bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of combustion noise and thermal efficiency in diesel engines over a wide speed and load operational range
Authors: Shibata Gen , Yamamoto Kohei , Saito Mikito , Inoue Yuto , Amanuma Yasumasa , Kobashi Yoshimitsu
Published: August 2019

Pre-mixed diesel combustion has the potential of offering high thermal efficiency with low emissions; however, this may result in loud combustion noise because of the high maximum rate of pressure rise. Combustion noise and thermal efficiency work in a trade-off relation, and it has not been possible to achieve high thermal efficiency with low combustion noise, so far. Our laboratory has worked on combustion noise simulations calculated from the heat release history, and it is now possible to calculate a heat release shape for high thermal efficiency with low combustion noise. In this article, the objective of the research is the reduction of combustion noise by multiple fuel injections with high indicated thermal efficiency for a wide range of engine speeds and loads. The engine employed in the simulations and experiments is a supercharged, single-cylinder direct-injection diesel engine, with a high-pressure common rail fuel injection system. The heat release is approximated by Wiebe functions, and the combustion noise and indicated thermal efficiency are calculated in simulations. The engine operational range was divided into 12 conditions, four engine speed conditions each at three engine load conditions, and the optimum heat release shape for low combustion noise with high indicated thermal efficiency was calculated by a genetic-based algorithm method. The parameters for the genetic-based algorithm simulation were the number of injections, each injection timing, the heating value in each heat release, and the combustion period of each injection. The optimum heat release shape is a delta triangle (Δ)-shaped heat release (the heat release increase in the expansion stroke) with a high degree of constant volume for all conditions; however, the optimum number of heat releases and the injection timing are different depending on the engine speed and load conditions. The simulated results were confirmed by engine tests.
Understanding the Situational Context for Interpersonal Violence: A Review of Individual-Level Attitudes, Attributions, and Triggers
Authors: Ezell Jerel M.
Published: August 2019

Research conducted with violent offenders demonstrates an overwhelming tendency for individuals in this population to frame their violent acts as tuned responses to perceived slights ranging from verbal insults to ostensibly nonviolent physical actions. To date, no review has characterized and categorized specific situational cues that are associated with interpersonal violence/ideation. Here, literature addressing attitudes, attributions, and triggers around reactive forms of violence and perspectives on violence deservedness was thematically and narratively reviewed using a theoretical framework focused on shame and threatened social bonds. Of the 29 articles that met the inclusion criteria, 11 statistically assessed relationships between attributions, attitudes, or triggers and subsequent violence/ideation, with 10 (90.1%) demonstrating, in subgroup analysis, statistically greater attitudes endorsing violence when shame or a threat to a social bond manifested. Overall, three primary axes of attribution, attitudes, or triggers toward interpersonal violence emerged from the review: (1) generalized intrapersonal justifications, (2) environmental and social group triggers, and (3) jealousy and triggers in the context of romantic relationships. These dynamics, both inside and outside of the United States, are reviewed, and a conceptual intervention model is presented. Findings illustrate that behavioral interventions specifically targeting individual- and community-level pathways to shame manifestation and emotion regulation represent an underutilized yet auspicious approach to curbing violence ideation and perpetration.
Combining Electrical and Magnetic Fields for Source Analysis: A(n) Attractive or Repelling Thought
Authors: Shih Jerry J.
Published: August 2019

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Acute Aorta Syndrome: A Case Study of Penetrating Aortic Ulcers in the Distal Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Jackson Adam E.
Published: August 2019

Abdominal aortic aneurysms are a relatively common finding on an ultrasound examination. Fusiform aneurysms are the type most frequently seen and are routine to interrogate by a sonographer. Acute aortic syndrome, however, is uncommon and considered a life-threatening, potentially fatal condition. Acute aortic syndrome encompasses 3 pathological states—aortic dissection, penetrating aortic ulcer, and intramural hematoma. Unlike fusiform aneurysms, these findings are rare to visualize and even more difficult to diagnosis via ultrasound. Interrogating this condition can be challenging for an inexperienced sonographer. An understanding of the different machine modalities, knobology, anatomy, and pathology is essential for proper evaluation. Penetrating aortic ulcers are normally found in the descending thoracic aorta and may be the least understood out of the 3. This case review will present 2 studies of penetrating aortic ulcers in uncommon locations found via ultrasound.
Auditory, Phonological, and Semantic Factors in the Recovery From Wernicke’s Aphasia Poststroke: Predictive Value and Implications for Rehabilitation
Authors: Robson Holly , Griffiths Timothy D. , Grube Manon , Woollams Anna M.
Published: August 2019

