bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in phenolics, γ‐aminobutyric acid content and antioxidant, antihypertensive and hypoglycaemic properties during ale white sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) brewing process
Authors: Garzón Antonela G. , Torres Roberto L. , Drago Silvina R.
Published: January 2019

Effects of white sorghum brewing process on free amino‐acids, γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), phenolics and bioactivity, including antioxidant (by ABTS+ and reducing power, RP, methods), antihypertensive (angiotensin converting enzyme‐I, ACE‐I inhibition assay), and hypoglycaemic activity (α‐glucosidase inhibition assay) were evaluated. From the wort to the beer, free amino acids decreased, but GABA and phenolics increased significantly, positively modifying the bioactive potential. ABTS and α‐glucosidase inhibition activity correlated positively with at least one of the phenolic acids evaluated. Ale white sorghum beer presented high content of GABA (7.8 mg L−1), phenolics (40.7 mg total phenolic acids L−1), antioxidant activity (9.14 mmol Trolox equivalent L−1, and 48.8 mmol ascorbic acid equivalent L−1, for ABTS+ and RP, respectively), and exhibit ACE‐I inhibition (1.0 μg captopril equivalent L−1) and α‐glucosidase inhibition (34.5 mg acarbose equivalent L−1) activities. The level of bioactive compounds and its low ethanol content (2.3%), make beer obtained from malted white sorghum a potential functional beverage.
Children and adolescents' exposure to food and beverage marketing in social media apps
Authors: Potvin Kent Monique , Pauzé Elise , Roy Elisabeth‐Anne , de Billy Nicholas , Czoli Christine
Published: January 2019

Background

Unhealthy food marketing is a powerful determinant of unhealthy diets and obesity among children. Although it is known that food marketers target young people on social media, no study has yet quantified children's exposure on these platforms.

Objectives

To compare the frequency and healthfulness of food marketing seen by children and adolescents on social media apps as well as estimate their weekly exposure.

Methods

101 children and adolescents (ages 7‐16 years) completed a survey on their media use and were recorded using their two favourite social media apps for 5 minutes each on the mobile device they usually use. Recordings of app use were reviewed to identify food marketing exposures.

Results

Overall, 72% of participants were exposed to food marketing. Of the 215 food marketing exposures identified, most promoted unhealthy products such as fast food (44%) and sugar‐sweetened beverages (9%). Adolescents viewed more instances of food marketing, on average, per 10‐minute period compared with children (Mean [SD] = 2.6 [2.7] versus 1.4 [2.1], U = 1606, z = 2.94, P = 0.003). It was also estimated that children and adolescents see food marketing 30 and 189 times on average per week on social media apps, respectively.

Conclusions

Statutory regulations restricting unhealthy food marketing to adolescents and children on social media should be considered.
Using Wisely: A Reminder on the Proper Use of the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria®
Authors: Steinman Michael A. , Fick Donna M.
Published: January 2019

This editorial comments on the article by the American Geriatrics Society 2019 AGS Beers Criteria® Update Expert Panel in this issue.
American Geriatrics Society 2019 Updated AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults
Authors:   By the 2019 American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® Update Expert Panel
Published: January 2019

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® (AGS Beers Criteria®) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults are widely used by clinicians, educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and regulators. Since 2011, the AGS has been the steward of the criteria and has produced updates on a 3‐year cycle. The AGS Beers Criteria® is an explicit list of PIMs that are typically best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as in certain diseases or conditions. For the 2019 update, an interdisciplinary expert panel reviewed the evidence published since the last update (2015) to determine if new criteria should be added or if existing criteria should be removed or undergo changes to their recommendation, rationale, level of evidence, or strength of recommendation. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:674–694, 2019.
Leadership Lessons: Developing Mentoring Infrastructure for GEMSSTAR Scholars
Authors: Carpenter Christopher R. , Hurria Arti , Lundebjerg Nancy E. , Walter Louise C. , Mody Lona
Published: January 2019

Through the National Institute on Aging's (NIA's) “Grants for Early Medical/Surgical Specialists” Transition to Aging Research (GEMSSTAR) U13 grant, the NIA and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) developed three transdisciplinary research conferences with a focus on mentoring and leadership skills development. The NIA's GEMSSTAR program evolved from two earlier programs, the AGS' Dennis W. Jahnigen and the Association of Specialty Professors’ T. Franklin Williams Career Development Scholars Awards. It supports the continued cultivation of the next generation of medical and surgical specialty researchers with an interest in aging research. The award requires both geriatrics and specialty mentoring and currently provides up to $150,000 a year in direct support to scholars. Additionally, the award requires that scholars have a professional development plan that is complementary to the GEMSSTAR award. The U13 conferences, focused on frailty, models of aging, and cognition, brought together GEMSSTAR scholars, former scholars, innovators, mentors, and leaders in aging research, the specialties, and geriatric medicine. This article describes the themes of each of the GEMSSTAR U13 conferences and highlights the lessons learned on mentoring, team science, aging research networks, and work‐life balance. We plan to use these lessons to guide the support we provide to the growing group of emerging leaders who are poised to lead the transdisciplinary research network of the future. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:650–656, 2019.
Development of a perceived exertion scale for dogs using selected physiologic parameters
Authors: Swanson K. D. J. , Harper T. A. M. , McMichael M. , Fries R. C. , Lascola K. M. , Chandler C. , Schaeffer D. J. , Chinnadurai S. K.
Published: January 2019

Objective

To develop a perceived exertion scale for dogs exercising on a treadmill and to assess intra‐ and inter‐observer variability.

