bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating and Modeling the Effects of Grass Growth on Surface Runoff through a Rainfall Simulator on Field Plots
Authors: Montaldo Nicola , Curreli Matteo , Corona Roberto , Saba Andrea , Albertson John D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractSeasonal changes in grass cover impact the generation of surface runoff due to the effects of grass roots on soil hydrologic properties and processes (i.e., infiltration). Using a rainfall simulator in a grass field site, we broadly investigated the influence of different initial conditions of soil moisture and grass growth stages on rainfall–runoff transformations. To parameterize the stages of grass growth, we used the height of the vegetation hveg, which is related to the leaf area index. Surprisingly, typical characteristics of runoff formation (peak flow and time to peak flow) were conditioned mainly by hveg. The runoff coefficient decreased about 40% when grass reached its maximum growth and was inversely and significantly related to the height of grass in general. Using the rainfall simulator experiments, we estimated the saturated soil hydraulic conductivity ks, a key parameter of infiltration models. We found strong relationships between ks and hveg when the Philip infiltration model was used, and we proposed a linear relationship between ks and hveg, making ks vary in time with grass growth (i.e., hveg). We compared predictions of hydrologic models at plot scale using ks varying with grass growth with predictions using a constant ks, as hydrological models commonly assume. Neglecting ks variability with grass growth can lead to errors up to 100% in surface runoff predictions at an event time scale and up to 87% at a monthly time scale. Ecohydrological models for runoff predictions should take into account the influence of grass growth dynamics on soil infiltration parameters.
All-Sky Microwave Radiances Assimilated with an Ensemble Kalman Filter
Authors: Bonavita Massimo , Geer Alan J. , Hamrud Mats 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Recent success in assimilating cloud- and precipitation-affected satellite observations using the “all-sky” approach is thought to have benefitted from variational data assimilation, particularly its ability to handle moderate nonlinearity and non-Gaussianity and to extract wind information through the generalized tracer effect. Ensemble assimilation relies on assumptions including linearity and Gaussianity that might cause difficulties when using all-sky observations. Here, all-sky assimilation is evaluated in a global ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) system of near-operational quality, derived from an operational four-dimensional variational (4D-Var) system. To get EnKF working successfully required a new all-sky observation error model (the most successful approach was to inflate error as a multiple of the ensemble spread) and adjustments to localization. With these improvements, assimilation of eight microwave humidity instruments gave 2%–4% improvement in forecast scores whether using EnKF or 4D-Var. Correlations from the ensemble showed that all-sky observations generated sensitivity to wind, temperature, and humidity. EnKF increments shared many similarities with those in 4D-Var. Hence both 4D-Var and ensemble data assimilation were able to make good use of all-sky observations, including the extraction of wind information. In absolute terms the EnKF forecast performance in the troposphere was still worse than that that with 4D-Var, although the gap could be reduced by going from 50 to 100 ensemble members. EnKF errors were larger in the stratosphere, where there are excessive gravity wave increments that are not connected with all-sky assimilation.
A Long Short-Term Memory Model for Global Rapid Intensification Prediction
Authors: Yang Qidong , Lee Chia-Ying , Tippett Michael K. 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTRapid intensification (RI) is an outstanding source of error in tropical cyclone (TC) intensity predictions. RI is generally defined as a 24-h increase in TC maximum sustained surface wind speed greater than some threshold, typically 25, 30, or 35 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1). Here, a long short-term memory (LSTM) model for probabilistic RI predictions is developed and evaluated. The variables (features) of the model include storm characteristics (e.g., storm intensity) and environmental variables (e.g., vertical shear) over the previous 48 h. A basin-aware RI prediction model is trained (1981–2009), validated (2010–13), and tested (2014–17) on global data. Models are trained on overlapping 48-h data, which allows multiple training examples for each storm. A challenge is that the data are highly unbalanced in the sense that there are many more non-RI cases than RI cases. To cope with this data imbalance, the synthetic minority-oversampling technique (SMOTE) is used to balance the training data by generating artificial RI cases. Model ensembling is also applied to improve prediction skill further. The model’s Brier skill scores in the Atlantic and eastern North Pacific are higher than those of operational predictions for RI thresholds of 25 and 30 kt and comparable for 35 kt on the independent test data. Composites of the features associated with RI and non-RI situations provide physical insights for how the model discriminates between RI and non-RI cases. Prediction case studies are presented for some recent storms.
Exploring Older Adults’ Experiences and Perceptions with a Peer-Led Wheelchair Training Program
Authors: Pellichero Alice , Best Krista L. , Routhier François , Miller William C. 
Published: May 2020

