bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-Stage Cartilage Repair Using a Hyaluronic Acid–Based Scaffold With Activated Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Compared With Microfracture
Authors: Gobbi Alberto , Whyte Graeme P.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Articular cartilage injury is frequently encountered, yet treatment options capable of providing durable cartilage repair are limited.

Purpose:

To investigate the medium-term clinical outcomes of cartilage repair using a 1-stage technique of a hyaluronic acid–based scaffold with activated bone marrow aspirate concentrate (HA-BMAC) and compare results with those of microfracture. A secondary aim of this study was to identify specific patient demographic factors and cartilage lesion characteristics that are associated with superior outcomes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

Fifty physically active patients (mean age, 45 years) with grade IV cartilage injury of the knee (lesion size, 1.5-24 cm2) were treated with HA-BMAC or microfracture and were observed prospectively for 5 years. Patients were placed into the HA-BMAC group if the health insurance policy of the treating institution supported this option; otherwise, they were placed into the microfracture group. Objective and subjective clinical assessment tools were used preoperatively and at 2 and 5 years postoperatively to compare treatment outcomes.

Results:

Significant improvements in outcome scores were achieved in both treatment groups at 2 years ( P < .001). In the microfracture group, 64% were classified as normal or nearly normal according to the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) objective score at 2 years, compared with 100% of those treated with HA-BMAC ( P < .001). Normal or nearly normal objective assessments in the microfracture group declined significantly after 5 years to 28% of patients ( P = .004). All patients treated with HA-BMAC maintained improvement at 5 years according to Lysholm, Tegner, IKDC objective, and IKDC subjective scores. Tegner, IKDC objective, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) assessments demonstrated higher scores in the HA-BMAC treatment group compared with microfracture at 5 years. Lysholm and IKDC subjective scores were similar between treatment groups at 5 years. Poorer outcomes in the microfracture group were demonstrated in cases of lesions larger than 4 cm2 and nonsolitary lesions. Age greater than 45 years, large size of lesion, and treatment of multiple lesions were not associated with poorer outcome in patients treated with HA-BMAC.

Conclusion:

Repair of chondral injury using a hyaluronic acid–based scaffold with activated bone marrow aspirate concentrate provides better clinical outcomes and more durable cartilage repair at medium-term follow-up compared with microfracture. Positive short-term clinical outcomes can be achieved with either microfracture or HA-BMAC. Cartilage repair using HA-BMAC leads to successful medium-term outcomes independent of age or lesion size.
Incorporation of Hamstring Grafts Within the Tibial Tunnel After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Colombet Philippe , Graveleau Nicolas , Jambou Stephane
Published: July 2016

Background:

The success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction requires solid graft incorporation within the tunnels to enable graft remodeling. Resorbable interference screws (RIS) provide limited tendon-bone contact because much of the tunnel circumference is occupied by the screw itself, while adjustable suspensory fixation (ASF) systems provide larger contact zones, which favor ligamentization.

Purpose:

To evaluate ligamentization of a 4-strand semitendinosus (4ST) graft fixed with ASF compared with RIS within the tibial bone tunnel at 6 months postoperatively using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

We prospectively enrolled 121 consecutive patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using a single-bundle 4ST graft. The femoral end of the graft was fixed using suspensory fixation in all knees. The tibial end of the graft was fixed using ASF in 67 knees and RIS in 54 knees. Six months postoperatively, knee laxity measurements were taken, and MRI was performed to assess graft incorporation within the tibial tunnel.

Results:

At 6-month follow-up, MRI scans of 109 knees were available for analysis. The mean tibial tunnel enlargement in the ASF group was 2.3 ± 1.1 mm (range, 0.5-6.0 mm), while in the RIS group, it was 4.7 ± 2.8 mm (range, 0.5-19.0 mm) ( P < .001). The Howell graft signal assessment findings were excellent in 97% of knees in the ASF group and in 25% of knees in the RIS group ( P < .001). The mean signal-to-noise quotient (SNQ) was 0.078 ± 0.62 in the ASF group and 0.671 ± 0.83 in the RIS group ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

ASF provides more favorable conditions than RIS for the incorporation and ligamentization of 4ST grafts within the tibial tunnel. The ASF system used showed very little tunnel widening, which suggests that it grants stabilization. The SNQ was also considerably better in the ASF group.
What Is the Association of Elite Sporting Activities With the Development of Hip Osteoarthritis?
Authors: Vigdorchik Jonathan M. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Eftekhary Nima , Leunig Michael , Clohisy John C.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Male athletes participating in certain elite sporting activities may be at an increased risk for development of hip osteoarthritis (OA) later in life. However, the strength of the association of participation in sporting activities with the increased risk of hip OA has not been well summarized.

