bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power and sample size determination for group comparison of patient‐reported outcomes using polytomous Rasch models
Authors: Hardouin Jean‐Benoit , Blanchin Myriam , Feddag Mohand‐Larbi , Néel Tanguy Le , Perrot Bastien , Sébille Véronique
Published: March 2015

The analysis of patient‐reported outcomes or other psychological traits can be realized using the Rasch measurement model. When the objective of a study is to compare groups of individuals, it is important, before the study, to define a sample size such that the group comparison test will attain a given power. The Raschpower procedure (RP) allows doing so with dichotomous items. The RP is extended to polytomous items. Several computational issues were identified, and adaptations have been proposed. The performance of this new version of RP is assessed using simulations. This adaptation of RP allows obtaining a good estimate of the expected power of a test to compare groups of patients in a large number of practical situations. A Stata module, as well as its implementation online, is proposed to perform the RP. Two versions of the RP for polytomous items are proposed (deterministic and stochastic versions). These two versions produce similar results in all of the tested cases. We recommend the use of the deterministic version, when the measure is obtained using small questionnaires or items with a few number of response categories, and the stochastic version elsewhere, so as to optimize computing time. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
There Is Something in the Air: Testing the Efficacy of a new Olfactory Stress Relief Method (AromaStick®)
Authors: Schneider Rainer
Published: March 2015

In recent years, aromatherapy has become increasingly popular for clinical treatment and therapeutic management of both acute and chronic stress. It targets distinct and unique neurobiological characteristics of the olfactory system, which is tightly linked to emotions and information processing as well as the autonomous nervous system. Yet, depending on the mode of application, aromatherapeutic interventions show varying degrees of therapeutic effectiveness. In a series of five experiments, the effects of a new mode of aromatherapeutic application (inhaler) was investigated, which is specifically designed to directly stimulate the olfactory system and to reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Overall, the application of the inhaler showed consistent and large psychological and physiological effects. It also clearly outperformed other stress management techniques, like progressive muscle relaxation, Bach flowers or passive resting periods (natural control). The effects occurred shortly after very few inhalations, drastically reduced stress related biomarkers (i.e. blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol) and considerably enhanced well‐being. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Starch digestibility index and antioxidative properties of partially baked wheat—flour bakery with an addition of dietary fibre
Authors: Borczak Barbara , Sikora Elżbieta , Sikora Marek , Kapusta‐Duch Joanna , Rosell Cristina M.
Published: March 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of bake‐off technology with the freezing process of wheat‐flour rolls, and with the inclusion of dietary fibre on the starch digestibility index and antioxidative properties. Research material consisted of four kinds of wheat rolls. These were baked conventionally and with bake‐off technology, with and without the additional 10% fibre (oat fibre and inulin). The following parameters were measured: The content of the total starch (TS), slowly digestible starch (SDS), rapidly digestible starch (RDS), the starch digestion index (SDI), the content of the total polyphenols and the ability to quench the free ABTS• + radical. The freezing process and the addition of dietary fibre contributed to a significant increase of the SDS fraction, while the RDS and SDI were decreased in partially baked rolls (p < 0.05). The amount of the total polyphenols was significantly higher with the addition of fibre and the use of the freezing process, while the antioxidant activity was increased when fibre was incorporated into the conventionally baked rolls (p < 0.05). Freezing applied simultaneously to bake‐off technology, and the addition of oat fibre and inulin to the dough resulted in bakery products of not only reduced starch digestibility but containing more antioxidants, which from a nutritional point of view, appears to be advantageous.
CHD2 is Required for Embryonic Neurogenesis in the Developing Cerebral Cortex
Authors: Shen Tianjin , Ji Fen , Yuan Zengqiang , Jiao Jianwei
Published: March 2015

Chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 2 (CHD2) has been associated with a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disability. However, it is largely unknown whether and how CHD2 is involved in brain development. Here, we demonstrate that CHD2 is predominantly expressed in Pax6+ radial glial cells (RGs) but rarely expressed in Tbr2+ intermediate progenitors (IPs). Importantly, the suppression of CHD2 expression inhibits the self-renewal of RGs and increases the generation of IPs and the production of neurons. CHD2 mediates these functions by directly binding to the genomic region of repressor element 1-silencing transcription factor (REST), thereby regulating the expression of REST. Furthermore, the overexpression of REST rescues the defect in neurogenesis caused by CHD2 knockdown. Taken together, these findings demonstrate an essential role of CHD2 in the maintenance of the RGs self-renewal levels, the subsequent generation of IPs, and neuronal output during neurogenesis in cerebral cortical development, suggesting that inactivation of CHD2 during neurogenesis might contribute to abnormal neurodevelopment. Stem Cells  2015;33:1794–1806
Religion and the Clash of “Ideals” and “Realities” in Business: The Case of Islamic Bonds (Sukuk)
Authors: Radzi Rafisah Mat , Lewis Mervyn K.
Published: March 2015

