bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polarimetric Signatures of Midlatitude Warm-Rain Precipitation Events
Authors: Carr N. , Kirstetter P. E. , Gourley J. J. , Hong Y. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPrecipitation events in which rainfall is generated primarily below the freezing level via warm-rain processes have traditionally presented a significant challenge for radar and satellite quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) algorithms. It is possible to improve QPE in warm-rain events if they are correctly identified/classified as warm rain prior to precipitation estimation. Additionally, it is anticipated that classification schemes incorporating polarimetric radar data will be able to leverage precipitation microphysical information to better identify warm-rain precipitation events. This study lays the groundwork for the development of a polarimetric warm-rain classification algorithm by documenting the typical three-dimensional polarimetric characteristics associated with midlatitude warm-rain precipitation events. These characteristics are then compared with those observed in non-warm-rain events. Nearly all warm-rain precipitation events were characterized by lower median values of Z, ZDR, and KDP relative to the non-warm-rain convective cases. Furthermore, droplet coalescence was determined to be the dominant microphysical process in the majority of warm-rain events, while in non-warm-rain stratiform events, evaporation and breakup appeared to be the dominant (warm) microphysical processes. Most warm-rain events were also associated with sharp decreases in reflectivity, with height above the freezing level coincident with low echo-top heights and freezing-level ZDR values near 0, indicating limited ice- and mixed-phase precipitation growth processes. These results support the feasibility of a future polarimetric warm-rain identification algorithm.
Estimating Enhanced Fujita Scale Levels Based on Forest Damage Severity
Authors: Godfrey Christopher M. , Peterson Chris J. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale estimates following tornadoes remain challenging in rural areas with few traditional damage indicators. In some cases, such as the 27 April 2011 tornadoes that passed through mostly inaccessible terrain in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Chattahoochee National Forest in the southeastern United States, traditional ground-based tornado damage surveys are nearly impossible. This work presents a novel method to infer EF-scale categories in forests using levels of tree damage and a coupled wind and tree resistance model. High-resolution aerial imagery allows detailed analyses based on a field of nearly half a million trees labeled with their geographic location and fall direction. Ground surveys also provide details on the composition of tree species and tree diameters within each tornado track. A statistical resampling procedure randomly draws a sample of trees from this database of observed trees. The coupled wind and tree resistance model determines the percentage of trees in that sample that fall for a given wind speed. By repeating this procedure, each wind speed value corresponds with a distribution of treefall percentages in the sampled plots. Comparing these results with the observed treefall percentage in small subplots along the entire tornado track allows estimation of the most probable wind speed associated with each subplot. Maps of estimated EF-scale levels reveal the relationship between complex terrain and wind speeds and show the variability of the intensity of each tornado along both tracks. This approach may lead to methods for the straightforward estimation of EF-scale categories in remote or inaccessible locations.
Upregulation of P2Y2 nucleotide receptor in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells
Authors: Tak Eunyoung , Jun Dae Young , Kim Seok-Hwan , Park Gil-Chun , Lee Jooyoung , Hwang Shin , Song Gi-Won , Lee Sung-Gyu 
Published: November 2016

Objective To examine if hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) can induce the upregulation of the purinergic receptor P2Y2 (P2Y2) and thereby promote the viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells under hypoxic conditions. Methods Archival HCC tumour specimens and corresponding non-cancerous tissues were examined immunohistochemically for P2Y2 protein. A series of in vitro experiments were undertaken using HCC cell lines to determine the effect of hypoxia on HIF-1α and P2Y2 levels, the effect of HIF-1α upregulation on P2Y2 levels, and the effect of P2Y2 upregulation on cell viability under hypoxic conditions. Results Human HCC specimens were positive for P2Y2. Hypoxia and upregulated HIF-1α both upregulated the P2Y2 levels in HCC cell lines. P2Y2 upregulation using plasmid transfection resulted in enhanced cell viability under hypoxia. Treatment of HepG2 cells with the selective P2Y2 antagonist MRS2312 downregulated P2Y2 and reduced cell viability in five HCC cell lines. P2Y2 knockdown reduced HepG2 cell viability under hypoxia. Conclusions These present results suggest that HCC cells upregulate P2Y2 levels during hypoxia, which in turn promotes their growth. P2Y2 could be a potential therapeutic target for treating HCC.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects against hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death
Authors: Tak Eunyoung , Park Gil-Chun , Kim Seok-Hwan , Jun Dae Young , Lee Jooyoung , Hwang Shin , Song Gi-Won , Lee Sung-Gyu 
Published: November 2016