Background. Manual wheelchair (MWC) training is important, but less than 50% of new wheelchair users receive any training. The Wheelchair training Self-efficacy Enhanced for Use (WheelSeeU), a community-based peer-led MWC training program, is feasible and effective for improving wheelchair skills. However, implementing effective programs requires an understanding of stakeholders’ experiences. Purpose. Explore older adults’ perceptions about their participation in the WheelSeeU program. Method. Qualitative interviews were conducted with participants who completed the WheelSeeU program. Thematic analysis was conducted. Findings. Three themes emerged. 1. Getting my life back described participants’ perceived impact of the WheelSeeU program on their lives. 2. I can do it too, implied critical facilitators for success. 3. Social gains, revealed participants’ feelings of social inclusion through participation in the program. Implications. Older adults expressed satisfaction and quality of participation with the WheelSeeU program that increased autonomy, improved MWC mobility and self-efficacy, and enhanced social connectedness.
Palatine Tonsilloliths and Actinomyces: A Multi‐institutional Study of Adult Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy
Authors: Arvisais‐Anhalt Simone , Quinn Andrew , Bishop Justin A. , Wang Cynthia S. , Mitchell Ron B. , Johnson Romaine F. , Schultz Barbara , Day Andrew T. 
Published: May 2020

ObjectiveTo better characterize associations between Actinomyces and tonsillolith versus nontonsillolith tonsillectomy specimens.Study DesignBi‐institutional retrospective case‐case study.SettingUniversity and county hospital.Subjects and MethodsAdult patients with a clinical history of tonsilloliths who underwent tonsillectomy from January 2006 to December 2018 were included. Patients undergoing tonsillectomy for tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis were identified as comparative cases. Similarly, patients with ipsilateral oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) who underwent contralateral tonsillectomy of a normal‐appearing tonsil for prophylaxis against a second primary cancer were also included as comparative cases.ResultsThe study population comprised 134 patients who underwent tonsillectomy: 62 tonsillolith and 72 nontonsillolith (tonsillar hypertrophy, n = 30; chronic tonsillitis, n = 30; normal‐appearing contralateral tonsil in patients with ipsilateral OPC, n = 12). Actinomyces was reported in 11% of the patients with tonsilloliths on initial pathology reports but in 95% after re‐evaluation (n = 54 of 57). Actinomyces prevalence was significantly higher in patients with tonsilloliths as compared with patients with recurrent tonsillitis (73%, n = 22 of 30, P <. 001) and normal‐appearing contralateral tonsils in patients with ipsilateral OPC (58%, n = 7 of 12, P <. 001). Actinomyces prevalence was not significantly different between patients with tonsilloliths and tonsillar hypertrophy (83%, n = 25 of 30, P =. 11).ConclusionThe prevalence of Actinomyces in tonsillolith tonsil specimens is high; however, Actinomyces routinely colonizes nontonsillolith tonsil specimens. Therefore, Actinomyces is unlikely to be the primary driver of tonsillolith pathogenesis, and Actinomyces‐targeted treatment of tonsilloliths may not be effective. Treatment strategies addressing tonsilloliths should be further investigated.
Evaluation of toxicity of gadolinium-based contrast agents on neuronal cells
Authors: Erdoğan Mümin Alper , Apaydin Melda , Armagan Güliz , Taskiran Dilek 
Published: May 2020

