bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religious Epistemology
Authors: Dougherty Trent , Tweedt Chris
Published: July 2015

Religious epistemology is the study of how subjects' religious beliefs can have, or fail to have, some form of positive epistemic status (such as knowledge, justification, warrant, and rationality) and whether they even need such status appropriate to their kind. The current debate is focused most centrally upon the kind of basis upon which a religious believer can be rationally justified in holding certain beliefs about God (whether God exists, what attributes God has, what God is doing, etc.) and whether it is necessary to be so justified to believe as a religious believer ought (in some sense of ‘ought’ more general than rational justification). Engaging these issues are primarily three groups of people who call themselves ‘fideists’, ‘Reformed epistemologists’, and ‘evidentialists’. Each group has a position, but the positions are not mutually exclusive in every case, and in the debate, the names better describe the groups' emphases than mutually exclusive positions in the debate. In this article, we will first give a brief historical survey of evidentialism, fideism, and reformed epistemology. Second, we will give the fideist's position. Third, we will give the evidentialist's position. Fourth, we will give the reformed epistemologist's position, and last, we will include some comments on the current state of the debate, where we will show that the groups' positions are not mutually exclusive.
Racist Humor
Authors: Anderson Luvell
Published: July 2015

In this brief essay, I will lay out the philosophical landscape concerning theories of racist humor. First, I mention some preliminary issues that bear on the question of what makes a joke racist. Next, I briefly survey some of the views philosophers have offered on racist humor, and on a view of sexist humor that is relevant for this discussion. I then suggest the debates could benefit from moving beyond the racist/non‐racist binary most views presuppose. Finally, I conclude with suggestions for further research.
Why Is a Valid Inference a Good Inference?
Authors: Dogramaci Sinan
Published: July 2015

True beliefs and truth‐preserving inferences are, in some sense, good beliefs and good inferences. When an inference isvalidthough, it is not merely truth‐preserving, but truth‐preservingin all cases. This motivates my question: I consider a Modus Ponens inference, and I ask what its validity in particular contributes to the explanation of why the inference is, in any sense, a good inference. I consider the question under three different definitions of ‘case’, and hence of ‘validity’: (i) the orthodox definition given in terms of interpretations or models, (ii) a metaphysical definition given in terms of possible worlds, and (iii) a substitutional definition defended by Quine. I argue that the orthodox notion is poorly suited to explain what's good about a Modus Ponens inference. I argue that there is something good that is explained by a certain kind of truth across possible worlds, but the explanation is not provided by metaphysical validity in particular; nothing of value is explained by truth acrossallpossible worlds. Finally, I argue that the substitutional notion of validity allows us to correctly explain what is good about a valid inference.
Poverty, Pregnancy, and Birth Outcomes: A Study of the Earned Income Tax Credit
Authors: Hamad Rita , Rehkopf David H.
Published: July 2015

Background

Economic interventions are increasingly recognised as a mechanism to address perinatal health outcomes among disadvantaged groups. In theUS, the earned income tax credit (EITC) is the largest poverty alleviation programme. Little is known about its effects on perinatal health among recipients and their children. We exploit quasi‐random variation in the size ofEITCpayments to examine the effects of income on perinatal health.

Methods

The study sample includes women surveyed in the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (n = 2985) and their children born during 1986–2000 (n = 4683). Outcome variables include utilisation of prenatal and postnatal care, use of alcohol and tobacco during pregnancy, term birth, birthweight, and breast‐feeding status. We first examine the health effects of both household income andEITCpayment size using multivariable linear regressions. We then employ instrumental variables analysis to estimate the causal effect of income on perinatal health, usingEITCpayment size as an instrument for household income.

Results

We find thatEITCpayment size is associated with better levels of several indicators of perinatal health. Instrumental variables analysis, however, does not reveal a causal association between household income and these health measures.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that associations between income and perinatal health may be confounded by unobserved characteristics, but thatEITCincome improves perinatal health. Future studies should continue to explore the impacts of economic interventions on perinatal health outcomes, and investigate how different forms of income transfers may have different impacts.
The Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test is effective compared to the clock‐drawing test for detecting patients with mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moriyama Yasushi , Yoshino Aihide , Yamanaka Kaori , Kato Motoichiro , Muramatsu Taro , Mimura Masaru
Published: July 2015

Background

The Japanese version of the Rapid Dementia Screening Test (RDST‐J) and the clock‐drawing test (CDT) are both brief psychometric screening tools used to detect the severity of Alzheimer's disease. It remains unclear, however, which is more effective when screening for mild Alzheimer's disease.

Methods

We administered the RDST‐J and CDT to 250 patients with very mild to severe Alzheimer's disease and to 49 healthy volunteers. Patients with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score of 12–26 had Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores from 0.5 to 3. Patients were divided into four groups according to CDR score. We performed one‐way factorial anova between the four groups and control subjects based on the CDT and RDST‐J scores.

Results

Data analysis revealed that RDST‐J could distinguish patients with CDR 0.5 from the controls, but CDT could not. Furthermore, the sensitivity of a RDST‐J score ≥8 was 57.1%, with a specificity of 81.0%, and the sensitivity of a RDST‐J score ≥9 was 79.6%, with a specificity of 55.1% for discriminating CDR 0.5 from controls.