Materials and Methods

Fifteen healthy client‐owned dogs participated in paired exercise trials. Measurements of lactate, glucose, heart rate, temperature, respiratory rate and regional tissue oximetry were obtained before, during and after exercise. Perceived exertion scale scores were recorded during exercise and using video recordings to evaluate inter‐observer variability. Correlations were evaluated using the Spearman's non‐parametric method.

Results

Thirteen dogs completed both trials. Dogs walked or trotted on the treadmill with an average perceived exertion score of 2 in both trials. Holter heart rate was positively correlated with perceived exertion scale scores from all observers for both trials. In trial 1, plasma glucose decreased in association with increase in perceived exertion and, in trial 2, cutaneous oximetry decreased, respiratory rate increased and temperature increased with increases on the perceived exertion scale. Inter‐observer perceived exertion scale scores were positively correlated in both trials. There was no intra‐observer variability between trials.

Clinical Significance

The perceived exertion scale correlated with the measured physiologic parameters in dogs exercising at mild to moderate intensity. The perceived exertion scale was consistent and repeatable but larger study numbers and further validation are needed before it can be widely applied.
In vitro digestion of bread: How is it influenced by the bolus characteristics?
Authors: Gao Jing , Lin Suyun , Jin Xiaoxuan , Wang Yong , Ying Jian , Dong Zhizhong , Zhou Weibiao
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to understand the impact of in vitro oral processing methods on bolus formation and the kinetics of starch hydrolysis of refined white bread during in vitro gastrointestinal digestion. Four in vitro oral processing methods (i.e., cut, cut‐and‐pestle, blend, and grind) were performed at two levels of disintegration (less and more intensive) and compared with human mastication. Boluses prepared using the in vitro methods had a larger particle size (20–69 mm2 vs. 14 mm2), a higher moisture content (64–68% vs. 47%), a softer texture (1.3–2.3 N vs. 6.3 N) and a less adhesive surface (0.3–1.0 vs. 1.6 N•s) as compared to the in vivo masticated ones. Moreover, in vitro prepared blouses were digested more rapidly than in vivo masticated ones during the stimulated intestinal digestion from 150 min onward, with a higher hydrolysis rate (0.011–0.012 mg/mL • min vs. 0.010 mg/mL • min) and a higher equilibrium concentration of reducing sugar (5.5–6.3 mg/mL vs. 4.9 mg/mL). Among all the in vitro methods, the blending and grinding methods produced boluses that most closely resemble the in vivo masticated ones in terms of their physical characteristics. The blending method also produced boluses having the highest amount of reducing sugar released (6.32 mg/mL). The amount of reducing sugar present in the PBS buffer outside the dialysis tube might be controlled by the diffusion efficiency at the beginning of the digestion (≤120 min) and then be largely influenced by the particle size of the bolus in the latter stage of the digestion.

Practical application

Studying the in vitro starch amyloysis is valuable for predicting the postprandial glycemic potential of starchy food. This work provides novel insights on the role of in vitro oral processing in the prediction of the glycemic potential of carbohydrate‐rich staple food. Blending method is recommended because of its ability to produce boluses with similar physical characteristics as the in vivo masticated boluses. But the excessive structural breakdown occurred during blending also resulted in a higher enzymatic accessibility and a higher rate of starch digestion. Further study is needed to propose a new in vitro method that stimulates multiple actions occurred during mastication (cutting, grinding, and shearing), in order to match both physical properties and digestion profiles. Moreover, the amount of artificial saliva added should be adjusted according to the specific type of food.
Zum Stil einer digital geprägten Leserealität
Authors: Kraxenberger Maria
Published: January 2019

Der vorliegende Beitrag setzt sich mit der Trilogie Fifty Shades of Grey von EL James auseinander, die aufgrund ihres großen internationalen Erfolgs ein Beispiel für ein massenphänomenales Leseereignis zu Beginn des einundzwanzigsten Jahrhunderts darstellt. Ziel der vorrangig deskriptiven Auseinandersetzung, die durch ein Interview mit der deutschen Lektorin der Trilogie ergänzt wird, ist ein besseres Verständnis dieser Leserealität, die insbesondere durch eine Beschreibung des Stils von Fifty Shades of Grey in ihrer Funktionalität und potentiellen Wirkung auf die LeserInnen erklärbar wird. Hierbei wird Fifty Shades of Grey auch vor dem Hintergrund des beteiligten Sozialsystems Literatur diskutiert um aufzuzeigen, wie und in welchem Ausmaß die Trilogie, beziehungsweise deren Entstehung und Verbreitung, von digitalen Aspekten bestimmt und beeinflusst ist. In einem ersten Schritt werden hierfür die relevanten Eigenschaften des Dargestellten und der Darstellung der Texte identifiziert.

