bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immigration policy and the modern welfare state, 1880–1920
Authors: Kalm Sara , Lindvall Johannes
Published: April 2019

This article puts contemporary debates about the relationship between immigration policy and the welfare state in historical perspective. Relying on new historical data, the article examines the relationship between immigration policy and social policy in Western Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when the modern welfare state emerged. Germany already had comparably strict immigration policies when the German Empire introduced the world’s first national social insurances in the 1880s. Denmark, another early social-policy adopter, also pursued restrictive immigration policies early on. Almost all other countries in Western Europe started out with more liberal immigration policies than Germany’s and Denmark’s, but then adopted more restrictive immigration policies and more generous social policies concurrently. There are two exceptions, Belgium and Italy, which are discussed in the article.
Effect of fluoride on PERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway in mouse ameloblasts
Authors: Zhou X , Chen Z , Zhong W , Yu R , He L
Published: April 2019

In the development of dental fluorosis, oxidative stress is considered as the key mechanism. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress can induce oxidative stress and activate the important antioxidative factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in a PKR-like ER kinase (PERK)-dependent manner, but combining ER stress and oxidative stress, the role of PERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway involved in fluoride-regulated ameloblasts is not fully defined. Here, we studied the effect of fluoride on PERK-Nrf2 signaling pathway in mouse ameloblasts. We found that low-dose and continuous fluoride exposure increased binding immunoglobulin protein expression and activated PERK–activating transcription factor 4 signaling pathway. Meanwhile, the expression of Nrf2 and its target genes (glutamylcysteine synthetase and glutathione S-transferase-P1) enhanced following ER stress. Tunicamycin increased the expression of PERK, leading to Nrf2 nuclear import, and tauroursodeoxycholate suppressed Nrf2 activation through PERK during ER stress, indicating that PERK activation is required for Nrf2 nuclear entry. Furthermore, tert-butylhydroquinone triggered the overexpression of Nrf2 to reduce ER stress, but luteolin inhibited Nrf2 nuclear localization to elevate ER stress. In summary, this study proved that fluoride under certain dose can induce ER stress and promote Nrf2 nuclear import via PERK activation and suggested that antioxidation mechanism mediated by PERK-Nrf2 can alleviate fluoride-induced ER stress effectively.
The protective and therapeutic effects of linalool against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in Wistar albino rats
Authors: Oner Z , Altınoz E , Elbe H , Ekinci N
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present study was to determine the protective and therapeutic effects of linalool (LIN) against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in rats histologically and biochemically. In experiments, 64 male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into eight groups ( n = 8). These groups were control (C) (0.9% saline solution), DOX (20 mg/kg DOX), LIN50 (50 mg/kg LIN), LIN100 (100 mg/kg LIN), DOX + LIN50 (20 mg/kg DOX and 50 mg/kg LIN), DOX + LIN100 (20 mg/kg DOX and 100 mg/kg LIN), LIN50 + DOX (50 mg/kg LIN and 20 mg/kg DOX), and LIN100 + DOX (100 mg/kg LIN and 20 mg/kg DOX). It was determined that necrosis and extensive inflammatory cell infiltration were observed in the DOX group. It was determined that histopathological changes significantly decreased in groups treated with LIN after DOX administration. While the caspase-3 immunostaining was highly evident in DOX group apoptotic cells ( p < 0.001, for all), the intensity of caspase-3 immunostaining in the treatment groups decreased ( p < 0.05). While DOX administration resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and plasma Creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in cardiac tissue when compared to the C groups, it was observed that DOX + LIN administration led to a significant decrease in MDA, plasma CK and LDH levels and a significant increase in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzyme levels. Finally, it was concluded that DOX led to heavy cardiotoxicity and DOX + LIN administration could remove cardiomyopathy symptoms.
Victimization Devices: Exploring Challenges Facing Litigation-Based Transnational Environmental Justice
Authors: Ureta Sebastián , Flores Patricio , Soneryd Linda
Published: April 2019

With the emergence of global mechanism for toxic harm accountability, a transnational environmental justice regime is slowly rising. One of the ways in which its taking form is through transnational litigation schemes where corporations are being locally sued by the alleged victims of their overseas misbehaviours. Using a science and technology studies approach, this article deals with one of the most central components of those schemes: victimization devices. Such concept refers to the highly varied sociotechnical assemblages through which claims about toxic victimhood are mobilized in litigation-based schemes, usually including components such as toxicological evidence and testimonies from the affected people. In order to explore the complexities involved in transnationally mobilizing these devices, this article analyses the lawsuit presented in Sweden by inhabitants of Arica, Chile, against the local mining corporation Boliden for its alleged responsibility in dumping toxic waste near their homes in the late 1980s.
Phronesis of nurses: A response to moral distress
Authors: Ko Hsun-Kuei , Tseng Hui-Chen , Chin Chi-Chun , Hsu Min-Tao
Published: April 2019

Background:

As moral action could help nurses reduce moral distress, it is necessary to carry out qualitative research to present the experiences in which nurses apply moral action.

