bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reliability-Based Design for Passing Maneuvers Based on Observational Data
Authors: Hassein Udai
Published: June 2020

Two-lane roadways constitute the largest proportion of road networks. Their operational characteristics are significantly different from other road classifications. Allowing passing maneuvers is considered as one of the effective measures to improve mobility levels along two-lane highways, while crash records show that head-on collisions, which usually are attributed to passing maneuvers, are among the most common and most severe types of crashes on two-lane roadways. Therefore, rational and realistic estimation of the needed passing sight distance (PSD) considering driver behavior is essential for the safe design of passing zones along two-lane highways. Several random variables help to determine the minimum length required for safe passing maneuvers. Current PSD models are based on single deterministic values of the input variables to determine PSD values. This paper presents a reliability model PSD that accounts for the variability of the input random variables to offer a better representation of real-life conditions. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to design driving simulator and field experiments for data collection, (2) to develop a PSD model using the mechanics of passing maneuvers, (3) to develop a reliability model based on the first-order second-moment (FOSM) method, and (4) to validate the model using Monte Carlo simulation. In this study, driving simulator experiments were conducted to determine the passing behavior of drivers, and field data were used to validate the proposed PSD model. The proposed model accounts for the variability in the parameters by using the mean and standard deviation in a closed form estimation method. The analysis was performed for a design speed of 80 km/h, and the corresponding PSD distribution was established. A comparison of the results of the proposed model, which reflects driver behavior, and those of existing models was presented. Using the reliability-based design method, transportation engineers can adjust the PSD to fulfill a desired probability of non-compliance.
City-to-City and Temporal Assessment of Peer City Scooter Policy
Authors: Janssen Caroline , Barbour William , Hafkenschiel Erin , Abkowitz Mark , Philip Craig , Work Daniel B.
Published: June 2020

This paper presents a micromobility scooter policy comparison between 10 mid-sized peer cities with respect to 12 policy dimensions. Because of the evolutionary nature of the policy, a temporal analysis of policy dimensions is required, which we conduct and present in this work. The impact of these individual policies reaches across the city itself, the operating company, and the mobility user—all of which are assessed throughout this work. Many of these policy dimensions are acute pain points for cities, such as fleet caps, permitting fees, and equity requirements. In the temporal analysis, some dimensions show not just happenstance variability in attempts to manage forms of micromobility, but appreciable trends. Approximately 1 year after the deployment of dockless electric scooters in cities throughout the United States and the world, cities have made multiple attempts at regulations and legislation to handle the new mobility mode. Throughout this time, cities have agreed from the start in some aspects of policy such as device removal, safety, speed limit, and bonds. In other dimensions, such as fleet expansion plans, equity regulations, and parking requirements, cities see directed movement over time toward a convergence point.
Factors Explaining State Differences in Applying for a Recent Long-Term Care Program that Promotes Aging in Place: Perspectives of Medicaid Administrators
Authors: Friedman Esther M. , Shih Regina A. , Ahluwalia Sangeeta C. , Kotzias Virginia I. , Phillips Jessica L. , Siconolfi Daniel , Saliba Debra
Published: June 2020

Older adults in need of assistance often prefer to remain at home rather than receive care in an institution. To meet these preferences, Medicaid invited states to apply for the Balancing Incentive Program (BIP), a program intended to “rebalance” Medicaid-financed long-term services and supports to Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS). However, only about half of eligible states applied. We interviewed Medicaid administrators to explore why some states applied for BIP whereas others did not. Supportive state leadership and the presence of other programs supporting community-based care were positively related to BIP application. Opposing policy priorities and programs competing for similar resources were negatively related to BIP application. Because states most likely to apply already had policy goals and programs supporting HCBS, BIP may inadvertently widen disparities across states, pushing those on the margins ahead and leaving the ones that are worst off in HCBS support to fall even further behind.
Preservation Planning: Redeveloping Public and Affordable Housing
Authors: Shamsuddin Shomon
Published: June 2020

Urban planners face an affordable housing crisis compounded by federal programs that eliminated subsidized housing. Prior work indicates profit-making motivations and race influenced housing removal but overlooks planning efforts to rebuild affordable housing. This paper explores the neighborhood factors affecting the redevelopment of subsidized housing under the Housing Opportunities for People Everywhere (HOPE VI) program, using multivariate regression analysis of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Census data. Findings show housing market indicators, racial composition, and poverty rates do not predict the mix of rebuilt units, which suggests opportunities for planning to promote affordable housing goals in public–private development projects.
Are Circadian Disturbances a Core Pathophysiological Component of Schizophrenia?
Authors: Delorme Tara C. , Srivastava Lalit K. , Cermakian Nicolas
Published: June 2020

