bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Red cell distribution width is associated with future risk of incident stroke
Authors: Ellingsen Trygve S. , Skjelbakken Tove , Mathiesen Ellisiv B. , Njølstad Inger , Wilsgaard Tom , Brox Jan , Brækkan Sigrid K. , Hansen John-Bjarne , Lappegård Jostein 
Published: August 2015

SummaryRed cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of the variability in size of the circulating erythrocytes, is associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate whether RDW was associated with incident stroke and case fatality in subjects recruited from the general population. Baseline characteristics were obtained from 25,992 subjects participating in the fourth survey of the Tromsø Study, conducted in 1994/95. Incident stroke was registered from inclusion until December 31, 2010. Cox regression models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HR) with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) for stroke, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, haemoglobin level, white blood cell count, thrombocyte count, hypertension, total cholesterol, triglycerides, self-reported diabetes, and red blood cell count. During a median follow-up of 15.8 years, 1152 participants experienced a first-ever stroke. A 1 % increment in RDW yielded a 13 % higher risk of stroke (multivariable HR: 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.07–1.20). Subjects with RDW in the highest quintile compared to the lowest had a 37 % higher risk of stroke in multivariable analysis (HR: 1.37, 95 % CI: 1.11–1.69). Subjects with RDW above the 95-percentile had 55 % higher risk of stroke compared to those in the lowest quintile (HR: 1.55, 95 % CI: 1.16–2.06). All risk estimates remained unchanged after exclusion of subjects with anaemia (n=1102). RDW was not associated with increased risk of death within one year or during the entire follow-up after an incident stroke. RDW is associated with incident stroke in a general population, independent of anaemia and traditional atherosclerotic risk factors.
Annotated catalogue of the carabid beetles of the Republic of Macedonia (Coleoptera: Carabidae)
Authors: HRISTOVSKI SLAVČO , GUÉORGUIEV BORISLAV 
Published: August 2015

The catalogue of the ground beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) of the Republic of Macedonia is the result of our permanent investigation during 15 years. It is based on the critical review of the data in 255 scientific publications and the revision of the collections deposited in the museums in Macedonia (Skopje and Struga), other European countries (Berlin, Budapest, Vienna, Sofia) and the first author's private collection. For all of the species and subspecies we have presented the known literature references, precise data for the studied material and overall distribution in the Republic of Macedonia. The study of the material resulted in new country records of 10 genera, 101 species and 25 subspecies. First detailed records are provided for another 47 species and subspecies, and additional material was studied of 482 species and subspecies. Type material of 18 species and subspecies was also examined. Thirteen species and one subspecies were rejected from the list of Macedonian ground beetles. Six more species are treated as questionable and were not included in the present list. As a result, the presence of 571 species and 234 subspecies (626 taxa in total) in Macedonia is confirmed. These taxa are arranged in 104 genera, 31 subtribes, 35 tribes and 13 subfamilies. The most numerous in term of the species are the genera Bembidion (60), Harpalus (48) and Amara (46), as well as Pterostichus (26), Ophonus (19), Carabus (16), Trechus (16), Brachinus (16) and Dyschirius (15).
Parameterized Gravity Wave Momentum Fluxes from Sources Related to Convection and Large-Scale Precipitation Processes in a Global Atmosphere Model
Authors: Bushell Andrew C. , Butchart Neal , Derbyshire Stephen H. , Jackson David R. , Shutts Glenn J. , Vosper Simon B. , Webster Stuart 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
Analysis of a high-resolution, convection-permitting simulation of the tropical Indian Ocean has revealed empirical relationships between precipitation and gravity wave vertical momentum flux on grid scales typical of earth system models. Hence, the authors take a rough functional form, whereby the wave flux source spectrum has an amplitude proportional to the square root of total precipitation, to represent gravity wave source strengths in the Met Office global model’s spectral nonorographic scheme. Key advantages of the new source are simplicity and responsiveness to changes in convection processes without dependence upon model-specific details of their representation. Thus, the new source scheme is potentially a straightforward adaptation for a class of spectral gravity wave schemes widely used for current state-of-the-art earth system models. Against an invariant source, the new parameterized source generates launch-level flux amplitudes with greater spatial and temporal variability, producing probability density functions for absolute momentum flux over the ocean that have extended tails of large-amplitude, low-occurrence events. Such distributions appear more realistic in comparison with reported balloon observations. Source intermittency at the launch level affects mean fluxes at higher levels in two ways: directly, as a result of upward propagation of the new source variation, and indirectly, through changes in filtering characteristics that arise from intermittency. Initial assessment of the new scheme in the Met Office global model indicates an improved representation of the quasi-biennial oscillation and sensitivity that offers potential for further impact in the future.
Effects of Horizontal and Vertical Grid Spacing on Mixing in Simulated Squall Lines and Implications for Convective Strength and Structure
Authors: Lebo Z. J. , Morrison H. 
Published: August 2015

