bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different Combinations of Glucose Tolerance and Blood Pressure Status and Incident Diabetes, Hypertension, and Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Derakhshan Arash , Bagherzadeh‐Khiabani Farideh , Arshi Banafsheh , Ramezankhani Azra , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad
Published: August 2016

Background

The impact of different combinations of glucose tolerance and blood pressure status on the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2
DM
), hypertension (
HTN
), and chronic kidney disease (
CKD
) still needs to be investigated.

Methods and Results

A total of 12 808 Iranian adults aged ≥20 years were included in 3 separate analyses to investigate incidence of T2
DM
,
HTN
, and
CKD
. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (95%
CI
). During a median follow‐up of >10 years, the overall incidence rate for T2
DM
,
HTN
, and
CKD
was 12.2, 29.8, and 24.8 per 1000 person‐years. For incident T2
DM
, considering normal glucose tolerance/normal blood pressure as reference, prediabetes (Pre
DM
)/
HTN
had the highest risk (hazard ratio: 7.22 [5.71–9.12]) while Pre
DM
/normal blood pressure also showed a significant risk (5.58 [4.41–7.05]). Furthermore, risk of Pre
DM
/
HTN
was higher than Pre
DM
/normal blood pressure (
P
<0.05). For incident
HTN
, normal glucose tolerance/prehypertension was a strong predictor (3.28 [2.91–3.69]); however, addition of Pre
DM
or T2
DM
did not increase the risk. For incident
CKD
, every category that included
HTN
and/or T2
DM
showed significant risk; this risk was marginally significant for the Pre
DM
/
HTN
group (1.19 [0.98–1.43],
P
=0.06). In addition, Pre
DM
/ normal blood pressure was a marginally significant risk factor for incident
HTN
while normal glucose tolerance/prehypertension was a significant predictor of T2
DM
.

Conclusions

Presence of
HTN
was associated with increased risk of T2
DM
among the Pre
DM
population; however, dysglycemia did not increase the risk of
HTN
among individuals with prehypertension. For incident
CKD
, intensive management of
HTN
and T2
DM
, rather than their predisease states, should be considered.
Prevalence of Low Cardiovascular Risk Profile Among Diverse Hispanic/Latino Adults in the United States by Age, Sex, and Level of Acculturation: The Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Daviglus Martha L. , Pirzada Amber , Durazo‐Arvizu Ramon , Chen Jinsong , Allison Matthew , Avilés‐Santa Larissa , Cai Jianwen , González Hector M. , Kaplan Robert C. , Schneiderman Neil , Sorlie Paul D. , Talavera Gregory A. , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Stamler Jeremiah
Published: August 2016

Background

Favorable levels of all readily measurable major cardiovascular disease risk factors (ie, low risk [
LR
]) are associated with lower risks of cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality. Data are not available on
LR
prevalence among Hispanic/Latino adults of diverse ethnic backgrounds. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of a low cardiovascular disease risk profile among Hispanic/Latino adults in the United States and to examine cross‐sectional associations of
LR
with measures of acculturation.

Methods and Results

The multicenter, prospective, population‐based Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos examined 16 415 men and women aged 18 to 74 years at baseline (2008–2011) with diverse Hispanic/Latino backgrounds. Analyses involved 14 757 adults (mean age 41.3 years; 60.6% women).
LR
was defined using national guidelines for favorable levels of serum cholesterol, blood pressure, and body mass index and by not having diabetes mellitus and not currently smoking. Age‐adjusted
LR
prevalence was low (8.4% overall; 5.1% for men, 11.2% for women) and varied by background (4.2% in men of Mexican heritage versus 15.0% in women of Cuban heritage). Lower acculturation (assessed using proxy measures) was significantly associated with higher odds of a
LR
profile among women only: Age‐adjusted odds ratios of having LR were 1.64 (95% CI 1.24–2.17) for foreign‐born versus
US
‐born women and 1.96 (95% CI 1.49–2.58) for women residing in the United States <10 versus ≥10 years.

Conclusions

Among diverse
US
Hispanic/Latino adults, the prevalence of a
LR
profile is low. Lower acculturation is associated with higher odds of a
LR
profile among women but not men. Comprehensive public health strategies are needed to improve the cardiovascular health of
US
Hispanic/Latino adults.
“Fear of Popish Leagues”: Religious Identities and the Conduct of Frontier Diplomacy in Mid-17th-Century Northeastern America
Authors: Henneton Lauric
Published: August 2016

“Fear of Popish Leagues” weaves together various threads across the Atlantic from Scotland to Mexico and from Germany to the Caribbean to explore the makeshift diplomacy of Massachusetts Puritans and the Catholics from Acadia across confessional boundaries in the frontier environment of mid-Seventeenth Century America and in the context of civil wars in Europe.
Pretty, Sassy, Cool: Slave Resistance, Agency, and Culture in Eighteenth-Century New England
Authors: Bly Antonio T.
Published: August 2016

