bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Image Analysis–based Assessment of PD-L1 and Tumor-Associated Immune Cells Density Supports Distinct Intratumoral Microenvironment Groups in Non–small Cell Lung Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Parra Edwin R. , Behrens Carmen , Rodriguez-Canales Jaime , Lin Heather , Mino Barbara , Blando Jorge , Zhang Jianjun , Gibbons Don L. , Heymach John V. , Sepesi Boris , Swisher Stephen G. , Weissferdt Annikka , Kalhor Neda , Izzo Julie , Kadara Humam , Moran Cesar , Lee Jack J. , Wistuba Ignacio I.
Published: June 2016

Purpose: We investigated the correlation between immunohistochemical PD-L1 expression and tumor-associated immune cells (TAICs) density in non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) and correlated them with clinicopathologic variables.

Experimental Design: Tumor tissue specimens from 254 stage I–III NSCLCs [146 adenocarcinomas; 108 squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs)] were examined. PD-L1 expression in malignant cells and macrophages and the density of TAICs expressing CD3, CD4, CD8, CD57, granzyme B, CD45RO, PD-1, FOXP3, and CD68 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry and image analysis.

Results: Malignant cells PD-L1 H-score > 5 was detected in 23% of adenocarcinomas and 31% of SCCs, and no significant differences were detected comparing both histologies; the median H-score in macrophages was significantly higher in SCC than in adenocarcinoma (P < 0.001). In adenocarcinoma, high malignant cells PD-L1 expression and high TAIC density correlated with solid histology, smoking history, and airflow limitation. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that high CD57-positive cell density correlated with better recurrence-free survival (RFS; P = 0.0236; HR, 0.457) and overall survival (OS; P = 0.0261; HR, 0.481) rates for SCC. High CD68-positive cell density in intratumoral compartment correlated with better RFS (P = 0.0436; HR, 0.553) for adenocarcinoma. The combination of low CD4/CD8/C68-positive cell density and PD-L1 H-score >5 in malignant cells identified small subset of adenocarcinomas with worse outcomes (RFS: P = 0.036; HR, 4.299; OS: P = 0.00034; HR, 5.632).

Conclusions: We detected different PD-L1 expression and TAIC density patterns in NSCLC. Distinct groups of tumor microenvironment correlated with NSCLC clinicopathologic features, including outcome. Clin Cancer Res; 22(24); 6278–89. ©2016 AACR.
Total Thyroidectomy versus Bilateral Subtotal Thyroidectomy for Bilateral Multinodular Nontoxic Goiter: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Li Yujie , Li Yangjun , Zhou Xiaodong
Published: June 2016

Aim: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess and validate the feasibility and safety of total thyroidectomy (TT) when compared to bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy (BST) for bilateral multinodular nontoxic goiter (BMNG). Materials and Methods: PubMed, Web of Knowledge, and Ovid's database were searched for studies published in English language between January 1990 and December 2014. A meta-analysis was performed to compare the complications and recurrences of TT versus BST. The search terms used were ‘total thyroidectomy', ‘bilateral subtotal thyroidectomy', ‘multinodular nontoxic goiter' and ‘randomized clinical trial'. The reference lists of relevant studies were checked manually to locate any missing studies. Results: Four trials with a total of 1,078 patients were analyzed. Although the incidence of transient hypoparathyroidism was higher in TT than in BST (OR = 2.59, 95% CI [1.58-4.24], p = 0.0002), TT was associated with a significantly lower incidence of recurrence (OR = 0.04, 95% CI [0.01, 0.17], p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences for the presence of transient/permanent recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy and permanent hypoparathyroidism between the two groups. Conclusion: TT is a feasible and safe procedure for patients with BMNG. Although TT involves a significantly higher risk of postoperative transient hypoparathyroidism, it has a lower recurrence rate than BST.
Neonatal Respiratory Diseases in the Newborn Infant: Novel Insights from Stable Isotope Tracer Studies
Authors: Carnielli Virgilio P. , Giorgetti Chiara , Simonato Manuela , Vedovelli Luca , Cogo Paola
Published: June 2016

Respiratory distress syndrome is a common problem in preterm infants and the etiology is multifactorial. Lung underdevelopment, lung hypoplasia, abnormal lung water metabolism, inflammation, and pulmonary surfactant deficiency or disfunction play a variable role in the pathogenesis of respiratory distress syndrome. High-quality exogenous surfactant replacement studies and studies on surfactant metabolism are available; however, the contribution of surfactant deficiency, alteration or dysfunction in selected neonatal lung conditions is not fully understood. In this article, we describe a series of studies made by applying stable isotope tracers to the study of surfactant metabolism and lung water. In a first set of studies, which we call ‘endogenous studies', using stable isotope-labelled intravenous surfactant precursors, we showed the feasibility of measuring surfactant synthesis and kinetics in infants using several metabolic precursors including plasma glucose, plasma fatty acids and body water. In a second set of studies, named ‘exogenous studies', using stable isotope-labelled phosphatidylcholine tracer given endotracheally, we could estimate surfactant disaturated phosphatidylcholine pool size and half-life. Very recent studies are focusing on lung water and on the endogenous biosynthesis of the surfactant-specific proteins. Information obtained from these studies in infants will help to better tailor exogenous surfactant treatment in neonatal lung diseases.
Oxygen Saturation Targets for Extremely Preterm Infants after the NeOProM Trials
Authors: Stenson Ben J.
Published: June 2016

