bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast 1D inversion of logging-while-drilling resistivity measurements for improved estimation of formation resistivity in high-angle and horizontal wells
Authors: Pardo David , Torres-Verdín Carlos
Published: March 2015

We have developed an efficient inversion method to estimate layer-by-layer electric resistivity from logging-while-drilling electromagnetic induction measurements. The method assumes a 1D model based on planarly layered transversely isotropic formations with known bed boundaries, penetrated by arbitrary well trajectories. Forward simulations are based on a 1D reduced model in which borehole and mandrel effects are assumed to be negligible. The stopping criteria, regularization term, regularization parameter, the Jacobian matrix, and inversion variables are automatically estimated by the inversion algorithm, thereby minimizing the required user interaction and expertise. Numerical inversion results of challenging synthetic and field data confirmed the high stability and superior approximation properties of the developed inversion algorithm. We evaluated results indicating that triaxial induction measurements provide significantly more stable inversion results than conventional coaxial measurements, especially in the presence of anisotropic formations.
Improving imaging and repeatability on land using virtual source redatuming with shallow buried receivers
Authors: Alexandrov Dmitry , Bakulin Andrey , Burnstad Roy , Kashtan Boris
Published: March 2015

Time-lapse surface seismic monitoring typically suffers from different sources of nonrepeatability related to acquisition imperfections as well as due to complexity of the subsurface. Placing sources and receivers below the surface can improve seismic data repeatability. However, it is not always possible to bury a large number of sources, and therefore the next best option is monitoring with surface sources and buried sensors. We have discovered that redatuming of surface sources to the shallow buried receivers produced a reliable image of target reflectors despite the fact that receivers were placed in the near-field zone of the source. We redatumed data with the virtual source method using crosscorrelation of the measured wavefields. We found that redatuming also reduced nonrepeatability of seismic data associated with changes in acquisition geometry, variable source coupling, and daily/seasonal variations in the near surface. We developed these results with a synthetic case study using a realistic 1D elastic model with a free surface and acquisition geometry from an actual field experiment conducted in Saudi Arabia.
Fast Huygens’ sweeping methods for multiarrival Green’s functions of Helmholtz equations in the high-frequency regime
Authors: Qian Jianliang , Luo Songting , Burridge Robert
Published: March 2015

Multiarrival Green’s functions are essential in seismic modeling, migration, and inversion. Huygens-Kirchhoff (HK) integrals provide a bridge to integrate locally valid first-arrival Green’s functions into a globally valid multiarrival Green’s function. We have designed robust and accurate finite-difference methods to compute first-arrival traveltimes and amplitudes, so that first-arrival Green’s functions can be constructed rapidly. We adapted a fast butterfly algorithm to evaluate discretized HK integrals. The resulting fast Huygens’ sweeping method has the following unique features: (1) it precomputes a set of local traveltime and amplitude tables, (2) it automatically takes care of caustics, (3) it constructs Green’s functions of the Helmholtz equation for arbitrary frequencies and for many point sources, and (4) for a fixed number of points per wavelength, it constructs each Green’s function in nearly optimal complexity [Formula: see text] in terms of the total number of mesh points [Formula: see text], where the prefactor of the complexity only depends on the specified accuracy, and is independent of the frequency. The 2D and 3D examples revealed the performance of the method.
Diapiric shale and coast-perpendicular, fault-related subbasins, south Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: Ogiesoba Osareni C. , Hernandez Rodolfo
Published: March 2015

Coast-perpendicular shale ridges are rare structural features worldwide, and their origin remains a subject of debate. We studied some coast-perpendicular shale ridges and faults within a minibasin located onshore in Refugio County in the Texas Gulf Coast. We used 3D seismic data, visualization tools, and seismic attributes to examine the geometry of coast-perpendicular diapiric structures associated subbasins (SBs) and faults, and coast-parallel listric faults. Our results indicated that the minibasin is subdivided into four SBs by five diapiric shale ridges that intrude through the fault heaves of down-to-the-basin (synthetic) and coast-perpendicular faults. Three of the SBs are oriented perpendicular to the coast, whereas the fourth has a curvilinear form trending northeast–southwest–southeast. Of the five diapiric shale ridges, three are coast-perpendicular. The other two are curvilinear to the coast. All five diapiric shale ridges are associated with coast-perpendicular faults that bound the flanks of the ridges. On the basis of our mapping results, we deduced that the origin of the coast-perpendicular faults in the study area are related to the coalescing of en echelon synthetic faults, as well as the coalition of synthetic and antithetic fault planes. We inferred that the origin of the shale diapirs is related to vertical loading and, possibly, local southwest–northeast lateral compression of interbedded, overpressured, shale-prone intervals. The coast-perpendicular faults within the Frio formed as a result of reactivation of the Eocene-Vicksburg coast-perpendicular faults. Synthetic faults dominate the pattern within the SB in the north where shale ridges are broad, whereas antithetic faults dominate the pattern in the south where shale ridges are narrow.
Surface geochemical measurements applied to monitoring, verification, and accounting of leakage from sequestration projects
Authors: Klusman Ronald W.
Published: March 2015

