bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metacognitive training for patients with schizophrenia: Preliminary evidence for a targeted, single-module programme
Authors: Balzan Ryan P , Delfabbro Paul H , Galletly Cherrie A , Woodward Todd S
Published: October 2013

Objective:

Metacognitive training is an eight-module, group-based treatment programme for people with schizophrenia that targets the cognitive biases (i.e. problematic thinking styles) thought to contribute to the genesis and maintenance of delusions. The present article is an investigation into the efficacy of a shorter, more targeted, single-module metacognitive training programme, administered individually, which focuses specifically on improving cognitive biases that are thought to be driven by a ‘hypersalience of evidence-hypothesis matches’ mechanism (e.g. jumping to conclusions, belief inflexibility, reasoning heuristics, illusions of control). It was hypothesised that a more targeted metacognitive training module could still improve performance on these bias tasks and reduce delusional ideation, while improving insight and quality of life.

Method:

A sample of 28 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia and mild delusions either participated in the hour-long, single-session, targeted metacognitive training programme ( n = 14), or continued treatment as usual ( n = 14). All patients were assessed using clinical measures gauging overall positive symptomology, delusional ideation, quality of life and insight, and completed two cognitive bias tasks designed to elucidate the representativeness and illusion of control biases.

Results:

After a 2-week, post-treatment interval, targeted metacognitive training patients exhibited significant decreases in delusional severity and conviction, significantly improved clinical insight, and significant improvements on the cognitive bias tasks, relative to the treatment-as-usual controls. Performance improvements on the cognitive bias tasks significantly correlated with the observed reductions in overall positive symptomology. Patients also evaluated the training positively.

Conclusions:

Although interpretations of these results are limited due to the lack of an optimally designed, randomised controlled trial and a small sample size, the results are promising and warrant further investigation into targeted versions of the metacognitive training programme.
Do Implant Overdentures Improve Dietary Intake? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Hamdan N.M. , Gray-Donald K. , Awad M.A. , Johnson-Down L. , Wollin S. , Feine J.S.
Published: October 2013

People wearing mandibular two-implant overdentures (IOD) chew food with less difficulty than those wearing conventional complete dentures (CD). However, there is still controversy over whether or not this results in better dietary intake. In this randomized clinical trials (RCT), the amounts of total dietary fiber (TDF), macronutrients, 9 micronutrients, and energy in diets consumed by persons with IOD and CD were compared. Male and female edentate patients ≥ 65 yrs (n = 255) were randomly divided into 2 groups and assigned to receive a maxillary CD and either a mandibular IOD or a CD. One year following prosthesis delivery, 217 participants (CD = 114, IOD = 103) reported the food and quantities they consumed to a registered dietician through a standard 24-hour dietary recall method. The mean and median values of TDF, macro- and micronutrients, and energy consumed by both groups were calculated and compared analytically. No significant between-group differences were found ( ps > .05). Despite quality-of-life benefits from IODs, this adequately powered study reveals no evidence of nutritional advantages for independently living medically healthy edentate elders wearing two-implant mandibular overdentures over those wearing conventional complete dentures in their dietary intake at one year following prosthesis delivery (International Clinical Trials ISRCTN24273915).
Long-term Stability of Early Implant Placement with Contour Augmentation
Authors: Buser D. , Chappuis V. , Kuchler U. , Bornstein M.M. , Wittneben J.G. , Buser R. , Cavusoglu Y. , Belser U.C.
Published: October 2013

In this prospective case series study, 20 patients with an implant-borne single crown following early implant placement with simultaneous contour augmentation were followed for 6 years. Clinical, radiologic, and esthetic parameters were assessed. In addition, cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used at 6 years to examine the facial bone wall. During the study period, all 20 implants were successfully integrated, and the clinical parameters remained stable over time. Pleasing esthetic outcomes were noted, as assessed by the pink esthetic scores. None of the implants developed mucosal recession of 1 mm or more. The periapical radiographs yielded stable peri-implant bone levels, with a mean DIB of 0.44 mm at 6 years. The CBCT scans showed that all 20 implants had a detectable facial bone wall at 6 years, with a mean thickness of around 1.9 mm. In summary, this prospective case series study demonstrated stable peri-implant hard and soft tissues for all 20 implants, and pleasing esthetic outcomes overall. The follow-up of 6 years confirmed that the risk for mucosal recession is low with early implant placement. In addition, contour augmentation with guided bone regeneration (GBR) was able to establish and maintain a facial bone wall in all 20 patients.
Influence of Platform Switching on Bone-level Alterations
Authors: Enkling N. , Jöhren P. , Katsoulis J. , Bayer S. , Jervøe-Storm P.-M. , Mericske-Stern R. , Jepsen S.
Published: October 2013

