bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrity of the Untorn Articular-Sided Tendon in Bursal-Sided Partial-Thickness Rotator Cuff Tear: A Comparative Study of Apoptotic Activity in Torn and Untorn Layers
Authors: Yang Hyo , Lee Hyo-Jin , Lee Yun-Gyoung , Kim Jang-Woon , Kim Yang-Soo
Published: July 2018

Background:

Conversion to full-thickness tear in partial-thickness rotator cuff tears (PTRCTs) is based on the quality and thickness of the normal-looking untorn rotator cuff layer. However, whether the untorn tendon is a healthy tissue remains to be elucidated.

Purpose:

To compare the apoptotic gene expression of the untorn articular layer with the torn bursal layer in PTRCTs.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Tendon tissues were harvested from 20 patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery for partial-thickness rotator cuff repair. As a control group, the tissues were harvested during intramedullary nail fixation in 10 proximal humeral fractures. In the experimental group, the samples were harvested from 2 sites: the torn bursal-sided tendon and the untorn articular-sided tendon. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was conducted for basic histological evaluation, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect apoptosis of tissue cells. The expression of caspase 3, 8, and 9 was confirmed immunohistochemically. Western blot analysis was used to assay the caspase activities.

Results:

In H&E staining, the direction of collagen bundles in untorn tendon was disoriented when compared with those of control tendon. However, the shape of the nuclei was not different, although the nuclei of the untorn tendon showed apoptosis in the TUNEL staining similar to those of the torn tendon. The immunohistochemical staining of caspase 3, 8, and 9 was increased concomitantly in untorn and torn tendons. All of the caspase activities in the untorn articular layer and torn bursal layer were significantly higher than in controls ( P < .05). However, no significant differences were found between the two layers ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

The study demonstrates that apoptotic gene expression is increased not only in the torn bursal layer but also in the untorn articular layer of PTRCTs.

Clinical Relevance:

The untorn articular layer of PTRCTs is abnormal, which triggers postoperative pain and further rotator cuff tears. Therefore, treatment of the abnormal untorn articular layer is essential in bursal-sided PTRCTs.
The Acceleration of Privatization: Understanding State, Power Bloc, and Capital Accumulation in Turkey
Authors: Zaifer Ahmet
Published: July 2018

This article seeks to explain the post-2001 acceleration of privatization in Turkey. Employing a Marxian analytical framework, the article argues that the acceleration of privatization in Turkey in the post-2001 period was the result of a powerful combination of support from the power bloc (i.e., fractions of capital) in Turkey, which has been achieved with a major subordination of labor. The power bloc saw previously unavailable advantages in supporting privatization within the context of the post-2001 domestic capital accumulation regime, and therefore acted to restructure the legal and institutional framework of the state to weaken the resistance of labor and facilitate the participation of potential investors in privatization tenders. This interpretation challenges the dominance of institutionalist accounts, which draw on the legal-institutional framework and/or national interest-based discourses without considering how the changing relations among different fractions of capital and between capital and labor within the constitutive dynamics of domestic capital accumulation exerted significant influence on the acceleration of privatization.

JEL Classification: P160; F50
Walking the Tightrope: The Imperatives of Balancing Control and Autonomy for Young Worker Groups
Authors: Hodder Andy , Fullin Giovanna , Kahmann Marcus , Sapre Salil R.
Published: July 2018

Despite the growing number of union initiatives to foster a new generation of activists through the development of youth networks, issues of control and autonomy still remain. This article explores these tensions by drawing on case studies of labor organizations in France, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The findings suggest that union support for young worker initiatives is crucial for resources and networks, particularly when these groups are newly formed and in need of mentoring and material assistance. Significant local autonomy, however, is also critical to sustain the interest and creative energy of young worker groups.
Identity Processes in Face-to-Face and Digitally Mediated Environments
Authors: Carter Michael J. , Asencio Emily K.
Published: July 2018

In this study, we investigate how identity prominence influences individuals to use face-to-face or digitally mediated settings when communicating with significant others, and whether emotional reactions to nonverifying feedback regarding an identity vary depending upon the prominence of the identity and interaction setting. Results show that the more prominent an identity, the more likely individuals are to communicate with significant others related to the identity in face-to-face rather than digitally mediated settings. However, when controlling for identity prominence, we find that nonverifying feedback from significant others produces a similar a degree of negative emotions in both face-to-face and digitally mediated environments.
Frequent Indoor Tanners’ Beliefs About Indoor Tanning and Cessation
Authors: Glanz Karen , Jordan Amy , Lazovich DeAnn , Bleakley Amy
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Indoor tanning is associated with an increased risk of developing skin cancer. In the United States, nearly 1 in 5 white women aged 18 to 25 are indoor tanners. This study elicited beliefs about tanning indoors and quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews.

