bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of time‐dependent 3‐D electron density gradients on high angle of incidence HF radiowave propagation
Authors: Zawdie K. A. , Drob D. P. , Huba J. D. , Coker C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOne of the challenges for the utilization of HF radiowaves in practical applications is to understand how the signals propagate in time‐ and range‐dependent multipath environments. For typical quiescent ionospheric conditions it is often reasonably straightforward to interpret received HF signals. For disturbed ionospheric conditions, however, such as in the presence of large tilts, irregularities, and medium‐scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs), data interpretation and utilization often becomes challenging. This paper presents a theoretical HF propagation modeling study that exploits the capabilities of a first principles, mesoscale resolution ionosphere code, SAMI3 (Sami3 is Another Model of the Ionosphere) and a new implementation of the 3‐D ray trace equations, MoJo‐15 (Modernized Jones Code) in order to examine the relationship between various HF propagation observables and MSTID characteristics. This paper demonstrates the implications of MSTIDS on high angle of incidence HF propagation during typical low‐latitude, postsunset ionospheric conditions and examines the spatiotemporal evolution of multiple propagation paths that may connect a given source and receiver.
The permanently shadowed regions of dwarf planet Ceres
Authors: Schorghofer Norbert , Mazarico Erwan , Platz Thomas , Preusker Frank , Schröder Stefan E. , Raymond Carol A. , Russell Christopher T. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractCeres has only a small spin axis tilt (4°), and craters near its rotational poles can experience permanent shadow and trap volatiles, as is the case on Mercury and on Earth's Moon. Topography derived from stereo imaging by the Dawn spacecraft is used to calculate direct solar irradiance that defines the extent of the permanently shadowed regions (PSRs). In the northern polar region, PSRs cover ∼1800 km2 or 0.13% of the hemisphere, and most of the PSRs are cold enough to trap water ice over geological time periods. Based on modeling of the water exosphere, water molecules seasonally reside around the winter pole and ultimately an estimated 0.14% of molecules get trapped. Even for the lowest estimates of the amount of available water, this predicts accumulation rates in excess of loss rates, and hence, there should be fresh ice deposits in the cold traps.
A simple method for Bayesian model averaging of regional climate model projections: Application to southeast Australian temperatures
Authors: Olson Roman , Fan Yanan , Evans Jason P. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecent studies using regional climate models to make probabilistic projections break important new ground. However, they typically lack cross validation, pull the projections toward agreeing models (which can agree due to shared biases), and ignore model skill at reproducing internal variability when weighing the models. Here we conduct the first, to our knowledge, application of Bayesian model averaging (BMA) to make probabilistic projections using regional climate models (RCMs). We weigh the RCMs from the NARCliM project based on their skill at representing temperature over 12 southeast Australian regions in terms of trend, bias, and internal variability. The weights do not depend on model agreement with other models. Using the weighted ensemble, we provide probabilistic seasonal temperature projections. We cross validate the method, and demonstrate that weighted projections are well calibrated and more precise than the unweighted ones. We find considerable differences between the weighted and the unweighted projections in some cases.
Impact of an interactive ocean on numerical weather prediction: A case of a local heavy snowfall event in eastern Korea
Authors: Kim Taekyun , Jin Emilia Kyung 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTo examine the impact of an interactive ocean on numerical weather prediction (NWP), numerical simulations of a heavy snowfall are performed using a coupled atmosphere‐ocean model. Results indicate that upper ocean conditions, such as the spatiotemporal variability of sea surface temperature (SST) and currents, have a significant impact on the heavy snowfall. SST condition, acting as source of energy for the formation of heavy snowfall, regulates intensity of heat and moisture fluxes and consequent convection. When an interactive ocean is included, mesoscale variations in SST in coastal regions, where satellite observations would be inaccurate, are successfully captured, and intensity and location of heavy snowfall are improved. These results suggest that coupled air‐sea interaction is an important physical mechanism in the intensity and structure of extreme weather events and, thus, that the inclusion of an interactive ocean in NWP model could improve weather prediction, particularly for localized severe weather.
