bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Race, Cardiac Mass, and Cardiac Load on Myocardial Function Trajectories from Childhood to Young Adulthood: The Augusta Heart Study
Authors: Kapuku Gaston , Howie Melissa , Ghosh Santu , Doshi Vishal , Bykhovsky Michael , Ange Brittany , Halbert James D. , Robinson Vincent , Bagi Zsolt , Harshfield Gregory , George Varghese 
Published: January 2021

Background
The overall goal of this longitudinal study was to determine if the Black population has decreased myocardial function, which has the potential to lead to the early development of congestive heart failure, compared with the White population.

Methods and Results

A total of 673 subjects were evaluated over a period of 30 years including similar percentages of Black and White participants. Left ventricular systolic function was probed using the midwall fractional shortening (MFS). A longitudinal analysis of the MFS using a mixed effect growth curve model was performed. Black participants had greater body mass index, higher blood pressure readings, and greater left ventricular mass compared with White participants (all
P
<0.01). Black participants had a 0.54% decrease of MFS compared with White participants. As age increased by 1 year, MFS increased by 0.05%. As left ventricular mass increased by 1 g, MFS decreased by 0.01%. As circumferential end systolic stress increased by 1 unit, MFS decreased by 0.04%. The MFS trajectories for race differed from early age to young adulthood.

Conclusions
Changes in myocardial function mirror the race‐dependent variations in blood pressure, afterload, and cardiac mass, suggesting that myocardial function depression occurs early in childhood in populations at high cardiovascular risk such as Black participants.
Reducing Solar Radiation Forcing Uncertainty and Its Impact on Surface Energy and Water Fluxes
Authors: Peng Liqing , Wei Zhongwang , Zeng Zhenzhong , Lin Peirong , Wood Eric F. , Sheffield Justin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDownward shortwave radiation Rsd determines the surface energy balance, alters evapotranspiration and hydrological conditions, and feeds back to the regional and global climate. Large-scale Rsd estimates are usually retrieved from satellite-based top-of-atmosphere radiation and cloud parameters. These estimates are subject to biases and temporal inhomogeneity due to errors in atmospheric parameters, algorithms, and sensor changes. We found that three satellite products overestimate Rsd by 8%–10% over Asia for 1984–2006, particularly in high latitudes. We used the model tree ensemble (MTE) machine-learning algorithm and commonly used ensemble averaging methods to integrate ground observations and satellite products. Validations based on test stations and independent networks showed that the MTE approach reduces the median relative biases from 8%–10% to 2%, which is more effective than the ensemble averaging methods. We further evaluated the impacts of uncertainty in radiation forcing on surface energy and water balances using the land surface model Noah-MP. The uncertainty of radiation data affects the prediction of sensible heat the most, and also largely affects latent heat prediction in humid regions. Holding the other variables constant, a 10% positive bias in Rsd can lead to a 20%–60% positive bias in the monthly median sensible heat. The simulated hydrological responses to changing radiation forcing are nonlinear as a result of the interactions among evapotranspiration, snowpack, and soil moisture. Our analysis concludes that reducing uncertainty of radiation data is beneficial for predicting regional energy and water balances, which requires more high-quality ground observations and improved satellite retrieval algorithms.
Hydrological Response of the Pampanga River Basin in the Philippines to Intense Tropical Cyclone Rainfall
Authors: Macalalad Rhonalyn V. , Badilla Roy A. , Cabrera Olivia C. , Bagtasa Gerry 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Philippines is frequently affected by tropical cyclones (TCs), and understanding the flood response of the Pampanga River basin (PRB) from TC-induced rain is needed in effective disaster risk management. As large uncertainties remain in TC rain forecasting, we propose a simple checklist method for flood forecasting of the PRB that depends on the general TC track, season, and accumulated rainfall. To this end, flood events were selected based on the alert, alarm, and critical river height levels established by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). Results show that all flood events in the PRB were induced by TCs. All intense TCs that directly traversed the PRB resulted in critical-level floods. These TCs also had the shortest flood onset of 7–27 h from alert to critical level. Flooding from distant landfalling TCs, on the other hand, are dependent on season. TCs traversing north (south) of the PRB induced flooding only during the southwest (northeast) monsoon season. These TCs can raise water levels from alert to critical in 11–48 h. Remote precipitation from non-landfalling TCs can also induce critical-level flooding but with a longer onset time of 59 h. These results indicate that a simple checklist method can serve as a useful tool for flood forecasting in regions with limited data and forecasting resources.
Use of a Genetic Algorithm to Optimize a Numerical Weather Prediction System
Authors: Houtekamer P. L. , He Bin , Jacques Dominik , McTaggart-Cowan Ron , Separovic Leo , Vaillancourt Paul A. , Zadra Ayrton , Deng Xingxiu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAn important step in an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) algorithm is the integration of an ensemble of short-range forecasts with a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model. A multiphysics approach is used in the Canadian global EnKF system. This paper explores whether the many integrations with different versions of the model physics can be used to obtain more accurate and more reliable probability distributions for the model parameters. Some model parameters have a continuous range of possible values. Other parameters are categorical and act as switches between different parameterizations. In an evolutionary algorithm, the member configurations that contribute most to the quality of the ensemble are duplicated, while adding a small perturbation, at the expense of configurations that perform poorly. The evolutionary algorithm is being used in the migration of the EnKF to a new version of the Canadian NWP model with upgraded physics. The quality of configurations is measured with both a deterministic and an ensemble score, using the observations assimilated in the EnKF system. When using the ensemble score in the evaluation, the algorithm is shown to be able to converge to non-Gaussian distributions. However, for several model parameters, there is not enough information to arrive at improved distributions. The optimized system features slight reductions in biases for radiance measurements that are sensitive to humidity. Modest improvements are also seen in medium-range ensemble forecasts.
Developing Collaborative Thinkers: Rethinking how we Define, Teach, and Assess Class Participation
Authors: Hard Bridgette Martin , RaoShah Taalin 
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Class participation is a common component of many college classes and is typically defined as involving students’ active, oral engagement in class. Statement of the Problem: Class participation is often an under-utilized pedagogical tool for skill-building and development. Literature Review: We present an evidence-based framework that encourages instructors and students to rethink class participation as collaboration. Drawing on a review of over 40 years of research, we argue that this framework for defining class participation will lead to better classroom discussions, academic and social-emotional benefits for students, and prepare students with essential workforce readiness skills. Teaching Implications: We describe how instructors can adopt our framework with evidence-based suggestions for: (1) redefining participation as collaboration with explicit criteria (2) structuring course experience to develop students as active collaborators (3) working to build productive classroom teams, and (4) evaluating participation through a collaborative lens. Conclusions: We offer a novel framework for redefining participation through a collaborative lens, along with a suite of evidence-based suggestions for shifting the thought processes and behaviors of students toward collaboration.
Serum uric acid level as a biomarker for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a meta-analysis
Authors: Li Herui , Chen Yan 
Published: January 2021

