bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Head-to-head comparison of intensive lifestyle intervention (U-TURN) versus conventional multifactorial care in patients with type 2 diabetes: protocol and rationale for an assessor-blinded, parallel group and randomised trial
Authors: Ried-Larsen Mathias , Christensen Robin , Hansen Katrine B , Johansen Mette Y , Pedersen Maria , Zacho Morten , Hansen Louise S , Kofoed Katja , Thomsen Katja , Jensen Mette S , Nielsen Rasmus O , MacDonald Chris , Langberg Henning , Vaag Allan A , Pedersen Bente K , Karstoft Kristian
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Current pharmacological therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are challenged by lack of sustainability and borderline firm evidence of real long-term health benefits. Accordingly, lifestyle intervention remains the corner stone in the management of T2D. However, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the optimal intervention programmes in T2D ensuring both compliance as well as long-term health outcomes. Our objective is to assess the effects of an intensive lifestyle intervention (the U-TURN intervention) on glycaemic control in patients with T2D. Our hypothesis is that intensive lifestyle changes are equally effective as standard diabetes care, including pharmacological treatment in maintaining glycaemic control (ie, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c)) in patients with T2D. Furthermore, we expect that intensive lifestyle changes will decrease the need for antidiabetic medications.

Methods and analysis

The study is an assessor-blinded, parallel group and a 1-year randomised trial. The primary outcome is change in glycaemic control (HbA1c), with the key secondary outcome being reductions in antidiabetic medication. Participants will be patients with T2D (T2D duration <10 years) without complications who are randomised into an intensive lifestyle intervention (U-TURN) or a standard care intervention in a 2:1 fashion. Both groups will be exposed to the same standardised, blinded, target-driven pharmacological treatment and can thus maintain, increase, reduce or discontinue the pharmacological treatment. The decision is based on the standardised algorithm. The U-TURN intervention consists of increased training and basal physical activity level, and an antidiabetic diet including an intended weight loss. The standard care group as well as the U-TURN group is offered individual diabetes management counselling on top of the pharmacological treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Scientific Ethical Committee at the Capital Region of Denmark (H-1–2014–114). Positive, negative or inconclusive findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02417012.
Multimorbidity prevalence and pattern in Indonesian adults: an exploratory study using national survey data
Authors: Hussain Mohammad Akhtar , Huxley Rachel R , Al Mamun Abdullah
Published: December 2015

Objectives

To estimate the prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity in the Indonesian adult population.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community-based survey. The sampling frame was based on households in 13 of the 27 Indonesian provinces, representing about 83% of the Indonesian population.

Participants

9438 Indonesian adults aged 40 years and above.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence and pattern of multimorbidity by age, gender and socioeconomic status.

Results

The mean number of morbidities in the sample was 1.27 (SE±0.01). The overall age and sex standardised prevalence of multimorbidity was 35.7% (34.8% to 36.7%), with women having significantly higher prevalence of multimorbidity than men (41.5% vs 29.5%; p<0.001). Of those with multimorbidity, 64.6% (62.8% to 66.3%) were aged less than 60 years. Prevalence of multimorbidity was positively associated with age (pfor trend<0.001) and affluence (pfor trend<0.001) and significantly greater in women at all ages compared with men. For each 5-year increment in age there was an approximate 20% greater risk of multimorbidity in both sexes (18% in women 95% CI 1.14 to 1.22 and 22% in men 95% CI 1.18 to 1.26). Increasing age, female gender, non-Javanese ethnicity, and high per-capital expenditure were all significantly associated with higher odds of multimorbidity. The combination of hypertension with cardiac diseases, hypercholesterolemia, arthritis, and uric acid/gout were the most commonly occurring disease pairs in both sexes.

Conclusions

More than one-third of the Indonesian adult population are living with multimorbidity with women and the more wealthy being particularly affected. Of especial concern was the high prevalence of multimorbidity among younger individuals. Hypertension was the most frequently occurring condition common to most individuals with multimorbidity.
Improving occupational injury surveillance by using a severity threshold: development of a new occupational health indicator
Authors: Sears Jeanne M , Bowman Stephen M , Rotert Mary , Blanar Laura , Hogg-Johnson Sheilah
Published: December 2015

Background

Hospital discharge data are used for occupational injury surveillance, but observed hospitalisation trends are affected by trends in healthcare practices and workers’ compensation coverage that may increasingly impair ascertainment of minor injuries relative to severe injuries. The objectives of this study were to (1) describe the development of a severe injury definition for surveillance purposes and (2) assess the impact of imposing a severity threshold on estimated occupational and non-occupational injury trends.

Methods

Three independent methods were used to estimate injury severity for the severe injury definition. 10 population-based hospital discharge databases were used to estimate trends (1998–2009), including the National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and State Inpatient Databases (SID) from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Negative binomial regression was used to model injury trends with and without severity restriction and to test trend divergence by severity.

Results

Trend estimates for occupational injuries were biased downwards in the absence of severity restriction, more so than for non-occupational injuries. Imposing a severity threshold resulted in a markedly different historical picture.

