bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowerment through disempowerment: Harem and the covert female resistance in Fatima Mernissi’s Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood
Authors: Ishaque Nausheen
Published: February 2019

This article probes the dynamics of covert female resistance as evident in Fatima Mernissi’s only fiction work entitled Dreams of Trespass: Tales of a Harem Girlhood (1994). Mernissi’s memoir is a real account of her early childhood spent in a harem. The discussion explores the institution of the harem in terms of how it is believed to have disempowered/empowered its female inhabitants through history. With this in mind, it takes up a number of issues that surface in Fatima’s (Mernissi’s narrator in Dreams of Trespass) narrative, and which stand central to women’s situation in the harem of Fez. These include confinement and denial to spatial freedom to them, women’s desire to gain literacy and thus become intellectually enlightened, the potential of dreams, and one’s personal strength in transgressing the normative boundaries, and finally polygamy in the harem. The article argues how women’s disempowerment, designed by the patriarchal scheme of the harem life, ironically empowers them in specific ways. This view challenges the orientalist appropriations in relation to the female inhabitants of the place who are historically believed to be passive receivers of traditional patriarchy.
Preschoolers Optimize the Timing of Their Conversational Turns Through Flexible Coordination of Language Comprehension and Production
Authors: Lindsay Laura , Gambi Chiara , Rabagliati Hugh
Published: February 2019

Conversation is the natural setting for language learning and use, and a key property of conversation is the smooth taking of turns. In adult conversations, delays between turns are minimal (typically 200 ms or less) because listeners display a striking ability to predict what their partner will say, and they formulate a response before their partner’s turn ends. Here, we tested how this ability to coordinate comprehension and production develops in preschool children. In an interactive paradigm, 106 children (ages 3–5 years) and 48 adults responded to questions that varied in predictability but were controlled for linguistic complexity. Using a novel distributional approach to data analysis, we found that when children can predict a question’s ending, they leave shorter gaps before responding, suggesting that they can optimize the timing of their conversational turns like adults do. In line with a recent ethological theory of turn taking, this early competency helps explain how conversational contexts support language development.
Human demography changes in Morocco and environmental imprint during the Holocene
Authors: Cheddadi Rachid , Palmisano Alessio , López-Sáez José Antonio , Nourelbait Madja , Zielhofer Christoph , Tabel Jalal , Rhoujjati Ali , Khater Carla , Woodbridge Jessie , Lucarini Giulio , Broodbank Cyprian , Fletcher William J , Roberts C Neil
Published: February 2019

The aim of this work is to reconstruct the periods of growth and decline of human populations in Morocco and their potential impacts on the landscape over the past 10,000 years. In order to estimate the trends in the human population size between 10,000 and 3000 years ago, we used a summed probability distribution (SPD) of radiocarbon dates from a wide range of archaeological sites throughout Morocco. Landscape changes were identified and quantified from a dataset of fossil pollen records. Different anthropogenic pollen markers, as well as natural vegetation groups and taxonomic richness were used to analyse the relationship between long-term trends in human population expansion or regression and type of impact on the landscape. The sub-regions of Morocco have different topographies and climates, which have either favoured or prevented the establishment and/or spread of human populations. In order to identify the areas most significantly impacted by humans and the timing of such impacts, we have reconstructed and compared the same past anthropogenic and landscape proxies along with the population trends within the lowlands and mountainous areas. The lowlands were more strongly impacted earlier in the Holocene than the mountainous areas. Anthropogenic markers indicate that farming expanded in the lowlands during the first major expansion of human populations between ca. 7200 and 6700 cal. yr BP at the start of the Neolithic period. In the Atlas and Rif Mountains, anthropogenic impact is not clearly detectable in any of these areas before 4000 cal. BP.
Comparing science communication theory with practice: An assessment and critique using Australian data
Authors: Metcalfe Jenni
Published: February 2019

Scholars have variously described different models of science communication over the past 20 years. However, there has been little assessment of theorised models against science communication practice. This article compares 515 science engagement activities recorded in a 2012 Australian audit against the theorised characteristics of the three dominant models of deficit, dialogue and participation. Most engagement activities had objectives that reflected a mix of deficit and dialogue activities. Despite increases in scientific controversies like climate change, there appears to be a paucity of participatory activities in Australia. Those that do exist are mostly about people being involved with science through activities like citizen science. These participatory activities appear to coexist with and perhaps even depend on deficit activities. Science communication scholars could develop their models by examining the full range of objectives for engagement found in practice and by recognising that any engagement will likely include a mix of approaches.
Clinician-Reported Modification to a CBT Approach in Children’s Mental Health
Authors: Meza Rosemary D. , Jungbluth Nathaniel , Sedlar Georganna , Martin Prerna , Berliner Lucy , Wiltsey-Stirman Shannon , Dorsey Shannon
Published: February 2019