A detailed study of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] surface fluxes, shallow soil gas composition, 10-m hole soil gas composition was made at Rangely, Colorado, Teapot Dome, Wyoming, USA, and the results of geochemical verification measurements at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Canada. Summer and winter soil gas and gas flux measurements were made at Rangely, and winter only at Teapot Dome. The objectives were to determine if leakage of [Formula: see text] and/or [Formula: see text] could be detected in the overpressured Rangely and the underpressured Teapot Dome systems. At Weyburn, the objective was the determination of the presence or absence of an alleged leak. Seasonal surface [Formula: see text] fluxes at Rangely were similar at on-field locations and an off-field control area. Methane fluxes were much higher at on-field locations than in the control area, suggesting a reservoir source. Seasonal differences in [Formula: see text] fluxes suggested methanotrophic oxidation was occurring in the soils. Shallow soil gas concentration measurements of [Formula: see text] were similar at a 100-cm depth, on-field and in the control area. Methane soil gas concentrations were higher on-field than in the control area; summer and winter. These data were used to select locations with and without evidence for seepage allowing nested sampling up to a 10-m depth. More complex chemical and isotopic measurements were made in 10-m holes at Rangely and Teapot Dome. Methanotrophy was operational at the active Rangely and the passive Teapot Dome systems. A small methane leakage rate of 400–700 tonnes [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] tonnes [Formula: see text] were determined at Rangely, and rates near zero at Teapot Dome. Inert gases, carbon-containing gases, as well as isotopic ratios supported the presence of pathways at geochemically anomalous locations at Teapot Dome. Measurements of soil gas and inert gas isotopes in shallow groundwater by other authors at Weyburn, Saskatchewan, found no evidence of leakage.
Reducing seismic positioning uncertainty with “simple” tilted transverse isotropy earth models — Gulf of Mexico Lobster field case study
Authors: Nayvelt Lev , Parker Jonathan , Montoya Claudia , Bourgeois Shon , Uden Richard
Published: March 2015

The remaining potential in many mature fields in the Gulf of Mexico consists of smaller long-reach targets that require ever-more-accurate vertical and horizontal location for drilling precision. This is particularly true at the Lobster field in Ewing Bank, where, during the previous platform drilling campaigns, some midreach prospects were interpreted to have been missed due to mispositioning. Potential future drilling at the Lobster field would target primarily long-reach prospects in areas of significant geologic dip — increasing the risk of missing the prospects. This mispositioning risk could sometimes exceed the geologic risk, and it could have significant impact on the risked reserves and on the economics. Achieving the desired positioning accuracy requires the use of 3D seismic and anisotropic prestack depth migration with accurate velocity and anisotropy models. We have developed a case study of using a long offset walkaway checkshot and a geologic frame of reference to build a tilted transverse isotropy velocity model sufficiently accurate to support potential future drilling campaigns at the Lobster field.
Lithologic characterization using airborne gravity gradient and aeromagnetic data for mineral exploration: A case study in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil
Authors: Martinez Cericia , Li Yaoguo
Published: March 2015

We present a study on utilizing airborne gravity gradient and magnetic data to characterize an iron ore formation in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The target iron ore bodies have a distinctly high density contrast and produce well-defined anomalies in airborne gravity gradiometry data. The high-grade hematite iron ores are associated with low and moderate susceptibility, making magnetic data useful in distinguishing potential ore bodies from the host iron formation. The airborne gravity gradient and magnetic data over part of the Gandarela Syncline iron formation in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero are independently inverted to obtain a 3D susceptibility and density contrast model. These detailed 3D physical property distributions of subsurface features are then used for geologic characterization and interpretation purposes through lithologic associations. We outline two approaches to link the two physical property distributions and identify representative geologic units in the study area. The geologic units are then organized into a 3D lithology model to help characterize subsurface geologic structure and ore distribution. The lithologic models provide an intuitive representation of the geology and can assist in future exploration plans or in assessment of resource distribution and quality. Our study demonstrates that such approaches are feasible on the deposit scale.
President's Page
Authors: Stewart Robert R.
Published: March 2015

Finding something valuable in the subsurface is at the core of exploration geophysics. Individuals and groups adept at this search have often been handsomely rewarded. Any technical advancement or deeper understanding that helps in the quest is similarly well regarded. Although subsurface resources are essential to our prosperity, their value fluctuates: Many SEG members probably check (perhaps with trepidation) the daily price of WTI or Brent crude oil.
IPTC KL breaks all records
Authors: Reilly Joseph M.
Published: March 2015