Comparison of observed and simulated spatial patterns of ice microphysical processes in tropical oceanic mesoscale convective systems
Authors: Barnes Hannah C. , Houze Robert A. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTo equitably compare the spatial pattern of ice microphysical processes produced by three microphysical parameterizations with each other, observations, and theory, simulations of tropical oceanic mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model were forced to develop the same mesoscale circulations as observations by assimilating radial velocity data from a Doppler radar. The same general layering of microphysical processes was found in observations and simulations with deposition anywhere above the 0°C level, aggregation at and above the 0°C level, melting at and below the 0°C level, and riming near the 0°C level. Thus, this study is consistent with the layered ice microphysical pattern portrayed in previous conceptual models and indicated by dual‐polarization radar data. Spatial variability of riming in the simulations suggests that riming in the midlevel inflow is related to convective‐scale vertical velocity perturbations. Finally, this study sheds light on limitations of current generally available bulk microphysical parameterizations. In each parameterization, the layers in which aggregation and riming took place were generally too thick and the frequency of riming was generally too high compared to the observations and theory. Additionally, none of the parameterizations produced similar details in every microphysical spatial pattern. Discrepancies in the patterns of microphysical processes between parameterizations likely factor into creating substantial differences in model reflectivity patterns. It is concluded that improved parameterizations of ice‐phase microphysics will be essential to obtain reliable, consistent model simulations of tropical oceanic MCSs.
Associations Between Fat Mass and Multisite Pain: A Five‐Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Pan Feng , Laslett Laura , Blizzard Leigh , Cicuttini Flavia , Winzenberg Tania , Ding Changhai , Jones Graeme 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivePain is common in older adults and typically involves multiple sites. Obesity is an important risk factor in the pathogenesis of pain and multisite pain (MSP). This study aimed to examine longitudinal associations between fat mass and MSP, and to explore the potential mechanisms of any associations.MethodsData from a longitudinal population‐based study of older adults (n = 1,099) were utilized with measurements at baseline and after 2.6 and 5.1 years. At each time point, presence/absence of pain at the neck, back, hands, shoulders, hips, knees, and feet was assessed by questionnaire. Fat mass was assessed by dual x‐ray absorptiometry, and height and weight were measured.ResultsParticipants were of mean age 63 years, mean body mass index (BMI) 27.9 kg/m2, and 51% women. Participants reporting greater number of painful sites had greater fat mass, fat mass index (FMI), and BMI both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally. In multivariable analyses, fat mass was associated with MSP (odds ratio [OR] 1.06 per SD; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02–1.10) and pain at the hands, knees, hips, and feet (OR 1.29–1.99 per SD, P < 0.05 for all). Results were similar for FMI and BMI, although the latter was also associated with back pain (OR 1.25 per SD, 95% CI 1.02–1.54).ConclusionFat mass, FMI, and BMI are associated with MSP and pain at all lower‐extremity sites and hand pain, independent of sociodemographic, physical activity, and psychological factors. This suggests that both loading and systemic inflammatory factors may have an important role in the pathogenesis of fat‐related MSP.
Association Between Pain at Sites Outside the Knee and Knee Cartilage Volume Loss in Elderly People Without Knee Osteoarthritis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Pan Feng , Laslett Laura , Tian Jing , Cicuttini Flavia , Winzenberg Tania , Ding Changhai , Jones Graeme 
Published: July 2016

ObjectivePain is common in the elderly. Knee pain may predict knee cartilage loss, but whether generalized pain is associated with knee cartilage loss is unclear. This study, therefore, aimed to determine whether pain at multiple sites predicts knee cartilage volume loss among community‐dwelling older adults, and, if so, to explore potential mechanisms.MethodsData from the prospective Tasmanian Older Adult Cohort study was utilized (n = 394, mean age 63 years, range 52–79 years). Experience of pain at multiple sites was assessed using a questionnaire at baseline. T1‐weighted fat‐saturated magnetic resonance imaging of the right knee was performed to assess the cartilage volume at baseline and after 2.6 years. Linear regression modeling was used with adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsThe median number of painful sites was 3 (range 0–7). There was a dose‐response relationship between the number of painful sites and knee cartilage volume loss in the lateral and total tibiofemoral compartments (lateral β = −0.28% per annum; total β = −0.25% per annum, both P for trend < 0.05), but not in the medial compartment. These associations were stronger in participants without radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA) (P < 0.05) and independent of age, sex, body mass index, physical activity, pain medication, and knee structural abnormalities.ConclusionThe number of painful sites independently predicts knee cartilage volume loss, especially in people without knee OA, suggesting that widespread pain may be an early marker of more rapid knee cartilage loss in those without radiographic knee OA. The underlying mechanism is unclear, but it is independent of anthropometrics, physical activity, and knee structural abnormalities.
