bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Toxicity of Pesticides towards Earthworms
Authors: Kaka H. , Opute P. A. , Maboeta M. S.
Published: August 2021

This review examined one of the effects of climate change that has only recently received attention, i.e., climate change impacts on the distribution and toxicity of chemical contaminants in the environment. As ecosystem engineers, earthworms are potentially threatened by the increasing use of pesticides. Increases in temperature, precipitation regime changes, and related extreme climate events can potentially affect pesticide toxicity. This review of original research articles, reviews, and governmental and intergovernmental reports focused on the interactions between toxicants and environmental parameters. The latter included temperature, moisture, acidification, hypoxia, soil carbon cycle, and soil dynamics, as altered by climate change. Dynamic interactions between climate change and contaminants can be particularly problematic for organisms since organisms have an upper and lower physiological range, resulting in impacts on their acclimatization capacity. Climate change variables such as temperature and soil moisture also have an impact on acidification. An increase in temperature will impact precipitation which might impact soil pH. Also, an increase in precipitation can result in flooding which can reduce the population of earthworms by not giving juvenile earthworms enough time to develop into reproductive adults. As an independent stressor, hypoxia can affect soil organisms, alter bioavailability, and increase the toxicity of chemicals in some cases. Climate change variables, especially temperature and soil moisture, significantly affect the bioavailability of pesticides in the soil and the growth and reproduction of earthworm species.
[Retracted] Study on Regional Control of Tourism Flow Based on Fuzzy Theory
Authors: Shang Wei , Chuangle Guo
Published: August 2021

In order to solve the problems of poor regional control effect and high control difficulty coefficient of a traditional tourism flow, this paper puts forward the research of a regional control of tourism flow based on fuzzy theory. The capacity of regional tourism is determined by analyzing the factors that influence the regional control of the tourism flow. The regional tourism flow is divided into different time series by automatic clustering algorithm, the same sample data is fused, and the Euclidean distance between traffic is obtained. The regional tourism flow prediction model is constructed according to fuzzy theory. On this basis, the real‐time capacity of regional scenic spot flow is calculated, and the regional tourist flow control model is constructed to realize the regional tourist capacity control. The experimental results show that the regional control error of tourism flow is always lower than 0.40, and the difficulty coefficient of control is low, which has certain advantages.
Modeling the Specific Surface Area of Doped Spinel Ferrite Nanomaterials Using Hybrid Intelligent Computational Method
Authors: Owolabi Taoreed O. , Saleh Tawfik A. , Olusayo Olubosede , Souiyah Miloud , Oyeneyin Oluwatoba Emmanuel
Published: August 2021

Spinel ferrites nanomaterials are magnetic semiconductors with excellent chemical, magnetic, electrical, and optical properties which have rendered the materials useful in many technological driven applications such as solar hydrogen production, data storage, magnetic sensing, converters, inductors, spintronics, and catalysts. The surface area of these nanomaterials contributes significantly to their targeted applications as well as the observed physical and chemical features. Experimental doping has shown a great potential in enhancing and tuning the specific surface area of spinel ferrite nanomaterials while the attributed experimental challenges call for viable theoretical model that can estimate the surface area of doped spinel ferrite nanomaterials with high degree of precision. This work develops stepwise regression (STWR) and hybrid genetic algorithm-based support vector regression (GBSVR) intelligent model for estimating specific surface area of doped spinel ferrite nanomaterials using lattice parameter and the size of nanoparticle as descriptors to the models. The developed hybrid GBSVR model performs better than STWR model with the performance improvement of 7.51% and 22.68%, respectively, using correlation coefficient and root mean square error as performance metrics when validated with experimentally measured specific surface area of doped spinel ferrite nanomaterials. The developed GBSVR model investigates the influence of nickel, yttrium, and lanthanum nanoparticles on the specific surface area of different classes of spinel ferrite nanomaterials, and the obtained results agree excellently well with the measured values. The accuracy and precision characterizing the developed model would be of immense importance in enhancing specific surface area of doped spinel ferrite nanomaterial prediction with circumvention of experimental stress coupled with reduced cost.
Application of Two-Dimensional Compressive Sensing to Wavelet Method of Moments for Fast Analysis of Wide-Angle Electromagnetic Scattering Problems
Authors: Liu Yi , Qi Qi , Cao Xinyuan , Chen Mingsheng , Deng Guoqing , Huang Zhixiang , Wu Xianliang
Published: August 2021

To efficiently solve the electromagnetic scattering problems over a wide incident angle, a novel scheme by introducing the two-dimensional compressive sensing theory into the wavelet method of moments is proposed. In this scheme, a linear system of equations with multiple right-hand sides in wavelet domain is formed firstly, and one side of the bilateral sparse transform to the induced current matrix is simultaneously accomplished and then the bilateral measurement of the induced current matrix is operated by the linear superposition of the right-hand side vectors a few times and the extraction of rows from the impedance matrix. Finally, after completing the other side of the bilateral sparse transform, the wide-angle problems can be solved rapidly by two times of recovery algorithm with prior knowledge. The basic principle is elaborated in detail, and the effectiveness is demonstrated by numerical experiments.
Characterizing Inequalities for Biwarped Product Submanifolds of Sasakian Space Forms
Authors: Khan Meraj Ali , Al-dayel Ibrahim
Published: August 2021