Conclusions

RDST‐J is a more effective tool than CDT for distinguishing CDR 0.5 from controls.
The psalms, war, and royal iconography: Katherine Parr's Psalms or Prayers (1544) and Henry VIII as David
Authors: White Micheline
Published: July 2015

Tudor historians and literary scholars have long examined the various ways in which Henry VIII and his advisors used the psalms and King David's life to represent Henry's political and religious power. This article examines Katherine Parr's translation of John Fisher's Psalms or Prayers, a book that has not figured in studies of Henrician iconography, but that was one of the most influential acts of royal representation produced in the last years of Henry's reign. Parr's book was printed at a time of military conflict, and as I will argue, it served to represent Henry as an exemplary wartime Davidic monarch – one who was repentant, in need of divine assistance, and thankful for God's help. Parr's book also included an innovative ‘A Prayer for the King,' a translation of a Latin prayer for Henry that was itself derived from a prayer for the Holy Roman Emperor. This prayer explicitly aligns Henry with David and Solomon as it draws on verses from Psalm 2, Psalm 20, and the Book of Proverbs. Importantly, Parr made timely alterations as she translated the Latin prayer into English, alterations that underscore Henry's religious authority, his obedience, and his military prowess. Finally, resonances between Parr's book and the annotations that Henry made in his manuscript Psalter point to political collaboration between king and queen on this important wartime crown production.
William Hunnis and the success of the Seven Sobs
Authors: Costley King'oo Clare
Published: July 2015

My article focuses on Seven Sobs of a Sorrowfull Soule for Sinne, an expansive verse paraphrase of the seven Penitential Psalms by William Hunnis, Master of the Children of the Chapel Royal. First published in 1583, this text has been largely overlooked, or mentioned only in passing, by modern scholars. However, it garnered considerable popular interest in its own time, running to a total of fifteen editions by 1636 and earning revenue for several generations of printers. My task is to explore the significance of this huge commercial success for the field of psalm studies, as well as to consider why we have found it difficult to give Hunnis's publication sufficient attention to date. Analysing Seven Sobs in relation to the centuries‐old tradition of praying and commenting on the Penitential Psalms, which elsewhere I have termed ‘penitential hermeneutics’, I elucidate how Hunnis and his publishers were able to propagate a relatively innovative reformist agenda by combining it with long‐standing devotional and interpretive custom. And I argue that the challenge of understanding Hunnis's dilatory (and often tortuous) paraphrase, and the role it played in post‐Reformation England, might highlight the continued importance of reading and theorizing across periods and confessions today.
Mary Sidney's embroidered psalms
Authors: Osherow Michele
Published: July 2015

This article examines ways in which Mary Sidney's psalms demonstrate an intertextual play between pen and needle. Her translations are a linguistic embroidery of the biblical poems: attention to colours and to cunning, to ornamentation and to pattern characterizes Sidney's psalms as much as they do any priestly girdle or linen ephod. To demonstrate this, I reference criticism regarding women's words and needlework as ‘interrelated’; next, I argue that these female textualities are linked biblically, making Sidney's choices particularly appropriate for biblical translation. The merging of literary and material texts in Sidney's psalms is driven home in the demonstration of how her translations and linguistic word‐play mirror needlework practices.
Gender Moderates the Progression from Fearful Temperament to Social Withdrawal through Protective Parenting
Authors: Kiel Elizabeth J. , Premo Julie E. , Buss Kristin A.
Published: July 2015

Child gender may exert its influence on development, not as a main effect, but as a moderator among predictors and outcomes. We examined this notion in relations among toddler fearful temperament, maternal protective parenting, maternal accuracy in predicting toddler distress to novelty, and child social withdrawal. In two multi‐method, longitudinal studies of toddlers (24 months at Time 1; Ns = 93 and 117, respectively) and their mothers, few main effect gender differences occurred. Moderation existed in both studies: only for highly accurate mothers of boys, fearful temperament related to protective parenting, which then predicted later social withdrawal. Thus, studying only main‐effect gender differences may obscure important differences in how boys and girls develop from fearful temperament to later social withdrawal.
Highly polytypic taxon complex: interspecific and intraspecific integrative taxonomic assessment of the widespread pollinator Bombus pascuorumScopoli 1763 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: LECOCQ THOMAS , BRASERO NICOLAS , MARTINET BAPTISTE , VALTEROVÀ IRENA , RASMONT PIERRE
Published: July 2015

The recent development of the integrative taxonomic approach in bumblebees has led to unexpected merging or splitting of several taxa. Here we investigate the taxonomic statuses of one of the most abundant, widespread and polytypic Palearctic bumblebees, Bombus pascuorum. The latest review of this species includes 24 subspecies. We used an integrative approach based on genetic markers and male chemical reproductive traits and compared our results with the former classifications. Our results show that all B. pascuorum taxa are conspecific and share the same male chemical reproductive traits. The genetic structure observed in one mitochondrial and two nuclear markers poorly reflects the current subspecific classification. Indeed, the concordance of population genetic differentiation, population geographic distribution, and population colour pattern similarity suggests a different meaningful prospective classification with four taxon complexes: (i) the B. pascuorum dusmeti group, including all taxa from the Iberian Peninsula and south‐west France; (ii) B. pascuorum rehbinderi; (iii) B. pascuorum siciliensis; and (iv) B. pascuorum floralis groups (including all other taxa studied here).
Diagnostic performance of rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of malaria at public health facilities in north‐west Ethiopia
Authors: Getnet Gebeyaw , Getie Sisay , Srivastava Mitaly , Birhan Wubet , Fola Abebe A. , Noedl Harald
Published: July 2015

Objective

To assess the performance of RDTs against nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) for the diagnosis of malaria in public health facilities in north‐western Ethiopia.