The concept of platform switching has been introduced to implant dentistry based on clinical observations of reduced peri-implant crestal bone loss. However, published data are controversial, and most studies are limited to 12 months. The aim of the present randomized clinical trial was to test the hypothesis that platform switching has a positive impact on crestal bone-level changes after 3 years. Two implants with a diameter of 4 mm were inserted crestally in the posterior mandible of 25 patients. The intraindividual allocation of platform switching (3.3-mm platform) and the standard implant (4-mm platform) was randomized. After 3 months of submerged healing, single-tooth crowns were cemented. Patients were followed up at short intervals for monitoring of healing and oral hygiene. Statistical analysis for the influence of time and platform type on bone levels employed the Brunner-Langer model. At 3 years, the mean radiographic peri-implant bone loss was 0.69 ± 0.43 mm (platform switching) and 0.74 ± 0.57 mm (standard platform). The mean intraindividual difference was 0.05 ± 0.58 mm (95% confidence interval: –0.19, 0.29). Crestal bone-level alteration depended on time ( p < .001) but not on platform type ( p = .363). The present randomized clinical trial could not confirm the hypothesis of a reduced peri-implant crestal bone loss, when implants had been restored according to the concept of platform switching (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01917305).
Reconstructive Procedures for Treating Peri-implantitis
Authors: Khoshkam V. , Chan HL. , Lin GH. , MacEachern M.P. , Monje A. , Suarez F. , Giannobile W.V. , Wang HL.
Published: October 2013

This review aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of reconstructive procedures for treating peri-implantitis. Searches of electronic databases and cross-referencing were performed for human comparative clinical trials with ≥10 implants for ≥12 months of follow-up, reporting radiographic defect fill and at least one of the following parameters: probing depth reduction, clinical attachment level gain, bleeding on probing reduction, and mucosal recession. The searches retrieved 430 citations. Only 1 randomized controlled trial was identified, which compared reconstructive therapy and open flap debridement. Case series studies were also included to evaluate the overall performance of the reconstructive procedures. Twelve studies were finally included. Meta-analysis revealed that the weighted mean radiographic defect fill was 2.17 mm (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-2.87 mm), probing depth reduction was 2.97 mm (95% CI: 2.38-3.56 mm), clinical attachment level gain was 1.65 mm (95% CI: 1.17-2.13 mm), and bleeding on probing reduction was 45.8% (95% CI: 38.5%-53.3%). Great variability in reparative outcomes was found, attributed to patient factors, defect morphology, and reconstructive agents used. Currently, there is a lack of evidence for supporting additional benefit of reconstructive procedures to the other treatment modalities for managing peri-implantitis.
Practice Tips and Tools for the Successful Use of U-500 Regular Human Insulin
Authors: Cochran Elaine K. , Valentine Virginia , Samaan Karen H. , Corey Ilene B. , Jackson Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2013

This review provides information to equip diabetes educators to instruct and guide patients in using U-500 human regular insulin (U-500R). The article includes an overview of U-500R pharmacology and clinical data, strategies for outpatient and inpatient use, and tools for patient education. U-500R is useful for treating patients with any type of diabetes who require high doses of insulin. U-500R alleviates the volume-related problems associated with high doses of U-100 insulin, making treatment with high doses of insulin more feasible (because of the need for fewer injections for patients) as well as more cost-efficient and potentially more effective. These tools can help diabetes educators feel more comfortable and confident as they advise and educate patients who receive high-dose U-500R as part of their overall diabetes care plan. The diabetes educator plays a vital role in helping patients use U-500R safely and successfully.
Impact of a Focused Nutrition Educational Intervention Coupled With Improved Access to Fresh Produce on Purchasing Behavior and Consumption of Fruits and Vegetables in Overweight Patients With Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Weinstein Eleanor , Galindo Rodolfo J. , Fried Martin , Rucker Lisa , Davis Nichola J.
Published: October 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to test the impact of distributing coupons redeemable at farmers markets plus an educational intervention on fruit and vegetable (F&V) purchase and consumption in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM).

Methods

Seventy-eight participants with T2DM being followed at Jacobi Medical Center, a large public hospital in the Bronx, New York, were randomized to receive the standard of care or a 1-hour session focused on benefits of F&V consumption and $6 in coupons. Questionnaires assessed demographics, F&V intake, and farmers market purchasing at baseline and 12 weeks. Clinical parameters were obtained through chart review at baseline and at 12 weeks.

