bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Partnership for Sustainability in Cardiac Surgery to Address Critical Rheumatic Heart Disease in Sub‐Saharan Africa: The Experience from Rwanda
Authors: Swain JaBaris D. , Pugliese Daniel N. , Mucumbitsi Joseph , Rusingiza Emmanuel K. , Ruhamya Nathan , Kagame Abel , Ganza Gapira , Come Patricia C. , Breakey Suellen , Greenwood Bonnie , Muehlschlegel Jochen D. , Patton‐Bolman Cecilia , Binagwaho Agnes , Morton Bolman R.
Published: April 2014

Importance

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) in the developing world results in critical disability among children, adolescents, and young adults—marginalizing a key population at its peak age of productivity. Few regions in sub‐Saharan Africa have independently created an effective strategy to detect and treat streptococcal infection and mitigate its progression to RHD.

Objective

We describe a unique collaboration, where the Rwanda Ministry of Health, the Rwanda Heart Foundation, and an expatriate humanitarian cardiac surgery program have together leveraged an innovative partnership as a means to expand Rwanda’s current capacity to address screening and primary prevention, as well as provide life‐saving cardiac surgery for patients with critical RHD.

Evidence review

Interviews with key personnel and review of administrative records were conducted to obtain qualitative and quantitative data on the recruitment of clinical personnel, procurement of equipment, and program finances. The number of surgical cases completed and the resultant clinical outcomes are reviewed.

Findings

From 2008 to 2013, six annual visits were completed. A total of 128 prosthetic valves have been implanted in 86 complex patients in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV heart failure, with excellent clinical outcomes (5 % 30‐day mortality). Postoperative complications included a cerebrovascular accident (n = 1) and hemorrhage, requiring reoperation (n = 2). All procedures were performed with participation of local personnel.

Conclusions and relevance

This strategy provides a reliable and consistent model of sophisticated specialty care delivery; inclusive of patient‐centered cardiac surgery, mentorship, didactics, skill transfer, and investment in a sustainable cardiac program to address critical RHD in sub‐Saharan Africa.
The Importance of an Ethics Curriculum in Surgical Education
Authors: Keune Jason D. , Kodner Ira J.
Published: April 2014

The nature of surgical work provides fertile ground in which ethical problems can grow. The concept of what it means to be a “good surgeon” includes the ability to reason and deliberate about how the surgeon’s unique technical capabilities integrate with larger society. Ethics education at the resident level is important for several reasons. It can ensure that care is delivered in a socially and ethically responsible manner through global and emergent effects on institutions and traditions. It will prepare residents for leadership positions. It can allow residents to confront issues, such as the scientific underdetermination of surgical practice, the application of new technologies to trusting patients that have been developed by for‐profit companies, and a surgical environment that is becoming increasingly institutionalized. Resident ethics education provides the opportunity for a model of collective deliberation to be developed that can be used to make sense of ethical problems as they arise.
Factors Predicting Post‐thyroidectomy Hypoparathyroidism Recovery
Authors: Al‐Dhahri Saleh F. , Mubasher Mohamed , Mufarji Khamis , Allam Osama S. , Terkawi Abdullah S.
Published: April 2014

Background

Hypoparathyroidism is the most common complication after thyroidectomy and the main reason for frequent outpatient visits; however, there is a poor understanding of its outcomes and no clear follow‐up strategies are available. We aimed to predict post‐thyroidectomy hypoparathyroidism outcomes and identify relevant factors.

Methods

A multicenter, standardized prospective study was conducted. The parathyroid hormone level (PTH) was measured preoperatively and at the first hour after surgery, then at each outpatient follow‐up visit after 1 week, 3 weeks, and 1 month, and then every 2 months, until it either reached normal values or up to 6 months. Cox proportional hazard modeling was used to determine the factors that affect PTH recovery. A Weibull distribution model was used to predict time to recovery. Both models were evaluated by goodness of fit.

Results

A total of 186 patients were enrolled in the study; 53 (28.5 %) developed hypoparathyroidism, 47 of them (88.6 %) females. Their mean age was 41.2 years, and 11.4 % were diabetic. Of these women, 33 (62.3 %) recovered within 1 month, 10 (18.9 %) recovered after 1 month but within 6 months, 7 (13.2 %) did not recover within 6 months, and 3 (5.6 %) missed follow‐up. Factors that are found to affect and predict the speed of recovery were the preoperative PTH level, perioperative percent drop in PTH level, diabetes mellitus, and gender.

