bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of Oceanic Reanalysis to Improve Estimates of Extreme Storm Surge
Authors: Zhai Li , Greenan Blair , Thomson Richard , Tinis Scott 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA storm surge hindcast for the west coast of Canada was generated for the period 1980–2016 using a 2D nonlinear barotropic Princeton Ocean Model forced by hourly Climate Forecast System Reanalysis wind and sea level pressure. Validation of the modeled storm surges using tide gauge records has indicated that there are extensive areas of the British Columbia coast where the model does not capture the processes that determine the sea level variability on intraseasonal and interannual time scales. Some of the discrepancies are linked to large-scale fluctuations, such as those arising from major El Niño and La Niña events. By applying an adjustment to the hindcast using an ocean reanalysis product that incorporates large-scale sea level variability and steric effects, the variance of the error of the adjusted surges is significantly reduced (by up to 50%) compared to that of surges from the barotropic model. The importance of baroclinic dynamics and steric effects to accurate storm surge forecasting in this coastal region is demonstrated, as is the need to incorporate decadal-scale, basin-specific oceanic variability into the estimation of extreme coastal sea levels. The results improve long-term extreme water level estimates and allowances for the west coast of Canada in the absence of long-term tide gauge records data.
Predictability of Deep Convection in Idealized and Operational Forecasts: Effects of Radar Data Assimilation, Orography, and Synoptic Weather Regime
Authors: Bachmann Kevin , Keil Christian , Craig George C. , Weissmann Martin , Welzbacher Christian A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe investigate the practical predictability limits of deep convection in a state-of-the-art, high-resolution, limited-area ensemble prediction system. A combination of sophisticated predictability measures, namely, believable and decorrelation scale, are applied to determine the predictable scales of short-term forecasts in a hierarchy of model configurations. First, we consider an idealized perfect model setup that includes both small-scale and synoptic-scale perturbations. We find increased predictability in the presence of orography and a strongly beneficial impact of radar data assimilation, which extends the forecast horizon by up to 6 h. Second, we examine realistic COSMO-KENDA simulations, including assimilation of radar and conventional data and a representation of model errors, for a convectively active two-week summer period over Germany. The results confirm increased predictability in orographic regions. We find that both latent heat nudging and ensemble Kalman filter assimilation of radar data lead to increased forecast skill, but the impact is smaller than in the idealized experiments. This highlights the need to assimilate spatially and temporally dense data, but also indicates room for further improvement. Finally, the examination of operational COSMO-DE-EPS ensemble forecasts for three summer periods confirms the beneficial impact of orography in a statistical sense and also reveals increased predictability in weather regimes controlled by synoptic forcing, as defined by the convective adjustment time scale.
Valuing Seasonal Climate Forecasts in the Northern Australia Beef Industry
Authors: Cobon D. H. , Darbyshire R. , Crean J. , Kodur S. , Simpson M. , Jarvis C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSeasonal climate forecasts (SCFs) provide opportunities for pastoralists to align production decisions to climatic conditions, as SCFs offer economic value by increasing certainty about future climatic states at decision-making time. Insufficient evidence about the economic value of SCFs was identified as a major factor limiting adoption of SCFs in Australia and abroad. This study examines the value of SCFs to beef production system management in northern Australia by adopting a theoretical probabilistic climate forecast system. Stocking rate decisions in October, before the onset of the wet season, were identified by industry as a key climate sensitive decision. The analysis considered SCF value across economic drivers (steer price in October) and environmental drivers (October pasture availability). A range in forecast value was found ($0–$14 per head) dependent on pasture availability, beef price, and SCF skill. Skillful forecasts of future climate conditions offered little value with medium or high pasture availability, as in these circumstances pastures were rarely overutilized. In contrast, low pasture availability provided conditions for alternative optimal stocking rates and for SCFs to be valuable. Optimal stocking rates under low pasture availability varied the most with climate state (i.e., wet or dry), indicating that producers have more to gain from a skillful SCF at these times. Although the level of pasture availability in October was the major determinant of stocking rate decisions, beef price settings were also found to be important. This analysis provides insights into the potential value of SCFs to extensive beef enterprises and can be used by pastoralists to evaluate the cost benefit of using a SCF in annual management.
Hip abductor strength–based exercise therapy in treating women with moderate-to-severe knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wang Jianxiong , Xie Yujie , Wang Li , Lei Lei , Liao Peng , Wang ShiQi , Gao YaQian , Chen Yu , Xu Fangyuan , Zhang Chi 
Published: September 2019