Conclusions

Severity restriction can be used as an injury surveillance methodology to increase the accuracy of trend estimates, which can then be used by occupational health researchers, practitioners and policy-makers to identify prevention opportunities and to support state and national investments in occupational injury prevention efforts. The newly adopted state-based occupational health indicator, ‘Work-Related Severe Traumatic Injury Hospitalizations’, incorporates a severity threshold that will reduce temporal ascertainment threats to accurate trend estimates.
Super-massive objects in Yarman–Arik–Kholmetskii (YARK) gravitation theory
Authors: Yarman Tolga , Arik Metin , Kholmetskii Alexander , Yarman Ozan
Published: December 2015

We continue to analyze the implications of the gravitational framework of our theoretical approach, christened YARK (abbreviated from Yarman–Arik–Kholmetskii), with respect to super-massive celestial bodies. We emphasize in particular that a gravitating test particle in the presence of a ponderable mass must adhere to the law of energy conservation, which remarkably does not yield any singularity according to YARK. Even so, for a given spherically shaped extremely compact super-massive body, one can achieve a theoretical radius below which “light” of, say, the visible frequency range can indeed be trapped. Yet, such a radius comes out to be tens of times shorter than the threshold radius for black hole formation as established by the general theory of relativity (GTR). In accordance with our derivations, the minimal mass for a celestial object capable of recapturing emitted light in its environs — similar to textbook “intermediate class black holes” — is found to be about 103MS, where MS stands for the mass of the Sun. For less massive celestial objects, the crucial radius that produces a “YARK black hole” (i.e., without singularity) corresponds to a higher density than the density of a baryon; and hence, such entities cannot apparently exist in nature. Black holes allowed therefore in our approach are not related, in any case, to the singularity conceptualization of GTR. As a consequence, we are able to present a resolution to the “black hole information paradox”. The findings of YARK will be discussed hereinafter with regards to the foundations of observational cosmology.
Inconstant Planck’s constant
Authors: Mangano Gianpiero , Lizzi Fedele , Porzio Alberto
Published: December 2015

Motivated by the Dirac idea that fundamental constants are dynamical variables and by conjectures on quantum structure of space–time at small distances, we consider the possibility that Planck constant [Formula: see text] is a time depending quantity, undergoing random Gaussian fluctuations around its measured constant mean value, with variance [Formula: see text] and a typical correlation timescale [Formula: see text]. We consider the case of propagation of a free particle and a one-dimensional harmonic oscillator coherent state, and show that the time evolution in both cases is different from the standard behavior. Finally, we discuss how interferometric experiments or exploiting coherent electromagnetic fields in a cavity may put effective bounds on the value of [Formula: see text].
Electric current generation in distorted graphene
Authors: Mizher Ana Julia , Raya Alfredo , Villavicencio Cristián
Published: December 2015

Graphene-like materials can be effectively described by quantum electrodynamics in (2+1) dimensions, QED3. In a pristine state, these systems exhibit a symmetry between the nonequivalent Dirac points in the honeycomb lattice. Realistic samples which include distortions and crystalline anisotropies are considered through mass gaps of topological and dynamical nature. In this work, we show that the incorporation of an in-plane uniform external magnetic field on this pseudochiral asymmetric configuration generates a nondissipative electric current aligned with the magnetic field: The pseudochiral magnetic effect (PCME). This scenario resembles the chiral magnetic effect in quantum chromodynamics (QCD).
DIY multimedia: A review of a step-by-step handbook
Authors: Lahiri Sohag
Published: December 2015

In "Develop Your Own Multimedia Application: How to Create Interactive Video Applications in Flash Format" Alexis Aronis demonstrates just how simple it is to create a multimedia application from scratch these days. Readers learn how to create unique video projects using Camtasia Studio and Power Point.
A Case Control Study on Risk Factors Associated with Low Birth Weight Babies in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Bhaskar Ravi Kumar , Deo Krishna Kumar , Neupane Uttam , Chaudhary Bhaskar Subhadra , Yadav Birendra Kumar , Pokharel Hanoon P. , Pokharel Paras Kumar
Published: December 2015

Background. This study was done to assess the maternal and sociodemographic factors associated with low birth weight (LBW) babies.Methods. An unmatched case control study was done involving 159 cases (mothers having LBW singleton babies) and 159 controls (mothers having normal birth weight singleton babies).Results. More than 50% of LBW babies were from the mothers with height ≤145 cm while only 9.43% of NBW babies were from the mothers with that height. Finally, after multivariate logistic regression analysis, maternal height, time of first antenatal care (ANC) visit, number of ANC visits, iron supplementation, calcium supplementation, maternal education, any illness during pregnancy, and hypertension were found as the significant predictors of LBW. However, maternal blood group AB, normal maternal Body Mass Index (BMI), mother’s age of 30 or more years, and starting ANC visit earlier were found to be protective for LBW.Conclusion. Study findings suggest that selectively targeted interventions such as delay age at first pregnancy, improving maternal education and nutrition, and iron and calcium supplementation can prevent LBW in Nepal.
Sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Detecting Sesame Seed in Foods
Authors: Koppelman Stef J. , Söylemez Gülsen , Niemann Lynn , Gaskin Ferdelie E. , Baumert Joseph L. , Taylor Steve L.
Published: December 2015

