bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction and homogenization of the longest instrumental precipitation series in the Iberian Peninsula (Barcelona, 1786–2014)
Authors: Prohom Marc , Barriendos Mariano , Sanchez‐Lorenzo Arturo
Published: November 2015

Detection and reconstruction of early instrumental series is an interdisciplinary activity that allows us to extend climate data records to periods prior to the mid‐19th century, extending the overlapping periods with climate proxies and characterizing extreme events. In this work, the collection of several data sources corresponding to different periods and locations, obtained with a wide range of methods and instruments by institutions or private observers, provides the following results: Barcelona has a continuous rainfall series with monthly resolution since 1786 and with daily resolution since 1850. It is worth mentioning that the records from Barcelona provide the longest continuous monthly series available on rainfall in the Iberian Peninsula. The monthly records have been homogenized by using a relative homogenization approach, HOMER. The results highlight the existence of five breaks, most of them due to relocations or instrumentation changes documented in the metadata, which have been adjusted to remove non‐climatic factors. The homogenized annual and winter precipitation series in Barcelona show a statistically significant increase from 1786 to 2014, although this increase is mainly due to the concentration of negative anomalies during the first half of the 19th century, which is also clearly visible in the seasonal series. Specifically, an extreme mega‐drought episode was observed from the 1810s to the 1830s, which is supported by different proxy data. For a better dissemination of the homogenized monthly series developed in this study, the data set is freely available to the research community.
Prescription Stimulants and PTSD Among U. S. Military Service Members
Authors: Crum‐Cianflone Nancy F. , Frasco Melissa A. , Armenta Richard F. , Phillips Christopher J. , Horton Jaime , Ryan Margaret A. K. , Russell Dale W. , LeardMann Cynthia
Published: November 2015

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent condition among military service members and civilians who have experienced traumatic events. Stimulant use has been postulated to increase the risk of incident PTSD; however, research in this area is lacking. In this study, the association between receipt of prescription stimulants and PTSD was examined in a secondary analysis among active duty U.S. military members (n = 25,971), participating in the Millennium Cohort Study, who completed a baseline (2001–2003) and two follow‐up surveys (between 2004–2008). Prescription stimulant data were obtained from the military Pharmacy Data Transaction Service. PTSD was assessed using the PTSD Checklist–Civilian Version and incident PTSD was defined as meeting the criteria at follow‐up among those who did not have a history of PTSD at baseline. Overall, 1,215 (4.7%) persons developed new‐onset PTSD during follow‐up. Receipt of prescription stimulants were significantly associated with incident PTSD, hazard ratio = 5.09, 95% confidence interval [3.05, 8.50], after adjusting for sociodemographic factors, military characteristics, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, baseline mental and physical health status, deployment experiences, and physical/sexual trauma. Findings suggested that prescription stimulants are associated with incident PTSD among military personnel; these data may inform the underlying pathogenesis of and preventive strategies for PTSD.
Factors associated with older people's independent living from the viewpoint of health and functional capacity: a register‐based study
Authors: Ahlqvist Anette , Nyfors Hanna , Suhonen Riitta
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with independent living of older people from the point of view of health and functional capacity.

Background

Living independently at home is major wish for older people but is depending on health and functional capacity among others. Objective and subjective assessments have been considered important in determining threats for independent living but both of these views have rarely included in the same study.

Design

Descriptive, cross‐sectional register‐based study was conducted.

Methods

Data were collected using the Health and Functional Capacity survey by identifying the factors of health examinations of a cohort (N = 292) of 75‐year old's, born in 1936 (N = 388), in one Finnish medium‐sized municipality in 2011. This study is part of the Functional Ageing project Kaste 2013. The data were analysed statistically by using descriptive analysis, cross‐tabulation and logistic regression.

Results

Partly, different factors were associated with subjective and objective health and functional capacity showing wide range of individuality. Worsening subjective health was associated with worsened self‐assessment of life situation. Worsening subjective health threatens independent living. Factors statistically significantly associated with worsening subjective health were low physical activity, falls during the last 6 months, not managing heavy housework, being sometimes lonely or dejected, having diagnosed diseases or health problems and polypharmacy.
Maternal–fetal medicine specialists' experiences of conducting feticide as part of termination of pregnancy: a qualitative study
Authors: Fay Vanessa , Thomas Sophie , Slade Pauline
Published: November 2015

Objectives

This study aimed to explore maternal–fetal medicine specialists' experiences of conducting feticide in late termination of pregnancy.

Methods

Participants were recruited via email. Purposeful sampling resulted in ten maternal–fetal specialists. Semistructured interviews were used to examine their experiences of conducting feticide. Interviews occurred across four English National Health Service hospitals. Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used.

Results

An ongoing doctor–patient relationship when conducting feticide facilitated participants' self‐image as clinicians rather than technicians. Coping involved rationalisation, with feticide viewed as ‘part of the job’. Supportive team relationships helped keep emotional expression within control. Participants were not distressed if they felt, through relationship‐based decision‐making, that the feticide aligned with their values and legal interpretation. To avoid negative judgements, they disclosed selectively, only telling trusted individuals that they conducted feticides.