Examining the nature and determinants of evidence-based treatment (EBT) modification is an important step toward understanding the impact of modifications and informing modification guidelines. We examined the prevalence, types, reasons for, and predictors of clinician-reported modification to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for children and adolescents. Ninety-eight clinicians trained in CBT completed surveys on their intent to modify CBT, perceptions of CBT characteristics, confidence in their ability to appropriately deliver CBT in complex clinical situations, and organizational EBT implementation climate post-training. Post-consultation, clinicians self-reported the types and reasons for modifications they performed. Ninety-three percent of clinicians reported they modified CBT, primarily with fewer than half of their clients. Client needs and clinician preference or style accounted for the highest proportion of modification reasons. The number of reported modifications performed was predicted by clinician confidence in their ability to deliver CBT appropriately ( b = .90, p = .01) and their intent to modify ( b = .55, p = .01).
Utilization of Anticoagulants in Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation Before and After Catheter Ablation at Shanghai, China
Authors: Tingting Chen , Yuzhu Wang , Lin Zhang , Ran Li , Jing Li , Yi Wu , Xiaoyu Li , Qianzhou Lv
Published: February 2019

Both vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) and novel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are effective for stroke prevention in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) patients. This study evaluated the utilization of VKA and NOACs in NVAF patients before and after catheter ablation in China. Prescription data were retrospectively collected between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, including indication of use, dose, renal function, and risk assessment (CHA2DS2-VASc score and HAS-BLED score) in Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University. Trends and factors associated with anticoagulants use before and after ablation were evaluated. A total of 475 patients with NVAF who received ablation were included in the analysis. Of all, 53.26% of them received antithrombotic therapy preablation. Warfarin was prescribed in 35.26%, with NOACs in 11.37%. Four hundred seventy-three patients received antithrombotic therapy (99.58%) postablation, 236 patients with NOACs (49.68%). CHA2DS2-VASc score, HAS-BLED score, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and alcohol were independently associated with anticoagulant utilization before catheter ablation. The higher CHA2DS2-VASc score was associated with less frequent prescription of NOACs postablation. The preablation anticoagulation use was still inadequate in China, and CHA2DS2-VASc score was a significant factor influencing the preablation anticoagulant utilization. The utilization rate of NOACs increased significantly postablation, especially for dabigatran, which implied that more physicians prefer to prescribe NOACs for NVAF patients after ablation in our country and may be attributed to the aspects such as ease of NOAC use but also possibly the greater safety and efficacy. Furthermore, the physicians may reluctant to use NOACs for high stroke risk atrial fibrillation patients after catheter ablation.
The Diagnostic Efficacy of Age-Adjusted D-Dimer Cutoff Value and Pretest Probability Scores for Deep Venous Thrombosis
Authors: Li Junxun , Zhang Fan , Liang Chujia , Ye Zhuangjian , Chen Shaoqian , Cheng Jing
Published: February 2019

This study seeks to evaluate the diagnostic value of D-Dimer Plus and Innovance D-Dimer as well as the age-adjusted cutoff value for D-dimer detection in combination with 4 pretest probability (PTP) scores for deep venous thrombosis (DVT). A total of 688 patients referred for lower extremity vascular compression venous ultrasonography for suspected DVT from January 2016 to May 2018 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University underwent D-dimer tests combining with 4 PTP scores. The diagnostic efficacy of the Wells score was the highest of the 4 PTP scores. The diagnostic efficacy of Innovance D-Dimer for DVT was greater than that of D-Dimer Plus, with better sensitivity and negative predictive value, which were both greater than 98%. If the cutoff values were adjusted by age, the Innovation D-Dimer could further improve both the specificity and the positive predictive value, providing better diagnostic performance. When the 2 D-dimer detections were used in combination with 4 PTP scores for DVT diagnosis, separately, both the positive predictive value and the negative predictive value significantly improved for D-Dimer Plus, and the positive predictive values significantly improved for Innovance D-Dimer. However, the sensitivity, specificity, and negative predictive values did not obviously change. For our patients, Wells score had the best diagnostic efficacy for our patients with suspected DVT among the 4 PTP scores. Innovance D-Dimer in combination with age-adjusted cutoff values exhibited increased sensitivity and negative predictive value for DVT diagnosis and was equivalent to the diagnostic efficacy of the Innovance D-Dimer in combination with PTP scores.
Mother–Daughter Sexual Communication: Differences by Maternal Sexual Victimization History
Authors: Wortel Sanne N. , Milan Stephanie
Published: February 2019

Women who experience childhood sexual victimization (CSV) report more problems with sexuality and with parenting during adulthood. Consequently, mothers with a CSV history may have particular difficulty with parent–child sexual communication. We examine this possibility in 184 diverse, low-income mother–adolescent daughter dyads. Mothers and daughters reported on the frequency, tone, and comfort of their sexual communication. Using dyadic approaches to analyses, we tested whether mothers’ and daughters’ reports, and their level of agreement, differ by maternal CSV history. In dyads with maternal CSV, daughters reported more frequent communication in which they felt less embarrassed, and they perceived their mothers as less embarrassed. Mothers with a CSV history were also more accurate in judging how their daughters feel during sexual communication. Although CSV is associated with many negative outcomes, our results suggest mothers with CSV may approach mother–daughter sexual communication in ways that could reduce sexual risk in offspring.
Finance and Management for the Anthropocene
Authors: Shrivastava Paul , Zsolnai Laszlo , Wasieleski David , Stafford-Smith Mark , Walker Thomas , Weber Olaf , Krosinsky Cary , Oram David
Published: February 2019