Small amounts of sesame can trigger allergic reactions in sesame-allergic patients. Because sesame is a widely used food ingredient, analytical methods are needed to support quality control and food safety programs in the food industry. In this study, polyclonal antibodies against sesame seed proteins were raised, and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the detection and quantification of sesame seed residue in food. A comparison was made between this ELISA and other assays, particularly focusing on recovery of sesame seed residue from different food matrices. The developed ELISA is sensitive with a lower limit of quantification of 0.5 ppm and shows essentially no cross-reactivity with other foods or food ingredients (92 tested). The ELISA has a good recovery for analyzing sesame-based tahini in peanut butter, outperforming one other test. In a baked bread matrix, the ELISA has a low recovery, while two other assays perform better. We conclude that a sensitive and specific ELISA can be constructed based on polyclonal antibodies, which is suitable for detection of small amounts of sesame seed relevant for highly allergic patients. Furthermore, we conclude that different food products may require different assays to ensure adequate quantification of sesame.
Romidepsin and Azacitidine Synergize in their Epigenetic Modulatory Effects to Induce Apoptosis in CTCL
Authors: Rozati Sima , Cheng Phil F. , Widmer Daniel S. , Fujii Kazuyasu , Levesque Mitchell P. , Dummer Reinhard
Published: December 2015

Purpose: Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies that despite available therapies commonly relapse. The emergence of combination epigenetic therapies in other hematologic malignancies have made investigation of such combinations in CTCL a priority. Here, we explore the synergistic antiproliferative effects of romidepsin, an HDAC inhibitor, and azacitidine, a demethylating agent, combination in CTCL.

Experimental Design: The growth inhibition under combination treatment and single agent was explored by the MTT cell viability assay and the Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) apoptosis assay in different CTCL cell lines and tumor cells derived from Sézary syndrome patients. Quantitative analysis of a dose–effect relationship of romidepsin and azacitidine was done by the CompuSyn software. Investigation of mechanism of action was performed by flow cytometry, immunoblotting, qRT-PCR arrays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Global CpG methylation sequencing was utilized to study genome methylation alteration under the treatment modalities.

Results: The combination of romidepsin and azacitidine exerts synergistic antiproliferative effects and induction of apoptosis involving activation of the caspase cascade in CTCL cell lines and tumor cells derived from Sézary syndrome patients. We identified genes that were selectively induced by the combination treatment, such as the tumor suppressor gene RhoB that is linked to enhanced histone acetylation at its promoter region in parallel with pronounced expression of p21. Global CpG methylation sequencing in a CTCL cell line and tumor cells demonstrated a subset of genes with a unique change in methylation profile in the combination treatment.

Conclusions: The synergistic antiproliferative effects of romidepsin and azacitidine combination treatment justify further exploration in clinical trials for advanced CTCL. Clin Cancer Res; 22(8); 2020–31. ©2015 AACR.
Microcalcification-Associated Breast Cancer: Presentation, Successful First Excision, Long-Term Recurrence and Survival Rate
Authors: Rominger Marga B. , Steinmetz Carolin , Westerman Ronny , Ramaswamy Annette , Albert Ute-Susann
Published: December 2015

Introduction: In this study we evaluated mammographic, histological and immunohistochemical findings for microcalcification-associated breast cancer with regards to breast-conserving therapy, recurrence and survival rate. Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 99 consecutive, non-palpable and microcalcification-associated breast cancers (94 women) that were treated surgically between January 2002 and December 2003 at a national academic breast cancer center. Calcifications were classified according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS). Descriptors, surgical outcome and histological findings were assessed. Recurrences and survival rates were evaluated based on medical records, standardized patient questionnaires and/or contacting the physician. Results: 42 of the 99 lesions (42.4%) were invasive carcinomas, 57 (57.6%) were pure ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). 6 out of 99 (6.1%) lesions were triple negative, and 29 (29.3%) were HER2/neu positive. Successful first excision rate was 76/99 lesions (76.8%). Breast conservation was achieved in 73.7% (73/99). 10 women showed local recurrences without negatively impacting survival. The recurrences included round/punctate, amorphous, fine pleomorphic, and fine linear or fine-linear branching descriptors. The breast cancer-specific long-term survival rate was 91/94 (96.8%) for a mean follow-up of 81.4 months. The 3 patients who died due to breast carcinoma showed fine pleomorphic calcifications, and had nodal-positive invasive carcinoma at diagnosis. Conclusion: Microcalcification-associated breast cancers are frequently treated with breast-conserving therapy. Continuous clinical and mammographic follow-up is recommended for all descriptors.
Array-Comparative Genomic Hybridization Analysis in Fetuses with Major Congenital Malformations Reveals that 24% of Cases Have Pathogenic Deletions/Duplications
Authors: Di Gregorio Eleonora , Gai Giorgia , Botta Giovanni , Calcia Alessandro , Pappi Patrizia , Talarico Flavia , Savin Elisa , Ribotta Marisa , Zonta Andrea , Mancini Cecilia , Giorgio Elisa , Cavalieri Simona , Restagno Gabriella , Ferrero Giovanni B. , Viora Elsa , Pasini Barbara , Grosso Enrico , Brusco Alfredo , Brussino Alessandro
Published: December 2015