Conclusions

Participants experienced conducting feticides as difficult but necessary, eliciting pride from the skills involved. Some noted management of personal distress. Optimal conditions were involvement in the process from the initial decision‐making and team support. Providing feticides was deemed as potentially stigmatising, with selective disclosure employed. Training in managing feticides and guidance on providing optimal service conditions may decrease selectivity of disclosures and enhance staff well‐being and the quality of feticide provisions. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temperature and Redox Dual‐Responsive Biodegradable Nanogels for Optimizing Antitumor Drug Delivery
Authors: Tian Yefei , Wang Yang , Shen Shun , Jiang Xinguo , Wang Yajun , Yang Wuli
Published: November 2015

The strategy to efficiently deliver antitumor drugs via nanocarriers to targeted tumor sites and achieve controllable drug release is attracting great research interest in cancer therapy. In this study, a novel type of disulfide‐bonded poly(vinylcaprolactam) (PVCL)‐based nanogels with tunable volume phase transition temperature and excellent redox‐labile property are prepared. The nanogels are hydrophilic and swell at 37 °C, whereas under hyperthermia (e.g., 41 °C), the nanogels undergo sharp hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition and volume collapse, which enhances the cellular uptake and drug release. The incorporation of disulfide bond linkers endows the nanogels with an excellent disassembly property in reducing environments, which greatly facilitates drug release in tumor cells. Nanogels loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) (DOX‐NGs) (DOX‐NGs) are stable in physiological conditions with low drug leakage (15% in 48 h), while burst release of DOX (92% in 12 h) can be achieved in the presence of 10 × 10−3 m glutathione and under hyperthermia. The DOX‐NGs possess improved cell killing efficiency under hyperthermia (IC50 decreased from 1.58 μg mL−1 under normothermia to 0.5 μg mL−1). Further, the DOX‐NGs show a pronounced tumor inhibition rate of 46.6% compared with free DOX, demonstrating that this new dual‐responsive nanogels have great potential as drug delivery carriers for cancer therapy in vivo.
Tropical cyclones in climate models
Authors: Camargo Suzana J. , Wing Allison A.
Published: November 2015

In this review, we provide a historical overview of the simulation of tropical cyclones (TCs) in climate models, from the first attempts in the 1970s to the current state‐of‐the‐art models. We discuss the status of TC simulation across multiple time scales, from intraseasonal, seasonal, and decadal, to climate change. One of the limitations on the simulation of TCs in climate models has been, and continues to be, balancing the high resolution necessary to accurately simulate TCs themselves with the need to run simulations for many years and using many ensemble members. Several approaches to inferring TC activity indirectly, rather than relying on the models own under‐resolved TCs, are reviewed, including the use of TC genesis indices based on the large‐scale environment and downscaling methods such as the use of regional climate models and statistical–dynamical techniques. We also provide an update on the status of climate change projections from the current class of models, where it is feasible to directly track the model's TCs. While there has been great progress in the capability of climate models to simulate TCs and provide useful forecasts and projections across multiple time scales, there remains much work to be done. We list some of the sources of uncertainty and model sensitivity, describe where improvements are necessary, and provide a few suggestions for promising research directions. WIREs Clim Change 2016, 7:211–237. doi: 10.1002/wcc.373

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models
AMC: Amyoplasia and distal arthrogryposis
Authors: Kimber Eva
Published: November 2015

Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC) is a heterogeneous condition defined as multiple congenital joint contractures in two or more body areas. The common pathogenesis is impaired fetal movements. Amyoplasia, the most frequent form, is a sporadically occurring condition with hypoplastic muscles and joint contractures. Distal arthrogryposis (DA) syndromes are often hereditary, and joint involvement is predominantly in the hands and feet. In a Swedish study, 131 patients with arthrogryposis were investigated. The most frequent diagnoses were amyoplasia and DA. In amyoplasia, muscle strength was found to be more important than joint range of motion (ROM) for motor function. In DA, muscle weakness was present in 44 % of investigated patients. The clinical findings were found to be highly variable between families and also within families with DA. Fetal myopathy due to sarcomeric protein dysfunction can cause DA. An early multidisciplinary team evaluation of the child with arthrogryposis for specific diagnosis and planning of treatment is recommended. Attention should be directed at the development of muscle strength with early stimulation of active movements. Immobilization should be minimized.
Long-term use of benzodiazepines: Definitions, prevalence and usage patterns – a systematic review of register-based studies
Authors: Kurko T.A.T. , Saastamoinen L.K. , Tähkäpää S. , Tuulio-Henriksson A. , Taiminen T. , Tiihonen J. , Airaksinen M.S. , Hietala J.
Published: November 2015

Background

Numerous treatment guidelines recommend that long-term use of benzodiazepines (BZD) should be avoided primarily due to development of tolerance and a risk for BZD dependence. Despite this, long-term BZD use remains a controversial subject in clinical patient care with “for and against” debates. However, there is no explicit understanding of what is meant by long-term BZD use in real world. The aim of this study was to assess different definitions, usage patterns, prevalence and other characteristics of long-term BZD use based on published register-based studies. Synthesis of these characteristics is essential to derive a meaningful definition of long-term BZD.