Abstract
The sensitivity of an idealized squall line to horizontal and vertical grid spacing is investigated using a new approach. Simulations are first performed at a horizontal grid spacing of 1 km until the storm reaches its mature stage. The model output is then interpolated to smaller (and larger) grid spacings, and the model is restarted using the interpolated state plus small thermodynamic perturbations to spin up small-scale motions. This framework allows an investigation of the sensitivity of the storm to changes in without complications from differences in storm initiation and early evolution. The restarted simulations reach a quasi steady state within approximately 1 h. Results demonstrate that there are two -dependent regimes with the transition between regimes occurring for between 250 and 500 m. Some storm characteristics, such as the mean convective core area, change substantially for 250 m but show limited sensitivity as is decreased below 250 m, despite better resolving smaller-scale turbulent motions. This transition is found to be independent of the chosen . Mixing in the context of varying and is also investigated via passive tracers that are initialized 1 h after restarting the simulations (i.e., after the spin up of small-scale motions). The tracer field at the end of the simulations reveals that entrainment and detrainment are suppressed in the simulations with 500 m. For decreasing , entrainment and detrainment are substantially more important, limiting the flux of low-level tracer to the upper troposphere, which has important implications for modeling studies of convective transport from the boundary layer through the troposphere.
microRNA expression in blood of dengue patients
Authors: Tambyah Paul A , Ching Chai S , Sepramaniam Sugunavathi , Ali Jaminah M , Armugam Arunmozhiarasi , Jeyaseelan Kandiah 
Published: August 2015

Background Dengue is the most common arboviral illness worldwide. While most infected patients recover, a proportion of them develop severe complications or fatality. Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanisms which distinguish the disease severity and associated complications are not clearly understood. We studied blood profiles of dengue patients in order to identify microRNAs that could play a role in these pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods Blood samples from 26 dengue-infected patients were collected within 0–14 days of infection. Together with samples obtained from six healthy individuals, microRNA profiles were generated to identify significantly altered microRNAs upon dengue infection. Profiles of patients with influenza were also used to determine the disease specificity of these altered microRNAs. Their discriminative power to distinguish dengue from influenza was then tested statistically. Results Several significantly altered microRNAs were identified in patients with dengue. Twelve microRNAs were specifically altered upon acute dengue whereas 14 microRNAs exhibited similar expression between dengue and influenza. Seventeen microRNAs which could potentially distinguish dengue-related complications were also identified. Expression of miR-24-1-5p, miR-512-5p and miR-4640-3p distinguished mild dengue from those exhibiting liver complications whereas miR-383 was significantly upregulated in mild dengue compared to those diagnosed as severe dengue with fluid accumulation. Conclusions We identified two panels of microRNAs – one specific for dengue and the other common to dengue and influenza. We also report on the differentially expressed microRNAs in patients with mild versus severe dengue, which could be the basis for the complications seen in them.
Serum trough infliximab and anti-infliximab antibodies in a cohort of gastroenterology and rheumatology patients’ infliximab therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Barlow Nicola L , Mohammed Pervaz , Berg Jonathan D 
Published: August 2015