The eighth International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 10–12 December 2014 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, returning to Malaysia for the first time since 2008. The conference had a record-breaking attendance of 10,318 industry professionals from 68 countries. The event drew speakers from the highest echelons of government, operators, service providers, advisory and research firms, and academia. The technical program included more than 420 oral presentations and ePosters. For the first time in IPTC history, the Geoscience + Integrated Reservoir component of the program exceeded 50% of the sessions, and presentations were given by many leading SEG members. SEG-sponsored sessions covered a wide range of subjects, including seismic acquisition, processing, reservoir characterization, and case histories. Many of these topics were presented as integrated geology/geophysics/engineering studies.
DNA damage response clamp 9-1-1 promotes assembly of ZMM proteins for formation of crossovers and synaptonemal complex
Authors: Shinohara Miki , Hayashihara Kayoko , Grubb Jennifer T. , Bishop Douglas K. , Shinohara Akira
Published: March 2015

Formation of crossovers (COs) between homologous chromosomes during meiosis is positively regulated by the ZMM/SIC proteins. DNA damage checkpoint proteins also promote efficient formation of interhomolog COs. Here we examined, in budding yeast, the meiotic role of the heterotrimeric DNA damage response clamp composed of Rad17, Ddc1 and Mec3 (“9-1-1” in other organisms) and a component of the clamp loader, Rad24 (Rad17). Cytological analysis indicated that the 9-1-1 clamp and its loader are not required for the chromosomal loading of RecA homologs Rad51 or Dmc1, but are necessary for the efficient loading of ZMM/SIC proteins. Interestingly, the loading of ZMM/SIC on meiotic chromosomes was independent of the checkpoint kinase Mec1(ATR) as well as Rad51. Furthermore, the ZMM/SIC member Zip3 bound to the 9-1-1 complex in a cell-free system. These data suggest that, in addition to promoting interhomolog bias mediated by Rad51-Dmc1, the 9-1-1 clamp promotes CO formation via a specific role in the assembly of ZMM/SIC proteins. Thus, the 9-1-1 complex functions to promote two critical meiotic recombination processes, the regulation of interhomolog recombination and CO formation mediated by ZMM/SIC.
Synaptic control of mRNA translation by reversible assembly of XRN1 bodies
Authors: Luchelli Luciana , Thomas María Gabriela , Boccaccio Graciela L.
Published: March 2015

Repression of mRNA translation is linked to the formation of specific cytosolic foci such as Stress Granules (SGs) and Processing Bodies (PBs), which store or degrade mRNAs. In neurons, synaptic activity regulates translation at the postsynapse and this is important for plasticity. NMDA receptor stimulation downregulates translation and we speculate that this is linked to the formation of unknown mRNA-silencing foci. Here we show that the 5′-3′ exoribonuclease XRN1 forms discrete clusters associated to the postsynapse that are different from PBs or SGs, and we named them Synaptic XRN1-bodies (SX-bodies). Using primary neurons, we found that the SX-bodies respond to synapse stimulation and that their formation correlates inversely with the local translation rate. SX-bodies enlarge in size and number upon NMDA stimulation, and metabotropic glutamate receptor activation provokes SX-body dissolution, along with increased translation. The response is specific and the previously described Smaug1-foci and FMRP granules show a different response. Finally, XRN1 knockdown impairs the translational repression triggered by NMDA. Collectively, these observations support a role for the SX-bodies in the reversible masking and silencing of mRNAs at the synapse.
Ammonia excretion inCaenorhabditis elegans: mechanism and evidence of ammonia transport of the Rhesus protein CeRhr-1
Authors: Adlimoghaddam Aida , Boeckstaens Mélanie , Marini Anna-Maria , Treberg Jason R. , Brassinga Ann-Karen C. , Weihrauch Dirk
Published: March 2015

