bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Across the wide prairie: Exploring fear of crime in a small Canadian municipality
Authors: Hodgkinson Tarah , Lunney Kate
Published: March 2021

Although fear of crime is well-researched in urban domains, the predictors of fear of crime in non-urban contexts are less established. Using a sample of 559 people, this study aims to address this gap by evaluating the role of individual and ecological-level predictors on fear of crime in a small Canadian municipality. Key findings of this study include support for the influence of social cohesion, informal social control and social and physical disorder on fear in a small municipality. However, no clear relationship is found between gender and fear of crime. Additionally, nuanced relationships between social predictors and fear emerge that may be uniquely explained by non-metropolitan context. The findings have implications for the use of urban-based criminological theories of fear and for the use of crime prevention and fear reduction strategies in non-metropolitan contexts.
It’s Deeper Than That!: Restorative Justice and the Challenge of Racial Reflexivity in White-led Schools
Authors: Romano Arthur , Arms Almengor Rochelle
Published: March 2021

This paper uses critical race theory to analyze several case studies focused on the experiences of two restorative justice coordinators (RJCs), both Black women and how they understood and responded to perceived racial injustices in urban schools with white leadership. These schools were attempting to address unequal disciplinary practices toward students of color through restorative justice and the RJCs adapted their approaches to addressing racialized dynamics while also developing school-wide networks to foster broader critical reflection on race. They navigated the risks of challenging white privilege and systemic racism both of which at times limited their attempts at influencing change.
Can Supportive Siblings Protect against the Risk that Stress from Feelings of Alienation with Parents and Peers Poses to Mental Health in Emerging Adulthood?
Authors: Osman Muna , Miranda Dave
Published: March 2021

Feelings of alienation with parents and peers can lead to psychological distress, possibly because such feelings are stressful. Supportive siblings are known to foster mental health in youth, but research in emerging adulthood is limited. We hypothesized supportive sibling climate as a protective factor in the risks that stress from parent and peer alienation poses to psychological distress among emerging adults. A proposed moderated-mediation model was tested, across three samples, using latent moderated mediation structural equation modeling. Results indicated that parental and peer alienation were associated with more psychological distress, and stress partially mediated the link between parental (but not peer) alienation and psychological distress in two samples. However, a supportive sibling climate was not protective as it did not moderate the links among alienation, stress, and psychological distress. In sum, siblings seem beneficial, but perhaps it is not sufficient to protect emerging adults’ mental health against stress from parent and peer alienation.
Stepfamily Involvement in and out of School and (Step)children’s College Preparation Behaviors: A Latent Cluster Analysis
Authors: Bible Jacqueline , Lardier David T. , Perrone Frank , van Eeden-Moorefield Brad
Published: March 2021

Using a latent class analysis (LCA) with data from a subsample of children in stepfamilies ( N = 6,637) from the 2009 High School Longitudinal Study (HSLS), this study examined how stepfamily involvement in their (step)child’s education in and outside of school influenced their (step)child’s college preparation. Stepfamily involvement in their (step)child’s education in school (e.g., help with homework) and outside of school (e.g., educational experiences such as going to a museum) may help overcome challenges associated with academic and college preparation for children in stepfamilies. Results broadly indicate students with higher stepfamily involvement in education in and out of school had (step)parents who believed that college was attainable, students engaged in more activities that would prepare them for their future, and students took more AP/IB level courses and tests. Together, findings suggest that stepfamily involvement in education both in and out of school is important for their (step)child’s college preparation behaviors.
In the Ear of the Listener: The Role of Foreign Accent in Interethnic Friendships and Partnerships
Authors: Kogan Irena , Dollmann Jörg , Weißmann Markus
Published: March 2021

This article examines the association between accented speech and the formation of friendships and partnerships among immigrants and native-born majority residents in Germany. Drawing on the sixth wave of the German extension of the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Survey in Four European Countries, we analyze a neglected aspect of language — pronunciation — and find that speaking with a foreign accent is a more important correlate of the incidence of interethnic partnerships than of interethnic friendships. We argue that beyond its primary function of understandability, accented speech possesses socially communicative power. Accent transmits signals of an individual’s foreignness and cultural differences and, thus, becomes an additional marker of social distance. Such signals serve as a greater obstacle to more consequential intimate interethnic relations such as partnerships. Our findings extend the scholarly debate on the role of symbolic boundaries in social interactions between ethnic groups by yet another important boundary maker — accent.
A moral education? British Values, colour-blindness, and preventing terrorism
Authors: Winter Christine , Heath-Kelly Charlotte , Kaleem Amna , Mills China
Published: March 2021