Background. Understanding the factors that influence language recovery in aphasia is important for improving prognosis and treatment. Chronic comprehension impairments in Wernicke’s aphasia (WA) are associated with impairments in auditory and phonological processing, compounded by semantic and executive difficulties. This study investigated whether the recovery of auditory, phonological, semantic, or executive factors underpins the recovery from WA comprehension impairments by charting changes in the neuropsychological profile from the subacute to the chronic phase. Method. This study used a prospective, longitudinal observational design. Twelve WA participants with superior temporal lobe lesions were recruited 2 months post–stroke onset (2 MPO). Language comprehension was measured alongside a neuropsychological profile of auditory, phonological, and semantic processing and phonological short-term memory and nonverbal reasoning at 3 poststroke time points: 2.5, 5, and 9 MPO. Results. Language comprehension displayed a strong and consistent recovery between 2.5 and 9 MPO. Improvements were also seen for slow auditory temporal processing, phonological short-term memory, and semantic processing but not for rapid auditory temporal, spectrotemporal, and phonological processing. Despite their lack of improvement, rapid auditory temporal processing at 2.5 MPO and phonological processing at 5 MPO predicated comprehension outcomes at 9 MPO. Conclusions. These results indicate that recovery of language comprehension in WA can be predicted from fixed auditory processing in the subacute stage. This suggests that speech comprehension recovery in WA results from reorganization of the remaining language comprehension network to enable the residual speech signal to be processed more efficiently, rather than partial recovery of underlying auditory, phonological, or semantic processing abilities.
Survey of deployment locations and underlying hardware architectures for contemporary deep neural networks
Authors: Kotlar Miloš , Bojić Dragan , Punt Marija , Milutinović Veljko
Published: August 2019

This article overviews the emerging use of deep neural networks in data analytics and explores which type of underlying hardware and architectural approach is best used in various deployment locations when implementing deep neural networks. The locations which are discussed are in the cloud, fog, and dew computing (dew computing is performed by end devices). Covered architectural approaches include multicore processors (central processing unit), manycore processors (graphics processing unit), field programmable gate arrays, and application-specific integrated circuits. The proposed classification in this article divides the existing solutions into 12 different categories, organized in two dimensions. The proposed classification allows a comparison of existing architectures, which are predominantly cloud-based, and anticipated future architectures, which are expected to be hybrid cloud-fog-dew architectures for applications in Internet of Things and Wireless Sensor Networks. Researchers interested in studying trade-offs among data processing bandwidth, data processing latency, and processing power consumption would benefit from the classification made in this article.
Feasibility of a Portable Abdominal Insufflation Device for Controlling Intraperitoneal Bleeding After Abdominal Blunt Trauma
Authors: Gruionu Gabriel , Gruionu Lucian Gheorghe , Duggan Michael , Surlin Valeriu , Patrascu Stefan , Velmahos George
Published: August 2019

Uncontrolled bleeding contributes to 30% to 40% of trauma-related deaths and is the leading cause of potentially preventable deaths. Currently, there is no effective method available to first responders for temporary control of noncompressible intraabdominal bleeding while patients are transported to the hospital. Our previous studies demonstrated that abdominal insufflation provides effective temporary bleeding control. The study aims to prove the feasibility (insufflation to a target pressure) and safety (cardiovascular and respiratory effects) of a novel portable abdominal insufflation device (PAID) designed to control the intraperitoneal bleeding caused by abdominal trauma. The PAID prototype is based on a patented design and manufactured via additive manufacturing. PAID contains a 16-g CO2 cartridge and an electronic pressure transducer. PAID was tested on a bench top and a swine animal model. For the animal model study, the intraperitoneal pressure as well as cardiorespiratory parameters (hearth rate, SpO2 [peripheral capillary oxygen saturation], and blood pressure) were continuously monitored during the insufflation procedure. The prototype functioned according to specifications on both bench top and animal models. CO2 insufflation of the peritoneal cavity was delivered up the target 20 mm Hg and maintained for 30 minutes from 1 or 2 cartridges in the swine model. No intraoperative incidents were registered, and all the recorded physiological parameters were within normal limits. The PAID prototype is a feasible, easy to use device that provides quick, controlled, and safe insufflation of the peritoneal cavity. Future studies will focus on testing the next-generation, semiautomatic PAID prototype in a severe intraabdominal injury model.
Layer-by-layer assembly flame-retardant and anti-dripping treatment of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics
Authors: Fang Yinchun , Liu Xinhua , Wang Cuie
Published: August 2019

Layer-by-layer assembly is a simple and effective method which has been widely studied to improve the flame retardancy of textiles in recent years. In this article, flame-retardant and anti-dripping polyethylene terephthalate fabrics were successfully prepared by layer-by-layer assembly branched polyethylenimine and ammonium polyphosphate on their surface. The results of limiting oxygen index values and vertical burning test revealed that the flame retardancy and anti-dripping performance of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics were improved after the layer-by-layer assembly treatment; especially, the dripping phenomenon was eliminated when the number of branched polyethylenimine/ammonium polyphosphate bilayers was over 10. The influence of alkali treatment of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics before layer-by-layer assembly was also investigated. The results showed that alkali treatment of the polyethylene terephthalate fabrics would promote the combination of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics and the charged flame retardants indicating better flame retardancy. The results of thermogravimetric analysis revealed that layer-by-layer assembly treatment of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics would promote char formation both under the nitrogen atmosphere and under the air atmosphere which may act through condensed phase action. The scanning electron microscopy images of the char residues revealed that the layer-by-layer assembly treatment of polyethylene terephthalate fabrics would promote the formation of a compact and intact char residue, which was beneficial for the improvement of flame retardancy and anti-dripping performance. This research would provide the experimental basis for the effective flame retardancy and anti-dripping performance of polyethylene terephthalate fabric.
Front and hind paw differential analgesic effects of amitriptyline, gabapentin, ibuprofen, and URB937 on mechanical and cold sensitivity in cisplatin-induced neuropathy
Authors: Thompson Jeremy M , Blanton Henry L , Pietrzak Agata , Little William , Sherfey Caitlyn , Guindon Josée
Published: August 2019

