bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Surface-Based Microwave Humidity Retrievals over the Equatorial Indian Ocean: Applications and Challenges
Authors: Zhang Jianhao , Zuidema Paquita , Turner David D. , Cadeddu Maria P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe interactions between equatorial convection and humidity as a function of height, at a range of time scales, remain an important research frontier. The ability of surface-based microwave radiometry to contribute to such research is assessed using retrievals of the vertical structure of atmospheric humidity above the equatorial Indian Ocean, developed as part of the Dynamics of Madden–Julian Oscillation field campaign. The optimally estimated humidity retrievals are based on radiances at five frequencies spanning 20–30 GHz and are constrained by radiometer-derived water vapor paths that compare well to radiosonde values except in highly convective conditions. The moisture retrievals possess a robust 2 degrees of freedom, allowing the atmosphere to be treated as two independent layers. A mean bias of 1 g kg−1 contains a vertical structure that is removed in the assessments. The retrieved moisture profiles are able to capture humidity variability within two layer averages at intraseasonal, synoptic, and daily time scales. The retrieved humidity profiles at hourly scales are qualitatively correct under synoptically suppressed conditions but with an exaggerated vertical bimodality. The retrievals do not match radiosonde profiles within most of the day prior to/after convection. This analysis serves to better delineate applications for radiometers. Radiometers can usefully augment more expensive radiosonde networks for longer-term monitoring given careful cross-instrument calibration. At shorter time scales, a synergism with additional instruments can likely increase the realism of the retrievals.
Simulated Kelvin–Helmholtz Waves over Terrain and Their Microphysical Implications
Authors: Conrick Robert , Mass Clifford F. , Zhong Qi 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Two Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) wave events over western Washington State were simulated and evaluated using observations from the Olympic Mountains Experiment (OLYMPEX) field campaign. The events, 12 and 17 December 2015, were simulated realistically by the WRF-ARW Model, duplicating the mesoscale environment, location, and structure of embedded KH waves, which had observed wavelengths of approximately 5 km. In simulations of both cases, waves developed from instability within an intense shear layer, caused by low-level easterly flow surmounted by westerly winds aloft. The low-level easterlies resulted from blocking by the Olympic Mountains in the 12 December case, while in the 17 December event, the easterly flow was produced by the synoptic environment. Simulated microphysics were evaluated for both cases using OLYMPEX observations. When the KH waves were within the melting level, simulated microphysical fields, such as hydrometeor mixing ratios, evinced considerable oscillatory behavior. In contrast, when waves were located below the melting level, the microphysical response was attenuated. Turning off the model’s microphysics scheme and latent heating resulted in weakened KH wave activity, while removing the Olympic Mountains eliminated KH waves in the 12 December event but not the 17 December case. Finally, the impact of several microphysics parameterizations on KH activity was evaluated for both events.
Downscaling of ERA-Interim Temperature in the Contiguous United States and Its Implications for Rain–Snow Partitioning
Authors: Tang Guoqiang , Behrangi Ali , Ma Ziqiang , Long Di , Hong Yang 
Published: July 2018

Abstract
Precipitation phase has an important influence on hydrological processes. The Integrated Multisatellite Retrievals for Global Precipitation Measurement (IMERG) uses temperature data from reanalysis products to implement rain–snow classification. However, the coarse resolution of reanalysis data may not reveal the spatiotemporal variabilities of temperature, necessitating appropriate downscaling methods. This study compares the performance of eight air temperature Ta downscaling methods in the contiguous United States and six mountain ranges using temperature from the Parameter-Elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) as the benchmark. ERA-Interim Ta is downscaled from the original 0.75° to 0.1°. The results suggest that the two purely statistical downscaling methods [nearest neighbor (NN) and bilinear interpolation (BI)] show similar performance with each other. The five downscaling methods based on the free-air temperature lapse rate (TLR), which is calculated using temperature and geopotential heights at different pressure levels, notably improves the accuracy of Ta. The improvement is particularly obvious in mountainous regions. We further calculated wet-bulb temperature Tw, for rain–snow classification, using Ta and dewpoint temperature from ERA-Interim and PRISM. TLR-based downscaling methods result in more accurate Tw compared to NN and BI in the western United States, whereas the improvement is limited in the eastern United States. Rain–snow partitioning is conducted using a critical threshold of Tw with Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) snowfall data serving as the benchmark. ERA-Interim-based Tw using TLR downscaling methods is better than that using NN/BI and IMERG precipitation phase. In conclusion, TLR-based downscaling methods show promising prospects in acquiring high-quality Ta and Tw with high resolution and improving rain–snow partitioning, particularly in mountainous regions.