The Prevent Strategy tasks the British education sector with preventing radicalisation and extremism. It defines extremism as opposition to fundamental British Values and requires schools to promote these values and refer students and staff believed to be vulnerable to radicalisation. Little research examining the enactment of the Prevent and British Values curriculum has included students. To fill this gap, we investigated how students, teachers and Prevent/British Values trainers engage with this curriculum by conducting individual interviews in two multicultural secondary schools in England, framing the study in recent work on colour-blindness. We found that whilst multiculturalism was celebrated, discussion about everyday structural racism was avoided. Critical thinking was performed strategically, and classrooms were securitised as sites for identifying potential safeguarding referrals. Moral education, colour-blindness and safeguarding intersected to negate racialised experiences, whilst exposing students and teachers to racialised Prevent referrals.
You Liar! Attributions of Lying
Authors: Curtis Drew A.
Published: March 2021

Language is vastly important in shaping cognitions. The word “liar” is used in a variety of social contexts and deception literature, eliciting numerous images, and is rarely the object of research. Two studies explored how people think of the social cognitive label of “liar.” In Study 1, the actor-observer difference in the liar attribution was examined, in how people view their own lying compared to others’ lies. Additionally, attitudes and acceptability of self and others’ lies were investigated. In Study 2, the liar attribution was examined across various types of lies. Results indicated that people judge others to be more deserving of the liar label than one’s self and others lie based on their disposition. Additionally, people held more negative attitudes toward others who lie but were more accepting of others who lie.
Does Controlling for Scale Heterogeneity Better Explain Respondents’ Preference Segmentation in Discrete Choice Experiments? A Case Study of US Health Insurance Demand
Authors: Karim Suzana , Craig Benjamin M. , Poteet Stephen
Published: March 2021

Analyses of preference evidence frequently confuse heterogeneity in the effects of attribute parameters (i.e., taste coefficients) and the scale parameter (i.e., variance). Standard latent class models often produce unreasonable classes with high variance and disordered coefficients because of confounding estimates of effect and scale heterogeneity. In this study, we estimated a scale-adjusted latent class model in which scale classes (heteroskedasticity) were identified using respondents’ randomness in choice behavior on the internet panel (e.g., time to completion and time of day). Hence, the model distinctly explained the taste/preference variation among classes associated with individual socioeconomic characters, in which scales are adjusted. Using data from a discrete-choice experiment on US health insurance demand among single employees, the results demonstrated how incorporating behavioral data enhances the interpretation of heterogeneous effects. Once scale heterogeneity was controlled, we found substantial heterogeneity with 4 taste classes. Two of the taste classes were highly premium sensitive (economy class), coming mostly from the low-income group, and the class associated with better educational backgrounds preferred to have a better quality of coverage of health insurance plans. The third class was a highly quality-sensitive class, with a higher SES background and lower self-stated health condition. The last class was identified as stayers, who were not premium or quality sensitive. This case study demonstrates that one size does not fit all in the analysis of preference heterogeneity. The novel use of behavioral data in the latent class analysis is generalizable to a wide range of health preference studies.
Evaluating the Quality of Curing Applications on Concrete Pavements with Ground-Penetrating Radar
Authors: Joshaghani Alireza , Zollinger Dan G.
Published: March 2021

The management of concrete pavement curing must take several factors into account, such as the type of curing compound, the rate of the curing application, the uniformity of the curing application, the timing of the application, and the ambient weather conditions. This paper aims to elucidate a new curing application protocol for new concrete pavement construction and introduce a technique to address curing viability. Data for the development of the protocol were obtained from field investigations involving a series of test sections associated with concrete paving projects in: Victoria, TX; Itasca, IL; and Jacksonville, FL. For this undertaking, ground-penetrating radar technology was used to evaluate the efficacy of curing in relation to repeatability and uniformity. Statistical analysis was used to validate the utility of using dielectric measurements to qualify the curing quality. The rate of decrease in the dielectric constant was the critical parameter for evaluating a curing practice. Also, based on the coefficient of variation of data collection, the repeatability of data was acceptable. Finally, as a new method for checking the uniformity of curing applications, percent within limits (PWL) was implemented. Based on the PWL results, the hand-spraying led to a higher degree of non-uniformity in the spraying patterns compared with the spraying machine.
Assessing the Impact of Geosynthetic Interlayers on Laboratory Cracking and Delamination of Hot-Mix Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Cullen Sean , Offenbacker Daniel , Ali Ayman , Mehta Yusuf , Decarlo Christopher , Elshaer Mohamed
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the impact of geosynthetic interlayers on crack retardation and delamination within hot-mix asphalt mixtures. Five different geosynthetic interlayers (three geogrids, one geotextile, and one geocomposite) were considered in this study and varied in opening size, tensile strength, and bonding additive. Two asphalt binder tack coats—PG 64-22 and PG 76-22—were selected and applied at a rate of 0.95 L/m2 (0.21 gal/yd2) based on literature and manufacturer recommendations. Three-point bending (3PB) tests were conducted to assess the cracking and delamination resistance of geosynthetic interlayers. Digital images were recorded during 3PB testing and analyzed using digital image correlation to track specimen movements at the interface under flexural loading. The results showed that specimens with geosynthetic interlayers had higher fracture energy and slower crack propagation rates compared with control specimens. More specifically, fiberglass geogrid interlayers showed the greatest ability to retard crack propagation, with crack propagation rates of 0.07 mm per second (mm/s) compared with control (0.14 mm/s) and other geosynthetics (between 0.08 mm/s and 0.10 mm/s). With respect to delamination, control two-lift and geotextile interlayer (GTX-P) specimens showed the least amount of horizontal delamination. When evaluating the rate at which delamination spread, geotextile specimens (GTX-P) and geocomposite specimens showed slower spread of delamination compared with geogrid interlayers. Overall, the results from this study showed the use of geosynthetic interlayers improved cracking resistance and caused little to no delamination along the asphalt interface.
Attribution Theory, Bystander Effect and Willingness to Intervene in Intimate Partner Violence
Authors: Wijaya Clara N. , Roberts Lynne D. , Kane Robert T.
Published: March 2021

