bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Consistent Global Microwave Land Surface Emissivity from AMSR-E and AMSR2 Observations
Authors: Prakash Satya , Norouzi Hamid , Azarderakhsh Marzi , Blake Reginald , Prigent Catherine , Khanbilvardi Reza 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAccurate estimation of passive microwave land surface emissivity (LSE) is crucial for numerical weather prediction model data assimilation, for microwave retrievals of land precipitation and atmospheric profiles, and for a better understanding of land surface and subsurface characteristics. In this study, global instantaneous LSE is estimated for a 9-yr period from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer for Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) and for a 5-yr period from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer 2 (AMSR2) sensors. Estimates of LSE from both sensors were obtained by using an updated algorithm that minimizes the discrepancy between the differences in penetration depths from microwave and infrared remote sensing observations. Concurrent ancillary datasets such as skin temperature from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and profiles of air temperature and humidity from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder are used. The latest collection 6 of MODIS skin temperature is used for the LSE estimation, and the differences between collections 6 and 5 are also comprehensively assessed. Analyses reveal that the differences between these two versions of infrared-based skin temperatures could lead to approximately a 0.015 difference in passive microwave LSE values, especially in arid regions. The comparison of global mean LSE features from the combined use of AMSR-E and AMSR2 with an independent product—Tool to Estimate Land Surface Emissivity from Microwave to Submillimeter Waves (TELSEM2)—shows spatial pattern correlations of order 0.92 at all frequencies. However, there are considerable differences in magnitude between these two LSE estimates, possibly because of differences in incidence angles, frequencies, observation times, and ancillary datasets.
Reducing TC Position Uncertainty in an Ensemble Data Assimilation and Prediction System: A Case Study of Typhoon Fanapi (2010)
Authors: Lin Kuan-Jen , Yang Shu-Chih , Chen Shuyi S. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
Ensemble-based data assimilation (EDA) has been used for tropical cyclone (TC) analysis and prediction with some success. However, the TC position spread determines the structure of the TC-related background error covariance and affects the performance of EDA. With an idealized experiment and a real TC case study, it is demonstrated that observations in the core region cannot be optimally assimilated when the TC position spread is large. To minimize the negative impact from large position uncertainty, a TC-centered EDA approach is implemented in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model–local ensemble transform Kalman filter (WRF-LETKF) assimilation system. The impact of TC-centered EDA on TC analysis and prediction of Typhoon Fanapi (2010) is evaluated. Using WRF Model nested grids with 4-km grid spacing in the innermost domain, the focus is on EDA using dropsonde data from the Impact of Typhoons on the Ocean in the Pacific field campaign. The results show that the TC structure in the background mean state is improved and that unrealistically large ensemble spread can be alleviated. The characteristic horizontal scale in the background error covariance is smaller and narrower compared to those derived from the conventional EDA approach. Storm-scale corrections are improved using dropsonde data, which is more favorable for TC development. The analysis using the TC-centered EDA is in better agreement with independent observations. The improved analysis ameliorates model shock and improves the track forecast during the first 12 h and landfall at 72 h. The impact on intensity prediction is mixed with a better minimum sea level pressure and overestimated peak winds.
Interdisciplinary Dissertation Research Among Public Health Doctoral Trainees, 2003-2015
Authors: Golembiewski Elizabeth H. , Holmes Ann M. , Jackson Joanna R. , Brown-Podgorski Brittany L. , Menachemi Nir 
Published: February 2018

Objectives: Given the call for more interdisciplinary research in public health, the objectives of this study were to (1) examine the correlates of interdisciplinary dissertation completion and (2) identify secondary fields most common among interdisciplinary public health graduates. Methods: We analyzed pooled cross-sectional data from 11 120 doctoral graduates in the Survey of Earned Doctorates, 2003-2015. The primary outcome was interdisciplinary dissertation completion. Covariates included primary public health field, sociodemographic characteristics, and institutional attributes. Results: From 2003 to 2015, a total of 4005 of 11 120 (36.0%) doctoral graduates in public health reported interdisciplinary dissertations, with significant increases observed in recent years. Compared with general public health graduates, graduates of environmental health (odds ratio [OR] = 1.74; P < .001) and health services administration (OR = 1.38; P < .001) doctoral programs were significantly more likely to report completing interdisciplinary dissertation work, whereas graduates from biostatistics (OR = 0.51; P < .001) and epidemiology (OR = 0.76; P < .001) were less likely to do so. Completing an interdisciplinary dissertation was associated with being male, a non-US citizen, a graduate of a private institution, and a graduate of an institution with high but not the highest level of research activity. Many secondary dissertation fields reported by interdisciplinary graduates included other public health fields. Conclusion: Although interdisciplinary dissertation research among doctoral graduates in public health has increased in recent years, such work is bounded in certain fields of public health and certain types of graduates and institutions. Academic administrators and other stakeholders may use these results to inform greater interdisciplinary activity during doctoral training and to evaluate current and future collaborations across departments or schools.
