bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examining the Predictability of the Successive MJO Events of November 2011 Using Coupled 30-Day NAVGEM and COAMPS Simulations
Authors: Komaromi William A. , Hong Xiaodong , Janiga Matthew A. , Reynolds Carolyn A. , Ridout James A. , Doyle James D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGiven the prohibitive expense of running a global coupled high-resolution model for multiweek forecasts, we explore the feasibility of running a limited-area model forced by a global model on monthly time scales. Specifically, we seek to understand the constraints of the accuracy of lateral boundary conditions (LBCs) produced by NAVGEM on the skill of limited-area COAMPS forecasts. In this study, we analyze simulations of the successive MJO events of November 2011. In the NAVGEM simulations, the effect of ocean boundary conditions are examined, including fixed sea surface temperature (SST), observed SST, and coupled SST with HYCOM. With fixed SST, the second MJO fails to develop, highlighting the importance of the ocean response in the ability to model successive MJO events. Next, we examine the dependence of the regional COAMPS skill on the global model forecast performance. It is found that even when using the inferior but computationally inexpensive uncoupled NAVGEM for LBCs, coupled COAMPS can accurately predict the successive MJO events. A well-resolved atmospheric Rossby wave that slowly propagates westward in the COAMPS domain contributes to increased predictive skill. Ocean coupling and the ability of the model to sufficiently warm the ocean during the convectively suppressed phase also appears to be critical. Last, while COAMPS exhibits a significant moist bias, the sign and magnitude of the vertical and horizontal moisture flux appear to be consistent with reanalysis, a necessary attribute of any model to be used in multiweek MJO prediction.
The Spread of Tropical Storm Tracks in Three Versions of NCEP’s Global Ensemble Model: Focus on Hurricane Edouard (2014)
Authors: Colby Frank P. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Since 2012, the National Centers for Environmental Prediction’s Global Ensemble Forecast System (GEFS) has undergone two major upgrades. Version 11 was introduced in December 2015, with a new dynamic scheme, improved physics, increased horizontal and vertical resolution, and a more accurate initialization method. Prior to implementation, retrospective model runs over four years were made, covering multiple hurricane seasons. The second major upgrade was implemented in May 2016, when the data assimilation system for the deterministic Global Forecast System (GFS) was upgraded. Because the GEFS initialization is taken from the deterministic GFS, this upgrade had a direct impact on the GEFS. Unlike the previous upgrade, the model was rerun for only a few tropical cyclones. Hurricane Edouard (2014) was the storm for which the most retrospective runs (4) were made for the new data assimilation system. In this paper, the impact of the GEFS upgrades is examined using seasonal data for the 2014–17 hurricane seasons, and detailed data from the four model runs made for Hurricane Edouard. Both upgrades reduced the spread between ensemble member tracks. The first upgrade reduced the spread but did not reduce the likelihood that the actual track would be included in the family of member tracks. The second upgrade both reduced the spread further and reduced the chance that the real storm track would be within the envelope of member tracks.
Self-management and adherence in childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: what are we missing?
Authors: Harry O , Crosby L E , Smith A W , Favier L , Aljaberi N , Ting T V , Huggins J L , Modi A C 
Published: March 2019

Objectives The aims of this study are (1) to characterize factors influencing self-management behaviors and quality of life in adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) and (2) to identify barriers and facilitators of treatment adherence via focus groups. Methods AYAs with cSLE ages 12–24 years and primary caregivers of the adolescents participated in this study. Recruitment occurred during pediatric rheumatology clinic visits at a Midwestern children's hospital or the hospital's cSLE active clinic registry. Information about disease severity was obtained from patient health records. Pain and fatigue questionnaires were administered. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. Results Thirty-one AYA patients and caregivers participated in six focus groups. Ten major themes emerged from sessions; four were expressed both by the AYA and caregiver groups: knowledge deficits about cSLE, symptoms limiting daily function, specifically mood and cognition/learning, barriers and facilitators of adherence, and worry about the future. Themes unique to AYA participants included symptoms limiting daily functioning—pain/fatigue, self-care and management, impact on personal relationships, and health care provider communication/relationship. For caregiver groups unique themes included need for school advocacy, disruption of family schedule, and sense of normalcy for their adolescent. Conclusion AYAs with cSLE face a lifelong disease characterized by pervasive pain, fatigue, organ damage, isolation—social and/or physical—and psycho-socioeducational challenges. This study confirmed that continued psychosocial support, health information education, adherence interventions, and personalized treatment plans are necessary to increase self-management and autonomy in AYAs with cSLE.
Net Interest Margins of Banks in India
Authors: Barik S. S. , Raje Nishita 
Published: March 2019

