bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
S-Pol’s Polarimetric Data Reveal Detailed Storm Features (and Insect Behavior)
Authors: Hubbert John C. , Wilson James W. , Weckwerth Tammy M. , Ellis Scott M. , Dixon Mike , Loew Eric 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) operates a state-of-the-art S-band dual-polarization Doppler radar (S-Pol) for the National Science Foundation (NSF). This radar has some similar and some distinguishing characteristics to the National Weather Service (NWS) operational Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler Polarimetric (WSR-88DP). One key difference is that the WSR-88DP is used for operational purposes where rapid 360° volumetric scanning is required to monitor rapid changes in storm characteristics for nowcasting and issuing severe storm warnings. Since S-Pol is used to support the NSF research community, it usually scans at much slower rates than operational radars. This results in higher resolution and higher data quality suitable for many research studies. An important difference between S-Pol and the WSR-88DP is S-Pol’s ability to use customized scan strategies including scanning on vertical surfaces ([range–height indicators (RHIs)], which are presently not done by WSR-88DPs. RHIs provide high-resolution microphysical structures of convective storms, which are central to many research studies. Another important difference is that the WSR-88DP simultaneously transmits horizontal (H) and vertical (V) polarized pulses. In contrast, S-Pol typically transmits alternating H and V pulses, which results in not only higher data quality for research but also allows for the cross-polar signal to be measured. The cross-polar signal provides estimates of the linear depolarization ratio (LDR) and the co- to cross-correlation coefficient that give additional microphysical information. This paper presents plots and interpretations of high-quality, high-resolution polarimetric data that demonstrate the value of S-Pol’s polarimetric measurements for atmospheric research.
Radar-Derived Structural and Precipitation Characteristics of ZDR Columns within Warm-Season Convection over the United Kingdom
Authors: Plummer David M. , French Jeffrey R. , Leon David C. , Blyth Alan M. , Lasher-Trapp Sonia , Bennett Lindsay J. , Dufton David R. L. , Jackson Robert C. , Neely Ryan R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAnalyses of the radar-observed structure and derived rainfall statistics of warm-season convection developing columns of enhanced positive differential reflectivity ZDR over England’s southwest peninsula are presented here. Previous observations of ZDR columns in developing cumulonimbus clouds over England were rare. The observations presented herein suggest otherwise, at least in the southwesterly winds over the peninsula. The results are the most extensive of their kind in the United Kingdom; the data were collected using the National Centre for Atmospheric Science dual-polarization X-band radar (NXPol) during the Convective Precipitation Experiment (COPE). In contrast to recent studies of ZDR columns focused on deep clouds that developed in high-instability environments, the COPE measurements show relatively frequent ZDR columns in shallower clouds, many only 4–5 km deep. The presence of ZDR columns is used to infer that an active warm rain process has contributed to precipitation evolution in convection deep enough for liquid and ice growth to take place. Clouds with ZDR columns were identified objectively in three COPE deployments, with both discrete convection and clouds embedded in larger convective complexes developing columns. Positive ZDR values typically extended to 1–1.25 km above 0°C in the columns, with ZDR ≥ 1 dB sometimes extending nearly 4 km above 0°C. Values above 3 dB typically occurred in the lowest 500 m above 0°C, with coincident airborne measurements confirming the presence of supercooled raindrops. Statistical analyses indicated that the convection that produced ZDR columns was consistently associated with the larger derived rainfall rates when compared with the overall convective population sampled by the NXPol during COPE.