Runaway slave advertisements are a staple of African and African American Studies. For well over a century, they have provided scholars from many different disciplines a rich resource to examine slavery. In addition to recording slaves dogged determination to be free, their persistent efforts to preserve family ties, and their astute awareness of the politics of their day, advertisements for fugitive slaves include complex stories that reflect varied nuances of the past. It is those nuances that represent the focus of this article that explores bondage in colonial New England.
Dewey’s Relations to Hegel
Authors: Renault Emmanuel
Published: August 2016

It is simply a fact that it is not in the same intention that Dewey relates to Hegel in a programmatic article such as “The Present position of Logical Theory,” in his Lectures on Hegel’s Philosophy of Spirit, in his Lectures on the Logic of Hegel, and in the articles collected in The Influence of Darwin on Philosophy. Dewey’s references to Hegel differ in status and functions, and these differences have to be made explicit if one wants to elaborate a consistent account of Dewey’s relation to Hegel. The article proceeds in four steps. It distinguishes between what relates to Dewey’s reading of Hegel (1), to Dewey’s use of Hegel (2), and to Dewey’s reconstruction of Hegel (3). In a last and concluding step, it deals with the methodological originality of Dewey’s project of actualizing Hegel (4).
Rorty’s Ambivalent Relationship with Kant
Authors: Tartaglia James
Published: August 2016

I argue that Kant is a key figure in understanding Rorty’s work, by drawing attention to the fact that although he is ostensibly the principal villain of Philosophy and the Mirror of Nature, at the end of that book Kant provides the basis of Rorty's positive proposal that we view the world “bifocally”. I show how this idea was re-worked as “irony” in Continency, Irony, and Solidarity, and became central to Rorty’s outlook. However, by allowing this Kantian influence into his thinking, Rorty made his position untenable. For Rortyan pragmatism undercuts the higher stance required by the concept of irony; and yet without this Kantian influence, Rorty would have been unable to justify his pluralism. Rorty could not live with Kant but could not live without him either.
“Redeeming Rorty’s Private-Public Distinction”
Authors: Llanera Tracy
Published: August 2016

Rorty uses the private–public distinction as a conceptual tool to uphold the ideal of self–creation (Romanticism) simultaneously to the ideal of solidarity (Enlightenment liberalism). The difficulty of accommodating these two apparently opposing ideals has led Rorty to make inconsistent and contradictory claims about the private–public distinction. This article suggests a way of easing the tension that exists around Rorty’s formulations of the distinction. It does so by turning to the thematic of “self–enlargement” to be found in Rorty’s later writings. By presenting self–enlargement as a common feature of self–creation and solidarity, this reading opens up a way of reconciling these two ideals and mitigating some of the difficulties in Rorty’s private–public distinction.
Taxonomic reexamination of Portulaca okinawensis (Portulacaceae) in
the Ryukyu Archipelago of Japan based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: KOKUBUGATA GORO , NAKAMURA KOH , HIRAYAMA YUMIKO , YOKOTA MASATSUGU
Published: August 2016

We used molecular phylogenetic and morphological data to reexamine the taxonomic status of Portulaca okinawensis (≡ P. pilosa subsp. okinawensis) endemic to the central Ryukyu islands, southwestern Japan. Our molecular analyses showed that P. okinawensis is monophyletic, sister to the clade of P. psammotropha and P. tuberosa and it is not closely related to P. pilosa subsp. pilosa. Two subclades, one comprising plants from the Okinawa Islands and the other from the Amami Islands, were recognized. The plants from the Okinawa Islands had more than 20 stamens, orange-yellow nallowly obovate to oblanceolate petals, and reddish-green stems (as the holotype), while the plants from the Amami Islands had less than 20 stamens, lemon-colored obovate petals, and bright-green stems. The molecular and morphological data support a taxonomic treatment of Walker & Tawada (1951) regarding P. okinawensis as a separate species, also suggesting that the plants from the Amami and Okinawa islands should be treated as different taxa. A new variety Portulaca okinawensis var. amamiensis was here described.
Centaurea baseri (Compositae), a new species from Turkey
Authors: KOSE YAVUZ BULENT , ALAN SEVIM
Published: August 2016

Centaurea baseri, a new species from limestone rocks in Emirdağ (Afyon), Central Anatolia, Turkey, is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with the most similar species C. aphrodisea and C. dursunbeyensis (C. sect. Phalolepis), from which it differs in its involucre, basal leaves, achenes, appendages and habit. Diagnostic morphological characters are discussed. Notes are presented on its ecology and conservation status.
Species boundaries and taxonomy of the African river frogs (Amphibia: Pyxicephalidae: Amietia)
Authors: CHANNING A. , DEHLING J.M. , LÖTTERS S. , ERNST R.
Published: August 2016