The Anthropocene era is characterized by a pronounced negative impact of human and social activities on natural ecosystems. To the extent finance, economics and management underlie human social activities, we need to reassess these fields and their role in achieving global sustainability. This article briefly presents the scientific evidence on accelerating impacts of human activities on nature, which have resulted in breach of planetary boundaries and onset of global climate change. It offers some potential leverage points for change toward sustainability stewardship by highlighting the important role of finance and economics in addressing climate change. We examine the role of financial stakeholders in addressing planetary boundaries and offer a modified stakeholder theory, from which we propose future directions for finance in the Anthropocene.
Delays in uptake of surgery for childhood cataract at a child eye health tertiary facility in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Ugalahi MO , Olusanya BA , Fagbemi OO , Baiyeroju AM
Published: February 2019

Background:

Timely uptake of surgery is vital in the control of childhood blindness due to cataract. The aim of this study is to determine the uptake of surgery as well as the frequency and reasons for rescheduling of surgery for childhood cataract in a tertiary hospital in southwest Nigeria.

Methods:

A retrospective study of children with childhood cataract seen at the Paediatric Ophthalmology unit of the University College Hospital, Ibadan between 2011 and 2015. Demographic and clinical information was retrieved from case records. Caregivers of children who did not have surgery were contacted by telephone to elicit reasons why surgery was not done.

Results:

A total of 164 children were included in the study; 90 (54.9%) were male. The median age at presentation was 4 years with a range of 2–180 months. A total of 64 (39.0%) children had unilateral cataract. All patients were scheduled for surgery, but 123 (75%) underwent surgery. Surgery was rescheduled in 42 (34.1%) of those who had surgery. Reasons for rescheduling included financial constraints, illness, delay in paediatrician evaluation to ascertain fitness for anaesthesia and strike actions by health workers in the hospital.

Conclusion:

Three quarters of the children had surgery, though it had been rescheduled, at least once, in about one-third of them. Delayed uptake of surgery was mainly due to inability to afford treatment and strike actions. The need for improved coverage of health insurance especially for the paediatric age group in developing countries cannot be overemphasized. This is because good vision is an integral part of child development.
The use of bevacizumab in pediatric retinal and choroidal disease: A review
Authors: Belin Peter J , Lee Andrew C , Greaves Giovanni , Kosoy Jennifer , Lieberman Ronni M
Published: February 2019

The use of intravitreal bevacizumab in pediatric retinal and uveitic disease has become more widespread over the past decade. This article serves to outline the rationale underlying the use of intravitreal bevacizumab, and which disease entities it should be appropriately thought of as a primary or solo therapy, as opposed to an adjuvant one. Also presented is the relevant literature regarding each of these retinopathies.
Depression, Hematologic Parameters, and Blood Levels of Vitamin B12 in Patients With Laryngopharyngeal Reflux Under Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors
Authors: Ribeiro Rebecca Heidrich Thoen , Ribeiro Fernando Ambros , Silva Romeu Paulo Martins , Bortolini Miguel Júnior Sordi , Garrote-Filho Mario da Silva , Penha-Silva Nilson
Published: February 2019

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate and correlate hematologic indices, vitamin B12 levels, and depression in patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) treated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI).

Methods:

This was a prospective study with a population (n = 23) consisted of patients with suspected LPR and treated with 2 daily doses of Omeprazole 40 mg (80 mg or full dose). The study volunteers performed a complete blood count and vitamin B12 dosage before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment, as well as depression screening using the Center of Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) questionnaire before and after 6 months of treatment. Scores greater than 16 were considered as suggestive of depression.

Results:

The mean score on the CES-D scale of study participants at baseline significantly decreased after 6 months of treatment. A significant decrease was observed in the red blood cells count (RBC) after 6 months in relation to 3 months. Significant increases in mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were observed from 3 months to 6 months in this study. Vitamin B12 levels increased significantly between baseline and after 6 months of treatment.

Conclusion:

Decreased scores on the CES-D scale were associated with increased MCV values, with no association with vitamin B12 levels. However, vitamin B12 levels also increased significantly after 6 months of treatment with PPI.
Fuel prices at petrol stations in touristic cities
Authors: Ordóñez-de-Haro José Manuel , Perdiguero Jordi , Jiménez Juan-Luis
Published: February 2019

