bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrating social class and privilege in the community medicine curriculum
Authors: Haymaker Christopher , Cadick Amber , Seavey Allison
Published: September 2017

Social class and privilege are hidden variables that impact the physician–patient relationship and health outcomes. This article presents a sample of activities from three programs utilized in the community health curriculum to teach resident physicians about patients within context, including how social class and privilege impact physician–patient relationships and patient health. These activities address resident physicians’ resistance to discussion of privilege, social class, and race by emphasizing direct experience and active learning rather than traditional didactic sessions. The group format of these activities fosters flexible discussion and personal engagement that provide opportunities for reflection. Each activity affords opportunities to develop a vocabulary for discussing social class and privilege with compassion and to adopt therapeutic approaches that are more likely to meet patients where they are.
Characterizing age-related positivity effects in situation selection
Authors: Sands Molly , Livingstone Kimberly M. , Isaacowitz Derek M.
Published: September 2017

Situation selection – choosing to enter or avoid situations based on how they will likely make you feel – is theorized to be a useful emotion regulation strategy, especially in older age. However, research on the use of situation selection for emotion regulation is limited, and the existing findings about age differences are mixed, with some studies finding age differences and others not. We investigated whether there are overall age differences in the types of emotional situations people select by conducting a “mini” meta-analysis to synthesize all existing data from a situation selection paradigm used in our laboratory. We also explored potential moderators of age differences in situation selection, including properties of the stimuli options and information available to participants. We did not find overall age differences in the emotional situations younger and older adults select, though age differences are larger in contexts in which emotional information is more relevant or highly arousing.
Practice makes perfect? The impact of coaching and moral stories on children’s lie-telling
Authors: Talwar Victoria , Yachison Sarah , Leduc Karissa , Nagar Pooja Megha
Published: September 2017

Children ( n = 202; 4 to 7 years old) witnessed a confederate break a toy and were asked to keep the transgression a secret. Children were randomly assigned to a Coaching condition (i.e., No Coaching, Light Coaching, or Heavy Coaching) and a Moral Story condition (i.e., Positive or Neutral). Overall, 89.7% of children lied about the broken toy when asked open-ended questions about the event. During direct questions, children in the Heavy Coaching condition lied more than children in the No Coaching and Light Coaching conditions. Older children were influenced by both Heavy Coaching and Light Coaching, whereas younger children were influenced only by Heavy Coaching. Children in the Positive Story condition were less likely to maintain their lies than those in the Neutral Story condition. An interaction between Coaching and Moral Story conditions influenced lie-maintenance.
Human Rights and Sports Mega-Events: The Role of Moral Disengagement in Spectators
Authors: Schofield Edward , Rhind Daniel J. A. , Blair Richard
Published: September 2017

Human rights issues such as freedom of speech, equality, and displacement are repeatedly connected with the hosting of sports mega-events. Governments and event organizers require public backing to ensure these events remain sustainable; this study provides an explanation as to how the general populations continue to provide this support in spite of these concerns through the framework of Bandura’s social cognitive theory of moral agency. Four focus groups consisting of 18 individuals who had attended a sports mega-event were carried out using a semistructured format, covering the topics of freedom, protection, access, equality, and ability. Subsequently, the data were analyzed deductively using definitions of the mechanisms of moral disengagement. The findings provide preliminary evidence of moral disengagement in members of the public who support sports mega-events. Implications for human rights organizations and other key stakeholders are discussed.
Procedural Justice, Job Satisfaction and Organizational Citizenship Behaviour: Mediating Role of Organizational Trust—Indian Tourism Industry Study
Authors: Yadav Lalit Kumar , Gupta Pawan
Published: September 2017

This study attempts to understand job satisfaction (JS) and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in relation to procedural justice (PJ). It also studies the mechanism through which PJ is likely to influence the dependent variables. On the basis of existing literature, organizational trust is identified as the mediating instrument through which PJ may affect JS and OCB.

A survey-based design was used to collect data from 204 employees in the National Capital Region of Delhi. The respondents were working in organizations that broadly encompass the tourism industry. Correlation, regression and hierarchical multiple regression were used to test the model in the study. The mediation model was also tested using the bias-corrected percentile method with 5000 bootstrap samples.

