bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Database of the operating room
Authors: Carluccio G. , Olivo G. , Calisti A. , Lotto A.
Published: November 2018

Statistical evaluations and revisions of surgical case histories are often difficult since each surgical operation is defined by numerous data. In a traditional surgery-book such revisions are often not homogeneous because reported data are incomplete or inaccurate. Homogeneous and orderly files facilitate rational management and fast, correct research. On the basis of this consideration, we have been studying and proposing a database of surgical operations.
The Endoscopy and Endourology registers
Authors: Pianon R. , D'Amico A. , Schiavone D.
Published: November 2018

Computerised archives of endoscopic and endourologic procedures can be obtained by a common data base. Computerised archives are significantly advantageous compared to traditional filing methods if they succeed in achieving the following aims: improvement of data registration, automatic description of the procedures, fast searches of data for clinic and scientific purposes.
Management of the urological Day Hospital
Authors: Curti P. , Motta L. , Schiavone D.
Published: November 2018

Day Hospital treatment offers the patient a wide range of services. The number of patients who take advantage of this structure is growing every day and this fact creates some problems in the management of such a service. For this reason we have created a computerised programme which has made the management of the Day Hospital service easier and allows us to carry out research and analyses on the activities done.
Urinary artificial sphincter
Authors: Carone R. , Vestita E.
Published: November 2018

The artificial sphincter is a well-accepted and successful method for restoring urinary continence in selected patients. The patient who will benefit from this device is one who has a poorly or non-functioning urethral sphincter mechanism. The site of inflatable cuff placement is around the bulbous urethral or bladder neck (children, women). The complications currently associated with artificial urinary sphincter are cuff erosion, infection, mechanical malfunction, recurrent or persistent incontinence, retention, hematoma. In order to get the best from the device and to justify the mechanical and infective risks, the accurate selection of patients and the identification of high risk categories is most important. It is essential that ali patients should have regular long-term follow-up after surgery.
The serum level of markers during chemotherapy as prognostic indicator in testicular GCT
Authors: Bassetto M.A. , Parise G. , Franceschi T. , Pecoraro G. , Sidoti O.
Published: November 2018

The high specificity and sensitivity of testicular tumour markers AFP and HCG make them particularly useful in the management of these neoplasms. Basai value represents an independent prognostic variable, influencing the choice of therapy. An increase in marker level before chemotherapy may also acquire a powerful prognostic significance. The decay curve pattern is indicative of the radicality of surgery. Also during chemotherapy the behaviour of markers conditions further therapeutiG strategies.
Incontinent external urinary diversions
Authors: Di Silverio A. , Vagliani G. , Perrone A. , Salvi G. , Misuriello G. , Fini M.
Published: November 2018

After having summarised the indications, the authors describe the various incontinent external urinary diversions (ileal, colie and ileo-cecal duct), the most common surgical solutions. The most salient features from a technical point of view and possible immediate and late complications are analysed.
Neurophysiological aspects of therapeutic sacral nerve root stimulation
Authors: Vodušek D.B.
Published: November 2018

Neural control of lower urinary tract function can in principle sustain two basic activities - urine storage and emptying. It can be conceptualised to consist of control elements for determining: the thresholds for detrusor and sphincter activation; the gain adjustments for their function; the filter and switch mechanisms to control flow of information. Lower urinary tract dysfunction can be due to a dysfunctioning neural control even if there is no overt neurological disease. Electrical stimulation can be applied not only to substitute for lost neural control, but also for achieving a clinically relevant improvement of the dysfunctional lower urinary tract. Depolarisation of motor and sensory fibres in sacral roots leads to pelvic floor contraction and inhibition of the (active) detrusor, and it is considered that longer periods of such stimulation lead to pelvic floor muscle hypertrophy, changes in motor unit metabolism and other changes. It is postulated that there are perhaps even more important effects on the central nervous system which can be conceptualised as modifications of the dysfunctional neural control (i.e. “neuromodulation”).
Colonic bladder replacement: Our experience
Authors: Leoni S. , Spatafora S. , Arnaudi R. , Cesolari R. Rossi , Borelli C. , Mora A.
Published: November 2018

Our preliminary results of ileal bladder replacements convinced us that these reservoirs are not ideal for all patients and prompted us to perform colonic neobladders. The aim of this work is to evaluate the mid-term results of sigmoid and right colonic bladder substitutions, discussing the indications for use of the colon for the orthotopic urinary diversion. From April 1992 to June 1995 we performed sigmoid neobladder in 38 patients and right colic reservoirs in 27. Thirty patients with left colonic bladder replacement and 12 with reservoir constructed according to an original technique (modified Goldwasser) were evaluated. The mean follow-up was 21.5 months in the first group and 30.5 in the second. Compared to data in literature, there were no differences with regard to continence, urodynamic findings and early and late complications. There are advantages and disadvantages with every bowel segment when constructing orthotopic reservoirs. Weighing up the results of sigmoid neobladders, we consider the ideal candidates for this type of derivation to be elderly patients, those intellectually less compliant and those who have difficulty in reaching the unit for follow-up controls. Both ileal or right colonic reservoirs can be constructed in other types of patients, but we think the latter should be perfbrmed in the case of urinary tract dilatation, chronic renal failure, large ureteral demolition, short and thick mesentery and obesity. Finally we do not believe that the urologist should tackle bladder replacement with a dogmatic attitude, but should choose the most suitable reservoir for the patient according to individual characteristics and anatomical conditions noted on the operating table.
Complications of continent orthotopic urinary diversions
Authors: Tasca A. , Valotto C. , Pizzol L.
Published: November 2018

