bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Parameterized Boundary Layer Structure on Tropical Cyclone Rapid Intensification Forecasts in HWRF
Authors: Zhang Jun A. , Rogers Robert F. , Tallapragada Vijay 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
This study evaluates the impact of the modification of the vertical eddy diffusivity (Km) in the boundary layer parameterization of the Hurricane Weather Research and Forecasting (HWRF) Model on forecasts of tropical cyclone (TC) rapid intensification (RI). Composites of HWRF forecasts of Hurricanes Earl (2010) and Karl (2010) were compared for two versions of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) scheme in HWRF. The results show that using a smaller value of Km, in better agreement with observations, improves RI forecasts. The composite-mean, inner-core structures for the two sets of runs at the time of RI onset are compared with observational, theoretical, and modeling studies of RI to determine why the runs with reduced Km are more likely to undergo RI. It is found that the forecasts with reduced Km at the RI onset have a shallower boundary layer with stronger inflow, more unstable near-surface air outside the eyewall, stronger and deeper updrafts in regions farther inward from the radius of maximum wind (RMW), and stronger boundary layer convergence closer to the storm center, although the mean storm intensity (as measured by the 10-m winds) is similar for the two groups. Finally, it is found that the departure of the maximum tangential wind from the gradient wind at the eyewall, and the inward advection of angular momentum outside the eyewall, is much larger in the forecasts with reduced Km. This study emphasizes the important role of the boundary layer structure and dynamics in TC intensity change, supporting recent studies emphasizing boundary layer spinup mechanism, and recommends further improvement to the HWRF PBL physics.
Forecaster Performance and Workload: Does Radar Update Time Matter?
Authors: Wilson Katie A. , Heinselman Pamela L. , Kuster Charles M. , Kingfield Darrel M. , Kang Ziho 
Published: December 2016

Abstract
Impacts of radar update time on forecasters’ warning decision processes were analyzed in the 2015 Phased Array Radar Innovative Sensing Experiment. Thirty National Weather Service forecasters worked nine archived phased-array radar (PAR) cases in simulated real time. These cases presented nonsevere, severe hail and/or wind, and tornadic events. Forecasters worked each type of event with approximately 5-min (quarter speed), 2-min (half speed), and 1-min (full speed) PAR updates. Warning performance was analyzed with respect to lead time and verification. Combining all cases, forecasters’ median warning lead times when using full-, half-, and quarter-speed PAR updates were 17, 14.5, and 13.6 min, respectively. The use of faster PAR updates also resulted in higher probability of detection and lower false alarm ratio scores. Radar update speed did not impact warning duration or size. Analysis of forecaster performance on a case-by-case basis showed that the impact of PAR update speed varied depending on the situation. This impact was most noticeable during the tornadic cases, where radar update speed positively impacted tornado warning lead time during two supercell events, but not for a short-lived tornado occurring within a bowing line segment. Forecasters’ improved ability to correctly discriminate the severe weather threat during a nontornadic supercell event with faster PAR updates was also demonstrated. Forecasters provided subjective assessments of their cognitive workload in all nine cases. On average, forecasters were not cognitively overloaded, but some participants did experience higher levels of cognitive workload at times. A qualitative explanation of these particular instances is provided.
Partial Tonsillectomy
Authors: Wong Kevin , Levi Jessica R. 
Published: December 2016

Objectives: Evaluate the content and readability of health information regarding partial tonsillectomy. Methods: A web search was performed using the term partial tonsillectomy in Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. The first 50 websites from each search were evaluated using HONcode standards for quality and content. Readability was assessed using the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL), Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index, Coleman-Liau Index, Automated Readability Index, and SMOG score. The Freeman-Halton extension of Fisher’s exact test was used to compare categorical differences between engines. Results: Less than half of the websites mentioned patient eligibility criteria (43.3%), referenced peer-reviewed literature (43.3%), or provided a procedure description (46.7%). Twenty-two websites (14.7%) were unrelated to partial tonsillectomy, and over half contained advertisements (52%). These finding were consistent across search engines and search terms. The mean FKGL was 11.6 ± 0.11, Gunning-Fog Index was 15.1 ± 0.13, Coleman-Liau Index was 14.6 ± 0.11, ARI was 12.9 ± 0.13, and SMOG grade was 14.0 ± 0.1. All readability levels exceeded the abilities of the average American adult. Conclusions: Current online information regarding partial tonsillectomy may not provide adequate information and may be written at a level too difficult for the average adult reader.
Red blood cell distribution width and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio are associated with outcomes of adult subarachnoid haemorrhage patients admitted to intensive care unit
Authors: Huang Yuan-Lan , Han Zhi-Jun , Hu Zhi-De 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundRed blood cell distribution width (RDW) and neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) have been reported to be associated with outcomes of acute cerebral infarction. However, their prognostic value in patients with subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of RDW and NLR in SAH patients.MethodsMedical records of adult SAH patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) were extracted from Multiparameter Intelligent Monitoring in Intensive Care II (MIMIC II, version 2.6), a publicly accessible ICU database. Prognostic value of RDW and NLR was analysed using logistic regression model, Kaplan-Meier curve analysis and Cox regression model.ResultsA total of 274 SAH patients were included. Patients died in hospital had significantly higher RDW and NLR. RDW and NLR were significantly associated with hospital death, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.39 (95% CI, 1.06–1.82) and 1.04 (95% CI, 1.00–1.08), respectively. Furthermore, increased RDW and NLR were associated with higher one-year mortality, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.20 (95% CI, 1.02–1.41) for per 1% increased RDW and 1.03 (95% CI, 1.00–1.05) for per 1 increased NLR.ConclusionRDW and NLR are useful indices to evaluate the outcomes of ICU admitted patients with SAH.
Diabetes Distress Among Persons With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Powers Margaret A. , Richter Sara A. , Ackard Diann M. , Craft Cheryl 
Published: December 2016