Methods

Cross‐sectional study at public health facilities in North Gondar, Ethiopia, of 359 febrile patients with signs and symptoms consistent with malaria. Finger prick blood samples were collected for testing in a P. falciparum/pan‐malaria RDTs and for molecular analysis. Sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were determined for the RDTs using nPCR as reference diagnostic method. Kappa value was determined to demonstrate the consistency of the results between the diagnostic tools.

Results

By RDTs, 22.28% (80/359) of patients tested positive for malaria, and by nPCR, 27.02% (97/359) did. In nPCR, 1.67% (6/359) and 0.28% (1/359) samples were positive for P. ovale and P. malariae, which had almost all tested negative in the RDTs. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of RDTs for the diagnosis of malaria were 62.9%, 92.7%, 76.3% and 87.1%, respectively, with 0.589 measurement agreement between RDTs and nPCR. The sensitivity and specificity of RDTs for P. falciparum identification only were 70.8% and 95.2%, and 65.2% and 93.1% for P. vivax.

Conclusion

Although RDTs are commonly used at health posts in resource‐limited environments, their sensitivity and specificity for the detection and species identification of Plasmodium parasites were poor compared to nPCR, suggesting caution in interpreting RDTs results. Particularly, in the light of expanded efforts to eliminate malaria in the country, more sensitive diagnostic procedures will be needed.
Effect of Pb content and solution concentration of PbxTiO3 seed layer on {100}-texture and ferroelectric/dielectric behavior of PZT (52/48) thin films
Authors: Zhong Jian , Batra Vaishali , Han Hui , Kotru Sushma , Pandey Raghvendar K.
Published: July 2015

The effect of Pb content and solution concentration of lead titanate (PbxTiO3) seed layer on the texture and electric properties of Pb1.1(Zr0.52,Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) thin films was investigated. A variety of seed layers (y PbxTiO3) with varying solution concentration (y = 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2 M) and Pb content (x = 1.0, 1.05, 1.1, and 1.2) was deposited on Pt/TiO2/SiO2/Si substrates using chemical-solution deposition method. PZT films were then deposited on these seed layers using the same process. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations of the seed layers confirm change in crystal structure with variation in the solution properties. XRD studies of PZT films deposited on seed layers demonstrate that the seed layer helps in enhancing {100}-texture and suppressing {111}-texture. It was observed that PZT films prepared on seed layers with lower solution concentrations results in highly {100}-textured films, which further helps to improve the electric properties. The polarization and dielectric constant of the PZT films were seen to increase while the coercive field decreased with increase in {100}-texture. Irrespective of the seed layer solution concentration, higher Pb content in the seed layer deteriorates the PZT film properties. Ninety-five percent to ninety-six percent {100}-texture was obtained from thin PZT films deposited on seed layers of 0.02 M solution concentration with 1.05 and 1.10 Pb contents, which is higher than the values reported for thick PZT films. Optimization of both Pb content and solution concentration of the seed layer is a promising route to achieve highly {100}-textured PZT films with improved electric properties.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth and scanning tunneling microscopy studies of the gallium rich trench line structure on N-polar w-GaN(0001¯)
Authors: Alhashem Zakia H. , Mandru Andrada-Oana , Pak Jeongihm , Smith Arthur R.
Published: July 2015

In addition to the usual set of the well-known reconstructions that have been observed on the N-polar GaN surface, namely 1 × 1, 3 × 3, 6 × 6, and c(6 × 12), an additional structure is occasionally seen at high Ga coverage, which can extend over a large area of the surface. This structure, which is referred to as trench line structure, is partially ordered and consists of parallel-running dark (trench) lines separating wide and narrow strips of atomically ordered regions. There are also randomly placed defects interrupting the ideal ordering. Reflection high energy electron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy in ultrahigh vacuum are applied to investigate this trench line structure on samples prepared using molecular beam epitaxy. It is found that the trench line structure results from annealing the Ga-rich c(6 × 12) at high temperature followed by quenching to room temperature. By careful comparison of the scanning tunneling microscopy images with those from neighboring c(6 × 12) regions, it is found that the trench line structure can be decomposed into subunits of the c(6 × 12). Using these subunits, some simple models for the trench line structure are created. It is proposed that the trench line structure is composed of two primary c(6 × 12) subunits consisting of first and second layer Ga adatoms and that the trench lines are regions devoid of Ga adatoms, going down to the Ga adlayer.
Pathway to achieving circular InAs quantum dots directly on (100) InP and to tuning their emission wavelengths toward 1.55 μm
Authors: Leavitt Richard P. , Richardson Christopher J. K.
Published: July 2015