Five randomized controlled trials comparing lower (85-89%) versus higher (91-95%) pulse oximeter saturation (SpO2) targets for extremely preterm infants have now been reported from the United States of America, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. These trials included more than 4,800 infants, and they provide robust evidence to permit comparison of these target ranges and consider the next steps for clinicians and researchers. The lower SpO2 range was associated with a significant increase in the risk of death. There was no significant difference between the two target ranges in the rate of disability at 18-24 months, including blindness. A significant difference between groups in the risk of the composite primary outcome of death or disability in favour of the higher SpO2 range was mainly attributable to the difference between groups in the risk of death. The lower target range did not reduce bronchopulmonary dysplasia or severe visual impairment, but it did increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis requiring surgery or causing death. The trials provide no reason to prefer SpO2 targets below 90% and indicate the importance of more trials to see if a further survival advantage can be identified. The safety of targets above 95% has not been evaluated. The five trials were designed to be similar to facilitate an individual patient data meta-analysis, and this Neonatal Oxygen Prospective Meta-Analysis (NeOProM) may provide further insights.
Validation Study of the Korean Version of the Brief Clinical Form of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory
Authors: Kim Hee-Jin , Choi Kyoung Hue , Kim Seung H. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Yang Dong-Won
Published: June 2016

Aim: This study aims to provide a brief questionnaire form of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI-Q) in Korean translated from the original NPI-Q that is intended for the evaluation of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia in routine clinical practice. Patients and Methods: We developed a Korean version of the NPI-Q (KNPI-Q) and compared subitems with those of the Korean version of the NPI (KNPI) in 63 dementia patients; 47 patients had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease with dementia, 8 with vascular dementia, and 8 with dementia with Lewy body disease. The diagnosis was based on the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke - Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association criteria for possible and probable Alzheimer's disease and the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th revision, criteria for vascular dementia and other dementing diseases. All patients received the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Clinical Dementia Rating within 1 month of the KNPI-Q. Results: Test-retest reliability of the KNPI-Q using a Pearson correlation index was r = 0.89 for the total symptom scale and r = 0.90 for the distress scale. The prevalence of analogous symptom ratings differed by less than 6.7%. Convergent validity between the KNPI-Q and the NPI using a Pearson correlation index was r = 0.879 for the total symptom scale and r = 0.92 for the distress scale. Conclusions: The KNPI-Q is a reliable and brief instrument that can be employed for screening in the evaluation of neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia and associated caregiver distress. It may be suitable for use in general clinical practice and could be administered as a brief neuropsychiatric interview.
Tram-Track Suture Technique for Pupillary Capture of a Scleral Fixated Intraocular Lens
Authors: Kim Sung In , Kim Kiseok
Published: June 2016

Purpose: To report a new technique using tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated posterior chamber intraocular lens (PC-IOL) to reposition the tilted IOL. Methods: In this prospective interventional case series, we describe a tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated PC-IOL. A long straight needle with double-armed 10-0 polypropylene is passed behind the iris and just above the optic portion (tilted forward) of the IOL. The other straight needle with double-armed 10-0 polypropylene is passed just below the optic portion (tilted backward) of the IOL. After the IOL is repositioned properly, the polypropylene sutures are gently pulled and tied. Results: Four eyes of 4 patients underwent tram-track suture for pupillary capture of a scleral fixated PC-IOL. No intra- or postoperative complications were noted, and no pupillary captures were detected during the follow-up period. Conclusions: The tram-track suture technique provides good centration and stability of a PC-IOL. This technique is an easy and effective way to reposition pupillary capture of an IOL. Further, it is also minimally invasive as it maintains a closed system.
Hypercortisolism due to a Pituitary Adenoma Associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome
Authors: Brioude Frederic , Nicolas Carole , Marey Isabelle , Gaillard Stephan , Bernier Michèle , Das Neves Cristina , Le Bouc Yves , Touraine Philippe , Netchine Irene
Published: June 2016