Cisplatin is a widely used platinum-derived antineoplastic agent that frequently results in peripheral neuropathy. Therapeutic strategies for neuropathic pain are limited and characterized by variable efficacy and severe adverse effects. Clinical translation of novel analgesics has proven difficult with many agents demonstrating preclinical efficacy failing in clinical trials. Preclinical studies frequently assess pain behaviors in the hind paws; however, the front paws have a greater degree of the fine sensorimotor functions characteristically damaged by chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. This is the first study to assess pain responses in the front paws. Here, we test the hypothesis that mouse front paws exhibit pain-related alterations in mechanical and thermal (cold) sensitivity in a murine model of cisplatin-induced neuropathy and that pharmacological treatment with amitriptyline, gabapentin, ibuprofen, and URB937 normalize pain behaviors in the front and hind paws. Cold (acetone withdrawal latencies) and mechanical (von Frey withdrawal thresholds) sensitivity were significantly increased and decreased respectively in both the front and the hind paws following initiation of weekly systemic (intraperitoneal) cisplatin injections (5 mg/kg). For the hind paws, systemic administration of amitriptyline (30 mg/kg), gabapentin (100 mg/kg), ibuprofen (0–10 mg/kg), or URB937 (0–10 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease in acetone withdrawal latencies and increase in von Frey withdrawal thresholds with return to normal values at the highest doses tested. For the front paws, return to baseline values for the highest doses was found for cold allodynia but not mechanical allodynia, where the highest doses failed to return to baseline values. These results indicate that mouse front paws exhibit pain-related changes in cisplatin-induced neuropathy and that drug effects can vary based on testing stimulus and location. This suggests that front paw responses across multiple modalities provide reliable and accurate information about pain-related drug effects. Future studies should be aimed at elucidating the mechanisms underlying these differential effects.
Microaggressions: Clarification, Evidence, and Impact
Authors: Williams Monnica T.
Published: August 2019

In a 2017 article in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Scott Lilienfeld critiqued the conceptual basis for microaggressions as well as the scientific rigor of scholarship on the topic. The current article provides a response that systematically analyzes the arguments and representations made in Lilienfeld’s critique with regard to the concept of microaggressions and the state of the related research. I show that, in contrast to the claim that the concept of microaggressions is vague and inconsistent, the term is well defined and can be decisively linked to individual prejudice in offenders and mental-health outcomes in targets. I explain how the concept of microaggressions is connected to pathological stereotypes, power structures, structural racism, and multiple forms of racial prejudice. Also described are recent research advances that address some of Lilienfeld’s original critiques. Further, this article highlights potentially problematic attitudes, assumptions, and approaches embedded in Lilienfeld’s analysis that are common to the field of psychology as a whole. It is important for all academics to acknowledge and question their own biases and perspectives when conducting scientific research.
Exploring the penumbra of punishment under the ECHR
Authors: Andrijauskaitė Agnė
Published: August 2019

Administrative sanctions can be said to dwell in the periphery of punishment because they do not require setting the wheels of criminal procedure in motion. This allows States to save public resources as well as helps them to escape closer scrutiny at the judicial level. At the same time, the imposition of administrative sanctions usually curtails individual guarantees. Against this background, this article examines where the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) draws the line between measures belonging to the ‘hard core of criminal law’ and the periphery. After a presentation of gradual broadening of the ‘criminal limb’ guarantees of Article 6 European Convention on Human Rights to administrative measure of a punitive nature, it explores where do these guarantees meet their limits by taking the approach adopted in the landmark Jussila judgment as a point of departure. Subsequently, a structured analysis of the selected ECtHR case law in which this approach has been applied or – at least – invoked is provided. The article is finished with a reflection on the current interpretation of the said penumbra of punishment, which, among other things, identifies the possible gaps of individual protection, and the outlook for the future.
Illusions of Imagery and Magical Experiences
Authors: Ekroll Vebjørn
Published: August 2019