The results of the study corroborated with the previous findings and the stated hypotheses, with the exception that organizational trust was found not to mediate the relation between PJ and OCB. Some significant implications for managers and organizations can be gauged from this study. Managers must work towards establishing fair procedures in all aspects of organizational functioning. They should also decipher the attributes of organizational trust which are perceived as valuable by the employees.
Age of donor of human mesenchymal stem cells affects structural and functional recovery after cell therapy following ischaemic stroke
Authors: Yamaguchi Susumu , Horie Nobutaka , Satoh Katsuya , Ishikawa Takeshi , Mori Tsuyoshi , Maeda Hajime , Fukuda Yuhtaka , Ishizaka Shunsuke , Hiu Takeshi , Morofuji Yoichi , Izumo Tsuyoshi , Nishida Noriyuki , Matsuo Takayuki
Published: September 2017

Cell transplantation therapy offers great potential to improve impairments after stroke. However, the importance of donor age on therapeutic efficacy is unclear. We investigated the regenerative capacity of transplanted cells focusing on donor age (young vs. old) for ischaemic stroke. The quantities of human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) secreted brain-derived neurotrophic factor in vitro and of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 at day 7 in vivo were both significantly higher for young hMSC compared with old hMSC. Male Sprague-Dawley rats subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion that received young hMSC (trans-arterially at 24 h after stroke) showed better behavioural recovery with prevention of brain atrophy compared with rats that received old hMSC. Histological analysis of the peri-infarct cortex showed that rats treated with young hMSC had significantly fewer microglia and more vessels covered with pericytes. Interestingly, migration of neural stem/progenitor cells expressing Musashi-1 positively correlated with astrocyte process alignment, which was more pronounced for young hMSC. Aging of hMSC may be a critical factor that affects cell therapy outcomes, and transplantation of young hMSC appears to provide better functional recovery through anti-inflammatory effects, vessel maturation, and neurogenesis potentially by the dominance of trophic factor secretion.
Blunted cerebrovascular response is associated with elevated beta-amyloid
Authors: Sisante Jason-Flor V , Vidoni Eric D , Kirkendoll Kiersten , Ward Jaimie , Liu Yumei , Kwapiszeski Sarah , Maletsky Rebecca , Burns Jeffrey M , Billinger Sandra A
Published: September 2017

The goal of this study was to explore the association of beta-amyloid accumulation and cerebrovascular response (CVR) in cognitively normal older adults. Beta-amyloid accumulation was characterized with [18F] Florbetapir positron emission tomography scans. CVR was calculated as middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity change from rest to moderate intensity exercise. We found that individuals with elevated beta-amyloid aggregation had a blunted CVR ( n = 25, age 70.1 ± 4.8; 3.3 ± 3.7 cm/s) compared to non-elevated individuals ( n = 45, age 72.0 ± 4.9; 7.2 ± 5.0 cm/s, p < 0.001). Further, greater beta-amyloid burden was linearly associated with less CVR across all participants (b = −11.7, p < 0.001). Greater CVR and less beta-amyloid burden were associated with processing speed ( p < 0.05). This study is the first to show that CVR from rest to exercise is blunted across increased global beta-amyloid burden.
(Dis)entangling Barad: Materialisms and ethics
Authors: Hollin Gregory , Forsyth Isla , Giraud Eva , Potts Tracey
Published: September 2017

In the wake of the widespread uptake of and debate surrounding the work of Karen Barad, this article revisits her core conceptual contributions. We offer descriptions, elaborations, problematizations and provocations for those intrigued by or invested in this body of work. We examine Barad’s use of quantum physics, which underpins her conception of the material world. We discuss the political strengths of this position but also note tensions associated with applying quantum physics to phenomena at macro-scales. We identify both frictions and unacknowledged affinities with science and technology studies in Barad’s critique of reflexivity and her concept of diffraction. We flesh out Barad’s overarching position of ‘agential realism’, which contains a revised understanding of scientific apparatuses. Building upon these discussions, we argue that inherent in agential realism is both an ethics of inclusion and an ethics of exclusion. Existing research has, however, frequently emphasized entanglement and inclusion to the detriment of foreclosure and exclusion. Nonetheless, we contend that it is in the potential for an ethics of exclusion that Barad’s work could be of greatest utility within science and technology studies and beyond.
Fully stressed design of beam cross-section: The analytical solution
Authors: Ragnedda F , Serra M
Published: September 2017

In this paper, we find the exact form of the contour of a fully stressed double symmetrical beam cross-section, in the frame of strength of materials theory, and show that there exist two horizontal asymptotes, so that the cross-section contour is not a limited function but its area is finite.
A review on the machining of fiber-reinforced polymeric laminates
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy R
Published: September 2017

Machining is an inevitable task after processing a material. Among the different materials, fiber-reinforced plastics are used as structural materials in different industries. Compared to conventional materials, fiber-reinforced plastics are less hard by its nature. Due to this reason, the cutting force required during machining a plastic material is lesser than that of other materials. Although the cutting force is less, the influence of other machining parameters on the ease of machining is to be investigated in order to reduce the machining time and cost. Hence, a review on the machining associated successes and failures will be helpful for the manufacturing sectors and researchers in line with the machinability. This review provides a detailed picture of various issues dealt during machining a plastic material. The influences of manufacturing methods on the machinability and machinability measurement methods are comprehensively addressed. In addition, this review also discusses about the influences of machining parameters and optimum conditions for machining. The review also addresses various statistical methods used, machinability enhancement methods adopted, and unconventional methods used in the various researches.
Variance in Teacher Ratings of Children’s Adjustment
Authors: Rowe Ellen W. , Curby Timothy W. , Kim Helyn
Published: September 2017