Aim:

To describe and analyze the phronesis applied by nurses in the face of moral distress.

Research design:

The research participants were invited to participate in in-depth interviews. The research materials were based on the stories described by the research participants and recorded by means of first-person narrative. Narrative analysis was applied to interpret the nurses’ phronesis.

Participants:

Twenty-seven nurses from Taiwan.

Ethical considerations:

The Institutional Review Board of the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital in Taiwan confirmed that this study passed the research ethical review.

Findings:

According to the narrative analysis results, the phenomenon of moral distress contains difficulty, action, and idea transformation. The difficulty is the source of moral distress, action is the practice of moral courage, and idea transformation is the nurse’s emotional movement. Action and idea transformation are collectively called phronesis in this study.

Discussion:

Moral distress refers to a state of suffering caused by situations in which nurses cannot carry out their ethical intentions. Phronesis is the process through which nurses take actions and relocate the subjects and is an ethical way to find relief from moral distress. Starting with empathy and respectful attitudes arising from self-reflection, nurses may be helped to get relief from the suffering of moral distress.

Conclusion:

Phronesis can help nurses positively face the emotional strain of moral distress. This article puts forward a narrative method to complete the four steps of phronesis: write about the care experience, identify the difficulties in the stories, seek the possibility of action, and form a new care attitude, which could help nurses learn to reduce their moral distress.
Caregivers blinded by the care: A qualitative study of physical restraint in pediatric care
Authors: Lombart Bénédicte , De Stefano Carla , Dupont Didier , Nadji Leila , Galinski Michel
Published: April 2019

Background:

The phenomenon of forceful physical restraint in pediatric care is an ethical issue because it confronts professionals with the dilemma of using force for the child’s best interest. This is a paradox. The perspective of healthcare professional working in pediatric wards needs further in-depth investigations.

Purpose:

To explore the perspectives and behaviors of healthcare professionals toward forceful physical restraint in pediatric care.

Methods:

This qualitative ethnographic study used focus groups with purposeful sampling. Thirty volunteer healthcare professionals (nurses, hospital aids, physiotherapists, and health educators) were recruited in five pediatric facilities in four hospitals around Paris, France, from March to June 2013. The data were processed using NVIVO software (QSR International Ltd. 1999–2013). The data analysis followed a qualitative methodological process.

Ethical Considerations:

The research was conducted in compliance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent was collected systematically from participants.

Findings:

This study provides elements to help understand why restraint remains common despite its contradiction with the duty to protect the child and the child’s rights. All participants considered the use of forceful physical restraint to be a frequent difficulty in pediatrics. Greater interest in the child’s health was systematically used to justify the use of force, with little consideration for contradictory or ethical aspects. Raising the issue of forceful restraint always triggered discomfort, unease and an outpour of emotions among healthcare professionals. The findings have highlighted a form of hierarchy of duties that give priority to the execution of the technical procedure and legitimize the use of restraint. Professionals seemed to temporarily suspend their ability to empathize in order to apply restraint to carry out a technical procedure. This observation has allowed us to suggest the concept of “transient empathic blindness.”

Conclusion:

Using physical restraint during pediatric care was considered a common problem by participants. This practice must be questioned, and professionals must have access to training to find alternatives to strong restraint. Conceptualizing this phenomenon with the concept of “transient empathic blindness” could help professionals understand what happens in their minds when using forceful restraint.
Maternal Depression and Breastfeeding Practices in the Maldives
Authors: Abdul Raheem Raheema , Chih Hui Jun , Binns Colin William
Published: April 2019

Objectives: To assess associations between maternal depression and breastfeeding practices in mothers in the Maldives. Design: A prospective cohort study. The validated questionnaires contained information on demographics, breastfeeding initiation, breastfeeding duration, and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess association between Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale score and breastfeeding practices while adjusting for lifestyle determinants. Cox regression was done to measure the association between maternal depression and breastfeeding duration. Settings: Antenatal clinic at Indira Gandhi Memorial and ADK Hospitals in Male’, Maldives. Subjects: A total of 458 mothers from the antennal clinics were interviewed at 36 weeks of gestation and again at 1, 3, and 6 months after birth. Results: Antenatal depression at 36 weeks of gestation was associated with late initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted odds ratio = 3.0, 95% confidence interval = 1.3-6.8). Postnatal depression was associated with shorter duration of exclusive, full, and any breastfeeding ( P < .001). Conclusion. Depression is negatively associated with breastfeeding practices. There is a need to manage antenatal postnatal depression in mothers in order to encourage them to initiate breastfeeding earlier and to breastfeed for longer.
Balancing Study Abroad Student Inflows and Outflows: An Institutionalist Perspective
Authors: Kouba Karel
Published: April 2019

