bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustained quality‐of‐life improvements over 10 years after deep brain stimulation for dystonia
Authors: Hogg Elliot , During Emmanuel , E. Tan Echo , Athreya Kishore , Eskenazi Jonathan , Wertheimer Jeffrey , Mamelak Adam N. , Alterman Ron L. , Tagliati Michele 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground: Little is known about the quality of life of people with dystonia and DBS beyond 5 years. The objectives of this study were (1) to examine the long‐term quality‐of‐life outcomes in a large cohort of people with dystonia and DBS, (2) to determine the incidence of stimulation‐induced parkinsonism, and (3) to elucidate the potential long‐term cognitive impact of DBS in this cohort.Methods: Fifty‐four subjects with dystonia and DBS for more than 5 years were contacted via social media and were offered to complete a quality‐of‐life survey comparing current‐day life and life prior to DBS. The primary study outcomes were the Short Form survey, a parkinsonian symptoms questionnaire, the Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and the Measurement of Every Day Cognition.Results: Thirty‐seven of 54 subjects consented to the study. Average age was 39.7 ± 16.6 years, 16 were female, and 23 were DYT1+. Average time from implantation was 10.5 years. Average total Short Form survey scores improved, from 43.7 pre‐DBS to 69.5 current day (P < 0.0005). Mean total self‐reported parkinsonian symptom score was 13.8 ± 14.7, with worsening balance and hypophonia the most common. Average Telephone Montreal Cognitive Assessment was 20.1 ± 1.6, with 3 of 29 scores (10.3%) in the impaired range (score of 18 or less). Average total Every Day Cognition score was 1.25 ± 0.35, with 3 subjects (10.3%) scoring in the range of impaired cognition (>1.81).Conclusions: DBS for dystonia results in long‐term quality‐of‐life improvements that persist on average 10 years or more after surgery. The prevalence of stimulation‐induced parkinsonism and cognitive impairment is low. © 2018 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Patient self‐reported utility of hand surgery online patient education materials
Authors: Roberts Heather J. , Zhang Dafang , Earp Brandon E. , Blazar Philip , Dyer George S.M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjective: Online patient education materials in orthopaedic surgery are consistently written above the recommended grade level. However, no algorithmic measure of readability has been validated in a medical context. The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether Flesch–Kincaid readability scores correlate with patient self‐reported utility of online education materials from the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH).Methods: This was a prospective survey study of 35 patients with one of five common upper extremity diagnoses. Study outcomes included self‐reported utility, understandability, clarity, novelty and scope of the information of the ASSH online patient education material. Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level and Flesch Reading Ease were calculated for each article and correlated with self‐reported utility.Results: The majority of patients found the articles useful, understandable and clear. Self‐reported utility was not correlated with Flesch–Kincaid Grade Level (ρ = 0.017) or Flesch Reading Ease (ρ = −0.020). Patients with high school education or below found the articles less useful and more difficult to understand than those with post‐secondary education.Conclusions: Flesch–Kincaid readability scores do not correlate with self‐reported utility of ASSH online patient education materials. In the evaluation of these materials, metrics other than algorithmic readability scores should be considered.
What is the most effective verbal instruction for correctly contracting the pelvic floor muscles?
Authors: Ben Ami Noa , Dar Gali 
Published: August 2018

AimsThe purpose of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of four different verbal instructions in correctly contracting pelvic floor muscles (PFMs), examined as a displacement of the pelvic floor by transabdominal ultrasound.MethodsFifty‐six female undergraduate physiotherapy students, mean age 24.2 ± 2.5 years, participated in the study. A 6 MHz 35‐mm curved linear array ultrasound transducer (Mindray M5) was placed in the transverse plane, suprapubically over the lower abdomen and angled at 15‐30° from the vertical depending. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: posterior and anterior. Each group received four different verbal instructions as to how to correctly contract the PFMs. Only one verbal instruction differed between the groups: “squeeze the anus” (posterior group) compared with “stop the flow of urine” (anterior group).ResultsIn the posterior group, 27 participants (90%) performed a correct contraction compared with 17 participants (65%) in the anterior group, thus demonstrating a statistically significant difference in favor of the “anus” instruction (P = 0.025). Forty‐seven participants (84%) exhibited a downward movement during the verbal instruction combining transversus abdominis contractions with breathing, that is, “take a moderate breath in, let the breath out then draw in and lift your pelvic floor.”ConclusionsOur findings suggest that the most effective verbal instruction for correctly contracting the PFMs among 56 physiotherapy students was the posterior instruction of “squeezing the anus.” The majority (90%) of participants succeeded in correctly contracting the PFMs.