Participants and Setting:

Forty 18- to 25-year-old white females who engaged in frequent indoor tanning participated in either in-person or telephone interviews. Most were college students from southeastern Pennsylvania and Delaware.

Method:

A semi-structured interview was used to elicit beliefs about indoor tanning and quitting or cutting back. Data analyses using NVivo and multiple coders identified key themes about going and quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning.

Results:

Key themes stated as reasons for indoor tanning included improving physical appearance, social acceptance, increased confidence, and happiness. The main themes identified as advantages of quitting/cutting back on indoor tanning were to decrease skin cancer risk and save money. Perceived disadvantages of quitting/cutting back included themes of concerns about being pale and a decline in self-confidence. The prospect of saving money and warm weather were seen as facilitating quitting/cutting back.

Conclusion:

Findings suggest the necessity of addressing appearance concerns, psychological benefits associated with feeling more attractive, and short-term gains such as saving money. These findings provide a foundation for developing effective anti-indoor tanning communication.
The Supervisor’s Perceived Role in Employee Well-Being: Results From Mayo Clinic
Authors: Wieneke Kaisa C. , Schaepe Karen S. , Egginton Jason S. , Jenkins Sarah M. , Block Nicole C. , Riley Beth A. , Sifuentes Linde E. , Clark Matthew M.
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

Novel approaches are needed to enhance employee well-being and perhaps supervisors can be an effective agent for worksite health promotion. The aim of this study was to examine the supervisor’s perceived needs, barriers, and role for influencing employee well-being for incorporation into program development.

Design:

Semistructured, qualitative interviews of supervisors.

Setting:

Large, integrated academic health-care organization with over 30 000 employees and 2600 supervisors having access to comprehensive well-being programs and a successful well-being champion network comprised of 600 champions.

Participants:

Twenty supervisors representing clinical, research, and administrative units.

Methods:

Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted and audio recorded. Analysis included content log development and open coding by a trained analyst to reveal key themes. More formalized content coding using specialized software for qualitative analyses was also conducted.

Results:

Supervisor responses were wide ranging regarding their perceived and desired role in promoting workplace well-being. Barriers from the supervisor perspective included high current workload, ambivalence about promoting wellness, lack of support from leadership, lack of flexibility and control at work, and difficulty accessing on-site resources. They perceived their potential role in well-being as remaining a positive role model and encouraging their staff in wellness activities.

Conclusion:

Although findings are generated from a small sample size, these qualitative data provide compelling and early insights into building a workplace well-being strategy leveraging an underutilized key stakeholder, the workplace supervisor.
Error modeling and sensitivity analysis of a novel 5-degree-of-freedom parallel kinematic machine tool
Authors: Luo Xuan , Xie Fugui , Liu Xin-Jun , Li Jie
Published: July 2018

5-Degree-of-freedom parallel kinematic machine tools are always attractive in manufacturing industry due to the ability of five-axis machining with high stiffness/mass ratio and flexibility. In this article, error modeling and sensitivity analysis of a novel 5-degree-of-freedom parallel kinematic machine tool are discussed for its accuracy issues. An error modeling method based on screw theory is applied to each limb, and then the error model of the parallel kinematic machine tool is established and the error mapping Jacobian matrix of 53 geometric errors is derived. Considering that geometric errors exert both impacts on value and direction of the end-effector’s pose error, a set of sensitivity indices and an easy routine for sensitivity analysis are proposed according to the error mapping Jacobian matrix. On this basis, 10 vital errors and 10 trivial errors are identified over the prescribed workspace. To validate the effects of sensitivity analysis, several numerical simulations of accuracy design are conducted, and three-dimensional model assemblies with relevant geometric errors are established as well. The simulations exhibit maximal −0.10% and 0.34% improvements of the position and orientation errors, respectively, after modifying 10 trivial errors, while minimal 65.56% and 55.17% improvements of the position and orientation errors, respectively, after modifying 10 vital errors. Besides the assembly reveals an output pose error of (0.0134 mm, 0.0020 rad) with only trivial errors, while (2.0338 mm, 0.0048 rad) with only vital errors. In consequence, both results of simulations and assemblies validate the correctness of the sensitivity analysis. Moreover, this procedure can be extended to any other parallel kinematic mechanisms easily.
Observational study of anorectal Chlamydia trachomatis infections in France through the lymphogranuloma venereum surveillance network, 2010–2015
Authors: de Barbeyrac B , Laurier-Nadalié C , Touati A , Le Roy C , Imounga L , Hénin N , Peuchant O , Bébéar C , La Ruche G , Ndeikoundam Ngangro N
Published: July 2018