Ultrasound Supplemented by Sialendoscopy: Diagnostic Value in Sialolithiasis
Authors: Goncalves Miguel , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Schapher Mirco , Iro Heinrich , Koch Michael 
Published: July 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the value of ultrasound, if indicated, supplemented by sialendoscopy, in the diagnosis of sialolithiasis.Study DesignRetrospective study.SettingReferring center for salivary gland diseases.Subjects and MethodsAll patients who presented with a suspected diagnosis of obstructive sialopathy between January 2011 and April 2017 and had not undergone any treatment were retrospectively evaluated. A total of 2052 patients and 2277 glands were included in the study. Ultrasound examinations were carried out initially and followed by sialendoscopy in all cases. Direct demonstration of sialothiasis by sialendoscopy, transoral ductal surgery, and discharge of concrements/observation of fragments during sialendoscopy after extracorporeal shock‐wave lithotripsy were regarded as definitive evidence of sialolithiasis.ResultsUltrasound had an accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 94.77%, 94.91%, 94.57%, 96.14%, and 92.89%, respectively, for the diagnosis of sialolithiasis. All false‐positive findings were correctly diagnosed, and in all false‐negative findings, stones/fragments were visualized by sialendoscopy. Over 95% of the false‐negative findings in major salivary glands (64/67) had visible ductal dilation in sonography, and in 73.1%, the stones not detected on ultrasound were located in the distal part of the duct, which is easily accessible with the sialendoscope.ConclusionThis study shows that sialolithiasis can be diagnosed using ultrasonography with a high degree of certainty. If supplemented by sialendoscopy, the correct diagnosis could be established in virtually all cases of sialolithiasis. Ultrasound supplemented by sialendoscopy has the potential to serve as an alternative diagnostic standard in the future.
Spontaneous Labyrinthine Hemorrhage: A Case Series
Authors: Vivas Esther X. , Panella Nicholas J. , Baugnon Kristen L. 
Published: July 2018

ObjectivesTo describe patient characteristics, audiometric outcomes, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal patterns in patients with suspected labyrinthine hemorrhage.Study DesignRetrospective review.SettingTertiary medical center.Subjects and MethodsRadiology database was queried for terms related to labyrinth hemorrhage or labyrinthitis and then selected for patients in which labyrinthine hemorrhage was suspected in the report. Eleven patients were identified and all treated at our institution. Blinded assessment of temporal bone MRI by 2 experienced neuroradiologists was performed and interrater reliability assessed. Patient demographics, medical comorbidities, and audiometric outcomes are described.ResultsOf the 11 patients identified, the median patient age was 60 years; 7 were female and 4 male. Ten of 11 patients presented with unilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and 8 of 11 had associated vertigo. One patient experienced vertigo without hearing loss. Of those presenting with sudden SNHL, 82% were left with nonserviceable American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery class D hearing. Interrater reliability for detecting T1 signal abnormalities was moderate but very good for detecting fluid attenuation inversion recovery (FLAIR) signal abnormalities. Most patients had existing hypertension. Average follow‐up was 13.3 months.ConclusionWe present the largest cohort of patients with radiographic diagnosis of labyrinthine hemorrhage using T1 and FLAIR signal abnormalities on MRI. Most patients presented with a profound unilateral sudden SNHL that did not recover. Our findings are consistent with prior reports that abnormal FLAIR signal on MRI is a reliable marker for detecting inner ear injury and can potentially be used as a marker for poor prognosis.