Utility of the Modified Surgical Apgar Score in a Head and Neck Cancer Population
Authors: Day Kristine E. , Prince Andrew C. , Lin Chee Paul , Greene Benjamin J. , Carroll William R. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThe Surgical Apgar Score (SAS) is a validated postoperative complication prediction model. The purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of the SAS in a diverse head and neck cancer population and to compare it with a recently developed modified SAS (mSAS) that accounts for intraoperative transfusion.Study DesignCase series with chart review.SettingAcademic tertiary care medical center.Subjects and MethodsThis study comprised 713 patients undergoing surgery for head and neck cancer from April 2012 to March 2015. SAS values were calculated according to intraoperative data obtained from anesthesia records. The mSAS was computed by assigning an estimated blood loss score of zero for patients receiving intraoperative transfusions. Primary outcome was 30‐day postoperative morbidity.ResultsMean SAS and mSAS were 6.3 ± 1.5 and 6.2 ± 1.7, respectively. SAS and mSAS were significantly associated with 30‐day postoperative morbidity, length of stay, operative time, American Society of Anesthesiologists status, race, and body mass index (P <. 05); however, no significant association was detected for age, sex, and smoking status. Multivariable analysis identified SAS and mSAS as independent predictors of postoperative morbidity, with the mSAS (P =. 03) being a more robust predictor than the SAS (P =. 15). Strong inverse relationships were demonstrated for the SAS and mSAS with length of stay and operative time (P <. 0001).ConclusionThe SAS serves as a useful metric for risk stratification of patients with head and neck cancer. With the inclusion of intraoperative transfusion, the mSAS demonstrates superior utility in predicting those at risk for postoperative complications.
Ménière's Disease Pathophysiology: Endolymphatic Sac Immunohistochemical Study of Aquaporin‐2, V2R Vasopressin Receptor, NKCC2, and TRPV4
Authors: Asmar Marc‐Henri , Gaboury Louis , Saliba Issam 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivesEndolymphatic sac (ELS) pathophysiology in Ménière's disease (MD) remains poorly understood. We identified from the literature a group of proteins expressed on the ELS and involved in endolymph volume regulation: aquaporin‐2 (AQP2), vasopressin receptor V2R, sodium potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (NKCC2), and transient receptor potential cation channel V4 (TRPV4). Our objective was to determine whether their ELS expression was altered in MD, to better understand the pathophysiology of endolymphatic hydrops.Study DesignProspective case‐control study.SettingTertiary care center.SubjectsTwenty‐four patients with definite MD undergoing endolymphatic duct blockage surgery were recruited, as well as 23 controls with no history of MD undergoing surgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS).MethodsELS biopsies and blood samples for plasma arginine vasopressin (AVP) were obtained. Immunohistochemistry for AQP2, V2R, NKCC2, and TRPV4 was performed. Slides were scanned digitally for highly sensitive pixel density analysis by specialized software (VIS; Visiopharm).ResultsGlobal scores generated by the software represent total and relative protein expression density of 3 staining intensity levels, exclusively on ELS epithelium. AQP2 expression density was significantly elevated in MD compared to VS (P =. 003). There was no significant difference in plasma AVP, V2R, NKCC2, and TRPV4 expression.ConclusionThis original study evaluates simultaneous in situ expression of AQP2, V2R, NKCC2, and TRPV4 on the human ELS in MD, with a control group. Our results show only AQP2 upregulation on the ELS of patients with MD. We suggest a constitutively increased expression of AQP2 in MD, independent of its regulatory axis (AVP‐V2R). Acquired regulator sequence mutations could support this model.