The soil-dwelling nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is a bacteriovorous animal, excreting the vast majority of its nitrogenous waste as ammonia (25.3±1.2 µmol gFW−1 day−1) and very little urea (0.21±0.004 µmol gFW−1 day−1). Although these roundworms have been used for decades as genetic model systems, very little is known about their strategy to eliminate the toxic waste product ammonia from their bodies into the environment. The current study provides evidence that ammonia is at least partially excreted via the hypodermis. Starvation reduced the ammonia excretion rates by more than half, whereas mRNA expression levels of the Rhesus protein CeRhr-2, V-type H+-ATPase (subunit A) and Na+/K+-ATPase (α-subunit) decreased correspondingly. Moreover, ammonia excretion rates were enhanced in media buffered to pH 5 and decreased at pH 9.5. Inhibitor experiments, combined with enzyme activity measurements and mRNA expression analyses, further suggested that the excretion mechanism involves the participation of the V-type H+-ATPase, carbonic anhydrase, Na+/K+-ATPase, and a functional microtubule network. These findings indicate that ammonia is excreted, not only by apical ammonia trapping, but also via vesicular transport and exocytosis. Exposure to 1 mmol l−1 NH4Cl caused a 10-fold increase in body ammonia and a tripling of ammonia excretion rates. Gene expression levels of CeRhr-1 and CeRhr-2, V-ATPase and Na+/K+-ATPase also increased significantly in response to 1 mmol l−1 NH4Cl. Importantly, a functional expression analysis showed, for the first time, ammonia transport capabilities for CeRhr-1 in a phylogenetically ancient invertebrate system, identifying these proteins as potential functional precursors to the vertebrate ammonia-transporting Rh-glycoproteins.
A second essential function of the Est1-binding arm of yeast telomerase RNA
Authors: Lebo Kevin J. , Niederer Rachel O. , Zappulla David C.
Published: March 2015

The enzymatic ribonucleoprotein telomerase maintains telomeres in many eukaryotes, including humans, and plays a central role in aging and cancer. Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase RNA, TLC1, is a flexible scaffold that tethers telomerase holoenzyme protein subunits to the complex. Here we test the hypothesis that a lengthy conserved region of the Est1-binding TLC1 arm contributes more than simply Est1-binding function. We separated Est1 binding from potential other functions by tethering TLC1 to Est1 via a heterologous RNA-protein binding module. We find that Est1-tethering rescues in vivo function of telomerase RNA alleles missing nucleotides specifically required for Est1 binding, but not those missing the entire conserved region. Notably, however, telomerase function is restored for this condition by expressing the arm of TLC1 in trans. Mutational analysis shows that the Second Essential Est1-arm Domain (SEED) maps to an internal loop of the arm, which SHAPE chemical mapping and 3D modeling suggest could be regulated by conformational change. Finally, we find that the SEED has an essential, Est1-independent role in telomerase function after telomerase recruitment to the telomere. The SEED may be required for establishing telomere extendibility or promoting telomerase RNP holoenzyme activity.
Integration of Technologies within Elective Courses at a Profession-Oriented School
Authors: Китайгородский  , Kitaygorodskiy Mikhail , Муртазин  , Murtazin Igor
Published: March 2015

The paper presents the model for integrating IT and material technologies within elective courses taught during pre-profile training of students. The

model is developed based the classification of integration levels. On the basis of the generalized model of integration the authors have developed

detailed models for different levels of technology integration. The presented models can be used as the basis for designing elective courses curricula.
Implementation Models for Continuous Course in Informatics at School
Authors: Цветкова  , Tsvetkova Marina
Published: March 2015

The paper considers three models of teaching the course in Informatics at school within the framework of tasks, set up by the Federal State Educational

Standard, and with due regard to the current process of shaping IT-enabled educational environment at schools.
Planning for HIV Screening, Testing, and Care at the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Deo Sarang , Rajaram Kumar , Rath Sandeep , Karmarkar Uday S. , Goetz Matthew B.
Published: March 2015

We analyzed the planning problem for HIV screening, testing, and care. This problem consists of determining the optimal fraction of patients to be screened in every period as well as the optimum staffing level at each part of the healthcare system to maximize the total health benefits to the patients measured by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. We modeled this problem as a nonlinear mixed integer programming program comprising disease progression (the transition of the patients across health states), system dynamics (the flow of patients in different health states across various parts of the healthcare delivery system), and budgetary and capacity constraints. We applied the model to the Greater Los Angeles (GLA) station in the Veterans Health Administration system. We found that a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended routine screening policy in which all patients visiting the system are screened for HIV irrespective of risk factors may not be feasible because of budgetary constraints. Consequently, we used the model to develop and evaluate managerially relevant policies within existent capacity and budgetary constraints to improve upon the current risk based screening policy of screening only high risk patients. Our computational analysis showed that the GLA station can achieve substantial increase (20% to 300%) in the QALYs gained by using these policies over risk based screening. The GLA station has already adapted two of these policies that could yield better patient health outcomes over the next few years. In addition, our model insights have influenced the decision making process at this station.
Quality-of-Service-Aware Service Selection: A Novel Approach Considering Potential Service Failures and Nondeterministic Service Values
Authors: Heinrich Bernd , Klier Mathias , Lewerenz Lars , Zimmermann Steffen
Published: March 2015