Amiloride modulation of carbon dioxide hypersensitivity and thermal nociceptive hypersensitivity induced by interference with early maternal environment
Authors: Battaglia Marco , Rossignol Orlane , Bachand Karine , D’Amato Francesca R , Koninck Yves De 
Published: July 2018

Background: Early life adversities are risk factors for anxiety disorders and for pain syndromes, which are, in turn, highly comorbid with anxiety disorders. Repeated cross-fostering mouse pups to adoptive lactating females induces epigenetic modification and heightened mRNA-expression of the acid-sensing-ion-channel-1 gene, altered nociception, and hypersensitivity to 6% carbon dioxide air mixtures, a trait marker of specific human anxiety disorders such as, most clearly and prominently, panic disorder. Aims: We hypothesized that the acid-sensing ion channel inhibitor amiloride can modulate repeated cross-fostering animals’ exaggerated responses to carbon dioxide and nociceptive thermal stimulation. Methods: Respiratory carbon dioxide sensitivity was assessed by plethysmography during 6% carbon dioxide air mixture challenges, and nociception was assessed by latency of paw withdrawal to thermal stimulation, in repeated cross-fostering and control animals. To circumvent the blood-brain barrier, prior to testing, amiloride was nebulized in a plethysmograph. Data were analyzed by general linear models. Results: Analyses of tidal volume responses to 6% carbon dioxide of animals pre-treated with nebulized amiloride/saline in a randomized crossover design showed significant modulatory effect of amiloride, and amiloride×repeated cross-fostering interaction. In contrast, repeated cross-fostering animals’ responses to 6% carbon dioxide after intraperitoneal amiloride, saline, or no treatment, were no different. Analyses of responses to thermal stimuli showed a significant modulatory effect of nebulized amiloride, and repeated cross-fostering×amiloride interaction. Conclusions: Single-dose nebulized amiloride decreased repeated cross-fostering animals’ carbon dioxide sensitivity and nociception indices to levels that were no different from those of control animals. Inasmuch as these results pertain to human anxiety and/or pain hypersensitivity, our findings provide a rationale for studying inhaled amiloride in some anxiety disorders and/or pain syndromes.
Geographic Access to International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants in Pennsylvania
Authors: Ray Kristin N. , Demirci Jill R. , Uscher-Pines Lori , Bogen Debra L. 
Published: July 2018

Background: Availability of professional lactation support has been associated with increased breastfeeding rates; however, data about access to international board-certified lactation consultants are limited. Research Aims: The aims were (a) to assess geographic access to international board-certified lactation consultants in Pennsylvania, (b) to compare access in rural/urban counties, and (c) to compare access by county-level breastfeeding initiation rates. Methods: Using geographic information systems methodology and a cross-sectional observational design, we calculated the proportion of young children living within 15, 30, and 60 miles of international board-certified lactation consultants in Pennsylvania. We calculated these proportions for all children in Pennsylvania, for children in urban and rural counties, and for children in counties with low, medium, and high breastfeeding initiation rates. Comparisons were done to answer the research aims. Results: Over 90% of young children live within 30 miles of an international board-certified lactation consultant. Compared to children in urban counties, fewer children in rural counties live within 15 and 30 miles of these providers. In counties with high breastfeeding initiation rates, a larger percentage of children live within 15 miles of an international board-certified lactation consultant than in counties with low breastfeeding initiation rates. Conclusion: While most Pennsylvania children live in proximity of an international board-certified lactation consultant, this was true for a lower percentage of children in rural counties and in counties with lower breastfeeding rates.
