bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues and challenges of teaching communicative English in professional institutions: the case of northern India
Authors: Srishti Richa 
Published: March 2018

ABSTRACT
The present article focuses on the issues and challenges related to teaching and learning Communicative English in Engineering and other professional institutions (tier-2 and tier-3 cities) in the northern belt of India. It attempts to explore various problems faced by the teachers as well as the students. It also examines the ongoing efforts to develop English communication skills of the students. The L1, L2, and L3 scenario has been discussed in detail. Bilingualism and multilingualism are investigated further. It also offers feasible solutions for making English teaching and learning more effective. Though the article only considers the northern belt, it can be applied to other belts too, provided the socioeconomic conditions are similar.
The Evaluation Method of the Lightning Strike on Transmission Lines Aiming at Power Grid Reliability
Authors: Wen Jianfeng , Wu Jianwei , Huang Liandong , Geng Yinan , Yu zhanqing 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Lightning protection of power system focuses on reducing the flashover rate, only distinguishing by the voltage level, without considering the functional differences between the transmission lines, and being lack of analysis the effect on the reliability of power grid. This will lead lightning protection design of general transmission lines is surplus but insufficient for key lines. In order to solve this problem, the analysis method of lightning striking on transmission lines for power grid reliability is given. Full wave process theory is used to analyze the lightning back striking; the leader propagation model is used to describe the process of shielding failure of transmission lines. The index of power grid reliability is introduced and the effect of transmission line fault on the reliability of power system is discussed in detail.
anexVis: visual analytics framework for analysis of RNA expression
Authors: Tran Diem-Trang , Zhang Tian , Stutsman Ryan , Might Matthew , Desai Umesh R , Kuberan Balagurunathan 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Summary
Although RNA expression data are accumulating at a remarkable speed, gaining insights from them still requires laborious analyses, which hinder many biological and biomedical researchers. This report introduces a visual analytics framework that applies several well-known visualization techniques to leverage understanding of an RNA expression dataset. Our analyses on glycosaminoglycan-related genes have demonstrated the broad application of this tool, anexVis (analysis of RNA expression), to advance the understanding of tissue-specific glycosaminoglycan regulation and functions, and potentially other biological pathways.

Availability and implementation
The application is accessible at https://anexvis.chpc.utah.edu/, source codes deposited on GitHub.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A177 BIRTH COHORT SCREENING FOR HEPATITIS C IN AN OUTPATIENT ENDOSCOPY UNIT: A PILOT STUDY
Authors: Rai M , Lowe C , McKay J , Joyce L , Hookey L , Flemming J A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Background
Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a curable asymptomatic infection that can progress to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma if left untreated. The Canadian Liver Foundation (CLF) recommends one-time HCV screening in all Canadians born from 1945–1975. A large proportion of outpatient endoscopic procedures are for colon cancer screening in this birth cohort providing an opportunity for HCV screening and linkage to HCV care.

Aims
We aimed to assess the feasibility of developing a targeted birth-cohort HCV screening program in the outpatient endoscopy setting.

Methods
This is a cross-sectional study of patients born from 1945–1975 presenting to the outpatient endoscopy unit at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston, Ontario in September, 2016. Patients were scheduled for upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and/or sigmoidoscopy. All patients were given written information on HCV and the CLF recommendation of birth-cohort screening. Patients were then asked to complete a short survey regarding previous HCV screening and acceptance of being screened during their endoscopy visit.

Results
During a 30 day period, 95% (223/235) of eligible patients completed the survey. The cohort was 53% female with a median age of 59 years (IQR 52–66 years). 83% had either never been screened or were unaware of their HCV status. Overall, 87% of participants would be accepting of HCV screening during their endoscopy visit, 9% would not accept screening and 4% stated they were unsure. These results suggest that almost 2,000 patients could be targeted for HCV screening in the endoscopy unit annually.

Conclusions
Most patients born from 1945–1975 presenting for outpatient endoscopy have not been screened for HCV but are accepting of screening during their procedural visit. This identifies a target population for the development of an HCV screening program to increase HCV identification and facilitate linkage to HCV care.