Fueled by an increasing demand for investments that comply with Shariah (Islamic law), sukuk (Islamic investment certificates or participation certificates) have developed as one of the main components of the Islamic finance industry. In general, sukuk can be structured as asset based or asset backed, yielding wholly different risk profiles in the event of default and liquidation. However, given that the sukuk market is dominated by asset‐based sukuk, this article examines the motivation for greater interest in this specific sukuk structure. It also analyzes the challenges facing the regulatory framework and tax implemented for Islamic securitization in various jurisdictions. Then, it further evaluates, from the perspective of credit rating agencies, the importance of purchase undertakings in the structure and some controversies on this very point. The main issue that emerges is the difficulty of resolving the clash between the ideals of Islam and the realities of the marketplace. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis, Crystal and Electronic Structure, and Optical Property of the Quaternary Selenide: La3Sb0.33SiSe7
Authors: Zhao Hua‐Jun
Published: March 2015

The quaternary selenide, La3Sb0.33SiSe7, was prepared from stoichiometric mixtures of elements by solid‐state reactions at 1223 K in an evacuated silica tube. La3Sb0.33SiSe7 crystallizes in the chiral P63 space group and belongs to the Ce3Al1.67S7 structure type. Its structure features one‐dimensional chains of face‐sharing SbSe6 octahedra running parallel to the c direction surrounded by the discrete SiSe4 tetrahedra and La cations. UV/Vis/NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy study shows its optical gap of around 1.75 eV. DFT study indicates an indirect bandgap with an electronic transfer excitation from Se 4p to La 5d orbital electrons.
A functional electrical stimulation system improves knee control in crouch gait
Authors: Khamis Sam , Martikaro Raz , Wientroub Shlomo , Hemo Yoram , Hayek Shlomo
Published: March 2015

Background

Crouch gait is a major sagittal plane deviation in children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP). It is defined as a combination of excessive ankle dorsiflexion and knee and hip flexion throughout the stance phase. To the best of our knowledge, functional electrical stimulation (FES) has not been used to decrease the severity of crouch gait in CP subjects and assist in achieving lower limb extension.

Purpose

To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of FES to the quadriceps muscles in preventing crouch gait and achieving ankle plantar flexion, knee and hip extension at the stance phase.

Methods

An 18-year-old boy diagnosed with CP diplegia [Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level II] was evaluated. The NESS L300® Plus neuroprosthesis system provided electrical stimulation of the quadriceps muscle. A three-dimensional gait analysis was performed using an eight-camera system measuring gait kinematics and spatiotemporal parameters while the subject walked shod only, with ground reaction ankle foot orthotics (GRAFOs) and using an FES device.

Results

Walking with the FES device showed an increase in the patient's knee extension at midstance and increased knee maximal extension at the stance phase. In addition, the patient was able to ascend and descend stairs with a “step-through” pattern immediately after adjusting the FES device.

Conclusions

This report suggests that FES to the quadriceps muscles may affect knee extension at stance and decrease crouch gait, depending on the adequate passive range of motion of the hip, knee extension, and plantar flexion. Further studies are needed in order to validate these results.
Mechanical strength of soda-lime glass sandblasted by gravitation
Authors: Roumili Fouad , Benbahouche Saci , Sangleboeuf Jean-Christophe
Published: March 2015

Damage to a glass surface by sandblasting has a remarkable effect on its mechanical properties and strength. In this study, we analyze the superficial deterioration of soda-lime glass and its influence on the mechanical strength. Sandblasting by gravitation from a fixed height causes damages by the free fall of different quantities of sand, which we performed for a selected grain size and at different angles of inclination. To characterize the surface state, we used different roughness measures (the arithmetic mean value of the roughness R
a, the root mean square roughness R
q, and the maximum roughness R
max) and measured the optical transmission (transmittance) at different points on the specimen surface using a profilometer. To determine the mechanical strength, we proceeded by two methods: first, by a shock ball (falling ball), and then by biaxial bending using circular supports. The effects of the surface damage on the optical transmission and the mechanical strength of the glass are graphically presented and discussed in this paper.
Screening for candidate genes related to breast cancer with cDNA microarray analysis
Authors: Xiang Yu‐Juan , Fu Qin‐Ye , Ma Zhong‐Bing , Gao De‐Zong , Zhang Qiang , Li Yu‐Yang , Li Liang , Liu Lu , Ye Chun‐Miao , Yu Zhi‐Gang , Guo Ming‐Ming
Published: March 2015

Objective

The aim of this study was to reveal the exact changes during the occurrence of breast cancer to explore significant new and promising genes or factors related to this disease.

Methods

We compared the gene expression profiles of breast cancer tissues with its uninvolved normal breast tissues as controls using the cDNA microarray analysis in seven breast cancer patients. Further, one representative gene, named IFI30, was quantitatively analyzed by real‐time PCR to confirm the result of the cDNA microarray analysis.

Results

A total of 427 genes were identified with significantly differential expression, 221 genes were up‐regulated and 206 genes were down‐regulated. And the result of cDNA microarray analysis was validated by detection of IFI30 mRNA level changes by real‐time PCR. Genes for cell proliferation, cell cycle, cell division, mitosis, apoptosis, and immune response were enriched in the up‐regulated genes, while genes for cell adhesion, proteolysis, and transport were significantly enriched in the down‐regulated genes in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues by a gene ontology analysis.