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate associations between diabetes distress and a range of psychological health behaviors and concerns among persons with type 1 diabetes for the benefit of enhancing early identification and intervention of at-risk individuals. Methods Persons with type 1 diabetes (n = 268; 57.1% female, 91.0% white, 76.8% <18 years of age, average A1C 8.4%) completed the 2-item Diabetes Distress Screening Scale (DDS2) and a battery of psychometrically sound instruments measuring satisfaction with life, self-esteem, self-efficacy, depression, perfectionism, body image satisfaction, dietary restraint and eating, and shape and weight concerns. Each subscale score was compared within age groups (<18 years vs ≥18 years) between groups (diabetes distress level [low, moderate, high]) using analysis of variance (with Bonferroni correction or the Kruskal-Wallis test if the variables were not normally distributed). Results For both age groups, high diabetes distress was independently associated with greater A1C values, higher depression scores and eating, and shape and weight concerns than those with low or moderate distress. For patients <18 years of age, those with high diabetes distress scored lower on measures of satisfaction with life, self-esteem, and self-efficacy and higher on dietary restraint and several areas of perfectionism than those with low or moderate distress. Conclusions Individuals with type 1 diabetes who have high diabetes distress also report higher A1C values and poorer psychological health concerns. A brief diabetes distress questionnaire can help to identify those who need additional screening, education and support, and treatment for overall health and well-being.
Twelve month follow-up on a randomised controlled trial of relaxation training for post-stroke anxiety
Authors: Golding Katherine , Fife-Schaw Chris , Kneebone Ian 
Published: December 2016

Objective: To follow up participants in a randomised controlled trial of relaxation training for anxiety after stroke at 12 months. Design: Twelve month follow-up to a randomised controlled trial, in which the control group also received treatment. Setting: Community. Participants: Fifteen of twenty one original participants with post-stroke anxiety participated in a one year follow-up study. Interventions: A self-help autogenic relaxation CD listened to five times a week for one month, immediately in the intervention group and after three months in the control group. Main measures: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale and the Telephone Interview of Cognitive Status for inclusion. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety subscale for outcome. All measures were administered by phone. Results: Anxiety ratings reduced significantly between pre and post-intervention, and between pre-intervention and one year follow-up ( χ2(2) = 22.29, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Reductions in anxiety in stroke survivors who received a self-help autogenic relaxation CD appear to be maintained after one year.
Breathlessness during daily activity: The psychometric properties of the London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale in patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness
Authors: Reilly Charles C , Bausewein Claudia , Garrod Rachel , Jolley Caroline J , Moxham John , Higginson Irene J 
Published: December 2016