Laparoscopic ligation of Type II endoleaks following endovascular aneurysm repair: A systematic review
Authors: Wee Ian , Marjot Thomas , Patel Kirtan , Bhrugubanda Vamsee , MTL Choong Andrew 
Published: July 2018

Introduction The clinical significance of Type II endoleak remains contentious; the strategies used for its management have continued to expand. We systematically review the literature and comprehensively appraise the effectiveness of laparoscopic intervention in the management of this common complication. Methods A systematic search was performed in accordance to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines on MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for relevant articles reporting laparoscopic surgery of Type II endoleak post-endovascular aortic repair. Results Thirteen studies representing 40 patients were investigated. Mean age was 72.7 years, and proportion of males was 90.0%. All patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists grade II and above and underwent standard infrarenal endovascular aneurysm repair. The mean duration of operation was 130.2 min, with a mean blood loss across of 173.8 mL. The overall technical success rate was 90% (27/30). Two patients required reoperation within 24 h, with further lumbar ligations that were successful. One other patient required conversion to open surgery due to significant bleeding at the dorsal aorta. The perioperative and 30-day mortality rate was 2.5% (1/40). The mean length of hospital stay was 3.7 days (range 1 to 10 days). The mean length of follow-up was 36.7 months (range 3 to 103.2 months), where the rate of recurrence was 22.5% (9/40). Conclusions Laparoscopic ligation of feeding vessels causing Type II endoleak is potentially an alternative treatment after failed standard endovascular embolization, particularly in select centres with necessary resources and capabilities.
Global longitudinal strain measured by speckle tracking identifies subclinical heart involvement in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Guerra Federico , Stronati Giulia , Fischietti Colomba , Ferrarini Alessia , Zuliani Lucia , Pomponio Giovanni , Capucci Alessandro , Danieli Maria Giovanna , Gabrielli Armando 
Published: July 2018

Background Systemic sclerosis is characterised by progressive cutaneous and organ fibrosis. Among all organs, a subclinical heart involvement is difficult to detect through conventional imaging. Design We evaluated whether speckle tracking-derived global longitudinal strain could help detect early subclinical systolic dysfunction in systemic sclerosis patients without overt clinical involvement. Methods A case–control, single-centre study on 52 systemic sclerosis patients and 52 age and gender-matched controls. Patients with structural heart disease, heart failure, atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension were excluded. For every patient, standard echocardiographic and speckle tracking-derived variables for the systolic and diastolic function of the left ventricle and right ventricle were acquired. Results Traditional parameters of left and right systolic function did not differ between systemic sclerosis patients and controls (all P = ns). Left and right ventricular global longitudinal strain was significantly impaired in patients with systemic sclerosis when compared to controls (–19.2% vs. –21.1%; P = 0.009 and –18.2% vs. –22.3%; P = 0.012, respectively). Systemic sclerosis patients had a 2.5-fold increased risk of subclinical left ventricular systolic impairment (odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.1–5.5; P = 0.027) and a 3.3-fold increased risk of subclinical right ventricular systolic impairment when compared to controls (odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.4–7.7; P = 0.004). Alterations in the myocardial deformation pattern of systemic sclerosis patients were homogeneous in the right ventricle and eccentric in the left ventricle. Conclusions While traditional echocardiographic parameters are ineffective in detecting subclinical systolic impairment, reduced global longitudinal strain is common in patients with systemic sclerosis and significant for both ventricles. Global longitudinal strain could become a low-cost, non-invasive and reliable tool in order to detect early cardiac involvement in systemic sclerosis patients.
South African podiatry students' perceptions of feedback given as part of clinical training
Authors: Ntuli Simiso , September Noleen Nomthi , Sithole Nozipho 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundAs part of their clinical training podiatry students spend time in clinical settings treating patients under the supervision of qualified podiatrists. The role and purpose of feedback during such clinical training is to improve students' knowledge, skills and behaviour. Feedback is an integral part of the learning process that should enhance students' clinical learning experiences. However, there is no data on podiatry students' satisfaction or lack thereof about feedback provided during clinical training. The aim of this study was to determine the perceptions of podiatry students on feedback given or received during clinical training.MethodsCross‐sectional survey design study in which a four‐section self‐constructed questionnaire was used to collect data from podiatry students in their 2nd to 4th ‐year of study. Simple descriptive statistics were used to analyse quantitative responses with free text comments yielding qualitative data, which has been used to give more insight into the quantitative findings.ResultsAnalyses showed that 8% of students were satisfied, 52% were sometimes satisfied and 37% were not satisfied with the feedback. The majority (86%) of students indicated they would prefer to receive feedback in private. Seventy‐three percent of students received positive (reinforcing) and negative (corrective) feedback at the same time.ConclusionStudents agree that feedback is an essential component of the clinical learning process and appreciate constructive regular feedback whether negative or positive in nature. Additionally, students understand that feedback regardless of its type has the potential to identify areas of development, reinforce good practice and motivate them to work toward their learning outcome expectations. However, there is a need to consider issues such as setting and timing when giving feedback.