Objective To investigate the protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol source in green tea, against hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury in mice. Methods The partial hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury model was created by employing the hanging-weight method in C57BL/6 male mice. EGCG (50 mg/kg) was administered via an intraperitoneal injection 45 min before performing the reperfusion. A number of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and liver injury were measured after the ischaemia–reperfusion injury had been induced. Results The treatment groups were: sham-operated (Sham, n = 10), hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury (IR, n = 10), and EGCG with ischaemia–reperfusion injury (EGCG-treated IR, n = 10). Hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury increased the levels of biochemical and histological markers of liver injury, increased the levels of malondialdehyde, reduced the glutathione/oxidized glutathione ratio, increased the levels of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation markers, decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 levels, and increased the levels of Bax, cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3, and cleaved caspase-9. Pretreatment with EGCG ameliorated all of these changes. Conclusion The antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects of EGCG protected against hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion injury in mice.
Learning Mechanics and Game Mechanics Under the Perspective of Self-Determination Theory to Foster Motivation in Digital Game Based Learning
Authors: Proulx Jean-Nicolas , Romero Margarida , Arnab Sylvester 
Published: November 2016

Background. Using digital games for educational purposes has been associated with higher levels of motivation among learners of different educational levels. However, the underlying psychological factors involved in digital game based learning (DGBL) have been rarely analyzed considering self-determination theory (SDT); the relation of SDT with the flow experience has neither been evaluated in the context of DGBL. Aim. This article evaluates DGBL under the perspective of SDT in order to improve the study of motivational factors in DGBL. Results. In this paper, we introduce the LMGM-SDT theoretical framework, where the use of DGBL is analyzed through the Learning Mechanics and Game Mechanics mapping model (LM-GM) and its relation with the components of the SDT. The implications for the use of DGBL in order to promote learners’ motivation are also discussed.
Does prior antiplatelet treatment improve functional outcome after intra-arterial treatment for acute ischemic stroke?
Authors: Mulder Maxim JHL , Berkhemer Olvert A , Fransen Puck SS , van den Berg Lucie A , Lingsma Hester F , den Hertog Heleen M , Staals Julie , Jenniskens Sjoerd FM , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , van Zwam Wim H , Majoie Charles BLM , van der Lugt Aad , Dippel Diederik WJ ,   on behalf of the MR CLEAN investigators
Published: November 2016