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a crime that is afflicted by a current or previous romantic relationship partner. One in four women has experienced IPV at least once in their lifetime, with physical and psychological consequences. IPV cases tend to go largely unnoticed and under-reported, with low rates of intervention by bystanders. This cross-sectional correlational study investigated whether a combination of attribution theory and the bystander effect could predict the willingness of strangers to intervene in IPV. There were two models tested. The first model examined attitudes towards the victim, while the second one examined attitudes towards the perpetrator. The relationship between perceived responsibility and willingness to intervene was hypothesized to be mediated by sympathy and anger, with the number of bystanders as a moderator to mediating pathways (sympathy towards victim and anger towards perpetrator). A convenience sample of 278 Australian residents aged 18-years and older was presented in a vignette depicting an IPV incident occurring in public. Participants completed measures about the vignette in an online questionnaire. Model testing was conducted using MPlus; confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit of the measurement models. After controlling potential covariates, moderated mediation models of victim and perpetrator were analyzed. Attribution theory was a significant predictor in willingness to intervene ( f² = .23, p < .001), but the bystander effect was not. Both attitudes towards victim and perpetrator accounted for unique variance in willingness to intervene in IPV, highlighting the importance of examining both. Findings indicate that psychoeducation campaigns aimed at reducing victim-blaming and promoting intervening behavior could be an effective means of preventing IPV.
Large-scale flexible spacecraft mass properties determination using torque-generating control
Authors: Liu Rui , Zhou Jun , Chi Minghe , Li Gongjun , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2021

It is necessary to determine the mass properties of an on-orbit large-scale flexible spacecraft in order to achieve high-precision attitude control. The mass properties of the spacecraft include the inertia, the center of mass, and the mass. Research in this area had been mostly focused on rigid spacecrafts. The coupling between the rigid body of the spacecraft and the large flexible appendages on it, however, could have significant effect on the mass properties determination. This article proposes a momentum conservation–based determination method that takes into consideration the rigid–flexible coupling factors of large-scale flexible spacecrafts.

First, a control method is designed to ensure that the spacecraft stays motionless after the motivation incurred for mass properties determination. Second, an inertia matrix determination method is developed using a Kalman filter, in which the coupling factors are added in the amendment procedure. Third, the Kalman filter with input is applied in the determination of the center of mass: on the one hand, this method can use one the accelerometer placed at the flexible appendages, if the deformation can be measured; on the other side, the method can use three accelerometers placed at three orthogonal points of the rigid part of the spacecraft, when the deformation cannot be measured. Finally, the mass can be gained by estimating the center of mass twice. Simulations were carried out on a large-scale rigid–flexible coupling spacecraft. The results demonstrated that the determination errors in all cases are less than 10%, which meet the engineering requirements.
Improved uncertain method for safety analysis of aircraft landing gear
Authors: Liu Xintian , Geng Shuanglong , Yu Xueguang , Tong Jiachi , Wang Yansong
Published: March 2021

There are various uncertain factors in most practical engineering applications, such as input loads, structural sizes, manufacturing tolerance, and initial and boundary conditions. The interval method and grey number theory are common methods to deal with uncertainty. In this article, the interval truncation method and grey number theory are improved. And a mixed method is proposed to represent the confidence interval of output result based on the improved interval truncation method and improved grey number theory. The proposed methods’ feasibility is verified by a stepped bar; the methods are applied to the analysis of aircraft landing gear safety uncertainty.
Entropy and fractal perspectives of a flapping wing subjected to gust
Authors: De Manabendra M , Mathur Jaideep S , Vengadesan Sankaranarayanan
Published: March 2021