Conclusion

Our present study revealed a range of differentially expressed genes between breast cancer tissues and normal breast tissues, and provide candidate genes for further study focusing on the pathogenesis and new biomarkers for breast cancer.
Phase relations in carbonate systems at pressures and temperatures of lithospheric mantle: review of experimental data
Authors: Shatskiy A.F. , Litasov K.D. , Palyanov Yu.N.
Published: March 2015

The paper presents a synopsis of experimentally constrained phase relations in carbonate systems. Three sections of the paper consider, respectively, PT diagrams of simple carbonates (MgCO3, CaCO3, FeCO3, BaCO3, SrCO3, K2CO3, and Na2CO3); isobaric T-X diagrams of binary and ternary systems (CaCO3-MgCO3, CaCO3-FeCO3, CaCO3-FeCO3-MgCO3, BaCO3-CaCO3, SrCO3-CaCO3, BaCO3-SrCO3, CaCO3-MgCO3-BaCO3, CaCO3-MgCO3-SrCO3, BaCO3-CaCO3-SrCO3, BaCO3-MgCO3-SrCO3, Na2CO3-CaCO3, and K2CO3-CaCO3), and T-X diagrams of the systems MgCO3-FeCO3, MgCO3-CaCO3, CaCO3-FeCO3, MgCO3-FeCO3-CaCO3, K2CO3-MgCO3, Na2CO3-MgCO3, K2CO3-FeCO3, Na2CO3-FeCO3, K2CO3-CaCO3, Na2CO3-CaCO3, K2CO3-FeCO3-MgCO3, Na2CO3-FeCO3-MgCO3, K2CO3-CaCO3-MgCO3, and Na2CO3-CaCO3-MgCO3 at 6 GPa. The last section deals with temperatures of carbonate magma generation in the upper mantle and with melt compositions. In conclusion, prospects are outlined for further research of phase relations in carbonate system at high pressures and temperatures.
First-principles calculations of the equations of state and relative stability of iron carbides at the Earth’s core pressures
Authors: Litasov K.D. , Popov Z.I. , Gavryushkin P.N. , Ovchinnikov S.G. , Fedorov A.S.
Published: March 2015

Recent experimental studies have demonstrated that Fe3C is more stable than Fe7C3 under PT-conditions of the Earth’s core. Theoretical calculations at 0 K, in turn, show the possible stability of Fe2C at the core pressures. Therefore, a theoretical modeling of iron carbides at ≤ 500 GPa is carried out. Energetically stable phases and the pressures of magnetic transitions at 0 K are determined. The parameters of magnetic transitions for Fe7C3 and Fe3C are consistent with those determined in the previous papers. The phase transition from Pnnm to Pnma in Fe2C at 28 GPa is estimated. At > 100 GPa, Fe2C loses its magnetic moment. Assuming carbon to be the only light element in the system, the first-principles calculations yield 2.7-2.9 and 2.0-2.2 wt.% C at the boundary of the inner core at 5000 and 7000 K, respectively.
The equations of state of forsterite, wadsleyite, ringwoodite, akimotoite, MgSiO3-perovskite, and postperovskite and phase diagram for the Mg2SiO4 system at pressures of up to 130 GPa
Authors: Dorogokupets P.I. , Dymshits A.M. , Sokolova T.S. , Danilov B.S. , Litasov K.D.
Published: March 2015

The equations of state of forsterite, wadsleyite, ringwoodite, MgSiO3-perovskite, akimotoite, and postperovskite are set up by joint analysis of experimentally measured isobaric heat capacity, bulk moduli, thermal expansion depending on temperature at ambient pressure, and volume at room and higher temperatures. Modified equations of state based on the Helmholtz free energy are used to construct a thermodynamic model. The derived equations of state permit calculation of all thermodynamic functions for the minerals depending on temperature and volume or temperature and pressure. A phase diagram of the system MgSiO3–MgO is constructed based on the Gibbs energy calibrated using the referred experimental points. The seismic boundaries at depths of 410 and 520 km and in the zone D’ are interpreted on the basis of the phase transitions. The global upper/lower mantle discontinuity at a depth of 660 km remains debatable; it is in poor agreement with experimental and computational data on the dissociation of ringwoodite to perovskite and periclase.
Sound velocity measurement by inelastic X-ray scattering at high pressure and temperature by resistive heating diamond anvil cell
Authors: Ohtani E. , Mibe K. , Sakamaki T. , Kamada S. , Takahashi S. , Fukui H. , Tsutsui S. , Baron A.Q.R.
Published: March 2015

We determined the compressional velocity of hcp-Fe in a wide pressure and temperature range using high-resolution inelastic X-ray scattering (IXS) combined with in situ X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) on samples in resistively heated diamond anvil cells: our measurements extend up to 174 GPa at room temperature, to 88 GPa at 700 K, and to 62.5 GPa at 1000 K. Our data obtained at room temperature and high temperature are well described by a linear relation to density, extending the range of verification of Birch’s law beyond previous work and suggesting only a small temperature dependence up to 1000 K. When we compare the present results with the preliminary reference Earth model (PREM), we can conclude that there is either a strong temperature effect on Birch’s law at temperatures above 1000 K, or the composition of the core is rather different from that commonly expected, i.e., containing heavy elements.
Diamond thermoelastic properties and implications for determining the pressure of formation of diamond–inclusion systems
Authors: Angel R.J. , Alvaro M. , Nestola F. , Mazzucchelli M.L.
Published: March 2015

