bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Texture of Medial Pulvinar in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Tak Kayeong , Lee Subin , Choi Euna , Suh Seung Wan , Oh Dae Jong , Moon Woori , Kim Hye Sung , Byun Seonjeong , Bae Jong Bin , Han Ji Won , Kim Jae Hyoung , Kim Ki Woong
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Executive dysfunction is common in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The pulvinar nucleus plays a role in executive control and synchronizes with cortical regions in the salience network that are vulnerable to Lewy pathology. Objective: We investigated the pulvinar subregions in patients with mild DLB and their associations with executive function. Methods: The sample consisted of 38 DLB patients and 38 age- and sex-matched normal controls. We evaluated cognitive function using the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease Assessment Packet. We obtained four pulvinar nuclei using preprocessed T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. We compared volumes and textures of the DLB patients and the normal controls for each nucleus. We used a linear regression to determine the association of textures and neuropsychological test scores. Results: The DLB patients showed comparable volumes to the normal controls in all pulvinar nuclei. However, the DLB patients showed different texture of the left medial pulvinar (PuM) from the normal controls. The entropy, contrast, and cluster shade were lower but autocorrelation of left PuM was higher in the DLB patients compared to the normal controls. These texture features of the left PuM were associated with the set-shifting performance measured by the Trail Making Test. Conclusions: In DLB, the left PuM may be altered from early stage, which may contribute to the development of executive dysfunction.
Safety and Efficacy of the Tracheobronchial Bonastent: A Single-Center Case Series
Authors: Holden Van Kim , Ospina-Delgado Daniel , Chee Alex , Parikh Mihir S. , Carreiro Megan M. , Alape Moya Daniel , Fernandez-Bussy Sebastian , Herth Felix J.F. , Majid Adnan
Published: April 2020

Background: Tracheobronchial stents are widely used devices in interventional pulmonology; however, the current literature on the effectiveness and complication rates of the different types of stents is limited. Objective: We report the largest case series of airway Bonastent placement and describe the efficacy and early (<30 days) and late (≥30 days) complication rates. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of our prospectively collected database of patients who underwent therapeutic bronchoscopy with stent placement. All adult patients who had a tracheal/bronchial Bona­stent placed between July 1, 2017, and July 30, 2019, for any indication at our institution were included. The efficacy as well as intraoperative and short- and long-term complications of Bonastent placement were evaluated. Results: Sixty Bonastents were placed in 50 patients. The etiology was malignant in 90% of the cases, while 2 patients had a tracheoesophageal fistula. All procedures were performed via rigid bronchoscopy. The most common location for stent placement was the bronchus intermedius, followed by the trachea, in 32 and 30% of the cases, respectively. Seventy percent of the patients (35/50) had improvement of respiratory symptoms within 30 days. Twenty-eight stents (48%) were removed at a mean of 74 days. Seventeen patients (34%) died within 30 days of stent placement. The overall complication rate was 54% (27/50 patients) at a mean follow-up of 111 days. The stent-related complication rate was 23.3% (14/60 cases) within <30 days and 53% (18/34 cases) at ≥30 days. Conclusions: The tracheobronchial Bonastent is effective for the treatment of patients with central airway obstruction and tracheoesophageal fistulae with an acceptable safety profile.
Energy Metabolism and Nutritional Status in Hospitalized Patients with Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Yasuhara Shoko , Maekawa Mika , Bamba Shigeki , Kurihara Mika , Nakanishi Naoko , Yamamoto Takashi , Sakai Hiroshi , Yagi Noriaki , Nakagawa Yoshihisa , Sasaki Masaya
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Malnutrition is a factor that defines vital prognosis in chronic heart failure. Objective: This study investigated nutritional and metabolic disorders in patients with heart failure by examining the association of severity of heart failure with inflammatory cytokines, appetite-regulating hormones, and energy metabolism. Methods: Subjects were 50 patients with heart failure. On admission, nutritional status was assessed, and biochemical blood tests were performed, including for serum tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, ghrelin, and leptin levels. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was also measured by indirect calorimetry to examine its association with severity of heart failure and levels of inflammatory cytokines and appetite-regulating hormones. Results: There were significant associations between serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level and nutrition indices, indicating that nutritional status was worse when heart failure was more severe. Inflammatory cytokine levels showed significant positive correlations with BNP level. Measured REE/bodyweight was not associated with severity of heart failure, but was negatively correlated with body fat percentage and leptin levels. Conclusions: Energy metabolism was not associated with serum BNP level among patients with heart failure with New York Heart Association functional class up to III. Body fat percentage and leptin levels may be a good predictor of energy metabolism in patients with heart failure.
АНТИБІОТИКОРЕЗИСТЕНТНІСТЬ УМОВНО-ПАТОГЕННИХ МІКРООРГАНІЗМІВ: АКТУАЛЬНІСТЬ, УМОВИ ВИНИКНЕННЯ, ШЛЯХИ ПОДОЛАННЯ
Authors: Romaniuk L. B. , Kravets N. Ya. , Klymniuk S. I. , Kopcha V. S. , Dronova O. Y.
Published: April 2020