In einem zweiten Schritt dienen diese Merkmalsbeschreibungen in der Synthese einer Stilbeschreibung von Fifty Shades of Grey. Zusammenfassend kann dieser Stil als überaus emotional sowie von großem Affizierungspotential für die LeserInnen beschrieben werden und scheint auf einen Lustgewinn durch verschiedene Begehrlichkeiten der Trilogie angelegt. Der Beitrag endet mit einem Ausblick auf zukünftige Untersuchungen populärer und polarisierender Leserealitäten, welche vor dem Hintergrund des beginnenden einundzwanzigsten Jahrhunderts besonders relevant erscheinen.
Development of an integrated 200K SNP genotyping array and application for genetic mapping, genome assembly improvement and genome wide association studies in pear (Pyrus)
Authors: Li Xiaolong , Singh Jugpreet , Qin Mengfan , Li Siwei , Zhang Xun , Zhang Mingyue , Khan Awais , Zhang Shaoling , Wu Jun
Published: January 2019

Pear (Pyrus; 2n = 34), the third most important temperate fruit crop, has great nutritional and economic value. Despite the availability of many genomic resources in pear, it is challenging to genotype novel germplasm resources and breeding progeny in a timely and cost‐effective manner. Genotyping arrays can provide fast, efficient and high‐throughput genetic characterization of diverse germplasm, genetic mapping and breeding populations. We present here 200K AXIOM® PyrSNP, a large‐scale single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping array to facilitate genotyping of Pyrus species. A diverse panel of 113 re‐sequenced pear genotypes was used to discover SNPs to promote increased adoption of the array. A set of 188 diverse accessions and an F1 population of 98 individuals from ‘Cuiguan’ × ‘Starkrimson’ was genotyped with the array to assess its effectiveness. A large majority of SNPs (166 335 or 83%) are of high quality. The high density and uniform distribution of the array SNPs facilitated prediction of centromeric regions on 17 pear chromosomes, and significantly improved the genome assembly from 75.5% to 81.4% based on genetic mapping. Identification of a gene associated with flowering time and candidate genes linked to size of fruit core via genome wide association studies showed the usefulness of the array in pear genetic research. The newly developed high‐density SNP array presents an important tool for rapid and high‐throughput genotyping in pear for genetic map construction, QTL identification and genomic selection.
“Good” Philosophical Reasons for “Bad” Editorial Philology? On Rhees and Wittgenstein's Philosophical Grammar
Authors: Erbacher Christian
Published: January 2019

Using new archival material, this article reconstructs the editorial history of Philosophical Grammar, an edition that Rush Rhees crafted from Wittgenstein's papers. Contrasting the often‐held view that Rhees, in editing Philosophical Grammar, arbitrarily interfered with Wittgenstein's Big Typescript, the article illuminates the work, motives and reasons that underlie Rhees’ editing. Although recent philological evidence supports his editorial decisions, Rhees, at the time, made them based on his desire to do justice to his understanding of Wittgenstein's philosophical orientation. Against this background, purely text‐philological criticism of Philosophical Grammar seems to come from a philosophical culture that was alien to Rhees.
Three Problems for the Knowledge Rule of Assertion
Authors: Tsohatzidis Savas L.
Published: January 2019

Timothy Williamson has argued that, unless the speech act of assertion were supposed to be governed by his so‐called Knowledge Rule, one could not explain why sentences of the form ‘A and I do not know that A’ are unassertable. This paper advances three objections against that argument, of which the first two aim to show that, even assuming that Williamson's explanandum has been properly circumscribed, his explanation would not be correct, and the third aims to show that his explanandum has not been properly circumscribed.
Prognostic significance of fatty acid binding protein‐4 in the invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast
Authors: Cui Yinji , Song Meiying , Kim Su Young
Published: January 2019

We conducted this study to identify clinico‐pathologic and prognostic factors that are associated with fatty acid binding protein‐4 (FABP4) and to discuss its therapeutic potentials in patients with breast cancer (BC). In a total of 75 patients with an established diagnosis of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast, we performed a retrospective analysis of the medical records and analyzed their immunohistochemical findings. Following evaluation of baseline and clinico‐pathological characteristics such as the age, immunohistochemical expressions of FABP4, TNM stage, tumor grade, lymphatic and perineural invasion, estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR), disease‐free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), recurrence and death, we analyzed correlations of the expression of FABP4 with clinico‐pathologic and prognostic factors. Our results showed that tumor grade and recurrence had a significant correlation with the expression of FABP4 (P = 0.002 and 0.049, respectively). Moreover, we also found that the DFS had a significant correlation with the expression of FABP4 (P = 0.049). It can therefore be concluded that the expression of FABP4 might have a prognostic value in patients with BC. But further studies are warranted to establish its potentials as a prognostic indicator.
BMI but not central obesity predisposes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction
Authors: Peters Ubong , Subramanian Meenakumari , Chapman David G. , Kaminsky David A. , Irvin Charles G. , Wise Robert A. , Skloot Gwen S. , Bates Jason H.T. , Dixon Anne E.
Published: January 2019

Background and objective

Obesity produces restrictive effects on lung function. We previously reported that obese patients with asthma exhibit a propensity towards small airway closure during methacholine challenge which improved with weight loss. We hypothesized that increased abdominal adiposity, a key contributor to the restrictive effects of obesity on the lung, mediates this response. This study investigates the effect of body mass index (BMI) versus waist circumference (WC) on spirometric lung function, sensitivity to airway narrowing and closure, and airway closure during bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma.