In service-oriented systems, a variety of loosely coupled services are composed to support the execution of processes. One important research problem in this context concerns the selection of such services taking into account the values for the corresponding quality-of-service (QoS) attributes. Existing QoS-aware ex ante service selection approaches build on preferences and requirements for the QoS attributes and evaluate the available services by means of a utility value. For many reasons, such as software bugs, high server workload, or network failures, an ex ante optimal service may be temporarily unavailable or may fail during its execution, requiring replanning. Moreover, several QoS attribute values may be stochastic rather than deterministic. Thus, both the ex post realized QoS values and the corresponding utility may significantly differ from those that are ex ante computed. This could result in a substantial loss of resources. In this paper we present a novel approach for QoS-aware service selection considering both the effects of potential service failures and nondeterministic QoS values ex ante. The approach is founded on an expected utility calculus. We find that considering the effects of potential service failures and nondeterministic QoS values leads to substantially better decisions in QoS-aware service selection.
‘The fear factor has disappeared—clients are more inclined to try out thread lifts’
Authors: Zadah Kate
Published: March 2015

In medical aesthetics, establishing and running a successful clinic is not just about delivering high-quality treatments—having business acumen and a nose for the latest trends is key to setting your business apart from the rest. In this practice management series, PR professional Kate Zadah interviews clinic managers from all over the UK to find out about each practice's successes and struggles
Hyaluronidase is not a foolproof safety net for injectors and prevention is key
Authors: Collier Helena
Published: March 2015

Although most practitioners feel more confident injecting hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, knowing that they can use hyaluronidase in the event of an adverse reaction, Helena Collier believes that many injectors are lulled into a false sense of security, believing hyaluronidase to be a foolproof safety net. She dispels myths about calcium hydroxylapatite and stresses the importance of understanding facial anatomy
‘The deregulation of lasers truly opened up aesthetics to non-health professional groups’
Authors: Devan Natasha , Barton Cheryl
Published: March 2015

In the field of medical aesthetics, it is common for nurses to work in isolation and meet only at annual conferences and association meetings. To get to know your peers, the Journal of Aesthetic Nursing has undertaken a series of ten interviews with both new and experienced aesthetic nurses, exploring their lives in and out of the clinic. This interview is with the journal's consultant editor Cheryl Barton
Clinical waste management tips: segregation, disposal and contracts
Authors: Allen Rebecca
Published: March 2015

As there are a number of risks associated with the improper handling of clinical waste, it is important for aesthetic practitioners to follow the strict regulations in place to protect human and environmental health. In this article, Rebecca Allen will outline the legislation for producers of waste and advise practitioners on what to look out for when choosing a waste management company to collaborate with
Twelve apps for education
Authors: Smith Justin
Published: March 2015

Apps are increasingly being used in the secondary classroom. Justin Smith highlights 12 curriculum-aligned apps for key stages 3 and 4
The whole rabbit: physical, immunological and psychological health
Authors: Bourne Debra
Published: March 2015

Rabbits are herbivorous, social, prey animals; this must be remembered when considering nutritional and behavioural aspects of their care. Rabbits should be fed a diet high in undigestible fibre, preferably based on grass or grass hay plus some green foods and very small amounts of concentrates and more sugary vegetables/fruits. Water should always be available. As social animals, rabbits should not be kept alone. Preferably bonded rabbits should stay together if one needs to be hospitalised, and every effort should be made to reduce stress in hospitalised rabbits. In addition to company, rabbits need opportunities to run, dig, chew and hide. Many diseases of domestic rabbits are husbandry related but there are two important viral diseases, myxomatosis and rabbit haemorrhagic disease; both can be prevented by annual vaccination with a combined vaccine.
A patient care report of intensive nursing care provided to a feline patient presented in hypovolaemic shock
Authors: Lock Katie
Published: March 2015

This report looks at the care of a feline patient presented with hypovolaemic shock. The veterinary nurse's role of providing supportive care is greatly enhanced by having some understanding of the physiolgical processes that occur during this process and so a basic description of these processes is provided with methods of monitoring and simple nursing treatment.
How to provide nursing care to the surgical ophthalmic patient
Authors: Hayton-Lee Emma
Published: March 2015

Introduction

Management of the ophthalmic surgical patient is a team effort with veterinary nurses, veterinary surgeons and owners all playing vital roles in ensuring a successful outcome. The role of the veterinary nurse extends from ensuring careful and appropriate restraint of the ophthalmic patient pre surgery to monitoring post-operative analgesia. Nursing the surgical ophthalmic patient requires specific considerations and often has rewarding outcomes.
Vets help save paradise islands' wildlife
Authors: Walter Olivia
Published: March 2015

British charity Wildlife Vets International (WVI) aims to help prevent critically endangered birds and reptiles from following the Dodo and Mauritius giant tortoise into the history books.
Testing and Diversity in Postsecondary Education: The Case of California
Authors: Koretz Daniel
Published: March 2015