Studies on entomopter’s performance under the influence of gust have received impetus in the past decade. There exists a dire need to ascertain the threshold of the frontal gusty conditions which would destabilize these anthropogenic flyers. This would help to devise methods to mitigate the detrimental effects of gust. In light of this aspect, the present study aims at analyzing the onsets of instability in a flapping wing system subjected to temporal gust by employing recurrence period density entropy (RPDE) and detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). Simulation of the flapping wing along inclined stroke is carried out for a Reynolds number of 150. This Reynolds number lies in the typical operating regime of fruit flies and entomopters like the Pico aerial vehicle. Numerical simulations are carried out to solve the laminar, unsteady, and incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The dynamic meshing technique is employed to model flapping kinematics. Nine gusts with a combination of frequency and velocity ratios of 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 are considered. Instantaneous horizontal and vertical forces are estimated. Time series of these forces are analyzed using RPDE and DFA paradigms. These analyses indicate that gust frequency of an order of magnitude higher than flapping frequency and gust amplitude of the order of magnitude as the wing’s root mean square velocity induces a possible onset of instability.
Aeroacoustic noise calculations of non-compact bodies with permeable boundaries
Authors: Wang Fang , Liu Qiuhong
Published: March 2021

A hybrid computational aeroacoustic method with permeable boundary is developed to evaluate non-compact noise induced by low Mach number flow over arbitrarily shaped bodies. Based on Lighthill’s equation and the boundary element method, the unified integral equations are established in which the integral boundary surrounding the objects can be selected arbitrarily. Validation studies are developed for noise induced by two-dimensional NACA0012 airfoil and three-dimensional circular cylinder. For NACA0012 airfoil, the directivity patterns of calculated noise with different permeable boundaries agree well with Howe’s analytical solution for trailing edge model. The acoustic noise generated by circular cylinder has a good agreement with Revell’s experimental data and FW-H equation. It demonstrates that the noise predicted by different permeable boundary is as accurate as that calculated by the body surface.
Laminar separation bubble dynamics and its effects on thin airfoil performance during pitching-up motion
Authors: Chen Zhaolin , Xiao Tianhang , Wang Yan , Qin Ning
Published: March 2021

This article reports an investigation into dynamic characteristics of the laminar separation bubbles (LSBs) associated with aerodynamic loads unsteadiness of a cambered thin airfoil in pitching-up motions at low Reynolds number flows. Unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulations were conducted for a 4%c cambered thin airfoil at Reynolds number of 30,000 and 60,000. The airfoil pitches up from 0° to 25°angles of attack at dimensionless pitch rate [Formula: see text] of 0.0398 and 0.0199. The [Formula: see text] SST [Formula: see text] turbulence transition model was used to account for the effect of transition on LSBs’ development. The LSBs are shown to evolve in their shape and size during the pitching motion. The influence of the LSBs on the airfoil upper surface during pitching motion continues to a higher incidence in comparison with that under static conditions before developing into a fully detached flow. Vortex merging is observed in the rear part of the LSBs in the turbulent portion for a Reynolds number of 30,000. At Reynolds number 60,000, the changing of the LSB length during pitching-up motion is similar to that of steady cases, except a delayed transition is observed as incidence increases. The results show further insight into the dynamic characteristics of the LSBs and their relation to the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil.
Responsibility to Protect and Rising Asian Powers
Authors: Dahl-Eriksen Tor
Published: March 2021

Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is the national and international responsibility to protect populations against mass atrocities. This article discusses prospects for the implementation of R2P objectives in a world where Asian powers rise. It focuses not only on prevention and assistance but also decisive action, the most controversial aspect of R2P, tied to the UN Security Council where China resides as a permanent member with a veto. The Indian R2P position also highlights, supplemented with some comments, on selected East Asian states. It concludes that the rise of Asian powers does not threaten the national responsibility to protect. Voluntary international assistance is not threatened, but assistance with coercive elements might be. Unless more clear criteria are established for the possible use of military force, mandates from the Security Council which allows this will probably be rare. Particularly, China will oppose interventions that may forward regime change in targeted states.
Let’s talk about affordances: some implications of the social-material affordances approach
Authors: Voestermans Paul
Published: March 2021

In Erik Rietveld’s inaugural lecture “The Affordances of Art for Making Technologies,” art is presented as a valuable avenue to enrich the environment with material and social affordances that may enhance human meaning giving practices. In this contribution, I make a distinction between conventional and unconventional practices and argue for an account of sociomateriality that covers the whole spectrum and not just the evidently artistic and artful ones. In this context, I plea for a cognitive science program that adds to the rich resources art has to offer for understanding the whole spectrum of practices and deals with the complexity of social, material, and cultural practices.
Early career researchers’ identity threats in the field: The shelter and shadow of collective support
Authors: Callagher Lisa Jane , El Sahn Ziad , Hibbert Paul , Korber Stefan , Siedlok Frank
Published: March 2021