TIM‐3–Expressing Mast Cells Are Present in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Corredera Erica , Phong Binh L. , Moore John A. , Kane Lawrence P. , Lee Stella E. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo identify whether TIM‐3 expression is present in the mast cell population within nasal polyps and to determine its correlation with clinical severity in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis.Study DesignBasic science, translational study.SettingNasal polyp tissue collected from patients seen at a tertiary care hospital (2015‐2016).Subjects and MethodsNasal polyp tissue obtained during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (n = 24) was enzymatically digested into epithelial and stromal fractions. Viable mast cells expressing TIM‐3 were identified using flow cytometry for the following: CD45, Live/Dead, c‐kit, FcεR1, TIM‐3. Disease severity was assessed using the Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test, Lund‐Mackay staging system, Lund‐Kennedy staging system, and complete blood counts.ResultsMast cells were found in both the epithelial and stromal layers of polyps, with a greater %TIM‐3+ mast cells in the epithelial layer compared with that of the stromal layer (P =. 001). As the percentage of mast cells increased, there was a comparative worsening in endoscopic severity after comparing pre‐ and postoperative LK scores (ρ = −0.455, P =. 029). In a subgroup of patients with concomitant asthma, increased epithelial %TIM‐3+ mast cells also correlated with worsening endoscopic appearance postoperatively (ρ = 0.866, P =. 001, n = 11). Oral corticosteroid treatment did not change the viability of mast cells nor their influence on the increased postoperative endoscopic disease severity (ρ = −0.544, P =. 020, n = 18).ConclusionViable mast cells were found to be present in polyps with increased TIM‐3 expression at the epithelial layer. This suggests that TIM‐3 may play a role in chronic inflammation in CRSwNP via mast cell activation.
Impact of Infant Supraglottoplasty on Quality of Life
Authors: Vandjelovic Nathan D. , Brown Jason R. , Traboulsi Henri T. , Thottam Prasad John 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study is to examine the impact of supraglottoplasty on the quality of life (QOL) of caregivers and infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary children's hospital.Subjects and MethodsThirty‐nine infants who underwent supraglottoplasty were examined. The primary caregiver answered the 47‐item short form of the Infant and Toddler Quality of Life Questionnaire–47 pre‐ and postoperatively; the subsection scores were compared. A 1‐way analysis of variance was performed to analyze the effect of age and sex. A comparison was made between our cohort and a general population of healthy children.ResultsThe average age at surgery was 4.0 months, and 53% of the patients were male. There was significant postoperative improvement in overall health, physical ability, growth and development, bodily pain, temperament, emotional impact on the caregiver, impact on caregiver's time, and family cohesion scores (P <. 05). The same subscale scores remained significantly improved postoperatively after age and sex were controlled. Preoperative QOL scores were significantly worse than those of the general population in nearly all categories. Postoperative physical ability (P =. 009) and temperament (P =. 011) QOL scores were higher than the those of the general population. Scores for growth and development (P =. 132), bodily pain (P =. 481), and family cohesion (P =. 717) were equivalent to those of the general population.ConclusionQOL was significantly improved after supraglottoplasty for infants with severe laryngomalacia and moderate laryngomalacia with feeding difficulties. After supraglottoplasty, QOL was similar to that of the general infant population in most categories.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial of two group education programs for fatigue in multiple sclerosis: Long-term (12-month) follow-up at one site
Authors: Hugos Cinda L , Cameron Michelle H , Chen Zunqiu , Chen Yiyi , Bourdette Dennis 
Published: May 2018

Background: A four-site RCT of Fatigue: Take Control (FTC), a multicomponent group program, found no significant differences from a control program, MS: Take Control (MSTC), in fatigue on the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) through 6 months. Objective: Assess FTC for a delayed effect on fatigue. Methods: Of 78 subjects at one site, 74 randomized to FTC or MSTC completed the MFIS at 12 months. Results: Compared to baseline, FTC produced greater improvements in MFIS scores than MSTC (FTC −8.9 (confidence interval (CI): 32.2, 45), MSTC −2.5 (CI 39.6, 47.7), p = 0.03) at 12 months. Conclusion: The delayed effect of FTC on fatigue suggests the need for longer follow-up when assessing interventions for fatigue.
Pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for shock
Authors: Mallet Robert T , Olivencia-Yurvati Albert H , Bünger Rolf 
Published: May 2018

This commentary addresses the recent retraction of an article which reported favorable outcomes in septic patients treated with intravenous pyruvate. The retracted report was cited in the authors’ recent minireview on the cellular mechanisms and clinical application of pyruvate to improve cardiac performance. Because the retracted article reports pyruvate-enhanced resuscitation of critically ill patients, the authors wish to inform the readership, especially critical care providers, that this particular clinical application of pyruvate is not now supported by robust evidence. After discussing the retraction’s implications for the clinical application of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for sepsis, this commentary summarizes the extensive preclinical evidence of the efficacy and mechanisms of pyruvate resuscitation in animal models of hemorrhagic and septic shock, which argues for renewed clinical investigation of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation.Impact statementThis commentary addresses the recent retraction of a clinical report of significant benefits of intravenous pyruvate resuscitation in septic patients, including sharply lowered mortality and decreased circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines, which was cited in the authors’ minireview in Experimental Biology and Medicine. The potential implications of the retraction, and the extensive preclinical evidence supporting the use of pyruvate-enriched resuscitation for shock states, are summarized and discussed.
Adipose Y5R mRNA is higher in obese than non-obese humans and is correlated with obesity parameters
Authors: Chatree Saimai , Sitticharoon Chantacha , Maikaew Pailin , Uawithya Panapat , Chearskul Supornpim 
Published: May 2018

Neuropeptide Y is mainly expressed in the central nervous system to regulate food intake via its receptors, Y receptors, and in various peripheral tissues including adipose tissue. The objectives of this study were to compare Y5R mRNA and adipocyte parameters consisting of area, width, height, and perimeter either between obese and non-obese subjects or between subcutaneous and visceral fat as well as to compare between NPY, Y1R, Y2R, and Y5R mRNA expressions in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. In subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues, Y5R was greater in obese than in non-obese humans (both P < 0.05). Y1R mRNA expression was highest followed by Y5R, Y2R, and NPY mRNA expressions, respectively, in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Visceral Y5R mRNA had positive correlations with body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, hip circumference (R ≍ 0.4), and visceral Y1R mRNA (R = 0.773), but had a negative correlation with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (R=−0.421) (all P < 0.05). Subcutaneous and visceral adipocyte parameters were positively correlated with body weight, waist circumference, hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio, with greater values of correlation coefficient shown in visceral (R ≍ 0.5–0.8) than in subcutaneous adipocytes (R ≍ 0.4–0.6, all P < 0.05). The parameters of visceral adipocytes had positive correlations with serum NPY levels (R ≍ 0.4, all P < 0.05). Y5R mRNA in visceral adipose tissue is related to increased obesity and reduced insulin sensitivity. The dominant Y receptors in subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue might be the Y1R and Y5R. Visceral adipocytes show higher correlations with obesity parameters than subcutaneous adipocytes, suggestive of an increased risk of metabolic syndrome in visceral obesity. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of adiposity. Impact statement Obesity, defined as excess fat accumulation, has been increasingly diagnosed worldwide causing adverse health consequences. The novel findings of this study were that Y5R mRNA expression in both subcutaneous and visceral fat was higher in obese than non-obese subjects. Furthermore, Y5R only in visceral fat, not subcutaneous fat, was positively correlated with visceral Y1R and obesity parameters but it was negatively correlated with the QUICKI. Moreover, we found that Y1R expression was highest followed by Y5R and Y2R, respectively, in both subcutaneous and visceral fat. Our results suggested that Y5R in visceral fat was associated with increased obesity and decreased insulin sensitivity. Y1R and Y5R might be the dominant receptors that mediate the effect of NPY-induced fat accumulation in both subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues. Y1R and Y5R in visceral adipose tissue might be targets of drug development in prevention or treatment of obesity.