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the idea that we may gain new insights in cognitive science by studying the art of magic. Here, I offer a first exploratory overview and preliminary conceptual analysis of a class of magic tricks, which has been largely neglected in this pursuit, namely, a set of tricks that can be loosely defined as topological tricks. The deceptive powers of many of these tricks are difficult to understand in light of known psychological principles, which suggests that closer scientific scrutiny may raise interesting questions and challenges for cognitive science. I discuss a number of known and novel psychological principles that may explain why these tricks evoke the strong feelings of impossibility that are characteristic of magical experiences. A profound and detailed understanding of how topological tricks evoke magical experiences remains elusive, though, and more research on this topic could advance our understanding of perception, imagery and reasoning.
Characteristics of Japanese elderly patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Takahashi Yukiko , Yamamoto Keiko , Tanabe Nobuhiro , Suda Rika , Koshikawa Ken , Ikubo Yumiko , Suzuki Eiko , Shoji Hiroki , Naito Akira , Kasai Hajime , Nishimura Rintaro , Sanada Takayuki Jujo , Sugiura Toshihiko , Shigeta Ayako , Sakao Seiichiro , Tatsumi Koichiro
Published: August 2019

Previous nationwide Japanese data suggested that pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) predominantly affects young women. However, the number of elderly patients diagnosed with PAH has been increasing in western countries. There have been no reports on elderly PAH patients in Asian countries. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of elderly PAH patients in a Japanese cohort. Idiopathic/heritable PAH (I/H‐PAH) was included in the national research project on intractable diseases. The patients were required to submit a clinical research form completed by their attending physicians. We analyzed the characteristics of Japanese I/H‐PAH using the newly registered forms in 2013 (Study 1, n = 148). Also, we did a retrospective, observational cohort study at Chiba University Hospital (Study 2, n = 42). We compared the characteristics of elderly PAH patients (≥65 years old) with younger patients (<65) in both studies. Study 1 revealed a predominance of males (51% male), better hemodynamics and poorer exercise capacity in the elderly group (n = 72), compared with the younger group (n = 76) in study 1. In Study 2, elderly patients showed a male predominance (63% male), a higher ratio of smokers, a lower % carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, and poorer exercise tolerance. Elderly patients in Study 2 showed less improvement in hemodynamics with therapy. There was no significant difference in disease‐specific survival between elderly and younger patients. Japanese elderly patients with I/H‐PAH showed poorer exercise capacity and impaired gas exchange, but better pulmonary hemodynamics than younger patients.
Diagnosis and management of a case of retroperitoneal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia in a cat
Authors: Thieme Maureen E , Olsen Anastasia M , Woolcock Andrew D , Miller Margaret A , Simons Micha C
Published: August 2019

Case summary

A 4-year-old neutered male cat was presented with a 2-month history of intermittent constipation that progressed to obstipation. Primary clinical findings included a large, multi lobulated mass in the caudodorsal abdomen, peripheral eosinophilia and hyperglobulinemia. Abdominal imaging revealed a multilobulated, cavitated mass in the sublumbar region. Exploratory celiotomy revealed multiple firm masses in the sublumbar retroperitoneal space causing ventral displacement and compression of the descending colon with extension of the masses into the pelvic canal. Histopathology was consistent with feline gastrointestinal eosinophilic sclerosing fibroplasia (FGESF). Aerobic culture was positive for Staphylococcus aureus. The cat was treated with prednisolone (2 mg/kg PO q24h), lactulose (0.5 g/kg PO q8h), amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (62.5 mg/cat PO q12h for 1 month) and fenbendazole (50 mg/kg PO q24h for 5 days). Six months postoperatively, the cat had no recurrence of clinical signs. Repeat evaluation and imaging at day 732 postoperatively revealed marked improvement of the abdominal mass, resolution of peripheral eosinophilia and no clinical signs with continued prednisolone therapy (0.5 mg/kg PO q24h).

Relevance and novel information

This is a report of a primary extramural FGESF lesion, and the first description of characteristics of FGESF on CT. Previous evidence suggests that the most favorable outcomes require immunosuppressive therapy and complete surgical excision; however, this case demonstrates a favorable outcome with medical management alone.
Secularism, Multiculturalism and Legal Pluralism: A Comparative Analysis Between the Indian and Western Constitutional Philosophy
Authors: Ghosh Yashomati , Chakraborty Anirban
Published: August 2019

India over thousands of years had become a ‘melting pot’ of religious, linguistic and cultural diversity, and thereby created a unique cultural fabric based on the principles of multiculturalism and pluralism.The ancient Indian philosophy was based on the ideals of vasudaivakutumbakam - the whole world is one family and sarvadharmasambhava- all religion leads to the same destination. These philosophical notions have attained legal status in the India. This article will focus on the background and constitutional perspective of secularism as implemented in India, the Supreme Court’s interpretation of secularism and identification of certain religious practices as an essential and integral part of a religion and lastly the role of the State in regulating the freedom of religion.
An Examination of Attributions, Performance Rating and Reward Allocation Patterns: A Comparative Study of China, India, Tanzania and the United States
Authors: Ramamoorthy Nagarajan , Yu Chun-Sheng , Kulkarni Subodh P. , Gupta Amit , Mkamwa Thadeus
Published: August 2019