Based on an autoethnographic study of early career researchers’ field research experiences, we show how individuals deal with moments of discrimination that present identity threats. This is accomplished through participating in the construction of a shared holding environment to provide emotional shelter and resources for resultant identity work. We show how they collectively develop anticipatory responses to future identity threats and inadvertently how this allows the effects of discrimination to be both unchallenged and amplified. We draw implications for identity work theory, adding to current understandings of identity threats, tensions, and challenges and the dynamics through which these are addressed, avoided, or worked around, as well as the shadow side of such activities. We also offer practical implications about the business schools’ role in nurturing early career researchers’ identity work.
Parenting stress in autism spectrum disorder may account for discrepancies in parent and clinician ratings of child functioning
Authors: Schwartzman Jessica M , Hardan Antonio Y , Gengoux Grace W
Published: March 2021

Elevated parenting stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder is well-documented; however, there is limited information about variability in parenting stress and relationships with parent ratings of child functioning. The aim of this study was to explore profiles of parenting stress among 100 parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in two clinical trials and potential relationships between parenting stress and parent ratings of child functioning at the baseline timepoint. Secondary aims examined differential patterns of association between parenting stress profiles and parent versus clinician ratings of child functioning. A k-means cluster analysis yielded three different profiles of parenting stress (normal, elevated, and clinically significant) using scores on the Parenting Stress Index–Short Form. One-way analyses of variance revealed differential patterns of parent ratings across the three parenting stress profiles on certain domains of child functioning (e.g. problem behaviors and social impairment) and family empowerment, but similar ratings of child receptive and expressive language abilities. Clinicians blinded to study conditions also rated child functioning, but clinician ratings did not differ by parenting stress profile. Findings emphasize the importance of identifying parenting stress profiles and understanding their relationship with parent ratings, with implications for interpreting parent-report measures and measuring child response in treatment trials.

Lay abstract

Elevated parenting stress among parents of children with autism spectrum disorder is well-documented; however, there is limited information about differences in parenting stress and potential relationships with parent ratings of child functioning. The aim of this study was to explore profiles of parenting stress among 100 parents of young children with autism spectrum disorder enrolled in two clinical trials and to explore relationships between parenting stress level and parent ratings of child functioning before treatment. Secondary aims examined differential patterns of association between parenting stress profiles and parent versus clinician ratings of child functioning. We show that stress may influence parent ratings of certain child behaviors (e.g. problem behaviors) and not others (e.g. language), yet clinician ratings of these same children do not differ. This new understanding of parenting stress has implications for parent-rated measures, tracking treatment outcome, and the design of clinical trials.
On the essential role of organized skepticism in science’s “internal and lawful autonomy” (Eigengesetzlichkeit)
Authors: Hallonsten Olof
Published: March 2021

The institution of science is said to be under pressure from political, economic and social interests, manifested in alleged bureaucratization, managerial reforms, anti-intellectual movements on university campuses, and widespread questioning of expert knowledge in society. Commercialization of academic publishing and the growth of competitive funding have increased the importance of journal and grant peer review in science and seem also to have contributed to the proliferation of false impressions about the nature of scientific knowledge production and science’s role in society. In this article, these developments are problematized and put into perspective with the help of classic sociological theory in a Weberian and Mertonian tradition, in an attempt to shed new light on the debate on the governance and institutional autonomy of science. First, academic science is identified as a Weberian value sphere with “internal and lawful autonomy” ( Eigengesetzlichkeit), and the broader functionalist context of this supposition is discussed. Second, Merton’s theory of the normative structure of science is used to give specific content to Eigengesetzlichkeit in the case of science. Third, the concept of organized skepticism is developed to represent a range of social patterns ubiquitous in scientific practice, and its epistemological and sociological foundations are discussed. Organized skepticism is thus identified as the essential feature of science’s Eigengesetzlichkeit.
Towards a better understanding of physical activity in people with COPD: predicting physical activity after pulmonary rehabilitation using an integrative competence model
Authors: Carl Johannes Alexander , Geidl Wolfgang , Schuler Michael , Mino Eriselda , Lehbert Nicola , Wittmann Michael , Schultz Konrad , Pfeifer Klaus
Published: March 2021

The integrative Physical Activity-related Health Competence (PAHCO) model specifies competences (movement competence, control competence, and self-regulation competence) that enable people to lead a physically active lifestyle. This longitudinal study analyses the predictive quality of a multidimensional PAHCO assessment for levels of physical activity (PA) and their relevance for quality of life in COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation. At the end of an inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation (T2), 350 COPD patients participating in the Stay Active after Rehabilitation (STAR) study underwent assessments, including a six-factor measurement of PAHCO. PA (triaxial accelerometry) and quality of life (Saint George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) were recorded 6 weeks (T3) and 6 months (T4) after rehabilitation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to regress the PAHCO assessment on PA, which should, in turn, influence quality of life. In univariable analysis, five and six factors of the PAHCO model were related to PA and quality of life, respectively. Multivariate modelling showed that the predictive analyses for the PA level were dominated by the 6-minute walking test representing movement competence (0.562 ≤ |β| ≤ 0.599). Affect regulation as an indicator of control competence co-predicted quality of life at T3 and levels of PA at T4. The PA level was, in turn, significantly associated with patients’ quality of life (0.306 ≤ |β| ≤ 0.388). The integrative PAHCO model may be used as a theoretical framework for predicting PA in COPD patients following pulmonary rehabilitation. The results improve our understanding of PA behaviour in COPD patients and bear implications for person-oriented PA promotion.
Ipsilateral Motor Pathways and Transcallosal Inhibition During Lower Limb Movement After Stroke
Authors: Cleland Brice T. , Madhavan Sangeetha
Published: March 2021