Results

Participants were predominantly Latino, females, and low income. At 12 weeks, there was a statistically significant increase in the number of participants in the intervention arm who reported purchasing from a farmers market. In addition, there was a minimal increase in fresh fruit intake in the intervention arm at 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Focused education combined with a small economic incentive resulted in an increase in purchasing behavior and fresh fruit intake per day. A more intense behavioral intervention combined with increased access may result in a significant impact on obesity and diabetes, particularly among low-income and racially diverse communities.
Hypothesis Generation for Childhood Cancer Communication Research
Authors: Kelly Katherine Patterson , Pyke-Grimm Kimberly , Stewart Janet L. , Hinds Pamela S.
Published: October 2013

Secondary analysis of existing qualitative datasets offers an opportunity to efficiently use these difficult-to-collect data to generate hypotheses for future research and expand understanding of the phenomena under study. We conducted a retrospective interpretation of two qualitative datasets regarding childhood cancer treatment decision making to elaborate themes regarding parents’ cancer communication (information sharing and involvement of their children in treatment decision making) that were not fully developed in the original analyses. We identified broad variability in parents’ cancer communication that was not entirely dependent upon the age of their ill child. We were able to generate multiple hypotheses to help guide our future research.
A large neglected pleomorphic adenoma of the lung: Report of a rare case
Authors: Gakidis Ioannis , Mihos Petros T , Chatziantoniou Christos , Stamatelopoulos Athanasios , Eftychiadis Christos , Mantas Constantinos
Published: October 2013

Primary pleomorphic adenomas of the lung are very rare tumors that have peculiar clinical and oncologic features. We report here on the diagnostic and therapeutic approach for a patient with a large neglected pulmonary pleomorphic adenoma that presented initially as pneumonia.
‘Multiple secularities’: Postcolonial variations and guiding ideas in India and South Africa
Authors: Burchardt Marian , Wohlrab-Sahr Monika , Wegert Ute
Published: October 2013

This article draws on the concept of ‘multiple secularities’ as culturally embedded forms of distinction between religious and non-religious spheres and practices. The authors argue that those distinctions gain importance if they are supported by ‘guiding ideas’ that serve to orient institutionalizations of the religious–secular divide with reference to fundamental societal problems. Focusing on the cases of India and South Africa, the authors explore how different ‘guiding ideas’ emerge from particular histories of colonial and postcolonial entanglements and national emancipation. They demonstrate how and why tolerance and non-discrimination have become paramount values and key concerns in national debates in both countries. Whereas in India secularity (framed as secularism) has become central to struggles and discourses over collective identities, in South Africa its social, cultural and political importance have remained limited.
From the ‘Bad Nigger’ to the ‘Good Nigga’: an unintended legacy of the Black Power movement
Authors: Andrews Kehinde
Published: October 2013

The Black Power movement based the authenticity of Blackness on the position of the oppressed class, or what Malcolm X termed the Field Negro. This article examines the pitfalls of locating authenticity solely with the Black poor. The Black Panther Party aimed to attract as its members the lumpenproletariat, who would not back down from the struggle. This embrace of the ‘Bad Nigger’, a feature since enslavement, impacted on the party but also on the legacy of the movement. The strength to resist authority was seen as central but, in the absence of radical politics, the position has been taken over by a nihilistic outlook embodied in the emergence of the identity ‘Nigga’. By examining conscious Hip Hop and Gangsta Rap it is argued that this identity helps to keep the community in check. Due to lumpen authenticity, however, the ‘Good Nigga’ is shielded from the accusation of ‘tomming’ and it is therefore necessary to rework a political definition of authenticity necessary to mobilise a new generation for resistance. This article necessarily uses the controversial N-word in different forms to explicate a political process and the way the term itself has been culturally embraced.
Multidimensional Item Response Theory Models in Vocational Interest Measurement
Authors: Wetzel Eunike , Hell Benedikt
Published: October 2013

Vocational interest inventories are commonly analyzed using a unidimensional approach, that is, each subscale is analyzed separately. However, the theories on which these inventories are based often postulate specific relationships between the interest traits. This article presents a multidimensional approach to the analysis of vocational interest data, which takes these relationships into account. Models in the framework of Multidimensional Item Response Theory (MIRT) are explained and applied to a widely used German vocational interest inventory based on the RIASEC model, the AIST-R. MIRT models were more appropriate to describe the data than unidimensional models. It follows that responses to some items were not only influenced by the interest type they were designed to measure but also by another dimension. The advantages of MIRT models are discussed.
Lifetime Prevalence of Multiple Victimizations and Its Impact on Children’s Mental Health
Authors: Cyr Katie , Clément Marie-Ève , Chamberland Claire
Published: October 2013

This study sought to document lifetime experiences of individual categories of victimizations and polyvictimization using the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire among children from the province of Quebec (Canada) to examine whether polyvictimization predicts mental health symptoms and to assess whether categories of victimization still contribute to mental health symptoms after considering polyvictimization. Polyvictimization accounted for the most variability in scores for depression, anxiety, and anger/aggression compared with individual victimization categories. None of the individual categories of victimization made an independent contribution to the prediction of trauma scores, once polyvictimization was considered.
The Purloined Letters
Authors: Oliver Willard M. , Marion Nancy E. , Hill Joshua B.
Published: October 2013