Purpose:

To investigate the association of certain high-impact sporting activities with the risk of development of hip OA in elite athletes by conducting a systematic review of the available literature.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

PubMed, Cochrane, and EMBASE databases were searched to identify all potential studies. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, which included participation in elite-level sporting activities, greater than 50% male athletes in the study population, diagnosis of hip OA by radiograph, hospital admission or total hip arthroplasty (THA), and greater than 80% follow-up. Exclusion criteria were recreational sporting activities, primarily female cohorts as there was a dearth of available literature on the topic, and self-reported symptoms without radiographic confirmation of diagnosis. Most studies were with European athletes, where elite-level was defined as involvement in national- or professional-level competition.

Results:

Participation across elite-level impact sports was associated with increased risk of development of hip OA when compared with matched controls (odds ratio, 1.8-8.7). Twelve of 15 studies reviewed demonstrated an odds ratio of 1.8 or greater of developing hip OA in elite-level athletes. Handball was associated with the highest rate of OA of any sport, nearly 5 times that of matched controls. Soccer players demonstrated between 2 and 9 times increased risk of hip OA as defined by radiography or THA. Hockey players demonstrated 2 to 3 times increased risk of hip OA (THA or hospital admission). Five studies investigating the association of competitive long-distance running with hip OA demonstrated inconsistent results.

Conclusion:

Currently available literature suggests that male athletes participating in elite impact sports (soccer, handball, track and field, or hockey) are at an increased risk of developing hip OA, while those participating in high-level long-distance running do not have a clearly elevated risk. Further research is warranted to elucidate the pathomechanics of development of hip OA in these patients.
The Relationship of the Femoral Physis and the Medial Patellofemoral Ligament in Children
Authors: Shea Kevin G. , Styhl Alexandra C. , Jacobs John C. , Ganley Theodore J. , Milewski Matthew D. , Cannamela Peter C. , Anderson Allen F. , Polousky John D.
Published: July 2016

Background:

Young athletes sustain patellar dislocations in a variety of sports. The medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) is a critical structure that functions as an anatomic checkrein to help prevent lateral patellar dislocation. Reconstruction of this ligament is challenging in patients with open physes because of concerns about iatrogenic damage to the femoral physis.

Purpose:

To evaluate the relationship of the distal femoral physis and the MPFL.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

In 15 cadaveric, pediatric knees (age, 7-11 years), markers were placed at the proximal/distal limits of the MPFL femoral attachment and were evaluated with computed tomography. The distance from the MPFL attachment midpoint to the most medial aspect of the distal femoral physis was measured.

Results:

The mean femoral width of the MPFL was 8.1 mm (range, 4.3-13.8 mm). The femoral MPFL midpoint was distal to the femoral physis in 11 specimens and proximal to the physis in 4 specimens. The most proximal portion of the MPFL femoral attachment extended above the medial physis in 7, was at the physis in 5, and was below the physis in 3 specimens. One specimen had the entire MPFL femoral attachment above the physis. For knees with the MPFL midpoint above the medial physis, the distance between the center of the MPFL and physis was 3.3 mm (range, 0.3-7.1 mm). For knees with the MPFL below the medial physis, the distance between the center of the MPFL and physis was −6.8 mm (range, −0.7 to −22.0 mm).

Conclusion:

The relationship of the femoral attachment of the MPFL and the medial femoral physis shows some anatomic variation. In all cases, the MPFL is close to the medial femoral physis, but the midpoint of the MPFL is at, slightly above, or slightly below the physis.

Clinical Relevance:

The relationship of the MPFL femoral attachment footprint to the femoral physis in the skeletally immature patient is not well understood, and access to pediatric cadaveric tissue is very limited. This small series demonstrates that there is considerable variation in the relationship between the MPFL and distal femoral physis. This anatomic information may guide MPFL reconstruction technique in young patients and reduce the risk of iatrogenic physeal arrest on the femur.
Utilization of ACL Injury Biomechanical and Neuromuscular Risk Profile Analysis to Determine the Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Training
Authors: Hewett Timothy E. , Ford Kevin R. , Xu Yingying Y. , Khoury Jane , Myer Gregory D.
Published: July 2016

Background:

The widespread use of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury prevention interventions has not been effective in reducing the injury incidence among female athletes who participate in high-risk sports.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to determine if biomechanical and neuromuscular factors that contribute to the knee abduction moment (KAM), a predictor of future ACL injuries, could be used to characterize athletes by a distinct factor. Specifically, we hypothesized that a priori selected biomechanical and neuromuscular factors would characterize participants into distinct at-risk profiles.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 624 female athletes who participated in jumping, cutting, and pivoting sports underwent testing before their competitive season. During testing, athletes performed drop-jump tasks from which biomechanical measures were captured. Using data from these tasks, latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify distinct profiles based on preintervention biomechanical and neuromuscular measures. As a validation, we examined whether the profile membership was a significant predictor of the KAM.