Circular InAs quantum dots spontaneously form on InP surfaces in a solid-source molecular-beam epitaxy system during cooling of a planar InAs layer that is grown at an elevated temperature. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction indicates a transition from a two-dimensional to a three-dimensional surface at a substrate temperature near 500 °C under dimer arsenic overpressure. Atomic-force microscopy measures dot densities that can be varied between 10 and 45 μm−2, with an average dot radius of 29.8 ± 2.2 nm and an average dot height of 15.3 ± 0.5 nm; both are remarkably insensitive to the InAs-layer growth conditions and have narrow distributions relative to those of quantum dots that are spontaneously formed with other growth techniques. The importance of arsenic-for-phosphorus exchange reactions in the two-step dot-formation process is evident from the average dot volume per unit area that, under most growth conditions, is considerably larger than that of the deposited InAs. Thermodynamic analysis indicates that arsenic can kinetically replace phosphorus or phosphorus can replace arsenic under different growth conditions. Effects of phosphorus-for-arsenic exchange reactions are also evident in macroscopic room-temperature photoluminescence of single-layer-capped and double-layer-capped samples; the former samples emit in the 1800–1900-nm band, whereas the latter samples emit between 1550 and 1650 nm. Group-V exchange reactions are also manifest in the deliberate suppression of photoluminescence emission corresponding to the wetting layer.
Channel temperature measurements of InxAl1−xN/GaN high electron mobility transistors on Si(111) using optical spectroscopy
Authors: Kyaw Lwin Min , Bera Lakshmi Kanta , Bhat Thirumaleshwara N. , Liu Yi , Tan Hui Ru , Dolmanan Surani Bin , Chor Eng Fong , Tripathy Sudhiranjan
Published: July 2015

The temperature profiles of InxAl1−xN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) were investigated using nondestructive optical spectroscopic techniques. In this study, HEMT structures were epitaxially grown on a Si(111) substrate with a diameter of 200 mm. In particular, the channel temperature underneath the gate was able to be accurately probed by using a RuOx-based semitransparent Schottky contact in the ultraviolet photoluminescence (PL) and visible Raman excitation modes. A maximum channel temperature as high as ∼475 K was probed near the gate edge using the PL technique at a power dissipation of ∼11.6 W/mm, thus leading to a minimum thermal conductance of about 64.7 Wm−1K−1 in such a HEMT structure. Furthermore, the temperature profiles at the GaN buffer and AlN/Si(111) interface were determined using micro-Raman measurements.
A Comparison of Gluteus Maximus, Biceps Femoris, and Vastus Lateralis Electromyographic Activity in the Back Squat and Barbell Hip Thrust Exercises
Authors: Contreras Bret , Vigotsky Andrew D. , Schoenfeld Brad J. , Beardsley Chris , Cronin John
Published: July 2015

The back squat and barbell hip thrust are both popular exercises used to target the lower body musculature; however, these exercises have yet to be compared. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the upper and lower gluteus maximus, biceps femoris, and vastus lateralis between the back squat and barbell hip thrust. Thirteen trained women (n = 13; age = 28.9 years; height = 164 cm; mass = 58.2 kg) performed estimated 10-repetition maximums (RM) in the back squat and barbell hip thrust. The barbell hip thrust elicited significantly greater mean (69.5% vs 29.4%) and peak (172% vs 84.9%) upper gluteus maximus, mean (86.8% vs 45.4%) and peak (216% vs 130%) lower gluteus maximus, and mean (40.8% vs 14.9%) and peak (86.9% vs 37.5%) biceps femoris EMG activity than the back squat. There were no significant differences in mean (99.5% vs 110%) or peak (216% vs 244%) vastus lateralis EMG activity. The barbell hip thrust activates the gluteus maximus and biceps femoris to a greater degree than the back squat when using estimated 10RM loads. Longitudinal training studies are needed to determine if this enhanced activation correlates with increased strength, hypertrophy, and performance.
Biomechanics of the Median Nerve During Stretching as Assessed by Ultrasonography
Authors: Martínez-Payá Jacinto Javier , Ríos-Díaz José , del Baño-Aledo María Elena , García-Martínez David , de Groot-Ferrando Ana , Meroño-Gallut Javier
Published: July 2015

The objective of this observational cross-sectional study was to investigate the normal motion of the median nerve when stretched during a neurodynamic exercise. In recent years, ultrasonography has been increasingly accepted as an imaging technique for examining peripheral nerves in vivo, offering a reliable and noninvasive method for a precise evaluation of nerve movement. Transverse motion of the median nerve in the arm during a neurodynamic test was measured. A volunteer sample of 22 healthy subjects (11 women) participated in the study. Nerve displacement and deformation were assessed by dynamic ultrasonography. Excellent interobserver agreement was obtained, with kappa coefficient of .7–.8. Ultrasonography showed no lateral motion during wrist extension in 68% of nerves, while 73% moved dorsally, with statistically significant differences between sexes (ORlat = 6.3; 95% CI = 1.4–27.7 and ORdor = 8.3; 95% CI = 1.6–44.6). The cross-sectional area was significantly greater in men (3.6 mm2). Quantitative analysis revealed no other statistically significant differences. Our results provide evidence of substantial individual differences in median nerve transverse displacement in response to a neurodynamic exercise.
Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae YZUSK-4, a Bacterium Proposed as a Starter Culture for Fermented Meat Products
Authors: Yu Hai , Yin Yongqi , Xu Lin , Yan Ming , Fang Weiming , Ge Qingfeng
Published: July 2015