Background Gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are widely used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Recently, increased signal intensity has been reported in specific brain areas after repeated administrations of GBCAs. Purpose To investigate the toxic effects of GBCAs on neuronal cells by using SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell cultures. Material and Methods For toxicity assays, SH-SY5Y cells were incubated with different doses (0–1000 µM) of several macrocyclic (gadoterate meglumine and gadobutrol) and linear GBCAs (gadoversetamide, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadodiamide, and gadoxetate disodium) for 48 h. Cell viability and proliferation capacity were evaluated by using MTS assay, LDH assay, and colony-forming assay. In addition, Western blotting of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins and nuclear Hoechst 33258 staining were performed to evaluate apoptotic cell death. The results were expressed as mean ± SEM. The data were analyzed using Student’s t-test. A P value < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. Results Both macrocyclic and linear GBCAs significantly and dose-dependently reduced cell viability in neuronal cells compared to control. Cell viability was measured between 89.5% ± 4% and 61% ± 0.7% in GBCA-treated groups. In addition, neurotoxicity was more prominent in linear GBCA-treated cultures ( P < 0.0005). Bax protein levels were increased in GBCA-treated cells particularly with linear agents whereas Bcl-2 expression was decreased concomitantly. Conclusion The results of the present study indicated that exposure to specific GBCAs, even at low micro-molar concentrations, may have detrimental effects on neuronal survival. Further investigations are required to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying GBCA-induced cell death.
Clinical efficacy of Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis therapy for pulmonary tuberculosis with Yin-deficiency and Fire-hyperactivity syndrome
Authors: Ge Hai-Bo , Zhu Jia 
Published: May 2020

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis therapy in mitigating the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and to measure the effect on the CD4+ CD25+ regulatory T cell (Treg) ratio. Methods This randomized study enrolled patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and randomly assigned them to one of two treatment groups: an anti-tuberculosis treatment group and a combined treatment group. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed before and 2 weeks after treatment. The ratio of CD4+ CD25+ Treg cells and the levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-12 in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured. Symptoms were recorded before and after treatment. Results A total of 100 patients were enrolled and assigned to the anti-tuberculosis ( n = 58) and combined treatment groups ( n = 42). In the combined treatment group, Leicester Cough Questionnaire score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, CD4+ CD25+ Treg cell ratio in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, cytokine levels, chest pain score and sleep disorder score were significantly decreased compared with the anti-tuberculosis treatment group after treatment. The leukocyte count, haemoglobin level, platelet and alanine aminotransferase levels did not differ significantly between the two groups after treatment. The creatinine level in the combined treatment group was significantly lower than that in the anti-tuberculosis treatment group. Conclusion Baihe Gujin decoction combined with anti-tuberculosis treatment can effectively alleviate the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, enhance the host immune function and protect renal function.
Usefulness of non-invasive cardiac output monitoring in elderly patients undergoing monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate: a pilot study
Authors: Kil Hae Keum , Park In Kyeong , Song Min Sup , Park Jin Ha 
Published: May 2020

Objective To assess the impact of irrigating fluid on hemodynamic profiles using real-time non-invasive cardiac output monitoring (NICOM) in elderly patients undergoing monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Methods Twenty patients between 65 and 80 years of age who were scheduled for monopolar TURP and received spinal anesthesia up to T10 were enrolled. Irrigating fluid (2.7% sorbitol with 0.5% mannitol solution) was used. Hemodynamic profiles including cardiac index, and stroke volume variation (SVV) using NICOM were obtained. Estimated irrigating fluid absorption was indirectly calculated. Results The median amount of irrigating fluid used was 6000 mL. The median SVV was 11%, which increased to 12% at 10 minutes after initiating surgery. No significant changes in the cardiac index were observed. The estimated absorption of irrigating fluid was almost zero. Conclusions Although the estimated amount of irrigating fluid that was absorbed was negligible, the increase in SVV may indicate intravascular volume depletion with diuresis resulting from mannitol in the irrigating fluid early during irrigation. Therefore, even during short irrigating times, intensive hemodynamic monitoring should be performed to monitor the possibility of intravascular volume depletion as well as volume overload, especially immediately after large amounts of irrigating fluid are used.
Elevated PCT at ICU discharge predicts poor prognosis in patients with severe traumatic brain injury: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Yu-rong , Zheng Qing-bin , Wei Guang-fa , Meng Li-jun , Feng Qing-ling , Yuan Wen-jie , Ou Jin-lei , Liu Wei-li , Li Yong 
Published: May 2020