In this study, using a sample of 191 individuals with significant work and supervisory experience from four countries (China and Tanzania—highly collectivistic, India—moderately collectivistic and the United States—highly individualistic), we examined whether cultural orientations of individualism and collectivism predicted performance ratings, internal attributions made to the poor performing employee and adherence to equity norm in reward allocations. Multiple regression analyses indicated that collectivist Chinese and Tanzanian raters provided more lenient performance ratings to a poor performing employee than individualistic Americans with the Indian raters providing more lenient ratings than Americans but more stringent ratings than Chinese or Tanzanians. Further, American raters made greater internal attributions than Tanzanians or Chinese. Chinese raters made relatively greater internal attributions to the employee than Tanzanians though both cultures are collectivistic cultures. Americans adhered to the equity norm the most and Indians adhered to equity norm but to a lesser extent than Americans but more than Tanzanians and Chinese. Implications are discussed.
Elite Cultural Work and Discursive Obstruction of Human Rights Activism
Authors: Shriver Thomas E. , Wilcox Annika , Bray Laura A.
Published: August 2019

When challenged, states frequently respond with discursive campaigns meant to undercut the legitimacy of social movements. However, we know little about how the social and cultural status of challengers affects the state’s discursive response. We address this gap by analyzing an important historical case of human rights activism in Communist Czechoslovakia. Despite its long history of violence and repression, Czechoslovakia signed several international human rights covenants during the 1970s to improve its reputation. A group of citizens that included well-known political, social, and cultural figures soon formed a domestic movement for human rights known as Charter 77. Drawing on state media articles, we analyze the state’s public response to Charter 77. Results highlight four discursive strategies through which the state sought to undermine the cultural legitimacy of the movement: vilification through character assaults, message distortion that constructed activists as enemies of socialism, symbolic amplification of socialist values, and the co-optation of culturally valued identities to speak as state proxies. By further developing the concept of discursive obstruction, we show how the state navigated the complex cultural field in its effort to suppress high-profile human rights activists.
Mine, Yours, or Ours? Perceptions of Student-Created Intellectual Property Ownership
Authors: Silvernagel Craig A. , Olson Myrna R. , Stupnisky Robert H.
Published: August 2019

In this mixed-methods study, we examined student and administrator perceptions concerning student-created intellectual property (IP) ownership in the higher education setting. Survey results showed students had low levels of IP-related knowledge and worried that the university might claim ownership of their ideas or class projects. Students also reported inadequate communication from the university concerning IP policy rules and technology transfer processes. Interviews with campus IP administrators about student survey results led us to assert that communication inadequacies are perpetuating misunderstanding between students and university IP ownership intentions. Recommendations include implementation of several proactive communication activities and an IP training program for faculty.
Comparison of laparoscopy-assisted vaginal hysterectomy as endoscopic single-station surgery and conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy—surgical effects on safety and quality of life
Authors: Mustea Alexander , Holthaus Bernd , Elmeligy Haytham , Krüger-Rehberg Stefanie , Trojnarska Dominika , Alwafai Zaher , Sternberg Juliane , Stope Matthias B. , Kohlmann Thomas , Meinhold-Heerlein Ivo , Koensgen Dominique
Published: August 2019

Background

To extend the benefits of minimally invasive surgery, an increasing enthusiasm has emerged for the laparo-endoscopic single-site surgery (LESS). The idea of LESS is to allow inserting multiple laparoscopic instruments through only one umbilical incision instead of multiple abdominal incisions.

Methods

Sixty patients from three different centers in Germany were randomized (1:1) to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy (n = 31) or LESS hysterectomy (n = 29). The study focused in particular on the safety and efficacy of both techniques.

Results

The mean operative time was comparable in both groups (68.2 vs 73.6 min., p = 0.409; 95% CI − 18.69–7.12). No differences were seen regarding estimated blood loss (p = 0.915; 95% CI − 21.02–18.88), intra- and postoperative complications (p = 0.944), and wound infection rates (p = 0.944). Patients within the LESS group experienced significantly less pain in the first 24 h postoperatively (p = 0.006); the pain scores at 3, 5, 7 days and 2 months postoperatively were comparable.

Conclusion

LESS hysterectomy is a reliable and safe option in gynecologic surgery. Compared to conventional laparoscopic hysterectomy, LESS surgery demonstrated comparable surgical properties in regard to blood loss, duration of surgery, and intra-/postoperative complications. Notably, patients undergoing LESS hysterectomy experienced some less pain postoperatively.
Biological Variation as a Threshold Concept: Can We Measure Threshold Crossing?
Authors: Walck-Shannon Elise , Batzli Janet , Pultorak Josh , Boehmer Hailey
Published: August 2019