Неправильне використання антибіотиків у медицині та застосування їх у різних галузях тваринництва прискорюють виникнення антибіотикорезистентності. Внаслідок цього лікування багатьох інфекційних захворювань, зокрема, респіраторних (пневмонії, бронхіти, бронхіоліти, навіть туберкульозу), стає важчим: подовжується період перебування хворих у стаціонарі, зростають витрати на лікування та збільшуються показники смертності від цих недуг. Полімедикаментозну стійкість, зазвичай, виявляють у патогенних бактерій, а також у коменсальних мікрорганізмів, які колонізують кишковий канал, верхні дихальні шляхи та шкіру людини. Формування антибіотикорезистентності у всіх випадках зумовлене генетично, внаслідок набуття нової генетичної інформації або завдяки зміні рівня експресії власних генів бактерійної клітини. Важливим фактором боротьби з поширенням антибіотикорезистентності є фармакодинамічне обґрунтування режимів дозування антибактерійних препаратів, використання лікарняного формуляру, що ґрунтується на локальних даних про розповсюдження антибіотикорезистентності конкретних мікроорганізмів.
Selective Tumor-Specific Antigen Delivery to Dendritic Cells Using Mannose-Labeled Poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) Nanoparticles for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Wi Tae In , Byeon Yeongseon , Won Ji Eun , Lee Jae Myeong , Kang Tae Heung , Lee Jeong-Won , Lee Young Joo , Sood Anil K. , Han Hee Dong , Park Yeong-Min
Published: April 2020

A key issue in dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer immunotherapy is the effective delivery of tumor-specific antigens to DCs. To deliver antigens, non-viral vaccine system has been used in ex vivo manipulation. However, ex vivo manipulation is time-consuming, lacks quality control
of DCs, and demonstrates low antigen delivery efficiency, which implicates that there are serious problems in therapeutic DC preparations. Therefore, we developed mannose (MN)-labeled poly(d, l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (MN-PLGA-NPs) encapsulating tumor-specific antigens for
targeted delivery to mannose receptors (MN-R) on DC surfaces without ex vivo manipulation. The MN-PLGA-NPs showed DC-selective delivery in tumor-bearing mice, leading to highly mature and activated DCs, which migrated to lymphoid organs, resulting in activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells.
Additionally, MN-PLGA-NPs showed significant therapeutic efficacy in EG7 lymphoma tumorbearing mice. Our nano-platform technology can be used as a vaccine system to bypass ex vivo manipulation and enhance targeted delivery of tumor-specific antigens to DCs, which is well-suited for
cancer immunotherapy.
Modelling of Paclitaxel Conjugated with Carbon Nanotubes as an Antitumor Agent for Cancer Therapy
Authors: AL Garalleh Hakim , Algarni Ali
Published: April 2020

Functionalized carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) show great promise for various drug delivery applications. These CNPs have distinct physical and chemical properties, such as low solubility, very high conductivity, and drug loading capability, and are thus important nanodevices for cancer
therapy. Cancer is a highly challenging disease, because its therapy involves distinguishing diseased cells from healthy ones. This study aimed to determine the ability of CNPs conjugated with a chemotherapeutic agent to inhibit cancer cell growth. We developed two models to determine the
effectiveness of paclitaxel (PTX) as an antitumor agent bonded to single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) varying in radius (r). The models were used to mathematically evaluate the energy arising from the PTX–SWCNT interaction. The first model divided the PTX molecule into 15
subcomponents: 4 imidazole rings, 1 group of atoms forming a cylindrical nanotube, 6 methyl groups (small spheres represented as individual CH3 molecules), 3 carboxyl groups (medium-sized spheres represented as individual CO2 molecules), and 1 large sphere. In the second
model, PTX was modeled as a spherical cage with a spheroidal structure. Next, we determined the minimum interaction energy between each subcomponent and an SWCNT of radius r, and then summed the interactions to determine the total energy (E). The numerical results indicated that
SWCNTs can be loaded with PTX. We also determined the critical nanotube r required for acceptance of the PTX molecule. We believe that the findings of this research will encourage the development of new nanodevices capable of delivering larger amounts of drugs, genes, and proteins.
Decolonizing the convent: Transnationality, North–South domination and sisterhood among the Sisters of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Authors: Huard Samuel
Published: April 2020