Background: Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth syndrome with an increased risk of cancer. Most BWS patients show a molecular defect in the 11p15 region that contains imprinted genes. BWS has been associated with malignant neoplasms during infancy. Descriptions of benign tumors, especially in adult patients, are rarer. Methods/Results: We report the case of a BWS patient with pituitary adenoma caused by loss of methylation (LOM) at ICR2 (locus CDKN1C/KCNQ1OT1). The patient was referred to an endocrinology unit for suspicion of Cushing's disease due to a history of macroglossia and hemihyperplasia. Biological tests led to the diagnosis of ACTH-dependent hypercortisolism. MRI showed a microadenoma of the pituitary gland, confirming the diagnosis of Cushing's disease. DNA methylation analysis revealed LOM at ICR2 that was in a mosaic state in the patient's leukocytes, but was present in nearly all cells of the pituitary adenoma. The epigenetic defect was associated with a somatic USP8 mutation in the adenoma. Conclusion: Pituitary adenoma rarely occurs in patients with BWS. However, BWS should be considered in cases of pituitary adenoma with minor and/or major signs of BWS. The association between ICR2 LOM and USP8 mutation in the adenoma is questionable.
Is a Central Venous Catheter Necessary for the Perioperative Management of Esophagectomy? A Prospective Randomized Pilot Study Comparing Two Different Perioperative Regimens
Authors: Saito Katsumasa , Nakajima Yasuaki , Kawada Kenro , Tokairin Yutaka , Kawano Tatsuyuki
Published: June 2016

Background/Aims: Our prospective randomized study examined the possibility of perioperative management of esophagectomy without a central venous catheter (CVC). Methods: Forty patients who underwent esophagectomy for esophageal cancer were divided into the total parenteral nutrition (TPN; receiving conventional perioperative management via a CVC) and peripheral parenteral nutrition (PPN; receiving perioperative management without a CVC) groups. Albumin and retinol-binding protein (RBP) levels were used as measurements of the nutritional status. Early postoperative complications and catheter-related complications were also evaluated. Results: The actual calories administered per kg of body weight and the albumin and RBP levels did not significantly differ between the groups. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the morbidity of early postoperative complications between the groups. Catheter-related complications were observed in 4 patients in the TPN group (2 catheter infections, 1 case of thrombosis, and 1 case of iatrogenic pneumothorax), and 4 cases of peripheral phlebitis occurred in the PPN group. The incidence of catheter-related complications did not significantly differ between the groups. Conclusions: Perioperative management without a CVC can be safely performed in esophagectomy patients, and the decision to insert a CVC should be made based on the patient's perioperative condition.
Primary Mitochondrial Disease and Secondary Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Importance of Distinction for Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Niyazov Dmitriy M. , Kahler Stephan G. , Frye Richard E.
Published: June 2016

Mitochondrial disease refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders resulting in defective cellular energy production due to abnormal oxidative phosphorylation (oxphos). Primary mitochondrial disease (PMD) is diagnosed clinically and ideally, but not always, confirmed by a known or indisputably pathogenic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) or nuclear DNA (nDNA) mutation. The PMD genes either encode oxphos proteins directly or they affect oxphos function by impacting production of the complex machinery needed to run the oxphos process. However, many disorders have the ‘mitochondrial' phenotype without an identifiable mtDNA or nDNA mutation or they have a variant of unknown clinical significance. Secondary mitochondrial dysfunction (SMD) can be caused by genes encoding neither function nor production of the oxphos proteins and accompanies many hereditary non-mitochondrial diseases. SMD may also be due to nongenetic causes such as environmental factors. In our practice, we see many patients with clinical signs of mitochondrial dysfunction based on phenotype, biomarkers, imaging, muscle biopsy, or negative/equivocal mtDNA or nDNA test results. In these cases, it is often tempting to assign a patient's phenotype to ‘mitochondrial disease', but SMD is often challenging to distinguish from PMD. Fortunately, rapid advances in molecular testing, made possible by next generation sequencing, have been effective at least in some cases in establishing accurate diagnoses to distinguish between PMD and SMD. This is important, since their treatments and prognoses can be quite different. However, even in the absence of the ability to distinguish between PMD and SMD, treating SMD with standard treatments for PMD can be effective. We review the latest findings regarding mitochondrial disease/dysfunction and give representative examples in which differentiation between PMD and SMD has been crucial for diagnosis and treatment.
Poorly Controlled Congenital Hypothyroidism due to an Underlying Allgrove Syndrome
Authors: van Tellingen V. , Finken M.J.J. , Israëls J. , Hendriks Y.M.C. , Kamp G.A. , van Santen H.M.
Published: June 2016

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism of thyroidal origin (CHT) is a common disorder in pediatric endocrinology practices, which can be difficult to manage. Elevated thyrotropin (TSH) concentrations are in the great majority of cases explained by poor compliance to levothyroxine therapy. Methods: Case description. Results: We present a boy with CHT, with 2 heterozygous mutations in the TSH receptor gene, who showed persistently elevated TSH concentrations and psychomotor retardation, initially misinterpreted as malcompliance. At the age of 4 years, he was diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, wherefore a broad diagnostic search was initiated. After the start of glucocorticoid replacement therapy, his TSH normalized and the levothyroxine could be lowered. At the age of 6 years, his TSH increased again, this time caused by malabsorption of levothyroxine due to esophageal achalasia. In retrospect, alacrima was also present and the diagnosis of Allgrove syndrome was genetically confirmed. The CHT was considered a separate disease entity. Conclusions: In case of persistently elevated TSH levels in children with CHT, causes other than noncompliance must be considered. Second, in establishing the cause of adrenal insufficiency, specific symptoms, such as alacrima, are easily overlooked. Third, Allgrove syndrome is a rare disorder, in which diagnostic delay can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.
New ANTXR1 Gene Mutation for GAPO Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Salas-Alanís Julio C. , Scott Claire A. , Fajardo-Ramírez Oscar R. , Duran Carola , Moreno-Treviño María G. , Kelsell David P.
Published: June 2016