The past several years have seen numerous efforts to scale back or eliminate affirmative action in postsecondary admissions. In response, policymakers and postsecondary institutions in many states are searching for ways to maintain the diversity of student populations without resorting to a prohibited focus on race. In response to these changes, this study used data from California and a simplified model of the University of California admissions process to explore how various approaches to admissions affect the diversity of the admitted student population. "Race-neutral" admissions based solely on test scores and grades were compared with the results of actual admissions before and after the elimination of affirmative action. A final set of analyses explored the effects on diversity of alternative approaches that take into account factors other than grades and scores, but not race or ethnicity. Replacing the former admissions process that included preferences with a race-neutral model based solely on GPA and SAT-I scores substantially reduced minority representation at the two most selective UC campuses but had much smaller effects at the other six, less selective campuses. SAT-I scores contributed to but were not the sole cause of the underrepresentation of African American and Hispanic students. A race-neutral model based solely on GPA also produced an underrepresentation of minorities, albeit a less severe one. None of the alternative admissions models analyzed could replicate the composition of the student population that was in place before the termination of affirmative action in California. The only approach that substantially increased the representation of minority students was accepting most students on the basis of within-school rather than statewide rankings, and this approach caused a sizable drop in both the average SAT scores and the average GPA of admitted applicants, particularly among African American and Hispanic students. Although admissions systems differ, the basic findings of this study are likely to apply at a general level to many universities and underscore the difficulty of providing proportional representation for underserved minority students at highly selective institutions without explicit preferences.
Women in Managerial Positions in Greek Education
Authors: Athanassoula-Reppa Anastasia , Koutouzis Manolis
Published: March 2015

This article deals with the under-representation of women in managerial positions in Greece. While substantial progress has been made in terms of the legal framework that ensures equal rights to both men and women in the country, evidence shows that there are barriers that inhibit women from pursuing and taking such positions, resulting to covert discrimination. This occurs despite the dominance of women in Greek education. We regard that kind of discrimination as a democratic deficit; it contradicts the notion of "democratic citizenship." Although we do not advocate a quota system, we stand for implementation of basic democratic principles, which could prevent such discrimination.
Basic Education Reform in China
Authors: Wang Chengzhi , Zhou Quanhua
Published: March 2015

China's recent basic education reform followed and, in a certain way, imitated its economic reform. The economic reform merged the experimental dual (planned and market) price systems into a free market economy and yielded phenomenal success. Basic education reform, however, has not succeeded in transforming the introductory dual-track (key school and regular school) systems into a universal one. This article briefly examines the general process and outcomes of basic education reform. It discusses the following questions: Is basic education reform also a story of success? What significant lessons can the Chinese reform experience offer to other comparable developing countries?
Are Increasing Test Scores in Texas Really a Myth?
Authors: Toenjes A. , Dworkin A. Gary
Published: March 2015

Pass rates by Texas tenth-graders on the high school exit exam improved from 52 percent in 1994 to 72 percent in 1998. In his article "The Myth of the Texas Miracle in Education" (EPAA, August 2000) Professor Walt Haney argued that some part of this increased pass rate was, as he put it, an illusion. Haney contended that the combined effects of students dropping out of school prior to taking the 10th grade TAAS and special education exemptions accounted for much of the increase in TAAS pass rates. Relying on the same methodology and data that Haney used, we demonstrate that his conclusion is incorrect. None of the 20 percent improvement in the TAAS exit test pass rate between 1994 and 1998 is explained by combined increases in dropout rates or special education exemptions.
State-Mandated Testing and Teachers' Beliefs and Practice
Authors: Cimbricz Sandra
Published: March 2015

In this article, I examine the relationship between state-mandated testing and teachers' beliefs and practice. The studies reviewed suggest that while state testing does matter by influencing what teachers say and do, so, too, do other things, such as teachers' knowledge of subject matter, their approaches to teaching, their views of learning, and the amalgam of experience and status they possess in the school organization. As a result, the influence state-mandated testing has (or not) on teachers and teaching would seem to depend on how teachers interpret state testing and use it to guide their actions. Moreover, the influence state testing may or may not have on teachers and teaching expands beyond individual perceptions and actions to include the network of constructed meanings and significance extant within particular educational contexts. Consequently, although a relationship between the state-mandated testing and teachers' beliefs and practice does exist, testing does not appear to be an exclusive or a primary lever of change. There is further suggestion that it might not be a substantive one either. Studies that provide a richer, more in-depth understanding of the relationship between state-mandated testing and teaching in actual school settings, therefore, not only point toward important directions for future research in this area, but are greatly needed.
The Amalgamation of Chinese Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Chen David Y.
Published: March 2015