Transnational congregations are ambiguous and complex social spaces as they are both divided (notably around the North–South axis) and united (around a same charism, a same founding figure). This article seeks to understand how sisters from Quebec and Central America belonging to the same transnational congregation construct their interpersonal relations, given that they live in a social field marked by both North–South domination and religious sisterhood. Based on two months of fieldwork within the congregation at the Order’s mother house in Quebec and at some of its mission houses in Honduras, it explores this issue through a brief presentation of the history of the congregation and an analysis of the discourses of the sisters interviewed. It concludes that the intra-congregational relationships are rooted in the continuous negotiation between the verticality of North–South domination and the horizontality of sisterhood. In the present context of vocational decline, the congregation faces two options: to decolonize or to remain trapped in contradictions that could stop it from adapting to its new reality.
Coverage Error in Data Collection Combining Mobile Surveys With Passive Measurement Using Apps: Data From a German National Survey
Authors: Keusch Florian , Bähr Sebastian , Haas Georg-Christoph , Kreuter Frauke , Trappmann Mark
Published: April 2020

Researchers are combining self-reports from mobile surveys with passive data collection using sensors and apps on smartphones increasingly more often. While smartphones are commonly used in some groups of individuals, smartphone penetration is significantly lower in other groups. In addition, different operating systems (OSs) limit how mobile data can be collected passively. These limitations cause concern about coverage error in studies targeting the general population. Based on data from the Panel Study Labour Market and Social Security (PASS), an annual probability-based mixed-mode survey on the labor market and poverty in Germany, we find that smartphone ownership and ownership of smartphones with specific OSs are correlated with a number of sociodemographic and substantive variables. The use of weighting techniques based on sociodemographic information available for both owners and nonowners reduces these differences but does not eliminate them.
Effects of Partner Presence During the Interview on Survey Responses: The Example of Questions Concerning the Division of Household Labor
Authors: Schröder Jette , Schmiedeberg Claudia
Published: April 2020

Despite the fact that third parties are present during a substantial amount of face-to-face interviews, bystander influence on respondents’ response behavior is not yet fully understood. We use nine waves of the German Family Panel pairfam and apply fixed effects panel regression models to analyze effects of third-party presence on items regarding the sharing of household tasks between partners. We find that both male and female respondents report doing a smaller share of household tasks when their partner is present during the interview as compared to when their partner is not present. Similarly, if the respondent’s partner is present, both partners’ reports correspond more, so that they are less prone to resulting in unrealistically high sums. These results indicate that for items concerning household labor, partner presence does not compromise data quality but may in fact improve it.
Investigating the Efficacy of Reading Adventure Time! for Improving Reading Skills in Children with Visual Impairments
Authors: Kamei-Hannan Cheryl , McCarthy Tessa , D’Andrea Frances Mary , Holbrook M. Cay
Published: April 2020

Introduction:

Reading Adventure Time!, formerly known as the pilot version of the iBraille Challenge Mobile App, is an educational technology tool integrating digital literacy to support braille reading and writing instruction for students in 1st–12th grades. Designed to operate on an Apple iPad with a refreshable braille display, Reading Adventure Time! uses gaming strategies to motivate students to improve literacy skills such as fluency, comprehension, writing dictation, and proofreading.

Methods:

The application (app) was developed under a Stepping Up Technology grant (H327S120007), which was disseminated to more than 50 teachers and students. Teachers and caregivers completed a Likert-type scale of technology skills as a pre- and postmeasure. Students’ reading speed, comprehension, and miscues were measured by the app.

Results:

Over 50 participants who used the app showed gains in reading and technology skills.

Discussion:

Students’ reading speeds, as measured by the app, mirror the reading speeds found in prior research (e.g., the ABC Braille Study). The impact on technology skills for teachers, caregivers, and students was much greater than anticipated.

Implications for practitioners:

The study provides evidence supporting Reading Adventure Time! as a supplemental intervention that addresses several reading skills and may be used in conjunction with a total, balanced literacy program.
The futures of ‘us’: A critical phenomenology of the aporias of ethical community in the Anthropocene
Authors: Dyring Rasmus
Published: April 2020

In this essay, I undertake a critical phenomenological exposition of the conditions of ethical community as they present themselves in the light of the Anthropocene. I begin by approaching the present human condition by following Arendt in her considerations of what more recently has been termed the Anthropocene. I will take her notion of the process character of action as a lodestar in a so-called anarcheological reading of Aristotle that opens for a thinking of unbounded possibility and unbounded affinity and that shows how Aristotle’s ethics, like so many other ethical and moral theories, is really a project of metaphysical closure in the face of the poignantly sensed, but theoretically marginalized, anarchic apertures of communitary life. To prepare for an ethics capable of perpetually affirming, rather than closing off, these anarchic apertures of the human condition, I bring the insights won in the anarcheological reading of Aristotle into conversation with accounts of the ethical responses presented by the Native American nation of the Crow towards the end of the 19th century, when they – in a sense not-dissimilar to what we now experience in the Anthropocene – faced the end of the world. I conclude by extracting from this some elements for a thinking of ethics at the end of worlds that affirms the unbounded apertures of human community.
Butterfly technique in mitral valve repair
Authors: Asai Tohru
Published: April 2020