While it may seem obvious from common sense that retail fuel prices should be higher in touristic rather than in nontouristic cities, the related empirical literature has failed either to clearly support this assumption or to qualify and quantify the effect of tourism on retail fuel prices. Using a self-created data set that includes prices across a large sample of petrol stations located in mainland Spain and the Balearic Islands, we seek to evaluate the effects of tourism on local destination retail petrol prices. The estimations prove three main effects: Petrol prices are higher in cities with high levels of tourism, nearby beaches, and/or with the socioeconomic influence of a national park. In fact, petrol stations add a margin of around 6.6% and 6.4% for unleaded gasoline 95 and diesel, respectively, in touristic cities. Second, the more touristic the city, the higher these prices. Third, in the case of touristic municipalities, the percentage of travelers from abroad and being within the area of influence of a national park are two of the main drivers that explain this overpricing.
A theoretical typology of border activism: From the streets to the Council
Authors: Fernández-Bessa Cristina
Published: February 2019

Based on a case study of border struggles within the city of Barcelona since the beginning of the 21st century, this article examines diverse types of border activism. Border activism refers to collective efforts by ordinary people to modify, mitigate or even dismantle a border regime. While several migration and citizenship scholars have analysed migrant protests and struggles, these accounts have been hardly taken into consideration within the field of criminology. My work contributes to this vacuum. Specifically, this article develops a theoretical typology for analysing four different forms of border activism: migrant struggles; de facto citizen struggles; border protests; and institutional border activism. For each form of activism, I consider its framework, the subject position of the political actors involved, the repertoires of contention utilized to achieve change and the impact of the different kinds of local actions for reshaping the border regime and the lives of migrants.
Theorizing sites and strategies of differential inclusion: Unlawful migrant workers in Australia
Authors: Segrave Marie
Published: February 2019

In this article, I extend the theoretical concept of differential inclusion, as developed in 2013 by Mezzadra and Neilson, via an empirical examination of the experiences of unlawful migrant workers in Australia and those who employ them. I explore the dynamic and shifting positionality of the unlawful migrant by examining several sites and strategies used to achieve differential inclusion in the Australian context, including migrant worker networks, the workplace and the broader community. My analysis reveals that the nation-state’s effort to exclude and demarcate non-belonging via law and policy is destabilized by the inclusionary bordering practices of both citizens and unlawful non-citizens. My findings point to the importance of criminologists continuing to look beyond the physical border to make sense of the configuration and reconfiguration of belonging. The conceptualization of differential inclusion provided here recognizes that workers and employers utilize diverse strategies and sites which can subvert state exclusionary practices.
From national liberation to radical democracy: Exploring the shift in the Kurdish liberation movement in Turkey
Authors: Fadaee Simin , Brancolini Camilla
Published: February 2019

This paper argues that the (re)framing of the Kurdish movement from national liberation to radical democracy in Turkey has set the ground for a redefinition of strategies from ethnic rights to civil rights. In this sense, the Kurds have put forward a meta-political critique of society by going beyond ethnic claims. We show how, as the result of criticizing the neoliberal representative democracy and the capitalist state, the Kurdish liberation movement’s strategies were transformed to advancing broader civil claims. Based on original research, we elaborate on three concrete expressions which have emerged as the result of this transformation: The Democratic Society Congress, the women’s movement and the environmental movement. Finally, we explore the emancipatory potential of this shift for recognition of the rights of minorities in particular and for broader social change in general.
Interpersonal comparisons with preferences and desires
Authors: Barrett Jacob
Published: February 2019

Most moral and political theories require us to make interpersonal comparisons of welfare. This poses a challenge to the popular view that welfare consists in the satisfaction of preferences or desires, because interpersonal comparisons of preference or desire satisfaction are widely thought to be conceptually problematic, and purported solutions to this problem to lead to a hopeless subjectivism about these comparisons. In this article, I argue that the key to meeting this challenge lies in distinguishing preferences from desires, and preference satisfaction from desire satisfaction theories of welfare. More specifically, I defend three conclusions. First, interpersonal comparisons of preference satisfaction do raise a serious conceptual problem, but this same problem does not arise for interpersonal comparisons of desire satisfaction. Second, none of the existing solutions to the conceptual problem of interpersonal comparisons of preference satisfaction are satisfactory, since none explain how we can make interpersonal comparisons of preference satisfaction objectively. Third, we can at least make a limited range of objective interpersonal comparisons of desire satisfaction, and there are reasons to be optimistic about the possibility of making a wider range of such comparisons, but there is a need for further research on the topic.
Global citizenship education: An educational theory of the common good? A conversation with Carlos Alberto Torres
Authors: Bosio Emiliano , Torres Carlos Alberto
Published: February 2019

This paper presents a remarkable conversation with Carlos Alberto Torres about Global Citizenship Education (GCE) in relation to research, teaching, and learning in the USA. Torres is a Distinguished Professor of Education, UNESCO UCLA Chair on Global Learning and Global Citizenship Education, UCLA and Founding Director of the Paulo Freire Institute (São Paulo; Buenos Aires; UCLA). In this dialogue, he artfully blends together theoretical and practical perspectives on global citizenship focused on the connection between culture and power, the interrelationships of economic, political and cultural spheres in the modern educational institutions in the context of growing internationalization and globalization of education offering an exclusive portrait of GCE as a site of permanent pursuit for social justice. Our tête-à-tête is presented as a pedagogical tool for discussion that invites educators to reflect critically on the possible origins and implications of GCE discourses they are exposed to. It is designed with the intent to contribute toward the possibility of imagining a “yet-to-come” post-colonial, critical-transformative, and value-creating GCE-curriculum beyond a Westernized, market-oriented and apolitical practices toward a more sustainable paradigm based on principles of mutuality and reciprocity, or as Torres calls it in this discussion “el buen vivir”—a concept that portrays a way of acting in society that is community-centric, ecologically balanced, and culturally sensitive, in the ongoing construction of a more just and peaceful world.
“Are We There Yet?” Quest for Treatment of Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Velíšek Libor
Published: February 2019

