bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ten recommendations for using implementation frameworks in research and practice
Authors: Moullin Joanna C. , Dickson Kelsey S. , Stadnick Nicole A. , Albers Bianca , Nilsen Per , Broder-Fingert Sarabeth , Mukasa Barbara , Aarons Gregory A.
Published: April 2020

Background

Recent reviews of the use and application of implementation frameworks in implementation efforts highlight the limited use of frameworks, despite the value in doing so. As such, this article aims to provide recommendations to enhance the application of implementation frameworks, for implementation researchers, intermediaries, and practitioners.

Discussion

Ideally, an implementation framework, or multiple frameworks should be used prior to and throughout an implementation effort. This includes both in implementation science research studies and in real-world implementation projects. To guide this application, outlined are ten recommendations for using implementation frameworks across the implementation process. The recommendations have been written in the rough chronological order of an implementation effort; however, we understand these may vary depending on the project or context: (1) select a suitable framework(s), (2) establish and maintain community stakeholder engagement and partnerships, (3) define issue and develop research or evaluation questions and hypotheses, (4) develop an implementation mechanistic process model or logic model, (5) select research and evaluation methods (6) determine implementation factors/determinants, (7) select and tailor, or develop, implementation strategy(s), (8) specify implementation outcomes and evaluate implementation, (9) use a framework(s) at micro level to conduct and tailor implementation, and (10) write the proposal and report. Ideally, a framework(s) would be applied to each of the recommendations. For this article, we begin by discussing each recommendation within the context of frameworks broadly, followed by specific examples using the Exploration, Preparation, Implementation, Sustainment (EPIS) framework.

The use of conceptual and theoretical frameworks provides a foundation from which generalizable implementation knowledge can be advanced. On the contrary, superficial use of frameworks hinders being able to use, learn from, and work sequentially to progress the field. Following the provided ten recommendations, we hope to assist researchers, intermediaries, and practitioners to improve the use of implementation science frameworks.
Barriers and strategies for implementing community-based interventions with minority elders: positive minds-strong bodies
Authors: Porteny Thalia , Alegría Margarita , del Cueto Paola , Fuentes Larimar , Markle Sheri Lapatin , NeMoyer Amanda , Perez Giselle K.
Published: April 2020

Background

By 2040, one out of three older adults in the USA are expected to belong to a racial/ethnic minority group. This population has an increased risk of mental and physical disability with significant barriers to access care. Community-based organizations (CBOs) often provide programming to serve minority and immigrant elders. Limited resources and other barriers such as lack of trained staff make it difficult to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) in CBOs for long-term adoption. Yet little is known about what factors can facilitate adoption of EBIs in CBOs serving minority elders.

Methods

Positive-Minds–Strong Bodies (PM-SB), an evidence-based intervention offered in four languages, aims to reduce mental and physical disability for minority and immigrant elders through the efforts of community health workers and exercise trainers. The intervention consists of cognitive behavior therapy and exercise training sessions delivered over 6 months. During a recent clinical trial of this intervention, we elicited feedback from CBO staff to determine how best to facilitate the implementation and long-term sustainability of PM-SB within their agencies. We surveyed 30 CBO staff members, held four focus groups, and conducted 20 in-depth interviews to examine staff perspectives and to reveal factors or changes needed to facilitate long-term adoption in prospective CBOs.

Results

Participants reported that staff motivation and implementation could be improved through the following changes: increasing patient compensation for treatment sessions, decreasing levels of organizational accountability, and reducing staff demands embedded in the intervention. Although most staff perceived that PM-SB improved their agency’s ability to address the health and well-being of elders, capacity-building strategies such as a “train-the-trainer” initiative were identified as priorities to address staff turnover for sustainability. Adapting the intervention to get financial reimbursement also emerged as vital.

Conclusions

Augmenting financial incentives, streamlining procedures, and simplifying staff accountability were suggested strategies for facilitating the transition from a disability prevention clinical trial in minority and immigrant elders to a scalable implementation in routine services at CBOs.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02317432.
Simultaneous static and dynamic bulk modulus measurements under hydrostatic stress conditions and without applying strain gauge
Authors: Yan Fuyong , Han De-Hua , Chen Xue-Lian
Published: April 2020

The static properties of subsurface rocks are needed for geomechanical applications, but the dynamic properties are usually more extensively available and can be acquired with much less effort. Therefore, it is important to know the relationships between the static and dynamic properties. Studying these relationships based on traditional triaxial testing yields confusing results, partly due to intrinsic deficiencies of the experimental setup and testing procedures. We have developed a new approach to study the relationship under hydrostatic stress conditions. The traditional ultrasonic velocity measurement system is sufficient for all of the testing, and it requires no application of the traditional strain gauge. During the pressure-dependent ultrasonic velocity measurements, the rock sample experiences static deformation when the pressure changes are in the order of megapascals. If the pore pressure is kept constant, the pore volume will vary with the confining pressure. The pore volume change can be monitored accurately by the pore pressure controlling pump, and it can be related to the volume strain of the rock for estimating the static bulk modulus of the rock sample. Based on the laboratory ultrasonic measurements available in the literature, we analyzed the effects of the differential pressure, clay content, crack density, and pore fluid on the relationship between the static and dynamic bulk moduli. From the analyses, we inferred that most of the laboratory-observed differences between the static and dynamic property may not exist for the reservoir rock under in situ conditions.
Regional analysis of UK primary care prescribing and adult service referrals for young people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: from little to very little
Authors: Cortese Samuele
Published: April 2020