A molecular phylogeny of the Afrotropical anuran genus Amietia based on 323 16S sequences indicates that there are 19 species, including four not yet described. No genetic material was available for the nominal A. inyangae. We consider them to represent full species, and define them based on 16S genetic distances, as well as differences in morphology, tadpoles and advertisement call where known. An analysis based on two mitochondrial and two nuclear genes (12S, 16S, 28S and tyrosinase exon 1), from 122 samples, confirmed the phylogenetic relationships suggested by the 16S tree. We recognise and (re-) describe the following species: Amietia angolensis (Bocage, 1866), A. chapini (Noble, 1924), A. delalandii (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), A. desaegeri (Laurent, 1972), A. fuscigula (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), A. hymenopus (Boulenger, 1920), A. inyangae (Poynton, 1966), A. johnstoni (Günther, 1893), A. moyerorum sp. nov., A. nutti (Boulenger, 1896), A. poyntoni Channing & Baptista, 2013, A. ruwenzorica (Laurent, 1972), A. tenuoplicata (Pickersgill, 2007), A. vandijki (Visser & Channing, 1997), A. vertebralis (Hewitt, 1927), and A. wittei (Angel, 1924). Three further candidate species of Larson et al. (2016) await formal naming. We provisionally regard A. amieti (Laurent, 1976) as a junior synonym of A. chapini (Noble, 1924). Amietia lubrica (Pickersgill, 2007) is shown to be a junior synonym of A. nutti, while A. quecketti (Boulenger, 1895) is shown to be a junior synonym of A. delalandii (Duméril & Bibron, 1841), and A. viridireticulata (Pickersgill, 2007) is placed as a junior synonym of A. tenuoplicata (Pickersgill, 2007). On the basis of similarity of 16S sequences, we assign A. sp. 1, A. sp. 3 and A. sp. 6 of Larson et al (2016) to the nomina A. chapini (Noble, 1924), A. desaegeri (Laurent, 1972), and A. nutti (Boulenger, 1896) respectively.
A Seasonal Rainfall Performance Probability Tool for Famine Early Warning Systems
Authors: Novella Nicholas S. , Thiaw Wassila M.
Published: August 2016

This paper reports on the development of a new statistical tool that generates probabilistic outlooks of seasonal precipitation anomaly categories over Africa. Called the seasonal performance probability (SPP), it quantitatively evaluates the probability of precipitation to finish at predefined percent-of-normal anomaly categories corresponding to below-average (<80% of normal), average (80%–120% of normal), and above-average (>120% of normal) conditions. This is accomplished by applying methods for kernel density estimation (KDE), which compute smoothed, continuous density functions on the basis of more than 30 years of historical precipitation data from the Africa Rainfall Climatology, version 2, dataset (ARC2) for the remaining duration of a monsoon season. Discussion of various parameterizations of KDE and testing to determine optimality of density estimates (and thus performance of SPP for operational monitoring) are presented. Verification results from 2006 to 2015 show that SPP reliably provides probabilistic outcomes of seasonal rainfall anomaly categories by after the early to midstages of rain seasons for the major monsoon regions in East Africa, West Africa, and southern Africa. SPP has proven to be a useful tool by enhancing operational climate monitoring at CPC for its prognostic capability for famine early warning scenarios over Africa. These insights are anticipated to translate into better decision-making in food security, planning, and response objectives for the U.S. Agency for International Development/Famine Early Warning Systems Network (USAID/FEWS NET).
Connection between Anomalous Zonal Activities of the South Asian High and Eurasian Summer Climate Anomalies
Authors: Shi Jian , Qian Weihong
Published: August 2016

Using the daily mean anomalies of atmospheric variables from the NCEP Reanalysis-1 (NCEP R1), this study reveals the connection between anomalous zonal activities of the South Asian high (SAH) and Eurasian climate anomalies in boreal summer. An analysis of variance identifies two major domains with larger geopotential height variability located in the eastern and western flanks of the SAH at around 100 and 150 hPa, respectively. For both eastern and western domains, extreme events are selected during 1981–2014 when normalized height anomalies are greater than 1.0 (less than −1.0) standard deviation for at least 10 consecutive days. Based on these events, four SAH modes that include strong and weak Tibetan modes (STM and WTM, respectively) and strong and weak Iranian modes (SIM and WIM, respectively) are defined to depict the zonal SAH features. The positive composite in the eastern (western) domain indicates the STM (SIM) manifests a robust wavelike pattern with an anomalous low at 150 hPa, and surface cold and wet anomalies over Mongolia and northern China (Kazakhstan and western Siberia) are surrounded by three anomalous highs at 150 hPa and surface warm and dry anomalies over Eurasia. Opposite distributions are also evident in the negative composites of the two domains (WTM and WIM). The surface air temperature anomalies are the downward extension of an anomalous air column aloft while the precipitation anomalies are directly associated with the height anomalies above the air column.
The GPM Combined Algorithm
Authors: Grecu Mircea , Olson William S. , Munchak Stephen Joseph , Ringerud Sarah , Liao Liang , Haddad Ziad , Kelley Bartie L. , McLaughlin Steven F.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the operational Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission combined radar–radiometer algorithm is thoroughly described. The operational combined algorithm is designed to reduce uncertainties in GPM Core Observatory precipitation estimates by effectively integrating complementary information from the GPM Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR) and the GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) into an optimal, physically consistent precipitation product. Although similar in many respects to previously developed combined algorithms, the GPM combined algorithm has several unique features that are specifically designed to meet the GPM objectives of deriving, based on GPM Core Observatory information, accurate and physically consistent precipitation estimates from multiple spaceborne instruments, and ancillary environmental data from reanalyses. The algorithm features an optimal estimation framework based on a statistical formulation of the Gauss–Newton method, a parameterization for the nonuniform distribution of precipitation within the radar fields of view, a methodology to detect and account for multiple scattering in Ka-band DPR observations, and a statistical deconvolution technique that allows for an efficient sequential incorporation of radiometer information into DPR precipitation retrievals.
Assessment of NOAA National Weather Service Methods to Warn for Extreme Heat Events
Authors: Hawkins Michelle D. , Brown Vankita , Ferrell Jannie
Published: August 2016

