bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Early Surgical or Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Versus Conservative Management in Low‐Flow, Low‐Gradient Aortic Stenosis Using Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting: Results From the TOPAS Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Annabi Mohamed‐Salah , Côté Nancy , Dahou Abdellaziz , Bartko Philipp E. , Bergler‐Klein Jutta , Burwash Ian G. , Orwat Stefan , Baumgartner Helmut , Mascherbauer Julia , Mundigler Gerald , Fukui Miho , Cavalcante Joao , Ribeiro Henrique B. , Rodès‐Cabau Josep , Clavel Marie‐Annick , Pibarot Philippe 
Published: December 2020

Background
No randomized comparison of early (ie, ≤3 months) aortic valve replacement (AVR) versus conservative management or of transcatheter AVR (TAVR) versus surgical AVR has been conducted in patients with low‐flow, low‐gradient (LFLG) aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods and Results

A total of 481 consecutive patients (75±10 years; 71% men) with LFLG AS (aortic valve area ≤0.6 cm
2
/m
2
and mean gradient <40 mm Hg), 72% with classic LFLG and 28% with paradoxical LFLG, were prospectively recruited in the multicenter TOPAS (True or Pseudo Severe Aortic Stenosis) study. True‐severe AS or pseudo‐severe AS was adjudicated by flow‐independent criteria. During follow‐up (median [IQR] 36 [11–60] months), 220 patients died. Using inverse probability of treatment weighting to address the bias of nonrandom treatment assignment, early AVR (n=272) was associated with a major overall survival benefit (hazard ratio [HR], 0.34 [95% CI, 0.24–0.50];
P
<0.001). This benefit was observed in patients with true‐severe AS but also with pseudo‐severe AS (HR, 0.38 [95% CI, 0.18–0.81];
P
=0.01), and in classic (HR, 0.33 [95% CI, 0.22–0.49];
P
<0.001) and paradoxical LFLG AS (HR, 0.42 [95% CI, 0.20–0.92];
P
=0.03). Compared with conservative management in the conventional multivariate model, trans femoral TAVR was associated with the best survival (HR, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.12–0.43];
P
<0.001), followed by surgical AVR (HR, 0.36 [95% CI, 0.23–0.56];
P
<0.001) and alternative‐access TAVR (HR, 0.51 [95% CI, 0.31–0.82];
P
=0.007). In the inverse probability of treatment weighting model, trans femoral TAVR appeared to be superior to surgical AVR (HR [95% CI] 0.28 [0.11–0.72];
P
=0.008) with regard to survival.

Conclusions
In this large prospective observational study of LFLG AS, early AVR appeared to confer a major survival benefit in both classic and paradoxical LFLG AS. This benefit seems to extend to the subgroup with pseudo‐severe AS. Our findings suggest that TAVR using femoral access might be the best strategy in these patients.

Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT01835028.
Associations Between Atrial Cardiopathy and Cerebral Amyloid: The ARIC‐PET Study
Authors: Johansen Michelle C. , Mosley Thomas H. , Knopman David S. , Wong Dean F. , Ndumele Chiadi , Shah Amil M. , Solomon Scott D. , Gottesman Rebecca F. 
Published: December 2020

Background
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for cognitive decline, possibly from silent brain infarction. Left atrial changes in structure or function (atrial cardiopathy) can lead to AF but may impact cognition independently. It is unknown if AF or atrial cardiopathy also acts on Alzheimer disease–specific mechanisms, such as deposition of β‐amyloid.

Methods and Results

A total of 316 dementia‐free participants from the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study underwent florbetapir positron emission tomography, electrocardiography, and 2‐dimensional echocardiography. Atrial cardiopathy was defined as ≥1: (1) left atrial volume index >34 mL/m
2
; (2) P‐wave terminal force >5000 µV×ms; and (3) serum NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) >250 pg/mL. Cross‐sectional associations between global cortical β‐amyloid (>1.2 standardized uptake value ratio) and adjudicated history of AF and atrial cardiopathy, each, were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Participants (mean age, 76 years) were 56% women and 42% Black individuals. Odds of elevated florbetapir standardized uptake value ratio were significantly increased among those with atrial cardiopathy (odds ratio, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.02–3.22) and doubled for those with enlarged left atrial volume index after adjustment for demographics/risk factors (95% CI, 1.04–4.61). There was no association between P‐wave terminal force or NT‐proBNP and elevated florbetapir standardized uptake value ratio, nor between AF and elevated standardized uptake value ratio.