The determinants of study abroad student inflows and outflows are analyzed by comparing the faculties of all Czech public universities. The article develops an institutionalist theoretical perspective that views higher education institutions not only as passive senders and receivers of students but also as active gatekeepers that regulate student flows by balancing the inflows with outflows and vice versa. The theoretical argument is developed against the backdrop of existing theories that emphasize the “push–pull” factors as key determinants of student flows. The argument is tested by regression modeling using an original data set. Inflows are associated with past outflows and vice versa, whereas the importance of push–pull factors is surprisingly small. Important policy implications of these findings as well as implications for theory development are discussed.
From the Conference to the Classroom: Elevating Short-Term Professional Development for Lifelong Learning
Authors: West Justin J.
Published: April 2019

Short-term or “one shot” professional development experiences are sometimes deemed less effective because they lack mechanisms for deep and ongoing engagement. Using the music conference as an example, I outline a simple framework on how music teachers might nevertheless use short-term professional development experiences as an impetus for long-range and high-impact professional growth.
The Support, Education, and Advocacy (SEA) Program of Care for Women With Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Nurse-Led Palliative Care Demonstration Program
Authors: Reiser Victoria , Rosenzweig Margaret , Welsh Ann , Ren Dianxu , Usher Barbara
Published: April 2019

Background:

Women with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) experience unique symptom management and psychosocial needs due to aggressive, yet palliative treatment with a progressive, chronic illness.

Objective:

This article describes the effect of a quality improvement project for coordination of supportive care in MBC. Program evaluations included referral rates for supportive services, patient-reported outcomes of symptom distress, generalized anxiety, and overall well-being.

Design:

An interdisciplinary Support, Education and Advocacy Program (MBC-SEA) was developed. The 1-hour, weekly, patient review included collaborative assessments to determine needs for social service, psychological counseling, and palliative care. A prospective pre- and postexperimental cohort design with convenience sampling was used. Analysis was conducted with paired t test analysis of pre- and postimplementation outcomes.

Setting/Participants:

Program outcomes of 118 women with MBC visiting an urban outpatient breast cancer clinic during September 2016 to November 2016 (pre) and January 2017 to March 2017 (post) were evaluated.

Measurements:

Referral rates to social work and palliative care, symptom, anxiety, and overall well-being scores.

Results:

Following program implementation, referrals to palliative care and social work supportive services increased significantly including patient-reported outcomes symptom distress scores mean difference 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.4306-2.6428), P = .004; generalized anxiety scores mean difference 1.5 (95% CI: 0.5406-2.5781), P = .003; and overall well-being mean difference of −0.7 (95% CI: −1.3498 to −0.0570), P = .03.

Conclusions:

Purposeful nurse-led assessment for social service and palliative care needs increases referrals with improvement in patient-reported outcomes.
Luminance Contrast of Accessible Tactile Indicators for People With Visual Impairment
Authors: Lukman Aldyfra Luhulima , Bridge Catherine , Dain Stephen John , Boon Mei-Ying
Published: April 2019

Australia is one of only two known countries with a safety standard specifying levels of contrast required to provide accessible environments for people with visual impairment. However, these requirements were not developed based on empirical research involving people with vision loss. We investigated whether the level of luminance contrast in Australian accessibility standards, 30%, is adequate for people with visual impairments to detect and identify discrete tactile ground surface indicators over a range of contrasts with the background flooring before contact. We found that the 30% luminance contrast is adequate for people with low vision, although they preferred higher contrast.
Common Law or Cohabitation: A Primer for Couples’ Counselors
Authors: Gold Joshua M.
Published: April 2019

Understanding variations in conjugal relationships can help counselors and clients cocreate a template for these relationships in terms of their interactions with the broader society and as related to the legal standing of sanctioned marriage. Such a framework can help clients make informed decisions about the present status and future aspirations of these relationships keeping in mind their legal standing and ramifications. This article offers a basic understanding of the practices of common-law marriage and cohabiting relationships offering implications for clinical service, preparation of knowledgeable couples’ counselors, and future study.
Confounding Factors in the Interpretation of Preclinical Studies
Authors: Morton Laura Dill , Sanders Martin , Reagan William J. , Crabbs Torrie A. , McVean Maralee , Funk Kathleen A.
Published: April 2019

A number of issues may arise during the conduct of a study which can complicate interpretation of in vitro and in vivo datasets. Speakers discussed the implications of differing interpretations and how to avoid complicating factors during study planning and execution. Consideration needs to be given to study design factors including defining objectives, consideration of expected pharmacological effects, dose selection and drug kinetics, species used, and vehicle selection. In addition, the effects of vivarium temperature effects on various endpoints, how to control variables affecting clinical pathology, and how early death animals, common background findings, and artifacts can affect histopathology interpretation all play into the final interpretation of study data.
Laced steel–concrete composite sandwich system in flexure: Experiments, analysis and design
Authors: Verma Mohit , Anandavalli N , Prakash Amar , Rajasankar J
Published: April 2019