Drawing on data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, Price et al reported UK regional variations in primary care prescribing and referral rates to adult mental health services for young people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in transition from child and adolescent mental health services. Overall, considering that around 65% of young adults with childhood ADHD present with impairing ADHD symptoms and up to 90% of individuals with ADHD may benefit from ADHD medications, the study by Price et al shows that the rate of appropriate treatment for youngsters in the transition period varies from low to very low across the UK. As such, there is a continuous need for education and training for patients, their families, mental health professionals and commissioners, to eradicate the misconception that, in the majority of the cases, ADHD remits during adolescence and to support the devolvement of appropriate services for the evidence-based management of adult ADHD across the UK.
Patient Preferences Regarding Informed Consent Models for Participation in a Learning Health Care System for Oncology
Authors: Jones Rochelle D. , Krenz Chris , Gornick Michele , Griffith Kent A. , Spence Rebecca , Bradbury Angela R. , De Vries Raymond , Hawley Sarah T. , Hayward Rodney A. , Zon Robin , Bolte Sage , Sadeghi Navid , Schilsky Richard L. , Jagsi Reshma
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE:

The expansion of learning health care systems (LHSs) promises to bolster research and quality improvement endeavors. Stewards of patient data have a duty to respect the preferences of the patients from whom, and for whom, these data are being collected and consolidated.

METHODS:

We conducted democratic deliberations with a diverse sample of 217 patients treated at 4 sites to assess views about LHSs, using the example of CancerLinQ, a real-world LHS, to stimulate discussion. In small group discussions, participants deliberated about different policies for how to provide information and to seek consent regarding the inclusion of patient data. These discussions were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified for thematic analysis.

RESULTS:

Of participants, 67% were female, 61% were non-Hispanic Whites, and the mean age was 60 years. Patients' opinions about sharing their data illuminated 2 spectra: trust/distrust and individualism/collectivism. Positions on these spectra influenced the weight placed on 3 priorities: promoting societal altruism, ensuring respect for persons, and protecting themselves. In turn, consideration of these priorities seemed to inform preferences regarding patient choices and system transparency. Most advocated for a policy whereby patients would receive notification and have the opportunity to opt out of including their medical records in the LHS. Participants reasoned that such a policy would balance personal protections and societal welfare.

CONCLUSION:

System transparency and patient choice are vital if patients are to feel respected and to trust LHS endeavors. Those responsible for LHS implementation should ensure that all patients receive an explanation of their options, together with standardized, understandable, comprehensive materials.
Pan-Cancer Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genomic Alterations and Their Association With Genomic Instability as Measured by Genome-Wide Loss of Heterozygosity
Authors: Sokol Ethan S. , Pavlick Dean , Khiabanian Hossein , Frampton Garrett M. , Ross Jeffrey S. , Gregg Jeffrey P. , Lara Primo N. , Oesterreich Steffi , Agarwal Neeraj , Necchi Andrea , Miller Vincent A. , Alexander Brian , Ali Siraj M. , Ganesan Shridar , Chung Jon H.
Published: April 2020

PURPOSE

BRCA1 or BRCA2 loss of function results in homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), which is targetable by poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and other DNA-damaging agents. In cancers associated with germline BRCA1/2 alterations ( BRCA1/2-associated cancers: breast, ovarian, pancreatic, prostate), BRCA1/2 alterations result in HRD and are biomarkers for PARP inhibitor use. In other (non– BRCA1/2-associated) cancer types, the association between BRCA1/2 alteration and HRD is less clear.

METHODS

A total of 234,154 tumor samples were sequenced by hybrid capture-based comprehensive genomic profiling. Somatic, germline, and zygosity status was determined computationally. BRCA1/2 alterations were classified as predicted germline/somatic and biallelic/monoallelic. Genome-wide loss of heterozygosity (gLOH) was evaluated as a marker of HRD.

RESULTS

BRCA1/2 alterations were observed at a 4.7% frequency. BRCA1/2 mutations were predicted germline in 57.4% of BRCA1/2-associated and 37.2% of non– BRCA1/2-associated cancers. The fraction of BRCA1/2-altered cases that were biallelic was 68.7%, with a higher biallelic fraction in BRCA1/2-associated (89.9%) versus non– BRCA1/2-associated cancers (43.6%). Differences in tissue distribution of biallelic BRCA1 versus BRCA2 alterations were noted, including a higher rate of biallelic BRCA2 alteration in prostate cancer. Biallelic BRCA1/2 alteration was observed at a 3.2% frequency ( BRCA1/2-associated cancers, 8.9%; non– BRCA1/2-associated cancers, 1.3%) and > 1% frequency in at least 13 cancer types. Across cancer types, biallelic BRCA1/2 alteration was associated with increased gLOH versus monoallelic or wild-type BRCA1/2; predicted germline or somatic mutations were both associated with elevated gLOH.

