bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blended Learning Research: Components critical to student learning from a meta-analysis
Authors: Cordie Leslie , Lin Xi , Fowler William , Wooten Michael
Published: October 2019

This meta-analysis study examined two broad categories related to student satisfaction: course content and instruction format. A systematic review of the literature using meta-analysis was conducted to both analyze and synthesize data across a large number of studies. The results show that in the higher-education environment, it is essential that both the method of interaction and the content be given purposeful attention during course development and presentation of course curricula. Future research should be aimed at identifying the critical subcomponents of these two categories. Additional research on course design factors in both the online and blended learning environments related to instruction should be conducted. In addition, the hybrid approach of blended learning seems to integrate the instructor more fully into positive student perceptions of overall learning outcomes. Overall, this study demonstrated that this type of meta-analysis can provide valuable insight in educational research that is worthy of additional study for higher education.
Dynamics and Synchronization of a Memristor‐Based Chaotic System with No Equilibrium
Authors: Li Hong-Min , Yang Yan-Feng , Zhou Yang , Li Chun-Lai , Qian Kun , Li Zhao-Yu , Du Jian-Rong
Published: October 2019

The topics of memristive system and synchronization are two hot fields of research in nonlinear dynamics. In this paper, we introduce a memristor‐based chaotic system with no equilibrium. It is found that the memristor‐based system under investigation exhibits fruitful dynamic behaviors such as coexisting bifurcation, multistability, transient chaos, and transient quasiperiod. Thus, it is difficult to reproduce the accurate dynamics of the system, which is highly advantageous in encryption and communication. Then, a simple intermittent control scheme with adaptive mechanism is developed to achieve complete synchronization for the introduced system. Because the output signal is transmitted intermittently to the receiver system, more channel capacity can be saved and the security performance can be improved naturally in practical communication.
The Relationship between Circulating ANGPTL8/Betatrophin Concentrations and Adult Obesity: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ye Jingjing , Qin Yu , Wang Dong , Yang Ling , Yuan Guoyue
Published: October 2019

In this study, we evaluated the relationship between circulating betatrophin levels and obesity. Obesity is a common public health problem that is increasing globally. Betatrophin, a newly identified protein, is predominantly expressed in white and brown fat tissues and in the liver. Growing evidence suggests that betatrophin plays a pivotal role in metabolism, including the synthesis and degradation of lipids in cells, and adipocyte differentiation. Previous studies have assessed the association between circulating betatrophin levels and obesity; however, this relationship remains unclear. Therefore, our study is aimed at examining the impact of betatrophin on obesity using a meta-analysis of the current evidence. We performed a meta-analysis to quantify the relationship between betatrophin levels and obesity. A literature search was conducted through the EMBASE, Web of Science, and MEDLINE databases. Retrieved studies were screened, without any language restrictions to identify relevant literature published up to December 2018. Observational studies, in which the association between circulating concentrations of betatrophin and obesity was evaluated, were considered suitable for the systematic review. Of the 65 manuscripts retrieved, 9 datasets from 6 studies, involving 681 participants, detected an association between circulating betatrophin and obesity. Circulating betatrophin levels of obese subjects were higher than those of nonobese subjects (random−effects weighted mean difference WMD=0.250 μg/mL, 95% CI: 0.048–0.451, I2=94.8%, p=0.015), yet with significant between-study heterogeneity. This heterogeneity appeared to be modified by glycemic status but not by age, the ELISA kits used, sample source, or body mass index. The high circulating betatrophin concentration may directly increase the risk of obesity in adults. Betatrophin may serve as a therapeutic target for obesity in adults.
Study on the Composite EM Scattering from Sea Surface with Ship Based on Kd-Tree Accelerated Hybrid Model
Authors: Zhao Ye , Ren Xin-Cheng , Yang Peng-Ju
Published: October 2019

A hybrid model based on the geometrical optics and physical optics (GO-PO) method and facet-based asymptotical model (FBAM) for the composite EM scattering from sea surface with ship has been previously developed. But, the GO-PO method faces a difficult problem that the lower efficiency in testing the visibility of patches to the incident and reflected waves. Hence, to improve the computation efficiency of the GO-PO method, a kd-tree accelerated hybrid model is presented in this paper. The kd-tree method firstly carries out the intersection test between the ray and the bounding box where the patch is located before the operation between the ray and the patch. If the distance parameters of the bounding box do not meet the requirement, the ray is not necessary to enter the bounding box, which can reduce the needless intersection tests. Numerical results show that the proposed kd-tree accelerated hybrid model could improve the efficiency about three times and could be applied to the study of composite EM scattering characteristics of electrically large sea surface with a ship target.
E-Cigarettes: Unstandardized, Under-Regulated, Understudied, and Unknown Health and Cancer Risks
Authors: Hawk Ernest T. , Colbert Maresso Karen
Published: October 2019