Methods

Systematic review of register-based studies on long-term BZD use published in 1994–2014.

Results

Fourty-one studies met our predetermined inclusion criteria. The length of BZD use defined as “long-term” varied in these studies ranging from one month to several years. The most common definition was six months or longer during a year. The prevalence of long-term BZD use in the general population was estimated to be about 3%. The relative proportion of long-term BZD users (all definitions) in adult BZD users ranged from 6% to 76% (mean 24%; 95% CL 13–36%). The estimates were higher in studies only on the elderly (47%; 95% CL 31–64%). Long-term use involved typically steady treatment with low BZD doses. However, in elderly patients long-term BZD use and exceeding recommended doses was relatively common. Several characteristics associated with long-term use were found.

Conclusions

Long-term BZD use is common and a clinical reality. Uniform definitions for “long-term”, which is in line with population-based evidence, is needed to have more comparable results between studies. Our systematic review suggests that duration of BZD treatment over six months, the most common definition for long-term BZD use in the included studies. As also recommended previously, it is a useful starting point for further analyses on disadvantages but also potential advantages associated with long-term BZD use.
Membrane insertion and topology of the amino‐terminal domain TMD0 of multidrug‐resistance associated protein 6 (MRP6)
Authors: Cuviello Flavia , Tellgren-Roth Åsa , Lara Patricia , Ruud Selin Frida , Monné Magnus , Bisaccia Faustino , Nilsson IngMarie , Ostuni Angela
Published: November 2015

The function of the ATP‐binding cassette transporter MRP6 is unknown but mutations in its gene cause pseudoxanthoma elasticum. We have investigated the membrane topology of the N‐terminal transmembrane domain TMD0 of MRP6 and the membrane integration and orientation propensities of its transmembrane segments (TMs) by glycosylation mapping. Results demonstrate that TMD0 has five TMs, an Nout–Cin topology and that the less hydrophobic TMs have strong preference for their orientation in the membrane that affects the neighboring TMs. Two disease‐causing mutations changing the number of positive charges in the loops of TMD0 did not affect the membrane insertion efficiencies of the adjacent TMs.
PKCβII inhibits the ubiquitination of β‐arrestin2 in an autophosphorylation‐dependent manner
Authors: Zheng Mei , Zhang Xiaohan , Guo Shuohan , Zhang Xiaowei , Choi Hyun Jin , Lee Moo-Yeol , Kim Kyeong-Man
Published: November 2015

GPCR kinase 2 (GRK2)/β‐arrestins and protein kinase A (PKA)/protein kinase C (PKC) mediate homologous and heterologous regulations of GPCRs, respectively. Conventional protein kinase C enzymes (PKCs), as exemplified by PKCβII, selectively inhibit internalization of dopamine D2 receptor and β2 adrenoceptor in a β‐arrestin‐ but not GRK2‐dependent manner. PKCβII interacts with β‐arrestin2 upon autophosphorylation at T250, and inhibits the receptor internalization by decreasing the ubiquitination of β‐arrestin2. PKCβII interferes with the interaction between β‐arrestin2 and MDM2 in the cytosol, resulting in the redistribution of MDM2 to the nucleus. Subsequently, deubiquitination of β‐arrestin2 and inhibition of agonist‐induced receptor internalization follow. Thus, our study suggests that the extent of β‐arrestin ubiquitination and the autophosphorylation status of PKCs determine PKCβII‐mediated inhibition of homologous regulatory processes of GPCRs.
First Insights into the Viral Communities of the Deep-Sea Anoxic Brines of the Red Sea
Authors: Antunes André , Alam Intikhab , Simões Marta Filipa , Daniels Camille , Ferreira Ari J.S. , Siam Rania , El-Dorry Hamza , Bajic Vladimir B.
Published: November 2015

The deep-sea brines of the Red Sea include some of the most extreme and unique environments on Earth. They combine high salinities with increases in temperature, heavy metals, hydrostatic pressure, and anoxic conditions, creating unique settings for thriving populations of novel extremophiles. Despite a recent increase of studies focusing on these unusual biotopes, their viral communities remain unexplored. The current survey explores four metagenomic datasets obtained from different brine–seawater interface samples, focusing specifically on the diversity of their viral communities. Data analysis confirmed that the particle-attached viral communities present in the brine–seawater interfaces were diverse and generally dominated by Caudovirales, yet appearing distinct from sample to sample. With a level of caution, we report the unexpected finding of Phycodnaviridae, which infects algae and plants, and trace amounts of insect-infecting Iridoviridae. Results from Kebrit Deep revealed stratification in the viral communities present in the interface: the upper-interface was enriched with viruses associated with typical marine bacteria, while the lower-interface was enriched with haloviruses and halophages. These results provide first insights into the unexplored viral communities present in deep-sea brines of the Red Sea, representing one of the first steps for ongoing and future sampling efforts and studies.
PacBio Sequencing and its Applications
Authors: Rhoads Anthony , Au Kin Fai
Published: November 2015

