bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Characterization of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescents Based on Menstrual Irregularity
Authors: Javed Asma , Kumar Seema , Simmons Patricia S. , Lteif Aida N.
Published: July 2015

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes. The association of menstrual irregularity with metabolic risk among adolescents with PCOS was assessed. Method: A retrospective medical record review of 366 adolescents with PCOS aged 13-18 years was conducted, from which 265 girls newly diagnosed with PCOS were included and divided into those presenting with primary amenorrhea (PA), secondary amenorrhea (SA) and oligomenorrhea (OM). Androgen concentrations and markers of metabolic risk were compared among the groups. Results: Most subjects presented with OM (PA = 17, SA = 30 and OM = 218). Subjects with PA were younger than those with OM but not different from those with SA. Mean BMI was not different between groups. Total testosterone and insulin levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Fasting glucose was higher in PA than OM (p = 0.048) but not different from SA. Triglyceride levels were higher in PA than SA and OM (p < 0.001 each). More subjects with PA and SA had metabolic syndrome (52%) than those with OM (29.1%) (p = 0.027). The differences in triglycerides and glucose persisted despite BMI adjustment in multivariate regression models. Conclusion: Adolescents with PCOS presenting with PA are at risk of metabolic disease beyond expected based on BMI.
Cluster-Randomized Trial of Personalized Site Performance Feedback in Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure
Authors: DeVore Adam D. , Cox Margueritte , Heidenreich Paul A. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Yancy Clyde W. , Eapen Zubin J. , Peterson Eric D. , Hernandez Adrian F.
Published: July 2015

Background—

There is significant variation in the delivery of evidence-based care for patients with heart failure (HF), but there is limited evidence defining the best methods to improve the quality of care.

Methods and Results—

We performed a cluster-randomized trial of personalized site performance feedback at 147 hospitals participating in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure quality improvement program from October 2009 to March 2011. The intervention provided sites with specific data on their heart failure achievement and quality measures in addition to the usual Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure tools. The primary outcome for our trial was improvement in site composite quality of care score. Overall, 73 hospitals (n=33 886 patients) received the intervention, whereas 74 hospitals (n=37 943 patients) did not. One year after the intervention, both the intervention and control arms had a similar mean change in percentage points in their composite quality score (absolute change, +0.31 [SE, 1.51] versus +3.18 [SE, 1.68] in control;
P
=0.21). Similarly, none of the individual achievement measures or quality measures improved more at intervention versus control hospitals.

Conclusions—

Our site-based intervention, which included personalized site feedback on adherence to quality metrics, was not able to elicit more quality improvement beyond that already associated with participation in the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure program.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00979264.
Comparing Guidelines for Statin Treatment in Canada and the United States
Authors: Hennessy Deirdre A. , Bushnik Tracey , Manuel Douglas G. , Anderson Todd J.
Published: July 2015

Background

New guidelines for cardiovascular disease risk assessment and statin eligibility have recently been published in the
United States
by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (
ACC
‐
AHA
). It is unknown how these guidelines compare with the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (
CCS
) recommendations.

Methods and Results

Using data from the Canadian Health Measures Survey 2007–2011, we estimated the cardiovascular disease risk and proportion of the Canadian population, aged 40 to 75 years without cardiovascular disease, who would theoretically be eligible for statin treatment under both the
CCS
and
ACC
‐
AHA
guidelines. The survey sample used (n=1975) represented 13.1 million community dwelling Canadians between the ages of 40 and 75 years. In comparing the
CVD
risk assessment methods, we found that calculated
CVD
risk was higher based on the
CCS
guidelines compared with the
ACC‐AHA
guidelines. Despite this, a similar proportion and number of Canadians would be eligible for statin treatment under the 2 sets of recommendations. Some discordance in recommendations was found within subgroups of the population, with the
CCS
guidelines recommending more treatment for individuals who are younger, with a family history of
CVD
, or with chronic kidney disease. The
ACC
‐
AHA
recommend more treatment for people who are older (age 60+ years). These results likely overestimate the treatment rate under both guidelines because, in primary prevention, a clinician–patient discussion must occur before treatment and determines uptake.

Conclusions

Implementing the
ACC
‐
AHA
lipid treatment guidelines in Canada would not result in an increase in individuals eligible for statin treatment. In fact, the proportion of the population recommended for statin treatment would decrease slightly and be targeted at different subgroups of the population.
Altered Fibrin Clot Properties in Patients With Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis
Authors: Siudut Jakub , Świat Maciej , Undas Anetta
Published: July 2015

Background and Purpose—

Venous thromboembolism and ischemic stroke are associated with unfavorable fibrin clot structure and function. We hypothesized that denser fibrin networks displaying impaired lysability characterize patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST).

Methods—

We assessed plasma fibrin clot properties in 50 patients (aged 38.9±9.8 years, 36 women) after the first CVST unrelated to trauma or malignancy after anticoagulation withdrawal and 50 well-matched controls. Recurrences were recorded during follow-up (18–46; median, 36 months).