Although techniques for continent urinary reservoirs and neobladders are still being developed, these procedures can be performed on properly selected patients with an acceptable complication rate. A series of five continent urinary reservoir procedures are presented. Early and late complications are shown.
Orthotopic neobladder in irradiated patients
Authors: Cunico S. Cosciani , Simeone C. , Zani D. , Panizza S.E.
Published: November 2018

Salvage cystectomy for the treatment of transitional cell carcinoma following radical external beam radiation therapy is a considerable surgical undertaking. The resulting fibrosis secondary to radiation causes welding of tissue planes, making surgical dissection more difficult. As the experience of urologists has increased over the last few decades, the high operative mortality seen in early experiences with salvage cystectomy has lessened. To define the nature and risk of complications associated with the type of urinary diversion we analyzed the clinical course of 77 patients. The urinary diversion chosen was the ileal conduit in 56 patients and cutaneous ureterostomy in 16. In accordance with literature, continent reservoirs were very limited due to a higher complication rate. Although continent cutaneous diversion, according to the Indiana pouch technique, may be performed safely in highly irradiated patients, orthotopic bladder replacement should still be considered critically.
p53 protein expression as prognostic factor in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostatic cancer
Authors: Fontana D. , Fasolis G. , Porpiglia F. , Tarabuzzi R. , Mari M. , Morra I. , Rocca A. , Leonardo E. , Cappia S.
Published: November 2018

The authors give preliminary data on the evaluation of the p53 protein expression as prognostic factor in patients subjected to radical prostatectomy for prostatic cancer. p53 protein immunohistochemical nuclear staining was carried out on neoplastic tissue obtained from systematic sextant prostatic biopsies at the time of diagnosis. Out of 46 Patients 15 (32%) were p53 positive (p53+). No statistical correlation was observed between P53 staining, preoperative PSA and pathological Gleason Score, while the rate of patients with nodal involvement (pN+) was higher in the p53+ group than the P53- group with low statistical significance (p<0.03). The authors cannot yet evaluate Progression time and survival because the mean follow-up of the patients is still too short (30 months). The study is still in progress.
Echo-guided transperineal prostatic biopsy vs transrectal prostatic biopsy in the diagnosis of prostatic cancer. Our experience
Authors: Valtorta A. , Mascini U. , Strada G. , Carmignani L
Published: November 2018

From January 1992 to May 1996, we performed 526 prostatic biopsies for suspected carcinoma after digital rectal examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) and PSA. 288 patients underwent transperineal echo-guided biopsy (TP) and 238 transrectal biopsy (TR). Diagnosis of prostatic cancer was made in 133 cases: 69 in the TP group and 64 in the TR group. We evaluated the reliability, sensitivity, specificity and complications of the two methods. TR biopsy is simple to do and well-tolerated by the patient, but has a greater number of complications.
Radiation therapy for localised prostatic cancer: Our experience with combined radiotherapy and androgen deprivation
Authors: Guazzieri S. , Bertoldin R. , D'INCà G. , De Marchi G. , Guatelli S. , Iannone T. , Dal Fior S. , Bordin A. , Bassani R.
Published: November 2018

Sixty-nine patients with localised prostatic cancer, who could not undergo radical prostatectomy due to loco-regional lymph node metastasis or anaesthesiological counter-indications, were subjected to a combined treatment, radiation therapy and androgen deprivation. All patients underwent pelvio-lymphadenectomy and those with cervico-urethral obstruction, endoscopic resection of the prostate. There was a progression of the disease in 33% of patients with lymph node metastasis (median time of progression 33 months) and in 27% of those without (median time of progression 22 months). Stable disease in 67% of patients (median follow-up over 3 years).
The D.R.G. system in the minimally invasive treatment of varicocele. Our experience
Authors: Valtorta A. , Mascini U. , Strada G.
Published: November 2018

This paper reports our experience in the surgical treatment of varicocele; 134 patients were operated upon, 78 with retroperitoneal approach under general anaesthesia and 56 with inguinal approach under local anaesthesia. We evaluated the patients’ compliance, the cost of the procedure, the frequency of complications and the recurrence rate. We strongly advise the inguinal approach as the procedure of choice because patient compliance is greater, recovery faster and the cost is lower. We are compelled, however, to keep the patient in hospital for two days because of the D.R.G. payment system.
Fournier's gangrene: Clinical and therapeutical remarks on 5 new cases and review of the literature
Authors: Pelucelli G. , Terrone C. , Rossetti S. Rocca , Cannatà M. , Verna G. , Di Pietro G. , Fraccalvieri M.
Published: November 2018