CONCLUSION

Biallelic BRCA1/2 alterations were associated with elevated gLOH in diverse cancer types, including those not traditionally associated with BRCA1/2 cancer syndromes. Biomarker development for PARP inhibitors should integrate methods to distinguish biallelic from monoallelic BRCA1/2 status, and biallelic BRCA1/2 alteration should be broadly evaluated across cancer types as a biomarker for underlying HRD and PARP inhibitor sensitivity.
Terahertz plasma wave localization and velocity control in tapered double-layer graphene heterostructure
Authors: Morozov Mikhail Yu. , Popov Vyacheslav V.
Published: April 2020

Terahertz plasma wave (plasmon) localization and velocity control in tapered heterostructure (taper) with double-layer graphene were numerically studied. We employ a simple rigorous theoretical model to find out the plasmon localization length and energy velocity values along the tapered structure. It is shown that the plasmon decelerates while moving from the taper apex and the deceleration process is accompanied with increase of the plasmon wave localization. While moving along the structure from the taper apex, the plasmon energy velocity as well as the plasmon localization length can become nearly an order of magnitude smaller as compared to the values near the taper apex.
ACTH Infusion Impairs Baroreflex Sensitivity—Implications for Cardiovascular Hypoglycemia-Associated Autonomic Failure
Authors: Leung Janet H , Bayomy Omar F , Bonyhay Istvan , Celli Johanna , White Jeffrey , Freeman Roy , Adler Gail K
Published: April 2020

Context

Hypoglycemia attenuates cardiovascular homeostatic autonomic control. This attenuation, known as the cardiovascular component of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF), is characterized most notably by decreased baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) that begins during hypoglycemia and persists until at least the next day, despite return to euglycemia. Understanding the mechanisms underlying this reduction in BRS is important because BRS attenuation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

Objective

The objective of this work is to investigate the role of the adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)-adrenal axis in decreasing BRS. We tested the hypothesis that infusion of ACTH 1–24 (cosyntropin), as compared to placebo, would acutely suppress BRS, and that this decrease in BRS would be present the next day.

Design

A double-blind, placebo-controlled, random-order, cross-over study was conducted.

Setting

This study took place in a clinical research center.

Participants

Participants included healthy men and women.

Interventions

Interventions included an intravenous infusion of cosyntropin (70 μg/hour for 2.5 hours in the morning and again in the early afternoon) vs normal saline placebo.

Main Outcome Measures

Outcome measures included BRS during and 16 hours after cosyntropin vs placebo infusions.

Results

Cosyntropin infusion attenuated BRS (mm Hg/ms) as compared to placebo (baseline 17.8 ± 1.38 vs 17.0 ± 2.07; during 14.4 ± 1.43 vs 17.3 ± 1.65; and next day 14.8 ± 1.42 vs 18.9 ± 2.04; P < .05, time by treatment, analysis of variance). BRS was decreased during the final 30 minutes of the morning cosyntropin infusion as compared to baseline (P < .01) and remained suppressed the next day (16 hours after afternoon infusion) (P < .025). Placebo infusion did not significantly change BRS. Corrected QT interval was not affected.

Conclusions

ACTH attenuates BRS, raising the possibility that hypoglycemia-induced increases in ACTH may contribute to the cardiovascular component of HAAF.
Tax Credits and Small Firm R&D Spending
Authors: Agrawal Ajay , Rosell Carlos , Simcoe Timothy
Published: April 2020

In 2004, Canada changed the eligibility rules for its Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SRED) tax credit, which provides tax incentives for R&D conducted by small private firms. Difference-in-difference estimates show a 17 percent increase in total R&D among eligible firms. The impact was larger for firms that took the tax credits as refunds because they had no current tax liability. Contract R&D expenditures were more elastic than the R&D wage bill. The response was also greater for firms that invested in R&D capital before the policy change. (JEL D22, G32, H25, L25, O32, O38)
Unemployment Insurance and Means-Tested Program Interactions: Evidence from Administrative Data
Authors: Leung Pauline , O’Leary Christopher
Published: April 2020