GAPO syndrome is a very rare genetic disorder characterized by growth retardation, alopecia, pseudoanodontia and progressive optic atrophy (GAPO). To date, only 30 cases have been described worldwide. Recently, gene alterations in the ANTXR1 gene have been reported to be causative of this disorder, and an autosomal recessive pattern has been observed. This gene encodes a matrix-interacting protein that works as an adhesion molecule. In this report, we describe 2 homozygous siblings diagnosed with GAPO syndrome carrying a new missense mutation. This mutation produces the substitution of a glutamine in position 137 for a leucine (c.410A>T, p.Q137L).
Downregulation of Checkpoint Protein Kinase 2 in the Urothelium of Healthy Male Tobacco Smokers
Authors: Breyer Johannes , Denzinger Stefan , Hartmann Arndt , Otto Wolfgang
Published: June 2016

With this letter to the editor we present for the first time a study on CHEK2 expression in normal urothelium of healthy male smokers, former smokers and non-smokers. We could show a statistically significant downregulation of this DNA repair gene in current smokers compared to non-smokers, suggesting that smoking downregulates CHEK2 in normal urothelium, probably associated with an early step in carcinogenesis of urothelial bladder carcinoma.
Dietary Fatty Acids: Is it Time to Change the Recommendations?
Authors: Nettleton Joyce A. , Lovegrove Julie A. , Mensink Ronald P. , Schwab Ursula
Published: June 2016

Limiting the saturated fatty acid (SAFA) consumption forms the basis of dietary fat recommendations for heart health, despite several meta-analyses demonstrating no link between dietary SAFA and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Three experts on dietary fat and health discussed the evidence of reducing SAFA intake at a symposium of the Federation of European Nutrition Societies in Berlin, Germany, October 23, 2015. Ronald P. Mensink, Maastricht University, the Netherlands, discussed the evidence linking dietary fatty acids and CVD risk. He emphasized the importance of the replacement nutrient(s) when SAFA intake is reduced. Julie Lovegrove, University of Reading, UK, addressed the question of whether higher intakes of unsaturated fatty acids are beneficial. She discussed the replacement of SAFA by polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), noting the reduction in CVD risk with PUFA replacement and in CVD risk markers with MUFA replacement of SAFA. Ursula Schwab, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland, discussed the importance of dietary patterns in achieving reduced risk of CVD, observing that several dietary patterns following the principles of a health-promoting diet and adapted to local customs, food preferences and seasonality are effective in reducing the risk of CVD, type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases. This paper summarizes the symposium presentations.
Effectiveness of self-managed oral anticoagulant therapy in patients with recurrent venous thromboembolism
Authors: Skjøth Flemming , Lerkevang Grove Erik , Brønnum Nielsen Peter , Christensen Thomas Decker , Bjerregaard Larsen Torben
Published: June 2016

Patient-self-management (PSM) of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) with vitamin K antagonists for venous thromboembolism (VTE) has demonstrated efficacy in randomised, controlled trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of PSM of OAT in everyday clinical practice. Prospectively registered patient data were obtained from databases at two hospitals, and cross-linkage with national patient registries provided detailed information on comorbidities and events. Patients with VTE performing PSM affiliated to major PSM centres were included as cases (N=444). A control group of patients on conventional treatment was propensity score selected in a ratio of 1:5 (N=2220) within matched groups. The effectiveness and safety was estimated using recurrent VTE, major bleeding events and all-cause death as outcomes. We found a lower rate of recurrent VTE among PSM patients compared to the control group with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.63; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.42–0.95, whereas no difference was seen with bleeding (HR: 0.95; 95 % CI 0.44–2.02). The risk of all-cause death was lower for PSM patients (HR: 0.41; 95 % CI 0.21–0.81). A net clinical benefit analysis sums the effect on recurrent VTE and bleeding up to a weighted rate difference of 0.86 (95 % CI 0.00–1.72) in favour of PSM. In conclusion, PSM of anticoagulant treatment was associated with a statistically significant lower rate of recurrent VTE and all-cause death compared to patients on conventionally managed anticoagulant treatment. All major thromboembolic outcomes were less frequent among self-managed patients, whereas bleedings were observed with similar frequency.