Objective:To investigate whether hip abductor strength–based exercise therapy could result in further function improvement and more pain relief in women with knee osteoarthritis.Design:Randomized controlled trial.Settings:Rehabilitation department of Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from years 2016 to 2018.Subjects:In total, 82 women aged 50–70 years, with knee osteoarthritis grade II–IV on the Kellgren–Lawrence scale.Intervention:The experimental group engaged in hip abductor strength–based exercises under the supervision of physical therapists (once a day for six weeks), while the control group engaged in quadriceps femoris strength–based exercises.Main measures:Osteoarthritis severity measured by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, pain on a visual analogue scale and three objective functional tests were assessed at the sixth and 12th week. Repeated measures analysis of variance and multivariable analysis were applied.Results:Finally, 72 participants completed the study: 35 in the experimental group and 37 in the control group. The self-reported functional difficulties score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group both at the sixth week and at the 12th week ( P < 0.001). There were significant differences between groups in the stair ascent/descent task and Figure of 8 Walk test, but not in the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test. The pain in the experimental group decreased compared with that in the control group at the sixth week ( P < 0.05), but not at the 12th week ( P > 0.05).Conclusion:Hip abductor strength–based exercises could result in better performance and higher self-reported function in women with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis.
Emulsion electrospun PLA/calcium alginate nanofibers for periodontal tissue engineering
Authors: Ye Zhanchao , Xu Weihong , Shen Renze , Yan Yurong 
Published: September 2019

Objective The regeneration of periodontal bone tissue is a major obstacle in tissue engineering. We have recently designed a compound nanofiber scaffold for the tissue repair of periodontal bone, which was composed of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and calcium alginate (CA). The obtained improvements in both physical properties and biological effects on periodontal tissue were systematically evaluated and discussed. Method Neat PLA and PLA/CA nanofiber scaffolds were prepared by electrospinning technology. Scanning electron microscopy was applied for the observation of surface morphology. Their mechanical properties were evaluated in terms of elongation at break and elastic modulus. Hydrophilic/hydrophobic nature of the nanofibers was investigated by a stereomicroscope, and their vitro degradation was tested as well. Cell proliferation and adhesion were detected in order to evaluate the biocompatibility of nanofiber scaffolds. Expression of cell mineralization gene and formation of mineralization knots were examined so as to assess scaffolds’ capability of regenerating bone tissues. The expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1β was utilized to decide the possibility of tissue inflammation caused by the nanofibers with the assistance of reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay. Results The obtained nanofibers possessed uniform surface morphology. The elongation at break and elastic modulus of PLA/CA nanofiber scaffolds were higher than those of neat PLA. CA could enhance the hydrophilicity of PLA fibers; in the meantime, it promoted cell adhesion of periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Addition of CA had raised the expression level of cell mineralization gene and the formation of mineralization knots (BMSCs). On the other hand, both neat PLA fibers and PLA/CA fibers could induce higher expression level of inflammatory mediators and TLR4 of human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). Conclusions The introduction of CA enhanced the mechanical properties of neat PLA nanofibers and increased its hydrophilicity. Neat PLA nanofibers and PLA/CA scaffold could both facilitate BMSCs proliferation, while the addition of CA promoted BMSCs osteogenic differentiation. The improved (or enhanced) expression of inflammatory mediators caused by nanofibers might be regulated via TLR4 pathway.
Childhood Socioeconomic Status and Cognitive Function Later in Life: Evidence From a National Survey in Indonesia
Authors: Maharani Asri 
Published: September 2019

Introduction: Social and economic conditions in childhood have been found to predict cognitive ability in midlife and old age in high-income countries. This study examines the long-term effect of childhood conditions on cognition among a nationally representative sample of older adults in a low- and middle-income country. Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from the 2014 to 2015 Indonesia Family Life Survey Wave 5 (6676 respondents, aged 50 years and older). Cognitive function was assessed based on total score on a series of tests adapted from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Retrospective information was collected on childhood poverty, with questions including whether respondents ever experienced hunger before age 15, whether basic facilities were available, and the number of books in the childhood home. We used linear regression to examine the association between childhood conditions and cognitive function in later life. Results: The findings show that the numbers of facilities and books available in childhood homes are substantially associated with cognition in later life after taking adulthood characteristics into account. Childhood hunger has no significant association with cognitive ability in later life. Belonging to an older birth cohort and living in a rural area were shown to have negative associations with cognitive ability in Indonesia. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that childhood poverty, birth cohort, and living in a rural area may contribute to cognitive aging in Indonesia. Policies and interventions that target childhood poverty in developing countries may also recognize the rural–urban divide in access to educational and other socioeconomic resources.
Protect us from ourselves: Balancing the parental instinct of saving
Authors: Ursin Lars , Syltern Janicke 
Published: September 2019