Steel–concrete sandwich composite system consists of steel skin and concrete core. The aim of this paper is to present methods for analysis and preliminary design of a recently developed new class of sandwich composite system laced steel–concrete composite for flexural loads. In laced steel–concrete composite system, continuous lacings are used in place of discrete shear connectors which are generally welded to the skin of the composite. Specimen laced steel–concrete composite systems were subjected to laboratory-controlled experimental investigations. Subsequently, three analytical methods are formulated for evaluating the moment–curvature relation of laced steel–concrete composite system. All the methods exploit the prismatic nature of the laced steel–concrete composite system to derive the moment–curvature relation and employ virtual work principle to evaluate the deflection of the laced steel–concrete composite system. In the first method, the stress–strain relationship of the steel and concrete in tension and compression is utilized to analyse the cross-section of laced steel–concrete composite system. In the second method, fibre-based analysis is used to obtain the response of laced steel–concrete composite system. The third method is based on equivalent transformed section in which the tensile stress–strain behaviour of concrete is represented by an equivalent area under tension. The methods are validated by comparing the predicted values with those of the two- and multi-point loading experiments carried out on laced steel–concrete composite beam and one-way laced steel–concrete composite slab, respectively. All the three methods are found to satisfactorily predict the response of laced steel–concrete composite system. A limited parametric study is carried out by using these analytical methods to identify the role played by the lip and web of the cover plates, tensile strength of concrete and confinement of concrete on the structural response of the laced steel–concrete composite system. In the end, guidelines and charts which can be used for preliminary design of laced steel–concrete composite system for flexure loads are presented.
Evaluation of dynamic thiol–disulfide homeostasis in glaucoma patients and the correlation with retinal nerve fiber layer analysis
Authors: Gulpamuk Bayram , Elgin Ufuk , Sen Emine , Yilmazbas Pelin , Neselioglu Salim , Erel Ozcan
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to evaluate thiol/disulfide homeostasis and ischemia-modified albumin levels with primary open-angle glaucoma, ocular hypertension, and control group; also to interpret the correlation between these biochemical parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer analysis.

Material and methods:

In a prospective cross-sectional study, 30 primary open-angle glaucoma cases, 30 ocular hypertension cases, and 30 control subjects were included in the study. Native thiol, total thiol, and disulfide measurements and disulfide/native thiol, disulfide/total thiol, and native thiol/total thiol ratios were evaluated as thiol–disulfide homeostasis. Albumin and ischemia-modified albumin parameters were also evaluated. All cases underwent detailed ophthalmologic examination including visual acuity, retinal nerve fiber layer via optical coherence tomography, intraocular pressure, and central corneal thickness measurements and visual field analysis by 24-2 Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA) Standard visual field test.

Results:

Primary open-angle glaucoma group had significantly higher ischemia-modified albumin values than ocular hypertension and control group (p < 0.001). Native thiol and total thiol values of control group were statistically higher than those of primary open-angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension groups. The correlation between the temporal retinal nerve fiber layer value and ischemia-modified albumin, disulfide/native thiol, and disulfide/total thiol values of the primary open-angle glaucoma patients included in the study was moderate correlation in negative direction (r = –0.46, r = –0.39, r = –0.39, respectively), whereas there was a statistically significant moderate correlation in positive direction between the native thiol/total thiol values (r = 0.39) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

These findings have reinforced the role of oxidative stress in the etiopathogenesis of primary open-angle glaucoma, suggesting that the thinning retinal nerve fiber layer may be associated with oxidative stress in favor of prooxidant shift.
Complement factor B gene polymorphisms and risk of age-related macular degeneration: A meta-analysis
Authors: Su Yun , Hu Zizhong , Pan Ting , Chen Lu , Xie Ping , Liu Qinghuai
Published: April 2019

Objective:

To investigate the potential correlation between complement factor B polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration.

Methods:

We retrieved relevant articles systematically by searching PubMed and Web of Science databases. The pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated for five complement factor B polymorphism rs641153, rs4151667, rs1048709, rs2072633, and rs12614 using data from included articles in both random effects and fixed effect models. Subgroup meta-analysis based on age-related macular degeneration type, choroidal neovascular disease (rs641153 and rs4151667), geographic atrophy (rs641153 and rs4151667), and races was also performed.

Results:

In the overall comparison, we observed that the distribution of rs641153 and the risk of age-related macular degeneration were significantly correlated (p < 0.00001). Similar results were obtained in subgroup analysis based on race (Caucasians, p < 0.00001; Asians, p = 0.003) and age-related macular degeneration type (choroidal neovascular disease, p < 0.00001; geographic atrophy, p = 0.04). As for complement factor B rs4151667, the genotypic effects were also demonstrated statistically significant in overall analysis (p < 0.00001) and only in Caucasians diagnosed with choroidal neovascular disease (p = 0.004), but not in Asians. Moreover, no statistically significant correlations between the complement factor B polymorphisms rs1048709 (p = 0.63), rs2072633 (p = 0.72), rs12614 (p = 0.98) and susceptibility to age-related macular degeneration were detected in either overall or subgroup analysis.