Background Infliximab, a monoclonal antibody directed against tumour necrosis factor, is widely used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions including Crohn’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Its use is limited by development of anti-infliximab antibodies, which can lead to loss of therapeutic efficacy. Serum infliximab and anti-infliximab antibody measurements have recently become routinely available in the UK. The study aimed to assess the clinical utility of antibodies as an adjunct to trough infliximab. Methods Serum trough infliximab was measured in 201 samples from 108 gastroenterology and rheumatology patients on maintenance infliximab therapy. Results were correlated with C-reactive protein concentrations. Total anti-infliximab antibodies were measured in 164 samples. Results The median (25th–75th percentile) trough infliximab was 3.7  µg/mL (1.2–5.2  µg/mL) and 23% of samples had a concentration ≤1  µg/mL. A notable proportion had positive anti-infliximab antibodies: 84/164 (51%), which subdivided to 85% and 28% with infliximab ≤1 and >1  µg/mL, respectively. Serum C-reactive protein was found to be significantly higher where infliximab was ≤1 compared to >1  µg/mL (10 mg/L [<5–24 mg/L] vs. <5 mg/L [<5–8 mg/L], P < 0.01), although a strict correlation was not observed. The relationship between trough infliximab and C-reactive protein differed depending on antibody status and there was no association between C-reactive protein and the presence or absence of antibodies. Conclusion Our findings support measurement of anti-infliximab antibodies only in the context of low infliximab concentrations <1  µg/mL. A higher therapeutic cut-off may be relevant in patients with negative antibodies. Further work is indicated to investigate the clinical significance of positive antibodies with therapeutic infliximab concentrations.
Paranoid thinking, cognitive bias and dangerous neighbourhoods: Implications for perception of threat and expectations of victimisation
Authors: Jack Alexander , Egan Vincent 
Published: August 2015

Background: Paranoid thinking is prevalent in the non-clinical population and cognitive mechanisms of heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias contributes to its formation and maintenance. Aims: This study investigated the degree to which paranoia, perceived environmental risk, heuristic reasoning and jumping to conclusions bias (measured with the beads task) contribute to misinterpretation of neutral stimuli, and whether this informed judgements regarding vulnerability to threat and crime. It is also investigated whether impulsiveness is a confounding factor on the beads task. Methods: Two hundred participants were recruited using a snowball-sampling method for a quantitative cross-sectional study. Participants reported demographic information, three psychometric questionnaires and two experimental tasks via an online paradigm hosted by the Bristol Online Survey tool. Results: Participants with high paranoia scores perceived their environment to be more dangerous than those with low scores. Participants with high paranoia scores also overestimated threat in neutral stimuli and had high expectations of future victimisation. Jumping to conclusions on the beads task did not predict fear of crime outcomes, but was predicted by impulsivity. Conclusion: Participants who demonstrated paranoid thinking were more likely to reside in perceived dangerous neighbourhoods and overestimate threat. While this could indicate a paranoid heuristic, it is a potentially rational response to prior experiences of crime and victimisation. Implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Appropriate conditions for determining the temperature difference ratio via infrared camera
Authors: Kim Jeonggook , Lee Junghun , Kim Jonghun , Jang Cheolyong , Jeong Hakgeun , Song Doosam 
Published: August 2015

The temperature difference ratio is used to measure the thermal performance of a building envelope. Calculation of temperature difference ratio requires temperature differences between indoor and outdoor environments and wall surface temperatures, obtained here using an infrared camera. This approach performs well when the temperature differential between indoor and outdoor environments is greater than 10℃ and when wind speed is less than 3.0 m/s. We identify periods suitable for accurate evaluation of thermal insulation performance with an infrared camera, based on eight cities in Korea. The number of measureable hours ranges between 3183 and 1317 annually. Optimum periods for measurement are between November and March, specifically between 01:00 and 09:00 h. Measurements obtained during these periods can therefore be regarded as relatively accurate. Practical application: A thermal imaging camera provides an easy method for checking the insulation performance and construction conditions of a building. Conventionally, this would be checked experimentally, but thermal imaging allows easy visualization of conditions.
Implementation of a pilot telehealth programme in community palliative care: A qualitative study of clinicians’ perspectives
Authors: Collier Aileen , Morgan Deidre D , Swetenham Kate , To Timothy HM , Currow David C , Tieman Jennifer J 
Published: August 2015

Background: Telehealth technologies are an emerging resource opening up the possibility of greater support if they have utility for patients, carers and clinicians. They may also help to meet health systems’ imperatives for improved service delivery within current budgets. Clinicians’ experiences and attitudes play a key role in the implementation of any innovation in service delivery. Aim: To explore clinicians’ perspectives on and experiences of the utilisation of a pilot telehealth model and its integration into a specialist community palliative care programme. Design: Focus groups and interviews generated data that were analysed through the lens of a realistic evaluation theoretical framework. Setting/participants: The study was conducted in a metropolitan specialist palliative care service in South Australia. Participants (n = 10) were clinicians involved in the delivery of community specialist palliative care and the piloting of a telehealth programme. Results: Service providers consider telehealth resources as a means to augment current service provision in a complementary way rather than as a replacement for face-to-face assessments. Introducing this technology, however, challenged the team to critically explore aspects of current service provision. The introduction of technologies also has the potential to alter the dynamic of relationships between patients and families and community palliative care clinicians. Conclusion: Implementation of a pilot telehealth programme in a specialist palliative community team needs to involve clinical staff in service redesign from the outset. Reliable IT infrastructure and technical support is critical for telehealth models to be effective and will aid uptake.
The Ability of Medial Patellofemoral Ligament Reconstruction to Correct Patellar Kinematics and Contact Mechanics in the Presence of a Lateralized Tibial Tubercle
Authors: Stephen Joanna M. , Dodds Alexander L. , Lumpaopong Punyawan , Kader Deiary , Williams Andy , Amis Andrew A. 
Published: August 2015