Conclusions

This study provides potentially useful information for early prediction of PTH recovery, and it highlights the factors that affect the course of hypoparathyroidism recovery, which in turn should be reflected in better patient management, improved patient satisfaction, and overall cost‐effectiveness.
A Tour of the Thymus: A Review of Thymic Lesions with Radiologic and Pathologic Correlation
Authors: Goldstein Alan J. , Oliva Isabel , Honarpisheh Hedieh , Rubinowitz Ami
Published: April 2014

The thymus is routinely encountered on cross-sectional imaging studies of the chest. It has a variable appearance, undergoes dynamic changes during periods of stress, and demonstrates numerous different pathologic lesions. Understanding the imaging characteristics of these different lesions facilitates accurate radiographic diagnosis and can prevent unnecessary follow-up imaging and intervention. This article will review normal thymic anatomy and development, thymic hyperplasia and associated medical conditions, and the imaging and pathologic features of various benign and malignant thymic lesions.
The state of the art in European research on reducing social exclusion and stigma related to mental health: A systematic mapping of the literature
Authors: Evans-Lacko S. , Courtin E. , Fiorillo A. , Knapp M. , Luciano M. , Park A.-L. , Brunn M. , Byford S. , Chevreul K. , Forsman A.K. , Gulacsi L. , Haro J.M. , Kennelly B. , Knappe S. , Lai T. , Lasalvia A. , Miret M. , O'Sullivan C. , Obradors-Tarragó C. , Rüsch N. , Sartorius N. , Švab V. , van Weeghel J. , Van Audenhove C. , Wahlbeck K. , Zlati A. ,   ROAMER Consortium, McDaid D. , Thornicroft G.
Published: April 2014

Stigma and social exclusion related to mental health are of substantial public health importance for Europe. As part of ROAMER (ROAdmap for MEntal health Research in Europe), we used systematic mapping techniques to describe the current state of research on stigma and social exclusion across Europe. Findings demonstrate growing interest in this field between 2007 and 2012. Most studies were descriptive (60%), focused on adults of working age (60%) and were performed in Northwest Europe—primarily in the UK (32%), Finland (8%), Sweden (8%) and Germany (7%). In terms of mental health characteristics, the largest proportion of studies investigated general mental health (20%), common mental disorders (16%), schizophrenia (16%) or depression (14%). There is a paucity of research looking at mechanisms to reduce stigma and promote social inclusion, or at factors that might promote resilience or protect against stigma/social exclusion across the life course. Evidence is also limited in relation to evaluations of interventions. Increasing incentives for cross-country research collaborations, especially with new EU Member States and collaboration across European professional organizations and disciplines, could improve understanding of the range of underpinning social and cultural factors which promote inclusion or contribute toward lower levels of stigma, especially during times of hardship.
Clinical characteristics and functions of non-suicide self-injury in youth
Authors: Rodav O. , Levy S. , Hamdan S.
Published: April 2014

Purpose

Little is known about the clinical characteristics and motivations for engaging in non-suicide self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescence. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, characteristics and functions of NSSI among adolescents in community settings, and to explore risk factors related to this behavior.

Subjects and methods

Two hundred and seventy-five adolescents aged 12 to 17 were recruited randomly from different High Schools in Israel. They completed self-report questionnaires assessing NSSI (Ottawa Self-Injury Inventory), depression (Children's Depression Inventory – CDI) and impulsivity (Barratt Impulsiveness Scale – BIS-II).

Results

In the past year, 20.7% of the participants reported engaging NSSI at least once. Among them, 42.1% declared they are still engaging in NSSI at the present. Motives for NSSI were internal emotion regulation reasons, external emotion regulation reasons for social influences. In addition, the NSSI group reported significantly higher levels of depressive, impulsivity and suicidal ideations. Depressive symptoms were found as significant predictors of NSSI in the future.

Discussion and conclusions

High rates of NSSI among community adolescents were found. Depression, impulsivity and suicidal ideation were found significantly related to NSSI. Mental health professionals in schools and in primary care should routinely assess NSSI among adolescents.
A different path: Revealing the function of staphylococcal proteins in biofilm formation
Authors: Atkin Kate E. , MacDonald Sandy J. , Brentnall Andrew S. , Potts Jennifer R. , Thomas Gavin H.
Published: April 2014

Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis cause dangerous and difficult to treat medical device‐related infections through their ability to form biofilms. Extracellular poly‐N‐acetylglucosamine (PNAG) facilitates biofilm formation and is a vaccination target, yet details of its biosynthesis by the icaADBC gene products is limited. IcaC is the proposed transporter for PNAG export, however a comparison of the Ica proteins to homologous exo‐polysaccharide synthases suggests that the common IcaAD protein components both synthesise and transport the PNAG. The limited distribution of icaC to the Staphylococcaceae and its membership of a family of membrane‐bound acyltransferases, leads us to suggest that IcaC is responsible for the known O‐succinylation of PNAG that occurs in staphylococci, identifying a potentially new therapeutic target specific for these bacteria.
The flanking sequence contributes to the immobilisation of spermine at the G‐quadruplex in the NHE (nuclease hypersensitivity element) III1 of the c‐Myc promoter
Authors: Keniry Max A. , Owen Elisabeth A.
Published: April 2014

Defining the molecular basis of the DNA sequence selectivity of polyamine binding is central to understanding polyamine‐dependent gene expression. We have studied, by selective NMR experiments, the variation of spermine mobility and conformation in the presence of G‐quadruplexes formed by sequences of the purine‐rich strand of the c‐Myc promoter, nuclease hypersensitivity element III1 (NHE III1). All the NHE quadruplexes restrict spermine mobility and induce a spermine conformational change but the most effective immobilisation occurs when all five G‐tracts of the NHE III1 are present. This suggests structure within the nucleotides flanking the G‐quadruplex has a role in immobilising spermine.
Folding of outer membrane protein A in the anionic biosurfactant rhamnolipid
Authors: Andersen Kell K. , Otzen Daniel E.
Published: April 2014