The formation conditions of diamond can be determined from the residual pressure of inclusions trapped within the diamond, as measured at ambient conditions, and the equations of state (EoS) of the mineral inclusion and the host diamond. The EoS parameters of the diamond and the inclusion phase are therefore critical for determining the precision and accuracy of the calculation of formation conditions of diamonds. The questions we address are (i) How precise are these calculations? and, in particular, (ii) Do we know the EoS parameters of diamond to a precision and accuracy which do not contribute significantly to uncertainties in the geological conclusions drawn from these calculations? We present a review of the most recent compressional data, simulations, and direct elastic measurements of diamond and show them to be consistent with a room-temperature bulk modulus of K0T = 444(2) GPa and a pressure derivative K’ = 4.0. In combination with a thermal-pressure model with parameters αV300,0 = 2.672(3) x 10–6 K–1 and a single Einstein temperature θE = 1500 K, the volume variation of diamond from room conditions to pressures and temperatures exceeding those in the Earth’s transition zone is described to within the levels of uncertainty inherent in both experimental and computational determinations. For the example of olivine inclusions in diamond, these uncertainties in the diamond EoS parameters lead to uncertainties in the entrapment pressures of no more than 0.001 GPa at low temperatures and 0.008 GPa at higher temperatures.
Interface partition coefficients of trace elements in carbonate–silicate parental media for diamonds and paragenetic inclusions (experiments at 7.0–8.5 GPa)
Authors: Kuzyura A.V. , Litvin Yu.A. , Jeffries T.
Published: March 2015

Interface partition coefficients KDTE of a representative set of trace elements (TE) in the partly molten diamond-forming peridotite–eclogite–carbonatite system are experimentally determined at 7.0–8.5 GPa. The experimental data evidence that trace-element partition does not depend on the melt composition, with heavy rare-earth elements (HREE) concentrating mainly in garnet. Model TE partition coefficients for the natural diamond-producing carbonatite melts of mantle chambers are calculated based on TE concentrations in minerals of peridotite and eclogite parageneses of diamond inclusions, on the one hand, and on the experimental KDTE coefficients, on the other. The results show that the TE of the parental media are mostly the mantle peridotite components, with the parental media being depleted in medium (Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd) and heavy (Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Lu, Hf) rare-earth elements relative to the primitive peridotite. The elevated contents of Sr, Nb, and Ce in the completely miscible carbonate-silicate melts might be due to the participation of “metasomatic agents” in the formation of chambers of diamond-forming carbonatite magmas.
Typomorphic features of graphite inclusions in diamond: experimental data
Authors: Khokhryakov A.F. , Nechaev D.V.
Published: March 2015

Diamond crystals with graphite inclusions synthesized during the experimental modeling of natural diamond formation in chloride and carbonate systems under mantle PT-conditions were studied to elucidate the specifics of the protogenetic graphite inclusions. It has been established that the inclusions of graphite, both primary ones and those resulted from sodium oxalate decomposition, form compact clusters of grains and plates of different shapes in diamond. Diamonds rich in graphite inclusions are black and opaque. Their distinctive feature is significant low-frequency shift (to 1328 cm–1) and broadening (to 6.5 cm–1) of the Raman line, testifying to high residual deformation. Based on the data of previous experiments and the results obtained in this study, we consider peculiarities of protogenetic, syngenetic, and epigenetic graphite inclusions in diamond and their possible use as typomorphic features for the investigation of natural diamonds and reconstruction of their genesis.
An EBSD study of olivine inclusions in Siberian diamonds: evidence for syngenetic growth?
Authors: Neuser R.D. , Schertl H.-P. , Logvinova A.M. , Sobolev N.V.
Published: March 2015

Crystallographic relations between four diamonds from the Yubileinaya pipe (Yakutia) and inclusions of eight olivine crystals in them are first studied by the EBSD method. Crystallographic coincidence between the olivine and diamond has been revealed in 15 samples, though we failed to make an unambiguous conclusion about the sequence of the mineral crystallization. It is confirmed that the new approach is promising for elucidation of the regularities of the mutual orientation of diamond and inclusion. However, more samples are required to establish whether the olivines formed earlier than the diamonds (protogenetic inclusions) or synchronously with them (syngenetic inclusions). © 2015, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Need for Reinforced Strategies to Support Delivery of HIV Clinical Services During the Ebola Outbreak in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone
Authors: Mobula M. Linda , Brown Charlene A. , Burnham Gilbert , Phelps Benjamin R.
Published: March 2015

The Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. The Ebola outbreak has led to the disruption of already fragile but essential health services and drug distribution systems; HIV clinical services in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea were particularly affected. Targeted approaches are necessary to protect the continuity of HIV treatment for people living with HIV and should be integrated within the broader Ebola response; this will save lives, prevent drug resistance, and decrease the likelihood of HIV transmission. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;9:522–526)
The Cost–Benefit of Federal Investment in Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections through the Use of a Multifaceted Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship Program
Authors: Slayton Rachel B. , Scott R. Douglas , Baggs James , Lessa Fernanda C. , McDonald L. Clifford , Jernigan John A.
Published: March 2015

OBJECTIVE

To determine the potential epidemiologic and economic value of the implementation of a multifaceted Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) control program at US acute care hospitals

DESIGN

Markov model with a 5-year time horizon

PARTICIPANTS

Patients whose data were used in our simulations were limited to hospitalized Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years old.

