bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LO17: Examining publication bias among randomized controlled trials in child health research: a follow-up study
Authors: Crockett L. K. , Klassen T.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Non-publication of trial findings results in research waste and compromises medical evidence and the safety of interventions in child health. The objectives of this study were to replicate, compare and contrast findings of a previous study (Klassen et al., 2002) to determine the impact of ethical and editorial mandates to register and publish findings. Methods: Abstracts accepted to the Pediatric Academic Societies meetings (2008-2011) were screened in duplicate to identify Phase-III RCTs enrolling pediatric populations. Subsequent publication was ascertained through a search of electronic databases. Study internal validity was measured using Cochrane Risk of Bias and Jadad Scale, and key variables (e.g., trial design, study stage) were extracted. Pearson X2, t-tests and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to examine association between variables and publication status. Logistic regression, log-rank tests, rank correlation and Egger regression were used to assess predictors of publication, time to publication and publication bias, respectively. Results: Compared to our previous study, fewer studies remained unpublished (27.9% vs 40.9%, p=.007). Abstracts with higher sample sizes (p=0.01) and those registered in ClinicalTrials.gov were more likely to be published (p<.0001). There were no differences in quality measures/risk of bias or in preference for positive results (p=0.36) between published and unpublished studies. Mean time to publication was 26.5 months and published manuscripts appeared most frequently in Pediatrics, the Journal of Pediatrics, and Pediatric Emergency Care. The funnel plot (p=0.04) suggests a reduced but ongoing existence of publication bias among published studies. Overall, we observed a reduction in publication bias and in preference for positive findings, and an increase in study size and publication rates over time. Conclusion: Despite heightened safeguards and editorial policy changes in recent decades, publication bias remains commonplace and presents a threat to assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions in child health. Our results suggest a promising trend towards a reduction in publication bias over time and positive impacts of trial registration. Further efforts are needed to ensure the entirety of evidence can be accessed when assessing treatment effectiveness.
LO21: Ability of single negative ultrasound to rule out deep vein thrombosis in pregnant women. A systematic review and meta analysis
Authors: Al Lawati K. , Aljazeeri J. , Chan W. , de Wit K.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: The accuracy of ultrasound (US) for diagnosing lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in non-pregnant patients has been well validated. However, in pregnant women with suspected DVT and an initial negative US (with imaging of the iliac veins), serial US is recommended. We aimed to determine the ability of single negative US to exclude DVT in symptomatic pregnant women. Methods: Two authors independently reviewed the following databases: MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBase from inception until May 2017. Three authors reviewed all full text papers and data were extracted from included studies by four authors. An overlap among study populations was identified in 4 of the manuscripts, all from one multicentre Canadian study. Two authors performed data re-extraction from the hard copy research charts from this study. We assessed the risk of bias using the CLARITY group tool for prognostic studies. Results: Of 109 potentially relevant articles, 8 studies (7 prospective studies and 1 retrospective) were included. Risk of bias was low for the included populations, and low or moderate for method of measurement and for completeness of follow up. A total of 635 pregnant patients with symptoms of DVT had an initial negative US examination. Of those, 6 had positive DVT during serial US (0.94%) and 3 developed DVT during 3-month follow-up after serial ultrasound (0.47%). Using random-effects model, the pooled false negative rate of a single ultrasound was 1.27% (95% confidence interval, 0.42 to 2.56), I2= 27%. Conclusion: The false negative rate of a single ultrasound with iliac vein imaging for DVT in pregnancy is low. Our results will help inform shared decision making around planning repeat ultrasound scans in these patients.
LO24: The checklist for head injury management evaluation study (CHIMES): a cQI initiative to reduce imaging utilization for head injuries in the emergency department
Authors: Masood S. , Chartier L. , Yoon J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Over 1 million patients with head injuries (HIs) are seen every year at emergency departments (EDs) in North America, with over 90% being minor HIs. Over-utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans in these patients results in unnecessary exposure to radiation and increases health-care resource utilization. Using recommendations from the Choosing Wisely Campaign (CWC) and quality improvement (QI) methodology, we developed a local initiative targeting this issue. Our aim was to reduce the CT scan rate for patients presenting with HIs by 10% over a 6-month period at two academic EDs. This was considered both achievable and meaningful by our stakeholders. Methods: Baseline CT scan rates for patients with HIs were determined through a 10-month retrospective cohort review. We used stakeholder engagement and provider surveys to develop our driver diagram and PDSA cycles, which included: 1) Assessing and improving provider knowledge about the CWC recommendations; 2) Testing, refining and implementing a modified Canadian CT Head Rule checklist in the ED; 3) Developing and giving patients CWC-themed handouts pertaining to HI best practice; 4) Bimonthly reporting of CT scan rates to providers. Our primary outcome measure was the number of CT scans performed for patients with HIs. Process measures included the number of checklists completed and ED length of stay (LOS). Our balance measure was return ED visits within 72 hours. Results: Baseline rate of CT scans prior to our interventions was 47.9%. Our QI initiative resulted in a significant shift in the run chart of the weekly CT scan rates, associated with the second PDSA cycle cluster. We observed a 16% relative decrease in CT scans at 3 months (47.9% to 40.5%, P=0.005) and 10.4% at 8 months (47.9% to 43.1%, P=0.02). Non-sustained trends and shifts were seen in the run chart of median ED LOS for HI patients, but overall before-and-after median times were not significantly different (237min to 225min, P=0.18). 