bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance in Ag/ITO/CdS/SiO2 Multilayered Nanostructured Composite
Authors: Liu Chao , Lv Jingwei , Wang Famei , Liu Qiang , Mu Haiwei , Sun Tao , Liu Qiang , Chu Paul K.
Published: July 2015

Multilayered nanoshells have attracted much attention due to their unique optical, electronic and magnetic properties. In this work, numerical calculation using discrete dipole approximation (DDA) is conducted to investigate the quad-layered metal nanoshell consisting of a particle with a dielectric silica (SiO2) core, inner cadium sulfide (CdS) shell, middle indium tin oxide (ITO) shell and outer metal silver (Ag) shell. The phenomenon is interpreted by plasmon hybridization theory and the Ag–ITO–CdS–SiO2 multilayered nanoshells are studied by extinction spectra of localized surface plasmon resonance. The variation in the spectrum peak with nanoparticle thickness and refractive index of the surrounding medium is derived. The electric field enhancement contour around the nanoparticles under illumination is analyzed at the plasmon resonance wavelength. The [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] modes red-shift with the refractive index of the surrounding medium and increase in the layer thickness causes either blue-shift or red-shift as shown by the extinction spectra. The mechanism of the red-shift or blue-shift is discussed. The [Formula: see text] mode blue-shifts and furthermore, the [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] modes of the Ag coated multilayered nanostructure are noticeable by comparing the extinction efficiency spectra of the Au–ITO–CdS–SiO2 and Ag–ITO–CdS–SiO2 multilayered nanoshells.
Medical image denoising using simple form of MMSE estimation in Poisson–Gaussian noise model
Authors: Kittisuwan Pichid
Published: July 2015

Poisson–Gaussian noise is the basis of image formation for a great number of imaging systems used in variety of applications, including medical and astronomical imaging. In wavelet domain, the application of Bayesian estimation method with generalized Anscombe transform in Poisson–Gaussian noise reduction algorithm has shown remarkable success over the last decade. The generalized Anscombe transform is exerted to convert the Poisson–Gaussian noise into an additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN). So, the resulting data can be denoised with any algorithm designed for the removal of AWGN. Here, we present simple form of minimum mean square error (MMSE) estimator for logistic distribution in Poisson–Gaussian noise. The experimental results show that the proposed method yields good denoising results.
Benchmarking lava-flow models
Authors: Cordonnier B. , Lev E. , Garel F.
Published: July 2015

Prediction of the emplacement of volcanic mass flows (lava flows, pyroclastic density currents, debris avalanches and debris flows) is required for hazard and risk assessment, and for the planning of risk-mitigation measures. Numerical computer-based models now exist that are capable of approximating the motion of a given volume of volcanic material from its source to the deposition area. With these advances in technology, it is useful to compare the various codes in order to evaluate their respective suitability for real-time forecasting, risk preparedness and post-eruptive response. A ‘benchmark’ compares codes or methods, all aimed at simulating the same physical process using common initial and boundary conditions and outputs, but using different physical formulations, mathematical approaches and numerical techniques. We set up the basis for a future general benchmarking exercise on volcanic mass-flow models and, more specifically, establish a benchmark series for computational lava-flow modelling. We describe a set of benchmarks in this paper, and present a few sample results to demonstrate output analysis and code evaluation methodologies. The associated web-based communal facility for sharing test scenarios and results is also described.
Observations of the Icy Universe
Authors: Boogert A.C. Adwin , Gerakines Perry A. , Whittet Douglas C.B.
Published: July 2015

Freeze-out of the gas-phase elements onto cold grains in dense interstellar and circumstellar media builds up ice mantles consisting of molecules that are mostly formed in situ (H2O, NH3, CO2, CO, CH3OH, and more). This review summarizes the detected infrared spectroscopic ice features and compares the abundances across Galactic, extragalactic, and Solar System environments. A tremendous amount of information is contained in the ice band profiles. Laboratory experiments play a critical role in the analysis of the observations. Strong evidence is found for distinct ice formation stages, separated by CO freeze-out at high densities. The ice bands have proven to be excellent probes of the thermal history of their environment. The evidence for the long-held idea that processing of ices by energetic photons and cosmic rays produces complex molecules is weak. Recent state-of-the-art observations show promise for much progress in this area with planned infrared facilities.
The Economics of Civil Procedure
Authors: Klerman Daniel
Published: July 2015

The economic analysis of procedure reduces most issues to direct costs and error costs. Direct costs are ordinary litigation costs. Error costs are the reduction in deterrence and the increase in chilling that result from inaccurate adjudication. The goal of procedure is the minimization of the sum of direct and error costs. This framework has been applied to many procedural issues, and this survey focuses on three: dispositive motions (motions to dismiss and summary judgment), discovery, and jurisdiction. Economic analysis has yielded significant insights in these areas, but important questions remain for future researchers. Because theory is often indeterminate, this survey discusses empirical as well as theoretical work, although, unfortunately, empirical work has focused on direct costs and has largely neglected error costs.
The Economics of Household Air Pollution
Authors: Jeuland Marc , Pattanayak Subhrendu K. , Bluffstone Randall
Published: July 2015