We study the ways in which unemployment insurance (UI) benefits interact with other elements of the social safety net around job losses. We exploit a cutoff for UI eligibility, based on a workers’ highest quarterly earnings in the past year, to generate quasi-experimental variation in UI receipt. We find that UI receipt cuts welfare (TANF) receipt by half among low-earning UI applicants but has no impact on SNAP or Medicaid usage. However, because welfare participation is low in this population, overall crowdout is small. In the quarter following layoff, UI increases total income by 55 percent (including labor earnings and transfers) (JEL E24, H53, I18, I38, J64, J65).
Heat and Learning
Authors: Park R. Jisung , Goodman Joshua , Hurwitz Michael , Smith Jonathan
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate that heat inhibits learning and that school air conditioning may mitigate this effect. Student fixed effects models using students who retook the PSATs show that hotter school days in the years before the test was taken reduce scores, with extreme heat being particularly damaging. Weekend and summer temperatures have little impact, suggesting heat directly disrupts learning time. New nationwide, school-level measures of air conditioning penetration suggest patterns consistent with such infrastructure largely offsetting heat’s effects. Without air conditioning, a 1°F hotter school year reduces that year’s learning by 1 percent. Hot school days disproportionately impact minority students, accounting for roughly 5 percent of the racial achievement gap. (JEL I21, I24, J15, Q54)
A robust and versatile method for production and purification of large-scale RNA samples for structural biology
Authors: Karlsson Hampus , Baronti Lorenzo , Petzold Katja
Published: April 2020

Recent findings in genome-wide transcriptomics revealed that RNAs are involved in almost every biological process, across all domains of life. The characterization of native RNAs of unknown function and structure is particularly challenging due to their typical low abundance in the cell and the inherent sensitivity toward ubiquitous RNA degrading enzymes. Therefore, robust in vitro synthesis and extensive work-up methods are often needed to obtain samples amenable for biochemical, biophysical, and structural studies. Here, we present a protocol that combines the most recent advances in T7 in vitro transcription methodology with reverse phase ion pairing and ion exchange HPLC purification of RNAs for the production of yield-optimized large-scale samples. The method is easy to follow, robust and suitable for users with little or no experience within the field of biochemistry or chromatography. The complete execution of this method, for example, for production of isotopically labeled NMR samples, can be performed in less than a week.
A review of open source ventilators for COVID-19 and future pandemics
Authors: Pearce Joshua M.
Published: April 2020

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) threatens to overwhelm our medical infrastructure at the regional level causing spikes in mortality rates because of shortages of critical equipment, like ventilators. Fortunately, with the recent development and widespread deployment of small-scale manufacturing technologies like RepRap-class 3-D printers and open source microcontrollers, mass distributed manufacturing of ventilators has the potential to overcome medical supply shortages. In this study, after providing a background on ventilators, the academic literature is reviewed to find the existing and already openly-published, vetted designs for ventilators systems. These articles are analyzed to determine if the designs are open source both in spirit (license) as well as practical details (e.g. possessing accessible design source files, bill of materials, assembly instructions, wiring diagrams, firmware and software as well as operation and calibration instructions). Next, the existing Internet and gray literature are reviewed for open source ventilator projects and designs. The results of this review found that the tested and peer-reviewed systems lacked complete documentation and the open systems that were documented were either at the very early stages of design (sometimes without even a prototype) and were essentially only basically tested (if at all). With the considerably larger motivation of an ongoing pandemic, it is assumed these projects will garner greater attention and resources to make significant progress to reach a functional and easily-replicated system. There is a large amount of future work needed to move open source ventilators up to the level considered scientific-grade equipment, and even further work needed to reach medical-grade hardware. Future work is needed to achieve the potential of this approach by developing policies, updating regulations, and securing funding mechanisms for the development and testing of open source ventilators for both the current COVID19 pandemic as well as for future pandemics and for everyday use in low-resource settings.
Family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland
Authors: Teahan Áine , Fitzgerald Christine , O'Shea Eamon
Published: April 2020

Background:The Alzheimer Café is a psychosocial intervention shown to have benefits for family carers of people with dementia. Family carers of people with dementia experience a period of change across all aspects of their lives following a diagnosis of dementia, requiring the development of new skills and tools to navigate these new landscapes. The objective of this research is to investigate family carers’ perspectives of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland, and to explore how attendance may translate into broader benefits in their lives. This paper will also provide an overview of Alzheimer Café models, which exist internationally.

Methods:This is a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with nine family carers of people with dementia who were currently attending or have previously attended an Alzheimer Café in the preceding six months. The research was conducted in three Alzheimer Café sites in Ireland. Data analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s six step framework for thematic analysis.

Results:Community, atmosphere, activity and information were described as core features of the Alzheimer Café in Ireland for family carers. The Alzheimer Café was shown to provide a social outlet which facilitated relationship building within care dyads as well as with other attendees. Several information avenues were identified including broad overviews from guest speakers, attendees’ shared experiences, and specific advice from healthcare professionals.