Presidential signing statements—a written statement presidents attach to a bill when signing it into law—has recently come to light as a powerful, and possibly unconstitutional, tool for enhancing power of the unitary executive. Recent research has assessed how these signing statements have been used and why, offering insight into the politics of the American presidency in enacting public policy. This study examines how presidents use the signing statements as they approve legislation related to criminal justice, assessing them by type, president, and party affiliation. Results suggest support for the unitary executive theory and that presidents often take a unilateral action approach in their use of signing statements—including those that potentially violate the U.S. Constitution.
Experimental investigations into ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition process
Authors: Rajput Mridul S , Pandey Pulak M , Jha Sunil
Published: October 2013

In this study, a new process namely, ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition, has been conceived. The ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition process integrates the use of ultrasonic vibrations and high-speed selective jet electrodeposition process to fabricate micro shapes with comparatively high accuracy and with no edge effect. The present study focuses on the development of ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition setup. The impacts of voltage, pulse on time of ultrasonic vibration, concentration of CuSO4·5H2O and interelectrode gap for the fabrication of square-shaped micro part have been studied. Deposition rate and dimensional accuracy of fabricated micro features were considered as responses. The experimental results showed that the ultrasonic-assisted jet electrodeposition process has the capability to fabricate micro parts, which yield better dimensional accuracy and no edge effect but waviness of the order of 10–50 µm, as compared to uneven depositional width and edge effect (gap of 200–250 µm) obtained by jet electrodeposition process.
Rigid multi-body model for simulation of the dynamic hysteresis and the contact force of automotive clutch damper springs
Authors: Jang Jae-Duk , Kim Gi-Woo , Bae Dae-Sung , Kim Won-Jin
Published: October 2013

A new dynamic simulation model is presented with an integrated simulation tool. The dynamic model uses a rigid multi-body model to analyze numerically not only the dynamic hysteresis but also the contact force occurring in automotive damper springs. An experimental estimation of hysteresis and in-situ measurement of the contact force is performed and compared with simulation results. Both the simulation results and the experimental data demonstrate that the proposed approach can effectively predict the non-linear hysteresis and the contact force in clutch damper springs.
Rupturing otherness, fashioning the self: The aesthetics and politics of self-transformation in Sakinna Boukhedenna’s Journal ‘Nationalité: immigré(e)’
Authors: Boutouba Jimia
Published: October 2013

Written in the form of a journal, Sakinna Boukhedenna’s novel Journal ‘Nationalité: immigré(e)’ presents the narrative of a young woman’s peregrinations: a journey that leads her from the restricted space of a Mulhouse ‘cité’ to uncharted spaces within and outside French national territory. The protagonist embarks on a transnational adventure, going from the France of her birth to the Algeria of her parents, attempting to counteract the competitive discourses and practices of power that have undermined any easy sense of belonging. But Sakinna’s narrative moves beyond identity politics and restrictive rhetoric of place and belonging. Its importance lies in the manner in which it enacts a new space and temporality of representation that articulate affiliation as transgression. This article examines how the text provides a critical perspective on the control mechanisms of society and furnishes us with a critical perspective of the mechanisms of self-making and self-transformation. The journal form itself conjoins performativity and narrative. It becomes a performative space in which the protagonist creatively reinvents herself and transforms her social environment.
Colonial ‘gimmicks’ of French cultural education
Authors: Fatih Zakaria
Published: October 2013

It is widely known that French cultural policies in the colonies were designed to make the natives pass as French. The truth of the matter is that those policies hampered their cultural emancipation. As much as there was a desire for assimilation, there was also much apprehension that the educated natives might turn the knowledge acquired in schools against their tutors. To prevent the inevitable, policies in favour of indigenising the curricula were incepted, allegedly to amend the failure of the policy of direct assimilation, when in fact their inception represented the means by which, it was hoped, the cultural emancipation of the natives and their claims for equal rights – and eventually for self-determination – would be halted. Thus, two cultural experiments characterise the cultural policies adopted in French colonies; none of them was perfectly executed nor managed to avert the cultural alienation of the colonised.
Henri Barbusse, official biographer of Joseph Stalin
Authors: Sobanet Andrew
Published: October 2013

This article represents the first sustained critical analysis of Henri Barbusse’s Staline (1935), the first official biography of Joseph Stalin. The author traces Barbusse’s evolution from a Goncourt-winning pacifist writer in the immediate post-World War I years to his position as a Stalinist propagandist at the end of his life. This article reads Staline as propaganda in the service of Stalin’s personality cult, examining its overarching themes, its narrative mechanics, its reception and its legacy. Staline ultimately presents a case study of the dangers of complicity with the extreme left in the interwar period.
Social media, social avatars and the psyche: is Facebook good for us?
Authors: Brunskill David
Published: October 2013

Objective:

This paper aims to explore how social media users represent themselves online, and to consider whether this process has inherent potential to impact upon the psyche of the individual.