Schizophrenia is a multifactorial disorder caused by a combination of genetic variations and exposure to environmental insults. Sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances are a prominent and ubiquitous feature of many psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. There is growing interest in uncovering the mechanistic link between schizophrenia and circadian rhythms, which may directly affect disorder outcomes. In this review, we explore the interaction between schizophrenia and circadian rhythms from 2 complementary angles. First, we review evidence that sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances constitute a fundamental component of schizophrenia, as supported by both human studies and animal models with genetic mutations related to schizophrenia. Second, we discuss the idea that circadian rhythm disruption interacts with existing risk factors for schizophrenia to promote schizophrenia-relevant behavioral and neurobiological abnormalities. Understanding the mechanistic link between schizophrenia and circadian rhythms will have implications for mitigating risk to the disorder and informing the development of circadian-based therapies.
Required Minimum Distributions
Authors: Kilgour John G.
Published: June 2020

Required minimum distributions (RMDs) are an important part of individual requirement accounts and defined-contribution retirement plans including 401(k), 403(b) and 457(b) plans. Such plans are intended to provide retirement income for the account owner and his or her spouse. They are not intended to pass untaxed wealth on to the next generation. RMDs do that by requiring that a portion of the balance in an account is distributed (and taxed) each year beginning by age 70½ (recently extended to age 72). This article examines the origins and extensions of RMDs, how they are calculated and how they work. It then assesses the recently enacted SECURE Act and the proposed updated Internal Revenue Service tables of the life-expectancy factors used to calculate the amount of the annual RMDs.
Improvement of mechanical and physical performance of poly (lactic acid) biocomposites by application of surface silanization for huntite–hydromagnesite mineral
Authors: Dike Ali Sinan
Published: June 2020

Silanization process was applied to huntite–hydromagnesite (HH) mineral in for improve its adhesion to poly (lactic acid) (PLA) matrix. Surfaces of HH samples were examined by infrared spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis. HH was compounded with PLA using melt-blending technique. Modified HH incorporations led to nearly 19% and 20% increase in tensile strength and modulus of PLA, respectively. The maximum improvement for tensile strength value is obtained for 15 wt% of modified HH containing composite sample. On the other hand, percentage strain of PLA decreases nearly 22% with the addition of HH. Silane-modified HH-containing composites yield higher impact energy compared to untreated HH. Impact performance of composites increases nearly 18% with the increase in loading ratio of HH. Silane-modified HH displays higher storage modulus than HH, and glass transition temperature of PLA shifts to higher levels with the inclusion of HH. HH-filled composites exhibit no significant difference with melt flow rate value of PLA. Water resistance of silane-treated HH-containing composites are found to be higher than untreated HH attribitued to hydrophobicity of silicon-rich surface. Accordingly, composites that include modified HH are suitable for outdoor applications. Morphological investigations confirm that dispersion homogeneity and strong adhesion are achieved due to the improvement of surface interactions between HH and PLA phases after silane treatment process.
Structure analysis of the conical heating hole for waste printed circuit boards disassembly
Authors: Yin Fengfu , Chang Tianhao , Li Lin , Bian Huiguang , Wang Kongshuo , Wang Chuansheng
Published: June 2020

The component disassembling technology of printed circuit board is taking on more importance in the field of electronic waste disassembly. When disassembling electronic components from waste printed circuit board, its implementation programs are to inject hot air into printed circuit board through spray nozzle and melt the solder joints through thermal convection. The structure of air heating outlet for disassembling electronic components from waste printed circuit board is investigated to reduce energy consumption in solder melting process. This paper proposes a structural analysis method of conical heating holes to reduce the energy consumption of hot air and improve the temperature uniformity in solder melting process. With advantages of high efficiency and low-cost, numerical simulation method is totally used to obtain optimal dimension parameters of the conical hole from a wide range of optional parameters. The numerical simulation takes air as the heating medium and adopts the mode of heat convection under optimal melting temperature range (200–230 ℃). The optimized results of the parameters of a single conical hole and multiple conical holes are obtained based on numerical simulation. When the distance between the inlet and the substrate is 50 mm, the optimal inlet temperature and velocity are 235 ℃ and 8 m/s, respectively. For a single conical hole, the optimal inlet height, top diameter, and angle are 6 mm, 16 mm, and 20°, respectively. For multiple conical holes, the optimal distance between the center lines of two inlet ranges from 50 mm to 56 mm.
Effect of ballast retaining walls on the lateral resistance of railway tracks
Authors: Aela P , Jia WL , Jing GQ
Published: June 2020

In this study, the application of a retaining wall was proposed as a solution for reducing the lateral displacement of the ballast layer, particularly in sharp curves and bridges. In this regard, a series of single tie push tests were performed on panels with shoulder ballast widths of 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm with and without the presence of L-shaped and T-shaped retaining walls. Overall, it was proven that the application of an L-shaped wall led to a 15.8% increase in the lateral resistance, and that T-shaped walls have a higher impact on the stability of the track. A shoulder width of 400 mm was proposed as the optimum width for ballasted tracks with retaining walls.
Fatigue in adults with primary antiphospholipid syndrome: findings from a mixed-methods study
Authors: Bearne Lindsay M , Bieles Julie , Georgopoulou Sofia , Andrews Josie , Tully Amy , Stolarchuk-Prowting Katrine , Williamson Tom , Suarez Beatriz Santana , Nel Louise , D’Cruz David , Lempp Heidi
Published: June 2020

Objective

This study aimed to explore the experience and impact of fatigue in adults with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (pAPS).