Folding and stability of bacterial outer membrane proteins (OMPs) are typically studied in vitro using model systems such as phospholipid vesicles or surfactant. OMP folding requires surfactant concentrations above the critical micelle concentration (cmc) and usually only occurs in neutral or zwitterionic surfactants, but not in anionic or cationic surfactants. Various Gram‐negative bacteria produce the anionic biosurfactant rhamnolipid. Here we show that the OMP OmpA can be folded in rhamnolipid at concentrations above the cmc, though the thermal stability is reduced compared to the non‐ionic surfactant dodecyl maltoside. We discuss implications for possible interactions between OMPs and biosurfactants in vivo.
A cis‐encoded sRNA controls the expression of fabH2 in Yersinia
Authors: Lu Pei , Zhang Yong , Hu Yangbo , Francis Matthew S. , Chen Shiyun
Published: April 2014

YsrH is a novel cis‐encoded sRNA located on the opposite strand to fabH2, which is essential for fatty acid biosynthesis in bacteria. In this study, YsrH‐mediated regulation of fabH2 expression was investigated in Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. Constitutive and inducible over‐expression of YsrH decreased the mRNA level of fabH2, while expression of downstream fabD and fabG remained unaffected. Polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase) also played an important role in this regulation process by mediating YsrH decay in the exponential phase. Thus, our data defines a cis‐encoded sRNA that regulates fatty acid synthesis via a regulatory mechanism also involving PNPase.
CD9 may contribute to the survival of human germinal center B cells by facilitating the interaction with follicular dendritic cells
Authors: Yoon Sun-Ok , Lee In Yong , Zhang Xin , Zapata Mariana C. , Choi Yong Sung
Published: April 2014

The germinal center (GC) is a dynamic microenvironment where antigen (Ag)‐activated B cells rapidly expand and differentiate, generating plasma cells (PC) that produce high‐affinity antibodies. Precise regulation of survival and proliferation of Ag‐activated B cells within the GC is crucial for humoral immune responses. The follicular dendritic cells (FDC) are the specialized stromal cells in the GC that prevent apoptosis of GC‐B cells. Recently, we reported that human GC‐B cells consist of CD9+ and CD9− populations and that it is the CD9+ cells that are committed to the PC lineage. In this study, we investigated the functional role of CD9 on GC‐B cells. Tonsillar tissue section staining revealed thatin vivoCD9+ GC‐B cells localized in the light zone FDC area. Consistent this,in vitroCD9+ GC‐B cells survived better than CD9− GC‐B cells in the presence of HK cells, an FDC line, in a cell–cell contact‐dependent manner. The frozen tonsillar tissue section binding assay showed that CD9+ GC‐B cells bound to the GC area of tonsillar tissues significantly more than the CD9− GC‐B cells did and that the binding was significantly inhibited by neutralizing anti‐integrin β1 antibody. Furthermore, CD9+ cells bound to soluble VCAM‐1 more than CD9− cells did, resulting in activation and stabilization of the active epitope of integrin β1. All together, our data suggest that CD9 on GC‐B cells contributes to survival by strengthening their binding to FDC through the VLA4/VCAM‐1 axis.
Hysterectomy trends over a 9‐year period in an endoscopic teaching center
Authors: Schollmeyer Thoralf , Elessawy Mohamed , Chastamouratidhs Babis , Alkatout Ibrahim , Meinhold‐Heerlein Ivo , Mettler Liselotte , Jonat Walter , Weigel Marion T.
Published: April 2014

Objective

To investigate trends in the performance of hysterectomy at a single certified endoscopic teaching center.

Methods

Data were collected retrospectively from 953 patients who underwent hysterectomy between 2002 and 2010 for benign indications at UKSH, Germany. Preoperative risk scores were assigned to patients.

Results

The most frequent indications for hysterectomy were uterine myoma, adenomyosis, prolapse, endometrial hyperplasia, menstrual disorders, and endometriosis. The shortest operating time was recorded for vaginal hysterectomy (VH) and the longest for laparoscopically assisted VH (LAVH). The average uterine weight was highest for abdominal hysterectomy (AH) and lowest for VH. The major postoperative complication rate was 11.8% for laparoscopic supracervical hysterectomy (LSH) and 23.5% for AH. The highest intraoperative complication rate occurred with AH (46.4%) and the lowest with total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH; 3.6%). The minor postoperative complication rate was 5.9%. The mean preoperative score was 1.09 ± 1.51 for AH, 0.75 ± 0.96 for VH, 1.04 ± 1.30 for LSH, 1.0 ± 1.40 for LAVH, and 1.38 ± 1.52 for TLH.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic hysterectomies have become more common and were associated with decreased complication rates, despite the higher preoperative risk score of these patients.
The influence of time on the quality of life of patients with intestinal stoma
Authors: Salles Valdemir José Alegre , Becker Carolina de Paula Penteado , Faria Giuliana da Matta Rossi
Published: April 2014

Introduction the changes caused by ostomy are not restricted to gastrointestinal physiology, but also affect self-esteem and body image, causing changes in family, professional, social and emotional life.

Objective to evaluate the quality of life in ostomized patients.