Background

Stroke rehabilitation may be improved with a better understanding of the contribution of ipsilateral motor pathways to the paretic limb and alterations in transcallosal inhibition. Few studies have evaluated these factors during dynamic, bilateral lower limb movements, and it is unclear whether they relate to functional outcomes.

Objective

Determine if lower limb ipsilateral excitability and transcallosal inhibition after stroke depend on target limb, task, or number of limbs involved, and whether these factors are related to clinical measures.

Methods

In 29 individuals with stroke, ipsilateral and contralateral responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation were measured in the paretic and nonparetic tibialis anterior during dynamic (unilateral or bilateral ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion) and isometric (unilateral dorsiflexion) conditions. Relative ipsilateral excitability and transcallosal inhibition were assessed. Fugl-Meyer, ankle movement accuracy, and walking characteristics were assessed.

Results

Relative ipsilateral excitability was greater during dynamic than isometric conditions in the paretic limb ( P ≤ .02) and greater in the paretic than the nonparetic limb during dynamic conditions ( P ≤ .004). Transcallosal inhibition was greater in the ipsilesional than contralesional hemisphere ( P = .002) and during dynamic than isometric conditions ( P = .03). Greater ipsilesional transcallosal inhibition was correlated with better ankle movement accuracy ( R2 = 0.18, P = .04). Greater contralateral excitability to the nonparetic limb was correlated with improved walking symmetry ( R2 = 0.19, P = .03).

Conclusions

Ipsilateral pathways have increased excitability to the paretic limb, particularly during dynamic tasks. Transcallosal inhibition is greater in the ipsilesional than contralesional hemisphere and during dynamic than isometric tasks. Ipsilateral pathways and transcallosal inhibition may influence walking asymmetry and ankle movement accuracy.
Research on measuring device and quantifiable risk assessment method based on FMEA of escalator brake
Authors: Ma Haixia , Li Zhongxing , Wang Zhidong , Feng Ruijue , Li Gang , Xu Jiangyuan
Published: March 2021

To improve the accuracy of braking distance measurement and reduce the impact of human factors on brake risk assessment of escalators, a non-contact braking distance measuring device based on infrared ranging principle is designed. Futher, a quantifiable risk assessment method of brake based on failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is propose in this paper. Characteristics and trends of distance changes during emergency braking process of the escalator are theoretically analyzed. To extract, process, and recognize the distance change signals, and finally to realize accurate measurement of the braking distance, a high-speed infrared distance measurement technology is used. Influencing factors of the escalator brake performance are studied. The risk analysis method based on FMEA is used to analyze its failure mode, failure mechanism, and consequences of the failure. A risk index assessment system is constructed and quantified. The test results show that the measurement error of the device designed is 1.6%, which is 1/6 of the traditional measurement method. The repeated measurement error of the device is 1.4%, which is 1/7 of the traditional measurement method. Application results show that the quantifiable risk assessment method quantifies and assigns the risk level according to the weight, which effectively avoids the inconsistent results caused by human bias. The evaluation results are more scientific and reliable.
Bifurcated bypass in severe chronic limb threatening ischaemia
Authors: Adami Daniele , Marconi Michele , Piaggesi Alberto , Mocellin Davide M , Berchiolli Raffaella N , Ferrari Mauro
Published: March 2021

Objectives

Revascularization according to the angiosome concept is of proven importance for limb salvage in chronic limb threatening ischaemia but it is not always practicable. Bifurcated bypasses could be considered as an option when an endovascular approach is not feasible or has already failed and a single bypass would not allow direct revascularization of the ischaemic area. Bifurcated bypasses are characterized by landing on two different arteries, the main artery (in direct continuity with the foot vessels) and the secondary one (perfusing the angiosome district). The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of bifurcated bypass in chronic limb threatening ischaemia.

Methods

Thirty-five patients were consecutively treated with a bifurcated bypass for chronic limb threatening ischaemia from January 2014 to December 2019 in a single vascular surgery centre. Data from clinical records and operative registers were collected prospectively in an electronic database and retrospectively analysed. Primary and primary assisted bypass patency, amputation-free survival, morbidity and mortality rates at 12 and 24 months were analysed.