Effect of cross-linked chitosan iron (III) on vascular calcification in uremic rats
Authors: de Castro Barbara Bruna Abreu , do Carmo Wander Barros , de Albuquerque Suassuna Paulo Giovani , Carminatti Moises , Brito Julia Bianchi , Dominguez Wagner Vasques , de Oliveira Ivone Braga , Jorgetti Vanda , Custodio Melani Ribeiro , Sanders-Pinheiro Helady 
Published: May 2018

Cross-linked chitosan iron (III) is a chitin-derived polymer with a chelating effect on phosphorus, but it is untested in vascular calcification. We evaluated this compound's ability to reduce hyperphosphatemia and its effect on vascular calcification in uremic rats using an adenine-based, phosphorus-rich diet for seven weeks. We used a control group to characterize the uremia. Uremic rats were divided according the treatment into chronic kidney disease, CKD-Ch-Fe(III)CL (CKD-Ch), CKD-calcium carbonate, or CKD-sevelamer groups. We measured creatinine, phosphorus, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus excretion fraction, parathyroid hormone, and fibroblast growth factor 23. Vascular calcification was assessed using the aortic calcium content, and a semi-quantitative analysis was performed using Von Kossa and hematoxylin–eosin staining. At week seven, rats in the chronic kidney disease group had higher creatinine, phosphorus, phosphorus excretion fraction, calcium, alkaline phosphatase, fibroblast growth factor 23, and aortic calcium content than those in the Control group. Treatments with cross-linked chitosan iron (III) and calcium carbonate prevented phosphorus increase (20%–30% reduction). The aortic calcium content was lowered by 88% and 85% in the CKD-Ch and CKD-sevelamer groups, respectively. The prevalence of vascular changes was higher in the chronic kidney disease and CKD-calcium carbonate (62.5%) groups than in the CKD-Ch group (37.5%). In conclusion, cross-linked chitosan iron (III) had a phosphorus chelating effect similar to calcium carbonate already available for clinical use, and prevented calcium accumulation in the aorta. Impact statement Vascular calcification (VC) is a common complication due to CKD-related bone and mineral disorder (BMD) and is characterized by deposition of calcium in vessels. Effective therapies are not yet available but new phosphorus chelators can prevent complications from CV. We tested the effect of chitosan, a new phosphorus chelator, on the VC of uremic animals. It has recently been proposed that chitosan treatment may be effective in the treatment of hyperphosphataemia. However, its action on vascular calcification has not been investigated yet. In this study, we demonstrated that chitosan reduced the calcium content in the aorta, suggesting that this may be a therapeutic approach in the treatment of hyperphosphatemia by preventing CV.
WAR: What Else Is It Good For? A Comparison of Maximum Difference Scaling, Adaptive Choice-based Conjoint, Constant Sum Scaling and Wallet Allocation Rule Utilities
Authors: Buoye Alexander , Williams Luke , Weiner Jay 
Published: May 2018

Purpose – This research compares the results of Maximum Difference Scaling (MaxDiff), Adaptive Choice-Based Conjoint (ACBC), and constant sum scaling with the results of a Wallet Allocation Rule (WAR) approach for identifying the features of smartphones deemed most valuable by consumers. Design/methodology/approach – The authors examine the responses of 554 recent purchasers and 598 intended purchasers of smartphones about the features of smartphones that they have considered/will consider in their purchase decisions and the relative value they assign to each feature. MaxDiff, ACBC, constant sum scaling and WAR are used for quantifying the importance of these features and correlation analysis is used to compare the results of the four methods. Findings – The authors find that constant sum scaling and WAR provide nearly identical results at both the aggregate and individual levels, while MaxDiff and ACBC produce similar results to WAR at the aggregate level only. Originality/value – This research validates the feasibility of a simple method for estimating the utility of product features by demonstrating the similarity of results to more established and/or complex methods. The availability of a simpler method creates value by allowing more firms to engage in this kind of co-creative research while reducing costs for customers to participate.