Karyotyping and aCGH are routinely used to identify genetic determinants of major congenital malformations (MCMs) in fetal deaths or terminations of pregnancy after prenatal diagnosis. Pathogenic rearrangements are found with a variable rate of 9-39% for aCGH. We collected 33 fetuses, 9 with a single MCM and 24 with MCMs involving 2-4 organ systems. aCGH revealed copy number variants in 14 out of 33 cases (42%). Eight were classified as pathogenic which account for a detection rate of 24% (8/33) considering fetuses with 1 or more MCMs and 33% (8/24) taking into account fetuses with multiple malformations only. Three of the pathogenic variants were known microdeletion syndromes (22q11.21 deletion, central chromosome 22q11.21 deletion, and TAR syndrome) and 5 were large rearrangements, adding up to >11 Mb per subject and comprising strong phenotype-related genes. One of those was a de novo complex rearrangement, and the remaining 4 duplications and 2 deletions were 130-900 kb in size, containing 1-7 genes, and were classified as variants of unknown clinical significance. Our study confirms aCGH as a powerful technique to ascertain the genetic etiology of fetal major congenital malformations.
Sex Chromosome Mosaicism in the Gonads of DSD Patients: A Karyotype/Phenotype Correlation
Authors: Kamel Alaa K. , Abd El-Ghany Hoda M. , Mekkawy Mona K. , Makhlouf Manal M. , Mazen Inas M. , El Dessouky Nabil , Mahmoud Wael , Abd El Kader Shereen A.
Published: December 2015

Sex chromosome mosaicism results in a large clinical spectrum of disorders of sexual development (DSD). The percentage of 45,X cells in the developing gonad plays a major role in sex determination. However, few reports on the gonadal mosaic status have been published, and the phenotype is usually correlated with peripheral lymphocyte karyotypes, which makes the phenotype prediction imprecise. This study was conducted on 7 Egyptian DSD patients to demonstrate the effect of sex chromosome constitution of both blood lymphocytes and gonadal tissues on the phenotypic manifestations. Conventional cytogenetic and FISH analyses of blood lymphocytes were conducted, and laparoscopy with gonadal biopsy was performed for histopathologic examination and FISH analysis. Gonosomal mosaicism was detected in 3 patients who had a non-mosaic chromosome pattern in blood lymphocytes. Two patients showed the same type of sex chromosome mosaicism in both the blood and gonadal tissues but with different distributions. Two other patients revealed a non-mosaic pattern in both tissues. The present study elucidates the importance of examining sex chromosome mosaicism in gonadal tissues of DSD patients and highlights the critical role of 45,X mosaicism which can lead to serious effects during early gonadal organogenesis.
Mercier de Compiègne et la question de la mode
Authors: Kahia Béchir
Published: December 2015

Au XVIIIe siècle, la mode parisienne connaît de profondes mutations. L’offre vestimentaire variée est illustrée par une presse de mode devenue périodique qui renouvelle ses propositions grâce à de séduisantes gravures. Surtout une figure iconique émerge de ce siècle des Lumières : la marchande de mode et sa représentante la plus célèbre, mademoiselle Rose Bertin, « ministre des modes » de la reine de France, Marie-Antoinette. Les femmes étaient comme des oiseaux amusants qui changent de plumage deux ou trois fois par jour. Cet engouement pour la mode a provoqué de vives réactions notamment chez Mercier de Compiègne. Dans Comment m’habillerai-je ? Mercier établit un lien indéniable entre la mode vestimentaire et la puissance de la nation. Le respect de la simplicité traduit réserve et modestie ; deux vertus caractéristiques de la nature humaine. Tout vêtement pouvant exalter les prétentions des femmes est en opposition avec leur destination naturelle. Les réflexions de Mercier sont emblématiques de ce retour à la nature. L’auteur de Comment m’habillerai-je ? exalte ainsi l’image de la beauté saine et naturelle. Ces réflexions veulent gagner également la Cour et changer les règles du bon goût.
Cicero, De oratore 2.90-92: A Probable Case of ‘Author Variant’
Authors: Renting D.S.A.
Published: December 2015

AtDe oratore2.90-92, themutili(M) omit a passage in which the orator L. Fufius is severely criticized. It is solely transmitted by theintegri(L). In the present paper I argue that the ‘lacuna’ in M is not accidental: it is more probable that Cicero himself, not long after he had completed and publishedDe oratore, revised 2.90-92 and deleted the Fufius-passage. The outburst against Fufius is to be seen as a covert attack on one of Cicero’s personal enemies, the Caesarian Q. Fufius Calenus, and Cicero’s revision of 2.90-92 can well be understood as being due to changed circumstances, notably his improved relationship with Caesar.

