bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A General N-Moment Normalization Method for Deriving Raindrop Size Distribution Scaling Relationships
Authors: Morrison Hugh , Kumjian Matthew R. , Martinkus Charlotte P. , Prat Olivier P. , van Lier-Walqui Marcus 
Published: December 2018

AbstractA general drop size distribution (DSD) normalization method is formulated in terms of generalized power series relating any DSD moment to any number and combination of reference moments. This provides a consistent framework for comparing the variability of normalized DSD moments using different sets of reference moments, with no explicit assumptions about the DSD functional form (e.g., gamma). It also provides a method to derive any unknown moment plus an estimate of its uncertainty from one or more known moments, which is relevant to remote sensing retrievals and bulk microphysics schemes in weather and climate models. The approach is applied to a large dataset of disdrometer-observed and bin microphysics-modeled DSDs. As expected, the spread of normalized moments decreases as the number of reference moments is increased, quantified by the logarithmic standard deviation of the normalized moments, σ. Averaging σ for all combinations of reference moments and normalized moments of integer order 0–10, 42.9%, 81.3%, 93.7%, and 96.9% of spread are accounted for applying one-, two-, three-, and four-moment normalizations, respectively. Thus, DSDs can be well characterized overall using three reference moments, whereas adding a fourth reference moment contributes little independent information. The spread of disdrometer-observed DSD moments from uncertainty associated with drop count statistics generally lies between values of σ using two- and three-moment normalizations. However, this uncertainty has little impact on the derived DSD scaling relationships or σ when considered.
Predictive Value of Hepatorenal Status in Contrast-Induced Nephropathy Among Patients Receiving Coronary Angiography and/or Intervention: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Enyuan , Lu Yaru , Chen Gang , Huang Lingyu , Zhang Jingkun , Wang Chengjian , Qin Qin 
Published: December 2018

Background:Low serum albumin, high blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid are regarded closely related to the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN), whereas it remains unclear whether they can function as predictors of CIN onset. The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to explore the association between abovementioned indicators and CIN incidence rate in patients receiving coronary angiography (CAG) and/or intervention.Methods:Clinical studies were retrieved from the electronic databases of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Clinical Trials, and ScienceDirect from their inception to July 13, 2018. Meta-analysis was performed on pooled eligible studies to determine whether these hepatorenal indicators were associated with CIN.Results:A total of 18 studies involving 16 171 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled analysis results revealed that patients with hypoalbuminemia (odds ratio [OR] = 3.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.44-6.64, P = .004) and hyperuricemia (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.15-1.50, P < .0001) both exhibited significantly higher CIN rates, regardless of the study design, renal function, and whether urgent clinical situation or not. However, there was no significant association between serum BUN and CIN risk.Conclusion:Hypoalbuminemia and hyperuricemia are independently associated with the occurrence of CIN among the patients undergoing CAG and/or intervention.
Surgical Management of Stylohyoid Pain (Eagle’s) Syndrome: A 5-Year Experience
Authors: Waters Candace M. , Ho Sandra , Luginbuhl Adam , Curry Joseph M. , Cognetti David M. 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: (1) To define patient demographics and common symptoms in patients who undergo styloidectomy for stylohyoid pain syndrome (Eagle’s syndrome). (2) To evaluate the effectiveness of styloidectomy in reducing symptoms of Eagle’s syndrome. Methods: Retrospective chart review and prospective case series. We retrospectively gathered demographic data on all patients at a single institution who underwent styloidectomy during a 5-year period. Using a patient symptom survey, we also gathered prospective data on a cohort of these patients presenting during the second half of the timeframe. Results: Thirty-two patients underwent styloidectomy for Eagle’s syndrome between November 2010 and June 2015. Of these patients, 22 (68.8%) were female, 29 (90.6%) were Caucasian, and 10 (31.3%) reported history of tonsillectomy. Mean age was 46.0 years, and mean BMI was 26.1 kg/m2. Nineteen patients completed the prospective survey. Average styloid length was 45.3 mm. Most severe preoperative symptoms were neck pain, otalgia, globus, facial pain, headache, and discomfort with neck turning. Thirteen of 17 individual symptoms demonstrated significant decrease in symptom scores after styloidectomy. Aggregate symptom scores also showed significant decrease postsurgically. Longer styloid length correlated with increased scores for dysphagia and odynophagia but not with conglomerate symptom scores. Conclusions: Patients with Eagle’s syndrome were mostly female, Caucasian, and had near-normal BMI. There is wide variability in presenting symptoms of Eagle’s syndrome, but nearly all demonstrate improvement after styloidectomy. Thus, in appropriately selected patients, styloidectomy can effectively and reliably produce improvement in patient symptoms.
An Overview of Strategies for Reducing Upper Extremity Physical Exposure Associated With Floor Mopping: A Systematic Review
Authors: Wallius Mari-Anne , Järvelin-Pasanen Susanna , Rissanen Saara M. , Karjalainen Pasi A. , Räsänen Kimmo 
Published: December 2018