Results—

Clot permeability was lower in patients with CVST than in controls (K
s
, 6.43±0.97 versus 7.3±1.2 10
−9
cm
2
;
P
<0.001) and was associated with prolonged clot lysis time (103.0±16.8 versus 92.4±16.2 minutes;
P
<0.001), lower maximum rate of D-dimer release from clots (0.068 [0.064–0.071] versus 0.072 [0.067–0.078] mg/L per minute;
P
<0.001) and higher maximum D-dimer levels in the lysis assay (4.39±0.56 versus 4.19±0.46 mg/L, respectively;
P
=0.03). Patients with CVST had a slightly shorter lag phase (
P
=0.02) and higher maximum absorbance of fibrin gels on turbidimetry (
P
<0.001) compared with controls. Deficiencies in natural anticoagulants or antiphospholipid syndrome, and factor V Leiden occurred more often in the patients (
P
<0.05). CVST recurred in 6 patients (12%) and was associated with 21% higher baseline fibrinogen (
P
=0.007), 20% lower K
s
(
P
=0.04) and 17% greater D–D
max
(
P
=0.01). Multiple logistic regression showed that only elevated D–D
max
(>4.83 mg/L) predicted CVST recurrence (odds ratio, 5.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.63–16.19) after adjustment for fibrinogen.

Conclusions—

CVST is associated with the formation of more compact plasma fibrin clots and resistance to fibrinolysis, which may predispose to the recurrence.
International Investment Arbitration in a Jus Post Bellum Framework
Authors: Lawry-White Merryl
Published: July 2015

Reaffirming the rule of law and redressing harm to rights are key considerations in the search for a just and sustainable peace. Post-conflict claims for damage to alien property have a long history. The extensive network of investment treaties and relevant protections contained therein suggest that investment arbitration tribunals may play a role in re-establishing respect for international norms post-conflict. Tribunals may also, however, detract from the peacebuilding process if they do not consider the broader context in which they are operating. There is an inherent tension in urging specialist, ad hoc bodies with limited jurisdiction to consider a wide range of circumstances, interests and norms. Yet, as this article demonstrates, the nature of investment treaties and applicable protections, defences, justifications, and procedural tools, afford tribunals avenues to take a broader view of relevant legal norms and of the circumstances and interests implicated in the claim.
Biting the Bullet or Redefining ‘Consent’ in Investor-State Arbitration? Pre-Arbitration Requirements After BG Group v Argentina
Authors: von Papp Konstanze
Published: July 2015

A purely consensual approach to international arbitration has its limits even in commercial arbitration. In investment treaty arbitration, the traditional approach to finding ‘consent’ to arbitrate encounters difficulties if there are any pre-arbitration requirements that have not been satisfied. This will be illustrated by the case of BG Group v Republic of Argentina. Drawing a line between purely ‘procedural’ pre-arbitration requirements and those that are strict conditions on a host state’s consent to arbitrate is difficult, if not impossible. This article suggests alternative solutions, taking into account the need to appreciate domestic arbitration laws as well as public international law concerns. ‘Biting the bullet’ would mean accepting the lack of consent between host state and investor. A doctrinally clearer approach to jurisdictional issues could then be found by drawing an analogy to non-signatory issues in commercial arbitration.
The Grammatical Blunders of Qurʾān Reciters: Zallat al-qāriʾ by Abū Ḥafṣ al-Nasafī (d. 537/1142)
Authors: Nasser Shady Hekmat
Published: July 2015

Jurists require Muslims to acquire a basic level of literacy in order to recite the Qurʾān during ritual prayers. For the educated elites, scholars, and in particular leaders of congregational prayers (imām), the expectation is the correct articulation of Arabic letters and adherence to grammatical rules. To that end, Ḥanafī jurists have developed some regulations, which attempt to identify the errors one may or may not commit during ritual prayers. These regulations are calledZallat al-qāriʾ, namely, the grammatical blunders of Qurʾān reciters.Zallat al-qāriʾidentifies these errors and distinguishes between those that would invalidate prayer and those that would not. In this article, I discuss whether a solecist (lāḥin/laḥḥān) was considered eligible to becomeimāmand lead congregational prayers. I then discuss the subject ofZallat al-qāriʾand its theological implications for understanding the nature of the Qurʾān and its composition (naẓm). Finally, I conclude with an edition of a treatise by Abū Ḥafṣ al-Nasafī (d. 537/1142) titledZallat al-qāriʾand a summary of its contents.
Three Maqāmāt Attributed to Badīʿ al-Zamān al-Hamadhānī (d. 398/1008)
Authors: Pomerantz Maurice A. , Orfali Bilal W.
Published: July 2015

This article provides the editio princeps of three previously unknown maqāmāt attributed to Badīʿ al-Zamān al-Hamadhānī (d. 398/1008). It begins with a review of studies on the collecti4on of Hamadhānī’s Maqāmāt, and recent research by the authors on the manuscript tradition of this work. It discusses how these three maqāmāt are located in approximately one-fourth of the manuscripts of Hamadhānī’s Maqāmāt, including a thirteenth/nineteenth century copy of a sixth/twelfth century manuscript, ms School of Oriental and African Studies 47280. The authors then provide a sample of the manuscripts utilized in the edition, a critical edition of the maqāmāt, and an analysis of their contents. The conclusion considers their authenticity in light of other maqāmāt attributed to Hamadhānī.
A new species of Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia (Aristolochiaceae) from central Vietnam