While M contains the revised version of 2.90-92, L does not contain the original one. This can be gathered from certain problems which mar the L-text. These problems are, in my view, to be connected with Cicero’s later revision of the passage: it seems likely that L’s text is due to contamination of the two versions. The original version can no longer be retrieved with certainty in all detail. Under the circumstances, the best we can do is to edit 2.90-92 according to the revised version (= M).
The Social Geometries of Rape
Authors: Michalski Joseph H.
Published: December 2015

Rape represents one form of sexual violence and may be defined as “forced sexual violation.” The following paper builds upon that definition to differentiate among three distinct types of rapes to create an analytic typology that specifies the conditions under which these are more likely to occur. By drawing upon Black’s theoretical approach of “pure sociology” and by examining the cross-cultural literature, the paper presents the different social fields or “social geometries” associated with variations in predatory, moralistic, and ritualistic rape. The paper also explains the social conditions most likely to ensure a relativeabsenceof rape. The paper thus offers an innovative strategy for re-thinking the sociological nature of rape, including implications for new approaches to measure and evaluate the likelihood of rape occurring.
The Experience of Spirituality in a Multicultural and Diverse Work Environment
Authors: van der Walt Freda , de Klerk Jeremias J.
Published: December 2015

Worldwide, the study of spirituality is receiving increased attention, but very little is known about spirituality and its manifestation in African organizations. The aim of this research was to explore the experience of spirituality in a multicultural and diverse working environment, in order to enhance understanding of the functioning of spirituality in relation to diversity in the workplace. In particular, the study explores workplace spirituality from an individual and an organizational perspective within diverse organizations operating within a multicultural society. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 600 white collar workers from two organizations in different industries in South Africa. The research findings indicate that there is an inverse relationship between workplace spirituality and individual spirituality. Furthermore, the study confirmed that the experience of both personal and organizational spirituality is impacted by several diversity characteristics within a multicultural environment. In order to improve understanding of the experience of spirituality in multicultural societies and organizations, further empirical research is recommended. Globally, organizations need to realize the importance of embracing spirituality, in order to function effectively in a multicultural environment.
Decreta Frontiana
Authors: Zwalve Willem J.
Published: December 2015

This article is about Roman ‘law reports’ in general, and particularly about the so-called decreta frontiana mentioned in D. 29,2,99 and not infrequently attributed to Titius Aristo. It is contended that Aristo was indeed the author of a great number of notae, responsa and epistulae, compiled by Sextus Pomponius a generation after Aristo’s death, but that he was not the author of ‘law reports’ entitled decreta Frontoniana or Frontiniana. All he did, was compose an observation (nota) on an appeal case decided by one of six possible consuls, called either Fronto, or Frontonianus, or even Frontinus, that Aristo had found in the consular commentarii. There is only one genuine Roman ‘law report’, and that is the collection of cases decided by Septimius Severus and Caracalla as compiled by Julius Paulus. In the history of Roman legal literature, it is only in the Byzantine period that anything similar appears again.
Statuti e cultura giuridica
Authors: Cerrito Marta
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the crucial role of legal science for the practical side of the law, while analyzing in detail the statutes’ reform of Bergamo (1331). Indeed, the paper discusses the relationship between learned law and practical law during the period of ius commune through the analysis of some relevant quaestiones disputatae regarding criminal transactions. The author seeks to analyze the relationship between the ius puniendi of public ­authorities and private autonomy in the resolution of criminal cases focusing not only on the Roman sources (C. 2,4,18) but also on the quaestiones ex facto emergentes contained in the collections of Alberto Gandino, Alberico da Roscia­te, Alberto Galeotti and Guglielmo Durante.
Habenaria luquanensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China
Authors: LONG BO , HU GUANGWAN , KAMANDE ELIZABETH MWIHAKI , MUTELE NGUMBAU VERONICAH , WEI NENG
Published: December 2015

Habenaria luquanensis from Yunnan Province is described and illustrated. This new species most closely resembles H. delavayi in having a basal leaf rosette, flowers with a concave and abaxially keeled dorsal sepal and linear petals. It is distinguished by herbaceous, loosely arranged rosette leaves (versus tightly adpressed to each other), a lip which is 3-lobed only to 1/3–1/4 from the base and has narrowly oblong lateral lobes (versus deeply 3-lobed nearly to the base with linear-cuneate lateral lobes). Another similar species is H. finetiana, but this species can be distinguished by its cauline leaves, longer floral bracts, petals forming a hood with the dorsal sepal, a lip which is 3-lobed only in the upper half and  rhombic, serrate lateral lobes, a spur which is nearly as long as the ovary, and central rostellum lobe not clearly visible.
Further Exploring and Quantifying Uncertainties for Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) Version 4 (v4)
Authors: Huang Boyin , Thorne Peter W. , Smith Thomas M. , Liu Wei , Lawrimore Jay , Banzon Viva F. , Zhang Huai-Min , Peterson Thomas C. , Menne Matthew
Published: December 2015