Purpose Disease severity and inflammatory response status are closely related to a poor prognosis and must be assessed in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) before intensive care unit (ICU) discharge. Whether elevated serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels can predict a poor prognosis in STBI patients before ICU discharge is unclear. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study enrolled 199 STBI patients who were in the ICU for at least 48 hours and survived after discharge. Based on serum PCT levels at discharge, patients were divided into the high-PCT group (PCT ≥ 0.25 ng/mL) and the low-PCT group (PCT < 0.25 ng/mL). We assessed the relationship between serum PCT levels and a poor prognosis. Results The high-PCT group had a higher rate of adverse outcomes compared with the low-PCT group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein (CRP) level, and PCT level at discharge were significantly associated with adverse outcomes. Conclusions Elevated PCT levels at ICU discharge were associated with a poor prognosis in STBI patients. The serum PCT level as a single indicator has limited value for clinical decision-making.
Isokinetic Strength Comparison of Tuberosity Fractures of the Proximal Fifth Metatarsal Treated With Elastic Bandage vs Cast
Authors: Bayram Serkan , Kendirci Alper Şükrü , Kıral Doğan , Şahinkaya Türker , Ekinci Mehmet , Batıbay Sefa Giray , Akgül Turgut 
Published: May 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the strength of injured and healthy ankle muscle as well as functional and clinical outcomes between patients with proximal fifth metatarsal tuberosity fractures who received elastic bandage treatment and those who received cast immobilization. Methods: Sixty-five patients who presented to our clinic between February 2018 and April 2019 were randomly divided into 2 groups: 33 received elastic bandages (group 1) and 32 received cast immobilization (group 2). All patients were scheduled for follow-up appointments at our clinic after 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 weeks. Visual analog scale–foot and ankle (VAS-FA) score, time missed from work, and using assistive devices were recorded as clinical outcomes. Both ankle plantarflexion-dorsiflexion and inversion-eversion muscle strengths (peak torque) were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer for each group and were compared with those of the healthy extremities. Results: The mean missed work was 11.3 days in group 1 and 27.6 days in group 2. Groups 1 and 2 used assistive devices for a mean of 6.7 and 16.2 days, respectively ( P = .001). Group 1 had a significantly higher VAS-FA score at the 2nd, 4th, and 8th week of follow-up compared with group 2, and no significant differences were observed at the time of injury and at the 12th and 24th weeks. The muscle strength deficits in group 1 were present at the 4th week, whereas those in the cast immobilization group were determined at the 4th and 8th weeks in all muscles. During the 12th and 24th week of follow-up, no significantly differences in both extremities were observed between the groups. Conclusion: Elastic bandage treatment was better than cast immobilization in terms of preserving ankle muscle strength, clinical outcomes, and functional scores regardless of the degree of fracture displacement. Moreover, the present study emphasized that cast immobilization offered no advantages in this fracture treatment. Level of Evidence: Level I, prognostic randomized controlled trial.
Microbial extracellular RNAs and their roles in human diseases
Authors: Lee Heon-Jin 
Published: May 2020

Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are released by extracellular vesicles, small membranous nanoparticles secreted by all cell types. When transported into cells, exRNAs can modulate gene expression or cellular responses in the target cells since many small RNAs have regulatory functions. Indeed, it is widely acknowledged that endogenous exRNAs in the human body are related to various diseases. However, microbial exRNAs have been less studied, and their connection to host diseases has just begun to be explored. In this review, I will discuss analytical methods for exRNAs and the potential use of exRNAs as disease biomarkers. I also consider current progress in understanding the regulation of host mechanisms by microbial exRNAs as inter-kingdom communication, efforts to utilize extracellular vesicles as therapeutic vehicles loaded with engineered RNA cargos, and a putative connection between microbial exRNA-based regulation of host responses and human diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This overview aims to present novel insights into pathogenesis with regard to the function of microbial exRNAs as “disease-relevant travelers.” Impact statement The number of commensal bacteria in the body surpasses the number of actual human cells. Thus, various interactions between microbes and human cells constitute an inevitable phenomenon. Recent evidence has led to bacterial extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) being proposed as good candidates for microbe–host inter-kingdom communication tools as they can modulate the expression of host genes. However, research findings on the relevance of interactions between extracellular RNA and human diseases are still in their infancy. Nevertheless, substantial data suggest that microbial exRNAs are implicated in various human diseases both at local and distant sites. By exploring various scenarios for the involvement of microbial exRNAs in human diseases, we may better understand the role of exRNAs as “communication signals” for diseases and thereby develop novel therapeutic strategies by using them and their carrier extracellular vesicles.
Obturator bypass using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft for inguinal graft infection
Authors: Gwon Jun G , Han Youngjin , Cho Yong-Pil , Kwon Tae-Won 
Published: May 2020

Objective Inguinal vascular graft infections are high-risk events that cannot be controlled medically but require surgical intervention. This study reviewed the long-term clinical outcomes of obturator bypass using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft for inguinal graft infection. Methods A total of eight consecutive patients who underwent obturator bypass using a ringed polytetrafluoroethylene graft for inguinal prosthetic graft infection at a single medical center between January 2006 and October 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. The demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical procedure, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results There was no perioperative death; however, there were three operative complications. On the 1st and 9th postoperative day, two patients underwent hematoma evacuation in the pelvic cavity, and the other patient underwent suture reinforcement for partial dehiscence of the distal anastomosis on the 49th postoperative day. The median length of hospital stay was 14.5 (range, 7–29) days. Only one graft occlusion was observed at postoperative month 40; however, there were no ischemic symptoms. There were no limb amputations and postoperative deaths during the long-term follow-up period. There were no infections of the previous residual and obturator bypass grafts and inguinal infection during the follow-up period of 49 (range, 7–154) months. Conclusion Obturator bypass for inguinal graft infection is feasible and durable with excellent long-term outcomes. However, perioperative bleeding should be taken into consideration.
Cost-effectiveness of adding atezolizumab to first-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Wu Bin , Ma Fei 
Published: May 2020

Background: The effectiveness of atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel for advanced triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) has been demonstrated. We aimed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness on advanced TNBC from the US payer perspective. Methods: A Markov model was adopted to project the disease course of newly diagnosed advanced TNBC. The clinical data were gathered from the IMpassion130 trial. Cost and health preference data were derived from the literature. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was measured, and one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed for exploring the model uncertainties. Results: Our results demonstrated that atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel augmented versus nab-paclitaxel therapy cost $104,278 and $149,465 and yielded an additional 0.371 and 0.762 of quality-adjusted life year (QALY) in in all patients with unknown PD-L1 status and subpopulation with PD-L1-positive, respectively, which led to an ICER of $281,448 and $196,073 per QALY gained. In all patients with unknown PD-L1 status, atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel treatment guiding by PD-L1 expression testing resulted in an ICER of $183,508 per QALY gained. Atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel could maintain a trend of positive incremental net health benefits and >50% probabilities of cost-effectiveness at the threshold of $200,000/QALY in more than half of subgroups with PD-L1-positive. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses revealed the results were most sensitive to the hazard ratios (HRs) of overall survival (OS) of atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel versus nab-paclitaxel treatment. Conclusion: The atezolizumab plus nab-paclitaxel treatment is likely to be a cost-effective option compared with chemotherapy based on nab-paclitaxel for the patients with PD-L1-positive advanced TNBC.