E-cigarettes have the ability to deliver nicotine in a manner that is similar to, and, theoretically, safer than, combusted tobacco. However, these devices are extremely heterogeneous and regulation has struggled to keep up with their rapid evolution. A compilation of early data suggest that e-cigarettes may contain numerous toxic substances, including known carcinogens. However, there are few data available on the short- and long-term health effects of e-cigarettes, including any potential effect on cancer risk. Until more is known, e-cigarettes should not be considered a safe alternative to combusted tobacco use.
Use of Intraosseous Needles in Neonates: A Systematic Review
Authors: Scrivens Alexandra , Reynolds Peter R. , Emery Faith E. , Roberts Calum T. , Polglase Graeme R. , Hooper Stuart B. , Roehr Charles Christoph
Published: October 2019

Background: The use of intraosseous (IO) access during resuscitation is widely accepted and promoted in paediatric medicine but features less prominently in neonatal training. Whilst umbilical venous catheterization (UVC) is a reliable method of delivering emergency drugs and fluids, it is not always achievable in a timely manner. IO access warrants exploration as an alternative. Aim: Conduct a systematic review of existing literature to examine the evidence for efficacy and safety of IO devices in neonatal patients, from birth to discharge. Method: A search of PubMed, Ovid, Medline, and Embase was carried out. Abstracts were screened for relevance to focus on neonatal-specific literature and studies which carried out separate analyses for neonates (infants <28 days of age or resident on a neonatal unit). Results: One case series and 12 case reports describe IO device insertion into 41 neonates, delivering a variety of drugs, including adrenaline (epinephrine) and volume resuscitation. Complications range from none to severe. Cadaveric studies show that despite a small margin for error, IO devices can be correctly sited in neonates. Simulation studies suggest that IO devices may be faster and easier to site than UVC, even in experienced hands. Conclusion: IO access should be available on neonatal units and considered for early use in neonates where other access routes have failed. Appropriate training should be available to staff in addition to existing life support and UVC training. Further studies are required to assess the optimal device, position, and whether medication can be delivered IO as effectively as by UVC. If IO devices provide a faster method of delivering adrenaline effectively than UVC, this may lead to changes in neonatal resuscitation practice.
Uma abordagem semiótica da messianidade de Portugal em Mensagem, de Fernando Pessoa
Authors: Brito Clebson Luiz de , Lara Glaucia Muniz Proença
Published: October 2019

À luz de contribuições provenientes tanto da Semiótica Narrativa quanto da Semiótica Tensiva, este trabalho aborda a obra Mensagem, do poeta português Fernando Pessoa. Tomando como unidade de sentido o conjunto de poemas que integram a referida obra, nosso objetivo é examinar como se estrutura a elaboração poética do messianismo português na retomada da história de Portugal por Pessoa. Nesse sentido, pretendemos demonstrar que o discurso do poeta esteia-se sobre um contrato transcendente entre Portugal e a instância divina, contrato esse que se revela, seja no uso reiterado das etapas narrativas da manipulação e da sanção, seja no apelo a um processo de triagem, que distingue Portugal das demais nações.
O enfraquecimento da democracia na Venezuela: o caso Afiuni
Authors: Muro Alexandra Álvarez
Published: October 2019

Neste artigo, analisamos dois eventos discursivos nos quais o presidente Chávez relata que ordenou a prisão de uma juíza e pede a sentença máxima por ela não ter cumprido seus desejos de manter um banqueiro na prisão. Com essa incursão nos poderes do judiciário, o presidente enfraquece o princípio da separação de poderes próprios do sistema democrático (Brewer-Carías, 2012). Com base na noção de contexto de Van D¼k (2008), a linguística forense de Shuy (2013), baseada na etnografia, é utilizada para a análise. A situação comunicativa global é descrita, desde o evento comunicativo até chegar às unidades menores da língua. O evento comunicativo descrito corresponde a um modelo de governo autoritário. Dois participantes foram observados: o poder executivo, representado pelo presidente e seus companheiros, e o público, representado pelos presentes na sala e pelo país que recebe a transmissão pela rádio e pela televisão. O primeiro tem poder absoluto, o que é mostrado nas características discursivas que estudamos neste trabalho. O segundo é dominado pelo primeiro, tanto que a Procuradora Geral da República não está no pódio, mas sim na sala, e faz parte do público. Observa-se, em todos os níveis da linguagem, a maneira como o discurso corresponde a uma forma autoritária de governo.
Mitochondrial Protein Poldip2 (Polymerase Delta Interacting Protein 2) Controls Vascular Smooth Muscle Differentiated Phenotype by O-Linked GlcNAc (N-Acetylglucosamine) Transferase–Dependent Inhibition of a Ubiquitin Proteasome System
Authors: Paredes Felipe , Williams Holly C. , Quintana Raymundo A. , San Martin Alejandra
Published: October 2019

Rationale:

The mitochondrial Poldip2 (protein polymerase interacting protein 2) is required for the activity of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. As a consequence, Poldip2 deficiency induces metabolic reprograming with repressed mitochondrial respiration and increased glycolytic activity. Though homozygous deletion of Poldip2 is lethal, heterozygous mice are viable and show protection against aneurysm and injury-induced neointimal hyperplasia, diseases linked to loss of vascular smooth muscle differentiation. Thus, we hypothesize that the metabolic reprograming induced by Poldip2 deficiency controls VSMC differentiation.