Oscillating-gradient diffusion magnetic resonance imaging detects acute subcellular structural changes in the mouse forebrain after neonatal hypoxia-ischemia
Authors: Wu Dan , Martin Lee J , Northington Frances J , Zhang Jiangyang 
Published: February 2018

The recently developed oscillating-gradient diffusion MRI (OG-dMRI) technique extends our ability to examine brain structures at different spatial scales. In this study, we investigated the sensitivity of OG-dMRI in detecting cellular and subcellular structural changes in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxia ischemia (HI). Neonatal mice received unilateral HI injury or sham injury at postnatal day 10, followed by in vivo T2-weighted and diffusion MRI of the brains at 3–6 h and 24 h after HI. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps were acquired using conventional pulsed-gradient dMRI (PG-dMRI) and OG-dMRI with oscillating frequencies from 50 to 200 Hz. Pathology at cellular and subcellular levels was evaluated using neuronal, glial, and mitochondrial markers. We found significantly higher rates of ADC increase with oscillating frequencies (Δ fADC) in the ipsilateral edema region, compared to the contralateral side, starting as early as 3 h after HI. Even in injured regions that showed no apparent change in PG-ADC or pseudo-normalized PG-ADC measurements, Δ fADC remained significantly elevated. Histopathology showed swelling of sub-cellular structures in these regions with no apparent whole-cell level change. These results suggest that OG-dMRI is sensitive to subcellular structural changes in the brain after HI and is less susceptible to pseudo-normalization than PG-dMRI.
Coronary tortuosity is associated with an elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein concentration and increased risk of ischemic stroke in hypertensive patients
Authors: Li Yang , Qadir Nawabi Abdul , Feng Yi , Ma Genshan , Tong Jiayi , Shen Chengxing , Liu Naifeng 
Published: February 2018

Objective The clinical implication of coronary tortuosity is unclear. The present study was conducted to determine the relationships between coronary tortuosity and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) concentration and between coronary tortuosity and cerebrovascular accident in hypertensive patients without coronary artery disease. Methods In total, 236 patients with normal coronary angiography findings were categorized into 3 different groups: control participants (n = 58), who had neither hypertension nor coronary tortuosity; patients with hypertension but no coronary tortuosity (H-NCT group, n = 93); and patients with both hypertension and coronary tortuosity (H-CT group, n = 85). The hs-CRP concentration was measured in every patient, and 168 hypertensive patients were followed up for at least 2 years to check for the development of cerebrovascular accident. Results The hs-CRP concentration was significantly higher in the H-CT group than in the control and H-NCT groups (4.33 ± 3.15 vs. 1.52 ± 1.31 and 2.31 ± 2.09 mg/L, respectively). The incidence of lacunar infarction was higher in the H-CT than H-NCT group during the follow-up. Conclusions Hypertensive patients with coronary tortuosity have a higher serum hs-CRP level concentration and have a higher incidence of lacunar infarction than hypertensive patients without coronary tortuosity.