BACKGROUND

CDI is an important public health problem with substantial associated morbidity, mortality, and cost. Multifaceted national prevention efforts in the United Kingdom, including antimicrobial stewardship, patient isolation, hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and disinfection, and audit, resulted in a 59% reduction in CDI cases reported from 2008 to 2012.

METHODS

Our analysis was conducted from the federal perspective. The intervention we modeled included the following components: antimicrobial stewardship utilizing the Antimicrobial Use and Resistance module of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), use of contact precautions, and enhanced environmental cleaning. We parameterized our model using data from CDC surveillance systems, the AHRQ Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, and literature reviews. To address uncertainty in our parameter estimates, we conducted sensitivity analyses for intervention effectiveness and cost, expenditures by other federal partners, and discount rate. Each simulation represented a cohort of 1,000 hospitalized patients over 1,000 trials.

RESULTS

In our base case scenario with 50% intervention effectiveness, we estimated that 509,000 CDI cases and 82,000 CDI-attributable deaths would be prevented over a 5-year time horizon. Nationally, the cost savings across all hospitalizations would be $2.5 billion (95% credible interval: $1.2 billion to $4.0 billion).

CONCLUSIONS

The potential benefits of a multifaceted national CDI prevention program are sizeable from the federal perspective.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–7
Occupational Determinants of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Colonization Among Healthcare Workers: A Longitudinal Study in a Rehabilitation Center
Authors: Legrand J. , Temime L. , Lawrence C. , Herrmann J. L. , Boelle P. Y. , Guillemot D.
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Staphylococcus aureus carriage among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a concern in hospital settings, where it may provide a reservoir for later infections in both patients and staff. Earlier studies have shown that the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) carriage in HCWs is highly variable, depending notably on location, hospital department type, MRSA prevalence among patients, and type of contacts with patients. However, MRSA incidence in HCWs and its occupational determinants have seldom been studied.

METHODS

A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted between May and October 2009 in a French rehabilitation center hospital. HCWs and patients were screened weekly for S. aureus nasal carriage. Methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and MRSA prevalence and incidence were estimated and factors associated with MRSA acquisition were identified using generalized estimating equation regression methods.

RESULTS

Among 343 HCWs included in the analysis, the average prevalence was 27% (95% CI, 24%–29%) for methicillin-susceptible S. aureus and 10% (8%–11%) for MRSA. We observed 129 MRSA colonization events. According to the multivariable analysis, high MRSA prevalence level among patients and HCW occupation were significantly associated with MRSA acquisition in HCWs, with assistant nurses being more at risk than nurses (odds ratio, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.4–3.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may help further our understanding of the transmission dynamics of MRSA carriage acquisition in HCWs, suggesting that it is notably driven by carriage among patients and by the type of contact with patients.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(7):767–776
Effects of supplementing mid-lactation dairy cows with seaweed and vitamin E on plasma and milkα-tocopherol and antibody response to immunization
Authors: KIDANE A. , NESHEIM I. L. , LARSEN H. J. S. , THUEN E. , JENSEN S. K. , STEINSHAMN H.
Published: March 2015

The objective of the current experiment was to compare the effects of supplementing mid-lactation dairy cows withall-rac-α-tocopheryl acetate (SyntvE), RRR-α-tocopheryl acetate (NatvE) or seaweed meal (Seaweed) in the presence of aControlgroup (no supplemental vitamin E or seaweed) on the concentration ofα-tocopherol in plasma and milk, and antibody response following immunization. The hypothesis was that supplementation of dairy cows with vitamin E, regardless of its form, would increase plasma and milkα-tocopherol compared to the control diet and this incremental response would be bigger withNatvEthanSyntvE. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that vitamin E, regardless of its form, will provide an improved adaptive immune response to immunization than theControldiet, and cows supplemented withSeaweedmeal would produce better adaptive immune response following immunization than cows in theControlgroup. Twenty-four Norwegian Red (NR) dairy cows in their mid-lactation were allocated randomly to the four treatments in a replicated Latin square design. The cows were fed on a basal diet of silage and concentrate on top of which the experimental supplements were provided. Plasma and milkα-tocopherol concentrations were higher inNatvEandSyntvEgroups than in the other two groups. The RRR-α-tocopherol stereoisomer was the predominant form (>0·86), in both plasma and milk, whereas the remaining part was largely made up of the other three 2R stereoisomers (RRS, RSR and RSS). In cows fed theControl, SeaweedandNatvE, the proportion of the RRR-α-tocopherol stereoisomer in plasma and milk constituted >0·97 of the totalα-tocopherol. Mid-lactation NR dairy cows had higher than adequate levels of plasmaα-tocopherol (9·99 mg/l) even when not supplemented with external source of vitamin E, suggesting that with a good quality silage these cows may not be at risk of vitamin E deficiency. Furthermore, the present study shows that dairy cows in mid to late lactation have preferential uptake of RRR stereoisomer ofα-tocopherol compared with other stereoisomers. All cows responded well to immunization with different antigens, but there were no significant group effects of the diet on the immune response measured.
Overlapping genetic and environmental influences among men's alcohol consumption and problems, romantic quality and social support
Authors: Salvatore J. E. , Prom-Wormley E. , Prescott C. A. , Kendler K. S.
Published: March 2015