Conclusion:

Collectively, we demonstrated that the complement factor B genes rs641153 and rs4151667, but not rs1048709, rs2072633, rs12614, were associated with the susceptibility of age-related macular degeneration and might play predictive roles in future age-related macular degeneration diagnosis. More studies are needed to verify these findings.
Using the Dermatology Life Quality Index to Assess How Breast Radiodermatitis Affects Patients’ Quality of Life
Authors: Beamer Laura Curr , Grant Marcia
Published: April 2019

Purpose:

The purpose of this study is to report the initial validation process for using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) for radiodermatitis of the breast.

Methods:

This is an additional analysis of a study designed to report a longitudinal study in skin-related and global quality of life in women with breast radiodermatitis. A total of 40 participants completed the DLQI instrument weekly while receiving external radiotherapy of the female breast. At week 5 on treatment, 31 (78%) participants provided narrative feedback on how each DLQI item affected her life. Agreement between participant DLQI numerical ratings and narrative feedback on items was assessed. Construct validity was estimated using principal component analysis (PCA). Internal consistency of the DLQI was assessed using Cronbach alpha.

Results:

Percentage of agreement between participant DLQI ratings and narratives ranged from 71% to 98%. Each participant responded “no” to the work and study item leading to zero variance and removal from our analyses. Principal component analysis supported the inclusion of all of the remaining items. The DLQI with nine remaining items demonstrated moderately good internal consistency (α = .69).

Conclusions:

The results of our examination of the DLQI when used for breast radiodermatitis are promising. Next steps include additional larger studies among more diverse populations.
Supartz (Sodium Hyaluronate) for the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Review of Efficacy and Safety
Authors: Bronstone Amy , Neary Jacob T , Lambert Todd H , Dasa Vinod
Published: April 2019

As concerns about the safety of systemic oral pharmacologic treatments for knee osteoarthritis (OA) mount, clinicians have increased the use of intra-articular hyaluronic acid (IA-HA) in managing mild-to-moderate knee OA. Supartz (sodium hyaluronate; Seikagaku Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) is the first IA-HA product to be approved in the world and has the longest history of global use. In this review, we summarize evidence supporting Supartz efficacy and safety, including data from pivotal clinical trials that resulted in approval of Supartz in the United States and Japan, the safety of single and repeated courses of Supartz, and Supartz efficacy using objective outcomes and in special populations. There is strong evidence that single 5-week courses of Supartz provide clinically meaningful reductions in pain and improved function for up to 6 months without risk of serious side effects or complications. Repeated courses of Supartz are as safe as single courses and have an extremely low risk of infection. Findings from promising initial studies, which suggest that Supartz may improve muscle strength, gait pattern, and balance, should be confirmed in randomized controlled trials.
Patterns of Antihypertensive Drug Utilization among US Adults with Diabetes and Comorbid Hypertension: The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2014
Authors: Gu Anna , Farzadeh Shireen N , Chang You Jin , Kwong Andrew , Lam Sum
Published: April 2019

Background:

Diabetes and hypertension are the 2 leading risk factors for suboptimal cardiovascular and renal outcomes. These 2 conditions often coexist and can benefit from antihypertensive therapy, which may lead to blood pressure control and reduced risk for nephropathy (as evidenced by albuminuria).

Objective:

To quantify the trends of antihypertensive drug use and to assess the impact of antihypertensive treatment on the prevalence of blood pressure control and albuminuria, among US adults with coexisting diabetes and hypertension.

Methods:

In this serial cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from the 1999-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (N = 3586). We determine the prevalence of antihypertensive use, drug classes used, and their association with blood pressure control and albuminuria.

Results:

During the study period, the study population experienced substantial increase in antihypertensive treatment (from 84.6% in 1999-2002 to 90.1% in 2011-2014, Ptrend < .01) and blood pressure control (from 37.1% to 46.9%, Ptrend < .01) and decrease in albuminuria (from 39.1% to 31.3%, Ptrend = .02). These trends were particularly pronounced in the subgroups using angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers. In multivariate analysis, Blacks, Hispanics, and males were found more likely to have albuminuria than their respective counterparts. Achieving blood pressure control (odds ratio = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32-0.49) was associated with lower rates of albuminuria.