Background and purpose In patients with acute ischemic stroke who receive antiplatelet treatment, uncertainty exists about the effect and safety of intra-arterial treatment. Our aim was to study whether intra-arterial treatment in patients with prior antiplatelet treatment is safe and whether prior antiplatelet treatment modifies treatment effect. Methods All 500 MR CLEAN patients were included. We estimated the effect of intra-arterial treatment with ordinal logistic regression analysis, and tested for interaction of antiplatelet treatment with intra-arterial treatment on outcome. Furthermore, safety parameters and serious adverse events were analyzed. Results The 144 patients (29%) on antiplatelet treatment were older, more often male, and had more vascular comorbidity. Intra-arterial treatment effect size after adjustments in antiplatelet treatment patients was 1.7 (95% confidence interval 0.9–3.2), and in no antiplatelet treatment patients 1.8 (95% confidence interval: 1.2–2.6). There was no statistically or clinically significant interaction between prior antiplatelet treatment and the relative effect of intra-arterial treatment ( p = 0.78). However, in patients on antiplatelet treatment, the effect of successful reperfusion on functional outcome in the intervention arm of the trial was doubled: the absolute risk difference for favorable outcome after successful reperfusion in patients on prior antiplatelet treatment was 39% versus 18% in patients not on prior antiplatelet treatment (Pinteraction = 0.025). Patients on antiplatelet treatment more frequently had a symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (15%) compared to patients without antiplatelet treatment (4%), without differences between the control and intervention arm. Conclusions Prior treatment with antiplatelet agents did not modify the effect of intra-arterial treatment in patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting with an intracranial large vessel occlusion. There were no safety concerns. In patients with reperfusion, antiplatelet agents may improve functional outcome.
Blood biomarkers associated with neurological deterioration in patients with acute penetrating artery territory infarction: A multicenter prospective observational study
Authors: Kawano Tomohiro , Miyashita Kotaro , Takeuchi Mariko , Nagakane Yoshinari , Yamamoto Yasumasa , Kamiyama Kenji , Manabe Yasuhiro , Todo Kenichi , Metoki Norifumi , Akaiwa Yasuhisa , Toyoda Kazunori , Nagatsuka Kazuyuki 
Published: November 2016

Background and purpose Neurological deterioration in acute penetrating artery territory infarction is unpredictable and associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes. The aim of this prospective study was to clarify the cause of neurological worsening and predict clinical outcomes using blood biomarkers. Methods Eight Japanese stroke centers participated. Blood samples were obtained within 24 h (the first sampling) and on day 7 in hospital (the second sampling) in patients with penetrating artery territory infarction, arriving within two days of stroke onset. Symptomatic worsening was defined as a minimum increase of one point on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. Poor outcome was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of ≥3 at 90 days after ictus. Results Of the 89 patients, 25 (28%) had symptomatic worsening, and 25 (28%) had a poor outcome. Although tumor necrosis factor-alpha, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels were significantly increased in both groups at the second sampling, soluble lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1, CD40 ligand, and pro-adrenomedullin levels were significantly increased and ADAMTS13 activity was decreased in symptomatic worsening patients ( p < 0.05 for all). After multivariate adjustment, a low number of CD34+ cells at the first sampling was an independent predictor of poor outcome (odds ratio, 0.20; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.74, p = 0.011, per 1 cell/µl increase). Conclusions Blood biomarkers associated with atherosclerotic processes seem to be an indication for symptomatic worsening, and the number of CD34+ cells may help to predict three-month functional outcome in patients with penetrating artery territory infarction.
Multi-institutional prospective study of nedaplatin plus S-1 chemotherapy in recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients after failure of platinum-containing regimens
Authors: Peng Pei-Jian , Lv Bao-Jun , Wang Zhi-Hui , Liao Hai , Liu Yu-Meng , Lin Zhong , Con Yun-Yan , Huang Pei-Yu 
Published: November 2016

Background: In this multi-institutional prospective study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of nedaplatin plus S-1 (NS) chemotherapy for patients with recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) when platinum-containing regimens failed. Methods: A total of 52 recurrent and metastatic NPC patients who previously received, but failed with platinum-containing chemotherapy, had oral S-1 chemotherapy (twice daily from the first day to the fourteenth day) and nedaplatin (80 mg/ m2, day 1) every 3 weeks. The body surface area (BSA) decided the dose of S-1: 40 mg twice a day when BSA < 1.25 m2; 50 mg twice daily when 1.25 m2 ⩽ BSA < 1.5 m2; and 60 mg twice daily when BSA ⩾ 1.5 m2. Results: Treatment was well tolerated. The main hematological adverse event was neutropenia. Five patients (9.6%) had grade 3 neutropenia. Three patients were found with grade 3 anemia (5.8%). One patient was found with grade 3 thrombocytopenia (1.9%). No patient was found with grade 3 or 4 nonhematological toxicity. The rates of complete response, partial response and overall response were 3.8%, 38.5% and 42.3%, respectively. Median time to progression was 6.2 months and median survival was 14.6 months. The rates of 1-year survival and 2-year survival were 63% and 27%, respectively. Conclusions: NS chemotherapy provides a satisfactory and safe clinical activity for patients with recurrent and metastatic NPC after platinum-containing chemotherapy failed.
A modified regimen of biweekly gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer is both tolerable and effective: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Ahn Daniel H. , Krishna Kavya , Blazer Marlo , Reardon Joshua , Wei Lai , Wu Christina , Ciombor Kristen K. , Noonan Anne M. , Mikhail Sameh , Bekaii-Saab Tanios 
Published: November 2016