Method a cross-sectional epidemiological study was carried out in individuals enrolled in the Valeparaíbana Ostomy Association. We analyzed thirty individuals divided into two equal groups according to the time of the stoma: group I included individuals with up to two years and, group II, those who had been ostomized for more than two years. A form was applied to evaluate the quality of life (WHOQOL-BREF).

Results the acceptance of physical appearance was observed in 100% of the participants. The performance of daily activities was not limited by the use of the ostomy bag for either group and the mean occurrence of eventual negative feelings in all subjects was 40 to 60%. Regardless of the time of ostomy, those individuals who did not feel supported by family and/or spouse had a lower quality of life, with no observed association with sexual life satisfaction.

Conclusion patients with an ostomy for more than two years have a better quality of life.
Four-arm single docking full robotic surgery for low rectal cancer: techniques and post-operative outcomes
Authors: Ramos José Reinan , Miranda Alexandre Duarte , Torres Wilermo , Parra-Davila Eduardo
Published: April 2014

Background laparoscopic rectal surgery has not yet achieved a high penetration rate because of its steep learning curve and its relatively high conversion rate. Robotic rectal resection represents the main indication of the use of the robotic platform in colorectal surgery. The aim of this study was to present an early experience with robotic surgery to treat mid and low rectal cancer focusing on the technique and early postoperative outcomes.

Methods from December 2012 to October 2013, a total of 16 patients with colorectal diseases were operated on using a four-arm single docking full robotic procedure (daVinci Si Surgical System). The treatment of six consecutive patients who underwent robotic rectal cancer surgery for mid or low rectal adenocarcinoma was prospectively analyzed regarding technique standardization, pathological findings and postoperative outcomes.

Results there were no conversions and one intraoperative complication. The mean operative time was 245 min (180–360 min). The mean console time was 170 min (110–240 min). All patients underwent a standardized totally robotic rectal dissection. There were no mortality or urinary dysfunction and one complication (postoperative ileo-16%). The median length of hospital stay was 6 (4–11 days). The median number of lymph nodes harvested was 22 (7–38), and distal and circumferential resection margins were negative in all specimen. R0 resection was achieved in all cases and complete total mesorectal excision in five specimen and nearly complete in one.

Conclusion standardized robotic rectal surgery is a promising alternative to treat patients with mid or low rectal cancer and is expected to overcome the low penetration rate of laparoscopic surgery in this field. This technique was successfully performed in six patients with excellent immediate postoperative and pathological results. Additional studies in a large series of patients are necessary to confirm those advantages.
Slim by design: Redirecting the accidental drivers of mindless overeating
Authors: Wansink Brian , Chandon Pierre
Published: April 2014

We first choose what to eat and then we choose how much to eat. Yet as consumer psychologists, we understand food choice much better than food consumption quantity. This review focuses on three powerful drivers of food consumption quantity: 1) Sensory cues (how your senses react), 2) emotional cues (how you feel), and 3) normative cues (how you believe you are supposed to eat). These drivers influence consumption quantities partly because they bias our consumption monitoring—how much attention we pay to how much we eat. To date, consumption quantity research has comfortably focused on the first two drivers and on using education to combat overeating. In contrast, new research on consumption norms can uncover small changes in the eating environment (such as package downsizing, smaller dinnerware, and reduced visibility and convenience) that can be easily implemented in kitchens, restaurants, schools, and public policies to improve our monitoring of how much we eat and to help solve mindless overeating. It is easier to change our food environment than to change our mind.
Show me the product, show me the model: Effect of picture type on attitudes toward advertising
Authors: Aydınoğlu Nilüfer Z. , Cian Luca
Published: April 2014

We suggest that a consideration of consumer self‐evaluations is fundamental to understanding the conditions under which it is more advantageous to present person or product pictures in print advertisements. We build on the basic human motives of self‐enhancement and self‐verification to propose that the specific self‐esteem level of consumers, in the domain relevant for the category, differentially affects their responses to picture type. Specifically, for consumers with low (high) domain‐specific self‐esteem, depicting a product (person) in the advertisement enhances attitudes toward the advertisement more than depicting a person (product). In two studies, we demonstrate the proposed matching relationships using two different domains of consumer self‐evaluation: appearance self‐esteem and academic self‐esteem. We also show that increased and more fluent generation of self‐related mental imagery drives the observed improvement in attitudes toward the advertisement. Our findings suggest direct implications for advertising design.
Prognostic value of T‐wave alternans in survivors of ventricular fibrillation or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia
Authors: Yamada Shinya , Suzuki Hitoshi , Kaneshiro Takashi , Kamiyama Yoshiyuki , Saitoh Shu‐ichi , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: April 2014

Background

T‐wave alternans is useful for predicting the occurrence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias and sudden cardiac death in various heart diseases. However, little is known about the clinical significance of T‐wave alternans measurement in survivors of ventricular fibrillation (VF) or hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT).

Methods

We studied 28 patients with organic heart disease who survived VF or hemodynamically unstable VT (20 males, mean age 63 years). Echocardiography, electrocardiogram (QRS duration and QTc intervals), and Holter monitoring (heart rate variability, heart rate turbulence and T‐wave alternans) were performed before implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) implantation. Positive T‐wave alternans was defined as >65 μV. During the follow‐up period (10.2±6.2 months), ventricular tachyarrhythmias requiring appropriate shock therapy occurred in eight patients (29%). The subjects were divided into two groups, based on whether appropriate shock therapy was required (n=8, Group A) or not (n=20, Group B). Parameters from echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and Holter monitoring were compared between the two groups in order to investigate their relationship with the incidence of shock therapy after ICD implantation.