Degenerative mitral regurgitation due to posterior leaflet prolapse is often associated with tissue redundancy in the leaflet height and free margin of the prolapsing segment. The butterfly technique has been introduced for focal resection to precisely control the leaflet height without annular plication. This technique is indicated for a high prolapsing leaflet, greater than 20 mm. With intraoperative measurement of leaflet heights and ink dot marking as a depth indicator, the butterfly technique can be safely performed in most high posterior leaflet prolapse cases, without increasing the risk of systolic anterior motion.
Digitising Aby Warburg’s Mnemosyne Atlas
Authors: le Fevre Grundtmann Naja
Published: April 2020

Archives are being digitised on an enormous scale worldwide, and the connections between Aby Warburg’s Mnemosyne Atlas and the contemporary digital accumulation of data have not been lost on contemporary scholars. By problematising what I suggest is a simplified relation between repetition and replication in the transmission of Warburg’s body of work into a digital era, I believe that an engagement with contemporary digital discourse provides the possibility of seeing his work in a new light while allowing for insights into how Warburg might be instrumental in rendering visible possible discrepancies between individual entities and larger collective patterns, whether within his Mnemosyne Atlas or among datasets more broadly speaking.
Commitment to Degree Zero: Barthes’ First Approaches to the Neutral
Authors: Zhuo Yue
Published: April 2020

This essay links Barthes’ late development on the Neutral in his 1978 Collège de France lecture course to his early reflections on the ‘white’ or ‘neutral’ writing by looking at lesser-known materials: articles published in the sanatorial student journal Existences (1942–4), and in the newspaper Combat (1947–51), as well as how these pieces were integrated into his first book, Writing Degree Zero (1953). I show that Barthes’ first approaches to the ‘neutral’, under the spell of Sartre’s theory of committed literature, both ‘consents’ to the idea of the political responsibility of literature and rejects it, creating a third, crosswise notion of writing that prefigures the recalcitrant force of the Neutral. By exploring the complexities of these early pieces, I argue that some of the unsolved issues will reappear in the Collège de France lecture course, notably the figure of ‘aporia’, and I discuss the ethical implications of this ‘impossibility’.
An Undefined Something Else: Barthes, Culture, Neutral Life
Authors: Badmington Neil
Published: April 2020

How might Roland Barthes’ posthumously published account of the Neutral invite us to rethink the very activity of cultural analysis? How did Barthes the cultural critic change when, towards the end of his career, he described and desired Neutral Life? Cultural criticism has often taken Barthes’ early semiological work as a guide, but this essay examines how we might need to reorient ourselves as critics, shift our stance, learn to look and live differently in the light of Barthes’ later focus on the Neutral.
Subacute effects of the psychedelic ayahuasca on the salience and default mode networks
Authors: Pasquini Lorenzo , Palhano-Fontes Fernanda , Araujo Draulio B
Published: April 2020

Background:

Neuroimaging studies have just begun to explore the acute effects of psychedelics on large-scale brain networks’ functional organization. Even less is known about the neural correlates of subacute effects taking place days after the psychedelic experience. This study explores the subacute changes of primary sensory brain networks and networks supporting higher-order affective and self-referential functions 24 hours after a single session with the psychedelic ayahuasca.

Methods:

We leveraged task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging data 1 day before and 1 day after a randomized placebo-controlled trial exploring the effects of ayahuasca in naïve healthy participants (21 placebo/22 ayahuasca). We derived intra- and inter-network functional connectivity of the salience, default mode, visual, and sensorimotor networks, and assessed post-session connectivity changes between the ayahuasca and placebo groups. Connectivity changes were associated with Hallucinogen Rating Scale scores assessed during the acute effects.

Results:

Our findings revealed increased anterior cingulate cortex connectivity within the salience network, decreased posterior cingulate cortex connectivity within the default mode network, and increased connectivity between the salience and default mode networks 1 day after the session in the ayahuasca group compared to placebo. Connectivity of primary sensory networks did not differ between groups. Salience network connectivity increases correlated with altered somesthesia scores, decreased default mode network connectivity correlated with altered volition scores, and increased salience default mode network connectivity correlated with altered affect scores.