Background Neonatologists, legal experts and ethicists extensively discuss the ethical challenges of decision-making when a child is born at the limit of viability. The voices of parents are less heard in this discussion. In Norway, parents are actively shielded from the burden of decision-making responsibility. In an era of increasing patient autonomy, is this position still defendable? Research question In this article, we discuss the role of parents in neonatal decision-making, based on the following research question: Should parents decide whether to provide lifesaving treatment when their child is born at the limit of viability? Research design We conducted eight interviews with 12 parents, 4 individuals and 4 couples, all having experienced prenatal counselling at the limit of viability. The interviews took place at different university locations in Norway in the years 2014–2018. Ethical considerations All study participants gave their written informed consent. The Regional Committee for Medical Research Ethics approved the study. Findings We identified six main themes in parents’ responses to the research question. Parents (1) experienced an emotional turmoil confronted with birth at the border of viability, (2) emphasized the importance of being involved in decision-making, (3) described and reflected on the need to balance the parental instinct of saving, (4) were concerned about the dilemmas involved in protecting the family, (5) were worried about the burden of overwhelming responsibility and (6) called for guideline relief. Conclusion The perceived parental instinct of saving the life of their child makes it hard for parents to step away from a call for ‘everything to be done’. Involvement of an interprofessional periviability team drawing on the experiences and viewpoints of nurses and neonatologists in decision-making is needed to protect both infants and parents against undue parental push for treatment and enable parents to make good decisions regarding their child.
Trading company for privacy: A study of patients’ experiences
Authors: Roos Anne Karine Østbye , Skaug Eli Anne , Grøndahl Vigdis Abrahamsen , Helgesen Ann Karin 
Published: September 2019

Ethical considerations The study was conducted according to the principles of Declaration of Helsinki, and was approved by the Norwegian Social Science Data Services. Objective To describe patients’ experiences of staying in multiple- and single-bed rooms. Patients and methods This qualitative study employed a descriptive and exploratory approach, and systematic text condensation was used to analyze the material. Data were collected in a hospital trust in Norway. A total of 39 in-depth interviews were performed with patients discharged from the medical, surgical, and maternity departments. Results Patients had ambiguous views on whether multiple-bed rooms or single-bed rooms were to be preferred. Main results include how patients cherished “the importance of others” but at the same time valued “the importance of privacy.” Being hospitalized in multiple-bed rooms was for many patients a very positive experience in terms of social interaction. Patients in single-bed rooms reported being more dependent on nurses to maintain social contact and obtain safety. Conclusion This research provides new knowledge on how the need for privacy can be in contradiction with the need for socializing with other patients. When hospitalized, the physical structure of a hospital impacts with whom patients interact and to what extent they depend on the nursing staff to have their social needs met.
RIL’s Strategic Alliance with BP
Authors: Panda Brahmadev , Leepsa N. M. 
Published: September 2019

Reliance Industries Ltd. (RIL), the largest private sector company in India, invested in oil and gas fields by winning the bid under New Exploration and Licensing Policy in the year 1999 and aspired to exploit the growing Indian energy market. Though RIL developed the KG-D6 gas blocks in record time, soon after, it was engulfed with some issues like lack of technical expertise, geological complexities and huge capital expenditures. To tackle these issues RIL was hunting for a partner with technical expertise. Meanwhile, British Petroleum (BP) was also grappling with some serious hurdles and eyeing for a new market. India was the best bet for BP as it has recognized the potential of the subcontinent and its earlier stint with RIL inspired BP to invest in India. This case study analyses whether the much-anticipated deal was successful or not. This case study discusses the entire background, issues and difficulties encountered by RIL and BP prior to the deal. Further, we investigate the impact of the deal on RIL by analyzing its operational efficiency, financial performance and stock gains in the pre and post period of the alliance. This is an analytical case study based on the secondary databases, where it analyses the various pros and cons of the alliance between RIL and BP.
Influence of Infant Cleft Dimensions on Velopharyngeal Function in 5-Year-Old Danish Children Born With Unilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Botticelli Susanna , Küseler Annelise , Mølsted Kirsten , Andersen Helene Soegaard , Boers Maria , Shoeps Antje , Emborg Berit Kildegaard , Kisling-Møller Mia , Pedersen Thomas Klit , Andersen Mikael , Willadsen Elisabeth 
Published: September 2019