Results

The prevalence of positive T‐wave alternans was significantly higher in Group A than in Group B (88% vs. 15%, P=0.004). Univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis showed that, among the variables measured, only T‐wave alternans had predictive power for recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias (hazard ratio, 13.17; 95% confidence interval: 1.606–108.1, P=0.016).

Conclusions

These results suggest that T‐wave alternans by Holter monitoring is useful for predicting recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias in survivors of VF or hemodynamically unstable VT.
Inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias in early repolarization syndrome and Brugada syndrome: From the J‐wave associated with prior cardiac event (J‐PREVENT) registry
Authors: Takahashi Yoshihide , Osaka Yuki , Nogami Akihiko , Nishizaki Mitsuhiro , Okishige Kaoru , Suzuki Makoto , Yamauchi Yasuteru , Ono Yuichi , Suzuki Kou , Hirao Kenzo , Isobe Mitsuaki
Published: April 2014

Background

Although electrophysiological study is often performed in Brugada syndrome (BrS) to assess inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias (VA), the utility of electrophysiological study in early repolarization syndrome (ERS) remains unknown. The aim of the present multi‐center observational study was to compare inducibility of VA in ERS with BrS, and to investigate any association between inducibility and recurrence of arrhythmic events in these patients.

Methods

The J‐PREVENT registry consists of patients with early repolarization or Brugada type 1 ECGs, a history of prior cardiac events, and no structural heart disease. Patients in the registry with implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs) and who underwent electrophysiological study were enrolled. VA inducibility was assessed by programmed electrical stimulation performed at two different sites in the right ventricle with up to three extrastimuli. The occurrence of VA during follow‐up was determined by interrogation of the patients' ICDs.

Results

Of the 79 patients studied (72 males, mean age 44±13 years), 21 patients (27%) had ERS, and 58 had BrS, 20 of whom also had early repolarization in the inferolateral leads. VA was induced in 9 patients (43%) and 45 (78%) with ERS and BrS, respectively (p=0.006). During a median follow‐up of 1453 days, occurrence rate of VA was similar between ERS and BrS (p=0.35). Inducibility was not associated with occurrence of VA in either syndrome.

Conclusions

In patients with ERS with prior history of cardiac events, VA was induced in 43% of patients during electrophysiological study, approximately half that of BrS. Inducibility was not associated with occurrence of VA during follow‐up, although this was true of BrS patients as well. Electrophysiological study may play a limited role in risk stratification in ERS.
Right ventricular perforation by a passive‐fixation pacemaker lead two weeks after implantation
Authors: Sheikh Azeem S. , Hosseini‐Ardehali Farazin , Mazhar Sajjad
Published: April 2014

Myocardial perforation is a rare complication of permanent pacemaker implantation. While most of the perforations occur at the time of implantation or within the first 24 h, delayed myocardial perforations are very rare. The clinical course is extremely variable with some patients presenting completely asymptomatic, while others can develop cardiac tamponade and haemodynamic instability. We report an unusual case of a subacute ventricular perforation caused by a passive‐fixation lead two weeks after implantation and we successfully managed to extract the lead under local anaesthesia, without the patient undergoing surgery, as recommended in the previously published reports.
Instructional Significance for Teaching History: A Preliminary Framework
Authors: Harris Lauren McArthur , Girard Brian
Published: April 2014

This study explores preservice and practicing teachers’ conceptions of historical significance generally and for the history classroom. Using think-aloud interviews and card-sorting data, we engaged in qualitative analysis of how four preservice and five practicing teachers answered two questions related to determining significance: what events are most significant in world history and what events are most important for students to learn? Results showed that (a) participants answered the two questions differently, and (b) both practicing and preservice teachers added considerations when responding to the question about what events are most important for students to learn. Through these analyses, we developed the term instructional significance to describe an aspect of pedagogical content knowledge that serves as a lens through which teachers view the content they teach, and think about that content in preparing to teach students. We use these findings and research on student and teacher conceptions of historical significance to propose a preliminary framework for instructional significance for teaching history. We conclude by suggesting the utility of the framework to history classrooms and to future research.
Catalog der Hebräischen Handschriften in der Stadtbibliothek zu Hamburg und der sich anschliessenden in anderen Sprachen
Authors: Steinschneider Moritz
Published: April 2014

Moritz Steinschneider (1816–1907) is regarded as one of the founding fathers of the study of modern Judaism, and his work is still relevant today. Steinschneider's studies encompassed traditional Jewish subjects as well as classical and Semitic languages and cultures. He belonged to a small group of scholars who changed the scope of Jewish learning from that of rabbinics to a broader view of Jewish civilisation. Steinschneider also sought to provide a complete and accurate record of printed publications of Hebraica and Judaica. In this 1878 publication, Steinschneider lists all the Hebrew manuscripts held in the Hamburg State Library. He divides the manuscripts into thirteen categories, including homiletics, prayers, the Kabbalah, and theology and philosophy. Also represented are poetry, rhetoric, mathematics and medicine. Steinschneider also comments on each manuscript and evaluates the significance of the Hamburg collection compared to other German library collections.
Philosophy in Sport Made Science in Earnest
Authors: Paris John Ayrton , Cruikshank George
Published: April 2014