Conclusion And Relevance:

Despite continued improvement in antihypertensive therapy, the burden of uncontrolled blood pressure and albuminuria remains substantial among US adults with diabetes and hypertension. Tailoring pharmacotherapy based on patient characteristics and comorbidities is needed to further improve these outcomes.
Activity-Based Therapy in a Community Setting for Independence, Mobility, and Sitting Balance for People With Spinal Cord Injuries
Authors: de Oliveira Camila Quel , Middleton James W , Refshauge Kathryn , Davis Glen M
Published: April 2019

Introduction:

Activity-based therapy (ABT) aims to activate the neuromuscular system below the level of the spinal cord lesion and promote recovery of motor tasks through spinal reorganisation, motor learning and changes to muscles and sensory system. We investigated the effects of a multimodal ABT program on mobility, independence and sitting balance in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).

Methods:

Retrospective clinical data from 91 adults who independently enrolled in four community-based ABT centres in Australia were analysed. The multimodal ABT program was delivered for 3 to 12 months, one to four times per week. Assessments were undertaken every 3 months and included the Modified Rivermead Mobility Index (MRMI), Spinal Cord Independence Measure (SCIM) and seated reach distance (SRD). A linear mixed model analysis was used to determine time-based and other predictors of change.

Results:

There was a significant improvement after 12 months for all outcome measures, with a mean change score of 4 points in the SCIM (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7-5.3, d = 0.19), 2 points in the MRMI (95% CI: 1-2.3, d = 0.19) and 0.2 in the SRD (95% CI: 0.1-2.2, d = 0.52). Greater improvements occurred in the first 3 months of intervention. There were no interaction effects between time and the neurological level of injury, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale classification, or duration post-injury for most outcomes.

Conclusions:

A community-based ABT exercise program for people with SCI can lead to small improvements in mobility, independence and balance in sitting, with greater improvements occurring early during intervention.
The inhuman challenge: Writing with dark desire
Authors: Hietanen Joel , Andéhn Mikael , Wickström Alice
Published: April 2019

Adaptations of Deleuze’s and Guattari’s philosophizing on the immanent forces of the unconscious have risen to challenge joyous, affirmative readings of their work by bringing the dark and destructive aspects of desire into focus. We find an innate potentiality within such accounts, as they are themselves spoken by the inhuman within us – the forces which render our subjective intentions obsolete. To supplement more traditional forms of academic expression, we advocate for an affective style of writing that can bring about ‘shocks to thought’ and convey the inhumanity of desire. We see this as an activating form of aesthetic violence that channels dark desiring itself and thereby challenges critical organizational scholarship that seeks to ‘raise awareness’. An inhuman textuality that recognizes our own obscenity in disgust and through repulsion serves to unleash that which is typically unthinkable and unspeakable in organizational research.
Parameter design methodologies for vertical skewed line gears taking lubrication performance into account
Authors: Chen Yangzhi , Zhu Anshi , Lyu Yueling
Published: April 2019

Based on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) theory, design methodologies are proposed aiming to improve the EHL state of the vertical skewed line gear (VSLG) in this article. First of all, the parametric equations of the driving and driven VSLG surfaces are established and then converted into equivalent Hertz contact model. Then, the influences of the design parameters of the VSLG on the ellipticity are analyzed by its equivalent Hertz contact model. Finally, the parameter design method for improving the EHL state of VSLG is deduced. The results of optical elastohydrodynamic experiment and simulation experiment indicate that the parameter design method is effective for the formation of EHL film without changing the kinematic characteristics of VSLG. In short, this paper provides reliable and convenient parameter design methods for VSLG in consideration of EHL.
Assessment of cross-laminated timber panels by the state-space approach
Authors: Albostami Asad S , Wu Zhangjian , Cunningham Lee S
Published: April 2019

In this article, cross-laminated timber panels are investigated as a novel engineering application of the state-space approach. As cross-laminated timber is a laminated composite panel, the three-dimensional analytical method provided by the state-space approach offers the potential for improved accuracy over existing common approaches to the analysis of cross-laminated timber. Before focusing on the specific application to cross-laminated timber, the general theory of the state-space approach is outlined. The method is then applied to describe the behaviour of a number of cross-laminated timber panel configurations previously examined experimentally and analytically. In order to demonstrate the capability of the state-space approach in this application, the results are compared with those from various two-dimensional and three-dimensional analytical approaches and finite element modelling briefly. With a view to design, different failure criteria are explored to assess the ultimate strength of the cross-laminated timber panels. The state-space approach demonstrates its superior capability in capturing the nonlinear distribution of the elastic stresses through the thickness of the cross-laminated timber panels over a range of span-to-thickness ratios common in practical applications.
How media shape political trust: News coverage of immigration and its effects on trust in the European Union
Authors: Brosius Anna , van Elsas Erika J , de Vreese Claes H
Published: April 2019