Vascular Evaluation of the Hand by Power Doppler Ultrasonography and New Predictive Markers of Ischemic Digital Ulcers in Systemic Sclerosis: Results of a Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Lescoat Alain , Coiffier Guillaume , Rouil Alban , Droitcourt Catherine , Cazalets Claire , de Carlan Marine , Perdriger Aleth , Jégo Patrick 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relevance of power Doppler ultrasonography (PDUS) as a predictive tool of 1‐year digital ulcer (DU) occurrence in systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsA total of 55 SSc patients and 19 controls underwent PDUS of both hands to evaluate the prevalence of ulnar artery occlusion (UAO) at baseline. Finger pulp blood flow (FPBF) of the third and fourth fingers was also assessed and considered as pathologic if a defect of the Doppler signal on a finger pulp was observed. All patients were clinically re‐evaluated 6 and 12 months later and new ischemic DU occurrences in the meantime were retrospectively recorded. Patients were also asked to call if new DUs occurred between consultations.ResultsPDUS parameters were normal in all controls. The prevalence of UAO was 36.4% and was bilateral in 70% of the SSc cases. A total of 56.4% of SSc patients had a pathologic FPBF. UAO and pathologic FPBF were associated with a history of multiple DU episodes (odds ratio [OR] 8.98 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.52–32.01], P < 0.001, and OR 4.69 [95% CI 1.30–16.93], P = 0.014, respectively) and the occurrence of new DUs during the followup in the univariable model (OR 8.73 [95% CI 2.00–38.16], P = 0.005, and OR 12.65 [95% CI 1.50–106.77], P = 0.005, respectively). The association of UAO and pathologic FPBF in the same patient was a predictive factor of new DUs in the multivariable analysis (P = 0.015).ConclusionThis study suggests that UAO and pathologic FPBF are associated with a history of multiple DUs and are predictors of new ischemic DUs. These parameters could be used as prognostic factors and considered in further studies evaluating DU treatment strategies.
Prevalence of Axial Spondyloarthritis Among Patients With Fibromyalgia: A Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study With Application of the Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society Classification Criteria
Authors: Ablin Jacob N. , Eshed Iris , Berman Mark , Aloush Valerie , Wigler Irena , Caspi Dan , Likhter Maria , Wollman Jonathan , Paran Daphna , Anouk Marina , Elkayam Ori 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of sacroiliitis, the radiographic hallmark of inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, among patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), using the current Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria and magnetic resonance imaging.MethodsPatients experiencing FMS (American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria) were interviewed regarding the presence of spondyloarthritis (SpA) features and underwent HLA–B27 testing, C‐reactive protein (CRP) level measurement, and magnetic resonance imaging examinations of the sacroiliac joints. FMS severity was assessed by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Short Form 36 health survey. SpA severity was assessed by the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index.ResultsSacroiliitis was demonstrated among 8 patients (8.1%) and ASAS criteria for diagnosis of axial SpA were met in 10 patients (10.2%). Imaging changes suggestive of inflammatory involvement (e.g., erosions and subchondral sclerosis) were demonstrated in 15 patients (17%) and 22 patients (25%), respectively. The diagnosis of axial SpA was positively correlated with increased CRP level and with physical role limitation at recruitment.ConclusionImaging changes suggestive of axial SpA were common among patients with a diagnosis of FMS. These findings suggest that FMS may mask an underlying axial SpA, a diagnosis with important therapeutic implications. Physicians involved in the management of FMS should remain vigilant to the possibility of underlying inflammatory disorders and actively search for such comorbidities.
Value of History, Physical Examination, and Radiographic Findings in the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Meniscal Tear Among Middle‐Aged Subjects With Knee Pain
Authors: Katz Jeffrey N. , Smith Savannah R. , Yang Heidi Y. , Martin Scott D. , Wright John , Donnell‐Fink Laurel A. , Losina Elena 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the utility of clinical history, radiographic findings, and physical examination findings in the diagnosis of symptomatic meniscal tear (SMT) in patients over age 45 years, in whom concomitant osteoarthritis is prevalent.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional study of patients from 2 orthopedic surgeons' clinics, we assessed clinical history, physical examination findings, and radiographic findings in patients age >45 years with knee pain. The orthopedic surgeons rated their confidence that subjects' symptoms were due to meniscal tear; we defined the diagnosis of SMT as at least 70% confidence. We used logistic regression to identify factors independently associated with diagnosis of SMT, and we used the regression results to construct an index of the likelihood of SMT.ResultsIn 174 participants, 6 findings were associated independently with the expert clinician having ≥70% confidence that symptoms were due to meniscal tear: localized pain, ability to fully bend the knee, pain duration <1 year, lack of varus alignment, lack of pes planus, and absence of joint space narrowing on radiographs. The index identified a low‐risk group with 3% likelihood of SMT.ConclusionWhile clinicians traditionally rely upon mechanical symptoms in this diagnostic setting, our findings did not support the conclusion that mechanical symptoms were associated with the expert's confidence that symptoms were due to meniscal tear. An index that includes history of localized pain, full flexion, duration <1 year, pes planus, varus alignment, and joint space narrowing can be used to stratify patients according to their risk of SMT, and it identifies a subgroup with very low risk.