Methods

This sequential, explanatory mixed-methods study enrolled adults with a six-month or more history of pAPS. Consenting participants completed the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue subscale (FS), Multi-Dimensional Perceived Social Support Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQMETS). Relationships between FS and other variables were explored with multiple linear regression. Interviews were conducted with a subgroup of participants, and the data were analysed thematically.

Results

A total of 103 participants were recruited ( Mage = 50.3 years; standard deviation = 10.1 years; 18 males). Of these, 62% reported severe fatigue. Greater fatigue was associated with lower mood, physical inactivity, poorer sleep quality and lower perceived social support. The best-fit model explained 56% of the variance in FS (adjusted R2 = 0.560, F(3, 74) = 33.65, p > 0.001) and included PHQ9 and IPAQMETS as significant predictors, and PSQI as a non-significant predictor. Twenty participants completed interviews. Three key themes were identified: characteristics of fatigue, impact on life and coping strategies.

Conclusion

Fatigue was a common symptom of pAPS and challenging to manage. Other factors, particularly mood and physical activity, influenced fatigue. Evidence-based self-management interventions are needed.
Predictive value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-neutrophil ratio, and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio in lupus nephritis
Authors: Liu Peng , Li Peiyuan , Peng Zhong , Xiang Yazhou , Xia Chenqi , Wu Juan , Yang Bo , He Zhangxiu
Published: June 2020

Objective

To evaluate the role of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), platelet-to-monocyte ratio (PMR), and neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR) as predictors for lupus nephritis (LN) patients without infection or as biomarkers for distinguishing between infection or flare with LN patients.

Methods

LN patients were divided into three groups: LN without infection, LN with infection, and LN with flare. A total of 57 healthy subjects were enrolled as controls. The differentiation was analyzed between LN without infection and control group, and LN with infection and LN with flare. Correlations among variables were assessed in the LN group without infection. Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed in two comparable groups.

Results

NLR, PLR, and MLR were increased significantly in the LN group without infection as compared with those in healthy controls. NLR (area under the curve (AUC): 0.75) and MLR (AUC: 0.79) were useful for distinguishing between LN patients without infection and healthy subjects. In differentiating LN patients without infection from the controls, optimal cutoffs of NLR and MLR were 3.43 (sensitivity: 45.6%, specificity: 96.5%, and overall accuracy: 68.8%) and 0.24 (sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity: 73.7%, and overall accuracy: 73.6%), respectively. In addition, NLR ( r = 0.322, p = 0.011) and PLR ( r = 0.283, p = 0.026) were positively correlated with CRP. Importantly, NLR and NMR were increased while PNR was decreased in the LN group with infection in comparison with those in the LN group with flare. NLR (AUC: 0.80), NMR (AUC: 0.78), and PNR (AUC: 0.74) were useful in differentiating LN patients with infection and flare, and their optimal cutoffs were 4.02 (sensitivity: 82.6%, specificity: 69.6%, and overall accuracy: 75.5%), 12.19 (sensitivity: 80.4%, specificity: 73.9%, and overall accuracy: 77.5%), and 28.26 (sensitivity: 65.2%, specificity: 76.8%, and overall accuracy: 71.6%), respectively.

Conclusions

We demonstrated, for the first time, that MLR or NMR had the best accuracy in differentiating LN patients without infection from healthy subjects, or differentiating infection from flare in LN patients, respectively. Our results implied that NLR, MLR, PNR, and NMR may be useful biomarkers in predicting LN.
Idiosyncrasies of Intraday Risk in Emerging and Developed Markets: Efficacy of the MCS-GARCH Model and Extreme Value Theory
Authors: Banerjee Aditya , Paul Samit
Published: June 2020

This article aims to study the effectiveness of the multi-step multiplicative component generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (MCS-GARCH) model in forecasting intraday value at risk (VaR) and expected shortfall (ES) for both emerging and developed markets. The intraday VaR- and ES-forecasting performance of the MCS-GARCH model is compared with that of three other models. Five-minute returns data of stock market indices from four different countries are used in this study: India, China, the USA and the UK. The VaR and ES quantiles are estimated with the help of conditional extreme value theory (EVT) framework as well as with simple normal distribution assumption. The backtesting of VaR and ES suggest that the conditional EVT models provide superior forecasts compared to their GARCH counterparts. However, the accuracy of these models differs between emerging and developed markets. The multi-step MCS-GARCH or its EVT counterpart fails to outperform other competing models consistently, especially in emerging markets. The inability of the MCS-GARCH model in forecasting intraday risk accurately suggests that the multiple steps in the estimation of this model may lead to the errors-in-variables problem. The results of this study are unique in their suggestion that multi-step models may not be a better option in the estimation of VaR and ES.
Lifetime musical training and cognitive performance in a memory clinic population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Fancourt Daisy , Geschke Katharina , Fellgiebel Andreas , Wuttke-Linnemann Alexandra
Published: June 2020

Background:

Music training has been found to be beneficial for young and healthy participants but the associations between musical training and the cognitive functioning of elderly participants have not been reported consistently. We examined whether lifetime musical training is associated with neuropsychological performance in a memory clinic population of older patients.

