that needs further investigation. This paper will first provide an overview of elearning practices in Malaysia followed by detailed findings of e-learning practices at Open University Malaysia. Findings of a survey done on 26 Malaysian organizations show that only 4% truly practice some form of e-learning. Nevertheless most participants in the survey noted that e-learning will be the preferred choice in time to come. The survey also shows that most organizations are still very comfortable with a blended style of learning or training. Findings of a research conducted at Open University Malaysia (OUM) shows that as a new player in e-learning initiatives, the OUM has achieved much especially in ensuring that its over 30,000 students are practicing some form of e-learning. At OUM, although self-managed and face-to-face learning are the preferred choices, much effort and resources are pumped into elearning in ensuring that OUM has the right mix for its blended mode. The paper will present a report on findings of e-learning and explicate issues within to determine how e-learning efforts can be further refined to support the overall blended pedagogy practiced at OUM.
SPECIAL TUTORIAL CLASSES TO UPGRADE LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN MATHEMATICS FOR SOCIAL SCIENCE AT STOU
Authors: Boondao Sakorn
Published: August 2016

Unlike distance education institutions in developed countries Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University makes very limited use of assignments in its teaching programs. The main means of interaction between tutors and students consists of free face-to-face tutorials conducted three times per semester in provincial centers throughout the country. In courses with low enrolments (less than 1000 students) such tutorials have recently been deemed not to be cost effective. Alternative regional or central intensive programs have been developed. These involve 20 hours of tutorial classes and assignment work over two weekends in the final month of the semester and count for 30% of the assessment. A small charge is made for registration. The Mathematics for Social Science course was affected by this change. Since mathematics is a difficult subject for students, (only about 30% normally passed the course) the special tutorial program was used to help students in the second semester of 2006. Students were more interested in this approach than in the regular face-to-face tutorials. After the project was advertised, 98 students applied. While this was more than three times the number who had attended the free tutorials in the previous semester, it was not sufficient to justify tutorials in the four regions. Instead, three classes were conducted in Bangkok. Only 71 of the original applicants attended. During the program the better students were asked to assist those who needed help. Student questionnaires indicated that more than half identified themselves as weak in mathematics, most had completed year 12 and just over three-quarters had never attended regular face-to-face tutorials. They were asked to rank items about the classes on a five-level scale. The availability of up to 30% of the marks for the course was the major attraction. Most indicated that they were pleased with the classes, and gained more knowledge; while assignments, as well as the solutions given after submission, helped them understand the contents. Having classmates help them with learning also encouraged them with their study. They felt that they needed more time to study and do assignment work, and would like more marks to be allocated for the assignments. It was found that the achievement of students who attended the special tutorial classes was significantly higher than that of those who did not. The pass rate in this semester dramatically increased compared to the previous semester, 50.72% and 30.34% respectively. But when comparing students' final exam scores for both groups, it was found that there was no significant difference in the scores. However students were satisfied with these special tutorial classes.
THE BALANCE AMONG QUALITY, SCALE AND EFFECTIVENESS AN EMPIRICAL STUDY ON SCALE EFFECT IN TEACHING VENUES AT PREFECTURE AND CITY LEVEL OF RADIO & TV UNIVERSITIES IN CHINA
Authors: Ying Li , Xuhong Zhang , Ruiqing Li , Haishan Chen , Shaogang Zhang
Published: August 2016

Teaching venues are playing an important role in the filed of open and distance education (ODL). In China's ODL system over 70% enrolled students are from Radio and TV Universities (RTVUs). Many off-campus teaching venues of e-colleges in 67 conventional universities have been established in RTVUs at prefecture and city level. In this article, the authors have done a direct survey on the data of distance education cost over the past consecutive 4 years in 21 RTVUs at prefecture and city level from 3 provinces (Xinjiang, Hunan and Fujian) in China's western, central and eastern areas, and empirically studied the scale effect in teaching venues at prefecture and city level under the hypothesis condition-teaching effect of ODL and conventional education is the same. The study result illustrates that the average student cost of RTVUs at prefecture and city level demonstrates a scale economy feature, that is, with the expansion of enrolled students scale, there is a fall in the average student cost. The study indicates large differences between average student variable cost and average student cost, which shows a possible average cost reduction in RTVUs at prefecture and city level. In terms of geographical and economic differences, some imbalances of development have been found among RTVUs at prefecture and city level. A quadratic form regression model has been established for doing this research in the perspective of education economics. The results of the regression show that the optimal enrolled student number of RTVUs nationwide at prefecture and city level is around 7,800. For provinces, the most optimal enrolled student numbers are as follows: 9,100 for Fujian, 3,800 for Hunan, and 2,200for Xianjiang, which can serve as the reference for expanding scale economy in ODL. The research finding also indicate the changes in student average cost resulting from the changes in scale, the problem of determining investment direction. It is suggested that more input which benefit the quality improvement of distance education should be made.
MANAGING PERFECT DISTANCE SERVICES TO MEET THE DISTANCE STUDENTS COMPLAINS
Authors: Suratinah  , Antoro Sunu Dwi
Published: August 2016