Adequacy of Online Patient Information Resources on Gout and Potentially Curative Urate‐Lowering Treatment
Authors: Jimenez‐Liñan L. M. , Edwards L. , Abhishek A. , Doherty Michael 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveTo assess the content and readability of online patient information resources against the current understanding of gout.MethodsAn online survey was undertaken using Google UK, USA, Australia, and Canada. Information was assessed for content and accuracy on 19 key points regarding core content for gout patient information resources. Readability was assessed using the Flesch‐Kincaid Reading Ease score. Fifteen randomly selected websites were reviewed by a blinded second observer.ResultsA total of 85 websites were selected. More than 50% of the websites provided no information or had inaccuracies regarding the pathogenesis of gout. Most websites contained information on dietary and lifestyle modifications for treating gout and did not emphasize urate‐lowering therapy (ULT) and its potential for cure. Over 75% of the websites had no/inaccurate information on the role of ULT or prophylaxis for preventing gout attacks on starting ULT. The majority of websites were difficult to read, with information in 68% of the websites rated at least fairly difficult.ConclusionOnly a few web‐based patient information resources provide accurate and easy‐to‐read information on gout. This study will help physicians direct patients to currently reliable resources, but there is a need to improve many web‐based patient information resources, which at present act as barriers to care.
Variations in Radiographic Procedure Use for Medicare Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Schmajuk Gabriela , Tonner Chris , Trupin Laura , Yazdany Jinoos 
Published: July 2016

ObjectiveIn 2013, the American College of Rheumatology published its Choosing Wisely list, which identified 2 radiographic procedures (peripheral joint magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] and dual x‐ray absorptiometry [DXA] scans) that were at risk for overuse.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cross‐sectional cohort study to measure the use of peripheral joint MRI, peripheral joint radiographs, and DXA scans in a national cohort of Medicare patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during 2008–2009, before the start of the Choosing Wisely campaign. Diagnoses were identified via International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, codes; utilization was calculated using Current Procedural Terminology codes. Utilization was analyzed at the individual level and at the regional level (by hospital referral region [HRR]).ResultsThere were 8,051 patients with RA who were included: 81% were women, and the mean age was 76 years. Over a 2‐year period, the mean number of peripheral joint MRIs per beneficiary was 0.3 (median 0 [range 0–50]), peripheral joint radiographs per beneficiary was 2.6 (median 1 [range 0–33]), and DXA scans per beneficiary was 0.7 (median 0 [range 0–11]). Only 6.8% of patients received >1 peripheral joint MRI, and 6% of HRRs had a mean number of peripheral joint MRIs >1.ConclusionThere is variation in the use of peripheral joint MRI, peripheral joint radiographs, and DXA scans among Medicare patients with RA, although only a small number of HRRs have consistently high utilization. Although we cannot judge the appropriateness of each procedure, variation in use across regions signals the need for investigations to examine potential overutilization.
Endoscopic sinus surgery improves cognitive dysfunction in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
Authors: Alt Jeremiah A. , Mace Jess C. , Smith Timothy L. , Soler Zachary M. 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundPatients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have been found to have cognitive deficit, as identified using the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ), but the exact etiology of cognitive decline is unknown. In this study we aimed to determine whether improvement in concomitant inflammation and disease burden in CRS, using endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS), improves cognitive deficit. We also sought to identify comorbid conditions that effect improvement likelihood.MethodsStudy participants (n = 247) with and without nasal polyposis (CRSwNP, CRSsNP) were prospectively enrolled in this multi‐institutional, observational outcomes study. Pre‐ and postoperative cognitive dysfunction was evaluated using the CFQ instrument. Quality of life (QOL) and disease burden was also evaluated using the Rhinosinusitis Disability Index (RSDI), the 22‐item SinoNasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22), nasal endoscopy, computed tomography, and the 2‐item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ‐2).ResultsAverage CFQ total scores improved significantly (p = 0.012) after ESS for patients with follow‐up (n = 141). Participants with CRSwNP (n = 51) reported significant postoperative improvements in mean CFQ total scores (p = 0.002) and CFQ distractibility and blunders domain scores (p ≤ 0.006). No significant postoperative improvement for any average CFQ score was found in CRSsNP (p > 0.086). The magnitude of postoperative improvement in CFQ total and domain mean scores was statistically similar between CRSsNP and CRSwNP (p > 0.115). Depressive disorder, identified using PHQ‐2 screening, was the only comorbid condition significantly associated with measurable cognitive deficit (p < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with CRS have measurable cognitive decline, and ESS may modestly improve cognitive deficit/CFQ scores. Future investigations are needed to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for cognitive deficit in patients with CRS and significant associations with depression.