Single-molecule, real-time sequencing developed by Pacific BioSciences offers longer read lengths than the second-generation sequencing (SGS) technologies, making it well-suited for unsolved problems in genome, transcriptome, and epigenetics research. The highly-contiguous de novo assemblies using PacBio sequencing can close gaps in current reference assemblies and characterize structural variation (SV) in personal genomes. With longer reads, we can sequence through extended repetitive regions and detect mutations, many of which are associated with diseases. Moreover, PacBio transcriptome sequencing is advantageous for the identification of gene isoforms and facilitates reliable discoveries of novel genes and novel isoforms of annotated genes, due to its ability to sequence full-length transcripts or fragments with significant lengths. Additionally, PacBio’s sequencing technique provides information that is useful for the direct detection of base modifications, such as methylation. In addition to using PacBio sequencing alone, many hybrid sequencing strategies have been developed to make use of more accurate short reads in conjunction with PacBio long reads. In general, hybrid sequencing strategies are more affordable and scalable especially for small-size laboratories than using PacBio Sequencing alone. The advent of PacBio sequencing has made available much information that could not be obtained via SGS alone.
Mirror neuron activation in children with developmental coordination disorder: A functional MRI study
Authors: Reynolds Jess E. , Licari Melissa K. , Billington Jac , Chen Yihui , Aziz‐Zadeh Lisa , Werner Julie , Winsor Anne M. , Bynevelt Michael
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to reveal cortical areas that may contribute to the movement difficulties seen in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). Specifically, we hypothesized that there may be a deficit in the mirror neuron system (MNS), a neural system that responds to both performed and observed actions. Using functional MRI, 14 boys with DCD ( years ± 1.31, range = 7.83 − 11.58 years) and 12 typically developing controls ( years ± 1.15, range = 8.33–12.00 years) were scanned observing, executing and imitating a finger sequencing task using their right hand. Cortical activations of mirror neuron regions, including posterior inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), ventral premotor cortex, anterior inferior parietal lobule and superior temporal sulcus were examined. Children with DCD had decreased cortical activation mirror neuron related regions, including the precentral gyrus and IFG, as well as in the posterior cingulate and precuneus complex when observing the sequencing task. Region of interest analysis revealed lower activation in the pars opercularis, a primary MNS region, during imitation in the DCD group compared to controls. These findings provide some preliminary evidence to support a possible MNS dysfunction in children with DCD.
Student, school, parent connectedness, and school risk behaviors of adolescents in Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlMakadma Abdul Karim S. , Ramisetty-Mikler Suhasini
Published: November 2015

Background and Objectives:

School-related risk behaviors, such as school absen-teeism, and engaging in violence on school property are scarcely addressed in the Kingdom. The study investigated select school behaviors, including school absenteeism, engaging in fights, and discipline for misconduct at school as well as their association with the school envi-ronment, school and home connectedness.

Design and setting:

A school-based cross-sectional study.

Materials and methods:

A total of 1668 students were selected from high schools in Riyadh on the basis of geographical location (North, South, Middle) and type of school. In each geograph-ical area, the two largest public schools, one private school and one international school were selected. Classrooms with a free period were selected at random, and all of the students in select classrooms were eligible to participate in the study. The study employed a self- administered survey that inquired about school behaviors and student connectedness with their parents and school.

Results:

Nearly 54% of students skipped school or cut classes for at least 1 h, and out of those students who skipped school, 37% of students skipped school for 1-3 h and 20% of students skipped school for 3 or more hours during the month prior to the survey. Thirty-eight percent of students engaged in fights on school property at least once during the past or current aca-demic year. In addition, 37% of students were disciplined for engaging in school fights, theft or damaging school property at least once.