Objective:

To determine the role of Poldip2-mediated metabolic reprograming in phenotypic modulation of VSMC.

Methods and Results:

We show that Poldip2 deficiency in vascular smooth muscle in vitro and in vivo induces the expression of the SRF (serum response factor), myocardin, and MRTFA (myocardin-related transcription factor A) and dramatically represses KLF4 (Krüppel-like factor 4). Consequently, Poldip2-deficient VSMC and mouse aorta express high levels of contractile proteins and, more significantly, these cells do not dedifferentiate nor acquire macrophage-like characteristics when exposed to cholesterol or PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor). Regarding the mechanism, we found that Poldip2 deficiency upregulates the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway and OGT (O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase)-mediated protein O-GlcNAcylation. Increased protein glycosylation causes the inhibition of a nuclear ubiquitin proteasome system responsible for SRF stabilization and KLF4 repression and is required for the establishment of the differentiated phenotype in Poldip2-deficient cells.

Conclusions:

Our data show that Poldip2 deficiency induces a highly differentiated phenotype in VSMCs through a mechanism that involves regulation of metabolism and proteostasis. Additionally, our study positions mitochondria-initiated signaling as key element of the VSMC differentiation programs that can be targeted to modulate VSMC phenotype during vascular diseases.
Metabolic Remodeling in the Pressure‐Loaded Right Ventricle: Shifts in Glucose and Fatty Acid Metabolism—A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Koop Anne‐Marie C. , Bossers Guido P. L. , Ploegstra Mark‐Jan , Hagdorn Quint A. J. , Berger Rolf M. F. , Silljé Herman H. W. , Bartelds Beatrijs
Published: October 2019

Background

Right ventricular (
RV
) failure because of chronic pressure load is an important determinant of outcome in pulmonary hypertension. Progression towards
RV
failure is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, fibrosis and metabolic dysregulation. Metabolic modulation has been suggested as therapeutic option, yet, metabolic dysregulation may have various faces in different experimental models and disease severity. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to identify metabolic changes in the pressure loaded
RV
and formulate recommendations required to optimize translation between animal models and human disease.

Methods and Results

Medline and
EMBASE
were searched to identify original studies describing cardiac metabolic variables in the pressure loaded
RV
. We identified mostly rat‐models, inducing pressure load by hypoxia, Sugen‐hypoxia, monocrotaline (MCT), pulmonary artery banding (
PAB
) or strain (fawn hooded rats,
FHR
), and human studies. Meta‐analysis revealed increased Hedges’ g (effect size) of the gene expression of
GLUT
1 and
HK
1 and glycolytic flux. The expression of
MCAD
was uniformly decreased. Mitochondrial respiratory capacity and fatty acid uptake varied considerably between studies, yet there was a model effect in carbohydrate respiratory capacity in
MCT
‐rats.

Conclusions

This systematic review and meta‐analysis on metabolic remodeling in the pressure‐loaded
RV
showed a consistent increase in glucose uptake and glycolysis, strongly suggest a downregulation of beta‐oxidation, and showed divergent and model‐specific changes regarding fatty acid uptake and oxidative metabolism. To translate metabolic results from animal models to human disease, more extensive characterization, including function, and uniformity in methodology and studied variables, will be required.
Early and Late Effects of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy in Adult Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Yin Yanrong , Dimopoulos Konstantinos , Shimada Eriko , Lascelles Karen , Griffiths Samuel , Wong Tom , Gatzoulis Michael A. , Babu‐Narayan Sonya V. , Li Wei
Published: October 2019

Background

There are limited data about cardiac resynchronization therapy (
CRT
) in adult congenital heart disease. We aimed to assess early and late outcomes of
CRT
among patients with adult congenital heart disease.

Methods and Results

We retrospectively studied 54 patients with adult congenital heart disease (median age, 46 years; range, 18–73 years; 74% men) who received
CRT
implantation (biventricular paced >90%) between 2004 and 2017. Clinical and echocardiographic data were analyzed at baseline and early (mean±SD: 1.8±0.8 years) and late (4.7±0.8 years) follow‐up after
CRT
. Compared with baseline,
CRT
was associated with significant improvement at early follow‐up in New York Heart Association functional class,
QRS
duration, and cardiothoracic ratio (
P
<0.05 for all); improvement in New York Heart Association class was sustained at late follow‐up. Among patients with a systemic left ventricle (
LV
; n=39), there was significant increase in
LV
ejection fraction and reduction in
LV
end‐systolic volume at early and late follow‐up (
P
<0.05 for both). For patients with a systemic right ventricle (n=15), there was a significant early but not late reduction in systemic right ventricular basal and longitudinal diameters. Eleven patients died, and 2 had heart transplantation unrelated to systemic ventricular morphological characteristics. Thirty‐five patients (65%) responded positively to
CRT
, but only baseline
QRS
duration was predictive of a positive response.