The impact of using three-dimensional printed liver models for patient education
Authors: Yang Tianyou , Tan Tianbao , Yang Jiliang , Pan Jing , Hu Chao , Li Jiahao , Zou Yan 
Published: February 2018

Objective To investigate the impact of using a three-dimensional (3D) printed liver model for patient education. Methods Children with hepatic tumours who were scheduled for hepatectomy were enrolled, and patient-specific 3D liver models were printed with photosensitive resin, based on computed tomography (CT) images. Before surgery, their parents received information regarding liver anatomy, physiology, tumour characteristics, planned surgery, and surgical risks using these CT images. Then, parents completed questionnaires regarding this information. Thereafter, 3D printed models of each patient were presented along with an explanation of the general printing process, and the same questionnaire was completed. The median number of correct responses in each category before and after the 3D printed model presentation was compared. Results Seven children and their 14 parents were enrolled in the study. After the presentation of 3D printed models, parental understanding of basic liver anatomy and physiology, tumour characteristics, the planned surgical procedure, and surgical risks significantly improved. Parents demonstrated improvements in their understanding of basic liver anatomy by 26.4%, basic liver physiology by 23.6%, tumour characteristics by 21.4%, the planned surgical procedure by 31.4%, and surgical risks by 27.9%. Conclusions Using 3D printed liver models improved parental education regarding the understanding of liver anatomy and physiology, tumour characteristics, surgical procedure, and associated surgical risks.
Effects of preconditioned plasma collected during the late phase of remote ischaemic preconditioning on ventricular arrhythmias caused by myocardial ischaemia reperfusion in rats
Authors: Zhao Yang , Zheng Zhi-Nan , Liu Xiang , Dai Gang , Jin San-Qing 
Published: February 2018

Objective The administration of preconditioned plasma collected during the late phase of preconditioning has been shown to reduce myocardial infarct size. This study aimed to investigate if preconditioned plasma could attenuate ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model in vivo. Methods Eighty rats were randomized to eight groups (10 rats/group). Two groups provided preconditioned or non-preconditioned plasma 48 h after transient limb ischaemia or the control protocol. Six groups of ischaemia-reperfusion (IR) rats received normal saline, non-preconditioned plasma, or preconditioned plasma, respectively, 1 h (groups A1, A2, A3) or 24 h (groups B1, B2, B3) before undergoing myocardial IR. Electrocardiograms were monitored using a BIOPAC system, and the incidence and duration of ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were analysed. Results No significant differences existed in the incidence and duration of VT or VF among groups A1–A3 or in the incidence and duration of VT among groups B1–B3. However, there was a significantly lower incidence and shorter duration of VF in group B3 rats than in group B1 rats. Conclusion Preconditioned plasma collected during the late phase of preconditioning can reduce the incidence and duration of VF compared with normal saline, suggesting its anti-arrhythmic potential.
Twenty-Year Follow-up Study Comparing Operative Versus Nonoperative Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Ruptures in High-Level Athletes
Authors: van Yperen Daan T. , Reijman Max , van Es Eline M. , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M.A. , Meuffels Duncan E. 
Published: February 2018

Background: An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture has major consequences at midterm follow-up, with an increasing chance of developing an old knee in a young patient. The long-term (≥20 years) effects of the operative and nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures are still unclear. Purpose: To compare the long-term treatment outcomes of operative versus nonoperative treatment of ACL ruptures in high-level athletes. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Fifty patients with an ACL rupture were eligible for participation, and they were treated either nonoperatively (n = 25) in 1992, consisting of structured rehabilitation and lifestyle adjustments, or operatively (n = 25) between 1994 and 1996 with an arthroscopic transtibial bone–patellar tendon–bone technique. The patients in the nonoperative group were drawn from those who responded well to 3 months of nonoperative treatment, whereas the patients in the operative group were drawn from those who had persistent instability after 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Both groups were pair-matched and assessed at 10- and 20-year follow-up regarding radiological knee osteoarthritis, functional outcomes (Lysholm, International Knee Documentation Committee [IKDC], Tegner, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score), meniscal status, and knee stability (KT-1000 arthrometer, pivot-shift test, Lachman test, 1-legged hop test). Results: All 50 patients (100%) were included in the current study for follow-up. After 20 years, we found knee osteoarthritis in 80% of the operative group compared with 68% of the nonoperative group ( P = .508). There was no difference between groups regarding functional outcomes and meniscectomy performed. The median IKDC subjective score was 81.6 (interquartile range [IQR], 59.8-89.1) for the operative group and 78.2 (IQR, 61.5-92.0) for the nonoperative group ( P = .679). Regarding the IKDC objective score, 21 patients (84%) in the operative group had a normal or near normal score (A and B) compared with 5 patients (20%) in the nonoperative group ( P < .001). The pivot-shift test finding was negative in 17 patients (68%) versus 3 patients (13%) for the operative and nonoperative groups, respectively ( P < .001), and the Lachman test finding was negative in 12 patients (48%) versus 1 patient (4%), respectively ( P = .002). Conclusion: In this retrospective pair-matched follow-up study, we found that after 20-year follow-up, there was no difference in knee osteoarthritis between operative versus nonoperative treatment when treatment was allocated on the basis of a patient’s response to 3 months of nonoperative treatment. Although knee stability was better in the operative group, it did not result in better subjective and objective functional outcomes.