[Box: see text]
Noninvasive Duplex Ultrasound Findings of Left-Sided Inguinal Endometriomas
Authors: Honl Rachel , Karmy-Jones Riyad
Published: February 2019

Endometriosis is described as the presence of endometrial tissue found at sites outside of the uterus. Symptoms can include pain, hemorrhage, and/or infertility. Typically, computer tomography is utilized to make the diagnosis, which requires surgical intervention to confirm and treat. Extra-abdominal endometriosis, presenting as painful groin mass, is uncommon. In the vast majority of cases, it occurs in the right inguinal region. However, in the inguinal region, duplex ultrasound can be utilized to make the diagnosis and, depending on the clinical setting, may obviate the need for biopsy or excision. We present a rare case of left-sided inguinal endometrioma diagnosed by duplex ultrasonography.
Abdominal Aortic Disease: A Multicase Review
Authors: Lee Joshua D. , Webb Courtney , Fugate Mark W.
Published: February 2019

Abdominal aortic disease affects more than 3 million people per year. For vascular sonographers, imaging aortic disease can become routine. Therefore, it is necessary to expand the knowledge that we have of aortic disease, diagnosis, and treatment. We present 4 cases with new or worsening conditions diagnosed by duplex ultrasound (DUS). Our first case is a 79-year-old woman returning for surveillance of an endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). The DUS findings reveal an increasing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) sac, with evidence of flow originating from an incomplete seal at the attachment suggesting type I endoleak. Next, is a 56-year-old man returning 1 month after type A dissection repair, now presenting with unilateral claudication. The DUS findings of the left lower extremity demonstrated an early systolic deceleration waveform, suggesting more proximal disease. Upon further imaging, an abdominal aortic dissection was identified terminating into the left internal iliac artery, causing the true lumen to be compressed. The third case was a 75-year-old man returning for follow-up of an EVAR and iliac repair. The DUS findings show an increase in iliac artery sac size and anechoic area that was filled with color Doppler flow. These findings are suggestive of type I endoleak involving the distal attachment. The last case is a 56-year-old man returning for EVAR and iliac artery repair surveillance. The common iliac artery aneurysm sac had increased in diameter and length. The distal attachment of the left iliac extension cuff terminated within the aneurysm sac, causing a type I endoleak. Accurate DUS diagnosis of aortic disease is crucial for patient care. Meticulous analysis of the vessels and surrounding structures can make a difference in diagnostic outcomes. Vascular sonographers should continually review and revise vascular laboratory protocols to increase their diagnostic accuracy and improve patient care. It is important to extend the vascular laboratory protocols when complex cases arise to better demonstrate complicated diagnoses and challenging anatomy.
Acute Lower Extremity Ischemia Following an Intervention Requiring a Femoral Vein Access
Authors: Medepalli Lalitha C. , Braum Paul , Gambhir Alok , Medepalli Vidya
Published: February 2019

Acute limb ischemia is defined as a sudden and rapidly progressing decrease in limb perfusion, usually producing new or worsening symptoms or signs, and often threatening limb viability. Acute limb ischemia is most commonly caused by an acute thrombotic occlusion of a preexisting stenotic arterial segment (60% of cases) or by embolus (30%). Prompt diagnosis and urgent medical and percutaneous/surgical interventions are warranted. If not identified and addressed immediately, decreased perfusion and thrombosis can result in a high degree of limb loss–related morbidity. This report focuses on a rare case of an acute lower extremity ischemia following a lower extremity femoral vein access site–related intervention.
From the ghetto to the Gulag, from the ghetto to Israel: Soviet collaboration trials against the Shargorod ghetto’s Jewish Council
Authors: Schneider Wolfgang
Published: February 2019

Beginning in 1944, Soviet authorities arrested former Jewish Council members of different ghettos and put them on trial for collaboration with the Axis powers. This case study examines the 1944 trials of Meir Teich and Isaak Sherf, two leading figures of the Shargorod ghetto’s Jewish administration. Drawing on trial documents, oral history interviews and memoirs, this article focuses on two aspects: how Soviet courts selectively accepted support for the partisans as mitigating circumstances, and how survivor networks among the witnesses influenced the trials. These aspects are discussed in the context of the (re-)Sovietization of formerly occupied territories, in this case Transnistria, the Romanian occupation zone.
Effect of oblique stator on the aerodynamic performance and erosion characteristics of governing stage blades in a supercritical steam turbine
Authors: Cai Liuxi , Xiao Junfeng , Gao Song , Wang Shunsen , Yu Feilong , Duan Jingyao , Li Yuanyuan
Published: February 2019