The biwarped product submanifolds generalize the class of product submanifolds and are particular case of multiply warped product submanifolds. The present paper studies the biwarped product submanifolds of the typeST×ψ1S⊥×ψ2Sθin Sasakian space formsS¯c, whereST,S⊥, andSθare the invariant, anti-invariant, and pointwise slant submanifolds ofS¯c. Some characterizing inequalities for the existence of such type of submanifolds are proved; besides these inequalities, we also estimated the norm of the second fundamental form.
Datopotamab Deruxtecan, a Novel TROP2-directed Antibody–drug Conjugate, Demonstrates Potent Antitumor Activity by Efficient Drug Delivery to Tumor Cells
Authors: Okajima Daisuke , Yasuda Satoru , Maejima Takanori , Karibe Tsuyoshi , Sakurai Ken , Aida Tetsuo , Toki Tadashi , Yamaguchi Junko , Kitamura Michiko , Kamei Reiko , Fujitani Tomomichi , Honda Tomoyo , Shibutani Tomoko , Muramatsu Sumie , Nakada Takashi , Goto Riki , Takahashi Shu , Yamaguchi Miki , Hamada Hirofumi , Noguchi Yutaka , Murakami Masato , Abe Yuki , Agatsuma Toshinori
Published: August 2021

Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is highly expressed on various epithelial tumors and correlates with poor prognosis. We developed the novel TROP2-directed antibody–drug conjugate (ADC), datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd, DS-1062a), with a potent DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor (DXd), and evaluated its antitumor activity and safety profiles in preclinical models.

The pharmacologic activity and mechanism of action of Dato-DXd were investigated in several human cancer cell lines and xenograft mouse models including patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Safety profiles were also assessed in rats and cynomolgus monkeys.

Dato-DXd bound specifically to TROP2 and was internalized into tumor cells followed by intracellular trafficking to lysosome and DXd release, which induced DNA damage and apoptosis in TROP2-expressing tumor cells in vitro. Dato-DXd exhibited in vivo antitumor activity with DNA damage induced by the accumulated DXd in TROP2-expressing xenograft tumors, but neither isotype control IgG-ADC nor anti-TROP2 antibody had this effect. Dato-DXd also showed potent antitumor activity with tumor regression in several TROP2-expressing xenograft tumors including NSCLC PDX models. Safety profiles of Dato-DXd in rats and cynomolgus monkeys were acceptable.

Dato-DXd demonstrated potent antitumor activity against TROP2-expressing tumors by efficient payload delivery into tumors and acceptable safety profiles in preclinical models. These results suggest Dato-DXd could be a valuable treatment option for patients with TROP2-expressing tumors in the clinical setting.
Spatiotemporal Immune Landscape of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis at Single-Cell Level
Authors: Wu Yingcheng , Yang Shuaixi , Ma Jiaqiang , Chen Zechuan , Song Guohe , Rao Dongning , Cheng Yifei , Huang Siyuan , Liu Yifei , Jiang Shan , Liu Jinxia , Huang Xiaowu , Wang Xiaoying , Qiu Shuangjian , Xu Jianmin , Xi Ruibin , Bai Fan , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Zhang Xiaoming , Gao Qiang
Published: August 2021

Liver metastasis, the leading cause of colorectal cancer mortality, exhibits a highly heterogeneous and suppressive immune microenvironment. Here, we sequenced 97 matched samples by using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Strikingly, the metastatic microenvironment underwent remarkable spatial reprogramming of immunosuppressive cells such as MRC1+ CCL18+ M2-like macrophages. We further developed scMetabolism, a computational pipeline for quantifying single-cell metabolism, and observed that those macrophages harbored enhanced metabolic activity. Interestingly, neoadjuvant chemotherapy could block this status and restore the antitumor immune balance in responsive patients, whereas the nonresponsive patients deteriorated into a more suppressive one. Our work described the immune evolution of metastasis and uncovered the black box of how tumors respond to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Significance:

We present a single-cell and spatial atlas of colorectal liver metastasis and found the highly metabolically activated MRC1+ CCL18+ M2-like macrophages in metastatic sites. Efficient neoadjuvant chemotherapy can slow down such metabolic activation, raising the possibility to target metabolism pathways in metastasis.