Results

Mean follow-up period was 25.1 months (range 2–72 months). Thirty-six bifurcated bypasses were performed on 35 patients (age 75.3 ± 7.2 years; 69.4% were male). According to Wound, Ischemia, foot Infection classification 22.2% belonged to stage 3 and 77.8% to stage 4 and the mean Rutherford’s class was 5.1 ± 0.7. Immediate technical success was 100%. Early mortality and morbidity rates were respectively 5.5%, and 33.3%; foot surgery was performed in 50% of cases with wound healing in all patients. Primary patency and primary assisted bypass patency were 96.7% and 100% at 6 months; 85.2% and 92% at 12 months, 59.9% and 73.4% at 24 months, respectively. Amputation-free survival at 12 and 24 months was, respectively, 95.6% and 78.8%. Overall survival rates at 12 and 24 months were respectively 94.4% and 91.6%.

Conclusions

Bifurcates bypass can provide good results in patients with chronic limb threatening ischaemia without endovascular option, especially in diabetic ones. Bifurcated bypass is a complex surgical solution, both to be planned and performed, and it is quite invasive for frail patients that should be accurately selected.
Stroke risk following traumatic brain injury: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Turner Grace M , McMullan Christel , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Bem Danai , Marshall Tom , Calvert Melanie , Mant Jonathan , Belli Antonio
Published: March 2021

Background

Traumatic brain injury is a global health problem; worldwide, >60 million people experience a traumatic brain injury each year and incidence is rising. Traumatic brain injury has been proposed as an independent risk factor for stroke.

Aims

To investigate the association between traumatic brain injury and stroke risk.

Summary of review

We undertook a systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and The Cochrane Library from inception to 4 December 2020. We used random-effects meta-analysis to pool hazard ratios for studies which reported stroke risk post-traumatic brain injury compared to controls. Searches identified 10,501 records; 58 full texts were assessed for eligibility and 18 met the inclusion criteria. The review included a large sample size of 2,606,379 participants from four countries. Six studies included a non-traumatic brain injury control group, all found traumatic brain injury patients had significantly increased risk of stroke compared to controls (pooled hazard ratio 1.86; 95% confidence interval 1.46–2.37). Findings suggest stroke risk may be highest in the first four months post-traumatic brain injury, but remains significant up to five years post-traumatic brain injury. Traumatic brain injury appears to be associated with increased stroke risk regardless of severity or subtype of traumatic brain injury. There was some evidence to suggest an association between reduced stroke risk post-traumatic brain injury and Vitamin K antagonists and statins, but increased stroke risk with certain classes of antidepressants.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury is an independent risk factor for stroke, regardless of traumatic brain injury severity or type. Post-traumatic brain injury review and management of risk factors for stroke may be warranted.
Prevalence of axial spondyloarthritis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease using cross-sectional imaging: a systematic literature review
Authors: Evans Jobie , Sapsford Mark , McDonald Scott , Poole Kenneth , Raine Tim , Jadon Deepak R.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an excess burden of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), which, if left untreated, may significantly impact on clinical outcomes. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of axSpA, including previously undiagnosed cases, in IBD patients from studies involving cross-sectional imaging and identify the IBD features potentially associated with axSpA.

Methods:

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were searched systematically between 1990 and 2018. Article reference lists and key conference abstract lists from 2012 to 2018 were also reviewed. All abstracts were reviewed by two authors to determine eligibility for inclusion. The study inclusion criteria were (a) adults aged 18 years or above, (b) a clinical diagnosis of IBD and (c) reporting identification of sacroiliitis using cross-sectional imaging.

Results:

A total of 20 observational studies were identified: 12 used CT, 6 used MR and 2 utilised both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Sample sizes ranged from 25 to 1247 (a total of 4096 patients); 31 studies were considered to have low selection bias, 13 included two or more radiology readers, and 3 included rheumatological assessments. The prevalence of sacroiliitis, the most commonly reported axSpA feature, ranged from 2.2% to 68.0% with a pooled prevalence of 21.0% [95% confidence interval (CI) 17–26%]. Associated IBD features include increasing IBD duration, increasing age, male sex, IBD location, inflammatory back pain and peripheral arthritis. No significant difference in the prevalence of sacroiliitis between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis was identified. Study limitations include variability in the individual study sample sizes and patient demographics.