Methods

Participants underwent spirometry and methacholine challenge. Sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing was assessed from the dose–response slopes of the forced vital capacity (FVC) and the ratio of forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) to FVC, respectively. Airway closure during bronchoconstriction (closing index) was computed as the percent reduction in FVC divided by the percent reduction in FEV1 at maximal bronchoconstriction.

Results

A total of 116 asthmatic patients (56 obese) underwent methacholine challenge. Spirometric lung function was inversely related to WC (P < 0.05), rather than BMI. Closing index increased significantly during bronchoconstriction in obese patients and was related to increasing BMI (P = 0.01), but not to WC. Sensitivity to airway closure and narrowing was not associated with BMI or WC.

Conclusion

Although WC is associated with restrictive effects on baseline lung function, increased BMI, rather than WC, predisposes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction. These findings suggest that obesity predisposes to airway closure during bronchoconstriction through mechanisms other than simple mass loading.
Bystanders’ affect toward bully and victim as predictors of helping and non‐helping behaviour
Authors: Trach Jessica , Hymel Shelley
Published: January 2019

The current study examined how children's relationship with the bully and victim impacted their reactions as bystanders. An ethnically diverse sample of 2,513 Canadian students in grades 4–7 responded to questions about their experiences of bullying, including the frequency with which they witnessed bullying at school. Approximately 89% of the sample reported witnessing bullying at school during the current school year. Subsequently, participants were asked to recall a specific bullying incident that they witnessed and describe: (1) their relationship with the bully and victim; (2) how they felt while witnessing; and (3) how they responded as a bystander. Compared to situations where they didn't know the victim, bystanders were more likely to intervene directly (e.g., try to stop the bully, comfort the victim) if they liked the victim, and less likely to tell an adult if they disliked the victim. Aggressive intervention was more common if the witness didn't like the bully, but also if they didn't like the victim compared to if they didn't know them. Regarding emotions, anger emerged as an especially powerful predictor of bystander defending, with youth being over five times more likely to try to stop the bullying or comfort the victim if they felt angry. Implications of these findings for the development of ecologically valid, anti‐bullying interventions are discussed.
Explaining Trump's Popular Support: Validation of a Nativism Index
Authors: Young Clifford , Ziemer Katie , Jackson Chris
Published: January 2019

Objective

In this article, we describe the development of a Nativism Index and evaluate its validity in the U.S. context, a global sample, and over time. Our overall objective is to establish the Nativism Index as a valid and reliable measure of nativism for use in subsequent research.

Method

Using survey data from Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States and from the Ipsos Global Advisor for our global sample, we test the convergent and discriminate validity and reliability of the Nativism Index.

Results

The Nativism Index is correlated with but clearly distinct from related concepts, including populism, authoritarianism, and fear of others. The Nativism Index is also predictive of support for Donald Trump in the United States and UKIP in the United Kingdom.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings suggest that the Nativism Index represents a robust measure with strong internal consistency and high convergent and divergent validity in both U.S. and global samples.
You Can Trust the Ladder, But You Shouldn't
Authors: Tallant Jonathan
Published: January 2019

My claim in this article is that, contra what I take to be the orthodoxy in the wider literature, we do trust inanimate objects – per the example in the title, there are cases where people really do trust a ladder (to hold their weight, for instance), and, perhaps most importantly, that this poses a challenge to that orthodoxy. My argument consists of four parts. In Section 2 I introduce an alleged distinction between trust as mere reliance and trust as a rich, morally loaded notion. In the course of doing so, I briefly sketch some models of trust. This will help us to get a handle on how some of the mainstream models of trust preclude or ignore the trusting of inanimate objects. In Section 3 I introduce cases designed to show that we have reason to think that we do trust inanimate objects. In Section 4 I consider an objection, and in Section 5 I discuss some consequences of this finding, before concluding in Section 6.
Isolated platelet concentrate transfusion during surgery: a single‐center observational cohort study
Authors: Anders Megan , Rock Peter , Cartron Alex , Chow Jonathan , Henderson Reney , Martz Douglas , Tanaka Kenichi , Mazzeffi Michael
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Surgical patients receive platelet concentrates (PCs) for a variety of indications. However, there is limited evidence for efficacy or dosing of PCs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of surgical patients receiving isolated PC transfusion at a single academic tertiary medical center during 1 year. The primary outcome was reoperation for a bleeding complication. Bleeding complication rates were compared in patients transfused for different indications, and multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine variables associated with bleeding complications.