Conclusion:The Alzheimer Café offers strong personal support to family carers of people with dementia. It can also help to build family carers’ capacity to manage new social, environmental and cultural challenges associated with dementia. While it is important the Alzheimer Café is enjoyable, has useful information and is supportive, it is equally important that these features generate sustained improvements for family carers external to the Alzheimer Café.
Digital economy enterprises
Authors: Menyaev Mihail
Published: April 2020

The tutorial allows you to learn basic scientific concepts in the field of formation and application of digital economy in the enterprise, to the organization skills of the digital space in the enterprise management system. The analysis of economic methods of formation and active use of Internet resources in the organization of high-tech industry and business.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
Intended for students of higher educational institutions studying the digital economy, innovation, management, industrial and logistics network, trained on a direction of preparation of bachelors in "mechanical engineering".
Sociology
Authors: El'nikova Galina , Laamarti Yuliya
Published: April 2020

The manual contains a full and systematic presentation of the University course of sociology. It is aimed at forming students ' General cultural competence, facilitating independent development of the whole scientific Outlook, and a clear civil position, the mastery of basic sociological concepts and the acquisition of research skills.
Meets the requirements of Federal state educational standards of higher education of the last generation.
For students enrolled in asociological bachelor.
Computation of Exact Bootstrap Confidence Intervals: Complexity and Deterministic Algorithms
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Sturt Bradley
Published: April 2020

The bootstrap method is one of the major developments in statistics in the 20th century for computing confidence intervals directly from data. However, the bootstrap method is traditionally approximated with a randomized algorithm, which can sometimes produce inaccurate confidence intervals. In “Computation of Exact Bootstrap Confidence Intervals: Complexity and Deterministic Algorithms,” Bertsimas and Sturt present a new perspective of the bootstrap method through the lens of counting integer points in a polyhedron. Through this perspective, the authors develop the first computational complexity results and efficient deterministic approximation algorithm (fully polynomial time approximation scheme) for bootstrap confidence intervals, which unlike traditional methods, has guaranteed bounds on its error. In experiments on real and synthetic data sets from clinical trials, the proposed deterministic algorithms quickly produce reliable confidence intervals, which are significantly more accurate than those from randomization.
ACESSO À LEITURA E NARRAÇÃO DE CONTOS DE FADAS NA PRIMEIRA INFÂNCIA: IMPLICAÇÕES PARA A FORMAÇÃO IDENTITÁRIA E A CONSTITUIÇÃO DAS CRIANÇAS COMO SUJEITOS SOCIAIS E DE CONHECIMENTO / Access to reading and narrating fairy tales in early childhood: implications for identity formation and the constitution of children as social and knowledge subjects
Authors: Kielb Eliziane Gorete , Mendes Silva Ivone Maria
Published: April 2020

O presente artigo tematiza as possíveis influências dos contos de fadas na construção da identidade infantil. Para tanto, baseia-se nos achados obtidos em estudo etnográfico realizado em duas escolas de educação infantil no município de Erechim/RS.Como parte do estudo, foram realizadas entrevistas com duas docentes que atuam na educação infantil com crianças de idades entre 3 a 5 anos, assim como observações da abordagem por elas utilizada ao trabalharem com contos em sala de aula, seguida de conversas em grupo com as crianças sobre o assunto. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que as possibilidades que o trabalho com contos coloca para a construção de aprendizados pelas crianças, assim como para a formação de suas identidades, podem ser mais amplas ou mais restritas, dependendo, entre outros fatores, da forma como o trabalho com o tema é conduzido pelos professores. A visão que esses profissionais sustentam sobre o papel da literatura na formação das crianças e a forma como traduzem essa visão em um trabalho educativo, fazendo esse universo de referências chegar aos seus educandos, podem gerar ricas oportunidades de fomentar a atividade reflexiva e imaginativa dos sujeitos infantis, suas habilidades em lidar com as próprias emoções, bem com seu repertório cultural.Conclui-se que os professores, ao atuarem como mediadoresna promoção do encontro das crianças com os contos e outras modalidades literárias, podem contribuir decisivamente para o desenvolvimento destas enquanto sujeitos sociais e de conhecimento.
Patient function continues to improve over the first five years following tibial plateau fracture managed by open reduction and internal fixation
Authors: Gonzalez L. J. , Hildebrandt K. , Carlock K. , Konda S. R. , Egol K. A.
Published: April 2020

Aims

Tibial plateau fractures are serious injuries about the knee that have the potential to affect patients’ long-term function. To our knowledge, this is the first study to use patient-reported outcomes (PROs) with a musculoskeletal focus to assess the long-term outcome, as compared to a short-term outcome baseline, of tibial plateau fractures treated using modern techniques.

Methods

In total, 102 patients who sustained a displaced tibial plateau fracture and underwent operative repair by one of three orthopaedic traumatologists at a large, academic medical centre and had a minimum of five-year follow-up were identified. Breakdown of patients by Schatzker classification is as follows: two (1.9%) Schatzker I, 54 (50.9%) Schatzker II, two (1.9%) Schatzker III, 13 (12.3%) Schatzker IV, nine (8.5%) Schatzker V, and 26 (24.5%) Schatzker VI. Follow-up data obtained included: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) or Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) pain scores, Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA), and knee range of movement (ROM). Data at latest follow-up were then compared to 12-month data using a paired t-test.

Results

Patient-reported functional outcomes as assessed by overall SMFA were statistically significantly improved at five years (p < 0.001) compared with one-year data from the same patients. Patients additionally reported an improvement in the Standardized Mobility Index (p < 0.001), Standardized Emotional Index (p < 0.001), as well as improvement in Standardized Bothersome Index (p = 0.003) between the first year and latest follow-up. Patient-reported pain and knee ROM were similar at five years to their one-year follow-up. In total, 15 of the patients had undergone subsequent orthopaedic surgery for their knees at the time of most recent follow-up. Of note, only one patient had undergone knee arthroplasty following plateau fixation related to post-traumatic osteoarthritis (OA).