Funding Agencies
None
A328 FACTORS PREDICTIVE OF MALIGNANCY IN PATIENTS WITH BILIARY BRUSHINGS OBTAINED BY ERCP
Authors: Kulai T , Arnason T , Filter E , Gruchy S E 
Published: March 2018

Abstract

Aims
Biliary brushings for cytology obtained during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are the most commonly used method of evaluating patients with biliary strictures for potential underlying malignancy. Patients generally proceed to a pancreatoduodenectomy if there is concern for pancreatic or peripancreatic neoplasm and the patient is an operable candidate. Some patients undergo pancreatoduodenectomy for what is eventually determined to be benign disease. We sought to analyze ERCP brushings to determine predictive factors for malignancy at our centre and whether brushing results influenced decision for pancreatoduodenectomy.

Methods
Retrospective review was conducted on adult patients who underwent ERCP with biliary duct brushings for cytology at the QEII Health Sciences Centre in Halifax, NS, from 2013–2014. Bile duct brushing cytology reports were identified by electronic search of hospital pathology archives (Cerner Millenium, Cerner, Kansas City, MO). Information on gender, age, symptoms, biliary stricture location and endoscopic impression, presence of pancreatic mass, cytologic impression of brushings, CA 19-9 level, CEA level, surgical intervention and clinical outcome was collected. Abnormal cytology was defined as samples reported as suggestive of malignancy or positive for malignant cells. Basic descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were performed.

Results
A total of 185 ERCP patients had biliary brushings for cytology during the study time period. Patients who received biliary brushings were more likely to be between ages 60 to 79 (56%) with a mean age of 66. Presenting symptoms included elevated liver enzymes (82%), jaundice (75%) and pain (48%). Location of biliary stricture, age and gender were not associated with abnormal cytology results. Endoscopic impression of the biliary stricture was malignant in 53% of cases and associated with increased likelihood of abnormal cytology (39/92; p &lt; 0.001). Pancreatic mass on imaging, seen in 38%, was associated with abnormal cytology (25/69, p = 0.001). Elevated CEA, but not CA 19-9, was associated with abnormal cytology (13/23; p = 0.008). Patients who received a pancreatoduodenectomy were not more likely to have abnormal cytology (5/18, p = 0.051). Patients eventually diagnosed with malignancy were more likely to have abnormal cytology on biliary brushing (49/120, p &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
Age, gender, location of stricture and elevated CA 19-9 were not associated with abnormal cytology suggestive of malignancy. The presence of a pancreatic mass, elevated CEA and eventual diagnosis of cancer were associated with abnormal cytology. Patients who received a pancreatoduodenectomy were not more likely to have abnormal cytology, which may reflect the scarcity of surgical candidates due to advanced disease at diagnosis.

Funding Agencies
None
Electrocochleography Results in Patients With Bilateral Vestibular Paresis and Sound- or Pressure-Induced Horizontal Nystagmus
Authors: Heidenreich Katherine D. , Pitts Crystal M. , Angster Kristen , Zajac Trevor , Havard Shaleta , Melendez Tori L. , Kileny Paul R. 
Published: March 2018

Objective:
To describe the electrocochleography (ECochG) findings in patients with bilateral vestibular paresis and sound- and/or pressure-induced horizontal nystagmus.

Design:
Retrospective case series.

Setting:
Tertiary care center.

Patients:
Three adult patients with bilateral vestibular paresis and sound- and/or pressure-induced horizontal nystagmus were evaluated from 2012 to 2016.

Main Outcome Measure:
All patients underwent ECochG, vestibular evoked myogenic potential (VEMP) testing, bithermal caloric testing, rotary chair testing, audiometric testing, and temporal bone computed tomography (CT). For ECochG, the summating potential (SP) to action potential (AP) ratio was determined.

Results:
All patients had normal temporal bone CT, reduced caloric responses bilaterally, decreased gain on rotary chair, and abnormal ECochG. For two subjects, the SP/AP was elevated bilaterally. One subject had unilateral SP/AP elevation. Cervical VEMPs were present in all subjects, but at reduced thresholds in two subjects.