Results:

LPA using 6 preintervention biomechanical measures selected a priori resulted in 3 distinct profiles, including a low (profile 1), moderate (profile 2), and high (profile 3) risk for ACL injuries. Athletes with profiles 2 and 3 had a significantly higher KAM compared with those with profile 1 ( P < .05).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to use LPA of biomechanical landing data to create ACL injury risk profiles. Three distinct risk groups were identified based on differences in the peak KAM.

Clinical Relevance:

These findings demonstrate the existence of discernable groups of athletes that may benefit from injury prevention interventions.

Study Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT identifier: NCT01034527.
Le « processus révolutionnaire » en Tunisie : de la protestation à la consécration de la citoyenneté ? Regards à partir de travaux empiriques
Authors: Ben Amor Ridha
Published: July 2016

The article attempts to show that the 2011 social movement in Tunisia was part of a process that began a few years earlier. At that time the essentially socio-economic protest movement was confined to the mining town of Gafsa. The multiplication of such movements, although sporadic, would continue to fuel the mobilization until 2011 and was characterized by the emergence of a wave of protests that were essentially socio-economic in the early days, though it was not long before they presented a challenge to the political order, in particular as they spread to the rest of the country.
Women’s Wage Theft
Authors: Petrescu-Prahova Miruna , Spiller Michael W.
Published: July 2016

In this study, the authors identify and analyze a distinct and understudied source of gender inequality: gender differences in violations of wage-related workplace laws. The authors find that women have significantly higher rates of minimum wage and overtime violations than men and also lose more of their earnings to wage theft than men. In the case of minimum wage violations, the authors also find that nativity and immigration status strongly mediate this gender difference. Multivariate analysis suggests that demand-side characteristics—occupation and measures of nonstandard work and informality—account for more of the gender difference in minimum wage violations than do worker characteristics.
Optimization of solid content, carbon/nitrogen ratio and food/inoculum ratio for biogas production from food waste
Authors: Dadaser-Celik Filiz , Azgin Sukru Taner , Yildiz Yalcin Sevki
Published: July 2016

Biogas production from food waste has been used as an efficient waste treatment option for years. The methane yields from decomposition of waste are, however, highly variable under different operating conditions. In this study, a statistical experimental design method (Taguchi OA9) was implemented to investigate the effects of simultaneous variations of three parameters on methane production. The parameters investigated were solid content (SC), carbon/nitrogen ratio (C/N) and food/inoculum ratio (F/I). Two sets of experiments were conducted with nine anaerobic reactors operating under different conditions. Optimum conditions were determined using statistical analysis, such as analysis of variance (ANOVA). A confirmation experiment was carried out at optimum conditions to investigate the validity of the results. Statistical analysis showed that SC was the most important parameter for methane production with a 45% contribution, followed by F/I ratio with a 35% contribution. The optimum methane yield of 151 l kg−1 volatile solids (VS) was achieved after 24 days of digestion when SC was 4%, C/N was 28 and F/I were 0.3. The confirmation experiment provided a methane yield of 167 l kg−1 VS after 24 days. The analysis showed biogas production from food waste may be increased by optimization of operating conditions.
Determining the amount of waste plastics in the feed of Austrian waste-to-energy facilities
Authors: Schwarzböck Therese , Van Eygen Emile , Rechberger Helmut , Fellner Johann
Published: July 2016

Although thermal recovery of waste plastics is widely practiced in many European countries, reliable information on the amount of waste plastics in the feed of waste-to-energy plants is rare. In most cases the amount of plastics present in commingled waste, such as municipal solid waste, commercial, or industrial waste, is estimated based on a few waste sorting campaigns, which are of limited significance with regard to the characterisation of plastic flows. In the present study, an alternative approach, the so-called Balance Method, is used to determine the total amount of plastics thermally recovered in Austria’s waste incineration facilities in 2014. The results indicate that the plastics content in the waste feed may vary considerably among different plants but also over time. Monthly averages determined range between 8 and 26 wt% of waste plastics. The study reveals an average waste plastics content in the feed of Austria’s waste-to-energy plants of 16.5 wt%, which is considerably above findings from sorting campaigns conducted in Austria. In total, about 385 kt of waste plastics were thermally recovered in all Austrian waste-to-energy plants in 2014, which equals to 45 kg plastics cap-1. In addition, the amount of plastics co-combusted in industrial plants yields a total thermal utilisation rate of 70 kg cap-1 a-1 for Austria. This is significantly above published rates, for example, in Germany reported rates for 2013 are in the range of only 40 kg of waste plastics combusted per capita.
Voluntary Collaboration for Adaptive Governance
Authors: Vella Karen , Butler William H. , Sipe Neil , Chapin Tim , Murley Jim
Published: July 2016

The Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact (SFRCCC) has been highlighted as a regional climate change governance exemplar for land use planning. After six years, we find the compact has given momentum to local climate change planning through the Regional Climate Action Plan and provides a foundation for adaptive governance for climate change adaptation. We also find aspects of the compact lacking in terms of representation, decision making, learning, and problem responsiveness. Efforts are now needed to scale down implementation and scale up governance and planning more systematically to address climate change adaptation needs at multiple levels.
Daytime Exposure to Short- and Medium-Wavelength Light Did Not Improve Alertness and Neurobehavioral Performance
Authors: Segal Ahuva Y. , Sletten Tracey L. , Flynn-Evans Erin E. , Lockley Steven W. , Rajaratnam Shantha M. W.
Published: July 2016

