bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decadal variation of the rainfall predictability over the maritime continent in the wet season
Authors: Li Xiaojing , Tang Youmin , Song Xunshu , Liu Ting 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Maritime continent (MC) rainfall plays an important role in global climate variability, but its prediction remains extremely challenging. Based on a long-term state-of-the-art hindcast product recently completed by the authors’ group, this work investigates the decadal variation of the MC rainfall predictability in the wet season for the first time. The prediction skills were relatively high before 1940 and after 1980, but relatively low between these years. In a diagnostic analysis of the controlling factors of the decadal variation, the signal strength represented by the variance of the rainfall variability was identified as the dominant factor. Further analysis concluded that the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phases are the key controlling sources. The MC rainfall was more predictable during periods dominated by El Niño events than during periods dominated by La Niña events because El Niño elicits stronger ocean–atmosphere interactions in the tropics, providing a stronger signal of MC rainfall than La Niña events.
Hydrometeorological factors controlling the stable isotopic composition of precipitation in the highlands of south Ecuador
Authors: Zhiña Darío X. , Mosquera Giovanny M. , Esquivel-Hernández Germain , Córdova Mario , Sánchez-Murillo Ricardo , Orellana-Alvear Johanna , Crespo Patricio 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Knowledge about precipitation generation remains limited in the tropical Andes due to the lack of water stable isotope (WSI) data. Therefore, we investigated the key factors controlling the isotopic composition of precipitation in the Páramo highlands of southern Ecuador using event-based (high frequency) WSI data collected between November 2017 and October 2018. Our results show that air masses reach the study site preferentially from the eastern flank of the Andes through the Amazon basin (73.2%), the Orinoco plains (11.2%), and the Mato Grosso Massif (2.7%), whereas only a small proportion stems from the Pacific Ocean (12.9%). A combination of local and regional factors influences the δ18O isotopic composition of precipitation. Regional atmospheric features (Atlantic moisture, evapotranspiration over the Amazon Forest, continental rain-out, and altitudinal lapse rates) are what largely control the meteoric δ18O composition. Local precipitation, temperature, and the fraction of precipitation corresponding to moderate to heavy rainfalls are also key features influencing isotopic ratios, highlighting the importance of localized convective precipitation at the study site. Contrary to δ18O, d-excess values showed little temporal variation and could not be statistically linked to regional or local hydrometeorological features. The latter reveals that large amounts of recycled moisture from the Amazon basin contributes to local precipitation regardless of season and predominant trajectories from the east. Our findings will help to improve the isotope-based climatic models and enhance paleoclimate reconstructions in the southern Ecuador highlands.
Deconstructing the soil moisture-latent heat flux relationship: the range of coupling regimes experienced and the presence of nonlinearity within the sensitive regime
Authors: Hsu Hsin , Dirmeyer Paul A. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The control of latent heat flux (LE) by soil moisture (SM) is a key process affecting the moisture and energy budgets at the land-atmosphere interface. SM:LE coupling relationships are conventionally examined using metrics involving temporal correlation. However, such a traditional linear approach, which fits a straight line across the full SM:LE space to evaluate the dependency, leaves out certain critical information: nonlinear SM:LE relationships and the long-recognized thresholds that lead to dramatically different behavior in different ranges of soil moisture, delineating a dry regime, a transitional regime of high sensitivity, and a wet (energy-limited) regime. Using data from climate models, reanalyses, and observationally-constrained datasets, global patterns of SM:LE regimes are determined by segmented regression. Mutual information analysis is applied only for days when SM is in the transitional regime between critical points defining high sensitivity of LE to SM variations. Sensitivity is further decomposed into linear and nonlinear components. Results show discrepancies in the global patterns of existing SM regimes, but general consistencies among the linear and nonlinear components of SM:LE coupling. This implies that although models simulate differing surface hydroclimates, once SM is in the transitional regime, the locations where LE closely interacts with SM are well-captured and resemble the conventional distribution of “hot spots” of land-atmosphere interactions. This indicates that only the transitional SM regime determines the strength of coupling, and attention should focused on when this regime occurs. This framework can also be applied to investigate extremes and the shifting surface hydroclimatology in a warming climate.
Design and test of electromechanical disc brake controller for mine hoist
Authors: Jin Huawei , Xu Huwei , Wang Shun 
Published: April 2022