The 1990s witnessed revolutionary change in China's higher education system, particularly through radical mergers. The reform process and its background are detailed here, with a case study focusing on Zhejiang University. After nearly 15 years of painstaking effort, the reform goals for the higher education system have been met, and a decentralized, two-tiered administrative system has been installed. However, the most hotly debated reform has been the amalgamation of universities. The need to optimize China's system of higher education has a background dating back about 50 years, when the first reordering of higher education took place. The reordering and its results are described, and the causes and after effects of this reform are detailed.
The Possibility of Reform: Micropolitics in Higher Education
Authors: Haag Susan , Smith Mary Lee
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this case study was to examine the restructuring of an institution of higher education's teacher preparation program and to assess the possibility for systemic reform.  Although teacher education represents a vital link in not only the educational system but in curricular reform, the increased expectations for educational reform made this institution unavoidably more political.  These conditions meant that the study of micropolitics was critical to understanding how organizations change or fail to initiate change.  Any effort to reform an organization requires examination of the reform effort's underlying assumptions, social and historical context for the reform, and how reform is congruent with the values, ideologies, and goals of the constituents. This case will serve those critiquing reform and also takes the extant K-12 micropolitical research into the heretofore unstudied realm of higher education therefore impacting reform at the post secondary level. Schools are vulnerable to a host of powerful external and internal forces.  They exist in a vortex of government mandates, social and economic pressures, and conflicting ideologies associated with administrators, faculty, and students. Efforts to reform school are confounded by competing political agendas.  At the very least, reform is an opportunity for political action by people in power.  While literature regarding effective schools touts strong leadership and shared values, accomplishing school reform continues to remain problematic. Despite the widespread interest and infusion of resources for restructuring teacher education, the history of educational reform shows that initiatives have often failed.   The study began with the micropolitical hypothesis that the educational system comprises diverse constituencies with differing ideologies regarding schooling.  Qualitative methodology was employed to portray intra-organizational processes, to provide concrete depiction of detail, and to study social change. Micropolitics and symbolic interactionism, the theoretical frameworks for the study, influenced the design and production of research and functioned as the interpretive focus. The study followed a multi method approach to understand meanings in context and to interpret these patterns in light of broader contexts.  We employed the following multiple methods to generate a credible account of constituent ideologies: 23 semi-structured interviews, document review, and observational data.  Data reveal fundamental differences in the images of five constituencies in these areas: curriculum, teachers, pupils, and teacher education and support the micropolitical assertion that systemic reform is unobtainable.
Affirmative Action in Higher Education
Authors: Cade Alfred R.
Published: March 2015

This study analyzed the variations of policies and practices of university personnel in their use of affirmative action programs for African American students. In this study, the policy topic is affirmative action and the practices used in admissions, financial aid, and special support services for African-American students. Surveys were mailed to 231 subjects representing thirty-two Missouri colleges and universities. Most of the survey respondents were male, white, and nearly two-thirds were above the age of forty. Ethnic minorities were underepresented among the professionals. Seventy-two percent of respondents were white, 23% were African American, and 5% were Hispanic. The results of this study suggest a positive picture of student affirmative action practices and policies used by Missouri personnel. Differences among professionals were at a minimum. The overall mean score for support in diversifying Missouri institutions was fairly high, and this may reflect diversity initiatives taken by the Missouri Coordinating Board for Higher Education in the late 1980s, and early 1990s. Data suggested that Missouri personnel are aware of the judicial scrutiny by the courts in administering student affirmative action. Most Missouri institutions use a single process for assessing all applicants for admission, without reliance on a quota system. The recent Hopwood decision showed little impact on the decisions regarding professionals' use of student affirmative action at Missouri institutions. Although public attitudes toward student affirmative action may play a role in establishing policies and practices, Missouri personnel are very similar in their perceptions regardless of race/ethnicity, gender, and institutional office or position.
School-Based Management: Views from Public and Private Elementary School Principals
Authors: Apodaca-Tucker Mary T. , Slate John R.
Published: March 2015

In this study, we analyzed the principal questionnaire contained in the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten (ECLS-K) database regarding the extent to which school-based management was reported as having been implemented differently by public and by private elementary school principals. Statistical analyses indicated many differences in the degree of influence reported to be present on the part of principals, parents, and other groups on important decisions made at schools. Differences in school-based management between our public and private elementary school principals were linked to the extant literature. Moreover, recommendations for further research were discussed.
Mentoring Narratives ON-LINE:Teaching the Principalship
Authors: Griffith Allison I. , Taraban Svitlana
Published: March 2015