Aim: To examine the association of cleft severity at infancy and velopharyngeal competence in preschool children with unilateral cleft lip and palate operated with early or delayed hard palate repair. Design: Subgroup analysis within a multicenter randomized controlled trial of primary surgery (Scandcleft). Setting: Tertiary health care. One surgical center. Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty-five infants received cheilo-rhinoplasty and soft palate repair at age 3 to 4 months and were randomized to hard palate closure at age 12 or 36 months. Cleft size and cleft morphology were measured 3 dimensionally on digital models, obtained by laser surface scanning of preoperative plaster models (mean age: 1.8 months). Main outcome measurements: Velopharyngeal competence (VPC) and hypernasality assessed from a naming test (VPC-Sum) and connected speech (VPC-Rate). In both scales, higher scores indicated a more severe velopharyngeal insufficiency. Results: No difference between surgical groups was shown. A low positive correlation was found between posterior cleft width and VPC-Rate (Spearman = .23; P = .025). The role of the covariate “cleft size at tuberosity level” was confirmed in an ordinal logistic regression model (odds ratio [OR] = 1.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.01-1.35). A low negative correlation was shown between anteroposterior palatal length and VPC-Sum (Spearman = −.27; P = .004) and confirmed by the pooled scores VPC-Pooled (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.69-0.98) and VPC-Dichotomic (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.68-0.99). Conclusions: Posterior cleft dimensions can be a modest indicator for the prognosis of velopharyngeal function at age 5 years, when the soft palate is closed first, independently on the timing of hard palate repair. Antero-posterior palatal length seems to protect from velopharyngeal insufficiency and hypernasality. However, the association found was significant but low.
Impact of Cranial Base Abnormalities on Cerebellar Volume and the Velopharynx in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Haenssler Abigail E. , Baylis Adriane , Perry Jamie L. , Kollara Lakshmi , Fang Xiangming , Kirschner Richard 
Published: September 2019

Objective:The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between cranial base, cerebellar, craniofacial, and velopharyngeal (VP) variables in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS).Methods:Thirteen typically developing healthy children and 13 age- and sex-matched individuals with 22q11DS completed a magnetic resonance imaging scan, which was used to examine craniofacial and VP variables.Results:A statistically significant difference was noted in cerebellum volumes, F1,24= 7.947, P = .010, posterior nasal spine to posterior pharyngeal wall (PNS-PPW), F1,24= 4.878, P = .037, nasion-sella-basion (NSB) cranial base angles, F1,24= 7.253, P = .013, and sella-basion-opisthion (SBO) cranial base angles, F1,24= 9.134, P = .006, between children with 22q11DS and controls. The cerebellum volume was significantly reduced and cranial base angles were significantly more obtuse in individuals with 22q11DS. In the 22q11DS group, cerebellum volume was significantly correlated with sella-basion (SB) length, osseous pharyngeal depth, the PNS-PPW length, and velar length ( P < .05). The PNS-PPW length was correlated with SB length, basion-opisthion length, NSB angle, SBO angle, and the VP ratio ( P < .05).Conclusion:This study supports previous findings on anatomical differences among individuals with 22q11DS and has expanded our current understanding of the potential relationship between craniofacial and VP variables in at least a subset of children with 22q11DS. Results provide preliminary insights into the potential relationship between a decrease in cerebellar volume, obtuse cranial base angles, and unfavorable VP dimensions.
Comparison of clinical outcomes between manual and femtosecond laser techniques for intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation
Authors: Monteiro Tiago , Alfonso José F , Franqueira Nuno , Faria-Correira Fernando , Ambrósio Renato , Madrid-Costa David 
Published: September 2019

Purpose: The purpose was to compare the visual, refractive and aberrometric results of intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation with manual dissection and femtosecond laser–assisted surgery. Methods: This is a multicentre study, which included consecutive patients with paracentral keratoconus, in which the difference between the axes of the topographic flattest and the coma aberration was <60°, who had Ferrara-type intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation using manual dissection or femtosecond laser technique. LogMAR uncorrected (uncorrected distance visual acuity) and corrected (corrected distance visual acuity) distance visual acuity, refractive errors and the root mean square for corneal coma-like aberration were recorded before and at 6 months after surgery. Results: The study included 84 and 110 eyes in the manual group and in the femtosecond group, respectively. After surgery, there was a statistically significant improvement in uncorrected distance visual acuity and corrected distance visual acuity for both groups ( p < 0.0001), and there were no statistically significant differences between groups ( p > 0.3). For both groups, there was a reduction in spherical equivalent after intrastromal corneal ring segment implantation ( p < 0.0001). There were no statistically significant differences between groups in the magnitude of spherical equivalent reduction ( p = 0.34) The magnitude of the root mean square coma-like reduction was 0.93 ± 0.76 and 0.83 ± 0.80 μm in the manual and femtosecond group, respectively ( p = 0.2). While in the femtosecond laser group no complications were reported, in the manual group, the intraoperative or postoperative complications rate was 13.09%. Conclusion: Although both surgical techniques provide comparable visual, refractive and aberrometric outcomes, it should be noted that the femtosecond laser is a safer surgical procedure, with no complications reported.