Conclusion:

These findings provide preliminary evidence for subacute functional changes induced by the psychedelic ayahuasca on higher-order cognitive brain networks that support interoceptive, affective, and self-referential functions.
Does Teachers’ Self-Efficacy Vary for Different Children? A Study of Early Childhood Special Educators
Authors: Sawyer Brook E. , O’Connell Ann , Bhaktha Nivedita , Justice Laura M. , Santoro Julie R. , Rhoad Drogalis Anna
Published: April 2020

Teacher self-efficacy (TSE) is a frequently studied construct due to its positive relations with student outcomes. However, TSE of teachers in inclusive early childhood special education (ECSE) classrooms has seldom been studied. To fill this gap, we examined the extent to which (a) teachers exhibited differing levels of TSE for students; (b) children’s characteristics, particularly disability status and learning behaviors, were associated with TSE; and (c) relations between children’s characteristics and TSE remained consistent across an academic year. Thirty-seven teachers of inclusive ECSE classrooms completed surveys to ascertain their student-specific TSE and children’s learning behaviors for 114 children. Results indicated that teachers had different levels of TSE for students in their classrooms. Children’s characteristics, particularly their attention/persistence, were related to TSE, with more relations shown between TSE and children’s characteristics at the start of the school year than at the end. Implications for teacher professional development are discussed.
Student Attitudes About Reproductive Health in Public Universities: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Kashefi Fatemeh , Bakhtiari Afsaneh , Pasha Hajar , Amiri Fatemeh Nasiri , Bakouei Fatemeh
Published: April 2020

Background

Determine attitude of young people to reproductive health issues can somewhat predict their behavior in this area. This helps us in planning future on reproductive health. The aim of this study was to determine the attitude of reproductive health and related factors among Iranian students in public universities in Iran.

Method

A cross-sectional study was carried out. The tool was developed based on a literature review to find out about reproductive health attitudes and sociodemographic factors associated. The face and content validity of the questionnaire was performed using expert judgment. Cronbach’s coefficient and test–retest were used to determine the reliability. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software by independent t test, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression.

Results

Out of 461 respondents, the majority of students were nonmedical sciences (81.1%). The main sources of information for reproductive health awareness were the media (40%); 54.9% disagreed with having premarital sex in both sexes, while only 36% agreed to postpone sexual activity until marriage in order to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. Moreover, 64% believed that contraception would cause infertility in the future. The majority found the need for reproductive health services and education essential for single youth. Multiple regression showed a poor reproductive health attitude in nonmedical students, families who did not talk about boy–girl relationships, as well as in satellite users and hookah consumers.

Conclusion

The students’ level of attitude on reproductive health was not satisfactory. Intervention programs related to reproductive health taking into account the cultural aspects of Iranian society can protect young people from risky behaviors and unwanted pregnancies by creating a positive attitude.
Establishing an early identification score system for cerebral palsy based on detailed assessment of general movements
Authors: Wang Yuqing , Zhu Ping , Yang Zhongxiu , Gu Guixiong
Published: April 2020

Objective

This retrospective study aimed to establish an early identification score system of cerebral palsy (CP) in the writhing movement period of high-risk infants by detailed assessment of general movements (GMs).

Methods

High-risk infants from our hospital during January 2016 to January 2017 were included. GMs were assessed and a detailed score was calculated. The 52-neuromotor examination for 0- to 1-year-olds was performed and follow-up outcome was determined at the 12th month according to CP diagnostic criteria. An early identification score of detailed assessment was established in the writhing movement period of infants.

Results

The detailed score during the writhing movement period was significantly different among the normal, poor repertoire, and cramped-synchronized groups of GMs ( F = 208.186). Detailed scores were positively related to 52-neuromotor examination scores, with a correlation coefficient of 0.218. The predictive validity of the early identification score was 92.11%, sensitivity was 100%, specificity was 90.00%, the positive predictive value was 72.73%, the negative predictive value was 100%, the false positive rate was 10, and the false negative rate was 0.

Conclusion

The detailed GM score in the writhing movement period is correlated with 52-neuromotor examination results. The CP early identification score could be useful in clinical practice.
Different associations between left atrial size and 2.5-year clinical outcomes in patients with anterior versus non-anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Gao Fan , Huo Jianhua , She Jianqing , Bai Ling , He Hairong , Lyu Jun , Qiang Hua
Published: April 2020

Objective

To investigate associations between left atrial diameter (LAD) and long-term outcomes in patients with anterior or non-anterior wall ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Patients with STEMI were included in this secondary analysis of data from a prospective cohort study in which the primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) occurrence during a 2.5-year follow-up. A LAD cut-off value was obtained through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Kaplan-Meier curve and Cox regression analyses were applied. Subgroup Cox regression analysis was also performed, with patients stratified based on left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVEDD, > 55 mm and ≤55 mm). The relationship between LAD and outcomes in patients with anterior or non-anterior wall STEMI was explored using restricted cubic spline functions.

Results

Out of 464 patients, adjusted Cox regression showed that dichotomous (>40 mm) LAD was significantly associated with MACE (hazard ratio 2.978, 95% confidence interval 1.763, 5.030) in patients with anterior wall but not non-anterior wall STEMI. The association was not different between normal and enlarged LVEDD groups.