Net interest margin (NIM) is the raison d’être of banking. It is an important measure of efficacy of the banking sector. At the system level, it is indicative of the cost of financial intermediation, health of the banking sector and its pricing power. In recent years, the Indian banking sector has experienced a major metamorphosis, with increasing competition and changing norms of liquidity, income recognition and capital. The end of regulatory forbearance and asset quality review (AQR) unearthed significant non-performing assets. This article traces the influence of various factors on the NIM, using bank-level data for 42 Indian banks over 25 quarters from March 2011 to March 2017. The study employs a dynamic panel generalised method of moments (GMM) framework to trace the impact of three distinct set of factors in setting banks’ NIMs: bank-level factors (like the share of low interest-bearing deposits held, the extent of gross non-performing assets [GNPAs], the capital-to-risk weighted assets ratio [CRAR], size of the loan book, operating costs and lending rates); system-level factors such as the monetary policy rate, credit growth and yields on government securities and macro-variables such as GDP growth and inflation. The results indicate that the main determinants of NIMs are banks’ CRAR levels, the proportion of current account and savings account deposits (CASA) to total deposits, operating costs and size of the loan book. Macro-factors like the growth of the economy and repo rate have a positive influence on the NIM. JEL Classification: C23, E43, G21
Factors Associated With High Blood Lead Levels in a Sample of 100 Children in Tehran
Authors: Zamani Nasim , Gholami Narges , Hassanian-Moghaddam Hossein , Farnaghi Fariba , Gachkar Latif 
Published: March 2019

Background: Lead is considered a neurotoxic agent. We aimed to evaluate the blood lead level (BLL) in young population and determine probable risk factors of lead exposure in Iran. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, a total of 100 children were entered and their BLLs were checked. Results: In all, 25 and 8 patients had BLLs above 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. There was a significant univariate correlation between BLL and place of living, water pipe type, using dairy products, and stature in both cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL. Binary regression analysis showed that pipe type was associated with high BLLs at cut-offs of 5 and 10 µg/dL, respectively. Also, there was an association between 50th percentile of stature for age and cut-off of 5 µg/dL. Conclusions: Higher BLLs may be seen in short stature pediatric population. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polypropylene water pipes may even cause more release of lead and result in higher absorption of this metal in the pediatric population.
The impact of randomized trial results on abdominal aortic aneurysm repair rates from 2003 to 2016: A population-based time-series analysis
Authors: Salata Konrad , Hussain Mohamad A , Mestral Charles de , Greco Elisa , Mamdani Muhammad , Tu Jack V , Forbes Thomas L , Bhatt Deepak L , Verma Subodh , Al-Omran Mohammed 
Published: March 2019