Traditional energy technologies and consumer products contribute to household well-being in diverse ways but also often harm household air quality. We review the problem of household air pollution at a global scale, focusing particularly on the harmful effects of traditional cooking and heating. Drawing on the theory of household production, we illustrate the ambiguous relationship between household well-being and adoption of behaviors and technologies that reduce air pollution. We then review how the theory relates to the seemingly contradictory findings emerging from the literature on developing country household demand for clean fuels and stoves. In conclusion, we describe an economics research agenda to close the knowledge gaps so that policies and programs can be designed and evaluated to solve the global household air pollution problem.
Pigment epithelium-derived factor as a multifunctional regulator of wound healing
Authors: Wietecha Mateusz S. , Król Mateusz J. , Michalczyk Elizabeth R. , Chen Lin , Gettins Peter G. , DiPietro Luisa A.
Published: July 2015

During dermal wound repair, hypoxia-driven proliferation results in dense but highly permeable, disorganized microvascular networks, similar to those in solid tumors. Concurrently, activated dermal fibroblasts generate an angiopermissive, provisional extracellular matrix (ECM). Unlike cancers, wounds naturally resolve via blood vessel regression and ECM maturation, which are essential for reestablishing tissue homeostasis. Mechanisms guiding wound resolution are poorly understood; one candidate regulator is pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF), a secreted glycoprotein. PEDF is a potent antiangiogenic in models of pathological angiogenesis and a promising cancer and cardiovascular disease therapeutic, but little is known about its physiological function. To examine the roles of PEDF in physiological wound repair, we used a reproducible model of excisional skin wound healing in BALB/c mice. We show that PEDF is abundant in unwounded and healing skin, is produced primarily by dermal fibroblasts, binds to resident microvascular endothelial cells, and accumulates in dermal ECM and epidermis. PEDF transcript and protein levels were low during the inflammatory and proliferative phases of healing but increased in quantity and colocalization with microvasculature during wound resolution. Local antibody inhibition of endogenous PEDF delayed vessel regression and collagen maturation during the remodeling phase. Treatment of wounds with intradermal injections of exogenous, recombinant PEDF inhibited nascent angiogenesis by repressing endothelial proliferation, promoted vascular integrity and function, and increased collagen maturity. These results demonstrate that PEDF contributes to the resolution of healing wounds by causing regression of immature blood vessels and stimulating maturation of the vascular microenvironment, thus promoting a return to tissue homeostasis after injury.
Activation of the nuclear factor-κB pathway during postnatal lung inflammation preserves alveolarization by suppressing macrophage inflammatory protein-2
Authors: Hou Yanli , Liu Min , Husted Cristiana , Chen Chihhsin , Thiagarajan Kavitha , Johns Jennifer L. , Rao Shailaja P. , Alvira Cristina M.
Published: July 2015

A significant portion of lung development is completed postnatally during alveolarization, rendering the immature lung vulnerable to inflammatory stimuli that can disrupt lung structure and function. Although the NF-κB pathway has well-recognized pro-inflammatory functions, novel anti-inflammatory and developmental roles for NF-κB have recently been described. Thus, to determine how NF-κB modulates alveolarization during inflammation, we exposed postnatal day 6 mice to vehicle (PBS), systemic lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or the combination of LPS and the global NF-κB pathway inhibitor BAY 11-7082 (LPS + BAY). LPS impaired alveolarization, decreased lung cell proliferation, and reduced epithelial growth factor expression. BAY exaggerated these detrimental effects of LPS, further suppressing proliferation and disrupting pulmonary angiogenesis, an essential component of alveolarization. The more severe pathology induced by LPS + BAY was associated with marked increases in lung and plasma levels of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2). Experiments using primary neonatal pulmonary endothelial cells (PEC) demonstrated that MIP-2 directly impaired neonatal PEC migration in vitro; and neutralization of MIP-2 in vivo preserved lung cell proliferation and pulmonary angiogenesis and prevented the more severe alveolar disruption induced by the combined treatment of LPS + BAY. Taken together, these studies demonstrate a key anti-inflammatory function of the NF-κB pathway in the early alveolar lung that functions to mitigate the detrimental effects of inflammation on pulmonary angiogenesis and alveolarization. Furthermore, these data suggest that neutralization of MIP-2 may represent a novel therapeutic target that could be beneficial in preserving lung growth in premature infants exposed to inflammatory stress.
The time course of resolution of adhesions during fibrinolytic therapy in tetracycline-induced pleural injury in rabbits
Authors: Komissarov Andrey A. , Florova Galina , Azghani Ali O. , Buchanan Ann , Bradley William M. , Schaefer Chris , Koenig Kathleen , Idell Steven
Published: July 2015