While previous studies have demonstrated short-wavelength sensitivity to the acute alerting effects of light during the biological night, fewer studies have assessed the alerting effect of light during the daytime. This study assessed the wavelength-dependent sensitivity of the acute alerting effects of daytime light exposure following chronic sleep restriction in 60 young adults (29 men, 31 women; 22.5 ± 3.1 mean ± SD years). Participants were restricted to 5 h time in bed the night before laboratory admission and 3 h time in bed in the laboratory, aligned by wake time. Participants were randomized for exposure to 3 h total of either narrowband blue (λmax 458-480 nm, n = 23) or green light (λmax 551-555 nm, n = 25) of equal photon densities (2.8-8.4 × 1013 photons/cm2/sec), beginning 3.25 h after waking, and compared with a darkness control (0 lux, n = 12). Subjective sleepiness (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale), sustained attention (auditory Psychomotor Vigilance Task), mood (Profile of Mood States Bi-Polar form), working memory (2-back task), selective attention (Stroop task), and polysomnographic and ocular sleepiness measures (Optalert) were assessed prior to, during, and after light exposure. We found no significant effect of light wavelength on these measures, with the exception of a single mood subscale. Further research is needed to optimize the characteristics of lighting systems to induce alerting effects during the daytime, taking into account potential interactions between homeostatic sleep pressure, circadian phase, and light responsiveness.
The Short Form of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale as a Prognostic Factor of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mandarin-Speaking Chinese Mothers
Authors: Ip Wan-Yim , Gao Ling-Ling , Choi Kai-Chow , Chau Janita Pak-Chun , Xiao Yang
Published: July 2016

Background:

Little is known about the effect of maternal perceived breastfeeding self-efficacy on the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months postpartum in mainland China.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to examine the relative effect of maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy and selected relevant factors on the exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 months postpartum. The internal consistency and construct validity of the Chinese (Mandarin) version of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale–Short Form (BSES-SF) were also examined.

Methods:

This was a prospective cohort study conducted at a regional teaching hospital in Guangzhou, China. A total of 562 in-hospital mothers who were within 72 hours postpartum were recruited to the study and followed up by telephone for 6 months.

Results:

Although all of the mothers breastfed their babies within 72 hours postpartum, only 25% of the mothers breastfed exclusively. The mean survival time of continuation of exclusive breastfeeding was 16.7 days. The proportion of mothers who breastfed exclusively after discharge was 14.8%, 2.0%, and 0.2% at 1, 4, and 6 months, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that the mothers who had a higher BSES-SF score at baseline, underwent cesarean section, and practiced exclusive breastfeeding within 72 hours after delivery were significantly associated with a lower hazard of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum.

Conclusion:

The exclusive breastfeeding rate among Chinese women is far from satisfactory. The Chinese (Mandarin) version of the BSES-SF can help in identifying mothers who need more support for exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum.
Formula Feeding Is Independently Associated With Acute Kidney Injury in Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Ginovart Gemma , Gich Ignasi , Verd Sergio
Published: July 2016

Background:

Successful strategies to prevent neonatal acute kidney injury are lacking. Nevertheless, it is well known that in breastfed babies the excretory needs of the kidney are low because the intake of most nutrients is just above the nutritional requirement.

Objectives:

This study aimed to determine whether feeding type predicts acute kidney injury in the very low birth weight infant.

Methods:

One hundred and eighty-six infants were enrolled in this pre-post cohort study (114 infants were included in the only human milk-fed group and 72 in the formula-fed group). Routine biological markers of acute kidney injury were collected in both groups from birth to discharge.

Results:

Compared with formula feeding, human milk feeding was associated with almost 80% lower odds of acute kidney injury (odds ratio [OR] = 0.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.05-0.77). After confounding variables had been controlled for, formula feeding was independently associated with acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants.

Conclusion:

The study showed that, at our institution, acute kidney injury in the neonatal period is frequently associated with the avoidable procedure of formula feeding. Further prospective multicenter studies are needed to determine the generality of this association.
Replicating the networking, mentoring and venture creation benefits of entrepreneurship centres on a shoestring
Authors: Bell Robin , Bell Heather
Published: July 2016