Conclusions

A left atrium > 40 mm may indicate higher risk of MACE in patients with anterior wall STEMI, even in patients with normal left ventricular structure. This relationship was not observed in patients with non-anterior wall STEMI.
Using case studies and build projects as authentic assessments in cornerstone courses
Authors: Merrett Craig
Published: April 2020

Final year, undergraduate engineering students should be exposed to authentic practices that resemble industry to prepare the students for the field. Given that engineering involves design and implementation, final courses should expose students to both through authentic assessments. Case studies, design and build projects, and open-ended final exams were implemented in three, fourth-year cornerstone engineering courses in mechanical, and sustainable and renewable energy engineering. The effects of these changes differed between case study based projects and build projects. Case study based projects resulted in higher project performance and better exam performance than build projects. The improved performance is indicative of better knowledge transfer and a result of increased opportunities for discussion and collaboration between students. These results are consistent with the Ashford-Rowe model for authentic assessments; however, students were divided on the benefits of the authentic assessments. Students were more resistant to the build projects, as reported through the teaching evaluations, because of the increased work load and scheduling required for build projects. This study recommends that cornerstone courses implement case study or paper design projects and open-ended, case study-based final exams to achieve authentic assessments. The use of build design projects for cornerstone courses is not recommended.
Empirical Shipment Size Model for Urban Freight and its Implications
Authors: Sakai Takanori , Alho André , Hyodo Tetsuro , Ben-Akiva Moshe
Published: April 2020

Modeling shipment size for intra-city shipments is a subject that has not been sufficiently addressed in past research, despite its growing importance in disaggregate freight modeling. While past research on shipment size estimation mainly focuses on inter-city shipments, intra-city shipments differ from them in various aspects. In filling this research gap, this study estimates shipment size models using the records of intra-city shipments, identifying the effects of factors and heterogeneity on the shipment size selection mechanism. The estimated coefficients are also compared against their theoretical values derived from a conceptual economic order quantity model. The estimated empirical models highlight the characteristics of intra-city shipments and indicate the importance of both receiver function and commodity type, and also vehicle operation type, in capturing the nuances of the selection mechanism among intra-city shipments.
Association Between Knee Anatomic Metrics and Biomechanics for Male Soldiers Landing With Load
Authors: Kaplan Jonathan T. , Ramsay John W. , Cameron Sarah E. , Seymore Kayla D. , Brehler Michael , Thawait Gaurav K. , Zbijewski Wojciech B. , Siewerdsen Jeffrey H. , Brown Tyler N.
Published: April 2020

Background:

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a military occupational hazard that may be attributed to an individual’s knee biomechanics and joint anatomy. This study sought to determine if greater flexion when landing with load resulted in knee biomechanics thought to decrease ACL injury risk and whether knee biomechanics during landing relate to knee anatomic metrics.

Hypothesis:

Anatomic metrics regarding the slope and concavity of the tibial plateau will exhibit a significant relation to the increased anterior shear force on the knee and decreased knee flexion posture during landing with body-borne load.

Study Design:

Descriptive laboratory study.

Methods:

Twenty male military personnel completed a drop landing task with 3 load conditions: light (~6 kg), medium (15% body weight), and heavy (30% body weight). Participants were divided into groups based on knee flexion exhibited when landing with the heavy load (high- and low-Δflexion). Tibial slopes and depth were measured on weightbearing volumetric images of the knee obtained with a prototype cone beam computed tomography system. Knee biomechanics were submitted to a linear mixed model to evaluate the effect of landing group and load, with the anatomic metrics considered covariates.

Results:

Load increased peak proximal anterior tibial shear force ( P = .034), knee flexion angle ( P = .024), and moment ( P = .001) during landing. Only the high flexion group increased knee flexion ( P < .001) during weighted landings with medium and heavy loads. The low flexion group used greater knee abduction angle ( P = .030) and peak proximal anterior tibial shear force ( P = .034) when landing with load. Anatomic metrics did not differ between groups, but ratio of medial-to-lateral tibial slope and medial tibial depth predicted peak proximal anterior tibial shear force ( P = .009) and knee flexion ( P = .034) during landing, respectively.

Conclusion:

Increasing knee flexion is an attainable strategy to mitigate risk of ACL injury, but certain individuals may be predisposed to knee forces and biomechanics that load the ACL during weighted landings.

Clinical Relevance:

The ability to screen individuals for anatomic metrics that predict knee flexion may identify soldiers and athletes who require additional training to mitigate the risk of lower extremity injury.
Performance of the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score Over Time in a Large National Database: Development of an Instruction Manual for Accurate Use
Authors: Hansen Maria Swennergren , Nilsson Helander Katarina , Karlsson Jón , Barfod Kristoffer Weisskirchner
Published: April 2020

Background:

The Achilles tendon Total Rupture Score (ATRS) is a commonly used patient-reported outcome measure for patients with an acute Achilles tendon rupture. The score consists of 10 questions, the last 3 of which include activities that some patients cannot or do not do. No instruction manual has been developed for the ATRS.