Conclusions:

Advanced thinking around social media may exist on an organizational level, but on an individual level there exists a need to catch up, as the psychological dimensions of going online are significant and deserve consideration. Inherent to the experience of using social media is the self selection of favorable material to represent the individual. This process is cumulative, and effectively creates a socially-derived and socially-driven, composite online image (‘social avatar’). Humans notably select their best aspects for presentation to others and the social avatar reflects this tendency, effectively facilitating the creation of a ‘gap’ between online image (representation) and offline identity (substance). The creation of a social avatar should therefore be an important and conscious consideration for all users of social media, not just those individuals already struggling with the task of integrating the multiple facets which make up modern personal identity. Social avatars appear to be an important factor in understanding the inherent potential for social media to affect the psyche/contribute to psychopathology within the individual.
Do Men’s and Women’s Accounts of Surviving a Stroke Conform to Frank’s Narrative Genres?
Authors: France Emma F. , Hunt Kate , Dow Clare , Wyke Sally
Published: October 2013

We compared the illness narratives of 9 male and 9 female United Kingdom stroke survivors using Frank’s typologies of illness narratives. Most respondents presented a single dominant narrative genre (“quest memoir,” “restitution,” “chaos,” or a new “despair” genre); none presented quest manifesto or automythology narratives of social action or self-reinvention. We found no gender differences apparent in which genres respondents presented. Stroke severity and the degree of anticipated or actual recovery largely influenced which genre predominated in individual accounts. Contrary to some sociological understandings of gender and health, gender appeared to be less influential on stroke survivors’ illness accounts than aspects of the illness, such as its severity.
First-line trastuzumab plus taxane-based chemotherapy for metastatic breast cancer: Cost-minimization analysis
Authors: Nerich Virginie , Chelly Jennifer , Montcuquet Philippe , Chaigneau Loïc , Villanueva Cristian , Fiteni Frédéric , Meneveau Nathalie , Perrin Sophie , Voidey Aline , Monnot Tess , Pivot Xavier , Limat Samuel
Published: October 2013

Aim

To carry out a cost-minimization analysis including a comparison of the costs arising from first-line treatment by trastuzumab plus docetaxel versus trastuzumab plus paclitaxel in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Methods

All consecutive patients with human epidermal growth receptor 2-postive metastatic breast cancer who were treated at Besançon University Hospital and Saint Vincent private hospital between 2001 and 2010 by first-line therapy containing trastuzumab plus taxane were retrospectively studied. Economic analysis took into account costs related to drugs, hospitalization, and healthcare travel.

Results

Progression-free survival difference between the two treatments was not significant ( p = 0.65). First-line treatment by trastuzumab plus taxane was estimated at approximately €68,000 ( p = 0.74). The drug costs represented around 70–75% of the total cost, mainly related to the use of trastuzumab.

Conclusion

Our economic analysis shows that although the costs of the two trastuzumab plus taxane regimens are similar, they may contribute to the on-going debate about the availability and use of innovative chemotherapy drugs, in particular in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive metastatic breast cancer with new therapies such as trastuzumab-DM1 and pertuzumab.
Perceptions of Civility for Mobile Phone Use in Formal and Informal Meetings
Authors: Washington Melvin C. , Okoro Ephraim A. , Cardon Peter W.
Published: October 2013

We report our survey research about what American business professionals consider appropriate or civil mobile phone behavior during formal and informal meetings. The findings come from two of our recent research studies: an open-ended survey of 204 employees at a beverage distributor on the East Coast and a nationwide, random-sample survey of 350 business professionals in the United States. There were significant differences by age, group, gender, region, and income level. The differences between women and men were quite striking, with men nearly twice as likely to consider various mobile phone behaviors as acceptable in informal meetings.
Social Spending and Income Redistribution in Argentina during the 2000s
Authors: Lustig Nora , Pessino Carola
Published: October 2013

Between 2003 and 2009, Argentina’s social spending as a share of gross domestic product increased by 7.6 percentage points. Benefit incidence analysis for 2003, 2006, and 2009 suggests that the contribution of cash transfers to the reduction of disposable income inequality and poverty rose markedly between 2006 and 2009, primarily due to the introduction of a new noncontributory pension program—known as the pension moratorium—in 2004. The redistributive impact of the expansion of public spending on education and health was also sizable and equalizing, but to a lesser degree. An assessment of fiscal funding sources puts the sustainability of the redistributive policies into question, unless nonsocial spending is significantly cut.
Effects of exercise on fitness and cognition in progressive MS: a randomized, controlled pilot trial
Authors: Briken S , Gold SM , Patra S , Vettorazzi E , Harbs D , Tallner A , Ketels G , Schulz KH , Heesen C
Published: October 2013

Background:

Exercise may have beneficial effects on both well-being and walking ability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Exercise is shown to be neuroprotective in rodents and may also enhance cognitive function in humans. It may, therefore, be particularly useful for MS patients with pronounced neurodegeneration.