Recent climate studies have predicted a future with longer, more intense, and more frequent heat events. Evolving challenges presented by this paradigm necessitate an assessment of current efforts to warn for extreme heat events. NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) Weather Forecast Offices (WFOs) issue Excessive Heat Watch, Excessive Heat Warning, and Heat Advisory products as conditions warrant. In the fall of 2013 the NWS conducted an internal assessment with its WFOs to 1) document variations in the usage of heat-based watch, warning, and advisory hazard messages (products) across the country; 2) learn about the degree to which locally developed criteria are applied to forecaster decision-making processes in issuing these products; and 3) gather ideas for enhancing communication of expected excessive heat events in general. Survey responses indicate that WFOs selectively use one or a combination of products, and that various methodologies are used to develop criteria for issuing heat products. Given that forecasters use meteorological and nonmeteorological factors when deciding to issue heat products, forecaster judgment is a crucial element of the warning process. Results also revealed partner confusion due to inconsistent heat product issuance criteria. Suggestions were made for eliminating or revising existing products and policies, or creating new products, policies, or issuance criteria. Results of the survey led the NWS to investigate approaches for achieving higher levels of consistency in heat product issuance criteria, and to engage health partners to examine how heat product issuance criteria could incorporate the known health impacts of heat exposure.
The Conditional Nature of the Local Warming Effect
Authors: Druckman James N. , Shafranek Richard M.
Published: August 2016

The local warming effect occurs when perceived deviations in the day’s temperature affect individuals’ global warming beliefs. When people perceive the day to be warmer than usual, they tend to overestimate the number of warm days throughout the year, and to report increased belief in and worry about global warming. For many, this is normatively concerning because a single day’s perceived temperature fluctuation is not representative of longer-term, large-scale climate patterns. It thus makes for a poor basis for global warming judgments. Recent work shows that the local warming effect might disappear when people receive a reminder to think about weather patterns over the past year (i.e., a correction). This paper employs a survey experiment that extends past research by exploring the generalizability, conditionality, and durability of the corrective information. It identifies the conditions under which a local warming effect is more or less likely to occur.
Cochlear Implantation in Patients With CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Rah Yoon Chan , Lee Ji Young , Suh Myung-Whan , Park Moo Kyun , Lee Jun Ho , Chang Sun O , Oh Seung-ha
Published: August 2016

Objective:

To determine the optimal surgical approach for cochlear implantation (CI) preoperatively based on the spatial relation of a displaced facial nerve (FN) and middle ear structures and to analyze clinical outcomes of CHARGE syndrome.

Methods:

Facial nerve displacement and associated deviation of inner ear structures were analyzed in 13 patients (17 ears) with CHARGE syndrome who underwent CI. Surgical accessibility through the facial recess was assessed based on anatomical landmarks. Postoperative speech performance and associated clinical characteristics were analyzed.

Results:

The most consistently identified ear anomalies were semicircular canal aplasia (100%), ossicular anomaly (100%), and vestibular hypoplasia (88%). Facial nerve displacement was found in 77% of cases (anteroinferior: 47%, anterior: 24%, inferior: 6%). The width of available surgical space around facial recess was significantly greater in cases of facial recess approach (2.85 ± 0.9 mm) than those of alternative approach (0.12 ± 0.29 mm, P = .02). Postoperatively, 53% achieved better than category 4 on the categories of auditory perception (CAP) scale. The CAP category was significantly correlated with internal auditory canal diameter ( P = .025) and did not differ according to the applied surgical approach.