Conclusions

CRT
results in sustained improvement in functional class, systemic
LV
size, and function. Patients with a systemic
LV
and prolonged
QRS
duration, independent of
QRS
morphological characteristics, were most likely to respond to
CRT
.
China in a World of Orders: Rethinking Compliance and Challenge in Beijing's International Relations
Authors: Johnston Alastair Iain
Published: October 2019

Many scholars and policymakers in the United States accept the narrative that China is a revisionist state challenging the U.S.-dominated international liberal order. The narrative assumes that there is a singular liberal order and that it is obvious what constitutes a challenge to it. The concepts of order and challenge are, however, poorly operationalized. There are at least four plausible operationalizations of order, three of which are explicitly or implicitly embodied in the dominant narrative. These tend to assume, ahistorically, that U.S. interests and the content of the liberal order are almost identical. The fourth operationalization views order as an emergent property of the interaction of multiple state, substate, nonstate, and international actors. As a result, there are at least eight “issue-specific orders” (e.g., military, trade, information, and political development). Some of these China accepts; some it rejects; and some it is willing to live with. Given these multiple orders and varying levels of challenge, the narrative of a U.S.-dominated liberal international order being challenged by a revisionist China makes little conceptual or empirical sense. The findings point to the need to develop more generalizable ways of observing orders and compliance.
The Influence of Process Parameters on the Morphological Characteristics by Directional Etching for Materials Nanoarchitectonics
Authors: Li Kun-Dar
Published: October 2019

In nanoarchitectonics, the advanced technology of directional etching is highly demanded for the fabrication of modern electronic device with high anisotropy ratio of structures. To facilitate the manufacturing processes, in this study we focus on establishing a phase-field model with
a directional source term to simulate the dynamics of morphological formation and profile evolution in a crystalline substrate. Additionally, the influences of the etching rate, the degree of etching directionality, and the oblique angle on the structural characteristics are also taken into
consideration to offer a broad perspective on the directional etching technologies. In the numerical analyses, the featured morphologies are elucidated by the dominant factors based on the mechanism of the profile evolution. The etched surface tends to be roughened with the crystallographic
characters, while the kinetics of directional etching plays a prevailing role in the morphological formation. As the surface diffusion of substrate becomes a controlling factor, a flattened profile of the etched surface would be formed even in a condition of high directionality or high oblique
angle. The featured surface morphologies, including the pyramid, ripple, mounds and etch pits, are reproduced numerically, and these simulation results correspond well with the observations of directional etching experiments. This study provides the fundamental knowledge and detailed information
for the advanced application of the directional etching technology.
N, S, O Self-Doped Porous Carbon Nanoarchitectonics Derived from Pinecone with Outstanding Supercapacitance Performances
Authors: Zhang Di , Xue Yanchun , Chen Jiale , Guo Xingmei , Yang Dandan , Wang Jingcheng , Zhang Junhao , Zhang Feng , Yuan Aihua
Published: October 2019

Biomass-derived porous carbons are considered as one of the most promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their low-cost and natural abundance. In this work, pinecone is used to fabricate biomass N, S, O-doped porous carbon via one-step carbonization process with KOH
activation. By optimizing the additive amount of KOH and calcination temperature, the asprepared product shows a high specific surface area and pore volume up to 1593.8 m2 g−1 and 0.8582 cm3 g−1, respectively. As an electric double-layer
capacitor (EDLC) electrode, the N, S, O-doped porous carbon exhibits a high specific capacitance of 285 F g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and good rate performance with a capacitance retention of 78.6% from 0.5 to 20 A g−1. Furthermore, the as-assembled
symmetric supercapacitor with 6 mol L−1 KOH as electrolyte possesses a promising energy density of 6.34 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 250 W kg−1. Outstanding cycling stability was also demonstrated with 94.4% capacitance retention after 10,000
charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g−1.
Linking ITCZ Migrations to the AMOC and North Atlantic/Pacific SST Decadal Variability
Authors: Moreno-Chamarro E. , Marshall J. , Delworth T. L.
Published: October 2019

We examine the link between migrations in the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) and changes in the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC), Atlantic multidecadal variability (AMV), and Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). We use a coupled climate model that allows us to integrate over climate noise and assess underlying mechanisms. We use an ensemble of ten 300-yr-long simulations forced by a 50-yr oscillatory North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO)-derived surface heat flux anomaly in the North Atlantic, and a 4000-yr-long preindustrial control simulation performed with GFDL CM2.1. In both setups, an AMV phase change induced by a change in the AMOC’s cross-equatorial heat transport forces an atmospheric interhemispheric energy imbalance that is compensated by a change in the cross-equatorial atmospheric heat transport due to a meridional ITCZ shift. Such linkages occur on decadal time scales in the ensemble driven by the imposed forcing, and internally on multicentennial time scales in the control. Regional precipitation anomalies differ between the ensemble and the control for a zonally averaged ITCZ shift of similar magnitude, which suggests a dependence on time scale. Our study supports observational evidence of an AMV–ITCZ link in the twentieth century and further links it to the AMOC, whose long-time-scale variability can influence the phasing of ITCZ migrations. In contrast to the AMV, our calculations suggest that the PDO does not drive ITCZ migrations, because the PDO does not modulate the interhemispheric energy balance.
Extended-Range Probabilistic Fire-Weather Forecasting Based on Ensemble Model Output Statistics and Ensemble Copula Coupling
Authors: Worsnop Rochelle P. , Scheuerer Michael , Hamill Thomas M.
Published: October 2019