Supplementary Material to this article is available online at www.thrombosis-online.com.
Leitores e leituras acadêmicas de Karl Marx (São Paulo, 1958-1964)
Authors: Rodrigues Lidiane Soares
Published: June 2016

Ideias, livros e conceitos de Karl Marx e de diversos autores marxistas foram incorporados às instituições científicas e culturais.Trata-se de uma importação da esfera política para a acadêmica que implicou rotações de sentido em relação às suas origens e conferiu ao marxismo, por meio das práticas dos agentes desta transferência, suporte para sua conservação, difusão e transformação. Concomitantemente, desenvolve-se a incorporação destas linhagens às leituras obrigatórias das ciências humanas e ao repertório de camadas cultivadas. O exame das apropriações que as elites acadêmicas e cultivadas realizaram de Marx, situá-las (tal obra e tais elites), institucionalmente. Eis o que o presente artigo realiza. Sustentando que a legitimidade dos usos de uma tradição resulte não exclusivamente de seu valor intrínseco, mas do trabalho orientado de agentes interessados nela, elege-se uma experiência exemplar para a investigação. Este artigo trata de dois grupos universitários voltados inicialmente ao estudo da obra de Karl Marx, constituídos no final dos anos 1950. Inicia-se apresentando uma biografia coletiva dos mesmos, o programa de leituras e os usos diversos que fizeram delas. Para afinar a análise e por à prova o método defendido, seleciona para exame vertical, no interior de um grupo (o primeiro deles) e de uma disciplina (a Sociologia), duas trajetórias contrastantes (Fernando Henrique Cardoso e Octavio Ianni) e modalidades diversas de marxismo (teórico e empírico / dominante e dominado). Finalmente, discute os ganhos propiciados por operar com três noções chave da sociologia da cultura no exame apresentado: habitus, campo e padrões de intenção – extraídos, respectivamente de Pierre Bourdieu e Michael Baxandall.
Introduction a une histoire conceptuelle de théories de Galois
Authors: Page Julien
Published: June 2016

Dans cet article, nous motivons la perspective d’une épistémologie historique des mathématiques à partir d’une filiation Hegel – Bachelard – Cavaillès – Lautman. Nous proposons alors d’articuler conceptuellement trois types historiques de théories de Galois qui ont été formulées de 1830 à la fin du XXème siècle et que nous nommons : 1) les théories heuristique de Galois, 2) les théories structurales de Galois et 3) les théories catégoriques de Galois. Pour cela on utilise des ‘’opérateurs historiques’’, dont en particulier ceux de Cavaillès – le ‘’paradigme’’ et la ‘’thématisation’’– et on analyse les liens de notre approche avec l'épistémologie historique de Bachelard, que l’on contribue ainsi à renouveler.
Ciência e não-ciência ou as "duas culturas": dominação, quase hostilidade e quase diálogo
Authors: Queiroz Francisco Assis
Published: June 2016

Neste artigo procura-se apresentar e discutir algumas noções de ciência e cientificidade e suas relações com outras áreas do conhecimento. Essas relações podem ser de dominação, separação ou diálogo. Diversos autores tem procurado construir pontes entre as diversas ciências ou entre estas e o que se chama de não-ciência.
Hard Work: Lee Lozano's Dropouts
Authors: Applin Jo
Published: June 2016

With her 1970 Dropout Piece, Lee Lozano marked the end of a ten-year career in New York as a painter and conceptual artist. Lozano's “dropout” had its roots in 1969's General Strike Piece, which recorded her withdrawal from the New York art world over the course of that summer. In August 1971, Lozano embarked on a further strike action to supplement Dropout Piece, a “boycott of women.” This article argues that, from the outset, Lozano was committed to an ongoing formal, psychological, and perversely political investigation into the changing conditions of work as a material and intellectual practice to be engaged, figured, and refused.
On Forensic Architecture: A Conversation with Eyal Weizman
Authors: Bois Yve-Alain , Feher Michel , Foster Hal , Weizman Eyal
Published: June 2016

Yve-Alain Bois, Michel Feher, Hal Foster, and Eyal Weizman discuss “forensic architecture,” the practice of treating common elements of our built environment as entry points through which to interrogate the present. Forensic Architecture is also the name of a research agency established by Weizman to undertake independent investigations in the context of armed conflicts, political struggles, and environmental transformation. Participants discuss cases in which the agency acts on commissions from international prosecutors, investigative journalists, the United Nations, human rights organizations, and environmental-justice and media groups. The discussion of this practice is illustrated by brief examples taken from recent investigations in places such as Pakistan, the former Yugoslavia, Gaza, Syria, and Guatemala.
Husserl on Reason, Reflection, and Attention
Authors: Jacobs Hanne
Published: June 2016

This paper spells out Husserl’s account of the exercise of rationality and shows how it is tied to the capacity for critical reflection. I first discuss Husserl’s views on what rationally constrains our intentionality (section 1). Then I localize the exercise of rationality in the positing that characterizes attentive forms of intentionality and argue that, on Husserl’s account, when we are attentive to something we are also pre-reflectively aware of what speaks for and against our taking something to be a certain way (section 2). After discussing the conditions under which this pre-reflective awareness gives way to reflective deliberation (section 3), I contrast this account to a compelling Kantian-inspired account of the activity of reason that has recently been developed by Matthew Boyle (section 4). In particular, I argue that Husserl delimits the scope of the exercise of rationality differently than Boyle, and I show how this implies different accounts of the self.
Confucian Harmony in Dialogue with African Harmony: A Response
Authors: Li Chenyang
Published: June 2016