The time required for the effective clearance of pleural adhesions/organization after intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy (IPFT) is unknown. Chest ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) were used to assess the efficacy of IPFT in a rabbit model of tetracycline-induced pleural injury, treated with single-chain (sc) urokinase plasminogen activators (scuPAs) or tissue PAs (sctPA). IPFT with sctPA (0.145 mg/kg; n = 10) and scuPA (0.5 mg/kg; n = 12) was monitored by serial ultrasonography alone ( n = 12) or alongside CT scanning ( n = 10). IPFT efficacy was assessed with gross lung injury scores (GLIS) and ultrasonography scores (USS). Pleural fluids withdrawn at 0–240 min and 24 h after IPFT were assayed for PA and fibrinolytic activities, α-macroglobulin/fibrinolysin complexes, and active PA inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). scuPA and sctPA generated comparable steady-state fibrinolytic activities by 20 min. PA activity in the scuPA group decreased slower than the sctPA group ( kobs= 0.016 and 0.042 min−1). Significant amounts of bioactive uPA/α-macroglobulin (but not tPA; P < 0.05) complexes accumulated at 0–40 min after IPFT. Despite the differences in intrapleural processing, IPFT with either fibrinolysin was effective (GLIS ≤ 10) in animals imaged with ultrasonography only. USS correlated well with postmortem GLIS ( r2= 0.85) and confirmed relatively slow intrapleural fibrinolysis after IPFT, which coincided with effective clearance of adhesions/organization at 4–8 h. CT scanning was associated with less effective (GLIS > 10) IPFT and higher levels of active PAI-1 at 24 h following therapy. We concluded that intrapleural fibrinolysis in tetracycline-induced pleural injury in rabbits is relatively slow (4–8 h). In CT-scanned animals, elevated PAI-1 activity (possibly radiation induced) reduced the efficacy of IPFT, buttressing the major impact of active PAI-1 on IPFT outcomes.
Bracing of the trunk and neck has a differential effect on head control during gait
Authors: Morrison S. , Russell D. M. , Kelleran K. , Walker M. L.
Published: July 2015

During gait, the trunk and neck are believed to play an important role in dissipating the transmission of forces from the ground to the head. This attenuation process is important to ensure head control is maintained. The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of externally restricting the motion of the trunk and/or neck segments on acceleration patterns of the upper body and head and related trunk muscle activity. Twelve healthy adults performed three walking trials on a flat, straight 65-m walkway, under four different bracing conditions: 1) control-no brace; 2) neck-braced; 3) trunk-braced; and 4) neck-trunk braced. Three-dimensional acceleration from the head, neck (C7) and lower trunk (L3) were collected, as was muscle activity from trunk. Results revealed that, when the neck and/or trunk were singularly braced, an overall decrease in the ability of the trunk to attenuate gait-related oscillations was observed, which led to increases in the amplitude of vertical acceleration for all segments. However, when the trunk and neck were braced together, acceleration amplitude across all segments decreased in line with increased attenuation from the neck to the head. Bracing was also reflected by increased activity in erector spinae, decreased abdominal muscle activity and lower trunk muscle coactivation. Overall, it would appear that the neuromuscular system of young, healthy individuals was able to maintain a consistent pattern of head acceleration, irrespective of the level of bracing, and that priority was placed over the control of vertical head accelerations during these gait tasks.
Effect of Increasing Doses ofγ-Radiation on Bone Marrow Stromal Cells Grown on Smooth and Rough Titanium Surfaces
Authors: Huang Bo , Guang Mengkai , Ye Jun , Gong Ping , Tang Hua
Published: July 2015

Radiation therapy for oral and maxillofacial tumors could damage bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) in jaw, which caused dental implant failure. However, how radiation affects BMSCs on SLA (sandblasted with large-grits, acid-etched) surfaces is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate effect of different dose ofγ-radiation on BMSCs on SLA and PT (polished titanium) surfaces. Rat BMSCs were radiated with 2, 4, and 8 Gyγ-radiation and then seeded on both surfaces. Cell adhesion, spreading, and proliferation were tested. The osteogenesis and the adipogenesis ability were examined by Alizarin-Red and Oil-Red staining, respectively. Real-time PCR was performed to detect osteogenic (osteocalcin, OCN; runt-related transcription factor 2, Runx2) and adipogenic (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, PPARγ) gene expression at days 7 and 14 postirradiation. Results showed thatγ-radiation reduced cell proliferation, adhesion, spreading, and osteogenic differentiation. 2 Gy radiation promoted adipogenic differentiation, but it was significantly decreased when dosage reached 4 Gy. In conclusion, results suggest thatγ-radiation influenced BMSCs behaviors in a dosage-dependent manner except adipogenic differentiation, low dose promoted it, and high dose inhibited it. This effect was influenced by surface characteristics, which may explain the different failure rate of various implants in patients after radiation.
Cyclophosphamide-Mediated Tumor Priming for Enhanced Delivery and Antitumor Activity of HER2-Targeted Liposomal Doxorubicin (MM-302)
Authors: Geretti Elena , Leonard Shannon Curtis , Dumont Nancy , Lee Helen , Zheng Jinzi , De Souza Raquel , Gaddy Daniel F. , Espelin Christopher W. , Jaffray David A. , Moyo Victor , Nielsen Ulrik B. , Wickham Thomas J. , Hendriks Bart S.
Published: July 2015