Objective: This systematic review synthesizes literature on upper extremity physical exposure associated with floor mopping, in order to (a) assess the impact of changes in mopping systems on physical exposure and (b) propose recommendations for strategies to reduce exposure. Background: Floor-cleaning tools and equipment have undergone major improvements. Existing studies have focused on mop design modifications and cleaning efficiency. However, less is known about strain responses caused by modern tools and methods. Method: Studies from 1987 to February 2017 were identified by electronic and manual search. All selected studies underwent a quality assessment. The evidence was organized into categories representing different strategies for reducing exposure. The levels of evidence were determined using a best evidence synthesis approach. Results: Eleven studies were included. Based on the review findings, currently there is moderate evidence suggesting that reduced physical exposure has been achieved through development of mopping systems. Levels of evidence for strategies associated with positive effects on physical exposure were: moderate evidence for mop design and handle type, insufficient evidence for mopping technique, and mixed evidence for mopping methods and environment modifications. Therefore, the present study suggests the use of adjustable mop handles as a strategy for reducing physical exposure. Conclusion: A more comprehensive approach to reducing physical exposure concerning floor mopping work is necessary. Application: Knowledge regarding physical exposure reduction can be applied as the basis for decision making in cleaning practice. Information can be incorporated into future research regarding development of floor-cleaning methods.
Validation study of the Functional Assessment Scale for Acute Hamstring injuries in Spanish professional soccer players
Authors: Hernández-Sanchez Sergio , Korakakis Vasileios , Malliaropoulos Nikos , Moreno-Perez Víctor 
Published: December 2018