The objective of this article is to describe the epidemiology of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV) and non-LGV Chlamydia trachomatis anorectal infections in France and to examine the characteristics of the affected populations via a voluntary sentinel surveillance system for LGV between 2010 and 2015. Anorectal samples positive for C. trachomatis (CT) were sent by the participating laboratories to the National Reference Center for CT for LGV identification. Biological and clinical data were collected by biologists and clinicians. There were 1740 LGV episodes and 2248 non-LGV episodes. Continuous monitoring highlighted a sharp increase in the number of LGV and non-LGV anorectal infections, which were 2.3-fold and 6.5-fold, respectively. Most of the infections occurred in men who have sex with men. LGV patients were older than non-LGV patients and were more frequently human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive compared to non-LGV patients. Anorectal LGV was significantly associated with residence in Paris, HIV co-infection, concurrent syphilis and bloody anal discharge. Undocumented patient characteristics were strongly associated with anorectal LGV. The anorectal LGV epidemic is poorly controlled in France. Early detection and prompt treatment of patients and their sexual partners are required to prevent transmission in the context of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV infection.
Silence and anguish: Muting the feminine voice in Éliette Abécassis’s La Répudiée
Authors: Arenberg Nancy
Published: July 2018

As a seminal French-Jewish author, Éliette Abécassis frequently focuses on Jewish issues pertaining to the feminine condition, with emphasis on women’s rights and liberties. In La Répudiée (first published 2000), she invites the reader to discover the mysterious, hermetic world of Hasidic Jews residing in the sacred city of Jerusalem. Within this patriarchal community, the locus of the narrative concentrates on the plight of the protagonist, Rachel, a young woman married to Nathan. This essay examines the imposed silence that oppresses the voice of the Hasidic wife Rachel, who is struggling with the unspeakable crisis of infertility in her marriage. This analysis will also study Abécassis’s revision of her biblical ‘sister’, Rachel, as a quintessential figure of suffering and valiant self-sacrifice.
Changing labour market risks in the service economy: Low wages, part-time employment and the trend in working poverty risks in Germany
Authors: Brülle Jan , Gangl Markus , Levanon Asaf , Saburov Evgeny
Published: July 2018

The article presents an analysis of the development of labour market risks in Germany in light of changing working poverty risks. Low hourly wages and part-time employment are identified as the main demand-side-related mechanisms for household poverty. Their measurement and development are discussed as well as their contribution to trends in working poverty risks. A rise in low wages, especially among part-time employed households, was decisive for the increase in working poverty risks in Germany by 45% between the end of the 1990s and the end of the 2000s. We therefore study these trends more closely in the multivariate analysis. The results show that while low wages are unequally distributed across occupations and industries, shifts in employment between sectors explain only a minor part of the change in low wages. However, they reveal a polarization of low-wage risks by skill-level and sector of employment, on the one hand, and full-time and part-time employees, on the other hand.
Transendocardial CD34+ Cell Transplantation in Noncompaction Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Cerar Andraz , Zemljic Gregor , Frljak Sabina , Jaklic Martina , Poglajen Gregor , Sever Matjaz , Cukjati Marko , Vrtovec Bojan
Published: July 2018

Noncompaction cardiomyopathy is a rare congenital heart disorder characterized by an arrest of the myocardial compaction process. This results in the altered formation of coronary microvessels with a resulting decrease in myocardial perfusion. Transendocardial CD34+ cell transplantation has been shown to increase myocardial perfusion and function in patients with non-ischemic heart failure. In our first-in-man case study, we investigated the feasibility, safety and clinical effect of transendocardial CD34+ cell therapy in a patient with noncompaction cardiomyopathy.
Prelude to Casablanca: British Operational Planning for Metropolitan Italy and the Origins of the Allied Invasion of Sicily, 1940–1941
Authors: Aterrano Marco Maria
Published: July 2018

The article seeks to reassess the British focus on ‘knocking Italy out of the war’ and the way it shaped political and military discussions in London long before the American ally joined the combined planning. Between 1940 and 1941 Britain planned four major military operations having Italy as their main target. This complex process drove a wedge between an aggressive prime minister and a more conservative planning staff. A clear separation between a minimalist and a proactive stance marked the entire process, highlighting the existence of a sharp divide within the British planning establishment.
Oncologists’ Treatment Responses to Mental Health Distress in Their Cancer Patients
Authors: Granek Leeat , Nakash Ora , Ben-David Merav , Shapira Shahar , Ariad Samuel
Published: July 2018

The objectives of this study were to identify how oncologists respond to mental health distress in their patients, what specific strategies they use in treating this distress, and what barriers they report responding to their patients’ emotional distress. Twenty-three oncologists at two cancer centers were interviewed. The grounded theory method of data collection and analysis was used. Oncologists varied in their response to patients’ emotional distress. Strategies used in responding to patients’ distress included creating supportive relationships and prescribing medications, while barriers included patient reluctance, a lack of protocol on how to respond to patients, limited psychosocial resources, and a lack of time. Developing and adopting clear guidelines to addressing mental health distress among cancer patients is critical in assuring quality care for the whole patient and reduce the risk for poor quality of life and potential disease-related morbidity and mortality.
Health-Care Provider Personal Religious Preferences and Their Perspectives on Advance Care Planning With Patients
Authors: Bowman Marjorie , St. Cyr Sarah , Stolf i Adrienne
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To understand how health-care providers’ (HCPs) religious preferences influence their willingness to undertake advance care planning (ACP) with patients and their acceptance of other HCP’s involvement.