33% of total checklists were completed. 72-hr return visits did not change during the 8-month study period (4.0% to 4.16%, P=0.85). Conclusion: Our local QI initiative was successful in decreasing CT rates for patients presenting with a HI. The decrease in effect at 8 months suggests the need for continued feedback and reminders to ensure long-term sustainability. Other centres could use similar QI methods, as well as the materials we developed, to achieve similar results of improved evidence-based utilization of diagnostic tests.
LO31: Une valeur de D-dimères de moins de 500 permet-elle d'éliminer un syndrome aortique aigu: une étude de cohorte
Authors: Cournoyer A. , Langlois-Carbonneau V. , Daoust R. , Chauny J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Le syndrome aortique aigu (SAA) comprend les dissections aortiques, les hématomes intramuraux et les ulcères de lintima, trois conditions difficiles à diagnostiquer, potentiellement létales et nécessitant une prise en charge immédiate et fréquemment chirurgicale. Lutilisation dun test de D-dimère a été proposé afin dexclure ces diagnostics et éviter une investigation plus poussée par angiographie par tomodensitométrie (angioCT). Cependant, il est peu plausible que les patients souffrant dhématomes intramuraux aient une valeur de D-dimères très élevée. Dans ce contexte, lobjectif primaire de la présente étude est de déterminer la valeur diagnostique (sensibilité et spécificité et rapport de vraisemblance négatif [RV-]) dun test de D-dimères chez les patients suspectés de SAA au département durgence. Methods: Les patients ayant subi une angiographie par tomodensitométrie (angioCT) à la recherche dune dissection aortique entre 2008 et 2014 à lurgence dun hôpital tertiaire montréalais ont été inclus dans cette étude de cohorte rétrospective. Les patients nayant pas eu de dosage de D-dimères en ont par la suite été exclus. La valeur diagnostique dun test de D-dimères de plus de 500 mcg/L a été comparée à celle du test de référence (angioCT) afin de calculer la sensibilité, la spécificité et le rapport de vraisemblance négatif et leurs intervalles de confiance (IC). Results: Un total de 139 patients ont été inclus dans létude, parmi lesquels 12 (8,6%) souffraient dun SAA. La sensibilité dun test de D-dimères avec un seuil de positivité de 500 mcg/L était de 83,3% (IC 95% 51,6-97,9), la spécificité de 52,8% (IC 95% 47,8-66,4) et le VR- de 0,32 (IC 95% 0,09-1,13). Les deux patients pour qui le résultat du test de D-dimère était un faux négatif souffraient dun hématome intramural. Les sept patients avec un D-Dimères de plus de 4000 mcg/L semblaient souffrir dun diagnostic grave (dissection aortique : n=5, liquide libre intra-abdominal avec état de choc : n=1 et tamponnade cardiaque : n=1). Conclusion: Avoir un test de D-dimères inférieur à 500 mcg/L ne permet pas déliminer un SAA, particulièrement un hématome intramural.
LO35: Improving the precision of emergency physicians diagnosis of stroke and TIA
Authors: Cortel M. A. , Sharma M. , LeBlanc A. , Abdulaziz K. , Perry J. J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction: Studies suggest that there is a significant discrepancy between emergency physicians diagnosis of TIA and confirmation by neurologists. The objectives of our study were to identify factors associated with neurologists confirmation of TIA in patients referred from the emergency department. Methods: Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study across more than 8 university-affiliated Canadian hospitals from 2006-2017 of adult patients diagnosed with a TIA or non-disabling stroke in the ED. Patients presenting after 1 week of symptom onset, receiving TPA as part of a stroke code, with a GCS<15 at baseline, and without a neurology assessment within 90 days were excluded. Univariate analyses were performed with t-tests or chi-square tests as indicated. Multivariate analysis with backward elimination was performed to identify unique predictors of TIA confirmation. Results: Of 8,669 patients diagnosed with TIA in the ED, 7,836 (90%) were assessed by neurology. The mean age of patients was 68.2 years and 71.1% presented with their first ever TIA. The rate of confirmation of TIA by neurology was 56%. The most common alternate diagnoses included migraines (26%), peripheral vertigo (10%), syncope (6%), and seizure (4%). The 3 strongest predictors of confirmation of TIA were infarct on imaging (OR 2.31, 2.03-2.63), history of weakness (OR 2.19, 1.95-2.48), and history of language disturbance (OR 2.05, 1.79-2.34). The 3 strongest predictors of an alternate diagnosis were syncope (OR 0.51, 0.39-0.67), history of bilateral weakness (or 0.51, 0.31-0.84), and confusion (OR 0.57, 0.48-0.67). Conclusion: The rate of TIA confirmation by neurology in our study was 56%. Emergency physicians should have a high index of suspicion of TIA in patients with history of weakness and language disturbance, and should resist referring to a stroke prevention clinic, patients with syncope, bilateral findings, or confusion.
An In Situ Simulation-Based Training Approach to Active Shooter Response in the Emergency Department
Authors: Mannenbach Mark S. , Fahje Carol J. , Sunga Kharmene L. , Sztajnkrycer Matthew D.
Published: May 2018