Given the bulky nature of nanotherapeutics relative to small molecules, it is hypothesized that effective tumor delivery and penetration are critical barriers to their clinical activity. HER2-targeted PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin (MM-302, HER2-tPLD) is an antibody–liposomal drug conjugate designed to deliver doxorubicin to HER2-overexpressing cancer cells while limiting uptake into nontarget cells. In this work, we demonstrate that the administration and appropriate dose sequencing of cyclophosphamide can improve subsequent MM-302 delivery and enhance antitumor activity in preclinical models without negatively affecting nontarget tissues, such as the heart and skin. We demonstrate that this effect is critically dependent on the timing of cyclophosphamide administration. Furthermore, the effect was found to be unique to cyclophosphamide and related analogues, and not shared by other agents, such as taxanes or eribulin, under the conditions examined. Analysis of the cyclophosphamide-treated tumors suggests that the mechanism for improved MM-302 delivery involves the induction of tumor cell apoptosis, reduction of overall tumor cell density, substantial lowering of interstitial fluid pressure, and increasing vascular perfusion. The novel dosing strategy for cyclophosphamide described herein is readily translatable to standard clinical regimens, represents a potentially significant advance in addressing the drug delivery challenge, and may have broad applicability for nanomedicines. This work formed the basis for clinical evaluation of cyclophosphamide for improving liposome deposition as part of an ongoing phase I clinical trial of MM-302 in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer. Mol Cancer Ther; 14(9); 2060–71. ©2015 AACR.
Assessment on Hybrid E-Learning Instrument
Authors: Kamsin Intan Farahana , Din Rosseni
Published: July 2015

This study aims to improve Hybrid e-Learning 9.3. A total of 233 students of International Islamic University Malaysia, Gombak who have the experience in hybrid teaching and learning were involved as respondents. Rasch Measurement Model was used for this study. Validity analyses conducted were on (i) the compatibility of the items, (ii) mapping of items and respondents, (iii) scaling of instruments, and (iv) unidimentional items. The findings of the study show that (i) the items developed correspond with the construct they represent, (ii) items are evenly distributed on the mean of the respondents, (iii) the scale of instruments to be improved, and (iv) the instrument is multidimensional. Therefore, it shows that Hybrid e-Learning instrument has the items that measure the construct it represents as well as the compatibility with the capability of the respondents of the study.
Critical Analysis of the Supportive and Suppressive Factors for the Children’s Literature Program in Malaysia
Authors: Mustakim Siti Salina , Mustapha Ramlee , Lebar Othman
Published: July 2015

Literature in Education (LIE) is aimed at enhancing the pupils’ linguistic competence by providing an early beginning to a foundation in literature and literary works.  In 2006, the literature component was introduced to pupils in Malaysian primary schools through two programs: Contemporary Children’s Literature (CCL) and Extensive Reading Program.  The literature program is viewed as a vehicle to provide an early exposure to pupils on literary genres to enhance their understanding and appreciation of people’s cultures, values, and traditions.  The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the provision of support, resources, training, and time allocation in the implementation of children’s literature among upper primary school teachers in Malaysia via the utilization of survey questionnaires, classroom observations and interviews.  This study was conducted in a district in the state of Selangor.  A sample of 56 upper primary school teachers from 19 schools were selected to answer the survey questionnaires.  Interviews were conducted in one selected school in the District.   The school was chosen based on the highest academic performance in the Malaysia Standard Examination for Primary Schools.   Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19, and coded manually.  Findings from survey indicated that 75% of the school management understand the objectives and goals of CCL in order to provide effective support to the program.  Majority of the respondents (82%) agreed that the school management has allowed the English Language Department to manage its own expenses or resources for the program.   Almost three-fourths (71.4%) of the respondents agreed that the provision of training and resources has produced capable and knowledgeable teachers to teach literature. However, the majority of the respondents (76.8%) disagreed that the time allocation provides sufficient time for them to fulfil the requirements of teaching two textbooks in a year.  Interview data confirming the survey data reveal that the respondents were less satisfied with the time allocation to conduct their lesson for literature.
The Effect of Personality Value Practice of Principals toward Attitude, Discipline, Qualities and Communications of Work
Authors: Asri Muhammad , Mohd Tahir Lokman Bin
Published: July 2015

This study aims to identify the effect of personality value practice of principals toward work attitude, work discipline, work quality and work communication of teachers in senior high schools such as public senior high schools (SMA), vocational senior high schools (SMK), religion senior high schools (MAN) in Makassar city, South Sulawesi province of Indonesia. The sample consisted of 295 teachers. It used random sampling method. The study used a questionnaire to collect data. Data were analyzed by the statistical inference of linear regression to test the hypotheses. Cronbach's alpha of the questionnaire is 0.879. The results showed a strong effect of personality values of principals toward work attitude, work quality and work communication of teachers at schools. While, personality value of principals have moderate influence on teachers’ work discipline.
Initial Oral English Communication Needs of Learners in the Business English Classroom
Authors: Paramudia Paramudia , Habil Hadina
Published: July 2015

The aim of the study was to investigate the level of effectiveness and initial oral English communication (OEC) needs of Indonesian learners when using OEC to perform the learning activities in the Business English (BE) classroom at Business Administration Departement of the Politeknik Negri Ujung Pandang (PNUP) in Makassar Indonesia. Conceptually, the needs of learners cover aspect of "want, Necessity, and lack" that were developed and used as research indicators of this study. The sample of this study was 159 Business Administration Departement of PNUP learners. The findings discovered that the level of effectiveness of learners of using OEC when performing the learning activities both under academic and business contexts in the BE classroom was moderate. This study also found that initial needs of learners relating to specific skills from the aspect of lack, necessaity, and want both under academic and business contexts in the BE classroom should be prepared before taking BE subject. Finally, the study suggested investigating further both the target needs and learning needs of learners in the BE classroom.
Causes, Effects of Stress and the Coping Mechanism of the Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Students in a Philippine University
Authors: N. Mazo Generoso
Published: July 2015