In this article, a new particle tracking model is established through high temperature erosion modeling test. Based on the model, steam-particle flows in the governing stage cascade of a supercritical steam turbine are systematically investigated and the influence of oblique stator on the aerodynamic performance and erosion characteristics of governing stage blades is carefully studied. Results show that with the increase of nozzle oblique angle, the maximum load position gradually moves toward nozzle trailing edge. Consequently, secondary flow loss of nozzle cascade gradually decreases. Compared with the prototype structure of governing stage, stage efficiency increases by 0.8%, 0.35%, and 0.44%, respectively, when nozzle oblique angle increases to 15°, 30°, and 45°. Meanwhile, erosion at the trailing edge of nozzle pressure side and leading edge of rotor suction side gradually decreases, while erosion of rotor pressure surface increases. The maximum erosion position of nozzle pressure surface and rotor suction surface keeps constant, but the maximum erosion position of rotor pressure surface gradually moves forward. Comprehensive analysis shows that when nozzle oblique angle reaches 30°, erosion of nozzle trailing edge reduces by 14%, and stage efficiency increases by 0.35%; erosion resistance and aerodynamic performance of governing stage can be both well considered.
Ultrashort baseline synchronous-clock emergency resynchronizing method in the Jiaolong deep-sea manned submersible
Authors: Zhang Tongwei , Liu Baohua , Liu Yeyao , Tang Jialing , Qin Shengjie , Wang Xiangxin
Published: February 2019

During the dive operation of the Jiaolong deep-sea manned submersible, the synchronization clock in the manned cabin may be falsely triggered and cause asynchrony between it and the synchronization clock installed in the mothership, rendering it impossible for the ultrashort baseline to provide the correct position of the Jiaolong deep-sea manned submersible. To solve this problem, this article proposes an emergency resynchronizing method for the two synchronous clocks, used by the ultrashort baseline, in the Jiaolong deep-sea manned submersible. Initially, based on the depth and horizontal range measured by the ultrashort baseline and the manned submersible depth transmitted by the acoustic communication system, the time-delay difference between the two synchronous clocks is estimated. The time-delay difference is then compensated by delaying the synchronous clock trigger signal by an external waveform generator in the mothership. Finally, by comparing the depth measured by the ultrashort baseline and the manned submersible depth transmitted by the acoustic communication system, the time-delay difference is finely adjusted. Using this method, the ultrashort baseline problem, which occurred suddenly while the Jiaolong deep-sea manned submersible was diving, is successfully solved.
The Acute S

t

roke or Transient Isc

h

emic Attack Treated with Tic

a

gre

l

or and Aspirin for Pr

e

vention of

S

troke and Death (THALES) trial: Rationale and design
Authors: Johnston S Claiborne , Amarenco Pierre , Denison Hans , Evans Scott R , Himmelmann Anders , James Stefan , Knutsson Mikael , Ladenvall Per , Molina Carlos A , Wang Yongjun ,   for the THALES Investigators
Published: February 2019

Rationale

In patients with acute cerebral ischemia, the rate of stroke, myocardial infarction, or death during 90 days was reported to be non-significantly lower with ticagrelor compared with aspirin, with no increase in major hemorrhage. Dual antiplatelet therapy may be more effective in this setting.

Aim

To investigate whether ticagrelor combined with aspirin are superior to aspirin alone in preventing stroke or death in patients with non-severe, non-cardioembolic ischemic stroke or high-risk transient ischemic attack.

Design

The Acute Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack Treated with Ticagrelor and Aspirin for Prevention of Stroke and Death (THALES) trial is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, event-driven study. Patients will be randomized within 24 h of onset of acute ischemic symptoms. THALES is expected to randomize 13,000 at ∼450 sites worldwide, to collect 764 primary outcome events. Study treatments are ticagrelor 180 mg loading dose on day 1, then 90 mg twice daily on days 2–30, or matching placebo. All patients will also receive open-label aspirin 300–325 mg on day 1, then 75–100 mg once daily on days 2–30.

Study outcomes

The primary efficacy outcome is time to the composite endpoint of stroke or death through 30-day follow-up. The primary safety outcome is time to first severe bleeding event.

Discussion

The THALES trial will provide important information about the benefits and risks of dual antiplatelet therapy with ticagrelor and aspirin in patients with acute cerebral ischemia in a global setting (funding: AstraZeneca).

Clinical Trial Registration URL

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT03354429.
Utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale: Still too crude to be a truly patient-centric primary outcome measure?
Authors: Rethnam Venesha , Bernhardt Julie , Dewey Helen , Moodie Marj , Johns Hannah , Gao Lan , Collier Janice , Ellery Fiona , Churilov Leonid ,   on behalf of AVERT Trial Collaboration Group
Published: February 2019

Background

The utility-weighted modified Rankin Scale (UW-mRS) is an outcome measure recently proposed to improve statistical efficiency and interpretability of the mRS. Statistical properties of the UW-mRS have been well investigated, but construct validity has yet to be established.