Social skills interventions for survivors of pediatric brain tumors: A review and reformulation
Authors: Willard Victoria W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractYouth with brain tumors are at risk for late effects. Families report that survivors’ difficulties with peer relationships are among the most distressing and impactful on quality of life. As such, interventions have been designed to improve social functioning. The objective was to review the nine published social skills intervention studies for survivors of brain tumors with regard to study design, participation rates, skills targeted, assessment measures, and outcomes. Results of this review were used to discuss future directions, with a focus on alternative approaches to inclusion criteria (including developmental considerations and screening for weaknesses), intervention timing and modality.
The effects of the psychodrama in instilling empathy and self‐awareness: A pilot study
Authors: Dogan Turkan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis pilot study investigated the effects of psychodrama on the counseling skills (mainly empathy) and on increasing the self‐awareness of 23 counseling undergraduate students. Participants attended 12 psychodrama sessions over 3 months. Data were gathered by using the Empathic Tendency Scale and a personal information form. The study used the mixed method research design, which combines qualitative and quantitative methods. The quantitative aspect of the study involved the use of pretest–posttest experimental and control group design with random assignment, while the qualitative aspect utilized the methods of case study, observation, and interview. The quantitative and qualitative results showed that psychodrama increased students’ empathy, counseling skills, and self‐awareness.
Estimation on the Safe Storage Temperature of Nitrocellulose with Different Humectants
Authors: Wei Rui Chao , Huang Shen Shi , Wang Zhi , He Yu , Yuen Richard , Wang Jian 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn order to estimate the safe storage temperatures of nitrocellulose (NC) with different humectants (water, ethanol, and isopropanol), non‐isothermal experiments were performed by a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Thermodynamic parameters were simulated by thermal safety software (TSS). Comparison of autocatalytic simulation and nth order simulation was conducted. Also, Kissiger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS) and Ozawa‐Flynn‐Wall (OFW) methods were employed to validate the simulated activation energy E, whose results indicated that the average E calculated by KAS and OFW methods is lower than that simulated by autocatalytic simulation. Finally, the critical temperatures of time to maximum rate (TMR) and time to conversion limit (TCL) were estimated. The results show that the critical temperature of pure NC is higher than that of NC with humectants, which indicates that NC with humectants possess a higher thermal instability at an identical temperature. In addition, to ensure the effectiveness of NC products, storage temperatures of pure NC and NC‐humectants were also simulated.
Nanostructure‐Enhanced Photoconductive Terahertz Emission and Detection
Authors: Yardimci Nezih Tolga , Jarrahi Mona 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPhotoconductive antennas are commonly used for terahertz wave generation and detection. However, their relatively low radiation power and detection sensitivity often place limitations on the signal‐to‐noise ratio and operation bandwidth of terahertz imaging and spectroscopy systems. Several different techniques are attempted to address these limitations. The most promising ones take advantage of the unique tools provided by nanotechnology. In this review, the recent nanotechnology‐enabled advances in photoconductive antennas, which use nanostructures, such as optical nanoantennas, plasmonic structures, and optical nanocavities, to increase the interaction of the optical pump beam with the photoconductive semiconductor, are discussed. All of these techniques are experimentally demonstrated to be efficient tools for enhancing the performance of photoconductive antennas for terahertz wave generation and detection.