The causes and levels of stress vary. The study of Information Technology is basically a rigorous one as it is designed to prepare students for the actual demands in the world of work. This study sought to determine the causes of stress, the effects of stress, and the stress coping mechanisms of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology students in the Leyte Normal University, Tacloban City. It tested some assumptions using the descriptive survey method with 51 respondents. Thesis writing/research and school requirements/projects were the most common causes of stress. Sleepless nights and irritable/moody feeling were the common effects of stress. There was disparity on the causes and effects of stress between the male and female respondents. The use of computer and praying to God were the common stress coping mechanisms. There was an observed disparity between the male and female responses.
How to Develop Character Education of Madrassa Students in Indonesia
Authors: Abu Lukman , Mokhtar Mahani , Hassan Zainudin , Darmanita Suhan Siti Zakiah
Published: July 2015

In the last decades, the  teachers criticized for failing to integrate the knowledge in the behavior of virtue. Therefore the character education is always considered in every design education, including in madrassas. The character education is the deliberate attempt to influence the behavior of students through customizing repeatedly. making it easy to do virtue and avoid crime. The research has focused on the approach to character education at madrassa. The qualitative method by interviewing, observation, and focus groups have been used in this study.A total of 16 teachers at four madrassas in South Sulawesi has been selected through purposive Sampling. The  research suggest: Madrassa teachers have not managed to practice the concept of teaching character. Both conceptually and contextually. The failure of conceptually caused teachers do not embed character values are extracted from the behavior of student’s virtue. While the failure of the contextually is has caused teachers failed in an attempt to develop character values, such as social relationships, honesty, and discipline. In addition, the teachers are not managed to practice courteous and not empowered to detain students of behavior lie.
Effects of Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition Learning Model on the English Learning Skills
Authors: Hadiwinarto Hadiwinarto , Novianti Novianti
Published: July 2015

This research was aimed at describing the effects of Cooperative Integrated Reading and Composition (CIRC) learning model on the reading and writing skills of junior high school students in learning English. This research applied one group pretest-posttest design. Data were collected by using tests and analized by using descriptive analysis and t-test. The result showed that: the average score for reading skill before the experiment was 50.00 and the average score for reading skill after the experiment was 65.58. On the other hand, the average score for writing skill before the experiment was 38.21 and the average score for writing skill after experiment was 58.05. The implementation of CIRC learning model had very significant effects on the English reading and writing skills of the junior high school students.
An Investigation on Organizational Charlatan Behaviour and Moral Identity as Predictors of Shame: Importance for Education
Authors: Abraham Juneman , Berline Rahma Putri Noka
Published: July 2015

Corruption is one of the biggest problems that progressively undermine the life of Indonesian. At the psychosocial level, the Indonesian people, especially the leaders and public officials, many times have been referred to as “the shameless nation”; a designation that is attributed as the cause of the flourishing of corruption. Research breakthrough is needed in the educational world in order to better understand the roots of corruption and the minimal and even the lack of the shame. This predictive correlational study made the organization charlatan behaviour and moral identity as predictors of shame proneness. This study, which was conducted on 208 civil servants and private employees in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia (111 males, 97 females; mean of age = 32.19 years old, standard deviation of age = 10.495 years), showed that the organizational charlatan behaviour is unable to predict shame, but the moral identity can predict it. Implications of this study’s results for further advanced researches as well as practices in education are elaborated in the Discussion and Suggestions section.
Effects of an Informal Energy Exhibit on Knowledge and Attitudes of Fourth Grade Students
Authors: Goodman David
Published: July 2015

The public has limited knowledge of renewable energy technologies. An increase in energy literacy can potentially lead to desired energy-related behavioral changes in the future. One potential solution is to increase the public’s access to renewable energy information by placing informal energy education exhibits in libraries, community centers, and parks. After calibrating the exhibit based on observations of children’s interactions at a children’s museum, the exhibit was displayed at a university, a private school, and a community center. The opinion surveys and interviews both showed that participants enjoyed and learned from the exhibit. Students showed no significant statistical improvement between the pretests and posttests, but interviews showed that they could recall facts, explain processes, and make inferences from the exhibit. Fourth-grade students can benefit from interacting with an informal energy exhibit in order to increase their knowledge of energy topics and technologies.
The Investigation of Critical Thinking Dispositions of Religious Culture and Ethics Teacher Candidates
Authors: Cekin Abdulkadir
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this study is to investigate the critical thinking dispositions of religious culture and ethics teacher candidates in terms of some variables. The independent variables of the study are gender, high school types from which they graduated, birth place, motherland, education level of their parents, and family’s average income. The sample of the study is 226 teacher candidates in Ankara University and Kastamonu University, religion culture and ethics teaching department. The research is designed as a case study; the data is obtained by Measurement of California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory. The inventory is a lykert-type scale, has 51 items. The value of the overall reliability of measurement instrument (Cronbach Alpha) is 0.88. A one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent samples t-test are used to analyze the data. In the end of the study, it was found that religious culture and ethics teacher candidates think sufficiently critical.
Low-Flow, Low-Gradient Severe Aortic Stenosis in the Setting of Constrictive Pericarditis
Authors: Tsang Michael Y.C. , Choi Jin-Oh , Borlaug Barry A. , Greason Kevin L. , Cha Stephen S. , Nishimura Rick A. , Oh Jae K.
Published: July 2015