This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1
Cochlear Implantation in Elderly Patients: Survival Duration, Hearing Outcomes, Complication Rates, and Cost Utility
Authors: Hammond-Kenny Amy , Borsetto Daniele , Manjaly Joseph G. , Panova Tsvetemira , Vijendren Ananth , Bance Manohar , Tysome James R. , Axon Patrick R. , Donnelly Neil P.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The prevalence of hearing loss and its consequences is increasing as the elderly population grows. As the guidelines for cochlear implantation (CI) expand, the number of elderly CI recipients is also increasing. We report complication rates, survival duration, and audiological outcomes for CI recipients aged 80 years and over and discuss the cost utility of CI in this age group. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken of all CI recipients (126 cases), aged 80 years and over at the time of their surgery, implanted at our institution (Cambridge University Hospitals) during a period from January 1, 2001, to March 31, 2019. Data on survival at 1, 3, and 5 years post-implantation, post-operative complications and functional hearing outcomes including audiometric and speech discrimination outcomes (Bamford-Kowal-Bench sentence test) have been reported. Results: The mean age at implantation was 84 years. The mean audiometric score improved from 108 dB HL to 28 dB HL post-implantation. The mean Bamford-Kowal-Bench score improved from 14% to 66% and 73% at 2 and 12 months post-implantation, respectively. The complication rate was 15.3%. The survival probability at 1 year post-implantation was 0.95 for females and 0.93 for males, at 3 years was 0.89 for females and 0.81 for males, and at 5 years was 0.74 for females and 0.54 for males. Conclusion: CI is safe and well-tolerated in this age group and elderly patients gain similar audiometric and functional benefit as found for younger age groups.
Transformation of Saudi Arabia’s Health System and Its Impact on Population Health: What Can the USA Learn?
Authors: Young Yuchi , Alharthy Amani , Hosler Akiko S.
Published: August 2021

Objective: The objective of this study was to describe the historic transformation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) health system and analyze the impact of transformation on selected health outcomes in KSA. Methods: Secondary data from the following standard repositories were compiled for analysis: WHO, UN, UNICEF, and the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Health. The 6-part WHO health system framework was used to structure the analysis. The USA was chosen as a comparator country because KSA and the USA are both high-income OECD countries with predominantly Western-trained physicians and similar health outcomes, yet the 2 nations diverge in 2 important ways: the KSA is a single payer, and its percent GDP healthcare spending is one-half that of the USA. Results: Life expectancy at birth increased nearly 30 years (from 45.6 years in 1960 to 74.9 years in 2019) among KSA citizens, narrowing the gap with the USA, which gained 8.7 years, from 69.8 to 78.5, during the same period. KSA had identical infant mortality to the USA (2/1,000 live births in both countries) and lower maternal mortality rates (17 vs. 23/100,000 live births) than the USA. Conclusion: The rapid improvement of selected health outcomes in KSA may be attributable to improved access to care provided by the universal healthcare system. Healthcare spending in the USA is 18% GDP, nearly twice that of KSA (9.2% GDP), yet important health outcomes are largely indistinguishable. Future research should evaluate which elements of the KSA system might inform improvements to decentralized systems in the USA.
Endotoxemia in Critically Ill Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Khan Sobia , Bolotova Olena , Sahib Haseena , Foster Debra , Mallipattu Sandeep K.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Mechanism(s) mediating critical illness in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain unclear. Previous reports demonstrate the existence of endotoxemia in viral infections without superimposed gram-negative bacteremia, but the rate and severity of endotoxemia in critically ill patients with COVID-19 requires further exploration. Materials and Methods: This is a single-center cross-sectional study of 92 intensive care unit patients diagnosed with COVID-19 pneumonia. Endotoxin activity (EA) was measured in patients that met the following criteria: (1) age ≥18 years and (2) multi-organ dysfunction score >9 from March 24, 2020, to June 20, 2020. Results: A total of 32 patients met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for measurement of EA. The median age of the study cohort was 60 years with a majority male (21/32, 65%) with hypertension (50%). A significant proportion of the patients exhibited either elevated EA in the intermediate range (0.40–0.59 EA units) (10/32, 31%) or high range (≥0.60 EA units) (14/32, 44%) or were nonresponders (NRs, low neutrophil response) to EA (6/32, 19%), with the presence of gram-negative bacteremia only in 2/32 (6%) patients. Low EA was reported in 2/32 patients. NRs (5/6, 83%) and patients with high EA (7/14, 50%) exhibited higher acute kidney injury (AKI) as compared to patients with low/intermediate EA level (1/12, 8.3%). Discussion/Conclusion: Elevated EA was observed in a large majority of critically ill patients with COVID-19 and multi-organ dysfunction despite a low incidence of concurrent gram-negative bacteremia. While we observed that elevated EA and nonresponsiveness to EA were associated with AKI in critically ill patients with COVID-19, these findings require further validation in larger longitudinal cohorts.
Squirrel cage induction motor predictive direct torque control based on multi-step delay compensation
Authors: Abbas Najimaldi M.
Published: August 2021

The squirrel cage induction motor direct torque control main problems due to torque and large stator flux pulsation. In this an improved model predictive direct torque control algorithm considering multi-step delay compensation is proposed. At each sampling moment, predict the stator flux linkage and torque at the next moment under each voltage vector. The optimal voltage vector deviation from the stator flux linkage reference value and torque reference value are selected as the minimum objective function. Aiming at the problem of one-shot delay in digital control systems, a multi-step predictive delay compensation measure is studied. Simulation shows that the algorithm can effectively reduce torque and stator flux pulsation, reduce current harmonic distortion, and solve the delay problem in digital systems.
Early Preventive Treatment With Enalapril Improves Cardiac Function and Delays Mortality in Mice With Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy Type 5
Authors: Domínguez Fernando , Lalaguna Laura , López-Olañeta Marina , Villalba-Orero María , Padrón-Barthe Laura , Román Marta , Bello-Arroyo Elísabet , Briceño Ana , Gonzalez-Lopez Esther , Segovia-Cubero Javier , García-Pavía Pablo , Lara-Pezzi Enrique
Published: August 2021