The state‐of‐the‐art in software development effort estimation
Authors: Gautam Swarnima Singh , Singh Vrijendra 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe software developers and researchers have been facing difficulties regarding software development effort estimation (SDEE) since 1960s. Both overestimation and underestimation are problematic for future software development. The software engineering field is continuously adapting new technologies and development methodologies, so there is always a requirement to have an accurate SDEE method that can cater the needs of continually growing software industry. The major purpose of this state‐of‐the‐art review is to provide an additional insight of existing SDEE studies while considering five points of reference: techniques used to construct models, strengths and weaknesses of different models, availability of benchmark data sets, data set characteristics, generalization ability of models. We have performed a comprehensive review of SDEE studies published in the period 1981‐2016. We have defined a new scheme of categorizing existing SDEE models. We have found that a majority of available data sets do not include complete information of projects, which misleads the direction of research. To compare SDEE models, we recommend to use same data sets while focusing on specific aspects of accuracy as none of SDEE studies has yet been able to compare all the existing models over same data sets while considering same aspects of accuracy.
Space on Earth
Authors: Gaines J. R. 
Published: August 2018

SummaryWe are enjoying a renaissance in space travel with the emergence of several commercial rocket companies. These companies, such as SpaceX, Blue Origin and others have tremendous backlogs of trips to low earth orbit to deploy a wide range of satellites. Any device going to space needs to be tested on earth under conditions which simulate the hazardous environment it must endure. Accordingly, a fleet of thermal vacuum systems (TVAC) is being deployed globally to provide the proper test conditions. Contamination in these systems, from the components used to make devices like cubesats and planetary rovers, as well as poor vacuum cleanliness practices, emit enormous gas loads which may swap the vacuum system as well as create thin film deposits on surfaces within the test chamber. Strategies to mitigate these conditions are discussed.
Novel coatings for unique applications
Authors: Nielsen Lars Pleth 
Published: August 2018

SummaryIn the present article three different coatings systems are discussed based on reactive and non‐reactive sputtering processes utilizing HiPIMS, pulsed DC and DC magnetron sputtering. The HiPIMS platform was used to develop a very hard TiB2 coating with a low residual stress level. Pulsed DC magnetron sputtering was used to deposit 50 μm thick amorphous Al2O3 coating. Finally DC magnetron sputtering was used to deposit a Sr‐Ti‐O coating capable of releasing Sr facilitating accelerated bone formation and implant ingrowth.
Characterization of Re-admission and Emergency Department Visits within 90 Days Following Lower-Extremity Arthroplasty
Authors: Huerfano Elina , Gonzalez Della Valle Alejandro , Shanaghan Kate , Girardi Federico , Memtsoudis Stavros , Liu Jiabin 
Published: August 2018

Background Acute care events including emergency department (ED) visits and unscheduled inpatient re-admissions following lower-extremity arthroplasty are not fully understood. Question/Purposes The purpose of this study was to characterize acute care events occurring after discharge in patients who received a lower-extremity arthroplasty: the incidence, timing, and risk factors of inpatient admission and ED visits within 90 days of discharge. Methods The New York State Inpatient and Emergency Department Databases were used to identify patients who underwent elective total knee arthroplasty (TKA) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 2009 to 2013 (124, 234 and 76, 411 patients, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the predictors of and the most frequent reasons for unscheduled acute care within 90 days of discharge. Results Unscheduled acute care was needed in 13.79% of patients (8.81% of inpatient re-admissions and 4.98% of ED visits), most often in the first week after discharge (61.05% of all inpatient re-admissions and 20.46% of all ED visits). Most of these visits were for musculoskeletal pain, peri-prosthetic joint or wound infection, cardiac complications, blood transfusion, psychiatric events, mechanical complications, and deep vein thrombosis. Predictors for the need for acute care after TKA included African American and Hispanic race or ethnicity, Medicaid coverage, and neuraxial anesthesia. Predictors for the need for acute care after THA included older age (over 85 years), African American race, and Medicaid coverage. Conclusion We identified demographic and procedure-related variables associated with an increased risk of ED visits and inpatient re-admissions after TKA or THA. Understanding these variables will contribute to improved care quality.