Authors: Do Truong Van , Neinhuis Christoph , Wanke Stefan
Published: July 2015

Aristolochia annamensis, a new species from central Vietnam, is described and illustrated. This new species, belonging to Aristolochia subgenus Siphisia, is characterized by a truncate to slightly cordate leaf base, a strongly constricted, a straight, oblong, cylindrically-shaped upper tube without veins, 3–3.2 cm long, limb subcordate with margin of three lobes somewhat recurved, but not revolute, inner surface of limb smooth, annulus absent, throat densely covered with purple dots. In addition to the description, line drawings, ecology, conservation status as well as comparison with morphologically similar species are provided.
New species of Anchastus LeConte, 1853 from South America (Elateridae, Elaterinae, Ampedini, Physorhinina)
Authors: CASARI SÔNIA A.
Published: July 2015

Seven new species of Anchastus LeConte, 1853 are described: A. brunneifinibus sp. nov. (Bolivia), A. cuiabanus sp. nov. (Brazil), A. flavonigrothoracicum sp. nov. (Bolivia), A. rubrithoracicum sp. nov. (Brazil, Bolivia), A. thoracoferrugineus sp. nov. (Bolivia), A. transverseplagiatus sp. nov. (Bolivia) and A. uniplagipennis sp. nov. (Bolivia). The female genitalia of A. boulardi Chassain, 2010 is described and three species are redescribed: A. moratus (Candèze, 1863) (Mexico, Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia), A. quadrimaculatus Candèze, 1889 (Guyana, Brazil, Bolivia) and A. unitinctus Candèze, 1889 (Brazil). New records for A. touroulti Chassain, 2010 are presented. A provisional identification key for South American species is provided.
Two new species of Agonopterix (Depressariidae, Lepidoptera) from Europe
Authors: BUCHNER PETER
Published: July 2015

The species Agonopterix tripunctaria sp. nov. and Agonopterix medelichensis sp. nov. are described. A. tripunctaria, previously misidentified as Agonopterix nodiflorella (Millière, 1866), was recognized as specifically different by the distinctive male genitalia. 19 specimens have been examined, DNA-barcoding yielded full 658 bp fragment of COI from two specimens and a 639 bp sequence from a third, confirming the impression of a rather isolated species. Specimens from Italy, Slovenia, Croatia and Greece had been checked, among them one reared from Ferulago campestris. A. medelichensis was misidentified as Agonopterix rotundella (Douglas, 1846) in NHMV; its male genitalia are erroneously depicted as A. rotundella in Hannemann (1953) and (1995). 20 specimens have been examined, from one a 555 bp fragment of COI was obtained, confirming that it is not closely related to A. rotundella. Specimens from Austria, Italy, Hungary, Slovakia, Croatia and Greece have been checked, among them one reared from Trinia glauca, which had been misidentified as A. hippomarathri. A report of A. rotundella from Russia also belongs to this species.
The Afrotropical genera of Psychodini: Redefinition of the tribe, first Afrotropical record of Perithreticus Vaillant, 1973 and description of
Soeliella gen. nov. (Diptera: Psychodidae: Psychodinae)
Authors: KVIFTE GUNNAR MIKALSEN
Published: July 2015

Psychodini is redefined based on morphological characters and newly recognized homologies in the male genitalia. It is hypothesised that the ground-plan aedeagus of Psychodini consists of a symmetrical bipartite aedeagus flanked by paired, symmetrical parameres; which in many lineages have become asymmetrical via the differentiation of phallomeres and parameres and/or via reduction of one paramere. The Afrotropical genera of Psychodini are reviewed and a key for their identification is provided.        Perithreticus Vaillant, 1973 is recorded from Tanzania based on the new species Perithreticus anderseni sp. nov. The genus is redefined, characterised by an elongate symmetrical aedeagus with paired subtriangular parameres, and a broad M-shaped epiproct with a concave anterior margin. Soeliella gen. nov. is described to include Soeliella platypenis sp. nov.; characterised by the presence of paired subtriangular parameres and the distiphallic elements broadly fused into a spatulate plate. Rhipidopsychoda Vaillant, 1991 is raised from synonymy based on novel character interpretations. Rhipidopsychoda boettgeri (Wagner, 1979) comb. nov. is redescribed and a key to the world species is presented. The species Psychoda bilobata Quate, 1957 and Psychoda trilobata Quate, 1957, Psychoda morogorica Wagner & Andersen, 2007 and Philosepedon triangularis Eaton, 1913 are of dubious generic placement and need revision.
Tropical Cyclone Genesis Factors in a Simulation of the Last Two Millennia: Results from the Community Earth System Model
Authors: Yan Qing , Korty Robert , Zhang Zhongshi
Published: July 2015