Background—

Low-flow, low-gradient aortic stenosis (AS), associated with a poor prognosis, can be caused by a reduced stroke volume despite a preserved ejection fraction (left ventricular ejection fraction). We hypothesized that impaired ventricular diastolic filling secondary to constrictive pericarditis (CP) could contribute to reduced transaortic gradients in patients with AS+CP. We sought to examine the characteristics and outcomes of this unique cohort.

Methods and Results—

We analyzed 84 patients with different degrees of AS and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (≥50%): 28 diagnosed with concomitant CP by echocardiography and 56 patients without CP matched by age, sex, and AS severity during 1998 to 2013. Prior mediastinal radiation (32.1% versus 5.4%;
P
=0.0072) and cardiac surgery (50.0% versus 3.6%;
P
=0.0016) were more common in AS+CP patients than those with AS only. AS+CP patients had lower left ventricular stroke volume index and mean transaortic gradients. Five-year survival was 34.3% for AS+CP patients and 89.1% for those with AS only (
P
<0.001). In univariate analysis, prior mediastinal radiation (hazard ratio, 8.35; 95% confidence interval, 3.38–20.62;
P
<0.001), reduced left ventricular stroke volume index of <35 mL/m
2
(hazard ratio, 12.52; 95% confidence interval, 3.97–39.48;
P
<0.001), and concomitant CP (hazard ratio, 13.65; 95% confidence interval, 4.85–38.41;
P
<0.001) were highly associated with increased mortality.

Conclusions—

Our findings highlighted the possibility of CP as a pathophysiological mechanism for low-flow, low-gradient AS. Left ventricular stroke volume index and transaortic gradients were commonly reduced in AS in the setting of CP despite a preserved left ventricular ejection fraction, which may result in underestimation of AS severity. Prior mediastinal radiation, lower left ventricular stroke volume index, and concomitant CP were associated with poorer survival in AS patients.
Echocardiographic Findings Predict In-Hospital and 1-Year Mortality in Left-Sided Native Valve
Staphylococcus aureus
Endocarditis
Authors: Lauridsen Trine K. , Park Lawrence , Tong Steven Y.C. , Selton-Suty Christine , Peterson Gail , Cecchi Enrico , Afonso Luis , Habib Gilbert , Paré Carlos , Tamin Syahidah , Dickerman Stuart , Bayer Arnold S. , Johansson Magnus C. , Chu Vivian H. , Samad Zainab , Bruun Niels E. , Fowler Vance G. , Crowley Anna Lisa
Published: July 2015

Background—

Staphylococcus aureus
left-sided native valve infective endocarditis (LNVIE) has higher complication and mortality rates compared with endocarditis from other pathogens. Whether echocardiographic variables can predict prognosis in
S aureus
LNVIE is unknown.

Methods and Results—

Consecutive patients with LNVIE, enrolled between January 2000 and September 2006, in the International Collaboration on Endocarditis were identified. Subjects without
S aureus
IE were matched to those with
S aureus
IE by the propensity of having
S aureus
. Survival differences were determined using log-rank significance tests. Independent echocardiographic predictors of mortality were identified using Cox-proportional hazards models that included inverse probability of treatment weighting and surgery as a time-dependent covariate. Of 727 subjects with LNVIE and 1-year follow-up, 202 had
S aureus
IE. One-year survival rates were significantly lower for patients with
S aureus
IE overall (57%
S aureus
IE versus 80% non-
S aureus
IE;
P
<0.001) and in the propensity-matched cohort (59%
S aureus
IE versus 68% non-
S aureus
IE;
P
<0.05). Intracardiac abscess (hazard ratio, 2.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.52–5.40;
P
<0.001) and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% (odds ratio, 3.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.35–6.04;
P
=0.004) were the only independent echocardiographic predictors of in-hospital mortality in
S aureus
LNVIE. Valve perforation (hazard ratio, 2.16; 95% confidence interval, 1.21–3.68;
P
=0.006) and intracardiac abscess (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% confidence interval, 1.26–3.78;
P
=0.004) were the only independent predictors of 1-year mortality.

Conclusions—

S aureus
is an independent predictor of 1-year mortality in subjects with LNVIE. In
S aureus
LNVIE, intracardiac abscess and left ventricular ejection fraction <40% independently predicted in-hospital mortality and intracardiac abscess and valve perforation independently predicted 1-year mortality.
Clinical Utility of the Japan–Chronic Total Occlusion Score in Coronary Chronic Total Occlusion Interventions
Authors: Christopoulos Georgios , Wyman R. Michael , Alaswad Khaldoon , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Lombardi William , Grantham J. Aaron , Yeh Robert W. , Jaffer Farouc A. , Cipher Daisha J. , Rangan Bavana V. , Christakopoulos Georgios E. , Kypreos Megan A. , Lembo Nicholas , Kandzari David , Garcia Santiago , Thompson Craig A. , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S.
Published: July 2015

Background—

The performance of the Japan–chronic total occlusion (J-CTO) score in predicting success and efficiency of CTO percutaneous coronary intervention has received limited study.