Methods:

Online anonymous survey distributed to HCPs in hospital, ambulatory offices, and hospice settings in Dayton, Ohio. We evaluated the associations of HCP religion with their personal ACP, willingness to facilitate ACP, and acceptance of other HCPs’ ACP participation.

Results:

704 respondents: nurses (66.2%), physicians (18.8%), other HCPs (15.0%), white (88.9%), and primarily Catholic (23.3%) or Protestant (32.0%). “No religion” was marked by 13.9%. Respondents were favorable to ACP with patients. Religious respondents were more likely to have a living will ( P = .035) and health-care power of attorney ( P = .007) and more accepting of clergy as ACP decision coaches ( P = .030). HCP’s religion was not associated with willingness to facilitate ACP discussions. There were minor differences between Catholics and Protestants.

Conclusions:

Personal religious preference is associated with HCP’s own ACP but had little relationship with their willingness to facilitate ACP conversations with patients or acceptance of other professional types of HCPs involvement in ACP conversations. Regardless of religious affiliation, HCPs have interest in undertaking ACP and endorse other HCPs ACP involvement. As results of this study suggest that personal religious affiliation is not a barrier for HCPs engaging in ACP with patients, attempts to overcome barriers to increasing ACP should be directed to other factors.
Measurement Invariance of the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 Across Gender and Racial Groups
Authors: Carr Meagan M. , Schulte Erica M. , Saules Karen K. , Gearhardt Ashley N.
Published: July 2018

Objective: Food addiction reflects a substance use disorder framework, suggesting certain foods (e.g., high-fat, high-sugar foods) may trigger an addictive-like eating response in vulnerable individuals. This study explored whether the Modified Yale Food Addiction Scale 2.0 (mYFAS 2.0), a newly validated and shortened measure of food addiction, is appropriate for use in heterogeneous samples. Assessment of mYFAS 2.0 invariance is essential, as this measure was developed for use as a brief screener in large epidemiological samples that are likely demographically diverse. Method: Multigroup confirmatory factor analysis examined measurement invariance across racial/ethnic (White, Black, and Hispanic) and gender (male, female) groups. Participants were recruited through Qualtrics qBus, which uses demographic quotas to recruit a sample representative of the U.S. census reference population. Individuals were included in analyses if they identified their race/ethnicity as White, Black, or Hispanic ( N = 923). Results: Results supported full and partial measurement invariance across racial and gender groups, respectively. Discussion: Results increase confidence in the generalizability of findings using the mYFAS 2.0 and indicate that observed differences in prevalence rates, such as the higher rates of food addiction observed for women and Hispanic individuals, are likely due to true differences in the population rather than due to measurement bias.
Combined deep belief network in deep learning with affinity propagation clustering algorithm for roller bearings fault diagnosis without data label
Authors: Xu Fan , Tse Peter W.
Published: July 2018

Unlike many traditional feature extraction methods of vibration signal such as ensemble empirical mode decomposition (EEMD), deep belief network (DBN) in deep learning can extract the useful information automatically and reduce the reliance on experts, with signal processing technology, and troubleshooting experience. In conventional fault diagnosis, data labels are required for classifiers such as support vector machine, random forest, and artificial neural networks. These are usually based on expert knowledge, for training and testing. But the process is usually tedious. The clustering model, on the other hand, can finish the roller bearings fault diagnosis without data labels, which is more efficient. There are some common clustering models which include fuzzy C-means (FCM), Gustafson–Kessel (GK), Gath–Geva (GG) models, and affinity propagation (AP). Unlike FCM, GK, and GG, which require knowledge or experience to pre-set the number of cluster center points, AP clustering algorithm can obtain the cluster center point according to the responsibility and availability calculations for all data points automatically. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, AP is rarely used for fault diagnosis. In this paper, a method which combines DBN, with several hidden layers, and AP for roller bearings fault diagnosis is proposed. For data visualization, the principal component analysis (PCA) is deployed to reduce the dimension of the extracted feature. The first two principal components are employed as the input of the FCM, GK, GG, and AP models for roller bearings faults diagnosis. Compared with other combination models such as EEMD–PCA–FCM/GK/GG and DBN–PCA–FCM/GK/GG, the proposed method, from the experimental results, is superior to the aforementioned combination models.
Literacy in Teacher Education: “It’s the Context, Stupid”
Authors: Smagorinsky Peter
Published: July 2018