Using a coupled global climate model, Community Earth System Model (CESM), the authors investigate the response of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis factors (i.e., potential intensity, vertical wind shear, midtropospheric moisture content, and absolute vorticity) to external forcings in the last two millennia (L2M). They then examine how the large-scale conditions that favor TC activity varied using a genesis potential index (GPI). These large-scale genesis factors generally exhibit no long-term trend in the simulation of the L2M prior to the industrial revolution, and the spread in the interannual variability lies within a small window. The estimated TC activity is highly variable from region to region on multidecadal time scales. Conditions appear to be more favorable for TC genesis in the twentieth century in the Northern Hemisphere relative to earlier centuries of the L2M. Additionally, conditions in this simulation are not more favorable for TC formation during the Medieval Climate Anomaly (AD 1000–1200) relative to the Little Ice Age (AD 1500–1700) except in the eastern North Pacific and south Indian Ocean. Although a comparison of conditions simulated in the model with proxy-based reconstructions of prehistoric storm activity finds agreement during several active periods in the western North Pacific, the time series of simulated genesis factors does not match that of proxy reconstructions over the entire interval in either the western North Pacific or North Atlantic; this discrepancy likely arises from uncertainties in both the model and reconstructions.
Progress and Developments of Downburst Prediction Applications of GOES
Authors: Pryor Kenneth L.
Published: July 2015

The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) has developed and evaluated a suite of products that assess convective storm–generated downburst potential derived from Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-13–15 (GOES-13–15). The existing suite of downburst prediction algorithms employs the GOES sounder to calculate risk based on conceptual models of favorable environmental thermodynamic profiles for downburst occurrence. A diagnostic nowcasting product, the Microburst Windspeed Potential Index (MWPI), is designed to identify attributes of a favorable downburst environment: 1) the presence of large CAPE and 2) the presence of a surface-based or elevated mixed layer with a large temperature lapse rate. This paper provides an updated assessment of the MWPI algorithm, presents case studies demonstrating effective operational use of the MWPI product, and presents validation results for the Great Plains and mid-Atlantic coastal region of the United States. MWPI data were collected for downburst events that occurred during the convective seasons of 2007–13 and were validated against surface observations of convective wind gusts as recorded by wind sensors in high quality mesonetworks over the southern Great Plains and the Chesapeake Bay region. Favorable validation results include a correlation greater than 0.6 and low mean error [<0.1 knot (kt; where 1 kt = 0.51 m s−1)] between MWPI values and measured confirmed downburst wind speeds over contrasting climate regions of the continental United States. Case studies over the mid-Atlantic region and northern Florida highlight the adaptability of the MWPI algorithm to severe convective storm forecasting and warning operations.
A review of factors associated with greater likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in bipolar disorder: Part II of a report of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Schaffer Ayal , Isometsä Erkki T , Azorin Jean-Michel , Cassidy Frederick , Goldstein Tina , Rihmer Zoltán , Sinyor Mark , Tondo Leonardo , Moreno Doris H , Turecki Gustavo , Reis Catherine , Kessing Lars Vedel , Ha Kyooseob , Weizman Abraham , Beautrais Annette , Chou Yuan-Hwa , Diazgranados Nancy , Levitt Anthony J , Zarate Carlos A , Yatham Lakshmi
Published: July 2015

Objectives:

Many factors influence the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths in persons with bipolar disorder. One key aim of the International Society for Bipolar Disorders Task Force on Suicide was to summarize the available literature on the presence and magnitude of effect of these factors.

Methods:

A systematic review of studies published from 1 January 1980 to 30 May 2014 identified using keywords ‘bipolar disorder’ and ‘suicide attempts or suicide’. This specific paper examined all reports on factors putatively associated with suicide attempts or suicide deaths in bipolar disorder samples. Factors were subcategorized into: (1) sociodemographics, (2) clinical characteristics of bipolar disorder, (3) comorbidities, and (4) other clinical variables.

Results:

We identified 141 studies that examined how 20 specific factors influenced the likelihood of suicide attempts or deaths. While the level of evidence and degree of confluence varied across factors, there was at least one study that found an effect for each of the following factors: sex, age, race, marital status, religious affiliation, age of illness onset, duration of illness, bipolar disorder subtype, polarity of first episode, polarity of current/recent episode, predominant polarity, mood episode characteristics, psychosis, psychiatric comorbidity, personality characteristics, sexual dysfunction, first-degree family history of suicide or mood disorders, past suicide attempts, early life trauma, and psychosocial precipitants.