Electromechanical braking technology is an effective way to improve the braking response of mine hoist. Through the analysis of the mine hoist electromechanical mechanical disc brake, a mathematical model including the motor, reducer and thread pair is established. The control process is analyzed in detail, and then the control strategy is obtained. An automatic control system based on linear quadratic regulator and PI controller is proposed. The braking goal of self-adaptive adjustment of braking clearance and on-line adjustment of braking force is realized. Compare the simulation and test results, discuss the performance of the controller. The results of the experiment indicate that the brake gap adjustment time is less than 10 s, stable within 1±0.2 mm, and the steady-state error is less than 2%. The positive pressure of the brake has a linear relationship with the motor voltage, with a slope of 920.4 and an intercept of −1298.88. It can replace the existing hydraulic brakes without the problem of low degree of automation and high pollution, which provides a new way for the control system of electromechanical brake.
Efficacy and safety of FOLFIRINOX as second-line chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer after gemcitabine-based therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Wenjie , Wang Lantian , Li Xiawei , Tang Kezhong 
Published: April 2022

Objective To undertake a meta-analysis of the treatment effects of different second-line chemotherapy regimens compared with FOLFIRINOX (FOL [folinic acid], F [fluorouracil], IRIN [irinotecan], OX [oxaliplatin]) after failure of gemcitabine-based first-line therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer. Methods This meta-analysis searched electronic databases, including Embase®, Medline, PubMed® and the Cochrane library, for eligible studies that reported the use of FOLFIRINOX and other drug regimens as second-line chemotherapy after failure of gemcitabine-based chemotherapy. Pooled analyses for progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR) and grade 3/4 treatment-emergent adverse events (TRAEs) were undertaken. Results The analysis included six studies with a total of 858 patients. Compared with the three other second-line regimens, FOLFIRINOX had a significantly longer PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52, 0.89) and OS (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.59, 0.86); and a significantly better ORR (HR 0.43, 95% CI 0.23, 0.80) and DCR (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.58, 0.88). However, grade 3/4 adverse events were more frequently reported in patients administered FOLFIRINOX compared with the other three regimens. Conclusion FOLFIRINOX is recommended as a second-line chemotherapy regimen for patients with pancreatic cancer that have failed on gemcitabine-based first-line therapy. Research Registry number: reviewregistry1300
Using Federal Reserve Economic Data® Data to Address Diversity and Inclusion in the Classroom
Authors: Mendez-Carbajo Diego 
Published: April 2022

This article describes 30 instructional resources produced by the Federal Reserve Bank of St Louis suitable to address topics related to diversity and inclusion in the undergraduate economics classroom. These resources employ FRED® data to broach a wide range of topics in the areas of gender, race, and inequality. The resources take the form of FRED Blog Reading Questions and Answers, Page One Economics essays, and Lesson Plans. Borrowing from the science, technology, mathematics, and engineering literature, we argue for the use of examples and demonstrations that draw connections between formal instruction and the social context of the learning process itself. To that end, we put forward examples for leveraging economics data from FRED® in instructional settings emphasizing active learning and the development of practical data-related skills. JEL codes: A10, A22
Interactions and performance analysis of epoxidized palm oil/unsaturated polyester resin: Mechanical, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties
Authors: Mustapha Siti Noor Hidayah , Rahmat Abdul Razak , Mustapha Rohani 
Published: April 2022