This article emphasizes the importance of understanding local contexts to provide appropriate education for teachers about literacy instruction. The author reviews general problems that follow from extrapolating from unrepresentative research samples and the errors and deficit conceptions that follow from assuming that all cognition takes place within the human skull, irrespective of the contexts that shape human development and immediate textual exchanges. The author then demonstrates challenges to his own thinking when he used a book he coedited for U.S. educators in the context of a literacy education program at the Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico. This narrative relates how the book was rewritten by the teachers in his seminar to have relevance, with extensive adaptations required. The author emphasizes the contextual facets of literacy development, and the need to think in terms of the settings of teaching and learning in university teacher education programs.
Infrastructural Ecology: Embedding Resilience in Public Works
Authors: Brown Hillary
Published: July 2018

The destabilization of earth’s climate—manifest today in rising sea levels, more frequent droughts, deluges, and rising temperatures—demands expansive thinking in our infrastructural investments. Such volatility imperils coastal and riverine populations, degrades agriculture, and fosters water insecurity. We require innovative, multidimensional solutions to these public works challenges. Infrastructural ecology is a planning paradigm that emulates the closed-loop, sharing logic of natural ecosystems. It suggests that features of our power, water, sanitation, transport, and food systems may be strategically combined, collocated, or otherwise linked for mutual benefit. Such interconnected systems then can cascade (pass along) waste energy or water and nutrients for another’s reuse, arrangements that can reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, while lowering demand for new resource inputs. Innovative examples from both industrialized as well as developing nations illustrate the efficacy of these strategies. The exemplary projects described here include smart coastal solutions, water-wise innovations, and coping strategies for warming cities.
Predicting Latency of Reaching Adequate Implementation of Tier I Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports
Authors: Nese Rhonda N. T. , Nese Joseph F. T. , McIntosh Kent , Mercer Sterett H. , Kittelman Angus
Published: July 2018

In this study, longitudinal data from 708 schools across five states in the continental United States were analyzed to measure the time between initial training and adequate implementation of Tier I Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports over 5 years and the extent to which it varied by school characteristics. Results indicated that, all else constant: elementary schools were more likely to reach adequate implementation before middle and high schools, non–Title I schools were more likely to reach adequate implementation before Title I schools, and suburban schools were more likely to reach adequate implementation before city schools. The findings provide empirical documentation of the average length of time required for adequate implementation of a systems-level intervention, as well as how that length differs across nonmalleable school characteristics.
e-Consults in gastroenterology: An opportunity for innovative care
Authors: Venkatesh Rajitha D , Campbell Emily J , Thiim Michael , Rao Sandhya K , Ferris Timothy G , Wasfy Jason H , Richter James M
Published: July 2018

Background and aim

Deploy and evaluate a gastroenterology (GI) electronic consultation (e-consult) program. E-consults are a promising approach to enhance provider communication, facilitate timely specialty advice and may replace some outpatient visits.

Study

As part of our health system’s efforts to provide more cost-effective care under risk-based contracts, we implemented an e-consult program where referring providers submit patient-specific clinical questions electronically via an electronic referral system. A GI consultant then reviews the patient’s record and provides a written recommendation back to the referring physician. For our program evaluation, we conducted chart reviews of each e-consult to understand how the program was being used and surveyed the participating providers and consultants.

Results

From September 2015 to March 2016, we received 144 e-consults, with most questions concerning GI symptoms or abnormal hepatology labs. Only 36% of e-consults recommended an in-person GI consult or procedure. In our survey of participating providers, referring providers strongly agreed that the GI e-consults promoted good patient care (88%) and were satisfied with the program (84%). The majority of GI consultants felt strongly that e-consults were useful for referring providers and their patients, but that current reimbursement and time allotted were not adequate.

Conclusions

We report on the implementation of a GI e-consult program within an ACO, showing that many clinical questions could be answered using this mechanism. E-consults in gastroenterology have the potential to reduce unnecessary visits and/or procedures for patients who can be managed by their primary provider, potentially increasing access for other patients.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial with functional magnetic resonance imaging and a 6-month follow-up
Authors: Lu Lu , Zhang Tianran , Gao Rui , Zhang Zongfeng , Cao Xuan , Chen Yongjun , Liu Ying , Zhang Fei , Zheng Yue , Sun Yan , Bai Yanle , Wang Jianyu , Didonna Fabrizio , Zhang Haiyin , Fan Qing
Published: July 2018