Absenteeism increased with grade, while engaging in school fights and discipline for miscon-duct decreased with grade. A significantly higher proportion of males exhibited these behaviors, and students who exhibited these behaviors reported significantly lower levels of school connectedness and parental monitoring. Regression analyses suggested that school-student connectedness reduced the odds for all three risk behaviors examined in this study. Parental monitoring reduced the odds for absenteeism, and school policies reduced student involvement in school fights.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need to develop strategies to enhance the best practices in school settings to promote positive student behavior and school achievement. Schools and parents should be encouraged to work as a team and to recognize the importance of school connectedness in improving positive student behavior and outcomes.
A case of extensive encircling pulmonary vein isolation in a patient with severe scoliosis
Authors: Kamihara Takahiro , Kaneko Shinji , Fujita Masaya , Yamaguchi Kazutoshi , Narita Shingo , Haga Tomoaki , Hayashi Daisuke , Ohashi Taiki , Kubota Ryuji , Shinoda Masanori
Published: November 2015

The patient was a 62‐year‐old man with atrial fibrillation and severe scoliosis. Scoliosis may impair cardiorespiratory function. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) was helpful for the Brockenbrough method. Three‐dimensional (3D) mapping also demonstrated clockwise rotation of the heart. We successfully isolated extensive encircling pulmonary vein in this patient using enhanced CT and 3D mapping. The CT venous images revealed appropriate localization of the vein and heart. CT and 3D mapping may ensure a more stable and safer procedure.
The influence of insulin‐like Growth Factor‐1‐Receptor expression and endocrine treatment on clinical outcome of postmenopausal hormone receptor positive breast cancer patients: A Dutch TEAM substudy analysis
Authors: Engels Charla C. , de Glas Nienke A. , Sajet Anita , Bastiaannet Esther , Smit Vincent T.H.B.M. , Kuppen Peter J.K. , Seynaeve Caroline , van de Velde Cornelis J.H. , Liefers Gerrit Jan
Published: November 2015

Background: Signaling via the Insulin‐like Growth Factor type 1 Receptor (IGF1R) plays a crucial role in cancer development. In breast cancer (BC), IGF1R and estrogen receptor expression are correlated. In this current study we explored the hypothesis that postmenopausal hormone receptor positive (HR+ve) BC patients with high IGF1R tumor expression still have estrogen driven IGF1R stimulated tumor growth when treated with tamoxifen, resulting in detrimental clinical outcome compared to patients treated with exemestane. Additionally, we assessed the added value of metformin as this drug may lower IGF1R stimulation.

Methods: Of 2,446 Dutch TEAM patients, randomized to either exemestane for 5 years or sequential treatment (tamoxifen for 2–3 years followed by exemestane for another 3–2 years) tumor tissue microarray sections were immunohistochemically stained for IGF1R. Overall Survival (OS), Breast Cancer specific Survival (BCSS) and Relapse‐Free Survival (RFS) were assessed in patient subgroups with low and high IGF1R expression, and in patients with or without metformin use.

Results: High IGF1R tumor expression was significantly associated with exemestane therapy for RFS (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.74, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.58–0.95, p = 0.02). In addition, the combination of metformin with exemestane resulted in improved efficacy, yielding a 5‐yrs RFS of 95% (HR 0.32, 95% CI 0.10–1.00, p = 0.02, compared to sequential treatment). No relation was observed in tumors with low IGF‐1R expression.

Conclusion: This study suggests IGF1R as a potential biomarker of improved clinical outcome in HR+ve BC patients treated with exemestane. Adding metformin to exemestane treatment may add to this effect.
Postglacial vegetation and fire history of the southern Cascade Range, Oregon
Authors: White Alicia , Briles Christy , Whitlock Cathy
Published: November 2015

The Cascade Range of southwestern Oregon contains some of North America's most diverse forests, but the ecological history of this area is poorly understood. A 7900-yr-long pollen and charcoal record was examined to better understand past changes in vegetation and fire activity in relation to large-scale climate variability. From 7900 to 3500 cal yr BP, the dominance of xerophytic species and the frequent fires are consistent with a climate that was warmer and drier than at present. The period from 3500 cal yr BP to present experienced an abundance of mesophytic taxa and reduced fire frequency, suggesting cooler and wetter conditions. The regional history of Abies indicates that it was most widespread during the late-glacial period; its range contracted during the early Holocene thermal maximum, and it steadily expanded during the middle and late Holocene. In contrast, Pseudotsuga was restricted in range during the glacial period, became abundant at low-elevation sites in the Coast and northern Cascade ranges during the early Holocene, and was more prevalent in southern mid-elevation sites as the climate became cooler and wetter in the late Holocene. The sensitivity of these species to past climate change suggests that biogeographic responses to future conditions will be highly variable in this region.
Engineered T cell therapies
Authors: Field Anne-Christine , Qasim Waseem
Published: November 2015

Alongside advancements in gene therapy for inherited immune disorders, the need for effective alternative therapeutic options for other conditions has resulted in an expansion in the field of research for T cell gene therapy. T cells are easily obtained and can be induced to divide robustly ex vivo, a characteristic that allows them to be highly permissible to viral vector-mediated introduction of transgenes. Pioneering clinical trials targeting cancers and infectious diseases have provided safety and feasibility data and important information about persistence of engineered cells in vivo. Here, we review clinical experiences with γ-retroviral and lentiviral vectors and consider the potential of integrating transposon-based vectors as well as specific genome editing with designer nucleases in engineered T cell therapies.
Discovery of aSphaeroschwagerinafusuline fauna from the Raggyorcaka Lake area, northern Tibet: implications for the origin of the Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt
Authors: ZHANG YI-CHUN , SHEN SHU-ZHONG , ZHAI QING-GUO , ZHANG YU-JIE , YUAN DONG-XUN
Published: November 2015