With an increased number of active shooter events in the United States, emergency departments are challenged to ensure preparedness for these low frequency but high stakes events. Engagement of all emergency department personnel can be very challenging due to a variety of barriers. This article describes the use of an in situ simulation training model as a component of active shooter education in one emergency department. The educational tool was intentionally developed to be multidisciplinary in planning and involvement, to avoid interference with patient care and to be completed in the true footprint of the work space of the participants. Feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive both in terms of added value and avoidance of creating secondary emotional or psychological stress. The specific barriers and methods to overcome implementation are outlined. Although the approach was used in only one department, the approach and lessons learned can be applied to other emergency departments in their planning and preparation. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:345–352)
On mixing and the local central limit theorem for hyperbolic flows
Authors: DOLGOPYAT DMITRY , NÁNDORI PÉTER
Published: May 2018

We formulate abstract conditions under which a suspension flow satisfies the local central limit theorem. We check the validity of these conditions for several systems including reward renewal processes, Axiom A flows, as well as the systems admitting Young’s tower, such as Sinai’s billiard with finite horizon, suspensions over Pomeau–Manneville maps, and geometric Lorenz attractors.
Simultaneous equidistributing and non-dense points for non-commuting toral automorphisms
Authors: EINSIEDLER MANFRED , MAIER ALEX
Published: May 2018

We show in prime dimension that for two non-commuting totally irreducible toral automorphisms the set of points that equidistribute under the first map but have non-dense orbit under the second has full Hausdorff dimension. In non-prime dimension the argument fails only if the automorphisms have strong algebraic relations.
Lebesgue measure of escaping sets of entire functions
Authors: CUI WEIWEI
Published: May 2018

For a transcendental entire function $f$ of finite order in the Eremenko–Lyubich class ${\mathcal{B}}$, we give conditions under which the Lebesgue measure of the escaping set ${\mathcal{I}}(f)$ of $f$ is zero. This complements the recent work of Aspenberg and Bergweiler [Math. Ann. 352(1) (2012), 27–54], in which they give conditions on entire functions in the same class with escaping sets of positive Lebesgue measure. We will construct an entire function in the Eremenko–Lyubich class to show that the condition given by Aspenberg and Bergweiler is essentially sharp. Furthermore, we adapt our idea of proof to certain infinite-order entire functions. Under some restrictions to the growth of these entire functions, we show that the escaping sets have zero Lebesgue measure. This generalizes a result of Eremenko and Lyubich.
Approximation of Bernoulli measures for non-uniformly hyperbolic systems
Authors: LIAO GANG , SUN WENXIANG , VARGAS EDSON , WANG SHIROU
Published: May 2018

An invariant measure is called a Bernoulli measure if the corresponding dynamics is isomorphic to a Bernoulli shift. We prove that for$C^{1+\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}}$diffeomorphisms any weak mixing hyperbolic measure could be approximated by Bernoulli measures. This also holds true for$C^{1}$diffeomorphisms preserving a weak mixing hyperbolic measure with respect to which the Oseledets decomposition is dominated.
Jetting of viscous droplets from cavitation-induced Rayleigh–Taylor instability
Authors: Zeng Qingyun , Gonzalez-Avila Silvestre Roberto , Voorde Sophie Ten , Ohl Claus-Dieter
Published: May 2018

Liquid jetting and fragmentation are important in many industrial and medical applications. Here, we study the jetting from the surface of single liquid droplets undergoing internal volume oscillations. This is accomplished by an explosively expanding and collapsing vapour bubble within the droplet. We observe jets emerging from the droplet surface, which pinch off into finer secondary droplets. The jetting is excited by the spherical Rayleigh–Taylor instability where the radial acceleration is due to the oscillation of an internal bubble. We study this jetting and the effect of fluid viscosity experimentally and numerically. Experiments are carried out by levitating the droplet in an acoustic trap and generating a laser-induced cavitation bubble near the centre of the droplet. On the simulation side, the volume of fluid method (OpenFOAM) solves the compressible Navier–Stokes equations while accounting for surface tension and viscosity. Both two-dimensional (2-D) axisymmetric and 3-D simulations are performed and show good agreement with each other and the experimental observation. While the axisymmetric simulation reveals how the bubble dynamics results destabilizes the interface, only the 3-D simulation computes the geometrically correct slender jets. Overall, experiments and simulations show good agreement for the bubble dynamics, the onset of disturbances and the rapid ejection of filaments after bubble collapse. Additionally, an analytic model for the droplet surface perturbation growth is developed based on the spherical Rayleigh–Taylor instability analysis, which allows us to evaluate the surface stability over a large parameter space. The analytic model predicts correctly the onset of jetting as a function of Reynolds number and normalized internal bubble energy.
Fundamentals of laminar free convection in internally heated fluids at values of the Rayleigh–Roberts number up to
Authors: Vilella Kenny , Limare Angela , Jaupart Claude , Farnetani Cinzia G. , Fourel Loic , Kaminski Edouard
Published: May 2018