John Ayrton Paris (1785–1856), writer and physician, became a member of the Linnean Society in 1810, and served as president of the Royal College of Physicians from 1844 until his death. Intended for children and originally composed for the author's family, this three-volume work about science was first published in 1827. Dedicated to the writer Maria Edgeworth (1768–1849) and with illustrations by George Cruikshank (1792–1878), it aims 'to blend amusement with instruction', since youth, as Paris writes, 'is naturally addicted to amusement'. Topics covered in Volume 3 include optical illusions, centrifugal forces and the compound nature of white light; the science behind these is demonstrated using concave mirrors, Catharine wheels and a thaumatrope (which Paris is sometimes credited as having invented). A fascinating and popular text in the history of science education, the engaging narrative seeks to prove 'how profitably, and agreeably, the machinery of fiction may be worked for the dissemination of truth'.
National patterns ofEscherichia coliO157 infections, USA, 1996–2011
Authors: SODHA S. V. , HEIMAN K. , GOULD L. H. , BISHOP R. , IWAMOTO M. , SWERDLOW D. L. , GRIFFIN P. M.
Published: April 2014

US public health laboratories began reportingEscherichia coliO157 isolates to CDC in 1996. We describe temporal and geographical patterns of isolates reported from 1996 to 2011 and demographics of persons whose specimens yielded isolates. We calculated annualE. coliO157 isolation rates/100 000 persons by patient's state of residence, county of residence, age, and sex using census data. The average annual isolation rate was 0·84. The average isolation rate in northern states (1·52) was higher than in southern states (0·43). Counties with ⩾76% rural population had a lower isolation rate (0·67) than counties with ⩽25%, 26–50%, and 51–75% rural populations (0·81, 0·92, and 0·81, respectively). The highest isolation rate (3·19) was in children aged 1–4 years. Infections were seasonal with 49% of isolates collected during July to September. Research into reasons for higher incidence in northern states and for seasonality could guide strategies to prevent illnesses.
Reframing Polarization: Social Groups and “Culture Wars”
Authors: Muste Christopher P.
Published: April 2014

Recent analyses of American politics often invoke the term “culture war” depicting sharp and increasing divisions within the American polity. Most of this research defines culture in terms of values and beliefs about social issues and defines polarization in terms of partisan and issue divisions. I evaluate the claim of worsening “culture wars” by using a conceptualization of political culture that focuses on social groups and measuring polarization as both social group members’ attitudes toward their own social in-groups and out-groups, and the effects of group attitudes on partisanship. Analyzing inter-group attitudes from 1964 to 2012 for social group cleavages defined by race, class, age, sex, and religion shows that polarization in attitudes toward social groups is minimal and generally stable, and most group members feel positively toward out-groups. Partisan and issue polarization seen in prior research do not extend to deep or increasing inter-group hostility that could reinforce issue-based and partisan polarization.
The Communication of Ideas across Subfields in Political Science
Authors: Graham Erin R. , Shipan Charles R. , Volden Craig
Published: April 2014

What factors inhibit or facilitate cross-subfield conversations in political science? This article draws on diffusion scholarship to gain insight into cross-subfield communication. Diffusion scholarship represents a case where such communication might be expected, given that similar diffusion processes are analyzed in American politics, comparative politics, and international relations. We identify nearly 800 journal articles published on diffusion within political science between 1958 and 2008. Using network analysis we investigate the degree to which three “common culprits”—terminology, methodological approach, and journal type—influence levels of integration. We find the highest levels of integration among scholars using similar terms to describe diffusion processes, sharing a methodological approach (especially in quantitative scholarship), and publishing in a common set of subfield journals. These findings shed light on when cross-subfield communication is likely to occur with ease and when barriers may prove prohibitive.
A Sea of Riches: Teaching an Interdisciplinary Environmental Justice Course through Political Theory On-Campus and Online
Authors: Gabrielson Teena , Watts Kaitlyn
Published: April 2014

This article reflects on two specific sets of questions—both of which were prominent in conversations regarding the future of teaching in higher education—that emerged as we developed a pedagogy designed to advance the primary substantive goals of environmental justice. The first set of questions asks how to enhance interdisciplinary thinking and communication in a single course; the second asks how best to teach critical thinking online. We identify key challenges in both areas in a discussion of our experience in teaching two contemporaneous venues—one on-campus and one online—of an environmental justice course grounded in the subfield of political theory.
The Strategy Project: Teaching Strategic Thinking through Crisis Simulation
Authors: Hunzeker Michael A. , Harkness Kristen A.
Published: April 2014