The 678 Hz acoustic immittance probe tone: A more definitive indicator of PET than the traditional 226 Hz method
Authors: Pyne Justin M. , Lawen Tarek Ibrahim , Floyd Duncan D. , Bance Manohar 
Published: July 2018

Background The accurate diagnosis of Eustachian tube (ET) dysfunction can be very difficult. Our aim is to determine whether a 678 Hz probe tone is a more accurate indicator of Patulous ET (PET) than the 226 Hz probe tone when used in compliance over time (COT) testing. Methods Twenty subjects (11 normal ET ears and 7 PET ears) were individually seated in an examination room and connected to a GSI TympStar Middle Ear Analyzer. The order of probe tone frequency (678 or 226 Hz) was randomized. Baseline “testing” COT recordings for each ear undergoing testing were completed. Subjects were instructed to occlude their contralateral nostril and to breathe forcefully in and out through their ipsilateral nostril until the test had run to completion. This process was repeated with the probe tone that had not been previously run. For the control group, each subject had one random ear tested. For the experimental group, only the affected ear(s) was tested. Wilcoxon rank rum tests were performed to determine statistical significance. Results The baseline COT measurements for the control group and PET group were similar, 0.86 mL (SD = 0.34) and 0.74 (SD = 0.33) respectively. Comparing the 226 Hz tone between groups revealed that PET patients had a median COT difference 0.19 mL higher than healthy ET patients, and for the 678 Hz tone, PET patients had a median COT difference of 0.57 mL higher than healthy ET patients. Both were deemed to be statistically significant ( p = 0.002, p = 0.004 respectively). The was a statistically significant median COT difference between the 678 Hz and 226 Hz of 0.61 mL ( p = 0.034) for the PET group, while the same comparison for the control group of 0.05 mL was not significant ( p = 0.262), suggesting that the 678 Hz tone yields a larger response for PET than the 226 Hz tone, and no difference for the control group, thus making it less prone to artifact noise interference. Conclusion The 678 Hz probe tone is a more reliable indicator of ET patency, and should be preferably used over the 226 Hz tone for future COT testing.
Regional Differences in the Prevalence of Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in China
Authors: Lyu Yuanjun , Luo Yingying , Li Changping , Guo Xiaohui , Lu Juming , Wu Honghua , Huo Xiaoxu , Gu Weijun , Yang Guoqing , Ji Linong , Yang Xilin 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundThere are large regional variations in the prevalence and mortality of cardiovascular disease in general populations in China. It remains uncertain whether the prevalence in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) varies by region in China.MethodsWe analyzed data of 219,522 Chinese patients with T2DM retrieved from the China National HbA1c Surveillance System in 2012. We used the Chinese population distribution in 2010 to standardize prevalence of coronary heart disease (CHD), stroke, and composite of both in 30 provinces and seven geological regions. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to obtain ORs and CIs of provinces/geological regions for CHD, stroke, and composite of both.ResultsAge and sex standardized prevalence of CHD, stroke, and composite of both was, respectively, 4.59% (95% CI, 4.58 to 4.60), 1.79% (1.79 to 1.80), and 5.85% (5.84 to 5.86), in contrast to 0.60% of CHD, 0.80% of stroke, and 1.37% of composite of both in the general population in China. After adjustment for traditional risk factors, Northeast had the highest risks of CHD, stroke, and composite of both, and North had the second highest risks of CHD, stroke, and composite of both among the seven regions, both being higher than any other regions (all P values &lt; 0.05). The ORs of Northeast vs Southwest were up to 2.60 (2.35 to 2.88) for CHD, 2.49 (2.15 to 2.88) for stroke, and 2.61 (2.38 to 2.86) for composite of both.ConclusionsThere were large variations in risks of CHD, stroke, and composite of both in T2DM in China with Northeast and North having the highest risks.