Aims

To investigate the construct validity of the UW-mRS as a primary outcome measure by assessing variability in utility values within and between mRS categories, over time post-stroke, and by different derivation methods.

Methods

UW-mRS was derived using assessment of quality of life (AQoL-4D) and mRS scores at 3 and 12 months ( n = 2030) from a large randomized controlled trial, A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial (AVERT). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis of AQoL-4D was conducted to differentiate between sequential mRS categories. Intraclass correlation was used to explore variability in utility values over time post-stroke, UW-mRS values, and derivation methods from multiple studies.

Results

UW-mRS values for mRS categories 0–6 at three months were 0.80, 0.78, 0.63, 0.37, 0.11, 0.03, and 0. Based on AQoL-4D utility values, areas under the ROC curve varied from 0.54 to 0.87. Time post-stroke explained 42%–56% of variability in AQoL-4D utility values in patients with no change in mRS between 3 and 12 months. The choice of the derivation method contributed to 25% of the variability in UW-mRS values.

Conclusions

The high variability in utility values between and within mRS categories, over time post-stroke, and using different derivation methods is not adequately reflected in the UW-mRS. These threats to construct validity warrant caution when using UW-mRS as a primary outcome measure.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12606000185561).
Blended memory: A framework for understanding distributed autobiographical remembering with photography
Authors: Fawns Tim
Published: February 2019

This article offers a framework for understanding how different kinds of memory work together in interaction with people, photographs and other resources. Drawing on evidence from two qualitative studies of photography and memory, as well as literature from cognitive psychology, distributed cognition and media studies, I highlight complexities that have seldom been taken into account in cognitive psychology research. I then develop a ‘blended memory’ framework in which memory and photography can be interdependent, blending together as part of a wider activity of distributed remembering that is structured by interaction and phenomenology. In contrast to studies of cued recall, which commonly feature isolated categories or single instances of recall, this framework takes account of people’s histories of photographic practices and beliefs to explain the long-term convergence of episodic, semantic and inferential memory. Finally, I discuss implications for understanding and designing future memory research.
D-methionine alleviates cisplatin-induced mucositis by restoring the gut microbiota structure and improving intestinal inflammation
Authors: Wu Cheng-Hsi , Ko Jiunn-Liang , Liao Jiuan-Miaw , Huang Shiang-Suo , Lin Meei-Yn , Lee Ling-Hui , Chang Li-Yu , Ou Chu-Chyn
Published: February 2019

Background:

There are close links between chemotherapy-induced intestinal mucositis and microbiota dysbiosis. Previous studies indicated that D-methionine was an excellent candidate for a chemopreventive agent. Here, we investigated the effects of D-methionine on cisplatin-induced mucositis.

Materials and methods:

Male Wistar rats (176–200 g, 6 weeks old) were given cisplatin (5 mg/kg) and treated with D-methionine (300 mg/kg). Histopathological, digestive enzymes activity, oxidative/antioxidant status, proinflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokines in intestinal tissues were measured. Next-generation sequencing technologies were also performed to investigate the gut microbial ecology.

Results:

D-methionine administration increased villus length and crypt depth and improved digestive enzyme (leucine aminopeptidase, sucrose and alkaline phosphatase) activities in the brush-border membrane of cisplatin-treated rats ( p < 0.05). Furthermore, D-methionine significantly attenuated oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction and increased interleukin-10 levels in cisplatin-induced intestinal mucositis ( p < 0.05). Cisplatin administration resulted in high relative abundances of Deferribacteres and Proteobacteria and a low diversity of the microbiota when compared with control groups, D-methionine only and cisplatin plus D-methionine. Cisplatin markedly increased comparative abundances of Bacteroides caccae, Escherichia coli, Mucispirillum schaedleri, Bacteroides uniformis and Desulfovibrio C21-c20, while Lactobacillus was almost completely depleted, compared with the control group. There were higher abundances of Lactobacillus, Lachnospiraceae, and Clostridium butyrium in cisplatin plus D-methionine rats than in cisplatin rats. D-methionine treatment alone significantly increased the number of Lactobacillus reuteri.

Conclusion:

D-methionine protects against cisplatin-induced intestinal damage through antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. By enhancing growth of beneficial bacteria (Lachnospiraceae and Lactobacillus), D-methionine attenuates gut microbiome imbalance caused by cisplatin and maintains gut homeostasis.
Predictive Role of Symptom Duration Before the Initial Clinical Presentation of Adolescents With Capitellar Osteochondritis Dissecans on Preoperative and Postoperative Measures: A Systematic Review
Authors: Cheng Christopher , Milewski Matthew D. , Nepple Jeffrey J. , Reuman Hannah S. , Nissen Carl W.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the capitellum is an increasingly recognized disease affecting young athletes. Because lesion progression is common, early identification is potentially beneficial for an athlete’s treatment and recovery. However, there is currently no analysis available that evaluates the impact of symptom duration on preoperative and postoperative outcomes.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic review of surgically treated OCD lesions to examine the effect of symptom duration before the initial presentation on preoperative and postoperative outcomes. We hypothesized that a longer symptom duration would correlate with more severe preoperative signs and symptoms and poorer postoperative outcomes.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects were queried for studies evaluating symptom duration before the clinical presentation of capitellar OCD and surgical outcomes. A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines.