Conclusions
Among healthy, nondemented community‐dwelling older individuals, we report an association between atrial cardiopathy, left atrial volume index, and elevated brain amyloid, by positron emission tomography, without a similar association in individuals with AF. Potential limitations include reverse causation and survival bias. Ongoing work will help determine if changes in cardiac structure and function precede or occur simultaneously with amyloid deposition.
Comparison of the Circulation Anomalies Associated with Wet and Dry Extreme Heat in South Korea and Southern–Central Japan
Authors: Xu Ke , Lu Riyu , Na Ying , Kim Baek-Jo , Mao Jiangyu , Byon Jae-Young , Pang Bo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study indicates a significant variation of humidity on extreme heat (EH) days over South Korea and southern–central Japan during the period 1979–2018. EH is therefore classified into three categories: type-A wet EH, type-B wet EH, and dry EH. Their statistical characteristics and formation mechanisms are investigated and compared. Our results suggest that the type-A wet EH is the most destructive, with the highest intensity, longest duration, and broadest spatial scale covering most of midlatitude East Asia. By contrast, type-B wet EH and dry EH are weaker, shorter, and mostly confined to northeast Asia. Despite these differences in characteristics, both types of wet EH are caused by the poleward advance of tropical warm and humid air masses as a result of the northward displacement of the Asian westerly jet. By contrast, dry EH is primarily induced by an increase in adiabatic heating and solar radiation resulting from anomalous subsidence. The three types of EH are associated with distinct large-scale teleconnections over Eurasia. A stable and persistent tripole wave pattern is responsible for type-A wet EH. The activity of atmospheric blocking over northern Europe, where the pattern originates, plays a crucial role in maintaining this pattern. By contrast, type-B wet EH and dry EH are related to a quadrupole pattern and a Silk Road pattern–like teleconnection, respectively, both lasting for a shorter time. These results highlight the diversity of EH, which suggests that multiple local and large-scale circulations should be considered to improve the forecast skills for EH.
The Grounding of Floating Objects in a Marginal Sea
Authors: Pawlowicz R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBeaches, especially at or above the high tide line, are often covered in debris. An obvious approach to understanding the source of this debris elsewhere in the ocean is to use Lagrangian methods (observationally or in numerical simulations). However, the actual grounding of these floating objects, that is, the transition between freely floating near the coast and motionless on land, is poorly understood. Here, 800 groundings from a recent circulation project using expendable tracked drifters in the Salish Sea are statistically analyzed. Although the grounding process for individual drifters can be complex and highly variable, suitable analyses show that the complications of coastlines can be statistically summarized in meaningful ways. The velocity structure approaching the coastline suggests a quasi-steady “log-layer” associated with coastline friction. Although groundings are marginally more likely to occur at higher tides, there are many counterexamples and the preference is not overwhelming. The actual grounding process is then well modeled as a stationary process using a classical eddy-diffusivity formulation, and the eddy diffusivity that best matches observations is similar to that appearing in open waters away from the coast. A new parameter in this formulation is equivalent to a mean shoreward velocity for floating objects, which could vary with beach morphology and also (in theory) be measured offshore. Finally, it appears that currently used ad hoc beaching parameterizations should be reasonably successful in qualitative terms, but are unlikely to be quantitatively accurate enough for predictions of grounding mass budgets and fluxes.
ARPEGE Cloud Cover Forecast Postprocessing with Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Dupuy Florian , Mestre Olivier , Serrurier Mathieu , Burdá Valentin Kivachuk , Zamo Michaël , Cabrera-Gutiérrez Naty Citlali , Bakkay Mohamed Chafik , Jouhaud Jean-Christophe , Mader Maud-Alix , Oller Guillaume 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCloud cover provides crucial information for many applications such as planning land observation missions from space. It remains, however, a challenging variable to forecast, and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models suffer from significant biases, hence, justifying the use of statistical postprocessing techniques. In this study, ARPEGE (Météo-France global NWP) cloud cover is postprocessed using a convolutional neural network (CNN). CNN is the most popular machine learning tool to deal with images. In our case, CNN allows the integration of spatial information contained in NWP outputs. We use a gridded cloud cover product derived from satellite observations over Europe as ground truth, and predictors are spatial fields of various variables produced by ARPEGE at the corresponding lead time. We show that a simple U-Net architecture (a particular type of CNN) produces significant improvements over Europe. Moreover, the U-Net outclasses more traditional machine learning methods used operationally such as a random forest and a logistic quantile regression. When using a large number of predictors, a first step toward interpretation is to produce a ranking of predictors by importance. Traditional methods of ranking (permutation importance, sequential selection, etc.) need important computational resources. We introduced a weighting predictor layer prior to the traditional U-Net architecture in order to produce such a ranking. The small number of additional weights to train (the same as the number of predictors) does not impact the computational time, representing a huge advantage compared to traditional methods.
The Impact of Enhancements to Weather-Forecasting Services on Agricultural Investment Behavior: A Field Experiment in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Yu-Hsuan , Lin Hen-I , Wen Fang-I , Sheu Sheng-Jang 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA better understanding of farmers’ investment strategies associated with climate and weather is crucial to protecting farming and other climate-exposed sectors from extreme hydrometeorological events. Accordingly, this study employed a field experiment to investigate the investment decisions under risk and uncertainty by 213 farmers from four regions of Taiwan. Each was asked 30 questions that paired “no investment,” “investment with crop insurance,” “investment with subsidized crop insurance,” and “investment” as possible responses. By providing imperfect information and various probabilities of certain states occurring, the experimental scenarios mimicked various types of weather-forecasting services. As well as their socioeconomic characteristics, the background information we collected about the participants included their experiences of natural disasters and what actions they take to protect their crops from weather damage. The sampled farmers became more conservative in their decision-making as the weather forecasts they received became more precise, except when increases in risk were associated with high returns. The provision of insurance subsidies also had a conservatizing effect. However, considerable variation in investment preferences was observed according to the farmers’ crop types. For those seeking to create comprehensive policies aimed at helping the agricultural sector deal with the costs of damage from extreme events, this study has important implications. This approach could be extended to research on the perceptions of decision-makers in other climate-exposed sectors such as the construction industry.
Aerothermal and aerodynamic performance of turbine blade squealer tip under the influence of guide vane passing wake
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qiang Xiaoqing 
Published: December 2020