In an effort to teach strategic thinking, the Center for International Security Studies at Princeton University designed an adaptable model for crisis simulation that could be used in a variety of institutional contexts and with diverse content matter. Moreover, the simulation helped students to develop an understanding of several other important abstract concepts in political science: notably, information uncertainty, friction or “the fog of war,” and bureaucratic stove piping. This article describes the design, content, and implementation of our original simulation. It is based on a “loose-nukes” scenario resulting from the hypothetical collapse of the Pakistani state. We conclude by evaluating the benefits and limitations of the simulation and by suggesting ways in which it could be implemented in other institutional contexts.
Stellar scattering and the formation of hot Jupiters in binary systems
Authors: Martí J. G. , Beaugé C.
Published: April 2014

Hot Jupiters (HJs) are usually defined as giant Jovian-size planets with orbital periods P⩽10 days. Although they lie close to the star, several have finite eccentricities and significant misalignment angle with respect to the stellar equator, leading to ~20% of HJs in retrograde orbits. More than half, however, seem consistent with near-circular and planar orbits. In recent years, two mechanisms have been proposed to explain the excited and misaligned subpopulation of HJs: Lidov–Kozai migration and planet–planet scattering. Although both are based on completely different dynamical phenomena, at first hand they appear to be equally effective in generating hot planets. Nevertheless, there has been no detailed analysis comparing the predictions of both mechanisms, especially with respect to the final distribution of orbital characteristics. In this paper, we present a series of numerical simulations of Lidov–Kozai trapping of single planets in compact binary systems that suffered a close fly-by of a background star. Both the planet and the binary component are initially placed in coplanar orbits, although the inclination of the impactor is assumed random. After the passage of the third star, we follow the orbital and spin evolution of the planet using analytical models based on the octupole expansion of the secular Hamiltonian. We also include tidal effects, stellar oblateness and post-Newtonian perturbations. The present work aims at the comparison of the two mechanisms (Lidov–Kozai and planet–planet scattering) as an explanation for the excited and inclined HJs in binary systems. We compare the results obtained through this paper with results in Beaugé & Nesvorný (2012), where the authors analyse how the planet–planet scattering mechanisms works in order to form this hot Jovian-size planets. We find that several of the orbital characteristics of the simulated HJs are caused by tidal trapping from quasi-parabolic orbits, independent of the driving mechanism (planet–planet scattering or Lidov–Kozai migration). These include both the 3-day pile-up and the distribution in the eccentricity versus semimajor axis plane. However, the distribution of the inclinations shows significant differences. While Lidov–Kozai trapping favours a more random distribution (or even a preference for near polar orbits), planet–planet scattering shows a large portion of bodies nearly aligned with the equator of the central star. This is more consistent with the distribution of known hot planets, perhaps indicating that scattering may be a more efficient mechanism for producing these bodies.
Non-nitrogen doped and non-metal oxygen reduction electrocatalysts based on carbon nanotubes: mechanism and origin of ORR activity
Authors: Waki Keiko , Wong Raymond A. , Oktaviano Haryo S. , Fujio Takuya , Nagai Takuro , Kimoto Koji , Yamada Koichi
Published: April 2014

The proposed origin of the improved ORR activity is unlikely to be from residual metal impurities but from the creation of topological defects caused by the removal of high temperature CO desorbing oxygen functional groups.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry analysis of dimethyl arginine isomers from urine
Authors: Bhattacharya Nivedita , Singh Ajeet , Ghanate Avinash , Phadke Gayatri , Parmar Dharmesh , Dhaware Deepika , Basak Trayambak , Sengupta Shantanu , Panchagnula Venkateswarlu
Published: April 2014

Isomeric dimethylarginines are disease markers released from methylated proteins. A method to determine these from urine is described.
Effect of thermal ageing on the structure and catalytic activity of Pd/CeO2 prepared using arc-plasma process
Authors: Hinokuma Satoshi , Fujii Hiroaki , Katsuhara Yasuo , Ikeue Keita , Machida Masato
Published: April 2014

High CO oxidation activity of Pd/CeO2 as prepared by using an arc-plasma process was lost by thermal ageing at 600 °C in air, whereas further ageing at 900 °C enhanced significantly the activity, exceeding that of the as-prepared catalyst.
Catalytic hydrosilylation of oxalic acid: chemoselective formation of functionalized C2-products
Authors: Feghali Elias , Jacquet Olivier , Thuéry Pierre , Cantat Thibault
Published: April 2014

Oxalic acid is an attractive entry to functionalized C2-products because it can be formed by C–C coupling of two CO2 molecules under electrocatalytic reduction. Herein, we describe the first attempts to reduce oxalic acid by catalytic hydrosilylation, using B(C6F5)3 as a Lewis acidic catalyst.
Inorganic-modified semiconductor TiO2 nanotube arrays for photocatalysis
Authors: Wang Mengye , Ioccozia James , Sun Lan , Lin Changjian , Lin Zhiqun
Published: April 2014

This Review highlights the recent developments pertaining to pure and modified TiO2 nanotube arrays for photocatalysis.
Crystal engineering of zeolites with graphene
Authors: Gebhardt Paul , Pattinson Sebastian W. , Ren Zhibin , Cooke David J. , Elliott James A. , Eder Dominik
Published: April 2014

Achieving control over the morphology of zeolite crystals at the nanoscale is crucial for enhancing their performance in diverse applications including catalysis, sensors and separation.
Negishi reaction in BODIPY dyes. Unprecedented alkylation by palladium-catalyzed C–C coupling in boron dipyrromethene derivatives
Authors: Duran-Sampedro Gonzalo , Palao Eduardo , Agarrabeitia Antonia R. , Moya Santiago de la , Boens Noël , Ortiz María J.
Published: April 2014