Background

Alcohol consumption and problems are associated with interpersonal difficulties. We used a twin design to assess in men the degree to which genetic or environmental influences contributed to the covariance between alcohol consumption and problems, romantic quality and social support.

Method

The sample included adult male–male twin pairs (697 monozygotic and 487 dizygotic) for whom there were interview-based data on: alcohol consumption (average monthly alcohol consumption in the past year); alcohol problems (lifetime alcohol dependence symptoms); romantic conflict and warmth; friend problems and support; and relative problems and support.

Results

Key findings were that genetic and unique environmental factors contributed to the covariance between alcohol consumption and romantic conflict; genetic factors contributed to the covariance between alcohol problems and romantic conflict; and common and unique environmental factors contributed to the covariance between alcohol problems and friend problems.

Conclusions

Recognizing and addressing the overlapping genetic and environmental influences that alcohol consumption and problems share with romantic quality and other indicators of social support may have implications for substance use prevention and intervention efforts.
Can non-theists appropriately feel existential gratitude?
Authors: LACEWING MICHAEL
Published: March 2015

Does it make sense for non-theists to feel gratitude for their existence? The question arises because gratitude is typically thought to be directed towards a person to whom one is grateful. Hence the theist may be grateful to God for their existence, experienced as a gift. But can the non-believer feel something similar without being irrational? Can there be gratitude for existence but not to anyone? After analysing gratitude and how we can best understand the idea of non-directed gratitude, I discuss the conditions that need to apply for non-directed gratitude to be appropriate. I end by discussing whether theism provides a psychologically richer and more satisfying framework for understanding existential gratitude.
PRECIOS, PRODUCTO AGRARIO Y NIVELES DE VIDA EN LAS FRONTERAS RIOPLATENSES, 1700-1810: UNA NUEVA MIRADA SOBRE EL CRECIMIENTO ECONÓMICO TARDOCOLONIAL
Authors: Djenderedjian Julio , Martirén Juan Luis
Published: March 2015

This article presents and analyses wholesale price series of Santa Fe (Argentina), an essential core of colonial commercial circuits, during the period 1700-1810. Mainly from monastic sources, the presented series include 14 products from local and regional origin. Production data has also been deflated using these indexes and purchasing power of wages has been measured. This allows studying inflation, deflation and standards of living and their relation to economic growth. Growth, even prior to trade liberalization of 1778, was matched by deflation so it may suggest improvements in mercantile circuits. This new evidence provides a solid tool for regional and international comparative analysis.
Q fever infection in dairy cattle herds: increased risk with high wind speed and low precipitation
Authors: NUSINOVICI S. , FRÖSSLING J. , WIDGREN S. , BEAUDEAU F. , LINDBERG A.
Published: March 2015

Ruminants are considered the main reservoir for transmission of Coxiella burnetii (Cb) to humans. The implementation of effective control measures against Cb in ruminants requires knowledge about potential risk factors. The objectives of this study were (i) to describe the spatial distribution of Q fever-infected dairy cattle herds in Sweden, (ii) to quantify the respective contributions of wind and animal movements on the risk of infection, while accounting for other sources of variation, and (iii) to investigate the possible protective effect of precipitation. A total of 1537 bulk milk samples were collected and tested for presence of Cb antibodies. The prevalence of test-positive herds was higher in the south of Sweden. For herds located in areas with high wind speed, open landscape, high animal densities and high temperature, the risk of being infected reached very high values. Because these factors are difficult to control, vaccination could be an appropriate control measure in these areas. Finally, the cumulated precipitation over 1 year was identified as a protective factor.
Efficacy of landiolol for the treatment of junctional ectopic tachycardia resulting from sepsis
Authors: Oka Hideharu , Sugimoto Masaya , Azuma Hiroshi
Published: March 2015

Junctional ectopic tachycardia, after surgery for CHD, is a serious arrhythmia that can cause increased morbidity and mortality. We report a case of junctional ectopic tachycardia, preceded by sepsis, in a 4-year-old girl, 31 months after open-heart surgery. She was successfully treated using low-dose landiolol hydrochloride.
Humanitarian Assistance and Accountability: What Are We Really Talking About?
Authors: Tan Y.S. Andrew , von Schreeb Johan
Published: March 2015

Background

In the past two decades, there has been a worldwide increase in the number of disasters, as well as the number of people affected, along with the number of foreign medical teams (FMTs) deployed to provide assistance. However, in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake, multiple reports and anecdotes questioned the actual, positive contribution of such FMTs and even the intentions behind these aid efforts. This brought on a renewed interest in the humanitarian community towards accountability. Between 2000 and 2012, the number of “Quality and Accountability” initiatives and instruments more than tripled from 42 to 147. Yet, to date, there is no single accepted definition of accountability in the humanitarian context.