Background: The London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale measures the impact of breathlessness on both activity and social functioning. However, the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale is not routinely used in patients with advanced disease. Aim: To assess the psychometric properties of the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale in patients with refractory breathlessness due to advanced disease. Design: A cross-sectional secondary analysis of data from a randomised controlled parallel-group, pragmatic, single-blind fast-track trial (randomised controlled trial) investigating the effectiveness of an integrated palliative and respiratory care service for patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness, known as the Breathlessness Support Service (NCT01165034). All patients completed the following questionnaires: the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale, Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire, the Palliative care Outcome Scale, Palliative care Outcome Scale–symptoms, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and breathlessness measured on a numerical rating scale. Data quality, scaling assumptions, acceptability, internal consistency and construct validity of the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale were determined using standard psychometric approaches. Setting/participants: Breathless patients with advanced malignant and non-malignant disease. Results: A total of 88 patients were studied, primary diagnosis included; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease = 53, interstitial lung disease = 17, cancer = 18. Median (range) London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score was 46.5 (14–67). No floor or ceiling effect was observed for the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score. Internal consistency was good, and Cronbach’s alpha for the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale total score was 0.90. Construct validity was good with 13 out of 15 a priori hypotheses met. Conclusion: Psychometric analyses suggest that the London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale is acceptable, reliable and valid in patients with advanced disease and refractory breathlessness.
Improving Incidence of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation After Cardiac Surgery Using Simplified Clinical Practice Guidelines
Authors: Omar Amr S. , Ewila Hesham , Allam Mahmoud , Aboulnagah Sameh , Hanoura Samy , Sivadasan Praveen C. , Bilal Ousama , Pattath Abdul Rasheed A. , AlKhulaifi Abdulaziz 
Published: December 2016

Objectives: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) remains a major risk after cardiac surgery. Twelve percent patients admitted to this unit postcardiac surgery experienced POAF, which led to hemodynamic instability, increased risk of stroke, and increased length of postoperative intensive care unit stay. Our aim was to decrease the incidence of POAF in the cardiothoracic intensive care unit by the end of April 2014. Methods: Design—Retrospective data analysis. Settings—Postcardiac surgery intensive care in a tertiary hospital. Participants: Postcardiac surgery patients. Intervention—A clinical practice guideline (CPG) was developed to promote early prevention and to improve adherence to POAF prophylaxis recommendations. Patient’s charts were our key performance indicator. Primary outcome measure—Percentage of patients who developed episodes of POAF within the first 24 hours of cardiac surgery. Process measures—compliance with the newly developed CPG and early postoperative patient assessment. Balance measure—early administration of β-blocker. Results: We were able to decrease POAF to 8% after intervention. Compliance with early assessment improved from 25% to 87%. Compliance with adherence to the CPG was 80%. Adherence to the newly developed paper form was the major challenge that could be overcome by an electronic form. We hope to decrease the incidence of POAF to 6% and develop an electronic form by the end of December 2014. Conclusion: This quality improvement project changed the strategy and succeeded in decreasing the incidence of POAF after cardiac surgery. It also improved early assessment of risk factors.
Synthesis and characterization of fluorescein-grafted polyurethane for potential application in biomedical tracing
Authors: Yang Boyuan , Zou Qin , Lin Lili , Li Limei , Zuo Yi , Li Yubao 
Published: December 2016

Redesigned multifunctional biopolymers represent a novel building bridge for interdisciplinary collaborations in biomaterials development. We prepared fluorescein-grafted polyurethane scaffolds (PU-C1, PU-C5, and PU-B1) to meet both clinical needs and biological safety evaluations, using different contents of calcein and different synthesis procedures for potential biomedical tracing. X-ray diffraction, infrared, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy, and light microscopy were used to analyze the composition and structure of polyurethanes, as well as to observe their morphology with and without biomarkers. Fluorescence spectrophotometer and fluorescence microscopy were used to detect the fluorescence characteristics. The results showed that the grafting of calcein significantly affected the chemical structure and fluorescence sensitivities of copolymers. When compared to calcein, which was added before synthesis (PU-C1), the marker that was added during the extender process (PU-B1) presented higher fluorescence efficiency. Both PU-C5 and PU-B1 exhibited strong fluorescent response and good cytocompatibility in vitro and in vivo, with no interference from the autofluorescence of tissues after 4 weeks of implantation. The fluorescence-marked material can be used to continuously and noninvasively monitor the dynamic changes in polymers, which provides a way to clearly trace the material or to distinguish between the material and tissue in vivo.
Is there a bilingual advantage in phonetic and phonological acquisition? The initial learning of word-final coronal stop realization in a novel accent of English
Authors: Spinu Laura E , Hwang Jiwon , Lohmann Renata 
Published: December 2016