Fournier's gangrene is an uncommon disease. It is characterised by superficial cellulitis involving the external genitalia, with a quick necrotic evolution. The origin of infection is often unclear. Generally the disease has a good prognosis, without systemic toxicity or compromising the patient's life. Many cases of Fournier's gangrene with bad prognosis, sepsis, have been described, however, in literature. In these cases the infection propagates from the colorectum, the periurethral glands or the urethra. We believe that these cases must be described as urinous phlegmon which unlike Fournier's gangrene, is a deep cellulitis. The 5 cases that we report, confirm our opinion.
Urologic surgery in hemophiliac patients
Authors: Anselmo G. , Fandella A. , Merlo F. , Cicerello E. , Maccatrozzo L.
Published: November 2018

Hemophilia is an extremely interesting pathology for urologists, given the frequent involvement of the urogenital apparatus in these patients (hematuria and spontaneous hematomas - especially retroperitoneal, pathologies caused by clots in the urinary tract, etc.). From 1976 to 1995 we treated 17 patients: 15 (12 hemophiliac A and 3 B) for major and minor urological pathologies (3 prostatic hyperplasias of which 1 with bladder lithiasis, 1 adrenal adenoma, 1 nephrectomy for post-pyelolithotomy urinous fistula, 3 ureteral stones, 1 pyelic stone, 5 phimoses, 1 hydrocele) and 2 (hemophiliac A) with ESWL. 16 patients had no post-operative complications nor problems during follow-up (mean 86 months). 1 patient died the fourth day after nephrectomy due to septic shock and uncontrollable hemorrhage. The purpose of therapy in all the operated patients was to raise the level of factor VIII and IX to over 60% of the normal value and to keep it above 30% during the post-operative period until full surgical recovery. Only close team-work with hematologists and transfusionists, with at least temporary correction of hemostatic parameters plus special measures, will permit major surgery to be performed.
Endoscopic treatment of eosinophilic cystitis
Authors: Ficarra V. , Beltrami P. , Tontodonati M. , Giusti G. , Zanon G. , D'Amico A. , Malossini G. , Comunale L
Published: November 2018

Since 1990 we have treated 11 cases of eosinophilic cystitis. All patients were adult or elderly men with an average age of 66.4 years (range 46–83). Seven patients had previous superficial bladder cancer and 5 of these were treated with instillations of mitomycin C. Three patients were hospitalized following repeated episodes of macrohematuria. One case had peritonitis due to spontaneous rupture of the bladder. Cystoscopy showed hyperemic areas in all patients, mamillated areas in 7 cases and ulcerated and necrotic areas in 2 cases. The bladder mucosa appeared bloody in one patient. In nine cases multiple biopsies and wide fulguration of involved areas were performed. Two patients were submitted to complete resection of the lesions. The pathological examination documented an infiltration of eosinophils into the mucosa and lamina propria in all cases; in one of these the infiltration involved the muscularis. The patients have been followed for 24.5 months (range 13–37), with periodic cystoscopy and bladder biopsies. We have not documented recurrences of eosinophilic cystitis. Although the treatment of eosinophilic cystitis is controversial, our experience with diathermic fulguration or transurethral resection has proved effective with minimal invasiveness.
Exposure to radiation dose during scleroembolisation of spermatic veins
Authors: Trombetta C. , Salisci E. , Liguori G. , Pala C. , Bercovich E. , Belgrano E.
Published: November 2018

We have calculated the total time of exposure to radiation on 25 patients undergoing scleroembolisation of spermatic veins. The aim of our study is to find the exact step in this procedure where we can act in order to shorten the total time of exposure. The procedure has been divided into 4 steps: V.R.: time for selective catheterisation of renal vein; V.S.: time for superselective catheterisation of the spermatic vein; T.S.: time for scleroembolisation; T.E.: total time of exposure. In our study the average time was 55’.2”, 53’.6” and 1’.24” for the V.R., V.S., and T.S., respectively The average time for the entire procedure was 3’.17”. As the effects of X-rays on spermatogenesis are well-known, we believe it is necessary to shorten as much as possible the total time of exposure to radiation.
Lithotripsy with miniscope: Clinical results of 193 consecutive patients
Authors: Ricciotti G. , Puppo P. , Bozzo W. , Perachino M. , Geddo D. , Introini C.
Published: November 2018

A retrospective analysis was carried out on 193 patients who underwent ureteroscopy for ureteral stones with a miniscope associated with either an electrohydraulic or a pneumatic lithotriptor. Complete stone fragmentation with spontaneous expulsion of the fragments occurred with just one session in 89.1% of cases. Nine patients underwent ureterolithotomy. The only complications were 3 ureteral lesions without perforation. The authors consider that with these mini instruments, there is a very low rate of morbidity connected with this procedure, which can therefore be given first option in the treatment of lower ureteral stones.
Uretero-lithotripsy with the Swiss Lithoclast
Authors: Parma A. , Bondavalli C. , Pegoraro C. , Schiavon L. , Dall'Oglio B. , Luciano M.
Published: November 2018