Conclusion:

There is a wealth of data on factors that influence the likelihood of suicide attempts and suicide deaths in people with bipolar disorder. Given the heterogeneity of study samples and designs, further research is needed to replicate and determine the magnitude of effect of most of these factors. This approach can ultimately lead to enhanced risk stratification for patients with bipolar disorder.
Influence of thermally induced microstress and microstructural randomness on transverse strength of unidirectional composites
Authors: McLendon W Ross , Whitcomb John D
Published: July 2015

An investigation is performed into the interaction between thermally and mechanically induced stresses and their relation to failure in a unidirectional composite under transverse tension and longitudinal shear. Multiple realizations of periodic unit cells with randomly positioned fibers are used. It is found that for microstructures with close fiber spacing, thermally induced stresses from cooling after cure tend to relieve the critical mechanically induced stress in the matrix for transverse tensile load, while they tend to worsen the critical stress for microstructures with space between fibers. Matrix strength properties are obtained through the solution of an inverse problem and are then used to perform progressive failure analyses at various temperatures. These analyses indicate that for random microstructures with closely spaced fibers, cooling after cure tends to increase the transverse tensile strength of the unidirectional composite, while cooling tends to weaken models using a hexagonal microstructure.
Places and Postures
Authors: Karasik Lana B. , Tamis-LeMonda Catherine S. , Adolph Karen E. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: July 2015

Motor development—traditionally described in terms of age-related stages—is typically studied in the laboratory with participants of Western European descent. Cross-cultural studies typically focus on group differences in age-related stages relative to Western norms. We adopted a less traditional approach: We observed 5-month-olds and their mothers from six cultural groups around the world during 1 hr at home while they engaged in natural daily activities. We examined group differences in infants’ sitting proficiency, everyday opportunities to practice sitting, the surfaces on which sitting took place, and mothers’ proximity to sitting infants. Infants had opportunities to practice sitting in varied contexts—including ground, infant chairs, and raised surfaces. Proficiency varied considerably within and between cultural groups: 64% of the sample sat only with support from mother or furniture and 36% sat independently. Some infants sat unsupported for 20+ min, in some cases so securely that mothers moved beyond arms’ reach of their infants even while infants sat on raised surfaces. Our observations of infant sitting across cultures provide new insights into the striking range of ability, varied opportunities for practice, and contextual factors that influence the proficiency of infant motor skills.
Class and Passports: Transnational Strategies of Distinction in Turkey
Authors: Altan-Olcay Özlem , Balta Evren
Published: July 2015

This article analyses the process whereby members of new classes in Turkey mobilize their resources so that their children receive US citizenship at birth. Following the actors’ self-perceptions and motivations, we argue that US citizenship acquisition is a new capital accumulation strategy, aimed to forestall against risks in intergenerational transmission of class privileges. With this article, we aim to contribute to cultural class studies in the following ways: we suggest that the unpredictable nature of classification struggles becomes more evident in contexts where transition to neoliberalism is accompanied by dramatic political shifts. We situate the desire for US citizenship within class anxieties in Turkey, informed by historical meanings attached to the binary of ‘the West’ versus ‘the East’. Finally, we break down the boundaries between different country-cases by drawing on citizenship as capital, rather than as a backdrop that actors share. We explain the new ways in which class distinction strategies are transnationalized in the contemporary period.
Entrepreneurship in China: The role of localisation and urbanisation economies
Authors: Guo Qi , He Canfei , Li Deyu
Published: July 2015

Why are some regions more entrepreneurial than others? This study explores the determinants of manufacturing entrepreneurship at the prefectural city level in China by highlighting the influence of localisation and urbanisation economies and the significance of technological relatedness and small firm clusters. Descriptive analysis has reported significant and increasing spatial variation of manufacturing entrepreneurship in China during 2001–2007. The empirical results based on the negative binomial model provide evidence to support the business network view of entrepreneurship. Localisation economies can predict entrepreneurship well, while the effects of urbanisation economies are mixed. In terms of localisation economies, supplier/customer linkages play a very important and positive role in cultivating entrepreneurship. The mixed results of urbanisation economies are mainly derived from the interweaving of related variety and unrelated variety. The former significantly promotes entrepreneurship, while the latter in most cases discourages entrepreneurship. The clustering of small firms has a larger effect on entrepreneurship, which is consistent with the view of Vernon and Chinitz effect.
Differences in the Use and Quality of Antidiabetic Therapies in Mexican American and Non-Hispanic Whites With Uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes in the US
Authors: Perez Alexandra , Elrod Shara , Sanchez Jesus
Published: July 2015

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the use of clinical guideline–recommended antidiabetic therapies among Mexican Americans (MA) and non-Hispanic whites with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A secondary data analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2012 cohort data including MA and non-Hispanic white adults with uncontrolled (A1C ≥6.5%) type 2 diabetes.

Results

There was no difference in the use of recommended regimens across race/ethnic group (MA, 63.6% vs whites, 65.7%); however, MA were less likely to have regimens intensified to non-insulin triple therapies (7.3% vs 11.3%) or insulin-based therapies (23.7% vs 30.5%) and were more likely to be on no medications (17.2% vs 10.4%). Mexican Americans and whites who were most uncontrolled were least likely to be on recommended regimens (A1C 6.5%-7.4%, 83.0%; A1C 7.5%-9%, 60.6%; and A1C >9%, 50.4%). This pattern was most pronounced among MA compared to whites. Use of recommended therapies decreased 50.5 percentage points for MA and 20.1 percentage points among whites from an A1C level of 6.5% to 7.4% to >9%, respectively.