Objective:

To investigate the potential of standardized exercise as a therapeutic intervention for progressive MS, in a randomized-controlled pilot trial.

Methods:

Patients with progressive MS and moderate disability (Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) of 4–6) were randomized to one of three exercise interventions (arm ergometry, rowing, bicycle ergometry) for 8–10 weeks or a waitlist control group. We analyzed the drop-out rate as a measure of feasibility. The primary endpoint of the study was aerobic fitness. Secondary endpoints were walking ability, cognitive function as measured by a neuropsychological test battery, depression and fatigue.

Results:

A total of 42 patients completed the trial (10.6% drop-out rate). Significant improvements were seen in aerobic fitness. In addition, exercise improved walking ability, depressive symptoms, fatigue and several domains of cognitive function.

Conclusion:

This study indicated that aerobic training is feasible and could be beneficial for patients with progressive MS. Larger exercise studies are needed to confirm the effect on cognition.

Trial Registration:

ISRCTN (trial number 76467492) http://isrctn.org
Fatty fish intake is associated with decreased occurrence of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bäärnhielm Maria , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars
Published: October 2013

Background:

High vitamin D levels have been associated with a decreased risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). The most important source of dietary vitamin D is fatty fish.

Objective:

The objective of this paper is to investigate the association between fish consumption and the risk of MS, including the interaction between fish intake and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure habits.

Methods:

This study is based on the project Epidemiological Investigation of MS (EIMS), which is a Swedish population-based case-control study. The analysis included 1879 incident cases of MS and 4135 controls. Subjects who reported high fatty fish intake were compared regarding occurrence of MS with those who reported low intake by calculating odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results:

Frequent fatty fish intake was associated with decreased occurrence of MS (adjusted OR 0.82 (95% CI 0.68-0.98). There was no significant association between intake of lean fish and MS.

Conclusion:

Fatty fish intake might decrease the risk for MS. A hypothetical explanation is that intake of fatty fish may compensate for vitamin D deficiency that is associated with increased MS risk.
Who is my neighbour? Memories of the Holocaust/al Nakba and a global ethic of care
Authors: Fierke K.M.
Published: October 2013

The main question raised by the notion of a global ethic of care is one of how care is to be extended into ever larger spaces. Is it possible to go beyond conventions that attempt to limit harm to extending care, even to those who pose a potential threat of harm? The article begins with an analysis of one prominent, but potentially problematic, argument by Avishai Margalit about why the notion of a specifically global ethic of care is difficult in practice. Like the feminist arguments for a global ethic of care, Margait highlights the importance of the particular or specific other, but also highlights the problem that care for the specific other - and identification of that other - is exclusionary. While his discussion of the potential for a global memory, based on the Holocaust, should provide a way out of the problem, the case of Israel/Palestine reveals a paradox in so far as the memory of the Holocaust has tended to block out the memory of Al Nakba (the catastrophe), the more particularized memory of Palestinians. The second section moves to an exploration of memory, identity and care as they relate to Israel/Palestine. Having revealed the paradox, the third section explores the feminist argument about an ethic of care in more depth, asking to what extent it provides a way out of the paradox.
Global democratization and international regime complexity
Authors: Kuyper Jonathan W.
Published: October 2013

How can democracy best be pursued and promoted in the existing global system? In this article, I propose a novel suggestion: democratization should occur at the level of international regime complexity. Because each issue-area of world politics is distinct, we require tailor-made (as opposed to one-size-fits-all) responses to the global democratic deficit. I conceptualize global democracy as an ongoing process of democratization in which a set of core normative values are more or less satisfied. I explicate equal participation, accountability, and institutional revisability as those key standards. I argue that the democratization of regime complexes should occur across two distinct planes: (1) the realm of multilateral negotiations; and (2) institutional forms of democratic experimentalism between rule-makers and rule-takers. I evaluate and defend the potential of this argument by analyzing the intellectual property rights regime complex. Because intellectual property rights represent a ‘tough case’ for global democrats, we should be optimistic about the democratization of alternative regime complexes.
Conceptualizing prognostic awareness in advanced cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Applebaum Allison J , Kolva Elissa A , Kulikowski Julia R , Jacobs Jordana D , DeRosa Antonio , Lichtenthal Wendy G , Olden Megan E , Rosenfeld Barry , Breitbart William
Published: October 2013

This systematic review synthesizes the complex literature on prognostic awareness in cancer. A total of 37 studies examining cancer patients’ understanding of their prognosis were included. Prognostic awareness definitions and assessment methods were inconsistent across studies. A surprisingly high percentage of patients (up to 75%) were unaware of their poor prognosis, and in several studies, even their cancer diagnosis (up to 96%), particularly in studies conducted outside of North America. This review highlights surprisingly low rates of prognostic awareness in patients with advanced cancer as well as discrepancies in prognostic awareness assessment, suggesting the need for empirically validated measures of prognostic awareness.
Borocarburizing of decarburized gears made from 21NiCrMo2 (AISI 8620) steel
Authors: Ulukoy A , Can AC , Ozmen Y , Tasgetiren S
Published: October 2013