Technological developments in ureteroscopy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) have changed the treatment of ureteral stones over the last decade. “In situ” ESWL is now the treatment of choice in the management of ureteral calculi. Ureterolithotripsy should be preferred in certain cases, however, especially when the stone cannot be perfectly sighted or when the urinary tract needs to be drained due to obstruction and/or sepsis, with a saving of one ESWL session in 50% of patients. Current options that can be applied with lithotripsy are: electrohydraulic, laser, ultrasound and ballistic tripsy. The authors describe their experience with the Lithoclast in 82 patients. This technique has proved to be simple, safe, effective and particularly economic.
Ureteric pelvic stones
Authors: Tombolini P. , Ruoppolo M. , Bellorofonte C. , Zaatar C. , Tagliaferri A. , Dell'Acqua S. , Cogni M. , Ferri P.M.
Published: November 2018

There is still controversy among urologists on the best treatment for ureteric pelvic stones. Recent advances in ureteroscopy with new methods of stone fragmentation (laser, electrohydraulic and ballistic lithotripsy) and current availability of small semirigid and flexible ureteroscopes have made this procedure rapid, easy and safe. Similarly, improvement in ESWL technology has also facilitated identification and treatment of stones above the iliac bone ring. In just over eight years (3/'88 - 6/'96) we treated 355 ureteral pelvic stones. The first approach was ESWL in 252 cases (by Dornier HM3 in 176, Dornier MPL 9000 in 42, Piezolith Wolf 2300 in 39 and EM plus Dormia basket in 15), ureteroscopy in 38 (by electrohydraulic) lithotripsy in 31, ultrasound lithotripsy in 5 and Lithoclast in 2) and litholapaxy by Dormia basket in 58. The overall stone-free rate was 75.5%, 95.3% and 84.5% respectively. The second line of treatment in unsuccessful cases was ULL or Dormia basket extraction and ESWL in 7 cases only. The overall success rate was 100%. Only 3 patients underwent open surgery (0.7%). There were 5 cases of ureteral perforation during ULL, which did not require surgical repair. No major complications occurred with either ESWL or Dormia basket procedures. We consider in-situ ultrasound-guided ESWL as first choice in managing ureteral pelvic stones, as the procedure is rapid, safe and technically simple. Ureteroscopy is a salvage procedure after ESWL failure. Endoscopic removal by Dormia basket is still a safe, effective procedure for small stones.
Nephroblastoma - Wilms’ tumour in adults. Review of 10 cases
Authors: Winter P. , Vahlensieck W. , Schoeneich G. , Miersch W.-D.E. , Vogel J.
Published: November 2018

Nephroblastoma (Wilms’ tumour) is very rarely found in adult patients. We report on 10 cases to demonstrate the diagnostic and therapeutic problems. In the case of flank pain, large tumour mass, fast tumour growth and young age, the possibility of Wilms’ tumour should be taken into consideration even in adult patients. The chances for successful treatment by primary surgery with adjuvant therapy are favourable for the lower stages I and II. All our patients presenting with tumour stages I and II have survived and have been disease free for 68 months now. One of the patients with Wilms’ tumour stage III died 8 months postoperatively while another one has been disease-free for 120 months now. In the advanced stage IV, no patient survived. In cases of inoperable large tumours in adults, the possibility of primary chemotherapy should be considered under certain circumstances. Rapid tumour regression may confirm diagnosis and will enable salvage operation in some cases.
Cavectomy for neoplastic infiltration from right renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Pezzotti G. , Cozzoli A. , Cancarini G. , Simeone C. , De Luca V. , Zani D. , Cancarini G.C. , Pola A. , Da Pozzo G.P. , Cunico S. Cosciani
Published: November 2018

Thirty years ago inferior vena cava division was considered incompatible with acceptable life conditions, but in the sixties experimental findings showed that left renal vein division did not cause renal failure in animals, due to a new venous drainage. We report the case of a forty-seven-year old male patient with right renal cell carcinoma. He underwent radical nephrectomy with cavectomy and left renal vein ligation for extensive infiltration of the vena cava wall by a neoplastic thrombus. The post-operative course of renal function after the surgical procedure is described.
Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract: Our experience with regard to diagnosis
Authors: Passavanti G. , Pizzuti V. , Bragaglia A. , Paolini R.
Published: November 2018

Transitional cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract is rare and presents quite interesting diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Available case studies, in accordance with literature on the subject, show how diagnosis relies on the combination of several data obtained from both traditional radiological methods and complementary tests. The importance of urography and retrograde ureteropyelography in providing morphological information is therefore fundamental and should be emphasised. It is advisable, however, to combine these data with those from urinary cytology, ultrasonography and to a lesser extent from CT scan, to be more sure of the nature and the extent of the disease.
Report on: “Painful bladder syndromes in the female”. Introduction
Authors: Signorelli G. , Bastianello P. , Artuso G. , Gasparella V. , Seren P. , Benzone S. , Andretta E.
Published: November 2018