In this work, an alternative of bio-thermoset resin for composite applications was synthesized using unsaturated polyester resin (UPE) and epoxidized palm oil (EPO). The main purpose of this study is to reduce the dependency on petroleum and improve the toughness properties of UPE by partially introduced renewable source triglyceride, EPO in the UPE chain. The UPE resin blends with 10, 20, and 30 wt% EPO oil were synthesized by using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator. The samples were cured in an oven at 100°C and 160°C for 4 h. The interaction of the blend was studied by the FTIR test supported by the SEM test. The effects of EPO loadings in UPE on the mechanical, thermal, and thermo-mechanical properties were also being studied. The addition of EPO physically interacted in the system and acted as a lubricant. The higher the addition of EPO in UPE has increased the elongation at break and impact strength of the UPE resin, which indicated an increase in mobility and toughness of the UPE chain. The developed UPE/EPO blends resin also exhibited higher thermal stability than the neat UPE, thereby showing potential to be used in a wide range of composite applications.
An Evaluation of Turkish Nurses’ Cultural Intelligence Levels and Intercultural Communication Apprehension
Authors: Coşkun Erçelik Hamide , Çamlica Tuğçe , Özkan Ali 
Published: April 2022

Introduction: This study aims to discuss cultural intelligence levels and intercultural communication apprehension of nurses. Method: This study was designed as a descriptive and cross-sectional study, and it was conducted with 252 nurses working in a hospital in a south city of Turkey. The research data were collected via a “Personal Information Form” designed by the researchers, “The Cultural Intelligence Scale,” and “The Intercultural Communication Apprehension Scale.” Results: It was concluded that nurses had moderate levels of cultural intelligence and intercultural communication apprehension, which were positively correlated ( p < .001). Cultural intelligence levels and intercultural communication apprehension were further correlated with certain variables such as age, gender, job duration, foreign language proficiency, and their experiences in foreign countries ( p < .05). Discussion: In light of the results, it was suggested that moderate levels of intercultural communication apprehension can be a supportive factor in developing cultural intelligence. It was also added that preventing excessive intercultural communication apprehension and supporting nurses to improve language skills and to have abroad experience may be beneficial in developing cultural intelligence.
Dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 effects on vitamin D status, plasma metabolites and urine mineral excretion in adult cats
Authors: Corugedo Janelle C , Backus Robert C 
Published: April 2022

Objectives The study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation with dietary 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) in adult cats. Methods Three levels of dietary 25(OH)D3 concentrations (4.9, 8.4, 11.8 µg/kg as fed) were received by five adult cats for 9 weeks, each in a randomized complete block design. Effects were determined on plasma or serum concentrations of 25(OH)D3, 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, calcitriol, parathyroid hormone, ionized calcium, urinary excretions of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium, and clinical hematology and chemistry panels. Results The lowest concentration of dietary 25(OH)D3 supported elevation of vitamin D status, with no adverse effects. Supplementation of 8.4 µg/kg 25(OH)D3 had significant effects on the urinary magnesium: creatinine ratio. Increasing supplementation up to 11.8 µg/kg 25(OH)D3 had significant effects on plasma concentrations of calcium and magnesium, and vitamin D metabolites. Conclusions and relevance Dietary supplementation with approximately 5.0 µg/kg of 25(OH)D3 or the ingested equivalence of 0.09 µg of 25(OH)D3 per metabolic body weight (kg0.67) is a safe, potent and effective means for raising vitamin D status in cats. A higher dose with approximately 11.8 µg/kg of 25(OH)D3 resulted in elevation in C-3 epimers of 25(OH)D3 and slight elevation in plasma magnesium and calcium concentrations above their respective reference intervals.
Parinaud syndrome due to cofirmed neurotuberculosis in a lupus eritematosis systemic patient
Authors: Tavares-Júnior José Wagner Leonel , Teles Júnior José Newton , Magalhães Samir Câmara , Cavalcante Thiago Toscano , Coimbra Pablo Picasso de Araújo , Luiz Roberta dos Santos Silva 
Published: April 2022