Hypothesis/Purpose:

The purpose was to evaluate the ATRS at 4, 12, and 24 months after a rupture. The hypothesis was that the results at 4 months would be inconsistent when compared with the results at 1 year and 2 years. We also aimed to develop a manual that explains how to use the ATRS.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

This was a mixed-methods study. The first section was a registry study, where prospectively collected data were analyzed. Data were collected 4, 12, and 24 months after rupture. The original score based on 10 items was compared with a score based on the first 7 items adjusted to the same scale as the original score. Density plots and scatterplots were made and differences between the scores were tested using the Mann-Whitney U test. The second section of the study consisted of discussions among the authors, which resulted in a manual for the ATRS.

Results:

In total, 2790 complete ATRSs were included. The 7-item score significantly overestimated the value of the 10-item score at all time points ( P < .001), but only at 4 months was the difference clinically relevant (9.7 points).

Conclusion:

When the ATRS is used for short-term evaluation, there is a risk of results being inconsistent because of the last 3 questions. A manual explaining how to use the ATRS was therefore developed. We recommend that the full ATRS together with the manual should be used in future research rather than eliminating the 3 last questions.
An Investigation of Factors Associated With Head Impact Exposure in Professional Male and Female Australian Football Players
Authors: Reyes Jonathan , Mitra Biswadev , McIntosh Andrew , Clifton Patrick , Makdissi Michael , Nguyen Jack V.K. , Harcourt Peter , Howard Teresa S. , Cameron Peter A. , Rosenfeld Jeffrey V. , Willmott Catherine
Published: April 2020

Background:

Exposure to head acceleration events (HAEs) has been associated with player sex, player position, and player experience in North American football, ice hockey, and lacrosse. Little is known of these factors in professional Australian football. Video analysis allows HAE verification and characterization of important determinants of injury.

Purpose:

To characterize verified HAEs in the nonhelmeted contact sport of professional Australian football and investigate the association of sex, player position, and player experience with HAE frequency and magnitude.

Study Design:

Descriptive epidemiology study.

Methods:

Professional Australian football players wore a nonhelmeted accelerometer for 1 match, with data collected across 14 matches. HAEs with peak linear accelerations (PLAs) ≥30 g were verified with match video. Verified HAEs were summarized by frequency and median PLA and compared between the sexes, player position, and player experience. Characterization of match-related situations of verified HAEs was conducted, and the head impact rate per skill execution was calculated.

Results:

92 male and 118 female players were recruited during the 2017 season. Male players sustained more HAEs (median, 1; IQR, 0-2) than female players (median, 0; IQR, 0-1; P = .007) during a match. The maximum PLAs incurred during a match were significantly higher in male players (median, 61.8 g; IQR, 40.5-87.1) compared with female players (median, 44.5 g; IQR, 33.6-74.8; P = .032). Neither player position nor experience was associated with HAE frequency. Of all verified HAEs, 52% (n = 110) occurred when neither team had possession of the football, and 46% (n = 98) were caused by contact from another player attempting to gain possession of the football. A subset of HAEs (n = 12; 5.7%) resulted in players seeking medical aid and/or being removed from the match (median PLA, 58.8 g; IQR, 34.0-89.0), with 2 (male) players diagnosed with concussion after direct head impacts and associated PLAs of 62 g and 75 g, respectively. In the setting of catching (marking) the football, female players exhibited twice the head impact rate (16 per 100 marking contests) than male players (8 per 100 marking contests).

Conclusion:

Playing situations in which players have limited control of the football are a common cause of impacts. Male players sustained a greater exposure to HAEs compared with female players. Female players, however, sustained higher exposure to HAEs than male players during certain skill executions, possibly reflecting differences in skill development. These findings can therefore inform match and skill development in the emerging professional women’s competition of Australian football.
Recall Bias in Retrospective Assessment of Preoperative Patient-Reported American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Scores in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Surgery
Authors: Gotlin Matthew J. , Kingery Matthew T. , Baron Samuel L. , McCafferty Joseph , Jazrawi Laith M. , Meislin Robert J.
Published: April 2020

Background:

The gold-standard method for collecting patient-reported outcomes (PROs) is the prospective assessment of preoperative to postoperative change. However, this method is not always feasible because of unforeseen cases or emergencies, logistical and infrastructure barriers, and cost issues. In such cases, a retrospective approach serves as a potential alternative, but there are conflicting conclusions regarding the reliability of the recalled preoperative PROs after orthopaedic procedures.

Purpose:

To assess the agreement between prospectively and retrospectively collected PROs for a common, low-risk procedure.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair between May 2012 and September 2017 at the study institution were identified. All of the patients completed the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) Standard Shoulder Assessment Form preoperatively at their preassessment appointment. Patients were then contacted in the postoperative period and asked to recall their preoperative condition while completing another ASES form.