Background:

Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy type 5 (ARVC5) is an inherited cardiac disease with complete penetrance and an aggressive clinical course caused by mutations in
TMEM43
(transmembrane protein 43). There is no cure for ARVC5 and palliative treatment is started once the phenotype is present. A transgenic mouse model of ARVC5 expressing human TMEM43-S358L (TMEM43mut) recapitulates the human disease, enabling the exploration of preventive treatments. The aim of this study is to determine whether preventive treatment with heart failure drugs (β-blockers, ACE [angiotensin-converting enzyme] inhibitors, mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonists) improves the disease course of ARVC5 in TMEM43mut mice.

Methods:

TMEM43mut male/female mice were treated with metoprolol (β-blockers), enalapril (ACE inhibitor), spironolactone (mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist), ACE inhibitor + mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist, ACE inhibitor + mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist + β-blockers or left untreated. Drugs were initiated at 3 weeks of age, before ARVC5 phenotype, and serial ECG and echocardiograms were performed.

Results:

TMEM43mut mice treated with enalapril showed a significantly increased median survival compared with untreated mice (26 versus 21 weeks;
P
=0.003). Enalapril-treated mice also exhibited increased left ventricular ejection fraction at 4 months compared with controls (37.0% versus 24.9%;
P
=0.004), shorter QRS duration and reduced left ventricle fibrosis. Combined regimens including enalapril also showed positive effects. Metoprolol decreased QRS voltage prematurely and resulted in a nonsignificant decrease in left ventricular ejection fraction compared with untreated TMEM43mut mice.

Conclusions:

Preventive enalapril-based regimens reduced fibrosis, improved ECG, echocardiographic parameters and survival of ARVC5 mice. Early metoprolol did not show positive effects and caused premature ECG abnormalities. Our findings pave the way to consider prophylactic enalapril in asymptomatic ARVC5 genetic carriers.
Optical Coherence Tomography in Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy
Authors: Acharya Deepak , Loyaga-Rendon Renzo Y. , Chatterjee Arka , Rajapreyar Indranee , Lee Kwan
Published: August 2021

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a challenging complication of heart transplantation. CAV pathophysiology is incompletely understood, standard screening modalities such as angiography have significant limitations, and currently available therapies have only modest efficacy in preventing progression. Optical coherence tomography is a light-based technique that provides microscopic level catheter-based intravascular imaging and has dramatically expanded our understanding of CAV, demonstrating it to be a complex, heterogeneous, and dynamic process. This review covers characteristics and uses of optical coherence tomography, including vessel characterization, serial use to assess progression of disease, guiding percutaneous intervention, and monitoring response to CAV therapies. We also discuss the potential of optical coherence tomography in providing individualized assessment and enable customized CAV therapies, which may lead to improvements in long-term transplant outcomes.
Natural History and Clinical Outcomes of Paravertebral Arteriovenous Shunts
Authors: Feng Yueshan , Yu Jiaxing , Xu Jiankun , He Chuan , Bian Lisong , Li Guilin , Ye Ming , Hu Peng , Sun Liyong , Jiang Nan , Ling Feng , Hong Tao , Zhang Hongqi
Published: August 2021

Background and Purpose:

Paravertebral arteriovenous shunts (PVAVSs) are rare. Whether the intradural venous system is involved in drainage may lead to differences in clinical characteristics through specific pathophysiological mechanisms. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the natural history and clinical outcomes of PVAVSs with or without intradural drainage.

Methods:

Sixty-four consecutive patients with PVAVSs from 2 institutes were retrospectively reviewed. Lesions were classified as type A (n=28) if the intradural veins were involved in drainage; otherwise, they were classified as type B (n=36). The clinical course from initial presentation to the last follow-up was analyzed.

Results:

The patients with type A shunts were older at presentation (52.5 versus 35.5 years,
P
<0.0001) and more likely to have lower spinal segments affected than patients with type B PVAVSs (67.8% versus 13.9%,
P
=0.00006). After presentation, the deterioration rates related to gait and sphincter dysfunction were significantly higher in patients with type A than type B shunts (gait dysfunction: 71.8%/y versus 17.0%/y,
P
=0.0006; sphincter dysfunction: 63.7%/y versus 11.3%/y,
P
=0.0002). According to the angiogram at the end of the latest treatment, 79% of type A and 75% of type B PVAVSs were completely obliterated. If the lesions were partially obliterated, a significantly higher clinical deterioration rate was observed in patients with type A shunts than those with type B shunts (69.9%/y versus 3.2%/y,
P
=0.0253).