The Qiangtang Metamorphic Belt (QMB) was considered to have either formedin situby amalgmation of the North and South Qiangtang blocks or been underthrust from the Jinsha suture and exhumed in the interior of a single ‘Qiangtang Block’. A newSphaeroschwagerinafusuline fauna discovered in the Raggyorcaka Lake area supports the interpretation that the North and South Qiangtang blocks were separated by a wide ocean during Asselian (Early Permian) time, indicating that the QMB was formed by the suturing of the Palaeotethys Ocean along the Longmu Co-Shuanghu suture.
Love and Betrayal: The Political Economy of Youth Violence in Post-War Sierra Leone
Authors: Enria Luisa
Published: November 2015

Youth unemployment is often presented as a security risk in post-conflict countries, yet the relationship between labour market exclusion and engagement in violence remains little understood. This paper opens up one aspect of this relationship, analysing how the employment aspirations of Sierra Leone's marginal youth relate to their decisions to take part in political unrest. Telling the stories of urban youth involved to varying degrees in violent episodes shows how violence is used as a tactic to signal loyalty to political strongmen. Such loyalty is hoped to result in the establishment of relations of reciprocity that will offer a road to socially valued employment. Comparing the experiences of two groups of young people, similar in their socio-economic background and experience of violence but different in their collocation in political networks, reveals two things. Firstly, availability for violence was insufficient to achieve durable incorporation, as pre-existing social ties determined the nature of recruitment. Secondly, as even those embedded in politicians’ networks of reciprocity appeared ultimately unable to escape marginality, their experiences cast doubt on the expediency of using violence as a way into the labour market, making the exploitative nature of these relations starkly evident.
Education for Better Race Relations
Authors: Lippmann Lorna
Published: November 2015

In recent issues of the Journal Mr. Spalding has stimulated us to think about the ways in which we teach about Aboriginals. In this article Mrs. Lippmann offers concrete suggestions which will help teachers in their attempts to promote better race relations through education.
Black & White Photography – A Comment
Authors: Bucknall John R.
Published: November 2015

In Vol.2 No 3, Mr. F.H. Barker from Kennedy, Queensland, examined the advantages of black and white photography in the school. Here, Mr. Bucknall reports on the use of black and white photographs as language stimulus material.
Schooling at Oombulgurri as Part of the Development of a Community
Authors: Dowsett D.
Published: November 2015

In October 1973, a small group of about 30 Aboriginal people moved from Wyndham, Western Australia, forty miles across the Cambridge Gulf, to establish the community of Oombulgurri on the site of the now closed Forrest River Mission.

The move was from the ‘futurelessness’ of existence on the Wyndham Reserve to a chance to build their own future as an autonomous community living on tribal land. A Mawaba (Executive) was elected. The Oombulgurri Association employs an auxiliary staff whose role is to advise the community. The Auxiliary has no decision-making power.

Just twelve months later, Oombulgurri has grown to 200 people, of whom 60 are school-age children, with an additional 30 below school age. From the outset those moving back to Oombulgurri – most of whom made little real attempt to ensure their children attended school regularly in Wyndham – insisted that a school must be included in the community plan. The school functions as a community school. Two qualified teachers are employed by the Oombulgurri Association. They work in the school with four Aboriginal teaching assistants selected from the community. Each of these assistants is involved fully in planning and decision making, and is totally responsible for the day to day teaching and disciplining of various groups within the school. It has become yery clear that the students gain a great deal by having some of their own people involved in actual teaching and curriculum building. The school has become much more than an institution imposed on the community. Women from the community are also involved in the pre-school and child care centre. Working with a member of the Auxiliary, the women plan the curriculum and carry out the daily program.
Attitudes to School Experience: A Report from a Seminar of Aboriginal Students
Authors: Binnion J.E. , Lunnay J.
Published: November 2015

On 25th September, a day long seminar was held at Maitland in South Australia as part of the Action Research Project for Secondary Education of Aboriginal Students. This project is being carried out within the Research & Planning Branch of the Education Department of South Australia.

The participants in the seminar were 27 past and present Aboriginal high school students, and the 10 current students were all senior students. Questionnaires were administered and answered individually by all students. Later in the day a discussion of some of the information collated from the questionnaires took place. After the meeting, the questionnaires were more thoroughly analysed, and the following report was written.

The questionnaires are reproduced in the Appendix following the report.