Conclusion:

This review highlights the need for larger, well-designed studies using more sensitive imaging modalities and multivariable modelling to better estimate the prevalence of axSpA in IBD. An improved knowledge of the IBD phenotype(s) associated with axSpA and use of cross-sectional imaging intended for IBD assessment to screen for axSpA may help clinicians identify those patients most at risk.
Recurrent Status Epilepticus in the Setting of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T Cell Therapy
Authors: Reveron-Thornton Rosyli , Scott Brian J. , Post David , Caulfield Anna Finley , Werbaneth Katherine , Hovsepian Dominic A. , Spiegel Jay , Miklos David , Thomas Reena P. , Patel Chirag B.
Published: March 2021

Axicabtagene ciloleucel (AC) is an FDA-approved anti-CD19 autologous chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy for refractory diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). While its efficacy in DLBCL has been promising, neurotoxicity remains a significant concern. We present a case of a 22-year-old woman with chemotherapy-refractory DLBCL who exhibited Grade IV neurotoxicity in the setting of sepsis, after undergoing AC infusion. Despite prophylactic levetiracetam given per guidelines,1,2 she experienced a precipitous mental status decline on post-infusion day 8 (D8) followed by hypoxic respiratory failure in the setting of clinical status epilepticus on D11 and nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) on D18. While neuroimaging was unremarkable, EEG demonstrated diffuse slowing and 2.5–3 Hz generalized periodic discharges consistent with NCSE. Seizures were initially refractory to lorazepam, increasing doses of levetiracetam, and phenobarbital, requiring a midazolam drip titrated to 50–70% burst suppression for resolution. Methylprednisolone and tocilizumab were used to treat neurotoxicity and cytokine release syndrome, respectively. Empiric antibiotics were used for sepsis. After cessation of sedatives on D19, mental status improved to near baseline. PET/CT just prior to discharge showed a complete response of the DLBCL (Deauville 3). She was discharged on D37 with no further seizure activity. Unfortunately, a 3-month interval PET/CT demonstrated disease progression which continued through salvage pembrolizumab eventually leading to death 1.2 years post-CAR-T infusion. This case illustrates the clinical management challenges of a complex and rare neurotoxic side effect of CAR-T cell therapy, namely NCSE following status epilepticus.
Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Different Pulp Capping Materials to Dental Adhesive Systems: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Akbiyik Sema Yazici , Bakir Elif Pınar , Bakir S¸eyhmus
Published: March 2021

Aim:

To evaluate the bond strengths of pulp capping materials (Dycal, ProRoot MTA, Biodentine, TheraCal LC, Calcimol LC, and ApaCal ART) and different adhesive systems (Gluma 2 Bond, Clearfil SE Protect, Gluma Self Etch, Clearfil S 3 Bond Plus, Gluma Bond Universal, Clearfil S 3 Bond Universal).

Materials and Methods:

Two hundred fifty-two acrylic blocks were prepared in which cylindrical cavities of 4 × 2 mm 3 were formed. Pulp capping materials were placed in the cavities. Different adhesive systems were applied to each pulp capping material group. After applying the composite resin, the shear bond strength (SBS) values of the specimens were determined in the Instron test device. Fracture types were evaluated using a stereomicroscope and a scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed by Shapiro–Wilk’s and Kruskal–Wallis H test.

Results:

There is a statistically significant difference between pulp capping materials in terms of SBS values ( P < .05). Dycal’s SBS was found significantly lower than other materials, and the highest bond strength was observed in Calcimol LC material. Although there is no statistically significant difference ( P > .05) between the adhesive agent groups in terms of SBS, Gluma 2 Bond showed the highest bond strength value.

Conclusion:

In traditional pulp capping materials such as Dycal, MTA, and Biodentine, using a two-step self-etch adhesive system can result in higher bond strength values. In resin-based TheraCal LC,, ApaCal ART, and Calcimol LC materials, it may be recommended to use a two-step etch and rinse adhesive system.
Evaluation of the Perspectives of Orthodontists and Laypersons About the Effect of Orthodontic Treatment on Facial Aesthetics of Young Turkish Patients
Authors: Fidancioglu Ahmet , Malkoc Sıddık , Güler Özge Çelik
Published: March 2021

Aim:

To compare the perspective of orthodontists and laypersons on the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics in young Classes I, II, and III Turkish patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 60 patients (30 males and 30 females, 9 to 17 years of age) was included using randomization in strata and then divided equally ( n = 15) into four groups according to the Angle classification. Photographs during frontal and lateral resting and also smiling were obtained from each patient before and after orthodontic treatment. A panel consisting 50 laypersons and 50 orthodontists was invited for the evaluation of the initial and final photos by using the visual analogue scale and a five-point scale to determine similarities and differences of their perspectives in the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics. The data were analyzed by independent t-test, one-way analysis of variance, and Pearson’s correlation test.

Results:

The evaluation of facial aesthetics and treatment changes were not affected by the age and gender of the panel members ( P <.05). Angle Class III patients were given lower scores by both orthodontists ( P < .001) and laypersons ( P < .05), but no significant differences were found between any of other classes ( P >.05). Orthodontists reported greater improvement for Class III than in Class II Division 1 ( P < .05) however laypersons did not notice the changes after orthodontic treatment for any of Angle classes ( P >.05).

Conclusion:

Class III patients received lower scores for aesthetics from both panels. Laypersons may not be concerned about the effects of orthodontic treatment on facial aesthetics in patients with any Angle class. Orthodontists have seen more facial aesthetic changes after orthodontic treatment in Class III patients.