Results:

A total of 23 studies reporting outcomes in 258 patients (mean patient age, 14.4 ± 1.5 years) were analyzed. Locking as a chief complaint predominated in a greater proportion of patients who presented with a longer history of OCD symptoms ( P = .007). A longer symptom duration also correlated with a longer time to return to sport ( P = .008) and older age ( P < .001). Range of motion limitations as both a chief complaint and a physical examination finding correlated with a longer symptom duration ( P = .014 and .001, respectively). Symptom duration did not show a relationship with most postoperative outcomes, including the return-to-sport rate ( P = .172), which ranged from 70.7% to 91.1% depending on the surgical procedure performed. No significant difference was observed between symptom duration and the surgical procedure performed ( P = .376).

Conclusion:

Advanced OCD lesions were observed in patients with a longer symptom duration. However, treatment specifics rather than symptom duration correlated best with return to sport for patients with advanced OCD lesions requiring surgery. The earlier detection of capitellar OCD may be valuable in reducing the severity of lesions, the time to return to sport, and potential need for surgery in young athletes.
The Influence of Business Case Study Competitions on Students’ Perceptions of Learning
Authors: Carter Joelle Davis , Burke Monica Galloway , Hughey Aaron
Published: February 2019

This study examined the perceptions and expressions of learning of 18 undergraduate students who participated in case study competitions through qualitative inquiry. The participants articulated learning outcomes based on their participation in a case competition, including enhanced communication, critical thinking, and analytical skills; viewing diversity as an educational benefit; and gaining a deeper understanding of business fields such as consulting. These findings suggest case study competitions are a viable tool for business educators to aid students in preparing for competitive work environments.
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Authors: Herrick Ariane L
Published: February 2019

Raynaud’s phenomenon can be either primary (idiopathic) or secondary to underlying disease including systemic sclerosis. Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is very common, affecting approximately 3%–5% of the general population. Although much rarer, systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon can be particularly severe, progressing to digital ulceration in approximately 50% of patients. Raynaud’s phenomenon can have a major impact on quality of life. This review has a focus on the systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon (which is the most researched form of Raynaud’s phenomenon and probably the most challenging to treat) and on recent advances. Epidemiology (including transition from ‘isolated’ to systemic sclerosis–related Raynaud’s phenomenon), pathogenesis, diagnosis and assessment are discussed, followed by the treatment of both ‘uncomplicated’ and ‘complicated’ Raynaud’s phenomena (i.e. Raynaud’s phenomenon which has progressed to digital ulceration and/or critical ischaemia). Finally, some of the major challenges for the next 5–10 years are highlighted.
Development and Validation of a Method for Preclinical Durability Evaluation of Linked Semiconstrained Total Elbow Replacement Prostheses
Authors: Varadarajan Ravikumar , Kincaid Brian L
Published: February 2019

Total elbow replacement (TER) is a clinically successful procedure yet isolated, gross mechanical complications associated with implant durability persist. The objectives of this study were to (1) develop a clinically relevant in vitro methodology to replicate the reported damage modes and (2) demonstrate durability improvements of a next-generation linked, semiconstrained design. Two TER prostheses were tested on a biaxial test frame at 1.4 Hz in 37 ± 3° deionized water through 0° to 130° flexion/extension at various load levels simulating high demand, posttraumatic patients until either component failure or run out to 200 000 cycles. The damage patterns of tested components were qualitatively compared to retrieved components to establish the clinical validity of the methodology. The run out load of design 1 was equivalent to 100 N weight in hand (WIH). Specimens tested at higher load levels exhibited multimodal damage consistent in appearance with the clinical literature. The minimum run out load of design 2 was 110 N WIH with no significant damage observed on the components. The methodology developed here was shown to reproduce the clinical damage modes associated with TER in high demand, posttraumatic patients. The method was able to distinguish performance differences within and between 2 different linked, semiconstrained designs.
Myeloma bone disease: from biology findings to treatment approaches
Authors: Terpos Evangelos , Ntanasis-Stathopoulos Ioannis , Dimopoulos Meletios A.
Published: February 2019

Bone disease is a cardinal complication of multiple myeloma that affects quality of life and survival. Osteocytes have emerged as key players in the development of myeloma-related bone disease. Along with other factors, they participate in increased osteoclast activity, decreased osteoblast function, and immunosuppressed marrow microenvironment, which deregulate bone turnover and result in bone loss and skeletal-related events. Denosumab is a novel alternative to bisphosphonates against myeloma bone disease. Special considerations in this constantly evolving field are thoroughly discussed.