The need to develop new models for preparation of school administrators has been a prominent concern in educational discourse in the last decade. Having been criticized for the inadequate preparation of the school leadership cadre, academic departments responsible for training future school administrators have had to revisit their approaches and to reframe their teaching philosophies to ensure the readiness of their graduates for the challenges and complexities of school leadership. This article reports on the new model of principals' training that has been used in York University's Principals' Qualification Program (PQP) from the late 1990s onward. One component of the program brings traditional case methodology into a computer-mediated/on-line environment. The on-line cases are narratives from the everyday lives of the Ontario school administrators who serve as mentors in the on-line environment. Situating our discussion within the context of the rapidly changing educational landscape of Ontario, we focus on the PQP model to explore experientially generated case narratives as one method for teaching and learning the work of the local school administrator. We focus particularly on the teaching and learning embedded in computer-mediated or on-line case narratives used in training teachers for school leadership. We argue that the complexities of school leadershipthe social, cultural, relational, ethical and moral context of school leadershipcan be taught effectively through the reflective processes of on-line case narratives. We seek to contribute to the ongoing dialogue on the potential of new pedagogies and new technologies to help prepare the competent and responsible leaders for tomorrow's schools.
Case Study of Professional Development Expenditures at a Restructured High School
Authors: Archibald Sarah , Gallagher H. Alix
Published: March 2015

This article is an analysis of professional development spending in a recently restructured urban high school. This study describes the school's restructuring effort, the ways in which professional development in the school supports the effort, and the ways in which the school reallocated resources to create funds for professional development spending. We then apply the framework of professional development costs proposed by Odden, Archibald, Fermanich and Gallagher (forthcoming) to the professional development expenditures in the school. Information regarding professional development expenditures was obtained from budget and planning documents as well as interviews with school and district personnel. These data revealed that teachers in this school on average received $9,711 of professional development resources with 98% of the spending on teacher time and training or coaching.
Socratic Pedagogy, Race and Power
Authors: Boghossian Peter
Published: March 2015

Rud (1997) wrote in this journal: " Leaving aside the blatant (to my eyes at least) problems of power and dominance of an elderly Greek citizen teaching a slave boy, this example [the Meno] of teaching has always left me cold." Garlikov (1998) addressed Rud's criticism of the Socratic dialogue. The present article addresses and extends Garlikov's response to cover general notions of power, and shows how these may affect Socratic discourse. Socratic pedagogy is not merely an illusory exercise where participants acquiesce to notions of truth because of power differentials. But power relations play a role in all communicative contexts. However, in Socractic pedagogy the adverse effects of power are greatly reduced and the focus is shifted from people to propositions.
Teacher Inequality
Authors: Wayne Andrew J.
Published: March 2015

When discussing the teacher quality gap, policy makers have tended to focus on teacher certification, degrees, and experience. These indicators have become key benchmarks for progress toward equality of educational opportunity, in part for lack of additional teacher quality indicators. This article turns attention to teachers' academic skills. National data on teachers' entrance examination scores and college selectivity reveal substantial disparities by school poverty level. The findings commend attention to the gap in academic skills in the formulation of future policy and research on the teacher quality gap.
The Question of the Student In Educational Reform
Authors: Ericson David P. , Ellett Frederick S.
Published: March 2015

In pursuing the goals of educational reform over the past several decades, educational policy makers have focused on teachers, administrators, and school structures as keys to higher educational achievement. As the would-be beneficiaries of reform, students, and their interaction with the educational system, have been almost entirely overlooked in the pursuit of educational excellence. Yet, as we argue, students are as causally central as educators in bringing about higher educational achievement. In what follows, we examine rational student interaction with the educational system and show why a large number of students have incentives to undercut the intent of the reforms. These are incentives created by our development of an educationally-based, meritocratic social and economic system. No one, apparently, is asking what exactly is in the reforms from the point of view of quite rational, if sometimes irresponsible, student self-interest. Indeed, the eduationally-based, meritocratic social and economic system may be actually forming student preferences guaranteed to result in educational mediocrity rather than excellence. Finally, we comment upon the meaning of "educational excellence" and show why the educational reformers' understanding of the purpose of public education—to compete in the global economic system—can only fail to capture it. In doing so, we point to the kinds of educational structures and policies that create multiple pathways to competent adulthood that do have a chance of bringing about the reformers' stated goal of excellence in the educational system. But these are structures and policies that challenge the entire conceptual framework of the current educational reform movement.
Learning to Teach for a Knowledge Society
Authors: Marcelo Carlos
Published: March 2015

Modern societies are engulfed in a complicated process of transformation. This unplanned transformation is affecting the way we are organized, how we work, how we relate to each other, and how we learn. These changes are visible in the institutions charged with educating new citizens. How are these changes influencing the role of teachers? How do we begin to rethink teachers' work in these new circumstances? How should the new generation of teachers be developed? What knowledges and attitudes must we instill in today's teachers so that they may take advantage of the new opportunities offered by the information society? In this article we review the literature of teacher learning and teacher knowledge from the point of view of new challenges presented by the knowledge society.