Methods:

A total of 478 patients (54.2% female, mean age 73.70 ± 6.22, mean Mini Mental State Examination score 25 ± 3) were included in the cross-sectional analyses. All patients were referred to the memory clinic due to cognitive impairments. During the course of diagnosis, all patients underwent neuropsychological tests using the CERAD neuropsychological assessment battery. Patients provided information on whether they ever learned to play an instrument for at least five years in their life.

Results:

Neuropsychological test results differed based on musical training ( p = .042). Overall, there were no differences in any domains of cognitive functioning, other than that patients with musical training performed worse on word list memory ( p = .008). However, this relationship varied based on the extent of cognitive impairments. Patients who were cognitively unimpaired (Mini Mental State Examination score 27–30) and had musical training showed better word list learning, whereas patients with cognitive impairments (Mini Mental State Examination score < 27) and musical training performed worse in word list learning ( p = .042) and word list recall ( p = .045).

Discussion:

Overall, there was little evidence of associations between specific neuropsychological test results and musical training. Only in cognitively unimpaired patients was there evidence that musical training had beneficial associations. In patients with cognitive impairment, there were suggestions of negative associations with verbal memory. Future research should longitudinally investigate the beneficial effects of musical training in people with and without cognitive impairments.
Looking Within: An Investigation of Music Education Majors and Mental Health
Authors: Payne Phillip D. , Lewis Wesley , McCaskill Frank
Published: June 2020

The primary purpose of this article was to establish the current state of mental health among music education majors. Music education majors across the United States ( N = 1137) self-reported indicators of depression, anxiety, and stress. According to the results, music education majors are highly busy, enrolling in an average of 16.5 credit hours (not including zero-credit courses) and rehearsing 9.75 hours a week; a majority of them also work for an average of 13 to 15 hours a week. Participants reported elevated levels of stress, with 57% exhibiting moderate to severe depression and over 70% exhibiting moderate to severe anxiety. We discuss the findings, provide implications for music teacher education, and share suggestions for future research.
Early Socialization and Opinions of Musicianship Among Preservice Music Teachers
Authors: Isbell Daniel S.
Published: June 2020

The development of musicianship is a fundamental learning outcome for music students. The purpose of this study was to examine the early socialization experiences of preservice music teachers, as well as their opinions about musicianship. A total of 138 undergraduate music education students completed a three-part online questionnaire. The large ensemble setting was the most common source of learning and participants believed this setting contributed to the development of overall musicianship more so than any other source of learning. “Learning songs from notation” and “Music analysis” were perceived as most valuable in developing musicianship. Kruskal–Wallis tests showed differences in conceptions of musicianship based on the instrument played, but not among other socialization variables. Based on the findings, I conclude that preservice music teachers are being socialized to conceive of musicianship in ways that suit an existing school model, rather than contemporary and evolving music cultures found outside of schools.
The Effect of the #MeToo Movement on Political Engagement and Ambition in 2018
Authors: Castle Jeremiah J. , Jenkins Shannon , Ortbals Candice D. , Poloni-Staudinger Lori , Strachan J. Cherie
Published: June 2020

Conventional wisdom holds that the #MeToo movement increased awareness of sexual harassment and drove sympathizers, particularly women, to increased participation in the 2018 midterm elections. In this paper, we assess whether #MeToo increased awareness of sexual harassment, as well as whether #MeToo increased self-reported interest in various forms of political participation. Using an original dataset from October 2018, we find that although the #MeToo movement increased awareness and concern about sexual harassment and sexual assault, it did not affect interest in political participation among most Americans. We also find that the people most likely to report being aware of and mobilized by the movement were Democrats, those with high levels of political interest, and those who have personally experienced sexual harassment in professional settings. Surprisingly, in most of our models, women were no more likely to report that #MeToo increased their interest in participating than men. The results suggest that the primary effect of #MeToo may have been increasing the salience of sexual harassment and interest in political participation in 2018 among those who possessed the resources to participate and who were ideologically predisposed to support the movement’s goals from the beginning.
Cystic Trophoblastic Tumor in a Primary Central Nervous System Post-Chemotherapy Germ Cell Tumor: The First Case Report
Authors: Gadde Ramya , Arora Kanika , Felicella Michelle Madden , Arora Sohrab , Cheng Liang , Park Hakmin , Gupta Nilesh S. , Salamat M. Shahriar , Williamson Sean R.
Published: June 2020