Objective To determine if there is a relationship between the levels of serum uric acid and the different Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stages (1–4) classified by the severity of the airflow limitation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Electronic databases, including PubMed®, Embase®, Web of Science™ and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched from inception to December 2018. Observational studies that reported serum uric acid levels in stable COPD patients were included. Two investigators independently extracted data and RevMan version 5.3 was used to carry out the statistical analyses. Results Seven studies with 932 stable COPD patients and 401 healthy control subjects were included in this meta-analysis. Serum uric acid levels were significantly higher in stable COPD patients compared with healthy control subjects (mean difference [MD] 1.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.55, 2.28). Serum uric acid levels were significantly lower in the GOLD 1+2 subgroup compared with the GOLD 3+4 subgroup (MD −1.39, 95% CI −1.63, −1.15). Conclusion Serum uric acid might be a useful biomarker for identifying disease severity in stable COPD patients, but further studies are needed to confirm this finding.
Incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus among Korean women in childbearing years: A nationwide population-based study
Authors: Chung Min Kyung , Park Jin Su , Lim Hyunsun , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Jisoo 
Published: January 2021

Background Most women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are diagnosed with the disease in their reproductive years, but the incidence and prevalence of SLE among women of childbearing age have not been studied. The objective of this study was to estimate the incidence and prevalence of SLE among the Korean women of childbearing age. Methods Women aged 20 to 44 years with SLE were identified from National Health Insurance Service – National Health Information Database (2009-2016), which contain health information of approximately 97% of the Korean population. SLE was defined by International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision code, M32. Incidence and prevalence were calculated per 100,000 person-years and stratified by year and age. Results A total of 12,756 women with SLE were identified. The incidence of SLE from 2011 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 8.18/100,000 person-years (95% CI 7.94–8.43), with the highest incidence in 2016 (8.56/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.95–9.17) and the lowest incidence in 2012 (7.85/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 7.28–8.42). The prevalence of SLE from 2009 to 2016 among women in childbearing years was 77.07/100,000 person-years (95% CI 75.76–78.39), with the highest prevalence in 2014 (79.47/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 77.64–81.30) and the lowest in 2010 (74.19/100,000 person-years, 95% CI 72.45–75.93). The peak age for SLE incidence was between 25–39 years, and lower incidence was seen in the early (20–24 years) and late (40–44 years) childbearing age periods. There was an increasing trend in prevalence according to age in women of childbearing age, with the highest prevalence occurring in the 40–44 age group. Conclusions The risk and burden of SLE are high among women during their childbearing years. This calls for special attention to this particular population group when allocating health resources.
Ultrasonography-Guided Minimally Invasive Surgery for Achilles Sleeve Avulsions
Authors: Liu Chi-Yuan , Wu Tsung-Chiao , Yang Kai-Chiang , Li Yi-Chen , Wang Chen-Chie 
Published: January 2021