Klebsiella pneumoniae
strain YZUSK-4, isolated from Chinese RuGao ham, is an efficient branched-chain aminotransferase-producing bacterium that can be used widely in fermented meat products to enhance flavor. The draft genome sequence of strain YZUSK-4 may provide useful genetic information on branched-chain amino acid aminotransferase production and branched-chain amino acid metabolism.
Complete Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Strain RS218 (O18:H7:K1), Associated with Neonatal Meningitis
Authors: Wijetunge Dona Saumya S. , Katani Robab , Kapur Vivek , Kariyawasam Subhashinie
Published: July 2015

Escherichia coli
RS218 is the prototypic strain of neonatal meningitis-causing
E. coli
(NMEC) and has been used in many studies related to NMEC pathogenesis. In the present study, the genome of
E. coli
RS218 was sequenced together with its plasmid, pRS218. Here, we report the fully closed genome sequence of
E. coli
RS218.
Draft Genome Sequence of Mycobacterium heraklionense Strain Davo
Authors: Greninger Alexander L. , Cunningham Gail , Chiu Charles Y. , Miller Steve
Published: July 2015

We report the draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium heraklionense
strain Davo, isolated from a fine-needle aspirate of a right-ankle soft-tissue mass. This is the first draft genome sequence of
Mycobacterium heraklionense
, a nonpigmented rapidly growing mycobacterium.
Draft Genome Sequence of Caprolactam-Degrading Pseudomonas putida Strain SJ3
Authors: Hong Sung-Jun , Park Gun-Seok , Khan Abdur Rahim , Jung Byung Kown , Park Yeong-Jun , Yoo Na-Kyung , Lee Changhee , Park Choi Kyu , Shin Jae-Ho
Published: July 2015

Pseudomonas putida
strain SJ3, which possesses caprolactam-degrading ability, was isolated from dyeing industry wastewater in Daegu, Republic of Korea. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence and annotation of the strain. The 5,596,765-bp-long genome contains 4,293 protein-coding genes and 68 RNA genes with 61.70% G+C content.
Draft Genome Sequence of Strain ATCC 33958, Reported To Be Elizabethkingia miricola
Authors: Matyi Stephanie A. , Hoyt Peter R. , Ayoubi-Canaan Patricia , Hasan Nabeeh A. , Gustafson John E.
Published: July 2015

We report the draft genome of
Elizabethkingia
strain ATCC 33958, which has been classified as
Elizabethkingia miricola
. Similar to other
Elizabethkingia
species, the ATCC 33958 draft genome contains numerous β-lactamase genes. ATCC 33958 also harbors a urease gene cluster which supports classification as
E. miricola
.
Leydig cell hyperplasia in the setting of Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Sterbis Joseph , E-Nunu Toritsetimiyin
Published: July 2015

A man in his 20's with Klinefelter syndrome presented to the urology clinic with a recent history of left-sided orchalgia. Ultrasound evaluation demonstrated multiple small hypoechoic lesions bilaterally, with the largest lesion measured at 5 mm×6 mm×8 mm. Testis cancer tumour markers, chest radiographs and abdominal CT imaging were negative. A partial orchiectomy was performed on the largest lesion, demonstrating the presence of Leydig cell hyperplasia.
The relationship of individual comorbid chronic conditions to diabetes care quality
Authors: Magnan Elizabeth M , Palta Mari , Mahoney Jane E , Pandhi Nancy , Bolt Daniel M , Fink Jennifer , Greenlee Robert T , Smith Maureen A
Published: July 2015

Objective

Multimorbidity affects 26 million persons with diabetes, and care for comorbid chronic conditions may impact diabetes care quality. The aim of this study was to determine which chronic conditions were related to lack of achievement or achievement of diabetes care quality goals to determine potential targets for future interventions.

Research design and methods

This is an exploratory retrospective analysis of electronic health record data for 23 430 adults, aged 18–75, with diabetes who were seen at seven Midwestern US health systems. The main outcome measures were achievement of six diabetes quality metrics in the reporting year, 2011 (glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) control and testing, low-density lipoprotein control and testing, blood pressure control, kidney testing). Explanatory variables were 62 chronic condition indicators. Analyses were adjusted for baseline patient sociodemographic and healthcare utilization factors.

Results

The 62 chronic conditions varied in their relationships to diabetes care goal achievement for specific care goals. Congestive heart failure was related to lack of achievement of cholesterol management goals. Obesity was related to lack of HbA1c and BP control. Mental health conditions were related to both lack of achievement and achievement of different care goals. Three conditions were related to lack of cholesterol testing, including congestive heart failure and substance-use disorders. Of 17 conditions related to achieving control goals, 16 were related to achieving HbA1c control. One-half of the comorbid conditions did not predict diabetes care quality.

Conclusions

Future interventions could target patients at risk for not achieving diabetes care for specific care goals based on their individual comorbidities.
Differences in levels of physical activity between White and South Asian populations within a healthcare setting: impact of measurement type in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yates Thomas , Henson Joe , Edwardson Charlotte , Bodicoat Danielle H , Davies Melanie J , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: July 2015

Objective

We investigate differences between White and South Asian (SA) populations in levels of objectively measured and self-reported physical activity.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Leicestershire, UK, 2010–2011.