Threshold concepts are fundamental to a discipline and, once understood, transform students’ understanding and perception of the subject. Despite the value of threshold concepts as a learning “portal” for heuristic purposes, there is limited empirical evidence of threshold crossing or achieving mastery. As a threshold concept, biological variation within species is fundamental to understanding evolution and provides a target for analyzing threshold crossing. We aimed to 1) examine student understanding of variation using four dimensions of a threshold concept (discursive, troublesome, liminal, and integrative), 2) measure “threshold crossing,” and 3) investigate the utility of the threshold concept framework to curriculum design. We conducted semistructured interviews of 29 students affiliated with a “variation-enriched” curriculum in a cross-sectional design with precurriculum, current, and postcurriculum groups (Pre, Current, and Post) and an outgroup of three postbaccalaureate advanced learners (Outgroup). Interview transcripts revealed that Current students expand their “variation discourse,” while the Post group and Outgroup displayed conformity in word choice about variation. The Post and Current groups displayed less troublesome and more integrative responses. Pre, Post, and Outgroup explanations’ revealed liminality, with discomfort and uncertainty regardless of accuracy. When we combined all four threshold concept dimensions for each respondent, patterns indicative of threshold crossing emerged along with new insight regarding curricular design.
Prenatal Testosterone Exposure Alters GABAergic Synaptic Inputs to GnRH and KNDy Neurons in a Sheep Model of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Porter Danielle T , Moore Aleisha M , Cobern Jade A , Padmanabhan Vasantha , Goodman Robert L , Coolen Lique M , Lehman Michael N
Published: August 2019

Prenatal testosterone (T)-treated female sheep display reproductive deficits similar to women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), including an increase in LH pulse frequency due to actions of the central GnRH pulse generator. In this study, we used multiple-label immunocytochemistry to investigate the possibility of changes in the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system at two key components of the GnRH pulse generator in prenatal T-treated sheep: kisspeptin/neurokinin B/dynorphin (KNDy) neurons of the arcuate nucleus, and GnRH neurons in the preoptic area (POA) and mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH). We observed a significant decrease and increase, respectively, in the number of GABAergic synapses onto POA and MBH GnRH neurons in prenatal T-treated ewes; additionally, there was a significant increase in the number of GABAergic inputs onto KNDy neurons. To determine the actions of GABA on GnRH and KNDy neurons, we examined colocalization with the chloride transporters NKCC1 and KCC2, which indicate stimulatory or inhibitory activation of neurons by GABA, respectively. Most GnRH neurons in both POA and MBH colocalized NKCC1 cotransporter whereas none contained the KCC2 cotransporter. Most KNDy neurons colocalized either NKCC1 or KCC2, and 28% of the KNDy population contained NKCC1 alone. Therefore, we suggest that, as in the mouse, GABA in the sheep is stimulatory to GnRH neurons, as well as to a subset of KNDy neurons. Increased numbers of stimulatory GABAergic inputs to both MBH GnRH and KNDy neurons in prenatal T-treated animals may contribute to alterations in steroid feedback control and increased GnRH/LH pulse frequency seen in this animal model of PCOS.
Treatment of Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms With Fezolinetant, a Neurokinin 3 Receptor Antagonist: A Phase 2a Trial
Authors: Depypere Herman , Timmerman Dirk , Donders Gilbert , Sieprath Peter , Ramael Steven , Combalbert Jean , Hoveyda Hamid R , Fraser Graeme L
Published: August 2019

Context

The thermoregulatory center in the hypothalamus is stimulated by neurokinin 3 receptor (NK3R) activation and inhibited by estrogen-negative feedback. This balance is disrupted in menopause, producing vasomotor symptoms (VMSs).

Objective

To evaluate safety and efficacy of the NK3R antagonist fezolinetant in menopausal VMSs.

Design

Twelve-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Setting

Eight Belgian centers from September 2015 to October 2016.

Participants

Generally healthy menopausal women aged 40 to 65 years with moderate/severe VMSs.

Interventions

Subjects were randomized (1:1) to 90 mg of fezolinetant twice daily or placebo for 12 weeks.

Main Outcome Measures

Subjects captured VMS severity and frequency using an electronic diary. The primary outcome was change from baseline to week 12 in total VMS score with fezolinetant vs placebo. Secondary outcomes included timing of changes in frequency and severity of moderate/severe VMSs and quality-of-life assessments at weeks 4, 8, and 12. Pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic effects were assessed, as were safety and tolerability.

Results

Of 122 subjects screened, 87 were randomized and 80 (92%) completed the study. At week 12, fezolinetant significantly reduced total VMS score vs placebo (−26.5 vs −12.2, P < 0.001) and decreased mean frequency of moderate/severe VMSs by five episodes per day vs placebo. Severity and frequency of moderate/severe VMSs were reduced from the first day of treatment. Improvements were achieved in all quality-of-life measures. Fezolinetant was well tolerated. The most common fezolinetant-related adverse event was gastrointestinal disorder (n = 6).

Conclusions

Fezolinetant rapidly and significantly reduced moderate/severe VMSs, supporting its potential as an effective nonhormonal treatment option for menopausal women.
Factors Associated With Diagnosis and Treatment of Thyroid Microcarcinomas
Authors: Esfandiari Nazanene H , Hughes David T , Reyes-Gastelum David , Ward Kevin C , Hamilton Ann S , Haymart Megan R
Published: August 2019

Context

Nearly one-third of all thyroid cancers are ≤1 cm.