Probabilistic fire-weather forecasts provide pertinent information to assess fire behavior and danger of current or potential fires. Operational fire-weather guidance is provided for lead times fewer than seven days, with most products only providing day 1–3 outlooks. Extended-range forecasts can aid in decisions regarding placement of in- and out-of-state resources, prescribed burns, and overall preparedness levels. We demonstrate how ensemble model output statistics and ensemble copula coupling (ECC) postprocessing methods can be used to provide locally calibrated and spatially coherent probabilistic forecasts of the hot–dry–windy index (and its components). The univariate postprocessing fits the truncated normal distribution to data transformed with a flexible selection of power exponents. Forecast scenarios are generated via the ECC-Q variation, which maintains their spatial and temporal coherence by reordering samples from the univariate distributions according to ranks of the raw ensemble. A total of 20 years of ECMWF reforecasts and ERA-Interim reanalysis data over the continental United States are used. Skill of the forecasts is quantified with the continuous ranked probability score using benchmarks of raw and climatological forecasts. Results show postprocessing is beneficial during all seasons over CONUS out to two weeks. Forecast skill relative to climatological forecasts depends on the atmospheric variable, season, location, and lead time, where winter (summer) generally provides the most (least) skill at the longest lead times. Additional improvements of forecast skill can be achieved by aggregating forecast days. Illustrations of these postprocessed forecasts are explored for a past fire event.
Look Back: How Kappan authors have addressed stress
Authors: Preston Teresa
Published: October 2019

Teresa Preston, managing editor of Kappan magazine, summarizes how Kappan authors have addressed student and educator stress in its past issues. Stress and anxiety were not frequent topics in the magazine’s early years, but they began being covered more frequently beginning in the 1980s. Authors sought to understand the roots of student anxiety and how teachers might help students manage their feelings of stress. Some looked at the climate of schools themselves and suggested that standardized tests, a focus on ambitious goals, and increased academic content in kindergarten were causing more stress among students — and sometimes teachers. Stress in school was not limited to students, and Kappan articles considered how educators could manage their own stress.
Easing the stress at pressure-cooker schools
Authors: Villeneuve Jennifer Curry , Conner Jerusha O. , Selby Samantha , Pope Denise Clark
Published: October 2019

Adolescent stress, anxiety, and self-harm behaviors are on the rise, and the consequences have significant implications for how youth engage in school. While the data trends paint a worrisome picture of rising student stress and disengagement, evidence shows that listening to the voices and concerns of youth and implementing research-based reforms can support students to live balanced and academically fulfilling lives. Understanding the adolescent student experience reveals numerous areas for policy and practice solutions that can lead to healthier outcomes. Student experience data both explains what is happening and points to solutions.
Choosing to see the racial stress that afflicts our Black students
Authors: Anderson Riana Elyse , Saleem Farzana T. , Huguley James P.
Published: October 2019

Racial stress and trauma negatively impact the psychological and academic outcomes of Black youth. Riana Elyse Anderson, Farzana Saleem, and James Huguley encourage parents and teachers to explore racial experiences and resulting stress and trauma through racial socialization, or competent conversations and behaviors regarding race and racism, to reduce problematic outcomes. They highlight opportunities for schools, teachers, and families to: 1) create a racial climate at school that affirms discussions about race, racial identity, racism, and coping options; 2) increase teacher training to foster competent classroom practices; and 3) foster safe and supported opportunities for growth for all, including teachers, parents, and students.
Stress gets under your skin: A conversation with Emma K. Adam
Authors: Heller Rafael
Published: October 2019

In this month’s interview, Kappan’s editor talks with developmental psychologist and Northwestern University professor Emma K. Adam about her recent research into stress, stress hormones (particularly cortisol), sleep, and learning. High school students’ self-reported stress levels during the day are closely aligned with their measured levels of cortisol, she explains, and cortisol plays important roles in the regulation of sleep, attention, and focus. For example, she has found that the stress associated with high-stakes testing has significant negative effects on students’ scores. And evidence suggests that everyday discrimination causes many students of color, especially Black students, to experience chronic stress, which can take a serious toll on academic performance.
The right to play: Eliminating the opportunity gap in elementary school recess
Authors: London Rebecca A.
Published: October 2019