This study examined the variance in teacher ratings attributable to teacher, occasion, and child on the original Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC). Teachers rated approximately 1,100 girls (52%) and boys (48%) at four public elementary schools over 3 years. About half of the students were rated twice and about a seventh 3 times. Approximately 30% of students were White, 50% African American, 9% Hispanic, 2% multiracial, and 2% Asian. Children were in kindergarten to fifth grade. Cross-classified random effects models were used to account for multiple occasions of data nested within both children and teachers. Overall, the child accounted for the largest amount of variance in ratings (52.3%) followed by occasion (34.2%) and teacher (13.5%). However, large differences existed across composites and scales. The findings suggest that teachers’ ratings of adaptive competencies, externalizing behaviors, and school problems are based primarily on child behavior/characteristics. Ratings of internalizing problems may be more situational.
Working Memory Power Test for Children
Authors: Chalmers Kerry A. , Freeman Emily E.
Published: September 2017

Low working memory (WM) capacity has been linked to poor academic performance and problem behavior. Availability of easy-to-administer screening tests would facilitate early detection of WM deficits. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Working Memory Power Test for Children (WMPT) in 170 Australian schoolchildren (8½-11 years). Reliability (internal consistency) and validity of WMPT accuracy scores were examined. WMPT accuracy predicted achievement in reading, numeracy, and spelling. The results provide preliminary evidence of reliability and validity that supports interpretation of the WMPT accuracy score. With additional research, the WMPT could be valuable as an easy-to-administer screener for WM deficits.
Does School Climate Mean the Same Thing in the United States as in Mexico? A Focus on Measurement Invariance
Authors: Shukla Kathan D. , Waasdorp Tracy E. , Lindstrom Johnson Sarah , Orozco Solis Mercedes Gabriela , Nguyen Amanda J. , Rodríguez Cecilia Colunga , Bradshaw Catherine P.
Published: September 2017

School climate is an important construct for guiding violence prevention efforts in U.S. schools, but there has been less consideration of this concept in its neighboring country Mexico, which has a higher prevalence of violence. The U.S. Department of Education outlined a three-domain conceptualization of school climate (i.e., safe and supportive schools model) that includes engagement, safety, and the school environment. To examine the applicability of this school climate model in Mexico, the present study tested its measurement invariance across middle school students in the United States ( n = 15,099) and Mexico ( n = 2,211). Findings supported full invariance for engagement and modified-safety scales indicating that factor loadings and intercepts contributed almost equally to factor means, and scale scores were comparable across groups. Partial invariance was found for the environment scales. Results of a multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MGCFA) consisting of all 13 school climate scales indicated significantly positive associations among all scales in the U.S. sample and among most scales in the Mexico sample. Implications of these findings are discussed.
The Practical Logic of Political Domination: Conceptualizing the Clientelist Habitus
Authors: Auyero Javier , Benzecry Claudio
Published: September 2017

This article aims to redirect the study of patronage politics toward its quotidian character and acknowledge the key role played by brokers’ strong ties with their closest followers to better understand and explain the practical features of clientelist domination. This article argues that clientelist politics occur during routine daily life and that most loyal clients’ behavior should be understood and explained neither as the product of rational action nor the outcome of normative behavior but as generated by a clientelist habitus, a set of cognitive and affective political dispositions manufactured in the repeated interactions that take place within brokers’ inner circles of followers. The article also has as a secondary objective to contribute to dispositional sociology through the conceptualization of the clientelist habitus. It does so by showing the active work agents engage in as they prevent disjunctures provoked by what Bourdieu calls the “hysteresis effect.”
Measurement of Sedentary Behaviors or “Downtime” in Rett Syndrome
Authors: Stahlhut Michelle , Hill Kylie , Bisgaard Anne-Marie , Jensen Anne Kjersgaard , Andersen Michaela , Leonard Helen , Downs Jenny
Published: September 2017

This study aimed to validate measures of sedentary time in individuals with Rett syndrome. Twenty-six individuals (median [IQR] age 16.0 (9.4-20.6) years) wore an activPAL accelerometer during video-taped activities and agreement was determined between sedentary time determined by the activPAL and observation. For 11 individuals (median [IQR] age 14.5 (11.5-25.6) years), linear regression was used to determine the relationship between sedentary time recorded on the modified Bouchard activity record diary card and measured using the activPAL. In comparison to observation, the activPAL accurately measured duration of sedentary time with a mean difference (limit of agreement) of –1.0 (6.3) minutes. The duration of Bouchard activity record downtime accounted for 73% of the variance of sedentary time measured by the activPAL (coefficient 0.762, 95% CI 0.413 to 1.111). These data provide clinicians and caregivers with capacity to investigate strategies that would aim to increase activity in the nonexercise component of the activity continuum.
Linking the Sectoral Employment Structure and Household Poverty in the United Kingdom
Authors: Sissons Paul , Green Anne E , Lee Neil
Published: September 2017