Conclusions:

Type A PVAVSs feature rapid progressive neurological deficits; therefore, early clinical intervention is necessary. For complex lesions that cannot be completely obliterated, surgical disconnection of all refluxed radicular veins is suggested.
Anthropogenic Influences on Tornadic Storms
Authors: Bercos-Hickey Emily , Patricola Christina M. , Gallus William A.
Published: August 2021

The impact of climate change on severe storms and tornadoes remains uncertain, largely owing to inconsistencies in observational data and limitations of climate models. We performed ensembles of convection-permitting climate model simulations to examine how three tornadic storms would change if similar events were to occur in pre-industrial and future climates. The choice of events includes winter, nocturnal, and spring tornadic storms to provide insight into how the timing and seasonality of storms may affect their response to climate change. Updraft helicity (UH), convective available potential energy (CAPE), storm relative helicity (SRH), and convective inhibition (CIN) were used to determine the favorability for the three tornadic storm events in the different climate states. We found that from the pre-industrial to present, the potential for tornadic storms decreased in the winter event and increased in the nocturnal and spring events. With future climate change, the potential for tornadic storms increased in the winter and nocturnal events in association with increased CAPE, and decreased in the spring event despite greater CAPE.
This Is Your Brain on Autopilot: Neural Indices of Driver Workload and Engagement During Partial Vehicle Automation
Authors: McDonnell Amy S. , Simmons Trent G. , Erickson Gus G. , Lohani Monika , Cooper Joel M. , Strayer David L.
Published: August 2021

Objective

This research explores the effect of partial vehicle automation on neural indices of mental workload and visual engagement during on-road driving.

Background

There is concern that the introduction of automated technology in vehicles may lead to low driver stimulation and subsequent disengagement from the driving environment. Simulator-based studies have examined the effect of automation on a driver’s cognitive state, but it is unknown how the conclusions translate to on-road driving. Electroencephalographic (EEG) measures of frontal theta and parietal alpha can provide insight into a driver’s mental workload and visual engagement while driving under various conditions.

Method

EEG was recorded from 71 participants while driving on the roadway. We examined two age cohorts, on two different highway configurations, in four different vehicles, with partial vehicle automation both engaged and disengaged.

Results

Analysis of frontal theta and parietal alpha power revealed that there was no change in mental workload or visual engagement when driving manually compared with driving under partial vehicle automation.

Conclusion

Drivers new to the technology remained engaged with the driving environment when operating under partial vehicle automation. These findings suggest that the concern surrounding driver disengagement under vehicle automation may need to be tempered, at least for drivers new to the experience.

Application

These findings expand our understanding of the effects of partial vehicle automation on drivers’ cognitive states.
Fresh and hardened state performance of self-compacting slag based alkali activated concrete using nanosilica and steel fiber
Authors: Eren Necip Altay , Alzeebaree Radhwan , Çevik Abdulkadir , Niş Anıl , Mohammedameen Alaa , Gülşan Mehmet Eren
Published: August 2021

This study investigates the fresh and hardened state performance of slag-based self-compacting alkali-activated concretes (SCAAC) reinforced with steel fibers (SF) and nano-silica (NS), cured at an ambient temperature. Two different hooked-end SF with two fiber volumes and NS were used to examine the combined effect of the SF volume ratio, SF aspect ratio, and NS on the fresh and hardened state performance of SCAAC. In extension, the influence of specimen thickness to steel fiber length (d/FL) ratio on the failure modes of the bending specimens was evaluated. The fresh state properties were evaluated via T50 value, slump flow, V-funnel, and L-Box tests, while the hardened state properties were studied through compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and flexural tensile strength tests. The relationship analyses were carried out among fresh and hardened state properties, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also conducted to examine the microstructure. The results indicated that fresh state performance was favorably affected by NS inclusion but adversely influenced by SF content and aspect ratio. The hardened state performances enhanced with a higher amount of SF volume and an aspect ratio. Also, the NS improved the splitting tensile and flexural strength but decreased the compressive strength and elasticity modulus of the specimens. The d/FL ratio was found a significant parameter on failure modes, and the specimens having a d/FL ratio of 3.33 showed flexural cracks. In contrast, the specimens having a d/FL ratio of 1.25 exhibited inclined flexural-shear cracks, especially for 1% SF.
The Effects of Manipulating Task Difficulty and Feedback Frequency on Children’s Dart Throwing Accuracy and Consistency
Authors: Bahri Fatma , Elghoul Yousri , Masmoudi Liwa , Clark Cain C. T. , Glenn Jordan M. , Souissi Nizar
Published: August 2021