Background: Tibial tubercle (TT) transfer and medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction are used after patellar dislocations. However, there is no objective evidence to guide surgical decision making, such as the ability of MPFL reconstruction to restore normal behavior in the presence of a lateralized TT. Hypothesis: MPFL reconstruction will only restore joint contact mechanics and patellar kinematics for TT–trochlear groove (TG) distances up to an identifiable limit. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric knees (mean TT-TG distance, 10.4 mm) were placed on a testing rig. Individual quadriceps heads and the iliotibial band were loaded with 205 N in physiological directions using a weighted pulley system. Patellofemoral contact pressures and patellar tracking were measured at 0°, 10°, 20°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of flexion using pressure-sensitive film and an optical tracking system. The MPFL attachments were marked. TT osteotomy was performed, and a metal T-plate was fixed to the anterior tibia with holes at 5-mm intervals for TT fixation. The anatomic TT position was restored after plate insertion. The TT was lateralized in 5-mm intervals up to 15 mm, with pressure and tracking measurements recorded. The MPFL was transected and all measurements repeated before and after MPFL reconstruction using a double-stranded gracilis tendon graft. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, Bonferroni post hoc analysis, and paired t tests. Results: MPFL transection significantly elevated lateral patellar tilt and translation and reduced mean medial contact pressures during early knee flexion. These effects increased significantly with TT lateralization. MPFL reconstruction restored patellar translation and mean medial contact pressures to the intact state when the TT was in anatomic or 5-mm lateralized positions. However, these were not restored when the TT was lateralized by 10 mm or 15 mm. Patellar tilt was restored after 5-mm TT lateralization but not after 10-mm or 15-mm lateralization. Conclusion: Considering the mean TT-TG distance in this study (10.4 mm), findings suggest that in patients with TT-TG distances up to 15 mm, patellofemoral kinematics and contact mechanics can be restored with MPFL reconstruction. However, for TT-TG distances greater than 15 mm, more aggressive surgery such as TT transfer may be indicated. Clinical Relevance: This provides guidance to surgeons as to the threshold at which MPFL reconstruction may satisfactorily restore patellofemoral mechanics, beyond which more invasive surgery such as TT transfer may be indicated.
Exclusive Breastfeeding Experiences among Mexican American Women
Authors: Wambach Karen , Domian Elaine Williams , Page-Goertz Sallie , Wurtz Heather , Hoffman Kelli 
Published: August 2015

Background: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Hispanic breastfeeding mothers begin early formula supplementation at higher rates than other ethnic groups, which can lead to shorter breastfeeding duration and decreased exclusive breastfeeding. Acculturation, the process of adopting beliefs and behaviors of another culture, appears to influence breastfeeding practices of Hispanic women in the United States. Little is known about Mexican American mothers’ formula use and exclusive breastfeeding within the context of acculturation. Objective: Our study identified perceived benefits and barriers to exclusive breastfeeding and levels of acculturation among Mexican American women living in a Midwestern city. Methods: We used a qualitative descriptive design integrating Pender’s Health Promotion Model concepts. Individual interviews were conducted in English or Spanish (N = 21). The revised Acculturation Rating Scale for Mexican Americans was used to examine acculturation levels. Results: Acculturation scores indicated that the majority (66%) of the sample was “very Mexican oriented.” Most women exclusively breastfed, with a few using early supplementation for “insufficient milk production.” Three themes emerged: (1) It is natural that a woman give life and also provide the best food for her baby; (2) Breastfeeding is ultimately a woman’s decision but is influenced by tradition, guidance, and encouragement; and (3) Breast milk is superior but life circumstances can challenge one’s ability to breastfeed. Conclusion: Strong familial/cultural traditions supported and normalized breastfeeding. Barriers to exclusive breastfeeding were similar to breastfeeding women in general, in the United States. Findings support the need for culturally competent and individualized lactation care.