Background: Achilles sleeve avulsion, a relatively rare disorder, is characterized by sleeve-shaped injury extending from the calcaneus, located near the tendon insertion site. Unlike midsubstance tears of the Achilles tendon, end-to-end repair is difficult because less soft tissue is preserved distally. Open repair with transosseous sutures or suture anchors is currently favored. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and functional outcomes of ultrasonography-guided Achilles sleeve avulsion repair. Methods: From November 2009 to April 2018, 21 patients with Achilles sleeve avulsions (mean age, 57.8 years; range, 25-82 years) who underwent repair by the same surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. The repair was achieved through a stab wound under ultrasonographic guidance. Two parallel Bunnell-type sutures were crossed over the proximal stump and tied with sutures from suture anchors fixed in the calcaneal tuberosity. Results: The mean operative time was 44 minutes, and the mean wound size was 1.5 cm. The patients were allowed to walk freely on postoperative week 6 with using high-ankle shoes. At postoperative 2 years’ follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score significantly improved from 70.9 to 97.1 ( P < .05); similarly, their 12-item Short Form Health Survey scores improved significantly ( P < .05). Only 2 patients had superficial wound infections, which resolved with wound care and oral antibiotics. Conclusion: Our ultrasonography-guided surgical technique for Achilles sleeve avulsions provided excellent soft tissue visualization and availability as well as minimized the wound length to achieve good postsurgical outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.
Hand osteomyelitis in arterial calcification, diabetes mellitus and end-stage renal failure: a comparison of 210 cases over 12 years
Authors: Wyman Matthew , Dargan Dallan , Caddick Jennifer , Giblin Victoria 
Published: January 2021

We present 210 patients with hand osteomyelitis in 246 rays over 12 years, including detailed analysis of 29 patients in this cohort with digital artery calcification evident on plain X-ray. Overall 71 patients had diabetes mellitus and/or end-stage renal failure, including 28 of 29 patients with calcification. In the calcification group, 17 patients had ipsilateral arteriovenous fistulae, five had steal syndrome and 15 had digital ulceration or skin necrosis. Compared with 181 controls, patients with calcification had more affected bones, polymicrobial infections, surgical procedures, phalanges and digits amputated and had higher mortality at 1 year (12 of 29) and 5 years (20 of 29), as a result of comorbidities. Absence of calcification in 43 patients with diabetes and/or end-stage renal failure was associated with better outcomes on all the above parameters. Early amputation to maximize disease-free survival may be appropriate for patients with hand osteomyelitis and arterial calcification. Level of evidence: IV
Normal ranges for measurements of the scaphoid bone from sagittal computed tomography images
Authors: Guldbrandsen Cæcilie W. , Radev Dimitar I. , Gvozdenovic Robert 
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to determine normal values of three parameters commonly used to determine malunion by investigating intact scaphoids on sagittal computed tomography images from healthy individuals. We analysed 62 normal scaphoids and found the mean height–length ratio, lateral intrascaphoid angle and dorsal cortical angle to be 0.58, 27° and 128°, respectively. These measurements had good-to-excellent, poor-to-moderate and moderate-to-good inter- and intra-rater reliabilities, respectively. This study provides information on normal parameters of the scaphoid that may inform clinical decision making when assessing malunion. We suggest that the lateral intrascaphoid angle should be used with great caution as a measure of deformity. Level of evidence: III
Pelvic floor myofascial pain in gynecology oncology patients: A pilot study
Authors: McAlarnen Lindsey A. , Ricci Goodman Jean , Sarwark Anne , Winder Abigail D. , Potkul Ronald K. , Liotta Margaret R. 
Published: January 2021