Objective

To determine diagnostic pathways for microcarcinomas vs larger cancers.

Design/Setting/Participants

Patients from Georgia and Los Angeles Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registries with differentiated thyroid cancer diagnosed in 2014 or 2015 were surveyed. Survey data were linked to SEER data on tumor and treatment characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed.

Main Outcome Measures

Method of nodule discovery; reason for thyroid surgery.

Results

Of patients who underwent surgery, 975 (38.2%) had cancers ≤1 cm, and 1588 cancers (61.8%) were >1 cm. The reported method of nodule discovery differed significantly between patients with cancers ≤1 cm and those with cancers >1 cm (P < 0.001). Cancer ≤1 cm was associated with nodule discovery on thyroid ultrasound (compared with other imaging, OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.21 to 2.10), older patient age (45 to 54 years vs ≤44, OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.16 to 1.82), and female sex (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.87). Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.89) and Asian race (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.49 to 0.92) were negative correlates. Cancers ≤1 cm were associated with lower likelihood of surgery for a nodule suspicious or consistent with cancer (OR, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.57).

Conclusion

Thyroid microcarcinomas are more likely to be detected by ultrasound and less likely to be associated with surgery scheduled for known thyroid cancer. Understanding diagnostic pathways allows for targeted interventions to decrease overdiagnosis and overtreatment.
Baroco: The Logic of English Baroque Poetics
Authors: Vincent Robert Hudson
Published: August 2019

As many scholars, including the editors of the Oxford English Dictionary, continue to cite false etymologies of the baroque, this article returns to a Scholastic syllogism called baroco to demonstrate the relevance of medieval logic to the history of aesthetics. The syllogism is connected to early modern art forms that Enlightenment critics considered excessively complicated or absurdly confusing. Focusing on the emergence of baroque logic in Neo-Latin rhetoric and English poetics, this article traces the development of increasingly outlandish rhetorical practices of copia during the sixteenth century that led to similarly far-fetched poetic practices during the seventeenth century. John Stockwood’s Progymnasma scholasticum (1597) is read alongside Richard Crashaw’s Epigrammatum sacrorum liber (1634) and Steps to the Temple (1646) to reveal the effects of Erasmian rhetorical exercises on English educational practices and the production of English baroque poetry. In the end, the article demonstrates the conceptual unity of the baroque by showing the consistency between critiques of baroco, critiques of English metaphysical poetry, and critiques of baroque art during the Enlightenment.
Risk factors and patterns of recurrence after curative resection in Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Batool Sadaf , Khan Misbah , Akbar Sana Amir , Ashraf Ijaz
Published: August 2019

Objectives: We looked at risk factors and patterns of recurrence following surgical treatment of Gastro-Oesophageal Junction carcinoma (GOJC).

Methods: Electronic medical records of patients with GOJC undergoing resection with curative intent between Jan 2009 and June 2017 at Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital were reviewed. GOJ cancer was classified as per Siewert classification. Clinical and operative details were studied and data was analysed using SPSS 20.

Results: During the study period, we identified 78 patients with GOJ adenocarcinoma (38 patients with GOJ Type-I, 16 with Type-II tumors and 24 patients with GOJ Type-III tumors). Median age was 56 years ± 1.1. Male to female distribution was 72 versus 28%. Carbo-Pacli /5-FU based XRT verses Magic protocol (p<0.015) and advanced pathological T.-stage (p-value<0.032) were found to be statistically significant risk factors for recurrence. After a median follow up of 17.8 months+/- 1.5, 20 patients developed recurrence of which five had local recurrence, three had regional recurrence, eight had distant metastases and four had both local and distant metastases.

Conclusion: The incidence of recurrence following curative resection of GOJC is 25%. Type of neoadjuvant treatment, waiting time for surgery and advanced T-stage are a risk factor for recurrence.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.963

How to cite this:Batool S, Khan M, Akbar SA, Ashraf I. Risk factors and patterns of recurrence after curative resection in Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma. Pak J Med Sci. 2019;35(5):1276-1283. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.35.5.963

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Social Sciences as a subject of philosophical and sociological discourse
Authors: Орехов Андрей , Oryekhov Andryey
Published: August 2019

The monograph deals with the subject of social Sciences, as well as selected problems of philosophy of social Sciences, sociology of social Sciences and social theory in its relation to social spiders.
It is intended for bachelors, masters and postgraduates studying philosophy, sociology, social theory, as well as other courses related to philosophical and methodological problems of social Sciences and Humanities.
Work is executed at financial support of PFUR; research initiative № 100114-0-000 "Man and society in the context of modernity".
When and How to Leverage E-commerce Cart Targeting: The Relative and Moderated Effects of Scarcity and Price Incentives with a Two-Stage Field Experiment and Causal Forest Optimization
Authors: Luo Xueming , Lu Xianghua , Li Jing
Published: August 2019