Structural changes in the labour markets of developed economies, and changes in their institutional characteristics, have led to growing unease about the nature of low-paid employment. Related concerns have been expressed about the persistence of low pay, the fragmentation of work and the growth of under-employment. While all these factors have potential implications for individuals’ earnings, less is known about the connection between labour market change, patterns of sectoral growth and decline, and household poverty outcomes. This article shows distinct patterns of poverty outcomes by sector of employment, after controlling for other factors. However, household characteristics, in particular the presence of a second earner, do strongly mitigate the poverty risk. Overall, the findings demonstrate that policymakers need to develop a coherent policy towards poverty that recognises the nature of jobs growth and the distribution of ‘good jobs’ across households.
Robust adaptive attitude tracking coordination control for spacecraft formation with unknown time-varying inertia
Authors: Zhu Zhihao , Guo Yu
Published: September 2017

This paper investigates robust adaptive coordinated attitude tracking issue for spacecraft formation flying system with nonrigid and rigid spacecraft under directed communication topology, where the inertia and external disturbances are totally unknown time-varying. A novel robust adaptive attitude tracking coordination control algorithm is proposed to regulate the attitude of the spacecraft to a common time-varying reference state. The control law is robust adaptive against external disturbances and time-varying inertia under the directed topology. In addition, a dynamic adjustment function is designed to limit the amplitude of control torque. Simulation results validate the effectiveness of the presented control algorithm and better control performance when compared with an adaptive control scheme.
Effects of location, shape and width of a suction slot on the water removal performance of a hollow stator blade
Authors: Li Liang , Wu Xiaoming , Yang Jiandao , Feng Zhenping
Published: September 2017

Experimental tests were implemented on a wet steam test rig to investigate the effects of location, shape and width of a suction slot on the water removal performance of a hollow stator blade. A straight cascade with varying outlet Mach numbers and suction pressure differences was used for the tests. The inlet flow conditions were consistent with the real running condition before the last stage stator of a 1000-MW nuclear steam turbine. Results show that the flow Mach number and suction pressure difference affect the amount of water removed. A moderate increase in the suction pressure difference triggers water film vaporisation, which decreases water removal performance. The amount of water removed continuously increases, as the slot location moves from 0.24 to 0.42 times the axial chord in the suction surface. Compared with the straight slot, the step-shaped slot cannot improve the water removal performance. On the contrary, the result is poor when the Mach number is above 0.7 because additional sharp corner leads to more serious water vaporisation. A suction slot with an arc-shaped inlet significantly improves the water removal performance by eliminating water film vaporisation under the test conditions. A 0.35-mm-width suction slot is apt to allow water film across, and a 2-mm-width suction slot cannot form an effective suction pressure difference along the slot height, both leading to poor water removal performance. Meanwhile, 0.7- and 1-mm-width suction slots promote good water removal performance, but the latter is less affected by water vaporisation.
The process of developing decentralised energy policies in the City of London
Authors: Lazarević Andjela
Published: September 2017

Unlike developing countries, advanced economies combine top-down and bottom-up approach for strategic planning and consider energy policy in the wider scope of spatial planning. In order to better align planning policies in different sectors, the authorities have transferred decision making from the central government to the local communities. This paper provides a brief overview of the London’s strategic spatial and energy policies, examining how they fit within more general visions and objectives. Past and future approaches to the spatial and energy planning were also analysed, with respect to the legal documents that supported actions of different government levels. This paper presents decentralised energy planning and supply in London, highlighting the significance of experience and lessons learned in the development of decentralised energy options for developing countries, willing to engage their resources to contribute to a low carbon economy in accordance with their financial and other possibilities.
Borrowing for social security? Credit, asset-based welfare and the decline of the German savings regime
Authors: Mertens Daniel
Published: September 2017