Unprecedented Negishi reaction in haloBODIPYs to yield alkyl, aryl and alkynyl BODIPY dyes, including interesting a symmetrically disubstituted derivatives, is described.
Polyaromatic label-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LA-LDI MS): a new analytical technique for selective detection of zinc ion
Authors: Addy Partha Sarathi , Basu Roy Sohini , Mandal Santi Mohan , Basak Amit
Published: April 2014

Principle of label-assisted MS detection of metal ions; X, Y are 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 complexes consecutively.
Atomistic molecular dynamics simulations reveal insights into adsorption, packing, and fluxes of molecules with carbon nanotubes
Authors: Calvaresi Matteo , Zerbetto Francesco
Published: April 2014

Atomistic simulations provide a molecular-level understanding of the basic phenomena that govern molecule–carbon nanotube interactions: adsorption, packing and fluxes.
Role of bone-marrow- and non-bone-marrow-derived receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) in a mouse model of diabetes-associated atherosclerosis
Authors: Koulis Christine , Kanellakis Peter , Pickering Raelene J. , Tsorotes Despina , Murphy Andrew J. , Gray Stephen P. , Thomas Merlin C. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A. M. , Cooper Mark E. , Allen Terri J.
Published: April 2014

RAGE (receptor for advanced glycation end-products) is expressed on multiple cell types implicated in the progression of atherosclerosis and plays a role in DAA (diabetes-associated atherosclerosis). The aim of the present study was to determine the relative role of either BM (bone marrow)- or non-BM-derived RAGE in the pathogenesis of STZ (streptozotocin)-induced DAA. Male ApoE (apolipoprotein E)-null (ApoE−/−:RAGE+/+) and ApoE:RAGE-null (ApoE−/−:RAGE−/−) mice at 7 weeks of age were rendered diabetic with STZ. At 8 weeks of age, ApoE−/− and ApoE−/−:RAGE−/− control and diabetic mice received BM from either RAGE-null or RAGE-bearing mice, generating various chimaeras. After 10 and 20 weeks of diabetes, mice were killed and gene expression and atherosclerotic lesion formation were evaluated respectively. Deletion of RAGE in either the BM cells or non-BM cells both resulted in a significant attenuation in DAA, which was associated with reduced VCAM-1 (vascular cell adhesion molecule-1) expression and translated into reduced adhesion in vitro. In conclusion, the results of the present study highlight the importance of both BM- and non-BM-derived RAGE in attenuating the development of DAA.
Design of thinned concentric circular antenna arrays using firefly algorithm
Authors: Singh Urvinder , Rattan Munish
Published: April 2014

Firefly algorithm (FA) is a nature inspired computing algorithm based on the behaviour of fireflies. It is a kind of stochastic meta‐heuristic algorithm that can be used for various engineering optimisation problems. This study presents application of FA for the design of thinned multiple concentric circular antenna arrays. The aim is to achieve an array of uniformly excited isotropic elements that will generate a pencil beam pattern in the vertical plane with minimum side lobe level (SLL). Two different cases have been considered in this study for thinning of concentric circular (ring) arrays using FA. The first case is with uniform inter‐element spacing fixed at 0.5λ or its multiple and the second case with optimum inter‐element spacing or its multiple. The thinning percentage of the array is kept equal to or more than 50% and the beamwidth is kept equal to or less than that of a fully populated, uniformly excited and 0.5λ spaced ring array of same number of elements and rings. The results obtained are compared with previous published results, which show the effectiveness of this approach.
Measuring the magnetic field of a magnetized plasma using Raman scattering
Authors: Cho Myung-Hoon , Kim Young-Kuk , Hur Min Sup
Published: April 2014

We studied the Raman scattering in a magnetized plasma by one-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations in non-relativistic regime. It is found from the X-mode dispersion relation that the frequency of the backward scattered wave is downshifted by an amount of upper hybrid frequency, while that of the forward scattered wave merely depends on the magnetic field. We propose such a spectral difference be used to measure simultaneously the plasma density and magnetic field of magnetized plasmas. The idea was verified by a series of PIC simulations, where we used the directional field splitting method to obtain accurate peak position of the scattered waves' frequencies. We compared the frequency shift and the growth rate of the scattering from theory and simulations to obtain reasonably good agreement between them for different external magnetic fields.
Inverse melting in a two-dimensional off-lattice model
Authors: Almudallal Ahmad M. , Buldyrev Sergey V. , Saika-Voivod Ivan
Published: April 2014

We carry out computer simulations of a simple, two-dimensional off-lattice model that exhibits inverse melting. The monodisperse system comprises core-softened disks interacting through a repulsive square shoulder located inside an attractive square well. By systematically varying the potential parameters, we increase the pressure range over which the liquid freezes to a crystal upon isobaric heating. The effect is largely controlled by the extent of the shoulder. Despite occurring in two dimensions, the melting transition is first order and to a liquid, rather than to a hexatic or quasicrystal phase. We also provide comment on a commonly employed correlation function used to determine the degree of translational ordering in a system.