This article presents a study protocol for a single-blind randomized controlled trial to test the efficacy and feasibility of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. A total of 120 un-medicated Chinese obsessive-compulsive disorder patients will be randomized to the mindfulness-based cognitive therapy group, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor group or the psycho-education group for 11 sessions in 10 weeks. A range of scales for clinical symptoms and functional magnetic resonance imaging will be completed at baseline (week 0), mid-intervention (week 4), post-intervention (week 10) and the 6-month follow-up (weeks 14, 22 and 34). The study will have relevance to decisions about treatment options for un-medicated obsessive-compulsive disorder patients.
Coping with trauma and adversity among Palestinians in the Gaza Strip: A qualitative, culture-informed analysis
Authors: Afana Abdelhamid J , Tremblay Jacqus , Ghannam Jess , Ronsbo Henrik , Veronese Guido
Published: July 2018

In this article, we propose that coping is not only an individual property but also a structural feature. Coping shapes what is referred to in social network theory as multiplex networks, which are based on relations with multiple functions, values and meanings. Focus groups with adult Palestinians were held and content analysed. Five main coping strategies were identified: (a) creating cultural and religious meaning; (b) individualism to collectivism; (c) normalization and habituation; (d) belonging, acceptance, expectation and readiness; and (e) social support. Participants also reported culture-specific expressions for indicating psychological distress. Implications for cultural informed clinical work are then discussed.
Expertise, advocacy and activism: A qualitative study on the activities of prostate cancer peer support workers
Authors: Jones Marjaana , Pietilä Ilkka
Published: July 2018

Peer support workers are now working with patients in a variety of settings, coming into close contact and even work alongside health professionals. Despite the potentially influential position peer support workers hold in relation to those engaged in support activities, their role, duties and their relationship to peers and health professionals lack clarity and is often defined by other actors. This study explores how peer support workers interpret and define the activities, responsibilities and knowledge associated with their work. Using methods of membership categorisation analysis, we analysed interview materials generated by conducting individual semi-structured interviews during the autumn of 2016 with prostate cancer peer support workers ( n = 11) who currently volunteer as support workers in Finland. Although the peer support workers acknowledged the psychosocial aspects of the work, we argue that their interpretations extend far beyond this and encompass expertise, advocacy and activism as central features of their work. These can be used to strengthen their position as credible commentators and educators on issues relating to cancer and men’s health; raise awareness and represent the ‘patient’s voice’ and attempt to influence both policy and clinical practice. These findings suggest that by categorising their work activities in different ways, voluntary sector actors such as peer support workers can attempt to portray themselves as legitimate authorities on a range of issues and influence decision-making ranging from individual level treatment decisions all the way to health policy.
Gender segregation of occupations and sustainable employment: A prospective population-based cohort study
Authors: Gonäs Lena , Wikman Anders , Vaez Marjan , Alexanderson Kristina , Gustafsson Klas
Published: July 2018

Background: Although the labour market is characterized by a strong numerical gender segregation of occupations, there is little knowledge about the associations of this with the future labour market situation for an individual person. Objectives: This study aimed to elucidate whether working in a gender-segregated or gender-integrated occupation is associated with future labour market attachment and sickness absence or disability pensions among women and men. Methods: We used a population-based prospective cohort study with univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses stratified by gender, including all people living in Sweden aged 20–56 years and in paid work in 2003 ( n=3,239,989). They were followed up eight years later with regard to employment status, sickness absence and disability pension. Results: Women and men employed in extremely female-dominated occupations in 2003 had the highest employment levels and the lowest unemployment levels at follow up in 2011. When adjusting for age, level of education and sector of employment, the highest odds ratios (ORs) for not being employed in 2011 were found for women working in extremely male-dominated occupations in 2003 (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.21–1.33) and for men in female-dominated occupations (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.39–1.45) relative to those in gender-integrated occupations. Women in extremely male-dominated occupations had the highest ORs for sickness absence or the receipt of a disability pension at follow up (OR 1.26; 95% CI 1.17–1.36) and men in female-dominated occupations had the highest OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.11–1.20). Conclusions: For both women and men, the gender composition of the occupation they work in seems to be of importance for their future labour market attachment and sickness absence or receipt of a disability pension.
Laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy versus laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in posterior segments: Propensity Score Matching Analysis
Authors: Rhu J. , Choi G. S. , Kim J. M. , Kwon C. H. D. , Kim S. J. , Joh J.-W.
Published: July 2018

Background and Aims:

This study was designed to analyze the feasibility of laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy compared to laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma located in the posterior segments.

Material and Methods:

The study included patients who underwent either laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy or laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma located in segment 6 or 7 from January 2009 to December 2016 at Samsung Medical Center. After 1:1 propensity score matching, patient baseline characteristics and operative and postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Disease-free survival and overall survival were compared using Kaplan–Meier log-rank test.