Participants

Baseline data were pooled from two diabetes prevention trials that recruited a total of 4282 participants from primary care with a high risk score for type 2 diabetes. For this study, 2843 White (age=64±8, female=37%) and 243 SA (age=58±9, female=34%) participants had complete physical activity data and were included in the analysis.

Outcome measures

Moderate-intensity to vigorous-intensity physical activity (MVPA) and walking activity were measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and a combination of piezoelectric pedometer (NL-800) and accelerometer (Actigraph GT3X) were used to objectively measure physical activity.

Results

Compared to White participants, SA participants self-reported less MVPA (30 vs 51 min/day; p<0.001) and walking activity (11 vs 17 min/day; P=0.001). However, there was no difference in objectively measured ambulatory activity (5992 steps/day vs 6157 steps/day; p=0.75) or in time spent in MVPA (18.0 vs 21.5 min/day; p=0.23). Results were largely unaffected when adjusted for age, sex and social deprivation. Compared to accelerometer data, White participants overestimated their time in MVPA by 51 min/day and SA participants by 21 min/day.

Conclusions

SA and White groups undertook similar levels of physical activity when measured objectively despite self-reported estimates being around 40% lower in the SA group. This emphasises the limitations of comparing self-reported lifestyle measures across different populations and ethnic groups.

Trial registration number

Reports baseline data from:Walking Away from Type 2 Diabetes(ISRCTN31392913) andLet's Prevent Diabetes(NCT00677937).
Under-reporting of maternal and perinatal adverse events in New Zealand
Authors: Farquhar Cynthia , Armstrong Sarah , Kim Boa , Masson Vicki , Sadler Lynn
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To determine the proportion of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity cases, identified by the Perinatal and Maternal Mortality Review Committee (PMMRC), that are also reported within the annual serious adverse events (SAEs) reports published by the Health Quality and Safety Commission (HQSC).

Setting

Nationally collated data from the PMMRC and HQSC, New Zealand.

Participants

Analysis of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity data 2009–2012.

Interventions

Every SAE report published by the HQSC from 2009 to 2012 was scrutinised for maternal and perinatal cases using the case history provided by district health boards (DHB). Further detail of each case was requested from each DHB to establish whether they had been identified as maternal or perinatal mortalities or morbidities by the PMMRC.

Primary outcome measure

The proportion of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity cases identified by HQSC SAE reports, compared with PMMRC reporting.

Results

58 maternal and perinatal SAEs were identified from the SAE reports 2009–2012. Of these, 50 fit under the PMMRC reporting definitions, all of which were also reported by the PMMRC. In the same time frame, the PMMRC captured 536 potentially avoidable maternal and perinatal mortalities and morbidities that fitted the HQSC SAE definition. Fewer than 9% of maternal and perinatal SAEs are captured by the HQSC SAE reporting process.

Conclusions

The rate of maternal and perinatal adverse event reporting to the HQSC is low and not improving annually, compared with PMMRC reporting of eligible events. This is of concern as these events may not be adequately reviewed locally, and because the SAE report is considered a measure of quality by the DHBs and the HQSC. Currently, the reporting of SAEs to the HQSC cannot be considered a reliable way to monitor or improve the quality of maternity services provided in New Zealand.
Ready, steady, go! What do histopathology trainees think they need from training to enable them to develop autonomy in surgical pathology reporting?
Authors: Finall A , Allery L
Published: July 2015

Aims

This is a qualitative study of the perceived learning needs of trainees for graded responsibility in histopathological training in the UK.

Methods

A focus group with trainees and interviews with consultants was carried out. Participants were asked ‗What do you perceive are the learning needs of histopathology trainees to develop skills for safe and confident independent reporting in surgical histopathology?‘ Data was analysed using open coding content analysis for items relating to training content and structure.

Results

Trainees and consultants perceived a need for a case load of around 100 specimens per week with a continuously variable case mix. It was thought necessary to be the principal presenter of cases at multidisciplinary team meetings. There was a perceived need for adequate amounts of supervision by consultants using double-headed microscopes and sufficient time to develop skills in microscopic visual perception through detailed feature discussion, not necessarily related to specific diagnoses. Being able to write clear histopathology reports, developing the ability to recognise normal histology and to be aware of diagnostic pitfalls were also thought to be important.