Conclusions

The quality of antidiabetic therapies of MA and whites with type 2 diabetes who are most uncontrolled need improvement. Intensifying pharmacotherapies among MA may help improve glycemic control disparities. The innovative outcome used in this report may be useful in quality of care studies in the future.
Predicting Physical Activity Outcomes During Episodes of Academic Goal Conflict
Authors: Carraro Natasha , Gaudreau Patrick
Published: July 2015

The moderating role of academic goal conflict in the relations between action planning (AP) and coping planning (CP) with physical activity was tested using samples of university students concurrently pursuing an academic and a physical activity goal. In Study 1 ( N = 317), AP was found to positively relate to physical activity goal progress at low, but not at high, levels of goal conflict. CP trended toward being positively related to goal progress at high, but not at low levels of goal conflict. Study 2 ( N = 97), using a 1-week daily diary design and measures of self-reported physical activity behavior and goal progress, showed that daily AP positively related to daily physical activity outcomes on days when students experienced lower, but not higher, levels of goal conflict relative to their average. Conversely, CP positively related to daily physical activity outcomes on days when students experienced higher, but not lower, levels of goal conflict.
Is the ideal mother a sensitive mother? Beliefs about early childhood parenting in mothers across the globe
Authors: Mesman Judi , van IJzendoorn Marinus , Behrens Kazuko , Carbonell Olga Alicia , Cárcamo Rodrigo , Cohen-Paraira Inbar , de la Harpe Christian , Ekmekçi Hatice , Emmen Rosanneke , Heidar Jailan , Kondo-Ikemura Kiyomi , Mels Cindy , Mooya Haatembo , Murtisari Sylvia , Nóblega Magaly , Ortiz Jenny Amanda , Sagi-Schwartz Abraham , Sichimba Francis , Soares Isabel , Steele Howard , Steele Miriam , Pape Marloes , van Ginkel Joost , van der Veer René , Wang Lamei , Selcuk Bilge , Yavuz Melis , Zreik Ghadir
Published: July 2015

In this article, we test the hypothesis that beliefs about the ideal mother are convergent across cultures and that these beliefs overlap considerably with attachment theory’s notion of the sensitive mother. In a sample including 26 cultural groups from 15 countries around the globe, 751 mothers sorted the Maternal Behavior Q-Set to reflect their ideas about the ideal mother. The results show strong convergence between maternal beliefs about the ideal mother and attachment theory’s description of the sensitive mother across groups. Cultural group membership significantly predicted variations in maternal sensitivity belief scores, but this effect was substantially accounted for by group variations in socio-demographic factors. Mothers living in rural versus urban areas, with a low family income, and with more children, were less likely to describe the ideal mother as highly sensitive. Cultural group membership did remain a significant predictor of variations in maternal sensitivity belief scores above and beyond socio-demographic predictors. The findings are discussed in terms of the universal and culture-specific aspects of the sensitivity construct.
WaPUPS: Web access pattern extraction under user-defined pattern scoring
Authors: Alkan Oznur Kirmemis , Karagoz Pinar
Published: July 2015

Extracting patterns from web usage data helps to facilitate better web personalization and web structure readjustment. The classical frequency-based sequence mining techniques consider only the binary occurrences of web pages in sessions that result in the extraction of many patterns that are not informative for users. To handle this problem, utility-based mining technique has emerged, which assigns non-binary values, called utilities, to web pages and calculates pattern utilities accordingly. However, the utility of a pattern cannot always be determined from distinct web page utilities. For instance, the number of distinct users that traverse an extracted pattern or some demographic data about those users may affect the value of the extracted patterns. However, such information cannot be calculated directly from web page utilities. In this paper, we present a new approach based on a user-defined scoring mechanism so as to extract patterns from web log data. The proposed approach can limit the size of the search space; therefore it has the ability to extract patterns even for large and sparse datasets. The framework is hybrid in the sense that it combines clustering with a heuristic-based pattern extraction algorithm. Substantial experiments on real datasets show that the proposed solution effectively discovers patterns under user-defined evaluation.
G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6/β-arrestin 2 system in a rat model of dopamine supersensitivity psychosis
Authors: Oda Yasunori , Tadokoro Shigenori , Takase Masayuki , Kanahara Nobuhisa , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Shirayama Yukihiko , Hashimoto Kenji , Iyo Masaomi
Published: July 2015

In humans, long-term antipsychotic treatment is known to induce movement disorders and a psychosis, called dopamine supersensitivity psychosis (DSP). The mechanism by which chronic administration of antipsychotic(s) causes DSP may be the treatment-induced up-regulation of dopamine D2 receptors (DRD2). G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6 (GRK6) and beta-arrestin 2 (ARRB2) play important roles in the trafficking of DRD2 by phosphorylation and internalization. We investigated the effects of chronic continuous treatment with mini-pump-administered haloperidol (HAL) on the sensitivity of Wistar rats to dopamine, as measured by the locomotor response to methamphetamine (MAP) and the density of striatal DRD2. Chronic continuous treatment with HAL resulted in significantly higher locomotor response to MAP and significantly higher striatal DRD2 density compared with those in rats administered vehicle (VEH). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that striatal ARRB2 in DSP model rats tended to decrease in comparison with that in the VEH group. In addition, the ratio of GRK6/ARRB2 in DSP model rats was significantly higher than that in controls. Our results suggest that alterations of the GRK6 and ARRB2 system could induce both DRD2 up-regulation and impairment of the dopamine signaling pathway, resulting potentially in the development of DSP.
Effects of Training and Coaching With Performance Feedback on Teachers’ Use of Pyramid Model Practices
Authors: Hemmeter Mary Louise , Hardy Jessica K. , Schnitz Alana G. , Adams Jessie Morris , Kinder Kiersten A.
Published: July 2015