Female painful bladder syndromes include interstitial cystitis and the urethral syndrome. These are deceptive, controversial syndromes, as can be seen from the abundance of synonyms that have been coined over the years to define them. Epidemiological studies in the United States and Scandinavia are available for interstitial cystitis and highlight a prevalence ranging between 8-30 cases every 100,000 persons.
Physiopathology of pelvic pain
Authors: Micheletto G. , Mariot G. , Andretta E.
Published: November 2018

The authors describe the various pain syndromes and classify them according to pathophysiological mechanisms; knowledge of these mechanisms may help improve therapy for pelvic pain.
Painful bladder syndromes in the female: Etiopathogenetic hypotheses
Authors: Andretta E. , Gasparella V. , Bastianello P. , Artuso G. , Seren P. , Benzone S. , Signorelli G.
Published: November 2018

The origins of interstitial cystitis and urethral syndrome are unknown. Epithelial leak, functional disorder of the pelvic floor muscle and reflex sympathetic dystrophy are the most popular etiopathogenetic assumptions. Atypical micro-organisms and psychopathologies should always be carefully excluded.
Urethrocystalgias: Neurological problems
Authors: Benzone S. , Gasparella V. , Bastianello P. , Artuso G. , Seren P. , Andretta E. , Signorelli G.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study is to provide the reader with some elements that could indicate a neurological etiology for urethrocystalgia. An underlying neurological problem is not always considered when dealing with a case of irritative micturitional symptoms, whether associated with pelvic pain or not. A meticulous study of the history and a thorough objective examination (in particular neurological) can lead to the suspicion of neurological bladder.
Reading Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities in Grades 4 and 5: An Observation Study
Authors: Ciullo Stephen , Ely Emily , McKenna John William , Alves Kat D. , Kennedy Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Researchers conducted an observation study to explore the instructional practices of special education teachers ( N = 20) responsible for teaching reading to students with learning disabilities in Grades 4 and 5. With this study, researchers addressed gaps in previous related literature and improved understanding of how teachers spend their time teaching reading. Researchers observed 80 lessons and found that special educators addressed a wide range of instructional skills. The majority of teachers provided targeted phonics instruction, and overall, minimal instructional time was lost due to off-task behavior. Consistent with previous studies, teachers predominantly monitored reading comprehension by asking questions after reading, while reading comprehension strategy instruction accounted for a smaller proportion of instructional time. Researchers conducted focus groups to explore teachers’ perceptions of professional development and determine needs for future teacher training and research.
The Influence of Oral Versus Silent Reading on Reading Comprehension in Students With Reading Disabilities
Authors: Robinson Melissa F. , Meisinger Elizabeth B. , Joyner Rachel E.
Published: November 2018

This study examined the effects of reading modality (oral vs. silent) on comprehension in elementary school students with a specific learning disability in reading ( N = 77). A 2 (development-level) × 2 (reading modality) × 2 (time) mixed factorial analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to determine the influence of these variables on comprehension. Significant main effects were found for reading modality and time on comprehension, but the main effect for developmental level was not significant. Students understood more of what was read orally than silently and showed improved comprehension across the year. The development-level by modality interaction was significant. Early elementary students benefited from oral reading in terms of comprehension, whereas equivalent comprehension was observed for late elementary students across modalities. No other two- or three-way interactions were significant. Results from this study suggest that reading modality is an important variable to consider for researchers and educators who are interested in the construct of reading comprehension.
Housing Tenure and Social Vulnerability to Disasters: A Review of the Evidence
Authors: Lee Jee Young , Van Zandt Shannon
Published: November 2018

As a group, renters experience a broader range of housing problems than do owners, and disasters worsen these problems. Yet to date, housing tenure has been relatively understudied compared to other vulnerability characteristics. This review addresses the differences in housing needs faced by renters and owners during and after a disaster. It examines variation between renters and owners, recent studies of a disaster’s impacts on each group by disaster phase, and disaster-related housing policies and programs. This research explores significant questions related to the housing needs of renters in times of disaster, yielding important insights for policy makers and local planners.
Human resource policy and teacher appraisal in Ontario in the era of professional accountability
Authors: Dandala Saturnin
Published: November 2018

This article suggests that the implementation of human resource policies such as teacher performance appraisal (TPA) is a disturbance to the school organizational climate. Based on my cross-examination of both school managers’ and teachers’ discourse, I suggest that a new leadership approach needs to be developed at the school level to effectively coordinate TPA implementation in such a way that it can enhance teacher professional growth.
Reduced-order modeling of pressure excitation on automotive front side window
Authors: Yuan Haidong , Yang Zhigang , Xia Chao , Li Qiliang
Published: November 2018