In the present study, gears made of 21NiCrMo2 (AISI 8620) steel were subjected to heat treatments including carburizing, decarburizing, boriding and hardening. Carburizing, decarburizing and boriding were performed in a gaseous atmosphere, a salt bath consisting of 60% NaCl and 40% NaCO3, and a liquid medium containing borax and silicon carbide, respectively. Borocarburazing was carried out in two steps: carburizing and then boriding. Some specimens were treated to obtain different carbon concentrations and to observe the effect of carbon content on the boriding process. This process, consisting of carburizing followed by decarburizing and finally boriding, is named borodecarburizing. The microstructures and phase compositions of the diffusion layers were examined by means of X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. The microhardness profiles of these layers were studied by a Vickers indenter. The hardness value obtained by the borodecarburizing process is 10% higher than a borocarburized specimen’s hardness. One-phase iron boride zone (Fe2B) was observed in the layers. This phase is preferred due to its mechanical properties.
Creating and sustaining a culture of hope: Feng Shui discourses and practices in Hong Kong
Authors: Wang Jeff , Joy Annamma , Sherry John F.
Published: October 2013

This ethnographic study of Feng Shui discourses and practices in Hong Kong examines consumer hope embedded within a specific sociocultural context, supplanting the current understanding of hope as purely an individual psychic phenomenon. The study investigates hope as a collective emotion, informed by key Chinese cultural resources drawn from Taoist and Confucian principles in both its pursuit and desired outcomes. As consumers incorporate hope within their lives and aspirational selves, they act within culturally prescribed pathways of prevailing social and moral rules. The research demonstrates the importance of culturally pervasive discourses in developing an overall sense of hope, one created, interpreted, and sustained within social networks. In the process, we also pay attention to the idea that in hope something still has to happen or become.
The neglected role of cultural intelligence in recent immigrant newcomers’ socialization
Authors: Malik Amina R , Cooper-Thomas Helena D , Zikic Jelena
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this article is to investigate the role of cultural intelligence (CQ) in contributing to the socialization of recent immigrant newcomers (RINs). Drawing on relevant literatures, a conceptual model is developed, highlighting the role of RINs’ CQ in helping them choose the appropriate adjustment strategies that in turn allow them to better perform their job and to socially integrate into their workplace. The article also examines the impact of the social context of the organization, namely the level of diversity, specifically focusing on how RINs may choose different adjustment strategies depending on the type of organizational context and according to the variance in their CQ. Thus, the article makes three important contributions. First, the article integrates CQ literature with immigrant and socialization literatures by exploring the process through which RINs’ CQ can enhance their role performance and social integration during socialization. Second, at the individual level, RINs may find the analysis useful in comprehending the role of CQ for understanding cultural nuances and developing relationships with their new work colleagues, and this may motivate them to further develop their CQ. Third, organizations may consider providing RINs—as well as other employees—with cross-cultural training incorporating CQ modules to enhance and improve their CQ and thereby optimize RINs’ organizational socialization.
The role of environmental hazard in mothers’ beliefs about appropriate supervision
Authors: Damashek Amy , Borduin Charles , Ronis Scott
Published: October 2013

Understanding factors that influence mothers’ beliefs about appropriate levels of supervision for their children may assist in efforts to reduce child injury rates. This study examined the interaction of child (i.e. age, gender, and injury risk behavior) and maternal perception of environmental hazard (i.e. hazard level, injury likelihood, and potential injury severity) variables in predicting mothers’ beliefs about appropriate levels of supervision for their children. Participants were 58 mothers of 2- to 8-year-old community children who were interviewed about their beliefs regarding child injury risk and appropriate supervision. Results indicated that perceived environmental hazard level interacted with child age, gender, and injury risk behavior to predict mothers’ beliefs about supervision. Perceived injury likelihood also interacted with child injury risk behavior to predict beliefs about supervision. Findings underscore the complexity of factors influencing mothers’ beliefs about appropriate supervision and indicate the importance of environmental hazard level in such beliefs.
How Do Respondents Attend to Verbal Labels in Rating Scales?
Authors: Menold Natalja , Kaczmirek Lars , Lenzner Timo , Neusar Aleš
Published: October 2013

Two formats of labeling in rating scales are commonly used in questionnaires: verbal labels for end categories only (END form) and verbal labels for each of the categories (ALL form). We examine attention processes and respondents’ burden in using verbal labels in rating scales. Attention was tracked in a laboratory setting employing eye-tracking technology. The results of the two experiments are presented: One applied seven and the other applied five categories in rating scales comparing END and ALL forms ( n = 47 in each experiment). The results show that the ALL form provides higher reliability, although the probability that respondents attend to a verbal label seems to decrease as the number of verbally labeled categories increases.
Trans Media Moments
Authors: Fink Marty , Miller Quinn
Published: October 2013