The uncertainty in Extended Reconstructed SST (ERSST) version 4 (v4) is reassessed based upon 1) reconstruction uncertainties and 2) an extended exploration of parametric uncertainties. The reconstruction uncertainty (Ur) results from using a truncated (130) set of empirical orthogonal teleconnection functions (EOTs), which yields an inevitable loss of information content, primarily at a local level. The Ur is assessed based upon 32 ensemble ERSST.v4 analyses with the spatially complete monthly Optimum Interpolation SST product. The parametric uncertainty (Up) results from using different parameter values in quality control, bias adjustments, and EOT definition etc. The Up is assessed using a 1000-member ensemble ERSST.v4 analysis with different combinations of plausible settings of 24 identified internal parameter values. At the scale of an individual grid box, the SST uncertainty varies between 0.3° and 0.7°C and arises from both Ur and Up. On the global scale, the SST uncertainty is substantially smaller (0.03°–0.14°C) and predominantly arises from Up. The SST uncertainties are greatest in periods and locales of data sparseness in the nineteenth century and relatively small after the 1950s. The global uncertainty estimates in ERSST.v4 are broadly consistent with independent estimates arising from the Hadley Centre SST dataset version 3 (HadSST3) and Centennial Observation-Based Estimates of SST version 2 (COBE-SST2). The uncertainty in the internal parameter values in quality control and bias adjustments can impact the SST trends in both the long-term (1901–2014) and “hiatus” (2000–14) periods.
Between- and Within-Occupation Inequality
Authors: Xie Yu , Killewald Alexandra , Near Christopher
Published: December 2015

In this article, we present analyses of the roles of education and occupation in shaping trends in income inequality among college-educated workers in the United States, drawing data from two sources: (1) the 1960–2000 U.S. Censuses and (2) the 2006–2008 three-year American Community Survey. We also examine in detail historical trends in between-occupation and within-occupation income inequality for a small set of high-status professionals, with focused attention on the economic well-being of scientists. Our research yields four findings. First, education premiums have increased. Second, between-occupation and within-occupation inequality increased at about the same rates for college graduates, so that the portion of inequality attributable to occupational differences remained constant. Third, scientists have lost ground relative to other similarly educated professionals. Fourth, trends in within-occupation inequality vary by occupation and education, making any sweeping summary of the roles of education and occupation in the overall increase in income inequality difficult.
Comprehensive Emergency Airway Response Team (EART) Training and Education
Authors: Tsai Angela C. , Krisciunas Gintas P. , Brook Chris , Basa Krystyne , Gonzalez Mauricio , Crimlisk Janet , Silva Julie , Grillone Gregory A.
Published: December 2015

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy and utility of simulation of the Emergency Airway Response Team (EART) at a tertiary care hospital to improve team dynamics and confidence and knowledge in managing an emergency airway.

Methods:

This was a descriptive, quantitative performance improvement study. From September 1, 2013, to December 1, 2013, 177 members of the EART from anesthesia, otolaryngology, trauma surgery, emergency medicine, ICU nursing, and respiratory therapy participated in emergency airway simulations. Team dynamics and confidence levels and knowledge of EART were assessed using pre-and post-simulation questionnaires.

Results:

All participants regardless of their role, experience in the medical field, or any prior exposure to a difficult airway showed significant improvement in self-rated team participation and confidence and objective knowledge regarding EART after undergoing simulation.

Conclusion:

Our study highlights the efficacy and utility of simulation in assessing personnel team dynamics and confidence levels and knowledge of emergency airway scenarios. Practitioners in all fields and level of experience benefit in EART training and simulation. We hope that with this information, we will be able to conduct future studies on reduction of patient morbidity and mortality.
Analytical and experimental study on flexural behavior of pultruded fibre reinforced polymer sheet piles
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Weiqing , Liang Ruifeng , GangaRao Hota , Wan Li
Published: December 2015

This paper presents the experimental and the analytical results of pultruded glass fiber reinforced polymer sheet pile panels subjected to flexural loading. Full scale four-point flexural tests were conducted up to failure on five sets of joined pairs of glass fiber reinforced polymer Z-pile panels by placing them flat-wise. The influences of transverse and longitudinal fiber volume fraction, span-to-depth ratio and steel plate on the carrying capacity and deformability were discussed. The test results displayed that increasing the fibre transverse and longitudinal volume fraction was helpful for tearing control at the flange-web junction on the compressive side, thus obviously enhancing the load capacity and the flexural rigidity of fiber reinforced polymer sheet pile panels. The additional steel plate improved the rigidity of fiber reinforced polymer sheet pile panels, but the load capacity increased insignificantly due to the debonding of steel and glass fiber reinforced polymer interface. The span-to-depth ratio has little influence on the ultimate load due to the local failure but large deformation occurred in the long-span specimen. Based on classical laminate theory for anisotropic materials, a new equation was proposed to calculate the flexural and shear rigidities of glass fiber reinforced polymer sheet pile panels with corrugated section, in addition to applying classical Timoshenko beam theory. The theoretical results agree well with those obtained from the experiments.
The Nutella Project
Authors: Durko Angela , Petrick James
Published: December 2015