Research question: We address the question of whether the cognitive advantage of the bilingual mind, already demonstrated in the case of auditory processing or novel word acquisition, also applies to other linguistic domains, specifically to phonetic and phonological learning. Design: We compare the performance of 17 monolinguals and 25 bilinguals from Canada in a production experiment with two tasks: imitation and spontaneous reproduction of a novel foreign accent, specifically Sussex English. Data and analysis: To eliminate potential sources of variability, our focus is on a sound already existing in the subjects’ production (the glottal stop), but differently mapped to surface representations in the novel accent to which they were exposed (i.e., as an allophone of coronal stops in word-final position). We measured the glottal stop rates of our subjects in baseline, training, and post-training. Results: The two groups behaved differently, with bilinguals showing a larger increase of their glottal stop rate post-training. Our results are thus consistent with a bilingual advantage in phonetic and phonological learning. Originality: We interpret these findings in light of recent psycholinguistic work and conclude that echoic memory strategies, possibly underlain by stronger subcortical encoding of sound in bilinguals, may account for our results by facilitating the re-mapping between existing mental representations of sounds and existing articulatory command configurations. Significance: Our study adds to the body of work suggesting that there may be an advantage of bilingualism in second dialect learning in adulthood, and provides an explanation in terms of perceptual strategies in which echoic memory is involved. We also contribute to the body of research suggesting that imitation of an action can result in improved understanding of that action.
In search of the working memory advantage in conference interpreting – Training, experience and task effects
Authors: Chmiel Agnieszka 
Published: December 2016

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of the study was to disentangle the effects of simultaneous interpreting experience and training on working memory, to examine the effect of language, modality and recall on working memory scores, and to associate memory scores of trainees with interpreting quality. Design: Working memory scores were compared in the L2 reading span task (performed by professional conference interpreters, bilingual controls and interpreter trainees tested before and after training) and in the L1 reading span task and L1 listening span task (performed by interpreters and controls). Data and Analysis: Data was collected from 68 participants in experiment 1 and from 51 participants in experiment 2. It was analysed by means of linear models, regressions and t-tests. Findings: Professional interpreters consistently outperformed controls on all working memory tasks. They performed better in L1 than L2, and their scores were not affected due to modality (visual vs. auditory presentation) and recall mode (serial vs. free). Interpreter training improved working memory scores. Trainees’ higher scores predicted better interpreting performance. Originality: This was the first study to adopt a longitudinal design to examine the effect of training on memory of conference interpreter trainees. Significance: The study shows that interpreter training (but not experience) improves working memory capacity and predicts interpreting performance.
Medium- to long-term outcomes of anatomical reconstruction of the radioulnar ligament to the ulnar fovea
Authors: Nakamura T. , Abe K. , Nishiwaki M. , Iwamoto T. , Sato K. 
Published: December 2016

We examined the medium- to long-term outcome of the original reconstruction technique of the radioulnar ligament using a half-slip of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon for chronic foveal avulsion of the triangular fibrocartilage complex. We treated 37 wrists in 36 patients with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Of 36 patients, 12 had more than 10 years follow-up. At final follow-up, 30 patients (31 wrists) reported no pain, five patients (five wrists) reported mild occasional pain and one patient reported severe persistent pain. Two patients had lost 30° of supination. Complete stability of the distal radio-ulnar joint was achieved in 31 wrists, moderate instability was noted in five and severe distal radio-ulnar joint instability remained in one. The size of the bone tunnel was assessed radiologically: in two it had enlarged; in 23 it was unchanged; and in 12 it appeared to have closed over the tendon graft. The overall clinical outcomes were 28 excellent, four good, four fair and one poor. The 12 wrists with more than 10 years follow-up had seven excellent, three good and two fair clinical results. This reattachment technique appears to work and last over the medium- to long-term. Level of evidence: IV
Development of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Phenotyping Framework Using Expert Knowledge and Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Kagawa Rina , Kawazoe Yoshimasa , Ida Yusuke , Shinohara Emiko , Tanaka Katsuya , Imai Takeshi , Ohe Kazuhiko 
Published: December 2016

Background: Phenotyping is an automated technique that can be used to distinguish patients based on electronic health records. To improve the quality of medical care and advance type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) research, the demand for T2DM phenotyping has been increasing. Some existing phenotyping algorithms are not sufficiently accurate for screening or identifying clinical research subjects. Objective: We propose a practical phenotyping framework using both expert knowledge and a machine learning approach to develop 2 phenotyping algorithms: one is for screening; the other is for identifying research subjects. Methods: We employ expert knowledge as rules to exclude obvious control patients and machine learning to increase accuracy for complicated patients. We developed phenotyping algorithms on the basis of our framework and performed binary classification to determine whether a patient has T2DM. To facilitate development of practical phenotyping algorithms, this study introduces new evaluation metrics: area under the precision-sensitivity curve (AUPS) with a high sensitivity and AUPS with a high positive predictive value. Results: The proposed phenotyping algorithms based on our framework show higher performance than baseline algorithms. Our proposed framework can be used to develop 2 types of phenotyping algorithms depending on the tuning approach: one for screening, the other for identifying research subjects. Conclusions: We develop a novel phenotyping framework that can be easily implemented on the basis of proper evaluation metrics, which are in accordance with users’ objectives. The phenotyping algorithms based on our framework are useful for extraction of T2DM patients in retrospective studies.