Introduction This article aims to describe a patient with Parinaud syndrome due to neurotuberculosis confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Case Report Initially, patient sought medical care, performed a chest x-ray and later a chest CT scan, with a probable diagnosis of miliary tuberculosis. In addition, she presented binocular diplopia worse at right lateral gaze, paresis of vertical gaze, light near-dissociation and convergent retraction nystagmus and presence of mycobacterium tuberculosis on PCR Xpert MTB/RIF. The treatment of miliary tuberculosis was interrupted due to pharmacodermia, but after diagnosis of neurotuberculosis, it was restarted with isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol with partial visual symptoms improvement. Discussion This case demonstrates the importance of pursuing diagnosis through more accurate techniques, especially in a patient with previous treatment pharmacoderma, whose absence of proper diagnosis and treatment would be extremely deleterious.
Low vitamin D levels among children and adolescents in an Arctic population
Authors: Malyavskaya Svetlana , Kostrova Galina , Kudryavtsev Alexander V. , Lebedev Аndrey 
Published: April 2022

Aims: We aimed to study the vitamin D status of the population of Arkhangelsk, a city in northwestern Russia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate serum 25(OH)D concentrations in Arkhangelsk residents, including 55 neonates and their mothers, 214 children <3 years, 191 schoolchildren (7–8 years), 403 adolescents (13–17 years), 260 university students (18–22 years) and 85 adults (24–60 years). The data were collected from March 2013 to November 2014 and from January 2016 to May 2016. Results: Normal levels of 25(OH)D (>30 ng/ml) were found in 5% of neonates, 43% of their mothers, 43% of children <3 years, 9% of schoolchildren, 1% of adolescents, 17% of students and 26% of adults. There was a moderate positive correlation ( rs = 0.563, p = 0.001) between 25(OH)D levels in mother’s blood and umbilical cord blood. Conclusions: Vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent in the population of Arkhangelsk, particularly in neonates, schoolchildren and adolescents.
Multiple vascular reconstructions during pancreatectomy: Surgical techniques and strategies
Authors: Kaya Kaan , Mungan Ufuk 
Published: April 2022

Objectives Pancreatic body and tail tumors account for one-third of all pancreatic tumors and can be diagnosed later than pancreatic head tumors because they present symptoms much later. When analyzed, most of them are generally unresectable because they are invaded into adjacent organs and vascular structures. We aimed to present our cases of vascular resection and anastomosis, where isolated tumor resection cannot be performed due to invasion of adjacent vascular structures. Methods Between January 2019 and January 2021, the files of eight patients who had one or more vascular invasions due to the pancreatic body and tail tumor and therefore underwent vascular resection in addition to pancreatectomy were accessed. Results Portal vein and hepatic artery repair were performed in all eight patients. Superior mesenteric artery anastomosis was performed in four patients, inferior vena cava repair was performed in two patients, and renal vein anastomosis was performed in two patients. Primary end-to-end repair, Dacron graft, ring-enforced polytetrafluoroethylene graft, and saphenous vein graft techniques were used during vascular interventions. Conclusions We wanted to share our experience with the resection of vascular structures and anastomosis techniques. We believe that the indications of tumor surgery can be improved and redesigned by performing more routinely vascular resections and reconstructions in the future.
Combined transarterial and transvenous embolization of multi-hole pial arteriovenous fistula with large varix
Authors: Yamada Hiroki , Akiyama Takenori , Kamamoto Dai , Yoshida Keisuke , Fukumura Mariko , Toda Masahiro 
Published: April 2022