Motions in the solid mantle of silicate planets are predominantly driven by internal heat sources and occur in laminar regimes that have not been systematically investigated. Using high-resolution numerical simulations conducted in three dimensions for a large range of Rayleigh–Roberts numbers ($5\times 10^{3}\leqslant Ra_{H}\leqslant 10^{9}$), we have determined the characteristics of flow in internally heated fluid layers with both rigid and free slip boundaries. Superficial planforms evolve with increasing $Ra_{H}$ from a steady-state tessellation of hexagonal cells with axial downwellings to time-dependent clusters of thin linear downwellings within large areas of nearly isothermal fluid. The transition between the two types of planforms occurs as a remarkable flow polarity reversal over a small $Ra_{H}$ range, such that downwellings go from isolated cylindrical structures encircled by upwellings to thin interconnected linear segments outlining polygonal cells. In time-dependent regimes at large values of $Ra_{H}$, linear downwellings dominate the flow field at shallow depth but split and merge at intermediate depths into nearly cylindrical plume-like structures that go through the whole layer. With increasing $Ra_{H}$, the number of plumes per unit area and their velocities increase whilst the amplitude of thermal anomalies decreases. Scaling laws for the main flow characteristics are derived for $Ra_{H}$ values in a $10^{6}$–$10^{9}$ range. For given $Ra_{H}$, plumes are significantly colder, narrower and wider apart beneath free boundaries than beneath rigid ones. From the perspective of planetary studies, these results alert to the dramatic changes of convective planform that can occur along secular cooling.
On the weakly nonlinear seakeeping solution near the critical frequency
Authors: Li Chengxi , Liu Yuming
Published: May 2018

We study theoretically and numerically the nonlinear seakeeping problem of a submerged or floating body translating with constant forward speed $U$ parallel to the undisturbed free surface while at the same time undergoing a small oscillatory motion and/or encountering small-amplitude waves at frequency $\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}$. It is known that at the critical frequency corresponding to $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}\equiv \unicode[STIX]{x1D714}U/g=1/4$, where $g$ is the gravitational acceleration, the classical linear solution is unbounded for a single point source, and the inclusion of third-order free-surface nonlinearity due to cubic self-interactions of waves is necessary to remove the associated singularity. Although it has been shown that the linear solution is in fact bounded for a body with full geometry rather than a point source, the solution still varies sharply near the critical frequency. In this work, we show theoretically that for a submerged body, the nonlinear correction to the linear solution due to cubic self-interactions of resonant waves in the neighbourhood of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}=1/4$ is of first order in the wave steepness (or body motion amplitude), which is the same order as the linear solution. With the inclusion of nonlinear effects in the dispersion relation, the wavenumbers of resonant waves become complex-valued and the resonant waves become evanescent, with their amplitudes vanishing with the distance away from the body. To assist in understanding the theory, we derive the analytic nonlinear solution for the case of a submerged two-dimensional circular cylinder in the neighbourhood of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}=1/4$. Independent numerical simulations confirm the analytic solution for the submerged circular cylinder. Finally, we also demonstrate by numerical simulations that similar significant nonlinear effects for a surface-piercing body exist in the neighbourhood of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}=1/4$.
Interannual modulation of seasonal glacial velocity variations in the Eastern Karakoram detected by ALOS-1/2 data
Authors: USMAN MUHAMMAD , FURUYA MASATO
Published: May 2018

Unlike in most other regions, Karakoram glaciers are either stable or advancing, a phenomenon known as the Karakoram anomaly. Despite studies of glacier surges and the derivation of surface velocity maps, the spatiotemporal variability of glacier dynamics still remains poorly understood, particularly in the Eastern Karakoram Range. We use Advanced Land Observing Satellite/the Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (ALOS/PALSAR)-1/2 data from 2007 to 2011 and 2014 to 2015 to examine detailed surface velocity patterns of the Siachen, Baltoro, Kundos, Singkhu and Gasherbrum Glaciers. The first three glaciers show considerable velocity variability (20–350 m a−1), with clear seasonal patterns. Although all glaciers, except for Baltoro, flow slowest in 2015, the velocity structures are individual and vary in space and time. In Gasherbrum Glacier, peak surge-phase velocities are seasonally modulated, with maxima in summers 2006 and 2007, suggesting surface melt plays an important role in maintaining the active phase. Given the relatively close proximity of these glaciers, we assume that surface melt timing and rates are comparable. We therefore argue that the observed spatiotemporal and interannual velocity patterns are determined by local and internal mechanisms, including englacial and subglacial hydrology, thermal processes and tributary configuration of each individual glacier.
Beyond the China factor: challenges to backward linkages in the Mozambican construction sector
Authors: Wethal Ulrikke
Published: May 2018