Attitudes towards immigration are among the core predictors of attitudes toward the European Union. However, even though most citizens learn about immigration through the media, we lack a comprehensive account of how media coverage of immigration influences support for the European Union. In this study, we use a combination of European Social Survey and Media Claims data to investigate the effects of the visibility and valence of immigration and refugee media coverage on political trust in the European Union in 18 countries between 2012 and 2016. Our results show that media coverage of immigration and refugees influences trust in the European Union; however, the effects depend on citizens’ ideological leaning and content characteristics. Furthermore, we find that the impact of immigration attitudes on trust in the European Union becomes more important over the course of the refugee crisis.
Do students’ language backgrounds explain achievement differences in the Luxembourgish education system?
Authors: Loureiro Kevin Simoes , Hadjar Andreas , Scharf Jan , Grecu Alyssa
Published: April 2019

What is the role of students’ language background in school success within the multilingual and highly stratified education system in Luxembourg? Considering achievement differences in terms of the primary effects of social and ethnic origin, we assume that students of a disadvantaged social origin (e.g. working class), with an immigrant background, who speak languages at home other than Luxembourg’s official languages show lower school achievements and are placed into lower school tracks. Analyses are based on the data of Luxembourgish primary (grades 4/5) and secondary students (grades 7/8) from two consecutive survey waves in 2016/2017 (for the international project SASAL – School Alienation in Switzerland and Luxembourg). The results indicate language background has only marginal effects, but social and immigrant origin has stronger effects.
Why can’t Palestinian chefs penetrate the boundaries of upscale dining in Israel?
Authors: Gvion Liora
Published: April 2019

Ethnic and professional identities are generally viewed as incongruent. While ethnic cooking is seen as a reproduction of unaltered native dishes, professional cooking raises anticipation of invented culinary novelties. This study asks why Palestinian chefs fail to reconfigure ethnicity as an invaluable asset that enables their restaurant to partake in the realm of haute dining in Israel. The reconfiguration of Palestinian culinary knowledge as sophisticated and up-to-date, I argue, challenges their clients’ expectations that Palestinian chefs will prioritize the ethnic component of their identity over the professional one. This vision of Palestinian restaurants prevents the chefs from mobilizing the growing curiosity for ethnic cuisines, as well as the nostalgia for dishes that have disappeared from domestic kitchens, keeping them from penetrating the realm of haute cuisine en route to upward mobility and professional autonomy.
Big Data from the South(s): Beyond Data Universalism
Authors: Milan Stefania , Treré Emiliano
Published: April 2019

This article introduces the tenets of a theory of datafication of and in the Souths. It calls for a de-Westernization of critical data studies, in view of promoting a reparation to the cognitive injustice that fails to recognize non-mainstream ways of knowing the world through data. It situates the “Big Data from the South” research agenda as an epistemological, ontological, and ethical program and outlines five conceptual operations to shape this agenda. First, it suggests moving past the “universalism” associated with our interpretations of datafication. Second, it advocates understanding the South as a composite and plural entity, beyond the geographical connotation (i.e., “global South”). Third, it postulates a critical engagement with the decolonial approach. Fourth, it argues for the need to bring agency to the core of our analyses. Finally, it suggests embracing the imaginaries of datafication emerging from the Souths, foregrounding empowering ways of thinking data from the margins.
Method Sequence and Dominance in Mixed Methods Research: A Case Study of the Social Acceptance of Wind Energy Literature
Authors: Walker Chad , Baxter Jamie
Published: April 2019

As more researchers have considered the use of mixed methods, writings have moved away from debates about epistemological incompatibilities and now focus on the (potential) value of increased understanding that comes from combining qualitative and quantitative approaches. Yet, as the level of integration can vary substantially, some designs are said to allow one method or the other to dominate. Although there may be sound reasoning for intentionally allowing one method to dominate, here we investigate one literature as a moment to reflect why, and on the degree to which mixed methods sequence is so bound up with methodological dominance, that calling such studies “mixed” may seem misleading. Like the history of social science more generally, it is quantitative research that is typically given more weight in these studies and academics have noted a few reasons why this may be the case. Few have investigated how research design—and more specifically method sequence—may impact method dominance. Using an emerging mixed methods literature surrounding the social acceptance of wind energy ( N = 34), we study the relationship between the timing of each method (i.e., sequence) and method dominance to see whether qualitative methods in particular are marginalized. Through our Dominance in Mixed Methods Assessment model, we provide evidence that indeed qualitative methods are marginalized and this may be associated with method sequence and other design elements. Moreover, some authors focus solely on one method, giving pause to caution both writers and readers about the use of the term “mixed methods.” The analytical approach is detailed enough to be replicated and detect whether these patterns are repeated in other research domains.
Description of stratification phenomena in the fluid reservoirs with first-order chemical reaction
Authors: Jabeen Iffat , Farooq Muhammad , Mir Nazir Ahmad
Published: April 2019