Cystic trophoblastic tumor (CTT) is an uncommon trophoblastic proliferation of germ cell tumor origin, mostly reported in post-chemotherapy metastases of testicular germ cell tumors and rarely primary untreated testicular tumors. To date, we are not aware of occurrence in a non-testicular tumor. A 12-year-old boy presented with limb swelling, increased appetite, weight gain, and precocious puberty. Evaluation revealed right frontal lobe mass and elevated α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotrophin. After response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the tumor was resected. Microscopically, the resection contained predominantly smooth muscle tissue with scattered small foci of glandular teratoma and CTT. Immunohistochemistry (SALL4, glypican 3) revealed no residual yolk sac tumor. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed gain of chromosome 12p. The patient has been disease-free for 13 years. This report expands the spectrum of primary central nervous system germ cell tumors with the occurrence of CTT in this site.
Temporary Bridge Plating vs Primary Arthrodesis of the First Tarsometatarsal Joint in Lisfranc Injuries: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stødle Are H. , Hvaal Kjetil H. , Brøgger Helga M. , Madsen Jan Erik , Husebye Elisabeth Ellingsen
Published: June 2020

Background:

Unstable Lisfranc injuries are best treated with anatomic reduction and stable fixation. There are controversies regarding which type of stabilization is best. In the present study, we compared primary arthrodesis of the first tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint to temporary bridge plating in unstable Lisfranc injuries.

Methods:

Forty-eight patients with Lisfranc injuries were included and followed for 2 years. Twenty-four patients were randomized to primary arthrodesis (PA) of the medial 3 TMT joints, whereas 24 patients were randomized to temporary bridge plate (BP) over the first TMT joint and primary arthrodesis of the second and third TMT joints. The main outcome parameter was the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot scale and the secondary outcome parameters were the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and visual analog scale for pain (VAS pain). Computed tomography (CT) scans pre- and postoperatively were obtained. Radiographs were obtained at follow-ups. Pedobarographic examination was performed at the 2-year follow-up. Twenty-two of 24 patients in the PA and 23/24 in the BP group completed the 2-year follow-up.

Results:

The mean AOFAS midfoot score 2 years postoperatively was 89 (SD 9) in the PA group and 85 (SD 15) in the BP group ( P = .32). There were no significant differences between the groups with regard to SF-36 or VAS pain scores. The alignment of the first metatarsal was better in the BP group than in the PA group measured by the anteroposterior Meary angle ( P = .04). The PA group had a reduced peak pressure under the fifth metatarsal ( P = .047). In the BP group, 11/24 patients had radiologic signs of osteoarthritis in the first TMT joint.

Conclusion:

Both treatment groups had good outcome scores. The first metatarsal was better aligned in the BP group; however, there was a high incidence of radiographic osteoarthritis in this group.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic level I, prospective randomized controlled study.
Return to Sports and Activity After Total Ankle Arthroplasty and Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Johns William L. , Sowers Christopher B. , Walley Kempland C. , Ross Daniel , Thordarson David B. , Jackson J. Benjamin , Gonzalez Tyler A.
Published: June 2020

Background:

There is no consensus regarding participation in sports and recreational activities following total ankle replacement (TAR) and ankle arthrodesis (AA). This systematic review summarizes the evidence on return to sports and activity after operative management with either TAR or AA for ankle osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods:

A literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed using Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) criteria. Included studies reported sport and activity outcomes in patients undergoing TAR and AA, with primary outcomes being the percentage of sports participation and level of sports participation.

Results:

Twelve studies met inclusion criteria for analysis. There were 1270 ankle procedures, of which 923 TAR and 347 AA were performed. The mean reported patient age was 59.2 years and the mean BMI was 28 kg/m2. The mean follow-up was 43 months. Fifty-four percent of patients were active in sports preoperatively compared with 63.7% postoperatively. The mean preoperative activity participation rate was 41% in the TAR cohort, but it improved to 59% after TAR, whereas the preoperative activity participation rate of 73% was similar to the postoperative rate of 70% in the AA cohort. The most common sports in the TAR and AA groups were swimming, hiking, cycling, and skiing.

Conclusion:

Participation in sports activity was nearly 10% improved after operative management of ankle OA with TAR and remains high after AA. The existing literature demonstrated a large improvement in pre- to postoperative activity levels after TAR, with minimal change in activity after AA; however, AA patients were more active at baseline. The most frequent postoperative sports activities after operative management of ankle OA were swimming, hiking, cycling, and skiing. Participation in high-impact sports such as tennis, soccer, and running was consistently limited after surgery. This review of the literature will allow patients and foot and ankle surgeons to set evidence-based goals and establish realistic expectations for postoperative physical activity after TAR and AA.