China has become a significant contributor to closing Africa's infrastructural gap, but Chinese companies are repeatedly criticised for not involving local businesses in their operations, and for isolating themselves from the socio-economic environment. Can this be attributed to ‘typical Chinese business practice’? This article employs linkage theory to examine the weak domestic backward linkages in Chinese-led construction projects in Mozambique. The analysis shows that while Chinese companies do not involve Mozambican businesses in their activities to any extent, this cannot be attributed solely to any ‘Chinese business model’. It is a consequence of weak local industrial capabilities, fragile social infrastructure and a liberal policy environment not conducive to the creation of domestic backward linkages in Chinese-led construction projects.
Recruitment mechanisms for reserved seats for women in parliament and switches to non-quota seats: a comparative study of Tanzania and Uganda
Authors: Wang Vibeke , Yoon Mi Yung
Published: May 2018

Tanzania and Uganda are among the most cited countries employing reserved-seat quotas. They adopted these quotas in 1985 and 1989, respectively. However, the two countries use different mechanisms to recruit reserved-seat members of parliament (MPs). Drawing on interview data from Tanzania and Uganda, this study compares the two models in terms of their effectiveness in facilitating the transfer of female MPs to non-quota seats in subsequent elections, thereby furthering women's sustainable representation. We find that the Tanzanian model is superior because it compartmentalises quota MPs in reserved seats less than the Ugandan model. The Ugandan model creates a gendered perception that constituency seats are for males and quota seats are for females – as if each sex has a distinct category of parliamentary seats. This perception affects each step of the switch to a non-quota seat, from the decision to switch to party nominations to voters’ decisions at the polls.
Economic growth, rural assets and prosperity: exploring the implications of a 20-year record of asset growth in Tanzania
Authors: Brockington Dan , Howland Olivia , Loiske Vesa-Matti , Mnzava Moses , Noe Christine
Published: May 2018

Measures of poverty based on consumption suggest that recent economic growth in many African countries has not been inclusive, particularly in rural areas. We argue that measures of poverty using assets may provide a different picture. We present data based on recent re-surveys of Tanzanian households first visited in the early 1990s. These demonstrate a marked increase in prosperity from high levels of poverty. It does not, however, follow that these improvements derive from GDP growth. We consider the implications of this research for further explorations of the relationship between economic growth and agricultural policy in rural areas.
Shifting visions of property under competing political regimes: changing uses of Côte d'Ivoire's 1998 Land Law
Authors: Boone Catherine
Published: May 2018

Land law reform through registration and titling is often viewed as a technocratic, good-governance step toward building market economies and depoliticising land transactions. In actual practice, however, land registration and titling programmes can be highly partisan, bitterly contentious, and carried forward by political logics that diverge strongly from the market-enhancing vision. This paper uses evidence from Côte d'Ivoire to support and develop this claim. In Côte d'Ivoire after 1990, multiple, opposing political logics drove land law reform as it was pursued by successive governments representing rival coalitions of the national electorate. Between the mid-1990s and 2016, different logics – alternatively privileging user rights, the ethnic land rights of autochthones, and finally a state-building logic – prevailed in succession as national government crafted and then sought to implement the new 1998 land law. The case underscores the extent to which deeply political questions are implicated in land registration and titling policies.
The demand for ‘critical research’ in a competitive authoritarian regime: think tanks in Mozambique
Authors: Nylen William R.
Published: May 2018

Think tanks in competitive authoritarian regimes are implicitly if not explicitly oppositional, producing and disseminating research critical of government policies and elite behaviour. Existing literature asks how and why such think tanks emerge and survive, and if they exercise real influence. This paper asks if anyone actually reads their critical research. Focusing on two cases in Mozambique – theInstituto de Estudos Sociais e Económicos(IESE) and theCentro de Integridade Pública(CIP) – three original data sets are examined: (1) citations in the bibliographies of end-of-programme theses of undergraduates in the political science, public administration, economics, and/or sociology departments of two of Mozambique's most important universities; (2) websites and Facebook activities – visits, downloads, etc.; and (3) citations in academic journals that publish on Africa. Findings show evolving demand for these think tanks’ research, suggesting their growing status within Mozambique and, by implication, within civil societies of similar competitive authoritarian regimes.
Turning the Tables on McTaggart
Authors: Boccardi Emiliano
Published: May 2018