The pressure excitation on automotive front side window acts as an indicator of the unsteady flow and wind noise in the front side window region. The complex unsteady flow in this area generates a wider range of vortex structures resulting in the nonhomogeneous and complex pressure excitation on side glass. The description of the pressure field, which can consider the nonhomogeneous in the exact space, is needed to better solve the vibration and noise problems. The turbulent pressure excitation on side window was achieved by the incompressible improved delayed detached-eddy simulation, which is validated by the wind tunnel experiment. The reduced-order modeling methods, including the proper orthogonal decomposition and the dynamic mode decomposition, were employed to describe the pressure excitation on side glass. The dynamic mode decomposition modes separate the pressure excitation into three parts just corresponding to three main flow structures in the front side window region: the vortex shedding of the side mirror (lower frequency range), pedestal vortex (middle frequency range), and A-pillar vortex (higher frequency range). The turbulent pressure excitation generated by the vortex shedding of the side mirror contributes most of the vibration of the side glass and then the wind noise in the cabin in the low-frequency range. (The characteristic frequency is around 60 Hz, which is close to both the measured coincidence frequency and the theoretical derivation value.) The dynamic mode decomposition analysis with the unique and exact frequency for each mode, considering the nonhomogeneous of the pressure excitation, has potential to understand and solve the vibration and wind noise problems.
Hot right now: Diverse girls navigating technologies of racialized sexy femininity
Authors: Ringrose Jessica , Tolman Deborah , Ragonese Marisa
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we draw upon group interviews in London and New York City to explore how differently classed and racialized groups of teen girls navigate media constructions of hot, sexy, femininity. We explore how cultural ideals of sexiness are shifting to include more skin shades and larger body parts in specific proportions which align to new sexualized and racialized ideals of femininity. Some celebrities embody these new forms of what is termed racial mobility, but these ambiguous mixtures still relate to a standard that references normative white, middle-class femininity. All girls found navigating the contradictory and impossible ideals of sexy femininity challenging, but white girls had internalized the norms and technologies of “perfectibility” the most, and believed that achieving sexy femininity would bring them confidence. In contrast, racially marginalized girls were much more critical of normative ideals of sexiness. Black girls had a heightened awareness of how their bodies were consistently read as either not sexy enough or hypersexualized and they discussed the dangers this posed to them in both their school communities and in other public spaces. Overall, our findings demonstrate how diverse girls must undertake very different forms of work to navigate and manage expectations around racialized and classed sexiness.
Corporate Risk Management, Firms’ Characteristics and Capital Structure: Evidence from Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex Companies
Authors: Joshi Himanshu
Published: November 2018

The current article takes account of the existing status of risk management practices of the Indian publicly listed companies and establishes the relationship of their risk management programme with the firms’ financial characteristics such as capital structure, assets’ size, asset tangibility, profitability and valuation multiples. To establish the relationship, a risk management score is constructed using publicly disclosed information for Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Sensex 30 companies. Results suggest that companies with more comprehensive risk management programmes are likely to enjoy lower costs of debt and have a higher propensity to invest in intangible assets. These firms with more comprehensive risk management programmes also demonstrate more stable cash flows, sales and net operating profit. It is also evident that firms that are deeply indulged in risk management activities are likely to have higher financial leverage as higher leverage increases a firm’s total risk, and their risk management activities act to balance that risk. Consequently, firms with extensive risk management activities can endure higher debt in their capital structure; hence, a risk management programme works as a substitute of equity capital.
Skills for Work and the Work of Skills: Community, Labour and Technological Change in India’s Artisanal Fisheries
Authors: Sundar Aparna
Published: November 2018

Artisanal cultures of work and skills transmission provide a useful point of contrast from which to think about the renewed interest in skills development as a formal, institutionalized process of training and certification for discrete and standardized skills. This article traces the transformation of practices of skill in the context of technological change in the artisanal fisheries of Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu, to explore a set of linked questions about skills and work: How expansively or narrowly should skills be understood? What can we learn from traditional modes of skills transmission? As technology makes redundant many of the traditional skills, are we seeing a ‘degradation’ of work? A focus on fishing, a traditionally caste-bound occupation, also opens up questions regarding the work that skills do within a political economy, both in reproducing a given social order, and in enabling change. In tracing processes of labour recruitment in the mechanized fisheries, the article offers a further reflection, about the extent to which skills matter in securing employment, given the continued importance of networks of caste, kinship and village-based community.
CEOs’ Characteristics and Firm Performance: A Study of Indian Firms
Authors: Kaur Rupinder , Singh Balwinder
Published: November 2018

The centre of interest of this research article is the association between chief executive officer (CEO) characteristics and firm performance. Employing a sample of Nifty 500 firms, the support found recommends that demographic and job-related characteristics may be related with the firm’s financial performance. We consider CEO gender, duality, nationality, remuneration and education level as CEO characteristics and we employ return on assets (ROA) as a representative for firm performance. This study widens the understanding of the important function played by the CEO and provides better insight into CEO-specific variables. Specifically, the reported findings specify a positive relationship between CEO remuneration and firm performance, thus indicating that compensation acts as a good inducement for executives to yield finer firm performance while CEO nationality appears to inhibit it, steering foreign directors to a minority spot. This implies that remuneration should be more thoughtfully attached to performance, so that proficient CEOs are not lured by more tempted compensation elsewhere and the decision to engage foreign nationals to company boards must be based on norms other than the firm’s future financial performance.
Corporate Governance, Corporate Entrepreneurship and Firm Performance: Evidence from the Rwandese Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Ndemezo Etienne , Kayitana Charles
Published: November 2018