Level of Evidence:

Level III, systematic review.
Vibration attenuation and bandgap characteristics in plates with periodic cavities
Authors: Das Sachchidanand , Dwivedi Kush , Geetha Rajasekharan Sabareesh , Daseswara Rao Yendluri V
Published: June 2020

Plates with periodic cavities show excellent vibration attenuation characteristics. This behavior can be attributed to the presence of frequency bandgaps on account of interference between the incident wave and the reflected wave from the cavities. The present work investigates the vibration attenuation/bandgap characteristics of plates with varying shapes of periodic cavities, such as square, circular, vertical rectangle, and horizontal rectangle, through experiments and simulation. Vibration responses of different periodic plates have been studied by carrying out frequency sweep on a vibration shaker. The investigation has been restricted to flexural vibrations of the plates, which are the predominant mode of vibration in many practical vibration scenarios. The frequency bandgaps, observed through the experiment, have been compared with the numerical simulation by harmonic analysis and by carrying out dispersion analysis on a unit cell of the periodic structure using Floquet–Bloch theory. Dispersion curves of the periodic plates yielded bandgaps, which were observed to be in agreement with the bandgaps from the experiment. The effect of variation in the aspect ratio of the cavities, that is length-to-width ratio, on the bandgaps has also been examined. It has been demonstrated that by suitable selection of the shape/size of the periodic cavity, desired vibration attenuation bandgaps can be realized for a 2-dimensional structure.
An improved linear quadratic regulator control method through convolutional neural network–based vibration identification
Authors: Lu Xinzheng , Liao Wenjie , Huang Wei , Xu Yongjia , Chen Xingyu
Published: June 2020

An efficient vibration control can reduce negative effects induced by environmental vibrations and thereby improve the performance of precision instruments and the qualities of manufacture. The performance of the widely used linear quadratic regulator control algorithm, a classical active control methodology, depends on the parameters of the control algorithm. Consequently, a set of fixed parameters cannot satisfy the demand for controlling various types of environmental vibrations. Therefore, this study proposes a vibration identification method based on a convolutional neural network. This method helps to optimize the linear quadratic regulator algorithm by selecting corresponding optimal parameters according to the identification results, thereby achieving the objective of optimal control subjected to various types of vibration inputs. Specifically, environmental vibration signals are collected, and the preliminary features of the vibrations (i.e. wavelet coefficient matrices or images) are adopted as input samples for the convolutional neural network. A genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of the linear quadratic regulator algorithm for each type of vibration; subsequently, the trained convolutional neural network model with the best performance is used to identify the vibration and select the corresponding optimal parameters of the linear quadratic regulator algorithm under different types of vibration inputs. Case studies show that the performance of the improved linear quadratic regulator control method is significantly better than that of the conventional linear quadratic regulator algorithm with fixed parameters.
Rethinking Women’s Mental Health After Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Moulding Nicole , Franzway Suzanne , Wendt Sarah , Zufferey Carole , Chung Donna
Published: June 2020

This article reports on mixed methods research into intimate partner violence (IPV) and women’s mental health. Using an online national survey and life history interviews, quantitative and qualitative data analysis demonstrates how IPV negatively impacts women’s sense of self, with other multiple losses in relation to income, work, housing, and social participation further undermining recovery into the long term. The feminist concept of sexual politics is used to critically examine current responses to mental health problems after IPV, and a feminist-informed response is outlined that addresses the gender inequalities underpinning IPV and the psychological distress it produces.
Silicone Oil–Associated Extensive Intraocular Ossification: A case report
Authors: Wang Yinhao , Cui Wei , Liu Rongjun , Tian Yanjie , Ni Wei , Zhou Changlei
Published: June 2020

Background:

Intraocular ossification is an uncommon calcium deposition process associated with trauma, chronic inflammation, tumor, and long-standing retinal detachment. This is the first reported extensive intraocular bone formation associated with silicone oil.

Case presentation:

A 30-year-old Han Chinese man came to us with complaint of red, painful blind right eye. He had a history of ocular trauma, retinal detachment, and two failed retinal reattachment surgeries with silicone oil left in the eye. On examination, conjunctiva congestion, band keratopathy, silicone oil emulsification, and limbus neovascularization were found. B-scan ultrasound and computed tomography scanning demonstrated retinal detachment and calcification of the eyeball wall. Histopathological analysis indicated ossification overlying the choroid. Evisceration was finally operated to relieve the pain.

Conclusion:

The retention of silicone oil in the eye probably accelerates the ossification. Timely silicone oil removal and evisceration should be recommended if necessary for phthisis bulbi.
A novel CRYBB2 mutation causes autosomal dominant cataract: A report from a Chinese family
Authors: Xu Li Juan , Lv Zhi Gang , Liu Ying , Zhang Xiang Xiang , Cui Yu Xin , Li Xiao Chun , Zhu Yi Jun , He Jie
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study aimed to examine pathogenic mutation within one Chinese family of five-generations suffering from autosomal dominant cataract.