According to A-theories of time, the metaphysical ground of change and dynamicity is provided by a continuous shifting in which events are past, present and future (A-determinations). It is often claimed that these theories make better sense of our experience of dynamicity than their rival, the B-theories; according to the latter, dynamicity is grounded solely in the irreducible earlier-than relations (B-relations) which obtain between events or states of affairs. In this paper, I argue that the experience of time's dynamicity, on the contrary, cannot be accounted for solely in terms of representations of irreducible A-determinations, because any representation which is adequate to ground these experiences must itself involve representation of irreducible B-relations, while it needs not involve representation of A-determinations. Even if, as a matter of contingent fact, our experiences of dynamicity consisted of representations of successions of A-determinations, what would account for them being experiencesof dynamicitywould be solely the B-theoretic relations of succession, rather than the irrelevant A-theoretic nature of therelata.
Does online insomnia treatment reduce depressive symptoms? A randomized controlled trial in individuals with both insomnia and depressive symptoms
Authors: van der Zweerde T. , van Straten A. , Effting M. , Kyle S. D. , Lancee J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Insomnia is effectively treated with online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). Previous research has suggested the effects might not be limited to sleep and insomnia severity, but also apply to depressive symptoms. Results, however, are mixed.

Methods

In this randomized controlled trial we investigated the effects of guided online CBT-I on depression and insomnia in people suffering from symptoms of both. Participants (n= 104) with clinical insomnia and at least subclinical depression levels were randomized to (1) guided online CBT-I and sleep diary monitoring (i-Sleep) or (2) control group (sleep diary monitoring only). The primary outcome was the severity of depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 without sleep item; PHQ-WS). Secondary outcomes were insomnia severity, sleep diary parameters, fatigue, daytime consequences of insomnia, anxiety, and perseverative thinking.

Results

At post-test, participants in the i-Sleep condition reported significantly less depressive symptoms (PHQ-WS) compared with participants in the sleep-diary condition (d= 0.76). Large significant effects were also observed for insomnia severity (d= 2.36), most sleep diary parameters, daytime consequences of insomnia, anxiety, and perseverative thinking. Effects were maintained at 3 and 6 month follow-up. We did not find significant post-test effects on fatigue or total sleep time.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that guided online CBT-I is not only effective for insomnia complaints but also for depressive symptoms. The effects are large and comparable with those of depression therapy. Clinical trial registration number: NTR6049 (Netherlands Trial Register).
Copper chaperone blocks amyloid formation via ternary complex
Authors: Horvath Istvan , Werner Tony , Kumar Ranjeet , Wittung-Stafshede Pernilla
Published: May 2018

Protein misfolding in cells is avoided by a network of protein chaperones that detect misfolded or partially folded species. When proteins escape these control systems, misfolding may result in protein aggregation and amyloid formation. We here show that aggregation of the amyloidogenic protein α-synuclein (αS), the key player in Parkinson's disease, is controlled by the copper transport protein Atox1 in vitro. Copper ions are not freely available in the cellular environment, but when provided by Atox1, the resulting copper-dependent ternary complex blocks αS aggregation. Because the same inhibition was found for a truncated version of αS, lacking the C-terminal part, it appears that Atox1 interacts with the N-terminal copper site in αS. Metal-dependent chaperoning may be yet another manner in which cells control its proteome.
CONSUMPTION AND SOCIAL CHANGE
Authors: Hassoun Nicole
Published: May 2018

How should consumers exercise their basic economic powers? Recently, several authors have argued that consumption to bring about social change must be democratic. Others maintain that we may consume in ways that we believe promote positive change. This paper rejects both accounts and provides a new alternative. It argues that, under just institutions, people may consume as they like as long as they respect the institutions’ rules. Absent just institutions, significant moral constraints on consumption exist. Still, it is permissible, if not obligatory, for people to pursue non-democratic, genuinely positive, change within whatever moral constraints exist.
Suffrage Petitioning as Formative Practice: American Women Presage and Prepare for the Vote, 1840–1940
Authors: Carpenter Daniel , Popp Zachary , Resch Tobias , Schneer Benjamin , Topich Nicole
Published: May 2018

The American woman suffrage movement remade the U.S. Constitution and effected the broadest expansion of voting eligibility in the nation's history. Yet it did more than change laws and citizenship. It also plausibly shaped participatory patterns before and after the winning of voting rights for women. Drawing upon the idea of formative practice and reporting on a range of historical materials—including an original data set of 2,157 petitions sent to the U.S. Congress from 1874 to 1920 concerning women's voting rights—we focus on woman suffrage petitioning as both presaging the practice of voting and, in a sense, preparing tens of thousands of women for that activity. Our analyses reveal that, before 1920, suffrage petitioning activity was heightened in general and midterm election years (especially among Republican-leaning constituencies), suffrage petitioning both enabled and reflected organization in critical western states, and that post-suffrage women's turnout was immediately and significantly higher in states with greater pre-suffrage petitioning (controlling for a range of political, organizational, and demographic variables). In its claims, symbolism, habits, and temporality, suffrage petitioning differed from other petitioning in American political development and marked a formative practice for women on their way to voting.
Reduced plant fitness by pre-dispersal seed predation in the threatened plant species Cirsium decussatum
Authors: Stachurska-Swakoń Alina , Barabasz-Krasny Beata , Klasa Anna , Palaczyk Andrzej
Published: May 2018