How different the world would be had countries not reopened their borders to welcome tourists after conflict, thus providing opportunities for travelers to learn, understand, and overcome potential stereotypes and negative perceptions of a country’s residents and environment. This study reveals preliminary results of an education initiative focused on understanding, addressing, and overcoming negative perceptions, with the possibility of creating interest in, and opportunities for, a revitalization of tourism in Afghanistan. The study offers contact theory as a way to present organic images of a place to help create perceptions of destinations that are more accurate than induced images. Results revealed that contact theory, through intergroup dialogue between residents of two countries with noted historic conflict, provided the means for reducing cultural ambiguity and overcoming stereotypes. The findings offer implications for both the tourism and education sectors and suggest that intergroup dialogue may be key to increasing visit intentions and, most importantly, enhancing a destination’s image after conflict.
Exposure to Muslims in Media and Support for Public Policies Harming Muslims
Authors: Saleem Muniba , Prot Sara , Anderson Craig A. , Lemieux Anthony F.
Published: December 2015

Few studies have empirically examined how media stereotypes of Muslims influence Americans’ support for public policies exclusively harming Muslims. Across three studies, we tested the short-term and long-term effects of news portraying Muslims as terrorists on Americans’ support for public policies harming Muslims domestically and internationally. Study 1 revealed that exposure to news portraying Muslims as terrorists is positively associated with support for military action in Muslim countries. Study 2 revealed that exposure to news portraying Muslims as terrorists is positively associated with support for public policies that harm Muslims domestically and internationally; this effect was fully mediated by perceptions of Muslims as aggressive. Experimental results from Study 3 revealed that exposing participants to negative Muslim media footage, relative to neutral or no-video footage, increased perceptions of Muslims as aggressive, increased support for harsh civil restrictions of Muslim Americans, and increased support for military action in Muslim countries. Exposure to positive Muslim footage yielded opposite results. We discuss the importance of media in exacerbating aggressive attitudes and public policies in the context of intergroup relations.
“Brenda’s Got a Baby”
Authors: Hitchens Brooklynn K. , Payne Yasser Arafat
Published: December 2015

This secondary analysis examines low-income, street-identified single Black mothers aged 18 to 35 years in Wilmington, Delaware. This study is guided by the following question: To what extent do family composition and criminal record/street activity shape notions of Black single motherhood? “Sites of resilience” theory informs this study by providing a reconceptualization of street life and the phenomenological experiences of street-identified Black women. This analysis draws on 310 surveys, 6 individual interviews, 3 dual interviews, 2 group interviews, and extensive field observations. Findings reveal how these women experience single motherhood within the context of blocked opportunity and structural inequality. Results also indicate that most women socially reproduced childhood attitudes and conditions, including “fatherless” homes and single motherhood. Use and sales of narcotics and incarceration were primary factors for why their children’s father didn’t reside in the home. Findings also suggest that number of children, arrest and incarceration rates, and educational and employment statuses are predictive of marital status in the women.
Applications of Video-Conferencing Technology in Special Education Teacher Preparation
Authors: Israel Maya , Knowlton Earle , Griswold Deborah , Rowland Amber
Published: December 2015

Teacher educators must find ways to teach course content situated within realistic K-12 contexts so that their preservice teachers can better understand how to apply that content effectively in situations they will face as professionals. Video-conferencing (VC) technology has emerged as a useful tool in teacher education, evincing a wide range of instructional functions. Users who integrate VC in teacher education coursework fundamentally enhance the potency of their instructional outcomes by enabling preservice teachers not only to learn about classroom settings, but also to interact with students and teachers within classroom settings. Video conferencing allows one to observe classrooms and other school-based environments unobtrusively; to engage in discussions with school-based professionals, students, and families; and to mentor, coach, and evaluate preservice and novice teachers–all from physically remote sites. The purposes of this article are to (a) describe, and present a rationale for employing, this technology in preparing special educators; and (b) showcase the utility of video-conferencing technology within one midwestern special education teacher preparation program. The article concludes with some lessons learned and implications for research regarding the use and efficacy of this technology.
Mothers of Children with LD and ADHD: Empowerment through Online Communication
Authors: Margalit Malka , Raskind Marshall H.
Published: December 2015