Objectives The uptake of endovascular aortic repair for elective and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm repair is not well studied. We aimed to examine the trends in open surgical repair and endovascular aortic repair of eAAA and rAAA and to examine the effects of randomized trial publications on elective open surgical repair and endovascular aortic repair rates. Methods We conducted a population-based time-series analysis of eAAA and rAAA repairs in Ontario, Canada from 2003 to 2016. We examined changes in overall and approach-specific rates of eAAA and rAAA repair using exponential smoothing models. Interventional autoregressive integrated moving average models were fit to the eAAA rates to examine the impact of randomized trial results on these rates. Results We identified 19,489 eAAA (12,232 open (63%) and 7257 endovascular (37%)) and 2732 rAAA (2466 open (90%) and 266 endovascular (10%)) repairs from 2003 to 2016. The rate of eAAA repair declined from 6.39/100,000 in 2003 to 5.59/100,000 in 2016 (13% decrease, p = 0.17). The rate of elective open surgical repair decreased nearly three-fold from 6.07/100,000 to 2.12/100,000 ( p < 0.0001), while elective endovascular aortic repair increased approximately 10-fold (0.32/100,000 to 3.47/100,000, p < 0.0001). The rate of ruptured open surgical repair decreased from 1.62/100,000 to 0.37/100,000 ( p < 0.44), while ruptured endovascular aortic repair uptake increased (0.00/100,000 to 0.12/100,000, p < 0.25). The mid-term results of the DREAM and EVAR-1 trials were associated with a decrease in the rate of elective open surgical repair decline after 2010 ( p = 0.01). Conclusions While elective open surgical repair use has significantly decreased from 2003 to 2016, elective endovascular aortic repair use has significantly increased. The DREAM and EVAR-1 results significantly impacted the observed rates of elective open surgical repair only. The reasons for these trends require further characterization.
Thickening of the axillary recess capsule on ultrasound correlates with magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis
Authors: Sernik Renato A , Vidal Leão Renata , Luis Bizetto Eduardo , Sanford Damasceno Rodrigo , Horvat Natally , Guido Cerri Giovanni 
Published: March 2019

Objective To correlate the thickness of the axillary recess capsule measured by ultrasound with magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis in patients with shoulder pain. Materials and methods We prospectively evaluated 193 consecutive patients (141 women and 52 men, aged 40–69 years) with shoulder pain lasting 1–9 months from January 2015 to December 2016 who underwent shoulder ultrasound. All participants had routine shoulder ultrasound with additional measurement of axillary recess capsule thickness. After examinations, two groups were formed: negative ultrasound group, composed of patients with a capsule thickness of 2.0 mm or less, and positive ultrasound group, composed of individuals with a capsule thickness greater than 2.0 mm. All patients from the positive ultrasound group and 27 randomly chosen patients from the negative ultrasound group underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging. Results In all, 169/193 patients (88%) had an axillary recess capsule thickness of 2.0 mm or less (negative ultrasound group) and 24/193 patients (12%) had a capsule thickness greater than 2.0 mm (positive ultrasound group). Twenty-seven patients from negative ultrasound group (27/169) were randomly selected to undergo shoulder magnetic resonance imaging. None of them had magnetic resonance imaging criteria for adhesive capsulitis. All patients from positive ultrasound group (24/24) underwent shoulder magnetic resonance imaging and 23 of them (23/24) had magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 96%. Conclusion In patients with shoulder pain, a thickness greater than 2.0 mm of the axillary recess capsule measured by ultrasound correlates to magnetic resonance imaging signs of adhesive capsulitis with good sensitivity and specificity.
A case of multi-organ failure due to hyperparathyroidism-related hypercalcaemia
Authors: Cummings Daniel , Vannahme Milena , Stanworth Helen 
Published: March 2019

Albeit still rare, hypercalcaemia has been linked to pulmonary oedema in solid organ malignancy and chronic renal failure. However to date, there is only one case report linking pulmonary oedema to hypercalcaemia secondary to primary hyperparathyroidism. Case presentation A 60-year-old male presented to the emergency department with a history of confusion and collapse. Investigations revealed initial serum calcium of over 5 mmol/L. He subsequently developed widespread bilateral chest infiltrates with increasing oxygen requirements and an acute kidney injury. On day 9, continuous haemodiafiltration was commenced; however, hypercalcaemia proved resistant to maximal therapy. His initial parathyroid hormone (PTH) level measured 371 ng/L, and an ultrasound of his neck revealed a 2 × 2.5 cm parathyroid mass in the inferior neck. An acute parathyroidectomy was performed following which his chest infiltrates resolved and serum calcium levels returned to within normal range. Conclusions This case highlights primary hyperparathyroidism and the resulting hypercalcaemia as a sole cause for multi-organ failure in an otherwise well patient.
Pronator quadratus pedicled bone graft in the treatment of Kienböck disease: follow-up 2 to 12 years
Authors: Shin Young Ho , Yoon Jun O , Ryu Jae Jung , Lee Tae Kyoon , Choi Shin Woo , Kim Jae Kwang 
Published: March 2019