In the present study we investigated the effects of manipulating task difficulty (constant vs. progressive difficulty) and frequency of knowledge of results (KR) on the accuracy and consistency of children’s performance of a novel fine motor coordination task (dart throwing). We assigned 69 right-handed physical education (PE) students ( M age = 10.73, SD = 0.89 years) to progressive (PDG) or constant difficulty (CDG) groups. PDG and CDG were each split into three subgroups who received varying KR frequency (100%KR, 50%KR, and 33%KR), creating a total of six groups. We increased difficulty in the PDG by manipulating the distance to the target (2 m, 2.37 m, and 3.56 m), while distance to the target was constant for CDG throughout the experiment (2.37 m). We conducted performance assessments during familiarization (pre-test), acquisition (post-test), and retention (retention testing) learning phases under both normal condition (NC) and a time pressure condition (TPC). Repeated-measures analysis of variance revealed a significant effect of difficulty manipulation on skill learning under both NC and TPC. Further analyses revealed that skill learning was enhanced by progressive difficulty manipulation. However, learning was not affected by KR frequency changes. Progressive difficulty practice enhanced both accuracy and consistency, specifically at retention testing. These results suggest that motor learning in children may be enhanced by practicing with progressive increases in difficulty. PE teachers are encouraged to gradually introduce difficulty levels in motor learning tasks that require high accuracy.
“Every Thought and Dream a Nightmare”: Violence and Trauma Among Formerly Imprisoned Gang Members
Authors: Gaston Shytierra , Shamserad Faraneh , Huebner Beth M.
Published: August 2021

Persons involved in gangs disproportionately participate in violence, as both victims and perpetrators. However, much remains unknown about the prevalence and consequences of violence exposure among adult gang members, particularly among those who have been incarcerated. We draw on semi-structured interviews with formerly imprisoned gang members to provide a contextualized account of the continuum of violence before, during, and after prison and illuminate the consequences of cumulative violence exposure among an understudied subgroup at greatest risk for violence. Findings show that adult gang members experience frequent and ongoing exposure to serious violence, as both victims and perpetrators, before, during, and after prison, and directly and vicariously. Although direct involvement in violence dissipated after prison, exposure to vicarious victimization was substantial and ongoing. In addition, respondents reported physiological and psychological consequences related to their chronic exposure to violence and trauma, including nightmares, anxiety, fear, anger, and hypervigilance.
Construct validity of the enfranchisement scale of the community participation indicators
Authors: Kersey Jessica , Terhorst Lauren , Heinemann Allen W , Hammel Joy , Baum Carolyn , McCue Michael , Skidmore Elizabeth R
Published: August 2021

Objective:

This study examined the construct validity of the Enfranchisement scale of the Community Participation Indicators.

Design:

We conducted a secondary analysis of data collected in a cross-sectional study of rehabilitation outcomes.

Subjects:

The parent study included 604 community-dwelling adults with chronic traumatic brain injury, stroke, or spinal cord injury. The sample had a mean age of 64.1 years, was two-thirds male, and included a high proportion of racial minorities ( n = 250, 41.4%).

Main measures:

The Enfranchisement scale contains two subscales: the Control subscale and the Importance subscale. We examined correlations between each Enfranchisement subscale and measures of participation, environment, and impairments. The current analyses included cases with at least 80% of items completed on each subscale (Control subscale: n = 391; Importance subscale: n = 219). Missing values were imputed using multiple imputation.

Results:

The sample demonstrated high scores, indicating poor enfranchisement (Control subscale: M = 51.7; Importance subscale: M = 43.0). Both subscales were most strongly associated with measures of participation (Control subscale: r = 0.56; Importance subscale: r = 0.52), and least strongly associated with measures of cognition (Control subscale: r = 0.03; Importance subscale: r = 0.03). The Importance subscale was closely associated with depression ( r = 0.54), and systems, services, and policies ( r = 0.50). Both subscales were associated with social attitudes (Control subscale: r = 0.44; Importance subscale: r = 0.44) and social support (Control subscale: r = 0.49; Importance subscale: r = 0.41).

Conclusions:

We found evidence of convergent validity between the Enfranchisement scale and measures of participation, and discriminant validity between the Enfranchisement scale and measures of disability-related impairments. The analyses also revealed the importance of the environment to enfranchisement outcomes.
Assessing cortical cerebral microinfarcts on iron-sensitive MRI in cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Wiegertjes Kim , Chan Kwok-Shing , Telgte Annemieke ter , Gesierich Benno , Norris David G , Klijn Catharina JM , Duering Marco , Tuladhar Anil M , Marques José P , Leeuw Frank-Erik de
Published: August 2021

Recent studies suggest that a subset of cortical microinfarcts may be identifiable on T2* but invisible on T1 and T2 follow-up images. We aimed to investigate whether cortical microinfarcts are associated with iron accumulation after the acute stage. The RUN DMC – InTENse study is a serial MRI study including individuals with cerebral small vessel disease (SVD). 54 Participants underwent 10 monthly 3 T MRIs, including diffusion-weighted imaging, quantitative R1 (=1/T1), R2 (=1/T2), and R2* (=1/T2*) mapping, from which MRI parameters within areas corresponding to microinfarcts and control region of interests (ROIs) were retrieved within 16 participants. Finally, we compared pre- and post-lesional values with repeated measures ANOVA and post-hoc paired t-tests using the mean difference between lesion and control ROI values. We observed 21 acute cortical microinfarcts in 7 of the 54 participants (median age 69 years [IQR 66–74], 63% male). R2* maps demonstrated an increase in R2* values at the moment of the last available follow-up MRI (median [IQR], 5 [5–14] weeks after infarction) relative to prelesional values ( p = .08), indicative of iron accumulation. Our data suggest that cortical microinfarcts are associated with increased R2* values, indicative of iron accumulation, possibly due to microhemorrhages, neuroinflammation or neurodegeneration, awaiting histopathological verification.
Transfusion-related acute lung injury in a COVID-19–positive convalescent plasma recipient: a case report
Authors: Amrutiya Viralkumar , Patel Rutwik , Baghal Moaaz , Patel Bhoomi , Waykole Trupti , Patel Harshana , Govil Swati , Lo Abraham
Published: August 2021