This article investigates the question to what extent Germany fits into the recent trend of credit-based social policy that has originated in Anglophone economies. In the course of the financial crisis and with its preceding increase in private indebtedness in mind, a growing number of scholars have argued that loans to households have become a central component of contemporary welfare states. Because of comprehensive savings-promotion schemes, high levels of public welfare provision and a low homeownership rate, the German welfare state conventionally figures as the paradigmatic counter case to this intensifying relation between welfare and finance. This article argues, to the contrary, that one can observe the rise of credit-based social policy in Germany due to the gradual erosion of savings promotion, the expansion of quasi-public loan schemes and the restructuring of the welfare state since the mid-1970s. Based on document and statistical analysis, the article evaluates reform trajectories in the field of pensions, education and healthcare to substantiate this claim. Within the current low-interest rate environment in the Eurozone, the developments combined might well challenge the traditional savings-oriented features of the German welfare state and its political economy.
Performance tests and modeling on high damping magnetorheological elastomers based on bromobutyl rubber
Authors: Xu Zhao-Dong , Suo Si , Zhu Jun-Tao , Guo Ying-Qing
Published: September 2017

A new kind of magnetorheological elastomer with the matrix of the bromobutyl rubber is developed. The magnetoviscoelasticity properties of the magnetorheological elastomer specimens are investigated with respect to different magnetic fields, displacement amplitudes, and frequencies under sinusoidal loadings. The experimental results show that the shear storage modulus and the loss factor of magnetorheological elastomers increase with the increasing magnetic field, excitation frequency, and the weight fraction of particles, but decrease with the increasing strain amplitude, and the magnetorheological elastomers have a high loss factor which can reach to 0.682. Then, a microphysical model based on the assumption of the chi-square distribution of the distance between adjacent ferromagnetic particles is proposed, which can eliminate the error generated by the assumption of the uniform distribution and describe the magnetorheological effect more exactly. Based on the proposed microphysical model, the magnetoviscoelasticity parameter model is modified to describe the dynamic properties of magnetorheological elastomers. It can be concluded from comparison between the numerical and experimental results that the modified magnetoviscoelasticity parameter model can describe the magnetorheological elastomer’s performance well.
Trade Partnerships and Environmental Performance in Developing Countries
Authors: Gamso Jonas
Published: September 2017

A large scholarship surrounds the relationship between trade and the environment, with much of it centering on whether trade produces a race to the bottom or a race to the top in the environments of developing countries. While the effects of trade on key pollutants and on specific environmental policies have been widely attended to, scholars have not yet considered if and how trade impacts developing nations’ environmental performance, broadly speaking. This is a critical matter, as the effects of trade on the environment can only be appreciated fully through holistic assessment of the environment and environmental protection. The study that follows helps to fill this void through analysis of an all-inclusive measure of environmental performance that encompasses indicators of policy and practice. Findings demonstrate that exporting to the United States and the European Union improves environmental performance in developing countries; however, no such effect accompanies trade with other countries.
Research-Based Practices for Reintegrating Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders From the Juvenile Justice System
Authors: Mathur Sarup R. , Griller Clark Heather , LaCroix Leslie , Short James
Published: September 2017

This article discusses the unique and influential role of school teachers in the rehabilitation and reintegration of students with emotional and behavioral disorders who have been involved with the juvenile justice (JJ) system. By adopting evidenced-based practices, highlighted within this article, teachers can prevent further escalation of students’ negative behaviors and repeated involvement in the JJ system.
“Reclaiming” Disability in Critical Qualitative Research: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Lester Jessica Nina , Nusbaum Emily A.
Published: September 2017

This article introduces the special issue, “Reclaiming” Disability in Critical Qualitative Research, which aims to center disability and disabled people in critical qualitative research. More particularly, we highlight here how the articles included in this special issue collectively consider new possibilities for the place and practice of critical qualitative methodologies and methods in research involving disabled people. We begin this introduction by discussing the meaning of reclaiming disability and foreground the importance of critical qualitative inquiry. Then, we offer a brief discussion of the interdisciplinary field of disability studies and the fruitful possibilities for its generative intra-action with critical qualitative research. In doing so, we also point to the often taken-for-granted ableist practices that have historically been used in qualitative research. Finally, we offer a brief overview of the articles included in the special issue and conclude with a call for consideration of next steps for the qualitative research community.
Knowing Through Tripping: A Performative Praxis for Co-Constructing Knowledge as a Disabled Halfie
Authors: Chaudhry Vandana
Published: September 2017

This article reflects on a performative praxis entailing cultural, symbolic, embodied, and political processes involved in negotiating difference and sameness from the perspective of doing disability research in India as a disabled “halfie.” Based on my own disability experience that disrupted binaries between insider and outsider, I argue that researchers’ disability identities themselves may not be sufficient for becoming an insider to the disability community, due to varying intersectional and cultural contexts. Exposing inadequacies of the liberal disability studies methodology in the social sciences, I draw from critical qualitative methods rooted in performative, postcolonial, and critical ethnography to address questions of positionality and reflexivity, facilitating similitude and knowledge production.
A lower bound of longitudinal elastic modulus for three-phase fibrous composites
Authors: Venetis J , Sideridis E
Published: September 2017