This study aims to determine effects of corporate governance on corporate entrepreneurship of Rwandese manufacturing firms, and to evaluate effects of corporate governance on performance of Rwandese manufacturing firms. We used two complementary methodological approaches: one which links corporate governance to corporate entrepreneurship; another which uses an augmented Cobb–Douglass production function to associate corporate governance with the firm performance. This study resulted in four main outcomes: first, the background—education and experience—and motivation of top managers contribute significantly to both corporate entrepreneurship and corporate performance; second, the sole proprietorship organisational form harms significantly the firms’ entrepreneurial activities and impacts negatively their financial performance; third, electricity and raw materials expenses are positively and significantly related to financial performance of manufacturing firms; and fourth, even if informal competition has no effect on entrepreneurial activity of manufacturing firms, it harms their financial performance.
Book Review: Chaitanya Ravi, A Debate to Remember: The US–India Nuclear Deal
Authors: Bommakanti Kartik
Published: November 2018

Chaitanya Ravi, A Debate to Remember: The US–India Nuclear Deal. New Delhi: Oxford University Press, 2018, pp. 332, ₹995. ISBN: 9780199481705.
Book Review: Ashok Sharma, Indian Lobbying and its influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War
Authors: Joshi Manoj
Published: November 2018

Ashok Sharma, Indian Lobbying and its influence in US Decision Making: Post-Cold War. New Delhi: SAGE Publications, 2017, pp. 332, ₹895. ISBN: 9789386062123
Book Review: Miller, T., China’s Asian Dream-Empire Building Along the New Silk Road
Authors: Singh Gunjan
Published: November 2018

Miller, T., China’s Asian Dream-Empire Building Along the New Silk Road. London: ZED Books, 2017, pp. 304, GBP 14.99. ISBN: 9781783609239.
Evaluation of QTc Interval Prolongation Among Patients With Cancer Using Enteral Methadone
Authors: Lovell Amanda G. , Protus Bridget McCrate , Saphire Maureen L. , Kale Sachin S. , Lehman Amy , Hartman Amber
Published: November 2018

Context:

The effect of methadone on corrected QT interval (QTc) in patients with cancer pain is not well-known.

Objectives:

To describe and characterize the effect of low-, moderate-, and high-dose enteral methadone on QTc interval in patients with cancer.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study including patients prescribed enteral methadone during the 27-month study period. Participants were divided into 3 methadone daily dose groups: <30 (low dose), 30 to 59 (moderate dose), ≥60 (high dose) mg. The primary outcome was the incidence of QTc prolongation (>450 ms for females and >430 ms for males). Secondary outcomes included the magnitude of change in QTc after starting methadone, the incidence of clinically significant QTc prolongation (>500 ms) and the prevalence of torsades de pointes and syncope.

Results:

Two hundred three patients met study inclusion criteria: 91 (45%) low dose, 52 (26%) moderate dose, and 60 (29%) high dose. Incidence of QTc prolongation for low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups was 50 (55%), 37 (71%), and 43 (72%), respectively ( P = .039, low vs high dose). Incidence of clinically significant QTc prolongation was 10 (11%), 4 (8%), and 7 (12%) for low-, moderate-, and high-dose groups. For patients without QTc prolongation prior to initiating methadone, 62% of moderate-dose patients and 67% of high-dose patients had QTc prolongation, while taking methadone.

Conclusion:

This study found a notably high incidence of QTc prolongation in patients with cancer using enteral methadone. Future studies should aim to determine the risk of adverse cardiac effects in the cancer population and determine appropriate monitoring of methadone for pain management.
The Gendered Hidden Curriculum of Adventure Education
Authors: Warren Karen , Mitten Denise , D’Amore Chiara , Lotz Erin
Published: November 2018

Background: Critical examination by adventure educators in North American colleges and universities reveals that students receive messages about the nature of adventure education through both the intentional and hidden curriculum. Purpose: The study was designed to discover adventure education’s hidden curriculum and its potential effect on women in adventure education. Methodology/Approach: The phenomenon of the hidden curriculum was examined using a modified Delphi method. Three rounds of questionnaires solicited knowledge from a panel of experts (21 females and 18 males), who had tenure of at least 15 years in the adventure education field, to obtain a reliable semi-consensus of opinion. Findings/Conclusions: Gender-based hidden curriculum messages were found, including the prioritizing of values and traits perceived to be predominantly male, linguistic sexism, assumptions about outdoor identity, outdoor career messages, gender insensitive facilitation and teaching, and the centering of White men in the field’s history. Implications: The proposed strategies to consciously address sexism and gender role conditioning in the adventure education’s hidden curriculum may benefit women and gender-nonconforming participants and leaders.
French Adaptation and Validation of the Expanded Version of the Three-Factor Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale
Authors: Maheux-Caron Véronique , Gamache Dominick , Sellbom Martin , Christian Elliott , Lussier Yvan , Savard Claudia
Published: November 2018