Seed predation has been suggested to play a crucial role in plant population dynamics and could act as a strong selective force in the evolution of plant traits such as plant phenology, size and number of flowers. The loss of seeds could be particularly threatening for population maintenance of rare plant species. We investigated the influence of seed predators on plant fitness of the rare monocarpic thistle Cirsium decussatum. We tested the following hypotheses: (1) pre-dispersal seed predators reduce the number of dispersed propagules; (2) seed predators select larger inflorescences as oviposition sites; (3) the size of the capitulum is correlated with seed productivity; and (4) seed predators compete for the oviposition sites. We identified ten insect taxa from different taxonomic groups in the capitula of C. decussatum. Terellia longicauda larvae (Diptera: Tephritidae) were the most common. The presence of the flies’ larvae was positively correlated with the predation level in the capitula. Females of T. longicauda selected larger inflorescences for laying eggs that may increase offspring fitness as larger inflorescences promise more food resources. We could not prove the presence of competition between insect species inhabiting the capitula. Our data suggest, however, that T. longicauda, a specialized seminophagous dipteran, is one of the factors that negatively influence the fitness of threatened C. decussatum, lowering significantly the seed pool. Terellia longicauda potentially acts as a strong selective force in the evolution of C. decussatum inflorescence size.
Further notes on the archaeological object
Authors: Edgeworth Matt
Published: May 2018

Assaf Nativ argues that it is time to deepen and broaden our understanding of the archaeological object, and to make it more explicit. I find the general argument of the paper compelling. Following on from the insights contained therein, it seems to me that there are three principal aspects of the archaeological object that urgently need to be reappraised: (1) temporal range, (2) spatial scale and (3) ecological effectivity.
Earth flows and lively stone. What differences does ‘vibrant’ matter make?
Authors: Cipolla Craig N.
Published: May 2018

This essay differentiates between various branches of post-human scholarship as they relate to issues of colonial inequality, social action and politics. Through their critique of human exceptionalism, through their recognition of the vibrancy of matter, and in theirpotentialconnections with politically engaged scholarship, certain lines of post-humanist thought stand to make important contributions to archaeologies of long-term and colonial Indigenous history. I argue that these qualities offer nuanced perspectives on the plural colonial past and present of New England (north-eastern North America). I explore the prospects for a selectively post-human and pragmatic archaeology in connection with recent debates over stone landscapes. This approach makes room for various stakeholder narratives, finding possible common ground in a shared human condition between stakeholders, i.e. subject to ‘earth flows and lively stone’.
The precarious conviviality of watermills
Authors: Given Michael
Published: May 2018

Social institutions such as the water-powered grain mills of Ottoman Cyprus are elaborately interconnected with a wide range of human and non-human players, from millers and villagers to water, gradient, stone and climate. When participants recognize their mutual dependencies and operate according to social and environmental limits, then following Ivan Illich we can call these watermills convivial tools. The European-owned sugar plantations, mills and refineries of medieval Cyprus, by contrast, divided and alienated their workforce, and their demands for water, labour, soil and fuel surpassed what their landscape and society could provide. They are, then, unconvivial tools. Conviviality is always precarious: it needs continual negotiation, conflict and compromise, as well as an acceptance of the mutual dependence of all participants, non-human and human. This politics of conviviality is particularly urgent in times of social and ecological crisis.
Parts, wholes, objects and processes. A response
Authors: Nativ Assaf
Published: May 2018

Unfortunately, I am unable in the limited available space to do justice to the perceptive and thoughtful critiques offered by the four commentators. There is too much ground to cover and there are too many venues to negotiate. While I wish to defend my position, I also wish to use this opportunity to keep this discussion going. It would be unfortunate if the exchange of views presented here led each position towards entrenchment and mutual exclusion. Thus, instead of providing a counterreaction to the objections raised, I will try to use these objections as leverage to pry deeper into the matters at stake. I do so with the hope that this will contribute to further discussion on matters that we all hold dear.
Agency (again). A response to Lindstrøm and Ribeiro
Authors: Sørensen Tim Flohr
Published: May 2018

In this reaction article I reflect on criticism raised by Torill Christine Lindstrøm and Artur Ribeiro in recent issues of this journal. I attempt to identify the source of our disagreement, and focus on three particular aspects of their previous reactions: (1) their framing of agency in Alfred Gell and symmetrical archaeology, (2) their basis for declaring symmetrical archaeology redundant and (3) their identification of the terminology of symmetrical archaeology as inflated and crammed with ‘buzzwords’ and ‘neologisms’.
Interval-based resource usage verification by translation into Horn clauses and an application to energy consumption
Authors: LOPEZ-GARCIA P. , DARMAWAN L. , KLEMEN M. , LIQAT U. , BUENO F. , HERMENEGILDO M. V.
Published: May 2018