RESULTS

Approximately 1% of surgical patients (n = 205), including 7% of cardiac surgery patients, received an isolated PC transfusion. Cardiac surgery patients accounted for 47% of isolated PC transfusions, followed by neurosurgery (19%) and gastrointestinal surgery (13%). Most patients (81%) received a single apheresis unit of PC. Common indications were antiplatelet drugs (50%), thrombocytopenia (19%), congenital platelet disorders (2%), and both thrombocytopenia and antiplatelet drugs (12%). Bleeding complications occurred in 23% of patients, with the lowest bleeding complication rate observed in patients transfused for antiplatelet drugs (13%) and the highest rate in patients transfused for thrombocytopenia with or without antiplatelet drugs (40% and 38%, respectively). Bleeding complications were more common in noncardiac surgery but had no association with transfusion indication.

CONCLUSION

Despite transfusion for conventionally accepted indications, patients who received an isolated PC transfusion experienced a high rate of bleeding complications, particularly noncardiac surgery patients. Further studies are needed to establish optimal dosing, timing, and indications for perioperative PC transfusion.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert
Published: January 2019

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 7, Number 2Arlene Kent-Wilkinson, University of Saskatchewan, CanadaBenmarrakchi Fatimaezzahra, Chouaib Doukkali University, MoroccoCarmen Pérez-Sabater, Universitat Poltècnica de València, SpainEkrem Levent İlhan, University of Gazi, TurkeyErman Öncü, Karadeniz Technical University, TurkeyFatma Ozudogru, Usak University, TurkeyHanifi Parlar, İstanbul Commerce University, TurkeyHelena Reis, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria, PortugalHüseyin Gümüş, University of Mersin, Turkeyİbrahim Yaşar Kazu, Firat University, TurkeyIntakhab Khan, King Abdulaziz University, Saudi ArabiaJohn Bosco Azigwe, Bolgatanga Polytechnic, GhanaJohn Cowan, Edinburgh Napier University, UKJon S. Turner, Missouri State University, USAJonathan Chitiyo, University of Pittsburgh Bradford, USALorna T. Enerva, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, PhilippinesMaria Pavlis Korres, Hellenic Open University, GreeceMary Sciaraffa, Eastern Kentucky University, USAMassimiliano Barattucci, Ecampus University, ItalyMichael Wall, Independent Researcher in Music and Music Education, USARamazan Cansoy, Karabük University, TurkeyRichard Penny, University of Washington Bothell, USASadia Batool, Preston University Islamabad, PakistanSamson Chama, Alabama A & M University, USASandro Sehic, Oneida BOCES, USASenem Seda Şahenk Erkan, Marmara University, TurkeyShu-wen Lin, Sojo University, JapanStamatis Papadakis, University of Crete, Greece Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
AlN and AlN/Al2O3 seed layers from atomic layer deposition for epitaxial growth of AlN on sapphire
Authors: Hagedorn Sylvia , Knauer Arne , Weyers Markus , Naumann Franziska , Gargouri Hassan
Published: January 2019

The annealing of amorphous AlN and AlN/Al2O3 seed layers from atomic layer deposition (ALD) on sapphire substrates and their application as starting layers for metal-organic vapor phase epitaxial growth on sapphire was investigated. During annealing in hydrogen, the amorphous ALD layers become crystalline with epitaxial relation to the underlying sapphire substrate. In contrast to the pure AlN ALD seed layers, mixed layers containing Al2O3 help to avoid the formation of polycrystalline material. Additionally, such mixed ALD seeds support void formation at the AlN/sapphire interface resulting in the formation of a smooth AlN surface. This void formation can be seen in situ during AlN growth in the reflectivity at 405 nm. The tilt and twist component of the AlN grains could be decreased by increasing the annealing time at 1290 °C from 1.5 to 40 min.
Evaluation of Shigella Species Azithromycin CLSI Epidemiological Cutoff Values and Macrolide Resistance Genes
Authors: Salah Muna , Shtayeh Issa , Ghneim Raed , Al-Qass Randa , Sabateen Ali , Marzouqa Hiyam , Hindiyeh Musa
Published: January 2019

Azithromycin (AZM) has been recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for the treatment of shigellosis in children. In this study, 502
Shigella
species isolated between 2004 and 2014 were tested for AZM epidemiological cutoff values (ECV) by disk diffusion.
PCR-Based Method for Shigella flexneri Serotyping: International Multicenter Validation
Authors: Brengi Silvina P. , Sun Qiangzheng , Bolaños Hilda , Duarte Francisco , Jenkins Claire , Pichel Mariana , Shahnaij Mohammad , Sowers Evangeline G. , Strockbine Nancy , Talukder Kaisar A. , Derado Gordana , Viñas María Rosa , Kam Kai Man , Xu Jianguo
Published: January 2019

Shigella
spp. are a leading cause of human diarrheal disease worldwide, with
Shigella flexneri
being the most frequently isolated species in developing countries.
Largest giant juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast
Authors: Islam Shariful , Saroop Sabrina , Bheem Vinoo , Naraynsingh Vijay
Published: January 2019