We present a case of transfusion-related acute lung injury as a complication of convalescent plasma transfusion in a patient who presented with COVID-19–related severe acute respiratory syndrome. Despite treatment with tocilizumab, remdesivir, and intravenous steroids, worsening dyspnea prompted adjunctive treatment with convalescent plasma. Two hours after completion of the plasma transfusion, the patient developed hypoxia-induced cardiac arrest secondary to transfusion-related acute lung injury. This case sheds light on life-threatening transfusion reactions and emphasizes the need to investigate post-transfusion monitoring protocols as well as the possible role of surveillance equipment.
Verification of usRAP Risk Assessments for Run-Off and Head-On Crashes Using Field Data
Authors: Hossain Fahmid , Medina Juan C.
Published: August 2021

The United States Road Assessment Program (usRAP) provides a systemic approach to estimate the risk of severe injury and fatal crashes along roadway segments based on the expected safety performance of roadway and roadside characteristics, together with a general estimation of traffic volume. Detailed crash data are not needed for safety assessments, providing advantages over more traditional crash-driven approaches. However, experiences with usRAP are limited to the United States and to date, the program has a growing but limited number of participating states. Verification of the adequacy of usRAP assessments is therefore of significant value, not only to identify strengths and limitations of the methodology within the U.S. context, but also to potentially expand the set of tools available to agencies. This paper presents a verification of usRAP risk assessments for run-off-road and head-on crashes using over 7,000 mi of coded segments and five years of crash data collected in Utah. Comparisons between risk estimations from usRAP and actual crash rates provided insights into the expected and observed effects of roadside objects and their distances from the lanes traveled, type of median present, and horizontal curves. A spatial correlation test also confirmed the agreement between usRAP risk assessments and crash data, providing additional promising indications of the suitability of this systemic methodology for safety applications.
Driving Behavior at Signalized Intersections Operating under Disordered Traffic Conditions
Authors: Chauhan Ritvik , Dhamaniya Ashish , Arkatkar Shriniwas
Published: August 2021

A higher degree of heterogeneity in vehicle class and drivers, coupled with non-lane-based driving habits, creates several challenges in traffic flow analysis. This study investigates vehicles’ microscopic driving behavior at signalized intersections operating under weak lane discipline with mixed traffic (disordered) conditions. For this purpose, a comprehensive vehicular trajectory data set is developed from field-recorded video footage using a semi-automated tool for data extraction. Microscopic parameters such as relative velocity, spacing between vehicles, following time, lane preference, longitudinal and lateral speed profile, hysteresis evidence, and lateral movement of different vehicle classes during different traffic phases are presented in the study. The data is then segregated into three flow conditions: stopped flow, saturated flow, and unaffected flow. It is found that smaller vehicles prefer near-side lanes over far-side lanes. Motorized three-wheeler (3W) and motorized two-wheeler (2W) vehicle classes exhibit the greatest lateral velocity, lateral movement, and aggressiveness. This results in several interactions between vehicles as a function of different leader–follower vehicle pairs. Signalized intersections with more heterogeneity in traffic composition, especially higher composition of 2W and 3W vehicle classes, exhibit higher levels of aggressive driving behavior that might lower safety standards. As a practical application, ranges of various driving behavior parameter values for different leader–follower combinations and traffic conditions are quantified in the study. The observations and results are expected to help better understand prevailing driving behavior in disordered traffic and contribute toward robust calibration of microscopic traffic flow models for better replicating disordered traffic conditions at signalized intersections.
Morphological Changes in the Residual Meniscus After Reshaping Surgery for a Discoid Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Nishino Kazuya , Hashimoto Yusuke , Tsumoto Syuko , Yamasaki Shinya , Nakamura Hiroaki
Published: August 2021

Background:

Arthroscopic reshaping surgery is the first treatment option for a symptomatic discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) to preserve the peripheral rim. However, the degree of postoperative morphological change in the residual meniscus is unclear.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to measure the meniscus after reshaping surgery for a DLM, to verify when the morphological change occurred, and to examine the related risk factors. The hypothesis was that the residual meniscal width would decrease throughout the postoperative course.

Study Design:

Case-control study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent reshaping surgery for a symptomatic DLM and had undergone follow-up for ≥2 years. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was routinely performed preoperatively and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postoperatively, and the width, height, and extrusion of the residual meniscus were measured. According to the width of the midbody on final MRI scans, we compared the preoperative and postoperative data for the preserved group (≥5 mm) and decreased group (<5 mm). The associated risk factors for a decreased meniscal width (<5 mm) of the midbody were analyzed on final MRI scans.