Results:

Among 61 patients with laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy and 37 patients with laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, 30 patients from each group were analyzed after propensity score matching. After matching, baseline characteristics of the two groups were similar including tumor size (3.4 ± 1.2 cm in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy vs 3.7 ± 2.1 cm in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, P = 0.483); differences were significant before matching (3.1 ± 1.3 cm in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy vs 4.3 ± 2.7 cm in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, P = 0.035). No significant differences were observed in operative and postoperative data except for free margin size (1.04 ± 0.71 cm in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy vs 2.95 ± 1.75 cm in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, P < 0.001). Disease-free survival (5-year survival: 38.0% in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy vs 47.0% in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, P = 0.510) and overall survival (5-year survival: 92.7% in laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy vs 89.6% in laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy, P = 0.593) did not differ between the groups based on Kaplan–Meier log-rank test.

Conclusion:

For hepatocellular carcinoma in the posterior segments, laparoscopic right posterior sectionectomy was feasible compared to laparoscopic right hemihepatectomy when performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
Multi-body coupling dynamic research of carrier-based aircraft catapult launch based on natural coordinate method
Authors: Apeng Dong , Shu Li , Wenguo Zhu
Published: July 2018

There is an increasing demand for predicting the dynamic behaviours of carrier-based aircrafts(CBAs) during catapult launch. This paper presents a maximal parameterised dynamic model of the launch process from a new perspective, and conducts a detailed study of its mechanical behaviours. Based on the topological analysis of the multi-body catapult launch system, the natural coordinate method is adopted to establish a comprehensive model including steam catapult, landing gears, ship motion, aerodynamic and multi-body modules. The predictive capability of the model is demonstrated by presenting the CBA launch dynamic properties under different conditions. First, effects of steam flow area rate and the coupling carrier movement in different directions on catapult performance are discussed. Second, the take-off characteristics as well as the initial catapult attitude are analysed. Then, by investigating Lagrange multipliers, the loads of torque arms, holdback bar and launch bar are compared. Finally, the loads of buffer struts and tyres during launch are also discussed. The results show that it is reasonable to keep the steam flow area increasing in a linear way, but the opening velocity needs to be strictly controlled. When the CBA departs from the deck, the possible sink of the bow is the major threat to the take-off safety, the larger the sink is, the more dangerous the flight becomes. The upwash at the bow may be the primary reason of stall and cannot be ignored. The model established is reliable with capacities of capturing the coupled behaviours between different sub-modules as well as the load change of each component in detail. The natural coordinate method proves to be efficient and accurate, which should be given more attention.
How language and image construct synaesthetic metaphors in print advertising
Authors: Bolognesi Marianna , Strik Lievers Francesca
Published: July 2018

Research in (multi-)sensory marketing suggests that engaging consumers’ senses is an efficient way to create effective advertisements. In this study, the authors explore how sensory cues are used in print advertising. In particular, they identify and describe print advertisements featuring instances of synaesthesia, that is, a metaphor by which properties of a given sensory modality are attributed to a concept that relates primarily to a different sensory modality. They propose that these advertisements can be classified based on the role played by the image and the text, as well as based on the way visual and linguistic elements interact. They also outline how their contribution can set theoretical groundwork for the design of new empirical research questions in cognitive sciences and marketing studies.
The use of smartphones for wayfinding by people with mild dementia
Authors: Kwan Rick Yiu Cho , Cheung Daphne Sze Ki , Kor Patrick Pui-Kin
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to explore the acceptability, feasibility and usability of older people with mild dementia to use smartphone for wayfinding. Thirty cognitively normal older people and 16 people with mild dementia were recruited to participate in a wayfinding trial in the free-living environment. Five feasibility and three acceptability markers were compared between the groups. Content analysis on the video-recorded trial processes and individual interviews was employed to identify the usability issues. The results found that there were no significant between-group differences on the feasibility markers, except that the people with mild dementia needed significantly more time to complete the wayfinding trial and workshop; or on the acceptability items. Sensory/cognitive impairment and GPS signal reliability affected their usability. Mild dementia does not limit the older people to use smartphones for wayfinding in the free-living environment. Future studies should examine the efficacy and safety of smartphone to promote outdoor independence of the people with mild dementia.
Moral education and indoctrination: replies to John White and John Tillson
Authors: Hand Michael
Published: July 2018

John White and John Tillson have both raised objections to the theory of moral education I have recently advanced. Here I reply to their objections and offer some critical remarks on the alternative accounts of moral education they propose.
Blood urea nitrogen and risk of insulin use among people with diabetes
Authors: Xie Yan , Bowe Benjamin , Li Tingting , Xian Hong , Al-Aly Ziyad
Published: July 2018