It is well documented that recess helps elementary schoolchildren learn and develop socially, emotionally, and physically. Rather than simply a break from class, recess offers benefits with the potential to enhance student learning. Yet many children, especially those in low-income and Black and Latinx communities, do not have the same access to recess at as their more affluent, White counterparts. Rebecca London calls for a closing of the recess opportunity gap by ensuring access to daily recess for all children at school, ceasing the practice of withholding recess and as punishment, and designing recess to ensure it supports students’ social, emotional, and physical development.
Coping with the opioid crisis: Teachers need support, right now
Authors: Welby Kathryn A.
Published: October 2019

Kathryn Welby’s case study of schools in regions of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine that have been touched by the opioid crisis yields eye-opening insights into the devastating impact the opioid epidemic has on schools. Students in these communities are experiencing serious trauma because of opioid addiction in their families, and this trauma affects their ability to participate and learn at school. Educators in the schools reveal that they are overwhelmed and feel helpless to do anything for their students, and they have received little support and training on how to cope with the crisis. Schools in areas affected by the epidemic need to acknowledge that the problem exists and proactively work to prepare teachers to respond.
On Leadership: Planning for equity
Authors: Starr Joshua P.
Published: October 2019

Every year, school-based teams all over the country engage in the ritual known as improvement planning. In theory, the process is designed to identify low-performing students and specify plans for raising their achievement. In practice, though, improvement planning tends to be an empty exercise in compliance, in which school teams aim to do little more than fill out the required paperwork. If school system leaders are truly committed to providing all students with equitable learning opportunities, argues Joshua Starr, they need to focus the improvement planning process on things that actually matter to student achievement, such as budgeting decisions, hiring practices, curriculum development, professional learning, discipline reform, and community engagement.
Backtalk: The emerging science of test-taking disengagement
Authors: Wise Steven L.
Published: October 2019

When students take tests, their performance is a result not just of their academic achievement but of their engagement in the actual test. Rapid guessing is a sign that students aren’t fully engaged in the test but are instead rapidly filling in answers without regard to whether they are correct. Steven Wise explains that computer-based testing allows those interpreting test results to see when students engaged in rapid guessing. It’s also possible for testing programs to alert the test proctor or student to rapid guessing. He recommends that these tools become a routine part of student testing.
Multi-physics coupling simulation in virtual reactors
Authors: Xianmeng Wang , Mingyu Wu , Xiao He , Zhaoshun Wang , Yinyu Cai , Xu Lu , Suxuan Guo
Published: October 2019

Nuclear power stations involve a range of complex and interacting multi-physical processes. With the rapid development of high-performance computing technology, accurate multi-physics simulation in virtual reactors has drawn more and more attention in industry and academia. Great efforts have been made toward the simulation of multi-physics coupling processes in reactors. The interpretations of many terms that describe multi-physics simulation vary in different literatures. We organize and discuss some important terms relevant to the multi-physics coupling simulation. We compare the three most frequently used multi-physics coupling strategies: the operator splitting, Picard iteration, and Jacobian-Free Newton–Krylov methods. We summarize three main viewpoints on the degree of coupling of the three strategies (loose, tight, or full coupling). Then we review the coupling software and corresponding coupling strategies in some representative virtual reactor projects. We present the research focuses of Spider coupling platform. The Spider is developed in the China Virtual Reactor (CVR) project. The multi-physics phenomena are considered in the CVR project from three scales: fuel scale, reactor core scale, and system scale. Both loose and tight coupling strategies are supported in the Spider platform.
Adverse Events Associated with Balloon Sinuplasty: A MAUDE Database Analysis
Authors: Hur Kevin , Ge Marshall , Kim Jeehong , Ference Elisabeth H.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Balloon sinuplasty utilization has increased significantly since its introduction over a decade ago. However, the most common associated complications are still unknown. The objective of this study was to analyze adverse events related to balloon sinuplasty.

Study Design

Retrospective cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

Food and Drug Administration’s MAUDE database (Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience; 2008‐2018).

Subjects and Methods

The MAUDE database was searched for all reports on adverse events involving balloon sinuplasty devices from the 3 leading manufacturers: Acclarent, Entellus, and Medtronic. Reported events were reviewed and categorized.

Results

During the study period, there were 211 adverse events from 208 reports divided into the following categories: patient related (n = 102, 48.3%), device related (n = 101, 47.9%), and packaging related (n = 8, 3.8%). Four periprocedural deaths were reported but were not clearly associated with technical complications. The most common device‐related complications were guide catheter malfunction (39.6%), balloon malfunction (38.6%), and imprecise navigation (17.8%). The most common patient‐related complications were cerebrospinal fluid leak (36.3%), eye swelling (29.4%), and epistaxis (11.8%). A lateral canthotomy was performed in 30.0% of eye‐swelling complications. Sixty percent of eye complications occurred during balloon dilation of the maxillary sinus. The years 2014 (n = 48) and 2012 (n = 32) had the highest number of adverse events reported as compared with all other years.