As support for both university-level entrepreneurship education and the use of experiential learning methods to foster student entrepreneurs has increased, so too has the number of university-established or affiliated entrepreneurship centres. This study focuses on an activity designed to combine experiential learning methods with assets associated with entrepreneurship centres, including venture creation, networking and mentoring. Students were invited to participate in a competition in which they were guided through the business creation process and pitched their ideas to investor judges who chose the winner and provided capital start-up funding and consulting. In light of this research, the authors suggest that university faculty at institutions without entrepreneurship centres can organize experiences to provide the benefits of entrepreneurship centres. The study found through the use of interviews that many of the benefits of entrepreneurship centres could be replicated in this way. The specific project is outlined, outcomes are analysed and the results and lessons learned are discussed.
Dispersion control of the low-temperature sintering ceramic particles for liquid crystal display anti-glare cover glass by silk-screen printing method
Authors: Choi Jeongju
Published: July 2016

Anti-glare coatings on glass substrates were prepared by a silk-screen printing machine using a glass frits paste. The proposed method was achieved by dispersion control of the glass frits using silk-screen printing equipment, and the glass frits used was ZnO-B2O3-SiO2. To implement an anti-glare effect using ZnO-B2O3-SiO2 during tempering of liquid crystal display cover glasses, the specific parameters related to the anti-glare effect were analysed, and the performance of the proposed method in terms of the clarity and anti-glare effect was compared with that of an anti-glare film solution.
Altitude and attitude active disturbance rejection controller design of a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Dou Jingxin , Kong Xiangxi , Wen Bangchun
Published: July 2016

This paper presents a new active disturbance rejection controller to solve the altitude and attitude control problem for a quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. The proposed method requires only the output information of the system. Using the pitch subsystem as an example, the proposed controller is designed by using dynamic surface control strategy incorporated with tracking differentiator, and extended state observer, which is used to estimate the uncertain disturbance. The estimate states of extended state observer are used to design the dynamic surface control law for altitude and attitude tracking problem of the quadrotor unmanned aerial vehicle. The stability analysis proves that a sufficient condition of the asymptotic stability of the extended state observer is achieved, the asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system can be guaranteed, and the tracking feedback error can made arbitrarily small by adjusting the controller parameters. Several simulation results are presented to corroborate that the proposed control method has better effectiveness and robustness.
A study of the effect of projectile orientation on the results of ballistic impact tests as described in the EASA CS-25 regulations for fuel tank access covers
Authors: De Vuyst Tom , Vignjevic Rade , Azorin Albero Adrian , Campbell James C , Djordjevic Nenad , Hughes Kevin
Published: July 2016

This paper presents the results of an investigation of the ballistic limits and failure modes of AA2024-T351 sheets impacted with cubical projectiles. The experiment/test setup was based on EASA CS-25 regulations for fuel tank access covers. The effect of cube orientation on the ballistic limit and failure modes was considered in detail. A 25% variation in ballistic limit was observed with the lowest ballistic limit (202 m/s) observed for the cubical projectile edge impacted on the target. In the cube face impacts, the ballistic limit was higher (223 m/s), and the highest ballistic limit (254 m/s) was observed for the corner impact. The observed differences in the ballistic limit were due to differences in failure mechanism, which resulted in different localised deformations near the projectile impact point, but also led to differences in global dishing deformation.
Impact of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate on the uterus of adult Wistar rats
Authors: Somasundaram DB , Manokaran K , Selvanesan BC , Bhaskaran RS
Published: July 2016

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most common plasticizer used in polyvinyl chloride-based plastics. DEHP is not covalently bound to the plastics and is easily released to the environment, resulting in human exposure. In this study, the adult rats were exposed to DEHP and its effects on the uterus was evaluated. Healthy adult female rats were treated with DEHP orally (with dose level 0, 1, 10, and 100 mg/kg body weight/day) for 30 days. No significant changes in the body weight and wet uterine weight were observed. Ovarian hormones and their receptor levels in the uterus were increased. Histological studies exhibited the structural abnormalities such as decrease in diameter, thinning of the layers and disruption in the glandular epithelium.
Why are Chinese ethics declining?
Authors: Shang Di , Liu Guanchu , Cao Shixiong
Published: July 2016

Disorder seems inevitable when a social system changes. The Soviet Union’s collapse provided a recent example, and China is now providing a new example. During China’s transformation from a communist society with a centrally planned economy to a market-based socialist society, “ethical decline” has become an increasingly serious issue, and one that has high social and economic costs. Historical experience from many cultures shows that this ethical decline is not inherent to Chinese culture. Chinese ethics are being compromised by partnerships between government officials and businessmen who benefit at the expense of society because of a lack of monitoring of such relationships during China’s radical institutional change. This growing problem poses serious risks to China’s social stability and economic development. To solve the problem, it will be necessary to establish a sound legal framework and more effective monitoring and enforcement, rather than hoping for spontaneous evolution of stronger individual ethics.
Study on Supply Chain Issues in an Auto Component Manufacturing Organization: Case Study
Authors: Singh Rajesh K. , Sharma Hari Om , Garg Suresh K.
Published: July 2016