Results:

We included 61 knees of 54 patients in this study. The mean age at the time of surgery was 11.7 years. The intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of the midbody width were 0.937 and 0.921, respectively. The width of the anterior horn, midbody, and posterior horn decreased significantly from 3 to 24 months after surgery (from 9.1 to 8.6 mm [ P < .001], from 7.5 to 6.1 mm [ P < .001], and from 9.5 to 8.9 mm [ P = .001], respectively). Meniscal extrusion of the midbody did not change significantly (from 1.2 to 1.5 mm; P = .062). Overall, 46 knees (n = 20/32 in the preserved group and n = 26/29 in the decreased group) had longitudinal tears that required meniscal repair. Clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that intrameniscal degeneration (odds ratio, 4.36; P = .023) significantly increased the risk of a decreased meniscal width.

Conclusion:

The width of the anterior horn, midbody, and posterior horn decreased significantly from 3 to 24 months after surgery. In particular, the average decrease rate of the midbody was 19%. No clinical difference was seen in patients with a decreased width and height or with peripheral extrusion. Increased intrameniscal signals on preoperative MRI scans were associated with an increased risk of a decreased meniscal width. Surgeons should consider this result to determine the amount of resection.
Online optimization of Pontryagin’s minimum principle for a series hydraulic hybrid wheel loader
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wang Feng , Xu Bing , Sun Zongxuan
Published: August 2021

The hydraulic hybrid powertrain has great potential for reducing fuel consumption and emission of off-road vehicles. The energy management strategy is the key to hybrid powertrain and currently there are many well-developed strategies. Of which the Pontryagin’s minimum principle is of research interest since it is a global optimization method while less computational burden than dynamic programming. However, it requires full cycle information to calculate co-state value in the principle, making it not implementable. Therefore in this study an implementable Pontryagin’s minimum principle is proposed for a series hybrid wheel loader, where the optimal co-state value in the principle is trained through repetitive wheel loader duty cycle. The Pontryagin’s minimum principle formulations of hybrid wheel loader are developed. The online co-state training algorithm is presented. A dynamic simulation model of hybrid wheel loader is developed. The fuel consumption of hybrid wheel loader with proposed strategy is compared with dynamic programming strategy and rule-based strategy in wheel loader long and short loading cycles. Results show the fuel consumption with proposed strategy is close to dynamic programming result and is lower than rule-based strategy. Finally, the influence of pressure level of hybrid powertrain on vehicle fuel consumption is studied.
Revisiting the Integration Hypothesis: Correlational and Longitudinal Meta-Analyses Demonstrate the Limited Role of Acculturation for Cross-Cultural Adaptation
Authors: Bierwiaczonek Kinga , Kunst Jonas R.
Published: August 2021

When moving to a new country or living in that country as ethnic-minority-group members, individuals have to relate to different cultural spheres. Scholars and practitioners commonly agree that how people acculturate influences their psychological and sociocultural adaptation. Integration (or biculturalism), which involves engagement in both one’s heritage culture and the dominant mainstream culture, is considered the most beneficial acculturation strategy. But how robust is the evidence for the role of acculturation in adaptation? Here, we present a reanalysis of a previous meta-analysis of mostly correlational studies ( k = 83, N = 23,197) and a new meta-analysis of exclusively longitudinal studies ( k = 19, N = 6,791). Results show that the correlational link between acculturation and adaptation is much weaker than previously assumed and that longitudinal evidence is minuscule at best. Our findings suggest that empirical support is still lacking for the most basic premises of acculturation theory.
Does Caregiver Participation in Advance Care Planning Using a Decision Support Tool Together With Patients Reduce Caregiver Strain, Burden and Anxiety Over Time? A Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Kunzler Bronson R. , Foy Andrew J. , Levi Benjamin H. , Van Scoy Lauren J. , Lehman Erik B. , Smith Theresa J. , Green Michael J.
Published: August 2021

Context:

Surrogate decision makers experience significant amounts of anxiety, burden, and strain in their role as caregivers and decision makers for loved ones.

Objectives:

To investigate longitudinally whether surrogate decision makers engaging in ACP together with their loved one reduces perceived anxiety, burden, and strain felt by surrogate decision makers.

Methods:

Post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial evaluating caregivers’ perceived self-efficacy to serve as surrogate decision makers. The trial employed a 2×2 study design of patient/caregiver dyads who engaged in advance care planning (ACP) using a standard living will form vs “Making Your Wishes Known” (MYWK), and having the patient engage in ACP alone vs together with the family caregiver. Surrogates completed validated survey instruments surveys longitudinally to compare levels of anxiety, burden, and strain.

Results:

246 of 285 dyads completed the measures. No significant reductions in anxiety, burden, or strain were found longitudinally in surrogate decision makers using MYWK together with loved one’s vs other control groups. Increases in strain and anxiety were seen across all study groups and increases in burden across 2/4 study groups. Strain and burden increased most in the MYWK Together arm (▴ = +2.22 and ▴ = +1.91 respectively).

Conclusion:

Family caregivers who engaged in ACP together with patients using the decision support tool MYWK did not experience less strain, burden, or anxiety longitudinally compared to other study arms. These results may help inform the design of future studies and interventions that promote caregivers’ involvement in ACP interventions.