Conclusion:

Preoperative determination of surgical accessibility through facial recess would be useful for safe surgical approach, and successful hearing rehabilitation was achievable by applying appropriate surgical approaches.
An experimental investigation of the consolidation behaviour of uncured prepregs under processing conditions
Authors: Nixon-Pearson OJ , Belnoue JP-H , Ivanov DS , Potter KD , Hallett SR
Published: August 2016

This paper presents a methodology and research study that characterises toughened materials, as is needed for optimisation of composite manufacturing processes. The specific challenge is to cover all of the stages of advanced composite manufacturing: fibre deposition by automatic fibre placement machines, hot or room temperature debulking, and consolidation in an autoclave. In these processes the material experiences a wide range of processing parameters: pressure, load rate, temperatures, and boundary constraints. In these conditions, toughened prepregs exhibit complex rheological behaviour, with diverse flow and deformation mechanisms at various structural scales. Here a series of experimental results are presented in order to describe the temperature, viscosity, flow mechanisms, and scale-effects of simple uncured prepreg stacks. The driver for this study is to obtain a further understanding of flow mechanisms throughout the consolidation phase of composites manufacture since fibre path defects are most likely to occur during compaction, prior to vitrification.
Place-based correlates of Motor Vehicle Theft and Recovery: Measuring spatial influence across neighbourhood context
Authors: Piza Eric , Feng Shun , Kennedy Leslie , Caplan Joel
Published: August 2016

Social scientists have long shown great interest in the spatial correlates of crime patterns. A subset of the literature has focused on how micro-level spatial factors influence the formation of crime hot spots. At the same time, tangential research has highlighted how neighbourhood disadvantage influences crime occurrence. The current study focuses on the intersection of these perspectives through a spatial analysis of Motor Vehicle Theft (MVT) and Motor Vehicle Recovery (MVR) in Colorado Springs, CO. We begin by conducting a Risk Terrain Modelling analysis to identify spatial risk factors significantly related to MVT and MVR occurrence. We then test whether the spatial influences of the criminogenic risk factors differ across traditional measures of neighbourhood disadvantage. Findings suggest that while a citywide effect is evident for multiple risk factors, their spatial influence on crime significantly varies across neighbourhood contexts.
Young men in post-apartheid South Africa talk about masculinity and suicide prevention
Authors: Bantjes Jason , Kagee Ashraf , Meissner Birte
Published: August 2016

We explored the experiences of a racially mixed group of young men in post-apartheid South Africa to investigate how they conceptualised suicide and document their suggestions for suicide prevention. Data were collected via in-depth semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings suggest that in spite of socio-political transformation, young men in South Africa may not feel liberated to deviate from traditional gender norms. Participants described restrictive heteronormative gender roles that are akin to hegemonic masculinity and that create a rigid gender regime that prevents authentic relating, disconnects young men from each other, and makes it difficult to receive emotional support. Participants attributed suicidal behaviour to feelings of disconnectedness, thwarted belonging, pressure to conform to the gender regime, and feelings of shame when unable to achieve masculine ideals. They suggested that suicide prevention should be aimed at fostering connectedness, relationship building, and disrupting the gender regime. Furthermore, they suggested that in cyberspace, the gender regime was less rigid and stated that they felt more liberated online to express distress and access support, which has implications for suicide prevention interventions.
Comparison of Helplessness and Hopelessness as Sources of Cognitive Vulnerability Among Black and White College Students
Authors: Salami Temilola K. , Walker Rheeda L. , Beach Steven R. H.
Published: August 2016

The Cognitive Style Questionnaire (CSQ), an expansion of the Attributional Style Questionnaire (ASQ), was created as an enhanced measure of cognitive vulnerability to depression using a hopelessness theory framework. However, the CSQ’s development emphasized facets of cognitive vulnerability consistent with a Eurocentric worldview. Consequently, the CSQ may inadvertently degrade rather than enhance assessment of cognitive vulnerability to depression for Black participants whose vulnerability may be shaped by a different sociopolitical context. Participants were 259 White and 180 Black college students. As predicted, cognitive vulnerability to depression assessed via the reformulated learned helplessness (ASQ) but not hopelessness theory (CSQ) was associated with increased symptoms of depression for Black participants. The opposite pattern of results was found for White participants for whom hopelessness (CSQ), but not helplessness (ASQ) was associated with higher levels of depression symptoms. The current findings support the need for more extensive examination of social context and race in assessing cognitive vulnerability to depression.
Characterization and the effect of lignocellulosic biomass value addition on gasification efficiency
Authors: Anukam Anthony I , Mamphweli Sampson N , Reddy Prashant , Okoh Omobola O
Published: August 2016

Value addition to lignocellulosic biomass materials such as sugarcane bagasse to produce multiple bio-based products which includes synthesis gas is becoming a dynamic research area. Pre-treatment techniques to improve the quality of biomass are essential for the successful application of the feedstock in energy production systems. This study investigated changes in the composition of sugarcane bagasse subjected to torrefaction as a preparation of bagasse for gasification. Characterization of the torrefied bagasse was undertaken in terms of proximate and ultimate analyses as well as in terms of energy value. The results were used to conduct a computer simulation of the gasification process of the torrefied bagasse. The gasification process results confirmed that torrefied bagasse is a suitable feedstock for gasification in terms of conversion efficiency, which was found to be approximately 42% when compared to untorrefied sugarcane bagasse, with a conversion efficiency of about 40% achieved in our previous study.
Depression Screening in Diabetes Care to Improve Outcomes
Authors: Barnacle Mykell , Strand Mark A. , Werremeyer Amy , Maack Brody , Petry Natasha
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Evidence-based guidelines recommend regular depression screening among individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The purpose of this study is to examine depression screening patterns among a primary care population with T2DM, through use of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Methods

In total, 1817 patients with T2DM were analyzed through a retrospective observational study at 2 sites, a regional health center and a federally qualified health center (FQHC). The T2DM sample was divided into those with and without a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis. Depression screening rates and depression severity were assessed through the PHQ-9.