Objective: To cross-culturally adapt and validate the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury for professional Spanish-speaking soccer players. Design: Clinical measurement study. Cross-cultural adaptation was conducted following international recommendations. Indicators of validity, reliability and responsiveness are provided. Subjects: The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale was administered to 165 participants: 45 professional soccer players with acute hamstring muscle injury diagnosis, 40 healthy subjects, 40 individuals at-risk for a hamstring muscle injury and 40 patients with injuries of the lower limb other than hamstring muscle injury. Main measures: The Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury. Reference measures: Spanish version of the Quality of Life Short-Form 36 questionnaire (SF-36) and the Lower Limb Functional Index (LLFI). Results: Cronbach’s alpha (internal consistency) for the Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale was >0.8. The intraclass correlation coefficient using the two-way random model (ICC2,1) (test–retest) was 0.993 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.991–0.995; P < 0.05). In the exploratory factor analysis, a one-factor solution explained 85% of the variance. Subjects with hamstring muscle injury scored significantly lower than the other groups in the Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale ( P < 0.001). The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale score within the hamstring muscle injury group showed moderate and significant correlations with SF-36 physical components (Spearman’s rs > 0.6; P < 0.001), and LLFI score at baseline ( rs = 0.42; P < 0.01). The standard error of measurement (SEM) and minimum detectable change threshold (MDC95%) were 2.6 and 7.2 points, respectively. The responsiveness indicators have an effect size of 3.62, and the standardized response mean is 3.24. Conclusion: The Spanish version of the Functional Assessment Scale for acute hamstring injury scale showed satisfactory psychometric properties. It can be considered a reliable and valid instrument to assess the functional impact of acute hamstring muscle injury in professional Spanish-speaking football players.
Effect of smartphone application-supported self-rehabilitation for frozen shoulder: a prospective randomized control study
Authors: Choi Younggeun , Nam Jihoon , Yang Dongseok , Jung Whanik , Lee Hwa-Ryeong , Kim Sae Hoon 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of smartphone-assisted self-rehabilitation in patients with frozen shoulder. Design: A single-center, randomized controlled trial. Setting: Orthopedic department of a university hospital. Subjects: A total of 84 patients with frozen shoulder were recruited. Intervention: Patients were randomly divided into two groups: a smartphone-assisted exercise group ( n = 42) and a conventional self-exercise group ( n = 42). The study was performed over three months, during which each group performed home-based rehabilitation. Main measures: Visual analogue scale for pain and passive shoulder range of motion were assessed at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment. Technology Acceptance Model–2 and Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use scores were evaluated in the smartphone group. Results: Initial visual analogue scale for pain of the smartphone group was 6.0 ± 2.2 and ended up with 1.8 ± 2.5 after 12 weeks, whereas the self-exercise group showed 5.8 ± 2.3 for the baseline visual analogue scale for pain and 2.2 ± 1.7 at the end. Significant time-dependent improvements in all measured values were observed in both groups (all Ps < 0.001), but no significant intergroup difference was observed after 4, 8, or 12 weeks of treatment. In the smartphone group, Technology Acceptance Model–2 and Usefulness, Satisfaction, and Ease of Use scores showed high patient satisfaction with smartphone-assisted exercise. Conclusion: There was no difference between home-based exercise using a smartphone application and a conventional self-exercise program for the treatment of frozen shoulder in terms of visual analogue scale for pain and range of motions.
Comparison of two-view digital breast tomosynthesis to three-view digital mammography in a simulated screening setting
Authors: Kim Yoon-Jin , Sechopoulos Ioannis , Newell Mary S , Ho Christopher P , Holbrook Anna I , Fleming Margaret , Hamlin Marae B , Handa Priyanka , Braykov Nikolay , D’Orsi Carl J 
Published: December 2018

Background Although digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) may be an effective breast cancer screening modality, alternatives are important to explore as this technique presents some challenges for population screening implementation. Purpose To compare the detection performance of three-view (craniocaudal [CC] + mediolateral oblique [MLO] + mediolateral/lateromedial [ML/LM]) digital mammography (DM) to two-view (CC + MLO) DBT. Material and Methods In this institutional review board-approved study, recalled screening DBT exams from 3 March 2014 to 31 March 2015 with a ML/LM view acquired within 30 days were retrospectively reviewed for detection of breast cancer. Six radiologists blinded to outcomes evaluated two-view DBT, which included DM and tomosynthesis images, and three-view DM. Probability of malignancy and a BI-RADS score were assigned. Primary outcomes were area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and benign and malignant recall rates. Results The cohort included 121 cases: 37% were malignant and 63% were benign. Reader-averaged AUCs were 0.846 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.787–0.905) and 0.853 (95% CI = 0.802–0.904) for three-view DM and DBT, respectively. Benign and malignant recall rates were 53% and 74% for three-view DM and 52% and 75% for DBT, respectively. There was no difference in AUCs ( P = 0.692), and benign ( P = 1) and malignant ( P = 1) recall rates. Conclusion In this retrospective initial study, the detection performance of two-view DBT and three-view DM were statistically equivalent. Future studies should determine whether three-view DM is a viable alternative to DBT for screening, given its cost and work-flow.
Vitamin C ameliorates the adverse effects of dexamethasone on sperm motility, testosterone level, and spermatogenesis indexes in mice
Authors: Sadeghzadeh F , Mehranjani MS , Mahmoodi M 
Published: December 2018