Methods

Next-generation sequencing and Sanger sequencing were used to find the pathogenic variants.

Results

A rare mutation, c.563G > A, in CRYBB2 gene was found in the proband that showed symptom of non-syndromic congenital autosomal dominant cataract. This mutation had been found in all affected individuals and in one healthy infant, but it did not exist between two individuals who did not develop such disease in that family, as well as in 100 healthy subjects who showed no relation with that family. Cataracts in this family varied with different severity of lens opacities and elongation of axial length.

Conclusion

One missense mutation c.563G > A is reported in the CRYBB2 gene among one Chinese family suffering from early-onset cataract, and associated novel phenotypes are the elongation of axial length and the types of cataract. Our results expand the spectrum of associated phenotypes of CRYBB2 mutation.
Experimental Comparison of Runoff Generation and Initial Soil Erosion Between Vineyards and Croplands of Eastern Croatia: A Case Study
Authors: Bogunovic Igor , Telak Leon Josip , Pereira Paulo
Published: June 2020

Soil and water loss in agricultural fields is a global problem. Although studies about soil erosion in croplands and vineyards exist, the direct comparison between these land uses is missing, especially under continental climates in Europe. Therefore, it is needed to find control measures to the impacts of these land-use management strategies on soil properties and hydrological response. The objective of this work is to estimate and compare the impacts of croplands and vineyards under conventional management croplands and vineyards on soil properties (water holding capacity—WHC; bulk density—BD; soil water content—SWC; water stable aggregates—WSA; mean weight diameter—MWD; soil organic matter—SOM; available phosphorus—AP; total nitrogen—TN) and hydrological response (runoff—Run; sediment content—SC; sediment loss—SL; carbon loss—C loss; phosphorus loss—P loss; nitrogen loss—N loss) in Eastern Croatia. To achieve these goals, a study was set up using rainfall simulation tests at 58 mm h−1 over 30 minutes on 2 locations (Zmajevac: 45°48′N; 18°46′E; Erdut: 45°30′N; 19°01′E). In total, 32 rainfall simulations were carried out, 8 repetitions in vineyards and 8 in cropland plots of 0.876 m2, per location. Bulk density was significantly higher in cropland plots compared with the vineyard. Soil water content was significantly higher in Zmajevac cropland compared with Erdut plots. Also, SWC was significantly lower in Zmajevac vineyard than in the cropland located in the same area. Water stable aggregates and MWD were significantly higher in vineyard plots than in the cropland. Also, SOM and TN were significantly lower in Zmajevac cropland compared with the vineyard located in the same area. Available phosphorus was significantly high in Zmajevac plots than in Erdut. The rainfall simulations showed that Run was significantly higher in Erdut vineyard (8.2 L m−2) compared with Zmajevac (3.8 L m−2). Also, the Run in Erdut Cropland was significantly lower than in the vineyard. Sediment content did not show significant differences among locations. In Erdut, vineyard plots had a significantly lower SL (28.0 g m−2) than the cropland ones (39.1 g m−2). C loss was significantly higher in Zmajevac cropland than in Erdut. Also, C loss was significantly lower in Zmajevac vineyard compared with the cropland. We did not observe significant differences in P loss, and N loss also did not show significant differences. The principal component analysis showed that SOM was associated with WSA, AP, and TN. These variables were negatively related to slope, SWC, and C loss (factor 1). Also, MWD was inversely related to SL, P, and N loss (factor 2). Bulk density and SC were negatively related to Run. Overall, we conclude that noninvertive tillage practices in vineyards preserve soil structure, enhance soil quality, and reduce the extent of soil degradation.
Efficacy of Smartphone-Based Secondary Preventive Strategies in Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Murphy Alexandra C , Meehan Georgina , Koshy Anoop N , Kunniardy Phelia , Farouque Omar , Yudi Matias B
Published: June 2020

Background:

Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide a comprehensive framework for the institution of secondary preventive measures. Smartphone technology can provide a platform for the delivery of such programs and is a promising alternative to hospital-based services. However, there is limited evidence to date supporting this approach. Accordingly, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis examining smartphone-based secondary prevention programs to traditional cardiac rehabilitation in patients with established coronary artery disease to ascertain the feasibility and effectiveness of these interventions.

Methods:

A systematic search of PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library was conducted. A meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model with the outcomes of interest being 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and body mass index (BMI).

Results:

A total of 8 studies with 1120 patients across 5 countries were included in the quantitative analysis. Follow-up ranged from 6 weeks to 12 months. Five studies examined all patients post acute coronary syndrome, 2 studies examined only patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and 1 study examined all patients with a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, independent of intervention. Exercise capacity, as measured by the 6MWT, was significantly greater in the smartphone group (20.10 meters, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.44-33.97; P < .001; I2 = 45.58). There was no significant difference in BMI reduction, systolic blood pressure, or LDL cholesterol levels between groups ( P value for all > .05).