A lower bound of the longitudinal elastic modulus of polymer composite materials reinforced with unidirectional continuous fibres is obtained by means of a Differential Calculus approach. In the mathematical derivations, the concept of interphase between the fibre and matrix was also taken into consideration. The three phases are considered as isotropic. The results obtained from the proposed formula were compared with those arising from some reliable and accurate theoretical models as well as with experimental data found in the literature, and a reasonable agreement was observed.
Acceptance of home blood glucose monitoring by owners of recently diagnosed diabetic cats and impact on quality of life changes in cat and owner
Authors: Hazuchova Katarina , Gostelow Ruth , Scudder Christopher , Forcada Yaiza , Church David B , Niessen Stijn JM
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the acceptance of home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM) by owners of recently diagnosed diabetic cats, and the impact of choosing HBGM on the quality of life (QoL) changes of cat and owner, in addition to glycaemic changes during 6 months of follow-up.

Methods

Owners of cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) and treated with insulin for 6–20 weeks were divided into an HBGM group and a non-HBGM group, based on their ability and willingness to perform HBGM after a standardised instruction session. The HBGM acceptance level and reasons for acceptance failure were documented; a questionnaire evaluated owners’ experiences. For the following 6 months, changes in QoL, measured using the validated DIAQoL-pet quantification tool, and changes in glycaemic control parameters (clinical signs, serum fructosamine, blood glucose curve average/minimal/maximal/pre-insulin blood glucose) were compared between HBGM and non-HBGM groups at months 1, 3 and 6, as well as within the groups between baseline and months 1, 3 and 6.

Results

Thirty-eight cats were enrolled; 28 (74%) entered the HBGM group. There was no significant difference between groups in overall DIAQoL-pet score or glycaemic control parameters at any time point apart from the maximal blood glucose at month 6 (lower in the HBGM group). However, the DIAQoL-pet score, including indicators of owner worry about DM, worry about hypoglycaemia and costs, as well as glycaemic parameters, improved at all time points within the HBGM group but not within the non-HBGM group. Remission occurred in 9/28 (32%) HBGM group cats and 1/10 (10%) non-HBGM group cats ( P = 0.236).

Conclusions and relevance

HBGM was adopted successfully by most diabetic cat owners. Despite the extra task, positive changes in QoL parameters occurred in the HBGM group and not in the non-HBGM group. Although no difference was found in glycaemic control between the HBGM and non-HBGM groups during the 6 months of follow-up, significant glycaemic improvements were documented in the HBGM group.
Low-velocity impact behaviour of titanium honeycomb sandwich structures
Authors: Xie Zonghong , Zhao Wei , Wang Xinnian , Hang Jiutao , Yue Xishan , Zhou Xiang
Published: September 2017

Titanium honeycomb sandwich structures are gradually used in newly developed aircrafts in China. In this study, low-velocity impact tests on the titanium honeycomb sandwich structures were carried out to obtain the impact dynamic response and investigate the typical impact damage modes and parameters including the depths and diameters of the facesheet indentation and the core crushing region. The test results showed that the maximum contact force, the diameter and depth of the indentation had strong positive correlations to the impact energy. Numerical analysis was also conducted to study the low-velocity impact behaviour of the titanium honeycomb sandwich structures by using parametric finite element models that contained all the geometric and the structural details of the titanium honeycomb cores. The numerical results successfully captured the typical low-velocity impact damage modes of the titanium sandwich structures, similar to those observed in the tests. The predicted impact dynamic response also agreed very well with the test data. By using the validated finite element models, a parameter sensitivity study on the effects of the structural parameters on the low-velocity impact damage behaviour of the titanium sandwich structures was conducted. The parametric analysis results showed that the impactor diameter, the facesheet thickness and the core cell wall thickness had positive effect on the maximum contact force, and negative effect on the indentation depth, while the height of the honeycomb core had positive effect on the contact force, but little influence on the indentation depth.
Circulating lymphocyte levels and relationship with infection status in patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis treated with daclizumab beta
Authors: Giovannoni Gavin , Wiendl Heinz , Turner Benjamin , Umans Kimberly , Mokliatchouk Oksana , Castro-Borrero Wanda , Greenberg Steven J , McCroskery Peter , Giannattasio Giorgio
Published: September 2017

Background:

Reversible lymphocyte count reductions have occurred following daclizumab beta treatment for relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis.

Objective:

To analyse total and differential lymphocyte levels and relationship with infection status.

Methods:

In DECIDE, blood samples were collected at 12-week intervals from daclizumab beta- ( n = 919) or intramuscular interferon beta-1a–treated ( n = 922) patients. Infections/serious infections were assessed proximate to grade 2/3 lymphopenia or low CD4+/CD8+ T-cell counts. Total safety population (TSP) data were additionally analysed from the entire clinical development programme ( n = 2236).