A Bayesian hierarchical model for analyzing methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing data
Authors: Zhang Minzhe , Li Qiwei , Xie Yang 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundThe recently emerged technology of methylated RNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeRIP‐seq) sheds light on the study of RNA epigenetics. This new bioinformatics question calls for effective and robust peaking calling algorithms to detect mRNA methylation sites from MeRIP‐seq data.MethodsWe propose a Bayesian hierarchical model to detect methylation sites from MeRIP‐seq data. Our modeling approach includes several important characteristics. First, it models the zero‐inflated and over‐dispersed counts by deploying a zero‐inflated negative binomial model. Second, it incorporates a hidden Markov model (HMM) to account for the spatial dependency of neighboring read enrichment. Third, our Bayesian inference allows the proposed model to borrow strength in parameter estimation, which greatly improves the model stability when dealing with MeRIP‐seq data with a small number of replicates. We use Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms to simultaneously infer the model parameters in a de novo fashion. The R Shiny demo is available at the authors' website and the R/C++ code is available at https://github.com/liqiwei2000/BaySeqPeak.ResultsIn simulation studies, the proposed method outperformed the competing methods exomePeak and MeTPeak, especially when an excess of zeros were present in the data. In real MeRIP‐seq data analysis, the proposed method identified methylation sites that were more consistent with biological knowledge, and had better spatial resolution compared to the other methods.ConclusionsIn this study, we develop a Bayesian hierarchical model to identify methylation peaks in MeRIP‐seq data. The proposed method has a competitive edge over existing methods in terms of accuracy, robustness and spatial resolution.
Factor structure and measurement invariance of a neuropsychological test battery designed for assessment of cognitive functioning in older Mexican Americans
Authors: Gavett Brandon E. , Stypulkowski Katie , Johnson Leigh , Hall James , O'Bryant Sid E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe present study sought to investigate the measurement invariance of commonly used neuropsychological tests in an ethnically (Hispanic vs. non‐Hispanic) and linguistically (Spanish vs. English) diverse sample.MethodsParticipants were 736 middle‐aged and older adults (MAge = 62.1, SD = 9.1) assessed at baseline. Measurement invariance testing was performed using multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis.ResultsA five‐factor model (memory, attention/executive functioning/processing speed, language, visuospatial, and motor) fit the data well (CFI = 0.979, RMSEA = 0.047) and the composite reliability of the factors ranged from .76 (visuospatial) to .97 (motor). The five‐factor model was found to possess strict measurement invariance for ethnicity and language without a decrement in fit compared to a strong (scalar) invariance model (ΔCFI = .000, ΔRMSEA = .002).DiscussionThese results indicate that a five‐factor model is suitable for estimating cognitive functioning in Mexican Americans and non‐Hispanic whites without bias by ethnicity or language.