Objective: Here we present a pilot study investigating the prevalence of pelvic floor myofascial pain in patients presenting to an academic tertiary care gynecologic oncology clinic. We describe patients’ responses to a pain survey including the pain disability index. Methods: An IRB approved prospective survey and chart review was conducted. Patients underwent standard physical exam maneuvers for detection of pelvic floor myofascial pain. Consented patients completed a pain survey and pain disability index on presentation to clinic. Statistical analysis included Chi square test and Mann Whitney test. Results: Twenty-nine percent (45/155) of patients exhibited pelvic floor myofascial pain, while 71% (110/155) did not. Of those with malignancy, 28% (16/57) had pelvic floor myofascial pain and 72% (41/57) did not. Patients with pelvic floor myofascial pain had a significantly higher rating of “pain right now” ( p = 0.001) and “usual level of pain during the past week” ( p = 0.003) than those without such pain. Patients with pelvic floor myofascial pain had significantly greater disability in family/home responsibilities ( p = 0.01), recreation ( p = 0.001), social activity ( p = 0.008), occupation ( p = 0.015), sexual behavior ( p = 0.025), and life support activities ( p = 0.007) compared to those without pelvic floor myofascial pain. Conclusion: Pelvic floor myofascial pain affects 28% of patients with malignancy. Routine incorporation of a myofascial exam can identity those with such pain, which can lead to improved quality of life in gynecologic oncology patients with pelvic floor disorders.
Examining geographical disparities in the incubation period of the COVID-19 infected cases in Shenzhen and Hefei, China
Authors: Xiao Zuopeng , Guo Wenbo , Luo Zhiqiang , Liao Jianxiang , Wen Feiqiu , Lin Yaoyu 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background
Current studies on the COVID-19 depicted a general incubation period distribution and did not examine whether the incubation period distribution varies across patients living in different geographical locations with varying environmental attributes. Profiling the incubation distributions geographically help to determine the appropriate quarantine duration for different regions.

Methods
This retrospective study mainly applied big data analytics and methodology, using the publicly accessible clinical report for patients (n = 543) confirmed as infected in Shenzhen and Hefei, China. Based on 217 patients on whom the incubation period could be identified by the epidemiological method. Statistical and econometric methods were employed to investigate how the incubation distributions varied between infected cases reported in Shenzhen and Hefei.

Results
The median incubation period of the COVID-19 for all the 217 infected patients was 8 days (95% CI 7 to 9), while median values were 9 days in Shenzhen and 4 days in Hefei. The incubation period probably has an inverse U-shaped association with the meteorological temperature. The warmer condition in the winter of Shenzhen, average environmental temperature between 10 °C to 15 °C, may decrease viral virulence and result in more extended incubation periods.

Conclusion
Case studies of the COVID-19 outbreak in Shenzhen and Hefei indicated that the incubation period of COVID-19 had exhibited evident geographical disparities, although the pathological causality between meteorological conditions and incubation period deserves further investigation. Methodologies based on big data released by local public health authorities are applicable for identifying incubation period and relevant epidemiological research.
Vector space algebra for scaling and centering relationship matrices under non-Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium conditions
Authors: Gomez-Raya Luis , Rauw Wendy M. , Dekkers Jack C. M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundScales are linear combinations of variables with coefficients that add up to zero and have a similar meaning to “contrast” in the analysis of variance. Scales are necessary in order to incorporate genomic information into relationship matrices for genomic selection. Statistical and biological parameterizations using scales under different assumptions have been proposed to construct alternative genomic relationship matrices. Except for the natural and orthogonal interactions approach (NOIA) method, current methods to construct relationship matrices assume Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). The objective of this paper is to apply vector algebra to center and scale relationship matrices under non-HWE conditions, including orthogonalization by the Gram-Schmidt process.Theory and methodsVector space algebra provides an evaluation of current orthogonality between additive and dominance vectors of additive and dominance scales for each marker. Three alternative methods to center and scale additive and dominance relationship matrices based on the Gram-Schmidt process (GSP-A, GSP-D, and GSP-N) are proposed. GSP-A removes additive-dominance co-variation by first fitting the additive and then the dominance scales. GSP-D fits scales in the opposite order. We show that GSP-A is algebraically the same as the NOIA model. GSP-N orthonormalizes the additive and dominance scales that result from GSP-A. An example with genotype information on 32,645 single nucleotide polymorphisms from 903 Large-White × Landrace crossbred pigs is used to construct existing and newly proposed additive and dominance relationship matrices.ResultsAn exact test for departures from HWE showed that a majority of loci were not in HWE in crossbred pigs. All methods, except the one that assumes HWE, performed well to attain an average of diagonal elements equal to one and an average of off diagonal elements equal to zero. Variance component estimation for a recorded quantitative phenotype showed that orthogonal methods (NOIA, GSP-A, GSP-N) can adjust for the additive-dominance co-variation when estimating the additive genetic variance, whereas GSP-D does it when estimating dominance components. However, different methods to orthogonalize relationship matrices resulted in different proportions of additive and dominance components of variance.ConclusionsVector space methodology can be applied to measure orthogonality between vectors of additive and dominance scales and to construct alternative orthogonal models such as GSP-A, GSP-D and an orthonormal model such as GSP-N. Under non-HWE conditions, GSP-A is algebraically the same as the previously developed NOIA model.