In real life applications, summer and winter stratifications prevent the fluid from mixing. This phenomenon has great impact on the phytoplankton (algae) populations, fisheries management and water supply quality, deficiency of dissolved oxygen in the lower region of ponds, lakes and rivers. Thus, our main moto in this article is to highlight the features of mixed convection in Powell–Eyring fluid deformed by an inclined stretchable sheet. Characteristics of heat transfer are exposed via thermal stratification. The solutal stratification and chemical reaction of first order are accounted to elaborate the nature of mass transfer. The coupled non-linear equations with ordinary derivatives are acquired after utilizing suitable transformation. The homotopic approach is adopted to accomplish the convergent series solution. Analysis of various emerging parameters on the fluid’s temperature, velocity and concentration fields is elaborated through graphs. Surface drag, Sherwood and Nusselt numbers are studied through graphical data corresponding to numerous parameters. In conclusion, dominant solutal and thermal stratified parameters are responsible for reduction of concentration and temperature fields, respectively, which enables us to prevent the formation of fluid layers with different density regions.
A note on the draft International Council for Harmonisation guidance on estimands and sensitivity analysis
Authors: Mehrotra Devan V
Published: April 2019

In the second half of 2014, the Steering Committee of the International Council for Harmonisation endorsed the formation of an expert working group to develop an addendum to the International Council for Harmonisation E9 guideline ( Statistical Principles for Clinical Trials). The addendum was to focus on two clinical trial topics: estimands and sensitivity analysis. A draft of the addendum, referred to as E9/R1, was developed by the expert working group and made available for public comments across the International Council for Harmonisation regions in the second half of 2017. A structured framework for clinical trial design and analysis proposed in the draft addendum are briefly described, including four key inputs for developing objective-driven estimands and strategies for tackling one of the inputs (‘intercurrent events’). The proposed framework aligns each clinical trial objective with the corresponding statistical target of estimation (estimand), trial design and data to be collected, main method of estimation/inference, and sensitivity analysis to pressure test key analytic assumption(s) in the main analysis. A case study from the diabetes therapeutic area illustrates how the framework can be implemented in practice. International Council for Harmonisation E9/R1 is expected to enable better planning, conduct, analysis, and interpretation of randomised clinical trials. This will facilitate improvements in new drug applications and strengthen understanding of decision making by regulatory authorities and advisory committees.
The etiological contribution of GABAergic plasticity to the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain
Authors: Li Caijuan , Lei Yanying , Tian Yi , Xu Shiqin , Shen Xiaofeng , Wu Haibo , Bao Senzhu , Wang Fuzhou
Published: April 2019

Neuropathic pain developing after peripheral or central nerve injury is the result of pathological changes generated through complex mechanisms. Disruption in the homeostasis of excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the central nervous system is a crucial factor in the formation of hyperalgesia or allodynia occurring with neuropathic pain. The central GABAergic pathway has received attention for its extensive distribution and function in neural circuits, including the generation and development of neuropathic pain. GABAergic inhibitory changes that occur in the interneurons along descending modulatory and nociceptive pathways in the central nervous system are believed to generate neuronal plasticity, such as synaptic plasticity or functional plasticity of the related genes or proteins, that is the foundation of persistent neuropathic pain. The primary GABAergic plasticity observed in neuropathic pain includes GABAergic synapse homo- and heterosynaptic plasticity, decreased synthesis of GABA, down-expression of glutamic acid decarboxylase and GABA transporter, abnormal expression of NKCC1 or KCC2, and disturbed function of GABA receptors. In this review, we describe possible mechanisms associated with GABAergic plasticity, such as central sensitization and GABAergic interneuron apoptosis, and the epigenetic etiologies of GABAergic plasticity in neuropathic pain. Moreover, we summarize potential therapeutic targets of GABAergic plasticity that may allow for successful relief of hyperalgesia from nerve injury. Finally, we compare the effects of the GABAergic system in neuropathic pain to other types of chronic pain to understand the contribution of GABAergic plasticity to neuropathic pain.
Divided attention and the encoding effects of retrieval
Authors: Buchin Zachary L , Mulligan Neil W
Published: April 2019

Retrieving from memory both reveals as well as modifies memory. It is important to understand how these encoding effects of retrieval differ from other forms of encoding. One possible difference relates to attention: divided attention is well known to disrupt memory encoding but typically has much less impact on memory retrieval. However, less is known about the relative attentional demands of the encoding consequences of retrieval. The current experiments examined retrieval-based encoding using free recall, a retrieval task purported to require substantial attentional resources. In three experiments, participants studied common category exemplars (Phase 1), restudied or freely recalled the exemplars (Phase 2), and then took a final free-recall test (Phase 3). Phase 2 occurred under full attention (FA) or divided attention (DA). In all three experiments, the negative effect of DA on final recall was significant in the restudy but not retrieval condition. The pattern persisted with short (Experiment 1) or long study lists (Experiment 2), requiring lesser or greater retrieval effort, and with multiple Phase 2 tests, permitting the development of more elaborate retrieval strategies (Experiment 3). The encoding effects of retrieval appear resilient to distraction, even using a memory task that is more effortful and easily disrupted by DA (i.e., free recall). In addition, these results are inconsistent with elaboration and effort accounts of retrieval-based learning.