Engaging in dialogue with African philosophy, I respond to questions raised by Thaddeus Metz on characteristics of Confucian philosophy in comparison with African philosophy. First, in both Confucian philosophy and African philosophy, harmony/harmonization and self-realization coincide in the process of person-making. Second, Confucians accept that sometimes it is inevitable to sacrifice individual components in order to achieve or maintain harmony at large scales; the point is how to minimize such costs. Third, Confucians give family love a central place in the good life before extend love to the rest of the world. Fourth, the Confucian philosophy of gender equality is based on appropriate division of labor consistent with its yin-yang philosophy, rather than equal split of power in the family. Fifth, in the Confucian view, hierarchy and harmony do not necessarily contradict each other, though hierarchy is not essential to all forms of harmony. The two can co-exist.
Confucian Harmony from an African Perspective
Authors: Metz Thaddeus
Published: June 2016

Chenyang Li’s new book, The Philosophy of Confucian Harmony, has been heralded as the first book-length exposition of the concept of harmony in the approximately 3,000 year old Confucian tradition. It provides a systematic analysis of Confucian harmony and defence of its relevance for contemporary moral and political thought. In this philosophical discussion of Li’s book, I expound its central claims, contextualize them relative to other work in English-speaking Confucian thought, and critically reflect on them, particularly in light of a conception of harmony that is salient in the sub-Saharan African tradition. Hence, this article aims to continue the nascent dialogue between indigenous Chinese and African philosophical traditions that has only just begun.
The South China Sea and Energy Security: Malaysia’s Reaction to Emerging Geopolitical Reconfigurations
Authors: Alatas Sharifah Munirah
Published: June 2016

The aim of this article is to assess Malaysia’s approach to the presence of the u.s., and China in the South China Sea. Malaysia’s strategy is directed at avoiding being entwined in big power rivalry. However, reality dictates that regional powers, such as Malaysia, have to carefully strategize their links with larger powers in order to secure their rights over the natural resources that are available there, as well as to prevent the militarization of energy security. The hypothesis of this article is that the re-orientation of the re-militarization of energy security in the South China Sea has changed the geopolitical motives of the players, mainly the u.s., and China, to a neoclassical realist forward approach. We conclude that Malaysia’s “hedging” role in the South China Sea is motivated by the potential conflict for hegemony and energy security between the u.s. and China.
Why is it Taking so Long? Solving the Oil Extraction Equation in Uganda
Authors: Polus Andrzej , Tycholiz Wojciech
Published: June 2016

During the past decade, Uganda has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, but the country’s development needs have not yet been met, and the government’s revenue sources are less than sufficient to satisfy them. Therefore, when oil was discovered in 2006, hopes were raised regarding Uganda’s future, since the oil money could provide substantial funds enabling a transformation of the country. According to the latest figures, Uganda has 6.5 billion barrels of oil, which makes the country the third-largest oil holder in the ssa region (after Nigeria and Angola). Unfortunately, even though almost a decade has passed since the first oil was struck, production figures have remained at zero. Given the huge needs of Ugandan society and political rhetoric of Uganda as a developmental state, it is perplexing that it is taking so long to start extracting oil in the country. The major objective of this paper is to identify and analyse major causes of oil production delays (underdevelopment of infrastructure, environmental aspects, disputes with international oil companies, legal framework adjustments, and above all vast patronage network) as well as to contribute to a better understanding of recent dynamics in the Ugandan oil sector.
Where Did This Box of Books Come From?
Authors: Altman Michael J.
Published: June 2016

The publication of The Norton Anthology of World Religions and the subsequent massive free exam copy mailing campaign by W. W. Norton requires an explanation. Why does the field of religious studies need such an anthology? What has led us to the place where such an anthology even makes sense? This essay examines the explanations General Editor Jack Miles gives for why The Norton Anthology of World Religions arrived in faculty mailboxes all over the country in the spring of 2015.
The Modus Operandi of the International Criminal Court System: An Impartial or a Selective Justice Regime?
Authors: Ezennia Celestine Nchekwube
Published: June 2016

The International Criminal Court (icc) is a global court created to administer independent and impartial international criminal justice. It, therefore, has jurisdiction over all persons who have committed ‘the most important crimes of international concern’, including genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and the crime of aggression. The court’s principal mission is to ensure the punishment of these crimes and the eradication of the impunity of their perpetrators in all parts of the world. However, the icc’s current justice administration system appears so selective and subject to external influence and manipulation as to defeat the global, independent, and impartial justice goal that the court is created to accomplish. This article examines this selectivity under the following sub-headings: geographic selectivity, situation selectivity, identity selectivity, and thematic selectivity. The article further explores some of the consequences of this selective justice regime and suggests some reforms in the system.
The Crisis of Testimony in Historiography
Authors: Ahlskog Jonas
Published: June 2016