Conclusion

The most common adverse events associated with balloon sinuplasty include balloon malfunction, guide catheter malfunction, cerebrospinal fluid leak, and significant eye swelling. Health care providers should discuss these possible complications when consenting patients for balloon sinuplasty.
Using Art in Adult Christian Education: An Option for Reflecting on Scripture and Building Relationships amongst Internally Displaced Adults in Colombia
Authors: Donner Saskia A.
Published: October 2019

This study explored the use of art as a teaching strategy with internally displaced adults. Two curricula were pilot tested with five groups of adults in Colombia, and follow-up interviews were conducted with facilitators and participants. Feedback showed that artistic activities allowed participants to reflect upon their experiences, understand the underlying principles in key biblical texts, and build relationships. Artistic activities also sensitized facilitators toward the struggles that internally displaced adults deal with every day.
Sexual Orientation, Legal Partnerships and Wages in Britain
Authors: Bridges Sarah , Mann Samuel
Published: October 2019

This article uses data from the Labour Force Survey to examine the effect sexual orientation has on wages in Britain. In doing so it provides the first empirical investigation of the effect being in a same-sex legal partnership has on wages. The results show that gay cohabitees and lesbians face a wage premium compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Decomposition results show that for gay cohabitees this arises due to differences in observable characteristics, while lesbians not only earn significantly more due to differences in their observable characteristics, but they also receive a higher return for these characteristics. In contrast, although no significant difference in earnings is observed for men in a legal partnership, decomposition results suggest that legally partnered gay males should earn more due to differences in their observable characteristics, while there is also evidence that they face barriers to advancement to senior positions, or a glass ceiling.
A calibration method of robot kinematic parameters by drawstring displacement sensor
Authors: Gan Yahui , Duan Jinjun , Dai Xianzhong
Published: October 2019

Calibration of robot kinematic parameters can effectively improve the absolute positioning accuracy of the end-effector for industrial robots. This article proposes a calibration method for robot kinematic parameters based on the drawstring displacement sensor. Firstly, the kinematic error model for articulated robot is established. Based on such a model, the position measurement system consisting of four drawstring displacement sensors is used to measure the actual position of the robot end-effector. Then, the deviation of the kinematic parameters of the robot is identified by the least-squares method according to robot end-effector deviations. The Cartesian space compensation method is adopted to improve the absolute positioning accuracy of the robot end-effecter. By experiments on the EFORT ER3A robot, the absolute positioning accuracy of the robot is significantly improved after calibration, which shows the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The Association Between a Hindfoot Deformity Assessed by Weightbearing CT and the Full Leg Alignment
Authors: Burssens Arne , Buedts Kristian , Barg Alexej , Vluggen Elizabeth , Demey Patrick , Saltzman Charles , Victor Jan
Published: October 2019

Category:

Hindfoot

Introduction/Purpose:

The exact relationship between different types of hindfoot deformities and the full leg alignment is currently unclear. Therefore, our aim is to assess hindfoot alignment on a weight-bearing CT (WBCT) and its association with the full leg radiographic alignment.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis was performed on a study population of 109 patients (mean age of 53 years ± 14.49) with a varus or valgus hindfoot deformity and the presence or absence of ankle osteoarthritis (OA) based on the Takakura classification. The mechanical hindfoot - (mHA) and subtalar vertical angle (SVA) were determined on WBCT, while the mechanical tiba – (mTA) and mechanical tibiofemoral angle (mTFA) were measured on full leg radiographs.

Results:

In patients with ankle OA, a hindfoot valgus deformity was associated with a significantly higher mean varus alignment of the knee (mTFA = -1.8°±2.1; mTAx= -4.3°±1.9) compared to a valgus alignment of the knee (mTFA = 0.3°±2.6; mTAx= -1.4°±2.2; P <0.001) in patients with a varus hindfoot (Fig1A, B). The opposite relation was found in patients without ankle OA (P <0.001). The SVA was significantly more orientated in valgus (mean=106.9°±8.0) for patients with a hindfoot valgus compared to a higher varus orientation (mean=89.3°±13.9) in patients with a hindfoot varus deformity (P <0.001). The same pattern was found in patients without ankle OA, but not significant (P >0.05).

Conclusion:

A valgus hindfoot deformity demonstrated a higher varus alignment of the knee when compared to patients with a hindfoot varus deformity, if ankle OA was present. The subtalar joint did not attain an overall compensatory correction towards the hindfoot deformity as opposed to a compensatory orientation of the tibia alignment. In clinical practice, these findings could improve the current understanding of both joint preserving as well as joint replacing procedures of the hindfoot and the knee.
Long-Term Outcomes and Alignment following Isolated Fibular Sesamoidectomy
Authors: Ford Samuel E. , Adair Christopher R. , Cohen Bruce E. , Davis W. Hodges , Ellington J. Kent , Jones Carroll P. , Anderson Robert B.
Published: October 2019

Category:

Bunion, Midfoot/Forefoot, Sesamoid

Introduction/Purpose:

Potential etiologies of sesamoid related pain include repetitive stresses, fracture, cartilage lesions, arthrosis, and/or osteonecrosis. When patients fail to respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be indicated in the form of sesamoid bone grafting, shaving/debridement, and/or sesamoid excision. Minimal published literature exists regarding the long-term safety and efficacy of fibular sesamoidectomy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients following isolated, complete fibular sesamoidectomy for long-term pain relief, functional outcome, and changes in hallux alignment.