A systematic review of structural MRI biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: A machine learning perspective
Authors: Pagnozzi Alex M. , Conti Eugenia , Calderoni Sara , Fripp Jurgen , Rose Stephen E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects approximately 1% of the population and leads to impairments in social interaction, communication and restricted, repetitive behaviours. Establishing robust neuroimaging biomarkers of ASD using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important step for diagnosing and tailoring treatment, particularly early in life when interventions can have the greatest effect. However currently, there is mixed findings on the structural brain changes associated with autism. Therefore in this systematic review, recent (post‐2007), high‐resolution (3 T) MRI studies investigating brain morphology associated with ASD have been collated to identify robust neuroimaging biomarkers of ASD. A systematic search was conducted on three databases; PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus, resulting in 123 reviewed articles. Patients with ASD were observed to have increased whole brain volume, particularly under 6 years of age. Other consistent changes observed in ASD patients include increased volume in the frontal and temporal lobes, increased cortical thickness in the frontal lobe, increased surface area and cortical gyrification, and increased cerebrospinal fluid volume, as well as reduced cerebellum volume and reduced corpus callosum volume, compared to typically developing controls. Findings were inconsistent regarding the developmental trajectory of brain volume and cortical thinning with age in ASD, as well as potential volume differences in the white matter, hippocampus, amygdala, thalamus and basal ganglia. To elucidate these inconsistencies, future studies should look towards aggregating MRI data from multiple sites or available repositories to avoid underpowered studies, as well as utilising methods which quantify larger‐scale image features to reduce the number of statistical tests performed, and hence risk of false positive findings. Additionally, studies should look to perform a thorough validation strategy, to ensure generalisability of study findings, as well as look to leverage the improved image resolution of 3 T scanning to identify subtle brain changes related to ASD.
The ASA at 60: Advocacy in an Age of Tyranny
Authors: Pitcher M. Anne 
Published: August 2018

Abstract:Although the sixtieth anniversary of the ASA’s founding offers an occasion to celebrate the association’s accomplishments, it also coincides with a historical moment of resurgent authoritarianism, growing intolerance, and renascent nativism. Democratic institutions in the United States and abroad are under attack; bigotry, injustice, and incivility have become re-energized. This article reflects on the discourses, spaces, and technologies employed by Africans to contest the multiple expressions of political exclusion on the continent over the last sixty years. It finds inspiration and lessons that might guide us as we develop our own forms of political advocacy in this illiberal age.
General and Particular Approaches to Implementation of theEuropean Convention on Human Rights
Authors: GRÜNWALDOVÁ VLADIMÍRA PEJCHALOVÁ 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis article deals with the implementation, at the national level, of European human rights protection standards as enshrined in theEuropean Convention on Human Rights(ECHR) and interpreted by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). It discusses the principles of interpretation of theECHRby the ECtHR, the interaction and mutual dialogue between the ECtHR and national courts, and the approach of the latter to interpretation and application of the case law of the ECtHR. Using the concrete examples of France and the Czech Republic as case studies, it is shown to what extent and how European constitutional courts take into account and apply the letter of the Convention and its interpretation by the ECtHR.
Antimicrobial activity of a continuous visible light disinfection system
Authors: Rutala William A. , Kanamori Hajime , Gergen Maria F. , Sickbert-Bennett Emily E. , Sexton Daniel J. , Anderson Deverick J. , Laux Jeffrey , Weber David J. ,   the CDC Prevention Epicenters Program
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe evaluated the ability of high-intensity visible violet light with a peak output of 405 nm to kill epidemiologically important pathogens. The high irradiant light significantly reduced both vegetative bacteria and spores at some time points over a 72-hour exposure period.
A new Griesbachian–Dienerian (Induan, Early Triassic) ammonoid fauna from Gujiao, South China
Authors: Dai Xu , Song Haijun , Brayard Arnaud , Ware David 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBed-by-bed sampling of the lower portion of the Daye Formation at Gujiao, Guizhou Province, South China, yielded new Griesbachian–Dienerian (Induan, Early Triassic) ammonoid faunas showing a new regional Induan ammonoid succession. This biostratigraphic scheme includes in chronological order the late GriesbachianOphiceras mediumandJieshaniceras guizhouensebeds, and the middle DienerianAmbites radiatusbed. The latter is recognized for the first time as a separate biozone in South China. Eight genera and 13 species are identified, including one new species,Mullericeras gujiaoensen. sp. The new data show that a relatively high level of ammonoid taxonomic richness occurred rather rapidly after the Permian/Triassic mass extinction in the late Griesbachian, echoing similar observations in other basins, such as in the Northern Indian Margin.UUID:http://zoobank.org/a24a3387-f3dd-4da4-a134-84372352a63d