There were two main reasons for calling the meeting: firstly so that Aboriginals could give their views about school, and secondly so that the school and the Action Research Project could use the information given by the Aboriginals to effect changes. Three questionnaires were administered during the day. Part I was put on the overhead projector, and the students filled in answer sheets. Part II and Part III were on sheets which were filled in by individuals.
Special Courses for Aboriginals
Authors: Campbell K.
Published: November 2015

Proposals for special training courses for Aboriginals in New South Wales have been made intermittently over the last few years. It has been firmly established that Aboriginals have not been acquiring trade skills, despite policies designed to provide equal opportunities for both Aboriginals and white Australians. Aboriginals have tended to gravitate towards unskilled, casual or labouring positions, while unemployment has been many times higher than of the general population. Although the educational system has attempted to prepare Aboriginals for a European life style, they have nevertheless tended to fall into the low income/unskilled employment class.

It is generally conceded that Aboriginals are disadvantaged in comparison to non-Aboriginals in regard to open employment. The disadvantages stem from remoteness from employment opportunities, relatively low levels of education, lack of work skills and cultural differences.
Aboriginal Studies at Alice Springs High
Authors: Payne H.
Published: November 2015

The following article discusses how the Aboriginal Studies program at Alice Springs High School could be expanded and enriched by –
The Mathematics of Card Playing in an Aboriginal Community
Authors: Holm Neil , Japanangka Lionel
Published: November 2015

The teaching of mathematics to Aboriginal children poses many difficulties for teachers. Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal teachers agree that many Aboriginal children are not making adequate progress in their development of mathematical understanding. The teaching of mathematics in Aboriginal communities is discussed in the Northern Territory Infants Curriculum (1974 : 119–123). After reviewing the outcomes of a desirable mathematics course the curriculum writers conclude that “many Aboriginal children do not manifest many of these outcomes at a level comparable with that obtained by European children”.

John Gay and Michael Cole have written a very valuable book, The New Mathematics and an Old Culture, which examines the teaching of mathematics in a cross-cultural situation. They state that

“... in order to teach mathematics effectively, we must know more about our students. In particular we must know more about the indigenous mathematics so that we can build effective bridges to the new mathematics we are trying to introduce.” (Gay and Cole, 1967:1)
Nature of Aboriginal Children
Authors: Ungunmerr Miriam-Rose
Published: November 2015

Miss Ungunmerr has graciously consented to our publication of the following extracts from “Nature of Aboriginal Children”, the manuscript of which she is preparing for publication by the Northern Territory Education Department.
But They Don’t Use It in the Playground: “How Often Do We Use Standard English?”
Authors: Brumby E.
Published: November 2015

A common complaint from teachers of Aboriginal children in rural/remote schools goes something like this: “I teach them Standard English and they use it in the classroom and when they speak to me. But they don’t use it in the playground. They revert to Aboriginal English or the vernacular. So why waste time teaching Standard English?”

So, what is the problem? More importantly, is there a problem?

There is little doubt that the teaching of English is one of the most difficult areas in classroom work with Aboriginal children. And the frustration felt by teachers when they hear children speaking other than Standard English is, in one sense, understandable. However, in another more important sense, it reflects a lack of appreciation for the different ways that people use language, either varieties of the same language or different languages.

It is unfortunate that so many people, teachers included, still think in terms of Standard English being ‘right’ and anything else being ‘wrong’. There are many varieties of English. Standard English is one, Aboriginal English another. There is not, and never can be any justification fbr calling one ‘right’ and the other ‘wrong’. They certainly cannot be judged in this manner in linguistic or scientific terms. Standard English and Aboriginal English are different dialects of the same language, each having its own phonological and grammatical system and each being a separate and equal entity in its own right. There is no linguistic basis whatsoever for saying that one is better than the other.
Developing Educational Guidance and Counselling Services for Urban Aboriginal Students
Authors: Clark R. , Daanen P. , Geelen M. , Hand V. , McIntyre L. , Schloss L.
Published: November 2015

(Readers are referred to an earlier report on this project – The Aboriginal Child at School, 4,5,1976.. Ed.)

In February 1975, Inala High School was selected as the location for a project to develop guidance and counselling services for Aboriginal students. The source of funding was the Commonwealth Department of Aboriginal Affairs. Inala was chosen because of the relatively high concentration of Aboriginal families in what is, essentially a working class district of approximately thirty thousand people. There are also significantly high proportions of migrants from non-English speaking countries and single parent families. Staffing has grown from a part-time guidance officer and and full-time Aboriginal counsellor based at the High School, to a guidance officer, a guidance counsellor, two Aboriginal education counsellors, a Secondary teacher and a teacher aide working from a centre within the community and serving all of the primary and secondary schools.

The development of the project has been guided by the philosophy of such educationalists as McConnochie (1973) that the failure of Aboriginals to succeed at school is primarily a result of factors associated with our social institutions rather than the Aboriginal child himself. McConnochie suggests that our institutions tend to debase the black child’s concept of himself and the group with whom he identifies; and it is the child’s consequent lack of self-esteem that contributes significantly to his low vocational aspirations and academic achievement. However, low vocational aspirations and achievement themselves interact, reinforcing the child’s negative self-concept and he becomes caught up in a self-sustaining cycle of increasing school failure and worthlessness.
Family Disease of Alcoholism
Authors: Hunt H.
Published: November 2015

To speak of alcoholics and alcohol abuse is one thing, and we quite often tend to stick to that area, perhaps because, among other things, it is easier to see and treat. Here I wish to speak of alcoholism, the disease, as it affects the family, mainly the children, and also highlight the early age at which the children are affected. I ask you to try to keep an open mind right from now, because I may not be saying what you expect, but, what you will identify and understand.