For transgender, transsexual, genderqueer, and gender nonconforming people, emergent media technologies offer new outlets for self-representation, outlets that often last for only a brief moment. This article examines trans culture on the website Tumblr during the period from March 2011, when the authors began researching the platform, to May 2013, when Yahoo! paid creator David Karp over a billion dollars for the site. Through auto-ethnographic dialogue about the loose social networks within Tumblr to which the authors contributed during this phase, the article explores ephemeral aspects of self-representation at the intersection of postmodern art practice, sexual politics, and queer subjectivities. From at least 2011 to 2013, people collectively oriented in opposition to dominant discourses of gender and sexuality used Tumblr to refashion straight cisgender norms and to create everyday art in a hybrid media space.
Entering the Graveyard Shift
Authors: Meese James , Wilken Rowan , Nansen Bjorn , Arnold Michael
Published: October 2013

This article analyzes the operation and subsequent failure of TiVo in Australia. Drawing on actor-network theory, we unpack the TiVo assemblage throughout our paper, and look at the various human, technical, and institutional interventions that constituted it and constrained its possible futures. This analysis will be conducted by tracing how TiVo attempted to establish itself as a viable social and technical assemblage and assessing its influence on “new locales of regulation, new practices, new ethical stances, and new institutions.” Our approach offers an inclusive analytical lens by considering how a collection of actors—large and small, human and nonhuman—were actively involved in assembling and disassembling the network required by TiVo for an ongoing presence in Australia. It also contributes to a growing body of work that outlines the usefulness of ANT to media studies scholarship.
Repair of bone defects using a new biomimetic construction fabricated by adipose-derived stem cells, collagen I, and porous beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffolds
Authors: Yang Pei , Huang Xin , Wang Chunsheng , Dang Xiaoqian , Wang Kunzheng
Published: October 2013

Adipose derived stem cells (ASCs) with multilineage differentiation capacities have been demonstrated as an alternative cell candidate for in vitro and in vivo bone regeneration. This suggests that they may be a potential candidate to repair the bone defects. We attempted to demonstrate the use of new biomimetic constructions of undifferentiated rabbit adipose-derived stem cells (rASCs) with fully interconnected porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) scaffolds encapsulated by collagen I hydrogel in the regeneration of a critical-sized defect of rabbit radii. Critical-sized defects in the left radii of rabbits were prepared and inserted with rASCs/collagen I/β-TCP scaffold composites or collagen I/β-TCP scaffold composites. The results were evaluated by histology, radiographs, micro-CT, Emission Computed Tomography (ECT), fluorochrome labeling, western blot, and mechanical testing at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Twelve weeks after implantation, the defects were almost completely repaired as confirmed by the presence of the cortical bone and medullary cavity, which was evaluated through radiologic, histologic, and biomechanical examination. Biodegradation of the biomaterials may be attributed to extracellular liquid dissolution together with cell-mediated phagocytosis. Our study shows that a greater number of rASCs in the porous β-TCP scaffold encapsulated by collagen I gel enhanced osteogenesis in critical-sized defects. We hope to garner new insight into the engineering of rASCs-based bone tissue for clinical application.
School Leaders' Perceptions of the Impact of Extended Services on Families and Communities
Authors: Peterson Andrew , Durrant Ian
Published: October 2013

The move in England towards extended services was a core part of the educational policy of successive Labour governments throughout the 2000s. Sitting alongside like-minded initiatives, school leaders were encouraged to envision, plan for and operate a range of activities and services aimed at deepening and extending schools’ relationships with pupils, families and their communities. Other research evidence has suggested that extended services have had a positive impact in a range of different ways, including pupil attendance and attainment, the engagement with and of families, and closer working with community stakeholders. Drawing on data drawn from interview and self-evaluation across a sample of schools within one local authority, we explore school leaders’ perceptions of the impact of extended services on families and communities. With direct funding for extended services being removed, the research and analysis is timely given the need for school leaders to reflect and decide upon the value of maintaining the range of activities and services sitting within their extended services offer.
Dilemmas of leading national curriculum reform in a global era
Authors: Yin Hongbiao , Lee John Chi-Kin , Wang Wenlan
Published: October 2013

Since the mid-1980s, a global resurgence of large-scale reform in the field of education has been witnessed. Implementing these reforms has created many dilemmas for change leaders. Following a three-year qualitative research project, the present study explores the dilemmas leaders faced during the implementation of the national curriculum reform of senior secondary education in mainland China. The results indicate that those leading the changes of the curriculum reform were placed in a ‘trilemma’ arising from three conflicting cultural values, namely compliance culture, examination culture, and the new pedagogic culture advocated by the reform. These dilemmas stem from local adaptations in response to global reform trends. Finally, the implications for managing dilemmas in change leadership resulting from the present study are put forward.