The rise of online shopping cart–tracking technologies enables new opportunities for e-commerce cart targeting (ECT). However, practitioners might target shoppers who have short-listed products in their digital carts without fully considering how ECT designs interact with consumer mindsets in online shopping stages. The authors find that ECT has a substantial impact on consumer purchases, inducing a 29.9% higher purchase rate than e-commerce targeting without carts. Moreover, this incremental impact is moderated: the ECT design with a price incentive amplifies the impact, but the same price incentive leads to ineffective e-commerce targeting without carts. By contrast, a scarcity message attenuates the impact but significantly boosts purchase responses to targeting without carts. Interestingly, the costless scarcity nudge is approximately 2.3 times more effective than the costly price incentive in the early shopping stage without carts, whereas a price incentive is 11.4 times more effective than the scarcity message in the late stage with carts. The authors also leverage a causal forest algorithm that can learn purchase response heterogeneity to develop a practical scheme of optimizing ECT. These findings empower managers to prudently target consumer shopping interests embedded in digital carts in order to capitalize new opportunities in e-commerce.
Delegating Pricing Authority to Sales Agents: The Impact of Kickbacks
Authors: Kräkel Matthias , Schöttner Anja
Published: August 2019

We investigate a situation where a firm employing a sales agent faces moral hazard with respect to prospecting effort and the threat of collusion between agent and customer. We show that the firm should offer more pricing authority to the agent the more severe the moral hazard problem, although doing so further expands the agent’s discretion. Nevertheless, restricting the agent’s pricing authority such that he cannot sell to low-valuation customers is typically optimal to prevent collusion. We derive optimal collusion-proof contracts, describe conditions under which collusion arises in equilibrium, and study the optimal interaction between delegation, incentive pay, and the firm’s installed auditing technology.

This paper was accepted by Juanjuan Zhang, marketing.
Dynamic Prudential Regulation
Authors: Subramanian Ajay , Yang Baozhong
Published: August 2019

We analyze the design and impact of bank regulation using a dynamic structural framework. The optimal regulatory policy combines a target capital requirement, the mitigation of underinvestment, an intervention capital requirement to control inefficient risk taking, and recapitalization of distressed banks. The optimal target and intervention capital requirements from our structural estimation are consistent with the substantially higher capital requirements proposed in Basel III and together achieve most of the regulatory benefits by alleviating underinvestment and asset substitution. They are interdependent and respond differently to banks’ asset characteristics, thereby suggesting that regulatory policies should be carefully tuned to the economic environment.

This paper was accepted by Kay Giesecke, finance.
Estimating Demand with Substitution and Intraline Price Spillovers
Authors: Becerril-Arreola Rafael
Published: August 2019

Problem definition: Standard choice models used to optimize product line prices are effective at capturing the effects of prices on the affordability of products but do not incorporate intraline price spillovers, or the effects of prices on consumer preferences for branded product lines. To date, no approach exists to measure such spillovers, and thus their existence and characteristics are subject to controversy. Academic/practical relevance: Different authors have proposed that different product line items, here referred to as known value items (KVIs), generate price spillovers. Yet product line prices and quality levels are typically highly correlated, and thus it is not clear which spillovers should be modeled. No empirical approach exists to test for multiple price spillovers simultaneously while controlling for quality spillovers. Methodology: This study proposes an empirical approach that includes a choice model to abstract rich demand patterns and an estimation algorithm that addresses the endogeneity and collinearity of KVI prices. An empirical application based on vehicle choice data illustrates how the approach can be implemented in practice and demonstrates the importance of modeling spillovers while yielding interesting managerial implications. Results: The results establish that different KVIs generate separate spillovers and illustrate their distinct roles. KVI price spillovers can be economically important, inducing large cross-price elasticities that range from −1.31 to 0.72. Furthermore, neglecting spillovers can bias own-price elasticity estimates by up to 15% and cross-price elasticities by more than 100%. Managerial implications: The empirical results generate KVI-specific insights that managers in the automobile industry can use to improve their pricing strategies. For other industries, the paper proposes an approach and an implementation algorithm that managers can use to estimate spillovers and optimize product line prices. The empirical application illustrates the implementation of the approach and shows how managers can model price spillovers to increase profits by almost 3%.
Narrativas e metodologias participativas: Democracia como condição de possibilidade
Authors: Costa Frederico Alves
Published: August 2019

A discussão sobre estratégias qualitativas de pesquisa encontra-se presente na psicologia social desde a primeira metade do século XX. Entretanto, sob a hegemonia de pressupostos positivistas nesse campo de conhecimento, apenas com a emergência da "crise" da psicologia social, nos anos 1960, que essas estratégias conseguiram alcançar maior legitimação e visibilidade, inclusive na América Latina. Nosso objetivo nesse texto é refletirmos, a partir de uma perspectiva crítica de ciência e da Teoria Democrática Radical e Plural, sobre ser a democracia, como uma forma de sociedade, uma condição de possibilidade para a produção de narrativas e de metodologias participativas. Reflexão feita em torno de dois eixos que se complementam: eixo epistemológico, concebendo o conhecimento como uma prática social; eixo político, abordando o lugar do pesquisador, na relação com os pesquisados, no enfrentamento a relações de dominação.