Conclusion:
SP/AP elevation was found in all three patients with the syndrome of bilateral vestibular paresis and/or sound- or pressure-induced horizontal nystagmus. As the etiology of this syndrome remains unclear, understanding the basis for abnormal ECochG may shed insight into the pathophysiology of this condition.
Anatomic Considerations for Temporomandibular Joint Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation
Authors: Khavanin Nima , Davidson Edward H. , Lee Diana Y. , Byrne Patrick , Dorafshar Amir H. 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Concomitant temporomandibular joint (TMJ) transplantation is an obvious advancement in the reconstructive armamentarium for face transplantation in scenarios involving TMJ ankylosis. This study investigates the fidelity of mandibular morphology and explores the feasibility of bilateral mandibular condyle transfer in facial vascularized composite allotransplantation. Geometric analysis was performed on 100 skeletally mature maxillofacial computed tomography scans. Exclusion criteria included mandibular trauma and dentoalveolar disease. Parameters measured were posterior height, ramus tilt, anterior height, intercondylar widths, condyle height, coronoid height, interglenoid distances, symphyseal and gonial angles, condyle and glenoid volumes, and condyle shapes. Parameters were compared by gender and ethnicity using χ
2, independent sample t tests, and one-way ANOVA. Correlation with age was assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients. Bilateral measurements were compared using paired-sample t tests. Mean intercondylar width was 102.5 mm (SD 7.0 mm), anterior height 21.5 mm (5.5), and posterior height 65.3 mm (7.7), Males demonstrate larger geometric parameters, for example, intercondylar width (4 mm mean difference, P = 0.005), anterior height (2.3 mm, P = 0.032), posterior height (5 mm, P = 0.001). Asians demonstrated statistically larger intercondylar width (8 mm difference to Caucasians, P < 0.001). Increased age was associated with greater anterior height, gonial angle, and symphyseal angle; decreased glenoid height; and change in condyle shape. Despite significant disparity of laterality measurements within individuals, posterior height, glenoid, and condyle volumes are equivalent. Mandibular morphology is highly variable. However, transplantation of a facial allograft including the mandible and bilateral condyles is technically and anatomically feasible in patients with concomitant TMJ pathology.
Sequence Characterization of Glutamate Receptor Genes of Rat a Vertebrate and Arabidopsis Thaliana a Plant
Authors: Sengupta Antara , Choudhury Pabitra Pal , Chakraborty Subhadip 
Published: March 2018

AbstractiGluR gene family of a vertebrate, Rat and AtGLR gene family of a plant, Arabidopsis thaliana [4] perform some common functionalities in neuro-transmission, which have been compared quantitatively. Our attempt is based on the chemical properties of amino acids [6, 7, 8] comprising the primary protein sequences of the aforesaid genes. 19 AtGLR genes of length varying from 808 amino acid (aa) to 1039 aa and 16 iGluR genes length varying from 902aa to 1482 aa have been taken as data sets. Thus, we detected the commonalities (conserved elements) during the long evolution of plants and animals from a common ancestor [4]. Eight different conserved regions have been found based on individual amino acids. Two different conserved regions are also found, which are based on chemical groups of amino acids. We have tried too to find different possible patterns which are common throughout the data set taken. 9 such patterns have been found with size varying from 2 to 5 amino acids at different regions in each primary protein sequences. Phylogenetic trees of AtGLR and iGluR families have also been constructed. This approach is likely to shed light on the long course of evolution.
Prediction of the yielding behaviour of ductile porous materials through computational homogenization
Authors: Pinto Carvalho Rodrigo , Rodrigues Lopes Igor A. , Andrade Pires Francisco M. 
Published: March 2018

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to predict the yield locus of porous ductile materials, evaluate the impact of void geometry and compare the computational results with existing analytical models.