Mothers of children with learning disabilities (LD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) were notified of the possibility that their online community was going to be closed. They immediately responded with messages about the significance of the community to their lives and distress that the site would not continue to be available. The sample in the study discussed in this article consisted of 142 mothers who wrote 270 messages during 14 days. They had been registered users of the online community from 1 to 79 months. The number of messages they wrote was correlated with the length of time they had been users of the site, revealing increased involvement. Content analysis of the messages revealed two major themes (and a variety of subthemes) for valuing the online community: (a) empowerment through provisions of valid and reliable information, adapted to individual needs; and (b) empowerment through the emotional support of the online community, which provided empathy, companionship, and withholding of judgment. The findings provide an in-depth understanding of mothers' needs for empowerment through an online community. They also can be used to help sensitize teachers and to plan parental support programs.
Assistive Technology and Mathematics: What is There and Where Can We Go in Special Education
Authors: Bouck Emily C. , Flanagan Sara
Published: December 2015

Technology is a natural part of education for all students across a variety of subjects, including mathematics, as educators work to prepare students for tomorrow's work force and align their curriculum and teaching with national standards such those developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM, 2000). This article reviews the literature on mathematics, assistive technology (AT), and educating students with high-incidence disabilities in grades K-12 from 1996 through 2007. The results of the literature review revealed three main areas of AT in mathematics for students with disabilities: anchored instruction, computer-assisted instruction, and calculators. The review focuses on what has been done and suggests that we do know some things in terms of effective AT and mathematics education (i.e., anchored instruction). It then discusses where the field needs to go to improve its knowledge base (i.e., researching AT currently used in the teaching and learning of mathematics, and researching recent innovations in mathematics technology).
Exploring the Effects of Digital Note Taking on Student Comprehension of Science Texts
Authors: Horney Mark A. , Anderson-Inman Lynne , Terrazas-Arellanes Fatima , Schulte William , Mundorf Jon , Wiseman Sheri , Smolkowski Keith , Katz-Buonincontro Jen , Frisbee Mindy L.
Published: December 2015

This study investigated the effects of text notes and voice notes on the comprehension of science texts by fifth grade students. The study was conducted to determine whether digital note taking was an effective reading strategy, and whether one form of digital note taking was more effective than the other. Results revealed that general education students made statistically significant gains for both science texts: Cells, and Heredity. For Cells, the voice notes group outperformed their text note peers at a level that was statistically significant. Special education students also made greater test gains using voice notes rather than text notes, and this difference was statistically significant for short-answer tests on Heredity. Additional analyses revealed diverse note taking strategies, which appeared consistent across media.
Technology to Advance High School and Undergraduate Students with Disabilities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Authors: Leddy Mark H.
Published: December 2015

Americans with disabilities are underemployed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) at higher rates than their nondisabled peers. This article provides an overview of the National Science Foundation's Research in Disabilities Education (RDE) program, of technology use by students with disabilities (SWD) in STEM, and of rigorous research designs needed to examine which technology interventions have the highest impact on high school and undergraduate degree completion rates for SWD in STEM. Studies are needed to examine how technologies advance undergraduate SWD in their STEM degree programs, contribute to graduation, and facilitate successful transitions to graduate STEM study and/or the workforce. This body of research contributes to the success of postsecondary implementation programs for SWD in STEM, resulting in the graduation of more SWD in STEM fields and advancing our country's science, engineering, and technology competitiveness in the world.
A Comparison of Computer-Based Testing and Pencil-and-Paper Testing for Students with a Read-Aloud Accommodation
Authors: Flowers Claudia , Kim Do-Hong , Lewis Preston , Davis Violeta Carmen
Published: December 2015

This study examined the academic performance and preference of students with disabilities for two types of test administration conditions, computer-based testing (CBT) and pencil-and-paper testing (PPT). Data from a large-scale assessment program were used to examine differences between CBT and PPT academic performance for third to eleventh grade students with a read-aloud accommodation in reading, mathematics, and science. Since random assignment was not possible, propensity score analyses were used to establish equivalent groups and to test for differences in performance. Students in the PPT condition with an adult reader had higher mean scores in almost all academic content areas than those with the CBT read-aloud condition, with effect sizes ranging from extremely small ( d = .02) to moderate ( d = .69). Differential item functioning (DIF) analyses suggested that most items had negligible DIF and did not favor either the CBT or the PPT conditions. Students and staff reported that students preferred the CBT to the PPT, and students believed they performed better using the computer. Additional research that controls extraneous factors such as instructional time and familiarity with testing environment is recommended to better evaluate the relationship between testing modes and academic performance.
Use of Technology to Accommodate Differences Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder in the General Curriculum and Environment
Authors: Southall Candice
Published: December 2015

Without appropriate instructional supports, differences associated with autism spectrum disorder affect successful access to the general curriculum. Individuals who have autism without comorbid intellectual disabilities and language deficits require specific accommodations appropriate to their individual needs. Assistive technology and Universal Design for Learning are approaches appropriate for accommodating the needs of this population. The review examines the empirical research on technology-based accommodations targeting differences that manifest as a result of autism spectrum disorder. Results indicate that specific technologies include effective accommodations for social communication, restricted interests, and cognitive differences. Research on technology-based accommodations for motor and sensory differences is limited; however, practice implications and future research needs are discussed.