Conclusions

Our findings may inform efficacious implementation of graded responsibility in histopathology departments and be used as a sound basis for further research.
Shear wave velocity as a geotechnical parameter: an overview
Authors: Hussien Mahmoud N. , Karray Mourad
Published: July 2015

Shear wave velocity, Vs, is a soil mechanical property that can be advantageously measured in both the field and laboratory under real and controlled conditions. The measured Vsvalues are customarily used in conjunction with other in situ (e.g., standard penetration test blow count, N-SPT, and cone penetration resistance, qc-CPT) and laboratory (e.g., effective confining pressure, [Formula: see text], and void ratio, e) measurements to establish an abundant number of Vs-based correlations that could later be utilized to augment (in some cases, replace) designated testing. An attempt is made here to present the salient features of some existing widely used correlations to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding about the nature of these correlations and their applicability in geotechnical engineering practices. It is recognized that the reliability of some of these empirical formulations, still in general use today, has been questioned, as they are characterized by their lack of dependence on stress state and particle characteristics. A new Vs1–(N1)60(where Vs1is the stress-normalized shear wave velocity, and (N1)60is the stress-normalized penetration blow count) correlation that accounts for grain sizes is highlighted by combining a recently published Vs1–qc1(where qc1is the stress-normalized cone tip resistance) formulation and available (N1)60–qc1relationships. The new formulation is applicable to uncemented relatively young Holocene-age soil deposits. The estimated Vs1values based on the proposed correlation are compared with reliable laboratory and field measurements, and the comparison shows that accounting for grain size of granular soils yields more realistic results regarding the Vsvalues than when particle size is not considered. The prime effect of grain size was to change the range of possible void ratios, which in turn had a substantial impact on Vsvalues. Moreover, a new Vs1–(N1)60chart has been proposed, allowing the practitioner to estimate Vs1values based on a combination of data including N-SPT, e, grain size, and relative density.
Lie group analysis and numerical solutions for magneto-convective slip flow of nanofluid over a moving plate with Newtonian heating boundary condition
Authors: Uddin M.J. , Bég O. Anwar , Amran N. , Ismail A.I.MD.
Published: July 2015

Magnetohydrodynamic laminar boundary layer slip flow of a nanofluid over a moving plate with Newtonian heating boundary condition in the presence of heat generation–absorption effects is studied using Lie group analysis and a numerical method. The model used for the nanofluid includes the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The governing transport equations are non-dimensionalized and transformed into a set of similarity equations using similarity transformations generated by Lie group transformations. The transformed equations are then solved using the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg fourth- and fifth-order numerical method in Maple 17, which is also used to generate relevant graphs and tables. The flow, heat, and nanoparticle volume fraction characteristics are shown to depend on a number of thermophysical parameters, namely, Brownian motion, thermophoresis, Lewis number, Prandtl number, linear momentum slip, magnetic field, suction–injection, Newtonian heating, and heat generation–absorption. The effects of these parameters on the dimensionless stream function, velocity, temperature, nanoparticle volume fraction, wall heat, and mass transfer rates are investigated. Comparisons of the present numerical solutions with published works show very good correlation. The study finds applications in nano-technological magnetic materials processing.
Corwin–Greenleaf multiplicity function for compact extensions of ℝn
Authors: Ben Halima Majdi , Messaoud Anis
Published: July 2015

Let G = K ⋉ ℝn, where K is a compact connected subgroup of O(n) acting on ℝn by rotations. Let 𝔤 ⊃ 𝔨 be the respective Lie algebras of G and K, and pr : 𝔤* → 𝔨* the natural projection. For admissible coadjoint orbits [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we denote by [Formula: see text] the number of K-orbits in [Formula: see text], which is called the Corwin–Greenleaf multiplicity function. Let π ∈ Ĝ and [Formula: see text] be the unitary representations corresponding, respectively, to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by the orbit method. In this paper, we investigate the relationship between [Formula: see text] and the multiplicity m(π, τ) of τ in the restriction of π to K. If π is infinite-dimensional and the associated little group is connected, we show that [Formula: see text] if and only if m(π, τ) ≠ 0. Furthermore, for K = SO(n), n ≥ 3, we give a sufficient condition on the representations π and τ in order that [Formula: see text].
Inhibitory Effects of Purple Sweet Potato Leaf Extract on the Proliferation and Lipogenesis of the 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Lee Shou-Lun , Lee Hsien-Kuang , Chin Ting-Yu , Tu Ssu-Chieh , Kuo Ming-Hsun , Kao Ming-Ching , Wu Yang-Chang
Published: July 2015

Purple sweet potato leaves (PSPLs) are healthy vegetable that is rich in anti-oxidants. A solution of boiling water extract of PSPL (PSPLE) is believed to be able to prevent obesity and metabolic syndrome in the countryside of Taiwan, but its efficacy has not yet been verified. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible anti-adipogenesis effect of PSPLE in vitro. PSPLE was used to treat the 3T3-L1 cells, and the effects on cell proliferation and adipogenesis were investigated. The results showed that PSPLE caused a dose-dependent decrease in the cell proliferation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, but did not alter the cell viability. In addition, PSPLE induced ERK inactivation in the 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. Furthermore, pre-treatment of confluent 3T3-L1 cells with PSPLE led to reduced lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. The inhibition of lipogenesis could result from the PSPLE-induced down-regulation of the expression of the C/EBPα and SREBP-1 transcription factors during 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation. These results suggest that PSPLE not only inhibits cell proliferation at an early stage but also inhibits adipogenesis at a later stage of the differentiation program.
Orostachys japonicus Suppresses Osteoclast Differentiation by Inhibiting NFATc1 Expression
Authors: Shim Ki-Shuk , Ha Hyunil , Kim Taesoo , Lee Chung-Jo , Ma Jin Yeul
Published: July 2015