Training and coaching with performance feedback has been effective for supporting teachers to use evidence-based instructional practices. However, coaching with performance feedback has primarily been used to support teachers to use discrete skills, and there has been little evidence of maintenance and generalization. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a professional development intervention on teachers’ implementation of practices related to the Pyramid Model for Promoting Social-Emotional Competence in Young Children, as well as the extent to which teachers generalized and maintained those practices. A multiple probe design across sets of Pyramid Model practices replicated across three teachers was used in this study. All teachers acquired the practices and maintained the practices after coaching ended. There was some evidence of generalization for all three teachers. The effects of teacher implementation on classroom-wide incidences of challenging behavior were mixed. Teachers all rated the coaching positively.
The Components of Early Intervention Services for Families Living in Poverty
Authors: Corr Catherine , Santos Rosa Milagros , Fowler Susan A.
Published: July 2015

The Individuals With Disabilities Education Act mandates that very young children with disabilities be served through Part C services. Families of young children with disabilities who are also living in poverty are often the primary recipients of these services. To better understand the experiences of families, particularly those living in poverty, within the early intervention (EI) system, we reviewed four EI components: (a) family-centered orientation, (b) natural learning environments, (c) collaborative team processes, and (d) service integration. We discuss the implications of these components for the preparation and training of EI providers to work with families, including those living in poverty.
Changes in Foxp3-Positive Regulatory T Cell Number in the Intestine of Dogs With Idiopathic Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Intestinal Lymphoma
Authors: Maeda S. , Ohno K. , Fujiwara-Igarashi A. , Uchida K. , Tsujimoto H.
Published: July 2015

Although regulatory T cells (Tregs) play an integral role in immunologic tolerance and the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis, their involvement in canine gastrointestinal diseases, including idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and intestinal lymphoma, remains unclear. Here we show altered numbers of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3)–positive Tregs in the intestine of dogs with IBD and intestinal lymphoma. IBD was diagnosed in 48 dogs; small cell intestinal lymphoma was diagnosed in 46 dogs; large cell intestinal lymphoma was diagnosed in 30 dogs; and 25 healthy beagles were used as normal controls. Foxp3-positive Tregs in the duodenal mucosa were examined by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. Duodenal expression of interleukin-10 mRNA was quantified by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The number of Foxp3-positive lamina propria cells and the expression of interleukin-10 mRNA were significantly lower in dogs with IBD than in healthy dogs and dogs with intestinal lymphoma. The number of Foxp3-positive intraepithelial cells was higher in dogs with small cell intestinal lymphoma. Some large cell intestinal lymphoma cases had high numbers of Foxp3-positive cells, but the increase was not statistically significant. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that CD3-positive granzyme B–negative helper T cells expressed Foxp3. In small cell intestinal lymphoma cases, the overall survival of dogs with a high Treg density was significantly worse than that of dogs with a normal Treg density. These results suggest that a change in the number of Foxp3-positive Tregs contributes to the pathogenesis of canine IBD and intestinal lymphoma by disrupting mucosal tolerance and suppressing antitumor immunity, respectively.
State violence and the colonial roots of collusion in Northern Ireland
Authors: McGovern Mark
Published: July 2015

This article considers the nature of collusion between the British state and loyalist paramilitary organisations during the conflict in Northern Ireland in the context of British counterinsurgency theory and practices in prior colonial campaigns. It briefly outlines the nature, pattern and logic of collusion in Northern Ireland before examining some of the key works of British counterinsurgency theorists – Charles Callwell, Charles Gwynn and Frank Kitson – reflecting on earlier imperial experiences. Collusion is understood as an expedient coercive state practice, premised on a ‘doctrine of necessity’, designed to remove ‘enemies’ and induce fear in a target population via a strategy of assassination in which the appearance of adherence to the rule of law is a political end shaping the specific forms of state violence involved. Such a practice, the author argues, is not an aberration in the tradition of British state counterinsurgency violence, it is exemplary.
Suicide Attempts and Personal Need for Structure Among Ex-Offenders
Authors: Majer John M. , Beasley Christopher , Jason Leonard A.
Published: July 2015

Suicide attempts were examined in relation to sociodemographic (age, gender, ethnicity), psychopathological (prior psychiatric hospitalizations, physical and sexual abuse histories), and cognitive (personal need for structure) variables among a sample of ex-offenders with substance use disorders ( N = 270). Hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to determine whether personal need for structure would significantly predict whether participants reported past suicide attempts beyond sociodemographic and psychopathological predictors. Personal need for structure and prior psychiatric hospitalizations were the only significant predictors, with higher values of these predictors increasing the likelihood of suicide attempts. Findings are consistent with a cognitive model for understanding suicide behavior, suggesting that persons with a high need for cognitive structures operate with persistent and rigid thought processes that contribute to their risk of suicide.
Becoming the parent of a preterm infant: A meta-ethnographic synthesis
Authors: Gibbs Deanna , Boshoff Kobie , Stanley Mandy
Published: July 2015

Introduction

The adoption of family-centred care within neonatal intensive care has been increasing in profile. However, there has been limited exploration of the concept of parenting as an occupation as a means of supporting parent engagement.