Design/methodology/approach
A computational homogenization strategy for the definition of the elasto-plastic transition is proposed. Representative volume elements (RVEs) containing single-centred ellipsoidal voids are analysed using three-dimensional finite element models under the geometrically non-linear hypothesis of finite strains. Yield curves are obtained by means of systematic analysis of RVEs considering different kinematical models: linear boundary displacements (upper bound), boundary displacement fluctuation periodicity and uniform boundary traction (lower bound).

Findings
The influence of void geometry is captured and the reduction in the material strength is observed. Analytical models usually overestimate the impact of void geometry on the yield locus.

Originality/value
This paper proposes an alternative criterion for porous ductile materials and assesses the accuracy of analytical models through the simulation of three-dimensional finite element models under geometrically non-linear hypothesis.
Income Inequality in New Zealand, 1935–2014
Authors: Creedy John , Gemmell Norman , Nguyen Loc 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTrends in income inequality are increasingly being discussed by economists and policy makers. In New Zealand, income inequality indices increased during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with limited change thereafter. But little is known about the levels and changes of such indices over prior decades. Based on previously unexplored data from Statistics New Zealand Official Yearbooks and Inland Revenue, this article reports estimates for the Gini index of income inequality for New Zealand from the mid‐1930s to the present. Comparisons with estimates for Australia for 1942–2001 reveal some remarkable commonalities.
Measuring Uncertainty and Its Impact on a Small Open Economy
Authors: Greig Lucy , Rice Amy , Vehbi Tugrul , Wong Benjamin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWe study the effect of uncertainty in New Zealand, a small open economy, by considering global and New Zealand‐specific uncertainty proxies, including several US‐ and global‐centric measures and two novel New Zealand‐specific uncertainty proxies constructed using surveys of New Zealand firms and professional forecasters. We study the effect of uncertainty on a set of New Zealand macroeconomic variables. While all of the uncertainty proxies contain valuable information to understand macroeconomic fluctuations in New Zealand, a simple SVAR analysis suggests that global uncertainty is more important than domestic uncertainty in driving the New Zealand business cycle. The implications of uncertainty for monetary policy largely depend on how heightened uncertainty interacts with monetary policy objectives.
Connectivity of Streams and Wetlands to Downstream Waters: An Integrated Systems Framework
Authors: Leibowitz Scott G. , Wigington Parker J. , Schofield Kate A. , Alexander Laurie C. , Vanderhoof Melanie K. , Golden Heather E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractInterest in connectivity has increased in the aquatic sciences, partly because of its relevance to the Clean Water Act. This paper has two objectives: (1) provide a framework to understand hydrological, chemical, and biological connectivity, focusing on how headwater streams and wetlands connect to and contribute to rivers; and (2) briefly review methods to quantify hydrological and chemical connectivity. Streams and wetlands affect river structure and function by altering material and biological fluxes to the river; this depends on two factors: (1) functions within streams and wetlands that affect material fluxes; and (2) connectivity (or isolation) from streams and wetlands to rivers that allows (or prevents) material transport between systems. Connectivity can be described in terms of frequency, magnitude, duration, timing, and rate of change. It results from physical characteristics of a system, e.g., climate, soils, geology, topography, and the spatial distribution of aquatic components. Biological connectivity is also affected by traits and behavior of the biota. Connectivity can be altered by human impacts, often in complex ways. Because of variability in these factors, connectivity is not constant but varies over time and space. Connectivity can be quantified with field‐based methods, modeling, and remote sensing. Further studies using these methods are needed to classify and quantify connectivity of aquatic ecosystems and to understand how impacts affect connectivity.
Oligodendrocyte morphology in the developing brain of the African giant rat (Cricetomys gambianus, Waterhouse): Histology, immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy
Authors: Olude M. A. , Bello S. T. , Mustapha O. A. , Olopade F. E. , Plendl J. , Ihunwo A. O. , Olopade J. O. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryOligodendrocyte and myelin‐related studies have been pivotal in understanding disruption of central nervous system (CNS) myelin through injury, toxicological, pathological degeneration or genetic intervention. The African giant rat (AGR) has been postulated as an indigenous wild‐type model within the African context. This work thus describes oligodendrocyte morphologies and myelin components of the developing African giant rat brain using histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural techniques. Five types, precursor‐progenitor oligodendrocytes, pre‐oligodendrocytes, immature oligodendrocytes, mature non‐myelinating oligodendrocytes and mature myelinating oligodendrocytes, were identified. The first four types were observed in neonates while juvenile and adult AGR had predominantly mature myelinating oligodendrocytes with evidence of myelin sheath deposition. All cell types identified showed positive CNPase‐positive immunosignalling across all age groups. This suggests CNPase as a suitable, sensitive and reliable biomarker for studying CNS neurodegenerative/demyelinating disorders in the AGR. This baseline study has given detailed insight into the morphology of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the AGR. It may be useful for anatomical studies and detection of alterations in neurocellular profile of oligodendrocytes and myelin in the AGR in real‐life or in experimental models.
The distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in tongue from five different avian species
Authors: Ertugrul T. , Tutuncu S. , Kabak M. , Onuk B. 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis study was conducted with the aim of determining the morphology, distribution and heterogeneity of mast cells in the tongues of seagull (Larus fuscus), common buzzard (Buteo buteo), goose (Anser anser), white stork (Ciconia ciconia) and Gerze rooster. The study used five samples of tongue material from each of the healthy adult avian species. The samples were fixed in 10% neutral‐buffered formalin (NBF) solution, then, after routine tissue follow‐up, the samples blocked with paraplast. Cross‐sections with 5–6 μm of thickness were stained with the 0.5% toluidine blue and alcian blue/safranin O (AB/SO). In all five avian species, it was found that the mast cells were in different sizes and round, oval or spindle‐shaped based on their place of distribution. Mast cell numbers were determined in stained with toluidine blue, examined ×40 objectives in a 1 mm2 area. It was observed that mast cell density in subepithelial lamina propria and microscopic papilla was higher in the tongues of all species. Mast cell distribution and heterogeneity varied through the tongue, and there were more mast cells in the dorsal side of the tongue than the ventral side. The highest amount of mast cells was found in the tongue of the Gerze rooster among all five species. In the tongue cross‐sections stained with the combined method of alcian blue/safranin O (AB/SO), the mast cells were stained as AB (+), SO (+) and AB/SO (+) (mixed).
Accuracy of near‐patient vs. inbuilt spirometry for monitoring tidal volumes in an in‐vitro paediatric lung model
Authors: Morgenroth S. , Thomas J. , Cannizzaro V. , Weiss M. , Schmidt A. R. 
Published: March 2018