Many applications require conformance with specifications that constrain the use of resources, such as execution time, energy, bandwidth, etc. We present a configurable framework for static resource usage verification where specifications can include data size-dependent resource usage functions, expressing both lower and upper bounds. Ensuring conformance with respect to such specifications is an undecidable problem. Therefore, to statically check such specifications, our framework infers the same type of resource usage functions, which safely approximate the actual resource usage of the program, and compares them against the specification. We review how this framework supports several languages and compilation output formats by translating them to an intermediate representation based on Horn clauses and using the configurability of the framework to describe the resource semantics of the input language. We provide a detailed formalization and extend the framework so that both resource usage specification and analysis/verification output can include preconditions expressing intervals for the input data sizes for which assertions are intended to hold, proved, or disproved. Most importantly, we also extend the classes of functions that can be checked. We also report on and provide results from an implementation within the Ciao/CiaoPP framework, as well as on a practical tool built by instantiating this framework for the verification of energy consumption specifications for imperative/embedded programs. Finally, we show as an example how embedded software developers can use this tool, in particular, for determining values for program parameters that ensure meeting a given energy budget while minimizing the loss in quality of service.
Combination between Ca, P and Y in the Martian Meteorite NWA 6963 could be used as a strategy to indicate liquid water reservoirs on ancient Mars?
Authors: do Nascimento-Dias Bruno Leonardo
Published: May 2018

Although we have learned much about the geological characteristics and history of Mars, the gaps in our knowledge certainly exceed what we understand. Martian meteorites, such as Northwest Africa (NWA) 6963, can be excellent materials for understanding the present and past of Mars, as part of the records of the planet's evolution is preserved in these extraterrestrial rocks. Micro X-ray fluorescence provided data, in which it was possible to verify the presence of Ca, P and Y elements, which are call attention because they were detected superimposed in certain regions. The way these elements were detected indicates the formation of minerals composed by the combination of these elements, such as, for example, Calcite (CaCO3), Apatite [Ca5(PO4)3(OH, F, Cl)], Merrilite [Ca9NaMg (PO4)7] and Xenotime (YPO4). These minerals are great indicators of aqueous environments. In general, the formation of these minerals is due to processes involving hydrothermal fluids or sources (>100 °C). Some geological indications suggest that in the past there might have been a large amount of liquid water, which could have accumulated large reservoirs below the Martian surface. Thus, the laboratory study of Martian meteorites and interpretations of minerals present in these samples can contribute in a complementary way to the existing results of telescopic observations and/or missions of space probes as a strategy to indicate reservoirs of liquid water.
Tax Credits and In-Work Poverty in the UK: An Analysis of Income Packages and Anti-Poverty Performance
Authors: Hick Rod , Lanau Alba
Published: May 2018

This article examines the relationship between tax credits and in-work poverty, drawing on the findings from a major national study on in-work poverty. We present an analysis of (i) the income packages of working families and (ii) the performance of tax credits in relation to anti-poverty objectives, drawing on data from the Households Below Average Income survey between 2004/5 and 2014/15. Our study generates five novel findings, including that tax credits reduce the poverty gap of recipient households by two-thirds; that tax credit cuts post-2010/11 have served to focus payments on single parent families and households with greater numbers of children; and that tax credits make up just one third of the social security income of working households. We argue that understanding in greater depth the interaction between tax credits and income adequacy amongst working families is necessary to provide a firmer foundation for an effective assault on in-work poverty.
Exploring the associations between spiritual well-being, burden, and quality of life in family caregivers of cancer patients
Authors: Spatuzzi Roberta , Giulietti Maria Velia , Ricciuti Marcello , Merico Fabiana , Fabbietti Paolo , Raucci Letizia , Bilancia Domenico , Cormio Claudia , Vespa Anna
Published: May 2018

Objective

The spiritual dimension is important in the process of coping with stress and may be of special relevance for those caring for cancer patients in the various phases of caregivership, although current attention is most prevalent at the end of life. This study explores the associations among spiritual well-being (SWB), caregiver burden, and quality of life (QoL) in family caregivers of patients with cancer during the course of the disease.

Method

This is a cross-sectional study. All participants (n = 199) underwent the following self-report questionnaires: the SWB-Index, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form, and the Caregiver Burden Inventory (CBI). SWB scores were dichotomized at a cutoff corresponding to the 75th percentile. Statistical analyses were made using the Student t or by chi-square test to compare high and low SWB groups.

Result

The high SWB group reported significantly better Medical Outcomes Study Short Form scores in bodily pain (p = 0.035), vitality (p < 0.001), social activities (p = 0.001), mental health (p < 0.001), and in standardized mental component subscales (p < 0.001) than the low SWB group. No significant differences were detected between the two SWB groups in physical activity, physical role, general health, emotional status, and standardized physical component scale. The high SWB group also had better CBI scores in the physical (p = 0.049) and developmental burden (p = 0.053) subscales. There were no significant differences in the other CBI scores (overall and sections).

Significance of results

This study points out that high SWB caregivers have a more positive QoL and burden. Knowledge of these associations calls for more attention on the part of healthcare professionals toward spiritual resources among family cancer caregivers from the moment of diagnosis and across the entire cancer trajectory.