Methods:

A query of a tertiary referral center administrative database was performed using the CPT code 28135 for sesamoidectomy between 10/1/2005 and 9/1/2016. Patients who underwent an isolated fibular sesamoidectomy were identified and contacted by their treating physicians with a recruitment letter, phone call, or e-mail to return for an office visit. The primary outcome measure was preoperative to final postoperative change in ten-point visual analog scale pain score. Secondary measures included satisfaction, hallux flexion strength, change in hallux alignment, and final post-operative functional outcome scores. Patients who met the 2-year clinical or radiographic follow-up minimum were included. Patients who underwent concomitant joint realignment procedures or had a medical history of either diabetes or peripheral neuropathy were excluded.

Results:

Ninety-three fibular sesamoidectomies were identified. Thirty-six sesamoidectomies (35 patients) met inclusion criteria (median follow-up 60 months). The average patient was 36-years-old with a BMI of 24.7 kg/m2 and underwent sesamoidectomy a mean 1.1 years after initial diagnosis. Median VAS scores improved 5 (6 to 1) points at final follow-up (p<0.0001). Final post- operative hallux valgus angle (HVA) did not differ from pre-operative values (10.5°/8.5°, p=0.12); similarly, intermetatarsal angle (IMA) did not differ (8.0°/7.9°, p=0.53). 88% of patients would have surgery again and 70% were “very satisfied” with their result. Hallux flexion strength (mean 14.7 pounds) did not differ following sesamoidectomy relative to the contralateral foot (mean 16.1 pounds) (p=0.23). Among the full 93 case cohort, 3 patients underwent 4 known reoperations.

Conclusion:

Fibular sesamoidectomy effectively provides long-term pain relief for patients with sesamoiditis, fracture, nonunion, osteonecrosis, and arthritis at long-term follow-up (median 5 years). Potential long-term sequelae, including hallux flexion weakness, change in hallux alignment, and deterioration of patient satisfaction/function were not encountered.
High Patient Catastrophizing Score Predicts Poor Outcome in the Complex Foot and Ankle Patient
Authors: Gagné Oliver , Veljkovic Andrea , Anderson Lindsay , Symes Michael , Abbas Kaniza Zahra , Penner Murray J , Wing Kevin , Younger Alastair S.E. , Syed Khalid , Lau Johnny T.C.
Published: October 2019

Category:

Ankle

Introduction/Purpose:

Patients perspective and experience is heavily modulated by their understanding of their pre-operative disability along with their overall coping strategy and life philosophy. It is well appreciated that patient’s catastrophization and emphasis on outcomes can affect their outcome. Given that we are relying on patient-reported outcomes more and more, the orthopedic community must be diligent in differencing patients that may have the same objective outcome vary widely on a patient-centered subjective basis. Catastrophization has been reported to affect outcomes in the arthroplasty litterature and this was the first study to look at its effect in the foot and ankle world.

Methods:

This current study set out to look at a cohort of complex consecutive foot and ankle cases and describe the relationship between Patient Catastrophizing Score (PCS) and multiple functional outcomes that are used routinely. The PCS has three subcategory rumination, helplessness and magnification. In the end, 46 patients were found to be eligible in the study with an average age of 54.72 ± 14.41 years-old, a majority female 30 / 46 (65.22%), a minority employed at the pre-operative visit 19/46 (41%) and with an average BMI of 26.2 ± 5.56. We used univariate and multivariate regression analysis for further statistical analysis.

Results:

We found that the mental component of the SF12 had a statistically significant negative effect with the rumination score (-1.03) and the helplessness score (-1.05). There was no statistically significant effect for the physical component of the SF-12. Looking at the FAOS Pain component, it correlated with the PCS rumination and helplessness. Otherwise the FAOS ADL component showed correlation as well with the PCS rumination (M -4.67 (p=0.02) U: -1.85 (0.01)), helplessness (M -5.89 (p = 0.01) U -1.81 (p = 0.001)) and total score (M: 3.74 (p=0.02) U -0.75 (p=0.01)). The FAOS Quality of life component was statistically significant for the rumination score (-11.59) (p > 0.05) and the helplessness score (-9.65) (p = 0.002) also the PCS total (8.54).

Conclusion:

This study confirms that post-operative patient reported outcome (SF- 12MCS, FAOS) are affected by pre-operative catastrophization scores. This has extensive implications in the patient selection, counselling and tailoring of surgeries offered to patients. This is also a symbolic finding highlighting that certain outcomes measure need to be adjusted or updated. This was a pilot study to capture the initial trend and within the limits of our methodology we would recommend future larger study trials and careful pre-operative selection based on PCS scores.