Conclusion:

Publicly available smartphone-based cardiac rehabilitation programs are a convenient and easily disseminated intervention which show merit in exercise promotion in patients with established coronary artery disease. Further research is required to establish the clinical significance of recent findings favoring their use.
Management of Plaque Psoriasis With Biologic Therapies in Women of Child-Bearing Potential Consensus Paper
Authors: Yeung Jensen , Gooderham Melinda J. , Grewal Parbeer , Hong Chih-ho , Lansang Perla , Papp Kim A. , Poulin Yves , Turchin Irina , Vender Ronald
Published: June 2020

Background

Plaque psoriasis (PsO) is a chronic inflammatory disease that often presents at peak reproductive age in women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP). With the emergence of biologic therapies to treat PsO, guidance on disease management in WOCBP is needed to inform treatment decisions before, during, and after pregnancy.

Objectives

To develop a practical, up-to-date consensus document, based on available evidence and expert opinion where evidence was lacking, in order to guide both Canadian and international clinicians treating PsO in WOCBP.

Methods

A panel of 9 Canadian dermatologists with extensive clinical experience managing PsO reviewed the relevant literature from the past 25 years in 3 key domains: overview of PsO in WOCBP and clinical considerations, treatment considerations, and postpartum considerations. The structured literature search focused on WOCBP treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors (adalimumab, certolizumab, etanercept, golimumab, infliximab), IL-23 inhibitors (guselkumab, risankizumab, tildrakizumab), IL-12/23 inhibitors (ustekinumab), and IL-17 inhibitors (brodalumab, ixekizumab, secukinumab). This literature review, along with clinical expertise and opinion, was used to develop concise and clinically relevant consensus statements to guide practical management of PsO in WOCBP. Experts voted on the statements using a modified Delphi process and prespecified agreement cut-off of 75%.

Results and implications

After review, discussion, and voting on 19 draft consensus statements at an in-person meeting and remotely, 12 consensus statements were approved by the expert panel. The statements presented here will guide healthcare providers in practical disease management using biologic therapies for the treatment of PsO in WOCBP.
The moderating role of anxiety sensitivity in terms of fatigue severity and e-cigarette use expectancies
Authors: Manning Kara , Garey Lorra , Viana Andres G , Smit Tanya , Zvolensky Michael J
Published: June 2020

Little is understood about individual difference factors related to e-cigarette expectancies about use. This study examined the interactive effects of fatigue severity and anxiety sensitivity in relation to e-cigarette expectancies among 525 e-cigarette users (51.0% female, Mage = 35.25 years, standard deviation = 10.10). Results indicated a significant interaction between fatigue severity and anxiety sensitivity in terms of positive expectancies ( β = 0.57, p < 0.001, 95% confidence interval = (0.002, 0.01)), but not for negative expectancies ( β = 0.25, p = 0.08, 95% confidence interval = (0, 0.005)) for e-cigarette use. These results support anxiety sensitivity as a moderator in the relation between fatigue severity and positive outcome expectancies for e-cigarette use.
Increasing the effectiveness of teaching L2 formulaic sequences through motivational strategies and mental imagery: A classroom experiment
Authors: Le-Thi Duyen , Dörnyei Zoltán , Pellicer-Sánchez Ana
Published: June 2020

The present study employed a mixed methods quasi-experimental design to investigate the effectiveness of applying motivational strategies and mental imagery (i.e. visionary techniques) to facilitate second language (L2) vocabulary learning. Four treatment sessions were integrated into a six-week language course offered to 150 intermediate students in nine classes of English as a foreign language (EFL), which were divided into three groups: motivational group, visionary group and control group. The target language items involved 56 formulaic sequences, and the outcome was assessed by a multiple-choice vocabulary test. The quantitative results were accompanied by qualitative data, aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the test results. The findings revealed that both motivational strategies and visionary techniques proved effective in increasing the students’ ability to recognize the form of the target sequences, and that the visionary condition was superior to the use of motivational strategies. The benefits of the deeper engagement level associated with mental imagery were corroborated by a delayed posttest. The article concludes with a theoretical discussion of the benefits of visualisation in vocabulary acquisition.
News satire engagement as a transgressive space for genre work
Authors: Doona Joanna
Published: June 2020

News satire plays with the political in ways that transgress journalistic as well as social and moral boundaries. But the ways in which audiences in different contexts engage with news satire are under-researched, despite the implications of the genre’s role for contemporary citizenship. This article asks how Swedish young adult audiences construct and negotiate news satire’s inherent transgressions, spanning across the ‘serious’ and ‘silly’. Based on interview and focus group data, the analysis shows how sustained news satire engagement entails genre work that aids the development of ‘transgression skills’. This process is stimulating, constructed as part of a complex and emotionally authentic mode of political communication, within a context where journalistic certainty has dominated. By achieving transgression skills, audiences are symbolically put on the same level as political elites and develop abilities to shift perspectives; thereby experiencing a deeper engagement with, and understanding of, political issues and performance.