We all know a lot about alcoholism, although we do not always identify it. We find comfort in diagnosing and treating its symptoms, whilst the disease itself continues to run wild, often to the extent of mental and physical injury, as well as insanity and death.

We often overlook alcoholism in a family because there is no obvious drunkenness. Drunkenness is only a symptom of the disease. It is the alcoholic’s attempt to ease the pressures of the illness, which is, briefly, the inability to cope with irregular but constant periods of emotional conflict.
The Education of Aboriginal Children in New South Wales Public Schools Since 1788: Part 2
Authors: Harris J.W.
Published: November 2015

It is uncertain when the last exclusion of children from a public school, merely for having some Aboriginal ancestry, actually occurred. In 1937, the Commonwealth and States’ conference on Aboriginal matters recommended assimilation as a general policy rather than protection, particularly with regard to the detribalized, part-caste Aboriginal people. In 1938, the New South Wales Public Service Board in its report on the Aborigines Protection Board, recommended the policy of assimilation be implemented in schools. In 1940, the Aborigines Protection Act was amended. The Aborigines Protection Board was renamed the Aborigines Welfare Board and restructured to include Aboriginal members. The complete responsibility for the education of all Aboriginal children was transferred to the New South Wales Department of Education. Almost overnight, the policy of segregation was changed to assimilation.
Selecting Books for Aboriginal Children
Authors: Jaunay G.R.
Published: November 2015

This article stems from several requests by teachers and librarians, following our April article (Vol. 6 No. 2) for information about books that are popular with Aboriginal children who use the facilities of the Oodnadatta School library.

In our two and a half years of operating this library, we have gained a reasonably clear insight into the likes and dislikes of our readers. While the supply of lists is useful because, obviously, books successful in one libarary are usually popular in another library, the librarian must take into account the local factors which will probably influence the type of book the borrower will favour. While I don’t wish to labour this point for the readers who may be well aware of these factors, there are several people who have written to me, who would be interested.

Most factors are inter-related and readily fit the socioeconomic situation of the borrower. For example, the Aboriginal people of Oodnadatta are very much fringe dwellers with respect to western society, although they easily outnumber the non-Aboriginal members of the community. Their mother tongue is a version of Pitjantjatjara (Yankuntjatjara), though most speak sufficient English to be able to communicate with Europeans. The school teaches only in English with an emphasis, in the lower classes, on standardizing grammar, using the Queensland Van Leer Foundation Language Project.
Conference Report : “The Aboriginal Child at School”
Authors: Kartinyeri P. , Anderson R.
Published: November 2015

On Friday, June 23, 1978, between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m., an Education Department Staff In-service Conference, organised by Port Augusta’s Central Primary School, was held at the Davenport Aboriginal Adult Training Centre (DAATC), on Davenport Aboriginal Reserve, Port Augusta.

The conference was called, and largely organised by the principal of Port Augusta’s Central Primary School, Mr Ian Westley, with the co-operation of the students and staff of the DAATC, and the Davenport Cultural Club. It was chaired by Ms Catherine Guinness, Lecturer in Aboriginal Studies at Torrens College of Advanced Education. Attending were the staff of Central Primary, the students and staff of DAATC, the students of the Aboriginal Pre-vocational Course at Port Augusta College of Further Education, representatives of all public primary and secondary schools in Port Augusta, representatives from the Adelaide Head Office of the Education Department, as well as visitors from Hawker and Adelaide. In all, between 50 and 60 people were present.

The conference was divided into parts, separated by lunch provided by the Davenport Cultural Club. The first part was taken up by talks given mainly by Aboriginal people, and the second part was for the teachers present to discuss the problems they had teaching Aboriginal pupils, with a summing-up by Mr Ian Westley and Ms Catherine Guinness.
The Eric “Joe” McGuinness Study Centre
Authors: Whyman K.
Published: November 2015

A most important aim is to bring our people our cultural history because, without it, we will be spiritually dead.

The study centre at 108 Smith Street, Collingwood, was established because of the urgent need for such centres within our Aboriginal communities.

One aim is to have a community controlled centre of which our people can feel a part. We encourage our people to participate actively in programs that they feel are important for our survival in today’s society.

Our people today are much more aware of the education system and see it as negative and racist towards not only our Aboriginal people, but also other races.

A most important aim is to bring to our people our cultural history because, without it, we will be spiritually dead. Our history did not start in 1770 but was alive, full, and rich thousands of years before the invasion.