The goal of this study ( N = 432 participants from a community sample) is to report on the psychometric properties of a French adaptation of the Expanded Version of the Three-Factor Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (E-LSRP), which was developed to alleviate some shortcomings of the original LSRP. A three correlated factor exploratory structural equation modeling model showed the best fits and attained satisfactory indices. There were significant, conceptually meaningful associations with measures of Dark Triad traits, pathological narcissism, empathy, impulsivity, substance misuse, and social desirability. Incremental validity over a 19-item scale proposed by Brinkley et al. was also mostly demonstrated, especially for convergent validity. Overall, the French E-LSRP possesses sound psychometric properties, comparable for the most part with the original instrument, and should be seen as a useful measure of psychopathic traits in community samples.
Effect of Platelet GPIIb/IIIa Receptor Blockade With MK383 on Infarct Size and Myocardial Blood Flow in a Canine Reocclusion Model
Authors: Kingma John G.
Published: November 2018

Platelet activation and aggregation during ischemia influence reperfusion-related myocyte necrosis, myocardial perfusion at the microvascular level, and thereby eventual recovery of cardiac performance. Inhibition of platelet activity therefore represents a worthwhile target to reduce cellular injury. The current study examined the effects of MK383 (tirofiban), a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation, on infarct size and myocardial perfusion in canine subjects to either reocclusion (ie, 120-minute + 60-minute ischemia with intervening reperfusion) or prolonged occlusion (ie, 3 hours) followed by reperfusion (180 minutes). Platelet aggregation, infarct size (tetrazolium staining), coronary blood flow (flow probe), coronary vascular reserve, and myocardial perfusion (microspheres) were evaluated. MK383, administered at the time of reperfusion, produced a modest reduction of tissue necrosis (compared to saline-treated controls) in the reocclusion and prolonged occlusion studies. Blood flow in the infarct-related artery after coronary occlusion was comparable between treatment groups, as was myocardial perfusion in the deeper layers of the ischemic region; coronary vascular reserve decreased progressively during reperfusion. Of note, compensatory changes in blood flow within the adjacent nonischemic myocardium were not observed. In conclusion, we report that that limiting platelet aggregation during reperfusion impacted infarct development. Continued investigation into the mechanisms by which inhibition of platelet activity protects myocardium against ischemia–reperfusion injury and improves clinical outcomes is necessary.
Circulating Biomarker Levels in Patients With Stage 5 Chronic Kidney Disease With Respect to Neurovascular Diseases
Authors: Lee Justin , McMillan Ryan , Skiadopoulos Leonidas , Bansal Vinod , Biller José , Hoppensteadt Debra , Fareed Jawed
Published: November 2018

The prevalence of neurocognitive deficits remains high in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD5D). Major contributors to such deficits include stroke, cervical carotid artery disease (CCAD), and intracranial atherosclerotic disease (ICAD). The risk of developing these dysfunctional vascular processes is facilitated by the chronic inflammation associated with renal failure. Plasma levels of 10 circulating biomarkers in patients with CKD5D (n = 78-90) were quantified using the sandwich enzyme linked immune sorbent assay method. Biomarkers for this study included kidney injury molecule-1, N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, interleukin-18, endothelin 1, calcifediol, parathyroid hormone, platelet-derived growth factor, microparticles-expressing tissue factor, and lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)). Of the 90 patients with CKD5D, 30 had CCAD, 24 had ICAD, and 22 had stroke. Lp(a) level was significantly elevated in patients with CKD5D with comorbid ICAD compared to those without (125.70 ± 10.03 ng/mL vs 97.16 ± 5.97 ng/mL; P = .0065). NT-proBNP level was also significantly elevated in patients with CKD5D with comorbid stroke diagnosis compared to those without stroke history, once patients with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF) were excluded (14.84 ± 2.80 ng/mL vs 9.06 ± 1.27 ng/mL; P = .0283). Profiling levels of Lp(a) and NT-ProBNP could thus be useful in the risk stratification of ICAD and stroke, respectively, in the CKD5D population.
Does Parents’ Own History of Child Abuse Moderate the Effectiveness of the Promoting First Relationships® Intervention in Child Welfare?
Authors: Pasalich Dave S. , Fleming Charles B. , Spieker Susan J. , Lohr Mary Jane , Oxford Monica L.
Published: November 2018

To better understand how and for whom parenting intervention may improve family outcomes in child welfare services, we examined whether parents’ own history of child abuse moderated the indirect effects of the Promoting First Relationships® (PFR) intervention on toddlers’ secure base behavior via parental sensitivity. Parents ( N = 247) and their toddlers (10–24 months) involved with child protective services were randomized to PFR or a control intervention. Results showed that the PFR group demonstrated greater parental sensitivity at postintervention than the control group, which in turn led to higher levels of toddler secure base behavior at 6-month follow-up. Findings from a moderated mediation model indicated that these intervention effects were only evident for parents who experienced physical abuse in their childhood. Parents’ history of sexual or emotional abuse did not significantly moderate outcomes. These results provide evidence for a key mechanism of change in PFR informed by attachment theory and suggest that PFR intervention effects may be stronger in parents at higher risk of the intergenerational transmission of abuse.