Results

Both sites had higher rates of PHQ-9 screening among individuals with a history of MDD (64.82%) vs those without MDD (11.39%). Individuals from the FQHC without a history of depression had a higher mean PHQ-9 score (10.11) than those with a previous MDD diagnosis at both RHS and FQHC (7.16 and 9.85, respectively).

Conclusions

Depression screening rates among individuals with diabetes and no history of MDD were remarkably low. Patients with diabetes but no MDD diagnosis who sought health care at a FQHC clinic had more depressive symptoms than those with a history of MDD at both sites. Individuals with diabetes and who have a MDD diagnosis are much more likely to receive regular depression screening than those without MDD, which leaves a substantial proportion of patients with undetected depression. Depression screening must be enhanced for all individuals with diabetes, particularly for low-income individuals and those without a previous diagnosis of MDD.
The Troubling Logic of Inclusivity in Environmental Consultations
Authors: Gregory Robin S.
Published: August 2016

Inclusivity is widely considered a requirement of defensible environmental risk consultations and is often either mandated or recommended to help ensure attention to stakeholders’ diverse views. Experience suggests the opposite: the emphasis on an inclusive consultation process often makes it impossible for decision makers to listen carefully to stakeholders and for citizens’ views to influence the design and choice of proposed actions. This paper briefly reviews the promise of environmental risk consultations before outlining several of the more serious problems associated with an emphasis on inclusivity: long lists of undifferentiated concerns, facts tainted by stakeholders’ perspectives and worldviews, little access to clarifying dialogue or tests of expertise, few opportunities to scrutinize knowledge quality, avoidance of controversial issues, and an overwhelming abundance of information. As a result, the promotion of inclusivity often serves as a convenient excuse for decision makers to silence citizens by substituting quantity for quality, breadth for depth, and an adversarial approach for dialogue and informed understanding.
Indian Management Research
Authors: Sarkar Mitali
Published: August 2016

This section features abstracts of articles covering empirical studies, experiences, ideas, and theories published in Indian and international journals. Sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research, New DelhC this service is intended to facilitate Indian management research.

Authors desirous of having their publications considered for inclusion in this feature may please send reprints of their articles to Vikalpa Editorial Office.
Ultrasonography of inferior vena cava to determine central venous pressure: a meta-analysis and meta-regression
Authors: Alavi-Moghaddam Mostafa , Kabir Ali , Shojaee Majid , Manouchehrifar Mohammad , Moghimi Mehrdad
Published: August 2016

Background

Until now, no valid alternative exists for predicting central venous pressure (CVP) with lower invasiveness than central venous catheter.

Purpose

To explore inferior vena cava diameter (IVCD) measurement accuracy by ultrasonography as a surrogate variable for determination of central venous pressure (CVP).

Material and Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis of all published studies in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, and Google Scholar were conducted from inception to July 2013. We used the STROBE checklist for quality assessment and meta-regression.

Results

Thirty-seven papers with 2843 cases were identified. The correlation coefficients between each one of IVCD, inspiratory IVC (iIVC), IVC collapsibility index (IVCCI), and expiratory IVC (eIVC) with CVP, were 0.68, 0.60, 0.54, and 0.44, respectively. There was no evidence of publication bias ( P = 0.28). Based on meta-regression, male gender was an important source of heterogeneity (OR = 1.01; 95% confidence interval, 1–1.03), which resulted in a higher correlation between IVCD and CVP. The present study showed a higher strength of association with CVP pertaining to IVCD, iIVC, IVCCI, and eIVC, respectively, and they were higher in men.

Conclusion

This study does not support the measurement of IVCD by ultrasonography as an acceptable surrogate variable to determine CVP among critical patients.
Digital turn, digital geographies?
Authors: Ash James , Kitchin Rob , Leszczynski Agnieszka
Published: August 2016

Geography is in the midst of a digital turn. This turn is reflected in both geographic scholarship and praxis across sub-disciplines. We advance a threefold categorization of the intensifying relationship between geography and the digital, documenting geographies produced through, produced by, and of the digital. Instead of promoting a single theoretical framework for making sense of the digital or proclaiming the advent of a separate field of ‘digital geography’, we conclude by suggesting conceptual, methodological and empirical questions and possible paths forward for the ‘digital turn’ across geography’s many sub-disciplines.
Soil movement by burrowing mammals
Authors: Haussmann Natalie S
Published: August 2016