Background: Dexamethasone (DEX) is a common medicine that is capable of causing malformation in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of vitamin C (Vit-C) on spermatogenesis indexes and daily sperm production (DSP) in adult mice treated with DEX. Methods: Male Naval Medical Research Institute (NMRI) mice were divided into four groups: Control, DEX (7 mg/kg/day), Vit-C (100 mg/kg/day), and DEX +Vit-C and treated for 7 days with intraperitoneal injection. Results: A significant increase in the mean levels of serum and tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and apoptosis of Leydig cells was found in the DEX group compared to the control group. Sperm motility, DSP, tubular differentiation index, meiotic index, spermatogenesis index, the mean number of spermatocytes, round and long spermatids, and Leydig cells, and also serum testosterone level decreased in the DEX group compared to the control group. The results of this study indicate that Vit-C can significantly prevent the adverse effects of DEX on the mean number of spermatocyte, spermatid, and Leydig cells, tubular differentiation, meiotic and spermatogenesis index, DSP, sperm motility, and the mean levels of serum MDA. Conclusion: In conclusion, our results showed that coadministration of Vit-C and DEX prevents the adverse effects of DEX on the spermatogenesis indexes and DSP.
Expression and Clinical Significance of Claudin-7 in Patients With Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Xiaonan , Li Wenjing , Wang Kun , Ding Lei 
Published: December 2018

Background and Objective: Claudin-7 is a component of tight junctions and plays important roles in maintaining cell polarity and tightly connecting the barriers between cells. Abnormal claudin-7 protein expression is closely related to tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between claudin-7 expression and carcinogenesis or metastasis in colorectal cancer and the clinical significance of these relationships. Materials and Methods: In this study, enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to measure the claudin-7 levels in serum from patients with colorectal cancer. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blotting were used to measure claudin-7 expression in colorectal cancer tissues, paracancerous tissues, and metastatic tissues. Results: Serum claudin-7 levels were significantly lower in patients with colorectal cancer than in healthy controls. Immunohistochemistry indicated that claudin-7 expression was lower in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal colorectal tissues, and its expression level was positively correlated with the degree of colorectal cancer tissue differentiation. Claudin-7 expression levels were significantly reduced or undetectable in metastatic tissues compared to primary tumor tissues, but there were no significant differences in claudin-7 expression among different metastatic tissues. Conclusion: We confirmed that claudin-7 downregulation was associated with colorectal cancer and metastasis. Claudin-7 could be a tumor suppressor gene for colorectal cancer and may thus serve an early diagnostic marker and a novel therapeutic target.
Fundamentals of Gas Management as Applied to Nonwovens Production
Authors: Holloway Keith A. , Patharkar Mukund 
Published: December 2018

Nonwovens production is often adversely affected by non-uniformity associated with fiber laydown and web formation. This non-uniformity is in part a result of the complex interactions between the air streams and the spinning process. Currently, the amount of available research in this area has been minimal with few engineering solutions or references to guide equipment designers. The purpose of this paper is to explore and explain the interaction of air streams engaged in the laying down of nonwovens product onto a porous conveyor or laydown belt. This paper concentrates on the space above the laydown table and the interaction of the fiber stream with the surrounding environment. In this paper, the influence of the ambient and conditioned air will be examined from the spinneret to the forming table. It is assumed for the purposes of this paper that the laydown vacuum is sufficient to evacuate 100% of the combined air streams and a cross-flow quench is used. Why is air management above the forming or laydown table so important? The control of the air that is feeding the system affects the entire forming area and has a direct impact on web formation and energy cost. The size and complexity of air removal systems are also directly affected by the quantity of entrained air expected in the laydown process. By understanding the process and applying better management techniques, the design, equipment and operational cost for the laydown area can be reduced and also ensure acceptable web formation. Does entrainment of ambient air affect the formation of the nonwovens web? The formation of the web is directly affected by the amount and aspect of the entrained air available to the system. The interaction between the air laid stream and the surrounding air can cause disruptive eddies within the laydown profile of the nonwoven fiber. Can the entrained air streams be controlled effectively? By actively supplying the entrained air along the thread path of the fibers and using control devices, such as dampers or valves, adequate control of the entrained air can be attained.
Efficacy and safety profile of autologous blood versus talc pleurodesis for malignant pleural effusion: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Keeratichananont Warangkana , Kaewdech Apichat , Keeratichananont Suriya 
Published: December 2018