In this paper, the performance of the turbine blade squealer tip has been studied detailed aimed to highlight the impact of the upstream guide vane passing wake. The first stage of GE-E3 high-pressure turbine has been employed to perform the three-dimensional simulation and the computational domain has been scaled based on the domain scaling method. Boundary conditions are consistent with operating conditions of the annular cascade testing. Circumferential averaged and realistic non-uniform interface conditions have been used to obtain steady and unsteady characteristics respectively. The validation of the turbulent model and mesh independent test has been conducted detailed in previous work. Three squealer tips, including two widths and heights, have been designed and investigated to understand its influence. Results show that the aerothermal performance of the squealer tip is remarkably influenced by the upstream passing wake. Although steady and time-averaged results have a good agreement, the variation of instantaneous heat transfer coefficient (HTC) would be over 30%, especially on the Cavity Floor region. Changing the geometry of the squealer also has different impacts on both steady and unsteady performance. The unsteady aerodynamic has relatively small fluctuation within 10%, and the distribution of steady and time-averaged leakage flow as well as total pressure loss coefficient still have a satisfactory agreement.
Strengthening policy coding methodologies to improve COVID-19 disease modeling and policy responses: a proposed coding framework and recommendations
Authors: Lane Jeff , Garrison Michelle M. , Kelley James , Sarma Priya , Katz Aaron 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
In recent months, multiple efforts have sought to characterize COVID-19 social distancing policy responses. These efforts have used various coding frameworks, but many have relied on coding methodologies that may not adequately describe the gradient in social distancing policies as states “re-open.”

Methods
We developed a COVID-19 social distancing intensity framework that is sufficiently specific and sensitive to capture this gradient. Based on a review of policies from a 12 U.S. state sample, we developed a social distancing intensity framework consisting of 16 domains and intensity scales of 0–5 for each domain.

Results
We found that the states with the highest average daily intensity from our sample were Pennsylvania, Washington, Colorado, California, and New Jersey, with Georgia, Florida, Massachusetts, and Texas having the lowest. While some domains (such as restaurants and movie theaters) showed bimodal policy intensity distributions compatible with binary (yes/no) coding, others (such as childcare and religious gatherings) showed broader variability that would be missed without more granular coding.

Conclusion
This detailed intensity framework reveals the granularity and nuance between social distancing policy responses. Developing standardized approaches for constructing policy taxonomies and coding processes may facilitate more rigorous policy analysis and improve disease modeling efforts.
Hand injuries in sports – a retrospective analysis of 364 cases
Authors: Stögner Viola A. , Kaltenborn Alexander , Laser Hans , Vogt Peter M. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Hand injuries are common in sports and associated with high dropout rates and costs.
Hence, efforts should strive for further risk prevention measures in order to increase safety in sports. This implies knowledge of sports injury risk profiles. So far, major surveillance programs exist mainly in Anglo-American countries, reflecting the specific concerns of sports in this part of the world. Data on sports injuries within Europe are scarce. As sports behaviour appears to vary demographically, we hypothesised that risk injury profiles differ as well.

Methods
To assess whether the described sports injuries of the hand are applicable to the German population, we performed a five-year retrospective, single-centre analysis of sports-related hand injuries, using data from the Enterprise Clinical Research Data Warehouse of the Hannover Medical School.