Aim

The aim of this report was to explore and assess how accountability in the humanitarian context is used and/or defined in the literature.

Methods

The electronic database PubMed and a predefined list of grey literature comprising 46 organizations were searched for articles that discussed or provided a definition of accountability in the humanitarian context. The definitions found in these articles were analyzed qualitatively using a framework analysis method based on principles of grounded theory as well as using a summative content analysis method.

Results

A total of 85 articles were reviewed in-depth. Fifteen organizations had formal definitions of accountability or explained what it meant to them. Accountability was generally seen in two paradigms: as a “process” or as a “goal.” A total of 16 different concepts were identified amongst the definitions. Accountability to aid recipients had four main themes: empowering aid recipients, being in an optimal position to do the greatest good, meeting expectations, and being liable. The concepts of “enforcement/enforceability” under the last theme of “being liable” received the least mention.

Conclusion

The concept of accountability is defined poorly in many humanitarian organizations. Humanitarian providers often refer to different concepts when talking about accountability in general. The lack of a common understanding is contributed by the semantic and practical complexities of the term. The lack of emphasis on “enforcement/enforceability” is noteworthy. Other aspects of accountability, such as its “measurability” and by whom, similarly lack a common understanding and community-wide consensus. To what extent these vague definitions of accountability affect agencies’ work in the field remains to be documented.

TanYSA,von SchreebJ.Humanitarian assistance and accountability: what are we really talking about?Prehosp Disaster Med.2015;30(3):17
Arabic spelling error detection and correction
Authors: ATTIA MOHAMMED , PECINA PAVEL , SAMIH YOUNES , SHAALAN KHALED , VAN GENABITH JOSEF
Published: March 2015

A spelling error detection and correction application is typically based on three main components: a dictionary (or reference word list), an error model and a language model. While most of the attention in the literature has been directed to the language model, we show how improvements in any of the three components can lead to significant cumulative improvements in the overall performance of the system. We develop our dictionary of 9.2 million fully-inflected Arabic words (types) from a morphological transducer and a large corpus, validated and manually revised. We improve the error model by analyzing error types and creating an edit distance re-ranker. We also improve the language model by analyzing the level of noise in different data sources and selecting an optimal subset to train the system on. Testing and evaluation experiments show that our system significantly outperforms Microsoft Word 2013, OpenOffice Ayaspell 3.4 and Google Docs.
Weather, agriculture and rural migration: evidence from state and district level migration in India
Authors: Viswanathan Brinda , Kavi Kumar K.S.
Published: March 2015

This study explores three-way linkage between weather, agricultural performance and internal migration in India at the state and district level using census data. The estimations are based on a two-stage least squares model using panel data. The elasticity of the inter-state out-migration rate with respect to per capita net state domestic agricultural product is − 0.775, indicating that a decline in the value of agricultural output related to weather variations results in an increase in out-migration rate. The crop-wise analysis shows that a 1 per cent decline in rice (wheat) yield leads to a nearly 2 per cent (1 per cent) increase in the rate of out-migration from a state. The district-level analysis shows larger magnitudes of estimated change in in-migration rates to relative changes in crop yields. However, the district-level analysis using two-period panel data constructed from a single census provides relatively less robust results compared to the state-level analysis owing to the associated data limitations.
“WE WILL MAKE EUROPE THERE”: ITALIAN INTELLECTUALS IN SEARCH OF EUROPE AND AMERICA IN HITLER’S GERMANY
Authors: GERMANESE DONATELLA
Published: March 2015

In the early 1940s, Felice Balbo and Giaime Pintor judged and re-envisioned Europe from a shared observation point in Turin with two institutional settings: the publishing house Giulio Einaudi Editore and the Italian Committee for the Armistice with France. Their privileged perspective—so far little known outside Italy—offers interesting clues about forms of opposition to Fascism and National Socialism by a generation that grew up under dictatorship. Drawing on unpublished sources and memoirs, this essay retraces a dialogue among friends, showing how young members of the Italian intelligentsia designed eccentric scenarios to overcome a nazified Europe. An overly enthusiastic reception of American culture, illusions about impending insurrections in Germany, and a general attraction to German culture helped Balbo and Pintor in becoming active antifascists.
Bridging Religion and Politics: The Impact of Providential Religious Beliefs on Political Activity
Authors: Glazier Rebecca A.
Published: March 2015