Timing of Furlow Palatoplasty for Patients With Submucous Cleft Palate
Authors: Ettinger Russell E. , Kung Theodore A. , Wombacher Natalie , Berger Mary , Newman M. Haskell , Buchman Steven R. , Kasten Steven J. 
Published: February 2018

Background: Submucous cleft palate (SMCP) is the most common form of cleft involving the posterior palate, resulting in variable degrees of velar dysfunction and speech disturbance. Although early surgical intervention is indicated for patients with true cleft palate, the indications for palatoplasty and timing of surgical intervention for patients with SMCP remain controversial. Methods: Twenty-nine patients with SMCP were retrospectively reviewed. Patients treated with Furlow palatoplasty were dichotomized based on patient age at the time of surgical correction into early speech development and late speech development. Primary outcome measures included standardized assessments of hypernasal resonance and quantitative pre- and postoperative nasometry scores. Patients managed nonoperatively were included for comparison of early and late speech outcomes. Results: Both early and late groups demonstrated improvement in qualitative assessment of hypernasal resonance following Furlow palatoplasty. Early and late groups also had significant improvement in pre- to postoperative nasometry scores from 7.4 to 2.3 SD from norm ( P = .01) and 6.0 to 3.6 SD from norm ( P = .02), respectively. There was no difference in postoperative nasometry scores between early and late groups, 2.3 and 3.6 SD ( P = .12). Conclusion: Furlow palatoplasty significantly improves the degree of hypernasality in patients with SMCP based on pre- and postoperative nasometry scores and on qualitative assessment of hypernasality. There were no differences in speech outcomes based on early compared with late operative intervention. Therefore, early palatal repair is not obligatory for optimal speech outcomes in children with SMCP and palatoplasty should be deferred until the emergence of overt velopharyngeal insufficiency.
Factors Predicting Hospital Length of Stay Following Pharyngeal Flap for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Chao Jerry W. , Boyajian Michael J. , Amdur Richard L. , Mitchell Benjamin J. , Rogers Gary F. , Oh Albert K. 
Published: February 2018

Objective: Routine hospital admission following pharyngeal flap (PF) to correct velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is the standard at most hospitals. Nevertheless, there is increasing resistance from third-party providers to approve stays longer than a “short stay” (23-hour) observation period. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate length of stay (LOS) and document potential influencing factors following PF. Design: Retrospective chart review. Demographic and perioperative data were collected, and statistical analyses were performed to determine associations with hospital length of stay (LOS). Readiness for discharge was determined by oral intake, analgesic requirement, and respiratory status. Setting: Tertiary care children’s hospital Participants: All patients undergoing PF for VPI between 1990 and 2014. Outcome measures: (1) LOS, (2) % satisfying all discharge criteria within a 23-hour observational time frame. Results: Seventy-five patients were studied, with an average age of 6.8 years. Mean LOS was 65.4 hours. Only 11 patients (14.9%) met all discharge criteria by 23 hours. Multivariate predictors of shorter LOS were increasing patient age, male gender, lack of syndromic association, administration of an intraoperative antiemetic and steroids, and shorter anesthetic duration. Time to first oral intake correlated positively with LOS. Administration of intraoperative antiemetics increased the odds of meeting all discharge criteria within 23 hours by a factor of 12. Conclusions: Identification of factors associated with LOS after PF may allow providers to predict and potentially mitigate hospital stays. Nevertheless, most patients undergoing PF are not clinically ready for discharge within a short-stay (23-hour) observation period.