Laboratory evidence suggests that urea suppresses insulin secretion and sensitivity. Emerging epidemiologic evidence suggests that higher levels of urea are associated with increased risk of incident diabetes mellitus. However, whether elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen are associated with increased risk of insulin use among people with diabetes is unknown. We used the Department of Veterans Affairs databases to assemble a cohort of 197,994 incident users of non-insulin hypoglycaemic agents with an estimated glomerular filtration rate > 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2and followed them for a median of 4.93 years. Spline analyses suggested that the relationship between blood urea nitrogen and the risk of insulin use was neutral below blood urea nitrogen level of 25 mg/dL and increased exponentially with blood urea nitrogen levels above 25 mg/dL. In survival models, compared to those with blood urea nitrogen ⩽ 25 mg/dL, those with blood urea nitrogen > 25 mg/dL had an increased risk of insulin use (hazard ratio = 1.40; confidence interval = 1.30–1.50). The risk of insulin use was increased in models which accounted for haemoglobin A1c at time zero (hazard ratio = 1.39; confidence interval = 1.28–1.50) and as a time-varying variable (hazard ratio = 1.38; confidence interval = 1.28–1.50). Two-step residual estimation analyses showed that, independent of the impact of estimated glomerular filtration rate, every 10-mg/dL increase in blood urea nitrogen concentration was associated with increased risk of insulin use (hazard ratio = 1.16; confidence interval = 1.12–1.20). Our results suggest that, among people with diabetes, higher levels of blood urea nitrogen are associated with an increased risk of insulin use.
The influence of South Asian ethnicity on the incremental shuttle walk test in UK adults
Authors: Orme Mark , Sherar Lauren , Morgan Mike , Steiner Michael , Esliger Dale , Kingsnorth Andrew , Singh Sally
Published: July 2018

The objective of this study was to compare incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) performance between South Asian and Caucasian British adults, identify predictors of ISWT distance and produce ethnicity-specific reference equations. Data from a mixed gender sample aged 40–75 years from Leicestershire, United Kingdom, were selected for analyses. Analysis of covariance determined differences in ISWT performance between South Asian and Caucasian British ethnic groups. Linear regressions identified predictors of ISWT distance, which determined the reference equations. In total, 144 participants took part in the study (79 South Asian (54 ± 8 years, 71% female) and 65 Caucasian British (58 ± 9 years, 74% female)). Distance walked for the ISWT was shorter for South Asian individuals compared with Caucasian British (451 ± 143 vs. 575 ± 180 m, p < 0.001). The ethnicity-specific reference equations for ISWT distance explained 33–50% of the variance (standard error of the estimate (SEE): 107–119 m) for South Asians and explained 14–58% of the variance (SEE: 121–169 m) for Caucasian British. Ethnicity univariately explained 12.9% of the variance in ISWT distance and was significantly associated with ISWT distance after controlling for age, gender, height, weight, dyspnoea and lung function ( B = −70.37; 1 = Caucasian British, 2 = South Asian), uniquely explaining 3.7% of the variance. Predicted values for ISWT performance were lower in South Asian people than in Caucasian British. Ethnicity-specific reference equations should account for this.
Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel-Group, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Bupropion as Treatment for Methadone-Emergent Sexual Dysfunction in Men
Authors: Yee Anne , Loh Huai Seng , Ong Teng Aik , Ng Chong Guan , Sulaiman Ahmad Hatim
Published: July 2018

Methadone is largely recognized as an effective treatment for opiate-dependent patients; however, it causes reduced brain dopaminergic action resulting in significant sexual dysfunction. Bupropion is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor which can potentially improve erectile function among male patients on methadone (MMT). This is a phase II, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial, involving 80 MMT male patients (73.4%) with mean age of 42.83 years ±9.68. These MMT male patients were randomly assigned into two groups to receive bupropion and placebo, respectively. The primary efficacy outcome measure was the difference between the two groups in end-point mean improvement scores using the measurement of Clinical Global Impression Scale adapted for Sexual Function (CGI-SF) at baseline (week 0) and at weeks 2, 4, and 6. Malay version of the sexual desire inventory-2 (SDI-2-BM) and Malay version of International Index of Erectile Function 15 (Mal-IIEF-15) domain scores were evaluated as secondary parameters. Improvement of the end-point mean from baseline were seen across the scores of SDI-2-BM (mean difference = 11.77 ± 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) [3.89, 19.54], p < .001) and Mal-IIEF-15 (mean difference = 8.37 ± 2.71, 95% CI [15.75, 0.99], p = .02), and the total plasma testosterone level (mean difference = 4.03, 95% CI [0.90, 7.15], p = .01). A categorical improvement of “much/very much improved” (CGI-SF score = 2) was reported by 58.3% ( n = 21/36) of bupropion SR-assigned versus 27.7% ( n = 10/36) placebo-assigned patient. Bupropion was well tolerated with no serious adverse events reported other than insomnia (17.7%). Six weeks of bupropion SR treatment reported significant improvement in key aspects of sexual function among male opiate-dependent patients on methadone maintenance treatment with emergent sexual dysfunction.