To face global challenges, most of the manufacturing organizations are trying to integrate their supply chain (SC). To make a SC sustainable under a dynamic scenario is a major challenge for organizations nowadays. The selection of appropriate SC practices plays a very important role in sustainable improvement of organizations’ performance. Major SC practices are information sharing, buyer– supplier relationships, distribution and logistics, long-term partnerships, etc. The intensity of these practices may vary from sector to sector. To analyze these supply chain management (SCM) practices and their impact on performance, a case study on an auto component manufacturing organization has been conducted. A situation–actor–process (SAP)–learning–action–performance (LAP) approach has been used in order to perform the case study. On the basis of SAP model, different learning issues have been analyzed in order to determine their impact on the performance of the SC of the organization. It is observed that major challenges faced by this organization are lack of advanced information technology (IT) and manufacturing systems, unreliable suppliers in terms of raw material quality and delivery time and inaccurate forecasting systems. The main SC practices being followed by this firm are collaborative planning and forecasting replenishment (CPFR), customer relationship management (CRM) and integrated inventory management to improve effectiveness of SC for facing global competition. By taking different initiatives, the firm has observed improvement in the overall performance in terms of cost and delivery on time. An important finding is that now Indian firms form their strategies taking sustainability into consideration, which is very important to sustain in global competition.
Using Apps to Develop Social Skills in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Withey Kristin L.
Published: July 2016

Social skills are critical to later success in school and adult life. Typically, children build these through interaction with caregivers and peers. However, some students, especially those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), demonstrate delays in this domain and require additional interventions. While there are a number of interventions that are effective for young children with socioemotional delays, there remains a paucity of research on the use of technology as a socioemotional intervention in early childhood. This column suggests that applications on mobile devices can allow students to learn the social and play expectations for a given dramatic play scenario, such as “Grocery Store.”
Using Metaphors to Facilitate Exploration of Emotional Content in Counseling With College Men
Authors: Genuchi Matthew C. , Hopper Brian , Morrison Charles R.
Published: July 2016

Mental health professionals in college counseling centers are increasingly interested in understanding the challenges of effectively working with male college students. Not all men are difficult to work with in therapy, but certain masculine gender role norms, particularly restricted emotionality, can create challenges to the therapeutic process. However, therapeutic metaphors that are familiar to male clients can provide a safe entry point to emotional topics. We describe a framework of using metaphors with college men that involves connecting with interests of male clients, establishing rapport, and facilitating a nonthreatening common language to develop metaphors for exploration of vulnerable emotions. Brief case examples are then used to illustrate effective implementation of therapeutic metaphors with traditional male clients experiencing difficulty with emotions.
What Makes Them Dubliners? James Joyce’s “An Encounter” and the Foundations of Masculinist Nationalism in Ireland
Authors: Elias Christopher Michael
Published: July 2016

This article performs a close reading of James Joyce’s “An Encounter,” the second story in Dubliners, in an effort to examine a key aspect of the story that has been heretofore overlooked: Joyce’s commentary on the role of masculinity in the construction of Irish identity. Since prior critical readings of “An Encounter” have focused almost exclusively on the final scenes of the narrative, the rest of the story has been given short shrift. By concentrating on only the perverted and homophobic aspects of the narrative, critics largely fail to recognize the themes of the story that are developed over the entirety of the text, not just its climax. The boys’ journey to the field and the other elements that Joyce uses to set the scene should not be seen as mere prologue; particularly noteworthy are the literary, pop-cultural, and religious references that pepper the first half of the text. A more holistic look at the events in “An Encounter” reveals a commentary not only on homosexuality and perversion but on broader topics such as masculinity, coming of age, the dissemination of sociocultural knowledge, and the construction of Irish national identity. In bringing those themes to the fore, I intend to explicate the way in which the experience of the English colonization of Ireland was written onto every aspect of an Irishman’s life, even the process of sexual maturation and gendered citizenship.
Operational Ideology and Party Identification
Authors: Chen Philip G. , Goren Paul N.
Published: July 2016

Conventional wisdom suggests that partisanship is the “unmoved mover” in the minds of American voters. Revisionist theories hold that party updating is conditional on individual/contextual factors. By delimiting the scope conditions of the Michigan model, revisionist models do not fundamentally challenge the classic view. This paper proffers an unconditional model of party revision. We theorize that beliefs about government activism—operational ideology—are widely available and heuristically efficacious, and easily map onto party labels. Hence, operational ideology should drive party updating. Using data from seven panel studies covering 1990–2012, we demonstrate that (1) party shapes operational ideology, (2) operational ideology shapes party, (3) the ideology-to-party effects are as large as the party-to-ideology effects, and (4) neither sophistication nor education or elite polarization condition these relationships. These results push the revisionist model of party farther than it has gone before and suggest that operational ideology is a core predisposition in mass belief systems.
Thyroid-Like Follicular Carcinoma of the Kidney
Authors: Muscara Matthew J. , Simper Novae B. , Gandia Edwin
Published: July 2016