The essay examines the recent discussion about a “crisis of testimony” in historiography. Central to this discussion is the question of how it is possible for human testimony to convey information about the limit experiences of 20th century history. Given that the credibility of testimony is assessed by appealing to our previous understanding of what is credible, testimony to limit experiences risks being dismissed as unbelievable or implausible. This issue has recently been addressed in the work of Paul Ricoeur, Hayden White and Gert-Jan van der Heiden among others. In the first part of this essay, I show that the current idea of a crisis of testimony is a consequence of focusing too exclusively on the content of extraordinary testimony. I argue that such a focus has affinities with David Hume’s reductionist understanding of testimonial knowledge; even though the authors discussed cannot properly be labelled reductionists themselves. In the second part of the essay, I open up the issue of extraordinary testimony from a perspective that places the relationship between the speaker and the addressee at the heart of testimonial knowledge. My aim is to show that if we attend to the way in which testimonial knowledge involves dependence on the authority of another person, then the current idea of a crisis of testimony will dissolve itself. In conclusion, I argue that there is an important ethical dimension to the question of understanding extraordinary testimony.
Religion and Diaspora: Islam as Ancestral Heritage in Mauritius
Authors: Eisenlohr Patrick
Published: June 2016

Orientation towards a point of political and historical allegiance outside the boundaries of the nation-state is often taken to be a defining quality of diasporas, and this aligns with the ubiquitous tendency of Islamic practice to engage with sources of long-distance, or indeed global, religious authority. In this article, I shall investigate the dimensions of religious and political long-distance allegiances by analysing Mauritian Muslims as a diasporic formation. Looking at debates between proponents of Barelwi, Deobandi and Salafi traditions of Islam and disagreements between Urdu and Arabic as ‘ancestral languages’, I show the malleability of diasporic orientations manifest in such ‘ancestral culture’. This is not just a matter of theological contestation, but represents forms of belonging driven by local politics in a context where the state privileges the engagement with major, standardised forms of religious tradition as ancestral heritage.
The Chinese Script in the Chinese Scriptworld
Authors: McDonald Edward
Published: June 2016

The exclusivist ideology characterizing the Chinese writing system as “ideographs” was constructed in the West, and later reimported into China where it influenced popular and nationalistic understandings of the characters. For the West, the Chinese script held out the promise, embraced particularly eagerly by the literary and artistic worlds, of a visual language not complicated by questions of sound, and thus by the arbitrary impositions of individual languages (Bush). For China, the Chinese script came to function as one of the key cultural characteristics marking the Chinese off from the rest of the world (Shen). This paper will attempt to provide some conceptual groundwork for understanding these complex and overlapping discourses, and set out the fundamental graphological basis through which the differing functions of Chinese characters in both the historical and the contemporary Chinese Scriptworld (Handel) can be understood.
The Twentieth-Century Secularization of the Sinograph in Vietnam, and its Demotion from the Cosmological to the Aesthetic
Authors: Phan John Duong
Published: June 2016

This article examines David Damrosch’s notion of “scriptworlds”—spheres of cultural and intellectual transfusion, defined by a shared script—as it pertains to early modern Vietnam’s abandonment of sinographic writing in favor of a latinized alphabet. The Vietnamese case demonstrates a surprisingly rapid readjustment of deeply held attitudes concerning the nature of writing, in the wake of the alphabet’s meteoric successes. The fluidity of “language ethics” in early modern Vietnam (a society that had long since developed vernacular writing out of an earlier experience of diglossic literacy) suggests that the durability of a “scriptworld” depends on the nature and history of literacy in the societies under question.
Wave–Mean Flow Interactions and the Maintenance of Superrotation in a Terrestrial Atmosphere
Authors: Dias Pinto João Rafael , Mitchell Jonathan Lloyd
Published: June 2016

The interplay between mean meridional circulation and transient eddies through wave–mean flow interaction processes defines the general behavior of any planetary atmospheric circulation. Under a higher-Rossby-number regime, equatorward momentum transports provided by large-scale disturbances generate a strong zonal flow at the equatorial region. At intermediate Rossby numbers, equatorial Kelvin waves play a leading role in maintaining a superrotating jet over the equator. However, at high Rossby numbers, the Kelvin wave only provides equatorward momentum fluxes during spinup, and the wave–mean flow process that maintains this strongly superrotating state has yet to be identified. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the tridimensional structure and life cycle of atmospheric waves and their interaction with the mean flow, which maintains the strong, long-lived superrotating state in a higher-Rossby-number-regime atmosphere. The results show that the mean zonal superrotating circulation is maintained by the dynamical interaction between mixed baroclinic–barotropic Rossby wave modes via low-frequency variations of the zonal-mean state in short and sporadic periods of stronger instability. The modulation of amplitude of the equatorial and extratropical Rossby waves suggests a nonlinear mechanism of eddy–eddy interaction between these modes.
Small-Scale Variability of the Raindrop Size Distribution and Its Effect on Areal Rainfall Retrieval
Authors: Raupach Timothy H. , Berne Alexis
Published: June 2016