Interdisciplinary Crisis Resource Management Training: How Do Otolaryngology Residents Compare? A Survey Study
Authors: Nhan Carol , Young Meredith , Bank Ilana , Nugus Peter , Fisher Rachel , Azzam Milène , Nguyen Lily H. P. 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveEmergent medical crises, such as acute airway obstruction, are often managed by interdisciplinary teams. However, resident training in crisis resource management traditionally occurs in silos. Our objective was to compare the current state of interdisciplinary crisis resource management (IDCRM) training of otolaryngology residents with other disciplines.MethodsA survey study examining (1) the frequency with which residents are involved in interdisciplinary crises, (2) the current state of interdisciplinary training, and (3) the desired training was conducted targeting Canadian residents in the following disciplines: otolaryngology, anesthesiology, emergency medicine, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, pediatric emergency medicine, and pediatric/neonatal intensive care.ResultsA total of 474 surveys were completed (response rate, 12%). On average, residents were involved in 13 interdisciplinary crises per year. Only 8% of otolaryngology residents had access to IDCRM training, as opposed to 66% of anesthesiology residents. Otolaryngology residents reported receiving an average of 0.3 hours per year of interdisciplinary training, as compared with 5.4 hours per year for pediatric emergency medicine residents. Ninety‐six percent of residents desired more IDCRM training, with 95% reporting a preference for simulation‐based training.DiscussionResidents reported participating in crises managed by interdisciplinary teams. There is strong interest in IDCRM and crisis resource management training; however, it is not uniformly available across Canadian residency programs. Despite their pivotal role in managing critical emergencies such as acute airway obstruction, otolaryngology residents received the least training.ImplicationIDCRM should be explicitly taught since it reflects reality and may positively affect patient outcomes.
Role of the hepcidin-ferroportin axis in pathogen-mediated intracellular iron sequestration in human phagocytic cells
Authors: Abreu Rodrigo , Quinn Frederick , Giri Pramod K. 
Published: May 2018

Key Points
TLR signaling induces intracellular iron sequestration in macrophages through 2 redundant mechanisms. TLR2 signaling downregulates ferroportin transcriptional expression, whereas TLR4 induces hepcidin secretion.
Poorly cytotoxic terminally differentiated CD56negCD16pos NK cells accumulate in Kenyan children with Burkitt lymphomas
Authors: Forconi Catherine S. , Cosgrove Cormac P. , Saikumar-Lakshmi Pryia , Nixon Christina E. , Foley Joslyn , Ong’echa John Michael , Otieno Juliana A. , Alter Galit , Münz Christian , Moormann Ann M. 
Published: May 2018

Key PointsTerminally differentiated CD56neg NK cells expand in children after chronic malaria exposure and in those diagnosed with eBL. NK cells in eBL patients express high levels of MIP-1β in lieu of TNF-α, and normal NK cell profiles appear to be restored in eBL survivors.
Reporting quality of randomized controlled trials in otolaryngology: Review of adherence to the CONSORT statement
Authors: Huang Yu Qing , Traore Katsiaryna , Ibrahim Badr , Sewitch Maida J. , Nguyen Lily H. P. 
Published: May 2018

Background Randomized controlled trials are the gold standard in medical and surgical research to assess the efficacy of therapeutic interventions. The reporting of these trials should be of high quality to allow readers’ appropriate interpretation and application. Methods The objectives of our study were to assess the extent to which the recent Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) randomized control trials in the top nine journals and in the top Canadian journal comply with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement, and to identify the CONSORT items most in need of improvement. Based on the impact factor and circulation number of 2014, the top nine Otolaryngology journals and the top Canadian Otolaryngology journal were selected and were searched to identify RCTs published in English and between 2010 and 2014. Two authors independently reviewed and extracted data using a standardized data extraction form constructed with the help of a medical librarian. Our outcome was to assess the adherence of articles reporting to the CONSORT items. Descriptive statistics were used. Results One hundred and eighty-two Otolaryngologic RCTs were identified in the top nine international journals and in the top Canadian journal. The inter-rater reliability between two raters was 0.32. The extent of adherence to CONSORT Statement ranged from 25 to 93.5% with a mean of 59.0% and a median of 59.4%. Only 6.5% of RCTs described the individual responsible for enrolling and assigning subjects and method of randomization; 32.4% reported the estimated effect size and precision; 40.6% reported a sample size calculation and 32.4% mentioned external validity or implications of the findings. Conclusion Findings revealed that the reporting of RCTs in the top nine ORL-HNS journals and in the top Canadian ORL-HNS journal is suboptimal. The quality of reporting can be improved by addressing the three CONSORT items found most deficient in this study namely, sample size calculations, estimated effect size and precision, and external validity.