Conclusion

Knee pain following tibial plateau fracture stabilizes at one year. However, PROs continue to improve beyond one year following tibial plateau fracture, at least in a statistical sense, if not also clinically. Patients displayed statistical improvement across nearly all SMFA index scores at their minimum five-year follow-up compared with their one-year follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):632–637.
Management of osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb
Authors: Parker Simon , Riley Nicholas , Dean Benjamin ,   Oxford Upper Limb Collaborative
Published: April 2020

Aims

Base of thumb osteoarthritis (BTOA) is a common age-related disease which has a significant negative impact upon quality of life. Our aim was to assess current UK practice in secondary care with regard to the nature of non-surgical treatments, the surgical procedures most commonly performed, and factors influencing the surgical decision-making process.

Methods

Ten consecutive patients undergoing surgery for BTOA between March 2017 and May 2019 were prospectively identified in 15 UK centres. Demographic details, duration of symptoms, radiological grade, non-surgical management strategies, and surgery conducted were recorded. A supplementary consultant questionnaire consisting of four multiple-choice-questions (MCQ) based on hypothetical clinical scenarios was distributed.

Results

A total of 150 patients were identified with a mean age of 64 years (SD 9), comprising 119 females and 31 males. Median duration of symptoms prior to surgery was 24 months (Interquartile range (IQR) 12 to 40). Hand therapy was used in 67 patients (45%), splints in 80 (53%), and 121 patients (81%) received one or more intra-articular injections, of which 81 (67%) were image-guided (14 (12%) ultrasound and 67 (55%) fluoroscopic). Only 48 patients (32%) received all three non-surgical treatments. Simple trapeziectomy (79 patients) and trapeziectomy with ligament reconstruction and/or tendon interposition (69 patients) were the most commonly performed operations. One patient was treated with arthrodesis, and one with arthroplasty. The supplementary questionnaire revealed that no specific patient or disease characteristics significantly influenced the type of surgery undertaken.

Conclusion

We found considerable variation in practice of both non-surgical and surgical management of BTOA. The proportion of patients exhausting non-surgical strategies before being offered surgery is low. Surgeons tend to favour a single type of surgery irrespective of patient or disease characteristics. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):600–605.
Distension arthrogram in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis has a low rate of repeat intervention
Authors: Nicholson Jamie A. , Slader Ben , Martindale Aleksis , Mckie Scott , Robinson C. Mike
Published: April 2020

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of distension arthrography in the treatment of adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder. The secondary aim was to assess which patient and procedural factors predicted the recurrence of symptoms after the procedure.

Methods

All patients referred to our shoulder clinic over a ten-year period, between 2008 and 2018, with a clinical diagnosis of capsulitis and symptoms persisting for more than six months, were offered treatment with a distension arthrogram. All procedures were performed by one of five musculoskeletal radiologists, with a combination of steroid, local anaesthetic, and a distention volume of 10 ml, 30 ml, or 50 ml. Patient demographics, procedural details, recurrence of symptoms, and the need for further intervention were evaluated.

Results

A total of 2,432 distension arthrograms were performed during the study period. The mean time between arthrography and analysis was 5.4 years (SD 4.4; 1 to 11). Recurrent symptoms occurred in 184 cases (7.6%), all of whom had a repeat distension arthrogram at a median of nine months (interquartile range (IQR) 6.0 to 15.3). The requirement for further intervention for persistent symptoms following arthrography was significantly associated with diabetes (p < 0.001) and bilateral capsulitis (p < 0.001). The volume of distension, either with air or saline, showed a dose-dependent advantage. Distension of 50 ml versus 30 ml showed a significantly decreased odds ratio for recurrence of 2.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6 to 3.0; p < 0.001). Capsule rupture (p = 0.615) or steroid dose (p = 0.275) did not significantly affect the rate of recurrence. There were no infections or neurovascular injuries. Following the second distension arthrogram, the symptoms resolved in 137 cases (74.5%) with no further intervention being required. An arthroscopic capsular release was ultimately required in 41 cases, comprising 1.7% of the entire cohort.