Methods and Results—

We examined the records of 650 consecutive patients who underwent CTO percutaneous coronary intervention between 2011 and 2014 at 6 experienced centers in the United States. Six hundred and fifty-seven lesions were classified as easy (J-CTO=0), intermediate (J-CTO=1), difficult (J-CTO=2), and very difficult (J-CTO≥3). The impact of the J-CTO score on technical success and procedure time was evaluated with univariable logistic and linear regression, respectively. The performance of the logistic regression model was assessed with the Hosmer–Lemeshow statistic and receiver operator characteristic curves. Antegrade wiring techniques were used more frequently in easy lesions (97%) than very difficult lesions (58%), whereas the retrograde approach became more frequent with increased lesion difficulty (41% for very difficult lesions versus 13% for easy lesions). The logistic regression model for technical success demonstrated satisfactory calibration and discrimination (
P
for Hosmer–Lemeshow =0.743 and area under curve =0.705). The J-CTO score was associated with a 2-fold increase in the odds of technical failure (odds ratio 2.04, 95% confidence interval 1.52–2.80,
P
<0.001). Procedure time increased by ≈20 minutes for every 1-point increase of the J-CTO score (regression coefficient 22.33, 95% confidence interval 17.45–27.22,
P
<0.001).

Conclusions—

J-CTO score was strongly associated with final success and efficiency in this study, supporting its expanded use in CTO interventions.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02061436.
Downregulation of MicroRNA-126 Contributes to the Failing Right Ventricle in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Potus François , Ruffenach Grégoire , Dahou Abdellaziz , Thebault Christophe , Breuils-Bonnet Sandra , Tremblay Ève , Nadeau Valérie , Paradis Renée , Graydon Colin , Wong Ryan , Johnson Ian , Paulin Roxane , Lajoie Annie C. , Perron Jean , Charbonneau Eric , Joubert Philippe , Pibarot Philippe , Michelakis Evangelos D. , Provencher Steeve , Bonnet Sébastien
Published: July 2015

Background—

Right ventricular (RV) failure is the most important factor of both morbidity and mortality in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the underlying mechanisms resulting in the failed RV in PAH remain unknown. There is growing evidence that angiogenesis and microRNAs are involved in PAH-associated RV failure. We hypothesized that microRNA-126 (miR-126) downregulation decreases microvessel density and promotes the transition from a compensated to a decompensated RV in PAH.

Methods and Results—

We studied RV free wall tissues from humans with normal RV (n=17), those with compensated RV hypertrophy (n=8), and patients with PAH with decompensated RV failure (n=14). Compared with RV tissues from patients with compensated RV hypertrophy, patients with decompensated RV failure had decreased miR-126 expression (quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction;
P
<0.01) and capillary density (CD31
+
immunofluorescence;
P
<0.001), whereas left ventricular tissues were not affected. miR-126 downregulation was associated with increased Sprouty-related EVH1 domain-containing protein 1 (SPRED-1), leading to decreased activation of RAF (phosphorylated RAF/RAF) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK); (phosphorylated MAPK/MAPK), thus inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor pathway. In vitro, Matrigel assay showed that miR-126 upregulation increased angiogenesis of primary cultured endothelial cells from patients with decompensated RV failure. Furthermore, in vivo miR-126 upregulation (mimic intravenous injection) improved cardiac vascular density and function of monocrotaline-induced PAH animals.

Conclusions—

RV failure in PAH is associated with a specific molecular signature within the RV, contributing to a decrease in RV vascular density and promoting the progression to RV failure. More importantly, miR-126 upregulation in the RV improves microvessel density and RV function in experimental PAH.
National Quality Assessment of Early Clopidogrel Therapy in Chinese Patients With Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI) in 2006 and 2011: Insights From the China Patient‐Centered Evaluative Assessment of Cardiac Events (PEACE)–Retrospective AMI Study
Authors: Zhang Lihua , Desai Nihar R. , Li Jing , Hu Shuang , Wang Qing , Li Xi , Masoudi Frederick A. , Spertus John A. , Nuti Sudhakar V. , Wang Sisi , Krumholz Harlan M. , Jiang Lixin ,   the China PEACE Collaborative Group
Published: July 2015

Background

Early clopidogrel administration to patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been demonstrated to improve outcomes in a large Chinese trial. However, patterns of use of clopidogrel for patients with AMI in China are unknown.

Methods and Results

From a nationally representative sample of AMI patients from 2006 and 2011, we identified 11 944 eligible patients for clopidogrel therapy and measured early clopidogrel use, defined as initiation within 24 hours of hospital admission. Among the patients eligible for clopidogrel, the weighted rate of early clopidogrel therapy increased from 45.7% in 2006 to 79.8% in 2011 (
P
<0.001). In 2006 and 2011, there was significant variation in early clopidogrel use by region, ranging from 1.5% to 58.0% in 2006 (
P
<0.001) and 48.7% to 87.7% in 2011 (
P
<0.001). While early use of clopidogrel was uniformly high in urban hospitals in 2011 (median 89.3%; interquartile range: 80.1% to 94.5%), there was marked heterogeneity among rural hospitals (median 50.0%; interquartile range: 11.5% to 84.4%). Patients without reperfusion therapy and those admitted to rural hospitals were less likely to be treated with clopidogrel.