Results
Notable differences in comparison to other data were observed. Ball sports, cycling and equestrian sports caused most of the recorded hand injuries, which were predominantly fractures of the wrist and hand. Hand injuries in equestrian sports were associated with significantly higher operation and hospitalisation rates as well as a significantly longer inpatient treatment.

Conclusion
Risk profiles for sports-related hand injuries appear to differ not only in terms of age- and sex, but also geographically. Nation- and Europe-wide hand trauma registries as well as a broad registry participation are necessary in order to accurately assess the risk patterns in Europe; henceforth reducing hand injuries and their sequelae.
Quality indicators for the evaluation of end-of-life care in Germany – a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of statutory health insurance data
Authors: van Baal Katharina , Schrader Sophie , Schneider Nils , Wiese Birgitt , Stahmeyer Jona Theodor , Eberhard Sveja , Geyer Siegfried , Stiel Stephanie , Afshar Kambiz 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
The provision and quality of end-of-life care (EoLC) in Germany is inconsistent. Therefore, an evaluation of current EoLC based on quality indicators is needed. This study aims to evaluate EoLC in Germany on the basis of quality indicators pertaining to curative overtreatment, palliative undertreatment and delayed palliative care (PC). Results were compared with previous findings.

Methods
Data from a statutory health insurance provider (AOK Lower Saxony) pertaining to deceased members in the years 2016 and 2017 were used to evaluate EoLC. The main indicators were: chemotherapy for cancer patients in the last month of life, first-time percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for patients with dementia in the last 3 months of life, number of hospitalisations and days spent in inpatient treatment in the last 6 months of life, and provision of generalist and specialist outpatient PC in the last year of life. Data were analysed descriptively.

Results
Data for 64,275 deceased members (54.3% female; 35.1% cancer patients) were analysed. With respect to curative overtreatment, 10.4% of the deceased with cancer underwent chemotherapy in the last month and 0.9% with dementia had a new PEG insertion in the last 3 months of life. The mean number of hospitalisations and inpatient treatment days per deceased member was 1.6 and 16.5, respectively, in the last 6 months of life. Concerning palliative undertreatment, generalist outpatient PC was provided for 28.0% and specialist outpatient PC was provided for 9.0% of the deceased. Regarding indicators for delayed PC, the median onset of generalist and specialist outpatient PC was 47.0 and 24.0 days before death, respectively.

Conclusion
Compared to data from 2010 to 2014, the data analysed in the present study suggest an ongoing curative overtreatment in terms of chemotherapy and hospitalisation, a reduction in new PEG insertions and an increase in specialist PC. The number of patients receiving generalist PC remained low, with delayed onset. Greater awareness of generalist PC and the early integration of PC are recommended.

Trial registration
The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00015108; 22 January 2019).
Nurses’ perception about posttraumatic growth (PTG) after natural disasters
Authors: Wijoyo Eriyono Budi , Susanti Herni , Panjaitan Ria Utami , Putri Arcellia Farosyah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Background
Natural disasters have become the most common, profound, and universal type of catastrophes over decades. Natural disasters can lead to both negative and positive impacts on survivors. Nurses have an important role in fostering posttraumatic growth (PTG) as a positive psychological adjustment amongst the survivors. However, nurses may have different perceptions of their roles in PTG. Such differences may result in various approaches in supporting PTG as best as possible. Therefore, nurses’ perception regarding PTG needs to be explored.

Method
This study used a descriptive qualitative approach. A total of fourteen nurse participants were included across five different cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed with a thematic method.

Results
The study revealed three themes, as follows (1) PTG is a new concept for nurses, (2) PTG is a condition that needs to be sought by volunteers, and (3) PTG means human-God and human-human positive relationships.

Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of improving nurses’ understanding regarding PTG so that they can deliver appropriate strategies or interventions to support survivors in gaining positive changes after experiencing a natural disaster. The study recommends that knowledge and skills related to PTG should be introduced in undergraduate nursing program.
Baby names in Japan, 2004–2018: common writings and their readings
Authors: Ogihara Yuji 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objectives
To conduct empirical research on Japanese names, actual name data including both writings and readings are necessary. However, there was no database available that met these conditions. Therefore, in the present article, I provided raw data of approximately 8000 names of Japanese babies born between 2004 and 2018.

Data description
The data include common writings of baby names and their readings generated from annual surveys on baby names conducted by a Japanese private company. The data have advantages: (1) they include both writings and readings of baby names, (2) they were collected under the same conditions over 15 years, (3) their sample sizes are relatively large, and (4) they are open to the public. In contrast, the data have limitations: their samples are neither highly representative nor very large. Overall, this article will be useful for empirical research on Japanese names and people in general (especially for medical and educational service workers).