Results:

A total of 84 patients completed the telephone survey and were included in this analysis (mean age, 57.40 ± 9.96 years). The mean duration of time from onset of shoulder symptoms to surgery was 9.13 ± 9.08 months. The mean duration of time between surgery and recall ASES administration was 39.12 ± 17.37 months. The mean recall ASES score was significantly lower than the preoperative ASES score (30.69 ± 16.93 vs 51.42 ± 19.14; P < .001). There was poor test-retest reliability between preoperative ASES and recall ASES (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.292; 95% CI, –0.07, 0.57; P = .068). Greater age at the time of recall, a shorter symptomatic period before surgery, and less severe preoperative shoulder dysfunction were associated with a greater difference between preoperative ASES and recall ASES.

Conclusion:

Retrospectively reported PROs are subject to significant recall bias. Recalled PROs were almost always lower than their prospectively recorded counterparts. Recalled PROs are more likely to be accurate when reported by younger patients, those with a longer duration of symptoms, and those with more severe preoperative conditions.
Influence of Varus Alignment on Survivorship After Lateral Meniscal Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Song Ju-Ho , Bin Seong-Il , Kim Jong-Min , Lee Bum-Sik , Lee Chang-Rack
Published: April 2020

Background:

Factors associated with graft survival after lateral meniscal allograft transplantation (MAT) have not been fully determined, and survival analysis focused on effect of varus alignment has not been performed.

Hypothesis:

Varus alignment of the knee leads to better graft survival and clinical outcomes after lateral MAT than normal alignment.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods:

The records of 204 consecutive patients who underwent lateral MAT were reviewed. After exclusion of cases undergoing revision MAT, cases without hip-knee-ankle standing radiographs, and cases with valgus alignment, the patients were categorized into 2 groups, those with normal alignment within −3° to 3° of the mechanical axis and those with varus alignment >3°. Cumulative graft survival rates were compared in the 2 groups before and after controlling for other covariates, including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), time from meniscectomy, the number of accompanying procedures, and cartilage status. Failure was defined as (1) a graft tear involving >50% or unstable peripheral rim of the allograft; (2) a Lysholm score <65 that was not improved afterward; (3) meniscectomy >50% or to the zone of meniscocapsular junction; or (4) conversion to revision MAT, realignment osteotomy, or arthroplasty. Clinical outcomes were compared between the 2 groups by Lysholm score.

Results:

Of the 190 patients, 149 showed normal alignment of 0.3° ± 1.3° (range, –3° to 3°) and 41 showed varus alignment of 4.8° ± 0.6° (range, 4°-8°). A total of 22 patients (11.6%) experienced MAT failure: 21 patients with normal alignment and 1 with varus alignment. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed a significant difference in the cumulative graft survival rates between the 2 groups (log-rank test, P = .001). After controlling for age, sex, BMI, time from meniscectomy, the number of accompanying procedures, and cartilage status, varus alignment was found to be a significant protective factor ( P = .004). On the other hand, there was no difference in clinical improvement measured by the Lysholm score between the 2 groups ( P = .651).

Conclusion:

Varus alignment was associated with better graft survival after lateral MAT than normal alignment. However, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed.
The Role of Flag Emoji in Online Political Communication
Authors: Kariryaa Ankit , Rundé Simon , Heuer Hendrik , Jungherr Andreas , Schöning Johannes
Published: April 2020

Flags are important national symbols that have transcended into the digital world with inclusion in the Unicode character set. Despite their significance, there is little information about their role in online communication. This article examines the role of flag emoji in political communication online by analyzing 640,676 tweets by the most important political parties and Members of Parliament in Germany and the United States. We find that national flags are frequently used in political communication and are mostly used in-line with political ideology. As off-line, flag emoji usage in online communication is associated with external events of national importance. This association is stronger in the United States than in Germany. The results also reveal that the presence of the national flag emoji is associated with significantly higher engagement in Germany irrespective of party, whereas it is associated with slightly higher engagement for politicians of the Republican party and slightly lower engagement for Democrats in the United States. Implications of the results and future research directions are discussed.
The Relationship Between Perceived Discrimination and School/Work–Family Conflict Among Graduate Student-Parents
Authors: Dolson Jordan M. , Deemer Eric D.
Published: April 2020

Work–family conflict (WFC) is commonly experienced by individuals who have roles in both the work and family domains including graduate students with children and/or dependents. Graduate student-parents have the additional strain of school, which can contribute to school–family conflict (SFC) as well. The purpose of this study was to examine whether burnout mediates the deleterious effects of parent-based discrimination on work- and family-related outcomes. We used a mediation modeling design to test whether the distal effects of such bias occur due to increased levels of burnout. Results indicated that burnout mediated the relationship between perceived discrimination and SFC and WFC. The control variables of gender, number of children, year in academic program, and residency status did not significantly predict burnout, SFC, or WFC. Practical and clinical implications are discussed in addition to suggestions for future research.