Juvenile giant fibroadenoma is a rare benign tumour of the breast accounting for 0.5% of all fibroadenomas. The presentation can be very dramatic and may result in breast deformity and may mimic a rare malignant tumour. It is indeed a great challenge to provide the best treatment for these patients in terms of clinical and psychological care. Meticulous surgical planning is required to ensure a fine balance between adequate resection and the best cosmetic outcome for a developing breast. Every effort should be made to preserve the developing breast irrespective of the size of the tumour as it is in this case. We report the world’s largest juvenile fibroadenoma of the breast in a 16-year-old girl who presented to our hospital with a 28×25 cm mass on her left breast in which breast conservation was done. A detailed literature search and management of these lesions are discussed.
Acceptability, usability and utility of a personalised application in promoting behavioural change in patients with osteoarthritis: a feasibility study in Norway
Authors: Støme Linn Nathalie , Pripp Are Hugo , Kværner Jens S , Kvaerner Kari Jorunn
Published: January 2019

Objective

The dynamic and interactive mobile application Vett was designed to help change behaviour and is based on cognitive, motivational and visual techniques. Our aim is to investigate the acceptability, usability and utility of Vett as a personalised application for goal achievement.

Setting

The trial took place at the rheumatology clinic at Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway from January to June 2015.

Participants

Twelve participants with osteoarthritis were recruited from a 3.5-hour multidisciplinary group-based educational programme (osteoarthritis school).

Interventions

With the help of a physician, each participant followed a customised 12-week mixed-mode goal achievement plan with digital support based on preset goals, self-monitoring and individual feedback. Acceptability was measured as the perceived degree of goal achievement using a validated habit questionnaire scaled from 0 to 100. Utility and usability were assessed via 10 weekly questions and adherence by fulfilment of predetermined tasks.

Results

Mean goal achievement was 73 (95% CI 68 to 78), an increase of 22 (95% Cl 17 to 26, p<0.01), which equals 48% improvement (95% CI 32% to 59%). Mean user satisfaction was 81 (95% CI 76 to 85), and technical usability was 80 (95% CI 75 to 84), which both increased during the study period.

Conclusion

The high levels of acceptability, usability and utility support the feasibility of the personalised application Vett as a viable goal achievement tool.
Role of intuitive knowledge in the diagnostic reasoning of hospital specialists: a focus group study
Authors: Van den Brink Nydia , Holbrechts Birgit , Brand Paul L P , Stolper Erik C F , Van Royen Paul
Published: January 2019

Background and objective

Intuition is an important part of human decision-making and can be explained by the dual-process theory where analytical and non-analytical reasoning processes continually interact. These processes can also be identified in physicians’ diagnostic reasoning. The valuable role of intuition, including gut feelings, has been shown among general practitioners and nurses, but less is known about its role among hospital specialists. This study focused on the diagnostic reasoning of hospital specialists, how they value, experience and use intuition.

Design and participants

Twenty-eight hospital specialists in the Netherlands and Belgium participated in six focus groups. The discussions were recorded, transcribed verbatim and thematically coded. A circular and iterative analysis was applied until data saturation was achieved.

Results

Despite initial reservations regarding the term intuition, all participants agreed that intuition plays an important role in their diagnostic reasoning process. Many agreed that intuition could guide them, but were cautious not to be misguided. They were especially cautious since intuition does not have probative force, for example, in medicolegal situations. ‘On-the-job experience’ was regarded as a precondition to relying on intuition. Some participants viewed intuition as non-rational and invalid. All participants said that intuitive hunches must be followed by analytical reasoning. Cultural differences were not found. Both the doctor as a person and his/her specialty were seen as important determinants for using intuition.

Conclusions

Hospital specialists use intuitive elements in their diagnostic reasoning, in line with general human decision-making models. Nevertheless, they appear to disagree more on its role and value than previous research has shown among general practitioners. A better understanding of how to take advantage of intuition, while avoiding pitfalls, and how to develop ‘skilled’ intuition may improve the quality of hospital specialists’ diagnostic reasoning.
Evaluation of influenza surveillance systems in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Sambala Evanson Zondani , Ndwandwe Duduzile Edith , Imaan Loveness M , Wiysonge Charles S
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Influenza infrastructure systems are crucial for maintaining surveillance operations, and for mitigating and responding to the disease. The role of surveillance is to isolate and identify as rapidly as possible any new influenza strains and collate this information for the preparedness for, and response to, an impending influenza activity in humans. However, sources of surveillance information, particularly in Africa, are meagre. This systematic review will critically evaluate the existing influenza surveillance systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Method and analysis

We will build multiple electronic database search strategies for use in PubMed, Scopus, African Journal Online, Web of Science and Google scholar to identify as many studies as possible. The medical subject heading and keywords will include a wide range of synonyms, both in index terms and free-text words. Database search will be followed by hand searching of reference lists of all relevant studies. We will include eligible full-text studies published from 2002 in order to coincide with the establishment of the integrated disease surveillance and response system in Africa by WHO. We will examine the influenza surveillance performance systems using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines on evaluating public health surveillance systems. Our outcome measures will include surveillance system attributes such as timeliness, sensitivity, specificity, acceptability, representativeness, simplicity and usefulness. We will conduct a narrative synthesis of all studies.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethics approval because it uses publicly available data. Our findings will be published in a peer review journal and disseminated to policy makers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018103042.
Impact of educational attainment on the association between social class at birth and multimorbidity in middle age in the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s cohort study
Authors: Johnston Marjorie C , Black Corrinda , Mercer Stewart W , Prescott Gordon J , Crilly Michael A
Published: January 2019

Objective

Multimorbidity (the coexistence of two or more health conditions) is increasingly prevalent. No long-term cohort study has examined the impact of contemporaneously measured birth social class along with educational attainment on adult self-reported multimorbidity. We investigated the impact of educational attainment on the relationship between social class at birth and adult self-reported multimorbidity in the Aberdeen Children of the 1950s (ACONF) cohort.