Background: Treatment with nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine demonstrates a survival advantage when compared with single-agent gemcitabine. However, the combination is associated with significant toxicities, leading to a high rate of drug discontinuation. We implemented a modified regimen of gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel (mGNabP) in an attempt to minimize toxicities while maintaining efficacy. Methods: A total of 79 evaluable patients with metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma (mPC) treated with a modified regimen of gemcitabine (1000 mg/m2) and nab-paclitaxel (125 mg/m2) on days 1, 15 of every 28-day cycle were identified from our prospective database. A total of 57 patients received this regimen as first-line treatment and were evaluated for toxicities, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Overall, 22 patients with advanced or metastatic PC treated with the modified regimen outside the first-line setting were only evaluated for toxicities. Results: The median OS and PFS were 10 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9–13 months] and 5.4 months (95% CI 4.1–7.4 months) for patients that received the modified regimen as first-line therapy. Neurotoxicity occurred in 27% with only 1.6% of patients experiencing grade ⩾3 toxicity. The incidence of grade ⩾3 neutropenia was 19%, resulting in growth factor support in 12% of patients. This rate was similar in patients who received the modified regimen for first-line treatment of mPC versus the overall group. Conclusions: A modified regimen of biweekly nab-paclitaxel with gemcitabine is associated with a lower cost, acceptable toxicity profile and appears to be relatively effective in pancreatic cancer. Prospective randomized studies confirming its potential benefits compared with standard weekly mGNabP are warranted.
Examining the Potential Use of a Novel Radiographic Scoring System for Determining Surgical Intervention in Diabetic Charcot Arthropathy
Authors: Bijlani Rahul , Lomasney Laurie M. , Pinzur Michael , Dux Katherine 
Published: November 2016

Introduction. Although Eichenholtz and the Schon systems are commonly used to evaluate foot Charcot arthropathy on radiographs, a novel system with expanded characterization may have added benefit. Methods. Patients with Charcot arthropathy and foot radiographs were grouped in nonsurgical group 1 (imaging sets at minimum 2-year interval) and surgical group 2 (imaging preceding fusion and/or amputation). Radiographs were scored with Eichenholtz and Schon systems, and a novel scoring system (summation of 0-3 rank for bone density, distention/swelling, debris, disorganization, and dislocation/subluxation). Summative scores of the 2 groups were compared. Differences in scores of each system from serial images of group 1 were compared and average scores from each of the systems for preoperative imaging sets of group 2 were compared. Results. A total of 111 patients were included (group 1, 19 patients; group 2, 92 patients). The novel system provided a broad numerical characterization of the radiographs (range 1-15). Summative scores of the novel system for groups 1 and 2 were statistically different with lower median score in the nonsurgical group (nonsurgical median score 6 vs surgical median score 9). Individual characteristic scores from 4 (distention, debris, disorganization, and dislocation) of 5 categories for the novel system were statistically different, with lower scores for the nonoperative group. The narrower numerical scores from the Eichenholtz and Schon systems did not yield statistically significant results. Conclusion. The novel scoring system provides a broad numerical description of radiographic findings in Charcot arthropathy of the foot and has potential advantage for surgical predictive value. Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Retrospective
High School Sport Specialization Patterns of Current Division I Athletes
Authors: Post Eric G. , Thein-Nissenbaum Jill M. , Stiffler Mikel R. , Brooks M. Alison , Bell David R. , Sanfilippo Jennifer L. , Trigsted Stephanie M. , Heiderscheit Bryan C. , McGuine Timothy A. 
Published: November 2016