Mammal burrowing plays an important role in soil translocation and habitat creation in many environments. As a consequence, many burrowing mammals have at some point been studied in an ecosystem engineering context. From a geomorphological point of view, one of the focus areas of burrowing mammal research is on the amount of soil that is excavated and the rate at which this happens. As such, reviews exist on the volumes and rates of sediment removal by burrowing mammals in specific environments or for specific groups of species. Here, a standardised comparison of mammal burrowing across a broad range of burrowing mammal species and environments is provided, focussing on both burrow volume and excavation rate. Through an ISI Web of Science-based literature search, articles presenting estimates of burrow volumes and/or excavation rate were identified. Relationships between species body size and burrow volume/excavation rate were explored and the influence of sociality and method of burrow volume estimation were assessed. The results show that, although larger species construct larger burrows, it is the smaller species that remove more sediment per unit time at larger, site-level spatial scales. Burrow volume estimates are, however, independent of species sociality (solitary versus group-living) and method of burrow volume estimation (excavation-based versus mound-based). These results not only confirm previously established relationships between species body size and burrow volume, but, more importantly, they also add to this, by exploring larger scale impacts of burrowing mammals along a body size gradient.
Circles of Care: Applied Group Analysis with Family and Friends
Authors: Weegmann Martin , Head Annabel
Published: August 2016

Whilst the needs of carers (family and friends) of those with mental disorders has received more formal recognition in society, there is a long way to go in terms of the provision of consistent support and consistent caring for carers. This article describes three examples of applied group analytic interventions for carers, in the fields of substance misuse and personality disorder respectively. With each group I concentrate on different aspects: (a) illustrations of group dynamics in the first group, including a discussion of the ‘co-dependency’ concept; (b) issues around setting up a new intervention in the second, and the overcoming of service resistances; and (c) the re-establishment of a group culture, and its formal evaluation, in the third. The aims of such groups are discussed, not only in terms of increased wellbeing and coping but less self-sacrifice and better self-protection in the presence of damaging behaviours by loved ones.
Creep behaviour of injection-moulded basalt fibre reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites
Authors: Tábi Tamás , Bakonyi P , Hajba S , Herrera-Franco PJ , Czigány T , Kovács JG
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the creep of short (chopped) basalt fibre reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites was investigated; 5, 10, 20 and 30 wt.% short basalt fibre reinforced composites were prepared by using twin-screw extrusion followed by injection moulding. Differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that the basalt fibres had nucleating effect on the poly(lactic acid)grade used in this study, while scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that there was strong adhesion between the fibre and the matrix. Fibre distribution analysis showed that there was no significant statistical difference between the average fibre lengths of all of the produced composites. Finally, creep mastercurves were constructed using the single creep curves obtained by applying 10, 20, 30,…, 90% of the tensile strength of the composites as a static creep loading force. It was demonstrated that the basalt fibres as reinforcements can effectively reduce the strain and increase time to failure of the composites during creep load and thus could open the possibilities for poly(lactic acid)-based composites to be used in long-term constantly loaded structural or engineering applications.
Toward a Critical Understanding of Urban Security within the Institutional Practice of Urban Planning: The Case of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area
Authors: Tulumello Simone
Published: August 2016

Urban security (or public safety), rather than a “social problem” tackled neutrally, is an issue of political contestation, owing to its threefold gist as right to not be victims of crime, policy goal, and social demand. This article, highlighting how planning research has neglected to engage with contemporary paradoxes of security, makes the case for a critical approach to crime prevention and explores the embeddedness of urban security in planning practice in the Lisbon Metropolitan Area. We debate the relations of urban security with changing planning paradigms and political approaches around the vertical (multilevel/multiscale) and horizontal distribution of planning practices.
Circadian Clocks in Articular Cartilage and Bone
Authors: Yang Nan , Meng Qing-Jun
Published: August 2016

Temporally coordinated resorption and synthesis is the key to maintaining healthy bones. Articular cartilage is a highly specialized connective tissue within the joints that lines the surface of a long bone. Emerging evidence has suggested a critical role of the circadian system in controlling cartilage and bone biology. Articular cartilage is sparsely populated with chondrocytes, surrounded by abundant extracellular matrices that are synthesized and maintained solely by chondrocytes. Once damaged, the articular cartilage tissue has poor capacity for endogenous repair, leaving the joints prone to osteoarthritis, an age-related painful condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. An important question is how articular cartilage has evolved its remarkable capacity to maintain homeostasis and withstand daily biomechanical challenges associated with resting/activity cycles. Equally important is how this avascular and aneural tissue senses time and uses this information to coordinate daily phases of metabolic activity and tissue remodeling/repair. Bone tissue derived from cartilage has similarly sparse populations of resident cells living in dense and largely mineralized matrices. We discuss recent progress on circadian clocks in these matrix-rich skeletal tissues and highlight avenues for future research.
Development of a Miller cycle engine with single-stage boosting and cooled external exhaust gas recirculation
Authors: He Yongsheng , Liu Jim , Zhu Bin , Sun David
Published: August 2016