The drop size distribution (DSD) describes the microstructure of liquid precipitation. The high variability of the DSD reflects the variety of microphysical processes controlling raindrop properties and affects the retrieval of rainfall. An analysis of the effects of DSD subgrid variability on areal estimation of precipitation is presented. Data used were recorded with a network of disdrometers in Ardèche, France. DSD variability was studied over two typical scales: 5 km × 5 km, similar to the ground footprint size of the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) spaceborne weather radar, and 2.8 km × 2.8 km, an operational pixel size of the Consortium for Small-Scale Modeling (COSMO) numerical weather model. Stochastic simulation was used to generate high-resolution grids of DSD estimates over the regions of interest, constrained by experimental DSDs measured by disdrometers. From these grids, areal DSD estimates were derived. The error introduced by assuming a point measurement to be representative of the areal DSD was quantitatively characterized and was shown to increase with the size of the considered area and with drop size and to decrease with the integration time. The controlled framework allowed for the accuracy of retrieval algorithms to be investigated. Rainfall variables derived by idealized simulations of GPM- and COSMO-style algorithms were compared to subgrid distributions of the same variables. While rain rate and radar reflectivity were well represented, the estimated drop concentration and mass-weighted mean drop diameter were often less representative of subgrid values.
Explaining the Selection of Routines for Change during Organizational Search
Authors: Nigam Amit , Huising Ruthanne , Golden Brian
Published: June 2016

We examine how organizations select some routines to be changed, but not others, during organizational search. Selection is a critical step that links an exogenous trigger for change, change in individual routines, and larger processes of organizational adaptation. Drawing on participant observation of an initiative to improve perioperative efficiency in seven Ontario hospitals, we find that organizational roles shape selection by influencing both politics and frames in organizational search. Roles shape politics by defining the role-specific goals of the people who have authority to change a routine. Organizations will not select a routine for change unless at least some elites—people with role-based authority—frame the existing routine as negatively affecting their role-specific goals. Roles also shape individuals’ frames. Because people are only partially exposed to interdependencies between routines in their day-to-day work, they may not be fully aware of the diverse impact that an existing routine can have on their goals. Proponents for change can use strategic framing to focus attention on interdependencies between routines to get elites to better see how an existing routine negatively affects their goals. They can also change elites’ goals by using strategic framing to focus attention on new and broader goals that the change in routine would promote.
“Sorry, I’m Not Accepting New Patients”
Authors: Kugelmass Heather
Published: June 2016

Through a phone-based field experiment, I investigated the effect of mental help seekers’ race, class, and gender on the accessibility of psychotherapists. Three hundred and twenty psychotherapists each received voicemail messages from one black middle-class and one white middle-class help seeker, or from one black working-class and one white working-class help seeker, requesting an appointment. The results revealed an otherwise invisible form of discrimination. Middle-class help seekers had appointment offer rates almost three times higher than their working-class counterparts. Race differences emerged only among middle-class help-seekers, with blacks considerably less likely than whites to be offered an appointment. Average appointment offer rates were equivalent across gender, but women were favored over men for appointment offers in their preferred time range.
Conceptualizing Conceptual Teaching
Authors: Tan Leonard
Published: June 2016

Half a century ago, calls had already been made for instrumental ensemble directors to move beyond performance to include the teaching of musical concepts in the rehearsal hall. Relatively recent research, however, suggests that conceptual teaching remains relatively infrequent during rehearsals. Given the importance of teaching for long-term musical goals, revisiting this critical topic, backed by research and learning theories, is important and timely. Enriched by insights from my own teaching experience, the goal of this article is to clarify the nature of conceptual teaching and encourage conceptual teaching in large instrumental ensembles by addressing the following questions: What is conceptual teaching? Why teach conceptually? and How may musical concepts be taught through the rehearsal hall? I conclude with some thoughts on the future.
Applications of Peer Assessment and Self-Assessment in Music
Authors: Valle Christopher , Andrade Heidi , Palma Maria , Hefferen Joanna
Published: June 2016

Feedback is crucial to students’ growth as musicians. Fortunately, the teacher is not the sole source of feedback in the music classroom. Under the right conditions, students can provide actionable feedback to themselves and each other. This article showcases the work of three elementary music specialists who have innovatively incorporated formative peer assessment and self-assessment in their music lessons to promote student learning and self-direction.
Thinking in Music from the Very Beginning
Authors: Sindberg Laura K.
Published: June 2016

This article describes a collaborative clinical field experience initiative conceived to provide meaningful fieldwork for preservice music educators, musically engage underserved students in a high-poverty school, and include instruction on composition and improvisation. The author chronicles the planning, implementation, and subsequent revisions to “Band Project,” an after-school instructional program. Successful outcomes of Band Project include collaboration between school and university, increased music education student confidence and preparedness for teaching diverse students, the ability of participating band students to begin to identify as musicians through creating their own compositions and gaining confidence in performance, and the formation of positive relationships between the band students and their young teachers.
From the Academic Editor
Authors: Freer Patrick K.
Published: June 2016

The academic editor of Music Educators Journal ( MEJ) outlines and discusses implications of the decision process involved with the shift away from print to a primarily electronic MEJ. The article ends with considerations for the future of MEJ as a uniquely democratic institution within the National Association for Music Education.