Background: Sport specialization is a strategy to acquire superior sport performance in 1 sport but is associated with increased injury risk. Currently, the degree of high school specialization among Division I athletes is unknown. Hypothesis: College athletes will display increased rates of specialization as they progress through their high school careers. Study Design: Descriptive epidemiological study. Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: Three hundred forty-three athletes (115 female) representing 9 sports from a Midwest Division I University completed a previously utilized sport specialization questionnaire regarding sport participation patterns for each grade of high school. McNemar and chi-square tests were used to investigate associations of grade, sport, and sex with prevalence of sport specialization category (low, moderate, high) (a priori P ≤ 0.05). Results: Specialization increased throughout high school, with 16.9% (n = 58) and 41.1% (n = 141) of athletes highly specialized in 9th and 12th grades, respectively. Football athletes were less likely to be highly specialized than nonfootball athletes for each year of high school ( P < 0.001). There was no difference in degree of specialization between sexes at any grade level ( P > 0.23). Conclusion: The majority of Division I athletes were not classified as highly specialized throughout high school, but the prevalence of high specialization increased as athletes progressed through high school. Nonfootball athletes were more likely to be highly specialized than football athletes at each grade level. Clinical Relevance: Most athletes who are recruited to participate in collegiate athletics will eventually specialize in their sport, but it does not appear that early specialization is necessary to become a Division I athlete. Athletes should be counseled regarding safe participation in sport during high school to minimize injury and maximize performance.
Patients Undergoing Shoulder Stabilization Surgery Have Elevated Shoulder Activity Compared With Sex- and Age-Matched Healthy Controls
Authors: Brophy Robert H. , Hettrich Carolyn M. , Ortiz Shannon ,   MOON Shoulder Instability Group, Wolf Brian R. , Baumgarten Keith M. , Bedi Asheesh , Bishop Julie Y. , Bollier Matthew J. , Bravman Jonathan T. , Carey James L. , Cox Charlie L. , Dunn Warren , Feeley Brian T. , Jones Grant L. , Kelly John D. , Kuhn John E. , Benjamin Ma C. , Marx Robert G. , Miller Bruce S. , Sennett Brian J. , Smith Matthew V. , Wright Rick W. , Zhang Alan 
Published: November 2016

Background: Shoulder activity level may be a risk factor for shoulder instability, an indication for surgical intervention, and a risk factor for failure of operative stabilization. Hypothesis: Patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery have a higher activity level compared with sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Methods: Patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery aged 18 to 50 years were prospectively enrolled. As part of data collection, patients completed a previously validated shoulder activity scale, which generates a score reporting frequency of activity ranging from 0 (least active) to 20 (most active). The activity level of these patients was compared with sex- and age-matched norms for a healthy population with no history of shoulder disorders. Results: A total of 409 subjects (343 male, 66 female) undergoing shoulder instability surgery completed the activity scale. Seventy-seven percent of patients had higher shoulder activity level than sex- and age-matched controls. Seventy-nine percent aged 18 to 30 years had a higher shoulder activity level than controls, with an identical distribution for men (79%) and women (79%). Among patients aged 31 to 50 years, 70% had higher activity than controls. However, men were more likely to have a higher activity level than controls (72%) versus women (59%). In patients aged 18 to 30 years, median activity level for instability patients was 14 in men compared with 10 in controls, and 13 in women compared with 8 in controls. In patients aged 31 to 50 years, median activity level was 13 in men compared with 10 in controls and 10 in women compared with 8 in controls. Conclusion: Patients undergoing shoulder stabilization surgery have a higher activity level than sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Clinical Relevance: Shoulder activity is especially elevated in younger, male instability patients.