In this paper, the development of a Miller cycle gasoline engine which has a high compression ratio from 11.5:1 to 12.5:1, single-stage turbocharging and external cooled exhaust gas recirculation is described. The improvement in the fuel economy by adding external cooled exhaust gas recirculation to the Miller cycle engine at different geometric compression ratios were experimentally evaluated in part-load operating conditions. The potential of adding external cooled exhaust gas recirculation in full-load conditions to mitigate pre-ignition in order to allow higher geometric compression ratios to be utilized was also assessed. An average of 3.2% additional improvement in the fuel economy was achieved by adding external cooled exhaust gas recirculation to the Miller cycle engine at a geometric compression ratio of 11.5:1. It was also demonstrated that the fuel consumption of the engine with external cooled exhaust gas recirculation was reduced by 3–7% in a wide range of part-load operating conditions and that the engine output of the Miller cycle engine at a geometric compression ratio of 12.5:1 increased at 2000 r/min in the full-load condition. The Miller cycle engine with external cooled exhaust gas recirculation at a geometric compression ratio of 12.5:1 achieved a broad brake specific fuel consumption range of 220 g/kW h or lower, with the lowest brake specific fuel consumption of 215 g/kW h. While there are still challenges in implementing external cooled exhaust gas recirculation, the Miller cycle engine with single-stage turbocharging and external cooled exhaust gas recirculation showed its potential for substantial improvement in the fuel economy as one of the technical pathways to meet future requirements in reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Urethral inflammatory response to ureaplasma is significantly lower than to Mycoplasma genitalium and Chlamydia trachomatis
Authors: Moi Harald , Reinton Nils , Randjelovic Ivana , Reponen Elina J , Syvertsen Line , Moghaddam Amir
Published: August 2016

A non-syndromic approach to treatment of people with non-gonococcal urethritis (NGU) requires identification of pathogens and understanding of the role of those pathogens in causing disease. The most commonly detected and isolated micro-organisms in the male urethral tract are bacteria belonging to the family of Mycoplasmataceae, in particular Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum. To better understand the role of these Ureaplasma species in NGU, we have performed a prospective analysis of male patients voluntarily attending a drop in STI clinic in Oslo. Of 362 male patients who were tested for NGU using microscopy of urethral smears, we found the following sexually transmissible micro-organisms: 16% Chlamydia trachomatis, 5% Mycoplasma genitalium, 14% U. urealyticum, 14% U. parvum and 5% Mycoplasma hominis. We found a high concordance in detecting in turn U. urealyticum and U. parvum using 16s rRNA gene and ureD gene as targets for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT). Whilst there was a strong association between microscopic signs of NGU and C. trachomatis infection, association of M. genitalium and U. urealyticum infections in turn were found only in patients with severe NGU (>30 polymorphonuclear leucocytes, PMNL/high powered fields, HPF). U. parvum was found to colonise a high percentage of patients with no or mild signs of NGU (0–9 PMNL/HPF). We conclude that urethral inflammatory response to ureaplasmas is less severe than to C. trachomatis and M. genitalium in most patients and that testing and treatment of ureaplasma-positive patients should only be considered when other STIs have been ruled out.
Frictions and Fictions of Community
Authors: Burkhardt Julia
Published: August 2016

This article analyses structures and representations of power in late medieval Central Europe between 1350 and 1500. Using the examples of the medieval kingdoms of Poland, Bohemia, Hungary and Germany, the study describes and compares social structures and their political implementation, fora of political discourse, achievements in constitutional and theoretical writing as well as codification of laws and privileges.

The focus on “community” as a key term in the political discourse allows shedding light on modes of distributing political powers, the reciprocity and interconnections of political players and the development of notions of political representation. Against this background, the article presents the formation of structures and representations of power in late medieval Central Europe as a highly dynamic process, revealing both fictions and frictions of community.
Why Is the One-Group Pretest–Posttest Design Still Used?
Authors: Knapp Thomas R.
Published: August 2016

The one-group pretest–posttest pre-experimental design has been widely criticized, yet continues to be used in some clinical nursing research studies. This editorial explains what is wrong with the design, suggests reasons for its continued use, and gives some recommendations regarding what can be done about it.
Effects of symmetric imperfections on the behavior of bistable struts
Authors: Cai Jianguo , Deng Xiaowei , Feng Jian
Published: August 2016

The behavior of a bistable strut for variable geometry structures was investigated in this paper. A three-hinged arch subjected to a central concentrated load was used to study the effect of symmetric imperfections on the behavior of the bistable strut. Based on a nonlinear strain–displacement relationship, the virtual work principle was adopted to establish both the pre-buckling and buckling nonlinear equilibrium equations for the symmetric snap-through buckling mode. Then the critical load for symmetric snap-through buckling was obtained. The results show that the axial force is in compression before the arch is buckled, but it becomes in tension after buckling. Thus, the previous formulas cannot be used for the analysis of post-buckling behavior of three-hinged shallow arches. Then, the principle of virtual work was also used to establish the post-buckling equilibrium equations of the arch in the horizontal and vertical directions as well as the static boundary conditions, which are very important for bistable struts.