We inserted a pronator quadratus pedicled bone graft into the avascular lunate with preservation of its corticocartilaginous portion for the treatment of Kienböck disease. Twenty-seven patients (14 men, 13 women; mean age, 42 years (range 17–66 years)) were treated between September 2005 and July 2014 and followed up from 2 to 12 years. Three patients had Lichtman stage II disease, 13 had stage IIIA, and 11 had stage IIIB. Among them, 18 patients showed radiological improvement in lunate morphology. The Lichtman stage was unchanged in 23 patients and aggravated in four patients. The Stahl index was significantly decreased, but grip strength was significantly improved and 18 patients did not have any wrist pain during daily activities. Although our technique did not restore the already changed carpal malalignment, it improved lunate morphology. Clinically, it provided satisfactory pain levels in two-thirds of the patients and grip strength was improved. Level of evidence: IV
Eplerenone as a treatment for resistant hypertension in pregnancy
Authors: Gehlert Jessica , Morton Adam 
Published: March 2019

Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists are highly effective in the management of resistant hypertension and primary hyperaldosteronism. Recent studies demonstrate that mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists significantly reduce blood pressure, severity of obstructive sleep apnoea and arterial stiffness in patients with resistant hypertension and moderate–severe obstructive sleep apnoea. Eplerenone is a selective mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist that does not act as an androgen receptor blocker, thus reducing the risk of fetal anti-androgenic effects. Rat and rabbit studies demonstrated that when exposed to 30 times the equivalent therapeutic human dose, 100 mg/day, there were no teratogenic or demasculinisation effects. To date, the use of eplerenone has been reported in six human pregnancies in women with Gitelman syndrome, primary hyperaldosteronism and cardiac failure, in which no teratogenic effects were seen. Described here is a case of resistant hypertension associated with obstructive sleep apnoea in pregnancy, treated with eplerenone. The potential role of using eplerenone in pregnancy as treatment for resistant hypertension is discussed. Trial registration: Not applicable.
The B Group Vitamins and Mineral Elements in the Selective Removal of Wheat Kernel Layers
Authors: Vucelic-Radovic Biljana V. , Nesic Vjaceslav M. , Demin Mirjana A. , Milovanovic Mirjana M. 
Published: March 2019

The objective of this study was to investigate how selective removal of the surface layers of whole wheat grains by abrasive scouring affects the distribution of mineral elements (macronutrients, micronutrients and trace elements) and the B group vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin pyridoxine, pantothenic acid and niacin) in three soft winter wheat varieties (Partizanka, Novosadska rana and Lasta). Although representing technologically different quality classes of wheat, the varieties were not significantly different in the B group vitamin contents, except for pyridoxine. Whole grains of all varieties exhibited very similar scouring behavior in reduction of vitamins: the most intensive investigated regime only slightly, but not significantly reduced the concentration of the B group vitamins. The nutritive value of scoured wheat grains with regard to the B group vitamins was preserved. The investigated minerals were: Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Se, Pb and Cd. The concentrations of minerals in scoured wheat grains were significantly reduced, dropping on average to 65% of the initial values for macro and 55% for microelements. The change of concentrations with the duration of applied treatment followed different patterns for different elements. Furthermore, a different pattern of the change for the same element in different wheat varieties was noticed. This might be due either to different mechanical properties of bran and bran layer interfaces or genotypic variability in distribution of elements in wheat grain. Severe reduction in Pb concentrations was achieved leading to improvement of whole-wheat food safety.
Antihyperalgesic Effect of Eschscholzia Californica in Rat Models of Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Vivoli Elisa , Maidecchi Anna , Bilia Anna Rita , Galeotti Nicoletta , Norcini Monica , Ghelardini Carla 
Published: March 2019

Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae) is traditionally used by the Indians as a medicinal plant for its anxiolytic, anticonflict, analgesic and sedative properties. The mechanisms of action for the sedative and anxiolytic activities have not been clearly established and so to further investigate the pharmacological profile of E. californica in some painful conditions, a 70% v/v ethanol extract, DERnative=5:1, was tested in rat models of neuropathy induced by chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI), with chemotherapeutic oxaliplatin, and osteoarthritis caused by intrarticular injection of monoiodoacetate. In the CCI model evaluated in the rat paw-pressure test, the examined extract (100 mg kg−1 p.o.) showed an antihyperalgesic effect. Eschscholzia extract, after single injection at a dose of 100–300 mg kg−1 p.o., produced also a statistically significant decrease of pain perception on hyperalgesia induced by oxaliplatin and osteoarthritis, while in the same condition gabapentin did not display any antihyperalgesic effect. Furthermore, in the range of antihyperalgesic doses, the extract was efficacious in the hot-plate (thermal stimulus) and carrageenan tests (inflammatory model) without producing any behavioral impairment, as evaluated by the Irwin test. The analgesic effect exhibited by Eschscholzia extract in the mouse hot-plate test was not antagonized by naloxone, indicating that opioid neurotransmission is not involved in the effect. The above reported results suggest that a 70% (v/v) ethanol dried extract (DERnative=5:1) of E. californica might represent a promising product for the therapy of acute and chronic pain.
Antimicrobial Activities of Single Aroma Compounds
Authors: Schmidt Erich , Bail Stefanie , Friedl Susanne Mirjam , Jirovetz Leopold , Buchbauer Gerhard , Wanner Jürgen , Denkova Zapryana , Slavchev Alexander , Stoyanova Albena , Geissler Margit 
Published: March 2019

Commercially available aroma samples were evaluated for their olfactory quality by professional perfumers and tested for their antimicrobial activity. Agar diffusion and agar-dilution were used as test methods and a set of two Gram-positive ( Staphylococcus Aureus and Enterococcus faecalis) and four Gram-negative bacterial strains ( Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris G, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella abony) and a yeast, Candida albicans, were the test microorganisms. All the investigated compounds were active against Gram-positive bacteria, especially β-caryophyllene against Enterococcus faecalis (MIC 6 ppm), but only few substances showed activity towards Gram-negative bacteria, except for cinnamic acid, which was active against all (MIC 60 ppm) and Candida albicans, against which cinnamic acid and caryophyllene oxide showed high activity (MIC < 60 ppm).
LC/DAD/MSn and ICP-AES Assay and Correlations between Phenolic Compounds and Toxic Metals in Endemic Thymus alsarensis from the Thallium Enriched Allchar Locality
Authors: Stanoeva Jasmina Petreska , Stefova Marina , Andonovska Katerina Bačeva , Stafilov Trajče 
Published: March 2019

Samples of Thymus alsarensis Ronniger, an endemic species for the Allchar locality, were evaluated for their polyphenolic composition and heavy metals. Allchar district is an abandoned antimony-arsenic-thallium deposit in the north-west of Kožuf Mountain, R. Macedonia, with a unique mineral composition affecting the mineral composition of the flora. A systematic method for phenolic compounds characterization was developed using mass spectrometry coupled to HPLC/DAD. Analyses were focused on the polyphenolic compounds to establish a possible correlation to the region specific heavy metals As and Tl in the different organs of T. alsarensis. Twenty-seven polyphenols: phenolic acid derivatives and flavonoid glycosides of luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, and kaempferol were detected; contents were higher in the leaves and flowers compared with stems and roots. Quinic acid (1), prolithospermic acid (6), salvianolic acid B (7), salvianolic acid A (8), monomethyl lithospermate (9), luteolin dihexoside (12), luteolin pentosyl-hexoside (14), luteolin acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (16), luteolin acetyl hexoside (17), luteolin dipentoside (21), luteolin pentoside (24), luteolin acetyl dipentoside (25), kaempferol pentosyl-hexoside (19) and kaempferol acetyl pentosyl-hexoside (22) were detected in T. alsarensis for the first time. To assay the content of As and Tl, root, stem, leaf and flower samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Significant accumulation of As and Tl was observed with As content from 0.25 to 140 mg/kg and Tl from 0.10 to 496 mg/kg. The content of As was much higher in the roots, while the content of Tl was significantly higher in the roots, flowers and leaves in all T. alsarensis specimens. Comparison of the results obtained for total polyphenols and for As and Tl content does not suggest any correlation (positive or negative) between the total phenolic content and the content of Tl and As. On the other hand, it is evident that the soil rich with specific heavy metals (Tl and As) affects the type of polyphenolic compounds produced in different organs, compared with other Thymus species growing on soil that is not contaminated.