Past research shows that religious beliefs can shape political activity. Yet current literature leaves open many questions about the mechanisms at work. I point to the key role of a particular religious belief found across denominations: providentiality, or the belief that God has a plan that humans can further. When these beliefs are connected to politics, providential believers are likely to be active and dedicated participators. I test this notion using survey data collected during the 2012 election campaign from congregants in Little Rock, Arkansas. In general, providential believers are less likely than their non-providential counterparts to participate in politics. However, when providential believers report hearing political sermons from their clergy, they are significantly more likely to participate. These findings illustrate one pathway by which religious beliefs can influence politics: through a cue that links providentiality and politics.
Modeling and constructing the microstrip notch-loaded rectangular S-shaped patch antennas using L-strip feeding for multi-band frequency performances in the recent wireless telecommunication systems
Authors: Alibakhshi-Kenari Mohammad
Published: March 2015

In this article, the interesting constructions of the notch-loaded rectangular patch S-shaped antennas with L-strip feeding for multiband operations are presented. Implementing the L-strip feeding leads to creation of good benefits including several resonating frequencies, no cross-sectional area, simplicity in designing and constructing, stable gains and efficiencies, and the impedance matching. The proposed antennas are realized on the different substrate materials and the dramatic changes in characteristics are reported. These antennas are simulated, tooled, fabricated, and tested to provide the better performances in terms of return loss and bandwidth. Through the proper selection of the dimensions as well as the arrangement of the L-strip, the desired resonant modes of the antennas are excited in between 6–45, 3–20, and 2–16 GHz. Results of the radiation patterns, gains, and efficiencies of the constructed antenna on the foam substrate are studied and discussed. The maximum and minimum values of the gains and radiation efficiencies of this antenna are 10 dBi and 93%, and 1 dBi and 30%, respectively. The simulation results are obtained using method of moment based on the electromagnetic solver IE3D and are in good agreements with the experimental results, which were obtained from the spectrum analyzer.
Dispositional Differences of Collegiate Athletes’ Flow State: A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Authors: Liu Weina , Ji Liu , Watson Jack C
Published: March 2015

Csikszentmihalyi (1990) suggested that certain types of people might be better psychologically equipped to experience flow. The purpose of this study was to determine if differences exist in one’s ability to experience flow based upon factors such as cultural background, gender, years of specialized training, skill level, and sport event type. The English and Chinese versions of the Dispositional Flow Scale-2 were used to assess trait flow in American (N = 160) and Chinese collegiate athletes (N = 341). Using a one-way ANOVA analysis, the flow scores of American participants were found to be higher than those of Chinese participants, η2 = 0.175, 95% CI: 3.536-3.622, p < .005. The flow scores of male athletes were higher than those of female athletes within the Chinese sample, η2 = 0.032, 95% CI: 3.390-3.486, p < .005. The flow scores of university athletes were higher than those of national team level athletes within the Chinese sample, η2 = 0.044, 95% CI: 3.279-3.501, p < .005. Flow scores for athletes in skill-showing events were higher than those of athletes participating in physical ability-showing events for the American participants, η2 = 0.074, 95% CI: 3.812-3.948, p < .005. This study suggests that individual differences exist in the psychological characteristics of athletes’ trait flow.
The Scree Test and the Number of Factors: a Dynamic Graphics Approach
Authors: Ledesma Rubén Daniel , Valero-Mora Pedro , Macbeth Guillermo
Published: March 2015

Exploratory Factor Analysis and Principal Component Analysis are two data analysis methods that are commonly used in psychological research. When applying these techniques, it is important to determine how many factors to retain. This decision is sometimes based on a visual inspection of the Scree plot. However, the Scree plot may at times be ambiguous and open to interpretation. This paper aims to explore a number of graphical and computational improvements to the Scree plot in order to make it more valid and informative. These enhancements are based on dynamic and interactive data visualization tools, and range from adding Parallel Analysis results to "linking" the Scree plot with other graphics, such as factor-loadings plots. To illustrate our proposed improvements, we introduce and describe an example based on real data on which a principal component analysis is appropriate. We hope to provide better graphical tools to help researchers determine the number of factors to retain.
Incremental Validity of Personality Measures in Predicting Underwater Performance and Adaptation
Authors: Colodro Joaquín , Garcés-de-los-Fayos Enrique J. , López-García Juan J. , Colodro-Conde Lucía
Published: March 2015

Intelligence and personality traits are currently considered effective predictors of human behavior and job performance. However, there are few studies about their relevance in the underwater environment. Data from a sample of military personnel performing scuba diving courses were analyzed with regression techniques, testing the contribution of individual differences and ascertaining the incremental validity of the personality in an environment with extreme psychophysical demands. The results confirmed the incremental validity of personality traits (ΔR2 = .20, f2 = .25) over the predictive contribution of general mental ability (ΔR2 = .07, f2 = .08) in divers’ performance. Moreover, personality ($R_L^2$ = .34) also showed a higher validity to predict underwater adaptation than general mental ability ($R_L^2$ = .09). The ROC curve indicated 86% of the maximum possible discrimination power for the prediction of underwater adaptation, AUC = .86, p < .001, 95% CI (.82–.90). These findings confirm the shift and reversal of incremental validity of dispositional traits in the underwater environment and the relevance of personality traits as predictors of an effective response to the changing circumstances of military scuba diving. They also may improve the understanding of the behavioral effects and psychophysiological complications of diving and can also provide guidance for psychological intervention and prevention of risk in this extreme environment.