Methods

A prospective cohort study using the ACONF cohort. ACONF included 12 150 individuals born in Aberdeen, Scotland 1950–1956. In 2001, 7184 (64%) responded to a questionnaire providing information including self-reported morbidity and educational attainment. The exposure was father’s social class at birth from birth records and the outcome was self-reported multimorbidity.

Logistic regression assessed the association between social class and multimorbidity with adjustment for gender, then by educational attainment and finally by childhood cognition and secondary school type. ORs and 95% CIs were presented.

Results

Of 7184 individuals (mean age 48, 52% female), 5.4% reported multimorbidity. Birth social class was associated with adult multimorbidity. For example, the OR of multimorbidity adjusted by gender was 0.62 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.00) in the highest social class group (I/II) in relation to the reference group (III (manual)) and was 1.85 (95% CI 1.19 to 2.88) in the lowest social class group. This was partially attenuated in all social class categories by educational attainment, for example, the OR was 0.74 (95% CI 0.45 to 1.21) in group I/II following adjustment.

Conclusion

Lower social class at birth was associated with developing multimorbidity in middle age. This was partially mediated by educational attainment and future research should consider identifying the other explanatory variables. The results are relevant to researchers and to those aiming to reduce the impact of multimorbidity.
Understanding care when cure is not likely for young adults who face cancer: a realist analysis of data from patients, families and healthcare professionals
Authors: Kenten Charlotte , Ngwenya Nothando , Gibson Faith , Flatley Mary , Jones Louise , Pearce Susie , Wong Geoff , Black Kath M , Haig Sue , Hough Rachael , Hurlow Adam , Stirling L Caroline , Taylor Rachel M , Tookman Adrian , Whelan Jeremy
Published: January 2019

Objectives

To understand the experiences of young adults with cancer for whom cure is not likely, in particular what may be specific for people aged 16–40 years and how this might affect care.

Design

We used data from multiple sources (semi-structured interviews with people with cancer, nominated family members and healthcare professionals, and workshops) informed by a preliminary programme theory: realist analysis of data within these themes enabled revision of our theory. A realist logic of analysis explored contexts and mechanisms affecting outcomes of care.

Setting

Three cancer centres and associated palliative care services across England.

Participants

We aimed for a purposive sample of 45 people with cancer from two groups: those aged 16–24 years for whom there may be specialist cancer centres and those 16–40 years cared for through general adult services; each could nominate for interview one family member and one healthcare professional. We interviewed three people aged 16–24 years and 30 people 25–40 years diagnosed with cancer (carcinomas; blood cancers; sarcoma; central nervous system tumours) with a clinician-estimated prognosis of <12 months along with nominated family carers and healthcare professionals. 19 bereaved family members and 47 healthcare professionals participated in workshops.

Results

Data were available from 69 interviews (33 people with cancer, 14 family carers, 22 healthcare professionals) and six workshops. Qualitative analysis revealed seven key themes: loss of control; maintenance of normal life; continuity of care; support for professionals; support for families; importance of language chosen by professionals; and financial concerns.

Conclusions

Current care towards end of life for young adults with cancer and their families does not meet needs and expectations. We identified challenges specific to those aged 16–40 years. The burden that care delivery imposes on healthcare professionals must be recognised. These findings can inform recommendations for measures to be incorporated into services.
Native American patients’ perception and attitude about kidney transplant: a qualitative assessment of patients presenting for kidney transplant evaluation
Authors: Keddis Mira , Finnie Dawn , Kim Wonsun (Sunny)
Published: January 2019

Objective

Native Americans suffer from lower rates of kidney transplantation compared with whites. Our goal was to elicit patients’ perceptions of and attitudes about kidney transplant and the impact of financial burden and cultural taboos.

Design

This is an exploratory qualitative interview study of 12 Native American patients recruited after completion of the kidney transplant evaluation.

Setting

Semistructured interviews were conducted. Interviews were coded using inductive methods, followed by interpretive coding by the investigators.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed the following themes: (1) experience with kidney transplant education by the healthcare team; (2) cultural beliefs regarding kidney transplant; (3) personal motivation and attitude towards kidney transplant; (4) financial burden of kidney transplant and post-transplant care and (5) attitude about living donation.