SummarySpirometric monitoring provides precise measurement and delivery of tidal volumes within a narrow range, which is essential for lung‐protective strategies that aim to reduce morbidity and mortality in mechanically‐ventilated patients. Conventional anaesthesia ventilators include inbuilt spirometry to monitor inspiratory and expiratory tidal volumes. The GE Aisys CS2 anaesthesia ventilator allows additional near‐patient spirometry via a sensor interposed between the proximal end of the tracheal tube and the respiratory tubing. Near‐patient and inbuilt spirometry of two different GE Aisys CS2 anaesthesia ventilators were compared in an in‐vitro study. Assessments were made of accuracy and variability in inspiratory and expiratory tidal volume measurements during ventilation of six simulated paediatric lung models using the ASL 5000 test lung. A total of 9240 breaths were recorded and analysed. Differences between inspiratory tidal volumes measured with near‐patient and inbuilt spirometry were most significant in the newborn setting (p < 0.001), and became less significant with increasing age and weight. During expiration, tidal volume measurements with near‐patient spirometry were consistently more accurate than with inbuilt spirometry for all lung models (p < 0.001). Overall, the variability in measured tidal volumes decreased with increasing tidal volumes, and was smaller with near‐patient than with inbuilt spirometry. The variability in measured tidal volumes was higher during expiration, especially with inbuilt spirometry. In conclusion, the present in‐vitro study shows that measurements with near‐patient spirometry are more accurate and less variable than with inbuilt spirometry. Differences between measurement methods were most significant in the smallest patients. We therefore recommend near‐patient spirometry, especially for neonatal and paediatric patients.