Method

A meta-ethnographic synthesis was conducted to explore the body of literature regarding experiences in the neonatal intensive care unit that enable parents to participate in parenting occupations. Five databases were systematically searched with 35 identified studies appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool and included in the synthesis.

Findings

Eight themes emerged from the synthesis: relinquishing the anticipated role of parent; feeling vulnerable and powerless; juggling roles and responsibilities; (re)claiming an alternative parental role; navigating environmental boundaries; developing partnerships with staff; coming to know the baby; and adapting to parenting.

Conclusion

The experiences that enable parents to participate in parenting occupations are multi-faceted, and explicate the process of occupational adaptation that occurs in relation to parenting a preterm infant. These findings provide occupational therapists with greater insight into the experiences of parents of preterm infants in the neonatal setting.
Expansive and Complex Pathways to World Society
Authors: Beer Christopher Todd
Published: July 2015

The global diffusion of scripts by international nongovernmental organizations (INGOs) is well established by world society literature as a key component of globalization. However, most of the literature measures a single type of connection—membership in an INGO. Through a case study of Kenyan environmental organizations, this article expands our understanding by both investigating the diverse pathways connecting global and domestic organizations and the alignment of particular global actors with particular climate change scripts. The results show that Kenyan environmental organizations are connected to world society not only through INGO membership but also through funding sources and trainings. In addition, the actors spreading scripts extends beyond universal INGOs to include international development aid organizations, foreign state-sponsored development agencies, and UN agencies. Last, the results show that different types of global actors support different types of scripts. This contributes to a better understanding of both the expansiveness and the complexity of world society.
Wealth Inequality among New Immigrants
Authors: Painter Matthew A. , Qian Zhenchao
Published: July 2015

Much of the research on immigrants’ economic well-being demonstrates a greater concentration of immigrants in or near poverty. A relatively new aspect of scholarly interest in immigrant economic well-being is wealth or net worth. We use assimilation theory and data from the New Immigrant Survey (NIS) to explore wealth inequality among immigrants and highlight how racial/ethnic realities in the United States provide differential opportunities and constraints for immigrants of different racial/ethnic backgrounds, net of factors such as pre-immigration characteristics and length of U.S. stay. We apply quantile regression to analyze immigrants’ net worth and logistic regression to explore immigrants’ investments, including homeownership and investment in stocks and bonds. Results provide evidence of a white/nonwhite wealth divide among immigrants. This study improves our understanding of how long-lasting racial/ethnic inequalities in the United States influence diverse immigrants’ integration patterns.
Effects of Two Interventions on Solving Basic Fact Problems by Second Graders With Mathematics Learning Disabilities
Authors: Dennis Minyi Shih , Sorrells Audrey McCray , Falcomata Terry S.
Published: July 2015

This study used a multiple probe across participants design, replicated across two interventions and counterbalanced across participant groups to examine the effects of number sense intervention and extensive practice intervention on strategy transformation when students with mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) solved basic fact problems. In addition, the effects of both interventions on students’ fact retrieval performance and generalization performance were also tested. To examine the effects of each intervention, the participants were divided into two groups and the order of the interventions was varied between the two groups. The results showed that, in general, students demonstrated a greater extent of strategy transformation and generalization after receiving the number sense intervention. However, the extensive practice intervention promoted students’ use of retrieval-based strategies to solve basic facts. Findings suggested that both interventions had positive impacts on students with MLD and should be used in tandem.
An Evaluation of the Effectiveness of School-Based Breastfeeding Education
Authors: Glaser Debra B. , Roberts Katherine J. , Grosskopf Nicholas A. , Basch Corey H.
Published: July 2015

School-based interventions aimed at modifying the knowledge, attitudes, social norms, and intended future practice regarding breastfeeding may be an effective way of improving breastfeeding rates. A systematic review of relevant literature was conducted to identify scientifically rigorous studies on school-based interventions and promotion activities that focus on breastfeeding. Of the 1990 citations reviewed, only 6 empirical articles on school-based interventions to promote breastfeeding were found and these interventions vary greatly in terms of format, duration, outcome measures, and significance of the results. Overall, these studies demonstrated positive effects on perceptions and attitudes toward breastfeeding and increased behavioral intention of breastfeeding later in life. School-based breastfeeding promotion programs hold promise for increasing knowledge of breastfeeding and support for breastfeeding, promoting positive attitudes, creating a culture where breastfeeding is the norm, and increasing future intentions to breastfeed.