Most participants were educated about transplant as a treatment option after dialysis initiation. All patients in this study recognised that some taboos exist about the process of organ procurement and transplantation; however, the traditional views did not negatively impact their decision to pursue kidney transplant evaluation. Patients shared the common theme of preferring an organ from a living rather than a deceased person; however, the majority did not have a living donor and preferred not to receive an organ from a family member. Most patients did not perceive transplant-related cost as negatively impacting their attitude about receiving a transplant even for patients with below poverty level income.

Conclusions

Native American patients presenting for kidney transplant were less likely to be educated about transplant before dialysis initiation; did not perceive financial burden and cultural beliefs were not discussed as obstacles to transplant. While a living donor was the preferred option, enthusiasm for living donation from family members was limited.
Free asparagine concentrations in Canadian hard red spring wheat cultivars
Authors: Malunga Lovemore N. , Ames Nancy P. , Masatcioglu M. Tugrul , Khorshidi Ali Salimi , Thandapilly Sijo Joseph , Cuthbert Richard D. , Sopiwnyk Elaine , Scanlon Martin G.
Published: January 2019

The amino acid asparagine is considered the rate limiting precursor in the formation of acrylamide in cereal-based baked foods. However, there are no data on the quantity of this precursor in Canadian wheat. Wholemeal and white flour samples obtained from 30 Canadian hard red spring wheat grown in the Prairie provinces were analysed for asparagine content by liquid chromatography. The asparagine content varied from 302 to 965 and 116 to 336 μg g−1 for wholemeal and white flour, respectively. Therefore, wheat grown in Canada has similar asparagine levels to wheat grown in other parts of the world. Analysis of variance suggested that asparagine content is significantly affected by genotype (p < 0.001), suggesting that breeding strategies could be investigated to produce cultivars with lower levels of this amino acid. Few significant correlations were observed between wheat and flour quality parameters and asparagine content, although there was a tendency towards weaker dough strength indices with increasing asparagine content.
Glyphosate and acetolactate synthase inhibitor resistance in Russian thistle (Salsola tragus L.) in Alberta
Authors: Beckie Hugh J. , Hall Linda M. , Shirriff Scott W. , Martin Elise , Leeson Julia Y.
Published: January 2019

A survey was conducted in Alberta in 2017 to determine the distribution and abundance of acetolactate synthase (ALS) inhibitor and glyphosate resistance in Russian thistle. Of 45 populations tested, 31 (62%) were ALS inhibitor resistant. No populations exhibited resistance to glyphosate. This survey serves as a baseline to monitor future incidence of resistance in this weed.
Anisotropic magnetized sources in general relativity: An exact description for the magnetized vacuum
Authors: Alvear Terrero D. , Bargueño P. , Contreras E. , Martínez A. Pérez , Angulo G. Quintero
Published: January 2019

In this work, we have constructed exact geometries which describe magnetized matter within General Relativity, specifically in an almost-plane-symmetric case. Although the use of this geometry imposes some constraints on the components of the energy–momentum tensor, it allows to describe some physically interesting situations in which the magnetized vacuum is relevant.
Interoperability Frameworks for Networked Information Systems: A Comparative Analysis and Discussion
Authors: Chituc Claudia-Melania
Published: January 2019

Interoperability frameworks provide specifications for different aspects of interoperability, for communicating and sharing information. Ten prominent industry-neutral interoperability frameworks are analyzed in this paper, distinguishing between operational interoperability frameworks and conceptual interoperability frameworks. To support this analysis, 16 criteria were defined, which represent the basis of a comparison framework. The operational interoperability frameworks analyzed have similarities and differences, and complement each other in some aspects (e.g. messaging service). The differences refer to the manner they handle (or not) different interoperability details relevant for performing e-business, e.g. only ebXML provides guidelines for negotiation and setting-up a collaboration agreement prior to conducting e-business. The five conceptual interoperability frameworks were analyzed based on specific structural elements, as they tackle differently the notion of interoperability, i.e. targeting types of integration, interoperability barriers, levels of interoperability. Despite the advances of interoperability frameworks, full interoperability is not yet achieved. The analysis performed allowed to conclude that although interoperability frameworks represent a good direction towards seamless interoperability in a networked environment, a big challenge is the harmonization of different aspects of the interoperability frameworks towards attaining full interoperability in complex cross-sectorial e-business scenarios, which can be addressed by joint actions of the scientific community and practitioners. Finally, this analysis yields a set of directions for future research work.
Determinants of Banking Crises in ASEAN Countries
Authors: Othman Norfaizah , Abdul-Majid Mariani , Abdul-Rahman Aisyah
Published: January 2019

This paper attempts to estimate the determinants of crises on Islamic banking system during financial crises using early warning system (EWS) with particular focus on the element of profit–loss sharing. Profit–loss sharing has significant impact in reducing crisis probability experienced by the Islamic banking system. This suggests that profit–loss sharing may be considered as one of the risk mitigation techniques for bank to remain resilient during the crises. The results further show that full-fledged Islamic banks have higher chances of experiencing crises relative to the Islamic subsidiaries banks. In addition, economic freedom and overvaluation in the currency are more likely exposed to banks to the crises.
Blockchains from a distributed computing perspective
Authors: Herlihy Maurice
Published: January 2019

The roots of blockchain technologies are deeply interwoven in distributed computing.