Results:

Over 96 weeks in DECIDE, mean absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell counts decreased <10% (7.1% vs 1.6%, 9.7% vs 2.0%, 9.3% vs 5.9%: daclizumab beta vs interferon beta-1a, respectively); shifts to ALC below lower limit of normal occurred in 13% versus 15%, respectively. Grade 3 lymphopenia was uncommon (TSP: <1%) and transient. Lymphocyte changes generally occurred within 24 weeks after treatment initiation and were reversible within 12 weeks of discontinuation. In DECIDE, mean CD4+/CD8+ T-cell counts were similar regardless of infection status. TSP data were consistent with DECIDE.

Conclusion:

When observed, ALC and CD4+/CD8+ T-cell count decreases in daclizumab beta–treated patients were generally mild-to-modest, reversible upon treatment discontinuation and not associated with increased risk of infections, including opportunistic infections.
Fatigue in multiple sclerosis: The contribution of resting-state functional connectivity reorganization
Authors: Bisecco Alvino , Nardo Federica Di , Docimo Renato , Caiazzo Giuseppina , d’Ambrosio Alessandro , Bonavita Simona , Capuano Rocco , Sinisi Leonardo , Cirillo Mario , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Gallo Antonio
Published: September 2017

Objectives:

To investigate resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) of the default-mode network (DMN) and of sensorimotor network (SMN) network in relapsing remitting (RR) multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with fatigue (F) and without fatigue(NF).

Methods:

In all, 59 RRMS patients and 29 healthy controls (HC) underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) protocol including resting-state fMRI (RS-fMRI). Functional connectivity of the DMN and SMN was evaluated by independent component analysis (ICA). A linear regression analysis was performed to explore whether fatigue was mainly driven by changes observed in the DMN or in the SMN. Regional gray matter atrophy was assessed by voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

Results:

Compared to HC, F-MS patients showed a stronger RS-FC in the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) and a reduced RS-FC in the anterior cingulated cortex (ACC) of the DMN. F-MS patients, compared to NF-MS patients, revealed (1) an increased RS-FC in the PCC and a reduced RS-FC in the ACC of the DMN and (2) an increased RS-FC in the primary motor cortex and in the supplementary motor cortex of the SMN. The regression analysis suggested that fatigue is mainly driven by RS-FC changes of the DMN.

Conclusions:

Fatigue in RRMS is mainly associated to a functional rearrangement of non-motor RS networks.
Gender identity and sexual orientation in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: George Rita , Stokes Mark A
Published: September 2017

Clinical impressions indicate that there is an overrepresentation of gender-dysphoria within the autism spectrum disorder. However, little is presently known about the demographics of gender-identity issues in autism spectrum disorder. Based upon what little is known, we hypothesized that there would be an increased prevalence of gender-dysphoria among those with autism spectrum disorder compared to a typically developing population. We surveyed gender-dysphoria with the Gender-Identity/Gender-Dysphoria Questionnaire among 90 males and 219 females with autism spectrum disorder and compared these rates to those of 103 males and 158 females without autism spectrum disorder. When compared to typically developing individuals, autistic individuals reported a higher number of gender-dysphoric traits. Rates of gender-dysphoria in the group with autism spectrum disorder were significantly higher than reported in the wider population. Mediation analysis found that the relationship between autistic traits and sexual orientation was mediated by gender-dysphoric traits. Results suggest that autism spectrum disorder presents a unique experience to the formation and consolidation of gender identity, and for some autistic individuals, their sexual orientation relates to their gender experience. It is important that clinicians working with autism spectrum disorder are aware of the gender-diversity in this population so that the necessary support for healthy socio-sexual functioning and mental well-being is provided.
Problems managed and medications prescribed during encounters with people with autism spectrum disorder in Australian general practice
Authors: Birch Rachael C , Foley Kitty-Rose , Pollack Allan , Britt Helena , Lennox Nicholas , Trollor Julian N
Published: September 2017

Autism spectrum disorder is associated with high rates of co-occurring health conditions. While elevated prescription rates of psychotropic medications have been reported in the United Kingdom and the United States, there is a paucity of research investigating clinical and prescribing practices in Australia. This study describes the problems managed and medications prescribed by general practitioners in Australia during encounters where an autism spectrum disorder was recorded. Information was collected from 2000 to 2014 as part of the Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health programme. Encounters where patients were aged less than 25 years and autism spectrum disorder was recorded as one of the reasons for encounter and/or problems managed ( n = 579) were compared to all other Bettering the Evaluation and Care of Health programme encounters with patients aged less than 25 years ( n = 281,473). At ‘autism spectrum disorder’ encounters, there was a significantly higher management rate of psychological problems, and significantly lower management rates of skin, respiratory and general/unspecified problems, than at ‘non-autism spectrum disorder’ encounters. The rate of psychological medication prescription was significantly higher at ‘autism spectrum disorder’ encounters than at ‘non-autism spectrum disorder’ encounters. The most common medications prescribed at ‘autism spectrum disorder’ encounters were antipsychotics and antidepressants. Primary healthcare providers need adequate support and training to identify and manage physical and mental health concerns among individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
Preliminary efficacy of a daily living skills intervention for adolescents with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Duncan Amie , Ruble Lisa A , Meinzen-Derr Jareen , Thomas Carrie , Stark Lori J
Published: September 2017