Background: Autologous blood is a novel, high-efficacy sclerosant for treatment of malignant pleural effusion (MPE), similar to tetracycline. There has been no comparative data between autologous blood and a worldwide sclerosant like talc. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of autologous blood versus talc pleurodesis. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Songklanagarind Hospital, Songkhla, Thailand. A total of 123 symptomatic MPE cases were randomized to receive autologous blood pleurodesis (ABP) versus pleurodesis with talc slurry. In the ABP group, 100 ml of autologous venous blood was instilled through a chest drain, followed by 50 ml of sterile normal saline (NSS). In the talc group, 20 ml of 1% lidocaine diluted in 30 ml NSS was instilled, followed by 4 g of sterile talc (Steritalc®, a non-small particle size talc) suspended in 100 ml of NSS. A 30-day pleurodesis efficacy (according to Paladine’s criteria), along with the adverse events, was evaluated. Results: Fifty-six cases in the ABP, and 54 cases in the talc group completed the study. There was no difference between the two groups in the demographic data. The overall pleurodesis success rate at 30 days was 82.0% in the ABP group, comparable to the talc pleurodesis group (87.0%, p = 0.12). The percentage of fever (9.0% versus 28.0%, p = 0.04), amount of acetaminophen required by each participant (2.2 ± 0.7 versus 4.6 ± 0.9 tablets, p = 0.03), pain score and percentage of cases who needed opioids (9.0% versus 26.0%, p = 0.02) and hospital stay (10.2 ± 2.7 versus 12.8 ± 3.4, p = 0.04) were significantly lower in the ABP group; no infectious or serious events occurred. Conclusions: ABP had an equivalent efficacy compared to talc pleurodesis for MPE treatment. ABP offered less fever and pain and could shorten hospital stays, and neither produced means ABP did not produce clotted drainage, pulmonary or systemic adverse events.
Septal Perforation Repair Utilizing an Anterior Ethmoidal Artery Flap and Collagen Matrix
Authors: Cavada Marina N. , Orgain Carolyn A. , Alvarado Raquel , Sacks Raymond , Harvey Richard J. 
Published: December 2018

Background Nasal septal perforation repair remains a challenge with no standard technique for repair recognized. Objective To describe the combination of an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with a collagen matrix inlay as a successful technique for nasal septal perforation repair. Methods A case series of consecutive patients who underwent nasal septal perforation repair with an anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen graft was conducted. Demographic data, preoperative features of the perforation (size, location, and presence of chondritis), and postoperative outcomes were analyzed; closure rate, mucosalization rate (of the contralateral side at 21 and 90 days), and complications (crusting, bleeding, obstruction, infection, and rehospitalization <30 days) were documented. Results Thirteen patients (age: 49 ± 15 years, 30.8% women) were assessed. The perforation size was 1.6 ± 0.9 cm (range: 0.3–3.5 cm) and located 1.2 ± 0.5 cm (range: 0.5–2.0 cm) posterior to the columella. Chondritis was present in 69.2%. The closure rate was 100% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77%–100%) at both 21 and 90 days. One patient required a free mucosa graft to an area of persistent crusting on the contralateral side (7.7%). Complications were low; bleeding 0%, obstruction 7.7% (requiring corticosteroid injection of anterior ethmoidal artery flap), and 0% infection/rehospitalization. Conclusion Anterior ethmoidal artery flap with an inlay collagen matrix is a reliable technique to repair nasal septal perforation. This technique, with robust vascularity and wide angle of rotation, enables the closure of perforations both large (<50% total septum) and with anterior locations.