Conclusions

Although the use of early clopidogrel therapy in patients with AMI has increased substantially in China, there is notable wide variation across hospitals, with much less adoption in rural hospitals. Quality improvement initiatives are needed to increase consistency of early clopidogrel use for patients with AMI.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
. Unique identifier: NCT01624883.
International Investment Law in the Context of Jus Post Bellum: Are Investment Treaties Likely to Facilitate or Hinder the Transition to Peace?
Authors: Zrilič Jure
Published: July 2015

This article seeks to explore how international investment treaties interact with the transition from armed conflict to peace. While the protection of foreign investors in conflict and post-conflict environments is a necessary requirement for re-establishing the rule of law and attracting new capital that is needed for rebuilding the wrecked economy, the threat of excessive arbitration claims may also complicate the delicate process of creating a stable political order. The article compares traditional, government-to-government methods of settling post-conflict international claims with investor-state arbitration. Unlike investors, governments will usually base their decision about raising a conflict-related claim on a number of extra-legal considerations, such as conditions for sustainable peace. These considerations will often reflect in the amount and the method of payment of post-conflict compensation. The article looks at the investment arbitration practice and identifies certain interpretive tools that take better account of post-conflict realities and lead to more balanced awards.
History in Adab Context: “The Book on Caliphal Histories” by Ibn ʿAbd Rabbih (246/860-328/940)
Authors: Toral-Niehoff Isabel
Published: July 2015

In classical Arabic literature,adaband history are closely related. Collections such as al-Masʿūdī’sMurūj al-dhahab, Ibn Qutayba’sKitāb al-Maʿārifor theMuʿjam al-buldānby Yāqūt are proper hybrids of history andadab: History often includesadabapproaches, andadabregularly incorporates historicalakhbār. The multivolume encyclopediaal-ʿIqd al-farīd, “the Unique Necklace,” composed by the Andalusī Ibn ʿAbd Rabbih (246/860-328/940) fits very well into theadabideal of cultural broadness. In addition to numerous historical anecdotes, theʿIqd al-farīdincorporates a lengthy and very peculiar monographic section on caliphal history, an early example of history inadab. These passages have received little attention in the study of early Arabic historiography so far; however, they definitely deserve a closer investigation.
Miejsce animacji kulturalnej w działalności polskich i rosyjskich lokalnych ośrodków kultury po przełomie ustrojowym (na wybranych przykładach)
Authors: Dunaeva Victoria
Published: July 2015

The place of cultural animation in the activity of Polish and Russian local institutions of culture after the fall of communism (selected examples)The main objective of this article is to explore and compare the role of cultural animation in the activity of local institutions of culture in Poland and Russia after the fall of communism. Among the significant issues are the strategy of local cultural institutions within the terms of the market economy, the system of values that they promote and the conditions of effective cooperation of these institutions with their audiences. One of the important questions is the institution’s ability to meet the cultural needs of a local community and simultaneously create a ‘civic conscience’ in people. The author has explored the activity of selected local institutions of culture in Poland and in Russia.
Czy Jezus był zboczeńcem? Nienormalni, którzy są prawodawcami świata, w koncepcji Floriana Znanieckiego
Authors: Jawor Anna
Published: July 2015

Was Jesus a deviant? The abnormals who are legislators of the world in Florian Znaniecki's conceptionThe aim of this article is to remind us the still current conception of ‘deviants’ by the classical sociologist – Florian Znaniecki. Znaniecki has distinguished three types of people: normal, ‘subnormal’ and ‘overnormal’. Normal people are just ordinary people who live according to social rules and norms. The ‘subnormals’ are, simply speaking, different types of offenders. And the ‘overnormals’ are the people who enrich their socio-cultural system. ‘Deviants’ are extreme and the most interesting type of ‘sub’ - and ‘overnormal’ people. They are the men of genius, such as Socrates, Jesus Christ, Descartes, Napoleon, Lenin and Piłsudski. They are often perceived as anarchists and in fact they transform the social order totally or at least the way of thinking about it. We can take a risk with the idea that the future always depends on ‘deviants’.
Językowo-kulturowy obraz ręki w polszczyźnie ludowej
Authors: Litwińczuk Agnieszka
Published: July 2015

The linguocultural image of hand in Polish folk languageThe goal of this paper is a reconstruction of the linguocultural image of ręka (hand) in the Polish folk language, as defined by a cognitive model proposed by Bartmiński in the 1980’s. Among the sources considered here are the linguistic system itself (as exemplified by dictionaries of the Polish language, etymological dictionaries, dialect dictionaries) as well as literary texts, including folk songs and prose (e.g. riddles, sayings, fairy tales), and folk traditions and beliefs, recorded in the FOLBAS computer base and in the UMCS Ethnolinguistic Archives. From all these sources there emerges a rich and complex image showing this part of the body mainly from a functional perspective and appreciation of its role in Polish folk culture.