Conclusion

We found a low rate of repeat intervention following distension arthrography in patients with adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, at long term follow-up. Greater volumes of distension are associated with lower rates of recurrence independent of capsule rupture. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(5):606–610.
A Simple Method to Develop a Formula for Estimating Concentration Time of Drainage Design
Authors: Yulianur Alfiansyah , Sugianto Sugianto , Puspita Frystia Mala
Published: April 2020

Concentration time of rainfall is an important aspect to determine drainage design. A general rational formula is used to determine design flood or peak flow in urban drainage planning, especially for storm sewer design. The use of this balanced formula requires rainfall intensity, whose duration of rain is equal or more than the time of concentration. This time of concentration is determined using an estimation formula whose formation requires measurement data of the time of concentration. This study introduces how to measure the time of concentration using the concept of-rational-hydrograph, in which peak flow occurs at the time of concentration. To fulfill the aim of this research, an experimental of catchment area planted with Zoysia Japonica grass and showered with a rainfall simulator was conducted. The length of the flow path on the land, L, given in 5 variations, namely 50 cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, 200 cm, and 250 cm, was used. The slope of the land, S, is given in 3 variations, namely 2.8 %, 5,6%, and 8.8%. For each variation of L and S, the experimental catchment area was poured with a fixed rainfall intensity, which is 60 mm/hour. The flow was measured every 5 minutes intervals. Then, from the relationship of flow and time, a rational hydrograph was formed, from which the time of concentration, Tc, was deduced. This Tc value was treated as the measured Tc to form the Tc estimation formula using the regression formula. The formula is Tc = 3.543 + 1.211 L – 17.119 S, with the coefficient of determination R2 = 0.98. These results show that the determination of Tc using the concept of the rational- hydrograph is acceptable. This formula applies to L and S values greater than zero and applies to land covered by Zoysia Japonica grass. Further research is needed for other types of land cover to validate the formula obtained in this research.
Phytochemical study, polyphenols determination and evaluation of antioxidant activity of Origanum compactum and Satureja calamintha nepeta from the region of Ouazzane (Morocco)
Authors: Hayani Mouhcine , Benhlima Nadia , Bouzoubaa Amal , Ailli Atika , Gourich Aman Allah , Mouradi Aicha , Mouradi Aicha , Oulhaj Hamid , Oulhaj Hamid , Zair Touriya
Published: April 2020

Among natural remedies, aromatic and medicinal plants constitute an essential source that deserves scientific attention. Thus, our study aims to promote the virtues of two aromatic and medicinal plants found in the wild in the region of Ouazzane (Morocco). The phytochemical tests of these species have shown the presence of flavonoids, gallic and catechic tannins, cyanidin, sterols and triterpenes. However, alkaloids, carotenoids, saponosides and reducing compounds were not detected. Then, extraction of total polyphenols from Origanum compactum and Satureja calamintha nepeta was conducted for 48 hours by maceration with a mixture of methanol/water (80/20) used as a solvent. Extractions yielded 35.2% crude extracts for Origanum compactum and 34.4% for Satureja calamintha nepeta. The fractionation of these crude methanol extracts was performed with three organic solvents of increasing polarity (chloroform, ethyl acetate then, n-butanol). Total phenol content of the extracts and fractions was assessed by the method of Folin-Ciocalteu. This revealed that the phenol-rich fractions were the crude extract for Origanum compactum and the butanol fraction for Satureja calamintha nepeta. Finally, the evaluation of the antioxidant power which was carried out using the method of trapping the free radical DPPH• and the reduction of iron by the method of FRAP. The DPPH• test showed a high antioxidant activity of the samples: 53.1 µg/ml of crude extract of Origanum compactum was needed to reduce 50% of DPPH•. The same IC50 was obtained for ascorbic acid (standard antioxidant). For Satureja calamintha nepeta, the IC50 was 67.5 µg/ml. On the other hand, the FRAP test revealed that the methanolic extract of origanum compactum has higher reducing power than that of n-buthanolic extract of satureja calamintha nepeta. Still, it remains relatively low compared to ascorbic acid. The high antioxidant activity of these two species could justify their use in traditional medicine for the treatment of many diseases.
Nonlinear-frequency-packing nonlinear frequency division multiplexing transmission
Authors: Zhang Xulun , Sun Peng , Xi Lixia , Zheng Zibo , Du Shucheng , Wei Jiacheng , Wu Yue , Zhang Xiaoguang
Published: April 2020

A nonlinear frequency division multiplexing (NFDM) transmission system, designed specifically for nonlinear fiber channel, has the potential to overcome the nonlinear Shannon capacity limit. However, the spectral efficiency (SE) of the current proven NFDM transmission systems is still lower than that of the analogous orthogonal frequency division multiplexing system. It is extremely necessary to explore effective modulation scheme for the aim of increasing the SE of NFDM system. In this study, we first propose the nonlinear-frequency-packing nonlinear frequency division multiplexing (NFP-NFDM) transmission system. In NFP-NFDM, the spacing of nonlinear subcarriers is squeezed and more nonlinear subcarriers can be packed, but the inter carrier interference (ICI) is introduced. The method of NFP in nonlinear Fourier domain is carefully designed to reduce the complexity of ICI cancellation. Through numerical simulation, we illustrate the feasibility of NFP-NFDM transmission, and higher SE in NFP-NFDM than that of NFDM system is also demonstrated. The upper bound of the normalized SE for NFP-NFDM is estimated, which is higher than that of current NFDM system. Besides, we find out that the NFP scheme may have the advantage of reducing the signal-noise interaction in fiber transmission scenario, which indicates there may be a better way to load the data into the nonlinear Fourier domain.
Light shaping by freeform surface from a physical-optics point of view
Authors: Yang Liangxin , Badar Irfan , Hellmann Christian , Wyrowski Frank
Published: April 2020