Daily living skills deficits are strongly associated with poor adult outcomes for individuals with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder, and yet, there are no group interventions targeting daily living skills. Seven adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their parents participated in a feasibility pilot of a 12-week manualized group treatment targeting specific daily living skills (i.e. morning routine, cooking, laundry, and money management). Outcomes included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (Vineland-II) age equivalence scores and four goal attainment scaling scores. Adolescents demonstrated significant improvement on two Vineland-II subdomains and on all goal attainment scaling scores at post-treatment and 6-month follow-up. The intervention has promise for improving critical daily living skills’ deficits that affect independent living and employment. Limitations and implications for future studies are discussed.
Planning future care services: Analyses of investments in Norwegian municipalities
Authors: Hagen Terje P. , Tingvold Laila
Published: September 2017

Aims: To analyse whether the Norwegian Central Government’s goal of subsidizing 12,000 places in nursing homes or sheltered housing using an earmarked grant was reached and to determine towards which group of users the planned investments were targeted. Methods: Data from the investment plans at municipal level were provided by the Norwegian Housing Bank and linked to variables describing the municipalities’ financial situation as well as variables describing the local needs for services provided by Statistics Norway. Using regression analyses we estimated the associations between municipal characteristics and planned investments in total and by type of care place. Results: The Norwegian Central Government reached its goal of giving subsidies to 12,000 new or rebuilt places in nursing homes and sheltered housing. A total of 54% of the subsidies (6878 places) were given to places in nursing homes. About 7500 places were available by the end of the planning period and the rest were under construction. About 50% of the places were planned for user groups aged <67 years and 23% of the places for users aged <25 years. One-third of the places were planned for users with intellectual disabilities. Investments in nursing homes were correlated with the share of the population older than 80 years and investments in sheltered houses were correlated with the share of users with intellectual disabilities. Conclusions: Earmarked grants to municipalities can be adequate measures to affect local resource allocation and thereby stimulate investments in future care. With the current institutional setup the municipalities adapt investments to local needs.
Self-rated health and social capital in Iraqi immigrants to Sweden: The MEDIM population-based study
Authors: Bennet Louise , Lindström Martin
Published: September 2017

Objectives: Poor self-rated health is an estimator of quality of life and a predictor of mortality seldom studied in immigrant populations. This work aimed to study self-rated health in relation to social capital, socioeconomic status, lifestyle and comorbidity in immigrants from Iraq – one of the largest non-European immigrant group in Sweden today – and to compare it with the self-rated health of native Swedes. Design: The study was a cross-sectional population-based study conducted from 2010 to 2012 among citizens of Malmö, Sweden, aged 30–65 years and born in Iraq or Sweden. All participants underwent a health examination and answered questionnaires on self-rated health, social capital, comorbidity, lifestyle and socioeconomic status. Results: In total, 1348 Iraqis and 677 Swedes participated. Poor self-rated health was identified in 43.9% of Iraqis and 21.9% of native Swedes ( p<0.001), with the highest prevalence (55.5%) among Iraqi women. Low social capital was highly prevalent in the immigrants. Female gender showed higher odds of poor self-rated health in Iraqis than in Swedes (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4–2.5, pinteraction=0.024), independent of other risk factors connected to social capital, socioeconomic status, lifestyle or comorbidity. Conclusions: Although public health initiatives promoting social capital, socioeconomic status and comorbidity in immigrants are crucial, the excess risk of poor self-rated health in Iraqi women is not fully attributed to known risk factors for self-rated health, but remains to be further explored.
How journalists use social media in France and the United States: Analyzing technology use across journalistic fields
Authors: Powers Matthew , Vera-Zambrano Sandra
Published: September 2017

This article examines journalists’ use of social media in France and the United States. Through in-depth interviews, we show that shared practical sensibilities lead journalists in both countries to use social media to accomplish routine tasks (e.g. gather information, monitor sources, and develop story ideas). At the same time, we argue that the incorporation of social media into daily practice also creates opportunities for journalists to garner peer recognition and that these opportunities vary according to the distinctive national fields in which journalists are embedded. Where American journalism incentivizes individual journalists to orient social media use toward audiences, French journalism motivates news organizations to use social media for these purposes, while leaving individual journalists to focus primarily on engaging with their peers. We position these findings in relation to debates on the uses of technologies across national settings.