Thyroid-like follicular carcinoma of the kidney (TLFCK) is a rare but emerging renal neoplasm that morphologically mimics follicular carcinoma of the thyroid but lacks immunohistochemical expression of thyroid markers such as TTF-1 and thyroglobulin. Here, a case of an incidentally discovered TLFCK in a 27-year-old man is reported. Histologic evaluation demonstrated an encapsulated proliferation of variably sized thyroid follicle-like epithelial-lined spaces filled with colloid-like eosinophilic secretions. Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed lack of expression of the thyroid markers TTF-1 and thyroglobulin with expression of PAX8 and CD10, confirming a neoplasm of renal origin, which correlated to the clinical and radiographic absence of thyroid pathology. In this report, this case is described with an emphasis on the differential diagnosis.
Framing Terror
Authors: Morin Aysel
Published: July 2016

The study identifies seven rhetorical strategies newspapers use to frame the acts of violence as terrorism or crime by comparatively analyzing the news coverage of the Ft. Hood and the Washington, D.C., Navy Yard shootings in three major newspapers. It examines the framing of the incidents, the strategies used to constitute the frames, the functions these strategies serve, and the media’s contribution to the discourse of terror.
Edge waves in a 3D plate: Two solutions based on plate mode matching
Authors: Feng Feilong , Shen Zhuangzhi , Shen Jianzhong
Published: July 2016

Edge waves in a three-dimensional plate are considered as the singularity cases of the obliquely incident and reflection fields of Lamb modes and horizontally polarized shear (SH) modes, solved by mode matching based on a real orthogonal relation or the boundary collocation technique. With that, the dispersion curves of the edge waves in a duralumin plate are evaluated. The leaky edge waves are predicted and the one corresponding to quasi-resonance at free-edge in a plane strain plate are verified together with the pure edge waves. The high-frequency features of the dispersion curves are discussed.
Non-Linear Pharmacokinetics of Atomoxetine in Adult Japanese Patients With ADHD
Authors: Sugimoto Atsunori , Suzuki Yutaro , Orime Naoki , Hayashi Taketsugu , Egawa Jun , Sugai Takuro , Inoue Yoshimasa , Someya Toshiyuki
Published: July 2016

Objective: The objective was to reveal the relationship between dose and concentration of atomoxetine. Method: Fifty-five blood samples of 33 patients with ADHD were examined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: The plasma concentrations were 53.2 ± 67.0, 298.0 ± 390.5, and 639.3 ± 831.9 ng/mL at doses of 40 mg, 80 mg, and 120 mg, and the concentration/dose were 1.33 ± 1.67, 3.73 ± 4.88, and 5.33 ± 6.93 ng/mL/mg, respectively. Statistical analyses revealed a significant correlation between the concentration and the dose of atomoxetine ( p = .004), and a trending toward significance in the difference in the concentration/dose in the three dosage groups ( p = .064). The concentration/dose at 40 and 80 + 120 mg/day were 1.33 ± 1.67 and 4.22 ± 5.53 ng/mL/mg, the latter was significantly higher than the former ( p = .006), which suggested non-linear pharmacokinetics. Conclusion: Clinicians should carefully titrate in high dose atomoxetine treatment.
Association Between Parenting Style and Socio-Emotional and Academic Functioning in Children With and Without ADHD: A Community-Based Study
Authors: Bhide Sampada , Sciberras Emma , Anderson Vicki , Hazell Philip , Nicholson Jan M.
Published: July 2016

Objective: In a community-based study, we examined parenting style and its relationship to functioning in 6- to 8-year-old children ( n = 391; 66.2% male) with ADHD ( n = 179), compared with non-ADHD controls ( n = 212). Method: Parenting style was assessed using parent-reported (93.5% female) measures of warmth, consistency, and anger. Child socio-emotional and academic functioning was measured via parent- and teacher-reported scales, and direct academic assessment. Results: Parents reported less consistency and more anger in the ADHD group compared with non-ADHD controls, with no differences in warmth. Parenting warmth, consistency, and anger were associated with parent-reported aspects of socio-emotional functioning for children with ADHD and non-ADHD controls, after adjusting for socio-demographic variables, externalizing comorbidities, and ADHD symptom severity. Parenting style was no longer related to academic functioning and most teacher-reported outcomes after adjustment. Conclusion: Generic parenting interventions that promote warm, consistent, and calm parenting may help alleviate socio-emotional impairments in children with ADHD.
Integrated care: theory to practice
Authors: Stokes Jonathan , Checkland Kath , Kristensen Søren Rud
Published: July 2016

‘Integrated care’ is pitched as the solution to current health system challenges. In the literature, what integrated care actually involves is complex and contested. Multi-disciplinary team case management is frequently the primary focus of integrated care when implemented internationally. We examine the practical application of integrated care in the NHS in England to exemplify the prevalence of the case management focus. We look at the evidence for effectiveness of multi-disciplinary team case management, for the focus on high-risk groups and for integrated care more generally. We suggest realistic expectations of what integration of care alone can achieve and additional research questions.
Patients’ perspective of a group intervention for perfectionism in anorexia nervosa: A qualitative study
Authors: Larsson Emma , Lloyd Samantha , Westwood Heather , Tchanturia Kate
Published: July 2016