Modeling techniques for light-shaping systems with freeform surface are presented from a physical-optics point of view. We apply the modeling techniques to different light-shaping systems with freeform surfaces designed by “ray mapping method”. The simulation results show that the design is not always valid. Diffraction effects occur, especially in paraxial situations. We discuss the accuracy of the design via physical-optics simulation, and find an explanation in the geometric-optics assumption of the design algorithm being sufficient only if the optical system results in homeomorphic behavior for the electric field between the input and target.
Partial pruning strategy for a dual-branch multilayer perceptron-based post-equalizer in underwater visible light communication systems
Authors: Zhao Yiheng , Chi Nan
Published: April 2020

We demonstrate a partial pruning strategy for a post-equalizer based on a dual-branch multilayer perceptron-based post-equalizer (DBMLP PE) in an underwater visible light communication (UVLC) system. The partial pruning strategy produces a sparse DBMLP PE (SDBMLP PE) with less space complexity than the Volterra PE and bit error rate (BER) performance similar to the DBMLP PE. We experimentally prove the effectiveness and necessity of the partial pruning algorithm in multilayer perceptron-based (MLP) PE. The partial pruning strategy consists of two parts: (i) preventing the pruning of connections to the output nodes, and (ii) avoiding the linear mapping branches of the DBMLP during the pruning process. Our experiments prove that the SDBMLP PE further reduces the BER of the UVLC system by 36.5%, with only 33.8% parameters of the Volterra PE. To the best of our knowledge, this paper presents the first deep neural network-based PE with lower complexity and higher BER performance than the Volterra PE in the UVLC system, which dramatically increases the applicability of artificial neural network-based (ANN) PE in the field of UVLC systems.
Broadband and high-efficiency spin-polarized wave engineering with PB metasurfaces
Authors: Li Shiqing , Dong Shaohua , Yi Sixiong , Pan Weikang , Chen Yizhen , Guan Fuxin , Guo Huijie , Wang Zhuo , He Qiong , Zhou Lei , Sun Shulin
Published: April 2020

Manipulating circularly polarized (CP) light waves at will are highly important for photonic researches and applications. Recently, while Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) metasurfaces have shown unprecedented capabilities to control CP light, meta-devices constructed so far always suffer from the limitations of low-efficiency and narrow bandwidth. Here, we propose a scheme to construct PB metasurfaces with these two issues well addressed. To verify our idea, two PB meta-devices are designed and fabricated for achieving high-efficiency and broadband photonic spin Hall effect and focusing effect, respectively. Experimental results, in good agreement with full wave simulations, demonstrate the desired functionalities with efficiencies reaching 80% within an ultra-wide frequency band (8.2-17.3GHz). The proposed design scheme is generic and can be extended to high-frequency regimes. Our work can stimulate the realizations of high-performance and broadband PB meta-devices with diversified functionalities.
Identifying multiple line-structured lights from images via a local-to-global graph representation
Authors: Zhang Jie , Sun Junhua , Zhang Zhou
Published: April 2020

Identifying multiple line-structured lights from an image is a fundamental yet challenging issue in the active 3D visual reconstruction. The existing approaches using complex coding schemes are typically time-consuming and inapplicable to real-time sparse 3D reconstruction. In this paper, we solve the multi-line ambiguity from a new viewpoint-distribution pattern of the light segments in the image. We construct a local-to-global graph framework to fully describe the hierarchical distribution of multiple line-structured lights in a 2D image. The lights are firstly grouped as several local graphs according to a light overlapping metric. Then, the hierarchies of the local graphs are unified via the depth of the node, leading to a global graph. The lights in the same level of the global graph come from the same laser plane. The experimental results show the applicability of the proposed algorithm to identify scattered light segments and the robustness to varying sensor poses. We further apply the proposed algorithm to a 3D reconstruction case, achieving a reconstruction precision of 0.025mm. The proposed approach avoids complex auxiliary laser coding and thus is more convenient to conduct.
Optical axis-driven field discontinuity in a hyperbolic medium
Authors: Shah Shahnawaz , Jiang Yuyu , Song Lu , Wang Huaping , Shen Lian
Published: April 2020

The altering permittivity tensor of a hyperbolic medium from diagonal to off-diagonal by the constructive manipulation of the optical axis (also called tilted hyperbolic medium) has attracted much interest recently. Here, the electromagnetic field solutions of waves interacting with a tilted hyperbolic medium are established. Detailed calculations reveal that when a transverse magnetic (TM) polarized wave is incident from a tilted hyperbolic medium to a dielectric medium, tangential components of electric fields are expected to be discontinuous at the interface. Extraordinary surface voltages are induced at the inner boundary of the tilted hyperbolic medium, which prevents the reflection of electromagnetic waves. This alternative behavior of induced extraordinary surface voltages enriches the understanding of continuity across the boundary and provides a novel perspective for their realizations among multiple experimental platforms.