The herb Orostachys japonicus has been traditionally used to treat chronic diseases, such as hepatitis, hemorrhoids, and cancer, in Asia. In this study, we investigated the effect of Orostachys japonicus water extract (OJWE) on the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and bone loss. We found that OJWE inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation in a dose-dependent manner without affecting bone resorption in bone marrow-derived macrophage cells. Interestingly, OJWE significantly reduced serum levels of C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b, markers of bone resorption and osteoclast number, respectively, in an animal model of bone loss. Furthermore, OJWE suppressed the RANKL-induced up-regulation of nuclear factor of activated T cells cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) expression, and activation of the p38 signaling pathway, but prevented the RANKL-mediated down-regulation of interferon regulatory factor-8 (IRF-8), which is known to be an anti-osteoclastogenic factor that represses NFATc1 expression. We also identified gallic acid and quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside as the OJWE components that inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclast differentiation. These results suggest that OJWE inhibits osteoclast differentiation by inhibiting RANKL-induced NFATc1 expression, which prevents osteoclast differentiation and bone loss. The present study elucidated a mechanism of action underlying the inhibitory effect of OJWE on osteoclast differentiation. Our findings suggest that O. japonicus has therapeutic potential for use in the treatment of bone diseases.
A new water-soluble sulfonated cobalt(II) phthalocyanines: Synthesis, spectral, coordination and catalytic properties
Authors: Vashurin Artur , Filippova Anna , Znoyko Serafima , Voronina Alena , Lefedova Olga , Kuzmin Ilya , Maizlish Vladimir , Koifman Oscar
Published: July 2015

Novel complexes of cobalt(II) with sulfonated derivatives of phthalocyanines are synthesized. The influence of the sulfonated group's number in peripheral substituent on solubility of macrocycle and ability to form ordered structures in solution is showed. Transition from H-aggregates to monomeric phthalocyanine structures and sandwich-type dimers was found during formation of metallophthalocyanine complexes with 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane. The catalytic activity of metallophthalocyanines was studied on the model of Merox process.
ON AMBIGUITY TOLERANCE (AT) AND ROLES IN NPD TEAMS: TOWARDS A NUANCED UNDERSTANDING OF AT
Authors: BRUN ERIC CHRISTIAN
Published: July 2015

Many authors agree that ambiguity must be tolerated in innovation processes. There is however little research relating the concept of ambiguity tolerance (AT) to participants in new product development (NPD) projects. This paper adds to previous research where AT has been studied among entrepreneurs and managers. It shows that NPD team members in a variety of innovation-related roles can exhibit both tolerance and intolerance for ambiguity. To explain the seeming contradiction, this paper suggests distinguishing between dispositional AT as a personality variable and enacted AT as a behavioural variable. This research contributes towards a wider theoretical understanding of AT among NPD project participants, and proposes a new agenda for further research on AT in innovation. This research agenda will have managerial implications as it can improve an organisation's ability to succeed in NPD by selecting project managers and team members with appropriate capabilities to manage ambiguity.
TAKING THE FIRST STEP — WHAT DETERMINES GERMAN LASER SOURCE MANUFACTURERS ENTRY INTO INNOVATION NETWORKS?
Authors: KUDIC MUHAMED , PYKA ANDREAS , GUENTHER JUTTA
Published: July 2015

Early access to technological knowledge embodied in an industry's innovation network can prove an important competitive advantage for firms. Surprisingly, not much is known about the determinants of their initial entry into such networks. We analyze the propensity of firms for entering the industry's innovation network and their timing in doing so. More precisely, we seek to shed some light on the factors affecting the length of the time-span between a firm's founding and its first cooperation event. We apply a unique longitudinal event history dataset based on the full population of German laser source manufacturers. Innovation network data stem from official databases providing detailed information on the organizations involved, the subject of joint research and development (R&D) efforts, as well as the start and end times of all publicly funded R&D projects between 1990 and 2010. Estimation results from an event history estimation model indicate that micro firms enter the network later than small or large firms. An in-depth analysis of the size effects for medium-sized firms provides some unexpected but highly interesting findings. The choice of cooperation type makes no significant difference to a firm's timing in entering the network. Finally, the analysis of geographical determinants shows that cluster membership can, but does not necessarily affect the timing of a firm's decision to cooperate.
AN INSTITUTIONAL-BASED VIEW OF INNOVATION — AN EXPLORATIVE COMPARISON OF BUSINESS GROUPS IN CHINA AND INDIA
Authors: VECCHI ALESSANDRA , DELLA PIANA BICE , VIVACQUA ENRICA
Published: July 2015

The aim of this explorative study is to compare the innovation performance of business groups in China and India in order to identify their distinctive local innovation dynamics. Data collection mainly relied on two sources: The world's 142 countries ranked by the Global Innovation Index Report (2013) which provides information about the countries' institutional settings and the Joint Research Centre Database listing the world's top firms ranked by their investments in Research and Development from which we gathered information about the business groups. From the findings, it emerges that not only that China overperforms India in relation to all the Innovation Indexes but that their distinctive institutional environments tend to favour very different dynamics of innovation. More precisely, while China's regulatory environment tends to support a more conservative approach of business groups towards investments in traditional sectors, India's lack of infrastructures coupled by a more efficient regulatory environment tend to support more resourceful and creative approach. These different approaches also shape the geographical distribution of business groups' innovation performance in the two countries.