This study aimed to explore the experiences of adults with anorexia nervosa who took part in a perfectionism group intervention in an inpatient setting. Thematic analysis was used to explore patient feedback collected in focus groups. Patient feedback was generally positive and centred around three main themes: perceived benefits of the group, the content of the group and suggested improvements. The findings suggest that a brief perfectionism group intervention is an acceptable treatment with a range of perceived benefits for patients with severe anorexia nervosa. Understanding patients’ experiences of the intervention can provide further important information to maximise therapeutic impact of the group in inpatient settings.
Diagnostic stability of autism spectrum disorder in toddlers prospectively identified in a community-based setting: Behavioural characteristics and predictors of change over time
Authors: Barbaro Josephine , Dissanayake Cheryl
Published: July 2016

Autism spectrum disorder diagnoses in toddlers have been established as accurate and stable across time in high-risk siblings and clinic-referred samples. Few studies have investigated diagnostic stability in children prospective identified in community-based settings. Furthermore, there is a dearth of evidence on the individual behaviours that predict diagnostic change over time. The stability and change of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were investigated from 24 to 48 months in 77 children drawn from the Social Attention and Communication Study. Diagnostic stability was high, with 88.3% overall stability and 85.5% autism spectrum disorder stability. The behavioural markers at 24 months that contributed to diagnostic shift off the autism spectrum by 48 months included better eye contact, more directed vocalisations, the integration of gaze and directed vocalisations/gestures and higher non-verbal developmental quotient. These four variables correctly predicted 88.7% of children into the autism spectrum disorder–stable and autism spectrum disorder–crossover groups overall, with excellent prediction for the stable group (96.2%) and modest prediction for the crossover group (44.4%). Furthermore, non-verbal developmental quotient at 24 months accounted for the significant improvement across time in ‘Social Affect’ scores on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule for both groups and was the only unique predictor of diagnostic crossover. These findings contribute to the body of evidence on the feasibility of diagnoses at earlier ages to facilitate children’s access to interventions to promote positive developmental outcomes.
Relationship between perceived limit-setting abilities, autism spectrum disorder severity, behaviour problems and parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Reed Phil , Howse Jessie , Ho Ben , Osborne Lisa A
Published: July 2016

Parenting stress in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is high and impacts perceptions about parenting. This study examined the relationship between parenting stress and observer-perceived limit-setting ability. Participants’ perceptions of other parents’ limit-setting ability were assessed by showing participants video clips of parenting behaviours. Mothers of 93 children with autism spectrum disorder completed an online survey regarding the severity of their own child’s autism spectrum disorder (Social Communication Questionnaire), their child’s behaviour problems (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) and their own levels of parenting stress (Questionnaire on Resources and Stress). They were shown five videos of other parents interacting with children with autism spectrum disorder and were asked to rate the limit-setting abilities observed in each video using the Parent–Child Relationship Inventory. Higher parenting stress negatively related to judgements about others’ limit-setting skills. This mirrors the literature regarding the relationship between self-reported parenting stress and rating child behaviour more negatively. It suggests that stress negatively impacts a wide range of judgements and implies that caution may be required when interpreting the results of studies in which parenting skills are assessed by self-report.
Experimental investigation on joints between steel-reinforced concrete T-shaped column and reinforced concrete beam under bidirectional low-cyclic reversed loading
Authors: Xiang Ping , Deng ZH , Su YS , Wang HP , Wan YF
Published: July 2016

Steel-reinforced concrete T-shaped column-beam structure system has superiorities of both steel-reinforced structure and special-shaped column structure. This research focuses on steel-reinforced concrete T-shaped column-beam joint design and experimentally investigates seismic behaviors of the proposed joints. Pseudo-static tests are carried out on three steel-reinforced concrete T-shaped column-reinforced concrete beam joints and one reinforced concrete T-shaped column-reinforced concrete beam joint. The experiments were conducted under bidirectional low-cyclic reversed loading to simulate realistic loading conditions under earthquake. Hysteresis loops of all the specimens, including load–deflection, moment–rotation, and load–shear deformation loops, are plotted for the evaluation of seismic reaction. The working index, ductility coefficient, and equivalent viscous-damping coefficient are calculated for comparisons. Meanwhile, the ductility, capacity of energy dissipation, stiffness degradation, and the function of steel reinforcement in resisting shear force in the joint core area are intensively studied. Based on experimental results, this research analyzes shear-resistant capacity and the inner force transmission in these joints. It is found that the steel-reinforced concrete T-shaped column-reinforced concrete beam joint performs well under seismic conditions; moreover, shear-resistant capacity, ductility, and reliability are satisfactory. Conclusions derived from this research are useful for engineering practice.