Background Pial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a vascular fistulous disease in which the cerebral pial artery and vein are directly connected without the intervening nidus within a sub-pial space. Multi-hole pial AVFs, wherein multiple feeders flow into one drainer, are usually formed with complex angioarchitecture and are difficult to treat. Methods A rare case of an adult patient with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and multi-hole pial AVF was described. A 23-year-old woman was referred to our hospital. She was previously diagnosed with left cerebellar pial AVF with multiple feeders (bilateral superior cerebellar artery and common trunk of the left anterior inferior cerebellar artery and posterior inferior cerebellar) and large varix that had been untreated for 9 years. The enlargement of the large varix with the new second varix formation was revealed by angiography. Although asymptomatic, considered to be a risk for future hemorrhage was the continuous high hemodynamic stress. Results Endovascular embolization was performed by securing safe transarterial n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection by transarterial and transvenous coil placement to the shunt points and feeders, resulting in total occlusion of the fistula without any complications. Extensive transvenous coil placement inside the varix allowed safe embolization of the entire fistula with multiple high-flow feeders. Moreover, bidirectional (transarterial and transvenous) retrograde coil embolization enabled firm obliteration of the shunt points. Conclusions Performing combined transarterial and transvenous embolization in a well-balanced manner was considered to treat multi-hole pial AVF to provide a safe and effective embolization.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of breast tumors: an initial experience
Authors: Kristiansen Merete U , Martiniussen Marit A , Larsen Anne Sofie F 
Published: April 2022

Background The increase of neoadjuvant treatment for breast cancer creates a capacity challenge as response evaluation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a limited resource. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has been proposed as an alternative imaging strategy. Purpose To get experience with examination of malignant breast tumors with CEUS and evaluate the potential for future use in response evaluation of neoadjuvant treatment. Material and methods In this pilot study, the dynamic contrast-enhancement of ultrasound and MRI examinations were analyzed in 14 women with histologically verified breast cancer. Results Analysis of the time intensity curve of CEUS demonstrated the difference between tumor and normal tissue. The peak intensity was five times higher in tumor tissue (mean increase 397%, 95% CI 250–545). The curve was steeper for tumor tissue (mean 1.76, 95% CI 1.26–2.26) than for normal tissue (mean 0.43, 95% CI 0.24–0.62). Conclusion CEUS is a feasible method of examining blood flow in malignant breast tumors.
Safety and Reoperation Rates in Non-instrumented Lumbar Fusion Surgery: Secondary Report From a Randomized Controlled Trial of ABM/P-15 vs Allograft With Minimum 5 years Follow-Up
Authors: Andresen Andreas K. , Carreon Leah Y. , Overgaard Søren , Jacobsen Michael K. , Andersen Mikkel Ø. 
Published: April 2022

Study Design Randomized controlled trial with minimum of 5-years follow-up. Objective The purpose of this study is to evaluate the peri- and postoperative complications rates, ectopic bone migration, and reoperation rates, and secondly evaluate the 5-year patient reported outcomes (PROs), in patients treated with decompression and non-instrumented posterolateral fusion with ABM/P-15 or allograft. Methods Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis were enrolled in a Randomized Clinical Trial and randomized 1:1 to either ABM/P-15 or allograft bone. Patient Reported Outcomes were collected at 5-year follow-up, and patients were invited to a clinical follow-up including a computed tomography scan (CT) to evaluate signs of osteolysis, ectopic bone formation, and bone migration. Results Of 101 subjects enrolled in the primary study, 83 patients were available for the 5-year follow-up. We found a statistically significant difference in back pain and Oswestry Disability Index between groups. Fifty-eight patients agreed to participate in the CT study. Sixty percentage in the ABM/P-15 group vs 30% in the allograft group was classified as fused ( P = .037). There were no differences in complications, reoperation-, or infection rates between the 2 groups. We found 2 patients with migration of graft material. Both patients were asymptomatic at minimum 5-year follow-up. Conclusion Our study indicated that complication rates are no higher in patients treated with ABM/P-15 than allograft. We found significantly higher fusion rates in the AMB/P-15 group than in the allograft group, and patients in the ABM/P-15 group reported less back pain and lower disability score at 5-year follow-up.