One of most important aspects to be considered in carrying out the distance education is how the students' services can be well managed. The technique is the better the services are given to the students the more students are interested in taking part in the distance learning system. We can't avoid the fact that the implementation of distance education would not be free from students' complains. As the institutions managed all administration and academic services through distance system it needs perfect distance services to make the students feel satisfied. In managing these services there are some aspects to be considered. The form of services can be varied according to which one is the most efficient in overcoming problem from the students. The various complain come from the students can be grouped into administration and academic complains. The most principal thing to implement the perfect services is giving quick and final services. Even it is possible to have one stop services.
IMPLEMENTING AN ONLINE PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE AT THE UP OPEN UNIVERSITY: CONVERGING ICTs TO ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES AND ACHIEVEMENTS
Authors: Librero Al Francis D.
Published: August 2016

The Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Studies (BAMS) program of the UP Open University (UPOU) expects its graduates to attain both theoretical and practical knowledge regarding the field of multimedia and ICT. Facilitating skills-oriented learning commonly involves a hands-on approach. While it was the initial intention to deploy production courses in residential mode, the realities of UPOU's student demographics prohibit its implementation. In turn, these courses must be deployed in such a way that it would be possible for students to take the entire course online and perhaps level the playing field with the students who are able to more often interact face to face with the course facilitator through the use of various tools and methods for online learning. This study documents the implementation of one such course: Photography in Multimedia. The study also looked into the socio-demographics and performance of the 37 students enrolled in the course during Summer2010 and how it relates to the level of class participation of the student based on the model/ICT employed. The students were also asked to accomplish a survey at the end of the course regarding course implementation and ICT use for learning. Results showed that while majority of the students considered face to face sessions as beneficial, poor academic performance could not be attributed to failure to participate in these sessions. By the end of the course, all 37 students cited self-improvements in different aspects of photography, most notably the awareness of principles and technical knowhow. Results of the facilitator's assessment alluded to the same finding. It is therefore concluded that while face to face sessions remain as an invaluable tool in handling a production course, it is still possible, through the use of various tools, for a student to learn and even excel in a fully online mode.
Faculty: A success factor in improving quality of distance learning
Authors: Zaheer Muhammad
Published: August 2016

The quality of the output (students) of any educational institution depends on many factors like curriculum, technology, infrastructure, assessment, students and its faculty. The most important of all these factors is faculty. If faculty members are satisfied, motivated and committed then students' learning is going to be much better. No matter how advanced technology and infrastructure may be, how well designed the curriculum is and how delicate the assessment mechanism is, faculty is a variable that supersedes all. Teaching, whether in conventional or distance learning, is the single variable that can be a decisive factor in students' learning. Teaching in distance mode, where there is no or very little teacher-student interaction may become a boring, routine and unattractive job. Too much research is being conducted on factors like technology and media, whereas the faculty of distance education remains a neglected area. In this study, the Job Characteristic Model developed by Hackman and Oldham (1976) has been used as the theoretical basis and the Job Diagnostic Survey has been used to collect data from teachers of distance learning and traditional universities by using an online link which was sent via email to all the faculty members. The purpose of the study was to gather empirical data about faculty satisfaction in both modes of teaching (traditional and distance learning), compare both modes and explore which factors are considered to be more important by the faculty members. The results show that faculty members in distance education and traditional education systems differ in their perceptions towards their jobs. Higher mean scores have been recorded for skill variety, task identity, autonomy, feedback from work, experienced meaningfulness, job security and growth satisfaction by faculty of the traditional education system as compared to distance education faculty.